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:
Jul. 18, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 28, 1998
Jeffrey A Moore, Waterman, IL (US);
Gregory K Stuckey, Omaha, NE (US);
Lynn A Sutton, Kewanee, IL (US);
Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A hitch for a work machine such as an agricultural tractor permits controlled towing of an implement behind the work machine. The hitch is attached to the machine frame. The hitch includes first and second draft arms that are pivotally connected with and spaced apart on the frame by intermediate links. The intermediate links provide pivotal movement of the draft arms constrained about a first horizontal axis. The intermediate links also provide pivotal movement of the first draft arm constrained about a second axis, and of the second draft arm constrained about a third axis. At least one draft cylinder is connected to one of the intermediate links and to a respective draft arm. 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.