NZ194663A - Apparatus for cultivating,seeding and fertilising,and ground levelling - Google Patents

Description

•) 194663 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisonal Number: 194663 Dated: 12th February, 3=-9l&Q.

CULTIVATING APPARATUS I, ERNEST TOWNSEND, a British Subject and New Zealand citizen of 111a New Windsor Road, Avondale, Auckland 7, New Zealand, do hereby declare this invention for which I pray that a Patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention concerns improvements in and relating to cultivating apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus used for the purpose of landscaping ground such as for lawn sowing, or other similar purposes.

It has been known to provide cultivating apparatus for different purposes including ground levelling devices, seed planting devices and roller apparatus. However, such machines have the particular disadvantage that they are only usable for one purpose. Therefore, it has been found desirable, particularly in relation to the landscaping, levelling or other cultivation of ground to provide a single apparatus which is capable of use for these purposes, and a variety of other related purposes. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a cultivating apparatus which is constructed, arranged and adapted for use in clearing and preparing a ground surface including landscaping or contouring the surface, and which may also be usable for seed sowing and soil conditioning.

It is also an object of this invention according to one preferred embodiment to provide a cultivating apparatus which may be adaptable for use in accurate levelling of ground and soil preparation, particularly for playing fields and the like.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments thereof. 194653 According to a first aspect of this invention, there is provided a cultivating apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be controllably positioned on, and relative to, a vehicle; and the following apparatus mounted on and transversely of said frame and consecutively rearwardly spaced one from the other, including: (a) A plurality of pivotable or spring mounted, and vertically adjustable, tine members; (b) A ground levelling blade member adjacent said tine members; (c) A plurality of vertically adjustable disc members mounted on at least one common transverse axis, the transverse axis*of said disc members being adjustable, in a horizontal plane, such that the discs are capable of being disposed at a selected angle relative to said frame; ;(d) A distribution container including out-feeding means adapted to discharge material stored in the container rearwardly of said disc members; ;(e) And a roller at the rear of said apparatus. ;Further, according to this invention there is provided a cultivating apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be controllably positioned on, and relative to, a vehicle, and the following apparatus mounted on and transversely of said frame and consecutively rearwardly spaced one from the other, including: ^ ;(a) A plurality of pivotable or spring mounted^' , and vertically adjustable, tine members; ;-4- ;194663 ;(b) A ground levelling blade adjacent said tine members, said ground levelling blade being vertically adjustable relative to said frame; ;(c) Blade control means to adjust the vertical position of said blade relative to said frame, and said control means operated by a laser-beam actuated and level detecting receiver on said frame; ;(d) A plurality of vertically adjustable disc members mounted on at least one common transverse axis, the transverse axis of said disc members being adjustable, in a horizontal plane, such that the discs are capable of being disposed at a selected angle relative to said frame; ;(e) And a roller at the rear of said apparatus. ;The invention, which is to be considered in all its novel aspects, will be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: ;Figure 1: is a schematic representation of a side view of one preferred embodiment only of the invention; ;Figure 2: is a plan view of one preferred embodiment of the disc members according to the present invention; ;Figure 3: is a plan view of the preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. ;• Figures 4 and 5: are schematic views of one further embodiment of the present invention. ;The invention comprises a support frame adapted for connection to an adjustable three point linkage of a tractor or other vehicles with similar adjustable linkage means. The frame of the apparatus may be pivotably connected to the three point linkage of the tractor so as to be fully capable of being raised and lowered or tilted relative to the ground surface,both during use, and for transport purposes. The apparatus is preferably of such a construction that it may be fully supported above the ground for transport by the tractor. ;The frame apparatus includes a number of integers mounted transversely of the frame, and thus transversely of the direction of travel of the apparatus when positioned as aforesaid behind a tractor or other suitable vehicle. ;In particular, there is provided at the forward end of the apparatus, a plurality of tine members which may preferably be mounted at intervals along a common sub-frame which is in turn pivotably mounted so as to be capable of deflection. The sub-frame is then positioned relative to the frame such that it is vertically adjustable. A ground levelling blade as will be described is then provided spaced apart from and behind said tine members. ;A plurality of replaceable disc members are provided on a further sub-frame positionable behind said ground levelling blade. The disc members according to the preferred ;embodiment of the invention may be provided as a plurality of discs preferably mounted between two sides of the frame work, with two shafts being provided, one set of discs being mounted on each shaft. Each shaft may preferably be provided ip sub-frame which is preferably angled relative to the frame of the apparatus, so that the shafts are * arranged to provide a shallow angle therebetween adjacent the centre of the frame. This angle may preferably be adjustable by positioning of the sub-frames relative to the frame apparatus, and the mounting arrangement for the discs may preferably include means whereby they may be vertically adjustable, that is, raised and lowered, relative to the frame. These discs are particularly useful for cultivation of the ground surface, to provide a fine tilth for sowing seed.

The invention furthermore provides a distribution container with a corresponding feeding means adjacent the rear of the sets of disc members, and respectively adapted to feed a seed or sand, and/or fertiliser into the tilth or furrow produced by the disc members when set at an angle or straight set as will be herein described.

Finally, the invention provides that a roller means be mounted at the rear of the apparatus, usable both in crushing of vegetation and clods and the like during the preparation of a ground surface for sowing and also usable in relation to the rolling of the prepared and sown ground surface. 194663 It is to be appreciated that the apparatus may include other integers which may facilitate the performance of the invention/ and for this purpose the length of the frame may preferably be adjustable. Further, the apparatus in its preferred form may be completely controllable in all its functions by the operator of the tractor, and preferably by remote- control of the hydraulic arrangement provided for the operation of the apparatus.

It is also arranged, in one preferred embodiment, that the invention includes a laser-beam actuated and level detecting receiver. This apparatus may preferably be mounted on the frame adjacent the blade member, or be mounted on the blade member, and may be adapted to automatically control the level of the apparatus and of the blade member.

Now, with particular reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, as disclosed in the drawings, there is provided a cultivating apparatus which is represented in one schematic form in Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings, including a support frame generally indicated by arrow 1, which is supportable through pivotable linkages 2 and 3 on the three point linkage of a tractor. It will be appreciated that the height of the frame above the ground can be controlled by the vertical control of the three point linkage of the tractor, and furthermore, the tilt of the frame relative to the ground can be controlled by hydraulic ram 4. The support portion of the frame generally 194663 indicated by arrow la is connected to the base portion lb which includes a substantially rectangular frame provided with rearwardly extending side members 10 and 10a, and appropriate frame members 6 and 7. In one embodiment of the invention, the side members are adjustable by a rear portion 5 being slidably engageable within the main side portions 10. This facilitates the placing of other apparatus as may be required within the frame. The frame is particularly constructed to support a plurality of integers transversely thereof, and principally between the sides 10 of the apparatus.

Firstly, there is provided a set of tine members generally indicated by arrow 20 which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is spaced along a common transverse mounting shaft 21 and fixed thereto. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the tines are provided in appropriate spring steel materials and provided with a spiral curve in an upper portion 20 a thereof, with a counter-twisted downwardly depending tine portion 20b, which in one preferred embodiment of the invention is provided with a suitable gouging formation in the nature of a knife or other shaped cutting or gouging means 22 on the distal end thereof.

The curve in the spring steel tines provides a spring influence such that the tine members 20 are capable of deflection against the spring influence when they come into contact with fixed obstacles in the ground. 194663 A hydraulic control means 25 being hydraulic cylinders, are provided on each side of the frame 1 and are fixed thereto, with the cylinder rams 26 being connected to plates 27 which support the transverse mounting shaft 21 for the tine members. The arrangement is such that the hydraulic control means 25, being a hydraulically operable' ram, controls the vertical positioning, i.e. raising and lowering of the tines relative to the frame.

A ground levelling blade member generally indicated in dotted lines by arrow 30 is then provided transversely of the front portion of the base of the frame lb. The blade member in one embodiment (Figures 1-3) is fixably positioned in the apparatus and is of course adjustable in its height by adjustment and control of the positioning of the frame apparatus relative to the tractor. The lower portion of the blade may be a replaceable blade member which is reversible so that both edges are usable. Furthermore, a pair of side plates 35 and 36 are provided on each side of the apparatus so as to extend forwardly of the blade member and the tine members and prevent spillage of material around the sides of the apparatus.

The invention further includes a plurality of disc members 40 spaced apart from and behind the blade member 30. The particular layout of the disc members is shown in Figure 2. 194663 In this preferred embodiment, the disc members are provided as a plurality of small discs 41 which are closely spaced one from the other along a sub-frame 42. The sub-frame is supportedly connected to the frame of the apparatus by hydraulic control means 45 placed on either side of the apparatus, which hydraulic control means are capable of vertical adjustment of the positioning of the discs so that they may be raised and lowered relative to the framework. The preferred arrangement of discs provides for a sub-frame 42 with further sub-frames 43 and 4 3a, each including a shaft with a plurality of small discs 41, closely spaced (for example two inches apart) one from the other along the shaft 44. The two shafts may either be driven, or be drivable merely by friction as the apparatus is passed over the ground surface. The apparatus also provides a plurality of fingers 49 (as shown in Figure 2) on the roller sub-frame members 43 and 43a. Those fingers may be provided to extend between the discs 41 and prevent clogging of material therebetween.

The sub-frame 4 2 is hydraulically controllable by its mounting on hydraulic control apparatus 4 5 and 4 5a provided on each side of the apparatus. Furthermore, the angles of the shaft 44 relative to the side members of the sub-frame 42 are adjustable, since the roller frame members 43 and 43a are pivotably connectable through pivot means 46 about their mid-point to said sub-frame 42. Further adjustment means )5 or locking means 47 are provided to fix the relative angle of the roller sub-frames 43 and 43a within the sub-frame 42, 194863 so as to determine the angle of the transverse disc axle(s) 44 (in a horizontal plane) relative to the frame (i.e. the direction of travel of the apparatus). The adjustable means 47 is provided as an elongate slot with a slide therein which may be locked in any appropriate position as may be required. These small discs have the particular advantage that they provide a fine tilth which is particularly suitable for the planting of grass seed for lawns, especially landscaped grass areas, playing fields, tennis courts and the like.

It will be appreciated that the disc members are preferably removable and replaceable as is required.

Further, there is provided a distribution container generally indicated by arrow 50 with associated discharge or feeding means 55 adjacent the rear of said disc members 40. In the preferred form of the invention, the distribution container comprises a hopper removably mounted on support brackets 54, and capable of receiving seed, and/or fertiliser material to be distributed in the prepared ground produced by the disc means. An agitation means (not shown) including a plurality of eccentric plates operated by hydraulic drive 52 may be provided for the flow of material through an elongate outlet provided across and adjacent to the base of the container 50. A discharge or feeding means 55 is provided, including outlets in the form of downwardly depending tubes 56 being provided adjacent and rearwardly of the 19+60 sets of disc members as described. The distribution container as preferably used in conjunction with this apparatus is more particularly described in New Zealand Patent Specification Number 184098.

The apparatus further provides, according to the preferred form of the invention, a roller means 60, fixably positioned within roller bearings 65 in the frame 10. and is adapted to roll with frictional contact over the ground surface. • The invention in one preferred embodiment includes a laser-beam receiver generally indicated by arrow 70, including an elongate substantially vertical receiver portion 71. The receiver is provided on a mast 7 2 which includes a telescopically adjustable portion 73, the upper end of which is provided with a mounting member 74 for the laser-beam receiver. The laser-beam receiver is adapted to control the operable height of the cultivating apparatus of the invention relative to a laser-beam emitted from a laser-beam transmitter which has been set at a predetermined height. This arrangement is particularly adaptable for use in levelling large areas such as playing fields, and especially sports grounds and stadiums to a predetermined height.

The particular arrangement of this embodiment of the invention is that the lasers-beam receiver emits a signal which is adapted to operate an indicator means such as lights 194663 13 or a meter reading when the cultivating apparatus is either too high or too low relative to the laser-beam. This then permits the operator of the cultivating apparatus to raise or lower the three-point linkage of the tractor as may be required to adjust the height of the cultivating apparatus, and more particularly the height of the blade means 30. It is envisaged in an alternative embodiment of this invention that the control of the height of the cultivating apparatus may be made automatic by the signal from the laser-beam receiver directly controlling the functioning of the hydraulic rams for the three-point linkage supporting the cultivating apparatus. In this embodiment it is also considered possible that the height of the apparatus and in particular the position of the blade 30 might be further controlled by the hydraulic tilt cylinder 4 of the cultivating apparatus.

The arrangement of the invention incorporating a laser-beam receiver will be further described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings. This embodiment is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with the laser-beam receiver apparatus. In particular, the invention is arranged to include a blade member, the height of which is adjustable independently of the height of the apparatus relative to the tractor. The configuration of the invention is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 (inclusive) of the drawings. However, there are some changes in the spacings of the features of the apparatus 194663 as can be appreciated by comparison of Figures 1 and 5 of the drawings, and Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings respectively.

In particular, the arrangement of the second embodiment as shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings provide for the tine members to be positioned forwardly of the positions shown in the first embodiment of the apparatus. The three-point linkage arrangement 3 and the upper portion of the frame 1 and la remain substantially the same. Furthermore, the overall dimensions of the frame are not altered, and the other integers behind the blade means are included in the same manner as that shown in the first embodiment of the invention.

The principal feature of the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings is the re-arrangement of the blade member to be adjustable in height. Therefore, by this embodiment there is provided a blade member generally indicated by arrow 130. The blade is positioned between the sides of the frame, and particularly between side plates 135 and 136. The relative position of the blade means along the frame is however substantially the same as that shown in the first embodiment of the invention. The blade means 130 preferably comprises a substantially flat or otherwise curved blade member which in the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a replaceable (and possibly reversible) plate or toe portion 131. The blade is preferably positioned in the frame such that it is free to move in a 194663 substantially vertical plane, the arrangement being such that the frame may provide for support means (not shown) to retain this position of the blade means.

This embodiment of the invention then provides for a means adapted to control and adjust the height of the blade means relative to the cultivating apparatus. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the height control means is provided as a lazy tongs arrangement with one such lazy tongs apparatus being provided adjacent each side of the blade means to facilitate equalised height adjustment of the blade member.

The height control means in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 is provided as a pair of hydraulic cylinders 141 provided one adjacent each side of the apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders 141 are fixed so as to be pivotable in a mounting means 142 provided adjacent the three-point linkage means on the forward portion of the frame. The control cylinders 141 are double acting and include ram portions 143, the outer ends of which include a head 144 engageable with the apex of a pair of link members 14 5. The first link member 14 5 is pivotably connected to the pivot point on the head 144 of the ram at one end, and is pivotably connected to a fixed support portion 14 6 of the frame at its other end. Similarly, the other member 145a is pivotably connected to the head member 144 of the ram, at its one end, and at the other end is pivotably connected to a 194663 mounting portion 135 on the upper end of the blade member.

This arrangement is provided on each side of the blade member so that the height control apparatus will effect constant control of the height of the blade throughout its length.

The arrangement of the invention provides for the laser-beam receiver 71 to directly and automatically control the operation of the double acting hydraulic cylinders 141.

Thus, the height of the blade member 130 in this embodiment of the drawing is automatically controlled as required. This arrangement facilitates the prompt and efficient levelling of the ground surface to the desired constant height during the cultivating process.

In particular, the arrangement of the invention provides for the cultivating apparatus to be mounted on the three-point linkage of a tractor. The height of the cultivating apparatus relative to the tractor is therefore controlled by the three-point linkage of the tractor, and the angle of the cultivating apparatus relative to the tractor is also controlled by the top linkage of the three-point linkage, and furthermore by the adjustment of the hydraulic tilt cylinder 4.

The operation of the invention will be particularly described with reference to the laying of grass particularly . for playing fields or landscaped areas of gardens etc,. In this particular use the tines are generally set at approximately 2-3 inches below the bottom of the frame 194663 / and act to break up a compacted soil surface or alternatively to disloge rocks, stones and other large objects from the soil. The blade member 30 (or 130) is then operable to collect the soil which is disturbed by the tines and retain it in front of the blade. The blade is also kept at a height of say 1-3 inches below the base of the frame, with the height of the blade being controllable according to preferred embodiments. The arrangement therefore provides for the soil to be collected by the blade from higher points of the surface to be cultivated and spilled from the blade at low points of the area to be cultivated. The spill of soil around the side of the machine is prevented by the side plates 35/36 (or 135/136).

The invention then provides for the sets of small disc members 41 to be provided at an angle to the direction of travel of the cultivating apparatus. The angled disc members have the effect of cutting through clods of earth and cultivating a very fine tilth which is particularly suitable for the sowing of grass seed. The height of the disc means may also be controllable by hydraulic rams as suggested, but in preferred embodiments is generally maintained at a position slightly below the base of the frame, and at a lesser depth than the depth of the blade member. 1946P3 Finally, the invention provides for a compacting roller which is adapted to roll the fine tilth of soil which has been cultivated by the apparatus. It will be appreciated that the cultivating apparatus of the invention may be worked over an area of ground to be cultivated and will ultimately produce a very fine tilth which is particularly adapted for sowing of seed such as grass seed. Furthermore, the cultivating apparatus according to preferred embodiments can provide for the very effective levelling of the area to be cultivated, with consequent advantages for the providing of playing fields including e.g. soccer, hockey and cricket fields where a level ground is particularly desirable.

Finally, the incorporation of the distributing mechanism 50 provides for the distribution of seed and/or fertiliser to the area of cultivated ground.

It will be finally appreciated that this invention has been described by way of example only, with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it is to be appreciated that modifications, alterations and additions may be made to the invention without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims (20)

194G63 -19- WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A cultivating apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be controllably positioned on, and relative to, a vehicle: and the following apparatus mounted on and transversely of said frame and consecutively rearwardly spaced one from the o other, including: (a) A plurality of pivotable or spring mounted, and vertically adjustable tine members; (b) A ground levelling blade member adjacent said tine members; (c) A plurality of vertically adjustable disc members mounted on at least one common transverse axis, the transverse axis of said disc members being adjustable, in a horizontal plane, such that the discs are capable of being disposed at a selected angle relative to said frame; (d) A distribution container including out-feeding means adapted to discharge material stored in the container rearwardly of said disc members; (e) And a roller at the rear of said apparatus.

2. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame is a substantially rectangular frame with a mounting means provided centrally disposed about the forward end thereof and adapted to engage with the three-point linkage of a tractor, and wherein the operation of the three-point linkage through the mounting means controls the height of the cultivating apparatus relative to the tractor. . -20- 194663

3. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein a controllable tilting means is provided to extend between a central lower portion of the frame adjacent the blade member, and the upper mounting means on the frame for the three-point linkage, said tilting means being adapted to further assist in control of the height and tilt of the cultivating apparatus relative to the tractor.

4. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tine members are provided on a sub-frame which includes control means to enable the sub-frame of tines to be raised and lowered relative to the frame of the cultivating apparatus.

5. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said tines include a spring mounting, or are provided with a spring influence by a spiral curve in an upper portion thereof with a counter-twisted downwardly depending tine portion.

6. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the ground levelling blade member is fixably positioned in said frame, with the height of the blade member being controlled by the tilting means.

7. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the frame member includes fixed plates on each side of the frame adjacent the tine members and the blade member to prevent spillage of excess cultivated soil. - 21 - 194663

8. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of disc members are provided in a first sub-frame, with control means to adjust the height thereof relative to the frame, said plurality of discs being provided in two groups carried on a further pair of sub-frames each including a shaft comprising a transverse axis on which the discs are mounted in closely spaced relation one from the other along said shaft.

9. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the pair of sub-frames are capable of being adjustably positioned in a horizontal plane, so that the groups of discs are disposed at a selected angle relative to said frame.

10. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the out-feeding means from the distribution container comprises downwardly depending tubes located towardsArear of the cultivating apparatus.

11. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said roller is fixed transversely of so as to be capable of rotation in said frame, or is provided in a slidably removable sub-frame at the rear of said apparatus.

12. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3, 6 or 7 wherein a laser-beam actuated and level detecting receiver means is provided on said frame adapted to operate an indicator means for the operator, or to automatically control the tilting means,

13. A cultivating apparatus comprising a frame adapted-to--^ be controllably positioned on, and relative to, a vehicle, '' ' \J - 22 - 194-663 and the following apparatus mounted on and transversely of said frame and consecutively rearwardly spaced one from the other including: (a) A plurality of pivotable or spring mounted, and vertically adjustable tine members; (b) A ground levelling blade adjacent said tine members, said ground levelling blade being vertically adjustable relative to said frame; (c) Blade control means to adjust the vertical position of said blade relative to said frame, and said control means operated by a laser-beam actuated and level detecting receiver on said frame; (d) A plurality of vertically adjustable disc members mounted on at least one common transverse axis, the transverse axis of said disc members being adjustable, in a horizontal plane, such that the discs are capable of being disposed at a selected angle relative to said frame; (e) And a roller at the rear of said apparatus.

14. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein height control means for the blade member is provided so as to effect common control of the disposition and height of the blade relative to the frame.

15. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in either of:claims 13 or 14 including a reversible toe portion removably engageable with said blade. o ' 'V s "I: "20CTI985£ - 23 - 194663

16. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said laser-beam actuated and level detecting receiver is mounted on a height adjustable mast which is fixably positioned adjacent a mid-portion of the frame member, and wherein the receiver member is removably engageable on said height adjustable mast.

17. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein all of the mechanical functions of the apparatus are hydraulically controlled from a common hydraulic source engaged with the vehicle in which the apparatus is mounted.

18. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in the preceding claim wherein the operator controlled hydraulic functions are operable by remote lever controls provided in a control box on the upper portion of the frame of the cultivating apparatus, or which are mounted on the vehicle.

19. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 and any one of claims 17 and 18, and substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

20. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18 and substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings. ERNEST TOWNSEND, By His Attorneys, BALDWIN, SON & CAREY.