Hitch structure for coupling an implement to a vehicle

Claim 1

In an implement and vehicle combination wherein the vehicle includes a pair of transversely spaced, fore-and-aft extending lift arms each having one end pivotally connected to the vehicle and having an opposite end pivotally connected to the implement, power means coupled to the pair of arms for selectively raising and lowering the latter and wherein the implement includes ground engaging means for supporting an end of the implement remote from the vehicle and a pair of flexible members respectively coupled between the pair of lift arms and the implement for supporting an end of the latter which is adjacent the vehicle, the improvement comprising: said arms each including first and second sections pivotally interconnected with each other by a transverse pivot located between the vehicle and the implement; each second section having one end pivotally connected to the implement and having a second end projecting beyond the transverse pivot; and a stop block carried by each first section at a location above the second end and being engaged therewith when the arms are in an unflexed, normal operating position wherein the flexible member is taut and supports that end of the implement which is adjacent the vehicle; and said first sections of said arms being moveable to a lowered position wherein the flexible members are slack and the last mentioned end of the implement rests upon the ground.