GB2396283A

GB2396283A - Hitch assembly with energy storage means

Info

Publication number: GB2396283A
Application number: GB0328195A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John E Frank; Ian Robertson
Original assignee: McConnel Ltd
Current assignee: McConnel Ltd
Priority date: 2002-12-07
Filing date: 2003-12-05
Publication date: 2004-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2023-12-05
Also published as: GB2396283B; GB0328195D0; GB0228574D0

Abstract

A hitch assembly for connecting a vehicle 12 to an implement 14, the assembly comprising a first link assembly 32 connectable between a vehicle and an implement and a second link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement. The second link assembly comprises a pivot member 52 pivotally attachable to a vehicle at a vehicle pivot point, a load bearing member pivotally attached at one end thereof to the pivot member at a first pivot point and attachable at its other end to an implement, and two links, each link being attachable at one end thereof to an implement. One of the links is pivotally attached at the other end thereof to the pivot member at a second pivot point, spaced from the first and vehicle pivot points, the other of the links being attachable at the other end thereof to the vehicle not at the second pivot point. There are energy storage means 82 whereby pivoting of the pivot member due to a load applied to the load bearing member causes relative movement between part of said one link and part of said other link, the relative movement causing energy to be stored in the energy storage means 82.

Description

1 2396283

P303317GB

A Hitch Assembly This invention relates to a hitch assembly and more particularly but not exclusively to a hitch assembly tor connecting an implement to a vehicle, such as a tractor It is known to connect a tractor and an implement, such as a roadside mower, by attaching links from the lower hitch points of a three point hitch on the tractor to a frame holding the implement. In order to isolate the implement from mechanical clearances in the tractor linkage and so as to restrict tilting of the implement at an angle 10 when in use, a stabiliser frame can be used. This stabilizer frame connects to the tractors upper hitch point and causes most or all of the implement weight to hang from the upper hitch point. As both the weight of implements and the forward speed of tractors and other suitable vehicles have increased over time, so the force exerted on the upper hitch point has increased also. In some cases this force exceeds the critical limit 15 of the connection to the upper link point and can cause damage to or breakage of the connection. It is also known to provide a further upper link connecting to the upper hitch point and shock absorbers to absorb tensile force caused by relative displacement of the tractor 20 and implement in transit. However, these solutions do little or nothing to reduce the force bearing on the upper link point from the weight of the implement.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved connecting apparatus.

25 According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hitch assembly for connecting a vehicle to an implement, the assembly comprising a first link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement and a second link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement, the second link assembly comprising a pivot member pivotally attachable to a vehicle at a vehicle pivot point, a load bearing 30 member pivotally attached at one end thereof to the pivot member at a first pivot point and attachable at its other end to an implement, and two links, each link being

attachable at one end thereof to an implement, one of the links being pivotally attached at the other end thereof to the pivot member at a second pivot point, spaced from the first and vehicle pivot points, the other of the links being attachable at the other end thereof to the vehicle not at the second pivot point, and energy storage means whereby 5 pivoting of the pivot member due to a load applied to the load bearing member causes relative movement between part of said one link and part of said other link, the relative movement causing energy to be stored in the energy storage means.

Preferably when the hitch assembly is connected to the vehicle, the distance between 10 the vehicle pivot point and the second pivot point is sufficiently different to the distance between the vehicle pivot point and said other end of said other link and/or the there is a sufficiently large angle between the second pivot point, the vehicle pivot point and said other end of said other link, to create the relative movement between parts of the links. To increase the relative movement the second pivot point and said 15 other end of said other link are preferably located on opposite sides of the vehicle pivot point in use such that an increase to the load applied to the load bearing member and consequent pivoting of the pivot member causes part of said one link to be put into compression and part of said other link to be put into tension.

20 Preferably said other link can pivot about the first pivot point, possibly as a consequence of said other end of said other link being pivotally attached to the load bearing member. Alternatively or additionally said other end of said other link may be pivotally attached to the pivot member not at the second pivot point.

25 Said one end of each link, the lower link assembly and the energy storage means are preferably all attached to an implement frame which can carry the implement.

When the hitch assembly is connected to an implement, pivoting of the pivot member preferably causes relative movement between said one end of one of the links and the 30 implement whereby the relative movement between the implement and said one end of said one link causes energy to be stored in the energy storage means. The energy storage means is preferably disposed between said one end of said one link, or a

component fixed to said one end of said one link, and the implement, the relative movement between said one end of said one link and the implement causing the size of the energy storage means to alter so as to store energy therein.

5 Preferably the energy storage means is adjacent said one end of said one link or a component fixed to said one end of said one link, and is also adjacent the implement and pivoting of the pivot member compresses or stretches the energy storage means between the implement and said one end of said one link or a component fixed to said one end of said one link. More preferably the energy storage means is disposed 10 between a flange fixed to said one end of said one link and the implement and is compressed between the two on pivoting of the pivot member. Preferably still the flange is located on the opposite side of an implement frame, and the energy storage means is compressed between the implement frame and the flange on pivoting of the pivot member Alternatively or additionally the hitch assembly may comprise a second pivot member attached to energy storage means at a first connection point, pivotally attached to said one end of said one link at a second connection point and pivotally attachable to the implement at a third connection point, where the energy storage means is attachable to 20 the implement and the relative movement causes the second pivotable member to pivot, altering the distance between the second connection point and the implement and the length of the energy storage means.

The distance between the implement and said other end of the other link preferably 25 remains substantially constant Preferably the load bearing member comprises a frame with a first end attached to the pivot member and a second end arranged to connect to a portion of the implement located, in use, lower than the pivot member. More preferably the first end of the frame 30 comprises a cross beam which passes through the pivot member and is able to rotate relative to the pivot member.

The pivot member may be connected directly to a vehicle hitch and is preferably connected to the upper hitch of a three point hitch.

The energy storage means may comprises an elastomeric medium or a spring.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided connecting apparatus for connecting an implement to a vehicle hitch, the apparatus comprising a first link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement and a second link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement, the second link assembly comprising 10 a pivot member pivotally attachable to a vehicle at a vehicle pivot point, a load bearing member pivotally attached at one end thereof to the pivot member at a first pivot point and attachable at its other end to an implement, and two links, each link being attachable at one end thereof to an implement, one of the links being pivotally attached at the other end thereof to the pivot member at a second pivot point, spaced from the 15 first and vehicle pivot points, the other of the links being attachable at the other end thereof to the vehicle not at the second pivot point, and energy storage means whereby pivoting of the pivot member due to a load applied to the load bearing member causes relative movement between part of said one link and part of said other link, the relative movement causing energy to be stored in the energy storage means.

Connecting apparatus according to the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of a tractor connected to a piece of agricultural 25 equipment in a known manner; Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation of connecting apparatus according to the invention in use in connecting a tractor to a piece of agricultural equipment; 30 Figure 3 is a plan view of the connecting apparatus of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the connecting apparatus of Figure 2 when used with a heavier piece of agricultural equipment; I;igure 5 is a side elevation of the connecting apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 with the 5 agricultural equipment removed from its frame; Figure 6 is a schematic side elevation of a second embodiment of connecting apparatus according to the invention; 10 Figure 7 is a close up sectional view of the spring arrangement of the connecting apparatus of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a side elevation of a third embodiment of connecting apparatus according to the invention; Figure 9 is a plan view of the connecting apparatus of Figure 8; and Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting apparatus of Figures 8 and 9. In Figure] a tractor T is connected to a piece of agricultural equipment E by connecting apparatus C. In particular the connecting apparatus C connects to an equipment frame F of the agricultural equipment E. 25 The rear portion of tractor T comprises a three point hitch consisting of an upper hitch UH and two transversely spaced lower hitches LH (one shown).

The connecting apparatus C comprises two tractor lower links L, a hitch connector HC, a stabilizer frame S. and a top link B

The two tractor lower links connect the equipment frame F to the lower hitches LH of the tractor T and the upper hitch UH is connected to one end of the hitch connector HC.

and connected at the other end to the top link B. 5 The stabilizer frame C comprises two arms A and a cylindrical cross beam (not shown) between the ends of arms A nearest to the tractor T. The ends of arms A furthest from the tractor T are each fastened to the equipment frame F. The cylindrical cross beam is welded to the hitch connector HC. The effect of the stabilizer frame S connecting the equipment frame F with the hitch connector HC in this manner is that most or all of the 10 weight of the agricultural equipment is suspended from the upper hitch UH.

Top link B is a standard link of the type often used to connect a tractor T to agricultural equipment E. The end of top link B furthest from the tractor is attached to bolts BT.

Bolts BT extend through the equipment frame F where they are fastened to a flange FG 15 on the opposite side of the equipment frame F to the tractor T. Located between flange FG and the equipment frame F is an elastomeric medium M. As the tractor T drives forwards in use the inertial mass of the equipment and frictional forces acting on the equipment pull at the stabilizer frame S and hence on the upper 20 hitch U1I. The tensile force pulls the equipment frame F towards the flange FG compressing the elastomeric medium M and so absorbing some of this tensile force caused by relative displacement of the tractor and equipment. However, the connecting apparatus C does little to reduce the downward force bearing on the upper hitch UH from the weight of the equipment E. In Figure 2 a tractor 12 is connected to agricultural equipment 14 by connecting apparatus 10 forming part of a vehicle hitch assembly according to the invention. In particular the connecting apparatus 10 connects to an equipment frame 16 of the agricultural equipment 14.

The rear portion of tractor 12 comprises a three point hitch consisting of an upper hitch 18 and two transversely spaced lower hitches 20, a near lower hitch and a far lower hitch (not shown).

5 Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the equipment frame 16 comprises a main body 22, a top connecting portion 24 and two lower connecting portions 26. Each lower connecting portion 26 comprises a bottom aperture 28 and a series of top apertures 30 arranged in a substantially straight line and in the position illustrated in Figures l and 2 this line is substantially parallel to the ground G. In alternative embodiments the line may be at an 10 angle to the ground.

The connecting apparatus 10 comprises two tractor lower links 32, a stabilizer frame 42, a rocker 36, an upper link 38, and a middle link 40.

15 The two tractor lower links 32 connect the equipment frame 16 to the tractor 12. Each of the tractor lower links 32 has one end fastened to one of the lower hitches 20 of the tractor l 2 and the other end fastened to the bottom apertures 28 of the respective lower connecting portion 26 of the equipment frame 16. The lower links 32 are pivotably fastened to the hitches 20 and apertures 28 so as to allow some movement of the 20 agricultural equipment] 4 relative to the tractor 12.

The stabilizer frame 42 best shown in Figure 3, comprises two arms 44 positioned either side of the middle and upper links 40, 38, and a cylindrical cross beam 46. The ends of arms 44 furthest from the tractor 12 are each pivotably fastened to a top 25 aperture 30 oi the lower connecting portion 26 and the ends nearest the tractor 12 are integral with the cross beam 46. Attached, and preferably welded, to the cross beam, are two middle plates 48. The middle plates 48 are substantially parallel to each other and are located either side of the rocker 36.

30 In Figure 3, the rocker 36 comprises a first central element 50, a second central element 52, two lower plates 54 and two upper plates 56. The upper plates 56 are welded to the top oi the second central element 52 one on each side, whilst lower plates 54 are

welded to the second central element, one on each side, and are also fastened to the first central element 50 so as to secure the two central elements 50, 52 together.

Consequently, the two central elements 50 and 52 and the upper plates 56 rotate as one piece (rocker 36).

The first central element 50 comprises a bushing through which a pin 58 pivotably fastens the rocker 36 to the upper hitch 18. The second central element 52 comprises a bushing through which the cross beam 46 of stabiliser frame 42 is located and is able to rotate. Upper link 38 comprises a male bar 60 and a female bar 62, the female bar 62 having a larger cross sectional area than the male bar 60 One end of the male bar 60 is pivotably fastened to upper connecting portion 24. The other end comprises two or more apertures 64 and is contained within a recess in the larger female bar 62. This recessed 15 end of the female bar 62 also comprises two or more apertures (not shown) of a similar diameter to apertures 64. The other end of the female bar 62 is pivotably fastened between upper plates 56 of rocker 36.

The two bars 60, 62 are fastened together through their co-operating portions by a bolt 20 passing through an aperture 64.

In an alternative form the upper link 38 may be a screwed link comprising eyelet portions and a main shaft in a similar manner to middle link 40, upper link 138 of the second embodiment and links 238 and 240 ofthe third embodiment described below.

Middle link 40 comprises a first eyelet portion 66, a main shaft 68, a second eyelet portion 70, a connector 72, two bolts 74 (one shown) and a flange 76.

The two eyelet portions 66, and 70 are positioned either side of the main shaft 68 which 30 tapers at either end in meeting the eyelet portions 66, 70. These three components 66, 68 and 70 form a standard link of the type often used to connect a tractor 12 to a piece

of agricultural equipment 14 and can be adjusted in length by turning of a tommy bar 78 in a known manner.

The first eyelet portion 66 is pivotably fastened between middle plates 48 and the 5 second eyelet portion is fastened to the connector 72.

Bolts 74 pass through apertures in the connector 72 and are substantially parallel with the main shaft 68. The end of each bolt 74 furthest from the tractor 12 is threaded and has a co-operating nut 80. The flange 76 is located about both bolts and is prevented 10 from being removed by the nuts 80. The bolts 74 extends through and beyond the main body 22 of the equipment frame 16 such that the flange 76 and the nuts 80 are on the I opposite side of the equipment frame 16 to the tractor 12. Located between flange 76 and the main body 22 is an elastomeric medium 82, in a slightly compressed state.

15 The end of the upper link 38 nearest the tractor 12 is fastened between the upper plates 56. The end of the middle link 40 nearest the tractor 12 is fastened between middle plates 48. As can be seen in Figure 2 the points at which each of these attachments of upper 38 and middle 40 links are located are positioned above and below the pin 58.

Since the pin 58 acts as the pivot for rocker 36, when the rocker 36 rotates the two links 20 38 and 40 will have moments in opposite directions.

Due to the position of the stabilizer frame 42, most or all of the agricultural equipment weight is suspended from the rocker 36. As the weight of the agricultural equipment 14 1 acts downward, stabilizer frame 42 pivots the rocker 36 about the upper hitch 18 which 25 compresses the upper link 38 against the equipment frame 16. That causes a reaction in the middle link 40 which is placed in tension due to the force of the upper link 38 pushing the equipment frame 16 away from the tractor 12. The tensile force caused in the middle link 40 pulls flange 76 towards the equipment frame 16 compressing the elastomeric medium 82. Most and preferably all of the load of the agricultural 30 equipment 14 acting downwards is thus carried by the elastomeric medium 82.

Figure 4 shows the position of connecting apparatus 10 and equipment frame 14 when the agricultural equipment 14 load is very high. In this Figure the elastomeric medium 82 is considerably more compressed than in Figure 2. The equipment frame 16 has moved significantly downwards and has also tilted backwards slightly. The pivotable nature of the rocker 36 allows the agricultural equipment frame 16 to "float" in this manner, the weight of the agricultural equipment being borne by the elastomeric medium 82. The tractors lower links 32 carry little and preferably none of the weight of the agricultural equipment 14 directly.

10 The very large agricultural equipment load illustrated in Figure 4 could be caused by the use of a piece of agricultural equipment with a particularly large mass. Alternatively the large load could be the result of the tractor 12 being in transit. The roughness of the road being travelled over and the speed travelled at can induce loading of two or three times gravity on the mass of the agricultural equipment. In these circumstances the 15 highly compressed state of the elastomeric medium shown in Figure 4 would only be temporary and the apparatus would return closer to the position shown in Figure 2 when the loading is reduced.

Figure 5 shows the connecting apparatus 10 when the agricultural equipment 14 has 20 been removed from the equipment frame 16 and the only downwards force acting is the relatively small weight of the frame 14 itself. In this situation the elastomeric medium 82 is less compressed and need not be in a compressed state at all. The equipment frame] 6 is positioned higher and is tilting forwards slightly.

25 The upper and middle links 38, 40 can be adjusted to achieve the correct ride height and angle for the agricultural equipment 14 in the vertical plane. The middle link 40 can be adjusted by the turning of tommy bar 78 and the upper link 38 can be adjusted by unfastening the male bar 60 and female bar 62, sliding the bars relative to each other until the apertures 64 align with the next set of apertures (not shown) in the female bar 30 62 and then refastening the bars 60, 62 together. The position of the stabilizer frame 42 can also be adjusted by changing which set of upper apertures 30 it is fastened to.

A second embodiment of connecting apparatus 110 is shown in Figure 6. Similar or identical components or components with a similar function to components in the first embodiment are denoted with the same reference number prefixed with a " I ".

5 Middle link 140 is fastened between middle plates 148 as with the first embodiment but comprises co-operating female and male bars, 160 and 162 similar to the upper link 38 of the first embodiment. In an alternative form the middle link 140 may comprise eyelet portions and a main shaft like the first embodiment.

10 Upper link 138 comprises a first eyelet portion 166, a main shaft 168, a second eyelet portion 170 which form a standard link of the type often used to connect a tractor 12 to an agricultural equipment 14 and can be adjusted in length by turning of a tommy bar (not shown).

15 Equipment frame 116 comprises a middle connecting portion 184, which is pivotably fastened to the middle link 140 and an upper connecting portion 124. The upper connecting portion 124 comprises a top connection point 186 and two substantially parallel projections 188 and 189 on the side of the equipment frame 16 facing the tractor 112.

Connected to the top connection point 186 is pivotable element 190 best seen in Figure 7. The pivotable element 190 comprises an approximate rounded triangle having three corners, first corner 192, second corner 194 and third corner 196. The first corner 192 is fastened to upper link 138. The second corner is fastened to the top connection 25 point 186 and the pivotable element 190 pivots about this point 186.

The third corner 196 is connected to a bolt 198 which is connected to a stopper 199. An elastomeric medium 182, in this case a spring, is secured between the top projection 188 of agricultural equipment frame 116 and the stopper 199.

hi. in As the weight of the agricultural equipment 14 acts downward, the rocker 136 pivots about the upper hitch 118 and the middle link 140 is put in tension. This causes an

opposite reaction in the upper link 138 which in addition to the fact that this link 138 is located on the opposite side of the pivot 118/158 to middle link 140, causes the upper link 138 to be pushed away from the tractor 112 and put into compression. The compressive force in the upper link 138 causes the pivotable element 190 to rotate, 5 pulling the bolt 198 and stopper 199 and consequently putting a compressive stress on to the elastomeric medium 182. Most and preferably all of the load of the agricultural equipment 14 acting downwards is carried by the elastomeric medium 182.

A third embodiment of connecting apparatus 210 is shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10.

10 Similar or identical components or components with a similar function to components in the first embodiment are denoted with the same reference number prefixed with a c27. The stabilizer frame 242 is substantially identical to stabilizer frame 42 of the first 15 embodiment except there are no middle plates attached. In Figure 10 fastening means for attaching the frame 42 to the lower connecting portion 226 of equipment frame 216 are shown as comprising two bolts 227 with coaxial spacers 229 on the inside faces of the frame 42 and co-operating self-locking nuts 231 on the outside faces.

20 The rocker 236 comprises a first central element 250, a bushing tube 284, and two rocker plates 286. The rocker plates 286 are welded around bushing tube 284 and are fixed parallel with each other, separated by a distance just greater than the width of first cental element 250. One end of the first central element 250 is located between rocker plates 286 and is secured to them by fasteners 288, such as the nut and bolt shown in 25 Figure 10. Consequently, the element 250, tube 284 elements 50 and the plates 286 rotate as one piece (rocker 236).

The end of the first central element 250 furthest from fasteners 288 comprises a hole through which a pin 258 pivotably fastens the element to the upper hitch 218. The cross 30 beam 246 of stabiliser frame 242 is located and able to rotate through the centre of bushing tube 284.

Middle link 240 is substantially similar to middle link 40 of the first embodiment except that the first eyelet portion 266 is pivotably fastened between the rocker plates 284. 5 Upper link 238 is substantially similar to upper link 138 of the second embodiment except that second eyelet portion 270 is pivotally attached directly to top connecting portion 224 of the equipment frame 216. Both eyelet portions 270, 266 are pivotally attached by a link pin 271 and corresponding linchpin 273.

10 In this third embodiment 210 the middle link 240 is attached directly to the rocker 236 instead of the stabilizer frame 242, however, when a load is placed onto the equipment frame the lower link 240 is still put in to tension and the upper link 238 still put into compression in a similar manner to the first embodiment 10.

15 Similar or identical fasteners to those depicted in Figure 10 (fasteners 288, bolts 227, spacers 229, nuts 231, link pins 271 and linchpins 273) can also be used for like attachments in the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7.

Although in all the above described embodiments, the links attach to an equipment 20 frame 16, they could also be attached directly to a piece of agricultural equipment.

Claims

1. A hitch assembly for connecting a vehicle to an implement, the assembly comprising a first link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement and a 5 second link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement, the second link assembly comprising a pivot member pivotally attachable to a vehicle at a vehicle pivot point, a load bearing member pivotally attached at one end thereof to the pivot member at a first pivot point and attachable at its other end to an implement, and two links, each link being attachable at one end thereof to an implement, one of the links being 10 pivotally attached at the other end thereof to the pivot member at a second pivot point, spaced from the first and vehicle pivot points, the other of the links being attachable at the other end thereof to the vehicle not at the second pivot point, and energy storage means whereby pivoting of the pivot member due to a load applied to the load bearing member causes relative movement between part of said one link and part of said other 15 link, the relative movement causing energy to be stored in the energy storage means.

2. A hitch assembly according to claim I in which, when connected to the vehicle, the distance between the vehicle pivot point and the second pivot point is sufficiently different to the distance between the vehicle pivot point and said other end 20 of said other link to create the relative movement between parts of the links

3. A hitch assembly according to claim I or 2 in which, when connected to the vehicle, the angle between the second pivot point, the vehicle pivot point and said other end of said other link is sufficiently large to create the relative movement between parts 25 of the links.

4. A hitch assembly according to claim 3 in which the second pivot point and said other end of said other link are located on opposite sides of the vehicle pivot point in use such that an increase to the load applied to the load bearing member and 30 consequent pivoting of the pivot member causes part of said one link to be put into compression and part of said other link to be put into tension.

5. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim in which said other link can pivot about the first pivot point.

6. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim in which said other end of 5 said other link is pivotally attached to the load bearing member.

7. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim in which said other end of said other link is pivotally attached to the pivot member not at the second pivot point.

10

8. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim in which, when connected to an implement, pivoting of the pivot member causes relative movement between said one end of one of the links and the implement whereby the relative movement between the implement and said one end of said one link causes energy to be stored in the energy storage means.

9. A hitch assembly according to claim 8 whereby the energy storage means is disposed between said one end of said one link, or a component fixed to said one end of said one link, and the implement, the relative movement between said one end of said one link and the implement causes the size of the energy storage means to alter so 20 as to store energy therein.

10. A hitch assembly according to claim 9 in which the energy storage means is adjacent said one end of said one link or a component fixed to said one end of said one link, and is also adjacent the implement, whereby pivoting of the pivot member 25 compresses or stretches the energy storage means between the implement and said one end of said one link or a component fixed to said one end of said one link.

I 1. A hitch assembly according to claim 10 in which the energy storage means is disposed between a flange fixed to said one end of said one link and the implement and 30 is compressed between the two on pivoting of the pivot member.

12. A hitch assembly according to claim 9 comprising a second pivot member attached to the energy storage means at a first connection point, pivotally attached to said one end of said one link at a second connection point and pivotally attachable to the implement at a third connection point, where the energy storage means is attachable 5 to the implement and the relative movement causes the second pivotable member to pivot, altering the distance between the second connection point and the implement and the length of the energy storage means.

13. A hitch assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the distance 10 between the implement and said other end of the other link remains substantially constant

14. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim whereby said one end of each link, the lower link assembly and the energy storage means are all attached to an

15 implement frame which can carry the implement.

IS. A hitch assembly according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 11 wherein the flange is located on the opposite side of the implement frame, and the energy storage means is compressed between the implement frame and the Range on pivoting 20 of the pivot member

16. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the load bearing member comprises a frame with a first end attached to the pivot member and a second end arranged to connect to a portion of the implement located, in use, lower than the 25 pivot member.

17. A hitch assembly according to claim 17 wherein the first end of the frame comprises a cross beam which passes through the pivot member and is able to rotate relative to the pivot member.

18. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the pivot member is connected directly to a vehicle hitch.

19. A hitch assembly according to claim I I wherein the pivot member is connected directly to the upper hitch of a three point hitch.

5

20. A hitch assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the energy storage means comprises an elastomeric medium.

21. A hitch assembly according to any of claims I to 19 wherein the energy storage means comprises a spring.

22. Connecting apparatus for connecting an implement to a vehicle hitch, the apparatus comprising a first link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement and a second link assembly connectable between a vehicle and an implement, the second link assembly comprising a pivot member pivotally attachable 15 to a vehicle at a vehicle pivot point, a load bearing member pivotally attached at one end thereof to the pivot member at a first pivot point and attachable at its other end to an implement, and two links, each link being attachable at one end thereof to an implement, one of the links being pivotally attached at the other end thereof to the pivot member at a second pivot point, spaced from the first and vehicle pivot points, 20 the other of the links being attachable at the other end thereof to the vehicle not at the second pivot point, and energy storage means whereby pivoting of the pivot member due to a load applied to the load bearing member causes relative movement between part of said one link and part of said other link, the relative movement causing energy to be stored in the energy storage means.

23. A hitch assembly substantially as described herein with reference to any of Figures 2to 10.