FOLDING FRAME IMPLEMENT

Abstract: A folding frame farm implement comprising: a) a cart (21), b) a multi-section rockshaft frame (20) mounted on said cart and oriented generally transversely in the working position, c) said rockshaft frame (20) having a central section (20c) and laterally disposed wing sections (20a, 20e), d) wheel means (2, 3) supporting said rockshaft frame sections, e) said rockshaft frame sections being rotatable about a generally transverse axis between a 1st position and a 2nd position, f) a plurality of individual tool frame sections (27, 28) rotatably mounted to corresponding ones of said rockshaft frame sections about a generally transverse axis, g) individual wheel support means (29, 31) for each tool frame section, h) wherein said tool frame sections (27, 28) are supported at working positions and a non-working position at a variable height above the ground determined by the relative rotational position of the rockshaft frame (20) between said 1st position and said 2nd position and by the said wheel support means (29, 31), i) central tool frame section support means (31) associated with said central rockshaft frame section adapted to retain said central tool frame section (20c) in close proximity to the ground for transport, j) lift means to further rotate said wring frame tool sections (20a, 20c) from a generally horizontal position to a raised position for transport and k) said wing sections (20a, 20c) being foldable rearwardly for transport.

Description: FOLDING FRAME IMPLEMENT A folding frame implement having a mam section and one or more wmg sections on either side of the mam section foldable between and aligned working position and a folded transport position One or more implement tool gangs are supported on each of the sections Those gangs on the wmg sections adjacent either side of the mam section are attached for rotation to and from a workmg position to a vertically onented transport position such that they do not mterfere with the gangs on the mam section when the wmg sections are rotated mto transport position The gangs on the mam section are supported for rotation m slotted members such that when the implement is positioned into a transport position, the gangs on the main section are positioned low m the slotted member for a low transport position of the mam section gangs An agricultural folding frame implement having a rockshaft which also serves the implement frame structure, said rockshaft being supported on one or more caster wheels Tool gangs are supported such that thev can remain oriented parallel to the ground when the rockshaft is rotated A caster wheel with walking axles, a first caster axis, and a second caster axis, may be pivotally attached to the implement on its second caster axis It casters m all directions on a first caster axis, and continues to caster on the first axis when the implement rockshaft is within a range of w orking positions, and may be steerablv controlled on its second caster axis by an actuator One embodiment of the invention is descnbed as follows A foldmg frame implement with a hitch section supported bv caster wheels has a mam rockshaft pivotally attached to one end of the hitch section Said rockshaft may have one or more wmg sections pivotally attached to either side on first and second wmg axes Said rockshaft is rotated by rockshaft actuators in a range of workmg positions, non-workmg positions and a transport position One or more tool gangs are attached to each of the rockshaft sections Dual caster wheels are attached on opposite ends of a walking beam, said beam is pivotally attached to the first member of a caster arm on a walking axle and may rotate without limits on the walking axle. The caster arm first member is pivotally attached to the caster arm second member for rotation about a first caster axis and the caster arm second member is pivotally attached to the implement rockshaft on a second caster axis. The caster second member may be steered by an actuator to control the position of the caster with respect to the second axis. A lock on the caster engages and disengages depending on the position of the caster arm, to lock motion about the caster first axis. An implement with caster wheels having a second steerable axis, said axis is fixed in transport position to provide for implement stability during transport so the rear of the implement is not allowed to wander. A hydraulic lockout to limit steering of the caster wheels to when the rockshaft is locked in the transport position. The rockshaft is locked when it is fully rotated upward in a transport position. The rockshaft is unlocked by an actuator to allow controlled movement in a range of working positions by rockshaft actuators connected between the rockshaft and the implement hitch section. Implement tool gangs are pivotally attached to the rockshaft on one side and are supported by gage wheel arms on another side. Gage wheel arms are pivotally attached to implement gangs at one end and have gage wheels attached at the other end. One end of a linkage is pivotally attached at a point intermediate the ends of the gage wheel arms. Said linkage is pivotally attached at its other end to the implement rockshaft, and said linkage causes the gage wheel arms to rotate as the rockshaft rotates so the gang is raised and lowered in a range of working positions in a level manner. Implement tool gangs have separate gage wheels to individually follow uneven ground, said gangs pivot on the implement rockshaft and move relative to each other to follow uneven ground and maintain depth of ground working tools. Gangs are attached to the main section of the rockshaft via slotted members on the main rockshaft such that both pivotal motion and motion along the slot is allowed. A linkage connected at one end to the main section gang and at the other end to the hitch section guides the gangs position within the slotted members so that the gang is in a low transport position when the rockshaft is in a raised transport position. Springs on gangs abut members on the rockshaft when the gangs are lowered to working position, said springs may be used to transfer weight from the rockshaft to the gangs to bias the gangs toward the ground. Actuators on gangs of the implement wing sections operate when the rockshaft is in the raised transport position to raise gangs to a vertical transport position. A limiting linkage pivots to an over-center position to lock the gangs when they are fully raised to a transport position. The limiting linkage is unlocked from it's over-center position by motion of one end of the actuator which abuts the linkage, causing the linkage to collapse. Said actuator end is allowed limited motion within a slot. Actuators on the gangs are operated to raise the gangs on each wing section in sequence so that all gangs of one wing section are raised together but not all wing section gangs are raised at once, minimizing the stress on the rockshaft when the gangs are raised, but keeping gangs of a common section together to minimize length of hose attachments for hydraulics or aii-seed deliveiy. In working position draft links connected to the wing sections are locked to the hitch section to support draft load during operation. When the gangs are raised for transport, the draft links are unlocked to allow the wings to rotate rearwardly into transport position. Gangs of the wing sections do not interfere with the gangs on the main section in transport position, said main section gangs being in low transport position. Wing sections adjacent the main section have steerable caster wheels near their outer ends, said caster wheels are steered on a second axis to bias the wing sections to rotate into transport position when the implement is towed forward. Wing sections adjacent the main section are locked into transport position by a transport lock when they are fully rotated rearwardly for transport. The transport lock is released by an actuator before positioning the wing sections into working position. A second embodiment of the invention incorporates many of the components of the first embodiment with the following differences: One or more actuators are connected at one end to the hitch section and at the other end to the main rockshaft section and operate when the rockshaft is in working position to transfer weight from the hitch section to the rockshaft. Implement tool gangs attached to wing sections are raised or lowered in a range of working positions by actuators connected between the gangs and the rockshaft. Said actuators cause the rockshaft to rotate so as to raise and lower the front of the gangs. Said actuators also act to lift the implement gangs when the rockshaft is locked in transport position. Said gangs have rear gage wheels on arms which are pivotally attached to the rear of the gangs and support the rear of the gangs. The springs for weight transfer from the rockshaft to gang(s) are on the mam section only. Parallel connected actuators on the wing sections transfer weight from the rockshaft to the wmg section gangs. Braces pivotally attached to the rockshaft allow gangs full rotation in working position but are shifted by gravity in the transport position to abut the gangs when they are raised to transport position and prevent them from rotating past vertical. A link on the rockshaft operates a hydraulic valve to allow operation of caster wheels in transport but not during working position, and switches to operation of auxiliary equipment in working position, such as air-seeders. Drawings: Figures A through S show the prefered embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In Figure A is shown a schematic outline of the frame of the farm implement of the invention shown m a lower workmg position. Figures B through E schematically show the implement in raised non-working positions including a folded postion in Figure E. Cart 21 is supported for movement in direction of travel 22 at hitch point 23. At the rear of cart 21 the rockshaft frame, generally designated 20, is pivotally attached as at 24a and 24b for rotation about an axis 24 generally transverse to the direction of travel. Hydraulic means (not shown in Figures A through O maintain and control the relative rotational position of rockshaft frame 20 and cart 21 about axis 24. Figure A shows a lower working transverse position of rockshaft frame 20 in which castering 1 st axis 7 of each walking beam assembly 1 is generally vertical and free to caster. The rockshaft frame is generally supported on a series of walking beam assemblies 1 for rotation about walking beam assembly axis of rotation 4. Figure B shows a raised transverse position in which rockshaft frame 20 is partially rotated about axis 24 and walking beam assembly axis 4. In this position castering 1 st axis 7 is substantially tilted forward in the direction of travel 22. Figure C shows a fully raised transverse position in which rockshaft frame 20 is ftilly rotated about axis 24 and walking beam assembly axis 4. In this position castering Is 1 axis 7 is substantially horizontal and has been locked to prevent the castering action. The 2 nd axis 10 on each walking beam assembly 1 has been brought substantially vertical and available for steering under the control of hydraulic assembly 11. In all of Figures A through C the rockshaft frame 20 central portion, designated 20c, is fully supported on a pair of centrally located walking beam assemblies la and lb and on cart 21 Rockshaft frame 20 mam be a 3 -section member or a 5 -section member as shown in Figures A through C Outermost wmg sections 20a and 20e are pivotally attached as at 25 to innermost wmg sections 20b and 20d (detail not shown) m a standard fashion for relative rotation about an axis which is generally honzontal in the lower working position shown in Figure A Innermost wmg sections 20b and 20d are pivotally attached as at 26 to central frame section 20c (detail not shown) m a standard fashion for relative rotation about a pair of axes forming a universal jomt Central tool frame 27 is pivotalh supported upon and rearward of central frame section 20c for relatne pivotal motion about a transverse avis 34 Central tool frame 27 is also pivotalh supported upon wheel assembly 31 for relative rotation about transverse axis 33 In all lower workmg positions such as shown m Figure A and the raised non-working positions shown Figures B and C tool frame 27 is maintained generally horizontal Each rockshaft frame wmg section 20 a, b, d and e may carry 1 or more tool frames and example of which is shown at tool frame 28a and 28b m Figures A through C for each of the port side wmg sections m these Figures Each wmg section tool frame 28 is pivotallv supported upon rockshaft frame for relative motion about about transverse axis 30. also shown in parts as 30a and 30b, respectively and upon a rear mounted wheel assembly 29a and 29b respectively for relative pivotal motion about transverse axes 32a and 32b Linkages 35a and 35b act upon corresponding wheel assemblies 29a and b respectively to mamtam w g tool frames 28a and 28b generally horizontally disposed at a determined and variably distance above the ground in all lower working positions as depicted in Figure A and the raised non-working positions shown in Figures B and C As shown m Figure D tool frames attached 28a and 28b to rockshaft frame wmg sections 20d and 20e, for example, may be further rotated about axes 30 m relation to rockshaft frame 20 to be generally vertically oriented Preferably 2 or more tool frame sections 28 may be attached to each rockshaft wmg section During the rotation between that position shown m Figure C and in Figure D support wheels 29a and 29b are lifted clear of the ground and preferabh pivot about axis 32 to he adjacent tool frames 28 As the wing section tool frames are pivoted upwards the central section tool frame remains generally horizontal and in a lower non-working position. Once in the raised non-working position shown in Figure D the rockshaft frame wings may be pivoted about a now vertical axis as at 26 in Figure E in a standard fashion to the rear of rockshaft central section 20c into the transport position showτi m Figure E. Detail of this joint is not shown. Preferably the wings are arranged so that the transport width of the machine is primarily determined by the length of rockshaft frame center section 20c. Preferably, the plurality of wheel supports 29 and tool frames 28 are raised sufficiently in the transport position to clear the central tool frame section for the narrowest non-interference folding of the implement. Figures F through L show end views of the rockshaft frame 20 and the central tool frame 27 and the wing-section tool frames 28 in various positions and in greater detail than depicted shematically in Figures A through E. Figure F is an end view of the rockshaft tool frame taken along line F-F in Figure A. Tool frame 28 is shown in a high working position wherein working tools supported on the frame 28 are retained in close working relationship to the ground and generally at the same working height. Rotation will provide for a smaller seperation with the ground and a deeper working depth. Castering 1 st axis 7 is shown generally veπtcal. Steering or 2 nd axis 10 is shown horizontal and in the direction of travel. In this position the 2 nd axis is hydraulically restramed from pivotal motion. Linkage 35 is shown connected between support wheel 29 as at pivotal connection 40 and the rockshaft tool frame 20 as at pivotal connection 39. Hydraulic cylinder 36 is shown connected between tool frame 28 at pivotal connection 38 and rockshaft frame 20 as at pivotal connection 37. As rockshaft tool frame 20 is hydraulically rotated about axis 24 (Figure G) walking beam assembly 1 is maintained in operative contact with the ground 43 and tool frames 28 are raised in level operating relationship with the ground 43 to an operating position as shown in Figure G. Figure G position is commonly utilized for headland about face in order to narrow the turning circle. Further rotation of rockshaft frame 20 brings 1 st castering axis generally level with the ground 43 when gravity operates to cause lock out of the castering motion as shown in Figure H. In Figure H tool frame 28 is shown in a ftilly raised horizontal non-working position while rockshaft frame 20 has been rotated preferably about 90 degrees. In this position cylinder 36 has been allowed to become fully extended as tool frame 28 rotates further about axis 30 to remain preferably parallel to the ground and supported on the rockshaft frame 20 and the wheel support 29. The orientation of wheel support 29 is maintained by linkage 35 connecting it to rockshaft frame 20 and causes wheel support 29 to rotate about axis 32. Figures F, G and H are typical of each tool frame connected to a corresponding wing section of the rockshaft frame 20, preferably in pairs. Figures I, J and K are end views showmg the central tool frame 27 and its corresponding wheel support 31 which rotate relative to each other about axis 33 so that central tool frame 27 is also maintained generally parallel to the ground 43 and in working relationship therewith. Figure I shows the central tool frame 27 at its lowermost working position on rockshaft frame 20 about axis 41 maintained at one extemity of slot 42 by linkage 44 further connecting linkage 35 with frame 20 as at 45. Working tools supported on the central tool frame 27 are maintained m the same working relationship to the ground as similar tools on wing section tool frames 28. Figure J shows rotation of rockshaft frame 20 to an intermediate non- working position where linkage 44 draws point of connection 41 of linkage 35 along the length of slot 42 thereby reducing the relative height of tool frame 27. Figure K shows complete rotation of rockshaft frame 20 to bring 1 st castering axis into a generally horizontal position and 2 nd steering axis 10 generally vertical. In this position connection 41 is drawn to the lowermost extremity of slot 42 by linkage 44 further relatively lowering the forwardmost end of tool frame 27. Figure L shows both the central tool frame 27 and an example of wing tool frame section 28. Rockshaft frame 20 is fully rotated as shown in Figures H and K. Central tool frame is shown in the position of Figure K. At this point the tool frames may be locked as shown in Figure O. By actuation of hydraulic cylinder 36 tool frame 28 may be rotated about its support axis 30 to a generally upright configuration. Linkage 35 acts between rockshaft frame 20 and wheel support 29 to rotate wheel support about its axis 32 so as to lie adjacent tool frame 28 for transport. As can be seen in Figure L rotation of a wing section to the transport position rotates wing tool frame 28 and its associated wheel support 29 and any working tools attached to lie above and clear from interference with central tool frame 27, its wheel support 31 and its associated working tools (not shown). Figure M shows a plan view of the implement with a 5 -section rockshaft frame 20 with starboard wing elements 20a and 20b, central element 20c, and 2 port side wing elements 20d and 20e. Each of the wing sections is shown in preferred configuration fully populated with a pair of tool frames 28 and corresponding individual support wheel assemblies 29. In Figure M castering 1 st axis 7 is vertical and the rockshaft and tool frames 28 are shown in lowered working orientation to the ground. Wing elements are retained in the extended position by supports 46 interconnecting each side of the implement to the cart 21. Figure O shows a detailed elevation of the rockshaft central section 20c in fully rotated position with 2 nd axis 10 being vertical. Section 20c is supported at 24 on walking wheel assembly 1. In this configuration tool frame 27 would be supported by the lower extremity of slot 42. Preferably the rockshaft 20 may be locked from return movement from the position of Figure O by interacting abutment 47 and rotatable locking arm 48. The position of arm 48 is controlled by arm 49 of L-shaped rotatable member 50 and a manual control arm 52 by linkage 51. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF CASTERING WALKING BEAM WHEELS A preferred embodiment of the walking beam assembly 1 of the invention is as shown in Figures P through S 0 in which the pair of wheels 2 and 3 are supported in walking arrangement on a common axis of rotation 4. Each of wheel axles 2a and 3 a are preferably offset from axis of rotation 4 by an equal amount. All of axis of rotation 4 and axles 2a and 3a are coplanar. 9 a . Figure P depicts the drawbar of the invention shown in a lower working position and turning a comer to the left when travelling forward. In this position rockshaft frame 20 is oπented generally transverse to the direction of travel with its sides generally vertically and horizontally arranged. 1 0 . Walking beam assembly 1 is pivotally supported on a 1 st member 5 for rotation about axis 4 First member 5 is pivotally supported on a 2 nd member 6 for rotation about a 1 st or castering axis 7 In the various working positions of the implement such as the lower position shown m Figure P and the somewhat raised position shown m Figure Q the 1 st axis of rotation is maintained substantially vertical In these positions 1 st member 5 is permitted to freely caster about the 1 st or castering axis 7 while supporting the 2 nd member 6 on the walkmg beam assembly 1 The 2 nd member 6 is preferably L-shaped so as to provide adequate clearance for the wheels 2 or 3 of wheel assembly 1 to flip over in the working position without mterference from either the 1 st or 2 nd members The 2 nd member 6 is further rotationallv supported on frame member 9 for rotation about a 2 nd axis 10 In the workmg positions shown in Figures P through R the 2 nd member 6 is hydraulically locked by hydraulic assembly 1 1 acting between the frame member 9 and the 2 nd member 6 to prevent rotation about the 2 nd axis 10 The 2 nd axis 10 remams substantially horizontally oriented in the working positions The 2 nd member 6 includes a flange 12 for attachment of the hydraulic assembly 1 1 as at 13 on Figure R In the vanous workmg positions shown in Figures P through R the castermg of the 1 st member about axis 7 is preferably free As shown m detail in Figure R a latch tongue 14 is rotated about is pivotal attachment to the l t member 5 as at 16 by gravity out of engagement ith the latch 15 secured to the 2 nd member The transport position of the walkmg beam wheel assembly is shown m Figure S wherem frame member 9 has been further rotated m the direction shown between Figures P and Q so as to bring 1 st axis 7 into a substantially horizontal position and 2 nd axis 10 into a substantially vertical position As shown m Figure S latch tongue 14 has been rotated downward about 16 by gravity so as to engage latch 15 and prevent rotation of the 1 st and 2 nd members about 1 st axis 7 In this position as well the frame 9 is fully supported on the walkmg beam assembly 1 The 2 nd axis 10 is now generally veπcally oriented and actuation of the hydraulic assembly 1 1 operates to rotate the walkmg beam assembly in a steered fashion about 2 nd axis 10 1 1 . The walking beam wheels 2 and 3 remain free to flip over while fully supporting frame 9 at a uniform height. Other embodiments will be apparent from the drawings and figures.

Claims: 1 2 . What we claim is: 1) A folding frame farm implement comprising: a) A cart, b) A multi-section rockshaft frame mounted on said cart and oriented generally transversely in the working position. c) Said rockshaft frame having a central section and laterally disposed wing sections, d) Wheel means supporting said rockshaft frame sections, e) Said rockshaft frame sections being rotatable about a generally transverse axis between a l 51 position and a 2 n position, f) A plurality of individual tool frame sections rotatably mounted to corresponding ones o said rockshaft frame sections about a generally transverse axis, g) Individual wheel support means for each tool frame section, h) Wherein said tool frame sections are supported at working positions and a non-working position at a variable height above the ground determined by the relative rotational position of the rockshaft frame between said 1 st position and said 2 nd position and by the said wheel support means, i ) Central tool frame section support means associated with said central rockshaft frame section adapted to retam said central tool frame section in close proximity to the ground for transport. j) Lift means to further rotate said wing frame tool sections from a generally horizontal position to a raised position for transport. and k) Said wing sections being foldable rearwardly for transport. 2) A fann implement wheel support mechanism comprising: a) A walking beam assembly with dual wheels supported in walking fashion upon a single axle including b) A first axis providing for castering of said walking beam assembly in relation to the implement which is substantially vertical when in the working position, and c) Means to lock out said castering when in the transport position. 1 3 . 3) A farm implement wheel support mechanism as in claim 2 wherein said walking beam assembly comprises: a) A mam walking beam axis, b) A wheel axis for each of said wheels offset from said mam walking beam axis, c) Wherein said axes are substantially co-planar. 4) A farm implement wheel support mechanism as in claim 3 wherein said walking beam assembly comprises means to provide for free rotation of each of said wheels about the main walking beam axis. 5) A farm implement wheel support mechanism as in claim 4 wherein said farm implement comprises a transport position in which the said first axis is substantially horizontally oriented. 6) A farm implement wheel support mechanism as in claim 5 wherein the said walking beam assembly comprises means to prevent rotation of said walking beam assembly about said 1 st axis when in the transport position.

Inventors: FRIGGSTAD TERRENCE, FRIGGSTAD, TERRENCE
Applicants: FLEXI COIL LTD, FRIGGSTAD TERRENCE, FLEXI-COIL LTD., FRIGGSTAD, TERRENCE
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A01B73
IPC codes: A01B73