Pivotal Connector Assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly pivotally couples a caster assembly with a pivot arm of an agricultural implement. The connector assembly includes first and second structural support plates having openings to receive a connector pin therethrough pivotally coupling the arm between the plates. A fixed collar having a bore, and a lock pin passage aligned perpendicular thereto, is fixed at one of the first or second structural support plates to receive the connector pin therethrough. The connector pin includes a first end having an exterior threaded portion and a second end having a connector pin opening. The connector pin opening and the lock pin opening receive a lock pin therethrough that secures a position of the connector pin in the collar. Tightening a nut at the threaded end of the connector causes the structural support plates to squeeze against the arm, enhancing lateral support of the arm.

1 . A method of pivotally coupling a first end of a support arm between a first support and a second support of a housing, the method comprising the steps of:
 receiving the first end of the support arm between the first and second support of the housing;   inserting a connector pin through a first opening in the first support, a second opening in the second support, an opening in the first end of the support arm, and a collar that defines a passage in concentric relation to the first opening in the first support;   securing the position of the connector pin relative to the housing by inserting a lock pin through a connector pin opening of the connector pin and a collar opening of the collar; and   squeezing the first and second supports against the first end of the support arm therebetween.   
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the squeezing step includes:
 receiving a tightening nut on a threaded end of the connector pin opposite the lock pin.   
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the squeezing step includes tightening the tightening nut on a treaded end of the connector pin as the connector pin is fixed by the lock pin tightening nut at the threaded end portion of the lock pin. 
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the lock pin includes a head portion and an exterior threaded portion, and the securing step includes:
 receiving a lock pin tightening nut at the threaded end portion of the lock pin.   
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the support arm includes a sleeve that defines the opening therethrough to receive the connector pin, and wherein the squeezing step includes squeezing the first support and the second support against opposite ends of the sleeve. 
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further including pivotally coupling a second pivot arm having a second sleeve with a second connector pin between the first and second supports, wherein the squeezing steps includes squeezing the first and second supports against opposite ends of the second sleeve.