Abstract
An agricultural tractor mounting assembly comprising a toolbar engaged with a first implement engaging a soil subsurface and also equipped with a carrying tool for engaging another implement. The carrying tool may include hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic charged accumulators which lift, suspend, and support implements behind a toolbar engaged to a tractor. The implement engaging the soil and the carrier tool may be engaged to the toolbar of the tractor mounting assembly which is engaged to the tractor.
Claims
1. A system for ameliorating soil compaction, comprising: a. a first agricultural implement, said first agricultural implement comprising a subsoil tool; b. a second agricultural implement; c. a mounting assembly for engaging a rear side of a tractor, said mounting assembly comprising a toolbar, said toolbar having an opening therein adapted to receive and secure a portion of said subsoil tool therein; and d. a carrying tool comprising an assembly frame and a linkage frame, said assembly frame engaged to said toolbar of said mounting assembly, said linkage frame having at least one bracket having a shape adapted for engaging said second agricultural implement.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a hydraulic lift cylinder.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a hydraulic suspension cylinder.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a top frame and wherein said hydraulic lift cylinder is engaged with said assembly frame and said top frame.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a side link and wherein said hydraulic suspension cylinder is engaged with said top frame and said side link.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said side link comprises a first end pivotally engaged with said assembly frame.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a top link engaged with said top frame.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a support rod.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a support extension.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a hydraulic extension cylinder.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a top frame and wherein said hydraulic lift cylinder is engaged with said assembly frame and said top frame.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said carrying tool further comprises a side link and wherein said support rod is engaged with said side link and said top frame.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said support extension is engaged with said side link and said assembly frame.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said hydraulic extension cylinder is engaged with said support extension and said side link.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said mounting assembly further comprises a mounting portion at a proximal end for engaging said rear side of said tractor.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said mounting assembly further comprises an upper arm pivotally engaged at a proximal end with said mounting portion and at a distal end with said toolbar, wherein said upper arm is at a lateral top side.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said mounting assembly further comprises a lower arm pivotally engaged at a proximal end with said mounting portion and at a distal end with said toolbar, wherein said lower arm is at a lateral bottom side.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said toolbar of said mounting assembly further comprises a mounting bracket having an upwardly protruding edge on a lower side thereof.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said mounting bracket is at a lateral side of said mounting assembly.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein said mounting assembly further comprises a hydraulic cylinder, wherein said hydraulic cylinder is engaged on a first end to said upper arm and on a second end to said lower arm.
21. The mounting assembly of claim 20, wherein said second end of said hydraulic cylinder is engaged at said proximal end of said lower arm.
22. The mounting assembly of claim 21, wherein said first end of said hydraulic cylinder is engaged at said distal end of said upper arm.
23. A method for ameliorating soil compaction using: (i) a first agricultural implement, said first agricultural implement comprising a subsoil tool; (ii) a second agricultural implement; (iii) a mounting assembly for engaging a rear side of a tractor, said mounting assembly comprising a toolbar, said toolbar having an opening therein adapted to receive and secure a portion of said subsoil tool therein; and (iv) a carrying tool comprising an assembly frame and a linkage frame, said assembly frame engaged to said toolbar of said mounting assembly, said linkage frame having at least one bracket having a shape adapted for engaging said second agricultural implement, said method comprising the steps of: a. changing a position of said subsoil tool; and b. changing a position of said second agricultural implement.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of changing said position of said second agricultural implement comprises retracting at least one hydraulic lift cylinder of said carrying tool to place said linkage frame in a first position relative to said first agricultural implement.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of changing said position of said second agricultural implement comprises partially extending said at least one hydraulic lift cylinder to place said linkage frame in a second position relative to said first agricultural implement.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said step of changing said position of said second agricultural implement comprises maximally extending said at least one hydraulic lift cylinder to place said linkage frame in a third position relative to said first agricultural implement.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein said carrying tool further comprises at least one side link pivotally engaged with said linkage frame, wherein said carrying tool further comprises at least one hydraulic extension cylinder engaged with said at least one side link, and wherein in said first position, said at least one hydraulic extension cylinder is maximally extended.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein in said second position, said at least one hydraulic extension cylinder is partially retracted.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein in said third position, said at least one hydraulic extension cylinder is retracted.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein said carrying tool further comprises at least one hydraulic suspension cylinder engaged with said at least one side link and wherein in said first position, said at least one hydraulic suspension cylinder is retracted.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein in each of said second position and said third position, said at least one hydraulic suspension cylinder is partially extended.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary carrying tool engaged with an exemplary mounting assembly, each of which are in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view of a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary assembly frame of a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the assembly frame illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary side link of a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a top view of the side link illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary top frame of a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a side view of the top frame illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary linkage frame of a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a side view of the linkage frame illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view diagram illustrating an exemplary improved mounting assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, with the hydraulic cylinders not illustrated.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view diagram illustrating the improved mounting assembly of FIG. 11, with the hydraulic cylinders not illustrated.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view diagram illustrating an exemplary improved mounting assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, with the hydraulic cylinders illustrated and also illustrating a ripper assembly inserted into the toolbar.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a side view of the mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0041] FIGS. 15A through 15C are side view diagrams illustrating how the toolbar cylinders and hydraulic cylinders orient, relative to the ground, a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0042] FIGS. 16A through 16C are side view diagrams illustrating how the toolbar cylinders and hydraulic cylinders orient, relative to the ground, a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 17 is a side view diagram of a carrying tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] The invention, in its various aspects, will be explained in greater detail below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with several exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments themselves do not limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, where like elements have like numerals, do not limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and/or invention, including any length, angles or other measurements provided. Rather the invention, as defined by the claims, may cover alternatives, modifications, and/or equivalents of the exemplary embodiments.
Improved Carrying Tool
[0045] Referring to the exemplary illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2, a carrying tool 100 can include an assembly frame 130, one or more side links 140, top frame 170, top link 180, and linkage frame 190. In some embodiments, carrying tool 100 can be mounted on and attached to a toolbar of a conventional or improved mounting assembly (see, e.g., FIGS. 15A-C and 16A-C). An improved mounting assembly is discussed more fully herein.
[0046] As best viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, assembly frame 130 may have one or more upper joints 132 at which top frame 170 may be pivotally engaged. Additionally, one or more lower joints 134 may be located at a lower proximal corner of assembly frame 130, to which one or more side links 140 may be pivotally engaged. In certain embodiments, guard 135 may be provided on a portion of assembly frame 130 near, or adjacent to, a lower joint 134. Guard 135 may shaped in accordance with the pivotal range of side link 140, so that as side link 140 moves through its range of positions during operation, frictional damage is minimized on assembly frame 130 and side link 140.
[0047] In some embodiments, assembly frame 130 may include a pair of support brackets 136 which may engage the toolbar of a tractor. In preferred embodiments, support brackets 136 may engage a complementary pair of mounting brackets 218 on toolbar 205 of mounting assembly 200 (as shown in FIG. 11). Mounting brackets 218 of toolbar 205 may include upwardly protruding edges located near the lower side edges thereof for retaining lower protrusions of support brackets 136 of assembly frame 130. In some embodiments, assembly frame 130 may be secured to toolbar 205 by one or more bolts through holes in support brackets 136. In some embodiments, assembly frame 130 may include attachment openings 137, through which bolts may be inserted to secure assembly frame 130 to tractor mounting assembly 200 (or toolbar 205 thereof).
[0048] In certain embodiments of the present invention, assembly frame 130 may have one or more slots 138 on an upper lateral edge thereof. Slots 138 may be provided to allow a portion of a hydraulic cylinder connecting top frame 170 and assembly frame 130. As discussed more fully below, assembly frame 130 may have cylinder recesses 139 for insertion of one or more hydraulic cylinders. Slots 138 may also allow for a range of movement by the hydraulic cylinders as it pivots during operation of a carrying tool and may be shaped in accordance with the maximal range of motion of a hydraulic cylinder. It is to be appreciated, however, that a slot 138 may be any shape and may extend along any portion of a lateral edge of assembly frame 130.
[0049] As best viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6, side link 140 may have three attachment points 141, 142, and 143 by which side link 140 may engage assembly frame 130 at joint 134, a hydraulic cylinder rod, and linkage frame 190, respectively, and secured by one or more bolts or conventional fasteners. In some implementations, side link 140 may be inwardly bent from a point near a medial portion thereof to a point near a distal portion thereof.
[0050] As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, top frame 170 may have one or more attachment points 171, 172, 173, and 174 for pivotally engaging assembly frame 130 at upper joint 132, cylinder rod 152 of hydraulic cylinder 150, hydraulic cylinder 160, and top link 180, respectively, and secured by one or more bolts or conventional fasteners. In some implementations, top frame 170 may have parallel aligned protrusions extending from a distal edge at attachment point 173. In some embodiments the top frame and the top link are pivotally engaged, however in some other embodiments, the top frame and the top link may be fixedly engaged or integrally formed.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, linkage frame 190 may have one or more brackets for the attachment of one or more implements. In a preferred embodiment, linkage frame 190 may have a first bracket 193 at a top portion thereof and one or more second brackets 194 at a lower portion of one or more legs 192. In some embodiments, each leg 192 of linkage frame 190 may have a bracket 194 which may abut and support a complementary portion of an attached implement. Advantageously, in some embodiments, second bracket 194 may have a shape that is similar to similar to mounting bracket 218 of toolbar 205, including upward protrusions 196. In such embodiments, it is to be appreciated that the carrying tool of the present invention can easily be inserted between a conventional implement and a conventional or improved mounting assembly for added functionality.
[0052] Referring back to the illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments of the present invention, carrying tool 100 may include two sets of hydraulic cylinders (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2). A forward set (nearest a tractor or mounting assembly) may comprise lift cylinders 150 and a rear set may comprise suspension cylinders 160. When implements are attached to linkage frame 190 of carrying tool 100, suspension cylinders 160 may work to absorb shock and maintain the positions of top frame 170 and side links 140, relative to each other. Lift cylinders 150 may work to adjust the position of top frame 170, relative to assembly frame 130, by extending or retracting lift cylinder rod 152. In certain embodiments, suspension cylinders 160 may operate with one or more hydraulic accumulators. Use of hydraulic accumulators can reduce and minimize shock, providing for smoother operation of the carrying tool. Accumulators may also help with maintaining a constant pressure within the suspension cylinders, even if the power supply to a suspension cylinder were to be temporarily cut off Therefore, in certain circumstances, it may be advantageous to use hydraulic accumulators to increase performance of and reduce stress on the tool, while minimizing the risk of damage in the case of a malfunction.
[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, a carrying tool may have different configurations. In some implementations, instead of a suspension cylinder, a carrying tool can include a support extension engaged with the mounting assembly, a support extension cylinder between the support extension and the side link, and a support rod between the top frame and the side link. Referring now to the illustration of FIG. 17, and particularly pointing out variations in some embodiments with respect to the carrying tool of the present invention described above, carrying tool 300 may include support extensions 323, support extension cylinders 326, top frame 370, support rods 329, and side links 340. Support extensions 323 may be engaged to an assembly frame of carrying tool 300 at upper joints and lower joints (analogous to upper joints 132 and lower joints 134 of mounting assembly 130 as shown in FIG. 3). In contrast to side link 140 illustrated in FIG. 5 with medial attachment point 142 for engagement with suspension cylinder 160, side link 340 illustrated in FIG. 17 may have medial attachment points for engaging support extension cylinder 326 and support rod 329. Support extension cylinder 326 can be engaged with and between support extension 323 and side link 340. Support rod 329 can be engaged with and between top link 370 and side link 340. It is to be appreciated that a carrying tool may include any number, type, and combination of hydraulic cylinders, support rods, and support extensions, and configurations thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Improved Toolbar Mounting Assembly
[0054] In preferred embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, an improved tractor mounting assembly 200 may include a toolbar 205, a tractor mounting portion 206, and one or more hydraulic toolbar cylinders 203. Mounting portion 206 may be fixedly engaged with a rear portion of a tractor. A pair of lateral upper arms 209 at a top side and a pair of lateral lower arms 208 at a bottom side may be (i) pivotally engaged on first ends with mounting portion 206 at a proximal end of mounting assembly 200 and (ii) pivotally engaged on second ends with toolbar 205 at a distal end of mounting assembly 200 (for purposes of this discussion, “proximal end” refers to the portion of the mounting assembly closest to the tractor to which the mounting assembly is engaged, “distal end” refers to the portion of the mounting assembly furthest from the tractor, “top side” refers to the portion of the mounting assembly furthest from the ground upon which the tractor sits, and “bottom side” refers to the portion of the mounting assembly closest to the ground). In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 11, mounting portion 206 may comprise separate subparts on lateral sides thereof. In some other embodiments, the mounting portion may be unitarily formed. Toolbar cylinders 203 may be pivotally engaged with lower arms 208 and upper arms 209 on either side of mounting assembly 200 at proximal and distal portions (with respect to a tractor) thereof, respectively. Toolbar 205 may be pivotally engaged with arms 208 and 209 at lower attachment openings 214 and upper attachment openings 216 on either side of mounting assembly 200, and may be secured by one or more bolts or other conventional fastening means. Toolbar 205 may include a central opening 212. In some implementations, central opening 212 can receive and engage a portion of a ripper assembly 400. When a carrying tool as described herein is engaged with toolbar 205, upper attachment openings 216 thereof may be aligned with toolbar attachment openings of the assembly frame (for example, and without limitation, attachment openings 137 of assembly frame 130 as illustrated in FIG. 3). Advantageously, the assembly frame of an improved carrying tool and the toolbar of the improved mounting assembly may each be secured to the upper arms of the improved mounting assembly. In some embodiments, mounting assembly 200 may include mounting brackets 218 on toolbar 205 with upwardly protruding edges located near the lower side edges thereof for engaging an agricultural implement. As discussed above, mounting brackets 218 may also be well suited for retaining lower protrusions of support brackets 136 of assembly frame 130 of carrying tool 100.
[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 15A-C and 16A-C, and discussed more fully below, toolbar cylinders 203 of the improved mounting assembly may controllably adjust the height and rotation of toolbar 205 and a carrying tool (for example, and without limitation, carrying tool 100 or carrying tool 300). In some embodiments, a first end of toolbar cylinder 203 may be engaged to lower arm 208 at a point which is proximate to the point of engagement of lower arm 208 to mounting portion 206. In some embodiments, a second end of toolbar cylinder 203 may be engaged to upper arm 209 at a medial point thereon. In other embodiments, the second end of toolbar cylinder 203 may be engaged to upper arm 209 at a point which is distal to the point of engagement of upper arm 209 to mounting portion 206. It is to be appreciated that the engagement points of the toolbar cylinders to the upper and lower arms, as well as the relative lengths and spacing thereof, affect the range of motion of the toolbar relative to the point of attachment of the mounting portion to the tractor. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 14, the upper arms and/or lower arms may have ridges or protrusions at the point of attachment of the toolbar cylinders.
Operation of a First Embodiment of a Carrying Tool
[0056] Operation of an improved carrying tool as illustrated in FIG. 2 mounted to an improved tractor mounting assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 15A-C. Carrying tool 100, having lift cylinders 150 and suspension cylinders 160 is engaged with mounting assembly 200 having toolbar cylinders 203. Ripper assembly 400 is engaged with the toolbar of mounting assembly 200. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, carrying tool 100 is in a lowered position and ripper assembly 400 is in a non-engaged position (i.e., not engaged with the soil). Toolbar cylinders 203 are in an extended position and lift cylinders 150 are in a retracted position. In this state, the lowermost point of ripper assembly 400 is above a reference level (e.g., ground surface) by distance B.sub.1. The legs of the linkage frame are oriented at angle α.sub.1 and the protrusions of the second (lower) brackets are at distance A.sub.1, relative to the reference level.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the carrying tool is in a partially raised position and the ripper assembly is in an engaged position (i.e., engaged in the soil). The toolbar cylinders are in a retracted position and the lift cylinders are in a partially extended position. In this state, the lowermost point of the ripper assembly is below the reference level by distance B.sub.2. The legs of linkage frame are oriented at angle α.sub.2 and the protrusions of the second brackets are at distance A.sub.2, relative to the reference level. In comparison to FIG. 15A, the linkage frame is at about the same height above the reference level (i.e., distance A.sub.2 is approximately equal to the distance A.sub.1), even though the toolbar and assembly frame have been lowered into the engaged position (e.g., distance B.sub.1 is above the reference level whereas distance B.sub.2 is below the reference level).
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 15C, the carrying tool is in a maximally raised position and the ripper assembly is in an engaged position. The toolbar cylinders are in a retracted position and the lift cylinders are in a maximally extended position. In this state, the lowermost point of the ripper assembly is below the reference level by distance B.sub.3. The legs of linkage frame are oriented at angle α.sub.3 and with the protrusions of the second brackets at distance A.sub.3, relative to the reference level. In comparison to FIG. 15B, the linkage frame is higher above the reference level (i.e., distance A.sub.3 is greater than the distance A.sub.2), even though the toolbar and assembly frame remain in the engaged position (e.g., distance B.sub.3 is approximately equal to distance B.sub.2). Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that angle α.sub.2 and angle α.sub.3 are about the same, i.e., while the linkage frame is raised (FIG. 15C relative to FIG. 15B), the linkage frame maintains a near constant orientation relative to the reference level.
Operation of a Second Embodiment of a Carrying Tool
[0059] Operation of an improved carrying tool as illustrated in FIG. 17 mounted to an improved tractor mounting assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16C. Carrying tool 300, having lift cylinders 350, support extensions 323, support extension cylinders 326, top frame 370, and side links 340 is engaged with mounting assembly 200 having toolbar cylinders 203. Ripper assembly 400 is engaged with the toolbar of mounting assembly 200. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, carrying tool 300 is in a lowered position and ripper assembly 400 is in a non-engaged position (i.e., not engaged with the soil). Toolbar cylinders 203 are in an extended position, support extension cylinders 326 are in a maximally extended position, and lift cylinders 350 are in retracted position. In this state, the lowermost point of ripper assembly 400 is above a reference level (e.g., ground surface) by distance B.sub.4. The legs of the linkage frame are oriented at angle α.sub.4 and the protrusions of the second (lower) brackets are at a distance A.sub.4, relative to the reference level.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 16B, the carrying tool is in a raised position and the ripper assembly is in a non-engaged position. The toolbar cylinders are in an extended position, the support extension cylinders are in an extended position, and the lift cylinders are in an extended position. In this state, the lowermost point of the ripper assembly is above the reference level by distance B.sub.5. The legs of the linkage frame are oriented at angle α.sub.5 and the protrusions of the second brackets are at a distance A.sub.5, relative to the reference level. In comparison to FIG. 16A, the linkage frame is higher relative to the reference level (i.e., distance A.sub.5 is greater than distance A.sub.4), even though the angle relative to the reference level is the about the same (e.g., angle α.sub.5 and angle α.sub.4 are about the same) and the ripper assembly is about the same distance from the reference level (i.e., distance B.sub.5 and distance B.sub.4 are about the same).
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 16C, the carrying tool is in a maximally raised position and the ripper assembly is in a non-engaged position. The toolbar cylinders are in an extended position, the support extension cylinders are in a retracted position, and the lift cylinders are in a maximally extended position. In this state, the lowermost point of the ripper assembly is above the reference level by distance B.sub.6. The legs of the linkage frame are oriented at angle α.sub.6 and the protrusions of the second brackets are at a distance A.sub.6, relative to the reference level. In comparison to FIG. 16B, the linkage frame is higher relative to the reference level (i.e., distance A.sub.6 is greater than distance A.sub.5), even though the angle relative to the reference level is the about the same (e.g., angle α.sub.6 and angle α.sub.5 are about the same) and the ripper assembly is about the same distance from the reference level (i.e., distance B.sub.6 and distance B.sub.5 are about the same).
[0062] It is to be appreciated that compared with carrying tool 200 illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15C, carrying tool 300 illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16C can significantly extend the height above a common reference (e.g. ground surface) thus enabling a greater range of height adjustments of an implement engaged to the carrying tool relative to the ground.
[0063] In some aspects, the present invention provides improvements to a tractor mounting assembly having a toolbar for engaging one or more tools to a tractor, such as the ripper assembly disclosed in the '444 Application or the '486 Application. In some aspects, the present invention provides a carrying tool for engaging one or more tools or implements, such as the rollers illustrated FIG. 1 of the '401 Patent, to a toolbar of a tractor mounting assembly. It is to be appreciated, however, that while some embodiments of the present invention include an improved tractor mounting assembly and a carrying tool, the invention is not limited to embodiments containing both the improved tractor mounting assembly and a carrying tool. For example, a system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include the improved tractor mounting assembly and no carrying tool. In other examples, a system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may include a carrying tool with the tractor mounting assembly as illustrated in the '401 Patent, the '444 Application or the '486 Application.
[0064] It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. Thus, although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.
