Abstract:
A method for dividing soil is disclosed. The method includes towing a frame via a hitch at a first end of the frame. The method also includes supporting the frame on the soil via an axle extending transversely of the frame, the axle connected to the frame between the first end of the frame and a second end of the frame. The method further includes dividing the soil with a plurality of rotatable discs attached to the frame between the frame and the soil, a first portion of the plurality of discs located between the first end of the frame and the axle, and a second portion of the plurality of discs located between the axle and the second end of the frame, wherein the first portion is aligned non-parallel with respect to the second portion. The method further includes moving the frame relative to the hitch to pivot about the axle.

Description:
[0001]    This a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/918,401, filed Jul. 30, 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to an apparatus having a frame with wheels and a plurality of discs attached to the frame and a method for using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus having dual hydraulic cylinders such that the frame may adjust during use of the apparatus. Moreover, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method that provides lubrication to bearings and/or wheels of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus of the present invention may be attached to a tractor by a single individual. 
         [0003]    It is, of course, generally known to provide a harrow or disc that is pulled behind, for example, a tractor. The harrow is generally used to lift and/or divide compacted soil or dirt or mud from the ground. Often, a harrow is used, for example, at a construction site or on a farm to raise or lift the soil to speed the drying of the soil in preparation for construction or for cultivation purposes, such as plants, for example, respectively. 
         [0004]    Known harrows are generally pivotally secured to the tractor and have discs secured to a frame of the harrow. A bearing assembly is typically positioned between the frame to permit the discs to rotate at the same time that the discs penetrate the soil and turn over the soil. In operation, the discs penetrate the ground and turn over the soil to allow for aeration of top layers of the soil. Depending on the size of the disc, various depths of soil may be turned over. Depth of penetration of the discs into the soil is also variable based on angles and/or pressures of the discs as the discs are pulled over the soil. 
         [0005]    To adjust the angles of the penetration of the discs into the soil, currently, an operator of the tractor, truck or the like that is pulling the harrow must stop the tractor and manually adjust the height and/or the angles at which the discs penetrate the soil. This typically is effected by manually adjusting a screw that shifts the frame on which the discs are rotatably mounted. This process to adjust the discs is both difficult and time-consuming. 
         [0006]    Another problem associated with harrows includes requiring more than one person to physically attach the harrow to a tractor. Further, maintaining the bearings and/or wheels in a clean and lubricated state is difficult with currently available harrows. 
         [0007]    A need, therefore, exists for a method and an apparatus that adjusts to accommodate uneven terrain, connects to a tractor by a single individual and maintains the bearings and/or tires in a lubricated state. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present invention provides an apparatus having an assembly such that the bearings and wheels may remain lubricated and the frame may adjust vertically during use thereof. Further, the apparatus of the present invention may be attached to a tractor by a single individual. Further, a method for using the apparatus of the present invention is provided. 
         [0009]    To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for separating soil is provided. The apparatus has a frame, a cylinder associated with the frame and a plurality of discs attached to the frame. The cylinder moves the frame. The apparatus has a controller associated with the cylinder. The controller is remote from the frame and controls movement of the frame. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the apparatus has a front cylinder on the frame. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the apparatus has a pillar associated with the frame and a column inside the pillar. The pillar may have a liner attached to an inside of the pillar of the frame. The pillar may have plates inside the pillar supporting the column. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the apparatus has a hitch having a length defined between an end and a connector wherein the end of the hitch is attachable to the frame. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the connector of the apparatus for separating soil rotates 360 degrees. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the apparatus has tires supporting the frame. The tires have a plug in each of the tires of the frame. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for dividing soil is provided. The method is comprised of the steps of: providing a frame; providing a cylinder associated with the frame; connecting the frame to a tractor; moving the frame by remotely controlling movement of the cylinder; and pulling the frame over the soil. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the method for separating soil further comprises of the step of providing a plurality of discs attached to the frame. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the method for separating soil further comprises of the step of controlling elevation of the frame by adjusting the cylinder. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the method for separating soil further comprises of the step of adjusting an angle of the frame with the soil by adjusting the cylinder. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the method for separating soil further comprises of the step of self-adjusting the cylinder of the frame for controlling the angle of the frame with the soil. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for separating soil is provided. The apparatus has a frame, a plurality of discs attached to the frame, a pillar associated with the frame and a column inside the pillar. The pillar has a liner attached to an inside of the pillar of the frame. The plates associated with the pillar support the column. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the apparatus has a cylinder associated with the frame wherein the cylinder moves the pillar and the frame relative to the inside column. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, the apparatus has a front cylinder on the frame wherein the front cylinder moves to adjust the angle of the frame relative to the soil. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, the apparatus has a hitch having a length defined between an end and a connector wherein the end of the hitch is attachable to the frame. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the connector of the apparatus for separating soil rotates 360 degrees. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the apparatus for separating soil has tires supporting the frame. 
         [0026]    It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for attaching the apparatus to a tractor by a single individual. 
         [0027]    Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for adjusting the apparatus for uneven terrain by a single operator. 
         [0028]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for using the same wherein discs of the apparatus may be adjusted during use. 
         [0029]    A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that provides adjustment of the apparatus for uneven terrain by a remote controller. 
         [0030]    Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for automatic adjustment of the apparatus for uneven terrain by a hydraulic cylinder. 
         [0031]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for automatically and continuously lubricating bearings with little maintenance. 
         [0032]    Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for automatically and continuously lubricating wheels with little maintenance. 
         [0033]    Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a hydraulic disc/harrow apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an upper frame of the hydraulic disc/harrow apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines A-A of  FIG. 2  of a pillar of the hydraulic disc/harrow apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along lines B-B of  FIG. 2  of a pillar of the hydraulic disc/harrow apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a hydraulic piston of the hydraulic disc/harrow apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a connector in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates a wheel of the hydraulic disc/harrow apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    The present invention generally provides an apparatus and a method having dual hydraulic cylinders that may allow a frame of the apparatus to be remotely adjusted during use. Further, the apparatus may have bearings and wheels that may remain lubricated. Further, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for attaching the apparatus to a tractor, for example, by an individual. 
         [0042]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  illustrates an apparatus  100  in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  100  may have a frame  2  having a first bar  4  and a second bar  6 . Arms  45 ,  46 ,  47  may extend outward and downward from the first bar  4  of the frame  2 . The arms  45 ,  46 ,  47  may attach to a base bar  48  of a hitch  50  via pivots  49  ( FIG. 2 ). The hitch  50  may have a length defined by the base bar  48  and a connector  52 . 
         [0043]    The first bar  4  and the second bar  6  may be connected by a first cross member  8 , a second cross member  10 , a third cross member  12  and/or a fourth cross member  14 . The first cross member  8 , the second cross member  10 , the third cross member  12  and the fourth cross member  14  may each define a length between the first bar  4  and the second bar  6 . Preferably, the length of the fourth cross member  14  is greater than the length defined by the third cross member  12 . Further, preferably, the length of the third cross member  12  is greater than the length defined by the second cross member  10 . Further still, preferably, the second cross member  10  is greater than the length defined by the first cross member  8 . The preferred configuration of the fourth cross member  14  having a length greater than the length of the third cross member  12 , having a length greater than the second cross member  10 , having a length greater than the first cross member  8  defines a frame  2  configured such that the first bar  4  and the second bar  6  are non-parallel. 
         [0044]    The first bar  4  and the second bar  6  may have legs  36  depending from the first bar  4  and the second bar  6 . The legs  36  depending from the first bar  4  support a first disc axle  38 . The legs  36  depending from the second bar  6  support a second disc axle  40 . The first disc axle  38  and the second disc axle  40  support a plurality of discs  32 . 
         [0045]    Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the legs  36  depending from the first bar  4  are not parallel to the legs  36  depending from the second bar  6 . Therefore, the first disc axle  38  is not parallel to the second disc axle  40 . Thus, the discs  32  attached to the first disc axle  38  are not parallel to the disc attached to the second disc axle  40 . The discs  32  attached to the first disc axle  38  form an angle with the discs  32  attached to the second disc axle  40 . 
         [0046]    When the apparatus  100  is in use, the frame  2  is pulled forward and the discs  32  of the frame  2  act as a soil breaking means. As the frame  2  is pulled forward, the discs  32  penetrate the ground and turn over the soil allowing for aeration of the soil. 
         [0047]    An upper frame  16  may be mounted on the second cross member  10  and the third cross member  12  such that the upper frame  16  may be substantially centered on the frame  2 . Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the upper frame  16  may have pillars  18  attached by a bar  22 . As illustrated, the pillars  18  have substantially square cross-sections, however, other shapes may be implemented, such as a rectangular cross-section, circular cross-section or an oval-shaped cross-section or the like. The pillars  18  may be secured substantially perpendicular to the second cross member  10  and the third cross member  12 . 
         [0048]    The pillars  18  may each have a base  24  attached to the upper frame  16 . Further, the pillars  18  may each house an inner column  20 . The inner column  20  may extend downward, through the upper frame  16  and the frame  2 , to a wheel axle  28 . A liner  19 , preferably plastic, may cover a length of the inside of each of the pillars  18  (as shown in  FIG. 2A ). The liner  19  preferably has a one-half inch thickness. The liner  19  may be constructed from, for example, four plastic pieces  15  that substantially or at least partially cover each interior side  17  of the pillars  18 . In the preferred embodiment, the plastic pieces  15  may be retained at the top and bottom of the pillars  18  by a top plate  21  and a bottom plate  23 , respectively (as shown in  FIG. 2B ). 
         [0049]    A piston and cylinder assembly  34 ,  37  may have its cylinder attached to the center of the bar  22  and to the wheel axle  28 . Preferably, the assembly  34 ,  37  is mounted vertically with respect to the frame  2  and the wheel axle  28 . The assembly may include a piston rod  37  attached by end plates  26  to the inside of the cylinder  34 . The piston rod  37  may raise and/or lower the frame  2  as well as the upper frame  16  relative to the wheel axle  28 . The pillars  18  of the upper frame  16  may move relative to the inner columns  20 . The liner  19  inside the pillars  18  may provide a smoother surface and thus less friction for the inner columns  20  to move relative to the pillars  18  when the piston rod  37  raises and lowers the frame  2  as well as the upper frame  16 . 
         [0050]    The piston rod  37  may be actuated by a controller  64  as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Preferably, the controller  64  is located inside a tractor, truck or other like vehicle having the ability to pull the apparatus  100  across the terrain. Accordingly, an operator of the tractor may vertically adjust the apparatus  100  using the controller  64  and its associated functions by moving the assembly  34 ,  37  without having to exit the tractor. Preferably, the assembly  34 ,  37  may raise or lower the frame  2  of the apparatus  100  by two feet. The piston rod  37  may be actuated by the controller  64  controlling fluids to and from the piston and cylinder assembly  34 ,  37  via conduits  42 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly  60 ,  62  may be provided with a hydraulic piston rod  62  on one of the arms  45 ,  46 ,  47 . The front assembly  60 ,  62  with its hydraulic piston rod  62  may be controlled remotely by the controller  64  (as generally shown and described with reference to  FIG. 1 ), or alternatively, may be set to automatically adjust. Setting the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly  60 ,  62  to automatically adjust may allow the hydraulic piston rod  62  to “float” thereby acting much like a shock absorber and responding directly to the changes in terrain without control of the depth and/or angle of penetration of the discs  32  by an operator via the controller  64  of the apparatus  100 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the connector  52  may have a base  56  and a ring  58 . The ring  58  may be attached to a tractor (not shown) wherein the tractor may pull the apparatus over the terrain. The connector  52 , having the base  56  and the ring  58 , may spin in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The spinning capability of the connector  52  may allow for the connector to be attached to a tractor by an individual without the assistance of another individual. 
         [0053]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a wheel  30  may be attached to the wheel axis  28  on either end of the wheel axis  28 . The wheels  30  may support the frame  2 , the upper frame  16  and the discs  32 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the wheels  30  may be maintained in an oil bath. The oil bath may provide constant lubrication. Lubrication of the wheels  30  may be provided directly by removing a screw plug  54  (shown in the “six o&#39;clock” position in  FIG. 5 ) on each of the wheels  30  and filling a receptacle with oil until, preferably, the receptacle is half full. To this end, the wheel  30  should be rotated such that the screw plug  54  is in the “nine o&#39;clock” position or the “three o&#39;clock” position. The oil may be added by removing the screw plug  54  and adding oil through the opening provided by removal of the screw plug  54 . The opening provides access to a receptacle within the wheel  30  providing an oil bath, i.e., constant, maintenance free lubrication for each of the wheels  30 . Accordingly, the oil bath provides for low maintenance lubrication of the wheels  30  as the wheels may remain constantly lubricated or lubricated at least for longer periods of time. Such lubrication saves time, as an operator may stop less frequently to adjust and/or maintain the apparatus  100 . 
         [0054]    Similar to the wheels  30 , a bearing assembly may provide bearings (not shown) with an oil bath (not shown) which may provide constant lubrication to the bearings. The bearing assembly (not shown) may be positioned between the frame  2  and the discs  32  to permit the discs  32  to rotate at the same time they penetrate soil and turn over the soil. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0055]    The frame  2  may be moved relative to the hitch  50  so as to pivot about the wheel axle  28  via a front hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly  60 ,  62 . The front assembly  60 ,  62  with its hydraulic piston rod  62  may be controlled remotely by the controller  64 , or alternatively, may be set to automatically adjust. Setting the hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly  60 ,  62  to automatically adjust may allow the hydraulic piston rod  62  to float and act much like a shock absorber and respond directly to the changes in terrain without control of the depth and/or angle of penetration of the discs  32  by an operator via the controller  64  of the apparatus  100 . Accordingly, the apparatus  100  may be pivoted about the wheel axle  28  for uneven terrain remotely via the controller  64 , or it may be set to adjust automatically in response to changes in terrain. 
         [0056]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.