Depth gauge for a vibratory plow
AssigneeThe Toro Company
InventorThomas K. Bricko
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A depth gauge (30) is connected to a vibratory plow (10) for indicating the depth of a blade (13). The depth gauge (30) has a rod (31) pivotally connected to the housing (11). The rod (31) has a first end (31a), a second intermediate ground following portion (31b) and a second end (31c). An indicator bar (36) has its first end (36a) connected to the second end (31c) of the rod (31). A depth indicator (50) is provided. The second end of the rod (31c) is restrained for a general vertical movement proximate the depth indicator (50), wherein as the housing (11) is raised or lowered, the ground following portion (31b) stays in contact with the ground and results in pivotal movement of the rod (31) and thereby a vertical displacement of the indicator bar (36), thereby providing a depth gauge.
Claims20
A depth gauge for use with a vibratory plow apparatus having a housing for enclosing a vibratory plow mechanism, comprising:
- (a) a rod configured to be pivotally connected to the housing;
- (b) the rod having a first end pivotally connected to the housing, a second intermediate ground following portion and a second end;
- (c) an indicator bar having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the rod and a second end;
- and
- (d) a depth indicator, the second end of the indicator bar restrained for generally vertical movement proximate the depth indicator, wherein as the housing is raised or lowered, the ground following portion stays in contact with the ground and results in pivotal movement of the rod and in turn a relative vertical displacement of the indicator bar.
A vibratory plow with a depth gauge, comprising:
- (a) a housing for enclosing a vibratory plow mechanism;
- (b) a rod pivotally connected to the housing;
- (c) the rod having a first end pivotally connected to the housing, a second intermediate ground following portion and a second end;
- (d) an indicator bar having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the rod and a second end;
- and
- (e) a depth indicator, the second end of the indicator bar restrained for generally vertical movement proximate the depth indicator, wherein as the housing is raised or lowered, the ground following portion stays in contact with the ground and results in pivotal movement of the rod and turn in a vertical displacement of the indicator bar.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.