AU2004100772A4 - Device for Levelling Ground - Google Patents

Description

-1-

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Applicant: Device for Levelling Ground Graham Earnest Calcott Walsh The invention is described in the following statement.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus for levelling ground. In more specific embodiments, the present invention relates to an apparatus for levelling the ground on relatively small sites, such as domestic yards, neighbourhood parks and sporting fields.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The ground in areas such as household backyards, neighbourhood parks and sporting fields, is frequently not level. In particular, the ground on such sites frequently contains "lumps and bumps" respectively representing areas of raised elevation and areas of depressed elevation. Such uneven ground can look unsightly, particularly when a household is attempting to grow lawn on the ground. Further, in parks and on sporting fields, uneven ground can be dangerous as it can promote falls if people run across the ground and it can also cause injury in joints such as knees and ankles.

For the above reasons, it is desirable to treat the ground to render it more level or even. This may be achieved by moving a scraper across the ground which can flatten the raised parts of the ground by removing excess soil from those raised parts and fill the depressions with the removed soil. Heretofore, a suitable apparatus for thus-treating relatively small sites, such as household yards, neighbourhood parks and sporting fields has not been available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for levelling ground by removing soil from relatively higher regions of the ground, the apparatus comprising a frame supporting a bin, the bin having a lower edge movable between a ground engaging position in which the lower edge engages at least the relatively higher regions of the ground as the apparatus travels across the ground to thereby remove soil from the relatively higher regions of the ground and deposit removed soil into the bin and a non-engaging position in which the lower edge is clear of the ground, the bin being pivotally mounted to the frame, and bin tipping means for tipping the bin to empty soil from the bin.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a bin having an open front end and a lower front edge movable between the ground engaging position and the non-engaging -3position, a door for opening and closing the front end of the bin and door opening means for selectively moving the door between and open position in which the front end of the bin is open and a closed position in which the door closes the front end of the bin.

Preferably, the bin is pivotally mounted to the frame at a position located at or near the lower front edge of the bin.

The bin emptying means, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an extendable actuator mounted at one end to the frame and mounted (either directly or indirectly) to the bin by a pivotal connection. The extendable actuator is operative to tip the bin to empty soil from the bin by either retracting or extending the actuator, with the bin returning to its operative position when the actuator is operated in the reverse sense. Preferably, tipping of the bin to empty the soil is achieved by retracting the actuator. The actuator is suitably mounted to the frame at a position forwardly of the bin, with the extendable and retractable member of the actuator being pivotally connected to the bin. The other end of the actuator is suitably connected to the bin via one or more linkages. In this embodiment, retraction of the actuator causes the bin to be moved to its tipping position.

In embodiments where the apparatus includes a door for opening and closing the front end of the bin, the door is suitably opened and closed by a door actuating ram. The door actuating ram may move between an extended position in which the door is closed and a retracted position in which the door is open. In this embodiment, the door actuating means is preferably positioned forwardly of the door.

The bin has a lower edge that is movable between the ground engaging position and a non-engaging position. This lower edge is suitably a lower front edge of the bin. The lower edge is most preferably defined by a leading edge of a lip depending downwardly from the front of the bin. In this fashion, the leading edge of the downwardly depending lip engages at least the higher regions of the ground. This acts to scrape soil off at least the higher regions of the ground. The removed soil then travels up over the lip and into the bin as the apparatus travels over the ground.

The apparatus preferably includes a frame having a rear member and side members, and further including at least one upper member extending forwardly of the frame and at least one lower member pivotally connected to the frame and extending forwardly of the frame. In this embodiment, the apparatus may further include an extendable and retractable actuating means connected to the at least one upper member and the at least one lower member whereby actuation of the extendable actuating means moves the bin between the ground engaging position and the non-engaging position.

More preferably, the frame includes a rear member and side members extending forwardly from the rear member. The side members may comprise side plates. The at least one upper member extending forwardly of the frame preferably comprises upper side members connected to the side plates of the frame, each upper side member extending forwardly of the side plates, the upper side members being connected to upper transverse members extending inwardly of the side plates, the upper transverse members terminating in at least one upper central forwardly extending member.

The at least one lower member preferably comprises lower side members pivotally connected to the side plates of the frame and extending forwardly of the side plates of the frame, the lower side members terminating at inwardly extending lower transverse members, the lower transverse members terminating at least one lower central forwardly extending member.

The provision of the apparatus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with an upper central forwardly extending member and lower central forwardly extending member allows for the apparatus to have a small width. The central members also provide suitable mounting points for the various actuators associated with the apparatus.

The upper side members are preferably welded to the side plates of the frame so that a rigid connection between the upper side members and the side plates is established.

Suitably, the apparatus may be further provided with an extendable actuating means connected to the at least one upper frame member and the at least one lower frame member, whereby actuation of the extendable actuating means moves the bin between the ground engaging position and the non-engaging position. In this embodiment, extending the extendable actuating means causes the pivot point between the frame and the at least one lower member to pivot upwardly, which thereby raises the lower edge of the bin to the non-engaging position.

The apparatus may further include a stop member mounted to the bin to assist in retaining the bin in tipping position. The stop member may, for example, come into contact with an upper member of the apparatus to thereby prevent over rotation of the bin beyond the normal tipping position.

The apparatus suitably also includes wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus over the ground. The wheels are preferably mounted to the rear of the apparatus.

Suitably, the wheels are mounted to a rear frame member.

The apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention is intended to be towed behind a tow vehicle. To facilitate this, the apparatus suitably further includes a tow hitch. The tow hitch is preferably located at a forward end of the at least one lower member. The tow hitch may have an adjustable hitching height in order to enable the apparatus to be easily used with a variety of tow vehicles.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear part of the bin rests on a rear part of the frame when the bin is in the operating position. This assists in having the frame carry some of the weight of the bin and the soil that is deposited into the bin and it also removes some of the load on the bin tipping means, it being appreciated that the bin tipping means would other wise carry a great proportion of the weight of the bin and the deposited soil.

The actuators used on the apparatus in accordance with the present invention are suitably electric hydrostatic actuators. Such actuators may be purchased from M-Mac Actuators, 3715 Norward Avenue, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7N3P8.

Electric hydrostatic actuators are powered by electricity and provide modular linear actuators.

To provide power to electric hydrostatic actuators, the apparatus further includes one or more batteries or battery packs. The one or more battery packs are suitably mounted to the frame or to battery holders mounted to the frame. The one or more battery packs may be connected to the electrical system of the tow vehicle, for example, by use of a suitable electrical plug, to enable recharging of the battery packs during the operation.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for levelling ground by removing soil from relatively higher regions of the ground, the apparatus comprising a frame supporting a bin, the bin having an open front end and a lower front edge movable between a ground engaging position in which the lower front edge engages at least the relatively higher regions of the ground as the apparatus travels across the ground to thereby remove soil from the relatively higher regions of the ground and deposit removed soil into the bin and a non-engaging position in which the lower edge is clear of the ground, a door for opening and closing the front end of the bin and door operating means for selectively moving to door between an open position in which the front end of the bin is open and a closed position in which the door closes the front end of the bin.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for levelling ground by removing soil from relatively higher regions of the ground, the apparatus comprising a frame supporting a bin, the bin having a lower edge movable between a ground engaging position in which the lower front edge engages at least the relatively higher regions of the ground as the apparatus travels across the ground to thereby remove soil from the relatively higher regions of the ground and deposit removed soil into the bin and a non-engaging position in which the lower edge is clear of the ground, the frame having a rear member and side members, the apparatus further including at least one upper member extending forwardly of the frame and at least one lower member pivotally connected to the frame and extending forwardly of the frame, and an extendable and retractable actuating means connected to the at least one upper member and the at least one lower member whereby actuating of the extendable and retractable actuating means moves the bin between the ground engaging position and the nonengaging position.

Preferred embodiments of the second and third aspects of the present invention incorporate one or more of the preferred features as described with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

In all aspects, the present invention may further include one or more rippers located forwardly of the lower edge of the bin. The one or more rippers act to loosen the ground in front of the bin to facilitate the removal of excess soil from the ground. The one or more rippers are suitably removable rippers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the frame and associated upper and lower members of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view, partly in cross section, of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 with the door in the open position.

Figure 6 shows a view similar to that of Figure 5 but with the door closed; Figure 7 shows a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure Figure 8 is a schematic side view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 showing the bin tipping means; Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows detail of the mechanism for moving the lower edge of the bin between the ground engaging position and the non-engaging position; Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of Figure Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the rear part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 13 shows a schematic plan view of Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of a rear part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of Figure 14; Figure 16 is a schematic side view showing mounting of rippers to the apparatus; Figure 17 is a view generally similar to Figure 16 but showing the rippers in a non-operational mode; and Figure 18 is a plan view of Figure 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Thus, it will be understood that the present invention should not be considered to be limited to the features as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic side view and a schematic plan view of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Figures 3-18 show various schematic views of parts of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 3-18, certain parts of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 have been removed from those figures for the sake of clarity.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention is an apparatus for levelling the ground. In particular, the apparatus scrapes the higher regions of the ground to remove soil from the higher regions. If necessary, the soil removed from the higher regions of the ground can be deposited into the lower regions of the ground to make a site upon which the apparatus is working more level. Alternatively, the removed soil may be transported away from the site.

The apparatus 10 comprises a frame, generally indicated by reference numeral 12. The frame supports a bin 14. The frame 12 also supports rear wheels 16.

Figures 3 and 4 show details of the frame and associated members in greater clarity, with other details of the apparatus removed from Figures 3 and 4. Returning now to Figures 3 and 4, the frame 12 comprises a rear frame 18 that extends in a transverse direction.

Side plates 20, 22 are connected to the rear transverse frame member 18, for example, by welding. As can best be seen from Figure 4, the side plates 20,22 extend forwardly of rear frame member 18.

The frame also has upper members attached to it. The upper members include upper side members 24,26. The upper side members 24,26 are suitably welded to the side plates 22,20 respectively. As such, the upper side members 24,26 are rigidly attached to their respective side plates. Upper side member 24 terminates forwardly of side plate 22 and upper side member 26 terminates forwardly of side plate 20. Upper side member 24 is connected to upper transverse member 28. Similarly, upper side member 26 is connected to upper transverse member 30. Upper transverse members 28,30 may be connected together.

Alternatively, upper transverse members 28,30 may comprise a single beam or rod connected at opposed ends to respective upper side members 26,28. Central upper members 32,34 are joined to upper transverse members 28,30, suitably by welding. Central upper members 32,34 are interconnected by webs 36,38,40 so that central upper members form, with the webs, a strong beam structure. Alternatively, a single beam may form the central upper member.

As most clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4, the apparatus also includes a central lower member 42 extending forwardly from the side plates 20,22. Central lower member 42 is, in turn, connected to lower transverse member 44. Lower transverse member 44 is, in turn, connected to respective lower side members 46,48. As best shown in Figure 4, lower side members 46,48 are positioned laterally outwards of the side plates 24,26. The lower side members 46,48 are pivotally connected at point 50 to the respective side plates 20,22. As shown in Figure 4, a pivot pin 52 extends through an appropriate bearing service in the lower side members 46,48 and through the respective side plates 20,22.

As also shown in Figures 3 and 4, the side plates have mounted thereto further side members 54,56, for example, by welding. Further side members 54,56 are, in turn, connected to transverse member 58. Transverse member 58 includes ripper mounting points 60,62,64,66. Removable rippers can be mounted to ripper mounting point 60,62,64,66. This will be described in greater detail hereunder.

As can be seen from Figures 1-4 the central upper members 32,34 are rigidly attached via the respective upper transverse members and upper side members to the side plates 20,22. The lower central member 42 is pivotally attached via respective lower transverse member 44 and lower side members 46,48 to the frame 12. The apparatus includes an interconnection between the central upper members 32,34 and the central lower member 42. In particular, this interconnection comprises a first electric hydrostatic actuator 68. Electric hydrostatic actuator 68 is pivotally connected at 70 to the upper central members and pivotally connected at 72 to the lower central member 42. When the first electric hydrostatic actuator 68 is actuated to extend its ram, points 70 and 72 are moved apart from each other. This has the effect of causing pivot point 50 to move upwards which, in turn, lifts the front edge of the bin upward to the non-engaging position. In this position, the front edge of the bin 14 does not contact the ground and this is an appropriate transport position for the apparatus Figures 5-7 show some further details of the apparatus 10. In Figures 5 and 6, the bin 14 is shown in dashed outline. The bin 14 has an open front end 74. The bin 14 also includes a lower front edge 76 having a downwardly depending lip 78 extending therefrom.

Downwardly depending lip 78 is most suitably in the form of a short plate extending across the width of the bin and being welded to the bin. The lowermost edge of downwardly depending lip 78 engages with the ground as the apparatus 10 moves across the ground. This causes soil to be scraped off the ground and moved into the bin 14.

As best shown in Figure 7, the bin 14 is pivotally connected to the side plates 20,22 via pin 52. In this fashion, the bin 14 can pivot about point The apparatus 10 further includes a door 80 (which may also be referred to as an apron). Door 80 is pivotally connected at point 82 to the extendable ram of a second electric hydrostatic actuator 84. Door 80 can pivot about an upper point 86 such that retraction of the ram of electric hydrostatic actuator 84 causes the door to open, as shown in Figure Extension of the ram of electric hydrostatic actuator 84 causes the door 80 to move to a closed position (as shown in Figure 6) in which the door closes the otherwise open front end 74 of the bin 14. In this manner, when the bin 14 is full of removed soil, the door 80 may be closed so that the removed soil may be retained in the bin whilst the apparatus is transported or removed to a suitably site for dumping the removed soil. When it is desired to dump the soil, the door is opened and the bin is tipped to thereby dump soil.

As best shown in Figure 7, the door 80 is pivotally connected via pins 86,88 then engage with respective lugs 90,92 connected to the upper part of the door 80. The pivot pins 86,88 also extend through second lugs 94,96 which are connected to upper transverse members 28,30.

Figures 8 and 9 show detail of the mounting of the bin to the frame and of operation of the bin tipping. In Figures 8 and 9 a number of details of the apparatus have been omitted for clarity. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the bin 14 is pivotally connected via pin 52 to the side plates 20,22. The point where the bin 52 is pivotally connected to the side plates is shown by reference numeral 50 in Figure 8. It will be appreciated that the bin 14 is pivotally connected about its lower front edge.

-11- A bin tipping actuator 100 is mounted to the central upper members 32,34. As mentioned above, central upper members 32,34 may be replaced by a single upper member, such as a beam. The bin tipping actuator 100 is suitably an electric hydrostatic actuator. The bin tipping actuator includes an extendable ram 102. Ram 102 is pivotally connected at 104 by an appropriate pivot connection to a transverse member 106. Each end of transverse member 106 has a linkage member 108,110 connected thereto. Linkage members 108,110 are themselves connected via respective pivot pins 112,114 to the side of bin 14. As best shown in Figure 8, the point at which pins 112,114 are connected to the bin 14 are located above and to the rear of point In order to actuate the bin tipping mechanism, bin tipping actuator 100 is operated to retract extendable ram 102. This causes bin 14 to pivot upwardly about pivot point This causes bin 14 to rotate to the position shown in dotted outline in Figure 8. In this position, the soil that has been deposited into the bin 14 tips out through the open face 74 of the bin. Once the bin has been emptied of soil, extendable ram 102 is extended back to the position shown in solid outline in Figure 8.

If desired, stop member 116 may be attached to the bin. Stop member 116, if provided, is suitably arranged such that when the bin reaches its maximum desired degree of rotation in to the tipping position, stop member 116 abuts on a part of the frame or the upper members, (suitably the side upper members) to prevent further rotation of the bin.

Figures 10 and 11 demonstrate the movement of the bin between the ground engaging position and the non-engaging position. A number of details of the apparatus 10 have been deleted from Figures 10 and 11 for clarity.

As mentioned above, actuator 68 is pivotally mounted between upper central members 32,34 and lower central member 42. As shown in Figure 11, the upper end of actuator 68 is pivotally connected via appropriate pivot pin and lugs 118. Similarly, the lower end of the actuator 68 (in particular, the extendable ram 120) is pivotally connected via appropriate pivot pins and lugs 122.

Also, as described earlier, the lower side members 46,48 are pivotally connected to the side plates 20,22 at point 50. The upper side members 24,26 are rigidly connected to the side plates 20,22.

-12- Operation of actuator 68 to extend ram 120 acts to increase the distance between upper central members 32,34 and lower central member 42. As upper central members 32,34 are essentially rigidly connected to side plates 20 and as the lower central member 42 is essentially pivotally connected to side plates 20,22, extension of ram 120 causes upward movement of pivot point 50 which, in turn, raises the lower front edge 76 of the bin 14 upwardly and out of the ground engaging position. In this position the apparatus can be used to move removed soil to a desired location. This position is also a suitable transport position for moving the apparatus.

Figures 12 and 13 show detail of the wheel mounts used in the present invention. In particular, the frame includes an inclined transverse member 124 that has a front surface that is generally parallel to the rear wall 126 of the bin 14. Each wheel 16 includes an axel 128 that is journalled in appropriate bearings in wheel 16 in a manner that is conventional and known to the person skilled in the art. The axel 128 of each wheel is, in turn, rotatably mounted in lugs 130,132 again, in a fashion know to a person skilled in the art. As can be seen from Figures 12 and 13, the wheels are mounted at the rear of the apparatus in the embodiment shown in the attached drawings.

Figures 14 and 15 show details of the housing used to hold the batteries used in the present apparatus. In particular, a battery chamber 130 is mounted to a platform 132.

Platform 132 is, in turn, mounted via side members 134,136 to the frame 12. The battery chamber is used to house batteries that are used to power the electric hydrostatic actuators.

Figures 16-18 demonstrate the use of rippers in the present invention. Ripper mounting point 60,62,64,66 are as described with referenced to Figures 3 and 4. Each ripper mounting point holds a ripper 138. The ripper 138 is suitably removably attached to respective ripper points. Figure 16 shows the ripper 138 in an in-use position whereas Figure 17 shows the ripper 138 in a out-of-use position such as when the apparatus 10 is being transported.

Each ripper 138 may be removably attached to the respective ripper attachment points in any manner known to a person skilled in the art. For example, the upper shank 140 of ripper 138 may be provided with an aperture therethrough, and the upper shank 140 may be placed in the appropriate ripper housing such that the edges 140 engage with the edges of the ripper housing and the aperture through shank 140 comes into register with similar apertures formed in the side of ripper housing. A removable pin can then be used to hold the ripper in place. When it 13is desired to transport the apparatus 10, the pin is removed, the ripper 138 removed, inverted and the pin then replaced so that the ripper is held in inverted orientation as shown in Figure 17.

The apparatus of the present invention allows for a rugged construction to be achieved using relatively lightweight materials. In particular, the position of the pivot point at the lower front edge of the bin provides for a region of high strength at the front edge of the bin, which region of high strength can handle the loads placed on the bin during scraping of the ground. Further, the use of central, forwardly extending members allows for a narrow construction to be achieved on the front of the vehicle and removes much of the actuating mechanisms of the apparatus away from the working area. Thus, dumping of the soil by forwardly rotating the bin about its lower front edge is facilitated.

The apparatus of the present invention has been primarily designed for use on relatively small sites. As such, the apparatus may suitably be of relatively small size. For example, the bin may be of a size that is 30cm high, 70cm wide and 55cm long. The overall width of the machine is suitably less than lm, preferably around 77cm. The overall length of the machine is suitably about 2.5m and the overall height is suitably about im. The apparatus is expected to weigh approximately 250kg without batteries, but with electric hydrostatic actuators fitted. The wheel height is suitably around To facilitate towing of the machine, the central lower member 42 is provided with a tow hitch 144. The tow hitch 144 may be of adjustable height, as will be known to skilled persons. The apparatus may also be provided with a platform 146 (shown in dotted outline in Figure 1) to enable laser levelling equipment to be mounted to the apparatus. The platform 146 is supported by suitable side support members 148.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims (4)

1. An apparatus for levelling ground by removing soil from relatively higher regions of the ground, the apparatus comprising a frame supporting a bin, the bin having a lower edge movable between a ground engaging position in which the lower edge engages at least the relatively higher regions of the ground as the apparatus travels across the ground to thereby remove soil from the relatively higher regions of the ground and deposit removed soil into the bin and a non-engaging position in which the lower edge is clear of the ground, the bin being pivotally mounted to the frame, and bin tipping means for tipping the bin to empty soil from the bin.

2. An apparatus for levelling ground by removing soil from relatively higher regions of the ground, the apparatus comprising a frame supporting a bin, the bin having an open front end and a lower front edge movable between a ground engaging position in which the lower front edge engages at least the relatively higher regions of the ground as the apparatus travels across the ground to thereby remove soil from the relatively higher regions of the ground and deposit removed soil into the bin and a non-engaging position in which the lower edge is clear of the ground, a door for opening and closing the front end of the bin and door operating means for selectively moving to door between an open position in which the front end of the bin is open and a closed position in which the door closes the front end of the bin.

3. An apparatus for levelling ground by removing soil from relatively higher regions of the ground, the apparatus comprising a frame supporting a bin, the bin having a lower edge movable between a ground engaging position in which the lower front edge engages at least the relatively higher regions of the ground as the apparatus travels across the ground to thereby remove soil from the relatively higher regions of the ground and deposit removed soil into the bin and a non-engaging position in which the lower edge is clear of the ground, the frame having a rear member and side members, the apparatus further including at least one upper member extending forwardly of the frame and at least one lower member pivotally connected to the frame and extending forwardly of the frame, and an extendable and retractable actuating means connected to the at least one upper member and the at least one lower member whereby actuating of the extendable and retractable actuating means moves the bin between the ground engaging position and the non-engaging position.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including one or more rippers located forwardly of the lower edge of the bin. An apparatus for levelling the ground substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Graham Earnest Calcott Walsh By the patent attorneys for the applicant CULLEN CO Date: 14 September 2004