GB2546315A

GB2546315A - Modular hitch plate

Info

Publication number: GB2546315A
Application number: GB1600799.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Webster Ian
Original assignee: Webster Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Webster Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-15
Filing date: 2016-01-15
Publication date: 2017-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-15
Also published as: GB2546315A9; GB201600799D0; GB2546315B

Abstract

A modular hitch plate (200) for attaching a tool (60) to plant machinery (40) , which comprises a plate member (210) having a tool-facing portion (212), a plant-facing portion (214), and a plurality of pin members 250 realisably secured to the machinery facing portion through apertures (312, 314, 332, 324) located on link arm members (310, 320, 330). Each pin member is connected to the other by the articulated link arm members adapted to be modified so that the distance between longitudinal centres of pin members may be adjusted. Including a method to modify a distance between longitudinal centres of pin members of the modular hitch plate fitted to plant machinery tooling attachments. Preferably including spaced members and additional apertures on articulated members to facilitate modification of pin centres.

Description

MODULAR HITCH PLATE

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a hitch plate for interfacing tooling attachments with plant machinery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular hitch plate having a variable geometry for interfacing tooling attachments with a variety of plant machinery.

Background of the Invention [0002] The widespread adoption of plant machinery for earthwork and goods handling has led to the development of many solutions for varying the purpose of mechanized and motorized machinery. Excavators, loaders and similar machines traditionally have a high cost of acquisition, which has prompted their operators to develop solutions for varying their utility, for example by selectively attaching a variety of hydraulically-actuated surface-impacting and ground-digging tool attachments to a same machine and reciprocally, so as to maximize their use and therefore amortize their cost more promptly.

[0003] An example of plant machinery is shown in Figure 1A and typically includes a motorized, wheeled or tracked platform 10 configured with an open or closed operator cabin 20 and one or more articulated arm-like extensions 30, wherein articulation 35 is usually hydraulically-driven. The extremity of the or each arm-like extension 30 is configured as an interface 40 to releasably and securely grip a tool attachment 50, for instance a shovel or a jackhammer, via a hitch plate 100 permanently secured to the tool attachment and sporting cylindrical pins engaged by a correspondingly grappling configuration of the interface 40, for instance a pair of releasably closeable hooks.

[0004] Examples of known hitch plates 100N are also shown in Figures 1B and 1C, wherein each comprises a substantially U-shaped member 100 typically made of steel material, with a substantially planar and rectangular base 110 having a first side 112 facing and abutting the tool (not shown) and a second side 114 opposed to the first which faces the plant machinery extension. Flange members 116, 118 integral with the base 110 member or welded thereto extend respectively from opposed and parallel edges of the second side 114, substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the rectangular base 110.

[0005] Subject to the extent of the mechanical forces which the hitch plate is designed to withstand in use, certain types of hitch plates 100N may further comprise a transversal bracing member 120 extending between, and substantially perpendicularly to, the flanges 116, 118 across the second side 114.

[0006] The flange members 116, 118 are identical to one another and each consists of a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal member and having two circular through-apertures 122-1,2, with each aperture 122-i,2 located proximate a respective extremity of the rectangular or trapezoidal member and distal the second side 114 of the plate 110.

[0007] Each hitch plate 100N further comprises a pair of cylindrical pin members 150i,2 fixedly engaged in the circular through-apertures 122i,2, which are grasped by the grappling configuration of the plant machinery interface, a configuration considered to be standard in the field and shared by most plant machinery manufacturers. Skilled persons assess the inter-operability of plant machinery with a tool equipped with a hitch plate 100n on the basis of inter alia the diameter of the pin members 150i,2, the distance between their respective longitudinal centres 15212 and the length of the pin members 150-i,2 between the flange members 116, 118 that may be grasped by the plant machinery interface and which is colloquially known as the ‘dipper gap’.

[0008] In most cases, neither the configuration of the surface of a tooling attachment to which a hitch plate 100N is secured, nor the grappling configuration of the plant machinery interface, can be easily modified. Therefore solutions for facilitating the interfacing of various machines with a tool-specific hitch plate or of a same machine with a variety of tool-specific hitch plates have logically focused upon the configuration of the pin members 150i,2. Prior art solutions are for instance disclosed in GB2474905, GB2508168 and US6886279 and are colloquially referred to as ‘quick-hitch’ solutions.

Summary of the Invention [0009] Known quick-hitch solutions are still limited in terms of the variety of plant machinery configurations and tools they may interface, whereby an improved hitching solution is required, which preferably accommodates a greater variety of plant machinery interfaces with lesser and shorter handling requirements.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular hitch plate for attaching a tool to plant machinery, comprising a plate member having a tool-facing portion and a plant-facing portion, and a plurality of pin members releasably secured to the machinery-facing portion, wherein each pin member is connected to the other by articulated link arm members adapted to modify and set a distance between longitudinal centres of at least two pin members.

[0011] The articulated link arms effectively permit the geometry of the pin members facing the plant machinery arm to be modified and set, advantageously increasing the compatibility of the hitch plate with many different grappling configurations of machinery arms with of varying and respective dimensions.

[0012] In an embodiment of the hitch plate according to the invention, the pin members may be oriented substantially parallel to one another. This embodiment advantageously accommodates a majority of typical machinery arm configurations and existing tools may usefully be retrofitted with the modular hitch plate of the invention to maximise its benefit.

[0013] In an embodiment of the hitch plate according to the invention, the pin members are oriented transversally to a main axis of the plate member. This embodiment again advantageously accommodates a majority of typical machinery arm configurations and tool geometries.

[0014] An embodiment of the hitch plate according to the invention may comprise at least three pins, wherein two pins are located proximate the machinery-facing portion and the third pin is located distal the machinery-facing portion, and wherein the distance is modified between respective centres of the third pin and the first or second pin. This embodiment is considered to provide a particularly broad scope of geometrical variation of the modular hitch plate, permitting the interface of same with most known machinery arm configurations and dimensions.

[0015] Accordingly, in an embodiment of the hitch plate according to the invention, the distance between the longitudinal centres of the pin members may be modified and set in the range 125mm to 310mm, including in particular 165mm, 185mm, 225mm and 250mm.

[0016] Further, in an embodiment of the hitch plate according to the invention, the pin members are, preferably, substantially cylindrical and interchangeable for varying diameters in the range 35mm to 50mm, including in particular 40mm and 45mm.

[0017] In an embodiment of the hitch plate according to the invention, a portion of the length of each pin member located between the link arm members is a dipper gap in the range 144mm to 206mm, and a variant of this embodiment may usefully further comprise spacing members engaged by the pin members and located between and adjacent the link arm members for modifying dimensions of the dipper gap.

[0018] In an embodiment of the hitch plate according to the invention, each link arm comprises more than two through-apertures. This embodiment is considered to further increase the scope of geometrical variation of the modular hitch plate, without excessively compromising the structural integrity of the interface.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of hitching a tool to plant machinery, wherein the tool comprises a modular hitch plate for releasable engagement with an interface of the plant machinery, and the modular hitch plate comprises a plate member having a tool-facing portion, a plant machinery-facing portion, a plurality of pin members releasably secured to the plant machinery-facing portion and connected to one other by articulated link arm members, the method comprising the steps of obtaining at least one dimension of the interface; articulating the link arm members so as to modify a distance between longitudinal centres of at least two of the plurality of pin members, wherein the modified distance corresponds to the at least one dimension obtained; securing the link arms members to set the modified distance; and engaging the pin members with the interface.

[0020] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the modular hitch plate comprises at least three pins, with two pins located proximate the machinery-facing portion and the third pin located distal the machinery-facing portion, and wherein the step of articulating further comprises modifying the distance between respective longitudinal centres of the third pin and the first or second pin.

[0021] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of articulating further comprises modifying the distance between respective longitudinal centres to one of 125mm, 165mm, 185mm, 225mm, 250mm or 310mm.

[0022] An embodiment of the method according to the invention may comprise the further step of selectively configuring the modular hitch plate with pin members having a diameter in the range 35mm to 50mm.

[0023] An embodiment of the method according to the invention may comprise the further steps of engaging a pair of spacing members on each pin members and locating the spacing members between and adjacent the link arm members for modifying the length of the portion of each pin member located between the link arm members.

[0024] An embodiment of the method according to the invention may comprise the further step of selectively configuring the modular hitch plate with link arm members having more than two through-apertures. In a variant of this embodiment, wherein a first pin member remains engaged in a first through aperture and wherein the step of articulating comprises the further steps of disengaging at least a second pin member from a second through aperture and engaging the at least second pin member in a third through aperture.

[0025] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0026] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0027] Figure 1A shows an example of plant machinery that uses hitch plates; [0028] Figures 1B and 1C show examples of hitch plates of the prior art; [0029] Figure 2 is a lateral view of an embodiment of a modular hitch plate according to the invention; [0030] Figure 3 is a top view of the modular hitch plate of Figure 2; [0031] Figure 4 shows perspective views of the modular hitch plate of Figures 2 and 3 in three alternative configurations; and [0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the modular hitch plate of Figures 2 to 4 in exploded form illustrating various possible configurations of pin members and link arms.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments [0033] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and described in detail herein, one embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0034] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0035] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is Included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0036] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way, [0037] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0038] Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, exemplary instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, certain theories may be proposed and disclosed herein; however, in no way, whether they are right or wrong, should they limit the scope of the disclosure so long as the disclosure is practiced according to the disclosure without regard for any particular theory or scheme of action [0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0040] The term "proximate" shall mean at or near the object being modified by the term "proximate". Any numerical values provided herein are given by way of example and the scope of the claimed invention is not intended to be limited in any way thereby.

[0041] The present invention comprises, in part, a modular hitch plate for attaching a tool 60 to plant machinery 40, comprising a plate member having a tool-facing portion and a plant-facing portion and a plurality of pin members releasably secured to the machinery-facing portion, wherein each pin member is connected to the other by articulated link arm members adapted to modify a distance between longitudinal centres of at least two pin members.

[0042] A modular hitch plate 200 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3, which consists of a substantially U-shaped member 201 cast as an integral member in steel material, with a substantially planar and rectangular base 210 having a first side 212 for facing a tool 50 and a second side 214 opposed to the first for facing plant machinery 10, 30, 40, and wherein flange members 216, 218 extend respectively from the opposed and parallel longest edges of the second side 214, substantially perpendicularly to the base 210.

[0043] The flange members 216, 218 are identical to one another and each consists of a substantially Y-shaped member, integrally connected to the base 210 by the leg portion 226 of the Y shape and having two circular through-apertures 222i,2, with each aperture 222i,2 located proximate a respective extremity of the two branch portions 22812 of the Y shape distal the leg portion 216.

[0044] The flange members 216, 218 each have an outwardly-facing side 236 and an inwardly-facing side 238, thus the outwardly-facing sides 236 of the two flange members 216, 218 face away from one another and from the main axis of the planar and rectangular base 210, and the inwardly-facing sides 238 of the two flange members 216, 218 face towards each other and towards the main axis of the planar and rectangular base 210.

[0045] Pin members 250 according to an embodiment of the invention are also shown in Figures 2 and 3. In the embodiment shown, the modular hitch plate 200 comprises three pin members 250123, each of which is substantially cylindrical and has a longitudinal centre 252. At its simplest, and as shown in the Figures, a pin member 250 may have a substantially continuous and uniform outer diameter 253 over its entire surface between its opposed ends 254, 255, wherein the outer diameter 253 is dimensioned to achieve a sliding fit within the through-apertures 222-i2 of the parallel flange members 216, 218.

[0046] Flowever, alternative embodiments of a pin member 250 are shown in Figure 4 which may be substantially FI- or dumbbell- shaped, having symmetrically-opposed distal portions 256, each extending from a respective end 254, 255 of the pin member over a distance towards the transversal axis of the pin member, with each distal portion 256 having a same outer diameter 253 dimensioned to achieve the sliding fit within the through-apertures 22212 of the parallel flange members 216, 218, but between which the median portion 257 of the pin member 250 has a smaller and concentric diameter 258.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, a first pin member 250i accordingly passes through a first pair of opposed through-apertures 2221:1 of the parallel flange members 216, 218 and a second pin member 2502 passes through a second pair of opposed through-apertures 22222 of the parallel flange members 216, 218.

[0048] The third pin member 2503 is solidarily and operably connected to the first and second pin members 25012 and to the base member 201 by a plurality of link arm members, examples of which according to an embodiment of the invention are also shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0049] A first link arm member 310 is elongate, planar and substantially rectangular with rounded extremities, having two through-apertures 312, 314, one proximate each extremity. Each through-aperture 312, 314 has a diameter corresponding substantially both to the respective diameters of the through-apertures 222 of the flange members 216, 218 and to the diameter of the pin members 150. A first 314 of the through-apertures of the first link arm 310 is engaged by the first pin member 250i and the link arm is positioned to abut the outwardly-facing side 236 of the adjacent flange members 216. The first link arm 310 may accordingly pivot about the longitudinal centre 252 of the first pin member 250-I.

[0050] Each pin member 250 has a total length exceeding the total width of the combination of the U-shaped member 201 and link arm members as explained hereafter, wherein opposed and respective lengths of each pin member 250 project proud of the outwardly-facing sides 236 of the two flange members 216, 218 and any link arm member engaged therewith, and each such projecting length comprises a transversal through-aperture 260 substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the pin member.

[0051] Accordingly, the first link arm 310 is retained in position by engaging an annular boss member 400 with the first pin member 250-I, locating diametrically-opposed through-apertures of the boss member 400 in correspondence with the pin member through-aperture 260, threading a fastener 450, for instance a M8 bolt, through the boss and pin members’ respective and aligned through-apertures, and securing the fastener in place, for instance with a corresponding M8 nut.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, intended to withstand greater operational forces and stresses, each pin member 250 may include a second transversal through-aperture 260 located proximate the first transversal through-aperture 260 and on the inwardly-facing side 238 the flange member, such that a second boss member 400 and fastener 450 may be used to still better retain the first link arm 310 in position. This secondary, inner boss member may also constitute as a spacing member used to reduce the length of the pin member 250 between the flanges 216, 218 that may be grasped by the interface 40.

[0053] A second link arm member 320 is equally elongate, planar and substantially rectangular with rounded extremities, having two outer through-apertures 322, 324 proximate each extremity of the member, and a further two inner through-apertures 326, 328 one respectively adjacent each outer through-aperture 322, 324, wherein the inner through-apertures 326, 328 are provided to maximise the positional modularity of the hitch plate configuration. The second link arm member 320 is essentially similar to the first link arm save for the additional inner through-apertures 326, 328 and a comparatively longer length.

[0054] Each through-aperture 322, 324, 326, 328 again has a diameter corresponding substantially both to the respective diameters of the through-apertures 222 of the flange members 216, 218 and to the diameter of the pin members 150. A first 324 of the outer through-apertures of the second link arm 320 is engaged by the second pin member 2502 and the second outer through-aperture 322 of the second link arm 320 is engaged by the third pin member 2503. The link arm is again positioned to abut the outwardly-facing side 236 of the adjacent flange members 216, such that the first and second link arms 310, 320 are in planar alignment with one another. The second link arm 320 is again retained in position with respective circular boss members 400 engaged on each of the second and third pin members 2502,3 and retained thereon with respective fasteners 450 threaded therethrough. The second link arm 320 may accordingly pivot about the longitudinal centre 252 of the second pin members 2502.

[0055] A third link arm member 330 is equally elongate, planar and substantially rectangular with rounded extremities, having at least two through-apertures 332, 334 proximate each extremity of the member. The third link arm member 330 is essentially similar to the first and second link arms, save for a comparatively shorter length relative to both.

[0056] Each through-aperture 332, 334, again has a diameter corresponding substantially both to the respective diameters of the through-apertures 222 of the flange members 216, 218 and to the diameter of the pin members 150. In this embodiment, a first through-aperture 334 of the third link arm is concentrically secured to the second 316 of the through-apertures of the first link arm 310, for instance with a rotary coupling mounted peripherally or internally therebetween (not shown). The third link arm 330 may accordingly pivot about the longitudinal centre of the first through-aperture 334.

[0057] The second 332 through-aperture of the third link arm 330 is engaged by the third pin member 2503 and positioned such that its outwardly-facing side abuts, at its extremity proximate the adjacent second link arm 320, the inwardly-facing side of the adjacent second link arm 320 and, at its extremity proximate the adjacent first link arm 320, the inwardly-facing side of the adjacent second link arm 320, whereby the third link arm 330 is in planar alignment with the flange 216.

[0058] The second link arm 320 is retained in position by the rotary coupling at the level of the first through-aperture 334 and again with a circular boss member 400 engaged on the third pin members 2503 and retained thereon with a fastener 450 threaded therethrough. The pivoting of the third link arm 330 about the longitudinal centre 252 of the second pin members 2502 at one end is accordingly restricted by its secondary pivot point about the longitudinal centre 252 of the third pin members 2503.

[0059] Accordingly still, the pivoting of the first link arm 310 about the longitudinal centre 252 of the first pin members 250i at one end is restricted by its secondary pivot point about the longitudinal centre 252 of the rotary coupling about the first through-aperture 334, and the pivoting of the second link arm 320 about the longitudinal centre 252 of the second pin members 2502 at one end is restricted by its secondary pivot point about the longitudinal centre 252 of the third pin members 2503. There is thus described a combination of link arms 310, 320, 330 solidary with one another and having a geometry that may be varied within the limits of its multiple and inter-dependent pivot points.

[0060] The above combination of first, second and third link arms 310, 320, 330 has been described adjacent flange 216 and constitutes a first half of the geometrically variable structure containing the pin members 250, and an identical combination of link arms 310, 320, 330, boss members 400 and fasteners 450 and rotary coupling is mirrored at the second, opposed extremity of the pin members 250 adjacent the opposed flange 218.

[0061] In use, the modular hitch plate 200 is releasably engaged with an interface 40 of a plant machinery extension 30 by first obtaining at least one dimension of the interface 40 corresponding to either the diameter of the second and third pin members 2502,3, or the distance between their respective longitudinal centres 2522,3, or the length of the pin second and third members 2502 3 between the flange members 216, 218, but preferably all three.

[0062] The link arm members 310, 320, 330 are then articulated about their respective but solidary pivot points 252 so as to modify the distance between the longitudinal centres 2522,3 of the second and third pin members 2502 3, in correspondence with the dimension obtained from the plant machinery interface 40. One or more of the pin members 2502:3, may optionally by swapped for one or more alternative pin members 250 with a narrower mid-section 257, by releasing the relevant fastener(s) 450, disengaging the boss members 400, disengaging one or more of the link arms 310, 320, 330, extracting the pin member(s) 250 currently in situ, inserting the alternative pin member(s) 250, reengaging the corresponding link arms 310, 320, 330, re-engaging the boss members 400, and securing the fastener(s) 450 again. Likewise, a pin member 25023 may be displaced from an outer through-aperture 322, 324 of the second link arm 320 to an inner through-aperture 326, 328. Likewise still, the second link arm 320 may be substituted for a shorter or longer link arm.

[0063] The combination of alternative pin members 250 with a diameter in the range 35mm to 50mm and the geometrical flexibility of the link arm structure provides a modular hitch plate 200 apt to accommodate a distance between respective longitudinal centres 252 to any one of 125mm, 165mm, 185mm, 225mm, 250mm or 310mm.

Claims

1. A modular hitch plate for attaching a tool to plant machinery, comprising a plate member having a tool-facing portion and a plant-facing portion; and a plurality of pin members releasably secured to the machinery-facing portion; wherein each pin member is connected to the other by articulated link arm members adapted to modify and set a distance between longitudinal centres of at least two pin members.

2. A modular hitch plate according to claim 1, wherein the pin members are oriented substantially parallel to one another.

3. A modular hitch plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pin members are oriented transversally to a main axis of the plate member.

4. A modular hitch plate according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least three pins, wherein two pins are located proximate the machinery-facing portion and the third pin is located distal the machinery-facing portion, and wherein the distance is modified and set between respective longitudinal centres of the third pin and the first or second pin.

5. A modular hitch plate according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance is variable between substantially 125mm and 310mm.

6. A modular hitch plate according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pin members are substantially cylindrical and have a diameter in the range 35mm to 50mm.

7. A modular hitch plate according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a portion of the length of each pin member located between the link arm members is in the range 144mm to 206mm.

8. A modular hitch plate according to claim 7, further comprising spacing members engaged by the pin members and located between and adjacent the link arm members for modifying the length of the portion of each pin member located between the link arm members.

9. A modular hitch plate according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein each link arm comprises more than two through-apertures.

10. A tool suitable for releasable attachment to, and operation by, plant machinery, wherein the tool comprises a modular hitch plate according to any of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method of hitching a tool to plant machinery, wherein the tool comprises a modular hitch plate for releasable engagement with an interface of the plant machinery; and the modular hitch plate comprises a plate member having a tool-facing portion, a plant machinery-facing portion, a plurality of pin members releasably secured to the plant machinery-facing portion and connected to one other by articulated link arm members; the method comprising the steps of: obtaining at least one dimension of the interface; articulating the link arm members so as to modify a distance between longitudinal centres of at least two of the plurality of pin members, wherein the modified distance corresponds to the at least one dimension obtained; securing the link arms members to set the modified distance; and engaging the pin members with the interface.

12. A method according to claim 12, wherein the modular hitch plate comprises at least three pins, with two pins located proximate the machineryfacing portion and the third pin located distal the machinery-facing portion, and wherein the step of articulating further comprises modifying the distance between respective longitudinal centres of the third pin and the first or second pin.

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of articulating further comprises modifying the distance between respective longitudinal centres to one of 125mm, 165mm, 185mm, 225mm, 250mm or 310mm.

14. A method according to any of claims 11 to 13, comprising the further step of selectively configuring the modular hitch plate with pin members having a diameter in the range 35mm to 50mm.

15. A method according to any of claims 11 to 14, comprising the further steps of engaging a pair of spacing members on each pin members and locating the spacing members between and adjacent the link arm members for modifying the length of the portion of each pin member located between the link arm members.

16. A method according to any of claims 11 to 15, comprising the further step of selectively configuring the modular hitch plate with link arm members having more than two through-apertures.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein a first pin member remains engaged in a first through aperture and wherein the step of articulating comprises the further steps of disengaging at least a second pin member from a second through aperture and engaging the at least second pin member in a third through aperture.