Hitch manifold system

Abstract

A liquid manure application system, including a drag hose assembly and three point hitch adapted to retain the assembly in the course of operation while permitting the releasable three point attachment of tillage tools. The hitch itself provides dimensions and characteristics adapted for such use, including a structural attachment site for the drag hose assembly and a side load capacity considerably greater that comparative available hitches, and sufficient to withstand the side load forces encountered in the course of manure application.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A liquid manure application system comprising a drag hose assembly for the application of liquid manure and a three point hitch adapted to retain the drag hose assembly on a tractor in the course of operation.  
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the drag hose assembly is permanently attached to the three point hitch in a manner that permits the interchangeable, three point attachment of different tillage tools to the hitch itself.  
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 2  wherein the hitch provides a side load capacity considerably greater that conventional three point hitches.  
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 3  wherein the hitch is able to withstand the lateral pull typically encountered in the course of commercial drag hose operations, in a manner that substantially maintains the structural integrity of the hitch.  
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 3  wherein the hitch is capable of withstanding on the order of 1000 pounds or more side pull force without undue deformation or failure.  
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 5  wherein the hitch is capable of withstanding on the order of 2000 pounds or more side pull force without undue deformation or failure.  
     
     
         7 . a system according to  claim 6  wherein the hitch is capable of withstanding on the order of  3000  pounds or more side pull force.  
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the drag hose assembly comprises one or more components of a drag hose system selected from the group consisting of a swivel, manifold, agitator, swing tube, shut off valve, and drag hose.  
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 8  wherein the drag hose assembly comprises a swivel and is attached to the hitch at its swivel.  
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the hitch provides an inside span, socket width, socket offset, diameter and overhand in accordance with parameters for Categories I, II, m or IV hitches.  
     
     
         11 . A three point hitch providing a side load capacity considerably greater that a comparable conventional hitch.  
     
     
         12 . A hitch according to  claim 11  wherein the hitch is adapted to be permanently attached to a drag hose assembly, and is able to withstand the lateral pull typically encountered in the course of commercial drag hose operations, in a manner that substantially maintains the structural integrity of the hitch.  
     
     
         13 . A hitch according to  claim 11  wherein the hitch is capable of withstanding on the order of 1000 pounds or more side pull force without undue deformation or failure.  
     
     
         14 . A system according to  claim 13  wherein the hitch is capable of withstanding on the order of 3000 pounds or more side pull force.  
     
     
         15 . A method of making a three point hitch, comprising the steps of providing a conventional hitch having conventional side load capacity and reinforcing the hitch to provide it with substantially greater side load capacity.  
     
     
         16 . A method of attaching a drag hose assembly to a tractor, the method comprising the steps of providing a system as described in  claim 1  and attaching the system to a tractor.  
     
     
         17 . A combination comprising a system according to  claim 1  attached to a tractor.  
     
     
         18 . A method of delivering manure comprising providing a system according to  claim 1  to a tractor, attaching the system to a tractor, and employing the resultant combination of system and tractor to distribute manure.