Coupling apparatus for coupling an agricultural implement to a prime mover

Coupling apparatus for coupling an agricultural implement to a prime mover, the coupling apparatus comprising:

• a mounting element for coupling to the prime mover,
• a carrier element for carrying the agricultural implement,
• a linkage mechanism coupling the carrier element to the mounting element, the linkage mechanism being configured to permit movement of the carrier element in a generally upwardly and downwardly direction relative to the mounting element,
• a take-up element for taking up some of the weight of the agricultural implement, the take-up element being connected to the linkage mechanism, and
• a compensating means coupling the take-up element to the mounting element, the compensating means being responsive to relative movement between the carrier element and the mounting element for maintaining the weight of the agricultural implement taken up by the take-up element substantially constant as the carrier element and the agricultural implement move upwardly and downwardly relative to the mounting element within the normal working range of upward and downward movement of the agricultural implement, wherein
• the compensating means comprises a first anchorage located thereon, and is configured for urging the first anchorage relative to the mounting element in response to the upward and downward movement of the carrier element, and
• the take-up element is coupled to a first anchorage.

Coupling apparatus for coupling an agricultural implement to a prime mover, the coupling apparatus comprising:

• a mounting element for coupling to the prime mover,
• a carrier element for carrying the agricultural implement,
• a linkage mechanism coupling the carrier element to the mounting element, the linkage mechanism being configured to permit movement of the carrier element in a generally upwardly and downwardly direction relative to the mounting element,
• a take-up element for taking up some of the weight of the agricultural implement, and
• a compensating means co-operating with the take-up element and being responsive to relative movement between the carrier element and the mounting element for maintaining the weight of the agricultural implement taken up by the take-up element substantially constant as the carrier element and the agricultural implement move upwardly and downwardly relative to the mounting element within the normal working range of upward and downward movement of the agricultural implement, wherein
• the linkage mechanism defines a fulcrum about which the carrier element is pivotal relative to the mounting element for permitting the upward and downward movement of the carrier element relative to the mounting element,
• the take-up element is coupled to a first anchorage located on the compensating means, and
• the first anchorage is located on the compensating means so that the perpendicular distance to the fulcrum from the line of action of the force in the take-up element acting through the first anchorage is variable in response to the upward and downward movement of the carrier element relative to the mounting element.