AU723244B3 - Improvements in agricultural implements - Google Patents

Description

M M HEGEDUS PTY LTD

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED "IMPROVEMENTS IN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS" This invention is described in the following statement:- 25110199, gc0147.spe. rtI The present invention relates, in general terms, to improvements in agricultural implements of the type intended for usage in the aeration of pastureland and the like.

More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an improved form of roller assembly, having appropriate ground-penetrating members associated therewith, for use with, or as part of, such agricultural implements.

In this day and age the procedure known as aeration is one which is being more and more commonly employed, particularly in the field of particularly agriculture, with a view to improving or enhancing overall soil quality and, ultimately, encouraging the growth of grasses and in fact any other feed crop. The principle involved is that means are employed which initially penetrate the soil and ultimately result in the breaking up of at least the top surface thereof, thereby facilitating sowing of seed and, in reality, encouraging germination and, in the long run, ultimate growth of seed thus sown.

In accordance with the known art a number of different methods and means have in the past been employed for purposes of aeration. Generally speaking, however, such methods and means have involved the passage as by dragging or towing over a given surface of an assembly including one or more elongate roller members adapted, in use, to extend transversely of the overall assembly, with the or each such elongate roller member then including a plurality of ground-penetration means strategically placed and spaced therealong. The overall assembly was to be moved over the given surface by any suitable means, as for example a tractor or the like prime mover, such movement in turn giving rise to rotation of the or each roller member, thereby resulting in breaking up or aeration of the ground over which the overall assembly is passed. Such prior art arrangements have, however, been found to suffer from a number of important practical disadvantages, not the least of which was a lack of flexibility in terms of the operating width thereof and, in fact, in terms of the overall operation thereof.

02A5/2000gcapp99.spe,2 The present invention seeks to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art by providing an improved form of aerator roller assembly which lends itself to achieving aeration, indeed an improved aeration effect, in an extremely effective and efficient manner. The arrangement in accordance with the present invention in addition allows for ready and simple replacement of damaged groundpenetration means as and when required. The arrangement in accordance with the present invention also allows, again in an extremely effective and efficient manner, change of direction of the aerator assembly relative to the direction of travel of the overall machine or agricultural implement.

In accordance with the present invention, therefore, there is provided a ground driven agricultural implement which has an intended direction of travel and which includes a frame constructed and arranged so that it can be connected to an independent prime mover for drawing said implement in the intended direction of travel, said implement including a plurality of roller assemblies mounted on or within said frame, each said roller assembly including: a shaft or axle member; a plurality of first plate members disposed on said shaft or axle member and at spaced-apart locations along the length thereof, each said first plate member having a plurality of apertures disposed internally thereof and around the circumference thereof at predetermined angular positions thereon; a plurality of furtherplate members each adapted to be removably or releasably affixed to an associated said first plate member, each said further plate member being of a shape substantially complementary to the shape of said associated first plate member and including a plurality of apertures corresponding to said apertures of said associated first plate member; and one or more ground penetration members adapted to be interposed between said first and further plate members, the or each said roller assembly being selectively swivellable relative to said frame whereby to allow for selective and controlled disposition thereof at prescribed angles relative to the direction of travel of said implement, wherein adjacent roller assemblies are selectively swivellably or pivotably movable relative to one another and to said frame, and wherein each roller assembly includes an array of interconnected longitudinal and lateral members making up the frame thereof, opposed lateral members of adjacent roller assemblies each having a plate member extending substantially normally therefrom, each plate member having at least one aperture extending therethrough and adapted to receive, and releasably retain, a fixing means, the arrangement being such that, in use, the plate members of adjacent roller assemblies are brought into relative juxtaposed relationship, said fixing means then acting as a pivot means to allow for such selective and controlled relative swivelling movement between said adjacent roller assemblies.

05/06/2000gcapp99.spe,3 In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to especially preferred embodiments of an improved agricultural implement in accordance with the present invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an aerator assembly in accordance with the present invention, for attachment to a tractor or the like prime mover in any known manner; FIG. 2 is a partial top plan view of an assembly in accordance with the present invention, illustrating in general terms a means employed to allow for selective swivelling of segments or portions of the aerator assembly; FIG. 3 is a view taken long the line 3-3 in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a general arrangement for a central pivot pin and means (preferably in the form of one or more hydraulic rams) to angle or swivel the aerator roller portions or segments as desired; FIG. 5 is a schematic view, from the side, of a wing portion of an aerator roller assembly in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 6 is a side view of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention for achieving selective swivelling of the aerator means; FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a further, expanded, view of a central pivot pin assembly in accordance with the invention; 05/0612000gcapp99.spc,44 FIG. 9 is an exploded view of means employed in accordance with the present invention to assist in selective swivelling of the roller or ground-engaging assemblies; FIG. 10 is an exploded, side view of an aerator unit in accordance with the invention; and FIG. 11 is a partial front view of a means in accordance with the invention for receiving and releasably retaining one or more aerator means.

With reference now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated therein an especially preferred arrangement of aerating equipment in accordance with the io present invention. Such arrangement includes a plurality of independent and separable segments 1 to 4 each having a plurality of ground penetration means associated therewith and arranged thereon, in a manner to be described in more detail later in this specification. The assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a main frame (not shown) constructed and adapted to be mounted or connected, in any given way and using any known means, to a prime mover of any given type (not shown) so as to be drawn or dragged by the prime mover substantially in the direction of travel thereof across a given surface.

In the arrangement in accordance with the present invention, and more especially the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, when read in conjunction with FIGS. 10 and 11, the assembly includes a plurality of segments 1 to 4 disposed laterally of the overall assembly, each such segment 1, 2, 3, 4 being made up from a shaft member 10, generally of a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, having disposed thereon at predetermined positions along the length thereof a plurality of means, generally designated 11, adapted to receive and releasably retain one or more ground-penetrating members, generally designated 100. In the especially preferred embodiment illustrated in, for example, FIG. 10 of the drawings, each ground-penetration holding means 11 may be welded or in any other suitable 25110/99gc0147.spe.rtf.5 -6manner affixed to the central shaft member 10. Each such means 11 will be described in more detail later in this specification.

The preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes four inner segments, 1 to 4, mounted laterally of the overall roller assembly and all adapted, when in use, to have the ground-penetrating means associated therewith come into ground-.

engaging contact. The preferred embodiment also includes, at opposed side thereof, additional wing portions 5 and 6 adapted to be selectively lowerable into or out of ground-engaging contact as desired. These wing portions 5 and 6 serve to extend the operating width of the overall assembly, thereby to accelerate the io procedure of aeration as and when desired. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, means are provided for selectively moving the wing portions 5 and 6 into, or out of, a ground-engaging or operating position, such means preferably being in the form of hydraulic ram assemblies 7.

As illustrated in the drawings, in particular in FIGS. 10 and 11 thereof, the Is shaft 10 of each segment or portion 1 to 6 has a plurality of ground-penetration means holders 11 located thereon. In the preferred embodiment illustrated such holders 11 are made up of a first plate member 12 adapted to be welded or in any given manner affixed to the shaft member 10, with a second flat member or pressure plate 13 being adapted to be appropriately disposed on the shaft member 10, in a releasable manner, and being movable into effective engagement with the first plate member 12, with the interposition therebetween of one or more groundpenetrating means 100 as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 10 of the drawings. In the especially preferred embodiment illustrated four such ground-penetration means (or knife members) 100 will be associated with each knife holder means 11, disposed substantially angularly equidistantly around the circumference of the shaft member 10. In order to bring about appropriate interconnection each plate member 12,13 will have a plurality of holes 14 at pre-determined positions around the circumference thereof. In like manner each ground-penetration means 100 will be 25110/99,gc10147.spe.rtf.6 -7provided with one or more holes 15 appropriately disposed along the length thereof.

The arrangement is such that, in use, the ground-penetration means 100 are disposed substantially circumferentially of the shaft member 10 as desired and the holes 14, 15 in the plate means 12,13 and ground-penetration means 100 aligned thereby to allow for passage therethrough of a bolt or the like member 16, adapted in use to co-operate with a lock nut 17 whereby to affix the ground-penetrating means 100 in position relative to the shaft member 10. Preferably the holes extending through both the plate members 12,13 and the ground-penetration member 100 are such as to have the bolts 16 disposed therein in a pressure-type fit.

The arrangement as thus provided allows for the spatial or angularlocation of the ground-penetration means 100 relative to the shaft 10 to be varied as and if required. The arrangement in accordance with the present invention also allows for ready replacement of damaged or blunted ground-penetration means 100. Indeed such replacement can be achieved, on an individual basis, simply by loosening the appropriate lock nut 17, removing the appropriate bolt 16 and then extracting the ground-penetration means 100 from its location interposed between the plate members 12,13. A repaired or fresh ground-penetration member or knife means 100 can then be easily re-located. With the present applicant's arrangement it is possible, in an extremely effective, efficient and time-saving manner, to replace damaged or blunted ground-penetration means or knife members 100 without there being any need for substantial dismantling of the overall assembly, let alone any segment thereof.

Preferably the portions 1-4 of the overall roller assembly, and also the wing portions 5 and 6 if deployed, are arranged to extend substantially normally to the direction of travel of the overall aeration apparatus across pastureland or the like.

However, in the especially preferred embodiment illustrated it is possible to achieve swivelling or movement of the or each portion 1 to 6 between the position shown in 25/10/99.gc10147.spe.rtf.7 -8full lines in FIGS. 2 and 4, for example, and a selected one of the positions or configuiations shown in phantom in those same drawings. When in the positions or configurations shown in phantom, the or each portion 1 to 6 will be deployed at an angle other than normal to the direction of travel of the overall apparatus. Such an arrangement is intended to make allowance for or compensate for differing degrees of hardness in the soil being aerated.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 2 to 4 of the drawings, there is illustrated therein the central-most segment of an aerator roller assembly in accordance with the present invention. Such includes a mainframe constructed principally of a front beam 30, a rear beam 31 and a plurality of cross-members 32 extending therebetween. Associated therewith are a plurality of support-members extending laterally of the overall assembly, each being adapted to receive and retain a plurality of said ground-penetration means and the associated shaft member. In other words each frame member includes therewith one portion of the overall roller assembly, adapted to be pivotably or swivellably moveable relative to the overall apparatus.

The means for releasably interconnecting roller frames having portions 2 and 3 associated therewith, thereby to allow for selective and controlled swivellable movement therebetween, is best shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. Therein each 20 roller frame, generally designated 40, can be seen to be made up of an interlocking arrangement of beams, respective longitudinal beams 41 and lateral beams 42.

Extending from one end of each roller frame member 40 is a plate member 43 having an aperture 44 extending therethrough. The arrangement is such that the adjacent roller frame members 40 are bought into juxtaposition, with the holes 44 in the respective plate members 43 then being coaxially arranged and having a common centre. Means are then provided which allows for relative pivotal movement of the adjacent roller frame members 40. In that regard reference is made to FIG. 8 of the drawings which illustrates the preferred means for pivotably 2511099,gc10147.spe.rtf.8 -9interconnecting the plate members 43 and hence the juxtaposed roller frame members 40. Therein are suitable means, as for example a king pin or the like is disposed so as to extend through the holes 44 provided in the mating plate members 43, and also through the mainframe of the overall assembly, with the use of respective upper and lower bushings 51 and 52. Preferably a lock bolt or the like 53 is employed to fix the king pin 50 relative to the frame. Any suitable means, as for example a hydraulic ram, can then be employed to allow for pivoting movement of the or each selected roller position.

Returning now to FIGS. 2 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown therein a view, io from above, of the central roller segments 2 and 3, as mounted for swivellable movement relative to the transverse-disposed mainframe of the overall aerator assembly. The segments 2 and 3 and, as a consequence the associated segments 1 and 4 and wing segments 5 and 6, are mounted for swivellable movement about the kingpin (or axle) 50. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the segments can, if desired, adopt any one of three different positions or configurations, a first position corresponding to straight forward movement, and respective second and third positions wherein the segments 2 and 3 (and associated other segments) are disposed at selected, prescribed angles to the direction of travel of the overall aerator assembly. Stop means 33, 34 and 35, appropriately disposed on the crossmembers 32, serve to retain the segments in the required operating position or configuration and to, in fact, govern the angular inclination of the segments 1 to 6 (as appropriate) to the mainframe As shown in FIG. 4, for example, in an especially preferred embodiment a hydraulic ram assembly 45 is employed for purposes of moving or swivelling the segments 2, 3 selectively between the respective first, second and/or third operating positions as required. It should be noted, however, that the number of angular positions attainable by the segments 2, 3 is not of the essence of the invention. Indeed, means may be provided to allow for selective angular disposition of the segments 2, 3 relative to the mainframe M.

25/10199.gc10147.spe. rf. 9 Turning now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, there is illustrated therein the means adopted, in accordance with the present invention, for achieving selective and controlled lifting of the outer wing portions 5 and 6 of the aerated assembly. Such should in fact be read in fact with FIGS. 6 and 8 of the drawings. In the preferred s arrangement illustrated means are provided, appropriately located on a fixed frame member, to which the ground-penetration means carrying portions are attached. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, means are provided for raising or lowering road wheels or ground-engaging means, as required, whereby to allow for travelling of the overall aerator assembly to the tract of land which requires aeration.

1o In the preferred embodiment illustrated such is achieved utilising a hydraulic ram assembly, which functions to lift or lower (as appropriate) the road wheels between the positions shown as 60 and 61 in FIG. 6, corresponding to a configuration wherein the road wheels are raised for purposes of aerating and an alternative configuration where the road wheels are lowered for purposes of travelling. As may be seen, when the road wheels are raised, then the portions including the groundpenetration means can be brought into ground-engaging contact, thereby to give rise to the operation of aeration as and when desired.

Finally it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

25/10/99,gc10147.spe.rtf,

Claims (2)

1. A ground driven agricultural implement which has an intended direction of travel and which includes a frame constructed and arranged so that it can be connected to an independent prime mover for drawing said implement in the intended direction of travel, said implement including a plurality of roller assemblies mounted on or within said frame, each said roller assembly including: a shaft or axle member; a plurality of first plate members disposed on said shaft or axle member and at spaced-apart locations along the length thereof, each said first plate member having a plurality of apertures disposed internally thereof and around the circumference thereof at predetermined angular positions thereon; a plurality of further plate members each adapted to be removably or releasably affixed to an associated said first plate member, each said further plate member being of a shape substantially complementary to the shape of said associated first plate member and including a plurality of apertures corresponding to said apertures of said associated first plate member; and one or more ground penetration members adapted to be interposed between said first and further plate members, the or each said roller assembly being selectively swivellable relative to said frame whereby to allow for S selective and controlled disposition thereof at prescribed angles relative to the direction of travel of said implement, wherein adjacent roller assemblies are selectively swivellably or pivotably movable relative to one another and to said frame, and wherein each roller assembly includes an array of interconnected longitudinal and lateral members making up S the frame thereof, opposed lateral members of adjacent roller assemblies each having a plate member extending substantially normally therefrom, each plate member having at least one aperture extending therethrough and adapted to receive, and releasably retain, a fixing means, the arrangement being such that, in use, the plate members of adjacent roller assemblies are brought into relative juxtaposed relationship, said fixing means then acting as a pivot means to allow for such selective and controlled relative swivelling movement between said adjacent roller assemblies.

2. The implement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each said first plate member is fixedly located on said shaft or axle member. DATED this 5 th day of June, 2000. M M HEGEDUS PTY LTD By their Patent Attorneys: CALLINAN LAWRIE 05/06/2000gcapp99.spe,1 1