Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
AGRICULTURAL LAND ROLLER IMPLEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an agricultural implement comprising a
plurality of roller sections which are foldable relative to one another from a
working
position to a transport position, and more particularly the present invention
relates to a
land roller implement in which an outermost roller section can be separated to
reduce a
transport width of the implement.
BACKGROUND
Land roller implements are commonly used in agriculture for levelling land,
pushing rocks down into the soil, breaking up soil mounds and clods, or
packing seed for
example. A typical land roller includes a plurality of frame sections, each
supporting at
least one roller thereon. The roller may be a steel drum, a series of packer
wheels or any
other rolling packing element. Due to the low draft resulting from the rolling
movement of
the rollers over the ground and the desirability to cover as much area as
possible with
each pass over an agricultural field with the implement, land roller
implements are known
to comprise wings comprised of two or more sections each. To ensure complete
coverage however, accommodations must be made at the junction between each
adjacent pair of sections.
United States Patent Application Publication No 2008/0314605 by
Degelman et al discloses a land roller comprising a center roller section, two
intermediate
roller sections overlapping opposing ends of the center roller section in a
trailing
relationship, and two outer roller sections which overlap the outer ends of
the intermediate
roller sections in a trailing relationship. When folding the intermediate and
outer roller
sections rearward for transport, the trailing relationship between the
intermediate and
outer roller sections requires a center roller section to span a significant
overall width in
the transport position which may be problematic in some instances.
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United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0307780 by
Hulicsko and 2011/0265699 by McCrea et al each disclose land rollers having
laterally
opposed wings comprised of multiple roller sections, but the roller sections
in this instance
are mounted in series such that an additional packer wheel must be aligned
with the gap
between each adjacent pair of roller sections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a land
roller implement arranged to be towed in a forward working direction by a
towing vehicle
for flattening and levelling land, the implement comprising:
a main frame section arranged for connection to the towing vehicle and
supporting a main roller thereon;
a pair of intermediate frame sections, each spanning longitudinally between
an inner end and an outer end and supporting a respective intermediate roller
thereon;
the intermediate frame sections being pivotally coupled at the inner
ends at laterally opposing sides of the main frame section for movement
between a
working position and a transport position;
in the working position the intermediate frame sections spanning
outwardly in opposing lateral directions towards the outer ends such that the
intermediate
rollers are in a trailing relationship with the main roller on the main frame
section for rolling
movement across the ground in the forward working direction and such that the
intermediate frame sections are pivotal relative to the main frame section
about respective
floating axes oriented in the forward working direction; and
in the transport position the intermediate frame sections extending
rearwardly from the inner ends coupled to the main frame section towards the
outer ends
in the transport position;
a pair of outer frame sections, each spanning longitudinally between an
inner end and an outer end and supporting a respective outer roller thereon;
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the outer frame sections being pivotally coupled at the inner ends on
respective ones of the intermediate frame sections so as to be movable with
the
intermediate frame sections between the working position and the storage
position;
in the working position the outer frame sections spanning outwardly
in respective ones of the opposing lateral directions towards the outer ends
such that the
outer rollers are in a leading relationship with the intermediate rollers on
the intermediate
frame sections for rolling movement across the ground in the forward working
direction;
and
in the transport position the outer frame sections extending
rearwardly from the inner ends coupled to the intermediate frame sections
towards the
outer ends;
the intermediate frame sections each comprising a main portion spanning
longitudinally between the inner and outer ends of the intermediate frame
section upon
which the intermediate roller is supported and an outer brace portion
extending forwardly
of the main portion to pivotally couple the respective outer frame section
thereon about a
floating axis oriented in the forward working direction in the working
position; and
a pair of inner brace members, each coupled to a respective one of the
intermediate frame sections at an outer end of the inner brace member to
extend
forwardly therefrom to an inner end of the inner brace member pivotally
coupled to the
main frame section in the working position.
By providing outer frame sections which are forward of the intermediate
frame sections, the intermediate frame sections can be folded directly
adjacent one
another behind a narrower width center frame section, similarly to a smaller
land roller
having only a single roller on each wing. Furthermore, bracing for both the
intermediate
and outer frame sections can be commonly anchored to the center frame section.
By
arranging the outer frame sections and bracing for the outer frame sections to
be readily
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separable from the intermediate frame sections, the overall width for
transport can be
even further reduced.
The outer brace portion of each intermediate frame section is preferably
fixed relative to the respective main portion such that the inner brace member
of each
intermediate frame section may be pivotally coupled to the outer brace portion
of the
respective intermediate frame section.
Preferably the outer brace portion of each intermediate frame section is
readily separable from the main portion of the respective intermediate frame
section by
connection the outer brace portion to the main portion only using threaded
fasteners.
When the outer brace portion of each intermediate frame section defines a
pair of pivot mounts thereon upon which the respective outer frame section is
pivotally
mounted at spaced apart positions along the respective floating axis each
outer frame
section can be only connected to the respective intermediate frame section
through
pivotal connection to the respective outer brace portion. In this manner, when
the outer
brace portion of each intermediate frame section is readily separable from the
main
portion of the respective intermediate frame section, the outer frame section
is readily
separable from the main portion of the respective intermediate frame section
together
with the outer brace portion.
The outer brace portion of each intermediate frame section may comprise
an inner frame member and an outer frame member joined at respective rear ends
at
laterally spaced apart positions on the main portion of the intermediate frame
section to
extend forwardly to be joined to one another at a forward end. The respective
outer frame
section is preferably pivotally coupled wholly on the outer frame member.
When there is provided a pair of first transport wheels arranged to support
the inner ends of the outer frame sections respectively for rolling movement
along the
ground in the transport position, the first transport wheels are preferably
supported wholly
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on the outer frame member of the outer brace portion of the respective
intermediate frame
section.
Preferably the inner end of each inner brace member is pivotally coupled to
the main frame section about a respective floating axis which is coaxial with
the floating
axis of the respective intermediate frame section pivotally coupled to the
main frame
section. Each inner brace member is also preferably pivotally coupled at the
outer end
thereof to the inner frame member of the outer brace portion of the respective
intermediate frame section.
When a pair of first transport wheels are arranged to support the inner ends
of the outer frame sections respectively for rolling movement along the ground
in the
transport position, preferably the first transport wheels are supported
forwardly of the
respective intermediate rollers in the working position of the frame sections.
When a pair of second transport wheels are arranged to support the outer
ends of the intermediate frame sections respectively for rolling movement
along the
ground in the transport position, preferably the second transport wheels are
supported
rearwardly of the respective outer rollers in the working position of the
frame sections.
Preferably there is also provided a pair of third transport wheels arranged
to support the outer ends of the outer frame sections respectively for rolling
movement
along the ground in the transport position.
Preferably at least one of the pairs of wheels comprises a pair of caster
wheels supported on a freely rotatable post in which the rotatable post is
coupled to the
respective frame section by a pair of parallel links for movement between a
lowered
position for supporting the frame section in the transport position and a
raised position so
as not to interfere with rolling movement of the rollers along the ground in
the working
position. The parallel links are preferably spaced above respective wheels on
the
rotatable posts so as not to interfere with full rotation of the wheels about
an upright
castoring axis of the respective rotatable post. Each caster wheel may be
supported on
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the respective rotatable post by a support arm extending radially outwardly
from the
bottom end of the post. When each rotatable post is rotatably received within
a respective
vertical tube, the respective pair of links are preferably pivotally coupled
to the vertical
tube at vertically spaced positions thereon spaced above the support arm. A
bottom end
of each vertical tube is preferably spaced below the respective pivot links
and is
substantially in abutment with the respective support arm. The caster wheel
assembly
may further include a lock pin supported on each support arm for sliding
movement in a
radial direction relative to the vertical tube for movement between a locked
position
engaged within a locking aperture in the vertical tube to resist relative
rotation
therebetween and a released position in which the caster wheels are freely
rotatable
about the respective upright castoring axis.
Preferably at least one other ones of the pairs of wheels comprises a pair
of steerable wheel assemblies. Each steerable wheel assembly preferably
includes:
i) an upright tube which is pivotally coupled at an upper end of the
respective
frame section for pivotal movement between a lowered position for supporting
the frame
section in the transport position and a raised position so as not to interfere
with rolling
movement of the rollers along the ground in the working position;
ii) a linkage coupled between the upright tube and the frame section for
controlling movement of the upright tube between the lowered and raised
positions;
iii) a rotatable post rotatable received within the upright tube and which is
oriented to be rotatable about an upright steering axis in the lowered
position of the
steerable wheel;
iv) a support arm extending radially outward from a bottom end of the
rotatable post so as to support a dual wheel assembly thereon;
v) a steering arm extending radially outward from the rotatable post at a
location spaced above the support arm such that a bottom end of the upright
tube is
substantially abutted with the steering arm; and
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vi) a steering actuator coupled between a mounting portion of the upright
tube and the steering arm so as to control rotation of the support arm and
steering arm
on the rotatable post about the upright steering axis relative to the upright
tube.
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top plan view of the land roller implement showing one of the
wings in the transport position in which the other wing is symetrical to the
wing which is
shown;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the wings in the working position
relative to the main frame section;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main frame section;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the main frame section;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an outer end of the main portion of one
intermediate frame section;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the outer brace portion of one intermediate
frame section;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an inner end of the main portion of one
intermediate frame section;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the inner brace member;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the outer end of one outer frame section;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of one of the caster wheel assemblies;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the upright tube portion of the caster
wheel assembly of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the rotatable post portion of the caster
wheel assembly of Figure 10;
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Figure 13 is a perspective view of the steerable wheel assembly at the outer
end of the outer frame section;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the upright tube portion of the steerable
wheel assembly of Figure 13; and
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the rotatable post portion of the steerable
wheel assembly of Figure 13.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in
the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a land roller
implement generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The implement 10 is
suited for
connection to a towing vehicle for rolling movement across the ground to
flatten and level
agricultural land for example. The implement is moveable between a working
position
and a transport position. In the working position, the implement primarily
spans generally
laterally so as to be perpendicular to a forward working direction of a towing
vehicle which
tows the implement across a field. In the transport position the implement
primarily
extends generally rearwardly in a trailing relationship from the towing
vehicle to reduce
the overall width in the lateral direction for transport on roads for example.
The implement generally includes a main frame section 12 centrally located
between a pair of wings in which wing includes one intermediate frame section
14 and
one outer frame section 16. Each intermediate frame section 14 is elongate
between an
inner end 18 and an outer end 20. Similarly each outer frame section is
elongate between
an inner end 22 and an outer end 24.
The intermediate frame sections are coupled to the main frame section at
laterally opposing ends thereof such that each inner end of the intermediate
frame
sections overlaps in the longitudinal direction the corresponding end of the
main frame
section in the longitudinal direction of the frame sections in the working
position. The
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intermediate frame sections however are positioned in a trailing relationship
with the main
frame section.
The outer frame sections are coupled to the intermediate frame sections
such that each outer frame section is coupled at an inner end adjacent to the
outer end
of a respective intermediate frame section to overlap one another in the
longitudinal
direction of the frame sections. The outer sections lead the intermediate
sections at a
position forwardly thereof in the working position such that each intermediate
frame
section trails both the main frame section and the corresponding outer frame
section in
the working position. Furthermore, each outer frame section is coupled to the
respective
intermediate frame section such that the outer and intermediate frame sections
are
movable together about a vertical folding axis relative to the main frame
section between
the working and transport positions.
In the working position, the frame sections are supported such that rollers
on the frame sections are in rolling engagement with the ground in the forward
working
direction as described in further detail below.
In the transport position, the frame sections are supported such that the
rollers are spaced above the ground for transport on transport wheels as
described in
further detail below.
The main frame section 12 comprises two longitudinal frame members 26
spanning in the longitudinal direction along front and rear sides of the frame
section
between two end cross bars 28 joined between the longitudinal frame members 26
at the
opposing ends. Two forward frame members 30 span across the longitudinal frame
members in the forward working direction to be connected by a forward cross
bar 32 at a
forward end spaced forwardly of the longitudinal frame members.
Opposing ends of the forward cross bar 32 define a pair of latches 34
arranged to receive bracing components for the wing frame sections in the
working
position. Each latch defines a socket receiving a corresponding latching
component
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therein such that the latching component is pivotal relative to the main frame
section about
a first floating axis which is horizontal and oriented in the forward working
direction. A
latching actuator 36 is coupled to each latch for opening and closing the
latch to
selectively retain latching components therein.
The rear ends of the two forward frame members 30 project rearwardly
beyond the longitudinal frame members for supporting a pair or knuckle mounts
38
respectively thereon. Each knuckle mount includes a vertical pivot shaft 40
defining the
vertical folding axis about which the intermediate and outer frame sections
are pivotal
between the working and transport positions.
The two end cross bars 28 each locate a roller mount 42 thereon to support
a main roller on the main frame section. The roller mounts 42 extend below the
longitudinal frame members and define the roller axis of the main rollers
spanning
therebetween horizontally and perpendicular to the forward working direction
so that the
main roller is arranged for rolling movement in the forward working direction
when
engaged with the ground. The main roller spans the full length of the main
frame section
between the opposing end cross bars 28 as well as spanning the full width in
the forward
working direction such that the diameter of the main roller is approximately
equal to the
width between the two longitudinal frame members 26 supported thereabove.
The two intermediate frame sections similarly each comprise two
longitudinal frame members 44 extending in the longitudinal direction at
respective front
and rear sides of the intermediate frame section in the working position. The
two
longitudinal frame members span the full length of the frame section between
two end
cross bars 46 at opposing ends of the frame which are connected between the
longitudinal frame members. An additional intermediate cross bar may span
between the
longitudinal frame members at an intermediate location between the opposing
ends for
additional structural support. The longitudinal frame members and the cross
bars
collectively define a main portion of the intermediate frame section which
supports an
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intermediate roller 48 thereon. The intermediate roller is supported by roller
mounts 50
extending below each of the two end cross bars 46 respectively to define the
roller axis
of the intermediate roller 48 spanning in the longitudinal direction of the
frame section.
The intermediate roller spans the full length of the respective frame section
between the
end cross bars 46 as well as spanning the full width between the longitudinal
frame
members which are located thereabove similarly to the main frame section.
A knuckle mount 52 is mounted on the end cross bar 46 at the inner end of
each intermediate frame section to define a horizontal floating axis of the
intermediate
frame section relative to the main frame section. The floating axis is
oriented in the
forward working direction in the working position so as to be coaxial with the
floating axis
of the latching components defined by the respective latches 34 on the main
frame
section. The floating axes are horizontal and perpendicular to the forward
working
direction in the transport position. A suitable knuckle component is coupled
between the
vertical pivot shaft of the knuckle mounts 38 on the main frame section and a
horizontal
pivot shaft of the knuckle mounts 52 on the intermediate frame sections such
that each
intermediate frame section is pivotal about both the vertical folding axis and
the horizontal
floating axis relative to the main frame section.
The main portion of the intermediate frame section also includes two
bracket mounts 54 mounted thereon at spaced positions in the longitudinal
direction along
the forward one of the two longitudinal frame members 44. One of the bracket
mounts
54 is mounted centrally in the longitudinal direction adjacent the
intermediate cross bar,
while the other bracket mount 54 is located adjacent the outer end of the
frame section.
The bracket mounts serve to mount an outer brace portion 56 of each
intermediate frame
section using threaded fasteners such that the outer brace portion is
selectively separable
from the main portion of the intermediate frame section simply by removing the
threaded
fasteners which form the only connection between the outer brace portion and
the main
portion of each intermediate frame section.
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Each outer brace portion 56 includes an inner frame member 58 having a
vertical plate bracket mount at the rear end thereof for direct mounting to
the
corresponding vertical plate bracket mount located at the intermediate
location on the
front of the intermediate frame section. Corresponding apertures between the
vertical
plates permit connection using the threaded fasteners. The outer brace portion
56 also
includes an outer frame member 60 which locates a vertical plate bracket mount
at the
rear end thereof for connection to the other bracket mount 54 adjacent the
outer end of
the intermediate frame section. Similar apertures permit connection with the
threaded
fasteners.
The outer frame member 60 is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal
direction of the frame section to extend in the forward working direction in
the working
position of the frame sections. The inner frame member 58 extends forwardly at
an
outward incline in the working position such that the inner and outer frame
members of
the outer brace portion are joined together at the forward end at a location
spaced
forwardly of the outer end of the intermediate frame section in the working
position.
The outer frame member 60 defines a pair of pivot mounts 62 at spaced
positions thereon which are arranged to be coupled to the inner end of a
respective outer
frame section to define an outer floating axis of the outer frame section
relative to the
intermediate frame section in which the outer floating axis is oriented in the
forward
working direction in the working position of the frame section.
The rear end of the inner frame member 58 is connected to the respective
bracket mount with additional gusset plates 54 which define a vertical pivot
mount 66 on
the inner frame member for connection to an inner brace member 68.
The inner brace member 68 is an elongate frame member extending
between an inner end 70 arranged to be coupled within a respective latch 34 in
the
working position and an outer end 72 which is pivotally coupled to the
vertical pivot mount
66 on the respective outer brace portion of the respective intermediate frame
section.
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The outer end of each inner brace member locates a vertical pivot shaft
thereon for
coupling to the inner frame member of the outer brace portion. The opposing
inner end
70 includes a horizontal pivot shaft 74 which is received within the
respective latch 34 on
the main frame section in the working position such that the pivot shaft 74 is
aligned with
the floating axis defined by the latch 34 which is coaxial with the second
floating axis
defined by the knuckle mounts 52 coupling the intermediate frame section to
the main
frame section.
A guide arm 76 is coupled to the inner end of the inner brace member for
relative pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis therebetween. In the
working
position, the guide arm 76 extends rearwardly to the second end coupled onto
the main
frame section for relative pivoting about a vertical axis therebetween. In the
working
position, the guide arm extends forwardly in the working direction from the
second end to
the first end while the inner brace member extends inwardly at a forward
inclination from
the pivotal connection to the outer brace portion of the intermediate frame
section to the
corresponding latch 34. When the latch is released, the intermediate frame
section is
permitted to fold rearwardly into the transport position such that the
longitudinal direction
is aligned with the forward working direction. In this manner, the guide arm
extends
rearwardly at an outward inclination from the second end to the first end
while the inner
brace member extends generally rearwardly from the inner end coupled to the
guide arm
76 to the outer end connected to the outer brace portion.
Each outer frame section also includes two longitudinal frame members 78
extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective frame section at
forward and
rearward ends of the frame in the working position. Two end cross bars 80 are
coupled
between the longitudinal frame members at the opposing ends thereof. Two
pivots 82
are spaced apart along the cross bar 80 at the inner end of the outer frame
section or
pivotal connection to the respective pivot mounts spaced apart on the outer
frame
member of the outer brace portion of the intermediate frame section which
serve as the
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only connection between the outer frame section and the intermediate frame
section. An
outer roller 84 is supported on respective roller mounts 86 depending from the
two end
cross bars 80 respectively to define a roller axis extending in the
longitudinal direction of
the outer frame sections similarly to the other frame sections. Also similarly
to the other
frame sections, the outer roller 84 spans the full length of the frame section
between the
two end cross bars as well as having a diameter which spans the full width
between the
two longitudinal frame members 78 supported above the roller.
In this arrangement, the outer frame sections and the inner brace members
are only connected to the respective intermediate frame sections through the
outer brace
portion 56 which is readily separable from the remaining main portion of the
intermediate
frame section. By detaching the outer brace portion from the main portion of
each
intermediate frame section, the overall width in the transport position can be
greatly
reduced. Due to the outer frame sections being positioned forwardly of the
intermediate
frame sections in the working position, the main roller only has a sufficient
width to span
the combined width of the two intermediate frame sections positioned directly
adjacent
one another trailing the main roller in the transport position. The overall
width of the main
roller section and the intermediate frame sections trailing behind the main
frame section
in the transport position can be reduced to 8 feet or less for example to
permit regular
transport on conventional roadways. The bracing components and the outer frame
sections can then be arranged for separate towing in a trailing relationship
with the
intermediate frame sections or can be transported by towing with a separate
towing
vehicle when transporting over long distances over conventional roadways for
example.
The outer frame sections are intended to remain connected to the intermediate
frame
sections for transport over short distances or across fields and the like for
example.
A first pair of pivotal transport wheels 88 are connected to the outer frame
member of the outer brace portion of the intermediate frame section to support
the inner
end of the respective outer frame section spaced above the ground for
transport. The
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connection to the outer frame member is the sole connection between the first
transport
wheels and the frame sections.
Similarly, the cross bar 46 at the outer end of each intermediate frame
section supports a respective second pivotal transport wheel 90 for supporting
the outer
end of the intermediate section spaced above the ground in the transport
position. The
connection to the end cross bar 46 is the sole connection between the second
transport
wheels and the frame sections.
The end cross bar 80 at the outer end of each outer frame section provides
the sole connection to respective third pivotal transport wheels 92 which
support the outer
ends of the outer frame sections in the transport position.
Additional transport wheels 94 are provided at two spaced apart locations
across the rear end of the main frame section for movement between raised and
lowered
positions relative to the main frame section for supporting the main frame
section in the
transport position. More particularly, when the main transport wheels are
lowered, the
main roller is supported spaced above the ground such that the main transport
wheels
are in rolling engagement with the ground. The main frame section is supported
in the
transport position by the auxiliary transport wheels 94 at the rear end and
the hitching
connection to the towing vehicle connected through the main frame section at
the forward
end thereof.
The first and second pivotable transport wheels 88 and 90 each comprise
a castor wheel assembly as described in further detail below. The third
pivotable transport
wheels 92 each comprise a steerable wheel assembly also as described in
further detail
below.
Turning now to Figures 10 through 12, each castor wheel assembly includes
a frame mount 96 which defines a pair of vertically spaced apart horizontal
pivot mounts
having pivot axes which are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the
longitudinal
direction of the respective frame section. The castor assembly also includes a
vertical
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tube 98 locating an additional pair of vertically spaced apart horizontal
pivots thereon at
a similar vertical spacing therebetween. To parallel pivot links 100 are
coupled between
the pivot mounts on the frame mount and vertical to respectively define a
parallel linkage
which maintains the vertical tube 98 in a vertical orientation as it is
pivoted between raised
and lowered positions relative to the frame section.
An actuator 102 is provided in the form of a linear hydraulic actuator which
can be extended and retracted under hydraulic control. The actuator is mounted
at one
end on the frame section above the frame mount 96 and is mounted at the
opposing end
on the vertical tube spaced below the connection to the frame section. In the
raised
position, the links extend from the frame section to the vertical tube
generally horizontally
or at an upward inclination so that wheels at the bottom end of the vertical
tube do not
engage the ground and provide no interference with rolling movement of the
corresponding roller across the ground. In the lowered position, the pivot
links at the
outer ends connected to the vertical tube are lower than the raised position
so as to
extend at a downward inclination to engage the wheels with the ground such
that the
roller is positioned spaced above the ground.
Each castor wheel assembly further includes a rotatable post 104 received
rotatably within the vertical tube 98 to define a vertical castoring axis. An
annular groove
is received about the rotatable post in alignment with a set screw 106
threaded into the
vertical tube so that the screw retains the post within the tube without
restricting relative
pivotal movement therebetween.
The bottom end of the rotatable post includes a support arm 108 which
extends radially outward from the bottom end of the post and supports a wheel
axle 110
thereon radially spaced from the post. The wheel axle is generally horizontal
for
supporting a pair of wheels at opposing ends thereof corresponding to opposing
sides of
the support arm.
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An annular flange 112 is formed about the post directly above the support
arm to define an annular surface perpendicular to the vertical castoring axis
which is
arranged to abut the bottom end of the tube to transfer a vertical load
therethrough without
limiting the rotation of the support arm and wheels thereon about the vertical
castoring
axis. The vertical tube has sufficient length between the connection to the
parallel links
and the support arm therebelow so that the parallel links do not interfere
with 360 degree
rotation of the castoring wheels relative to the vertical tube.
A pair of mounting plates 114 are mounted on the support arm to support a
locking pin slidable through corresponding apertures in the plates such that
the pin is
slidable radially in the direction of the support arm relative to the
rotatable post and tube
within which it is received. A locking plate mounted on the bottom end of the
vertical tube
98 locates a slot 116 therein to receive the inner end of the locking pin
therein in a locked
position. In the locked position, the locking pin restricts relative rotation
between the
support arm carrying the castor wheels and the vertical tube to selectively
fix the
orientation of the castor wheels relative to the frame section. The locked
orientation
corresponds to the castor wheel axis being perpendicular to the roller axis
such that the
castor wheels are arranged for rolling movement on the ground in the
longitudinal
direction of the respective frame section.
Turning now to Figures 13 through 15, each steerable wheel assembly
includes an upright tube 120 which is pivotally connected at the upper end on
the
corresponding cross bar at the end of the frame section. The tube extends
generally
downwardly towards a bottom end supporting the steerable wheel thereon such
that the
wheel can be raised and lowered relative to the frame section by pivoting of
the upright
tube relative to the frame section. In the lowered position of the steerable
wheel, the
upright tube is in a vertical orientation such that wheels at the bottom end
of the upright
tube engage the ground and support the roller spaced upwardly from the ground.
In the
raised position of the steerable wheel, the upright tube extends downwardly at
an
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inclination such that the wheels at the bottom end of the upright tube are
sufficiently raised
to be spaced above the ground and not interfere with forward rolling movement
of the
roller.
Pivoting of the wheel between raised and lowered positions is accomplished
by a linkage coupled between a lug 122 fixed adjacent the upper end of the
upright tube
and the frame section. The linkage includes a rotator link 124 pivotally
coupled to the
frame section for connection to the lug 122 by a connector link 126 pivotally
coupled at
opposing ends on the rotator link and lug respectively. An actuator 128
comprising a
linear hydraulic actuator is then pivotally coupled at opposing ends on the
frame section
and the rotator link respectively. In this manner, extending and retracting
the actuator
pivots the rotator link in a manner which draws the connector link and lug 22
connected
thereto upwardly for pivoting the upright tube upwardly into the raised
position.
The bottom end of the upright tube includes a steering anchor plate 130
which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upright tube and
extends radially
outward therefrom for anchoring one end of a steering actuator 132 thereon.
A rotatable post 134 is rotatably received within the upright tube 120 such
that the tube defines an upright steering axis of the post relative to the
tube and frame
section. Similar to the castor wheel an annular groove is provided in the top
end of the
post for mating alignment with a set screw 134 threaded through the wall of
the upright
tube to retain a post longitudinally within the tube without restricting
relative rotation
therebetween.
A steering arm 136 is coupled to the rotatable post at a location spaced
upwardly from the bottom end thereof to extend radially outwardly. Similarly
to the
steering anchor plate, the steering arm 136 comprises a plate oriented
perpendicularly to
the upright steering axis. In the retained position of the post within the
tube, the steering
anchor plate 30 at the bottom end of the upright tube is abutted onto the
steering arm so
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as to allow relative rotation therebetween while permitting the load to be
transferred along
the axis therethrough by the abutment.
The rotatable post also includes a support arm 138 extending radially
outward from the bottom end of the post in the same radial direction as the
steering arm.
The support arm supports a wheel axle 140 thereon at a position spaced
radially outward
from the upright steering axis for mounting a dual set of wheels in opposing
ends of the
axel at opposing sides of the support arm respectively. The support arm is
spaced
vertically below the steering actuator sufficiently that the steering arm is
above the height
of the wheels to permit connection of the other end of the steering actuator
132 thereon.
In this manner, extending and retracting the steering actuator 132 acts to
change the
angular position of the steering arm relative to the steering anchor plate
which in turn
controls the steering movement of the dual wheel assembly on the support arm
about the
upright steering axis.
Typically, in the transport position shown in Figure 1, the steerable wheels
are oriented such that their axis of rotation is perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of
the outer frame section so that the wheels are supported for rolling in the
forward working
direction together with the castor wheel assemblies. When it is desired to
displace the
frame sections into the working position, the orientation of the steerable
wheels at the
outer ends of the outer sections can be rotated through 90 degrees to be
oriented in the
same rolling direction as the outer rollers. By reversing the implement, the
wings will
unfold from the transport position to the working position where the inner
brace members
can be connected to the respective latches to retain the frame sections in the
working
position. All of the transport wheels are then raised relative to the frame
sections such
that only the rollers are engaged with the ground for rolling movement in the
forward
working direction.
For return to the transport position, the latches are opened and the wheels
are lowered into their lowered position so that the rollers are no longer
engaged with the
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ground. The steerable wheel assemblies are also steered such that their axis
of rotation
is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame sections.
Advancing the
implement into the forward working direction thus causes the outer frame
sections to be
pivoted together with the respective intermediate frame sections about the
respective
vertical folding axes until the intermediate and outer frame sections have
their longitudinal
directions oriented rearwardly from the center section. The castor wheels can
be
unlocked in a castoring position during movement from the working position to
the
transport position and from the transport position back to the working
position. Once in
the transport position, the castor wheels are typically locked to remain fixed
for rolling
movement in the forward working direction.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above
described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made
within the
spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope,
it is intended
that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be
interpreted as
illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
CA 2810124 2018-08-28
