The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 20, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 25, 1996
David E Cooper, Washington, IL (US);
Catepillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A hitch for a machine such as an agricultural tractor permits controlled towing of an implement behind the machine. The hitch has a frame attached to the machine and a subframe mounted to the frame for movement about a first or pivot axis with respect thereto. A mast is attached to the subframe so that it may pivot relative to the subframe about a second or pitch axis perpendicular to the pivot axis. The mast has a hitch element and a carrier positioned in movable engagement one with the other to permit relative elevational movement of the hitch element. The hitch incorporates multiple degrees of movement in a compact package and is useful as a steerable component of the machine to provide positive steering force.