Folding access walkway for a planter
AssigneeCNH America LLC
InventorRodney Samuel Horn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A towed implement, such as a planter is provided with a folding platform allowing improved access to row units and seed tanks of the planter implement. The platform is movable or foldable to improve access to row units below the platform while providing access to seed tanks. The platform may be provided in addition to a transverse platform, such as for access to seed tanks in planters. The folding platform may be used, along with handrails and a ladder, for accessing the platform for servicing the implement. The folding platform may be collapsed or folded to allow access to the row units that are beneath the platform.
Claims20
A towed agricultural implement comprising:
- a frame including a tool bar extending generally transverse to a central axis along which the implement is towed in operation;
- at least one row unit coupled to the tool bar;
- at least one hopper disposed generally on the row unit;
- and
- a walkway supported on the frame and disposed generally above the row unit, wherein the walkway pivots to provide access to the hopper.
A towed agricultural implement comprising:
- a frame including a tool bar extending generally transverse to a central axis along which the implement is towed in operation;
- a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar, wherein the row units may contact a ground surface;
- a plurality of hoppers disposed generally on the row units;
- an actuation system for lowering the frame with respect to the row units;
- and
- a folding walkway supported on the frame and disposed generally fore-and-aft above the hoppers, wherein the folding walkway pivots to provide access to the hoppers when the frame is in a lowered position.
A method for accessing a hopper of an agricultural implement, the method comprising:
- lowering a frame of the implement with respect to the hopper, wherein the frame supports a foldable walkway;
- and
- pivoting a portion of the foldable walkway to provide access to the hopper.
A method of manufacturing an agricultural implement, the method comprising:
- coupling a plurality of ground contacting row units on a tool bar, the tool bar being disposed on a frame generally transverse to a central axis along which the implement is towed in operation;
- disposing a plurality of hoppers generally on the ground contacting row units;
- disposing a walkway on the frame generally above the ground contacting row units, wherein the walkway is configured to pivot to provide access to the hoppers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.