DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Applications 201641029830, 201641029832 and 201641029833, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to tractors, and more particularly to a height adjustable assembly for a tractor.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, agricultural tractors are used to push agricultural machinery or trailers that plow or harrow fields. Agricultural implements are usually towed behind or mounted on the tractor and the tractor is also used as a source of power if the implement is mechanized. While the tractors are effectively used to plow fields, other usages for crop care such as de-weeding, spraying and the like may not be availed at least because of the crop height, uneven terrain and the lower ground clearance of the tractor.
[003] To provide the desired ground clearance to tractors some manufacturers provide tractors having a higher fixed ground clearance while other manufacturers provide a bolt-on lift kit assembly that can be used to increase the ground clearance of an existing tractor. The kit generally consists of four static assemblies (one per wheel) that are installed between the wheels and the existing wheel supports. These assemblies are designed to give the tractor additional ground clearance. Installation of the assemblies can be time consuming. Also more time is often needed to add additional shielding and to make commonly used functions of the machine more accessible.
[004] Increasing the ground clearance of a tractor is usually done in order to use the tractor for crop care activities. However, such increase in the ground clearance involves permanent changes to the axles and certain other transmission and non-transmission components of the tractors. At a later stage, if the user wishes to obtain original ground clearance for the tractor, then the process becomes tedious, time consuming and a costly affair.
[005] With the aforementioned drawback, there exists a need for a height adjustable assembly for a tractor.
OBJECT
[006] The principal object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a height adjustable assembly for a tractor.
[007] Another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a height adjustable assembly for a tractor which is easy to manufacture and assemble.
[008] Yet another object of the embodiments of this invention is to provide a height adjustable assembly for a tractor which is inexpensive.
[009] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the height adjustable assembly of a tractor, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2 is front view of the height adjustable assembly of the tractor at an elevated condition, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is side view of the height adjustable assembly of the tractor at an elevated condition, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0015] The embodiments herein achieve a height adjustable assembly for a tractor. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 through 3, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0016] In an embodiment, an automobile having at least two wheels W1 and W2 at frond end and at least two wheels W3 and W4 at rear end is considered.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the height adjustable assembly of a tractor, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly 100 includes a first front guide 10a, a second front guide 10b, a first rear guide 12a, a second rear guide 12b, a first front lifting member 14a, a second front lifting member 14b, a first rear lifting member 16a, a second rear lifting member 16b, a front axle member 11, a rear axle carrier and slider assembly (not shown), a steering system S, a plurality of top stabilizer link 18t, a plurality of bottom stabilizer link 18b, a power transmission assembly P and a cross member C.
[0018] In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly 100 of a tractor includes the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b (collectively referred as front guides). In an embodiment, the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b extend from near vicinity of the wheels W1 and W2, respectively, in an upward direction. In an embodiment, the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b are parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the front guides 10a and 10b are selected from a group consisting of square, rectangle, circular, and triangular. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other cross-section for the guide without otherwise deterring the intended function of the guiding as can be deduced from this description.
[0019] FIG. 2 is front view of the height adjustable assembly of the tractor at an elevated condition, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly 100 of the tractor includes the front axle member 11. In an embodiment, the front axle member 11 is mounted between the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b. In an embodiment, the front axle member 11 is configured to move between a lower side 101a and an upper side 101b of the tractor.
[0020] In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly of the tractor includes a first locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism is provided for the front axle member 11. In an embodiment, the front axle member 11 is provided with a locking mechanism L (as shown in Fig. 2). In an embodiment, the guides 10a and 10b are provided with a plurality of locking elements 13. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism L of the front axle member 11 is adapted to secure the front axle member 11 to the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b via the locking elements 13. While the securing of front axle member 11 to the guides 10a and 10b, in this embodiment, is done with the locking mechanism L and the locking elements 13, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other locking means without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking mechanism as can be deduced from this description.
[0021] In an embodiment, a method of locking the front axle member 11 with the guides 10a and 10b could be by at least one of manual, electric, and hydraulic method. In an embodiment, the method of locking the front axle member 11 with the guides 10a and 10b could be provided integral to tractor mounting axle 104 or could be a separate locking mechanism.
[0022] In an embodiment, the front axle member 11 receives a front portion of the tractor T. In an embodiment, the first front guide 10a is provided with the first front lifting member 14a and the second front guide 10b is provided with the second lifting member 14b (collectively referred as front lifting members). In an embodiment, the lifting members 14a and 14b are connected to the front axle member 11 of the tractor.
[0023] In an embodiment, the lifting members 14a and 14b are at least one of hydraulic lift cylinder and a telescopic cylinder. In an embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder and the telescopic cylinder could be connected to the guides 10a and 10b by at least one of bolt, hinge, weld, press, and rivet.
[0024] In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly 100 of a tractor includes the steering system S. In an embodiment, the steering system S is provided at the upper side 101b of tractor. In an embodiment, the steering system connects the front guides 10a and 10b. In an embodiment, the steering system S includes first extended king pin (not shown) and a second extended king pin (not shown). In an embodiment, the first extended king pin extends from the steering assembly S towards the wheel W1 within (inside) the first front guide 10a. Similarly, the second extended king pin extends from the steering assembly S towards the wheel W2 within (inside) the second front guide 10b.
[0025] In an embodiment, the steering system S is operated to turn or rotate the tractor in the desired direction. In an embodiment, the steering system is actuated using a steering cylinder (not shown). The steering cylinder operates at two connecting tie rods (not shown) which are inturn connected to the extended king pins (not shown). The extended king pins rotate or turn the wheels W1 and W2 in accordance with the operation of the steering system S.
[0026] In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly 100 of a tractor includes the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b which extends from the wheels W3 and W4, respectively, in an upward direction. In an embodiment, the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b (collectively referred as rear guides) are parallel to each other and are further parallel to the front guides 10a and 10b. In an embodiment, the rear guides 12a and 12b are selected from a group consisting of square, rectangle, circular, and triangular. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other cross-section for the guide without otherwise deterring the intended function of the guiding as can be deduced from this description.
[0027] In an embodiment, each of the rear guides 12a and 12b are coupled to the rear axle carrier and slider assembly (not shown). In an embodiment, the rear axle carrier and slider assembly receives a rear axle (not shown) of the tractor. In an embodiment, the rear axle carrier and slider assembly is configured to be mounted on the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b. In an embodiment, the rear axle carrier and slider assembly is configured to move or slide between the lower side 101a and the upper side 101b of the tractor.
[0028] In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly of the tractor includes a second locking mechanism. In an embodiment, the rear guides 12a and 12b includes the second locking mechanism. In an embodiment, the rear guides 12a and 12b include a plurality of locking elements (not shown). In an embodiment, the plurality of locking elements is holes defined at predetermined locations of the rear guides 12a and 12b. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes the rear axle lock L.
[0029] In an embodiment, the first rear guide 12a is connected to the second rear guide 12b through the cross member C. In an embodiment, the connecting member C is mounted to the rear guides 12a and 12b using a plurality of bolts. In an embodiment, the cross member C is a hollow circular tube. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any type and cross-section of cross connecting member C without otherwise deterring the intended function of connecting as can be deduced from this description.
[0030] FIG. 3 is side view of the height adjustable assembly of the tractor at an elevated condition, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly 100 of a tractor includes the plurality of top stabilizer link 18t, and the plurality of bottom stabilizer link 18b. In an embodiment, the first rear guide 12a and the first front guide 10a are connected to each other by the top stabilizer link 18t at the upper side 101b. Similarly, the second rear guide 12b and the second front guide 10b are connected to each other by another top stabilizer link 18t at the upper side 101b thereof.
[0031] In an embodiment, the first rear guide 12a and the first front guide 10a are connected to each other by the bottom stabilizer link 18b (not shown) at the lower side 101a. Similarly, the second rear guide 12b and the second front guide 10b are connected to each other by another bottom stabilizer link 18b at the lower side 101a thereof.
[0032] In an embodiment, the rear axle (not shown) is adapted to receive a rear portion of the tractor T. In an embodiment, the first rear guide 12a is provided with the first rear lifting member 16a and the second rear guide 12b is provided with the second rear lifting member 16b (collectively referred as rear lifting members). In an embodiment, the lifting members 16a and 16b are connected to the rear axle carrier and slider assembly (not shown). In an embodiment the front lifting members 14a and 14b, and the rear lifting members 16a and 16b are telescopic cylinders. It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other lifting member such as electric motor and so on without otherwise deterring the intended function of the lifting as can be deduced from this description. In an embodiment, the rear guides 12a and 12b acts as guide for the rear axle carrier and slider assembly to slide up and down through telescopic cylinder movement.
[0033] In an embodiment, the height adjustable assembly 100 of a tractor includes the power transmission assembly P. In an embodiment, the power transmission assembly P includes a quadrant Q with an intermediate sprocket I coupled at the wheels W3 and W4. In an embodiment, the intermediate sprocket I transmit the power from an input sprocket (not shown) to an output sprocket (not shown) and thereby to the wheels W3 and W4. In an embodiment, the intermediate sprocket I is configured to move inside a slot provided in the quadrant Q.
[0034] In an embodiment, the operation of the height adjustable assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, when the height of the tractor is to be increased, then the front lifting mechanisms 14a and 14b, and the rear lifting mechanisms 16a and 16b are actuated simultaneously. The front lifting mechanisms 14a and 14b lift the front axle member 11, and thereby the front portion of the tractor T, to a desired height. Similarly, the rear lifting mechanisms 16a and 16b lift rear axle carrier and slider assembly, and thereby the rear portion of the tractor T, to the desired height. The intermediate sprocket I move inside the slot provided in the quadrant based on the height of the rear axle.
[0035] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Referral numerals
Height adjustable assembly 100
Lower side 101a
Upper side 101b
First front guide 10a
Second front guide 10b
Front axle member 11
First rear guide 12a
Second rear guide 12b
Locking elements 13
First front lifting member 14a
Second front lifting member 14b
First rear lifting member 16a
Second rear lifting member 16b
Plurality of top stabilizer link 18t
Plurality of bottom stabilizer link 18b
Power transmission assembly P
Cross member C
Steering system S
Quadrant Q
Intermediate sprocket I
Wheel 1 W1
Wheel 2 W2
Wheel 3 W3
Wheel 4 W4

,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A height adjustable assembly 100 for a vehicle, the vehicle having at least two wheels W1 and W2 at front end and at least two wheels W3 and W4 at rear end, the assembly comprises:
a first front guide 10a and a second front guide 10b connected to the at least two wheels W1 and W2 at the front end;
a first rear guide 12a and a second rear guide 12b connected to the at least two wheels W3 and W4 at the rear end;
a front axle member 11 connected between the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b at a lower side 101a of the vehicle;
a rear axle carrier and slider assembly connected between the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b at the lower side 101a of the vehicle;
a first front lifting member 14a and a second front lifting member 14b connected to the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b, and front axle member 11;
a first rear lifting member 16a and a second rear lifting member 16b connected to the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b, and the rear axle carrier and slider assembly;
a steering system S connected between the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b at an upper side 101b side of the vehicle;
at least one cross member C connected between the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b at the upper side 101b side of the vehicle;
a first locking mechanism to lock the front axle member 11 at a predetermined height between the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b;
a second locking mechanism to lock the rear axle carrier and slider assembly at a predetermined height between the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b;
a plurality of top stabilizer link 18t connected between the first front guide 10a and the first rear guide 12a, and the second front guide 10b and the second rear guide 12b at the upper side 101b; and
a plurality of bottom stabilizer link 18b connected between the first front guide 10a and the first rear guide 12a, and the second front guide 10b and the second rear guide 12b at the lower side 101a;
wherein the front axle member 11 is configured to slide between the lower side 101a and an upper side 101b of the vehicle along the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b;
the rear axle carrier and slider assembly is configured to slide between the lower side 101a and an upper side 101b of the vehicle along the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b.
2. The height adjustable assembly 100 for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanism includes a plurality of locking elements 13 defined in the first front guide 10a and the second front guide 10b.
3. The height adjustable assembly 100 for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second locking mechanism includes a plurality of locking elements defined in the first rear guide 12a and the second rear guide 12b.
4. The height adjustable assembly 100 for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the height adjustable assembly further includes a power transmission assembly P having:
a quadrant Q with an intermediate sprocket I coupled at the wheels W3 and W4.
5. The height adjustable assembly 100 for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear axle carrier and slider assembly is configured to receive a rear axle.
6. The height adjustable assembly 100 for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first front guide 10a, the second front guide 10b, the second front guide 10b and the second rear guide 12b are selected from a group consisting of square tube, rectangular tube, circular tube, and triangular tube.
7. The height adjustable assembly 100 for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first front lifting member 14a, the second front lifting member 14b, the first rear lifting member 16a and the second rear lifting member 16b are selected from group consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a single stage cylinder and a multistage cylinder.
8. A method 400 of operating a height adjustable assembly, the method comprising steps of:
actuating a first front lifting member 14a and a second front lifting member 14b, and a first rear lifting member 16a and a second rear lifting member 16b simultaneously;
wherein the first front lifting member 14a and the second front lifting member 14b lift the front axle member 11 to a predetermined height;
the first rear lifting member 16a and the second rear lifting member 16b lift rear axle carrier and slider assembly, to a predetermined height; and
the rear axle carrier and slider assembly includes an intermediate sprocket I which moves inside a slot provided in a quadrant based on predetermined height.

Dated: 31st August 2017 Signature:
Somashekar Ramakrishna