Multi-Use Frame for Tractor Loader

This application is a non-provisional based upon and claims the priority filing date of the previously filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “Multi-Use Frame for Tractor Loader,” filed Jan. 11, 2024, Ser. No. 63/619,882, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure is related to a multi-use frame for a tractor front-end loader and three-point hitch.

Detachable front-end loaders (FELs) are popular additions to compact and sub-compact utility tractors and farm tractors, as well as widely used three-point hitches on the rear. Compact utility tractors, also called CUTs, are small tractors, typically with 18 to 50 hp, and used primarily for grounds maintenance and landscape chores. There are two primary designs of compact tractor FELs: the traditional pin-on designed style in which the loader bucket is semi-permanently fixed to the FEL structure and the removable loader bucket style, which allows for various additional attachments to be temporarily fixed to the FEL structure when the loader bucket is removed. Front-end loaders on CUT tractors are capable of many tasks, which are multiplied when utilizing an FEL that is capable of supporting various attachments beyond a loader bucket.

John Deere® manufactures an FEL design that utilizes a hook-and-pin type connection for FEL attachments and is referred to as a John Deere® Quick Attach (JDQA) system. Kubota®, New Holland®, Case IH®, Massey Ferguson®, and others offer loaders that utilize the Skid-Steer-Quick-Attach (SSQA) design for FEL attachments. These systems both allow for rapid reconfiguring of the loader system.

Currently, CUTs require multiple or separate attachments and implementation to carry out routine tasks. These attachments and implements can be cumbersome to attach and detach when reconfiguring, taking up significant storage space when not in use, and are extremely difficult or impossible to move and transport by hand when not attached to the tractor.

With that said, moving and attaching front-end loaders to a CUT is difficult due to the irregular shape and weight of the front-end loader and respective equipment. Thus, it is highly desirable for a device that effectively stores, transports, and assists with attaching and detaching a front-end loader and other attachments to a CUT.

In certain versions of the application, a multi-use frame is disclosed for attachment to a tractor front-end loader or a three-point hitch. In a version, the multi-use frame may include a lower assembly and a removable upper assembly configured to attach to the top of the lower assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame for attachment for attaching to a tractor front-end loader or a three-point hitch, the multi-use frame including: a lower assembly including: a horizontal lower support member having a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end having a transverse connection point; a first vertical support member having a top and a bottom, the vertical support member extending upward at the first end of the horizontal lower support member, a first vertically disposed connection point positioned at the top of the first vertical support member; a second vertical support member having a top and a bottom, the vertical support member extending upward at the second end of the horizontal lower support member, a second vertically disposed connection point positioned at the top of the second vertical support member; a first front-end loader mounting point forming a first hook connected to the first vertical support member; a second front-end loader mounting point forming a second hook connected to the second vertical support member; and a plurality of bottom connection points positioned along the bottom of the horizontal lower support member; and an attachably removable upper assembly having: a horizontal upper support member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first downward extending connection member for operably coupling with the first vertically disposed connection point of the lower assembly, the second end having a second downward extending connection member for operably selectively coupling with the second vertically disposed connection point of the lower assembly; and a top link connection point operably connected to the upper support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the top link connection point includes at least a first and second upper connection points centrally positioned above the horizontal upper support member and are configured to receive a pin therebetween.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points further include a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, thereby allowing receipt of a pin that functions as a top link connection point of a three-point hitch connection.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points is a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, forming a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the plurality of bottom connection points is formed of a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of lateral pin holes, forming a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the plurality of bottom connection points is attachably removable to and from the horizontal lower support member, each of the bottom connection points includes a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of lateral pin holes, a front connection bracket, and a rear connection bracket, the front connection bracket and the rear connection bracket are selectively attachably removable to a plurality of longitudinal pin holes aligned in longitudinal pairs along the horizontal lower support member, thereby allowing selection of the position of each of the plurality of bottom connection points.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the top link connection point includes at least a first and second upper connection points centrally positioned above the horizontal upper support member and are configured to receive a pin therebetween.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points further include a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, thereby allowing receipt of a pin that functions as a top link connection point of a three-point hitch connection.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points is a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, forming a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first end mount that supports a removable first connection pin that is operably attachable to the first end of the horizontal lower support member and a second end mount that supports a removable second connection pin that is operably attachable to the second end of the horizontal lower support member, thereby the first connection pin and the second connection pin function as lower connection points for a front-end loader.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second end mounts is attachably removable to the respective ends of the horizontal lower member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second mounts further includes a longitudinal connection point formed of a rectangular metal tubing defining a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first vertical connection plate attached to the first vertical support member and a second vertical connection plate attached to the second vertical support member, wherein each of the first and second vertical connection plates has an upper portion that supports the respective first and second front-end loader mounting points.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein a lower portion of the first vertical connection plate supports a first connection pin and a lower portion of the second vertical connection plate supports a second connection pin.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein a first loader bucket hook-in mount is operably attached to the first vertical support member and is disposed opposite of the first front-end loader mounting point, and a second loader bucket hook-in mount is operably attached to the second vertical support member and is disposed opposite of the second front-end loader mounting point.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second loader bucket hook-in mounts is operably attachably removable to the respective first and second vertical support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first and second angled structural support members, each extending from near a midpoint of the horizontal lower support member to a respective top of the first and second vertical support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a dolly assembly including: a longitudinal support member extending between a forward end and an aft end, the forward end configured to couple with one of the plurality of bottom connection points positioned along the horizontal lower support member, the aft end having an aft connection point; a first caster wheel configured to couple with the first transverse connection point of the horizontal lower support member; a second caster wheel configured to couple with the second transverse connection point of the horizontal lower support member; and an aft caster wheel configured to couple with the aft connection point of the longitudinal support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the longitudinal support member includes a fixed tube and a telescoping movable tube that operably translates within the fixed tube, thereby allowing the user to select the overall length of the longitudinal support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the fixed tube includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of lateral pin holes and the telescoping movable tube includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of lateral pin holes, thereby allowing the user to selectively determine the overall length of the longitudinal support member by aligning a pair of the lateral pin holes of the fixed tube with a pair of the lateral pin holes of the telescoping movable tube and inserting a pin.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first tapered pallet fork tube that is operably shaped to translate within the horizontal upper support member via the first end and a second tapered pallet fork tube that is operably shaped to translate within the horizontal upper support member via the second end, wherein while stowed within the horizontal upper support member, each of the first and second tapered pallet fork tubes reciprocally overlaps the other.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

The components of the disclosed embodiments, as described and illustrated herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of the possible embodiments thereof. In addition, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these details. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, certain technical material that is known in the related art has not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Furthermore, the drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, upper, lower, upward, and downward may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. Additionally, the disclosure, as illustrated and described herein, may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Generally, with reference to-, the disclosure is directed towards a multi-use framethat is constructed of metal tubing and is configured to attach to a tractorfront-end loaderwith either a pin-on, a hook and pin (John Deere® Quick Attach, JDQA), or a Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) system. When the multi-use frameis attached to the tractor front-end loadervia mounting pointsit can then serve as an attachment point for a loader bucket, a hitch ball, lifting forks or pallet fork tubes, ballast weights, and multiple other attachments by use of tube inserts that function as or similar to a standard receiver hitch. The multi-use framemetal tubing configuration provides multiple points of attachment in the x, y, and z axes, as well as internal storage for unused attachments and fittings.

In detail, the three axes of connection possibilities provide nearly limitless applications to be developed for the multi-use frame. Powered and articulated attachments such as edgers, hedge trimmers, weed trimmers, snowplows, leaf blowers, trenchers, etc., may be attached to the multi-use framebecause the front-end loaderand three-point hitchprovide a highly maneuverable, controllable, and stable platform for powered accessories.

Additionally, the multi-use frameis configured to connect with a three-point hitch mount. A three-point hitch mount is a system used on tractors and other agricultural machinery to attach implements like plows, harrows, mowers, and other tools. It's essentially a linkage system that uses three points of connection to secure the implement to the tractor, forming a triangle-like structure. Typically, a three-point hitch mountcomprises a top linkand a first and second lower lift arms,each providing a lower lift arm pin insert.

Generally, in a version, the multi-use frameincludes a lower assemblythat provides mounting points for a front-end loaderand an attachably removable upper assemblythat connects with the lower assembly, which allows the multi-use frameto attach to a three-point hitch mounton the rear of the tractor. Further, the multi-use framemay provide a loader bucket hook in mounts that allow the attachment of a loader bucket(See).

With reference to-, in a first version of the application, the lower assemblygenerally includes a horizontal lower support memberhaving a first enda second endand a bottom. There are first and second vertical support membersextending upward at each respective endof the horizontal lower support member. The horizontal lower support memberincludes a first and second transverse connection pointsat the first and second endsPreferably, the first and second transverse connection pointsare manufactured of rectangular metal tubing that is shaped to receive an attachment having rectangular tubing that is secured via one or more pins, similar to that of a standard receiver hitch.

The first and second vertical support membersextend between a topand a bottomEach of the first and second vertical support membersprovide a first and second vertically disposed connection pointsfor receipt of the upper assembly, which will be described in further detail below. Preferably, each of the first and second vertically oriented connection pointsare manufactured of metal tubing that provides a sleeve for receipt of tube inserts that are secured by pins. In the version, each of the first and second vertically disposed connection pointsor hitch receiver type tubing include a lateral pair of aligned pin holesfor receipt of a standard hitch pin, clevis pin, or carriage bolt for securing a matching tube insert () that also provides a lateral pair of aligned pin holes.

In the illustrated version, the lower assemblyfurther includes a first and second angled structural support memberseach extending from near a midpoint M of the horizontal lower support memberto a respective topof the first and second vertical support memberThereby providing structural support and integrity to the rectangular lower assembly. The angled structural support membersform a V that provides visual cues aiding in alignment while driving, such as when approaching a trailer to insert a loader-mounted hitch ballinto a trailer tongue coupler.

In the version, a plurality of bottom connection pointsandare aligned below the bottomof the horizontal lower support member. Preferably, the plurality of bottom connection pointsandare manufactured of rectangular metal tubing forming a longitudinal sleeve that provides attachment of accessories via rectangular tube inserts secured via standard receiver hitch pins. Further, each of the plurality of bottom connection points may include a pair of opposing lateral pin holesthat are configured to receive a standard hitch pin therethrough, securing an accessory to the multi-use frame. Further, at least two of the bottom connection pointscan operate to secure the first and second lower lift armsof the three-point hitch mount (See).

As illustrated in, a version of the removable upper assemblyincludes a horizontal upper support memberthat supports opposing first and second downward extending connection membersat each respective endIn the version, the connection membersare configured for coupling with the respective first and second vertically oriented connection pointsof the lower assembly. Preferably, the first and second downward extending connection membersare rectangular metal tube inserts that are configured to insert within the vertically oriented connection pointsSpecifically, a lateral pair of aligned pin holesof each of the first and second downward extending connection membersare aligned with the lateral pair of pin holesof the vertically oriented connection pointswherein a standard hitch pin is positioned laterally therein.

Preferably, at least two of the plurality of bottom connection pointsare configured to connect with the first and second lower lift armsof the three-point hitch mount(See). As best shown in, the upper assemblymay include at least two longitudinal connection pointscentrally positioned on the topof the horizontal upper support memberand forming therebetween a top linkconnection pointof the three-point hitch mount. In a version, each of the first and second longitudinal upper connection pointsfurther includes a pair of laterally aligned pin holesfor receipt of a standard hitch pin. The standard hitch pin is configured to extend and connect between the first and second longitudinal upper connection pointsthereby providing a top linkconnection point of a three-point hitch mountof the tractor as best illustrated inand.

As shown in-, the mounting of the multi-use frameto a three-point hitch mountat the rear of the tractoris achieved by the combination of the upper assemblyproviding a top linkconnection pointbetween the first and second longitudinal upper mounting pointsand the horizontal lower support memberproviding bottom links provided by at least two bottom connection points-each providing support for a standard hitch pin. The multi-use framecan then be used as an attachment point on the rear of a tractorfor a loader bucket, a receiver hitch ball, lifting forks or pallet fork tubes, ballast weights, plows, rakes, and multiple other attachments by use of rectangular tube inserts and standard hitch pins that function as or similar to a standard receiver hitch.

In an alternative version, as best shown inand, at least two of the bottom connection points-provide support for a first and second insert tubesthat provide support for a first and second lower lift arm connection pinsfor attachment during a three-point hitch mount (See).

As shown best in-, the multi-use frameis configured for attachment to a front-end loader, providing front-end loader mounting pointsnear the topof each respective first and second vertical support membersIn a first version, the lower assemblymay further include first and second vertical connection platesthat provide support for the respective first and second front-end loader mounting pointsat an upper portionand lower attachment pinsat a lower portion. The first and second vertical connection platesare positioned on the aft side of the first and second vertical support membersPreferably, the first and second front-end loader mounting pointsare each a hook-type mount as shown in, or upper pockets, as utilized by a standard SSQA system.

With reference to-, in an alternative version, the multi-use framemay include a first end mountthat supports a first connection pinand a second end mountthat supports a second connection pinThe first end mountis operably attachable to the first endof the horizontal lower support memberand the second end mountis operably attachable to the second endof the horizontal lower support member. The first connection pinand the second connection pinfunction as lower connection points for a JDQA front-end loader. Thus, the first and second connection pinsin combination with the first and second front-end loader mounting pointsforming hooks, operate to attach the multi-use frameto JDQA type front-end loader.

In certain versions, each of the first and second end mountsis operably configured to be attachably removable to and from the horizontal lower support member. Further, each of the first and second end mountsmay further include a longitudinal connection point formed of rectangular metal tubing defining a longitudinal sleeve as shown in.

With continued reference to-, a version of the multi-use frameincludes a plurality of movable bottom connection points-positioned along the bottomof the horizontal lower support member. Each of the bottom connection points-is configured to be attachably removable to and from the horizontal lower support member. In a version, each of the bottom connection points-includes a rectangular metal tubing sleevehaving a pair of lateral pin holesfor receipt of a standard hitch pin, a front connection bracket, and a rear connection bracket. The front connection bracketand the rear connection bracketextend above the rectangular metal tubing sleeveand are selectively attachably removable via a standard hitch pin to a plurality of longitudinal pin holesthat are aligned in pairs along the horizontal lower support member. The plurality of longitudinal pin holesallows the selection of the placement of each bottom connection point-along the length of the horizontal lower support member. This enables the user to adjust spacing and accommodate different equipment with different configurations.

Now with reference to-, in certain embodiments of the invention, a dolly assemblyis configured to move a detached front-end loaderacross the ground by hand for storage or positioning the front-end loaderfor reattachment to a tractor. Generally, the multi-use frame provides attachment points for a plurality of caster wheels or dolly wheels to provide movement to the frame. The dolly assemblyincludes a longitudinal support memberthat has a forward endand an aft end. The forward endis configured to couple with the centrally positioned bottom connection pointand the aft endhas an aft connection point.

A first and a second caster wheelsare configured to couple with or fit into the respective first and second transverse connection pointsof the horizontal support memberby way of a first and second standard hitch pins. An aft caster wheelis coupled with the aft connection pointof the longitudinal support member. The aft caster wheelis configured to couple with or fit into the longitudinal connection pointof the aft endof the longitudinal support member. Preferably, the longitudinal and transverse connection pointsare manufactured of metal tubing that allows reciprocally sized tube insertsattached to each of the caster wheelsand are secured via respective receiver hitch pins via aligned pairs of lateral holes. Operationally, each of the caster wheelsandprovides a lifting action from a lower position (for coupling with multi-frame) to a lifted position for movement by way of respective levers.

As an example, with reference toand, when detached from the tractor, the multi-use frame,causes the front-end loaderto sit slightly higher off the ground than it would without attachment to the multi-use frame. Therefore, allowing the lower longitudinal support memberto extend aft from the lower assemblyand beneath the front-end loaderslower cross members. Again, the longitudinal support memberthat protrudes aft provides a rigid connection point for the aft caster wheelto be slid under the loader's rear leg stand.

illustrates a John Deere® brand front-end loaderand leg stand, wherein the aft caster wheelincludes an angled padthat matches the angle of the upward bend at the center of the rear leg stand. In the version, the aft connection pointis smaller in size to allow it to slide under the bend in the center of the front-end loader'sleg stand.