Working platform for a tractor

A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to accessories for tractors. In particular, the present invention is directed to a working platform for a utility tractor.

BACKGROUND

Orchards need to be regularly pruned in order to keep the trees in the proper condition for growing fruit (e.g., apples, peaches, etc.). Traditionally, pruning and trellis work was done on a ladder, which was laborious and very time consuming because workers had to climb down off the ladder to move from place to place within a tree and to progress from tree to tree. To cut down on the challenges of using ladders or other types of fixed scaffolding, certain elevated, mobile platforms were developed to increase pruning efficiency, such as the aerial platform apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,713 to Carpenter et al. (“Carpenter”). However, these elevated, mobile platforms are dedicated pruning machines, which adds another piece of equipment to a farm or orchard thereby increasing costs and expense. Also, these mobile platforms have not been designed to allow for pruning of both sides of a row of trees simultaneously. Additionally, the apparatus disclosed in Carpenter requires both a pruner in the platform and an operator to move the platform to the next location. These failures make them impractical for many orchards and small farms. At least one device, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,534,832 to Rediske (“Rediske”), discloses a single extension boom with an aerial platform that is attached to a rear three-point hitch of a tractor that was intended for use in repairing and painting buildings with relatively high side walls. In the context of orchard maintenance, however, Rediske has several shortcomings, including: 1) significant chance of instability during use (a platform usable in orchards needs to be movable along the curvilinear path of the tree branches, which is not accounted for in Rediske's design), 2) inability to have two pruners on opposite sides of a row of trees, and 3) it includes a complex, integrated driving control system that is not readily removable from the tractor when the aerial platform is not needed.

What is needed are platforms designed for use in pruning, harvesting, and trellis work that are removably attached to opposing sides of the front half of standard utility tractors that can accommodate more than one worker, allow a worker to move about on the platform, allow a compressor or other device to be attached to the rear of the tractors so as to be available for powering pruning equipment, for example, and to allow the worker to adjust the location of the tractor from the platform and the position of the platform itself, so as to get closer to a tree in need of pruning, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment, a working platform for a tractor having, along its longitudinal axis, a front, a middle, and a rear, is provided in which the working platform includes a first platform removably attached to the tractor on a first side of the tractor between the front and the middle of the tractor, wherein the platform is configured to be adjusted horizontally toward and away from the tractor and wherein the platform is sized to allow more than one worker to be on the platform. A control mechanism on the first platform is operably connected to steering, braking and gear shifting functions of the tractor so as to allow for driving of the tractor from the working platform.

Additionally or alternatively, the working platform may include a second platform that is removably attached to a second side of the tractor, the second side being opposite the first side. In this way, instability or imbalance of the tractor can be reduced and work may be performed on trees in two rows simultaneously.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform and the second platform may be configured to be adjusted horizontally independently of each other with foot pedals located on each respective platform. In this way, workers may position their platforms appropriately for the shape and position of branches of the tree they are about to work on, and may, because of the foot control, be able to continue to grasp and use tools, such as pruning tools, while making adjustments to the horizontal position of the platform they are on.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform and the second platform are not adjustable in a vertical direction. In this configuration, the platforms may be less expensive and easier to install.

Additionally or alternatively, the working platform may include an automatic steering system and the automatic steering system is engaged and disengaged by a switch located on the first platform. In this way, the tractor can be automatically guided down the rows while the workers continue to work uninterrupted.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform is connected to the tractor by an arm and the arm is pivotable in a horizontal plane by a hydraulic cylinder such that the first platform is adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position on a single plane. In this way, the platform may be adjusted horizontally using power from the tractor.

Additionally or alternatively, the working platform may include an air compressor attached to the rear of the tractor via a three-point hitch. In this way, the air compressor may provide stabilizing counterweight in the back of the tractor and can be used to power tools used by workers on the platform.

Additionally or alternatively, a base of the first platform is about 5 feet above the ground when attached to the tractor. In this way, the platform is at a height that is convenient for work on the types of trees commonly found in orchards.

Additionally or alternatively, the control mechanism includes a motor, a wheel, and a band, wherein the band is operably wrapped around the wheel and a steering wheel of the tractor, and wherein the motor turns the wheel such that the steering wheel is controlled through control of the motor. In this way, steering of the tractor may be controlled from the working platform via a mechanism that can be easily installed and removed from the tractor without damaging the tractor.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform includes a safety rail system. In this way, workers on the platform can reach out into the trees and have a reduced risk of falling from the platform.

Additionally or alternatively, the control mechanism includes a gear shift assembly, the gear shift assembly including a knob for changing gears that is operably connected to an actuator that is reversibly attached to a gear shift lever of the tractor. In this way, gear shifting may be controlled from the working platform via a mechanism that can be easily installed and removed from the tractor without damaging the tractor.

Additionally or alternatively, the automatic steering system includes a GPS device. In this way, a course may be set and followed prior to the commencement of work, which relieves workers on the platform from having to focus on steering the tractor while also working on the trees.

In another embodiment, a device for supporting workers on a tractor that can be removably attached to the tractor is provided that includes a frame mount attached to a frame of the tractor, a plurality of first vertical supports attached to the frame mount on a first side toward a front half of the tractor, and a plurality of second vertical supports attached to the frame mount on a second side toward the front half of the tractor, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. A first cross-bar member is attached to the plurality of first vertical supports and a second cross-bar member is attached to the plurality of second vertical supports. A first platform is attached to the first cross-bar member via a first hingeable arm, wherein the first platform can be adjusted horizontally toward and away from the first side of the tractor independently from the second platform by a user on the first platform, and a second platform is attached to the second cross-bar member via a second hingeable arm, wherein the second platform can be adjusted horizontally toward and away from the second side of the tractor independently from the first platform by a user on the second platform.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform and the second platform are sized to allow more than one worker to be on each of the first platform and the second platform. In this way, a single utility tractor can carry at least four workers down a row of orchard trees at once.

Additionally or alternatively, the device includes an air compressor attached to a rear of the tractor via a three-point hitch. In this way, the air compressor may provide stabilizing counterweight in the back of the tractor and can be used to power tools used by workers on the platform.

Additionally or alternatively, the device may include a control mechanism on the first platform operably connected to steering, braking and gear shifting functions of the tractor, wherein the control mechanism includes a motor, a wheel, and a band, wherein the band is operably wrapped around the wheel and a steering wheel of the tractor, and wherein the motor turns the wheel such that the steering wheel is controlled through control of the motor. In this way, steering of the tractor may be controlled from the working platform via a mechanism that can be easily installed and removed from the tractor without damaging the tractor.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform and the second platform each include a foot pedal for controlling horizontal positioning of the respective platform on which the foot pedal is located. In this way, workers may position their platforms appropriately for the shape and position of branches of the tree they are about to work on, and may, because of the foot control, be able to continue to grasp and use tools, such as pruning tools, while making adjustments to the horizontal position of the platform they are on.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform and the second platform are not adjustable in a vertical direction. In this configuration, the platforms may be less expensive and easier to install on the tractor.

Additionally or alternatively, the device includes an automatic steering system, wherein the automatic steering system can be engaged and disengaged by a switch located on the first platform. In this way, the tractor can be automatically guided down the rows while the workers continue to work uninterrupted.

Additionally or alternatively, the automatic steering system includes a GPS device. In this way, a course may be set and followed prior to the commencement of work, which relieves workers on the platform from having to focus on steering the tractor while also working on the trees.

Additionally or alternatively, the first platform includes a safety rail system. In this way, workers on the platform can reach out into the trees and have a reduced risk of falling from the platform.

Additionally or alternatively, the control mechanism includes a gear shift assembly and the gear shift assembly includes a knob for changing gears that is operably connected to an actuator that is reversibly attached to a gear shift lever of the tractor. In this way, gear shifting may be controlled from the working platform via a mechanism that can be easily installed and removed from the tractor without damaging the tractor.

In another embodiment, a working platform includes a frame mount designed and configured to be removably attached to a frame of a tractor, a plurality of vertical supports attached to the frame mount, and a cross-bar member attached to the plurality of vertical supports. A decking is connected to the cross-bar member via a hingeable arm, wherein the decking includes a safety rail system and wherein the decking is configured to be adjusted horizontally by a hydraulic cylinder attached to the cross-bar member and configured to pivot the hingeable arm in response to a foot pedal control. A control mechanism is on the first platform and is designed and configured to be operably connected to steering, braking and gear shifting functions of the tractor.

Additionally or alternatively, the decking is not adjustable in a vertical direction. In this configuration, the platforms may be less expensive and easier to install.

Additionally or alternatively, the working platform includes an automatic steering system that includes a GPS device, wherein the automatic steering system is engaged and disengaged by a switch located on the decking. In this way, a course may be set and followed prior to the commencement of work, which relieves workers on the platform from having to focus on steering the tractor while also working on the trees.

Additionally or alternatively, the working platform includes an air compressor attached to the rear of the tractor via a three-point hitch. In this way, the air compressor may provide stabilizing counterweight in the back of the tractor and can be used to power tools used by workers on the platform.

Additionally or alternatively, the decking is about 5 feet above the ground when attached to the tractor. In this way, the platform is at a height that is convenient for work on the types of trees commonly found in orchards.

Additionally or alternatively, the control mechanism includes a motor, a wheel, and a band, wherein the band is operably wrapped around the wheel and a steering wheel of the tractor, and wherein the motor turns the wheel such that the steering wheel is controlled through control of the motor. In this way, steering of the tractor may be controlled from the working platform via a mechanism that can be easily installed and removed from the tractor without damaging the tractor.

Additionally or alternatively, the decking includes a safety rail system. In this way, workers on the platform can reach out into the trees and have a reduced risk of falling from the platform.

Additionally or alternatively, the control mechanism includes a gear shift assembly, the gear shift assembly including a knob for changing gears that is operably connected to an actuator that is reversibly attached to a gear shift lever of the tractor. In this way, gear shifting may be controlled from the working platform via a mechanism that can be easily installed and removed from the tractor without damaging the tractor.

In another embodiment, a method of performing work on trees includes attaching a first working platform to a first side of a tractor and attaching a second working platform to a second side of the tractor, the second side being opposite the first side. Then the tractor is positioned between a first row of trees and a second row of trees. A horizontal position of the first working platform is adjusted to account for a curvilinear shape of a tree in the first row proximate to the first working platform such that the first working platform is positioned for work to be performed on the tree in the first row by a worker on the first platform and a horizontal position of the second working platform is adjusted to account for a curvilinear shape of a tree in the second row proximate to the second working platform such that the second working platform is positioned for work to be performed on the tree in the second row by a worker on the second platform. Work is performed simultaneously on the tree in the first row and the tree in the second row, and then the tractor is moved forward between the first row of trees and the second row of trees. With the tractor in a new location between the rows, the horizontal position of the first working platform is readjusted such that the first working platform is positioned so that work can be performed on the first row of trees and the horizontal position of the second working platform is readjusted such that the second working platform is positioned so that work can be performed on the second row of trees.

In another embodiment, a method of pruning branches of trees in need thereof is provided which includes ascending an aerial platform that is attached to a utility tractor, driving the utility tractor, while in the aerial platform, proximate to a tree, and moving the aerial platform only in a horizontal plane away from the utility tractor so as to move the aerial platform proximate to ones of the branches. Ones of the branches are pruned and then the position of the aerial platform is altered only in the horizontal plane so as to move the aerial platform proximate to other ones of the branches.

Additionally or alternatively, the aerial platform is removably coupled to a side of the utility tractor. In this way, the utility tractor may be used for other purposes when the aerial platform is removed.

Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes removably coupling a second aerial platform to an opposite side of the utility tractor. In this way, any instability or imbalance of the utility tractor can be reduced and work may be performed on trees on both sides of the utility tractor at the same time.

Additionally or alternatively, the driving is facilitated by controls coupled to the steering wheel, brake pedal, and throttle, wherein no part of the controls are permanently installed on the utility tractor. In this way, the utility tractor may be used for other purposes when the aerial platform and controls are removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is directed toward a working platform sized and configured to be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor. The platform can be moved toward and away from the side of the tractor to which it is attached in a horizontal plane so as to allow the user to move toward and away from an object to be worked on, such as the edge of a tree to be pruned. The working platform can be sized to allow a user to move about on the platform and allows the user to control the tractor's movement from the platform.

A working platform according to the present disclosure assists pruners (people involved in the act of pruning trees) to readily access the portions of the trees that need to be pruned efficiently and safely, as well as workers to perform other tasks on trees or, trellised plants. In certain embodiments, the working platform is removably attachable to a standard utility tractor so as to maintain the proper and safe operation of the tractor. The working platform can be moved in a horizontal plane away from and toward the side of the tractor (and therefore toward, or away from, the tree to be pruned). As trees have an outer edge that is somewhat curvilinear, this movement allows a pruner to get close to a tree as the tree's outer edge moves away from the tractor body (as the tractor moves slowly down a row). In certain embodiments, the working platform also includes the necessary controls to allow the pruner to operate the tractor from the working platform. In another embodiment, the working platform includes automatic controls that assist the tractor to remain substantially between the rows of trees while progressing slowly down the rows without assistance from the pruner. These and other aspects of the present invention are discussed in more detail below.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-1C, a tractor100with an exemplary platform108(e.g.,108aand108b) attached thereto is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, platform108can be used with a variety of utility tractors and can be removed from one tractor and attached to another tractor even if the tractors are not the same kind. In an exemplary embodiment, two platforms108, platforms108aand108b, are removably attached to tractor100. Platforms108aand108bare preferably attached to respective opposite sides of tractor100in order to help maintain balance in the event the platforms are exerting unbalanced forces (e.g., if one platform is fully extended and contains a worker while the second platform is empty and retracted). Preferably, platforms108are attached at about a middle-front portion of tractor100. In this way, for many types of tractors, platform108would be generally attached approximately in line with the engine of the tractor with respect to a direction running from the front of the tractor to the back of the tractor, which further serves to help maintain balance. In addition, an air compressor (not shown) may be attached to the rear of the tractor (such as via a three-point hitch) as a counterweight if needed as well as for use for operating air-powered pruning equipment, for example.

Platform108may be attached to tractor100using any suitable technique. In an exemplary embodiment, platform108is attached to the tractor using a frame assembly112. Frame assembly112includes frame mounts116(e.g.,116a-b), vertical supports120(e.g.,120a-d), cross-bar members124(e.g.,124a-b), and arms128(e.g.,128a-d). Frame mounts116are attached to the frame of tractor100. Preferably, frame mounts116may be bolted or welded to the tractor frame. To each frame mount116a vertical support120is attached via bolts, for example. Vertical supports120may be of any desired length, but preferably of such length as to place platform108at an appropriate height, such as around five or six feet above the ground depending on the particular intended work to be done, when attached to tractor100. Cross-bar members124are connected to vertical supports120on either side of the tractor100. Cross-bar member connect platform108to vertical support120.

Arms128are designed to support platform108. Arms128may be pivotably attached to cross-bar members124and/or vertical supports120. Arms128are pivotable in at least a horizontal plane and are preferably operably linked to a hydraulic cylinder136or other mechanism for moving arms128through the horizontal plane between a retracted position (platform108ais shown in a retracted position inFIG. 1A) and an extended position (platform108bis shown in an extended position inFIG. 1A). An end of hydraulic cylinder136may have a base on cross-bar member124and another end attached to arm128, as can be seen inFIG. 2.

The pivoting action of arms128may be controlled by any suitable mechanism including a foot pedal140on platform108as shown inFIG. 1A, which can be connected to hydraulic cylinder136by hydraulic lines or other suitable operable connection. Pedal140allows a user to move platform108from the retracted position to the extended position while continuing to hold and use tools, such as pruning shears. If there are platforms on both sides of the tractor100, each platform may be controlled separately from the other so that a worker on the right platform may, for example, have the right platform in the fully extended position while a worker on the left platform can have the left platform in the retracted position. In this way, in operation, the present invention allows work to be performed on two rows of trees, for example, while the tractor100moves down those rows.

Platform108may include decking144(e.g.,144a-b) or other suitable floor materials for supporting one or more workers as well as an appropriate railing system148(e.g.,148a-b). While each platform108may be any size depending on the tractor it is to be attached to and the intended work to be performed on it, about 1.5-3 feet wide and about 4-6 feet long may be preferable dimensions for attachment to typical utility tractors for use in pruning fruit trees, a size that allows a worker to move about on the platform to enable efficient work, e.g., on trees or trellises, or for there to be more than one worker on a platform.

Platform108may also include a control box152or similar for controlling functions of tractor100, such as, but not limited to, steering, braking, on/off, forward/reverse, etc. Control box152may include knobs or switches that are operably connected to a brake assembly, a gear assembly, and a steering control for steering tractor100. Each of these controls is reversibly interfaced with the tractor controls. For safety, each platform108is preferably equipped with a kill switch132(e.g.,132a-b).

FIG. 3shows an exemplary embodiment of a steering control system156. In this embodiment, steering control system156includes a motor160, a wheel164, and a band168. Motor160is mounted on tractor100and connected to wheel164. Band168wraps around wheel164and a steering wheel172of tractor100. Connecting these components to control box152allows a user to steer tractor100while on remaining platform108. When platform108is mounted to tractor100and is to be steered by a pruner, the pruner slips band168around wheel164and steering wheel172so as to allow for steering control of tractor100. In another embodiment, band168may be connected to another wheel (not shown) that is rigidly connected to steering wheel172.

At a high level, and as outlined inFIG. 4, gear shift assembly176allows an operator to put tractor100into forward, reverse or neutral from platform108. Gear shift assembly176includes a knob180or other mechanism for changing gears that is operably connected to an actuator184that is engaged with a gear shift lever188. Actuator184may be reversibly attached to gear shift lever188via a cotter pin or other suitable mechanism depending on the type of gear shift lever. In operation, a pruner can change the operating gear of the tractor by moving knob180so as to change gears.

Brake assembly192, as outlined inFIG. 5, includes a brake shift196, which is operably connected to a brake actuator200that is engaged with a brake pedal204on tractor100. Brake actuator200may be reversibly attached to brake pedal204via a cotter pin or other suitable mechanism. Brake actuator200may include a motor and an extendable shaft that when extended is operably connected to brake pedal204such that the brakes of tractor100are engaged.

A ladder208may be included to facilitate getting into platform108. Ladder208may be attached near a front of the tractor100between platforms108aand108band can be secured to, for example, vertical supports120and/or cross-bar members124.

In an exemplary embodiment, tractor100can include an automatic steering system so that tractor100may be kept near the center of two rows of trees in an orchard, for example. The automatic steering assembly can make steering corrections to tractor100as the tractor moves along between the rows or so that the tractor maintains a predetermined route or directional heading. In an exemplary embodiment, automatic steering system may use a GPS to either guide the tractor along a predetermined route or maintain the tractor along a directional heading that is entered into the GPS (either a heading may be programmed or the system can determine the desired heading after a certain distance between rows has been travelled by the tractor while being manually steered).

Alternatively, an automatic detection-based steering system212, outlined inFIG. 6, may include a detection mechanism, such as a photoelectric eye or an ultrasound detector. Such detectors can determine a distance the tractor is from a row or rows of trees as the tractor travels between rows of trees. In this embodiment, automatic steering system212is set with a distance range that tractor100should maintain from a row of trees. When detector mechanism senses that tractor100has deviated from that range, i.e., either gotten too far or too close to a row of trees, a corrective steering operation is performed automatically. As platform108is laterally movable by the pruner, the ability of tractor100to maintain an approximate heading allows the pruner to focus on adjusting the platform instead of concerning themselves with adjusting the tractor position.

Automatic steering system212can include a first sensor and a second sensor attached to tractor100that transmit and receive ranging signals. The ranging signals can be directed toward a row of trees, a crop row, or a furrow on both sides of the tractor. The ranging signals strike the row, such as, in particular, the trunks of fruits trees along the row, or furrow and are reflected back toward the sensor. A processor can then combine and compare the ranging data in order to determine lateral displacement of the tractor with respect to the rows or the center of the rows. Any displacement or deviation is converted into corrective steering commands. The corrective steering commands are translated into motor operations for the motor that is operably connected to the steering wheel, which is thus adjusted to cause the tractor to be directed back toward the center of the rows.

A DC motor can be used to control the steering of tractor100. When the automatic steering feature is engaged, control of steering is switched from control box152to the automatic steering system, which allows the GPS or detection system to steer wheel164based on feedback received (either via satellite data or sensors). When manual steering is required for any reason, control of tractor100can be switched back to control box152by a pruner on platform108b. While various levels of precision are possible depending on the type and quality of system used, any automatic steering system used will preferably keep the tractor within about three feet or so of a desired course, which would allow workers to continue working because of the ability to adjust the horizontal position of platform108.

FIG. 7is a flowchart216that outlines steps for using the working platforms with a utility tractor to work in an orchard or similar location. At step220, the working platforms are attached to the utility tractor. Then, at step224, actuators are connected to the brakes, the steering wheel, and the gear shift of the tractor. Next, hoses for the hydraulic cylinders are connected at step228, at which point the tractor can be steered into a row of an orchard at step232. Work can be performed on trees on either side of the row and adjustments are made to the horizontal positioning of the platforms at step236as needed for the work being performed. At the same time, the tractor may be steered by making adjustments at step240, which may be either automatically executed or manually, or both. In this way, the platforms can be tracked along the curvilinear path of the orchard trees while the tractor continues down the row. When the working platforms are no longer needed, they can be removed by disconnecting the hydraulic cylinders at step244and disconnecting actuators from the brakes, the steering wheel, and the gear shift at step248. The working platforms can then be detached from the tractor at step252.

In operation, a process256for pruning or harvesting fruit trees, for example, as outlined inFIG. 8, allows for increased efficiency of work performed on the trees. A tractor is initially positioned between rows of the trees that are to be worked on. Once between the rows, the location of the tractor along the rows is adjusted at step260. Adjusting the location may be accomplished by manually driving the tractor, either from one of the working platforms via control systems described herein or from the standard tractor controls, or automatically via one of the systems described above, namely a GPS position control system or a sensor-based steering system. In a preferred embodiment, the tractor position is maintained in the center of the space between rows automatically while the tractor progresses continuously down the rows, i.e., the tractor moves slowly down the rows as work on the trees occurs. As the tractor moves slowly down the row (or, in an alternative embodiment, when the tractor is stopped proximate trees on either side of the row to be worked on), the horizontal positions of the working platforms are adjusted at step264. This allows each platform to be located at an appropriate position with respect to the tree, or more specifically, to the branches of the tree, to be pruned or harvested; i.e., it is beneficial to adjust the horizontal positions of the platforms to comport with the curvilinear shape created by the plurality of branches of a tree. With the platforms in appropriate positions, work, such as pruning or harvesting, is performed on the trees at step268. As that work is occurring, or after that work is completed, the position of the tractor is adjusted again at step260so that the tractor progresses down the row, at which point the horizontal positions of the platforms may need to be adjusted again based on the branches that are now in line with the platforms. This process256can thus continuously proceed until work on entire rows of trees is completed.