Patent ID: 7021397
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: A01B

Abstract:
1. An agricultural implement comprising: a substantially rectangular center frame member having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges; at least one substantially rectangular wing member, each wing member having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges; a plurality of center frame member hinge plates mounted on the center frame member, wherein at least one of the center frame member hinge plates is proximate to the front edge and the first of the side edges of the center frame member, and further wherein, at least one of the center frame member hinge plates is proximate to the rear edge and the first of the side edges of the center frame member; a plurality of wing member hinge plates mounted on each wing member, wherein at least one of the wing member hinge plates is proximate to the front edge and the first of the side edges of each wing member, and further wherein, at least one of the wing member hinge plates is proximate to the rear edge and the first of the side edges of each wing member, and further wherein the plurality of center frame member hinge plates are configured to be pivotally connected to the plurality of wing member hinge plates so as to permit any of the wing members to be connected to the first of the side edges of the center frame member, and further wherein, once connected, the wing member is capable of being rotated between a first extended-working position substantially parallel to and outboard of the first of the side edges of the center frame member and a second folded-transport or storage position substantially above and perpendicular to the first of the side edges of the center frame member; at least one hitch connector mounted to the agricultural implement and configured for connecting the agricultural implement to a suitable towing device; a hinge pin wherein each of the plurality of center frame member hinge plates and each of the plurality of wing member hinge plates are configured to receive the hinge pin, and further wherein the hinge pin traverses substantially the distance of the first of the side edges of the center frame member and connects each of the plurality of center frame member hinge plates and each of the plurality of wing member hinge plates mounted to the first of the side edges of the center frame member and to one of the side edges of the connected wing member, respectively; and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for rotating a wing member connected to the first of the side edges of the center frame member wherein at least one of the hydraulic cylinders communicates between the front edge of the center frame member and the wing member hinge plate proximate to the front edge of the wing member, and further wherein at least one of the hydraulic cylinders communicates between the rear edge of the center frame member and the wing member hinge plate proximate to the rear edge of the wing member.