Gauge Wheel and Closing Wheel Retainer

A wheel retainer that retains a wheel on a wheel mount and prevents the wheel from being fully separated from the wheel mount in the event of a failure of a wheel bearing. In some embodiments, a wheel retainer includes a sleeve, and a retaining member coupled to the sleeve. The retaining member has a retaining diameter sized such that when a wheel bearing fails, a wheel mounted on the wheel bearing is retained at least partially on the sleeve by the retaining member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

Not applicable to this application.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The described example embodiments in general relate to a retainer for a wheel, and more specifically, to a retainer for gauge wheels, closing wheels, or other types of wheels typically found on agricultural machinery.

BACKGROUND

Modern agriculture relies on large-scale machinery for the successful planting, maintenance, and harvesting of crops. One example is a planter that automates the process of planting seeds, such as corn. Planters may be self-propelled or may be drawn behind a tractor. Generally, as the planter moves over a field, the planter operates to simultaneously plant numerous rows of seeds (e.g. 12-48 rows) with uniform spacing between rows, and uniform spacing between seeds, and at suitable depths below the ground surface. In this way, large fields may be efficiently and effectively planted using the planter.

Even with proper maintenance, planters and other useful agricultural machines are subject to significant wear and tear during normal operations, and it is not uncommon for some of the components to wear out. For example, over time and extended use, the bearings of some of the wheels involved in the planting process may become worn out and fail, causing a wheel to simply fall off the planter. Since such failures may not be immediately apparent to an operator, wheels may be lost in the fields, which results in replacement costs and may cause undesirable delays in agricultural operations. Accordingly, although desirable results have been achieved using prior art devices, there is room for improvement.

SUMMARY

Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wheel retainer that can retain a wheel on a wheel mount and prevent the wheel from being fully separated from the wheel mount in the event of a failure of a wheel bearing. Wheel retainers in accordance with the present disclosure may reduce costs associated with replacement of wheels, and may reduce undesirable delays in machine operation associated with searching for missing wheels, ordering replacement wheels, or other possible delays.

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a wheel retainer includes a sleeve, and a retaining member coupled to the sleeve. The retaining member has a retaining diameter sized such that when a wheel bearing fails, a wheel mounted on the wheel bearing is retained at least partially on the sleeve by the retaining member.

More specifically in some embodiments, a wheel retainer comprises a sleeve having an internal diameter sized to receive a shaft of a mounting bolt that engages to a wheel mount, the sleeve having an inner end configured to be positioned proximate to a wheel bearing positioned proximate to the wheel mount, and an outer end opposite from the inner end. A retaining member may be coupled to the sleeve proximate to the outer end, the retaining member having a retaining diameter sized such that when the wheel bearing fails, a wheel mounted on the wheel bearing is retained at least partially on the sleeve by the retaining member.

In some embodiments, the retaining member may include an annular retaining member. In further embodiments, the retaining member is coupled to the sleeve by a weldment that peripherally surrounds the outer end of the sleeve, the weldment being configured to engage a head of the mounting bolt when the mounting bolt is inserted through the sleeve into engagement with the wheel mount. In alternate embodiments, the head of the mounting bolt may engage either the outer end of the sleeve, or the retaining member, or both.

In further embodiments, a wheel assembly comprises a wheel bearing configured to be coupled to a wheel mount, a wheel operatively coupled to the wheel bearing, and a wheel retainer positioned proximate to at least one of the wheel or the wheel bearing. The wheel retainer includes a sleeve having an internal diameter sized to receive a shaft of a mounting bolt that engages to the wheel mount, the sleeve having an inner end configured to be positioned proximate to the wheel bearing, and an outer end opposite from the inner end. A retaining member is coupled to the sleeve proximate to the outer end, the retaining member having a retaining diameter sized such that when the wheel bearing fails, the wheel is retained at least partially on the sleeve by the retaining member.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evidence to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wheel retainer that can retain a wheel on a wheel mount and prevent the wheel from being fully separated from the wheel mount in the event of a failure of a wheel bearing. For example, in some embodiments, a wheel retainer includes a sleeve, and a retaining member coupled to the sleeve. The retaining member has a retaining diameter sized such that when a wheel bearing fails, a wheel mounted on the wheel bearing is retained at least partially on the sleeve by the retaining member.

The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may be used to identify the same or similar elements.

FIG.1is a side elevational view of an operating environment10in which a wheel retainer50in accordance with an example embodiment may be implemented. It will be appreciated that the operating environment10shown inFIG.1is merely one possible environment in which embodiments of wheel retainers in accordance with the present disclosure may be implemented, and is presented to facilitate an understanding of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of wheel retainers disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited to the particular operating environment10shown inFIG.1.

As shown inFIG.1, a tractor20may pull a planter30over a ground surface22to plant one or more rows of seeds24. The planter30typically includes a series of components that operate to efficiently plant each row of seeds24. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the planter30includes a cleaner wheel32that leads along each row to be planted and has blades that help to cut and remove debris along the row where the seeds24will be planted. The planter30also includes one or more disc blades34that open the ground and create a trench35into which the seeds24will be deposited. A gauge wheel36rolls along the ground surface22proximate the newly opened trench35and causes seeds24from a seed supply38(e.g. seed box, hopper, etc.) to be ejected through a seed tube40to be deposited into the trench35at a desired spacing. In some embodiments, the planter30includes a wheel retainer50that secures the gauge wheel36, as described more fully below.

As shown inFIG.1, the planter30further includes closing wheel42that is secured by another wheel retainer50. The closing wheel42may be tilted with respect to vertical, and is be configured to push the dirt back into the trench35, covering the seeds24. In this way, the planter30efficiently and effectively plants each row of seeds24. By duplicating the above-noted components in a side-by-side orientation, the planter30may be configured to plant numerous rows of seeds24simultaneously (e.g. 12-48 rows).

As noted above, the planter30advantageously includes the wheel retainers50that secure both the gauge wheel36and the closing wheel42.FIG.2shows a perspective view of a gauge wheel assembly60that includes the wheel retainer50in accordance with an example embodiment. Similarly,FIG.3is an enlarged side view of the gauge wheel assembly60, andFIG.4is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the gauge wheel assembly60ofFIG.2.

As best shown inFIG.4, the gauge wheel assembly60includes a wheel bearing62mounted onto a wheel mount64, and the gauge wheel36is operatively coupled to the wheel bearing62which enables the gauge wheel36to roll along the ground surface22. In some embodiments, the wheel mount64is coupled to a frame66(FIG.1) of the planter30by a strut68. The wheel retainer50is positioned proximate to (or adjacent to) the gauge wheel36and the wheel bearing62, and a mounting bolt70passes thru the wheel retainer50and threadedly engages into the wheel mount64, securing the wheel retainer50onto the wheel mount64. More specifically, as shown inFIG.4, the wheel retainer50is positioned laterally outwardly (with respect to the wheel mount64) from at least one of the gauge wheel36or the wheel bearing62.

FIGS.5and6show perspective views of the wheel retainer50ofFIG.2in accordance with an example embodiment.FIG.7is a top elevational view of the wheel retainer50ofFIG.2. As shown inFIGS.4-7, in at least some embodiments, the wheel retainer50includes a sleeve52, and a retaining member54coupled to the sleeve52. In some embodiments, the sleeve52comprises a cylindrical sleeve52, and the retaining member54comprises an annular retaining member, although in alternate embodiments, members having other suitable shapes may be employed.

As best shown inFIGS.4and7, in some embodiments, the sleeve52has an internal sleeve diameter DSsized to receive a shaft72of the mounting bolt70that secures the wheel retainer50to the wheel mount64. The sleeve52has an inner end53configured to be positioned proximate to (or engaged against) the wheel bearing62, and an outer end55opposite from the inner end53. In some embodiments, the retaining member54is coupled to the sleeve52proximate to the outer end55, and the retaining member54has a retaining diameter DRsized such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member54.

More specifically, in some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member54is larger than a bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62(seeFIG.4). In some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member54is larger than the bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member54and does not become fully separated from the wheel mount64.

The wheel retainer50may be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials. For example, in some embodiments, the wheel retainer50may be formed of steel, aluminum, titanium, iron, brass, or any other suitable metals or alloys. Alternately, in some embodiments, the wheel retainer50may be formed of relatively high strength polymeric materials, ceramic materials, or synthetic materials (e.g. composite materials, fiber-reinforced resins, etc.), or any other suitable materials.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sleeve52and the retaining member54may be formed separately and then coupled together by a suitable bonding process. For example, in some embodiments, the sleeve52and the retaining member54may be formed of steel and then welded together. In other embodiments, the sleeve52and the retaining member54may be integrally formed, such as by machining the wheel retainer50from stock, or by casting, molding, three-dimensional (3D) printing, or any other suitable manufacturing processes.

With continued reference toFIGS.4,5, and7, in some embodiments, the retaining member54of the wheel retainer50is coupled to the sleeve52by a weldment56that peripherally surrounds the outer end55of the cylindrical sleeve52. In some embodiments, the weldment56is configured to engage a head74of the mounting bolt70when the mounting bolt70is inserted through the sleeve52into engagement with the wheel mount64. In some embodiments, the head74of the mounting bolt70may engage against the outer end55of the sleeve52when the mounting bolt70is inserted through the sleeve52into engagement with the wheel mount64. And in some embodiments, the head74of the mounting bolt70may engage against both the outer end55of the sleeve52and the weldment56when the mounting bolt70is inserted through the sleeve52into engagement with the wheel mount64. In further embodiments, when the weldment56is eliminated, the head74of the mounting bolt70may engage against the outer end55of the sleeve52, the retaining member54, or both.

As mentioned above, the planter30shown inFIG.1also includes another wheel retainer50that secures the closing wheel42. (FIG.1).FIGS.8-10show perspective views of a closing wheel assembly76that includes the wheel retainer50in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.11shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the closing wheel assembly76ofFIG.8in accordance with an example embodiment.

It will be appreciated that the closing wheel assembly76(FIGS.8-11) is similar to the gauge wheel assembly60described above and shown inFIGS.2-4. As best shown inFIG.11, the closing wheel assembly76includes a wheel bearing62mounted onto a wheel mount64, and the closing wheel42is operatively coupled to the wheel bearing62. In some embodiments, the wheel mount64is tilted (or non-horizontal) so that as the closing wheel42engages the ground surface22, it is configured to push the dirt back into the trench35, covering the seeds24(seeFIG.1). More specifically, the wheel mount64is tilted so that the closing wheel42engages the ground surface22in a non-vertical orientation. The wheel mount64of the closing wheel assembly76may be coupled to the frame66(FIG.1) of the planter30by a strut68.

As further shown inFIG.11, the wheel retainer50is positioned proximate to (or adjacent to) the closing wheel42and the wheel bearing62, and a mounting bolt70passes thru the wheel retainer50and threadedly engages into the wheel mount64, securing the closing wheel42onto the wheel mount64. More specifically, in at least some embodiments, the wheel retainer50is positioned laterally outwardly (with respect to the wheel mount64) from at least one of the closing wheel36or the wheel bearing62.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the retaining member54may be an annular retaining member. In other exemplary embodiments, however, retaining members of wheel retainers in accordance with the present disclosure may have other suitable shapes, including cross shapes, quadrilateral shapes, polygonal shapes, or any other suitable shapes (or combinations of shapes). For example,FIG.12is top elevational view of a wheel retainer80having a cross-shaped retaining member82coupled to a sleeve52in accordance with an example embodiment. As described above, the internal sleeve diameter DSof the sleeve52is sized to receive the shaft72of the mounting bolt70that secures the wheel retainer80to the wheel mount64. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.12, the retaining diameter DRrefers to a diameter of a circle encompassing the dimensions of the cross-shaped retaining member82. In some embodiments, the retaining member82is coupled to the sleeve52proximate to the outer end55of the sleeve52, and the retaining member82has a retaining diameter DRsized such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36(or closing wheel42, or any other wheel) mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member82.

More specifically, in some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member82is larger than a bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62(e.g. seeFIG.4). In some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member82is larger than the bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36(or any other wheel) mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member82and does not become fully separated from the wheel mount64.

Similarly,FIG.13is top elevational view of a wheel retainer84having a quadrilateral-shaped retaining member86coupled to a sleeve52in accordance with an example embodiment. The quadrilateral-shaped retaining member86may be square, rectangular, or any other suitable quadrilateral shape. As described above, the internal sleeve diameter DSof the sleeve52is sized to receive the shaft72of the mounting bolt70that secures the wheel retainer84to the wheel mount64. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.13, the retaining diameter DRrefers to a diameter of a circle encompassing the dimensions of the quadrilateral-shaped retaining member86. In some embodiments, the retaining member86is coupled to the sleeve52proximate to the outer end55of the sleeve52, and the retaining member86has a retaining diameter DRsized such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36(or closing wheel42, or any other wheel) mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member86.

More specifically, in some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member86is larger than a bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62(e.g. seeFIG.4). In some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member86is larger than the bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36(or any other wheel) mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member86and does not become fully separated from the wheel mount64.

In addition,FIG.14is top elevational view of a wheel retainer90having a quadrilateral-shaped retaining member92coupled to a sleeve52in accordance with an example embodiment. The quadrilateral-shaped retaining member92may be an octogon, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, star-shape, regular or irregular polygon, or any other suitable polygon shape. As described above, the internal sleeve diameter DSof the sleeve52is sized to receive the shaft72of the mounting bolt70that secures the wheel retainer90to the wheel mount64. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.14, the retaining diameter DRrefers to a diameter of a circle encompassing the dimensions of the polygonal-shaped retaining member92. In some embodiments, the retaining member92is coupled to the sleeve52proximate to the outer end55of the sleeve52, and the retaining member92has a retaining diameter DRsized such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36(or closing wheel42, or any other wheel) mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member92.

More specifically, in some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member92is larger than a bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62(e.g. seeFIG.4). In some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member92is larger than the bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing62such that when the wheel bearing62fails, the gauge wheel36(or any other wheel) mounted on the wheel bearing62is retained at least partially on the sleeve52by the retaining member92and does not become fully separated from the wheel mount64.

Although several exemplary embodiments of wheel retainers have been described above and shown in the accompanying figures for a few suitable shapes of retaining members, it will be appreciated that virtually any number of suitable shapes (or combinations of shapes) of the retaining members for wheel retainers may be conceived. Similarly, it will be appreciated that virtually any number of sleeves for wheel retainers may be conceived having different dimensions, different cross-sectional shapes, or other differing characteristics from the particular embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, wheel retainers in accordance with the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the particular exemplary embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures.

It will be appreciated that further exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be readily conceived. For example,FIG.15is a perspective view of a wheel retainer150in accordance with another example embodiment. The wheel retainer150includes a sleeve152that slidably receives a shaft172of a mounting bolt170, and a retaining member154extending outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve152. In some embodiments, the sleeve152has an internal sleeve diameter DSsized to receive the shaft172of the mounting bolt170that secures the wheel retainer150and the wheel bearing162to the wheel mount64. In some embodiments, the retaining member154and the sleeve152may be integrally formed, that is, formed of a single piece, unitary construction of the type that may be produced by machining or other fabrication processes, thereby eliminating the weldment56described above.

As further shown inFIG.15, the wheel retainer150is mounted onto the mounting bolt170with a head174of the mounting bolt170engaging an outer end155of the sleeve152. A wheel bearing162is also engaged onto the shaft172of the mounting bolt170. In some embodiments, the wheel bearing162includes an inner race164that engages the shaft172of the mounting bolt170, and an outer race166.FIG.16is another perspective view of the wheel retainer150ofFIG.15. In this view, the wheel bearing162is partially disassembled such that only the inner race164is visible.

FIG.17is another side cross-sectional view of a portion of a gauge wheel assembly160that includes the wheel retainer150and wheel bearing162ofFIG.15in accordance with another example embodiment. As shown inFIG.17, in some embodiments, the wheel bearing162is mounted on the shaft172of the mounting bolt170and is positioned between the wheel retainer150and the wheel mount64. The gauge wheel36is mounted onto the outer race168of the wheel bearing162. In some embodiments, the wheel bearing162includes a plurality of ball bearings165(e.g. four are shown inFIG.17) that roll within grooves168disposed within opposing surfaces of the inner and outer races164,166in a generally known configuration.

As further shown inFIG.17, the wheel bearing162has an outer bearing diameter Dwb. Also, the inner race164of wheel bearing164has an outer diameter D1, while the outer race166of the wheel bearing164has an inner diameter D2. As with the previously-described embodiments, the retaining member154of the wheel retainer150has a retaining diameter DR.

As described above, in some embodiments, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member174is larger than the bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing162(e.g. seeFIG.17). In some embodiments, however, the retaining diameter DRof the retaining member174may be smaller than the bearing diameter Dwbof the wheel bearing162, but larger than the inner diameter D2of the outer race166of the wheel bearing162. The retaining member154is configured with a sufficient retaining diameter DRsuch that when the wheel bearing162fails, such as may occur when the outer race166becomes separated from the inner race164, the gauge wheel36(or any other wheel) mounted on the outer race166of the wheel bearing162is retained at least partially on the sleeve152by the retaining member154and does not become fully separated from the wheel mount64.

As further shown inFIG.17, the sleeve152of the wheel retainer150has an outer sleeve diameter D3. In some embodiments, the outer sleeve diameter D3of the sleeve152may be approximately equal to the outer diameter D1of the inner race164of the wheel bearing162(e.g.FIG.16). In further embodiments, however, the outer sleeve diameter D3of the sleeve152may be less than or greater than the outer diameter D1of the inner race164of the wheel bearing162.

FIG.18is a perspective view of a wheel retainer180in accordance with still another example embodiment. In some embodiments, the wheel retainer180includes a sleeve182that slidably receives a shaft172of a mounting bolt170, and a retaining member184extending outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve182. The sleeve182has an inner end183that engages against a wheel bearing162, and an outer end185that engages against a head174of the mounting bolt170.

As shown inFIG.18, in some embodiments, the retaining member184is positioned approximately flush with the outer end185of the sleeve182. In some embodiments, the head174of the mounting bolt170engages against either the outer end185, the retaining member184, or both the outer end185and the retaining member184, when the mounting bolt170is engaged through the wheel retainer180to secure the wheel retainer180and the wheel bearing162(and the gauge wheel36mounted on the wheel bearing162) to the wheel mount64. The retaining member184is configured with a sufficient retaining diameter DRsuch that when the wheel bearing162fails, the gauge wheel36(or any other wheel) mounted on the wheel bearing162is retained at least partially on the sleeve182by the retaining member184and does not become fully separated from the wheel mount64.

Wheel retainers in accordance with the present disclosure may provide substantial advantages over the prior art. For example, because some wheels operating in relatively harsh environments (e.g. agricultural machines) are subject to significant wear and tear during normal operations, it is not uncommon wheel bearing or other components to wear out. In such environments, when a failure of a wheel bearing occurs, wheels (e.g. gauge wheel36, closing wheel42, etc.) may become lost. When wheel retainers in accordance with the present disclosure are employed in such operating environments, however, when the wheel bearing fails, the wheel may nevertheless remain secured to the wheel mount by the retaining member of the wheel retainer, preventing loss of the wheel. Wheel retainers in accordance with the present disclosure may reduce costs associated with replacement of wheels, and may reduce undesirable delays in machine operation associated with searching for missing wheels, ordering replacement wheels, or other possible delays. Accordingly, time and expense associated with wheel bearing failures may be mitigated.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described above. All patent applications, patents, and printed publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, except for any definitions, subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case the language in this disclosure controls. The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the various embodiments in the present disclosure be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.