Hitch system for lawn and garden tractors
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to lawn and garden tractors and more particularly, to hitch mechanisms for mounting utility attachments to such lawn and garden tractors. 
     Today&#39;s lawn and garden tractors do far more than simply cut grass. With the right attachments, such tractors can clear snow, spread fertilizer, cultivate soil and haul material. Convenience and utility, however, frequently depend on the ease with which attachments can be installed and removed. Unnecessary complexity or difficulty increases the time and effort needed to change attachments and can drastically compromise the overall utility of the machine. 
     Although a simple hitch and pin arrangement will suffice for connecting attachments that are trailed behind a tractor, the connection of attachments that are mounted under or forward of the tractor is more complex. These attachments, which typically include mower decks and snow throwers, require greater support as well as some form of power takeoff connection to the tractor&#39;s engine or prime mover. Both requirements increase the complexity and difficulty of connecting the attachment particularly when the attachment is heavy, unwieldy or hard to handle. 
     In typical arrangements, nuts, bolts, clevis pins, etc., are used to secure the attachments to a tractor. This is a difficult and time consuming method in that the fasteners are awkward and difficult to handle, particularly in cold weather or when the weight or size of the attachment makes it difficult to align the mounting holes. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hitch system for lawn and garden tractors. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hitch system that allows convenient and simple connection and removal of attachments that are mounted under or in front of the tractor. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hitch system that can be operated quickly, easily and without the need to handle a multitude of small parts. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hitch system that simplifies the task of aligning a heavy attachment with the tractor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a hitch system for connecting an attachment to a lawn and garden tractor comprising a pair of hooks mounted on the forward face of the front axle assembly of the tractor and a hitch bracket assembly mounted to the forward end of the attachment. The hitch bracket assembly includes a transverse hanger rod engageable with the hooks so as to trail the attachment behind the hooks, and further includes a user-releasable latch for retaining the hanger rod in engagement with the hooks while the attachment is connected to the lawn and garden tractor. 
     The invention also provides a hitch for connecting a utility attachment to a lawn and garden tractor. The hitch comprises a pair of J-shaped hooks mountable on the forward face of the front axle assembly of the tractor, and further includes a hitch bracket comprising an elongated member having a forward end, a rearward end, a substantially planar bottom panel and a pair of spaced, substantially parallel side panels oriented substantially perpendicularly to the bottom panel along the side edges thereof. The hitch further includes a hanger rod mounted transversely across the side panels adjacent the forward end of the hitch bracket and oriented so as to be receivable in the hooks. A latch rod is mounted transversely across the side panels for lateral movement between a latched position, wherein the latch rod is positioned parallel to and substantially directly below the hanger rod, and an unlatched position wherein the latch rod is positioned below and substantially forwardly of the hanger rod. A spring is provided for biasing the latch rod toward the latched position, and structure is provided adjacent the rearward end of the hitch bracket for pivotally mounting the hitch bracket to the forward end of the utility attachment. 
     The invention also provides a lawn and garden tractor comprising a prime mover, a frame supporting the prime mover, a forward axle assembly mounted to the frame and having a substantially vertical forward face, a pair of hooks mounted on the forward face of the front axle assembly, a mower deck having a forward end positioned below the frame and behind the forward axle assembly, a hitch bracket mounted to the forward end of the mower deck, a hanger rod extending across the hitch bracket forward of the mower deck and engageable with the hooks, and a user-releasable latch for retaining the hanger rod in engagement with the hooks so that the hitch bracket and the mower deck are trailed behind the forward axle and below the frame as the tractor operates. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lawn and garden tractor incorporating a hitch system embodying various features of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mower deck attachment having a hitch bracket assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tractor front axle assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a hitch bracket assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the hitch bracket assembly in engagement with the front axle assembly. 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view of the hitch bracket assembly and front axle assembly shown in FIG. 5. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, a lawn and garden tractor 10 embodying various features of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The tractor 10 comprises a prime mover, such as a gasoline engine 12, mounted on a frame 14. The frame 14 includes a forward axle assembly 16 rotatably supporting a pair of front wheels 18, and a rearward axle assembly 20 rotatably supporting a pair of rear wheels 22. A utility attachment, in the form of a mower deck 24, is located beneath the frame 14 between the front and rear wheels 18, 22. The mower deck 24 is removably coupled to the tractor frame 14 by means of a detachable hitch system 26. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hitch system 26 generally comprises a pair of hooks 28 (FIG. 3) mounted on the forward face of the front axle assembly 16. The hitch system 26 further comprises a hitch bracket assembly 30 (FIG. 2) connected to the forward end of the mower deck 24. Preferrably, each hook 28 is shaped like the letter &#34;J&#34; and is formed of a rigid, durable material such as heavy gauge steel. The hooks 28 are welded or otherwise attached to the forward face of the front axle assembly 16 and are oriented so their curved lower portions 32 define a substantially horizontal axis 34 extending parallel to the axis of the front axle assembly 16 and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 36 of the tractor. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the hitch bracket assembly 30 comprises a elongate hitch bracket 38 having a forward end 40, a rearward end 42, a substantially planar bottom panel 44 and a pair of spaced, substantially parallel side panels 46 oriented substantially perpendicularly to the bottom panel 44 along the side edges thereof. Preferrably, the hitch bracket 38 comprises a unitary structure that is stamped or otherwise formed from a rigid, durable material such as steel. Adjacent the forward end 40, the hitch bracket assembly 30 includes a transverse hangar rod 48 extending across the hitch bracket 38 between the side panels 46. The hanger rod 48 is positioned somewhat above the bottom panel 44 so as to be engagable with the hooks 28 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. When so engaged, the hitch bracket assembly 30, and the mower deck 24 attached thereto, are trailed behind the forward axle 16 and below the frame 14 as the tractor 10 operates. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a user-releasable latch is provided for retaining the hanger rod 48 in engagment with the hooks 28 while the mower deck 24 is connected to the lawn and garden tractor 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the user-releasable latch includes a transverse latch rod 50 extending across the hinge bracket 38 between the side panels 46. The latch rod 50 is mounted for lateral movement between a latched position wherein the latch rod 50 is parallel to and substantially directly below the hanger rod 48, and an unlatched position wherein the latch rod 50 is below and substantially forward of the hanger rod 48. Preferrably, a pair of opposed, longitudinally extending slots 52 are formed in the side panels 46, and the ends of the latch rod 50 are received in the slots 52. This allows the latch rod 50 to be moved forwardly to the unlatched position or rearwardly to the latched position. Preferrably, a spring 54 connected between the latch rod 50 and the bottom panel 44 of the hitch bracket 38, biases the latch rod 50 toward the rearward, latched position. Preferrably, the opposed slots 52 include a ramped forward portion so that the latch rod 50 moves forwardly and downwardly toward the bottom panel as it moves to the unlatched position against the bias of the spring 54. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the hitch bracket assembly 30 serves as a handle to allow the installer to move and position the mower deck 24 with ease. To this end, a handle 56 is formed at the extreme forward end of the hitch bracket 38. Preferrably, the handle 56 is integrally formed in the bottom panel 44 between the forward ends of the side panels 46. The handle 56 is located so that the latch rod 50 falls naturally under the user&#39;s fingers when the handle is grasped with a natural grasping motion the user can manually pull the latch rod 50 to the unlatched position. This permits simple one-handed installation or removal of the mower deck 24. In addition, the handle is preferably shaped so as to conform to the shape of the hand to simplify handling and enhance user comfort. 
     Preferrably, the hitch bracket assembly 30 is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mower deck 24. To this end, the rearward ends of the side panels slope upwardly to form a pair of opposed pivot ears 58, and a pair of complimentary pivot ears 60 extend forwardly from the forward end of the mower deck 24. Pivot bolts 62 extend through the adjacent ears 58, 60 to secure the hitch bracket assembly 30 for pivoting movement around a substantially horizontal axis 64 relative to the mower deck 24. To further simplify installation, an additional transverse rod 66 extends between the ears 58 of the side panels 46 and serves as a forward stop to limit forward travel of the hitch bracket assembly 30 relative to the tractor front axle assembly 16. As best seen in FIG. 4, the additional transverse rod 66 is laterally spaced from, and substantially parallel to, the forward hanger rod 48. Because of the rigidity of the hitch bracket 38, the additional transverse rod 66 remains substantially parallel to the forward hanger rod 48 as twisting forces are transferred from the forward axle 16 to the mower deck 24. 
     The hitch system herein shown and described provides a simple, quick and convenient means for attaching a utility attachement to a garden tractor. The hitch bracket assembly 30 serves not only to secure the attachment to the tractor but also serves as a handle for moving and positioning the attachment. One-handed operation from an accessible position adjacent the front of the tractor is provided. In addition, the hitch system 26 is simple and reliable in operation, and economical in manufacture. Although the hitch system 26 has been shown and described in the context of a mower deck 24, it will be appreciated that the system can be adapted for use with a variety of other utility attachments. Furthermore, the hitch system can be used with a variety of lawn and garden care products including, but not limited to, front and rear engine mowers, compact utility tractors, and other such mowers. Accordingly, the term &#34;mowing tractors&#34; as used herein is intended to include all such mower devices. 
     While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.