Patent ID: 6629406
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: A01D,Y10S

Abstract:
A pruning apparatus comprising:a plurality of ground work units, each including a plurality of tool members operatively connected to a drive shaft rotatably supported by a housing and rotated by a drive means for effectively pruning a sub-area of a ground surface when being advanced; a wheeled main frame adapted to be towed behind a propelling vehicle, the main frame selectively connecting a number of the ground work units staggered in front and rear rows to provide a selected width of pruning area including the pruning sub-areas of the individual ground work units; and a connecting means for connecting the respective ground work units to the main frame, with the connecting means each ground work unit being pivotable with respect to the main frame, about a forwardly directing and substantially horizontal axis within a limited range and pivotable about a vertical axis, and also being slidable to a selected transverse position relative to the main frame, whereby the priming apparatus generally conforms to an uneven contour of the ground surface and effects continuous and relatively consistent pruning along the entire selected width of the pruning area characterized in that the connecting means comprises a plurality of connecting bars, each having predetermined length and being pivotally connected at a front end thereof to the main frame, and slidably connected at a rear end thereof to one of the ground work units and the connecting bar comprises aperture at the front end thereof, the aperture receiving a pivoting pin that vertically extends through the aperture of the connecting bar and a hole in the main frame at least either one of the aperture and the hole being greater than a diameter of the pivoting pin to permit the connecting bar to pivot not only about the pivoting pin but also about a longitudinal axis of the connecting bar within the limited range.