Back to results
US 2015/0020718 A1Published application
Folding implement for the preparation of seed beds
AssigneeBigham Brothers, Inc.
InventorThomas E. Pitonyak
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A folding implement that facilitates planting operations and optimization of irrigation and drainage with efficient preparation, configuration, and planting of seed beds. A centrally located fixed drum roller supports a pair of hinged outboard drum roller wings that for maximum implement width are deployed in alignment with the main section during operation. The wings are hydraulically folded into a compact upright position for legal transport over public roads. The implement is constructed so as to provide strength and durability comparable to single-section furrow rollers. The wings include double sets of crumbler baskets for the preparation of seed beds, where the crumbler baskets are moved along with the folding wings.
Claims19
A folding farm implement capable of being towed by a vehicle, the implement comprising:
- a substantially rectangular center frame member having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges;
- at least one substantially rectangular wing member, each wing member having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges;
- a plurality of center frame member hinge plates mounted on the center frame member, wherein at least one of the center frame member hinge plates is proximate to the front edge and the first of the side edges of the center frame member, and further wherein, at least one of the center frame member hinge plates is proximate to the rear edge and the first of the side edges of the center frame member;
- a plurality of wing member hinge plates mounted on each wing member, wherein at least one of the wing member hinge plates is proximate to the front edge and the first of the side edges of each wing member, and further wherein, at least one of the wing member hinge plates is proximate to the rear edge and the first of the side edges of each wing member, and further wherein the plurality of center frame member hinge plates are configured to be pivotally connected to the plurality of wing member hinge plates so as to permit any of the wing members to be connected to the first of the side edges of the center frame member;
- at least one hitch connector mounted to the agricultural implement and configured for connecting the agricultural implement to a suitable towing device;
- a hinge pin wherein each of the plurality of center frame member hinge plates and each of the plurality of wing member hinge plates are configured to receive the hinge pin, and further wherein the hinge pin traverses substantially the distance of the first of the side edges of the center frame member and connects each of the plurality of center frame member hinge plates and each of the plurality of wing member hinge plates mounted to the first of the side edges of the center frame member and to one of the side edges of the connected wing member, respectively;
- a plurality of hydraulic cylinders configured to rotate said wing member connected to the first of the side edges of the center frame member wherein at least one of the hydraulic cylinders communicates between the front edge of the center frame member and the wing member hinge plate proximate to the front edge of the wing member, and further wherein at least one of the hydraulic cylinders communicates between the rear edge of the center frame member and the wing member hinge plate proximate to the rear edge of the wing member;
- a first double set of crumbler baskets mounted directly behind said center frame member, and a second double set of crumbler baskets mounted directly behind said wing member;
- wherein said at least one substantially rectangular wing member is capable of being rotated between a first, extended-working position substantially parallel to and outboard of the first of the side edges of the center frame member, and a second, substantially vertical, folded-transport position above and perpendicular to the first of the side edges of the center frame member;
- and
- wherein said second double set of crumbler baskets is rotated between said first and second positions along with said wing member.
8 more elements
An agricultural implement comprising:
- a substantially rectangular center frame member having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges, and wherein the front edge, the rear edge, and the two side edges of the center frame member define a planar center frame member opening;
- first and second rectangular wing members, each said wing member having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges and wherein the front edge, the rear edge, and the two side edges of each of the wing members define a planar wing member opening;
- a plurality of center frame member hinge plates mounted on the center frame member, wherein at least one of the center frame member hinge plates is proximate to the front edge and the first of the side edges of the center frame member, and further wherein, at least one of the center frame member hinge plates is proximate to the rear edge and the first of the side edges of the center frame member;
- a respective plurality of wing member hinge plates mounted on each of said first and second wing members, wherein at least one of the wing member hinge plates is proximate to the front edge and the first of the side edges of each wing member, and further wherein, at least one of the wing member hinge plates is proximate to the rear edge and the first of the side edges of each wing member, and further wherein the plurality of center frame member hinge plates are configured to be pivotally connected to the plurality of wing member hinge plates so as to permit any of the wing members to be connected to the first of the side edges of the center frame member, and further wherein, once connected, the wing member is capable of being rotated between a first extended-working position substantially parallel to and outboard of the first of the side edges of the center frame member and a second folded-transport or storage position substantially above and perpendicular to the first of the side edges of the center frame member;
- at least one hitch connector mounted to the agricultural implement and configured for connecting the agricultural implement to a suitable towing device;
- a hinge pin wherein each of the plurality of center frame member hinge plates and each of the plurality of wing member hinge plates are configured to receive the hinge pin, and further wherein the hinge pin traverses substantially the distance of the first of the side edges of the center frame member and connects each of the plurality of center frame member hinge plates and each of the plurality of wing member hinge plates mounted to the first of the side edges of the center frame member and to one of the side edges of the connected wing member, respectively;
- at least one center frame member axle assembly rotatably attached to the side edges of the center frame member and spanning the center frame member opening;
- a respective at least one wing member axle assembly rotatably attached to the side edges of each of said first and second wing members and spanning the wing member opening;
- a plurality of plow beams moveably attached to the center frame member and to each said wing member;
- a plurality of plowshares removeably attached to at least one of the plurality of plow beams;
- wherein the plowshares are configured to be vertically and angularly adjustable;
- a first double set of crumbler baskets mounted directly behind said center frame member, and a second double set of crumbler baskets mounted directly behind said wing member;
- wherein said at least one substantially rectangular wing member is capable of being rotated between a first, extended-working position substantially parallel to and outboard of the first of the side edges of the center frame member, and a second, substantially vertical, folded-transport position above and perpendicular to the first of the side edges of the center frame member;
- and
- wherein said second double set of crumbler baskets is rotated between said first and second positions along with said wing member.
12 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.