U.S. patent application number 13/752465 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for drawbar apparatus of an agricultural implement.
This patent application is currently assigned to DEERE & COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is DEERE & COMPANY. Invention is credited to BRYAN D. BLAUWET, ROBERT T. CASPER, RICHARD J. CONNELL, JEREMY D. KRANTZ, JOHN M. SCHWEITZER.
Application Number | 20140209335 13/752465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50000895 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140209335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CASPER; ROBERT T. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
DRAWBAR APPARATUS OF AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
Abstract
A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a
frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises
a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket
comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture.
The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the
drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a
channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a
second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture
on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to
the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the
earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first
aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The
protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.
Inventors: |
CASPER; ROBERT T.; (MINGO,
IA) ; BLAUWET; BRYAN D.; (ANKENY, IA) ;
CONNELL; RICHARD J.; (SLATER, IA) ; KRANTZ; JEREMY
D.; (POLK CITY, IA) ; SCHWEITZER; JOHN M.;
(ANKENY, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DEERE & COMPANY |
Moline |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DEERE & COMPANY
Moline
IL
|
Family ID: |
50000895 |
Appl. No.: |
13/752465 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
172/260.5 ;
172/578; 172/599; 172/669; 172/748 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01B 63/24 20130101;
A01B 49/027 20130101; A01B 29/00 20130101; A01B 61/046 20130101;
A01B 5/04 20130101; A01B 15/18 20130101; A01B 63/32 20130101; A01B
29/04 20130101; A01B 59/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
172/260.5 ;
172/748; 172/669; 172/578; 172/599 |
International
Class: |
A01B 63/24 20060101
A01B063/24; A01B 29/00 20060101 A01B029/00; A01B 61/04 20060101
A01B061/04; A01B 5/04 20060101 A01B005/04 |
Claims
1. A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a
frame of an agricultural implement, the drawbar apparatus
comprising: a drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion; and a joint comprising a first bracket
comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture,
the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the
drawbar and the earth-working tool, a second bracket defining a
channel configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second
aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a
second side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other
of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool,
and a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener
positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the
third aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the
second bracket; wherein the protrusion of the joint is configured
to move laterally in the channel along the longitudinal axis of the
fastener.
2. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a ball
joint coupled to the first aperture, the ball joint configured to
enable relative pivotal movement between the first bracket and the
second bracket.
3. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener is
tapered to provide a clearance allowing relative movement between
the first bracket and the second bracket transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the fastener.
4. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an
extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first
end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the
drawbar.
5. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, wherein the earth-working tool
comprises a rolling basket.
6. A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a
frame of an agricultural implement, the drawbar apparatus
comprising: a first drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to
the frame and a second portion; a first joint comprising a first
bracket comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first
aperture, the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of
the first drawbar and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled
to the first aperture, a second bracket defining a channel
configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture
on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second
side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the
second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool, and
a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned
through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third
aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the second
bracket; a second drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion; and a second joint comprising a first
bracket comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first
aperture, the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of
the second drawbar and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled
to the first aperture, a second bracket defining a channel
configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture
on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second
side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the
second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool,
and a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener
positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the
third aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the
second bracket; wherein the ball joints of the first joint and the
second joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement
between the first bracket and the second bracket.
7. The drawbar apparatus of claim 6, wherein the protrusions of the
first joint and the second joint are configured to move laterally
in the channels along the longitudinal axes of the fasteners.
8. The drawbar apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a first
extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first
end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the first
drawbar.
9. The drawbar apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a second
extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first
end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the second
drawbar.
10. The drawbar apparatus of claim 6, wherein the earth-working
tool comprises a rolling basket.
11. An agricultural implement comprising: a coupling mechanism for
coupling to a vehicle; a frame coupled to the coupling mechanism
and extending from the coupling mechanism and adapted to be pulled
by the vehicle; a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to the
frame, the wheel assemblies supporting the frame above a surface;
an earth-working tool; and a drawbar apparatus for coupling the
earth-working tool to the frame, the drawbar apparatus comprising a
first drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and a
second portion, a first joint comprising a first bracket comprising
a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture, the first
bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the first drawbar
and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled to the first
aperture, a second bracket defining a channel configured to receive
the protrusion and defining a second aperture on a first side of
the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel,
the second bracket coupled to the other of the second portion of
the first drawbar and the earth-working tool, and a fastener
comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned through the
first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture, the
fastener coupling the first bracket and the second bracket, a
second drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and
a second portion, and a second joint comprising a first bracket
comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture,
the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the
second drawbar and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled to
the first aperture, a second bracket defining a channel configured
to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture on a first
side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the
channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the second
portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool, and a
fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned
through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third
aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the second
bracket; wherein the ball joints of the first joint and the second
joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between
the first bracket and the second bracket and the protrusions of the
first joint and the second joint are configured to move laterally
in the channels along the longitudinal axes of the fasteners.
12. The agricultural implement of claim 11, further comprising a
first extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a
first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the
first drawbar.
13. The agricultural implement of claim 12, further comprising a
second extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a
first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the
second drawbar.
14. The agricultural implement of claim 11, wherein the
earth-working tool comprises a first rolling basket and a second
rolling basket.
15. The agricultural implement of claim 11, wherein the
earth-working tool comprises a rolling basket.
16. The agricultural implement of claim 11, further comprising a
coulter disk gang assembly coupled to the frame.
17. The agricultural implement of claim 11, further comprising a
disk gang assembly coupled to the frame.
18. A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a
frame of an agricultural implement, the drawbar apparatus
comprising: a drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion defining a drawbar aperture; and a joint
comprising a bracket defining a channel, the bracket defining a
first aperture on a first side of the channel and a second aperture
on a second side of the channel, the bracket coupled to the
earth-working tool, and a fastener positioned through the drawbar
aperture, the first aperture, and the second aperture, the fastener
coupling the drawbar and the bracket; wherein the drawbar is
configured to move laterally within the channel along a
longitudinal axis of the fastener.
19. The drawbar apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a stop
configured to limit the orientation of the drawbar.
20. The drawbar apparatus of claim 18, wherein the fastener is
tapered to provide a clearance allowing relative movement between
the drawbar and the bracket transverse to the longitudinal axis of
the fastener.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to agricultural
implements for conditioning soil, and more particularly to a
drawbar apparatus for supporting an earth-working tool on
agricultural implements.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] In order to support an earth-working tool on an agricultural
implement, agricultural implements commonly include
rearwardly-projecting arms. The arms are pivotally mounted to a
frame of the agricultural implement and are biased downward by
spring structure so that the earth-working tool is engaged with the
soil. The spring structure creates a down force on the
earth-working tool. Each spring structure must be adjusted
separately to change the down force. The down force changes over
time due to spring fatigue.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] In one embodiment, a drawbar apparatus for coupling an
earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement is
disclosed. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar.
[0004] The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame
and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket. The first
bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first
aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion
of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines
a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second bracket
defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a
third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket
is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and
the earth-working tool.
[0005] A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is
positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the
third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the
second bracket. The protrusion of the joint is configured to move
laterally in the channel along the longitudinal axis of the
fastener.
[0006] In another embodiment, a drawbar apparatus for coupling an
earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement is
disclosed. The drawbar apparatus comprises a first drawbar.
[0007] The first drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion. A first joint comprises a first
bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion
defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of
the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool.
A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second bracket
defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second
bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel
and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second
bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the first
drawbar and the earth-working tool.
[0008] A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is
positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the
third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the
second bracket.
[0009] A second drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion. A second joint comprises a first
bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion
defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of
the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working
tool. A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second
bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The
second bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the
channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The
second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the
second drawbar and the earth-working tool.
[0010] A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is
positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the
third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the
second bracket. The ball joints of the first joint and the second
joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between
the first bracket and the second bracket.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, an agricultural implement is
disclosed. The agricultural implement comprises a coupling
mechanism for coupling to a vehicle. A frame is coupled to the
coupling mechanism and extends from the coupling mechanism. The
frame is adapted to be pulled by the vehicle. A plurality of wheel
assemblies is coupled to the frame. The wheel assemblies support
the frame above a surface.
[0012] A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a
frame of an agricultural implement is disclosed. The drawbar
apparatus comprises a first drawbar.
[0013] The first drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion. A first joint comprises a first
bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion
defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of
the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool.
A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second bracket
defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second
bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel
and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second
bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the first
drawbar and the earth-working tool.
[0014] A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is
positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the
third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the
second bracket.
[0015] A second drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the
frame and a second portion. A second joint comprises a first
bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion
defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of
the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working
tool. A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second
bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The
second bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the
channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The
second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the
second drawbar and the earth-working tool.
[0016] A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is
positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the
third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the
second bracket. The ball joints of the first joint and the second
joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between
the first bracket and the second bracket. The protrusions of the
first joint and the second joint are configured to move laterally
in the channels along the longitudinal axes of the fasteners.
[0017] In another embodiment, a drawbar apparatus for coupling an
earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement is
disclosed. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar.
[0018] The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame
and a second portion defining a drawbar aperture.
[0019] A joint comprises a bracket defining a channel. The bracket
defines a first aperture on a first side of the channel and a
second aperture on a second side of the channel. The bracket is
coupled to the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through
the drawbar aperture, the first aperture, and the second aperture.
The fastener couples the drawbar to the bracket. The drawbar is
configured to move laterally within the channel along a
longitudinal axis of the fastener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural implement
according to one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the
agricultural implement of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the agricultural
implement of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a zoomed in perspective view of a portion of the
agricultural implement of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a zoomed in perspective view of a portion of the
agricultural implement of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of an agricultural
implement according to another embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the
agricultural implement of FIG. 6.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of an agricultural
implement according to yet another embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the
agricultural implement of FIG. 8.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an
agricultural implement according to another embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the
agricultural implement shown in FIG. 10.
[0031] Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangement of components set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the following
drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Further
embodiments of the invention may include any combination of
features from one or more dependent claims, and such features may
be incorporated, collectively or separately, into any independent
claim.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an agricultural implement 10. The
illustrated agricultural implement 10 comprises a coupling
mechanism 15 for coupling to a vehicle (not shown).
[0033] A frame 20 comprising a plurality of mounting brackets 22
and a plurality of tool tubes 25 is coupled to the coupling
mechanism 15. The frame 20 extends rearwardly from the coupling
mechanism 15 in a direction opposite of a direction of travel 30. A
plurality of wheel assemblies 35 are coupled to the frame 20. The
wheel assemblies 35 support the frame 20 above a surface 40.
[0034] A source of hydraulic pressure (not shown) may be coupled to
the frame 20. A disk gang assembly 45 and a coulter disk gang
assembly 50 may be coupled to the frame 20.
[0035] The agricultural implement 10 may comprise one or more
earth-working tools 55 (e.g., rolling basket, harrow, leveler
system). The illustrated earth-working tool 55 is a rolling basket
57. Referring to FIG. 2, the earth-working tool 55 may comprise a
first rolling basket 58 and a second rolling basket 59. The
earth-working tools 55 may comprise a crossbar 60.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a drawbar apparatus 65 may
comprise a first drawbar 70. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first
drawbar 70 may comprise a first portion 75 and a second portion 80.
The first portion 75 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 20 (FIG.
1) using the mounting brackets 22. The mounting brackets 22 may
form a tight pin joint.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 4, a first joint 85 may comprise a
first bracket 90 and a second bracket 95. The first bracket 90 may
comprise a protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 may define a first
aperture 105, 105'. The first bracket 90 may be coupled to the
crossbar 60. Alternatively, the first bracket 90 may be coupled to
the second portion 80.
[0038] A ball joint 110, 110' may be coupled to the first aperture
105, 105'. Alternatively, a simulated ball joint may be used. A
bushing may also be used. The bushing defining an enlarged first
end and an enlarged second end.
[0039] The second bracket 95 may define a channel 115. The channel
115 may be configured to receive the protrusion 100. The second
bracket 95 may define a second aperture 120, 120' positioned on a
first side 125 of the channel 115. The second bracket 95 may define
a third aperture 130, 130' positioned on a second side 135 of the
channel 115.
[0040] The second bracket 95 may be coupled to the second portion
80. Alternatively, the second bracket 95 may be coupled to the
crossbar 60.
[0041] A fastener 140, 140' comprising a longitudinal axis 142,
142' may be positioned through the first aperture 105, 105', the
second aperture 120, 120', and the third aperture 130, 130' to
pivotally couple the first bracket 90 and the second bracket
95.
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drawbar apparatus 65
may comprise a second drawbar 145. Referring to FIG. 2, the second
drawbar 145 may comprise a first portion 150 and a second portion
155. The first portion 150 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 20
(FIG. 1) using the mounting brackets 22. The mounting brackets 22
may form a tight pin joint.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 5, a second joint 160 may comprise a
first bracket 165 and a second bracket 170. The first bracket 165
may comprise a protrusion 175. The protrusion 175 may define a
first aperture 180, 180'. The first bracket 165 may be coupled to
the crossbar 60. Alternatively, the first bracket 165 may be
coupled to the second portion 155.
[0044] A ball joint 185, 185' may be coupled to the first aperture
180, 180'. Alternatively, a simulated ball joint may be used. A
bushing may also be used. The bushing defining an enlarged first
end and an enlarged second end.
[0045] The second bracket 170 may define a channel 190. The channel
190 may be configured to receive the protrusion 175. The second
bracket 170 may define a second aperture 195, 195' positioned on a
first side 200 of the channel 190. The second bracket 170 may
define a third aperture 205, 205' positioned on a second side 210
of the channel 190.
[0046] The second bracket 170 may be coupled to the second portion
155. Alternatively, the second bracket 170 may be coupled to the
crossbar 60.
[0047] A fastener 215, 215' comprising a longitudinal axis 217,
217' may be positioned through the first aperture 180, 180', the
second aperture 195, 195', and the third aperture 205, 205' to
pivotally couple the first bracket 165 and the second bracket
170.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 2, a first extendable and retractable
hydraulic cylinder 220 comprises a first end 225 pivotally coupled
to the mounting brackets 22 of the frame 20. The first hydraulic
cylinder 220 comprises a second end 230 pivotally coupled to the
first drawbar 70.
[0049] A second extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder 235
comprises a first end 240 pivotally coupled to the mounting
brackets 22 of the frame 20. The second hydraulic cylinder 235
comprises a second end 245 pivotally coupled to the second drawbar
145.
[0050] The first and second hydraulic cylinders 220, 235 may be
double acting. Alternatively, spring-protected linear actuators
(not shown) could be used to eliminate the need for the first and
second hydraulic cylinders 220, 235.
[0051] In operation, the coupling mechanism 15 of the agricultural
implement 10 is coupled to the vehicle and pulled in the direction
of travel 30. As the agricultural implement 10 encounters terrain
changes, the drawbar apparatus 65 helps to keep the earth-working
tool 55 following a contour of the surface 40 by allowing the first
drawbar 70 and the second drawbar 145 to walk independently. The
ball joints 110, 110', 185, 185' of the first and second drawbars
70, 145 are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between
the first brackets 90, 165 and the second brackets 95, 170,
respectively. This helps the agricultural implement 10 to more
closely follow the contour of the surface 40. The protrusions 100,
175 of the first and second joints 85, 160 are configured to move
laterally in the channels 115, 190 along the longitudinal axes 142,
142', 127, 127' of the fasteners 140, 140', 215, 215',
respectively. This also helps the agricultural implement 10 to more
closely follow the contour of the surface 40.
[0052] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a joint 285 according to another
embodiment. The joint 285 includes features similar to the first
joint 85 of FIGS. 1-4 and therefore, like components have been
given like reference numbers plus 200 and only differences between
the joint 285 and the first joint 85 will be discussed in detail
below.
[0053] The joint 285 may comprise a first bracket 290 and a second
bracket 295. The first bracket 290 may couple the second bracket
295 to a crossbar 260 of an earth-working tool 255 using a
plurality of fasteners 297. Alternatively, the second bracket 295
may be coupled directly to the crossbar 260 without the need for a
first bracket 290.
[0054] The second bracket 295 may define a channel 315. The channel
315 may be configured to receive a drawbar 270. The drawbar 270 may
define a first drawbar aperture 272 and a second drawbar aperture
274. The second bracket 295 may define a third aperture 320 and a
fourth aperture 322 positioned on a first side 325 of the channel
315. The second bracket 295 may define a fifth aperture 330 and
sixth aperture 332 positioned on a second side 335 of the channel
315.
[0055] A first fastener 340 comprising a longitudinal axis 342 may
be positioned through the third aperture 320, the first drawbar
aperture 272, and the fifth aperture 330 to pivotally couple the
drawbar 270 and the second bracket 295. The first fastener 340 may
comprise a taper 341 (FIG. 7) providing a clearance that allows
relative movement between the drawbar 270 and the second bracket
295.
[0056] A second fastener 343 comprising a longitudinal axis 346 may
be positioned through the fourth aperture 322, the second drawbar
aperture 274, and the sixth aperture 332 to pivotally couple the
drawbar 270 and the second bracket 295. The second fastener 343 may
comprise a taper 344 (FIG. 7) providing a clearance that allows
relative movement between the drawbar 270 and the second bracket
295.
[0057] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a joint 485 according to another
embodiment. The joint 485 includes features similar to the first
joint 85 of FIGS. 1-4 and therefore, like components have been
given like reference numbers plus 400 and only differences between
the joint 485 and the first joint 85 will be discussed in detail
below.
[0058] The joint 485 may comprise a first bracket 490 and a second
bracket 495. The first bracket 490 may couple the second bracket
495 to a crossbar 460 of an earth-working tool 455 using a
plurality of fasteners 497. Alternatively, the second bracket 495
may be coupled directly to the crossbar 460 without the need for a
first bracket 490.
[0059] The second bracket 495 may define a channel 515. The channel
515 may be configured to receive a drawbar 470. The drawbar 470 may
define a drawbar aperture 472. The second bracket 495 may define a
first aperture 520 positioned on a first side 525 of the channel
515. The second bracket 495 may define a second aperture 530
positioned on a second side 535 of the channel 515.
[0060] A fastener 540 comprising a longitudinal axis 542 may be
positioned through the first aperture 520, the drawbar aperture
472, and the second aperture 530 to pivotally couple the drawbar
470 and the second bracket 495. The fastener 540 may comprise a
taper 541 (FIG. 9) providing a clearance that allows relative
movement between the drawbar 470 and the second bracket 495.
[0061] At least one stop 543 may be coupled to, or formed into, the
second bracket 495. The stop 543 may be configured to limit the
orientation of the drawbar 470.
[0062] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a joint 685 according to another
embodiment. The joint 685 includes features similar to the first
joint 85 of FIGS. 1-4 and therefore, like components have been
given like reference numbers plus 600 and only differences between
the joint 685 and the first joint 85 will be discussed in detail
below.
[0063] The first joint 685 may comprise a first bracket 690 and a
second bracket 695. The first bracket 690 may comprise a protrusion
700. The protrusion 700 may define a first aperture 705. The first
bracket 690 may be coupled to a crossbar 660 of an earth-working
tool 655. Alternatively, the first bracket 690 may be coupled to a
second portion 680 of a drawbar 670.
[0064] A ball joint 710 may be coupled to the first aperture 705.
Alternatively, a simulated ball joint may be used. A bushing may
also be used. The bushing defining an enlarged first end and an
enlarged second end.
[0065] The second bracket 695 may define a channel 715. The channel
715 may be configured to receive the protrusion 700. The second
bracket 695 may define a second aperture 720 positioned on a first
side 725 of the channel 715. The second bracket 695 may define a
third aperture 730 positioned on a second side 735 of the channel
715.
[0066] The second bracket 695 may be coupled to the second portion
680. Alternatively, the second bracket 695 may be coupled to the
crossbar 660.
[0067] A fastener 740 comprising a longitudinal axis 742 may be
positioned through the first aperture 705, the second aperture 720,
and the third aperture 730 to pivotally couple the first bracket
690 and the second bracket 695.
[0068] Various features are set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *