GB2345833A

GB2345833A - Methods of and apparatus for forming raised elongate beds for crop planting

Info

Publication number: GB2345833A
Application number: GB9927762A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ken Tomlinson; Shaun Wealleans
Original assignee: GRIMME UK Ltd
Current assignee: GRIMME UK Ltd
Priority date: 1998-11-27
Filing date: 1999-11-24
Publication date: 2000-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-24
Also published as: GB9927762D0; GB2345833B; GB9825922D0

Abstract

Apparatus and method for forming elongate side by side spaced apart soil ridge formations in a field for the purposes of subsequent crop planting in the ridge formations. The method producing a generally flat inter-ridged bed between the bases of the sides of adjacent ridge formations. The apparatus including at least one skid like member which is adapted such that when it advances through the soil, the leading edge of the member is arranged to engage into the soil which is immediately in front of the member. The soil is lifted and guided by guide plates upwardly and outwardly to form the side walls of ridge formations. Rollers are provided for pressing the side walls of the ridge formations into the angle of inclination corresponding to that of the rollers.

Description

APPARATUS FOR FORMING RAISED ELONGATE BEDS FOR CROP PLANTING This invention relates to the formation of ridges and inter ridge bed formations suitable for the planting of root crops such as potatoes or other crops requiring the ridging of soil relative to the general ground level along the regions of intended planting of the crop.

Thus, for example, in connection with the sowing of a root crop such as a crop of potatoes on a large scale it is a conventional practice to form shaped narrow raised beds i. e., ridges with furrows there between along the direction of intended planting. Following such preparation of the ridges and inter-ridge beds the conventionally used processes of destoning and/or breaking down heavy clods of soil into an acceptably fine tilth for the purposes of root crop growth are carried out.

Historically, it has been accepted that the bed furrow/bed formation between the prepared ridges should have a generally a triangular cross-section in the sense that the bottoms of the furrows are relatively narrow.

It has now been realised that this very long standing conventional approach to the bed formation has, in relation to modem methods of planting involving specialised machinery and together with faster rates of planting and post planting operations in relation to the growing crop, resulted in certain shortcomings when carrying out subsequent operations on the thus formed inter-ridge beds.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for overcoming these perceived shortcomings.

Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing elongate side by side spaced apart ridge formations in a field for the purposes of subsequent crop planting in the ridges, including the step of producing a generally flat inter-ridge bed between the bases of the sides of adjacent ridge formations.

Preferably, a skid-like member presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region is moved along a direction along which it is desired to form a flat bed, the skid-like member lifting soil to form the flat bed and simultaneously to guide soil moved during formation of the flat bed in such manner as to form inclined sides of ridge formations located to either side of the flat bed being formed.

Preferably also, the soil following displacement to form the sides of the ridge formations is firmed or compacted in such manner as to provide a self supporting side to the ridge formations.

Where it is desired to form simultaneously at least two flat beds, a corresponding number of skid-like members each presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region which on being advanced along the direction it is required to produce the associated flat bed in the ground lifts soil to form the flat beds and simultaneously to guide soil moved during formation of the flat beds in such manner as to form inclined sides of ridge formations located to either side of the flat beds being formed.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for forming elongate side by side spaced apart ridge formations in a field for the purposes of subsequent crop planting in the ridge formations including means for producing a generally flat inter-ridge bed between the bases of the sides of adjacent ridge formations.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a skid-like member presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region to the ground, the skid-like member being arranged, on being advanced along the direction it is required to produce flat bed in the ground, to displace soil to form the flat bed, and means adapted to guide soil moved during formation of the flat bed in such manner as to form the inclined sides of ridge formations located one to either side of the flat bed being formed.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the formation of the horizontal/flat inter-ridge beds is effected by a skid like member presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region.

Preferably, the skid member takes the form of a plate structure with a linear leading edge connecting with side walls which are rearward ! y diverging and upwardly and outwardly sloping, together with a pair of generally horizontally directed wings at the lower parts of thereof having leading edges which are rearwardly receding from the central leading edge.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how to carry the same into effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which Figure I very schematically shows the general features of a bed forming machine; Figure 2, schematically illustrates the shaped skid unit according to the invention for forming the soil beds as seen from the front ; Figure 3 schematically illustrates the shaped skid of Figure 2, as seen in perspective view, and Figure 4 schematically illustrates the unit of Figure 1 as seen from the rear.

Referring now to Figure I the machine shown therein includes a main support bar 1 commonly known as a tool bar 1 formed from a box section steel. The bar 1 is intended to provide a solid mounting for the so-called'A'frame 2 which defines the positions of the connection points 3 for enabling the machine of the invention to be connected to a conventional three point hitch of a pulling tractor (not shown). In addition, the tool bar provides the mounting bar for the units 5 of the invention which latter are intended to produce, when the machine is towed by a tractor, the requisite ridge shaped soil formations for the intended crop together with the inter-ridge bed regions, Units 5 of the invention are adapted for connection with the bar is such manner that they can be positionally adjusted lengthways of the tool bar and firmly bolted/clamped thereto.

It will be appreciated that the tool bar would be utilised for the mounting of other implements as and when required.

In particular, the tool bar is provided with adjustable operator guide markers 6 which are carried on beams extending from opposite ends of the tool bar. These markers 6 are positionally adjustable so that the formation of the required ridges and associated beds are set at the required positions relative to each other.

Referring now to Figures 2,3 and 3, these figure show as mentioned a ridge/bed forming unit 5 of the invention. The unit includes a vertical main support bar 7 which at its upper end is adapted to connect with means whereby the support bar 7 can be connected to the tool bar I by, for example, nuts and bolts, and which along the length thereof mounts two main side plates 8,9. These two side plates 8,9 diverge away from each other in the direction from front to rear of the unit.

The two side plates 8,9 are also inclined in the vertical sense relative to each other so that they are closer together at the bottom than at the top. In addition, the rearmost parts 8A, 9A of the side plates are deformed along the lines 8B and 9B at an angle to the leading part 8C and 9C of the side plates so that for each plate a generally triangular part 8A and 9A is produced such that these parts lie at an obtuse angle to the remainder of the associated side plate. The two side plates are braced relative to each other by a stay bar 10 as shown in Figure 4.

The overall result of the shaping of the side plates is effectively to set the rear most edge 11 of each side plate at that angle of slope which it is desired to impart to the side of a ridge (not shown) that would be formed by advancing the unit into the soil.

A roller 12 is mounted from each one of the side plate rear parts 8A and 9A, the axes of rotation of the rollers being set to the angle of slope of a ridge side to be produced. Each roller 12 is provided with a soil scraper bar 13.

At the upper edge region 14 of each of the side plates 8,9 there is mounted, a generally horizontal wing-like soil guiding plate 15. The outer marginal edges of these soil guiding plates are swept slightly upwards as part of the requisite soil guiding capability. These soil guiding plates 15 are outwardly inclined rearwardly downwards and to a lesser extent outwardly downwardly. The actual shaping of the edges of the soil guiding plates give a tray like appearance to the plates as is schematically shown in Figure 3 and 4. The plates 15 are braced to the associated side plate 8,9 by bracing bars 16. A so-called bed former skid-like member 17 is provided at the leading apex part 18 of the side plates 8,9.

As may be seen from Figure 3 the skid-like member includes a plate deformed to provide a relatively sharp leading edge 19 which as may be seen from the Figures aligns with the leading edge 18 formed at the line of meeting of the two main side plates 8,9, to provide two side parts 20,21 which diverge outwardly and rearwardly from the leading edge 18 of the previously discussed side plates 8,9.

As may be particularly noted from Figure 3 the lowermost part of the bed former/ridger body is at the centre line of the join between the main side plates 8,9 and well in advance of the foremost lower point of these main side plates 8,9 thereby to provide a generally skid-like formation which projects forwardly relative to the main body side plates and which can be regarded as acting as a scoop like fashion when advanced into soil which acts in a manner similar to a plough. The lower part of each side plate 20,21 is so angularly set that the plane containing the planne contaiing the edges 22 and 23 at the leading point 24 defined by the intersection of the edges 22 and 23 effectively provides a generally horizontal soil engaging surface to the bed former/ridger body. Thisay be regrded as being skid-like.

With this arrangement, the body can be regared as proving a cutting eadge and soil scoop having a leading point 24 and two rearwardly outwardly directed side edges 22 and 23 which in conjunction with the combined rearwardly diverging side plarte formation defines a flat bed bottom scraper assembly. A pair of secondary side plates 27,28 are interposed between the skid-lke member and the side plates 8 and 9. The plates 20,21,27 and 28 provide lifting and guiding surfaces 27 and, 28 which smoothly merge into the shaping of the main body side plates 8 and 9.

With this arrangement it is ensured that a very wide base, as compared with known bed forming machines, to the inter-ridge beds whilst at the same time in conjunction with the remainder of the unit ensures that soil is lifted from a relatively wide generally flat bottom surface furrow to form the actual ridges.

Figures 3 and 4 particularly show that the formation of the ridger body is such that on advancing the ridger body through soil a wide base is produced in the bed/furrow.

In use the apparatus is connected to a suitable tractor (not shown) and the units 5 of the invention are positioned on the tool bar I at the requisite positions according to required bed spacing.

On towing the machine of the invention the ridger/bed forming units 5 of the invention are pulled through the soil and in so doing the leading edge 24 of the bed former body engages into the soil which is immediately in front of the unit is engaged by the leading point 24 and edges 22 and 23 lift the soil so that it is, on passing the side plates 8,9,20,21 effectively guided upwardly and outwardly to form the ridges. The thus lifted soil, after having passed by the bed former side plates 20,21 moves past the plates 8,9 and is still moving in a generally upwardly direction to be steered by the shaping of the side plates 8,9 to lie at an angle to the horizontal as defined by the shaping of the side plates 8,9,20,21,27 and 28. In accordance with the invention, the final stage in the relative displacement between the ridger body unit 5 and the soil is that the rollers 12 firmly press the soil in to the angle of inclination corresponding to that of the rollers.

When there are two units of the invention mounted to the tool bar on passage of the machine lengthways of a field the innermost pair of adjacent rollers will form a complete ridge and the bed there between, and additionally produce two outwardly inclined surfaces which will each define one side of the ridges to either side of the ridge produced between the adjacent units 5.

In the case where there are, for example, four units 5 of the invention mounted to the tool bar the rollers of the two innermost units and the inner rollers of the two outer units combine to form three ridges and two beds there between whilst the remaining rollers of the outermost pair form the adjacent sides of two adjacent ridges.

The previously mentioned markers serve to assist in the guidance of the tractor so that the outermost roll of the machine is aligned in the correct position of with respect to a part formed ridge bed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method of preparing elongate side by side spaced apart ridge formations in a field for the purposes of subsequent crop planting in the ridges, including the step of producing a generally flat inter-ridge bed between the bases of the sides of adjacent ridge formations.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, and including the step of moving along a direction along which it is desired to form a flat bed, a skid-like member presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region which on being advanced along the direction it is required to produce the flat bed in the ground lifts soil to form the flat bed and simultaneously to guide soil moved during formation of the flat bed in such manner as to form inclined sides of ridge formations located to either side of the flat bed being formed.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, and including the step of compacting the soil following displacement to form the sides of the ridge formations in such manner as to provide a self supporting side to the ridge formations.
4. A method as claimed in claim I, and including the step of moving along a direction along which it is desired to form at lest two flat beds, a corresponding number of skid-like members each presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region which on being advanced along the direction it is required to produce the associated flat bed in the ground lift soil to form the flat beds and simultaneously to guide soil moved during formation of the flat beds in such manner as to form inclined sides of ridge formations located to either side of the flat beds being formed.
5 A method as claimed in claim 1, and including the step the step of moving along a direction along which it is desired to form flat beds two skid-like members each presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region which on being advanced along the direction it is required to produce the associated flat bed in the ground lift soil to form the flat beds and simultaneously to guide soil moved during formation of the flat beds in such manner as to form inclined sides of ridge formations located to either side of the flat beds being formed.
6. A method as claimed in any one of claim 2,3 4 or 5, and in which during the formation of said sides the soil is so subjected to pressure that the inclined sides of the ridge formations are self supporting.
7. A method of forming flat beds between adjacent ridge formations substantially as herein before described.
8. Apparatus for forming elongate side by side spaced apart ridge formations in a field for the purposes of subsequent crop planting in the ridge formations including means for producing a generally flat inter-ridge bed between the bases of the sides of adjacent ridge formations.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, and comprising, a skid-like member presenting a generally horizontal leading edge region to the ground, the skid-like member being arranged, on being advanced along the direction it is required to produce flat bed in the ground, to displace soil to form the flat bed, and means adapted to guide soil moved during formation of the flat bed in such manner as to form the inclined sides of ridge formations located one to either side of the flat bed being formed.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, and including means for compacting the soil displaced to form the sides of the ridge formations in such manner as to provide a self supporting side to the ridge formations.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10, and wherein the skid-like member includes a relatively sharp leading edge which aligns with the central point of the leading edge region and which defines the line of meeting between two first soil guiding plates which diverge outwardly and rearwardly from the leading edge.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, and further including, two further outwardly diverging and rearwardly directed second soil guiding plates located to the rear of and nesting into the first soil guiding plates, the arrangement being such that soil displased by the leading edge region is caused to cooperate with the first and second soil guiding plates to be displaced to form said sides of the ridge formations.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, and comprising rolls whose axes of rotation are inclined to correspond to the required angle of inclination of the ridge formation side walls, said rolls being so positioned to the operational rear of the outwardly curved second soil guide members as to press against the soil that is to form a ridge wall to provide a self supporting side wall.
14 Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, and including further soil guide arrangements extending rearwardly of the second guide plates, the arrangement being such as to further to guide soil towards the inclined side of the ridge formations.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, and including at least one skid like member which is adapted such that when it advanced through the soil the leading edge of the member is arranged to engages into the soil which is immediately in front of the member to lift the soil there being guide plates for effectively guiding the soil upwardly and outwardly to form the side walls of ridge formations adjacent to the flat bed being produced the arrangement being such that the thus lifted soil, after having passed by the skid-like member and is passing the plates guide plates and is still moving in a generally upwardly direction to be steered by the shaping of the side plates to lie at an angle to the horizontal as defined by the shaping of the side plates and wherein, rolls are provided for pressing the side walls of the ridge formations into the angle of inclination corresponding to that of the rollers.
16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15, and including at least two skid-like members mounted from support means the arrangement being such as to enable the simultaneous formation of a corresponding number of flat beds and associated inclined side walls for ridge formations.
17. Apparatus for forming elongate side by side spaced apart ridge formations in a field for the purposes of subsequent crop planting in the ridge formations including means for producing a generally flat inter-ridge bed between the bases of the sides of adjacent ridge formations substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.