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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
TRACTOR PTO QUICK-CONNECT DEVICE AND METHOD
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/074537
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A quick-release device for a tractor PTO shaft includes a first plate with a first body with a first outer surface and a second outer surface and a first thickness disposed there between; a plurality of clevis openings extending through the first thickness of the first body; and a plurality of locking holes extending through the first thickness of the first body. The device also includes a second plate with a second body having a third outer surface and a fourth outer surface and a second thickness disposed there between; a plurality of clevis pins extending from the third outer surface of the second body, the plurality of clevis pins are configured to removably engage with the plurality of clevis openings. The device further including a locking pin secured to the second plate, the locking pin is configured to secure to one of the locking holes; a housing secured to the second plate and configured to engage with the tractor PTO shaft; and an implement spline extending from the second outer surface of the first plate, the implement spline is configured to removably engage with an implement.

Application Number:
PCT/US2018/018603
Publication Date:
April 18, 2019
Filing Date:
February 19, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TRACTOR PTO LINK LLC (US)
International Classes:
A01B61/00; B60K17/00; B60K25/00; F16D1/00
Foreign References:
US20160238081A12016-08-18
US2738210A1956-03-13
US2803474A1957-08-20
US3662567A1972-05-16
US20050202882A12005-09-15
US20110290570A12011-12-01
Other References:
"Easy Tractor Power Take Off Connector", TRACTOR PTO LINK, 11 September 2017 (2017-09-11), XP054979416, Retrieved from the Internet
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ELDREDGE, Richard, G. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1 . A quick-release device for a tractor PTO shaft, comprising:

a first plate having:

a first body having a first outer surface and a second outer surface and a first thickness disposed therebetween;

a plurality of clevis openings extending through the first thickness of the first body;

a plurality of locking holes extending through the first thickness of the first body;

a second plate, having:

a second body having a third outer surface and a fourth outer surface and a second thickness disposed therebetween; and

a plurality of clevis pins extending from the third outer surface of the second body, the plurality of clevis pins are configured to removably engage with the plurality of clevis openings;

a locking pin secured to the second plate, the locking pin is configured to secure to one of the locking holes;

a housing secured to the second plate and configured to engage with the tractor PTO shaft; and

an implement spline extending from the second outer surface of the first plate, the implement spline is configured to removably engage with an implement.

Description:
TRACTOR PTO QUICK-CONNECT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to tractors components, and more specifically, to a PTO tractor quick-release device for removably securing a tractor implement to the tractor PTO shaft.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] The power take off shaft, otherwise known as the "PTO" shaft is well known I the art and is an effective means for a tractor to transfer power from the engine to the rotary implement. Such rotary implements could include brush hogs, tillers, spreaders, and the like. In FIG. 1 , an oblique view of a conventional PTO device 101 having to components 103, 105 rotatably secured to each other, wherein one of the components removably secures to the PTO shaft and the other component secures to the rotary implement. During use, the device 101 is removably secured to the PTO shaft of the tractor.

[0003] One of the problems commonly associated with PTO device 101 is the limited use and difficultly with securing to the PTO shaft. For example, the use is required to find and adjust the device to secure to the splines of the PTO shaft. The process can become time consuming and difficult in confined areas of the PTO shaft location. It should be understood that the process of removing and attaching multiple implements during a project is frustrating and increases the overall duration of the project. Accordingly, there is a need for a rapid and effective system configured to easily secure the implements to the PTO shaft.

[0004] Although great strides have been made in the area of PTO devices, many shortcomings remain. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a conventional PTO device;

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a system and method of use in accordance with the present embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a back view of the system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the system of FIG. 2.

[0006] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0008] The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional systems and methods to secured implements to a PTO shaft. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a system and method configured to rapidly and easily secure the implement to a PTO shaft via two opposing plates configured to removably engage with each other via clevis pins and corresponding clevis openings. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. [0010] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 2-6 depict various views of a system 201 and method of use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional systems and methods to removably secure the PTO implement to the PTO shaft of a tractor.

[0011] It should be understood that although the system 201 is discussed with respect for use with a tractor, it is also contemplated utilizing the features discussed herein with other vehicles having a PTO shaft configured to engage with PTO implements.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment, system 201 includes one or more of a first plate 209 having a cylindrical body and substantially similar second plate 21 1 configured to removably engage with the first plate 209 in a releasably locked position as shown in FIG. 2 and an unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 3. To achieve this feature, it is contemplated that plate 209 includes a plurality of teardrop openings extending through the thickness of the plate and configured to lockingly engage with a plurality of clevis pins, e.g., clevis pins 213 extending from an outer surface of the second plate 21 1 .

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the clevis pins are configured to extend through portion of the openings of plate 209 and are locked in position when rotated to a position such that grooves 219 and 221 come into contact with each other. A locking pin 215 is preferably secured to plate 21 1 and configured to engage with one or more holes disposed between each clevis opening. The locking pin 215 includes an O-ring 217 that allows the user to pull thereagainst, which in turn disengages the elongated shaft of the locking pin from the hole.

[0014] During use, the two plates are configured to rotate together and secured to each other via the clevis pins and clevis openings. The locking pin is configured to prevent rotation of the two plates relative to each other. [0015] Extending from plate 21 1 is an implement spline 223 configured to engage with the implement shaft. Extending from plate 209 is a housing 203 having a body 207 within an opening 205 with a plurality of grooves 401 configured to removably interlock with the tractor PTO shaft, as shown in FIG. 6. In one contemplated method of use, the housing 203 remains secured to the PTO shaft of the tractor, while the plate 21 1 remains secured to the tractor implement, and wherein the two plates are secured to each other prior to use of the implement.

[0016] In FIG. 6, a side view of the tractor 601 is shown utilizing the system discussed above, wherein the housing 203 is configured to engage with the PTO shaft of the tractor and the implement spline is configured to engage with a trailer 603.

[0017] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.