Planting – Drilling – Frame and planting-element arrangement
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-27
2001-04-10
Batson, Victor (Department: 3671)
Planting
Drilling
Frame and planting-element arrangement
C111S055000, C111S059000, C111S066000, C172S776000, C172S452000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213034
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to a towable implement suitable for agricultural use, and more particularly to a towable agricultural implement that is convertible between an operating position and a transportation position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, agricultural implements are used for a variety of agricultural uses, including, for example, seeding, fertilizing and tilling. Typically, these implements extend as far as laterally possible to cover the maximum amount of acreage in the minimum amount of time. With the development of modern high-powered tractors, implements, for example row crop planters, may extend to field widths of 40-feet or more in the operating position.
Problems arise when these implements are transported to and from the field due to their width. Attempts have been made to overcome these problems by making these implements more convenient to transport. Typically, the implement will be divided up into individual sections that are disconnected or folded prior to transport. Some implements require separate trailers for transportation or have cumbersome systems for reconfiguring the implement before and after transport.
These implements are not only complex and therefore expensive to manufacture, but also have other disadvantages including instability during transportation, improper balancing on the support wheels of the implement, and increased stress and wear on the implement.
It would accordingly be desirable to have an agricultural implement which is easy to manufacture and provides an efficient means for rotating the implement between an operating position and transportation position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides a planter apparatus comprising a carrier frame including a curved track and a centerline which runs parallel to a direction of travel, and a mainframe rotatably attached to the carrier frame to allow the mainframe to rotate along the curved track of the carrier frame and about a pivot point offset from the centerline. The carrier frame may include a T-shaped portion with the curved track attached to the T-shaped portion. A pivot opening may be formed in the carrier frame at the pivot point, and a pin may be received in the pivot opening to pivotably attach the mainframe to the carrier frame. A sub-bar assembly may be attached to the mainframe, and a plurality of ground engaging tools attached to the sub-bar assembly. Input storage units may also be attached to the mainframe. The mainframe preferably rotates between an operating position and a transportation position. The rotation may be, for example, about 90 degrees. The carrier frame preferably includes a plurality of wheels rotatably attached thereto. The transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus is substantially along the centerline when the mainframe is in the transportation position. Preferably, the carrier frame includes a crossbar and a draw bar attached to the midpoint of the crossbar to form a T-shape, and the centerline runs along the draw bar. The pivot opening is preferably formed in the crossbar and spaced apart from the centerline. The transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus is substantially along the centerline when the mainframe is parallel to the draw bar.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a planter apparatus. A carrier frame including a curved track and a centerline which runs parallel to the direction of travel, and a mainframe rotatably attached to the carrier frame are provided. The mainframe moves along the curved track of the carrier frame while it rotates about a pivot point offset from the centerline. The mainframe rotates between an operating position and a transportation position. The transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus is substantially along the centerline when the planter apparatus is in the transportation position.
A further aspect of the invention provides a planter apparatus comprising a carrier frame including a T-shaped portion which includes a crossbar portion and a draw bar portion, a centerline running along the draw bar portion, a pivot opening formed in the crossbar portion and spaced apart from the centerline, and a mainframe including a pin received in the pivot opening and pivotably attaching the mainframe to the crossbar. The mainframe is pivotable between an operating position where the mainframe is parallel to the crossbar portion, and a transportation position where the mainframe is parallel to the draw bar portion. The transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus when in the transportation position is substantially along the centerline. The mainframe may further contact with a curved track portion as it is rotated between the operation position and the transportation position. A subbar assembly is attached to and preferably oriented parallel to the mainframe. The mainframe preferably includes an opening aligned with the pivot opening to allow a pin to be inserted through the mainframe opening and the pivot opening. The weight of the mainframe may preferably be distributed at about 60% on a first side of the centerline and about 40% on a second side of the centerline when in the transportation position.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a planter apparatus. A carrier frame including a T-shaped portion which includes a crossbar portion and a draw bar portion, a centerline running along the draw bar portion, a pivot opening formed in the crossbar portion and spaced apart from the centerline, and a mainframe including a pin received in the pivot opening and pivotably attaching the mainframe to the crossbar are provided. The mainframe is pivoted between the operating position and a transportation position. A transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus aligns substantially along the centerline when in the transportation position.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
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Brochure entitled “Kinze, 2000 Series Planters”, (Author unknown, cover page and pages 30-33 pp.).
Paluch Paul M.
Raducha Kregg J.
Batson Victor
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Case Corporation
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