US3658362A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Farm implement leveling mechanism
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-03-05
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Granted: 1972-04-25
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Expires: 1990-03-05
Abstract
Abstract Elevation and level control means is provided for a two-wheel farm wagon attached to a tractor by a draw bar. The draw bar is pivotally attached to the platform and is connected by a linkage member to a lever arm welded to a pivot rod journaled in the platform. Wheel mounting members are attached to the opposite ends of the pivot rod. An expansible cylinder is connected to still another lever arm welded to the pivot rod. By controlling the expansion of the cylinder, the pivot rod is rotated to thereby rotate the wheel mounting members and raise or lower the platform. Simultaneously, the draw bar is pivoted about its connection to the platform so that the hitch end of the draw bar attached to the tractor is maintained at a substantially constant level.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth C Fackler
- 👤 John O Bradford
- 👤 Elmo R Meiners
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 06:52
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01B; A01B63/00; A01B63/14; A01B63/24; A01B63/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
256 words
In a vehicle having a platform, a draw bar attached to said platform, said draw bar having a hitch end for connection with a driving vehicle, and at least one wheel attached to said platform, the improvement of platform elevation and level control means comprising, in combination: a wheel mounting member for said wheel; a shaft pivotally connected to said platform for rotation about a first pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel, said wheel mounting member having one end rigidly attached to said shaft to rotate in a plane substantially perpendicular to said shaft, said wheel being rotatably mounted on the opposite end of said member; a first lever arm connected to said shaft for rotation therewith about said first pivot axis; a single linkage member connecting said first lever arm to the end opposite said hitch end of said draw bar, said draw bar comprising a substantially straight member which is pivotally connected to said platform at a point intermediAte the ends of said draw bar, said connection being intermediate said shaft and said hitch end at a lower elevation than said shaft for rotation about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to said first pivot axis; a second lever arm attached to said shaft; and means for driving said second lever arm about said first axis to raise and lower said platform, said first lever arm driving said draw bar to maintain the hitch end at a substantially fixed elevation and simultaneously maintain the platform substantially at a fixed attitude.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
256 words
In a vehicle having a platform, a draw bar attached to said platform, said draw bar having a hitch end for connection with a driving vehicle, and at least one wheel attached to said platform, the improvement of platform elevation and level control means comprising, in combination: a wheel mounting member for said wheel; a shaft pivotally connected to said platform for rotation about a first pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel, said wheel mounting member having one end rigidly attached to said shaft to rotate in a plane substantially perpendicular to said shaft, said wheel being rotatably mounted on the opposite end of said member; a first lever arm connected to said shaft for rotation therewith about said first pivot axis; a single linkage member connecting said first lever arm to the end opposite said hitch end of said draw bar, said draw bar comprising a substantially straight member which is pivotally connected to said platform at a point intermediAte the ends of said draw bar, said connection being intermediate said shaft and said hitch end at a lower elevation than said shaft for rotation about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to said first pivot axis; a second lever arm attached to said shaft; and means for driving said second lever arm about said first axis to raise and lower said platform, said first lever arm driving said draw bar to maintain the hitch end at a substantially fixed elevation and simultaneously maintain the platform substantially at a fixed attitude.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved apparatus of claim 1 wherein means for rotating and maintaining comprise an expansible cylinder connected between said second lever arm and said platform.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improved apparatus of claim 1 wherein said vehicle includes two wheels, each wheel having a separate mounting member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |