AU8187298A - Tyne and point assembly and various components thereof - Google Patents

Description

P100/il 215/9 P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

1 r r r co e I STANDARD

PATENT

Name of Applicant: Ellis John Aurisch Actual Inventor Ellis John Aurisch

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jrii i Address for service is: WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 S: Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Tyne and Point Assembly and Various Components Thereof Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): P08761 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 1 -2- The present invention relates to a tyne and point assembly and various components thereof.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

With the reduced profitability of farming and the increased emphasis on minimising overheads in recent times, there is increased focus on improving the longevity of tynes and points of agriculture implements in the soil tillage area. i A relatively simply way of doing this, which has become popular in recent times, has been the practice of hard facing points either by welding wear strips on to those portions of the point which are exposed to maximum wear, or by tempering these portions with multiple weld tacks.

.Australian patent numbers 522577 and 534734 disclose several different ways of achieving this hard facing which have been used in practice throughout the farming community in Western Australia.

Although the use of wear strips and tempering is effective, there still remains exposed areas of the point and tyne, which are still subject to wear. Accordingly, the lifetime of the point is only as good as the wearing of the exposed areas of the point, regardless of the presence of wear strips and tempering, or not. In the case of the tyne, where there is no, or very limited protection, again the lifetime of the tyne is limited by its intrinsic ability to withstand wear, and not by the addition of wear strips.

Another problem associated with the use of wear strips and tempering, is that they are affixed by welding directly to the point. Once the strip or facing is worn in Sconjunction with the remainder of the point, it is necessary to replace the entire

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point and/or tyne with a new point and/or tyne, not just the part of the point which is worn. Every time an entire point or tyne needs to be replaced, this has an effect on the down time and expense associated with maintenance of the implement.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for improved longevity of tynes and points relative to the aforementioned wear strip hard facing techniques and to provide for a more efficient and effective assembly of tynes and points.

in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an S adjustable cutting nose for a tyne comprising an elongate bar, adapted to be positively retained within a recess of commensurate size and shape to the crosssection of the bar, proximate to the base thereof, and to be releasably fastened to component locating means at a position spaced from the base of the bar, above the point, the base of the bar projecting marginally through the recess and having a digging tip to cut through the ground in advance of the point; wherein the bar is capable of being disposed at a plurality of different elevations S• relative to the bar fastening means and recess to compensate for progressive wear of said digging tip.

Preferably, the leading edge of the bar is hardened along a portion thereof, extending from the digging tip to an intermediate position along the leading edge.

Preferably, the bar is symmetrical about a central transverse plane cutting therethrough, so that the end of the bar opposite to the base is of corresponding shape, being formed with an opposing digging tip and being hardened along an opposing leading edge thereof, in this manner, the bar may be reversed on release from said component locating means and refastened so that the original opposing end can then function as the base end, thereby extending the longevity of the cutting nose.

-4- Preferably, the elongate bar may also be disposed in a plurality of elevations when in the reversed position to compensate for wearing of the digging end thereof.

Preferably, the elongate bar is provided with a series of locating holes extending transversely thereof and disposed at spaced apart locations, longitudinally along the bar, intermediate the opposing ends thereof, said holes being adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means forming part of the component locating means to enable releasable fastening of the bar thereto at one of a plurality of elevations relative to the point.

SPreferably, the leading edge of the bar is formed with a central longitudinally Sextending recess therealong. In this manner the central recess provides an :entrapment zone for impinging soil on movement of the cutting nose therethrough, which soil may form a protective buffer in advance of the leading "edge so as to protect same and increase the longevity of the bar.

SPreferably, said bar comprises an assembly of juxtaposed plate segments, each segment forming a lateral side of the bar, and having an outwardly curved leading edge extending longitudinally thereof to form a side of the leading edge of the bar such that when assembled, the leading edge is effectively flared outwardly at either side, forming the central recess therebetween and defining a leading edge having a transverse extent that is marginally greater than the corresponding transverse extent of the remainder of the bar. In this manner, the buffer that is created deflects passing soil either side of the bar to mitigate the frictional wearing effect of the soil upon the sides of the bar. Consequently, the longevity of the bar is improved, concentrating maximum friction of the soil to the leading edge of the bar instead of to the sides.

SAlternatively, the leading edge of the bar member may be provided with a strip of specially hardened material extending from the digging tip to an intermediate portion along the leading edge, whereby the strip has a transverse extent marginally greater than that of the corresponding transverse extent of the bar so as to project marginally beyond the sides of the bar. In this manner, a similar buffering effect is achieved as with a flared leading edge.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a point for a tyne formed with an anterior recess projecting inwardly from the front of the point for accommodating a cutting nose of the type defined in the preceding aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the point is provided with a central aperture for accommodating a i .point supporting member of the type defined in the fourth aspect of the invention Sfor affixing the point to the tyne.

Preferably, the leading edge of said aperture is adapted to engage a recess provided in the point supporting member to facilitate releasable locking I* engagement therewith.

|Preferably, said point is bifurcated about an intermediate transverse axis to define an anterior portion for confronting the impinging soil, and which can be disposed at an acute angle of attack relative to soil engaging the same during passage of Sa.: the tyne therethrough and a rear portion which can trail the anterior portion in a manner so as to have a minimal effect on soil passing thereby, and wherein the junction between the anterior portion and rear portion of the point is adapted to surmount a transversely extending locking member projecting laterally from either side of said point supporting member, such that the point is positively retained in position by the counterposing engaging effect of the recess and transverse locking members on the point Preferably, the leading surface of the anterior portion of the point is hardened with hard facing or other hardening surface treatment to increase the longevity thereof.

Preferably, the point is of generally rectangular shape and symmetrical about said intermediate transverse axis thereof, whereby the rear portion of the point is

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-6provided with a rear recess of corresponding size and shape to the anterior recess of the point.

In this manner, the point can be reversed so that the rear portion can become the anterior portion which confronts the soil. and vice versa, after wearing of the original anterior portion, thereby improving the longevity of the point.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a replaceable point guarding member adapted for surmounting substantially the entire anterior portion of the point so as to confront the soil before the point and thereby improve the longevity of the point.

Preferably, the point guarding member is adapted for mounting upon a point of Sthe type described in the preceding aspect of the invention and is formed with a complementary shaped anterior recess at the leading edge thereof to accommodate a cutting nose of the type defined in the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, a rear recess is provided in the trailing end of the point guarding member of complementary size and shape to the leading cross-sectional size and shape of the point supporting member to accommodate the same therein.

Preferably, the anterior adjacent edge of said rear recess is adapted to frictionally engage a complementary shaped recess formed at the base of the leading edge of the point supporting member to be fixedly and retainedly disposed therein in a juxtaposed relationship to the point.

Preferably, the upper surface of the point guarding member proximate to the leading edge thereof is hardened with hard facing or some other surface hardening treatment to increase the longevity thereof.

-7- Preferably, the point guarding member is of corresponding size and shape to the anterior portion of the point to cover the entire exposed soil confronting surface thereof.

Preferably, the point guarding member is substantially rectangular in shape and symmetrical about a central transverse cutting plane therethrough. In this manner the point guarding member can be reversed after the original leading portion thereof has worn so that the rear recess becomes the anterior recess and vice versa, thereby improving the longevity thereof. Accordingly, the original trailing end of the point guarding member is similarly hardened on the upper surface thereof to improve the longevity of the trailing end when it is reversed and becomes the leading end of the guard.

I. in accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a point supporting member for a tyne comprising an elongate bar formed with a point engaging recess disposed at the base of the leading edge thereof, and being adapted to be releasably fastened to component locating means at a position spaced from the base of the bar, wherein said point engaging recess is *adapted to accommodate the leading edge of the aperture of a point of the type defined in the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the leading edge of the point supporting member is adapted to 'j support the rear longitdinal edge of a cutting nose of the type defined in the first Saspect of the invention.

Preferably, the elongate bar is provided with a guarding member engaging recess t adjacent to said point engaging recess to accommodate the anterior adjacent edge of the rear recess of a point guarding member of the type defined in the third aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the elongate bar is provided with a locating hole extending transversely thereof, said hole being adapted to accommodate a fastening means i

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forming part of the component locating means to enable releasable fastening of the bar thereto.

Preferably, a transversely extending locking member is disposed rearwardly of said point engaging recess at the base of the point supporting member to positively engage and lockingly support an intermediate portion of the point surmounted thereon.

Preferably, the point supporting member is provided with a means to detachably accommodate said locking member.

Preferably, said means is a transversely extending aperture and said locking member is a split pin- Preferably, the point supporting member is symmetrical about a central transverse cutting plane therethrough, so that the opposing end thereof is similarly provided with an opposing point engaging recess, an opposing guarding Smember engaging recess and opposing means for accommodating said transversely extending locking member. Further, said opposing means preferably corresponds to said locating hole.

In this manner, the point supporting member can be reversed so that the original Sopposing end thereof may function as the base end, the locking member may be attached to the original opposing means for accommodating same, allowing attachment of the point thereto, and the original transverselv extending aperture used to function as the locating hole to accommodate the fastening means of the component locating means. Thus the longevity of the member is increased twofold, after the original base end has been worn.

In accordance with a fifh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a l component locating means for attaching one or more components to a tyne, the locating means comprising affixing means for fixedly atiaching to a tynr shank, a pair of fixing plates disposed in parallel spaced arrangement to each other to -9define a planar recess for accommodating one or more components, said locating plates being fixedly attached to said affixing means and projecting anteriorly from the tyne shank, and one or more fastening means for projecting through said locating plates to fixedly fasten a component therebetween within said planar recess.

Preferaby, the component locating means further comprises one or more holes extending transversely through said locating plates and said fastening means comprses one or more bolt and nut fasteners for projecting through said hole(s), whereby at least one such fastening means is disposed adjacent to the leading edge of said locating plates to accommodate a cutting nose of the type defined in the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, another of said fastening means is disposed rearwardly of the leading fastening means to locate a point supporting member of the type defined in the Sfourth aspect of the invention rearwardly and adjacent to the cutting nose.

Preferably, said affixing means comprises a backing plate for engaging the anterior of the tyne shank, and one or more rearwardly projecting brackets to clampingly engage the tyne shank.

'Preferably, said backing plate is provided rith a depending locating member for said point supporting member, said locating member projecting anteriorly and being formed with a recess of commensurate size and shape to the crosssectional size and shape of the rear longitudinal edge of said supporting member to accommodate the same therein. In this manner, the point supporting member is retained within said locating member and prevented from lateral movement In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tyne and point assembly, comprising a cutting nose, a point and component locating means of the type defined in the preceding aspects of the invention.

7 Preferably, the assembly also inclkj,:id s point supporting member of the type defined in the fourth aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the assembty also includes a point guarding member of the type defined in the third aspect of the-C inventiCIIR The invention will be better undersood in the ight of the following desciption of sevetal specific embodiments thereof- The description is made with reference to tihe accompanying drawings, whierein Figure 1 is a front perspective vievw of Vihe tyne and poinqt assembiy in accordance with the firs-t embodiment Figure 2 is an exploded view of the tyne and point assembly of the first embjodiment but also showing alternatie emnbodimensts oi !ihe cutting nose:- S.Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a tyne and point assembly in accordance with the second embodiment cf the invention: Figure 4a is a side elevation of a tyne and point assembly in accordance with the thi-.d embodiment, showing the cuing nose at a maximum elevated position relative to the point Figure 4b is a simlar to view to figure 4a but showing the cutting nose at an intermediate elevated position after partial wearing of the base thereof, Figure 4c is asimilarvie wto figures 4a and 4b- but showng the cutting nose at a loweirmost elevated position after substanbal wearing of the base there-of: Fgure 5 is a front elevationi of figure 4a.

Figure 6 is a piaui vL-iw of the point of the third embodiment; -11 Figure 7 is a plan view of a wear strip prior to affixing to the point of figure 6; Figure 8 is a plan view of an alternative point to that shown in figure 6 of the drawings; Figure 9 is a front elevation of part of the tyne and point assembly, similar to figure 5 but showing the attachment of a point assembly using the point shown at figure 8 attached to the end of the tyne in place of the point shown at figure 6; Figure 10 is an under side view of figure 9.

Figure 11 is a side elevation of a tyne and point assembly in accordance with the I fourth embodiment, which is substantially similar to figure 4a of the drawings; and SFigure 12 is a front perspective view of the component locating means of the fourth embodiment.

The first embodiment is directed towards a tyne and point assembly for agriculture implements and is described with reference to figures 1 and 2.

The point and tyne assembly 11 generally comprises a tyne shank 13, component locating means 15, a point supporting member 17, a cutting nose 19, a point 21 and a point guarding member 23.

The assembly in the present embodiment is particularly adapted to fit to a "Ryan" tyne shank 13, but it should be appreciated that the assembly can be adapted to fit to other types of tyne shanks, some of which will be described in later Sembodiments.

i -In the drawings, the tyne is shown as forming part of a seeding implement, which is described in more detail in the applicants Australian patent application 52464/96, the description of which is incorporated wherein by reference thereto.

SAcordingl, feriliserboot 25 and aseeding boot 27 are disposed rearwardlyof 1 -12the tyne shank 13 and are fixed in position by a rearwardly extending bracket 29 which forms part of the component locating means Similarly, a pair of rearwardly projecting furrow plates 31 are disposed, one either side of the tyne shank 13, and also form part of the component locating means As the fertiliser boot 25, seeding boot 27, bracket 29 and furrow plates 31 have specific utility and purpose with the improved seeding implement assembly of the beforementioned application of the applicant, no further reference will be made to them in the present specification and reference should be made to the complete specification of the aforementioned application for more detail concerning them.

The component locating means 15, for the purposes of the present invention, I essentially comprises a rear mounting plate 33, an upper mounting bracket 35, a lower fixing means 37, a pair of anteriorly projecting locating plates 39 defining a planar locating recess 41 therebetweer, and a plurality of component fastening means comprising a plurality of transversely extending holes 43 and 45 and .corresponding bolt and nut fasteners 47 and 49 respectively.

The rear mounting plate is of biflex form so as to fit in a complementary manner to the front of the tyne shank 13. Accordingly, the plate 33 is provided with an upper straight portion 33a disposed in juxtaposed relationship to the anterior end of the corresponding straight portion 13a of the tyne shank, an intermediate bridging portion 33b disposed in intersecting planar relationship with the upper straight portion 33a and being adapted to bridge across the lower curved portion 13b of I the tyne shank 13, and a lower depending locating portion 33c disposed in intersecting planar relationship with the bridging portion 33b to project anteriorly from the lower tip 13c of the tyne shank.

S The upper mounting bracket 35 comprises a pair of rearwardly projecting side clamping arms 35a spaced apart in planar relationship to each other a distance Sl commensurate to the transverse extent of the tyne shank 13, and transversely tee

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i 1 -13o o extending fastening means 35b in the form of a bolt and nut fastener disposed within a pair of transversely aligned holes spaced rearwardly of the upper straight portion 33a. Accordingly, a tyne shank 13 is accommodated within the space defined between the rear mounting plate 33, the side clamping arms 35a and the fastening means 35b, so that the component locating means 15 can be clampingly attached to the tyne shank. Further, the lower fixing means 37 comprises a threaded bolt projecting through a hole disposed in the depending locating portion 33c, adjacent to the intersection with the intermediate bridging portion 33b, and which is aligned with a threaded hole provided in the lower tip 13c of the tyne shank to fixedly secure the bottom of the component locating means 15 to the tyne shank. The threaded bolt and hole in the lower tip 13c is that normally provided for attaching a conventional point to the end of the tyne.

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-jo r,~ Ii The depending locating portion 33c is formed with an inwardly projecting recess 34 at the end thereof. The recess 34 is of complementary size and shape to accommodate the rear end of the point supporting member 17 in a manner that will be explained in more detail later.

The locating plates 39 project anteriorly sufficiently to accommodate the point supporting member 17 and the cutting nose 19 in coplanar relationship within the planar locating recess 41. The locating plates 39 are co-extensive and define a pair of leading edges 39a projecting downwardly from the top of the rear mounting plate 33 to a position disposed directly above the location of the point 21.

The point supporting member 17 comprises an elongate bar member 51 having a base end 51a and an opposing end 51b at opposite axial ends thereof, a leading longitudinal edge 51c which is recessed along an intermediate portion thereof and a rear longitudinal edge 51d. An obliquely disposed inwardly projecting lower recess 53a is disposed at the base at the intersection with the leading longitudinal e;dge 51c. The lower recess is formed within an inner step 54 along the lower Sside thereof to effectively divide the recess into two adjacent recesses, the lower

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-14of the two effective recesses being a point engaging recess for accommodating an engaging portion of the point 21 and the upper, deeper recess being a guarding member engaging recess for accommodating an engaging portion of the point guarding member 23.

Means in the form of a transversely extending lower locking aperture 55a is disposed in rearwardly spaced relationship to the recess 53 to frictionally accommodate a transversey extending locking member in the form of a split pin 57. The elongate member 51 is symmetrical about a central transversely disposed cutting plane therethrough, so that the top 51b thereof is formed with a corresponding shaped opposing recess 53b and opposing aperture 55b. The opposing aperture 55b also forms a locating aperture adapted to align with one of Sthe holes 43 and accommodate the corresponding bolt and nut fastener 47 when i. fitted within the component locating means 15 A C-shaped clip 59 is also provided to clip onto the bar towards the bottom of the leading longitudinal edge 51 c, occupying the lower extent of the recessed portion of the leading edge 51c, so that the outer extent of the web of the clip 59 is i substantially contiguous with the planar extent of the leading edge 51c.

The cutting nose 19aso comprises an elongate bar member 61 having a base :end 61a, an opposing end 61b, a leading longitudinal edge 61c and a rear ^i longitudinal edge 61d. The elongate bar 61 is provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and transversely disposed locating holes 63 spaced equidistantly with respect to the middle of the bar for receiving the corresponding bolt and nut fastener 49. The base 61a defines a lower digging tip 64a at the intersection with the leading longitudinal edge 61c for the purposes of cutting through the ground in advance of the point 21. The leading edge 61c is specially J i hardened along a portion 65 thereof, extending from the digging tip 64a to an Sintermediate position along the edge 61c. The hardened portion 65 may comprise a specially treated wear strip incorporating tungsten, or simply be 1 tempered by hard facing with weld or other well known hardening technique.

The bar 61 is shaped and formed symmetrically about a central transverse cutting plane therethrough, so that the opposing end 61 b presents a similarly shaped opposing digging tip 64b and opposing hardened portion The point 21 is substantially rectangular in plan and is bifurcated and symmetrical about a central transverse axis extending therethrough, so that the point is divided into an anterior portion 21a for confronting impinging soil and a rear portion 21 b for trailing behind the anterior portion. Inwardly projecting recesses 67a and 67b of complementary size and shape to the corresponding crosssectional size and shape of the elongate member 61, are provided at the anterior and rear ends of the point respectively. Furthermore, a central elongated aperture 69 of complementary size and shape to the cross-sectional size and S. shape of the base of the elongate bar 51 of the point supporting member 17 is I provided in longitudinal axial alignment with the recesses 67.

The anterior portion 21a is obliquely disposed relative to the rear portion 21 b so that the point may be disposed at an angle of attack relative to impinging soil Sduring passage therethrough, whilst the rear portion 21 b may be disposed to trail the anterior portion in a manner having a minimal effect on passing soil, and thus minimising the frictional effect of the soil thereon. Accordingly, the point 21 is arranged to be fitted onto the base end 51a of the elongate bar 51 so that the leading edge 69a of the aperture 69 sits within the point engaging recess of the lower recess 53a. Furthermore, the relative angular relationship between the anterior portion 21 a and the rear portion 21 b of the point is such that the rear end 21 b surmounts in pressing engagement with the split pin 57 to be retainedly and H; releasably attached to the base of the elongate member 51.

The point guarding member 23 is substantially rectangular in plan and is J symmetrical about a central transverse cutting plane therethrough. Accordingly, Sthe member comprises apair of inwardly projecting and oppositely -disposed recesses 71a and 71b at the anterior and rear of the member respectively. The recesses 71 are of complementary size and shape to the corresponding cross-

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-16sectional extent of the rear end of the base 61a of the cutting nose and also to the corresponding cross-sectional extent of the leading end of the base 51 a of the point supporting member 17. The point guarding member 23 is of corresponding transverse extent to the point 21, and the anterior recess 71 a (and also the rear recess 71 b due to the symmetry of the member) is similarly shaped to the leading recess 67a of the point, so that the two recesses may align with each other when the point guarding member 23 is disposed in juxtaposed relationship to the upper surface of the point. The rear recess 71b is of complementary shape to the corresponding cross-sectional extent of the base 51a of the point supporting member so that the anterior edge 73 thereof is able to be frictionally accommodated within the guarding member engaging recess of the lower recess 53a to be retainedly and releasably engaged therein.

The upper surface of the point guarding member at the anterior thereof is provided with a hardened portion 75a, either side of the anterior recess 71a.

Further, in accordance with the symmetrical arrangement of the member, corresponding hardened portions 75b are provided at the rear end of the member S-.to either side of the rear recess 71b.

Now describing the assembly of the components constituting the tyne and point assembly in more detail, as described, the component locating means 15 is fixedly connected to the tyne shank 13 by the upper mounting bracket 35 and lower fixing means 37 in the manner previously described. The point supporting S member 17 is campingly and fixedly located within the locating plates 39 so that i the locating aperture 55b is aligned with one or the other of the holes 43, depending upon the desired elevation of the point relative to the tyne.

Hi Accordingly, the elongate bar member 51 is fixed in position by the bolt and nut fastener 47 and depends from the locating plates 39 so that the bottom of the rear S longitudinal edge 51 d is retainedly disposed within the inwardly projecting recess 34 provided in the lower locating portion 33c. In this manner, the lower locating portion 33c helps locate and stabilises the bar member 51 against lateral movement.-' ^^^^"ia-Mang -17- After locating the point supporting member 17, the point 21 may be positioned upon the base 51a. Accordingly, the aperture 69 of the point is passed through the base 51a with the leading edge 69a seated within the point engaging recess of the lower recess 53a, the leading edge 69a confronting the step 54. The split pin 57 can then be forcedly inserted through the locking aperture 55a pressing the point marginally upwardly, so that the rear portion 21b proximate the junction with the anterior portion 21a, surmounts the pin.

The point guarding member 23 can then be fitted in juxtaposition over the anterior portion 21a of the point to lock the point to the base of the point supporting member 17. Moreover, the anterior edge 73 is forced into the guarding member engaging recess of the lower recess 53a, imposing a downward force upon the point and hence counterposing engagement between the split pin 57 and the S. point guarding member 23. This locking engagement further locks the point guarding member 23 into retained relationship with the point 21 and the point supporting member 17.

A The cutting nose 19 is also disposed within the planar recess 41 in adjacent and coplanar relationship with the point supporting member 17 so that the rear longitudinal edge 61d of the bar member 61 is juxtaposed against the leading longitudinal edge 51c of the point supporting member. In this position, the web of the clip 59 helps support the rear of the cutting nose. The cutting nose 19 is axially disposed within the planar recess 41 so that one of the locating holes 63 Sthereof aligns with one of the holes 45 of the locating plates 39. Accordingly, the cutting nose can be disposed at a plurality of elevations relative to the locating plates 39, depended upon which combination of holes 63 and 65 are used. In Sthis manner, longevity of the cutting nose is increased by allowing for successive lowering of the bar member 61 within the locating plates 39 with increased wear ofthe digging tip 64a.

-18- Consequently, the base 61a of the cutting nose projects through the aligned anterior recesses 67a and 57a of the point and point guarding member respectively to adopt the arrangement depicted in figure 1.

It should be appreciated that the particular symmetry of the point supporting member 17, cutting nose 19, point 21 and point guarding member 23, and the particular manner of assembly allow these components to be reversed in position after wearing thereof and thus greatly improve the longevity of the tyne. In this respect, the opposing end 51b becomes the base end of the point supporting member 17, whereby the lower locking aperture 55a becomes the upper locating aperture 55b for affixing to the locating plates 39, and the upper locating aperture becomes the lower locking aperture for accommodating the split pin 57.

Similarly, the clip 59 can simply be moved along the recessed portion of the il 'eading edge 51c to adapt a corresponding location towards the base of the bar member 51 when in the reversed position.

With respect to the cutting nose 19, as this is the component exposed to most of the wear, the reverse location of the bar and the numerous combinations that can be achieved between the alignment of the aperture 63 and the holes 45 of the Scomponent fastening means allow great flexibility with positioning and increase Sthe longevity of the bar member 61 significantly.

Similarly, with the point 21, this can be taken off, and reversed upon wear of the leading tip thereof, as is the case with the point guarding member 23.

Furthermore, the separate formation of the point and point guarding members enable a number of point guarding members to be used before the point 21 itself suffers wear and requires reversing. In this respect, the point guarding members S23 would be used, reversed and replaced perhaps many times over, before the Sneed to replace a single point.

As shown in figure 2 of the drawings, a number of alternative arrangements to the Scufing nose are illustrated.

ii- -19- Firstly, a cutting nose assembly 81 is shown having a central longitudinally extending recess 83 along the leading longitudinal edge thereof. The assembly comprises a pair of juxtaposed plate segments 85 which are clamped together with the fastening means 45 through the apertures 87 thereof when positioned within the locating plates 39 to form an elongate bar. Each segment forms a lateral side of the bar and is outwardly curved along the leading longitudinal edge portion thereof to form the central recess 83. The central longitudinal recess 83 provides an entrapment zone for impinging soil on movement of the cutting nose therethrough, whereby entrapped soil forms a protective buffer in advance of the leading edge. This buffer tends to deflect soil away from the sides of the plate segments 85 so as to reduce wear by reducing the frictional effect of passing soil thereon. The upper and lower leading longitudinally edges of the plate assembly 85 are similarly formed with hardened portions 87 in the same manner as the elongate bar 61. Further still, the symmetry of the cutting nose 81 is maintained allowing for reversing of the components after wearing of the lower end.

A further alternative cutting nose assembly 91 is shown which comprises two principal components, an upper clamping member 93 and a lower base member 95 providing the digging tip 96. The upper clamping member 93 is formed with a plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely extending apertures 97 to align with different holes 45 of the locating plates 39 to allow the clamping member to be disposed in a plurality of elevations. The bottom end of the clamping member is bifurcated, being provided with a pair of clamping tabs 99 for clampingly engaging the lower base member 95. Accordingly, a bolt and nut fastener 101 is disposed in the end of the tabs 99 to pass through a corresponding aperture provided at the top of the lower base member to fixedly locate and clampingly I* engage the digging point to the support member 93.

In this arrangement, successive wear of the digging point is accommodated for by S. lowering the support member relative to the locating plates 39 and eventually -replacing the lower base member 95 with another.

The second embodiment is shown in figure 3 of the drawings and is directed towards a simple form of tyne and point assembly 111 functioning as a scarifier implement. In this assembly 111 the same type of "Ryan" tyne shank 113 is used as in the first embodiment, but with the normal delta shaped "bolt-on" point 115.

A simplified form of component locating means 117 is used in this embodiment which accommodates a cutting nose 119. Moreover, the component locating means 117 comprises a pair of L shaped brackets 121a and 121b, the upper leg portions of which project rearwardly and clampingly engage to the upper portion of the tyne shank 113 in a similar manner as in the first embodiment. The rear mounting plate is dispensed with and inner longitudinal spacing strips 123 are used to define the planar locating recess within which the cutting nose 119 is located.

S.The cutting nose 119 is identical with that of the first embodiment and consequently depends from the bottom of the lower end of the L portion of the bracket 121 in advance of the point 115.

The point 115 is particularly adapted by forming an inwardly projecting recess 125 at the tip thereof. This recess is of complementary shape to the cross-sectional transverse extent of the rear of the cutting nose 119 to accommodate the same I therein and provide stability against lateral movement thereof, in the same manner as do the aligned recesses of the point and point guarding member in the first embodiment.

The present embodiment has particularly utility with improving the longevity of existing points after they have been worn by providing the cutting nose in the form Sof the present invention.

The third embodiment is directed towards an adapted tyne and point assembly 131 to suit a Forward" scarifier tyne. The assembly 131 is substantially identical S :to that of the preceding embodiment except that the component locating means ?r i -21 133 is adapted to particularly suit the scarifier tyne 135, which is marginally thicker and wider than the "Ryan" tyne.

In this arrangement the rear backing plate 137 is provided and specifically shaped to adapt to the contour of the leading edge of the tyne 135. A pair of tyne shank fastening brackets 139a and 139b are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the tyne shank. The brackets are fixedly welded to the backing plate 137 and to provide additional strength, project marginally forward beyond the backing plate for welding to the outer sides of the pair of anteriorly projecting locating plates 141.

Again, a point supporting member is not necessary as an existing bolt-on point 143 is used. The bolt-on point has the usual rearwardly projecting tab 143a for locating within the slot formed by the C-shaped bracket 144 riveted onto the base of the tyne 135, and a central hole 143b for bolting on to the tyne tip. As shown in Figure 6, the point is specially modified by forming an anterior recess 143c at the tip thereof, as in the preceding embodiment, to accommodate the base end of the cutting nose 145. In addition, wear strips 146 are welded to the anterior edge of the point to prolong its life, particularly in the case where the point has already been used and is being adapted to suit the present embodiment. As previously mentioned, these wear strips are specially hardened, being impregnated with tungsten or treated with some other face hardening technique, to improve the longevity of the leading edge which confronts impinging soil.

In the present embodiment, a slightly different arrangement for affixing and attaching the cutting nose 145 to the locating plates 133 is adopted. Moreover, Sthe cutting nose 145 comprises a bar member which is not reversible and which has a series of longitudinally spaced apart and transversely extending locating holes 147 at the top end thereof. The locating plates 39 are provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced apart transversely extending holes 149a and 149b at precise ocan to be used with fastening means 151 of the bolt and nut fastener T -22type to enable different combinations of hole alignment and elevation between the bar and the plates.

The spacing between the holes 149 of the plates is such that the bar member is disposed at a maximally elevated position when the lowermost hole 147a of the bar is aligned with the uppermost hole 149a of the plate, as shown in figure 4a of the drawings. The bar can then move through a series of lowered elevations by aligning successive holes along the bar with the top hole 149a and fixing the bolt and nut fastener therethrough.

Once the digging tip of the bar has worn after location of the top hole 147b of the bar within the top hole 149a of the plate, the bottom hole 147a of the bar will be at the next position above the lower hole 149b of the plate- Consequently, the bolt and nut fastener 151 at the top hole 149a can then be removed from that hole and used thereafter at the bottom hole 149b with the lower hole 147a of the bar shifted and aligned with the lower hole 149b of the plate, as shown in Figure 4b.

From this position, the bar 141 can be moved through a further series of lowered elevations until the top hole 147b of the bar is aligned with the lower hole 149b of the plate, as shown in Figure 4c. After the bar is worn at this position, the bar is replaced and the nut and bolt fastener 151 returned to the top hole 149a of the Splates, and the process repeated again with the new bar.

The leading longitudinal edge 145a of the bar is provided with a special hardened portion 153, similar to one of the arrangements of the cutting nose described in the first embodiment Moreover the hardened portion 153 is specially impregnated i with tungsten or treated with some other face hardening technique and has a marginally wider transverse extent than the corresponding transverse extent of the remainder of the bar 145. In this manner, the hardened portion 153 provides a buffering effect with impining soil deflecting it away to an extent from the sides of the bar and thus reducing wear on the ba itself.

^^BTO -23- Although the embodiment has been descibed vith reference to the use of bolt-on points, it has equal utility and advantage with the use of the popular "knock-on point as shown in Figures 8 to The knock-on point arrangement generally comprises a point retainer 161, having a rearwardly projecting tab 161a for locating within the slot formed by the Cshaped clip 144 and a hole 161b for receiving and being bolted onto the tyne tip by a threaded bolt 162. The point retainer 161 is essentially spoon shaped, and is modified in a similar manner to a point, whereby a centrally disposed anterior recess 161c is formed at the leading end of the retainer, of complementary size and shape to the cross-sectional extent of the rear base end of the bar member 145 to accommodate the same therein.

The leading end of the point retainer 161 projects anteriorly marginally beyond the tyne tip and the sides of the r:ainer project laterally marginally beyond the sides of the tyne, to provide an edge onto which a point end 163 can be retainedly clipped on.

The point end 163 is of conventional delta shape and is arcuately formed about a central longitudinal axis to present a substantially convex upper surface. As i" shown, the point end 163 is provided with a pair of downwardly depressed tabs 165 which are adapted to clip onto the sides of the point retainer 161. as the point end is pushed onto the retainer from the front The arcuate shape of the point end 163 is such that the rear end 163a thereof rides up and over the head of the bolt 162 in counterposing relationship to the tabs 165, so that the point is frictionally retained on the point retainer.

As with the point retainer 161, the point end is modfed to have an anterior inwardly projecting recess 167 formed therein of complementary size and shape to the cross-seion of therear of the base end of the cutting nose 145 so as to aign with the anterior recess of the point retainer when fitted thereon and j accommodate the rear end of the cutting nose base therein-

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-24- An advantage of this particular embodiment is that the cutting nose, in addition to providing longevity to the life of the point by presenting the leading cutting edge confronting impinging soil, functions to assist with the retention of the point end on the retainer. Hitherto, a problem v-th knock-on points was their propensity to falling off during use, after being knocked on, as a consequence of their limied tolerance to resisting aterally and anteriorly directed forces, which arise particularly with stump jump tyne assemblies. Consequently. the location of the rear of the cutting nose 145 with the anterior recesses 161c and 167 helps stabilise the point end in resisting lateral forces and by abutting against the inner end of the recesses, resists anteriorly directed forces on the point end that may S" aise.

The fourth embodiment is substantially similar to the preceding embodiment, except that the assembly is adapted to fit onto a "Morris" chisel plough tyne and point assembly- As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the tyne and point assembly 171 generally comprises a tyne shank 173. a point 175 bolted to the tyne tip thereof, a component locating means 177 and a cutting nose 178.

As can be seen from Figure 11, the "Morris" chisel plough tyne has a tyne shank 173 with a much greater curvature than the tynes of the preceding embodiments, and hence the component locating means needs to be modified to fit thereto. In this embodiment, the component locating means 177 is simply adapted to bridge the intermediate portion of the tyne shank 173, as opposed to following its contour, in a similar manner to the assembly described in the second embodiment, SMoreover, the component locating means comprises an upper mounting bracket S179 for fastening to the upper portion of the tyne shank 173, a lower mounting bracket 181 for fastening to the upper of the two bolt fasteners 183 for the point 175, a rear backing plate 185 extending between the two fastening brackets 179 I 25 and 181, and a pair of anteriorly projecting locating plates 187, defining a planar locating recess 189. Accordingly, the cutting nose 178 is retainedly and adjustably located in the planar locating recess 189, between the locating plates 187, in the same manner as described in the preceding embodiment.

It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments herein described and that other embodiments utilising some or all of the components described may be envisioned that still adopt the same principles of the invention defined and described herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention also covers these other embodiments I and that they do not constitute a departure from the invention.

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Claims (44)

1. A cutting nose for a tyne comprising an elongate bar, adapted to be positively retained within a recess of commensurate size and shape to the cross-section of the bar, proximate to the base thereof, and to be releasably fastened to component locating means at a position spaced from the base of the bar, above the point, the base of the bar projecting marginally through the recess and having a digging tip to cut through the ground in advance of the point; 4:- wherein said bar is capable of being disposed at a plurality of different elevations relative to said component locating means and recess to compensate for progressive wear of said digging tip.

A cutting nose as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leading edge of the bar is g hardened along a portion thereof, extending from said digging tip to an intermediate position along said leading edge.

3. A cutting nose as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said bar is symmetrical about a central transverse plane cutting therethrough, so that the end of said bar opposite to said base is of corresponding shape, being formed with an opposing digging tip and being hardened along an opposing leading edge thereof, such that said bar may be reversed on release from said component .locating means and refastened so that the original opposing end can then function as the base end, thereby extending the longevity of the cutting nose.

4. A cutting nose as claimed in claim 3, wherein said elongate bar is capable of S being disposed -in plurality of elevations when in the reversed position to G :compensate for wearing of said digging end thereof.

S. A cutting nose as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, said elongate is provided with a series of locating holes extending transversely thereof and disposed at spaced apart locations, longitudinally along said bar, I- -iT r r ~o o r r o o .orr -27- intermediate the opposing ends thereof, said holes being adapted to accommodate one or more fastening moans forming part of said component locating means to enable releasable fastening of said bar thereto at one of a plurality of elevations relative to the point.

6. A cutting nose as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said leading edge of the bar is formed with a central longitudinally extending recess therealong.

7. A cutting nose as claimed in claim 6, wherein said bar comprises an assembly of juxtaposed plate segments, each segment forming a lateral side of said bar, and having an outwardly curved leading edge extending longitudinally thereof to form a side of the leading edge of said bar such that when assembled, said leading edge is effectively flared outwardly at either side, forming the central recess therebetween and defining a leading edge having a transverse extent that is marginally greater than the corresponding transverse extent of the remainder of the bar.

8. A cutting nose as claimed in claim 6, wherein said leading edge of said bar may be provided with a strip of specially hardened material extending from said digging tip to an intermediate portion along said leading edge, whereby said strip has a transverse extent marginally greater than that of the corresponding transverse extent of said bar so as to project marginally .beyond the sides of said bar.

9. A cutting nose for a tyne substantially as herein described in any one of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings where -appropriate.

A point for a tyne formed with an anterior recess projecting inwardly from the front of the point for accommodating a cutting nose as claimed in any one of claims 1:to ra i r 3 I j :r) r~gp~ 'D "i ~8D r ::I Ij 1 I i i I i ~8~ilk~BjhB I; Id i a F i .F a: i II a 1 iij 'I- i t-- i i r r rr r o o r r r s ro -28

11. A point as claimed in claim 10, provided with a central aperture for accommodating a point supporting member as claimed in any one of claims to 34 for affixing the point to the tyne.

12. A point as claimed in claim 11, wherein the leading edge of said aperture is adapted to engage a recess provided in said point supporting member to facilitate releasable locking engagement therewith.

13. A point as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said point is bifurcated about an intermediate transverse axis to define an anterior portion for confronting the impinging soil, and which can be disposed at an acute angle of attack relative to soil engaging the same during passage of the tyne therethrough and a rear portion which can trail said anterior portion in a manner so as to have a minimal effect on soil passing thereby, and wherein the junction between said anterior portion and said rear portion of the point is adapted to surmount a transversely extending locking member projecting laterally from either side of said point supporting member, such that the point is positively retained in position by the counterposing engaging effect of the recess and transverse locking members on the point.

14. A point as claimed in claim 13, wherein the leading surface of said anterior portion of the point is hardened with hard facing or other hardening surface treatment to increase the longevity thereof.

A point as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein said point is of generally rectangular shape and symmetrical about said intermediate transverse axis thereof, whereby said rear portion of the point is provided with a rear recess of corresponding size and shape tosaid anterior recess of the point.

16. A point for a tyne substantially as herein described in any one of the Sii.embodiments with reference to, the accompanying drawings where appropriate. 55 4Sr 5 i i i;- I i: i tl- 1- K g- 29

17. A point guarding member for surmounting substantially the entire anterior portion of a point as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, comprising a complementary shaped anterior recess at the leading edge thereof to accommodate a cutting nose as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

18. A point guarding member as claimed in claim 17, including a rear recess provided in the trailing end thereof, of complementary size and shape to the leading cross-sectional size and shape to said point supporting member to i accommodate the same therein.

19. A point guarding member as claimed in claim 18, wherein the anterior j adjacent edge of said rear recess is adapted to frictionally engage a Scomplementary shaped recess formed at the base of the leading edge of the S point supporting member to be fixedly and retainedly disposed therein in Sjuxtaposed relationship to the point.

20. A point guarding member as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the upper surface of the point guarding member proximate to the leading edge thereof is hardened with hard facing or some other surface hardening treatment to increase the longevity thereof.

21. A point guarding member as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, of corresponding size and shape to the anterior portion of the point to cover the entire exposed soil confronting surface thereof.

.22. A point guarding member as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21, of Ssubstantially rectangular shape and being symmetrical about a central S transverse cutting plane therethrough.

23. A point guarding member as claimed in claim 22, wherein the original trailing end of the point guarding member is hardened on the upper surface thereof to improve the longevity of the trailing end when it is reversed and becomes.the leading end of the g ard. 0- 1 :M IEl e e s i! i o 1, '"sS 0 ss 9 30

24. A point guarding member substantially as herein described in any one of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings where appropriate.

A point supporting member for a tyne comprising an elongate bar formed with a point engaging recess disposed at the base of the leading edge thereof, and being adapted to be releasably fastened to component locating means at a position spaced from the base of the bar, wherein said point engaging recess is adapted to accommodate the leading edge of the aperture of a point as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16.

26. A point supporting member as claimed in claim 25, wherein the leading edge of thereof is adapted to support the rear longitudinal edge of a cutting nose as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

27. A point supporting member as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein said elongate bar is provided with a guarding member engaging recess adjacent to said point engaging recess to accommodate the anterior adjacent edge of the rear recess of a point guarding member as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24.

28. A point supporting member as claimed in claim 27, wherein said elongate bar is provided with a locating hole extending transversely thereof, said hole being adapted to accommodate a fastening means forming part of the component locating means to enable releasable fastening of the bar thereto.

29. A point supporting member asclaimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein a transversely extending locking member is disposed rearwardly of said point engaging recess at the base of the point supporting member to positively engage and lockingly supprt an intermediate portion of the point surmounted thereon. ;f ii 1 -r i i 1 ;I t 1 i 3 s i i fl_ 1- j s -31- A point supporting member as claimed in claim 29, including means to detachably accommodate said locking member.

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31. A point supporting member as claimed in claim 30, wherein said means is a transversely extending aperture and said locking member is a split pin.

32. A point supporting member as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 31, being symmetrical about a central transverse cutting plane therethrough, so that the opposing end thereof is similarly provided with an opposing point engaging recess, an opposing guarding member engaging recess and opposing means for accommodating said transversely extending locking member.

33. A point supporting member as claimed in claim 32, wherein said opposing -i means corresponds to said locating hole.

34. A point supporting member for a tyne substantially as herein described in any 'of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings where Sappropriate.

A component locating means for attaching one or more components to a tyne, the locating means comprising affixing means for fixedly attaching to a tyne shank, a pair of fixing plates disposed in parallel spaced arrangement to each other to define a planar recess for accommodating one or more components, said locating plates being fixedly attached to said affixing means and projecting anteriorly from the tyne shank, and one or more fastening means 1 for projecting through said locating plates to fixedly fasten a component therebetween within said planar recess.

36. A component locating means as claimed in claim 35, further comprising one -or more holes extendingtransversely through said locating plates, and said fastening means comprises one or more bolt and nut fasteners for projecting f through said hole(s), whereby at least one such fastening means is disposed i7- I -32- adjacent to the leading edge of said locating plates to accommodate a cutting nose as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

37. A component locating means as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein another of said fastening means is disposed rearwardly of the leading fastening means to locate a point supporting member as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 34, rearwardly and adjacent to said cutting nose.

38. A component locating means as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein said affixing means comprises a backing plate for engaging the anterior of the tyne shank, and one or more rearwardly projecting brackets to clampingly engage the tyne shank.

39. A component locating means as claimed in claim 38, wherein said backing plate is provided with a depending locating member for said point supporting member, said locating member projecting anteriorly and being formed with a recess of commensurate size and shape to the cross-sectional size and shape of the rear longitudinal edge of said supporting member to accommodate the same therein.

A component locating means for attaching one or more components to a tyne substantially as herein described in any one of the embodiments with Sreference to the accompanying drawings where appropriate.

41. A tyne and point assembly comprising a cutting nose as claimed in any one of Sclaims 1 to 9, a point as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, and S. component locating means as claimed in any one of claims 35 to

42- A tyne and point assembly as claimed in claim 41, including a point supporting member as claimed in anyone of claims 25 to 34.

43. A tyne and point assembly asclaimed in claim 41 or 42, including a point Sguarding member as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24. 2 -33-

44. A tyne and point assembly substatially as herein described in any one of the embodiments with reference to the drawings where appropriate. Dated this Twenty-fifth day of August

1998. ELLIS JOHN AURISCH Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant 3* *3 I I [I I