Implement for handling a bulk tobacco container

Claim 1

A tractor carried bulk tobacco container handling implement adapted to be connected to a three-point hitching mechanism of a farm tractor for supporting and handling a bulk tobacco container of the type having outwardly extending support means extending from the sides thereof, said bulk tobacco container handling implement comprising: a rectangular hitching frame adapted to be operatively connected to the three-point hitching mechanism of a farm tractor, said hitching frame including an upper transverse member, a lower transverse member normally spaced below said upper transverse member, a pair of laterally spaced end connecting members connected between respective ends of said upper and lower transverse members such that a rectangular frame is formed by said upper and lower transverse member and said end connecting members; three-point hitch connecting means secured to said rectangular hitching frame for operatively connecting said implement to the three-point hitching mechanism of said farm tractor; a pair of laterally spaced support arms secured to said rectangular hitching frame and extending generally rearwardly therefrom when attached to said tractor; a pair of diagonal braces secured between said hitching frame means and said laterally spaced rearwardly extending support arms, each diagonal brace secured about one end to a lower portion of said hitching frame means and extending upwardly therefrom where the other end thereof joins a respective support arm intermediately the respective ends thereof; container support means disposed about the ends of each of said support arms about the rearward ends thereof opposite said hitching frame for engaging and supporting the outwardly extending support means of said bulk tobacco container, said container support means including a single one piece support member disposed about the rearward end of each support arm about the inner side thereof and wherein each support member comprises a generally arcuately shaped seat area defined for supporting said outwardly extending support means extending from said bulk tobacco container, an outwardly flanged guide portion integrally formed in said single one piece support member rearwardly of said seat area for guiding and aligning said bulk tobacco container handling implement with a bulk tobacco container to be engaged by said implement, and an elevated back disposed immediately adjacent said seat area opposite said flanged guide portion and extending above the area of said defined seat area for appropriately engaging said outwardly extending support means extending from the sides of said bulk container when said implement is being positioned and maneuvered to pick up a particular bulk tobacco container; and insert means insertable between each respective support arm and each single one piece support member for varying the effective width between said two support members of said bulk tobacco container handling implement.