CA2589201C - Utility carryall for utility farm, skid steer and industrial tractors - Google Patents
Utility carryall for utility farm, skid steer and industrial tractors Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
The Utility Carryall provides a safe, reliable and efficient lift and transport support for users in the agricultural industries. It can be coupled to all hydraulic front loaders and rear 3 point hitches on utility tractors. It also can be coupled on the front loaders of utility skid steer tractors or on front loaders of industrial tractors and can be attached to a forklift on the rear hydraulic 3 point hitch or front loader on utility farm tractors. Added features are provided for attaching the Utility Carryall to a forklift on the front loader of skid steer and industrial tractors. The front support rack 22 supports a multiple adjusting coupling system Figs 1,4. This system provides a capability for coupling the Utility Carryall to all varying widths of front loader lift arms on utility tractors. A uniquely designed profile providing a method for a new unified structural support system is shown in Figs 7, 8. This new method of fabrication provided a reduction in overall unit weight while increasing structural support. These features introduces a new dimension with major improvement in lift and transport support for small compact, medium and large size utility tractors that have a wide and varying range for hydraulic lift capacities.
Description
Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 1 of 24 Patent Application of Elwood Bates for TITLE: UTILITY CARRYALL FOR UTILITY FARM, SKID STEER AND INDUSTRIAL
TRACTORS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
this application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application publication number 2008/0152469, filed 2006 Dec 22 by the present inventor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a Utility Carryall with a coupling system that can be utilized on all front loaders and all 3 point hitches on utility farm, skid steer and industrial tractors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-BACKGROUND ART
Originally the efforts to utilize the hydraulic lift capacity of the rear three-point hitch on utility tractors for lift and transport purposes were very limited. There are early indications a recognized need for a device with a deck for lift and transport support would provide beneficial support for users in agricultural industries. However, early efforts produced improvised solutions with problems and unsafe structural features. For many years users in the agricultural industries and other industries as well, spent untold time and money improvising temporary devices to provide lift and transport support to get the job done.
An example being, a piece of plywood for a deck with piping as a frame and baling wire utilized to hold the plywood in place. The ends of the pipe were inserted into the lift arm ends of the Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 2 of 24 3point hitch, at the rear of the tractor. Collars with set bolts were used to keep the pipe secured in the hydraulic lift arms. To keep the deck material level a rope or chain was attached to the rear corners of the deck material and inserted through the top link coupling holes on top of the rock shaft housing on the rear of the tractor. Large wooden boxes where used in the same manor. When front loaders began to appear with buckets short pieces of wood were affixed to the bucket and a piece of plywood attached for hauling materials the bucket was not intended to do. A steel bed frame for a single bed, affixed inside of a bucket on a front loader with C-clamps to keep it in place was utilized many times by my father. These observations and many others noticed over the years, strongly indicate there was a recognized need for a lift and transport device that could be coupled to hydraulic systems on utility tractors. For years my observations and searches failed to locate a farm equipment retail outlet in North America or Europe that had ever heard of a device related to my present invention. For whatever reason, the intended benefits of early patents failed to become commercially successful in retail marketing. Searching many hours on the computer for retail outlets with an implement related to the Utility Carryall resulted in finding nothing. Many more years of inquiring and checking retail outlets found no lift and transport support device related to the Utility Carryall. Shortly after the 3point hitch was introduced, prior art introduced several types of transport devices to be connected to the rear 3 point hitches on utility tractors. These patented devices provided no improvements over user improvised efforts. To my knowledge nothing has ever been patented for front loaders on utility tractors that would relate to the features presented in my Utility Carryall. A
search of patents at the U. S. P T 0 web site turned up the following closest related patents for rear 3 point hitches only and nothing for the front loaders on utility tractors. U. S. patent 2425892 to Michael's Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 3 of 24 (1947) discloses an early effort for providing a lift and transport device.
Even though there are limited advantages with this patent, it is an example of why the user improvised his own support needs. The pickup bed in this patent would have to be upgraded in most all areas of structural support to meet the demands of lift and transport support required for utility tractors at the user level from the early sixties to the present day. The lift and transport support in this patent is limited to use on the rear 3point hitches only. The hydraulic lift arms would be in a better position for coupling ease and provide a greater lift capacity to higher levels if they were positioned near the bottom of the pickup bed. U. S. Patent 2646910 to Wearshing (1953) discloses another early patent for lift and transport needs. The coaxial pins for coupling the transport box to the lift arms on the rear 3 point hitch are positioned to high reducing lift capacity and lift height. The sheet metal decking, side container walls and support elements are designed to provide a light and limited range of structural support. Further, it is designed with only two coupling points for the lift arms of the 3 point hitch. The top link coupling is not utilized to stabilize the transport box. The transport box is unsafe and unreliable for lift and transport support because there is no means to stabilize the front portion to prevent an uncontrolled pivoting of the box where the coaxial pins are coupled to the lift arms of the tractor. U S Patent 4214776 to Nurse (1980) discloses a pickup container constructed of angle iron. The frame providing the coupling devices for the 3 point hitch depends on two welds for attachment to the transport platform. The surface area for load stress dispersal is restricted to two welds on a small frame centered on the front portion of the transport platform. This frame is designed with excessive side and rear overhang for the small upright coupling frame. The coupling device with only two welds will be unsafe under load due to excessive rear and side overhang that will create j . _ Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 4 of 24 metal fatigue at the two points of attachment. For small utility tractors this type of design made with angle iron is structurally to heavy, these tractors are limited in their hydraulic lift capacity.
For large utility tractors today, the use of angle iron with this design on large pickup containers will introduce excessive flexing and twisting under heavy load stress. To overcome the flexing problems using angle iron the pickup container would become unnecessarily heavy. U. S. Patent 2735651 to McClemon (1956) discloses a tractor attachment that is limited for safe and reliable support dependability for use with utility tractors today. Containment of materials being transported would present a problem in many cases.
For many years major time and energy has been expended at the user level, trying to improvise methods for safe and reliable utilization of the hydraulic system on utility tractors for lift and transport support. However, these improvements resulted in temporary solutions for a short duration of time. The first improvised efforts at the user level indicated a need for a reliable lift and transport support system. The fact the user recognized a need was apparent. There are many justifiable reasons why this support need remained at the user level for so many years. To this day, for whatever reason, efforts to develop a dependable devise for efficient lift and transport support with utility tractors has not been introduced with any commercial success by prior art.
Nevertheless, most of the efforts of prior art is old and inadequate for advanced utility tractors in use today. There have been few improvements in the art when compared to the progress and advancement of other implements being used on utility tractors today. When the 3 point hitch was introduced early efforts to utilize the hydraulic system on utility tractors for lift and transport support was limited. One big problem with fabricating a device was keeping it structurally light because the hydraulic systems on early tractors where very limited in lift capacity. Most designs Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 5 of 24 for a device providing reasonable support where restricted, in that little support could be realized by the user.
(a) The placement of receptacle attachment points for the lift arms on the rear 3point hitch of utility fann tractors was placed to high on the lift support devices. This feature reduced lift capacity and height of lift with increased coupling difficulty.
(b) The structural design of many prior art support devices was narrow in width and extended to for to the rear. This created problems with most tractors because the loaded support device quickly shifted weight from the front axle, creating unsafe operational conditions.
(c) Prior art seemingly restricted utilization of a lift and transport device for use on rear hydraulic 3 point hitches only.
(d) Prior art has not introduced a dependable support device with a safe and reliable lift and transport support that is structurally compatible for use with tractors introduced since the 40's and 50's.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION-OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly several objects and advantages of my utility carry all introduce improvements over prior art:
(a) to provide a utility carryall designed and fabricated with a method providing a unique unified structural support system that can be coupled to small and medium sized tractors, (b) to provide a Utility Carryall with safe and reliable lift and transport support when coupled to utility tractors, (c) to provide a Utility Carryall with versatility for being used in job situations where multi-tasking support options require a coupling combination with other implements being coupled to Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 6 of 24 utility tractors, (d) to provide a safe and reliable working platform when the carryall is coupled to fork lifts on rear 3 point hitches and front loaders on utility tractors, (e) to provide a Utility Carryall with safe and dependable support features for use on farms, ranches and industrial work sites, (f) to provide a safe and reliable lift and transport system for all utility tractors equipped with front loaders and rear hydraulic hitches, (g) to provide a new improved Utility Carryall with a new multiple adjustable coupling system in combination with a new unified structural support system that introduces new dimensions for safe reliable and approved support standards for the user, (i) to provide lift and transport efficiency from ground level to 90 cm (36 in.), above ground, (j) to provide a safe and reliable containment means when lifting and moving support materials with utility tractors, (k) to provide a ballast for equalized load distribution when using the Utility Carryall on hydraulic system on the front and rear of utility tractors, (1) to provide a Utility Carryall designed for maneuvering ease in congested areas.
Further objects and advantages are to introduce a Utility Carryall comprising:
time saving maneuvering improvements over the use of tongue and wheeled trailers with improvements over prior art in lift and transport support when coupled to utility tractors, and providing a combination of safe, efficient and reliable government approved standards for operational support for the user, and providing reliable lift and transport support for heavy loads under prolonged working situations, Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 7 of 24 and providing removable sideboards, easy to remove drop down expanded metal sides and tailgate, or easy to remove plywood panels for securing materials being transported, and providing hydraulic dumping features for larger tractors and one with a gravity and spring assisted manual device for smaller tractors, and introducing multiple adjusting coupling features that can be utilized on most all utility tractors already owned, and providing overhead canopy protection when required, and coupled to rear 3 point hitches and front loaders for use with all utility and industrial tractors, and structurally fabricated using a unified support method designed for use with small medium and large sized tractors. Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
SUMMARY
In accordance with my present invention, the Utility Carryall introduces a new dimension for lift and transportation support with utility tractors. The Utility Carryall can be coupled to all front loaders and rear hitches on utility tractors. It can be coupled on front loaders of skid steer and industrial tractors. The Utility Carryall can be attached to the forklift tongs being used on front loaders and 3point hitches on all utility tractors. The multiple adjusting coupling system introduces a new dimension in lift and transport support. These features provide a wide range of safe and reliable support with most all front loaders and rear hitches on utility tractors. The coupling system is designed with conventional coupling units or quick coupling units. These units introduce a unique feature enabling the user to couple the Utility Carryall to front loaders Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 8 of 24 with conventional or quick coupling systems. A unique method introducing unified structural fabrication of the Utility Carryall provides a wide range of beneficial support when using small and medium sized tractors with limited hydraulic lift capacity.
DRAWINGS-Figures Fig 1 shows a Utility Carryall for the very large utility tractors, fabricated with square and rectangular tubing having a deck, sideboards, tailgate, front support rack, with attached multiple adjusting coupling system.
Fig 2 shows the horizontal deck support frame with upright front support rack frame affixed, without the decking and the multiple adjusting coupling system shown in Fig 1.
Fig 3 shows a front view of the frame of a tube type constructed Utility Carryall with the front support rack illustrating the 3 coupling points used when being coupled to the rear hydraulic 3 point hitch on utility tractors.
Fig 4 shows a Utility Carryall with the multiple adjustable coupling system added that is used for all front loaders on utility tractors.
Fig 5 shows the quick coupling units in three views for clarity, set bolts on top of the rail hangers are not shown and only (66)a in view, 2 is shown for the heavy duty couplings.
Fig 6 shows a Utility Carryall fabricated with steel tubing illustrating siding racks or paneling with tailgate and transport container providing containment of materials being transported.
Fig 7 shows a Utility Carryall fabricated with unified support members providing a unified support system for small, medium and large sized tractors.
Fig 8 shows a unified Utility Carryall viewed from underneath the deck, illustrating the unified structural support provided by the unified support members. The forklift tong guide retainers are Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 9 of 24 also illustrated to show the simplicity of this feature. The rail hanger supports are illustrated without the rest of the multiple adjusting coupling system.
DRAWINGS-Reference Numerals 20. deck 46. top link coupling 22. front support rack with channel guide 22 (x) 48. lift arm coupling (a)(b) 24. inside deck support strip 50. support uprights (a)(b)(c) 26. outside frame rails (a)(b) 52. rail support hangers (a, b) 28. rear frame rails 54. set bolts for rail hangers 30. front frame rail 56. adjusting support rails (1T)(1B) 32. deck support rails (a)(b)(c) 58. conventional coupling units (a)(b) 34. side channel receptacles 60. quick coupling units (a)(b) 36. side boards 62. set bolts for coupling units 38. transport container 64. unified support members 40. rear tube post with channel guides 40 (x) 66. industrial quick coupling units 42. removable drop down tailgate 68. forklift tong guide retainers 44. plywood panel 70. loader coupling hole 72. steel header DETAILED DESCRIPTION-FIGS. 1, 2, 4,5 AND 7 PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of the Utility Carryall in Fig 1 shows a perspective front view looking down from an angle. This Utility Carryall is structurally designed and fabricated for utility tractors rated at 175 horsepower and above. The Utility Carryall in Fig 1 has a frame constructed Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 10 of 24 with square and rectangular tubing. It shows a preferred rectangular deck 20, in combination with a front support rack 22 that supports a multiple adjustable coupling system. The coupling system consists of (6) support hangers 52 (3 on the top and 3 on the bottom), (2) support rails 56 (1 on the top and I on the bottom) with multiple adjusting conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b), for older tractors, sideboards 34, tailgate 42 and rear support posts 40 with panel guides.
Fig 2 illustrates inside frame, deck support rails 32 (a)(b)(c) providing support for flat decking.
Right-angled steel support strips 24 provide support for the outside edges of the deck. These strips are affixed to the inside of the outside steel-channeled framing 26 (a)(b). The upright front support rack 22 is affixed to the front deck frame rail 30 on the front end of the carryall in an upright position from the deck surface 20 (Fig1). Square steel support uprights 50 (a)(b)(c) are positioned in an upright support position inside the frame of the front support rack 22. On each side of the front support rack 22, channel guides 22x (Fig 4) are provided.
The channel guides 22x (Fig 4) secure a front rack panel 44 (Fig 6) which can be utilized when needed to secure materials during transport.
Figs 1, 2, 3, 4 -- Additional Embodiments The front support rack 22 (Figs 2, 3) provides support for another additional embodiment, the multiple adjusting coupling system (Figs 1, 4) consisting of (6) rail support hangers 52 (3 top and 3bottom), (2) adjusting support rails 56 (1 top 1 bottom) and (2) conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b). The unique and versatile coupling system couples the Utility Carryall to all conventional and quick coupling systems on front loaders that are used with utility tractors. The coupling system is supported by six (6) square tube hangers 52 (Fig 1) and are affixed (3 on the top and 3 on the bottom) to the support uprights 50 (a)(b)(c) (Fig 2). The support uprights further provide Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page i l of 24 interior structural support for the front support rack. The hangers are illustrated in (Fig 1, 4, and at view3).
A further embodiment is illustrated in Fig 7, 8, the unified support members 64. The square tube hangers 52 (Figs 7,8) are positioned on the upright support rack inside the square cut outs on the outside paired and center paired unified support members 64 (Figs 7,8).
Positioning and affixing these hangers into the square cut outs in the six paired unified support members supporting the hangers and affixing the shaped steal header 72 (Fig 7,8) to the tops of the unified support members 64 contributes to a major improvement for increasing or decreasing structural support strength requirements for different sized utility tractors. The hangers 52 (3 top and 3 bottom) provide support for adjusting slide rails 56 (1 top and 1 bottom) Fig 7. The adjusting rails 56 (top and bottom) slide through the hangers and provide support for the conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b), (Fig 1, 7), quick coupling units 60 (a)(b), (Fig 5) and industrial quick coupling units 66 (a), Fig 5, (view 2), only one shown, are for use on larger tractors.
The conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b), (Fig 1, 6), quick coupling units 60 (a)(b), (Fig 5) and industrial quick coupling units 66 Fig 5, (view 2), only one shown, are designed for installation on the adjusting rails 56 (top and bottom). Each coupling unit will slide left or right from the center of the adjusting rails a distance of 52 cm or (22 in.). The range of adjustment provides a versatile capability to couple the Utility Carryall to all conventional and quick coupling devices on loaders being used with utility farm, skid steer and industrial tractors. The rail support hangers further provide a new improved means for dispersing load stress to large surface areas throughout the whole unified system, decreasing concentrated metal fatigue Figs 6 and 8--Alternative Embodiments Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 12 of 24 The unified support system shown in Figs 7 and 8 functions in the same manner as the steel tube fabricated Utility Carryall. The multiple adjustable coupling system introduces a new dimension of support with features that provide coupling options for multitasking job situations when using the Utility Carryall with other support implements on front loaders of utility tractors. Another embodiment within the multiple adjustable coupling system is a 3 point coupling attachment 46 and 48 (a)(b), (Fig 2 and 8) for the hydraulic three-point hitch on the rear of utility tractors. The coupling point 46 for the hydraulic 3 point hitch top link is affixed at the top center of the front support rack 22. Two coupling points 48 (a)(b) affixed near the bottom of the support uprights 50 (a)(c) are for coupling to the rear 3 point hitch lift arms of the utility tractor. These coupling points are approximately 20 cm or (8in.) from the bottom of the Utility Carryall deck and approximately 75 cm or (28in.) between the two bottom coupling points. A
further embodiment includes the forklift tong guide retainers 68, (Fig 8), providing a guiding and containment control for using the Utility Carryall on utility tractors with fork lifts on the loader or 3 point hitch.
Operation-Figs 1, 3, 5 The operational description of the parts and elements of my Utility Carryall will explain the major improvements over prior art. My Utility Carryall introduces a new profile designed for a unified multifunctional lift and transport support system. This system includes a new multiple adjustable coupling system in combination with new unified support system providing new dimensions in lift and transport support improvements with safe and reliable structural features that insures maximum user utilization of the hi-tech hydraulic systems available on utility tractors today:
To couple the Utility Carryall Fig 1 to a utility tractor with a three point hitch, position the rear Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 13 of 24 of the tractor close to the front support rack 22 (Fig 3) of the Utility Carryall. Lower the 3 point hitch lift arms down close to the same level of the Utility Carryall's coupling points 48 (a)(b).
Then move the tractor toward the Utility Carryall until final coupling alignments can be accomplished by maneuvering the Utility Carryall manually. Ease the lift arms of the tractor onto the coupling pins (not shown) and secure by placing snap ring pins in the holes of the coupling pins. The 3 point hydraulic hitch on the tractor has an adjusting top link attached. The free end has a bearing with a hole in it. The bearing end is positioned for alignment with the holes of the coupling device 46 located at the top center of the front support rack 22 of the UTILITY CARRYALL. The coupling pin (not shown) is eased into the aligned holes of the carryall coupling 46 and the hole in the bearing at the end of the adjusting top link and secured with a snap ring. At this point the Utility Carryall is operational and can be used for lift and transport support.
When coupling the Utility Carryall to the front loader on a utility or a skid steer tractor with conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b) or quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) position the tractor facing the front support rack 22. The tractor loader lift arms are positioned close to the coupling units of the carryall where final engagement can be accomplished by utilizing the hydraulic system on the tractor for final alignment. Coupling pins are inserted through the holes at the bottom of the conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b) and the lift arms of the loader and are secured with snap ring pins. The hydraulic tilt control piston rods are positioned for alignment with the holes at the top of the conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b). Final alignment adjustments are accomplished by the use of the hydraulic system. When this is achieved insert a coupling pin through the top holes of the coupling unit and the hole at the end of the hydraulic tilt piston rod and secure with a I
Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 14 of 24 snap ring pin. When using the quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) the tractor is positioned facing the Utility Carryall in the same manner described above. Move the tractor slowly into the coupling units and the connection is automatically made. The Utility Carryall can be lifted off the ground and utilized for lift and transport support.
Fig 5--Additional Embodiments The introduction of the quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) Fig 5 to the adjusting coupling system on the Utility Carryall is an embodiment introducing major improvements. These units are receptacles that interlock with a quick coupling device on the loader lift arms providing automatic coupling features. This coupling system has been adapted to all utility farm tractors, skid steer tractors and industrial tractors. Quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) Fig 5 are designed for attachment to the adjusting support rails 56 (1 top and 1 bottom).
Introduction of the quick coupling units with receptacles for the quick coupling system used on tractors today is a major time and energy saving improvement over prior art. The Utility Carryall can be utilized on industrial and skid steer tractors by placing heavy duty quick coupling units 66a (only one shown), (Fig 5 at view 2) on the adjusting rails of the multiple coupling system.
Fig 8-- Additional Embodiments Fig 8 shows a view looking under the deck of a unified Utility Carryall fabricated for use on small and medium sized tractors. The multiple adjusting coupling system is removed when the Utility Carryall is used with forklifts on the front or rear of utility tractors. Forklift tong guides 68 attached to the undemeath outside unified support members 64, introduces an embodiment that provides a guiding and containment support for the tongs. The unified Utility Carryall can also be attached to forklifts on front loaders of skid steer and industrial tractors. This Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 15 of 24 embodiment introduces a flexibility wherein the Utility Carryall provides a wide range of industrial support. The same forklift support device is provided with the large steel tube structured Utility Carryall provided for the largest utility tractors .
Figs 6 and 8--Alternative Embodiments The Utility Carryall illustrated in Figs 7-8 shows the carryall fabricated for small compact to large sized utility tractors. A new designed profile providing prearranged elemental unification, for dispersal of load stress, provides greater surface area for absorbing load stress throughout the whole unit. Employing these prearranged methods of profiled design in the fabrication process surprisingly reduced the weight of the Utility Carryall by 40 per cent with a 30 per cent increase in structural strength. These features provided a solution for a greater net lift and transport capacity for small compact and medium sized tractors.
Advantages From the description above a number of advantages of my Utility Carryall become evident:
(a) It provides a beneficial working combination for load distribution, when coupled to the front loader and rear 3 point hitch on utility tractors or with other implements being utilized.
(b) It provides safe and reliable support when coupled on front loaders and forklifts on utility tractors for work at higher elevations.
(c) It provides farmers, ranchers and other agricultural industries with safe efficient and dependable lift and transport support when coupled to on site tractors, already owned.
(d) It provides a safe and reliable working platform with dependable lift and transport support capabilities.
(e) It provides ladder receptacles on the deck, for stable and reliable support for working at Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 16 of 24 higher elevations.
(f) It introduces basic design features that provide flexible adaptation for unforeseen problems on job sites.
(g) It introduces new uniquely designed profiled multifunctional structural features for unified support members that provides structural support options for producing a carryall for all sizes of utility tractors.
(h) It can be utilized on the rear 3point hitch and on the front loader of utility tractors at the same time. This introduces a new multitasking dimension for support improvement for many producers involved in the agricultural industries.
(i) It can be quickly uncoupled or coupled to most all utility tractors, wherein greater ranges of versatile lift and transportation support options with the utility carryall can eliminate the need for investment in a more expensive vehicle.
(j) It features two distinct structural designs comprising:
a method for fabricating a unique unified support system in combination with a new multiple adjustable coupling system for use with small and medium large compact sized tractors, and a square and rectangular shaped steel tubing structural design, fabricated for use with very large tractors.
Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention Accordingly, the reader will see that my Utility Carryall introduces major support improvements over prior art with its wide range of multifunctional support versatility.
Economical and reliable structural support features that users can rely on, is provided in all working situations the Utility Carryall is designed to provide support for. My Utility Carryall Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 17 of 24 employs a new unique profile, designed and structurally fabricated to provide government approved standards for safe, reliable support when used with the high-tech utility and industrial tractors today and can be utilized on older tractors as well. The improvements my Utility Carryall provides over prior art, introduces a support device users recognized a need for from the time the hydraulic front loader and rear 3 point hitch was conceived. The present Utility Carryall has the additional advantages in that:
It provides a use for any plurality of wheels at the rear, underneath portion of the Utility Carryall deck. However a single preferred wheel centered at the rear, under the deck provides the support needed in most situations.
It provides a hydraulic dumping capability for large utility tractors and a spring assisted manual dump for small compact utility tractors.
It provides a power lift ramp on the rear for large utility tractors if required.
It provides quick coupling units that function as receptacles for the quick coupling system employed by the industry today or conventional coupling units for older tractors.
Channel guides are provided on both sides of the front support rack and on both rear support post for wooden side racks and plywood panels. This feature offers simple and economically flexible load control devices that are reliable. Many types of material can be used to provide load control, and can be structurally designed in numerous ways.
It provides drop down expanded metal sides and tailgates that can be used for working surfaces if required.
It provides side racks with drawers and bins for storing tools and miscellaneous support items.
These racks are designed in many different ways with numerous support options, such as many Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 18 of 24 shapes and forms of devices for hanging support equipment and hand tools.
It provides tie down rods extending the length on each side of the deck.
It provides an overhead canopy for protective features during adverse weather.
This feature can be introduced in a plurality of predetermined shapes and sizes.
It provides sideboards with a hinged device that allows a section of the side panels to drop down and form a seat for people to use if required.
It provides a towing device centered and affixed on the rear frame support.
It provides a multiple adjustable coupling system that can be utilized for coupling other support tools to the hydraulic system on the rear and front of utility tractors.
Although the descriptions above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of my invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of my invention. For example, my Utility Carryall can have many other shapes, it could be narrow, wide, light or heavy; the coupling devices and frame work could employ numerous different designs, etc. As an example, the unified structural support technique employed to fabricate a Utility Carryall for use with small and medium size tractors. The profile design of the unified support members, structurally providing multifunctional enter related elemental unification. All elements of the Utility Carryall are affixed to or supported by the unified support members, providing a new dimension for major structural support improvements in the art. Thus the scope of my invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given
Page 1 of 24 Patent Application of Elwood Bates for TITLE: UTILITY CARRYALL FOR UTILITY FARM, SKID STEER AND INDUSTRIAL
TRACTORS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
this application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application publication number 2008/0152469, filed 2006 Dec 22 by the present inventor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention generally relates to a Utility Carryall with a coupling system that can be utilized on all front loaders and all 3 point hitches on utility farm, skid steer and industrial tractors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION-BACKGROUND ART
Originally the efforts to utilize the hydraulic lift capacity of the rear three-point hitch on utility tractors for lift and transport purposes were very limited. There are early indications a recognized need for a device with a deck for lift and transport support would provide beneficial support for users in agricultural industries. However, early efforts produced improvised solutions with problems and unsafe structural features. For many years users in the agricultural industries and other industries as well, spent untold time and money improvising temporary devices to provide lift and transport support to get the job done.
An example being, a piece of plywood for a deck with piping as a frame and baling wire utilized to hold the plywood in place. The ends of the pipe were inserted into the lift arm ends of the Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 2 of 24 3point hitch, at the rear of the tractor. Collars with set bolts were used to keep the pipe secured in the hydraulic lift arms. To keep the deck material level a rope or chain was attached to the rear corners of the deck material and inserted through the top link coupling holes on top of the rock shaft housing on the rear of the tractor. Large wooden boxes where used in the same manor. When front loaders began to appear with buckets short pieces of wood were affixed to the bucket and a piece of plywood attached for hauling materials the bucket was not intended to do. A steel bed frame for a single bed, affixed inside of a bucket on a front loader with C-clamps to keep it in place was utilized many times by my father. These observations and many others noticed over the years, strongly indicate there was a recognized need for a lift and transport device that could be coupled to hydraulic systems on utility tractors. For years my observations and searches failed to locate a farm equipment retail outlet in North America or Europe that had ever heard of a device related to my present invention. For whatever reason, the intended benefits of early patents failed to become commercially successful in retail marketing. Searching many hours on the computer for retail outlets with an implement related to the Utility Carryall resulted in finding nothing. Many more years of inquiring and checking retail outlets found no lift and transport support device related to the Utility Carryall. Shortly after the 3point hitch was introduced, prior art introduced several types of transport devices to be connected to the rear 3 point hitches on utility tractors. These patented devices provided no improvements over user improvised efforts. To my knowledge nothing has ever been patented for front loaders on utility tractors that would relate to the features presented in my Utility Carryall. A
search of patents at the U. S. P T 0 web site turned up the following closest related patents for rear 3 point hitches only and nothing for the front loaders on utility tractors. U. S. patent 2425892 to Michael's Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 3 of 24 (1947) discloses an early effort for providing a lift and transport device.
Even though there are limited advantages with this patent, it is an example of why the user improvised his own support needs. The pickup bed in this patent would have to be upgraded in most all areas of structural support to meet the demands of lift and transport support required for utility tractors at the user level from the early sixties to the present day. The lift and transport support in this patent is limited to use on the rear 3point hitches only. The hydraulic lift arms would be in a better position for coupling ease and provide a greater lift capacity to higher levels if they were positioned near the bottom of the pickup bed. U. S. Patent 2646910 to Wearshing (1953) discloses another early patent for lift and transport needs. The coaxial pins for coupling the transport box to the lift arms on the rear 3 point hitch are positioned to high reducing lift capacity and lift height. The sheet metal decking, side container walls and support elements are designed to provide a light and limited range of structural support. Further, it is designed with only two coupling points for the lift arms of the 3 point hitch. The top link coupling is not utilized to stabilize the transport box. The transport box is unsafe and unreliable for lift and transport support because there is no means to stabilize the front portion to prevent an uncontrolled pivoting of the box where the coaxial pins are coupled to the lift arms of the tractor. U S Patent 4214776 to Nurse (1980) discloses a pickup container constructed of angle iron. The frame providing the coupling devices for the 3 point hitch depends on two welds for attachment to the transport platform. The surface area for load stress dispersal is restricted to two welds on a small frame centered on the front portion of the transport platform. This frame is designed with excessive side and rear overhang for the small upright coupling frame. The coupling device with only two welds will be unsafe under load due to excessive rear and side overhang that will create j . _ Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 4 of 24 metal fatigue at the two points of attachment. For small utility tractors this type of design made with angle iron is structurally to heavy, these tractors are limited in their hydraulic lift capacity.
For large utility tractors today, the use of angle iron with this design on large pickup containers will introduce excessive flexing and twisting under heavy load stress. To overcome the flexing problems using angle iron the pickup container would become unnecessarily heavy. U. S. Patent 2735651 to McClemon (1956) discloses a tractor attachment that is limited for safe and reliable support dependability for use with utility tractors today. Containment of materials being transported would present a problem in many cases.
For many years major time and energy has been expended at the user level, trying to improvise methods for safe and reliable utilization of the hydraulic system on utility tractors for lift and transport support. However, these improvements resulted in temporary solutions for a short duration of time. The first improvised efforts at the user level indicated a need for a reliable lift and transport support system. The fact the user recognized a need was apparent. There are many justifiable reasons why this support need remained at the user level for so many years. To this day, for whatever reason, efforts to develop a dependable devise for efficient lift and transport support with utility tractors has not been introduced with any commercial success by prior art.
Nevertheless, most of the efforts of prior art is old and inadequate for advanced utility tractors in use today. There have been few improvements in the art when compared to the progress and advancement of other implements being used on utility tractors today. When the 3 point hitch was introduced early efforts to utilize the hydraulic system on utility tractors for lift and transport support was limited. One big problem with fabricating a device was keeping it structurally light because the hydraulic systems on early tractors where very limited in lift capacity. Most designs Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 5 of 24 for a device providing reasonable support where restricted, in that little support could be realized by the user.
(a) The placement of receptacle attachment points for the lift arms on the rear 3point hitch of utility fann tractors was placed to high on the lift support devices. This feature reduced lift capacity and height of lift with increased coupling difficulty.
(b) The structural design of many prior art support devices was narrow in width and extended to for to the rear. This created problems with most tractors because the loaded support device quickly shifted weight from the front axle, creating unsafe operational conditions.
(c) Prior art seemingly restricted utilization of a lift and transport device for use on rear hydraulic 3 point hitches only.
(d) Prior art has not introduced a dependable support device with a safe and reliable lift and transport support that is structurally compatible for use with tractors introduced since the 40's and 50's.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION-OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly several objects and advantages of my utility carry all introduce improvements over prior art:
(a) to provide a utility carryall designed and fabricated with a method providing a unique unified structural support system that can be coupled to small and medium sized tractors, (b) to provide a Utility Carryall with safe and reliable lift and transport support when coupled to utility tractors, (c) to provide a Utility Carryall with versatility for being used in job situations where multi-tasking support options require a coupling combination with other implements being coupled to Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 6 of 24 utility tractors, (d) to provide a safe and reliable working platform when the carryall is coupled to fork lifts on rear 3 point hitches and front loaders on utility tractors, (e) to provide a Utility Carryall with safe and dependable support features for use on farms, ranches and industrial work sites, (f) to provide a safe and reliable lift and transport system for all utility tractors equipped with front loaders and rear hydraulic hitches, (g) to provide a new improved Utility Carryall with a new multiple adjustable coupling system in combination with a new unified structural support system that introduces new dimensions for safe reliable and approved support standards for the user, (i) to provide lift and transport efficiency from ground level to 90 cm (36 in.), above ground, (j) to provide a safe and reliable containment means when lifting and moving support materials with utility tractors, (k) to provide a ballast for equalized load distribution when using the Utility Carryall on hydraulic system on the front and rear of utility tractors, (1) to provide a Utility Carryall designed for maneuvering ease in congested areas.
Further objects and advantages are to introduce a Utility Carryall comprising:
time saving maneuvering improvements over the use of tongue and wheeled trailers with improvements over prior art in lift and transport support when coupled to utility tractors, and providing a combination of safe, efficient and reliable government approved standards for operational support for the user, and providing reliable lift and transport support for heavy loads under prolonged working situations, Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 7 of 24 and providing removable sideboards, easy to remove drop down expanded metal sides and tailgate, or easy to remove plywood panels for securing materials being transported, and providing hydraulic dumping features for larger tractors and one with a gravity and spring assisted manual device for smaller tractors, and introducing multiple adjusting coupling features that can be utilized on most all utility tractors already owned, and providing overhead canopy protection when required, and coupled to rear 3 point hitches and front loaders for use with all utility and industrial tractors, and structurally fabricated using a unified support method designed for use with small medium and large sized tractors. Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
SUMMARY
In accordance with my present invention, the Utility Carryall introduces a new dimension for lift and transportation support with utility tractors. The Utility Carryall can be coupled to all front loaders and rear hitches on utility tractors. It can be coupled on front loaders of skid steer and industrial tractors. The Utility Carryall can be attached to the forklift tongs being used on front loaders and 3point hitches on all utility tractors. The multiple adjusting coupling system introduces a new dimension in lift and transport support. These features provide a wide range of safe and reliable support with most all front loaders and rear hitches on utility tractors. The coupling system is designed with conventional coupling units or quick coupling units. These units introduce a unique feature enabling the user to couple the Utility Carryall to front loaders Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 8 of 24 with conventional or quick coupling systems. A unique method introducing unified structural fabrication of the Utility Carryall provides a wide range of beneficial support when using small and medium sized tractors with limited hydraulic lift capacity.
DRAWINGS-Figures Fig 1 shows a Utility Carryall for the very large utility tractors, fabricated with square and rectangular tubing having a deck, sideboards, tailgate, front support rack, with attached multiple adjusting coupling system.
Fig 2 shows the horizontal deck support frame with upright front support rack frame affixed, without the decking and the multiple adjusting coupling system shown in Fig 1.
Fig 3 shows a front view of the frame of a tube type constructed Utility Carryall with the front support rack illustrating the 3 coupling points used when being coupled to the rear hydraulic 3 point hitch on utility tractors.
Fig 4 shows a Utility Carryall with the multiple adjustable coupling system added that is used for all front loaders on utility tractors.
Fig 5 shows the quick coupling units in three views for clarity, set bolts on top of the rail hangers are not shown and only (66)a in view, 2 is shown for the heavy duty couplings.
Fig 6 shows a Utility Carryall fabricated with steel tubing illustrating siding racks or paneling with tailgate and transport container providing containment of materials being transported.
Fig 7 shows a Utility Carryall fabricated with unified support members providing a unified support system for small, medium and large sized tractors.
Fig 8 shows a unified Utility Carryall viewed from underneath the deck, illustrating the unified structural support provided by the unified support members. The forklift tong guide retainers are Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 9 of 24 also illustrated to show the simplicity of this feature. The rail hanger supports are illustrated without the rest of the multiple adjusting coupling system.
DRAWINGS-Reference Numerals 20. deck 46. top link coupling 22. front support rack with channel guide 22 (x) 48. lift arm coupling (a)(b) 24. inside deck support strip 50. support uprights (a)(b)(c) 26. outside frame rails (a)(b) 52. rail support hangers (a, b) 28. rear frame rails 54. set bolts for rail hangers 30. front frame rail 56. adjusting support rails (1T)(1B) 32. deck support rails (a)(b)(c) 58. conventional coupling units (a)(b) 34. side channel receptacles 60. quick coupling units (a)(b) 36. side boards 62. set bolts for coupling units 38. transport container 64. unified support members 40. rear tube post with channel guides 40 (x) 66. industrial quick coupling units 42. removable drop down tailgate 68. forklift tong guide retainers 44. plywood panel 70. loader coupling hole 72. steel header DETAILED DESCRIPTION-FIGS. 1, 2, 4,5 AND 7 PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of the Utility Carryall in Fig 1 shows a perspective front view looking down from an angle. This Utility Carryall is structurally designed and fabricated for utility tractors rated at 175 horsepower and above. The Utility Carryall in Fig 1 has a frame constructed Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 10 of 24 with square and rectangular tubing. It shows a preferred rectangular deck 20, in combination with a front support rack 22 that supports a multiple adjustable coupling system. The coupling system consists of (6) support hangers 52 (3 on the top and 3 on the bottom), (2) support rails 56 (1 on the top and I on the bottom) with multiple adjusting conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b), for older tractors, sideboards 34, tailgate 42 and rear support posts 40 with panel guides.
Fig 2 illustrates inside frame, deck support rails 32 (a)(b)(c) providing support for flat decking.
Right-angled steel support strips 24 provide support for the outside edges of the deck. These strips are affixed to the inside of the outside steel-channeled framing 26 (a)(b). The upright front support rack 22 is affixed to the front deck frame rail 30 on the front end of the carryall in an upright position from the deck surface 20 (Fig1). Square steel support uprights 50 (a)(b)(c) are positioned in an upright support position inside the frame of the front support rack 22. On each side of the front support rack 22, channel guides 22x (Fig 4) are provided.
The channel guides 22x (Fig 4) secure a front rack panel 44 (Fig 6) which can be utilized when needed to secure materials during transport.
Figs 1, 2, 3, 4 -- Additional Embodiments The front support rack 22 (Figs 2, 3) provides support for another additional embodiment, the multiple adjusting coupling system (Figs 1, 4) consisting of (6) rail support hangers 52 (3 top and 3bottom), (2) adjusting support rails 56 (1 top 1 bottom) and (2) conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b). The unique and versatile coupling system couples the Utility Carryall to all conventional and quick coupling systems on front loaders that are used with utility tractors. The coupling system is supported by six (6) square tube hangers 52 (Fig 1) and are affixed (3 on the top and 3 on the bottom) to the support uprights 50 (a)(b)(c) (Fig 2). The support uprights further provide Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page i l of 24 interior structural support for the front support rack. The hangers are illustrated in (Fig 1, 4, and at view3).
A further embodiment is illustrated in Fig 7, 8, the unified support members 64. The square tube hangers 52 (Figs 7,8) are positioned on the upright support rack inside the square cut outs on the outside paired and center paired unified support members 64 (Figs 7,8).
Positioning and affixing these hangers into the square cut outs in the six paired unified support members supporting the hangers and affixing the shaped steal header 72 (Fig 7,8) to the tops of the unified support members 64 contributes to a major improvement for increasing or decreasing structural support strength requirements for different sized utility tractors. The hangers 52 (3 top and 3 bottom) provide support for adjusting slide rails 56 (1 top and 1 bottom) Fig 7. The adjusting rails 56 (top and bottom) slide through the hangers and provide support for the conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b), (Fig 1, 7), quick coupling units 60 (a)(b), (Fig 5) and industrial quick coupling units 66 (a), Fig 5, (view 2), only one shown, are for use on larger tractors.
The conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b), (Fig 1, 6), quick coupling units 60 (a)(b), (Fig 5) and industrial quick coupling units 66 Fig 5, (view 2), only one shown, are designed for installation on the adjusting rails 56 (top and bottom). Each coupling unit will slide left or right from the center of the adjusting rails a distance of 52 cm or (22 in.). The range of adjustment provides a versatile capability to couple the Utility Carryall to all conventional and quick coupling devices on loaders being used with utility farm, skid steer and industrial tractors. The rail support hangers further provide a new improved means for dispersing load stress to large surface areas throughout the whole unified system, decreasing concentrated metal fatigue Figs 6 and 8--Alternative Embodiments Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 12 of 24 The unified support system shown in Figs 7 and 8 functions in the same manner as the steel tube fabricated Utility Carryall. The multiple adjustable coupling system introduces a new dimension of support with features that provide coupling options for multitasking job situations when using the Utility Carryall with other support implements on front loaders of utility tractors. Another embodiment within the multiple adjustable coupling system is a 3 point coupling attachment 46 and 48 (a)(b), (Fig 2 and 8) for the hydraulic three-point hitch on the rear of utility tractors. The coupling point 46 for the hydraulic 3 point hitch top link is affixed at the top center of the front support rack 22. Two coupling points 48 (a)(b) affixed near the bottom of the support uprights 50 (a)(c) are for coupling to the rear 3 point hitch lift arms of the utility tractor. These coupling points are approximately 20 cm or (8in.) from the bottom of the Utility Carryall deck and approximately 75 cm or (28in.) between the two bottom coupling points. A
further embodiment includes the forklift tong guide retainers 68, (Fig 8), providing a guiding and containment control for using the Utility Carryall on utility tractors with fork lifts on the loader or 3 point hitch.
Operation-Figs 1, 3, 5 The operational description of the parts and elements of my Utility Carryall will explain the major improvements over prior art. My Utility Carryall introduces a new profile designed for a unified multifunctional lift and transport support system. This system includes a new multiple adjustable coupling system in combination with new unified support system providing new dimensions in lift and transport support improvements with safe and reliable structural features that insures maximum user utilization of the hi-tech hydraulic systems available on utility tractors today:
To couple the Utility Carryall Fig 1 to a utility tractor with a three point hitch, position the rear Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 13 of 24 of the tractor close to the front support rack 22 (Fig 3) of the Utility Carryall. Lower the 3 point hitch lift arms down close to the same level of the Utility Carryall's coupling points 48 (a)(b).
Then move the tractor toward the Utility Carryall until final coupling alignments can be accomplished by maneuvering the Utility Carryall manually. Ease the lift arms of the tractor onto the coupling pins (not shown) and secure by placing snap ring pins in the holes of the coupling pins. The 3 point hydraulic hitch on the tractor has an adjusting top link attached. The free end has a bearing with a hole in it. The bearing end is positioned for alignment with the holes of the coupling device 46 located at the top center of the front support rack 22 of the UTILITY CARRYALL. The coupling pin (not shown) is eased into the aligned holes of the carryall coupling 46 and the hole in the bearing at the end of the adjusting top link and secured with a snap ring. At this point the Utility Carryall is operational and can be used for lift and transport support.
When coupling the Utility Carryall to the front loader on a utility or a skid steer tractor with conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b) or quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) position the tractor facing the front support rack 22. The tractor loader lift arms are positioned close to the coupling units of the carryall where final engagement can be accomplished by utilizing the hydraulic system on the tractor for final alignment. Coupling pins are inserted through the holes at the bottom of the conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b) and the lift arms of the loader and are secured with snap ring pins. The hydraulic tilt control piston rods are positioned for alignment with the holes at the top of the conventional coupling units 58 (a)(b). Final alignment adjustments are accomplished by the use of the hydraulic system. When this is achieved insert a coupling pin through the top holes of the coupling unit and the hole at the end of the hydraulic tilt piston rod and secure with a I
Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 14 of 24 snap ring pin. When using the quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) the tractor is positioned facing the Utility Carryall in the same manner described above. Move the tractor slowly into the coupling units and the connection is automatically made. The Utility Carryall can be lifted off the ground and utilized for lift and transport support.
Fig 5--Additional Embodiments The introduction of the quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) Fig 5 to the adjusting coupling system on the Utility Carryall is an embodiment introducing major improvements. These units are receptacles that interlock with a quick coupling device on the loader lift arms providing automatic coupling features. This coupling system has been adapted to all utility farm tractors, skid steer tractors and industrial tractors. Quick coupling units 60 (a)(b) Fig 5 are designed for attachment to the adjusting support rails 56 (1 top and 1 bottom).
Introduction of the quick coupling units with receptacles for the quick coupling system used on tractors today is a major time and energy saving improvement over prior art. The Utility Carryall can be utilized on industrial and skid steer tractors by placing heavy duty quick coupling units 66a (only one shown), (Fig 5 at view 2) on the adjusting rails of the multiple coupling system.
Fig 8-- Additional Embodiments Fig 8 shows a view looking under the deck of a unified Utility Carryall fabricated for use on small and medium sized tractors. The multiple adjusting coupling system is removed when the Utility Carryall is used with forklifts on the front or rear of utility tractors. Forklift tong guides 68 attached to the undemeath outside unified support members 64, introduces an embodiment that provides a guiding and containment support for the tongs. The unified Utility Carryall can also be attached to forklifts on front loaders of skid steer and industrial tractors. This Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 15 of 24 embodiment introduces a flexibility wherein the Utility Carryall provides a wide range of industrial support. The same forklift support device is provided with the large steel tube structured Utility Carryall provided for the largest utility tractors .
Figs 6 and 8--Alternative Embodiments The Utility Carryall illustrated in Figs 7-8 shows the carryall fabricated for small compact to large sized utility tractors. A new designed profile providing prearranged elemental unification, for dispersal of load stress, provides greater surface area for absorbing load stress throughout the whole unit. Employing these prearranged methods of profiled design in the fabrication process surprisingly reduced the weight of the Utility Carryall by 40 per cent with a 30 per cent increase in structural strength. These features provided a solution for a greater net lift and transport capacity for small compact and medium sized tractors.
Advantages From the description above a number of advantages of my Utility Carryall become evident:
(a) It provides a beneficial working combination for load distribution, when coupled to the front loader and rear 3 point hitch on utility tractors or with other implements being utilized.
(b) It provides safe and reliable support when coupled on front loaders and forklifts on utility tractors for work at higher elevations.
(c) It provides farmers, ranchers and other agricultural industries with safe efficient and dependable lift and transport support when coupled to on site tractors, already owned.
(d) It provides a safe and reliable working platform with dependable lift and transport support capabilities.
(e) It provides ladder receptacles on the deck, for stable and reliable support for working at Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 16 of 24 higher elevations.
(f) It introduces basic design features that provide flexible adaptation for unforeseen problems on job sites.
(g) It introduces new uniquely designed profiled multifunctional structural features for unified support members that provides structural support options for producing a carryall for all sizes of utility tractors.
(h) It can be utilized on the rear 3point hitch and on the front loader of utility tractors at the same time. This introduces a new multitasking dimension for support improvement for many producers involved in the agricultural industries.
(i) It can be quickly uncoupled or coupled to most all utility tractors, wherein greater ranges of versatile lift and transportation support options with the utility carryall can eliminate the need for investment in a more expensive vehicle.
(j) It features two distinct structural designs comprising:
a method for fabricating a unique unified support system in combination with a new multiple adjustable coupling system for use with small and medium large compact sized tractors, and a square and rectangular shaped steel tubing structural design, fabricated for use with very large tractors.
Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention Accordingly, the reader will see that my Utility Carryall introduces major support improvements over prior art with its wide range of multifunctional support versatility.
Economical and reliable structural support features that users can rely on, is provided in all working situations the Utility Carryall is designed to provide support for. My Utility Carryall Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 17 of 24 employs a new unique profile, designed and structurally fabricated to provide government approved standards for safe, reliable support when used with the high-tech utility and industrial tractors today and can be utilized on older tractors as well. The improvements my Utility Carryall provides over prior art, introduces a support device users recognized a need for from the time the hydraulic front loader and rear 3 point hitch was conceived. The present Utility Carryall has the additional advantages in that:
It provides a use for any plurality of wheels at the rear, underneath portion of the Utility Carryall deck. However a single preferred wheel centered at the rear, under the deck provides the support needed in most situations.
It provides a hydraulic dumping capability for large utility tractors and a spring assisted manual dump for small compact utility tractors.
It provides a power lift ramp on the rear for large utility tractors if required.
It provides quick coupling units that function as receptacles for the quick coupling system employed by the industry today or conventional coupling units for older tractors.
Channel guides are provided on both sides of the front support rack and on both rear support post for wooden side racks and plywood panels. This feature offers simple and economically flexible load control devices that are reliable. Many types of material can be used to provide load control, and can be structurally designed in numerous ways.
It provides drop down expanded metal sides and tailgates that can be used for working surfaces if required.
It provides side racks with drawers and bins for storing tools and miscellaneous support items.
These racks are designed in many different ways with numerous support options, such as many Patent Application of Elwood Bates for "Utility Carryall for Utility, Skid Steer and Industrial Tractors"
Page 18 of 24 shapes and forms of devices for hanging support equipment and hand tools.
It provides tie down rods extending the length on each side of the deck.
It provides an overhead canopy for protective features during adverse weather.
This feature can be introduced in a plurality of predetermined shapes and sizes.
It provides sideboards with a hinged device that allows a section of the side panels to drop down and form a seat for people to use if required.
It provides a towing device centered and affixed on the rear frame support.
It provides a multiple adjustable coupling system that can be utilized for coupling other support tools to the hydraulic system on the rear and front of utility tractors.
Although the descriptions above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of my invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of my invention. For example, my Utility Carryall can have many other shapes, it could be narrow, wide, light or heavy; the coupling devices and frame work could employ numerous different designs, etc. As an example, the unified structural support technique employed to fabricate a Utility Carryall for use with small and medium size tractors. The profile design of the unified support members, structurally providing multifunctional enter related elemental unification. All elements of the Utility Carryall are affixed to or supported by the unified support members, providing a new dimension for major structural support improvements in the art. Thus the scope of my invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given
Claims (17)
1. A utility carryall that can be coupled to all front loaders and rear hitches on utility and industrial tractors comprising: a unified support system having a plurality of unified support members generally being of the same profile thereof wherein being disposed for unification of a support system having an upright multiple adjustable coupling system in combination with a flat horizontal deck.
2. The utility carryall of claim 1 wherein said unified support members being one continuous piece thereof with a predetermined size and shape having a multifunctional profile with a front support rack and a horizontal extension wherein providing a means of support for said multiple adjustable coupling system and said flat horizontal deck.
3. The utility carryall of claim 2 wherein said unified support members being disposed for affixing said flat horizontal deck to the horizontal extensions of said unified support members wherein providing structural unification for a safe and reliable means for lift and transport support with said utility tractors.
4 The utility carryall of claim 3 wherein having a plurality of front and rear channel guides being disposed and affixed to said front support rack and a number of rear tube post therein providing a means for emplacing a number of side and rear boards or plywood panels on said flat horizontal deck wherein providing a means for securing materials while being transported.
5. The utility carryall of claim 2 wherein a shaped steel header being disposed and affixed to said front support rack wherein providing a means for increasing unified structural support.
6. The utility carryall of claim 3 wherein a plurality of cutouts of predetermined size and shape being disposed in said unified support members wherein providing a means for supporting a number of rail support hangers.
7. The utility carryall of claim 6 wherein said rail support hangers are disposed and affixed inside said cutouts with a plurality of disposed and affixed set bolts thereof wherein said rail support hangers provide a means of support for a top and bottom adjusting support rail having a predetermined size and shape further being positioned inside said rail support hangers with a sliding movement therein providing a support means for a plurality of conventional and quick coupling units.
8. The utility carryall of claim 7 wherein said conventional and quick coupling units being of a predetermined size and shape having said rail support hangers disposed and affixed on the rear of said coupling units thereof with said set bolts being disposed and affixed thereto wherein said conventional and quick coupling units further being mounted on said adjusting support rails provide a means for a left and right sliding adjusting movement therein providing a means to couple said utility carryall to all said front loaders on said utility tractors, whereby the profile of said unified support members in combination with said upright multiple adjustable coupling system provides a means to use said utility carryalls on all said front loaders and rear hitches on most all said utility tractors.
9. A utility carryall to be used on a front loader or rear hitch on a utility tractor comprising: a front support rack combined with a multiple adjustable coupling system wherein having a flat horizontal deck being of a predetermined size and shape in combination with a horizontal support frame for use with said front loaders and rear hitches on said utility tractors.
10. The utility carryall of claim 9 wherein said horizontal support frame being of a rectangular shape having a plurality of rectangular and square shaped tubular support rails wherein providing support for said flat horizontal deck.
11. The utility carryall of claim 9 wherein having an inside deck support strip being disposed and affixed to a number of outside deck support rails of said horizontal support frame therefore providing a means for disposing said flat horizontal deck to said horizontal support frame.
12. The utility carryall of claim 9 wherein a number of channel guides being disposed and affixed to said front support rack and a number of rear tube post therein providing a means for utilizing a plurality of boards or plywood panels being disposed on said flat horizontal deck wherein containing materials being transported.
13. The utility carryall of claim 9 wherein said front support rack with a top and a bottom having a plurality of disposed and affixed support uprights there between wherein the bottom of said front support rack further being disposed and affixed to the front of said horizontal support frame therein providing a means of support for said multiple adjustable coupling system.
14. The utility carryall of claim 13 wherein a plurality of rail support hangers being of a predetermined size and shape having a plurality of set bolts disposed and affixed thereof wherein said rail support hangers being disposed and affixed to the support uprights of said front support rack therein providing a means of support for a plurality of adjusting support rails.
15. The utility carryall of claim 14 wherein said adjusting support rails being of a predetermined size and shape further being disposed inside said rail support hangers wherein providing support for a pair of older conventional or new quick coupling units.
16. The utility carryall of claim 15 wherein said conventional and quick coupling units being of a predetermined size and shape with said rail support hangers being disposed and affixed to the rear thereof and further having a plurality of set bolts disposed and affixed thereto wherein said coupling units are mounted on said adjusting support rails therein providing a means for a left or right sliding movement for coupling alignments to all front loaders on said utility tractors wherein a new dimension for lift and transport support is introduced providing a means for coupling said utility carryalls to most all said front loaders and rear hydraulic hitches on said utility tractors.
17. A method of utilizing a plurality of unified support members having uniquely designed profiles wherein providing a means for distributing load stress and increasing structural support while reducing the weight of the utility carryall, comprising:
(a) disposing and affixing a number of prearranged said unified support members having a flat horizontal deck in combination with a front support rack wherein providing a wide range for increasing and decreasing structural support requirements for all sizes of said utility carryalls, (b) disposing and affixing said flat horizontal deck to said unified support members, (c) disposing and affixing a shaped steel header on said front support rack wherein providing structural unification of disposed said unified support members, (d) disposing a plurality of prearranged cutouts in said unified support members, (e) providing a means wherein a plurality of rail support hangers having a predetermined size and shape being disposed and affixed inside said cutouts, (f) providing support for a top and bottom adjusting support rail of predetermined size and shape wherein being positioned inside said rail support hangers with a sliding movement, (g) providing support for a number of conventional and quick coupling units wherein having said rail support hangers disposed and affixed on the rear of said coupling units thereof wherein said coupling units are further disposed on said adjusting support rails thereby providing a means for a left and right sliding movement, wherein providing an adjustment means for coupling said utility carryalls to all said front loaders on said utility tractors, further (h) disposing and affixing a plurality of set bolts on said rail support hangers being disposed and affixed on the rear of said conventional and quick coupling units therein providing a means for securing and fixing in place said conventional and quick coupling units on said adjusting support rails once final coupling alignments are made, (i) providing a plurality of channel guides disposed and affixed on said front support rack and a number of rear square tube post and further having a plurality of side channel receptacles being disposed and affixed on the outside of the horizontal extensions of said unified support members wherein providing a means for using a plurality of side and rear boards or plywood panels on said flat horizontal deck therein providing containment of materials being transported, further (j) including a plurality of forklift tong guide retainers being disposed and affixed to the bottom of said unified support members wherein providing a guiding and retention control for forklift tongs being used on said utility tractors, whereby utilizing a prearranged multifunctional profile for said unified support members wherein providing a means for a method of fabrication that provides a wide range of structural support options in matching said utility carryall with all sizes of said utility tractors.
(a) disposing and affixing a number of prearranged said unified support members having a flat horizontal deck in combination with a front support rack wherein providing a wide range for increasing and decreasing structural support requirements for all sizes of said utility carryalls, (b) disposing and affixing said flat horizontal deck to said unified support members, (c) disposing and affixing a shaped steel header on said front support rack wherein providing structural unification of disposed said unified support members, (d) disposing a plurality of prearranged cutouts in said unified support members, (e) providing a means wherein a plurality of rail support hangers having a predetermined size and shape being disposed and affixed inside said cutouts, (f) providing support for a top and bottom adjusting support rail of predetermined size and shape wherein being positioned inside said rail support hangers with a sliding movement, (g) providing support for a number of conventional and quick coupling units wherein having said rail support hangers disposed and affixed on the rear of said coupling units thereof wherein said coupling units are further disposed on said adjusting support rails thereby providing a means for a left and right sliding movement, wherein providing an adjustment means for coupling said utility carryalls to all said front loaders on said utility tractors, further (h) disposing and affixing a plurality of set bolts on said rail support hangers being disposed and affixed on the rear of said conventional and quick coupling units therein providing a means for securing and fixing in place said conventional and quick coupling units on said adjusting support rails once final coupling alignments are made, (i) providing a plurality of channel guides disposed and affixed on said front support rack and a number of rear square tube post and further having a plurality of side channel receptacles being disposed and affixed on the outside of the horizontal extensions of said unified support members wherein providing a means for using a plurality of side and rear boards or plywood panels on said flat horizontal deck therein providing containment of materials being transported, further (j) including a plurality of forklift tong guide retainers being disposed and affixed to the bottom of said unified support members wherein providing a guiding and retention control for forklift tongs being used on said utility tractors, whereby utilizing a prearranged multifunctional profile for said unified support members wherein providing a means for a method of fabrication that provides a wide range of structural support options in matching said utility carryall with all sizes of said utility tractors.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/784598 | 2007-04-09 | ||
| US11/784,598 US8764373B2 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2007-04-09 | Utility carryall for utility, skid steer and industrial tractors |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2589201A1 CA2589201A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
| CA2589201C true CA2589201C (en) | 2010-02-16 |
Family
ID=39830112
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2589201A Expired - Fee Related CA2589201C (en) | 2007-04-09 | 2007-05-17 | Utility carryall for utility farm, skid steer and industrial tractors |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2589201C (en) |
-
2007
- 2007-05-17 CA CA2589201A patent/CA2589201C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2589201A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |
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