Importance

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Abstract

An automatic implement lock-up system with shock absorbing cushion springs for releasably raising and lowering implements mounted to a vehicle. An implement is pivotally attached to a vehicle mounting bracket via an implement support arm. A lock-up bracket is mounted to the implement support arm. A cast swivel is pivotally mounted to the lock-up bracket. A support rod is pivotally attached at a first end to the vehicle mounting brackets and extends through an opening in the cast swivel, whereby the support rod advances freely through the cast swivel when the implement support arm is raised. A support rod spring surrounding the support rod at a location between the vehicle mounting bracket and the cast swivel, whereby the support rod spring provides downward pressure on the implement support arm. A cushioning spring assembly is mounted to the second end of the support rod with an attached cushioning spring surrounding the support rod, interposed between and substantially adjacent to the cushioning spring assembly and the cast swivel. The cushioning spring advances away from the cast swivel when the implement support arm is raised, exposing a portion of the support rod. A lock-up assembly is pivotally attached to the lock-up bracket, whereby a lock-up tensioning spring is engaged to interpose a lock-up clip between the cushioning spring and the cast swivel on the exposed portion of the support rod whenever the implement arm is raised, thereby retaining the implement support arm in the raised position.

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First Claim