A quick hitch coupler engagement system

Abstract

A quick hitch coupler engagement system for releasably coupling a work tool. The quick hitch coupler comprises two side frames 2, a primary actuated locking mechanism (3, Fig 2) and a secondary lockin

Claims

1. A quick hitch coupler engagement system for releasably coupling a work tool comprising two side frames, a primary actuated locking mechanism movably mounted between the side frames and movably mounted to a secondary locking mechanism wherein in use the primary locking mechanism moves from a retracted non-working position to an extended work tool pin locking position.

2. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the primary actuated locking mechanism comprises a work tool engaging member, connecting rod and elongated guiding grooves.

3. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the secondary locking mechanism comprises a work tool engaging member and a lock plate.

4. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the side frames comprise a slide bar on an inner side for slidable engagement with the guiding grooves on the primary actuated locking mechanism.

5. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the connecting rod extends to move the primary actuated locking mechanism from a retracted non working position with its work tool engaging member proximal to the work tool engaging member on the secondary locking mechanism to an extended work tool pin locking position where the work tool engaging members are distal to one another.

6. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5 wherein the lock plate retains and locks a work tool pin in position within the work tool engaging member on the secondary locking mechanism.

7. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any of claims 3to 6 wherein in use the lock plate moves in the opposite direction to the work tool engaging member on the primary locking mechanism.

8. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a front spring and a rear spring.

9. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the front spring is attached to the secondary locking mechanism and comprises a central aperture for mounting to the connecting rod on the primary locking mechanism and connection means for attachment to the lock plate.

10. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the rear spring is retained between a fixed arm on an inner side on the side frame and a bushing fixed to the primary locking mechanism unit.

11. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the front spring works in tandem with the rear spring to provide a spring force to maintain clamping of a work tool.

12. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a subassembly on the primary locking mechanism for sensing the presence of a work tool or attachment.

13. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in 12 wherein the subassembly comprises a sensor encased or embedded in the work tool engaging member of the primary locking mechanism.

14. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a pressure sensor for live sensing of hydraulic or pneumatic operating pressure of the system.

15. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the locking mechanism is operated hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically.5 16. A quick hitch coupler actuated engagement system as claimed in any precedingclaim wherein the means of engagement and disengagement, securement and retention of work tools comprises a unitary combined system.

17. A method for the engagement, disengagement and retention of a work tool10 comprising a quick hitch coupler engagement system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the primary and secondary locking mechanisms are separate systems and the actuation of the primary locking mechanism causes the lock plate on the secondary locking mechanism to move in an opposite direction to the primary locking mechanism.15

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