Claims:We Claim:

1. A hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle, the apparatus (100) comprising:
a support member (114) configured with the agricultural vehicle;
a telescopic member (102) pivotally coupled with the support member (114), and adapted for actuation between an extended position and a retracted position;
a first engaging means (110) configured with the telescopic member (102);
a first linkage member (108) having a proximal end and a distal end, and is configured with a second engaging means (106), wherein the proximal end of the first linkage member (108) is operatively coupled with the telescopic member (102), and the distal end is adapted to transfer movement of the telescopic member (102);
a second linkage member (116) configured between the distal end of the first linkage member (108) and a position control lever (118), and the second linkage member (116) transfers movement from the first linkage member (108) to the position control lever (118) configured with an at least one lift arm (122),
wherein the extended position of the telescopic member (102) enables engagement of the first engaging means (110) with the second engaging means (106), and movement of the telescopic member (102) in the extended position enables movement of the at least one lift arm (122).
2. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telescopic member (102) comprises a sliding member (102-1) and a fixed member (102-2) pivotally coupled with the support member (114), wherein the sliding member (102-1) is coaxially aligned inside the fixed member (102-2) in the retracted position, wherein the actuation of the sliding member (102-1) in a coaxial outward direction from the fixed member (102-2) enables engagement of the first engaging means (110) with the second engaging means (106) in the extended position.
3. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first engaging means (110) is fixedly coupled with the sliding member (102-1).
4. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first linkage member (108) comprises a plurality of limbs (108-1, 108-2), such that the plurality of limbs (108-1, 108-2) are coupled with the fixed member (102-2) by clamping means (120) at the proximal end of the first linkage member (108).
5. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second engaging means (106) is configured between the plurality of limbs (108-1, 108-2).
6. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises an at least one biasing element (104) configured between the clamping means (120) and the sliding member (102-1).
7. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one biasing means (104) enables automatic actuation of the telescopic member (102) from the extended position to the retracted position.
8. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second linkage member (116) having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a plurality of arms (116-1, 116-2), wherein the plurality of arms (116-1, 116-2) coupled with the distal end of the first linkage member (108), and the second end of the second linkage member (116) coupled with the position control lever (118).
9. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a first locking member (204) coupled with the telescopic member (102), a second locking member (206) coupled with the telescopic member (102), and a locking plate (208) coupled with the support member (114), wherein the locking plate (208) in combination with the first locking member (204) and the second locking member (206) limits the movement of the telescopic member (102).
10. The hitching and unhitching apparatus (100) for an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) is adapted to hold a beta pin (202) in a removable position and the beta pin (202) is adapted to enable locking and unlocking of the telescopic member (102) in the extended position.

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle which enables user to simultaneously perform hitching, unhitching, and controlling position of an implement. More specifically, it pertains to a simple and an effective hitching and unhitching apparatus which is operated by an operator independently from rear of the agricultural vehicle for hitching and unhitching implement without any additional manpower.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] An agricultural vehicle generally operates with a three-point linkage which is used to connect the agricultural vehicle to a set of implements. Hitching and unhitching is commonly used operation for attaching and detaching implements from a three point linkage of an agricultural vehicle. A position control lever is generally used to control height of a three-point linkage which enables raising and lowering of implements configured with an agricultural vehicle. A position control lever is used to maintain predetermined levels of implements relative to a terrain. For instance, an implement hitched to an agricultural vehicle is set to predetermined height to engage implement with field for its operation and when an agricultural vehicle reaches end of field, an implement is lifted with a position control lever to another predefined height before turning and is again lowered to its initial operating height when it enters in field after turning.
[004] A position control lever is configured with a three point linkage through lift arms. A position control lever operates a hydraulic control valve which in turn is coupled with lift arms and lift arms are coupled with lower links of the three point linkage system via lift links. Thus, operation of position control lever in either directions triggers movement of lift arms in corresponding directions and accordingly the lift arms move the three point linkage system and in turn performs lifting and lowering operation of implements coupled with three point linkage system.
[005] One of important tasks on farm land is hitching, unhitching, and controlling height of implements of an agricultural vehicle for performing various field operations such as ploughing, tilling, discing, harrowing, planting, and the likes.
[006] In conventional hitch system of an agricultural vehicle, during hitching and unhitching, operator has to operate position control lever located near operator seat for controlling position of three point linkage in relation with engagement height of the implement. Three point linkage system and coupled implements are located at rear side of agricultural vehicle. Therefore besides operator, additional manpower from rear side is required for performing hitching and unhitching of implements and simultaneously adjusting height of three point linkage system vis-à-vis implement height by operating position control lever. This leads to increase in overall cost and productivity.
[007] In an existing technique, a motor is configured with a position control lever of an agricultural vehicle, such that movement of position control lever is controlled with the motor. Disadvantage with the existing technique is that a motor needs an external power which leads to decrease in overall efficiency of an agricultural vehicle.
[008] In another existing technique, an electronic hitch system of an agricultural vehicle includes one or more actuators at rear end of an agricultural vehicle, and a control panel near the driver seat for hitching and unhitching of the implements. However, electronic hydraulic hitch system is costly and complicated due to presence of variety of components and technology involved. It also leads to higher maintenance cost, thereby increasing overall cost of agricultural vehicle.
[009] Therefore, there arises a need to provide a simple and cost effective hitching and unhitching apparatus which enables an operator to simultaneously perform hitching, unhitching, and controlling position of the implements involving minimum labour, reduced time, thereby leading to increase in an overall efficiency.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and an economical solution for lifting and lowering of implement from rear of an agricultural vehicle.
[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle which enables user to simultaneously perform hitching, unhitching, and controlling position of an implement.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle which involves minimum labour, reduced time, and thereby increasing overall efficiency.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and cost effective hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle, which reduces overall human effort.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a means for locking and unlocking of the hitching and unhitching apparatus.
[0016] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle which enables user to simultaneously perform hitching, unhitching, and controlling position of an implement. More specifically, it pertains to a simple and an effective hitching and unhitching apparatus which is operated by an operator independently from rear of the agricultural vehicle for hitching and unhitching implement without any additional manpower.
[0018] In an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle. The apparatus may be comprise a support member configured with the agricultural vehicle, a telescopic member is pivotally coupled with the support member and adapted for actuation between an extended position and a retracted position. A first engaging means is configured with the telescopic member.
[0019] In an aspect, a first linkage member having a proximal end and a distal end, and is configured with a second engaging means, and the proximal end of the first linkage member is configured with the telescopic member.
[0020] In an aspect, a second linkage member is configured between the distal end of the first linkage member, and a position control lever, and the second linkage member transfers movement from the first linkage member to the position control lever configured with an at least one lift arm.
[0021] In an embodiment, the first engaging means is fixedly coupled with the sliding member.
In an embodiment, the extended position of the telescopic member enables engagement of the first engaging means with the second engaging means, and movement of the telescopic member in the extended position enables movement of the at least one lift arm.
[0022] In an embodiment, the telescopic member comprises a sliding member and a fixed member pivotally coupled with the support member, and the sliding member is coaxially aligned inside the fixed member in the retracted position, and the actuation of the sliding member in a coaxial outward direction from the fixed member enables engagement of the first engaging means with the second engaging means in the extended position.
[0023] In an embodiment, the first linkage member comprises a plurality of limbs, such that the plurality of limbs are coupled with the fixed member by clamping means at the proximal end of the first linkage member.
[0024] In an embodiment, the clamping means is selected from fasteners comprising nut-bolts, screws, studs, pins, clips, and rivets.
[0025] In an embodiment, the second linkage member having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a plurality of arms, and the plurality of arms coupled with the distal end of the first linkage member, and the second end of the second linkage member coupled with the position control lever.
[0026] In an embodiment, the second engaging means is configured between the plurality of limbs.
[0027] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises an at least one biasing element configured between the clamping means and the sliding member.
[0028] In an embodiment, the at least one biasing means enables automatic actuation of the telescopic member from the extended position to the retracted position.
In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first locking member coupled with the telescopic member, a second locking member coupled with the telescopic member, and a locking plate coupled with the support member, and the locking plate in combination with the first locking member and the second locking member limits the movement of the telescopic member.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of the proposed hitching and unhitching apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of proposed hitching and unhitching apparatus implemented on an agricultural vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 2A illustrates an engagement of a first engaging means with a second engaging means of the proposed hitching and unhitching apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 2B illustrates beta pin engagement with first engaging means and second engaging means of the hitching and unhitching apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0036] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0038] To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0039] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0040] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0041] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0042] Aspects of the present invention relate to a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle. More specifically, it pertains to a simple and an effective hitching and unhitching apparatus which can operated by an operator independently from rear of the agricultural vehicle for hitching and unhitching implement without any additional manpower.
[0043] In an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle. The apparatus comprises a support member configured with the agricultural vehicle, a telescopic member can pivotally coupled with the support member and adapted for actuation between an extended position and a retracted position. A first engaging means can configured with the telescopic member.
[0044] In an aspect, a first linkage member having a proximal end and a distal end, and can configured with a second engaging means, and the proximal end of the first linkage member can configured with the telescopic member.
[0045] In an aspect, a second linkage member can configured between the distal end of the first linkage member, and a position control lever, and the second linkage member transfers movement from the first linkage member to the position control lever configured with an at least one lift arm.
[0046] In an embodiment, the extended position of the telescopic member enables engagement of the first engaging means with the second engaging means, and movement of the telescopic member in the extended position enables movement of the at least one lift arm.
[0047] In an embodiment, the telescopic member includes a sliding member and a fixed member pivotally coupled with the support member, and the sliding member can coaxially aligned inside the fixed member in the retracted position, and the actuation of the sliding member in a coaxial outward direction from the fixed member enables engagement of the first engaging means with the second engaging means in the extended position.
[0048] In an embodiment, the first engaging means can fixedly coupled with the sliding member.
[0049] In an embodiment, the first linkage member includes a plurality of limbs, such that the plurality of limbs are coupled with the fixed member by clamping means at the proximal end of the first linkage member.
[0050] In an embodiment, the second engaging means can configured between the plurality of limbs.
[0051] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an at least one biasing element configured between the clamping means and the sliding member.
[0052] In an embodiment, the at least one biasing means enables automatic actuation of the telescopic member from the extended position to the retracted position.
[0053] In an embodiment, the second linkage member having a first end and a second end, and the first end having a plurality of arms, and the plurality of arms coupled with the distal end of the first linkage member, and the second end of the second linkage member coupled with the position control lever.
[0054] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a first locking member coupled with the telescopic member, a second locking member coupled with the telescopic member, and a locking plate coupled with the support member, and the locking plate in combination with the first locking member and the second locking member limits the movement of the telescopic member.
[0055] In an embodiment, the clamping means can selected from fasteners including nut-bolts, screws, studs, pins, clips, and rivets.
[0056] FIG. 1A illustrate a side view of the proposed hitching and unhitching apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B illustrate an exemplary representation of proposed hitching and unhitching apparatus implemented on an agricultural vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] In an aspect, a hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can be implemented on an agricultural vehicle such that the hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can enable operator to control position of a three point hitch from rear side of the agricultural vehicle. The hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can enable operator to simultaneously perform operations such as hitching, unhitching, and controlling position of the implement which can be attached with a three point linkage of the agricultural vehicle. The hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can include a support member 114, a second linkage member 116, a first linkage member 108, a telescopic member 102 (interchangeably can be referred to as hitching and unhitching lever 102, herein), at least one biasing element 104 (interchangeably can be referred to as biasing element 104, herein), first engaging means 110, second engaging means 106, and the likes. The telescopic member 102 can be configured with the support member 114. The telescopic member 102 can be configured to have a linear axial movement between an extended position and retracted position. A first linkage member 108 can include a proximal end and a distal end. The first linkage member 108 can be configured with the second engaging means 106, and the proximal end of the first linkage member 108 can be configured with the telescopic member 102. The second linkage member 116 can be configured between the distal end of the first linkage member 108, and a position control lever 118. The second linkage member 116 can transfer movement from the first linkage member 108 to the position control lever 118 which can be configured with an at least one lift arm 122.
[0058] In an embodiment, a distal end of the first linkage member 108 can be hingedly coupled with the first end of the second linkage member 116, and a proximal end of the first linkage member 108 can be coupled with the hitching and unhitching lever 102, such that the angular movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can enable movement of the first linkage member 108. The first linkage member 108 can be configured with the second engaging means 106. The hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be configured with a first engaging means 110, such that the extended position of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be adapted to engage the first engaging means 110 with the second engaging means 106 of the first linkage member 108, and the angular movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 in the extended position can enable corresponding rotation of the position control lever 118 thereby moving the at least one lift arm 122. Movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 from the extended position to the retracted position can enable disengagement of the first engaging means 110 from the second engaging means 106, such that the angular movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 in retracted position can disable the position control lever 118.
In an embodiment, the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can include a sliding member 102-1 and a fixed member 102-2, such that the sliding member 102-1 can be co-axially configured inside the fixed member 102-2 and can have linear axial movement with respect to the fixed member 102-2. The fixed member 102-2 of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be pivotally coupled with the support member 114. The sliding member 102-1 of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be configured with the first engaging means 110, and an actuation of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can enable the hitching and unhitching lever 102 to move from the retracted position to the extended position. The first engaging means 110 can be configured with a cavity 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be a piston cylinder arrangement such that the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can actuate in the extended position and the retracted position. In another exemplary embodiment, the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be configured as series of telescopic elements embedded in each other, and adapted to have linear axial movement with respect to adjacent telescopic elements.
[0059] In an embodiment, the extended position of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be a position in which the sliding member 102-1 projects in a co-axial outward direction from the fixed member 102-2 to enable engagement of the first engaging means 110 with the second engaging means 106. The retracted position of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be position in which the sliding member 102-1 can be co-axially aligned inside the fixed member 102-2, and the retracted position enables disengagement of the first engaging means 110 from the second engaging means 106.
[0060] In an embodiment, a top surface of the sliding member 102-1 can be coupled with the first engaging means 110. In another embodiment, the top surface of the sliding member 102-1 can be fixedly coupled with the first engaging means 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed member 102-2 can be configured with slots such that the sliding member 102-1 can be slided along the slots of the fixed member 102-2.
[0061] In an embodiment, the first linkage member 108 can be configured with a second engaging means 106, and a proximal end of the first linkage member 108 can be configured with the hitching and unhitching lever 102. The distal end of the first linkage member 108 can be coupled with the first end of the second linkage member 116. The first linkage member 108 and the second linkage member 116 can be hingedly coupled with each other such that movement of the first linkage member 108 can be transferred to the second linkage member 116.
[0062] In an embodiment, the first linkage member 108 can include a plurality of limbs 108-1, 108-2 such that a gap can be created between the plurality of limbs 108-1, 108-2. The plurality of limbs 108-1, 108-2 can be configured with a side surface of the hitching and unhitching lever 102. The first linkage member 108 can include a plurality of limbs 108-1, 108-2 such that the plurality of limbs 108-1, 108-2 can be coupled with the telescopic member by clamping means 120. The clamping means 120 can be selected from group including nut-bolt, screw, fastener, lock, pin, latch, pins, rivets and the likes. In an exemplary embodiment, the first linkage member 108 can be configured with a U-shape of the plurality of limbs. In another embodiment, the U-shape of the plurality of limbs 108-1, 108-2 can be manufactured as a single assembly.
[0063] In an embodiment, the first linkage member 108 can include a second engaging member 106 which can be configured between the gap of the plurality of limbs 108-1, 108-2. The second engaging means 106 can be adapted to hold the first engaging means 110. In another embodiment, the second engaging means 106 can include a plate which can be configured with a hole such that the first engaging means 110 can be inserted inside the hole of the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the second engaging means 106 can be selected from group including plate with hole, plate with slot, plate with crater, plate with orifice, and the likes. In another exemplary embodiment, size of the hole can be designed such that the first engaging means can be easily inserted inside the hole.
[0064] In an embodiment, the second engaging means 106 can be ergonomically designed such that the first engaging means 110 can be configured with the second engaging means 106. The inner diameter of the second engaging means 106 can be optimised such that the second engaging means 106 can be easily inserted inside the first engaging means 110. The first engaging means 110 can be selected from group including pin, shaft, bar, mechanical link, and the likes. In an exemplary embodiment, the first engaging means 110 can include a beta pin 202 (as shown in FIG. 2B) which can be configured with the sliding member 102-1, such that the beta pin 202 can be easily inserted into the second engaging means 106.
[0065] In an embodiment, the second linkage member can include a first end and a second end. The first end having a plurality of arms 116-1, 116-2 can be coupled with the distal end of the first linkage member 108. The second end of the second linkage member 116 can be coupled with the position control lever 118. A first end of the second linkage member 116 can be coupled with the distal end of the first linkage member 108, and a second end of the second linkage member 116 can be coupled with the position control lever 118, such that movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 in the extended position enables movement of the position control lever 118. The second linkage member 116 and the position control lever 118 can be coupled such that the movement of the second linkage member 116 can enable corresponding movement of the position control lever 118. In another embodiment, the second linkage member 116 and the position control lever 118 can be pivotally jointed with each other, such that the second linkage member 116 can enable movement of the position control lever 118, which can be adapted to control position of the three point linkage of the agricultural vehicle.
[0066] In an embodiment, the first end of the second linkage member 116 can include a plurality of arms 116-1, 116-2 such that the plurality of arms 116-1, 116-2 can be coupled with the first linkage member 108. The second linkage member 116 can have various shape and sizes depending upon transmission of movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the second linkage member 116 can be made of various shape such as linear, bent, slender, and the like. The second linkage member 116 can be made from material including but not limited to carbon steel, low alloy steel, mild steel, stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment, the second linkage member 116 can be capable of carrying tensile loads and compressive loads.
[0067] In an embodiment, the hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can include a biasing element 104, which can be configured between the first linkage member 108 and the hitching and unhitching lever 102 such that the biasing element 104 can automatically bring back the hitching and unhitching lever 102 from the extended position to the retracted position. The biasing element 104 can be configured between the clamping means 120 and the hitching and unhitching lever 102. The hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be configured with a projecting outwards member 121. The biasing means 104 can be coupled between the clamping means 120 and the projecting outward member 121. The biasing element 104 can be selected from group comprising a spring mechanism, elastic member, spring, piston-cylinder arrangement, pneumatic arrangement, mechanical linkage, and the likes.
[0068] In an embodiment, the hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can include a support member 114 which can be coupled with the hitching and unhitching lever 102. The hitching and unhitching lever 102 can rotate with respect to the support member 114. In another embodiment, the support member 114 can enable support to the hitching and unhitching lever 102, the second linkage member 116, and the first linkage member 108.
[0069] In an embodiment, the support member 114 can be fasten with the agricultural vehicle using the fastening means. The fastening means can be selected from a group including a nut and bolt arrangement, screw, and the likes.
[0070] FIG. 2A illustrates an engagement of a first engaging means with a second engaging means of the proposed hitching and unhitching apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0071] In an embodiment, the hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can include a beta pin 202, which can be coupled with a cavity 210 of the first engaging means 110 in the extended position of the hitching and unhitching lever 102.
[0072] In an embodiment, the hitching and unhitching apparatus 100 can include a first locking member 204, a second locking member 206, and a locking plate 208. The locking plate 208 can be configured with the support member 114. The first locking member 204, and the second locking member 206 can be coupled with the hitching and unhitching lever 102 at a predefined distance from each other. The locking plate 208 can be in combination with the first locking member 204 and the second locking member 206, which can limit movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102. The first locking member 204 can be adapted to lock the hitching and unhitching lever 102 at predefined downward position. The second locking member 206 can be adapted to lock the hitching and unhitching lever 102 at predefined upwards position. In an exemplary embodiment, the first locking member 204 can enable rotation of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 in a downward direction at a predefined distance. In another exemplary embodiment, the second locking member 206 can enable rotation of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 in upward direction at a predefined distance.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be operated up and down to move the three point linkage for easy hitching of the implement by moving the hitching and unhitching lever 102 from rear of the tractor. The hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be configured with the position control lever 118 through the first linkage member 108 and the second linkage member 116. The position control lever 118 can be configured with the lift arm 122, such that movement of the position control lever 118 can enable movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102. During hitching operation, rear hitching and unhitching lever can be pulled out due to the slot provided on the hitching and unhitching lever 102. Pulling the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can engage the first engaging means 110 with the second engaging means 106, such that the first linkage member 108 can be moved with the hitching and unhitching lever 102. The movement of the first linkage member 108 can be transmitted to the second linkage member 116, and the movement of the second linkage member 116 can be transmitted to the position control lever 118. The movement of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 in the extended position enables corresponding movement of the position control lever 118.
[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can be released, the retracted position, such that the first engaging means 110 on the hitching and unhitching lever 102 can slide back, thus disengaging the first engaging means 110 from the second engaging means 106 due to the biasing element 104. The first linkage member 108 can be unlocked with the rear hitching and unhitching lever 102, such that there is not transfer of movement from the hitching and unhitching lever 102 to the position control lever 118. In retracted position, movement on the hitching and unhitching lever 102 cannot be transmitted to the position control lever 118.
[0075] FIG. 2B illustrates a beta pin engagement with first engaging means and second engaging means of the hitching and unhitching apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0076] In an embodiment, the first engaging means 110 can be configured with a cavity 210. The hitching and unhitching lever 102 in an extended position enables engagement of the first engaging means 110 with the second engaging means 106. The beta pin 202 can be adapted inside the cavity 210 of the first engaging means 110, such that the beta pin 202 can enable locking of the first engaging means 110 with the second engaging means 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the beta pin 202 can be a U shaped wire. Diameter of the beta pin 202 can be selected such that the beta pin 202 can be inserted inside the cavity 210, thereby locking the first engaging means 110 with the second engaging means 106.
[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the beta pin 202 can be normally kept inside a C-clamp 212. When hitching and unhitching of implements is to be carried out, the operator can take out the beta pin 202 from the C-clamp 212 and can insert in the cavity 210 of the first engaging means 110, after engagement of the first engaging means 110 with the second engaging means 106 thereby ensuring locking of the hitching and unhitching lever 102 in the extended position. After hitching and unhitching operation is carried out, the operator can remove the beta pin 202 from the cavity 210 of the first engaging means 110 thereby unlocking engagement of the first engaging means 110 from the second engaging means 106 and enabling free movement of hitching and unhitching lever 102 back to the retracted position. The beta pin 202, thus removed, can be placed again in the C-clamp 212.
[0078] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. 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 appended claims.
[0079] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0080] The present disclosure provides an efficient and an economical solution for lifting and lowering implement from rear of the vehicle.
[0081] The present disclosure provides a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle.
[0082] The present disclosure provides a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle which allows user to simultaneously perform hitching, unhitching, and controlling position of an implement.
[0083] The present disclosure provides a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle which involves minimum labour, reduced time, and increases overall performance efficiency.
[0084] The present disclosure provides a simple and cost effective a hitching and unhitching apparatus for an agricultural vehicle, which reduces number of manpower required for hitching, unhitching, lowering, and lifting implement as well as to reduce requirement of human efforts for lifting and lowering implement.
[0085] The present disclosure provides a means for locking and unlocking of the hitching and unhitching apparatus.