WO2012075510A1

WO2012075510A1 - Ploughing tool and method of ploughing

Info

Publication number: WO2012075510A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2011/000071
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Edwyn Sclanders; Donovan William Balmer; Graham John Henderson
Original assignee: Kenneth Edwyn Sclanders; Donovan William Balmer; Graham John Henderson
Priority date: 2010-12-01
Filing date: 2011-09-23
Publication date: 2012-06-07
Also published as: AR084061A1

Abstract

The invention provides a ploughing tool 10 which includes at least one ripping means 12 and at least one perturbation member 14 being attached to the ripping means 12. The ripping means 12 is capable of cutting into the soil 20 up to a first level 22. The perturbation member 14 is capable of perturbating the soil 20 around the first level 22 when drawn through the soil 20 in the prescribed direction of draught 24. The ripping means 12 includes a tip 30 which faces into a direction being substantially equal to the prescribed direction of draught 24. The perturbation member 14 is located in line and behind the tip 30 such that when drawn through the soil 20 the tip 30 cuts through the soil 20 in order to assist the ripping function of the ripping means 12. The perturbation member 14 is operable on the cut soil, which includes revolving the soil during drought of the ploughing tool through the soil in an area substantially confined around the perturbation member without fully turning the soil in the area from the surface to the first level.

Description

PLOUGHING TOOL AND METHOD OF PLOUGHING

INTRODUCTION This invention relates to a ploughing tool. More particularly, this invention relates to a ploughing tool for employment onto a frame member being drawn by a tractor, or the like. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of ploughing and a method for distributing a ploughing tool. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It has been recognized for many centuries that the use of ploughs is advantageous on acreage. Accordingly, ploughing has the primary purpose of turning over the upper layer of the soil. In doing so, fresh nutrients are brought to the surface and the soil is enriched with oxygen.

Ploughing forms one of the fundamental advances in agriculture and is nowadays merely performed using special ploughing tools which are drawn by a tractor, or the like. Conventional ploughing tools include the mouldboard plough which uses a cutting blade. Sections of the plough cut vertically into the soil and the mouldboard turns the soil while dragging it forward.

The mouldboard plough is mounted to a frame for coupling the motive power. Depending on the implementation, a wide variety and number of furrows can be ploughed at one time. Multi-furrow ploughs are usually supported by wheels positioned at the frame and are mounted on a tractor via a linkage. Commonly, between two and twenty mouldboards are present. A hydraulic system of the tractor is used to lift and reverse the plough, as well as to adjust the width and the depth of the furrow. The angle and depth of the plough can be controlled automatically by modern tractors. It has been observed by the inventor, however, that modern ploughing tools have the disadvantage of promoting a drying out or moisture loss of the soil. This is particularly important for countries in which the annual rain fall is limited or unevenly distributed over the seasons.

What is therefore ideally required is a ploughing tool, or a method of ploughing, which not only offers a desired amelioration of the soil, but also provides less moisture loss during and after ploughing. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ploughing tool, or a method of ploughing, which respectively overcomes, at least partly, the disadvantages associated with existing ploughing tools or existing methods for ploughing as described above.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a ploughing, tool or a method of ploughing, which is both novel and involves an inventive step. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for distributing a ploughing tool which is both novel and involves an inventive step

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ploughing tool comprising at least one ripping means and at least one perturbation member being attached to the ripping means, wherein the ripping means is capable of cutting into the soil up to a first level and the perturbation member is capable of perturbating the soil around the first level when drawn through the soil. It is to be appreciated that the term "perturbation" includes revolving the soil during drought of the ploughing tool through the soil in an area substantially confined around the perturbation member without fully turning the soil in the area from the surface to the first level.

The ripping means may comprise a tip.

The tip may face into a direction being substantially equal to the prescribed direction of draught.

The perturbation member may be located in line and behind the tip such that when drawn through the soil the tip cuts the soil and the perturbation member is operable on the cut soil.

The perturbation member may be formed with substantially polygonal, triangular, semi-circular or circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the soil and parallel to the direction of the prescribed draught. The perturbation member may be formed with substantially polygonal, circular, semi-circular or rectangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the soil and perpendicular to the direction of the prescribed draught.

The perturbation member may be formed as a wedge or a cone.

The perturbation member may be connected to the ripping means.

The perturbation member may be releasably connected to the ripping means. The perturbation member may be pivotally connected to the ripping means.

The pivotal connection may be achieved by a joint, a bolt or a screw being located within corresponding openings of the perturbation member and the ripping means.

The perturbation member may be aligned to the ripping means by using an alignment member.

The alignment member may be attached to the ripping means and the perturbation member at a location being opposite to the prescribed direction of draught. The alignment member may be provided as a chain, a bar, a profile member or the like.

The alignment member may be formed as an integral part of the ripping means and/or the perturbation member.

The alignment member may be formed as a separate part of the ripping means and/or the perturbation member.

The ripping means may be fabricated from a metal or a metal composite material.

The perturbation member may be fabricated from a metal or a metal composite material. The ploughing tool may comprise plurality of ripping means and corresponding perturbation members. The plurality of ripping means and corresponding perturbation members may be arranged in juxtaposition. The plurality of ripping means and corresponding perturbation members may be arranged in a direction being substantially perpendicular to the prescribed direction of draught.

The first level may be located at a distance between 0.2 m and 1.5 m below the surface of the soil.

The ploughing tool may comprise a frame.

The frame may be attachable to a trailer.

The frame may be attachable to a vehicle.

Thus the ploughing tool is paravane like in its configuration and may be considered a floating paravane ripper.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for ploughing comprising the steps of:

providing a ploughing tool having at least one ripping means and at least one perturbation member being attached to the ripping means,

cutting into the soil by using the ripping means and dragging the ploughing tool in a prescribed direction of draught, and

perturbating the soil around the first level using the perturbation member when drawn through the soil.

The ripping means may comprise a tip. The tip may face into a direction being substantially equal to the prescribed direction of draught.

The ploughing tool may comprise a frame.

The frame may be attachable to a trailer. The frame may be attachable to a vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for distributing a ploughing tool comprising the steps of:

providing a ploughing tool comprising at least one ripping means and at least one perturbation member being attached to the ripping means, wherein the ripping means is capable of cutting into the soil up to a first level and the perturbation member is capable of perturbating the soil around the first level when drawn through the soil,

distributing the ploughing tool to an agricultural holding for use, and collecting revenues for using the ploughing tool.

Collecting revenues may comprise a calculation of the acreage on which the ploughing tool is used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in greater detail by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the following drawing in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically in an isometric view of a part of a ploughing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows schematically in a side view of the part of the ploughing tool according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows schematically in a top view of the part of the ploughing tool according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows schematically in a rear view of the part of the ploughing tool according to Figure 1 ; and

Figure 5 shows a side view of the ploughing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description with Reference to the Drawings

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise indicated. With reference to the accompanying drawings, a ploughing tool, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The ploughing tool 10 includes at least one ripping means 12 and at least one perturbation member 14 being attached to the ripping means 12. The ripping means 12 is capable of cutting into the soil 20 up to a first level 22. The perturbation member 14 is capable of perturbating the soil 20 around the first level 22 when drawn through the soil 20 in the prescribed direction of draught 24.

The ripping means 12 includes a tip 30 which faces into a direction being substantially equal to the prescribed direction of draught 24. The perturbation member 14 is located in line and behind the tip 30 such that when drawn through the soil 20 the tip 30 cuts through the soil 20 in order to assist the ripping function of the ripping means 12. The perturbation member 14 is operable on the cut soil, which includes revolving the soil during drought of the ploughing tool through the soil in an area substantially confined around the perturbation member without fully turning the soil in the area from the surface to the first level.

The perturbation member 14 is preferably formed as a wedge with a substantially triangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the soil and parallel to the direction of the prescribed draught.

The perturbation member 14 can also be formed with different shapes including substantially polygonal, circular, semi-circular or rectangular cross- section. It is also conceivable to form the perturbation member 14 as a cone.

The perturbation member 14 is connected to the ripping means 12. The perturbation member 14 is attached to the ripping means 12 using a swing arm 16, as indicated in the Figures. The swing arm 16 can engage into respective holding means in order to provide a permanent connection between the perturbation member 14 and the ripping means 12.

Preferably, the connection between the perturbation member 14 and the ripping means 12 is pivotal, although other implementations including a fixed or releasable connection are not excluded. The pivotal connection can be achieved by a joint, a bolt or a screw being located within corresponding openings of the swing arm of the perturbation member 14 and the ripping means 12. The perturbation member 14 is aligned to the ripping means 12 by using an alignment member 32. The alignment member 32 is attached to the ripping means 12 and the perturbation member 14 at a location being opposite to the prescribed direction of draught 24. As depicted in the Figures, the alignment member 32 is provided as a chain. However, a bar, a profile member or the like can also be used.

It is to be noted that the alignment member 32 keeps the depth of the perturbation member 14 in the soil 20 substantially constant and therefore controls the first level 22. Accordingly, the alignment member 32 can be made adjustable so as to provide a different set-up with respect to the desired ploughing characteristics. Preferably, the ripping means 12 and the perturbation member 14 of the ploughing tool 0 are fabricated from a metal or a metal composite material. In a specific implementation, the ripping means 12 and the perturbation member 14 of the ploughing tool 10 are fabricated from steel. In order to reduce the required material, it is also conceivable that the perturbation member 14 is formed as a hollow structure.

In order to allow multi-furrow ploughing, the ploughing tool 0 can include several ripping means 12 with corresponding perturbation members 14, which can be arranged at a certain distance next to each other. It is also conceivable to provide an adjustable arrangement so as to cater for different furrow distances.

The ploughing tool can further include a frame 34 which is attachable to a trailer, as shown in the Figures. It is also conceivable to attach the frame directly to a tractor without using a trailer. In order to promote usage of the new and inventive ploughing tool 10, a method for distributing a ploughing tool 10 can be used. After providing the ploughing tool and distributing the ploughing tool 10 to an agricultural holding for use, revenues for using the ploughing tool 10 can be collected. Collecting revenues includes a calculation of the acreage on which the ploughing tool 10 has been or is used. As the ploughing tool is leased to a specific farmer and the leasing fees are proportional to the size of the field on which the tool is used, no purchase price has to be paid, which maintains liquidity of the farmers and promotes usage of the tool.

Although certain embodiments only have been described herein, it will be readily apparent to any person skilled in the art that other modifications and/or variations of the invention are possible. Such modifications and/or variations are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified.

Claims

1. A ploughing tool including at least one ripping means and at least one perturbation member being attached to the ripping means, wherein the ripping means is capable of cutting into the soil up to a first level and the perturbation member is capable of perturbating the soil around the first level when drawn through the soil.

2. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim , wherein the ripping means includes a tip.

3. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tip faces into a direction substantially equal to the prescribed direction of draught. 4. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the perturbation member is located in line and behind the tip such that when drawn through the soil the tip cuts the soil and the perturbation member is operable on the cut soil. 5. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perturbation member is formed with substantially polygonal, triangular, semicircular or circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the soil and parallel to the direction of the prescribed draught. 6. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the perturbation member is formed with substantially polygonal, circular, semicircular or rectangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the soil and perpendicular to the direction of the prescribed draught. 6. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perturbation member is in the form of a wedge or a cone.

7. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perturbation member is connected to the ripping means. 8. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein the perturbation member is releasably connected to the ripping means.

9. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the perturbation member is pivotally connected to the ripping means.

10. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pivotal connection is achieved by a joint, a bolt or a screw being located within corresponding openings of the perturbation member and the ripping means. 1 1 . A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perturbation member is aligned to the ripping means by using an alignment member.

12. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the alignment member is attached to the ripping means and the perturbation member at a location opposite to the prescribed direction of draught.

13. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the alignment member is provided as a chain, a bar, a profile member or the like.

14. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein The alignment member is formed as an integral part of the ripping means and/or the perturbation member.

15. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the alignment member is formed as a separate part of the ripping means and/or the perturbation member. 16. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ripping means is fabricated from a metal or a metal composite material.

17. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perturbation member is fabricated from a metal or a metal composite material. 8. The ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having a plurality of ripping means and corresponding perturbation members. 19. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 18, wherein the plurality of ripping means and corresponding perturbation members are arranged in juxtaposition.

20. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 18, wherein the plurality of ripping means and corresponding perturbation members is arranged in a direction being substantially perpendicular to the prescribed direction of draught.

21. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first level is located at a distance between 0.2 m and 1.5 m below the surface of the soil.

22. A ploughing tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a a frame.

23. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 22, wherein the frame is attachable to a trailer.

24. A ploughing tool as claimed in claim 22, wherein the frame is attachable to a vehicle.

25. A method for ploughing including the steps of:

26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein when the ripping means includes a tip, the tip faces into a direction being substantially equal to the prescribed direction of draught.

27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the perturbation member is located in line and behind the tip such that when drawn through the soil the tip cuts the soil and the perturbation member is operable on the cut soil. 28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first level is located at a distance between 0.2 m and 1 .5 m below the surface of the soil.

29. A method for distributing a ploughing tool comprising the steps of:

30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein collecting revenues includes a calculation of the acreage on which the ploughing tool is used.