WO2022248654A2

WO2022248654A2 - A vegetation removal apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022248654A2
Application number: PCT/EP2022/064383
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Pomeroy
Original assignee: Geon Engineering Limited
Priority date: 2021-05-28
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2022-12-01
Also published as: WO2022248654A3

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for uprooting plants has a frame (2) for attachment by lugs (50) to the front loader of a tractor. There is a set of base tines (21) and a set of pinch tines (31) overlying the base tines. All of the tines are tapered to narrow in a distal direction from the frame, and the pinch tines being laterally offset with respect to the base tines. Upward movement of the apparatus causes plant stems to be gripped between base (21) and pinch (31) tines and also causes the pinch tines to pivot towards the base tines to cause further pinching of the plant stems. Then, upon further lifting of the apparatus, the plants are uprooted. Gusset plates (22) extend through slots of pinch tines (31), acting as guides for pivoting motion of the pinch tines. Each pinch tine (31) has a foot (37) protruding downwardly through a base tine (21) cut-out (28) and so the foot (37) also acts as a guide for the individual movement of its pinch tine (31) and can be used to tap or push the pinch tine (31) back to the upper position simply by lowering the apparatus.

Description

“A Vegetation Removal Apparatus”

Introduction

The present invention relates to removal of unwanted vegetation such as unwanted or invasive species of scrub.

In many countries, removal of invasive species of shrubs and woody plants has a national impetus, and various methods are employed to facilitate removal and control of these species including mulching, spraying with chemicals, burning, cutting with saws and slashers or digging out. In many cases, the removal methods can also inadvertently assist with the propagation of the species, through air layering and seed dispersal.

Other less invasive and native species also need to be controlled in farmland and recreational spaces.

Some species such as Rhododendron and Gorse, can form very dense thickets that out-compete native or desired plants for space and resources, especially sunlight. Other impacts on fish and invertebrate communities are reported but many of these invasive species can also prevent access to areas by the sheer mass of vegetative material obstructing paths and rights of way.

US8561325 (Hegener et al) discloses a loader grubbing attachment with a pincer mounted to the frame. US2016/0057945 (Basinger) discloses an apparatus for removing trees and bushes, the apparatus having a pinch er with two arms.

The present invention is directed towards providing an apparatus for more convenient environmentally friendly and effective removal of such vegetation.

Summary

We describe an apparatus for uprooting plants, the apparatus comprising: a frame, a drive or means to mount the frame to a drive of a machine, a fork of base tines mounted to the frame and extending in a distal longitudinal direction from the frame, pinch tines mounted to the frame and extending in the distal longitudinal direction from the frame and overlying at least some of the base tines, wherein at least some of said base tines and pinch tines are tapered to narrow in the distal direction, and the pinch tines are pivotally mounted to the frame and are laterally offset with respect to the base tines.

Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines are biased to an upper position. Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines are biased by torsion springs. Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines are each individually pivotally mounted.

Preferably, a plurality of the base tines and a plurality of the pinch tines are tapered to narrow in the distal direction. Preferably, at least some of the tines have serrated side edges.

Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines have a downwardly extending foot arranged to protrude below the level of the base tines when the pinch tines are at a lowermost pivot position. Preferably, at least one foot extends through an aperture or slot of an underlying base tine.

Preferably, at least some of the base tines are secured to the frame by upwardly extending gusset plates. Preferably, at least some of said gusset plates extend through a slot of a pinch tine, acting as a guide for pivoting motion of the pinch tine.

Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines have a shoulder at a proximal end.

Preferably, the gap between base tines is rounded at the proximal end of the gap between base tines. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises loading tines and a drive for moving the loading tines between a distally extending operative position and an upwardly extending inoperative position. Preferably, the frame comprises a shield covering tips of the loading tines when they are in the inoperative position.

We also describe a method of use of an apparatus of any example described herein, the method comprising: mounting the apparatus to a drive of a machine, operating the machine to move the apparatus distally into vegetation to be removed with stems of the vegetation being between tines, and operating the machine to cause upward movement of the apparatus to cause plant stems to be gripped between the base tines and the pinch tines, and to cause the pinch tines to pivot towards the base tines to cause further pinching of the plant stems, and upon further lifting of the apparatus the plants are uprooted.

Preferably, the method comprises tilting of the apparatus so that the base tines are directed downwardly, to cause release of uprooted plants.

We also describe an apparatus for uprooting plants, the apparatus comprising: a frame with a longitudinal axis and a drive or means to mount to a drive of a machine, a fork of base tines, a fork of pinch tines overlying the base tines, at least one set of tines being tapered to narrow in a distal direction from the frame, and the pinch tines being laterally offset with respect to the base tines, wherein at least some of the pinch tines are biased to an upper position.

Preferably, a plurality of the base tines and a plurality of the pinch tines are tapered to narrow in the distal direction. Preferably, at least some of the tines have serrated side edges. Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines are biased upwardly by torsion springs. Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines have a downwardly extending foot arranged to protrude below the level of the base tines when the pinch tines are at a lowermost pivot position. Preferably, at least one foot tends through an aperture or slot of an underlying base tine.

Preferably, the base tines are secured to the frame by upwardly extending gusset plates. Preferably, at least some of said gusset plates extend through a slot of a pinch tine, acting as a guide for pivoting motion of the pinch tine. Preferably, at least some of the pinch tines have a shoulder at a proximal end.

Preferably, the gap between base tines is rounded at the proximal end of the gap between base tines. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises loading tines and a drive for moving the loading tines between distally extending operative position and an upwardly extending inoperative position. Preferably, the frame comprises a shield covering the tips of the loading tines when they are in the inoperative position.

We also describe a method of use of an apparatus of any preceding claim, the method comprising mounting the apparatus to a drive of a machine, operating the machine to move the apparatus distally into vegetation to be removed with stems of the vegetation being between tines, and operating the machine to cause upward movement of the apparatus to cause the plant stems to be gripped between the base tines and the pinch tines, and to cause the pinch tines to pivot towards the base tines to cause further pinching of the plant stems, and upon further lifting of the apparatus the plants are uprooted.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a front perspective view of a scrub removal apparatus of the invention with lifting tines in an inoperative position, and Fig. 2 is a similar view with the tines in an operative position directed forwardly, distally;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main functional elements of the apparatus in more detail; and

Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the apparatus in use.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 an apparatus 1 is for mounting to the front loader of a tractor so that the tractor provides the power for movement of the apparatus 1, especially lifting force in use as described in more detail below.

The apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 with a pair of uprights 13 and a transverse cab protection bar 3. There is a pair of hinges 4 at the base of the frame about which a pair of loader tines 5 pivot about a laterally-extending axis between an upright inoperative position shown in Fig. 1 and a forwardly or distally-directed operative position shown in Fig. 2. The direction of the tines 5 as shown in Fig. 1 is distally-facing in the longitudinal direction. There are protective caps 6 overlying the tops of the loader tines 5 when they are retracted and upright. A drive shaft 7 for the loader tines 5 is operated by a hydraulic ram 8 which is anchored above the shaft 7 on a frame transverse bar 10.

As shown particularly in Fig. 3 the frame 2 also comprises a lower transverse bar 11 between the uprights 13, and vertical plates 12 secured to the transverse bars 10 and 11. This view also shows attachment lugs 50 for attachment to a tractor front loader.

Referring especially to Fig. 4 the active elements for removing vegetation are illustrated in more detail. These comprise a base fork 20 of nine base tines 21 which are rigidly fixed to the frame 2. As shown most clearly in Figs. 1 and 2 the base of the frame 2 and the base tines 21 form an L- shape with the lower or ground-level corner being akin to a heel in use, as described in more detail below.

There is a strengthening gusset 22 in the form of a vertical triangular plate to assist fixing each of seven of the base tines 21 to the frame, and longer gussets 23 fixing two of the base tines 21 to the frame. The proximal ends of the gaps between juxtaposed base tines 21 are curved, forming circularly curved receivers 24. Each base tine 21 is of generally tooth-like or triangular configuration, narrowing in the distal direction and having serrated side edge surfaces 25. The base tines 21 extend forwardly at the lowermost level of the frame, and so in use may scrape at ground level.

A pinch fork or group 30 has nine pinch tines 31 which are individually pivotally mounted to rotate about a lateral axis (horizontally extending in use). The pinch tines 31 are mounted for this movement to a shaft 33 and are each individually biased to tilt upwardly to an upper home position by a torsion spring 32, one per pinch tine 31. Advantageously, each pinch tine 31 operates independently of the other pinch tines. The pinch tines 31 are offset laterally with respect to the base tines 21. They are also of generally tooth or triangular shape, being tapered inwardly in the distal direction towards a rounded tip, and again they have serrated side edges, 35. The side edges 35 also have a proximal shoulder 36 which overlies the base fork curved receivers 24. The shape of the shoulders 36 are particularly to achieve easy release of the pinched vegetation.

The number of tines of both forks and the extent of lateral offsetting is of course not limiting and in other examples it may be more or less, depending on design and use requirements. Also, it is not essential that all of the pinch tines be biased upwardly, and in some examples none of them are. It is however preferred. The movement of the apparatus by a machine will have the natural effect of causing the pinch tines to pivot upwardly because of contact by their side edges with vegetation, and of course the pinch tines cannot rotate downwardly below the level of the base tines 21. Hence, while it is preferred that the pinch tines are biased upwardly, it is not essential. Also, it is envisaged that in other examples the pinch tines are interconnected to rotate together, although this is also not preferred.

Each pinch tine 31 has a downwardly-extending release foot 37 which extends through a cut-out 28 of the underlying base tine 21, as illustrated most clearly on the right side of Fig. 4. The right most pinch tine 31 is in the home position with the foot 37 extending downwardly only as far as the base tine 21 cut-out 28. On the other hand, the pinch tine 31 which is second from the right is in the lower position for illustrative purposes. In this position the foot 37 protrudes downwardly through the base tine 21 cut-out 28 to a level which is lower than the base tine by about 50mm. Each foot 37 also acts as a guide for the individual movement of its pinch tine 31, and as described in more detail below can be used to tap or push the pinch tine 31 back to the upper position simply by lowering the apparatus 1.

In use, the apparatus 1 attaches to the implement attachment system of a machine such as a tractor front loader. With the loader tines 5 in the park (upper) position and the apparatus 1 moved so that the base tines 21 are level with the ground, the apparatus 1 is driven forwards slowly into the stand or thicket of plants P (Fig. 5) until the tines 21 and 31 engage the plant stems.

The apparatus 1 is then lifted vertically, which causes the pinch tines 31 to hinge downwards relative to the base tines 21 due to frictional engagement with the stems, narrowing the effective lateral gap between juxtaposed base tines 21 and pinch tines 31. This causes the stem of the shrub to be gripped without shearing, and the lifting energy is now transferred to further pinching of the stems and to extracting the shrub from the ground. This action is achieved without any drive on the apparatus itself, the force being provided by the lifting energy of the tractor or other machine.

The benefits of the round receivers 24 are primarily to prevent stress cracking of the base fork under load and to provide a wider release space for smaller stems which may be forced through the tines in operation

The extent of overlap of the tines 21 and 31 is preferably in the range of about 45% to 55%. This overlap may be chosen at manufacture, or in another example by an adjustment, to suit the expected stem diameters. Advantageously, as the pinch tines 31 pivot downwardly the gap in plan view between them and the base tines 21 narrows, thereby progressing from gripping to strongly pinching the plant stems. This gap change in the lateral plane is due to the side edges of the tines having a directional component with is lateral in addition to one which is longitudinal. In this case this is achieved by the tines narrowing distally in a tooth shape, but it is envisaged that it may be achieved by other shapes. However, a tooth shape is much preferred because it allows easy penetration into vegetation.

The apparatus 1 is then rotated forwards from the vertical position shown in Fig. 6 (frame 2 is generally vertical) to being at or close to the horizontal position, by the machine, and rotated back and forth until the shrub which is pinched between the tines 21 and 31 is loosened in the tines and released. In the view of Fig. 6 the rotational action towards horizontal is anti-clockwise.

If the stem does not release initially, the apparatus may be lowered so that any protruding feet 37 impact against the ground and push the pinch tines 31 upwardly, and by reversing away with the base tines 21 in contact with the ground, the remaining scrub material is scraped off.

The machine may be operated to engage the base of the frame 2 with the ground and then tilt the frame rearwardly (clockwise as viewed in Fig. 6), so that the bottom comer acts as a fulcrum for leverage of pinched vegetation out of the ground.

Subsequent piles of extracted material can be handled and moved by lowering the loader tines 5 using the hydraulic ram 8 into the horizontal position as shown in Fig. 2. The loader tines 5 can then be used as is conventional for loader forks. The protection bar 3 retains the scrub material on the fork, protects the machine and operator from the extracted material falling towards the machine, and incorporates a safe protected park position for the loader tines when not in use.

Additionally, the action of lowering the loader tines 5 may assist with the jettisoning of the extracted material.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 conveniently mounts on the front loader or rear 3-point hitch of an agricultural tractor, compact tractor, skid steer, backhoe, excavator or other suitable machine. It benefits from the drives available on such machines to remove nuisance woody shrubs such as, but not limited to, young rhododendron plants, gorse, blackthorn, and briars by gripping the woody stems near the base and lifting them by the roots. The action of uprooting plants is particularly effective due to the individually hinged and sprung pinch tines 31, achieving extraction of plants from the ground by vertical lifting of the whole apparatus, the lifting force being converted into pinching force as the pinch tines 31 are pulled down relative to the base tines 21 due to the grip force on the plant stem. The lifting action causes the pinch tines to engage and grip the stems without cutting through, and consequently the shrub is extracted from the soil with the roots attached. Subsequently, by rotating the apparatus 1 towards the horizontal position and oscillating it back and forth with the machine’s hydraulic articulation system, the sprung pinch tines 31 are encouraged to release the stems and the shrub can be deposited in a heap or trailer.

Stems which do not release by oscillation can be removed by returning to the vertical position (Fig. 6) and scraping along the ground, the action of which forces the pinch tines to a fully open position and releases the stubborn stems. This scraping action will be the only method if the device is attached to the 3 -point linkage at the rear of a tractor.

In addition to the uprooting function of the apparatus, heaped gatherings of the removed scrub can be manoeuvred subsequently by rotating the long loader tines or forks 5 hydraulically into a horizontal position, using the auxiliary hydraulic ram 8. These forks are safely held in a vertical park position, when not in use.

The apparatus offers an alternative environmentally-friendly method for mechanical removal of invasive or nuisance shrubs. Primarily, it removes the shrub by extraction, and also removes a substantial amount of the root material, depending on the ground conditions. The extracted shrubs can be removed from site for further treatment such as composting, bio-extrusion (process for extracting nutrients for fertiliser) or energy production for viable species, in gasification boilers. (Gorse). It results in minimal damage to the underlying ground and the removal of the material can help prevent acidification of the underlying soil, allowing the desired species of native plants or grasses to gain control of the cleared areas with minimal requirements for follow up treatments.

Early growth of the native plants after removal of unwanted scrub gives these plants an opportunity to thrive and out-compete the unwanted species. Furthermore, the machines required to operate this device can be quite small in comparison to large mulching machines, and mechanical diggers, and will require less of an energy input and may allow access to less tractable areas. Also, it appears that small animals, insects and other fauna have an opportunity to escape without injury during the removal process. Components of embodiments can be employed in other embodiments in a manner as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but may be varied in construction and detail. For example, the apparatus may have its own drive for lifting the frame and other movements and forces provided by the tractor front loader as described above. Also, the size and number of base and/or pinch tines may be different, according to the use requirements. Also, it is envisaged that some or all of the pinch tines be secured together to move as a unit, however it is preferred that they be individually pivotally mounted. It is also envisaged that the pinch tines may in other examples be greater in number than the base tines, with for example four pinch tines for every base tine. Also, it is envisaged that the base tines may not be fixed to the frame. They may be pivotally mounted for limited pivotal movement. However, it is preferred that at least some of the base tines are fixed rigidly to the frame.

Claims

1. An apparatus for uprooting plants, the apparatus comprising: a frame (2), a drive or means (50) to mount the frame to a drive of a machine, a fork (20) of base tines (21) mounted to the frame and extending in a distal longitudinal direction from the frame, pinch tines (31) mounted to the frame and extending in the distal longitudinal direction from the frame and overlying at least some of the base tines, wherein at least some of said base tines and pinch tines are tapered to narrow in the distal direction, and the pinch tines are pivotally mounted to the frame and are laterally offset with respect to the base tines.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of the pinch tines are biased (32) to an upper position.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least some of the pinch tines (31) are biased by torsion springs (32).

4. An apparatus as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 or 3, wherein at least some of the pinch tines are each individually pivotally mounted.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of the base tines and a plurality of the pinch tines are tapered to narrow in the distal direction.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the tines have serrated side edges (25, 35).

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the pinch tines have a downwardly-extending foot (37) arranged to protrude below the level of the base tines when the pinch tines are at a lowermost pivot position.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one foot (37) extends through an aperture or slot (28) of an underlying base tine (21).

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the base tines are secured to the frame (2) by upwardly-extending gusset plates (22, 23).

10. An apparatus as claimed in any claim 9, wherein at least some of said gusset plates (22) extend through a slot of a pinch tine (31), acting as a guide for pivoting motion of the pinch tine.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the pinch tines have a shoulder (36) at a proximal end.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gap between base tines is rounded (24) at the proximal end of the gap between base tines.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises loading tines (5) and a drive (7, 8) for moving the loading tines (5) between a distally extending operative position and an upwardly extending inoperative position.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any claim 13, wherein the frame comprises a shield (6) covering tips of the loading tines when they are in the inoperative position.

15. A method of use of an apparatus of any preceding claim, the method comprising: mounting the apparatus to a drive of a machine, operating the machine to move the apparatus distally into vegetation to be removed with stems of the vegetation being between tines, and operating the machine to cause upward movement of the apparatus to cause plant stems to be gripped between the base tines and the pinch tines, and to cause the pinch tines to pivot towards the base tines to cause further pinching of the plant stems, and upon further lifting of the apparatus the plants are uprooted.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, comprising tilting of the apparatus so that the base tines are directed downwardly, to cause release of uprooted plants.