Rotating lift system and method
AssigneeBestway, Inc.
InventorsDon Patrick Meenen, David C. Benson, Michael A. Brainard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lift system and method for transporting agricultural implements. The lift system includes a pair of lower linkage arms, an upper link, and at least four carriage wheels for transporting the lift system along carriage guide rails of a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the trailer and is movable between lowered, loading position, a raised position, and a transport position. It is capable of connecting to a load having a three-point hitch. A gas strut may optionally be equipped to aid in the lifting process. A telescoping light bar may be included to increase safety while in transport.
Claims4
A system for placing a load on a vehicle including a vehicle frame, which load-placing system comprises:
- a load lift assembly having a first, lowered position for connecting to a load, a second, raised position with said load lifted above a level of said vehicle frame, and a third, transport position with said load positioned over and connected to said vehicle frame;
- a lift actuator connected to said load lift assembly and configured for moving said load lift assembly between its lowered and raised positions;
- a transfer actuator connected to said load lift assembly and configured for moving said load lift assembly between its raised and transport positions axially along said vehicle frame;
- said load lift assembly including a lower linkage assembly including a pair of lift arms configured for connecting to two points of said three-point hitch;
- said load lift assembly including a top link configured for connecting to a third point of said three-point hitch;
- said top link being pivotally pinned to a pair of mounting brackets affixed to said load lift assembly;
- a hydraulic reservoir assembly configured to operate said lift actuator and said transfer actuator;
- a motor assembly configured to provide power to said hydraulic reservoir assembly;
- a control assembly configured to send control signals to said hydraulic reservoir assembly;
- a first hydraulic arm connected to a front end of said vehicle frame, said hydraulic arm configured for moving said load lift assembly between said second, raised position in proximity to a rear end of said vehicle frame and said third, transport position in proximity to said front end of said vehicle frame;
- and
- a second hydraulic arm configured to pivot said lower linkage assembly about said lift arm weldment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.