Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
1~.'33635
SOIL LEVELING APPARATUS
WITH IMPROVED FRAME AND HITCH
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a
device for attachment to a vehicle for cutting, leveling
and otherwise grading the soil or the like. More par-
ticularly, this invention concerns a soil leveling appara-
tus incorporating an improved frame, an improved hitch, an
improved scarifier ass~mbly, an optional pulverizer
attachment, and other features which provide more versati-
lity and controlab-lity in order to achieve better perfor-
mance.
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Back~round Art
Proper site preparation lequires that the
ground be graded as necessary for compatibility with
planting, sodding, paving or whatever the next and
usually final construction or maintenance step may be.
Such site preparation typically involves first breaking
up and loosening the soil as necessary followed by
leveling the soil to the desired grade. ~ This may
entail the use of different tools, depending upon the
soil conditions, and multiple passes over the site
which is both time consuming and expensive.
In the past weighted boards and the like were
dragged behind tractors to smooth and level the surface
of the soil. This technique was relatively crude and
ùnsatisfactory because it did not allow for controlling
the angle or grade of the soil surface, and loose dirt
tended to collect in front of the board which would
escape around the outer edges leaving ridges which then
had to be smoothed manually with rakes or the like.
My prior U. S. Patent No. 3,556,228 shows an
apparatus for leveling soil and the like which was
adapted to overcome the difficulties associated with
the prior art at that time. This device generally con-
sisted of a frame adapted for connection to a three-
point hitch on a draft vehicie such as a tractor. The
frame consisted of a number of transverse ground
engaging members arranged in longitudinally spaced
apart relationship. The leading member therein was a
member of generally inverted U-shaped cross section to
effect cutting, while the other trailing mem~ers were
of closed, generally rectangular cross section for
leveling purposes. The transverse ground engaging mem-
bers were interconnected by longitudinal braces in a
ladder-like fashion to form a rigid frame. Individual
3635
retaining shoes or plates were provided on opposite
ends of each ground engaging member to retain loose
soil to avoid formation of soil ridges.
This device operated well and was a signifi-
cant improvement over the prior art at that time,
although experience later showed that improvements
could be made. The parent hereof, referenced above,
discloses such an improved soil leveling apparatus. It
has been found, however, that even this device can be
improved upon. For example, under some soil conditions
it has been found that the effectiveness of a leading
ground engaging member of generally inverted U-shaped
cross section can be severely restricted if it should
become plugged with soil. In addition, three-point
hitches of various types and ages exhibit various
degrees of looseness which may not be compatible with
different soil conditions. Some degree of play or
looseness at the top link of the three-point hitch is
generally desirable because it enables the apparatus to
float somewhat on the soil surface without undue
gouging, however, too much looseness is undesirable.
Further, some conditions may call for soil
working relatively less aggressive, but which is
desired as a substitute for or in addition to, that
type of soil working p~ovided by the scarifier
assembly.
There is, thus, a- need for an improved soil
leveling apparatus of even greater versatility.
~ 3363S
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Summarv of the Invention
The present invention com~)rises an improved
soil leveling apparatus which overcomes the foregoing
and other difficulties associated with the prior art.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a
soil leveling apparatus having an improved frame, con-
nection means for the hitch, and other features and
options which enhance its capability and versatility.
The frame comprises a plurality of transverse
ground engaging members, the leading member being a
scraper member of generally inverted J-shaped cross
section in order to avoid soil plugging. The frame
includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side frame
members which are of uneven channel-like configuration
secured to opposite ends of the trailing ground
engaging member so as to reduce construction costs
while providing the necessary structural rigidity.
The trailing ground engaging members are of
generally inverted rounded V-shaped cross section in
order to provide a substantially upright surface for
pushing the soil in a forward direction, with an
inclined surface for lifting the soil in a rearward
direction.
The connection means on the frame for securing
the apparatus to a three-point- hitch is of generally
A-shaped configuration, which is alsc adapted to serve
as the support for the ajustable scarifier assembly.
This also simplifies construction of the soil leveling
apparatus and enhances the structural integrity
thereof. An adjustable lost motion linkage is pre-
ferably provided at the top end of the connection means
for receiving the top link of a three-point hitch in
order to provlde the degree of play desirable under the
particular conditions.
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In one embodiment there is provided an apparatus for
leveling soil and the like, comprising: a generally
rectangular frame including a leading transverse elongate
scraper member and one or more trailing transverse elongate
ground engaging members fixedly secured in mutually spaced
apart relationship between a pair of longitudinal side
members, the ground engaging members of said frame being of
inverted generally V-shaped cross section with downwardly
diverging legs of different inclinations; and a hitch means
rigidly secured to said frame for connecting the apparatus
to a vehicle.
In another embodiment there is provided an apparatus
for leveling soil and the llke, comprising: a generally
rectangular frame including a leading transverse elongate
scraper member and a plurality of trailing transverse
elongate ground engaging members fixedly secured in
mutually spaced apart relationship between a pair of
longitudinal side members; the side members of said frame
each being of inverted generally J-shaped cross section
havi~g an outer leg with a straight lower edge, and an
inner leg with a lower edge that extends across the ground
engaging members; the ground engaging members of said frame
being of inverted generally V-shaped cross section with
downwardly diverging legs of different inclinations; and a
hitch means rigidly secured to said frame for connecting
the apparatus to a vehicle.
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In another embodiment there is provided an apparatus
for leveling soil and the like, comprising: a generally
rectangular frame including a leading transverse elongate
sc:raper member and at least one trailing transverse elongate
ground engaging member fixedly secured in mutually spaced
apart relationship between a pair of longitudinal side
members; the scraper member of said frame having a lower
edge, and each ground engaging member being of generally
closed tubular construction of inverted generally V-shaped
cross section having a lower surface, with the lower edge
of the scraper member and the lower surface of the ground
engaging member(s) being substantially coplanar; the side
members of said frame each being of inverted generally
J-shaped cross section having an outer leg with a straight
lower edge, and an inner leg with a straight lower edge
that extends across the ground engaging members; hitch
means rigidly secured to said frame for connecting the
apparatus to a vehicle; and scarifier means including a
plurality of depending pivotal soil working tools mounted
on said frame for movement into and out of engagement with
the soil to break up and loosen the soil.
In yet a further embodiment there is provided an
apparatus for leveling soil and the like, comprising: a
generally rectangular frame including a leading transverse
elongate scraper member and a plurality of trailing
transverse elongate ground engaging members fixedly secured
in mutually spaced apart relationship between a pair of
longitudinal side members, the ground engaging members of
said frame being of inverted generally V-shaped cross
section, with downwardly diverging legs of different
inclinations; a hitch means rigidly secured to said frame
for connecting the apparatus to a vehicle; and soil
finishing means pivoted to said frame for movement into and
out of ground engagement.
P~
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:Cn an additional embodiment of the present invention
there is provided an apparatus for leveling soil and the like,
comprising: a frame including a plurality of transverse
elongate ground engaging members fixedly secured together in a
mutually spaced apart relationship; the ground engaging
members of said frame being of inverted generally V-shaped
cross section with downwardly diverging front and rear walls
of different inclination, wherein the front and rear walls
have lower edges which are substantially coplanar with one
another in a substantially horizontal plane when the frame is
laid flat on the ground; and hitch means carried on the frame
for connecting the frame to a vehicle.
A further embodiment provides for an apparatus for
leveling soil and the like, comprising: a frame including a
plurality of transverse elongate ground engaging members
fixedly secured together in a mutually spaced apart
relationship, the ground engaging members of said frame being
of inverted generally V-shaped cross section with downwardly
diverging front and rear legs of different inclinations,
wherein the front and rear legs have lower edges which extend
downwardly to contact the ground when the frame is laid flat
on the ground to facilitate movement of the frame in both
forward and reverse directions.
Yet a further embodiment provides for an apparatus for
leveling soil and the like, comprising: a frame including a
plurality of transverse elongate ground engaging members
fixedly secured together in a mutually spaced apart
relationship, the ground engaging members of said frame being
of inverted generally V-shaped cross section with downwardly
diverging front and rear legs of different inclinations,
wherein the ground engaging members have a closed cross-
sectional constructions in which the front and rear legs are
closed at the bottom by a transverse surface.
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Brief Descri~tion of Drawlnas
A better understanding of .the invention can be
had by reference to the following Detailed Description
in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an improved
soil leveling apparatus incorporating a first embodiment
of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken
along lines 2-2 of FIGURE 1 in the direction of the
arrow;
FIGURE 3 ~is a vertical sectional view taken
along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1 in the direction of the
arrows;
FIGURE 4 is an enlarged detailed view of a
modification of the scarifier stop assembly;
FIGURE S is a view taken along lines 5-5 of
FIGURE 3 showing the front side of the adjustable lost
motion linkage mounted at the top end of the connection
means;
FIGURE 6 is a vertical sectional view taken
along lines 6-6 of FIGURE 5 in the direction of the
arrows;
FIGURE 7 is an enlarged perspective detailed
view showing a tine assembly which can be substituted
for the teeth of the scarifier assembly in order to
provide relatively less aggressive soil working action;
FIGURE 8 is a sectional detailed view showing
the tine assembly of FIGURE 7 mounted on the cross-
shaft of the scarifier assembly;
FIGURE 9 is a partial perspective view showing
the soil leveling apparatus herein with an optional
pivotal pulverisor assembly mounted thereon;
FIG~RES 10 and 11 are sectional views taken
along lines 10-10 and 11-11, respectively, of FIGURE 9
in the direction oî the arrows;
-6-
FIGURE 12 is an enlarged perspective detailed view
of a modified tine assembly;
FIGURE 13 is an enlarged persPeCtive view of an
offset tine that can be used in the tine assembly of FIGURE
12; ~ \
FIGURE 14 is a sectional deta'led view showing the
tine assembly of FIGURE 12 mounted on the cross shaft of the
scarifier assembly of the first embodiment;
FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of an improved soil
leveling apparatus incorporating a second embodiment of the
invention;
FIGURE 16 is a top view of the soil leve~ing
apparatus;
FIGURE 17 is a vertical sectional view taken along
lines 17-17 of FIGURE 16 in the direction of the arrows;
FIGURE 18 is a partial cross sectional diagram
showing the relationship between the cylinder and collar of
the actuator used in the scarifier asssembly;
FIGURE 19 is a partial top view of a modified
scarifier assembly;
FIGURE 20 is a vertical cross sectional view taken
along lines 20-20 of FIGURE 19 in the direction of the
arrows;
FIGURE 21 is a partial end view of the soil
leveling apparatus showing the configuration of the side
members; and
FIGURE 22 is a diagram showing an alternate
construction of the trailing ground engaging members. -
_7- ~Z~36~
Detailed Description
Referring now to the Drawings herein, in which
like reference numerals designate like or co-responding
elements throughout the views, and particularly
referring to FIGURE 1, there is shown a soil leveling
apparatus 10 of the invention. The apparatus 10
comprises a frame 12, a hitch or connection lneans 14
mounted on the frame for attachment of the apparatus to
a suitable draft means, and a scarifier assembly 16.
As illustrated, the connection means 14 is
adapted for use with a three-point hitch, however, it
will be appreciated that the frame 12 of the apparatus
can be provided with a connection means like that
shown in the parent application for use with a skid-
steer vehicle or any other suitable connecting hitch
means depending upon the type of draft vehicle with
which the apparatus is to be used.
Referring now to FIGURE 1 in conjunction with
FIGURES 2 and 3, the frame 12 of the soil leveling
apparatus 10 comprises a leading ground engaging member
18 and a plurality of trailing ground engaging members
20. All of the ground engaging members 18 and 20 are
oriented transverse to the direction of travel of the
apparatus 10: The forward ground engaging member 18,
as is best seen in FIGURE .3, is of generally inverted
J-shaped cross section and includes braces 22 secured
between the divergent front and back walls of the
qround engaging member. A blade 24 is secured to the
front, relatively longer wall of the ground engaging
member 18 for better cutting action ~nd wear
resistance. The blade 24 can be welded, bolted or
othertise suitably secured to the for~ard ground
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12~363S
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engaging member 18. It will thus be apparent that the
rear wall of the forward ground en-raging member 18 is
relatively shorter than the front wall. This is advan-
tageous because it provides rigidity without allowing
soil to plug the interior of the member, which can
occur under certain conditions when an inverted channel
section is utilized for the forward ground engaging
member. The fon~ard ground engaging member 18 thus
functions as a scraper member.
The forward ground engaging member 18 is
secured between a pair of side plates 26 which serve as
soil retainers to prevent the soil from flowing out-
wardly around the apparatus and thus forming ridges.
If desired, braces 28 can be secured between the soil
retaining plates 28 and the forward ground engaging
member 18 for reinforcement.
A plurality of trailing ground engaging mem-
bers 20 are located behind the forward ground engaging
member 18 for purposes of leveling the soil. Three
trailing ground engaging members 20 are shown, however,
any suitable number can be utilized. Each trailing
ground engaging member 20 includes a wear plate 30
secured to and enclosing the open end of a hollow
member 32. The hollow member 32 is preferably of
generally inverted rounded V-shaped cross section with
the forward wall thereof being substantially upright
in order to push ~he soil in a forward direction, and
the rear wall being inclined to allow the soil to pass
over the ground engaging member in the reverse direc-
tion.
The trailing ground engaging members 20 are
secured between a pair of longitu~linal side members 34.
Each side member 34 is of general channel-shaped cross
section along the portion thereof extending between the
9 ~;~93635
trailing ground engaging members 20 with the upper sur-
faces of the side members sloping cownwardly away from
the forward ground engaging member 18. The ends of the
trailing ground engaging members 20 are thus butted
against the outer legs of the side members 34 and are
welded at their ends both to the outer leg and to the
lower edge of the inner legs of the side members. A
longitudinal member 36 is preferably secured across the
tops of the trailing ground engaging members 20 for
additional rigidity. If desired, lugs 37 can be
attached to the side members 34 for connection of a
drag or the like to the apparatus 10.
The connection means 14 is of generally ~-
shaped configuration including a pair of legs 38 which
are secured at their lower ends to a pair of laterally
spaced apart feet or supports 40 secured to the forward
ground engaging member 18. The legs 38, which are
inclined forwardly as shown, extend upwardly to a
member 42. The connection means la~ as illustrated, is
adapted for use with a three-point hitch, the top and
bottom links of which are indicated by phantom lines.
The base supports 40 include pivotal connection points
44 for attachment to the bottom links of a three-point
hitch, while the top member 42 is adapted for attach-
ment to the top link of the three-point hitch. A
longitudinal -brace 46 is preferably connected between
the top member 42 of the connection means 14 and the
longitudinal member 46 of the frame 12.
Referring to FIGURE 3 in conjunction with
FIGURES 5 and 6, the soil leveling apparatus 10 pre-
ferably includes a lost motion linkage 48 in the top
member 42 of the connecting means 14. The purpose of
the lost motion linkage 48 is to provide an adjustable
amount of controlled play between the top link of the three-
point hitch on the draft vehicle (not shown) and the connec-
tion means 14 so that some pivotal floating action of
the soil leveling apparatus can occur. The lost motion
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linkage 14 includes a plate 50, which is illustrated as
being a section of channel stock, su`~ported for pivotal
movement on a pin 52 extending across the top member
4;2. Another pivotal connection 54 is provided at the
upper end of the plate 50 for attachment to the top
link of the three-point hitch on the draft vehicle. A
first stop 56 is secured to the lower end of the plate
for cooperation with a cross piece 58 extending
across the lower end of the top member 42. ~he lost
motion linkage 48 thus includes a fi~ed stop which
limits rearward pivotal motion of the plate 50. An
adjustable stop 60 is also provided for limiting for-
ward pivoting of the plate 50. As illustrated, the
adjustable stop 60 comprises a number of shims 62 with
offset holes therein through which a bolt 64 extends to
secure the shims to the inside of the top member 42.
It will thus be appreciated that the amount of pivotal
motion of the plate 50 can be controlled by loosening
the bolt 64 and turning a suitable number of shims
u?wardly bet~een the lower end of the plate 50 and the
back of the top member 42, as shown in FIGU~E 1, and
then tightening the shims in place with the bolt 64 so
as to limit the range of fore/aft pivotal movement of
the linkage 48. This comprises a significant feature
of the present invention. By means of the adjustable
lost motion linkage 48, suitable play can be provided
between the top link o a- three-point hitch and the
connection means 14 of the soil leveling apparatus 10.
Referring again to FIGURES 1 through 3, the
soil leveling apparatus 10 pre~erably includes a
scarifier assembly 16 which is mounted for adjustable,
vertical positioning relative to the frame 12. The
scarifier assembly 16 includes a single connector 66
having a pair of sieeves 68 secured at the forward end
for receiving a cross shaft 70 extending between the
base members 40 of the connection means la. The cross
shaft 70 extends through the sleeves 68 of the connec-
... ` 1~3~35
--ll--
tors 66 and through bushed holes in the base members40, and is retained in place be means of collars 72.
The connector 66, which is preferably formed
from a piece of plate bent as shown for rigidity, also
includes a pair of clamps 74 at the side opposite that
of the sleeves 68. Clamps 74 function to secure the
pivotal connector 66 to a second, relatively longer
cross shaft 76 on which the teeth subassemblies 77 are
suspended in side-by-side relationship be.ween ~end caps
75. Each subassembly 77 includes a depending tooth 78
secured at its upper end to a sleeve 79 pivotally sup-
ported on the second cross shaft 76. The scarifier
teeth 78 can be individually pivoted to the cross shaft
76, or pivotally suported in groups. Bushings 80 are
provided in the ends of each sleeve 79. A double
acting cylinder 81 is connected between the top brace
46 and a pair of lugs on the connector 66 for
controlling the position of the scarifier assembly 16
and thus the extent of penatration into the soil by the
teeth 78.
If desired, a pair of diagonal braces 67, as
is best seen in FIGURE 2, can be provided on the under-
side of the connector 66 for reinforcement.
Referring momentarily to FI~URE 4, there is
shown a modification of the scarifier assembly 16. The
scarifier assembly 16 as shown in FIGURES 1 through 3
includes a number of pivotal scarifier teeth 78 whose
rearward pivotal motion is limited by the adjacent
trailing ground engaging member 20. The longitudinal
spacing between the forward ground engaging member 18
and the next adjacent ground engaging me.~ber 20 is pre-
ferably sufficient to allow the scarifier teeth 78 to
pivot forwardly out of ground engagement when the
apparatus 10 is reversed. In some situations, however,
it may be desirable to limit pivotal movement of the
scarifier teeth 78 by means other than the next adja-
cent trailing ground engaging member 20. For example,
' 1~ $
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the second cross shaft 76 can be notched as shown in
FIGURE 4 for cooperation with an Lnwardly projecting
stop 82 provided on the sleeve supporting the tooth.
The particular orientation of the notch in the cross
shaft 76 and the stop 82 is not critical to the inven-
tion, however, in some situations it may be desirable
to rotate their position about 150 degrees clockwise
from that shown for better load distribution. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed
stop arrangement can be reversed so that a stop member
is provided on the cross shaft 76 for cooperation with
a notch in the sleeve supporting the scarifier teeth
78. This is considered fully e~uivalent.
FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate another modifica-
tion of the scarifier assembly 16. Some conditions
call for working the soil less aggressively than the
scarifier teeth 78 would provide. In such situations,
tine subassemblies 90 can be substituted for the
scarifier subassemblies 77 on the cross shaft 76. Each
tine subassembly 90 includes a sleeve 92 with a flange
94 and tool bar 96 secured thereto. Bushings 98 of
plastic or other suitable construction are preferably
provided in opposite ends of the sleeve 92. A plura-
lity of depending tines 100 are secured to the tool bar
96. As illustrated, the lower ends of the tines 100
diverge outwardly, however, this is not critical to
practice of the invention- and either straight or curved
tines can be utilized as desired. Each tine
subassembly 90 further includes a stop 102 thereon for
cooperation with another stop 104 mounted on the next
adjacent trailing ground engaging member 20. Since the
tines 100 are generally less rigid than the scarifier
tee_h 78, the use of such separate stop structure is
pre-erable. If desired, of course, such separate stop
structure could also be adapted for use with the
scarifier subassemblieS 77- Another cylinder 136 is
coupled between the frame brace 46 and the forward
r
12~3635
i
-13-
cross member 122 of the attachment 110 for controlling
its pivotal positioning. ~-,
Referring now to FIGURES 9, 10 and 11, there
is shown an optional pulverizer attachment 110 which
can be mounted on the soil leveling apparatus 10 to
provide additional soil working. The attachment 110
includes a pair of arms 112 which are pivoted at their
forward ends to brackets lla s,ecured; by bolts 116 to
the side members 34 of frame 12. Each bracket 114
includes an inner sleeve 118 on which an outer sleeve
120 of the associated arm is received to define a
pivot. A pair of cross members 122,124 are secured
between the arms 112 for rigidity and bracing. A
toothed roller 126 is mounted for rotation between the
outer or trailing ends of the arms 112. As is best
seen in FIGURE 11, a bushing 128 is provided in each
end of the roller 126 for rotation on an inwardly pro-
jecting trunion 130 on a plate 132 secured by bolts 134
to the, associated arm 112. This type of mounting
enables the roller 126 to span substantially the entire
width of the apparatus 10 so that the apparatus can be
operated closely adjacent to buildings, sidewalks, etc.
,Although the assembly 110 is illustrated with a toothed
roller 126 for pulverizing small dirt clods and the
like, it will be appreciated that other devices can be
mounted on the attachment. ~or example, a row of
spring fi~gers or flexible 'tines can easily be substi-
tuted for the toothed rolier 126 and carried by the
attachment 110.
-14- ~ ~3~35
FIGURES 12 and 14 illustrate a modification of the
tine sub-assembly 90 shown in FIGURES 7 AND 8. In the
subassembly 90, the tines 100 are secured in fixed rela-
tionship to the tool bar 96.- Althoush this construction is
sufficiently rugged for most applications, the tines can
become damaged and require replacement. Since the tine sub-
assembly 90 is not particularly well suited to individual
replacement of the tines, the tool bar 96 can be replaced
with a channel-like member 140 having a plurality of indivi-
dual tine carriers 142 secured in laterally spaced apart
relationship thereto. Each carrier 142 is of generally
cylindrical construction, with ;a flat upper end and a
beveled lower end. Replaceable tines 144 and 146 are indi-
vidually mounted in the carriers 142. The tines 144 are
substantially straight, while the tines 146 are angled -and
positioned in alternate carriers 142. Each of the tines-144
and 146 includes a threaded upper end extending through the
respective carrier 142 and being secured in place by means
of a washer 148 and nut 150. In addition, each of tines 144
and 146 includes an upset portion or raised lug 152 thereon
which engages the beveled lower ends of the carrier 142 so
as to effect automatic centering when the nuts 150 are
tightened. It will thus be apparent that the tines 144 and
146 can be readily replaced individually.
FIGURE 13 shows another tine 154 having a straight
portion and offset leg portion 156 that can be used in the
position of the endmost tine in the sub-assembly 90 in order
to span the gaps between adjacent tine sub-assemblies and
thus effe~t scarifying over substantially the entire width
of the scarifier assembly 16; The offset tine 154 also
includes a raised lug 152 for centering purposes, and an
auxiliary stop 158 is preferably secured to the respective
end of the member 140 to reinforce the offset tine against
bending and rotation.
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Referring now to FIGURES 15-19, there is shown a
soil leveling apparatus 200 incorporating a second embodi-
ment oE the invention. The soil leveling apparatus 200 of
the second embodiment incorporates numerous component parts
which are substantially similar to those employed in the
apparatus 10 of the first embodiment h~;rein. Such component
parts have been identified with the sa~e reference numerals
utilized herein before, but have been differentiated
therefrom by means of prime (') notations.
The primary difference between the soil leveling
apparatus 200 of the second emb~diment and the apaaratus 10
of the first embodiment is centered in the areas of the
hitch and the scarifier assembly. The apparatus 10 of the
first emhodiment incorporates a connection means 14 which is
adapted for use with a three-point hitch, like that typi-
cally used on tractors. The soil leveling apparatus 200 of
the second embodiment, however, preferably includes a hitch
202 which is particularly adapted for use with adapters of
the type found on skid steer loaders, although either type
of hitch can be used.
The hitch 202 comprises a pair of laterally spaced
apart side plates 204 which are interconnected by cross pla-
tes 206 and 208 defining a converging recess for receivin~
the upper edge of the pivotal edge adapter plate on the
loader. As shown, the cross plate 206 is reinforced by a
channel section 210 and an upright post 212. A pair of
laterally spaced apart lower mount plates 214 are secured to
the front-wall of the leading ground engaging member 18' for
releasable connection with latches on the lower end of the
adapterplate (not shown) on the loader. An adaptor plate of
suitable construction is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,672,521.
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12~3~i35
-16-
As illustrated, the soil leveling apparatus 200
also includes an optional scarifier assembly 216. The
apparatus 200 can be used either with or without the
scarifier assembly 216. As shown the scarifier assembly 216
includes a fixed cross shaft 218 secur~d between a pair of
brackets 220 fixed to the longitudinal side members 34'
which are preferably of inverted generally J-shaped cross
section as is best seen in FIGURE 21, although side members
of any suitable configuration can be used. A sleeve 222 is
supported for rotation about the fixed shaft 218, and a
plurality of depending scarifier teeth 224 are secured a]ong
the sleeve.
The scarifier assembly 216 is actuated by a
cylinder 226 coupled between an offset lug 228 secured to
the sleeve 222, and a collar 230 as is best seen in FIG~RE
17. The piston end of cylinder 226 is coupled to lug 228,
while the cylinder end thereof is slideably received in the
collar230. The collar 230 is pivoted on a pair of trunions
secured between a pair of lugs 232 on the post 212. In the
preferred embodiment, a liner 234 of plastic or other
suitable low friction material is provided within the collar
230 to facilitate slideable movement of the cylinder 226.
This construction thus provides a lost motion connection
which enables the operator to reverse direction with the
scarifying teeth 224 pivoting upward and riding on the
ground , but without actuating cylinder 226. When cylinder
226 is extended, the cylinder end thereof moves within
collar 230 in~o stopped engagement with post brace 212 so
that the scarifier teeth 224.are raised completely or par-
tially out of engagement with the soil. When the cylinder
226 is retracted, the scarifier teeth 224 simply return to
their lowered positions, undergravity, as the cylinder end
slides away from post 212 in the collar 230, thus providing
a lost motion connection which enables the teeth to ride up
out of engagement wit~ the soil when the unit is reversed
without requiring actiation of the cylinder.
-17-
It will be noted that the soil leveling apparatus
200 also incorporates a longitudinal member 361 and a
longitudinal brace 461 of generally channel-like construc-
tion, but more rounded in order to facilitate forming in a
simpler, less expensive manner. In all other respects, the
soil leveling apparatus 200 is functionally and structurally
similar to the apparatus 10.
FIGURES 19 and 20 illustrate a modification
involving usage of an intermediate bracket 236 supporting
the cross shaft 218 and providing reinforcement against
bending. Usage of an intermediate support bracket 236,
however, requires splitting the sleeve 222 into sleeve sec-
tions 222-A and 222-B, each of which is provided with a pair
of lugs 228-A as is best seen in FIGURE 19. In addition,
instead of a collar 230, the cylinder 226 has been provided
with a clevis 238 which is supported on a pin 240 extending
between lugs 232 to provide a lost motion connection.
It will be understood that the positions of collar
230 on clevis 238 could be reversed, if desired. Any such
reversal is considered fully equivalent.
The trailing ground engaging members 201 can be of
closed construction including wearplates 301 secured to and
enclosing the open ends of hollow members 321 . In the
alternative, however, ground engaging members 242 of open
construction as shown in FIGURE 19 can be utiliæed. Each
open ground e~gaging member 242 comprises a hollow member
321 , which is preferably of generally inverted rounded V-
shaped cross section with the forward wall thereof being
substantially upright in order to push the soil in a forward
direction , and the rear wall being inclinded to allow the
soil to pass over the ground engaging member in the reverse
direction. However, no wearplate 301 is utilized, and a
small blades 244 and 246 can be secured to the walls of the
hollow member 2321 tc,improve cutting action and wear
resistance.
3~i3S
-18-
From the foregoing, it will thus be apparent
that the present invention comprises an improved soil
leveling apparatus having several advantages over the
prior art. One significant advantage involves use of
an adjustable lost motion connection with the con-
necting means to provide controlleu fle~ibility and
some float of the apparatus in order to compensate for
various three-point hitches and soil conditions.
Another advantage involves the use of a forward ground
engaging member which is not susceptible to clogging
under sticky soil conditions in order to perform a
scraping function more effectively. The connecting
means also serves as the primary support for the
scarifier assembly. Other advantages will be evident
to those skilled in the art.
Although particular embodiments of the inven-
tion have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings
and described in the foregoing detailed description, it
will be understood that the :invention is not limited
only to the embodiments disclosed, but is intended to
embrace any equivalents, modifications, substitutions
and/or rearrangements of elements falling within the
scope of the invention as defined by the following
claims.
