Patent ID: 7604068
Filing Date: 2009-10-20
Classification: A01B

Abstract:
1. A forwardly folding tool bar, comprising: an elongated, transversely extending center tool bar section having first and second ends and rearward and forward sides; said center tool bar section having height adjustable ground engaging wheels mounted thereon; an elongated telescopic tongue having rearward and forward ends; said tongue being secured at its rearward end to said center tool bar section and extending forwardly therefrom; an elongated right wrap-around tool bar section having a first end and a second end; said right wrap-around tool bar section being pivotally connected intermediate its length to said center tool bar section inwardly of said first end thereof and being movable between a field position to a transport position; said right wrap-around tool bar section, when in its said field position, being parallel to said center tool bar section and extending outwardly therefrom; said right wrap-around tool bar section, when in its said transport position, being parallel to said center tool bar section and being positioned forwardly thereof; means for pivotally moving said right wrap-around tool bar section between its said field and transport positions; an elongated left wrap-around tool bar section having a first end and a second end; said left wrap-around tool bar section being pivotally connected intermediate its length to said center tool bar section inwardly of said second end thereof and being movable between a field position to a transport position; said left wrap-around tool bar section, when in its said field position, being parallel to said center tool bar section and extending outwardly therefrom; said left wrap-around tool bar section, when in its said transport position, being parallel to said center tool bar section and being positioned forwardly thereof; means for pivotally moving said left wrap-around tool bar section between its said field and transport positions; a right wing hinge having inner and outer ends; a left wing hinge having inner and outer ends; said inner end of said right wing hinge being pivotally secured to said center tool bar section about a vertical axis; said inner end of said left wing hinge being pivotally secured to said center tool bar section about a vertical axis; a right intermediate hinge section having inner and outer ends; said inner end of said right intermediate hinge section being pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis, to said outer end of said right wing hinge; a left intermediate hinge section having inner and outer ends; said inner end of said left intermediate hinge section being pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis, to said outer end of said left wing hinge; a right outer hinge section having inner and outer ends; said inner end of said right outer hinge section being pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis, to said outer end of said right intermediate hinge section; a left outer hinge section having inner and outer ends; said inner end of said left outer hinge section being pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis, to said outer end of said left intermediate hinge section; said right intermediate hinge section and said right outer hinge section being movable with said right wing hinge between said field and transport positions; said left intermediate hinge section and said left outer hinge section being movable with said left wing hinge between said field and transport positions; a right intermediate tool bar operatively secured to said right intermediate hinge section for movement therewith; a left intermediate tool bar operatively secured to said left intermediate hinge section for movement therewith; a right outer tool bar operatively secured to said right outer hinge section for movement therewith; a left outer tool bar operatively secured to said left outer hinge section for movement therewith; said center tool bar section, said right and left wrap-around tool bar sections, said right and left intermediate tool bars and said right and left outer tool bars adapted to have row units mounted thereon; gauge wheels operatively secured to said right intermediate and right outer tool bars; gauge wheels operatively secured to said left intermediate and left outer tool bars; said tongue having a horizontally disposed pivot point rearwardly of its forward end to define a front tongue section and a rear tongue section which are pivotally connected together to permit said front and rear tongue sections to pivotally move with respect to one another; and a pair of transport wheels selectively vertically movably mounted on said front tongue section.