CA1338029C - Towed soil leveling system with rear pivoted pulverizing roller - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved soil leveling apparatus including a frame, connecting hitch means, a scarifier assembly which is supported on a connector pivoted between the legs of the hitch, and a soil finishing means. The soil finishing means is preferably a pulverizing roller.

Description

~ -1- t 338029 Towed Soil Leveling System with Rear Pivoted Pulverizinq Roller This application has been divided out of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 471,983 filed January 11, 1985.

Technical Field The present invention relates generally to a device for attachment to a vehicle for cutting, leveling and other-wise grading soil or the like. More particularly, this invention concerns a soil leveling apparatus incorporating an improved frame, an improved hitch, an improved scarifier assembly, an optional pulverizer attachment, and other features which provide more versatility and controllability in order to achieve better performance.

Background Art Proper site preparation re~uires that the ground be graded as necessary for compatibility with planting, sod-ding, paving or whatever the next and usually final con-struction or maintenance step may be. Such site preparation typically involves first breaking up and loosening the soil as necessary followed by leveling the soil to the desired grade. This may entail the use of different tools, depend-ing upon the soil conditions, and multiple passes over the site which is both time consuming and expensive.
In the past weighted boards and the like were dragged behind tractors to smooth and level the surface of the soil. This technique was relatively crude and unsatis-factory because it did not allow for controlling the angle or grade of the soil surface, and loose dirt tended to collect in front of the board which would . - ~
. ~' 1 33802q escape around the outer edges leaving ridges which then had to be smoothed manually with rakes or the like.
My prior U. S. Patent No. 3,556,228 shows an apparatus for leveling soil and the like which was adapted to overcome the difficulties associated with the prior art at that time. This device generally con-sisted of a frame adapted for connection to a three-point hitch on a draft vehicle such as a tractor. The frame consisted of a number of transverse ground engaging members arranged in longitudinally spaced apart relationship. The leading member therein was a member of generally inverted U-shaped cross section to effect cutting, while the other trailing members were of closed, generally rectangular cross section for leveling purposes. The transverse ground engaging mem-bers were interconnected by longitudinal braces in a ladder-like fashion to form a rigid frame. Individual retaining shoes or plates were provided on opposite ends of each ground engaglng member to retain loose 20 soil to avoid formation of soil ridges.
This device operated well and was a signifi-cant improvement over the prior art at that time, although experience later showed that improvements could be made. The patent referenced above, discloses such an improved soil leveling apparatus. It has been found, however, that even this device can be improved upon. For example, under some soil conditions it has been found that the effectiveness of a leading ground engaging member of generally inverted U-shaped cross section can be severely restricted if it should become plugged with soil. In addition, three-point hitches of various types and ages exhibit various degrees of looseness which may not be compatible with different soil conditions. Some degree of play or looseness at the top link of the three-point hitch is generally desirable because it enables the apparatus to float somewhat on the soil surface without undue ~3~ ~ 338029 gouging, however, too much looseness is undesirable.
Further, some conditions may call for soil working relatively less aggressive, but which is desired as a substitute for or in addition to, that type of soil working provided by the scarifier assembly.
There is, thus, a need for an improved soil leveling apparatus of even greater versatility.

Summary of the Invention The present invention comprises an improved soil leveling apparatus which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties associated with the prior art.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a soil leveling apparatus having an improved frame, con-nection means for the hitch, and other features and options which enhance its capability and versatility.
The frame comprises a plurality of transverse ground engaging members, the leading member being a scraper member of generally inverted J-sha~ed cross section in order to avoid soil plugging. The frame includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side frame members which are of uneven channel~ e configuration secured to opposite ends of the trailing ground engaging member so as to reduce construction costs while providing the necessary structural rigidity.
The trailing ground engaging members are of generally inverted rounded V-shaped cross section in order to provide a substantially upright surface for pushing the soil in a forward direction, with an inclined surface for lifting the soil in a rearward direction.
The connection means on the frame for securing the apparatus to a three-point hitch is of generally A-shaped configuration, which is- also adapted to serve as the support for the adjustible scarifier assembly.
This also simplifies construction of the soil leveling ~4~ 1 338029 apparatus and enhances the structural integrity thereof. An adjustable lost motion linkage is preferably provided at the top end of the connection means for receiving the top link of a three-point hitch in order to provide the degree of play desirable under the particular conditions.
In one embodiment there is provided an apparatus for leveling soil, comprising: hitch means which is adapted for connection to a tractor or like motive vehicle; frame means which is connected to said hitch means and includes at least one surface for engaging the ground; means connected to said frame means which is adapted for scarifying ground soil, said scarifying means including an elongated central portion having at one end an element for engaging the soil; a pair of longitudinal arms, each arm pivoted at one end to said frame means; soil finishing means mounted between the other ends of said arms for pivotal movement into and out of ground engagement wherein soil finishing means comprises a roller;
and means for selectively actuating the attachment between raised and lowered positions.
In another embodiment there is provided an apparatus for leveling soil, comprising: hitch means which is adapted for connection to a tractor or like motive vehicle; a generally rectangular frame including a plurality of transversed elongate ground engaging members having lower surfaces which are fixedly secured in mutually spaced-apart relationship between a pair of longitudinal side members each arm or said pair of longitudinal arms being pivoted at one end to a side member of said generally rectangular frame element; and a soil finishing means mounted between the other ends of said arms for pivotal movement into and out of ground engagement, wherein said soil finishing means comprises a roller.

-4a- 1 338029 In yet a further embodiment there is provided an apparatus for leveling soil and the like; comprising: a generally rectangular frame including a transverse, elongate scraper member and at least one trailing transverse elongate ground engaging member fixedly secured together in a mutually spaced apart relationship; the scraper member including a leading lower edge, and each ground engaging member including a lower surface which is wider than the lower edge of the scraper member, the leading edge of the scraper member and the lower surfaces of the ground engaging members being substantially coplanar; hitch means for mounting the frame to a vehicle; and soil finishing means pivoted to said frame for movement into and out of ground engagement in trailing relationship with the apparatus.
The invention also provides a method of leveling soil.

Brief Description of Drawings A better understanding of the invention can be had by reference to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an improved soil leveling apparatus of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIGURE 1 in the direction of the arrow;
FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1 in the direction of the arrows;
FIGURE 4 is an enlarged detailed view of a modification of the scarifier stop assembly;

-4b- 1 338029 FIGURE 5 is a view taken along lines 5-S of FIGURE 3 showing the front side of the adjustable lost motion linkage mounted at the top end of the connection means;
FIGURE 6 is vertical sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIGURE 5 in the direcion of the arrows;
FIGURE 7 iS an enlarged perspective detailed view showing a tine assembly which can be substituted for the teeth of the scarifier assembly in order to provide relatively less aggressive soil working action;
FIGURE 8 is a sectional detailed view the tine assembly of FIGURE 7 mounted on the cross-shaft of the scarifier assembly;
FIGURE 9 iS a partial perspective view showing the soil leveling apparatus herein with an optional ~- _5_ 1 338029 pivotal pulverizer assembly mounted thereon; and, FIGURES 10 and 11 are sectional views taken along lines 10-10 and 11-11, respectively, of FIGURE 9 in the direction of the arrows.

Detailed Description Referring now to the Drawings herein, in which like reference numerals designate like or corresponding elements throughout the views, and particularly referring to FIGURE
1, there is shown a soil leveling apparatus 10 of the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a frame 12, a hitch or connection means 14 mounted on the frame for attachment of the apparatus to a suitable draft means, and a scarifier assembly 16.
As illustrated, the connection means 14 is adapted for use with a three-point hitch, however, it will be appreciated that the frame 12 of the apparatus 10 can be provided with a connection means like that shown in the parent application for use with a skid-steer vehicle or any other suitable connecting hitch means depending upon the type of draft vehicle with which the apparatus is to be used.
Referring now to FIGURE 1 in conjunction with FIGURES 2 and 3, the frame 12 of the soil leveling appara-tus 10 comprises a leading ground engaging member 18 and a plurality of trailing ground engaging members 20. All of the ground engaging members 18 and 20 are oriented trans-verse to the direction of travel of the apparatus 10. The forward ground engaging member 18, as is best seen in FIGURE 3, is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section and includes braces 22 secured between the divergent front and back walls of the ground engaging member. A blade 24 is secured to the front, relatively longer wall of the ground engaglng member 18 for better cutting action and wear resistance. The blade 24 can be welded, bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the forward ground engaging me~ber 18. It will thus be apparent that the S rear wall of the forward ground engaging member 18 is relatively shorter than the front wall. This is advan-tageous because it provides rigidity without allowing soil to plug the interior of the member, which can occur under certain conditions when an inverted channel section is utilized for the forward ground engaging member. The forward ground engaging member 18 thus functions as a scraper member.
The forward ground engaging member 18 is secured between a pair of side plates 26 which serve as soil retainers to prevent the soil from flowing out-wardly around the apparatus and thus forming ridges.
If desired, braces 28 can be secured between the soil retaining plates 28 and the forward ground engaging member 18 for reinforcement.
A plurality of trailing ground engaging mem-bers 20 are located behind the forward ground engaging member 18 for purposes of leveling the soil. Three trailing ground engaging members 20 are shown, however, any suitable number can be utilized. Each trailing ground engaging member 20 includes a wear plate 30 secured to and enclosing the open end of a hollow member 32. The hollow member 32 is preferably of generally inverted rounded V-shaped cross section with the forward wall thereof being substantially upright in order to push the soil in a forward direction, and the rear wall being inclined to allow the soil to pass over the ground engaging member in the reverse direc-tion.
The trailing ground engaging members 20 are secured between a pair of longitudinal side members 34.
Each side member 34 is of general channel-shaped cross section along the portion thereof extending between the 1 33802~

trailing ground engaging members 20 with the upper sur-faces of the side members sloping downwardly away from the forward ground engaging member 18. The ends of the trailing ground engaging members 20 are thus butted against the outer legs of the side members 34 and are welded at their ends both to the outer leg and to the lower edge of the inner legs of the side members. A
longitudinal member 36 is preferably secured across the tops of the trailing ground engaging members 20 for additional rigidity. If desired, lugs 37 can be attached to the side members 34 for connection of a drag or the like to the apparatus 10.
The connection means 14 is of generally A-shaped configuration including a pair of legs 38 which are secured at their lower ends to a pair of laterally spaced apart feet or supports 40 secured to the forward ground engaging member 18. The legs 38, which are inclined forwardly as shown, extend upwardly to a member 42. The connection means 14, as illustrated is adapted for use with a three-point hitch, the top and bottom links of which are indicated by phantom lines.
The base supports 40 include pivotal connection points 44 for attachment to the bottom links of a three-point hitch, while the top member 42 is adapted for attach-ment to the top link of the three-point hitch. A
longitudinal brace 46 is preferably connected between the top member 42 of the connection means 14 and the longitudinal member 46 of the frame 12.
Referring to FIGURE 3 in conjunction with FIGURES 5 and 6, the soil leveling apparatus 10 pre-ferably includes a lost motion linkage 48 in the top member 42 of the connecting means 14. The purpose of the lost motion linkage 48 is to provide an adjustable amount of controlled play between the top link of the three-point hitch on the draft vehicle and the connec-tion means 14 so that some pivotal floating action of the soil leveling apparatus can occur. The lost motion linkage 14 includes a plate 50, which is illustrated as being a section of channel stock, supported for pivotal movement on a pin 52 extending across the top member 42. Another pivotal connection 54 is provided at the upper end of the plate 50 for attachment to the top link of the three-point hitch on the draft vehicle. A
first stop 56 is secured to the lower end of the plate for cooperation with a cross piece 58 extending across the lower end of the top member 42. The lost motion linkage 48 thus includes a fixed stop which limits rearward pivotal motion of the plate 50. And adjustable stop 60 is also provided for limiting for-ward pivoting of the plate 50. As illustrated, the adjustable stop 60 comprises a number of shims 62 with offset holes therein through which a bolt 64 extends to secure the shims to the inside of the top member 42.
It will thus be appreciated that the amount of pivotal motion of the plate 50 can be controlled by 1006ening the bolt 64 and turning a suitable number of shims upwardly between the lower end of the plate 50 and the back of the top member 42, as shown in FIGURE 1, and then tightening the shims in place with the bolt 64 so as to limit the range of fore~aft pivotal movement of the linkage 48. This comprises a significant feature of the present invention. By means of the adjustable lost motion linkage 48, suitable play can be provided between the top link of a three-point hitch and the connection me~ns la of the soi' 'e~e~ ng a~pa~atus lC.
Referring again to FIGURES 1 through 3, the soil leveling apparatus 10 preferably includes a scarifier assembly 16 which is mounted for adjustable, vertical positioning relative to the frame 12. The scarifier assembly 16 includes a single connector 66 having a pair of sleeves 68 secured at the forward end for receiving a cross shaft 70 extending between the base members 40 of the connection means 14. The cross shaft 70 extends through the sleeves 68 of the connec-tors 66 and through bushed holes in the base members 40, and is retained in place by means of collars 72.
The connector 66, which is preferably formed from a piece of plate bent as shown for rigidity, also includes a pair of clamps 74 at the side opposite that of the sleeves 68. Clamps 74 function to secure the pivotal connector 6~ to a second, relatively longer cross shaft 76 on which the teeth subassemblies 77 are suspended in side-by-side relationship between end caps.
Each subassembly 77 includes a depending tooth ~8 secured at its upper end to a sleeve 79 pivotally sup-ported on the second cross shaft 76. The scarifier teeth 78 can be individually pivoted to the cross shaft 76, or pivotally supported in groups. Bushings 80 are provided in the ends of each sleeve 79. A double acting cylinder 81 is connected between the top brace 46 and a pair of lugs on the connector 66 for controlling the position of the scarifier assem~ly 16 and thus the extent of penetration into the soil by the teeth 78.
If desired, a pair of diagonal braces ~7, as is best seen in FIGURE 2, can be provided on the under-side of the connector 66 for reinforcement.
Referring momentarily to FIGURE 4, there is shown a modification of the scarifier assembly 16. The scarifier assembly 16 as shown in FIGURES 1 through 3 includes a number of pivotal scarifier teeth 78 whose rearward pivotal motion is limited by the adjacent trailing ground engaging member 20. The longitudinal spacing between the forward ground engaging member 18 and the next adjacent ground engaging member 20 is pre-ferably sufficient to allow the scarifier teeth 78 to pivot forwardly out of ground engagement when the apparatus 10 is reversed. In some situations, however, it may be desirable to limit pivotal movement of the scarifier teeth 78 by means other than the next adja-cent trailing ground engaging member 20. For example, A

the second cross shaft 76 can be notched as shown in FIGURE 4 for cooperation with an inwardly pro~ecting stop 82 provided on the sleeve supporting the tooth.
The particular orientation of the notch in the cross shaft 76 and the stop 82 is not critical to the inven-tion, however, in some situations it may be desirable to rotate their position about 150 degrees clockwise from that shown for better load distribution. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed stop arrangement can be reversed so that a stop member is provided on the cross shaft 76 for cooperation with a notch in the sleeve supporting the scarifier teeth 78. This is considered fully equivalent.
FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate another modifica-tion of the scarifier assembly 16. Some conditions call for working the soil less aggressively than the scarifier teeth 78 would provide. In such situations, tine subassemblies 90 can be substituted for the scarifier subassemblies 77 on the cross shaft 76. Each tine subassembly 90 includes a sleeve 92 with a flange 94 and tool bar 96 secured thereto. Bushings 98 of plastic or other suitable construction are preferably provided in opposite ends of the sleeve 92. A plura-lity of depending tines 100 are secured to the tool bar 96. As illustrated, the lower ends of the tines 100 diverge outwardly, however, this is not critical to practice of the invention and either straight or curved tines can be utilized as desired. Each tine subassembly 90 further includes a stop 102 thereon for cooperation with another stop 104 mounted on the next adjacent trailing ground engaging member 20. Since the tines 100 are generally less rigid than the scarifier teeth 78, the use of such separate stop structure is preferable. If desired, of course, such separate stop structure could also be adapted for use with the scarifier subassemblies 77. Another cylinder 136 is coupled between the frame brace 46 and the forward cross member 122 of the attachment 110 for controlling its pivotal positioning.
Referring now to FIGURES 9, 10 and 11, there is shown an optional pulverizer attachment- 110 which can be mounted on the soil leveling apparatus 10 to provide additional soil working. The attachment 110 includes a pair of arms 112 which are pivoted at their forward ends to brackets 114 secured by bolts 116 to the side members 34 of frame 12. Each bracket 114 includes an inner sleeve 118 on which an outer sleeve 120 of the associated arm is received to define a pivot. A pair of cross members 122,124 are secured between the arms 112 for rigidity and bracing. A
toothed roller 126 is mounted for rotation between the outer or trailing ends of the arms 112. As is best seen in FIGURE 11, a bushing 128 is provided in each end of the roller 126 for rotation on an inwardly pro-jecting trunion 130 on a plate 132 secured by bol~s 134 to the associated arm 112. This type of mounting enables the roller 126 to span substantially the entire width of the apparatus 10 so that the apparatus can be operated closely adjacent to buildings, sidewalks, etc.
Although the assembly 110 is illustrated with a toothed roller 126 for pulverizing small dirt clots and the like, it will be appreciated that other devices can be mounted on the attachment. For example, a row of spring fingers or flexible tines can easily be substi-tuted for the toothed roller 126 and carried by the attachment 110.
From the foregoing, it will thus be apparent that the present invention comprises an improved soil leveling apparatus having several advantages over the prior art. One significant advantage involves use of an adjustable lost motion connection with the con-necting means to provide controlled flexibility and some float of the apparatus in order to compensate for various three-point hitches and soil conditions.

`- 1 338029 Another advantage involves the use of a forward ground engaging member which is not susceptible to clogging under sticky soil conditions in order to perform a scraping function more effectively. The connecting means also serves as the primary support for the scarifier assembly. Other advantages will be evident to those skilled in the art.
Although particular embodiments of the inven-tion have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited only to the embodiments disclosed, but is intended to embrace any equivalents, modifications, substitutions and/or rearrangements of elements falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (17)

1. An apparatus for leveling soil and the like, comprising:
a generally rectangular frame including a transverse, elongate scraper member and at least one trailing transverse elongate ground engaging member fixedly secured in mutually spaced apart relationship between a pair of longitudinal side members;
the scraper member including a leading lower edge, and each ground engaging member including a lower surface, the leading edge of the scraper member and the lower surfaces of the ground engaging members being substantially co-planar;
a hitch mounted on said frame for releasable connection to a draft means, said hitch including a pair of laterally spaced apart bottom connection points and a top connection point located in spaced relationship between and above the bottom connection points; and soil finishing means pivoted to said frame for selective movement into and out of ground engagement in trailing relationship with the apparatus.

2. An apparatus for leveling soil and the like according to claim 1, wherein said soil finishing means comprises a toothed roller.

3. An apparatus for leveling soil, comprising:
hitch means which is adapted for connection to a tractor or like motor vehicle;
frame means which is connected to said hitch means and includes at least one surface for engaging the ground;
means connected to said frame means which is adapted for scarifying ground soil, said scarifying means including an elongated central portion having at one end an element for engaging the soil;
a pair of longitudinal arms, each arm pivoted at one end to said frame means;

soil finishing means mounted between the other ends of said arms for pivotal movement into and out of ground engagement wherein soil finishing means comprises a roller;
and means for selectively actuating the soil finishing means between raised and lowered positions.

4. An apparatus for leveling soil and the like according to claim 3, wherein said roller is adapted to pulverize the soil.

5. An apparatus for leveling soil, comprising:
hitch means which is adapted for connection to a tractor or like motor vehicle;
a generally rectangular frame including a plurality of transverse elongate ground engaging members having lower surfaces which are fixedly secured in mutually spaced-apart relationship between a pair of longitudinal side arms, each arm or said pair of longitudinal arms being pivoted at one end to a side member of said generally rectangular frame element;
and a soil finishing means mounted between the other ends of said arms for selective pivotal movement into and out of ground engagement, wherein said soil finishing means comprises a roller.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for selectively actuating the attachment between raised and lowered positions.

7. An apparatus for leveling soil and the like, comprising:
a generally rectangular frame including a transverse, elongate scraper member and at least one trailing transverse elongate ground engaging member fixedly secured in mutually spaced apart relationship between a pair of longitudinal side members;
the scraper member including a leading lower edge, and each ground engaging member including a lower surface, the leading edge of the scraper member and the lower surfaces of the ground engaging members being substantially co-planar;
hitch means adapted for use with skid steer loaders, said hitch means comprising a pair of laterally-spaced apart side plates, and a spaced pair of horizontal plates which are connected to said side plates and define a converging recess which is adapted for receiving an upper edge of a pivotal edge adaptor plate on a loader; and soil finishing means pivoted to said frame for selective movement into and out of ground engagement.

8. An apparatus for leveling soil, comprising:
hitch means which is adapted for connection to a tractor or like motor vehicle;
frame means which is connected to said hitch means and includes at least one surface for engaging the ground;
a pair of longitudinal arms, each arm pivoted at one end to said frame means;
soil finishing means mounted between the other ends of said arms for pivotal movement into and out of ground engagement, wherein said soil finishing means comprises a roller; and means for selectively raising and lowering the soil finishing means into and out of engagement with the ground.

9. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the raising and lowering means comprises a piston cylinder assembly.

10. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the roller includes a plurality of teeth thereon for engaging the ground.

11. An apparatus for leveling soil and the like, comprising:
a generally rectangular frame including a transverse, elongate scraper member and at least one trailing transverse elongate ground engaging member fixedly secured in a mutually spaced apart relationship;

the scraper member including a leading lower edge, and each ground engaging member including a lower surface which is wider than the lower edge of the scraper member, the leading edge of the scraper member and the lower surfaces of the ground engaging members being substantially co-planar;
hitch means for mounting the frame to a vehicle; and soil finishing means pivoted to said frame for selective movement into and out of ground engagement in trailing relationship with the apparatus.

12. An apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said ground engaging members and scraper member are fixedly secured together between a pair of longitudinal side members.

13. An apparatus as recited in claim 12, further including a pair of longitudinal arms, each arm pivoted at one end to a side member of said frame means, and wherein the soil finishing means is mounted between the other ends of said arms for selective pivotal movement into and out of ground engagement.

14. An apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said soil finishing means comprises a toothed roller.

15. An apparatus as recited in claim 13, further comprising means connected between said hitch means and said arms for selectively moving the soil finishing means between raised and lowered positions.

16. An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the actuating means comprises a piston cylinder assembly.

17. A method of leveling soil, comprising:
trailing over the soil at least one scraper member having a lower edge for scraping the soil;

trailing over the soil behind the scraper member a plurality of spaced downwardly directed teeth which engage the soil for scarifying the soil;
trailing over the soil behind the scraper member and the scarifying teeth at least one elongate ground engaging member having a lower surface which is substantially coplanar with the lower edge of the scraper member, the lower surface being wider than the lower edge and adapted to bear against the soil to flatten the soil;
pulverizing the flattened soil by means of a rotatable roller which is trailed behind the ground engaging member; and selectively raising the roller out of engagement with the ground when the soil pulverizing function is not desired while leaving the scraper and the ground engaging members in engagement with the soil for continued soil flattening.