CA2269479C - Crop divider for sprayers - Google Patents
Crop divider for sprayers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2269479C CA2269479C CA 2269479 CA2269479A CA2269479C CA 2269479 C CA2269479 C CA 2269479C CA 2269479 CA2269479 CA 2269479 CA 2269479 A CA2269479 A CA 2269479A CA 2269479 C CA2269479 C CA 2269479C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- crop
- dividing member
- implement
- ground
- wheel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C23/00—Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
- A01C23/04—Distributing under pressure; Distributing mud; Adaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
- A01C23/047—Spraying of liquid fertilisers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D65/00—Grain-crop lifters
- A01D65/08—Guard attachments for the wheels
Abstract
The disclosed invention provides a crop divider apparatus for attachment in front of an agricultural implement wheel. The crop divider apparatus comprises a crop dividing member with outer surfaces arranged to deflect the crop to the inside and outside of the implement wheel as the implement travels along the ground through the crop. The mounting assembly for the crop dividing member is arranged to maintain the bottom edge of the crop dividing member substantially parallel to the ground as it moves up and down from the operating position. Biassing and dampening members are provided to smooth the action of the crop dividing member. and crop dividing extensions prevent the crop plants from springing back until the rear side of the wheel is moving up, thus reducing damage to the plants.
Description
4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 4/ 31 Application for Letters Patent CROP DIV=DER FOR SPRAYERS
Dekoning INVENTOR-Adrianus Dekoning Box 64, Eden MB
Canada ROJ OMO
4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 st 6/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 CROP DIVIDER FOR SPRAYERS
This invention deals with the field of agricultural equipment and s in particular with a crop divider for mounting on agricultural sprayers to reduce damage to the crop.
BACKGROUND
High-clearance ground sprayers are commonly used in agriculture to spray pesticides, desiccants and so forth on standing crops.
Crop dividers have been mounted in front of the sprayer wheels for the purpose of pushing the crop' to the sides of the wheels so is it is not crushed to the ground and destroyed. While crop dividers are particularly suited for high-clearance sprayers, it can be seen that they could as well be mounted on other agricultural implements that are used in standing crops.
Such crop dividers have presently been mounted on a single pivot point, allowing a vertical pivoting motion about a horizontal axis, near the axle of the sprayer wheel. The drop box where the wheel axle is mounted provides a convenient mounting platform for the crop divider. An example of the prior art crop divider is shown in United States Patent Number 5,862,657 to Saurette. The Saurette divider is configured to be supported on both sides of the wheel, however such crop dividers are generally supported only on the inside of the wheel. Often such dividers are held in position by a chain, and the vertical operating position of the divider is varied by lengthening or shortening the chain.
These dividers do not then ordinarily touch the ground unless there is some irregularity in the terrain.
For best results, the bottom edge of the crop divider should follow the ground as closely as possible. In present dividers, the front end of the divider is commonly four feet or more in front of the single pivot point, with the result that extra clearance must be provided under the divider to account for tilting and changes in the angle of the divider.
The ground clearance at the front end and rear end changes as the vertical operating position is varied thus causing the divider to pivot about the single pivot point. Without the extra clearance the divider may come in contact with the ground as the angle thereof varies, and be damaged. The extra clearance has the result that not all crop is pushed away from the wheel, resulting in damage 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 8/ 31 r&x 590-02-02 to this portion of the crop.
This varying angle also prevents having the divider extend backwards past the pivot point and the implement wheel while remaining close to the ground. Once the rear edge of the present divider passes, the crop that has been pushed aside can spring back and come in contact with the wheel, thereby suffering some damage.
to Present dividers supported by chains as well can be damaged when they touch the ground due to irregularities of terrain. Since the full weight of the divider rests on the chains, which go slack when the divider is pushed up by contact with the ground, the divider can be subjected to substantial stress and damage.
3.s An improved crop divider that more closely followed the ground would reduce crop losses. Such a crop divider that kept the crop pushed aside until the wheel had safely passed, would further reduce such losses. Such a divider that was less subject to 20 damage when contacting the ground would be desirable.
4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kaillo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 9/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 SUN MARY OF THE INVENTION:
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved crop divider apparatus for mounting on an agricultural implement to push standing crop to each side of an implement wheel so as to prevent the crop from being pushed into the ground by the wheel.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus where the bottom edge of the crop dividing member 3.0 thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground as it is adjusted to a higher or lower operating position.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that keeps the crop pushed away from the wheel until the wheel leaves the ground.
it is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that is less subject to damage when it comes in contact with the ground.
The invention accomplishes these objects providing in one aspect a crop divider apparatus for attachment to an agricultural 4-20-99;10:21AM;Fur-man & Ke111o R98 ;+1 306 359 6956 # 10/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 implement in front of an implement wheel thereof, said crop divider apparatus comprising a crop dividing member comprising outer surfaces arranged to deflect the crop to the inside and outside of the implement wheel as the implement travels along the ground through said crop, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground; and a mounting assembly attached at one end to said agricultural implement and at the opposite end thereof to said crop dividing member, said mounting assembly arranged to support said crop dividing member 3.0 at an operating position, and arranged such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground.
is The apparatus of the present invention reduces crop damage by reducing the clearance between the bottom of the crop dividing member and the ground. As the bottom edge is always parallel to the ground, it may operate closer to the ground without contacting the ground.
The crop divider could extend rearwards to the point where,the implement wheel leaves the ground, thereby preventing the crop from springing back prematurely and being pushed to the ground by 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & KaIIIO R98 ;+1 306 359 6956 # 11/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 the wheel. The distance from the ground to the operating position could be adjustable to allow for changing crops and terrain conditions. Since the crop dividing member and the extensions stay parallel to the ground as the operating position s is adjusted, there is reduced risk of the extensions contacting the ground and being damaged.
The apparatus could further comprise a biasing element acting to exert an upward force on the crop dividing member. This upward io force reduces the force exerted by the weight of the crop dividing member when it comes in contact with the ground, allowing it to ride easily over obstacles or changes in terrain without being damaged. The apparatus could further comprise a dampening member acting in concert with the biasing member, is thereby smoothing the up and down motion and reducing bounce. The apparatus could comprise a skid on the bottom edge of the crop dividing member which would be the contact point with the ground.
20 The crop dividing member could comprise a front end and a rear end wherein the outer surfaces extend from the front end up, back and out to the top, bottom and outsides of the rear end, the rear end having a width slightly greater than the width of the 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 12/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 implement wheel, the rear end located in proximity to the front of the implement wheel such that crop plants slide along the outer surfaces to the outside and inside of the implement wheel.
The apparatus could further comprise crop dividing extensions attached to the crop dividing member such that they extend rearwardly from the bottom of the rear end of the crop dividing member on the inside and the outside of the implement wheel to the point where the implement wheel leaves the ground. The io bottom side of the crop dividing extensions could be parallel with the ground and aligned with said bottom edge of the crop dividing member which is substantially parallel to the ground at all positions.
is The mounting assembly could comprise a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members substantially parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members substantially parallel to each other and vertical, the top and bottom frame members pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and 20 bottom ends of the front and rear frame members respectively, and wherein the front frame member is fixedly attached to the crop dividing member and wherein the rear frame member is fixedly attached to the wheel support assembly of the agricultural 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & 1<91 Ic Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 13/ 31 F&SC 590-02-02 implement.
The invention in a second aspect provides a crop divider apparatus for attachment to the wheel support assembly of an agricultural implement in front of an implement wheel thereof, said crop divider apparatus comprising: a crop dividing member comprising a front end and a rear end and outer surfaces extending from said front end up, back and out to the top, bottom and outsides of said rear end, said rear end having a width to slightly greater than the width of said implement wheel, said rear end located in proximity to the front of said implement wheel such that crop plants slide along said outer surfaces to the outside and inside of said implement wheel, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground; a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members substantially parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members substantially parallel to each other and vertical, said top and bottom frame members pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and bottom ends of said front and rear frame members respectively, and wherein said front frame member is fixedly attached to said crop dividing member and wherein said rear frame member is fixedly attached to said wheel support assembly, said frame supporting said crop dividing member 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & KaIllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 14/ 31 F&T< 590-02-02 at an operating position such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground; a biasing element acting s on said parallelogram frame such that an upward force is exerted on said crop dividing member; and a dampening member acting in concert with said biasing element.
The dampening element could be a shock absorber comprising an 1.0 inside member telescoping into an outside member, and wherein the .operating position is at that position wherein the shock absorber is fully compressed. The biasing element could be a compression coil spring mounted around the outside of the shock absorber and attached at one end to the inside member and attached at the is opposite end thereof to the outside member, and wherein the upward force exerted by the biasing member is less than the downward force exerted by the weight of the crop dividing member.
The vertical position of the rear frame member could be 20 adjustable with respect to the wheel support assembly, thereby raising or lowering the operating position.
The apparatus could comprise crop dividing extensions attached to 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K31110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 15/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 the crop dividing member such that they extend rearwardly from the bottom of the rear end of thereof on the inside and the outside of the implement wheel to the point where the implement wheel leaves the ground. The bottom side of the crop dividing s extensions could be parallel with the ground and aligned with the bottom edge of the crop dividing member.
The agricultural implement could be a self-propelled sprayer, or any other implement that was operated in standing crops.
se DESCRIPTION OF-THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, is preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
20 Figure 1 is a side view of the embodiment mounted on the wheel support assembly of a self-propelled sprayer, with the crop dividing member shown in phantom lines;
4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K31110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 16/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 Figure 2 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
Figures 1 - 3 show one preferred embodiment of the invention. A
crop divider apparatus is illustrated attached to an agricultural implement in front of an implement wheel thereof. The implement is one which is required to travel in standing crop, such as a high clearance self-propelled sprayer.
A crop dividing member 1 comprises outer surfaces 2 arranged to deflect the crop to the inside and outside of the implement wheel 3 as the implement travels along the ground through the crop.
The crop dividing member 1 has a bottom edge 4 substantially parallel to the ground.
A mounting assembly, generally denoted at 5, is attached at the rear end thereof to the wheel support assembly 6 of the agricultural implement and at the opposite front end thereof to 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 17/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 the crop dividing member 1. The mounting assembly 5 is arranged to support the crop dividing member 1 at an operating position and arranged such that the crop dividing member l may move up from the operating position and back down to the operating s position while the bottom edge 4 thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground.
The mounting assembly 5 comprises a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members 21, 22 substantially to parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members 23, 24 substantially parallel to each other and vertical. The top and bottom frame members 21, 22 are pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and bottom ends of the front and rear frame members 23, 24 respectively. The front frame member 23 is 15 fixedly attached to the crop dividing member 1 and the rear frame member 24 is fixedly attached to the wheel support assembly 6 of the agricultural implement. The attachment is not shown in detail but may be by any conventional means such as clamps, welding, or so forth.
As will be apparent from the described arrangement, the bottom edge 4 of the crop dividing member 1 will be maintained substantially parallel to the ground as the crop dividing member 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K31110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 15/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 1 moves up and down- The up and down movement of the crop dividing member 1 may result from either an adjustment of the vertical location of the operating position or from the crop dividing member 1 coming in contact with an obstruction in the s field.
The vertical location of the operating position is adjusted by screw adjustment 25 which moves the rear frame member 24 vertically up or down relative to the wheel support assembly 6.
io At the operating position the assembly 5 essentially rests on the shock absorber 26 in its fully compressed position. The shock absorber 26 is mounted between the top frame member 21 and the rear frame member 24 and inside coil spring 27. The coil spring 27 is attached at one end to the inside member 26a and attached is at the opposite end thereof to the outside member 26b of the shock absorber 26.
The upward force exerted by the coil spring 27 is less than the downward force exerted by the weight of the crop dividing member 20 1, so that the crop dividing member 1 is biassed in an upward direction. Thus when the crop dividing member 1 strikes an obstruction or terrain change in the field, it rises easily over the same, being biassed in the upward direction by the coil 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K91110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 19/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 spring 27. In the normal operating position the weight of the crop dividing member 1 overcomes the upward biassing force and causes the shock absorber 26 to fully compress and support the mounting assembly 5. The shock absorber 26 acts to dampen the up s and down movement of the crop dividing member 1 so that it will not bounce.
The crop dividing member 1 has a front end la and a rear end lb.
Outer surfaces 2 extend from essentially a point at the front end io la up, back and out to the top ic, bottom 4 and outsides of the rear end lb. The rear end lb has a width slightly greater than the width of the implement wheel, the rear end located in proximity to the front of the implement wheel 3 such that crop plants slide along the outer surfaces 2 to the outside and inside is of the implement wheel 3. The height of crop dividing member 1 may vary so as to be appropriate for the height of the crop. A
skid 8 on the bottom edge 4 of the crop dividing member 1 will strike the ground first in most situations and is reinforced to reduce the risk of damage to the crop dividing member 1.
The crop dividing member 1 extends rearwards past the point 30 where the implement wheel 3 leaves the ground. Crop dividing extensions 31 are attached to the crop dividing member 1 such 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 20/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 that they extend rearwarddly from the bottom of the rear end lb of the crop dividing member 1 on the inside and the outside of the implement wheel 3. The bottom side of the crop dividing extensions 31 are parallel with the ground and aligned with the s bottom edge 4 of the crop dividing member 1. The crop dividing extensions 31 prevent crop plants from springing back until the rear side of the wheel is moving up, thus reducing damage to the plants.
io The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such 3.5 suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Dekoning INVENTOR-Adrianus Dekoning Box 64, Eden MB
Canada ROJ OMO
4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 st 6/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 CROP DIVIDER FOR SPRAYERS
This invention deals with the field of agricultural equipment and s in particular with a crop divider for mounting on agricultural sprayers to reduce damage to the crop.
BACKGROUND
High-clearance ground sprayers are commonly used in agriculture to spray pesticides, desiccants and so forth on standing crops.
Crop dividers have been mounted in front of the sprayer wheels for the purpose of pushing the crop' to the sides of the wheels so is it is not crushed to the ground and destroyed. While crop dividers are particularly suited for high-clearance sprayers, it can be seen that they could as well be mounted on other agricultural implements that are used in standing crops.
Such crop dividers have presently been mounted on a single pivot point, allowing a vertical pivoting motion about a horizontal axis, near the axle of the sprayer wheel. The drop box where the wheel axle is mounted provides a convenient mounting platform for the crop divider. An example of the prior art crop divider is shown in United States Patent Number 5,862,657 to Saurette. The Saurette divider is configured to be supported on both sides of the wheel, however such crop dividers are generally supported only on the inside of the wheel. Often such dividers are held in position by a chain, and the vertical operating position of the divider is varied by lengthening or shortening the chain.
These dividers do not then ordinarily touch the ground unless there is some irregularity in the terrain.
For best results, the bottom edge of the crop divider should follow the ground as closely as possible. In present dividers, the front end of the divider is commonly four feet or more in front of the single pivot point, with the result that extra clearance must be provided under the divider to account for tilting and changes in the angle of the divider.
The ground clearance at the front end and rear end changes as the vertical operating position is varied thus causing the divider to pivot about the single pivot point. Without the extra clearance the divider may come in contact with the ground as the angle thereof varies, and be damaged. The extra clearance has the result that not all crop is pushed away from the wheel, resulting in damage 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 8/ 31 r&x 590-02-02 to this portion of the crop.
This varying angle also prevents having the divider extend backwards past the pivot point and the implement wheel while remaining close to the ground. Once the rear edge of the present divider passes, the crop that has been pushed aside can spring back and come in contact with the wheel, thereby suffering some damage.
to Present dividers supported by chains as well can be damaged when they touch the ground due to irregularities of terrain. Since the full weight of the divider rests on the chains, which go slack when the divider is pushed up by contact with the ground, the divider can be subjected to substantial stress and damage.
3.s An improved crop divider that more closely followed the ground would reduce crop losses. Such a crop divider that kept the crop pushed aside until the wheel had safely passed, would further reduce such losses. Such a divider that was less subject to 20 damage when contacting the ground would be desirable.
4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kaillo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 9/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 SUN MARY OF THE INVENTION:
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved crop divider apparatus for mounting on an agricultural implement to push standing crop to each side of an implement wheel so as to prevent the crop from being pushed into the ground by the wheel.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus where the bottom edge of the crop dividing member 3.0 thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground as it is adjusted to a higher or lower operating position.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that keeps the crop pushed away from the wheel until the wheel leaves the ground.
it is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus that is less subject to damage when it comes in contact with the ground.
The invention accomplishes these objects providing in one aspect a crop divider apparatus for attachment to an agricultural 4-20-99;10:21AM;Fur-man & Ke111o R98 ;+1 306 359 6956 # 10/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 implement in front of an implement wheel thereof, said crop divider apparatus comprising a crop dividing member comprising outer surfaces arranged to deflect the crop to the inside and outside of the implement wheel as the implement travels along the ground through said crop, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground; and a mounting assembly attached at one end to said agricultural implement and at the opposite end thereof to said crop dividing member, said mounting assembly arranged to support said crop dividing member 3.0 at an operating position, and arranged such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground.
is The apparatus of the present invention reduces crop damage by reducing the clearance between the bottom of the crop dividing member and the ground. As the bottom edge is always parallel to the ground, it may operate closer to the ground without contacting the ground.
The crop divider could extend rearwards to the point where,the implement wheel leaves the ground, thereby preventing the crop from springing back prematurely and being pushed to the ground by 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & KaIIIO R98 ;+1 306 359 6956 # 11/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 the wheel. The distance from the ground to the operating position could be adjustable to allow for changing crops and terrain conditions. Since the crop dividing member and the extensions stay parallel to the ground as the operating position s is adjusted, there is reduced risk of the extensions contacting the ground and being damaged.
The apparatus could further comprise a biasing element acting to exert an upward force on the crop dividing member. This upward io force reduces the force exerted by the weight of the crop dividing member when it comes in contact with the ground, allowing it to ride easily over obstacles or changes in terrain without being damaged. The apparatus could further comprise a dampening member acting in concert with the biasing member, is thereby smoothing the up and down motion and reducing bounce. The apparatus could comprise a skid on the bottom edge of the crop dividing member which would be the contact point with the ground.
20 The crop dividing member could comprise a front end and a rear end wherein the outer surfaces extend from the front end up, back and out to the top, bottom and outsides of the rear end, the rear end having a width slightly greater than the width of the 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 12/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 implement wheel, the rear end located in proximity to the front of the implement wheel such that crop plants slide along the outer surfaces to the outside and inside of the implement wheel.
The apparatus could further comprise crop dividing extensions attached to the crop dividing member such that they extend rearwardly from the bottom of the rear end of the crop dividing member on the inside and the outside of the implement wheel to the point where the implement wheel leaves the ground. The io bottom side of the crop dividing extensions could be parallel with the ground and aligned with said bottom edge of the crop dividing member which is substantially parallel to the ground at all positions.
is The mounting assembly could comprise a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members substantially parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members substantially parallel to each other and vertical, the top and bottom frame members pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and 20 bottom ends of the front and rear frame members respectively, and wherein the front frame member is fixedly attached to the crop dividing member and wherein the rear frame member is fixedly attached to the wheel support assembly of the agricultural 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & 1<91 Ic Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 13/ 31 F&SC 590-02-02 implement.
The invention in a second aspect provides a crop divider apparatus for attachment to the wheel support assembly of an agricultural implement in front of an implement wheel thereof, said crop divider apparatus comprising: a crop dividing member comprising a front end and a rear end and outer surfaces extending from said front end up, back and out to the top, bottom and outsides of said rear end, said rear end having a width to slightly greater than the width of said implement wheel, said rear end located in proximity to the front of said implement wheel such that crop plants slide along said outer surfaces to the outside and inside of said implement wheel, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground; a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members substantially parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members substantially parallel to each other and vertical, said top and bottom frame members pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and bottom ends of said front and rear frame members respectively, and wherein said front frame member is fixedly attached to said crop dividing member and wherein said rear frame member is fixedly attached to said wheel support assembly, said frame supporting said crop dividing member 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & KaIllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 14/ 31 F&T< 590-02-02 at an operating position such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground; a biasing element acting s on said parallelogram frame such that an upward force is exerted on said crop dividing member; and a dampening member acting in concert with said biasing element.
The dampening element could be a shock absorber comprising an 1.0 inside member telescoping into an outside member, and wherein the .operating position is at that position wherein the shock absorber is fully compressed. The biasing element could be a compression coil spring mounted around the outside of the shock absorber and attached at one end to the inside member and attached at the is opposite end thereof to the outside member, and wherein the upward force exerted by the biasing member is less than the downward force exerted by the weight of the crop dividing member.
The vertical position of the rear frame member could be 20 adjustable with respect to the wheel support assembly, thereby raising or lowering the operating position.
The apparatus could comprise crop dividing extensions attached to 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K31110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 15/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 the crop dividing member such that they extend rearwardly from the bottom of the rear end of thereof on the inside and the outside of the implement wheel to the point where the implement wheel leaves the ground. The bottom side of the crop dividing s extensions could be parallel with the ground and aligned with the bottom edge of the crop dividing member.
The agricultural implement could be a self-propelled sprayer, or any other implement that was operated in standing crops.
se DESCRIPTION OF-THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, is preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
20 Figure 1 is a side view of the embodiment mounted on the wheel support assembly of a self-propelled sprayer, with the crop dividing member shown in phantom lines;
4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K31110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 16/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 Figure 2 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
Figures 1 - 3 show one preferred embodiment of the invention. A
crop divider apparatus is illustrated attached to an agricultural implement in front of an implement wheel thereof. The implement is one which is required to travel in standing crop, such as a high clearance self-propelled sprayer.
A crop dividing member 1 comprises outer surfaces 2 arranged to deflect the crop to the inside and outside of the implement wheel 3 as the implement travels along the ground through the crop.
The crop dividing member 1 has a bottom edge 4 substantially parallel to the ground.
A mounting assembly, generally denoted at 5, is attached at the rear end thereof to the wheel support assembly 6 of the agricultural implement and at the opposite front end thereof to 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 17/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 the crop dividing member 1. The mounting assembly 5 is arranged to support the crop dividing member 1 at an operating position and arranged such that the crop dividing member l may move up from the operating position and back down to the operating s position while the bottom edge 4 thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground.
The mounting assembly 5 comprises a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members 21, 22 substantially to parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members 23, 24 substantially parallel to each other and vertical. The top and bottom frame members 21, 22 are pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and bottom ends of the front and rear frame members 23, 24 respectively. The front frame member 23 is 15 fixedly attached to the crop dividing member 1 and the rear frame member 24 is fixedly attached to the wheel support assembly 6 of the agricultural implement. The attachment is not shown in detail but may be by any conventional means such as clamps, welding, or so forth.
As will be apparent from the described arrangement, the bottom edge 4 of the crop dividing member 1 will be maintained substantially parallel to the ground as the crop dividing member 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K31110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 15/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 1 moves up and down- The up and down movement of the crop dividing member 1 may result from either an adjustment of the vertical location of the operating position or from the crop dividing member 1 coming in contact with an obstruction in the s field.
The vertical location of the operating position is adjusted by screw adjustment 25 which moves the rear frame member 24 vertically up or down relative to the wheel support assembly 6.
io At the operating position the assembly 5 essentially rests on the shock absorber 26 in its fully compressed position. The shock absorber 26 is mounted between the top frame member 21 and the rear frame member 24 and inside coil spring 27. The coil spring 27 is attached at one end to the inside member 26a and attached is at the opposite end thereof to the outside member 26b of the shock absorber 26.
The upward force exerted by the coil spring 27 is less than the downward force exerted by the weight of the crop dividing member 20 1, so that the crop dividing member 1 is biassed in an upward direction. Thus when the crop dividing member 1 strikes an obstruction or terrain change in the field, it rises easily over the same, being biassed in the upward direction by the coil 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & K91110 Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 19/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 spring 27. In the normal operating position the weight of the crop dividing member 1 overcomes the upward biassing force and causes the shock absorber 26 to fully compress and support the mounting assembly 5. The shock absorber 26 acts to dampen the up s and down movement of the crop dividing member 1 so that it will not bounce.
The crop dividing member 1 has a front end la and a rear end lb.
Outer surfaces 2 extend from essentially a point at the front end io la up, back and out to the top ic, bottom 4 and outsides of the rear end lb. The rear end lb has a width slightly greater than the width of the implement wheel, the rear end located in proximity to the front of the implement wheel 3 such that crop plants slide along the outer surfaces 2 to the outside and inside is of the implement wheel 3. The height of crop dividing member 1 may vary so as to be appropriate for the height of the crop. A
skid 8 on the bottom edge 4 of the crop dividing member 1 will strike the ground first in most situations and is reinforced to reduce the risk of damage to the crop dividing member 1.
The crop dividing member 1 extends rearwards past the point 30 where the implement wheel 3 leaves the ground. Crop dividing extensions 31 are attached to the crop dividing member 1 such 4-20-99;10:21AM;Furman & Kalllo Rga ;+1 306 359 6956 # 20/ 31 F&K 590-02-02 that they extend rearwarddly from the bottom of the rear end lb of the crop dividing member 1 on the inside and the outside of the implement wheel 3. The bottom side of the crop dividing extensions 31 are parallel with the ground and aligned with the s bottom edge 4 of the crop dividing member 1. The crop dividing extensions 31 prevent crop plants from springing back until the rear side of the wheel is moving up, thus reducing damage to the plants.
io The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such 3.5 suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (15)
1. A crop divider apparatus for attachment to an agricultural implement in front of an implement wheel thereof, said crop divider apparatus comprising:
a crop dividing member comprising outer surfaces arranged to deflect the crop to the inside and outside of the implement wheel as the implement travels along the ground through said crop, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground;
a mounting assembly attached at one end to said agricultural implement and at the opposite end thereof to said crop dividing member, said mounting assembly arranged to support said crop dividing member at an operating position, and arranged such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground;
a biasing element acting to exert an upward force on said crop dividing member; and a dampening member acting in concert with said biasing member.
a crop dividing member comprising outer surfaces arranged to deflect the crop to the inside and outside of the implement wheel as the implement travels along the ground through said crop, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground;
a mounting assembly attached at one end to said agricultural implement and at the opposite end thereof to said crop dividing member, said mounting assembly arranged to support said crop dividing member at an operating position, and arranged such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground;
a biasing element acting to exert an upward force on said crop dividing member; and a dampening member acting in concert with said biasing member.
2. The apparatus of Claim I wherein said crop divider extends rearwards to the point where said implement wheel leaves the ground.
3. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the distance from the ground to said operating position may be varied.
4. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 - 3 further comprising a skid on said bottom edge of the crop dividing member.
5. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 - 4 wherein said crop dividing member comprises a front end and a rear end and wherein said outer surfaces extend from said front end up, back and out to the top, bottom and outsides of said rear end, said rear end having a width slightly greater than the width of said implement wheel, said rear end located in proximity to the front of said implement wheel such that crop plants slide along said outer surfaces to the outside and inside of said implement wheel.
6. The apparatus of Claim 5 further comprising crop dividing extensions attached to said crop dividing member such that they extend rearwardly from said bottom of the rear end of said crop dividing member on the inside and the outside of said implement wheel to the point where said implement wheel leaves the ground.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein the bottom side of said crop dividing extensions are parallel with the ground.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein said bottom side of the crop dividing extensions are aligned with said bottom edge of the crop dividing member.
9. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 - 8 wherein said mounting assembly comprises a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members substantially parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members substantially parallel to each other and vertical, said top and bottom frame members pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and bottom ends of said front and rear frame members respectively, and wherein said front frame member is fixedly attached to said crop dividing member and wherein said rear frame member is fixedly attached to the wheel support assembly of said agricultural implement.
10. A crop divider apparatus for attachment to the wheel support assembly of an agricultural implement in front of an implement wheel thereof, said crop divider apparatus comprising:
a crop dividing member comprising a front end and a rear end and outer surfaces extending from said front end up, back and out to the top, bottom and outsides of said rear end, said rear end having a width slightly greater than the width of said implement wheel, said rear end located in proximity to the front of said implement wheel such that crop plants slide along said outer surfaces to the outside and inside of said implement wheel, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground;
a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members substantially parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members substantially parallel to each other and vertical, said top and bottom frame members pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and bottom ends of said front and rear frame members respectively, and wherein said front frame member is fixedly attached to said crop dividing member and wherein said rear frame member is fixedly attached to said wheel support assembly, said frame supporting said crop dividing member at an operating position such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground;
a biasing element acting on said parallelogram frame such that an upward force is exerted on said crop dividing member; and a dampening member acting in concert with said biasing element.
a crop dividing member comprising a front end and a rear end and outer surfaces extending from said front end up, back and out to the top, bottom and outsides of said rear end, said rear end having a width slightly greater than the width of said implement wheel, said rear end located in proximity to the front of said implement wheel such that crop plants slide along said outer surfaces to the outside and inside of said implement wheel, said crop dividing member having a bottom edge substantially parallel to the ground;
a parallelogram frame comprising top and bottom frame members substantially parallel to each other, and front and rear frame members substantially parallel to each other and vertical, said top and bottom frame members pivotally attached at each end thereof to the top and bottom ends of said front and rear frame members respectively, and wherein said front frame member is fixedly attached to said crop dividing member and wherein said rear frame member is fixedly attached to said wheel support assembly, said frame supporting said crop dividing member at an operating position such that said crop dividing member may move up from said operating position and back down to said operating position while said bottom edge thereof remains substantially parallel to the ground;
a biasing element acting on said parallelogram frame such that an upward force is exerted on said crop dividing member; and a dampening member acting in concert with said biasing element.
11. The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein said dampening element is a shock absorber, said shock absorber comprising an inside member and an outside member, said inside member telescoping into said outside member, and wherein said operating position is at that position wherein said shock absorber is fully compressed.
12. The apparatus of Claim 11 wherein said biasing element is a compression coil spring mounted around the outside of said shock absorber and attached at one end to said inside member and attached at the opposite end thereof to said outside member, and wherein the upward force exerted by said biasing member is less than the downward force exerted by the weight of said crop dividing member.
13. The apparatus of any of Claims 10 - 12 wherein the vertical position of said rear frame member may be adjusted with respect to said wheel support assembly, thereby raising or lowering said operating position.
14. The apparatus of any of Claims 10 - 13 further comprising crop dividing extensions attached to said crop dividing member such that they extend rearwardly from said bottom of the rear end of said crop dividing member on the inside and the outside of said implement wheel to the point where said implement wheel leaves the ground; and wherein the bottom side of said crop dividing extensions are parallel with the ground and aligned with said bottom edge of the crop dividing member.
15. The apparatus of any of Claims 1 - 14 wherein said agricultural implement is a self-propelled sprayer.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2269479 CA2269479C (en) | 1999-04-20 | 1999-04-20 | Crop divider for sprayers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2269479 CA2269479C (en) | 1999-04-20 | 1999-04-20 | Crop divider for sprayers |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2269479A1 CA2269479A1 (en) | 2000-10-20 |
| CA2269479C true CA2269479C (en) | 2012-01-24 |
Family
ID=29588820
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2269479 Expired - Lifetime CA2269479C (en) | 1999-04-20 | 1999-04-20 | Crop divider for sprayers |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2269479C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106954613A (en) * | 2017-04-13 | 2017-07-18 | 山东鲁虹农业科技股份有限公司 | Crops comb separating device on agricultural vehicle |
-
1999
- 1999-04-20 CA CA 2269479 patent/CA2269479C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2269479A1 (en) | 2000-10-20 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5157905A (en) | Support linkage for mounting a header on a support frame | |
| US6314710B1 (en) | V-rake with windrow width adjustment | |
| US4427154A (en) | Boom suspension and lift assembly | |
| US7249448B2 (en) | Stabilized agricultural apparatus | |
| US7740189B2 (en) | Suspension arrangement for a boom lift assembly of an agricultural sprayer | |
| US10143136B2 (en) | Multi-section header with adjustable lateral frame relief | |
| EP1937054B1 (en) | Adjustable hay rake | |
| US8141331B2 (en) | Divider support apparatus with integral adjustable torsional preload mechanism and vibration damper | |
| AU3642800A (en) | Draper belt tensioning mechanism for a harvesting platform | |
| US3306368A (en) | Ground leveling device | |
| US10681853B2 (en) | Coupling apparatus for coupling an agricultural implement to a prime mover | |
| CA2269479C (en) | Crop divider for sprayers | |
| EP1151656B1 (en) | Self-propelled harvester especially forage harvester | |
| US20100319311A1 (en) | Implement flotation and suspension system | |
| EP0914761B1 (en) | Carrier vehicle with a suspension for working units being fixed on both sides | |
| EP1277393B1 (en) | Support wheel arrangement for an agricultural working machine | |
| CA2189592C (en) | Crop divider mounting system | |
| US20170223892A1 (en) | Lawnmower with flexible cutter deck assembly | |
| US6539696B2 (en) | Tension spring flotation agricultural rakes | |
| US6782680B2 (en) | Agricultural machine | |
| CN113825388A (en) | Integrated suspension and gap assembly and agricultural machine having the same | |
| RU2349073C2 (en) | Suspension of cutting tool for cutting fruit tree trunks | |
| DE1782190A1 (en) | Spray boom | |
| DE4112523C2 (en) | Mowing device | |
| SU806517A1 (en) | Suspension of guide wheel of endless-track vehicle |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDC | Correction of dead application (reinstatement) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20190423 |