Compact hinge assembly for a folding implement

Details Compact hinge assembly for a folding implement Compact hinge assembly for a folding implement

1999-10-15

2001-04-10

Novosad, Christopher J. (Department: 3671)

Earth working

Plural wheeled implements

Outrigged implement adjustable inwardly

Reexamination Certificate

active

06213219

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to agricultural implements and, more specifically, to multi-sectioned folding implements such as field cultivators and chisel plows.
2) Related Art
Wide agricultural implements often include a foldable frame structure with a wing frame connected by hinges to the end of an adjacent main frame. The wing frame typically is folded 170 to 180 degrees over the main frame so the frames are near or in a parallel condition for transport. On a five section machine, the outer wing is folded over the inner wing. Current hinges include those generally of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,327 which include a weldment having a folding cylinder mounted a substantial distance above the frame. Floating links extending above the cylinder are connected to the rod end of the cylinder and to the adjacent frame sections. Typically, the floating links are located above the main pivot area. These hinge structures have numerous parts and a substantial vertical component. Such structures provide an obstruction which prevents other linkages and hardware from being mounted near the hinge area. Usually, the hinge can only be placed at one location, typically at the end of a given rank on the implement. The folding cylinders on most multi-sectioned implements remain generally in the open and unprotected. Some toolbars utilize cylinders mounted within the frame tube, but these are difficult to mount and access and usually require a ramping arrangement on the folding linkage structure connected to the cylinder rod end.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved hinge assembly for an implement. It is a further object to provide such an assembly which overcomes most or all of the aforementioned problems.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved hinge assembly for an implement which has a low, compact profile and facilitates mounting of additional hardware in the hinge area. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved implement hinge assembly which has fewer parts, is easier to mount at different locations on a frame, and is stronger than most previously available hinge assemblies. It is still a further object to provide such an assembly which protects the folding cylinder without hindering access to the cylinder.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved implement hinge assembly which is more compact and provides a more compact implement transport position than at least most previously available hinge assemblies. It is a further object to provide such an assembly which has a modular design and substantially increases implement design flexibility compared to most previously available assemblies. It is another object to provide such an assembly which reinforces the hinge mounting area of the implement frame.
A flat fold hinge assembly for implement frame sections that fold substantially greater than 90 degrees includes a modular hinge having first and second hinge portions that each mount solidly to the frame sections using a simple bolt mounting arrangement. A folding cylinder is protectively cradled between the sides of the mounting bracket on the first hinge portion closely adjacent the frame tube and is accessible for maintenance and repair. Floating links are connected to the rod end of the cylinder generally below the main pivot which is offset above the frame tube a distance substantially less than most previously available hinge structures for compact storage of the wing frame close to the inner frame. The design preferably utilizes several cast components, rather than a weldment. The mechanism has fewer yet stronger components, and is more compact than previous designs so the frame sections fold more compactly. The simple mounting arrangement provides versatility in locating the hinge assembly to accommodate a wide variety of implement configurations, and such versatility is enhanced by the compact hinge assembly design that allows mechanical components such as wheel module linkages to pass through the flat fold hinge area. The hinge assemblies can be utilized in different combinations and placed as necessary on any ranks. The assembly actually reinforces the hinge mounting area for added strength and includes a mounting area for directly attaching a component such as a wheel module.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description in view of the drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3948327 (1976-04-01), Parker et al.

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