Self-aligning, engagement-biased hitch apparatuses, methods, and systems

An apparatus for operatively coupling a towable tool with a work machine via a three-point hitch, the apparatus comprising:

• a vehicle-side frame comprising
• a first side and a second side, the first side facing forward and the second side facing rearward,
• a plurality of hitch couplings located on the first side and configured to couple with respective couplings of a three-point hitch,
• a first pivot bearing member located on the second side,
• a key receiver located on the second side at a location vertically spaced apart from the first pivot and horizontally and longitudinally aligned with the first pivot bearing member such that a line extending vertically from the first pivot passes through the key receiver;
• and
• a tool-side frame comprising
• a third side and a fourth side, the third side facing forward and the fourth side facing rearward,
• one or more tool couplings located on the first fourth side and configured to couple with one or more respective couplings of a tool,
• a second pivot bearing member located on the third side and pivotably engaged with the first pivot bearing member, and
• a key member located on the third side and extending into the key receiver;
• and
• at least one spring positioned intermediate and operatively coupled with the second side and the third side, the spring biasing the tool-side frame away from the vehicle-side frame;
• wherein the tool-side frame is pivotable about an interface between the first pivot bearing member and the second pivot bearing member over a first range of motion over which the key member travels between a forward extremity of the key receiver and a locking terminus surface defined at a rearward extremity of the key receiver, and the key member includes angled flat sides configured to mate with corresponding angled flat sides of the locking terminus surface when the key member is positioned at the rearward extremity of the key receiver.