U.S. patent application number 15/049390 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-16 for implement apparatus and systems for displacing ground material.
The applicant listed for this patent is Claussen Technology, LLC. Invention is credited to Steven W. Claussen.
Application Number | 20160168813 15/049390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522355 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160168813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Claussen; Steven W. |
June 16, 2016 |
IMPLEMENT APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISPLACING GROUND MATERIAL
Abstract
An implement may be configured to displace ground material. For
example, an implement may include roller apparatus (e.g., a
cylindrical portion and a plurality of ground displacing elements)
configured to engage a ground surface and form a plurality of
reservoirs in the ground surface.
Inventors: |
Claussen; Steven W.;
(Glenwood, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Claussen Technology, LLC |
Naples |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51522355 |
Appl. No.: |
15/049390 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14213118 |
Mar 14, 2014 |
9267255 |
|
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15049390 |
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61782811 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
172/551 ;
172/540 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 11/02 20130101;
A01B 39/20 20130101; A01B 39/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02B 11/02 20060101
E02B011/02; A01B 39/20 20060101 A01B039/20; A01B 39/08 20060101
A01B039/08 |
Claims
1. An implement couplable to a vehicle configured to traverse a
ground surface, wherein the implement comprises: a mount portion
couplable to a vehicle; an extension member extending from a
proximal end portion to a distal end portion, wherein the proximal
end portion is pivotably coupled to the mount portion about a pivot
axis; and a roller apparatus rotatably coupled to the distal end
portion of the extension member about a roller axis, wherein the
roller apparatus comprises: a cylindrical portion lying along the
roller axis configured to roll over a ground surface, wherein the
cylindrical portion defines an outer surface configured to engage
the ground surface when the cylindrical portion is rolled over the
ground surface; and a plurality of ground displacing elements
coupled to the cylindrical portion and extending from the outer
surface of the cylindrical portion, wherein each ground displacing
element of the plurality of ground displacing elements comprises a
ground lifting surface configured to engage and lift ground
material to disperse the ground material and form a plurality of
reservoirs in the ground surface when the outer surface is engaged
with the ground surface as the cylindrical portion is rolled over
the ground surface, wherein the mount portion is configured to
transmit force to the roller apparatus to maintain engagement
between the outer surface of the cylindrical portion and the ground
surface when the cylindrical portion is rolled over the ground
surface.
2. The implement of claim 1, wherein the ground lifting surface of
at least one of the plurality of ground displacing elements
comprises a planar surface.
3. The implement of claim 1, wherein the ground lifting surface of
at least one the plurality of ground displacing elements comprises
a non-planar surface.
4. The implement of claim 1, wherein the roller apparatus is
configured to contact the ground continuously.
5. The implement of claim 1, wherein at least one ground displacing
element of the plurality of ground displacing elements extends from
a first edge to a second edge defining an element width and extends
from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion to a distal edge
defining an element length, wherein the element width is greater
than the element length.
6. The implement of claim 1, wherein a radius of the cylindrical
portion is perpendicular to the roller axis and extends from the
roller axis to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion,
wherein at least one ground displacing element of the plurality of
ground displacing elements extends from the outer surface of the
cylindrical portion to a distal edge defining an element length,
wherein the element length is greater than the radius of the
cylindrical portion.
7. The implement of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion
extends from a first end to a second end along the roller axis
defining a roller width, wherein the plurality of ground displacing
elements are configured to disperse ground material outside of the
roller width.
8. The implement of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ground
displacing elements are equally spaced around the cylindrical
portion, and wherein each ground displacing element of the
plurality of ground displacing elements extends from the outer
surface of the cylindrical portion along a plane that is tangential
to the cylindrical portion
9. The implement of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ground
displacing elements comprises at least four ground displacing
elements.
10. The implement of claim 1, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
extends from a first edge to a second edge defining an element
width, wherein the cylindrical portion extends from a first end to
a second end along the roller axis defining a roller width, and
wherein the element width is greater than 50% of the cylindrical
portion width.
11. The implement of claim 1, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
extends from a first edge to a second edge defining an element
width, wherein the cylindrical portion extends from a first end to
a second end along the roller axis defining a roller width, and
wherein the element width is greater than 90% of the cylindrical
portion width.
12. The implement of claim 1, wherein the mount portion comprises
an elongated torsion assembly extending along the pivot axis,
wherein the elongated torsion assembly comprises: a first elongate
member fixedly coupled to the mount portion, a second elongate
member fixedly coupled to the extension member, and a plurality of
cushioning rods located between the first and second elongate
members and configured to allow movement of the first elongate
member relative to the second elongate member about the pivot
axis.
13. The implement of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion
defines an enclosure configured to contain material to provide
additional mass to the roller apparatus.
14. The implement of claim 1, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
comprises: a first portion extending along a first plane, and a
second portion extending along a second plane, wherein the first
plane and the second plane intersect at an apex.
15. The implement of claim 1, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of the ground displacing
elements further defines a rear surface opposite the ground lifting
surface, wherein an element thickness is defined between the rear
surface and the ground lifting surface, wherein the ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
extends from a first edge to a second edge defining an element
width, and wherein the element width is greater than the element
thickness.
16. The implement of claim 1, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
defines one or more apertures extending through the ground lifting
surface to allow ground material to pass through the ground
displacing element.
17. The implement of claim 1, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
comprises: a blade portion; and one or more attachment portions
fixedly coupled to the cylindrical portion, wherein the blade
portion is removably coupled to the one or more attachment
portions.
18. An implement system couplable to a vehicle configured to
traverse a ground surface, wherein the implement system comprises:
frame apparatus couplable to the vehicle; and a plurality of
implements coupled to the frame apparatus, wherein each of the
plurality of implements comprises: a mount portion couplable to a
vehicle, an extension member extending from a proximal end portion
to a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion is
pivotably coupled to the mount portion about a pivot axis, and a
roller apparatus rotatably coupled to the distal end portion of the
extension member about a roller axis, wherein the roller apparatus
comprises: a cylindrical portion lying along the roller axis
configured and sized to roll over a ground surface between crop
rows, wherein the cylindrical portion defines an outer surface
configured to engage the ground surface when the cylindrical
portion is rolled over the ground surface, and a plurality of
ground displacing elements coupled to the cylindrical portion and
extending from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion,
wherein the mount portion is configured to transmit force to the
roller apparatus to maintain engagement between the outer surface
of the cylindrical portion and the ground surface when the
cylindrical portion is rolled over the ground surface.
19. The implement system of claim 18, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
comprises a ground lifting surface configured to engage and lift
ground material to disperse the ground material and form a
plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface when the outer
surface is engaged with the ground surface while the cylindrical
portion is rolled over the ground surface.
20. The implement system of claim 18, wherein at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
is configured to engage and compress the ground material to
disperse the ground material and form a plurality of reservoirs in
the ground surface when the outer surface is engaged with the
ground surface while the cylindrical portion is rolled over the
ground surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/213,118 filed on Mar. 14, 2014,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/782,811 filed on Mar. 14, 2013, each of which is
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to implements and implement
systems for use in displacing ground material. The implements may
include roller apparatus configured to engage a ground surface and
form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface.
[0003] Water distributed through irrigation systems or from rain
may be unevenly dispersed over an agricultural field due to runoff
and further may be subject to evaporation. For example, a sloped or
angled ground surface may also contribute to water runoff where
water may run from higher areas of a field to lower areas of the
field. Additionally, water exposed on the top of the ground surface
may be subject to evaporation.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure describes exemplary implements,
implement systems, and methods for use in conditioning soil. The
exemplary implements and implement systems may be configured to be
attached to a vehicle such as, e.g., a tractor. The vehicle may
traverse a ground surface, such as a field, towing one or more
implements in between planted rows of vegetation or crops such as,
e.g., corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets,
sunflowers, and all row crops, etc., or in the preparation of land
for construction. An exemplary implement may generally include
roller apparatus and an extension member configured to hold, or
position, the roller apparatus such that it may engage the ground
surface to form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface.
For example, the extension member may be configured to apply down
pressure to the roller apparatus such that the roller apparatus
continuously engages the ground surface when in use. The extension
member may be pivotably attached to a mount portion, which may be
configured to be attached to the vehicle.
[0005] One or more implements may be part of an exemplary system.
For example, a plurality of implements, as described herein, may be
part of an exemplary implement system. An exemplary system may
generally include a frame apparatus (such as, e.g., a beam or other
structure) for supporting the plurality of implements and coupling
them to the vehicle. Each mount portion of the plurality of
implements may be configured to mount or couple each implement to
the frame apparatus. In the exemplary system, the plurality of
implements may be coupled to the frame apparatus in a spaced apart
arrangement along the frame apparatus to facilitate each of the
plurality of implements passing between rows of crops.
[0006] One exemplary implement couplable to a vehicle configured to
traverse a ground surface may include a mount portion couplable to
a vehicle, an extension member extending from a proximal end
portion to a distal end portion (e.g., wherein the proximal end
portion is pivotably coupled to the mount portion about a pivot
axis), and a roller apparatus rotatably coupled to the distal end
portion of the extension member about a roller axis. For example,
the roller apparatus may include a cylindrical portion lying along
the roller axis configured to roll over a ground surface (e.g.,
wherein the cylindrical portion may define an outer surface
configured to engage the ground surface when the cylindrical
portion is rolled over the ground surface) and a plurality of
ground displacing elements coupled to the cylindrical portion and
extending from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion (e.g.,
wherein each ground displacing element of the plurality of ground
displacing elements may include a ground lifting surface configured
to engage and lift ground material to disperse the ground material
and form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface when the
outer surface is engaged with the ground surface as the cylindrical
portion is rolled over the ground surface). The mount portion may
be configured to transmit force to the roller apparatus to maintain
engagement between the outer surface of the cylindrical portion and
the ground surface when the cylindrical portion is rolled over the
ground surface.
[0007] The implement, implement systems, and/or methods described
herein may include one or more of the following features: the
ground lifting surface of at least one of the plurality of ground
displacing elements may be a planar surface; the ground lifting
surface of at least one the plurality of ground displacing elements
may be a non-planar surface; the roller apparatus may be configured
to contact the ground continuously, at least one ground displacing
element of the plurality of ground displacing elements may extend
from a first edge to a second edge defining an element width and
may extend from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion to a
distal edge defining an element length (e.g., the element width may
be greater than the element length); a radius of the cylindrical
portion may be perpendicular to the roller axis and may extend from
the roller axis to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion and
at least one ground displacing element of the plurality of ground
displacing elements may extend from the outer surface of the
cylindrical portion to a distal edge defining an element length
(e.g., the element length may be greater than the radius of the
cylindrical portion); the cylindrical portion may extend from a
first end to a second end along the roller axis defining a roller
width and the plurality of ground displacing elements may be
configured to disperse ground material outside of the roller width;
the plurality of ground displacing elements may be equally spaced
around the cylindrical portion; each ground displacing element of
the plurality of ground displacing elements may extend from the
outer surface of the cylindrical portion along a plane that is
tangential to the cylindrical portion; the plurality of ground
displacing elements may include at least four ground displacing
elements; at least one ground displacing element of the plurality
of ground displacing elements may extend from a first edge to a
second edge defining an element width and the cylindrical portion
may extend from a first end to a second end along the roller axis
defining a roller width (e.g., the element width may be greater
than 50% of the cylindrical portion width); at least one ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
may extend from a first edge to a second edge defining an element
width and the cylindrical portion may extend from a first end to a
second end along the roller axis defining a roller width (e.g., the
element width may be greater than 90% of the cylindrical portion
width); the mount portion may include an elongated torsion assembly
extending along the pivot axis (e.g., the elongated torsion
assembly may include a first elongate member fixedly coupled to the
mount portion, a second elongate member fixedly coupled to the
extension member, and a plurality of cushioning rods located
between the first and second elongate members and configured to
allow movement of the first elongate member relative to the second
elongate member about the pivot axis); the cylindrical portion may
define an enclosure configured to contain material (e.g., water) to
provide additional mass to the roller apparatus; at least one
ground displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing
elements may include a first portion extending along a first plane
and a second portion extending along a second plane, wherein the
first plane and the second plane intersect at an apex; at least one
ground displacing element of the plurality of the ground displacing
elements may further define a rear surface opposite the ground
lifting surface, an element thickness may be defined between the
rear surface and the ground lifting surface, and the ground
displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing elements
may extend from a first edge to a second edge defining an element
width (e.g., the element width may be greater than the element
thickness); at least one ground displacing element of the plurality
of ground displacing elements may define one or more apertures
extending through the ground lifting surface to allow ground
material to pass through the ground displacing element; and/or at
least one ground displacing element of the plurality of ground
displacing elements may include a blade portion and one or more
attachment portions fixedly coupled to the cylindrical portion
(e.g., the blade portion may be removably coupled to the one or
more attachment portions).
[0008] An exemplary implement system couplable to a vehicle
configured to traverse a ground surface may include frame apparatus
couplable to the vehicle and a plurality of implements coupled to
the frame apparatus. The plurality of implements may include a
mount portion couplable to a vehicle, an extension member extending
from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion (e.g., wherein
the proximal end portion may be pivotably coupled to the mount
portion about a pivot axis), and a roller apparatus rotatably
coupled to the distal end portion of the extension member about a
roller axis. The roller apparatus may include a cylindrical portion
lying along the roller axis configured and sized to roll over a
ground surface between crop rows (e.g., the cylindrical portion may
define an outer surface configured to engage the ground surface
when the cylindrical portion is rolled over the ground surface) and
a plurality of ground displacing elements coupled to the
cylindrical portion and extending from the outer surface of the
cylindrical portion. The mount portion may be configured to
transmit force to the roller apparatus to maintain engagement
between the outer surface of the cylindrical portion and the ground
surface when the cylindrical portion is rolled over the ground
surface.
[0009] In one or more embodiments of the system, at least one
ground displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing
elements may include a ground lifting surface configured to engage
and lift ground material to disperse the ground material and form a
plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface when the outer
surface is engaged with the ground surface while the cylindrical
portion is rolled over the ground surface.
[0010] In one or more other embodiments of the system, at least one
ground displacing element of the plurality of ground displacing
elements may be configured to engage and compress the ground
material (e.g., compression elements) to disperse the ground
material and form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface
when the outer surface is engaged with the ground surface while the
cylindrical portion is rolled over the ground surface. For example,
the cylindrical portion may define a plurality of keyhole-shaped
openings and each of the plurality of ground displacing elements
(e.g., compression elements) may be removably coupled to the
cylindrical portion using a keyhole-shaped opening of the plurality
of keyhole-shaped openings. Further, for example, each of the
plurality of ground displacing elements (e.g., compression
elements) may define an opening extending therethrough and the
roller apparatus may include a plurality of fasteners (e.g.,
wherein each fastener of the plurality of fasteners may be
configured to extend through the opening of a ground displacing
element and through a keyhole-shaped opening of the cylindrical
portion to removably couple the ground displacing element to the
cylindrical portion). In one or more embodiments, each
keyhole-shaped opening of the plurality of keyhole-shaped openings
may define a slot region and a circular region, a diameter of the
circular region may be larger than a width of the slot region, the
cylindrical portion may define a plurality of secondary openings,
and/or each ground displacing element of the plurality of ground
displacing elements may include a retention portion configured to
be located in one of the secondary openings of the cylindrical
portion when the ground displacing element is removably coupled to
the cylindrical portion using a keyhole-shaped opening to retain
the fastener in the slot region of the keyhole-shaped opening. In
one or more embodiments, a single roller apparatus may be used with
a vehicle (e.g., the single roller apparatus may include
compression elements as described herein).
[0011] An exemplary method of using an implement may include
coupling an implement to a vehicle. The implement may include a
mount portion couplable to a vehicle, an extension member extending
from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion (e.g., wherein
the proximal end portion may be pivotably coupled to the mount
portion about a pivot axis), and a roller apparatus rotatably
coupled to the distal end portion of the extension member about a
roller axis. The roller apparatus may include a cylindrical portion
lying along the roller axis configured to roll over a ground
surface and the cylindrical portion may define an outer surface
configured to engage the ground surface when the cylindrical
portion is rolled over the ground surface and a plurality of ground
displacing elements coupled to the cylindrical portion and
extending from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion (e.g.,
each ground displacing element of the plurality of ground
displacing elements may include a ground lifting surface configured
to engage and lift ground material to disperse the ground material
and form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface when the
outer surface is engaged with the ground surface while the
cylindrical portion is rolled over the ground surface). The mount
portion may be configured to transmit force to the roller apparatus
to maintain engagement between the outer surface of the cylindrical
portion and the ground surface when the cylindrical portion is
rolled over the ground surface. The method may further include
engaging the ground surface with the roller apparatus of the
implement and traversing the ground surface with the vehicle and
the implement.
[0012] The above summary is not intended to describe each
embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. A
more complete understanding will become apparent and appreciated by
referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary implement.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a top view of the implement of FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 1C is a cross sectional view of the implement of FIG.
1A taken along line A-A' as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0016] FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of the elongate torsion assembly
of FIG. 1C.
[0017] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another exemplary
implement.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a top view of the implement of FIG. 2A.
[0019] FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ground
displacing element of the implement of FIG. 2A taken along line
B-B' as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary
implement.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another exemplary
implement.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a side view of the implement of FIG. 4A.
[0023] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another exemplary
implement.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a top view of the implement of FIG. 5A.
[0025] FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view of the implement of FIG.
5A taken along line C-C' as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0026] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of an exemplary ground
displacing element, e.g., for use with the implement of FIG.
5A.
[0027] FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the ground
displacing element of FIG. 6A.
[0028] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary cylindrical
portion, e.g., for use with the implement of FIG. 5A.
[0029] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of an exemplary attachment
region of the cylindrical portion of FIG. 7A.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary implement
system including a plurality of implements, e.g., such as the
implement depicted in FIG. 3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0031] In the following detailed description of illustrative
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the
drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way
of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. It is
to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
structural changes may be made without departing from (e.g., still
falling within) the scope of the disclosure presented hereby.
[0032] Exemplary apparatus, systems, and methods shall be described
with reference to FIGS. 1-8. It will be apparent to one skilled in
the art that elements from one embodiment may be used in
combination with elements of the other embodiments, and that the
possible embodiments of such apparatus, systems, and methods using
combinations of features set forth herein is not limited to the
specific embodiments shown in the figures and/or described herein.
Further, it will be recognized that the embodiments described
herein may include many elements that are not necessarily shown to
scale. Still further, it will be recognized that the size and shape
of various elements herein may be modified but still fall within
the scope of the present disclosure, although certain one or more
shapes and/or sizes, or types of elements, may be advantageous over
others.
[0033] Exemplary implements, implement systems, and methods
described herein may be configured to engage a ground surface and
form a plurality reservoirs in the ground surface. The exemplary
implements may include roller apparatus, and the roller apparatus
may include a plurality of ground displacing elements shaped,
sized, and/or configured in many different ways which will be
described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-8.
[0034] As used herein, a "reservoir" may be defined as an
indentation, recess, and/or cavity formed within a ground surface
configured such that water may be collected and/or held
therein.
[0035] An exemplary implement 10 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C may
include a mount portion 20, an extension member 30, and a roller
apparatus 40. The mount portion 20 may be configured to be coupled
to a vehicle (not shown), such as a tractor, to couple the
exemplary implement 10 to the vehicle. The vehicle may be used to
pull the implement between rows of vegetation or crops to form a
plurality of reservoirs between the rows using the implement 10. To
provide the coupling between the implement 10 and a vehicle, the
mount portion 20 may include one or more mounting brackets 22
configured to be coupled, or attached, to a portion of a vehicle.
As shown, the mounting brackets 22 may define a plurality of
apertures, or openings, 24 through which fasteners, such as bolts,
may extend to couple the brackets 22 to the vehicle.
[0036] The mount portion 20 may not be directly coupled to a
vehicle, and instead, may be coupled to apparatus that is coupled
to the vehicle. For example, the mount portion 20 may be coupled to
frame apparatus, such as, e.g., a beam, or other support member,
which may be coupled to the vehicle, such as described herein with
respect to FIG. 8. In one or more embodiments, exemplary frame
apparatus may be raised or lowered by the vehicle so as to raise or
lower the implement 10 to engage a ground surface. For example, the
mount portion 20 may be couplable to and/or coupled to a frame
apparatus that extends transverse to the forward moving direction
of a vehicle and the frame apparatus may be coupled to a hydraulic
system of the vehicle to raise and lower the implement 10 when used
in conjunction with the vehicle.
[0037] The mount portion 20 may be configured to transmit force to
the roller apparatus 40 from the vehicle to maintain engagement
between the roller apparatus 40 and a ground surface 12 when the
roller apparatus 40 is rolled over the ground surface 12 as shown
in FIG. 1C. For example, the vehicle may provide a force, or may
allow the mass of the implement 10 itself to provide a force, to
direct the roller apparatus 40 in engagement with the ground
surface 12 when in use, and the mount portion 20 may facilitate, or
transmit, that force to the roller apparatus 40. Additionally, the
mount portion 20 may be configured to transmit force to the roller
apparatus 40 by being biased in a clockwise direction about a pivot
axis 14 as shown by arrow 15 when viewing the implement 10 from the
side as shown in FIG. 1C. Other methods of transmitting force to
the roller apparatus 40 may be used such as, e.g., airbags, a
bellows suspension system, a torsional spring system, a linear
spring actuator system, or a rotary or linear hydraulic
actuator/accumulator system, etc.
[0038] The extension member 30 may extend from a proximal end
portion 32 to a distal end portion 34 and may be pivotally coupled
to the mount portion about the pivot axis 14. As used herein,
"pivotally coupled" may be defined as a coupling between objects
such that the objects are configured for pivotal movement in
relation to each other. As depicted, the mount portion 20 may be
pivotally coupled to the proximal end portion 32 of the extension
member 30 through the use of an elongate torsion assembly 80 (see,
e.g., a "Henschen" suspension as described in U.S. Pat. No.
3,436,069 entitled "Bearing Assembly for Elastic Joints" and issued
to Henschen on Apr. 1, 1969 and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.
2007/0024016 A1 entitled "Parallel Torsion Suspension Assembly"
published on Feb. 1, 2007, each of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties), which is shown in more detail in
FIG. 1D.
[0039] The elongate torsion assembly 80 may extend along the pivot
axis 14 and be configured to provide down pressure, or downward
force, to the roller apparatus 40. The elongate torsion assembly 80
may also act as a suspension, by limiting travel and damping
movement and vibrations, when the roller apparatus 40 of the
implement 10 is rolled across a ground surface 12. The elongated
torsion assembly 80 may include a first elongate member 82 fixedly
coupled to the mount portion 20, and a second elongate member 88
fixedly coupled to the extension member 30. The first elongate
member 82 may include an upper portion 84 and a lower portion 86
configured to be coupled together to "sandwich" the second elongate
member 88 therebetween. The elongate torsion assembly 80 may
further include a plurality of cushioning rods 90 located between
the first and second elongate members 82, 88. The cushioning rods
90 may be configured to allow movement of the first elongate member
82 relative to the second elongate member 88 about the pivot axis
14 in either direction as indicated by arrow 92. As such, the
elongated torsion assembly 80 may be configured to allow movement
of the mount portion 20 relative to extension member 30, and vice
versa, about the pivot axis 14 in either direction as indicated by
arrow 92.
[0040] In other words, the elongated torsion assembly 80 may
include two elongate members, a first elongate member 82 and a
second elongate member 88, which may be of similar length, but may
differ in cross section size or shape such that the first and
second elongate members 82, 88 may be generally concentrically
arranged about the pivot axis 14 with shock absorbing and/or travel
limiting cushioning rods 90 (a rod of any suitable shape may be
used) located therebetween. In some embodiments, the first elongate
member 82 may reside or may be located within the second elongate
member 88 as opposed to the second elongate member 88 residing or
located within the first elongate member 82.
[0041] In at least one embodiment, the cushioning rods 90 may
extend the full length of the first elongate member 82 and the
second elongate member 88. In other embodiments the cushioning rods
90 may be formed in segments and or pieces and may be located at
the end regions of elongate members 82 and 88. In some embodiments,
the cushioning rods 90 may extend greater than or equal to 40% of
the length of the first and second elongate members 82, 88, greater
than or equal to 50% of the length of the first and second elongate
members 82, 88, greater than or equal to 75% of the length of the
first and second elongate members 82, 88, or greater than or equal
to 90% of the length of the first and second elongate members 82,
88. Additionally, the cushioning rods 90 may extend less than or
equal to 100% of the length of the first and second elongate
members 82, 88, less than or equal to 90% of the length of the
first and second elongate members 82, 88, less than or equal to 75%
of the length of the first and second elongate members 82, 88, or
less than or equal to 50% of the length of the first and second
elongate members 82, 88.
[0042] In other embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C, the
mount portion may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end portion
of the extension member through the use of, for example, a spring,
a strut, a shock absorber, a linear spring/damper system, a rotary
or linear hydraulic actuator/accumulator system or any suitable
suspension element or system or combination of such elements or
systems, etc.
[0043] The extension member 30 may be made, or formed of, metal
such as steel, aluminum, cast iron, plastic (e.g., for example,
fiber-reinforced or glass-filled) or any other suitable material.
Further, the extension member 30 may be formed by cutting (e.g.,
laser cutting, stamping, blanking, water-jet cutting, or plasma
cutting, etc.) a sheet of material and then bending, or forming,
the sheet of material into the shape depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C.
Additionally, the extension member 30 may be formed using any
suitable method including casting, forging or injection molding. As
shown, one or more cutouts 36 may be defined, or formed, in the
extension member 30 to, e.g., reduce weight, provide access points
for serviceability, provide debris cleanout and/or flow-through for
debris, etc.
[0044] Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the extension member 30 may
include one or more stiffening members 38 to, e.g., reinforce the
strength of the extension member 30. The stiffening members 38 may
be formed by coupling (e.g., by welding, riveting or otherwise
fastening process) reinforcement material to the extension member
30, or by the creation of stiffening features within the extension
member 30. The stiffening members 38 may restrict bending, twisting
or other undesirable deformation of the extension member 30 from
occurring. The distal end portion 34 of the extension member may
extend towards the ground surface 12 (e.g., the distal end portion
34 may be angled towards a ground surface 12, etc., as shown in
FIG. 1C) and may be coupled to the roller apparatus 40 to locate
the roller apparatus 40 proximate the ground surface 12 such that
the roller apparatus 40 may engage and contact the ground 12 (e.g.,
for example, continuously, to ensure that the roller apparatus 40
outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41 maintains contact
with the ground surface 12 and does not bounce off the ground
surface 12, or intermittently, so that the roller apparatus 40 or
the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41 maintains
contact with the ground surface 12 at least a portion of the time)
when in use.
[0045] The roller apparatus 40 may be configured to engage and lift
ground material to disperse the ground material and form a
plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface 12 as the implement
10 traverses the ground surface 12. As the roller apparatus 40
traverses the ground surface 12, the roller apparatus 40 may roll
over the ground surface 12. To facilitate the rotational motion of
the roller apparatus 40, the roller apparatus 40 may be rotatably
coupled to the distal end portion 34 of the extension member 30
about a roller axis 16. As used herein, "rotatably coupled" may be
defined as a coupling between objects such that the objects are
rotatable in relation to each other.
[0046] The roller apparatus 40 may include a cylindrical portion 41
defining an outer surface 43 and a plurality of ground displacing
elements 60 (e.g., soil displacing elements). The cylindrical
portion 41 may extend from a first end portion 42 to a second end
portion 44 defining a roller width 47. The roller width 47 (e.g.,
for example, a roller width sized to be positioned between crop
rows) may be about 8 inches to about 42 inches, such as, e.g.,
about 8 inches, about 12 inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches,
about 24 inches, about 42 inches, or any size in between those
described herein, but not limited thereto, etc., and may be
dependent on the distance between crop rows for which the implement
is intended to be used. Each of the first end portion 42 and the
second end portion 44 may be rotatably coupled to the extension
member 30 about the roller axis 16 such that the roller apparatus
40 is rotatably coupled to the extension member 30.
[0047] The plurality of ground displacing elements 60 may be
coupled to the cylindrical portion 41 and extend outwardly from the
outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41. The plurality of
ground displacing elements 60 may be configured to extend into the
ground, or beyond the ground surface 12, to engage and lift ground
material when the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41 is
engaged with the ground surface 12 as the roller apparatus 40 and
portions thereof such as the cylindrical portion 41 are rolled over
the ground surface 12. After the ground material is lifted by the
ground displacing elements 60, the ground displacing elements 60
may disperse the ground material. In one or more embodiments, the
ground material may dispersed to the sides of the roller apparatus
40, e.g., direction traverse to the forward moving motion of the
vehicle.
[0048] As noted, the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41
may be configured to engage the ground surface 12 when the
cylindrical portion 41 is rolled over the ground surface 12 as
shown in FIG. 1C. As used herein, "engage a ground surface" may be
defined as touching, or contacting, the ground surface 12 while the
object is in use. For example, when the outer surface 43 of the
cylindrical portion 41 of the roller apparatus 40 engages the
ground surface 12, at least a portion of the outer surface 43 may
touch, or be in contact, with the ground surface 12 at least a
portion of the time when in use. Further, in one embodiment, the
exemplary implement 10 may be configured such that the outer
surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41 engages, or contacts, the
ground continuously or intermittently when in use (e.g., the
suspension apparatus coupling the mount portion 20 to the extension
member 30 may transmit force to the roller apparatus 40 to provide
continuous or intermittent engagement between the outer surface 43
of the cylindrical portion 41 and the ground surface 12).
[0049] The cylindrical portion 41 of the roller apparatus 40 may
define an enclosure (e.g., a hollow drum). For example, in some
embodiments, the cylindrical portion 41 may be enclosed by circular
disks 45 proximate each end portion 42, 44 to form an enclosed
cylindrical portion or enclosure. In some embodiments, the
enclosure may define a sealable opening 51 enabling a user to fill
the enclosure with mass-increasing material, and to contain the
mass-increasing material within the cylindrical portion, which may
enable more force or pressure to be applied to the ground surface
12 by the roller apparatus 40. For example, such an enclosure may
be configured to hold fluid material, solid material, or a
combination of the two, and may include, but is not limited to,
materials such as water, sand, calcium chloride, methanol, ethylene
glycol, and propylene glycol, etc.
[0050] As described herein, the plurality of ground displacing
elements 60 may engage and lift ground material, disperse the
ground material, and form a plurality of reservoirs in the ground
surface 12. Exemplary roller apparatuses 40 may include any number
of ground displacing elements 60. As shown, the roller apparatus 40
includes four ground displacing elements 60. In one or more
embodiments, the roller apparatus 40 may include 2 or more ground
displacing elements 60, 3 or more ground displacing elements 60, 4
or more ground displacing elements 60, 6 or more ground displacing
elements 60, 8 or more ground displacing elements 60, 20 or more
ground displacing elements 60, etc. In one or more embodiments, the
roller apparatus 40 may include 24 or less ground displacing
elements 60, 16 or less ground displacing elements 60, 12 or less
ground displacing elements 60, 10 or less ground displacing
elements 60, 8 or less ground displacing elements 60, and/or 6 or
less ground displacing elements 60, etc.
[0051] The plurality of ground displacing elements 60 may be spaced
in various manners and locations about the cylindrical portion 41.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, the four ground displacing
elements 60 are located and spaced equally, equidistantly, and/or
equiangularly about the cylindrical portion 60 and the roller axis
16. The four ground displacing elements 60 of the exemplary
implement 10 may be described as being spaced and located
90.degree. apart from one another.
[0052] The ground displacing elements 60 may come in many forms,
shapes, and/or sizes so as to be configured to engage ground
material and lift the ground material to disperse the ground
material and form a plurality reservoirs in the ground surface 12
when the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41 is engaged
with the ground surface 12 when rolled over the ground surface 12.
When the ground displacing elements 60 engage with ground material,
each of the ground displacing elements 60 may be described as
contacting the ground surface and extending into (e.g., beyond) the
ground surface 12 so as to displace, or grab, a portion of ground
material from below the ground surface 12. After the ground
material has been acquired by the ground displacing element 60, the
ground displacing element 60 may lift the ground material above the
ground surface 12 and disperse the material such that a reservoir
is created, or formed, in the ground surface 12. In one or more
embodiments, the ground material that is lifted from the ground may
be dispersed such that all, a majority of, or a portion of the
ground material is not dispersed back into the reservoir that was
created (e.g., may form mounds between the reservoirs in any
direction, such as between reservoirs within the path of travel of
the roller apparatus, or outside the path of travel of the roller
apparatus).
[0053] Each ground displacing element 60 may include a blade
portion 62 and one or more attachment portions 64 coupled to the
blade portion 62. The one or more attachment portions 64 may be
coupled to the cylindrical portion 41 of the roller apparatus 40 to
hold, or position, the blade portion 62 with respect to the
cylindrical portion 41. The blade portion 62 of a ground displacing
element 60 may define a ground lifting surface 66 and a rear
surface 68 opposite the ground lifting surface 66. An element
thickness 69 may be defined between the rear surface 68 and the
ground lifting surface 66. In at least one embodiment, the element
thickness 69 may be about 3/16 inch to about 1/2 inch (i.e., about
0.1875 to about 0.5 inches).
[0054] The element width 70 of the ground displacing element 60 may
be defined as the distance extending parallel to the roller axis 16
between a first edge 72 of the blade portion 62 and a second edge
74 of the blade portion 62 as shown in FIG. 1B. The element width
70 may be about 8 inches to about 42 inches, such as, e.g., about 8
inches, about 12 inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches, about 24
inches, about 42 inches, or any width in between those described
herein, but not limited thereto, etc.
[0055] The element thickness 69 may be defined in relative terms
with respect to the element width 70. For example, the element
thickness 69 may be substantially smaller than the element width 70
of the ground displacing element 60. In other words, the element
width 70 of the ground displacing element 60 may be greater than
the element thickness 69.
[0056] The element length 71 of the ground displacing element 60
may be defined as the distance extending perpendicular to the
roller axis 16 from the location where the ground displacing
element 60 is attached to the outer surface 43 (e.g., a tangential
point) of the cylindrical portion 41 to a distal edge 73 of the
blade portion 62 as shown in FIG. 1C. As shown, the element width
70 is greater than the element length 71. The element length 71 may
be about 14 inches to about 16 inches, such as, e.g., about 14
inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, etc.
[0057] The size of the ground displacing elements 60 may be defined
in relative terms with respect to the size of cylindrical portion
41. For example, as shown in the exemplary implement 10 depicted in
FIGS. 1A-1C, the element width 70 may be approximately equal to the
roller width 47. In other embodiments, the element width 70 may be
greater than or less than the roller width 47. For example, the
element width 70 may be greater than or equal to 50% of the roller
width 47, greater than or equal 60% of the roller width 47, greater
than or equal to 75% of the roller width 47, greater than or equal
to 90% of the roller width 47, or greater than or equal to 100% of
the roller width 47. Further, for example, the element width 70 may
be less than or equal to 150% of the roller width 47, less than or
equal 125% of the roller width 47, less than or equal to 100% of
the roller width 47, less than or equal to 90% of the roller width
47, or less than or equal to 75% of the roller width 47.
[0058] Further, the size of the ground displacing element 60 may be
defined in terms of a radius 49 of the cylindrical portion 41 that
extends between the roller axis 16 and the outer surface 43 of the
cylindrical portion 41. For example, in some embodiments, the
element length 71 of the ground displacing element 60 may be
greater than or equal to the radius 49 of the cylindrical portion
41. For example, the radius 49 of the cylindrical portion 41 may be
in the range of about 6 inches to 9 inches, such as, e.g., about 6
inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, or about 9 inches, etc. As
shown in FIG. 1C, the blade portion 62 of the ground displacing
element 60 extends into and below the ground surface 12, as
indicated by a blade penetration depth 76 (e.g., the depth the
blade portion extends below the ground surface, such as the
distance the blade extends or penetrates below a point, axis or
plane of contact between the cylindrical portion 41 and the ground
surface 12). The blade penetration depth may be less than the
length of the blade portion 62. The blade penetration depth 76 may
be, for example, in the range of about 6 inches to about 9 inches,
or any depth in between those described herein.
[0059] The ground lifting surface 66 may be configured to engage
and lift ground material to disperse the ground material and form a
plurality of reservoirs in the ground surface when the outer
surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41 is engaged with the ground
surface 12 as the cylindrical portion 41 is rolled over the ground
surface 12. The ground lifting surface 66 is the portion of the
ground displacing element 60 that may be described as being
configured to dig, remove, separate, break apart, and/or lift the
ground material out of the ground, and subsequently disperse the
ground material.
[0060] The blade portion 62, and/or the ground lifting surface 66
of the blade portion 62, may come in many shapes and sizes. For
example, the blade portion 62 and/or the ground lifting surface 66
may be substantially planar as shown in the exemplary implement 10
depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C. In other words, the blade portion 62 and
the ground lifting surface 66 lie, or extend, along a single plane.
In other embodiments, the blade portion 62 and/or the ground
lifting surface 66 may be non-planar such as, e.g. curved,
cambered, convex, concave, angled, etc. Additionally, the blade
portion 62 may include more than one portion that are positioned
with respect to one another to provide a ground lifting surface 66
lying in more than one plane, each portion angled with respect to
one another.
[0061] The blade portion 62, and in turn, the ground lifting
surface 66, of each of the ground displacing elements 60 may be
configured to extend tangentially with respect to the cylindrical
portion 41. In other words, the blade portion 62 may be coupled to
the cylindrical portion 41 in a tangential orientation, or a
substantially tangential orientation. For example, each blade
portion 62 may extend from the cylindrical portion 41 along a plane
that is tangential to the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical
portion 41. In other embodiments, such as those described herein
with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B, the blade portions and/or ground
lifting surfaces may also extend radially, or at any suitable
angle, from the cylindrical portion.
[0062] The attachment portions 64 of the ground displacing elements
60 may provide coupling of the blade portions 62 to the cylindrical
portion 41 of the roller apparatus 40. In at least one embodiment,
the attachment portions 64 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., for
example, welded) to the cylindrical portion 41 such that, e.g., the
blade portions 62 of the ground displacing elements 60 may be
removed and replaced (e.g., the blade portions 62 may be attached
to the attachment portions 64 by fasteners 165, e.g., such as,
screws, bolts, nuts, etc.). In at least one other embodiment, the
attachment portions 64 may be removably coupled to the cylindrical
portion 41 such that, e.g., the ground displacing elements 60
including both the blade portions 62 and the attachment portions 64
may be removable from the cylindrical portion 41 and/or replaced by
another ground displacing element.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, each ground displacing element 60
may include four attachment portions 64. In other embodiments, each
of the ground displacing elements 60 may include less than 4
attachment portions 64 (e.g., such as 1 attachment portion, 2
attachment portions, and 3 attachment portions) or more than 4
attachment portions (e.g., such as 5 attachment portions, 6
attachment portions, 8 attachment portions, etc.). In at least one
embodiment, the ground displacing elements 60 may not include an
attachment portion 64 and the blade portion 62 may be directly
coupled to the cylindrical portion 41. Each of the attachment
portions 64 of the ground displacing elements 60 of the exemplary
implement 10 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C are coupled or attached to the
side of the blade portion 62 that defines the ground lifting
surface 66 (e.g., located on the counterclockwise side of the blade
portion as viewed in FIG. 1C).
[0064] In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 3-4, the
one more attachment portions may be attached, or coupled, to the
side of the blade portion defining the rear surface, which may be
described as the non-working surface of the blade (e.g., located on
the clockwise side of the blade portion as viewed in FIG. 4B).
[0065] Although the ground displacing elements 60, or members, are
described herein as extending from the cylindrical portion 41
and/or the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41, the
blade portions 62 of the ground displacing elements 60 may or may
not extend completely to the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical
portion 41. For example, a gap 75 may be present between the blade
portion 62 and the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 41.
In other words, while the attachment portions 64 of the ground
displacing elements 60 may be in contact with, or coupled to, the
cylindrical portion 41, the blade portions 62 may not be in
contact, or touch, the outer surface 43 of the cylindrical portion
41.
[0066] Another exemplary implement 110 is depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C.
Several features and/or portions of the exemplary implement 110 may
be similar to the exemplary implement 10 described herein with
reference to FIGS. 1A-1D. For example, the mount portion 120,
extension member 130, cylindrical portion 141 of the roller
apparatus 140, and attachment portions 164 of the ground displacing
elements 160 of the exemplary implement 110 may be similar to the
mount portion 20, extension member 30, cylindrical portion 41 of
the roller apparatus 40, and attachment portions 64 of the ground
displacing elements 60 of the exemplary implement 10 of FIGS.
1A-1D. As such, such features and/or portions are not further
described herein, and it is to be understood that one or more such
features and/or portions may be used interchangeably between each
and every embodiment described herein.
[0067] The exemplary implement 110 may include a plurality of
ground displacing elements 160 that are configured differently than
the ground displacing elements 60 of the exemplary implement 10
described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D. More specifically,
the blade portions 162 of the ground displacing elements 160 of the
exemplary implement 110 are shaped differentially than the blade
portions 62 of the ground displacing elements 60 of the exemplary
implement 10.
[0068] Each of the ground displacing elements 160 may include a
blade portion 162 and one or more attachment portions 164. As
shown, each ground displacing element 160 includes two attachment
portions 164 configured to attach the blade portion 162 to the
cylindrical portion 141. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the blade portion
162 and, in turn, the ground lifting surface 166, of the ground
displacing elements 160 are bent, or angled, so as to define a
first portion 190 and a second portion 192. The ground lifting
surface 166 of each of the first portion 190 and the second portion
192 may lie, or extend within, different planes than each other as
shown in the cross sectional view of the blade portion 162 in FIG.
2C.
[0069] The first portion 190 and the second portion 192 may be
angled with respect to each other so as to be described as being
non-planar, or not lying substantially in a single plane. For
example, the first portion 190 may lie in a first plane 191 and the
second portion 192 may lie in a second plane 193, and the first
plane 191 may be different, or intersect with, the second plane 193
defining an angle 195. The angle 195 between the first portion 190
and the second portion 192 may be between about 185 degrees to
about 265 degrees. For example, the angle 195 may be greater than
or equal to about 185 degrees, greater than or equal to about 200
degrees, greater than or equal to about 210 degrees, greater than
or equal to about 220 degrees, greater than or equal to about 230
degrees, or greater than or equal to about 240 degrees or more.
Further, for example, the angle 195 may be less than or equal to
about 265 degrees, less than or equal to about 255 degrees, less
than or equal to about 245 degrees, less than or equal to about 225
degrees, or less than or equal to about 200 degrees, or any angle
in between those listed above, but not limited thereto.
[0070] The first plane 191 and the second plane 193 may be
described as intersecting at an apex 197. A tip portion of the apex
197 (FIGS. 2A and 2C) that is most distal from the cylindrical
portion 141 may be the first portion of the blade 162 to contact
the ground surface 12 when the implement 110 is being used to form
reservoirs. In other words, the blade portion 162 may be pointed
like a shovel (see, e.g., chisel tip 297 in FIG. 4A).
[0071] As shown in FIG. 2C, after the ground lifting surface 166
has lifted ground material from the ground, the ground lifting
surface 166 may disperse ground material outside of the roller
width, generally in either direction parallel to the roller axis 16
as shown by arrows 199. In other words, the non-planar or angled,
ground lifting surface 166 of the implement 110 of FIGS. 2A-2C may
be configured to disperse ground material in lateral directions, or
directions orthogonal to the direction the vehicle is traveling.
Dispersion of ground material, or soil, in these lateral directions
may move ground material (e.g., create mounds of ground material)
outside the width of the roller apparatus 140, and outside the
roller apparatuses 140 path of travel.
[0072] Another exemplary implement 111 is depicted in FIG. 3, which
may be similar to the implement 110 described herein with respect
to FIGS. 2A-2C. The exemplary implement 111 may be different from
the implement 110. For example, the exemplary implement 111 may
define apertures, or openings, 163 in the blade portions 162 of the
ground displacing elements 160. The apertures 163 in the blade
portions 162 may allow some ground material to pass through the
blade portions 162. For example, the apertures 163 (e.g., may be
positioned adjacent the cylindrical portion 141) may be configured
to prevent a buildup of ground material in a region of the blade
portion 162 proximal to the cylindrical portion 141. Generally, the
ground material may be dispersed as described with regard to the
embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C, however, in this embodiment, some ground
material may also pass through the apertures 163 in the blade
portions 162. Further, the apertures 163 may also provide
additional tillage or breaking up of the ground material.
Additionally, the apertures 163 may further reduce the weight of
the blade portion 162.
[0073] Further, for example, the exemplary implement 111 of FIG. 3
may include attachment portions 164 that are attached, or coupled,
to the rear surface 168 of the blade portion 162 (e.g., for
example, located on the clockwise side of the blade portion as
viewed in FIG. 3). Attachment portions 164 coupled to the
cylindrical portion in this arrangement may reduce the amount of
ground material that may be captured or clogged up in the
attachment portions 164 or between the cylindrical portion 141 and
the ground lifting surface 162.
[0074] Another exemplary implement 210 is depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B.
Several features and/or portions of the exemplary implement 210 may
be similar to the exemplary implement 10 described herein with
reference to FIGS. 1A-1D and the exemplary implement 110 described
herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. For example, the mount
portion 220, extension member 230, cylindrical portion 241 of the
roller apparatus 240, and attachment portions 264 of the ground
displacing elements 260 of the exemplary implement 210 may be
similar to the mount portion 20, extension member 30, cylindrical
portion 41 of the roller apparatus 40, and attachment portions 64
of the ground displacing elements 60 of the exemplary implement 10
of FIGS. 1A-1D. Further, for example, the shape and configuration
of the blade portions 262 of the ground displacing elements 260 may
be similar to the shape and configuration of the blade portions 162
of the ground displacing elements 160 of the exemplary implement
110 of FIGS. 2A-2C. As such, such features and/or portions are not
further described herein, and it is to be understood that one or
more such features and/or portions may be used interchangeably
between each and every embodiment described herein.
[0075] The ground displacing elements 260 of the roller apparatus
240 of the exemplary implement 210 may be described as extending
radially from the cylindrical portion 241 (e.g., from the outer
surface 243) as opposed to tangentially as in the embodiments
described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-3. In other words, the
plane in which the ground displacing element 260 lies or partially
lies, may not be tangential to the cylindrical portion 241, and
instead, may extend through the roller axis 16. Additionally, the
element length 270 as shown in FIG. 4B extending from the
cylindrical surface 243 to the distal end of the ground displacing
element 260 may be smaller than the element length 71 of the ground
displacing members 60 described herein with reference to FIG. 1C.
In this embodiment, the element length 270 may be about 6 inches to
about 9 inches such, as, e.g., about 6 inches, about 7 inches,
about 8 inches, or about 9 inches, etc. Additionally, the element
length 270 may be described in terms relative to the radius 272 of
the cylindrical portion 241. For example, the element length 270 in
this embodiment may be less than or equal to the radius 272.
[0076] Exemplary implements may utilize various different types of
suspension systems and apparatus to couple the mount portion to the
extension member to transmit, transform and/or apply down pressure
and/or maintain continuous contact between the roller apparatus and
the ground surface. For example, the exemplary implement 310
depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C may include a suspension system 380 that
utilizes a spring 382 (or other suitable suspension component)
configured to provide suspension and bias about the pivot axis 14
between the mount portion 320 and the extension member 330.
[0077] Additionally, the roller apparatus 340 of the exemplary
implement 310 includes a cylindrical portion 341 and a plurality of
ground displacing elements 360 that are different than the ground
displacing elements described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-4.
The ground displacing elements 360 of the roller apparatus 340 may
be configured to engage and compress ground material to disperse
the ground material to provide a plurality of reservoirs when the
roller apparatus 340 engages the ground surface. In some
embodiments, the roller apparatus 340 may not be configured to pass
in between rows of crops, but may, for example, have a long roller
length that is greater than multiple crop rows.
[0078] As shown in more detail in FIGS. 5C and 6A-6B, each of the
of the plurality of ground displacing elements 360 may define an
opening 362 extending therethrough configured to receive a fastener
363 such as, e.g., a bolt to couple the ground displacing element
to the cylindrical portion 341. As such, the ground displacing
elements 360 may be described as being removably couplable to
and/or removably coupled to the cylindrical portion 341.
[0079] The ground displacing elements 360 may further define a
plurality of ground displacing surfaces 366 and a bottom surface
368. The bottom surface 368 may be configured to be positioned
adjacent the outer surface 343 of the cylindrical portion 341. As
shown, the bottom surface 368 may be curved to match the curve of
the cylindrical portion 341. Additionally, the ground displacing
elements 360 may define a retention portion 364 protruding from the
bottom surface 368 configured to mate with an opening of the
cylindrical portion 341 as described herein with reference to FIGS.
7A-7B.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the exemplary cylindrical portion
341 may define a plurality of secondary openings 392 (e.g., any
shaped openings, or combination of openings, including holes,
slots, or any other suitable openings) and a plurality of
keyhole-shaped openings 394 (e.g., shaped openings providing the
functionality described herein including a larger opening region
adjacent a smaller opening region; such opening regions having an
suitable shape). One secondary opening 392 and one keyhole-shaped
opening 394 paired together may be configured to receive the
retention portion 364 and a fastener 363 of a ground displacing
element 360, respectively, to removably couple the ground
displacing element 360 to the cylindrical portion 341. For example,
each of the plurality of ground displacing elements 360 may be
removably coupled to the cylindrical portion 341 using a secondary
opening 392 and a keyhole-shaped opening 394.
[0081] More specifically, as shown in the enlarged region 390 of
FIG. 7B, each fastener 363 may be configured to extend through the
opening 362 of the ground displacing element 360. During
attachment, the fastener 363 may be first located in a circular
region 396 of the keyhole-shaped opening 394 such that the head of
the bolt may be placed through the circular region 396 and then the
ground displacing element may be slid in the direction of arrow 399
such that the fastener 363 may be located in a slot region 398 of
the keyhole-shaped opening 394. When fastener 363 is located in the
slot region 398, the retention portion 364 may line up with and be
received by the attachment opening 392 to, e.g., assist in
retaining the ground displacing element 360 coupled to the
cylindrical portion 341. As shown, the diameter of the circular
region 396 may be larger than a width of the slot region 398, e.g.,
to accept a head of a bolt.
[0082] An exemplary implement system 400 may include a frame
apparatus 420 and a plurality of implements 410 coupled to the
frame apparatus 420. The frame apparatus 420 may include one or
more various structures such as, e.g., a beam, etc., that are
configured to couple the system 400 to a vehicle. As shown, the
plurality of implements 410 may be arranged and mounted to the
frame apparatus 420 in a spaced apart arrangement along the frame
apparatus 420 to facilitate the implements 410 passing in between
rows of crops represented by lines 413, e.g., so as not to damage
the crops and create reservoirs in the ground between the rows of
crops when the system 400 traverses across a ground surface.
[0083] In any of the embodiments discussed herein, one or more
ground breaking apparatus (e.g., sweep blades, row crop sweeps,
chisel elements, or sweep cultivators) may be coupled to any of the
implements or systems described herein. The one or more ground
breaking apparatus may be configured to break up or loosen the
ground material prior to the roller apparatus forming reservoirs in
the ground surface (e.g., mounted ahead of the roller apparatus in
the direction of travel).
[0084] All patents, patent documents, and references cited herein
are incorporated in their entirety as if each were incorporated
separately. This disclosure has been provided with reference to
illustrative embodiments and is not meant to be construed in a
limiting sense. As described previously, one skilled in the art
will recognize that other various illustrative applications may use
the techniques as described herein to take advantage of the
beneficial characteristics of the exemplary apparatus described
herein. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as
well as additional embodiments of the disclosure, will be apparent
upon reference to this description.
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