Abstract:
A folding implement that facilitates planting operations and optimization of irrigation and drainage with efficient preparation, configuration, and planting of seed beds. A centrally located fixed drum roller supports a pair of hinged outboard drum roller wings that for maximum implement width are deployed in alignment with the main section during operation. The wings are hydraulically folded into a compact upright position for legal transport over public roads. The implement is constructed so as to provide strength and durability comparable to single-section furrow rollers. The wings include double sets of crumbler baskets for the preparation of seed beds, where the crumbler baskets are moved along with the folding wings.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/847,938, filed Jul. 18, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a folding agricultural implement and more specifically to an agricultural implement for the preparation of seed beds using a folding furrow chopper and a folding furrow crumbler which fold in for transport and fold out to work. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Agricultural implements for preparing fields and configuring seed beds are well known in the art. Many of these agricultural implements employ earth working tools which are mounted on horizontally disposed frames to permit the implements to work wide swaths of earth. One example of such an implement is a combination of a furrow chopper and furrow crumbler which utilizes plowshares and heavy rollers connected to the frames to prepare and configure seed beds. As the furrow roller is drawn through the field, the plowshares dig irrigation furrows that produce raised earthen mounds between the furrows, and the rollers smooth and compact these raised earthen mounds so as to create uniform raised seed beds separated by uniform irrigation furrows. 
         [0006]    Working as wide a swath of earth as possible reduces the number of passes by the implement and the overall field preparation and configuration time. Consequently, the overall width of many of the agricultural implements has increased over time. The increased width, however, makes transport along public roads and highways difficult. In order to facilitate the transport and storage of these implements, the implement frames typically have been designed to utilize a main frame having one or more wing frames or members. These wing frames are typically connected to laterally opposite sides of the main frame so that the wing frames may be raised from positions that are substantially coplanar with the main frame (extended-working positions) to positions wherein the wing frames generally overlie or are generally perpendicular to the main frame (folded-transport or storage positions). 
         [0007]    While the utilization of wing frames facilitates both objectives of working wide swaths of earth and transporting the implement along public roads and highways, the increased width of the implement while in the extended-working position together with the weight of the applicable earth working tools imposes significant axial and torsional forces that negatively impact the operational functionality of the implement. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have an implement with wing frames that can support the applicable earth working tools and also manage the axial and torsional forces that are encountered when the wing frames are in the extended-working position. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In the practice of the present invention, a preferred embodiment folding agricultural implement a towable implement with a central frame and at least one foldable wing member. Implement tools, such as crumbler baskets, cutter baskets, cylindrical rollers, and plowshares are connected to each of the center frame and the wing member. Tools affixed to the wing members are carried with the wing member between a first, working position which is generally parallel to the central frame, and a second, transport position which is generally perpendicular to the central frame. This allows the implement to be transported and/or stored with ease. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the principles of the present invention and an exemplary embodiment thereof. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open, working position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a rear isometric view thereof 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is top plan view of the embodiment shown in a folded, transport position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  is a rear isometric view thereof. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3C  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3D  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of a component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view thereof. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of a component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6B  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6C  is an isometric view thereof 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention 
           [0023]      FIG. 7B  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7C  is an isometric view thereof. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8A  is a top plan view of a component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention 
           [0026]      FIG. 8B  is an isometric view thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8C  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8D  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a front-elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in a partially folded orientation. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a detailed isometric view of a portion of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a finer detailed isometric view thereof. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a detailed isometric view of a component of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in a partially folded orientation. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a first, working orientation. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view thereof. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view thereof, showing the present invention in a second, folded orientation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     I. Introduction, Environment, and Preferred Embodiment 
       [0039]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0040]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0041]    Generally speaking, the present invention contemplates a folding furrow chopper and a folding furrow crumbler (individually and collectively, the “Implement”) that has wing members that may be selectively deployed from a folded-transport or storage position to an extended-working position that increases the overall width of the Implement, and that is capable of managing the axial and torsional forces that are encountered when the wing members are in the extended-working position so as to permit the Implement to efficiently prepare, configure, and plant fields without having to remove prior crops or their remains or, as applicable, dirt clods with the result being fields that have uniform furrows and elevated seed beds. 
       II. Folding Furrow Chopper 
       [0042]      FIG. 1  is a top frontal isometric view of one embodiment of the folding furrow chopper. The folding furrow chopper  50  is designed to be towed by a suitable motorized vehicle, such as a farm tractor (not shown), over a field  52  for preparation and configuration for planting. Arrow  10  depicts the operational direction of folding furrow chopper  50 . Folding furrow chopper  50  includes a rigid center frame member  54  and one or more outboard, foldable wing members  56  and  57  that may be selectively rotated between the extended-working position illustrated in  FIG. 1  and a folded-transport or storage position illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, folding furrow chopper  50  includes both foldable wing members  56  and  57 . Foldable wing members  56  and  57  may be selectively locked in either the extended-working position illustrated in  FIG. 1  or the folded-transport or storage position illustrated in  FIG. 3  for safety and stability. Center frame member  54  and foldable wing members  56  and  57  support and contain stalk cutter baskets (also sometimes referred to as the cutter baskets). Although depicted as cylindrical rollers  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A, respectively, in  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 9-15 , it is to be understood that in a preferred embodiment of the folding furrow chopper, cylindrical rollers  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A are 16 inch diameter stalk cutter baskets with a plurality of blades that may be replaceable and which are depicted in  FIGS. 2-5 .  FIGS. 6A-C  show an alternative embodiment cutter basket  154 A.  FIGS. 7A-C  show yet another alternative embodiment cutter basket  254 A. 
         [0043]    Folding wing members  56  and  57  are connected to center frame member  54  and controlled by arms  72 . In one embodiment, a pair of angularly inclined arms  72  are disposed on opposite top ends of both the front and rear of center frame member  54  and pivotally extend at an acute angle toward wing members  56  and  57 . Each of arms  72  pivotally terminate on the front and rear edges of bordering ends of wing members  56  and  57 , respectively, and are configured to manipulate wing members  56  and  57  between the extended-working position and the folded-transport or storage position. In another embodiment, arms  72  include hydraulic cylinders suitable for extending and folding wing members  56  and  57 . Hydraulic cylinders of this type are commonly available from various manufacturers. One suitable model of such cylinders is a 4 inch by 8 inch hydraulic cylinder manufactured by Monarch Industries of Winnipeg, Canada. 
         [0044]    Folding furrow chopper  50  may include a plurality of downwardly projecting plowshares  59  that are moveably attached to rigid beams  58 A,  58 B, and  58 C. Rigid beams  58 B,  58 A, and  58 C are attached to the front of wing member  56 , the front of center frame member  54 , and the front of wing member  57 , respectively. As folding furrow chopper  50  is drawn about field  52 , plowshares  59  engage the ground and dig irrigation furrows that produce raised earthen mounds between the furrows. Gauge wheel assemblies  62  may be connected to rigid beams  58 A and  58 C and serve to provide additional support for folding furrow chopper  50  as it is towed through field  52 . 
         [0045]    The raised earthen mounds created by the soil pushed up from the furrows dug by plowshares  59  become the seed beds for the desired crops. Cutter baskets  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A chop and flatten any crops or crop remains that may be present in the seed bed. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  depicts a double set of crumbler baskets  84  which may be mounted directly behind center frame member  54  and one or more outboard, foldable wing members  56  and  57 . In one embodiment, the forward crumbler basket is 12.5 inches in diameter and has eight blades for further chopping and mixing crop and crop remains that may be present in the seed bed and the rearward crumbler basket is 12.5 inches in diameter and has eight round bar blades for even further mixing crop and crop remains that may be present in the seed bed and compacting and packing the seed bed in preparation for planting. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 3 through 10  are additional depictions of the cutter baskets and the crumbler baskets  84  and include components thereof, including one manner of affixing the forward and rearward cutter and crumbler baskets by way of the a-frame implement depicted in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  8 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an embodiment with wing members  56  and  57  deployed in the extended-working position for operation, and depicts each of the elements of folding furrow chopper  50  shown in  FIG. 1 . Wing members  56  and  57  are not required to be the same length. Further, while center frame member  54  may be the same length as either of wing members  56  or  57 , center frame member  54  is not required to be the same length as either of wing members  56  or  57 . In one embodiment, wing members  56  and  57  are the same length and center frame member  54  is longer than wing members  56  and  57 . In one embodiment, wing members  56  and  57  are between 99 and 100 inches in length and center frame member  54  is 180 inches in length. In yet another embodiment, wing members  56  and  57  are between 128 and 129 inches in length and center frame member  54  is between 228 and 229 inches in length. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  is a top frontal isometric view of one embodiment with wing members  56  and  57  depicted in a folded-transport or storage position that may be used for transport and storage of folding furrow chopper  50 .  FIG. 3  depicts each of the elements of folding furrow chopper  50  shown in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment of folding furrow chopper  50 , center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  are rigid rectangular welded tubular steel frames. In one embodiment, the tubular steel frames from which center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  are constructed are 5/16 inch thick steel and have an outer dimension of 5 inches by 7 inches. It will be appreciated that stalk cutter baskets  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A may be constructed of any material suitable for cutting and chopping crops and are connected to center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  by way of stub shafts commonly known to those with ordinary skill in the relevant art. In one embodiment, concentrically through each of stalk cutter baskets  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A is an interior steel axle. In an alternative embodiment, center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  may contain two or more stalk cutter baskets. 
         [0050]    Hitch connectors  75 A,  75 B, and  75 C include suitable pin holes and are connected to the front side of center frame member  54  and rigid beam  58 B and permit folding furrow chopper  50  to be connected by way of a standard three-point hitch, a connection device commonly known to those with ordinary skill in the farm implement industry, to a suitable motorized vehicle, such as a farm tractor (not shown). The typical distance from the pin hole of top hitch connector  75 C to the center of stalk cutter baskets  54 A (hereinafter, the “centerline measurement”) is 50 inches or more. In one embodiment, the centerline measurement is less than 50 inches so as to substantially improve the ability of the applicable motorized towing device to lift folding furrow chopper  50  and disengage folding furrow chopper  50  from the ground particularly when wing members  56  and  57  are in a deployed extended-working position. In one embodiment, the centerline measurement is 34 inches. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  is a sectional elevation view from  FIG. 2  showing gauge wheel assembly  62  according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, additional support for folding furrow chopper  50  is provided by a pair of gauge wheel assemblies  62  disposed substantially at each end of wing members  56  and  57 . Adjuster  61  permits variable vertical and angular positioning of each of plowshares  59 . In one embodiment, adjuster  61  includes a beam  86  vertically slideable in a fixed sleeve  70  and a plate  71  angularly moveable on the slideable beam, both mechanisms commonly understood by those with ordinary skill in the relevant art. Gauge wheel assembly  62  may include a tire  64 , wheel  65 , and axle  66 , and is attached to wing member  56  with commonly understood struts that may include adjustable linkages  67 . 
         [0052]    In addition to support for wing members  56  and  57 , in one embodiment, gauge wheel assembly  62  provides, in cooperation with the three-point hitch connection, a means of affecting and gauging the vertical displacement of center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  (and thereby, each of the corresponding stalk cutter baskets—with stalk cutter baskets  56 A depicted here) when wing members  56  and  57  are parallel and locked to center frame member  54  in their deployed extended-working position. Although not shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more gauge wheel assemblies may also be connected to center frame member  54  so as to provide additional support for folding furrow chopper  50 . In another embodiment, gauge wheel assemblies are disposed substantially at each end of center frame member  54 . In another embodiment, gauge wheel assemblies are not utilized. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment of the present invention, cylindrical rollers  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A are constructed of steel pipe closed on the ends with welded steel discs. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, concentrically through each of cylindrical rollers  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A is an interior steel axle (not shown) having a diameter of 2.25 inches, both ends of which terminate in a pillow block  74 , a bearing support commonly understood by those with ordinary skill in the relevant art. In an alternative embodiment, center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  may contain two or more cylindrical rollers 
         [0054]      FIG. 12  is a partial isometric top view from  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, scraper plate  63  while depicted is not utilized or connected. 
         [0055]    At any convenient location, pivot mount  80  is attached so that L-shaped locking lug  81  may pivot and be capable of engaging a slot  82  in stalk cutter baskets  54 A configured to receive L-shaped locking lug  81 , and thereby, prevent rotation of stalk cutter baskets  54 A. Pivot mount  80  is particularly useful when folding furrow chopper  50  is in a folded-transport or storage position for storage or transport. Locking lug  81  may be pinned or cabled or otherwise configured so as to be prevented from engaging slot  82  during operation of folding furrow chopper  50 . In one, pivot mount  80  is attached to hinge plate  54 E of center frame member  54 . Although not shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing description with respect to pivot mount  80 , locking lug  81 , and slot  82  may be applied to each of wing members  56  and  57  and each of stalk cutter baskets  56 A and  57 A as well as to center frame member  54  and stalk cutter baskets  54 A. 
         [0056]    Wing members  56  and  57  are pivotally connected to center frame member  54  by way of hinge plates or other suitable connection devices. In one embodiment, pair of hinge plates  54 D and  54 E are located on opposite top ends of center frame member  54  (on each of the front and rear edges of these top ends of center frame member  54 ), and wing member  57  has a pair of hinge plates  57 D and  57 E on the top end of wing member  57  located adjacent to center frame member  54  configured so as to pivotally connect to center frame member  54 . Each pair of hinge plates  54 D and  54 E is configured to receive each corresponding pair of hinge plates  57 D and  57 E. In one embodiment, hinge plates  54 D and  54 E are on the outside edges of hinge plates  57 D and  57 E, respectively. Each pair of hinge plates  54 D,  54 E,  57 D, and  57 E are configured to be pivotally connected to one another using stub shafts or other suitable connection means well known to those with ordinary skill in the relevant art. In one embodiment, each pair of hinge plates  54 D,  54 E,  57 D, and  57 E is pivotally connected to each other by way of hinge pin  57 F which traverses the entire distance from hinge plate  54 D on the front edge of center frame member  54  to hinge plate  54 D on the rear edge of center frame member  54  so as to provide maximum resistance to axial and torsional forces that may be encountered by wing member  57 . In one embodiment, hinge pin  57 F is a solid steel shaft having a diameter of at least 2 inches. Also in one embodiment, arms  72  include hydraulic cylinders. With respect to the one of these hydraulic cylinders, one end is connected to hinge plate  57 D on the front edge of wing member  57  and the other end is connected to the front edge of center member  54 . With respect to another of these hydraulic cylinders, one end is connected to hinge plate  57 D on the rear edge of wing member  57  and the other end is connected to the rear edge of center member  54 . The connection of arms  72  to each of hinge plates  57 D provides the improved benefit of allowing arms  72  to pull from points close to the pivot points of wing frame  57 , and thereby, avoid the need for long connecting arms that are subject to torsional and potentially damaging bending forces. Although not shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing description with respect to the connection of wing member  57  to center frame member  54  and the connection of arms  72  to each of hinge plates  57 D may be applied to the pivotal connection of wing member  56  to the opposite end of center frame member  54 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 13  is a partial enlarged isometric view of arm  72  (which is depicted as hydraulic cylinder) connected to hinge plate  57 D and a cylinder lock  121  according to one embodiment. Cylinder lock  121  permits hydraulic cylinder  72  to be selectively locked after wing members  56  and  57  are rotated into their extended-working position or their folded-transport or storage position. 
         [0058]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of cylinder lock  121  from  FIG. 6 . Cylinder lock  121  is a U-shaped steel block having an open region  122  configured to receive an exposed ram of hydraulic cylinder  72  having a through-hole that lines up with a hole in each leg of the U-shaped-block of cylinder lock  121  so that a removable retainer pin  124 , normally held by a retainer cable  125  which is connected to cylinder lock  121  penetrates, through the exposed ram of hydraulic cylinder  72  and the opposing legs of lock  121  to lock hydraulic cylinder  72  in the desired position. Cylinder lock  121  may be used to lock wing members  56  and  57  in a deployed extended-working position. Further, cylinder lock  121  may be configured to lock wing members  56  and  57  in a folded transport or storage position. When not in use, cylinder lock  121  may be pinned to any convenient member of folding furrow chopper  50  capable of fitting in open region  122  and having a receiver hole  123  capable of receiving pin  124 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 15  is frontal view of an embodiment with wing members  56  and  57  in the folded-transport or storage position. Seeder bins  90 A,  90 B, and  90 C may be selectively mounted (in positions other than as depicted) by way of mounting arms  91 A,  91 B, and  91 C, and are configured to hold seed. Feeder tubes  92  are connected to seeder bins  90 A,  90 B, and  90 C, respectively, and configured for lateral adjustment so as to be centered between each of plowshares  59 . In one embodiment, feeder tubes  92  are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to seeder bins  90 A,  90 B, and  90 C and substantially parallel to each of plowshares  59 . In another embodiment seeder bins  90 A,  90 B, and  90 C are configured to be connected to the rear of center frame member  54  and foldable wing members  56  and  57 . In yet another embodiment, a single seeder bin may be connected to the rear of furrow chopper  50 . As furrow chopper  50  is drawn through the field, plowshares  59  dig irrigation furrows that produce raised earthen mounds between the furrows, seeds from seeder bins  90 A,  90 B, and  90 C flow through feeder tubes  92  are deposited into the raised earthen mounds produced by plowshares  59 , and stalk cutter baskets  54 A,  56 A, and  57  and the forward and rearward crumbler baskets so as to chop and cut crops and crop remains that might be present so as to smooth and compact these raised earthen mounds and thereby create uniform, raised, and planted seed beds separated by uniform irrigation furrows concurrently in one operation. 
         [0060]    In one embodiment, the cutter basket may be replaced with the referenced and depicted cylindrical rollers. In another embodiment, the forward and rear crumbler baskets may be selectively removed. Further, one embodiment utilizes a 16″ diameter stalk-cutter basket with five replaceable beveled blades and a double set of 12½″ crumbler baskets mounted on the back of the frame. The front 12¼″ diameter crumbler basket has eight ¼″×2″ blades and the back 12½″ diameter basket has eight ¾″ round bar blades and adjustable “S-Tine” furrow assist may be connected to the rear of the frame or crumbler baskets to assist with making each of the furrows uniform. The present invention permits farmers to plant crops in fields after using the invention one time in the field to clear the old crop remains. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, the cutter baskets and the cylindrical rollers may be geared such that their rotation may be selectively engaged during operation to permit selected baskets and rollers to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation of the other baskets and rollers. While the gearing mechanisms are not depicted in the figures, it will be appreciated that such mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art. 
       III. Folding Furrow Crumbler/Tumbler 
       [0062]      FIG. 16  is a top frontal isometric view of one embodiment of the folding furrow crumbler (or tumbler). Folding furrow crumbler  50  is designed to be towed by a suitable motorized vehicle, such as a farm tractor (not shown), over a field  52  for preparation and configuration for planting. Arrow  10  depicts the operational direction of folding furrow crumbler  50 . Folding furrow crumbler  50  includes a rigid center frame member  54  and one or more outboard, foldable wing members  56  and  57  that may be selectively rotated between the extended-working position illustrated in  FIG. 18  and a folded-transport or storage position illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In one embodiment, folding furrow crumbler  50  includes both foldable wing members  56  and  57 . Foldable wing members  56  and  57  may be selectively locked in either the extended-working position illustrated in  FIG. 18  or the folded-transport or storage position illustrated in  FIG. 12  for safety and stability. Center frame member  54  and foldable wing members  56  and  57  support and contain crumbler baskets, with each crumbler basket further including crumbling rods (also sometimes referred to as the crumbler rods). Although depicted as cylindrical rollers  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A, respectively, in  FIGS. 18-25 , it is to be understood that in one embodiment, cylindrical rollers  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A are crumbling rods with a plurality of round bar blades or rods that may be replaceable. 
         [0063]    Folding wing members  56  and  57  are connected to center frame member  54  and controlled by arms  72 . In one embodiment, a pair of angularly inclined arms  72  are disposed on opposite top ends of both the front and rear of center frame member  54  and pivotally extend at an acute angle toward wing members  56  and  57 . Each of arms  72  pivotally terminate on the front and rear edges of bordering ends of wing members  56  and  57 , respectively, and are configured to manipulate wing members  56  and  57  between the extended-working position and the folded-transport or storage position. In one embodiment, arms  72  include hydraulic cylinders suitable for extending and folding wing members  56  and  57 . Hydraulic cylinders of this type are commonly available from various manufacturers. One suitable model of such cylinders is a 4 inch by 8 inch hydraulic cylinder manufactured by Monarch Industries of Winnipeg, Canada. 
         [0064]    Folding furrow crumbler  50  may include a plurality of downwardly projecting plowshares  59  that are moveably attached to rigid beams  58 A,  58 B, and  58 C. Rigid beams  58 B,  58 A, and  58 C are attached to the front of wing member  56 , the front of center frame member  54 , and the front of wing member  57 , respectively. As folding furrow crumbler  50  is drawn about field  52 , plowshares  59  engage the ground and dig irrigation furrows that produce raised earthen mounds between the furrows. Gauge wheel assemblies  62  may be connected to rigid beams  58 A and  58 C and serve to provide additional support for folding furrow crumbler  50  as it is towed through field  52 . 
         [0065]    The raised earthen mounds created by the soil pushed up from the furrows dug by plowshares  59  become the seed beds for the desired crops. Crumbling rods  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A crumble any dirt clods that may be present in the seed bed and create uniform seed beds for planting. 
         [0066]    In one embodiment, folding furrow crumbler  50  may include 24 inch diameter crumbler baskets with sixteen 1 inch round bars (crumbler rods), a double set of 12½ inch crumbler baskets, the front baskets having eight ¼ inch×2 inch blades and the back baskets having eight ¾ inch round bars, two heavy duty adjustable gauge wheels with 11 L×15 tires, two adjustable hydraulic markers, and a Category 3/3N three-point hitch. 
         [0067]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of one embodiment with wing members  56  and  57  deployed in the extended-working position for operation, and depicts each of the elements of folding furrow crumbler  50  shown in  FIG. 18 . Wing members  56  and  57  are not required to be the same length. Further, while center frame member  54  may be the same length as either of wing members  56  or  57 , center frame member  54  is not required to be the same length as either of wing members  56  or  57 . In one embodiment, wing members  56  and  57  are the same length and center frame member  54  is longer than wing members  56  and  57 . In one embodiment, wing members  56  and  57  are between 99 and 100 inches in length and center frame member  54  is 180 inches in length. In yet another embodiment, wing members  56  and  57  are between 128 and 129 inches in length and center frame member  54  is between 228 and 229 inches in length. 
         [0068]      FIG. 18  is a top frontal isometric view of one embodiment with wing members  56  and  57  depicted in a folded-transport or storage position that may be used for transport and storage of folding furrow crumbler  50 .  FIG. 12  depicts each of the elements of folding furrow crumbler  50  shown in  FIG. 16 . In one embodiment of folding furrow crumbler  50 , center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  are rigid rectangular welded tubular steel frames. In one embodiment, the tubular steel frames from which center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  are constructed are 5/16 inch thick steel and have an outer dimension of 5 inches by 7 inches. It will be appreciated that crumbling rods  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A may be constructed of any material suitable for crumbling dirt clods and are connected to center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  by way of stub shafts commonly known to those with ordinary skill in the relevant art. In one embodiment, concentrically through each of crumbling rods  54 A,  56 A, and  57 A is an interior steel axle. In an alternative embodiment, center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  may contain two or more crumbling rods. 
         [0069]    Hitch connectors  75 A,  75 B, and  75 C include suitable pin holes and are connected to the front side of center frame member  54  and rigid beam  58 B and permit folding furrow crumbler  50  to be connected by way of a standard three-point hitch, a connection device commonly known to those with ordinary skill in the farm implement industry, to a suitable motorized vehicle, such as a farm tractor (not shown). The typical distance from the pin hole of top hitch connector  75 C to the center of crumbling rods  54 A (hereinafter, the “centerline measurement”) is 50 inches or more. In one embodiment, the centerline measurement is less than 50 inches so as to substantially improve the ability of the applicable motorized towing device to lift folding furrow crumbler  50  and disengage folding furrow crumbler  50  from the ground particularly when wing members  56  and  57  are in a deployed extended-working position. In one embodiment, the centerline measurement is 34 inches. 
         [0070]    Referring back to  FIG. 11 , which is a sectional elevation view from  FIG. 18  showing gauge wheel assembly  62  according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, additional support for folding furrow crumbler  50  is provided by a pair of gauge wheel assemblies  62  disposed substantially at each end of wing members  56  and  57 . Adjusting means  61  permits variable vertical and angular positioning of each of plowshares  59 . In one embodiment, adjusting means  61  includes a beam vertically slideable in a fixed sleeve  70  and a plate  71  angularly moveable on the slideable beam, both mechanisms commonly understood by those with ordinary skill in the relevant art. Gauge wheel assembly  62  may include a tire  64 , wheel  65 , and axle  66 , and is attached to wing member  56  with commonly understood struts that may include adjustable linkages  67 . In addition to support for wing members  56  and  57 , in one embodiment, gauge wheel assembly  62  provides, in cooperation with the three-point hitch connection, a means of affecting and gauging the vertical displacement of center frame member  54  and wing members  56  and  57  (and thereby, each of the corresponding crumbling rods—with crumbling rods  56 A depicted here) when wing members  56  and  57  are parallel and locked to center frame member  54  in their deployed extended-working position. Although not shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more gauge wheel assemblies may also be connected to center frame member  54  so as to provide additional support for folding furrow crumbler  50 . In another embodiment, gauge wheel assemblies are disposed substantially at each end of center frame member  54 . In another embodiment, gauge wheel assemblies are not utilized. 
         [0071]    Referring back to  FIG. 12 , which is a partial isometric top view from  FIG. 18 . In one embodiment, scraper plate  63  while depicted is not utilized or connected. At any convenient location, pivot mount  80  is attached so that L-shaped locking lug  81  may pivot and be capable of engaging a slot  82  in crumbling rods  54 A configured to receive L-shaped locking lug  81 , and thereby, prevent rotation of crumbling rods  54 A. Pivot mount  80  is particularly useful when folding furrow crumbler  50  is in a folded-transport or storage position for storage or transport. Locking lug  81  may be pinned or cabled or otherwise configured so as to be prevented from engaging slot  82  during operation of folding furrow crumbler  50 . In one embodiment, pivot mount  80  is attached to hinge plate  54 E of center frame member  54 . Although not shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing description with respect to pivot mount  80 , locking lug  81 , and slot  82  may be applied to each of wing members  56  and  57  and each of crumbling rods  56 A and  57 A as well as to center frame member  54  and crumbling rods  54 A. 
         [0072]    Wing members  56  and  57  are pivotally connected to center frame member  54  by way of hinge plates or other suitable connection devices. In one embodiment, pair of hinge plates  54 D and  54 E are located on opposite top ends of center frame member  54  (on each of the front and rear edges of these top ends of center frame member  54 ), and wing member  57  has a pair of hinge plates  57 D and  57 E on the top end of wing member  57  located adjacent to center frame member  54  configured so as to pivotally connect to center frame member  54 . Each pair of hinge plates  54 D and  54 E is configured to receive each corresponding pair of hinge plates  57 D and  57 E. In one embodiment, hinge plates  54 D and  54 E are on the outside edges of hinge plates  57 D and  57 E, respectively. Each pair of hinge plates  54 D,  54 E,  57 D, and  57 E are configured to be pivotally connected to one another using stub shafts or other suitable connection means well known to those with ordinary skill in the relevant art. In one embodiment, each pair of hinge plates  54 D,  54 E,  57 D, and  57 E is pivotally connected to each other by way of hinge pin  57 F which traverses the entire distance from hinge plate  54 D on the front edge of center frame member  54  to hinge plate  54 D on the rear edge of center frame member  54  so as to provide maximum resistance to axial and torsional forces that may be encountered by wing member  57 . In one embodiment, hinge pin  57 F is a solid steel shaft having a diameter of at least 2 inches. Also in one embodiment, arms  72  include hydraulic cylinders. With respect to one of these hydraulic cylinders, one end is connected to hinge plate  57 D on the front edge of wing member  57  and the other end is connected to the front edge of center member  54 . With respect to another of these hydraulic cylinders, one end is connected to hinge plate  57 D on the rear edge of wing member  57  and the other end is connected to the rear edge of center member  54 . The connection of arms  72  to each of hinge plates  57 D provides the improved benefit of allowing arms  72  to pull from points close to the pivot points of wing frame  57 , and thereby, avoid the need for long connecting arms that are subject to torsional and potentially damaging bending forces. Although not shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing description with respect to the connection of wing member  57  to center frame member  54  and the connection of arms  72  to each of hinge plates  57 D may be applied to the pivotal connection of wing member  56  to the opposite end of center frame member  54 . 
         [0073]    It will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the relevant art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention provides a foldable furrow chopper and a folding furrow crumbler/tumbler with deployable wing members that is highly stabilized when deployed, but capable of easy reconfiguration for stable use, and for easy and legal transport. It is understood that the forms of the invention shown and described in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely as presently preferred examples and that the invention is limited only by the language of the claims. 
         [0074]    While the present invention has been described in terms of one preferred embodiment and a few variations thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that form and detail modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.