US3900201A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Semi-mounted carrier
Assignee: Case LLC
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Filing: 1974-11-11
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Granted: 1975-08-19
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Expires: 1994-11-11
Abstract
Abstract A wheeled carrier for liquid fertilizer and chemical tanks adapted for coupling to a tractor used in conjunction with agricultural spraying operations. The carrier includes a generally U-shaped frame of substantial size adapted to encompass the forward portion of an agricultural type tractor to which the forward portion of the frame is connected in load-supporting relation. The legs of the U-shaped frame are supported on respective caster wheels and are adapted to support respective fluid-containing tanks. The frame is vertically hinged at the front and is secured to the front of the tractor at the hinge such that the legs are movable laterally relative to each other about a generally vertical axis. A pair of length-adjustable links is connected between opposite sides of the tractor and the respective legs. The overall arrangement is such that the caster wheels support a major share of the frame and cargo load and the hinge connection supports the remainder and transmits most of the propelling force by the tractor. The links permit adjustment of the space between the tanks and the tractor and transmit the remainder of the propelling force. The hinge connection facilitates quick attachment and detachment of the carrier from the tractor in addition to permitting limited selection of lateral spacing between the caster wheels.
Inventors
- 👤 Otto E Johnson
- 👤 Roland J Frase
- 👤 Ernest G Treptow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:15
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/30; A; A01; A01M; A01M7/00; A01M7/0082; A01M7/0085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
A carrier adapted for supporting a load for transport by a tractor having a forwardly projecting vehicle frame portion, comprising: a horizontal centrally articulated U-shaped frame having a pair of load-supportable legs disposed in flanking relation to said vehicle frame portion; a pivot connection mounting said frame on the front of said vehicle frame portion for articulation of said legs relative to each other about a generally vertical axis; a pair of caster wheels secured respectively to said legs proximate to the rearmost extent thereof whereby the frame is supported forwardly on said tractor on said pivot connection and rearwardly on said caster wheels; and a pair of links connected respectively between said legs and the respective sides of said vehicle frame portion for maintaining said legs in spaced relation to the respective sides of said vehicle frame portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
A carrier adapted for supporting a load for transport by a tractor having a forwardly projecting vehicle frame portion, comprising: a horizontal centrally articulated U-shaped frame having a pair of load-supportable legs disposed in flanking relation to said vehicle frame portion; a pivot connection mounting said frame on the front of said vehicle frame portion for articulation of said legs relative to each other about a generally vertical axis; a pair of caster wheels secured respectively to said legs proximate to the rearmost extent thereof whereby the frame is supported forwardly on said tractor on said pivot connection and rearwardly on said caster wheels; and a pair of links connected respectively between said legs and the respective sides of said vehicle frame portion for maintaining said legs in spaced relation to the respective sides of said vehicle frame portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The subject matter of claim 1, including means for adjustably fixing the length of said links to selectively vary the lateral space between said caster wheels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The subject matter of claim 1, including means for mounting said caster wheels on the respective frame legs selectively in a plurality of laterally spaced positions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The subject matter of claim 1, wherein said links are connected between the respective legs and the vehicle frame sides by pivot connections permitting limited vertical movement of said legs relative to the tractor as caused by travel over uneven ground surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The subject matter of claim 1, including a cradle assembly secured on each of said legs and a taNk for liquids mounted on each of said cradle assemblies.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
the subject matter of claim 5, wherein said tanks are generally cylindrical with the longitudinal axes thereof parallel with the longitudinal extent of the respective supporting legs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The subject matter of claim 1, including a generally cylindrical tank for liquids secured on each of said legs above the respective caster wheels such that a substantial portion of the load imposed by said tanks is supported by the caster wheels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The subject matter of claim 7, including a pair of cradles on each of said legs in parallel longitudinally spaced relation, each of said cradles including a concave seat for receiving the tanks thereon in complementary engagement.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
137 words
A carrier adapted for supporting a load for transport by a tractor having a forwardly projecting vehicle frame portion, comprising: a generally horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a pair of rearwardly extending load supportable legs disposed in flanking relation to said vehicle frame portion; connection means mounting said frame on the front of said vehicle frame portion for limited oscillating movement of said frame enabling said legs to move vertically relative to said vehicle frame portion; a pair of caster wheels secured one under each of said legs whereby the frame is supported forwardly on said tractor and rearwardly on said caster wheels; and a pair of links connected respectively between said legs and the respective sides of said vehicle frame portion, whereby draft forces are transferred to said frame through said connection means and said links.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
137 words
A carrier adapted for supporting a load for transport by a tractor having a forwardly projecting vehicle frame portion, comprising: a generally horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a pair of rearwardly extending load supportable legs disposed in flanking relation to said vehicle frame portion; connection means mounting said frame on the front of said vehicle frame portion for limited oscillating movement of said frame enabling said legs to move vertically relative to said vehicle frame portion; a pair of caster wheels secured one under each of said legs whereby the frame is supported forwardly on said tractor and rearwardly on said caster wheels; and a pair of links connected respectively between said legs and the respective sides of said vehicle frame portion, whereby draft forces are transferred to said frame through said connection means and said links.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The subject matter of claim 9, wherein said frame includes a pivot joint at the front thereof enabling said legs to be movable toward and away from each other about a generally vertical axis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
The subject matter of claim 9, including a tank for liquids secured on each of said legs above the respective caster wheels such that a substantially portion of the load imposed by said tanks is supported by the caster wheels.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The subject matter of claim 11, wherein said tanks are generally cylindrical with the longitudinal axes thereof parallel with the respective rearwardly extending legs.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The subject matter of claim 12, including a pair of cradle assemblies on each of said legs having concave seat portions for receiving the tanks thereon in complementary engagement.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The subject matter of claim 9, including means releasably securing said connection means and said links to said vehicle frame portion, enabling the tractor to be driven into and out of coupling relation with the carrier.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The subject matter of claim 10, including means for adjustably fixing the length of said links to selectively vary the space between said legs about said pivot joint.
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) | 1978-08-18 | 1979-02-17 | 1979-08-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-18 | 1983-02-17 | 1983-08-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-18 | 1987-02-17 | 1987-08-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |