Universal frame and implement system
View Patent ↗A small-scale land prep and maintenance equipment system includes a universal frame with a tongue element that includes an implement connection point (such as a through-hole or threaded hole) configured for receiving a saddle and bolt aspect of an implement. Advantageously, the implement connection point of the universal frame and the saddle of the implement provide for a robust and rigid connection between the universal frame and an implement while also enabling quick changeover of landscaping implements. Moreover, because the universal frame may be used on any number of implements, the cost of an integrated frame in each implement is avoided.
1. A universal frame and implement system, comprising:
a non-motorized frame component configured to be towed, the frame component comprising a tongue, a hitch, a lifting mechanism, and at least one wheel, wherein the tongue comprises at least a first hole; and
a separable first implement comprising a first saddle feature configured to mechanically receive a portion of the tongue, wherein the saddle feature comprises a bottom surface and two vertical side walls that cooperate to define an open topped channel;
wherein when the portion of the tongue is received into the saddle feature, the bottom surface of the saddle feature is positioned beneath said portion of the tongue and the first hole in the tongue is aligned with a first hole in the bottom surface of the saddle; and
wherein a first fastener component is mechanically received through the first hole in the tongue and the first hole in the bottom surface of the saddle.
2. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein:
the tongue comprises a second hole and the saddle comprises a second fastener component; and
when the portion of the tongue is received into the saddle feature, the second fastener component is received by the second hole.
3. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , further comprising:
one or more additional implements, each comprising a saddle feature having a bottom surface and two vertical side walls that cooperate to define an open topped channel configured to mechanically receive the portion of the tongue such that the bottom surface of the saddle feature is positioned beneath said portion of the tongue.
4. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , further comprising:
one or more additional implements, at least one of which comprises a connection plate aspect configured to mechanically receive the portion of the tongue and angularly adjust the at least one implement relative to the tongue.
5. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein the lifting mechanism is comprised of a manual ratchet jack.
6. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein the lifting mechanism is comprised of an electric actuator.
7. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein the lifting mechanism is comprised of a pneumatic actuator.
8. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to be driven by a power take-off (“PTO”).
9. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein the first implement is selected from a group comprised of a disc harrow, a sub-soiler, a layoff plow, a box blade, an aerator, a cultipacker, a plugger, a landscape rake, and a cultivator.
10. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the frame component and first implement is comprised of carbon steel.
11. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the frame component and first implement is comprised of painted carbon steel.
12. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the frame component and first implement is comprised of aluminum.
13. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the frame component and first implement is comprised of stainless steel.
14. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein the hitch is a vertically adjustable hitch.
15. The universal frame and implement system of claim 1 , wherein the frame component further comprises an axle.