Earth working – Lawn aerator or perforator – or plug remover
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-07
2001-07-10
Batson, Victor (Department: 3671)
Earth working
Lawn aerator or perforator, or plug remover
C172S540000, C172S157000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257342
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a soil grading apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus which may be mounted on the front of a skid-steer vehicle or on the three-point point hitch of a tractor to enable soil to be fine graded for subsequent seeding or sodding.
2. Description of the Related Art
Before soil can be seeded or sodded, it is necessary to grade the same so that it is smooth or leveled, the dirt clods are broken up or removed, the rocks are removed, and the soil tilled somewhat to provide a seed or sod bed. Customarily, the soil is graded by means of a blade at either the front or rear of a tractor or the like. Sometimes, a bucket-like scraper or scarifier is used to prepare the soil. All of the prior art methods are less than satisfactory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A soil grading apparatus is disclosed which may be mounted on the forward end of a skid-steer vehicle or to the three-point hitch of a tractor. The apparatus includes first and second side frames having a first cross frame secured thereto and extending therebetween which has a mounting means thereon for attachment to the skid-steer vehicle or tractor, with the prime mover capable of at least vertically moving the apparatus. A second cross frame is secured to the first and second side frames and extends therebetween which has a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart, elongated, rigid teeth secured thereto and extending downwardly therefrom for engagement with the soil being graded. A horizontally disposed soil roller is rotatably secured to the first and second side frames adjacent the lower end thereof and extends therebetween. The soil roller has a plurality of small stubs or fingers extending therefrom for engagement with the soil so that the roller will not skid or slide as the apparatus is moved over the soil, but will be rotated. A spring tooth support is secured to the first and second side frames and extends therebetween rearwardly of the soil roller. A plurality of horizontally spaced-apart spring teeth are secured to the spring tooth support and extend downwardly therefrom for engagement with the soil being graded. First and second ground-engaging caster wheels are operatively secured to the first and second side frames, respectively, adjacent the rearward ends thereof.
As the apparatus is moved over the soil being graded, the rigid teeth dig into the soil for approximately two to three inches to till the soil and to cause dirt clods and rocks to be pulled along the soil at the forward ends of the rigid teeth as the apparatus is moved forwardly across the soil. The soil roller and spring teeth also engage the soil to further prepare the soil for seed or sodding. The rigid teeth, soil roller and spring teeth are quickly and easily removed from the side frames to enable replacement or repair thereof.
A principal object of the invention is to provide an improved soil grading apparatus.
A further object of the invention is to provide a soil grading apparatus which breaks up dirt clods, tills the soil, removes dirt clods and rocks, and levels the soil.
A further object of the invention is to provide a soil grading apparatus which may be mounted on either the front end of a skid-steer vehicle or the three-point hitch of a tractor or the like.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a soil grading apparatus including components thereon which are easily removed for repair and/or replacement.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a soil grading apparatus which is economical of manufacture, durable in use, and refined in appearance.
These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
REFERENCES:
patent: 594892 (1897-12-01), Newton
patent: 1354495 (1920-10-01), Larsen
patent: 1627422 (1927-05-01), Wike
patent: 2966218 (1960-12-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 3062300 (1962-11-01), Bullard
patent: 4155315 (1979-05-01), Dobbins
patent: 4192387 (1980-03-01), Stinson
patent: 4603544 (1986-08-01), Hayhurst
patent: 4899828 (1990-02-01), Harris
Batson Victor
Thomte Dennis L.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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