AU2008202832B1

AU2008202832B1 - An Aerating Tyne Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2008202832B1
Application number: AU2008202832A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Geoff Modra
Original assignee: Aqua Tech Int Pty Ltd
Current assignee: AQUA TECH INTERNATIONAL Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-31
Filing date: 2008-06-26
Publication date: 2009-05-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-26
Also published as: WO2009121126A1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: An Aerating Tyne Assembly Applicant: Aqua Tech International Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement: 2 AN AERATING TYNE ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to farm equipment adapted to be towed behind a tractor or similar and particularly cultivating equipment. 5 Background Art. Agricultural implements such as those which will use the assembly of the present invention normally comprise a frame constructed and arranged for mounting on a prime mover (not shown) so as to be drawn by the prime mover along the direction of travel thereof. A plurality of shafts are provided which are rotatably 10 mounted on or within the frame. Typically the angle between the axes of the shafts and the direction of travel is such that the contact between the shafts and the ground when the implement is being drawn by the prime mover, causes the shafts to rotate. A plurality of ground cutting members or tynes project from each of the 15 shafts so as to engage the ground. The ground cutting members are normally each substantially planar and are mounted on the shafts for substantially edgewise engagement with the ground. The frame is preferably constructed and arranged for attachment to and displacement by a conventional agricultural tractor and accordingly preferably 20 provided with suitable means for attachment to the three point linkage of an agricultural tractor. In the past, it has usually been necessary to use different types of aerating equipment to effect aeration in different kinds of situations as mentioned above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,580 (Huxford) describes an aerating 25 implement which is especially useful for aerating soil in pastures where it is necessary not to unduly disturb the surface. The Huxford patent teaches an aerating implement with a plurality of shafts rotatably mounted on a frame with their axes at an angle in the range of 70*-90* to the direction of travel, a plurality of substantially planar ground cutting and penetrating members mounted on the shafts with the plane of each 30 cutting member at an angle of 70*-90* to the axis of its shaft towards it outer end. An aerating implement in accordance with the Huxford patent operates to aerate sub-soil without significantly disturbing the surface, and is thus useful in aerating areas where this type of operation is required.

3 The ground cutting members may be permanently mounted on the shafts by, for example, welding or may be removably mounted on the shafts. According to the conventional knowledge however, each of the ground cutting members, that is each tyne, is mounted on an arcuate flange which includes suitable 5 apertures through which bolts may be passed, the bolts engaging in threaded apertures provided in the shafts. In this manner, the tynes are allegedly simpler to remove and replace. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part 10 of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to an aerating and cultivating tyne assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 15 With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an aerating tyne assembly, the assembly including at least one arcuate collar portion with more than one elongate aerating tyne extending from an outer edge of the collar portion. In use, the aerating tyne assembly of the present invention will be used 20 in connection with an agricultural implement. The tyne assembly will typically be configured to aerate the soil without moving the soil laterally. The tyne assembly of the invention has some of the advantages of a cultivating disc but does not move the soil laterally to the extent that a cultivating disc does. As such, the assembly of the present invention will aerate the soil whilst minimising soil disturbance. 25 The at least partially arcuate collar portion will typically be at least partially circular. In particular, the collar portion will typically be confiured as a part of an annular or circular collar, with multiple tyne assemblies being used to form a complete annulus or circular formation for attachment about a shaft of the agricultural implement. 30 In a most preferred form, the collar portion will be approximately semi circular. The collar portion will normally be provided with one or more openings therethrough to facilitate use of fastening means to attach the assembly 4 relative to the shaft of the agricultural implement. Normally, a fixed plate is attached to the shaft and the assembly is attached to the plate using a plurality of bolts or similar. The ground cutting members or tynes will normally be integrally 5 formed with the collar portion and radiate therefrom. The ground cutting members or tynes, are typically formed from planar material such as steel plate and when viewed in side elevation, the outermost part thereof is narrower than the root thereof. The outermost part of each of the ground cutting members is formed to a tip, which may have any configuration such as pointed 10 or bevelled or angled. Each of the ground cutting members is constructed and arranged so that when mounted on the shafts and viewed along the axes of the shafts the outermost part of each of the members is narrower than the root thereof. During the initial insertion of the ground cutting member into the 15 ground the sharpened edge which contacts the ground surface first constitutes the leading edge. However when the sharpened edge has penetrated the ground and the ground cutting member is projecting substantially vertically downward from the shafts, the opposite edge which is typically unsharpened, then becomes the leading edge and remains so until further rotation of the shaft raises the ground cutting 20 member from the soil. It is the engagement of this unsharpened edge with the ground that will typically rotate the assembly about the shaft. A portion of the unsharpened edge will typically be removed or scalloped out in order that the unsharpened edge is more easily released from the ground upon rotation of the tyne out of the ground. Normally the scalloped portion is 25 located opposite only a portion of the sharpened edge and the remainder is located towards the root of the tyne, but again, on the edge opposite the sharpened edge. To assist initial penetration of the ground cutting member into the ground, one or more edges of each tyne may be bevelled or sharpened. To assist the sharpened edge in its function as leading edge and to prevent the soil being pushed 30 ahead of the ground cutting members as the apparatus is displaced across the ground surface, on or more edges may be partially bevelled from a point intermediate the length thereof to the root thereof.

5 Edges of each tyne may converge obliquely to meet other edges, projecting substantially radially from the shaft, at the tip and at the other end meets edge which projects parallel to the edge. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tynes of 5 each asembly are preferably spaced equally about the arcuate collar portion. Where three tynes are provided on a semi-circular collar portion, the unsharpened edges of adjacent tynes are typically separated by approximately 600. The root of the tynes is preferably wide enough such that at least a pair of openings in the collar are contained between extension lines of the sharpened and 10 unsharpened edges of the tyne. The ground cutting members once formed are preferably case hardened. Whichever form of mounting is selected the ground cutting members are preferably mounted on the shafts so that the planes thereof are angled to the axis of the shafts toward the outer ends thereof. While this angle may lie in the range of 70* 15 90* to the axis of the shaft, the angle is preferably set at 85* to the axis of the shaft. The angle is preferably such that at no time does the angle of the ground cutting member to the axis of the shaft exceed the angle of the shaft to the direction of travel of the apparatus. It will be appreciated that by angling the ground cutting members to the 20 shafts the initial penetration thereof into the ground is made easier as the alignment of the blade is closer to the direction of travel. Once in the ground, however, the aerating function is enhanced as the blades are twisted through a greater angle as they pass under the central axis of the shafts. The ground cutting members are preferably provided in series of three, 25 the members of each series being equi-spaced about the periphery of the arcuate collar portion. When the tyne assemblies are assembled together, six tynes are therefore provided although this may vary. Further series of ground cutting members are preferably spaced along the length of the shafts, and each series is preferably circumferentially staggered from 30 the adjacent series to ensure complete penetration and aeration of the soil or pastures. In the embodiment each series is circumferentially staggered at 600 from the adjacent sees.

6 The cutting members may be oriented such that the longitudinal centre line of each cutting member passes through the axis of rotation of the shaft. Alternatively, the cutting members may be oriented such that the longitudinal centre line of each cutting member is shifted rearwardly relative to the direction of 5 movement of the shaft so that the longitudinal centre line of each cutting member is rearwardly spaced from the axis of rotation of the shaft, and also by twisting each cutting member by a small angle about its longitudinal centre line. Further, the plane of each cutting member may be substantially co planar with the plane of the collar or alternatively the plane of the cutting member 10 may be angled with respect to the plane of the collar. Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural implement known in 15 the art and illustrating the configuration and orientation of the cutting members. Figure 2 is a plan view of an assembled pair of tyne assemblies which can then be attached to an agricultural implement such as that illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a play in view of a tyne assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 20 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and aerating and cultivating tyne assembly is provided. The aerating aerating tyne assembly 10 of the illustrated embodiment as particularly illustrated in Figure 3, includes an arcuate collar portion 11 with three 25 elongate aerating tynes 12 extending from an outer edge of the collar portion 11. In use, the aerating tyne assembly 10 is used in connection with an agricultural implement 13 such as that illustrated in Figure 1. The arcuate collar portion 11 of the illustrated embodiment is partially circular. In particular, the collar portion is configured as half of an annular or circular 30 collar, therefore being semi-circular, with multiple tyne assemblies 10 being used to form a complete annulus or circular formation for attachment about a shaft 20 of the agricultural implement 13.

7 As illustrated, the collar portion 11 is provided with a plurality of openings 14 therethrough to facilitate use of fastening means to attach the assembly 10 relative to the shaft 20 of the agricultural implement 13. Normally, a fixed plate is attached to the shaft 20 and the assembly of the present invention is attached to the 5 plate using a plurality of bolts or similar, extending through the openings 14 and attached to the fixed plate. The tynes 12 of the illustrated embodiment are integrally formed with the collar portion 11 and radiate therefrom. The tynes are typically formed from planar material such as steel plate 10 and when viewed in side elevation, the outermost part thereof, the tip 15, is narrower than the root 16 thereof. The tips 15 of the tynes of the illustrated embodiment are bevelled or angled. Each of the tynes 12 is constructed and arranged so that when mounted on the shafts 20 and viewed along the axes of the shafts 20, the outermost part of each 15 of the members is narrower than the root thereof. During the initial insertion of the tyne into the ground, the sharpened edge 17 which contacts the ground surface first, constitutes the leading edge. However ,when the sharpened edge 17 has penetrated the ground and the tyne is projecting substantially vertically downward from the shaft 20, the opposite edge 18 which is 20 typically unsharpened, then becomes the leading edge and remains so until further rotation of the shaft 20 raises the tyne from the soil. It is the engagement of this unsharpened edge 18 with the ground that will normally rotate the assembly 10 about the shaft 20. A portion of the unsharpened edge 18 is removed or scalloped out in 25 order that the unsharpened edge 18 is more easily released from the ground upon rotation of the tyne 12 out of the ground. Normally, the scalloped portion 19 is located opposite only a portion of the sharpened edge 17 and the remainder is located towards the root 16 of the tyne 12, but again, on the edge opposite the sharpened edge 17. 30 To assist initial penetration of the tyne 12 into the ground, one or more edges of each tyne 12 is bevelled or sharpened. To assist the sharpened edge 17 in its function as leading edge and to prevent the soil being pushed ahead of the tynes 12 as 8 the apparatus is displaced across the ground surface, one or more edges may be partially bevelled from a point intermediate the length thereof to the root thereof. Edges of each tyne 12 converge obliquely to meet other edges, projecting substantially radially from the shaft 20, at the tip 15 and at the other end 5 meets edge which projects parallel to the edge. According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the tynes 12 of each asembly are spaced equally about the arcuate collar portion 11. As illustrated, where three tynes 12 are provided on a semi-circular collar portion, the unsharpened edges 18 of adjacent tynes are separated by approximately 600. 10 The root of the tynes is wide enough such that at least a pair of openings 14 in the collar 11 are contained between extension lines of the sharpened 17 and unsharpened edges 18 of the tyne 12. The tynes 12 once formed are preferably case hardened. Whichever form of mounting is selected, the tynes 12 are normally 15 mounted on the shafts 20 so that the planes thereof are angled to the axis of the shafts 20 toward the outer ends thereof. The angle is preferably set at 85* to the axis of the shaft 20. The angle is preferably such that at no time does the angle of the ground cutting member to the axis of the shaft 20 exceed the angle of the shaft 20 to the direction of travel of the apparatus. 20 It will be appreciated that by angling the ground cutting members to the shafts 20 the initial penetration thereof into the ground is made easier as the alignment of the blade is closer to the direction of travel. Once in the ground, however, the aerating function is enhanced as the blades are twisted through a greater angle as they pass under the central axis of the shafts 20. 25 The tynes 12 are of the illustrated embodiment are provided in series of three, the tynes 12 of each series being equi-spaced about the periphery of the arcuate collar portion 11. When the tyne assemblies are assembled together, six tynes are therefore provided such as is illustrated in Figure 2. As can be seen in schematic form in Figure 1, further series of tynes are 30 spaced along the length of the shafts 20, and each series is preferably circumferentially staggered from the adjacent series to ensure complete penetration and aeration of the soil or pastures. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" 9 and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in 5 connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. 10 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications 15 within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerating tyne assembly, the assembly including at least one arcuate attachment collar portion with more than one elongate aerating tyne extending from an outer edge of the at least one collar portion, the at least one collar 5 portion extending from each tyne in the same plane as each tyne.

2. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in claim I configured to aerate the soil whilst minimizing movement of the soil laterally.

3. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least partially arcuate collar portion is at least partially circular. 10

4. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the collar portion is configured as a part of an annular or circular collar, with multiple tyne assemblies being used to form a complete annulus or circular formation for attachment about a shaft.

5. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the collar portion is 15 approximately semi-circular.

6. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the collar portion is provided with one or more openings therethrough to facilitate use of fastening means to attach the assembly relative to a shaft.

7. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 20 wherein the tynes are integrally formed with the collar portion and radiate therefrom.

8. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each tyne has a root and a tip and are shaped such that the tip is narrower than the root. 25

9. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein each tyne has a forward and a rearward edge the forward edge have a sharpened portion adjacent the tip and a portion of the rearward edge of the tyne is removed or scalloped out in order that the tyne is more easily released from the ground upon rotation of the tyne. 30

10. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the removed or scalloped portion is located opposite a part of the sharpened portion and extends towards the root of the tyne. 11

11. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, to assist initial penetration of the tyne into the ground, one or more edges of each tyne are bevelled or sharpened.

12. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 5 wherein multiple tynes are provided and the tynes of each assembly are spaced equally about the arcuate collar portion.

13. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the tyne is wide enough such that at least a pair of openings in the collar to facilitate use of fastening means are contained between extension lines of the edges of the 10 tyne.

14. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tynes are oriented such that a longitudinal centre line of each tyne passes through the axis of rotation of a shaft to which it is attached.

15. An aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 14 wherein the 15 tynes are oriented such that a longitudinal centre line of each tyne is shifted rearwardly relative to the direction of movement of a shaft to which it is attached.

16. An agricultural implement including an aerating tyne assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. 20

17. An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one aerating tyne assembly is attached to a shaft.

18. An aerating tyne assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.