Patent Publication Number: US-2023147547-A1

Title: Rod weeder having ground following functionality

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to agricultural implements, and more particularly to a rod weeder that has ground following functionality and, optionally, further improved operational functionalities. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rod weeders are well known and used in large numbers for weed control. Typically, a rod weeder drags a rod oriented substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of the rod weeder through the soil just below the soil surface. The rod is driven by a suitable drive mechanism such that it rotates about a longitudinal axis thereof at a rate of approximately 100 to 150 rpm in an opposite direction to a rolling direction associated with the moving direction of the rod weeder. The rotating rod cuts and/or pulls weeds and lifts the same to the soil surface where they wither and die. Furthermore, the rotating rod packs the soil below the rod to create a firm moist seed bed and above the rod, the soil is aerated to dry hence, prohibits weeds from growing. 
     Present-day rod weeders have a number of significant disadvantages. Firstly, as the level of the ground varies, the depth of the rod relative to the soil surface varies. For example, while one portion of the rod is placed too deep into the soil another portion may be placed above the soil surface, substantially reducing the effectiveness of the rod weeder. Secondly, the down-pressure exerted onto the rod is not adjustable, resulting in the rod being placed too deep in light soil or not deep enough in heavy soil. Thirdly, replacement of the rod when damaged, for example, after encountering rocks or other debris, is difficult and can likely only be done in a workshop. Fourthly, plant debris disposed on the soil surface, for example, plant debris left after a previous harvest to prevent soil erosion or to keep moisture in the soil, can get caught at or between the shanks holding the gauge wheels and the shanks holding the rod. 
     It is desirable to provide a rod weeder that enables the rod to follow the level of the ground. 
     It is also desirable to provide a rod weeder that is capable of providing an adjustable down-pressure exerted onto the rod. 
     It is also desirable to provide a rod weeder that enables simple replacement of the rod. 
     It is also desirable to provide a rod weeder that is capable of preventing debris disposed on the soil surface from getting caught. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a rod weeder that enables the rod to follow the level of the ground. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a rod weeder that is capable of providing an adjustable down-pressure exerted onto the rod. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a rod weeder that enables simple replacement of the rod. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a rod weeder that is capable of preventing debris disposed on the soil surface from getting caught. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rod weeder. The rod weeder comprises a mounting structure adapted for being mounted to a tractor or larger farm implement. 
     A support frame is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure at a first end thereof. A connecting structure is mounted to a second end of the support frame. A support beam has a rod and drive means for rotating the rod mounted thereto. The support beam is pivotally movable mounted to the connecting structure such that the same is enabled to oscillate about an axis through a centre pivot and oriented parallel to a forward moving direction of the rod weeder. A hydraulic cylinder moves the rod weeder between a raised position and an operating position and provides down-pressure during operation. 
     According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rod weeder. The rod weeder comprises a mounting structure adapted for being mounted to a tractor or larger farm implement. A support frame is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure at a first end thereof. A connecting structure is mounted to a second end of the support frame. A support beam has a rod and drive means for rotating the rod mounted thereto. The support beam is pivotally movable mounted to the connecting structure such that the same is enabled to oscillate about an axis through a centre pivot and oriented parallel to a forward moving direction of the rod weeder. A hydraulic cylinder moves the rod weeder between a raised position and an operating position and provides down-pressure during operation. The rod is mounted to the support beam via rod shanks extending downwardly from a first end and a second end of the support beam. Gauge wheels are mounted to respective wheel shanks extending downwardly from a first and second end portion of the support beam such that the gauge wheels are placed ahead of the rod in the forward moving direction. 
     According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rod weeder. The rod weeder comprises a mounting structure adapted for being mounted to a tractor or larger farm implement. A support frame is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure at a first end thereof. A connecting structure is mounted to a second end of the support frame. A support beam has a rod and drive means for rotating the rod mounted thereto. The support beam is pivotally movable mounted to the connecting structure such that the same is enabled to oscillate about an axis through a centre pivot and oriented parallel to a forward moving direction of the rod weeder. A hydraulic cylinder moves the rod weeder between a raised position and an operating position and provides down-pressure during operation. The rod weeder further comprises a down-pressure adjusting mechanism having the hydraulic cylinder mounted thereto for enabling selection of different down-pressures exerted onto the rod. 
     According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rod weeder. The rod weeder comprises a mounting structure adapted for being mounted to a tractor or larger farm implement. A support frame is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure at a first end thereof. A connecting structure is mounted to a second end of the support frame. A support beam has a rod and drive means for rotating the rod mounted thereto. The support beam is pivotally movable mounted to the connecting structure such that the same is enabled to oscillate about an axis through a centre pivot and oriented parallel to a forward moving direction of the rod weeder. A hydraulic cylinder moves the rod weeder between a raised position and an operating position and provides down-pressure during operation. The rod is mounted to the support beam via rod shanks extending downwardly from a first end and a second end of the support beam. The rod is provided as an assembly comprising the rod and rod shoes for being mounted to the rod shanks. 
     According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rod weeder. The rod weeder comprises a mounting structure adapted for being mounted to a tractor or larger farm implement. A support frame is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure at a first end thereof. A connecting structure is mounted to a second end of the support frame. A support beam has a rod and drive means for rotating the rod mounted thereto. The support beam is pivotally movable mounted to the connecting structure such that the same is enabled to oscillate about an axis through a centre pivot and oriented parallel to a forward moving direction of the rod weeder. A hydraulic cylinder moves the rod weeder between a raised position and an operating position and provides down-pressure during operation. The rod is mounted to the support beam via rod shanks extending downwardly from a first end and a second end of the support beam. Gauge wheels are mounted to respective wheel shanks extending downwardly from a first and second end portion of the support beam such that the gauge wheels are placed ahead of the rod in the forward moving direction. Disc openers are placed in proximity to the gauge wheels such that a front end thereof is placed ahead of the gauge wheels in the forward moving direction. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rod weeder. The rod weeder comprises a mounting structure adapted for being mounted to a tractor or larger farm implement. A support frame is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure at a first end thereof. A connecting structure is mounted to a second end of the support frame. A support beam is mounted to the connecting structure. The support beam has a rod and drive means for rotating the rod mounted thereto. A hydraulic cylinder moves the rod weeder between a raised position and an operating position and provides down-pressure during operation. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted to a down-pressure adjusting mechanism for enabling selection of different down-pressures exerted onto the rod. 
     The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a rod weeder that enables the rod to follow the level of the ground. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a rod weeder that is capable of providing an adjustable down-pressure exerted onto the rod. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a rod weeder that enables simple replacement of the rod. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a rod weeder that is capable of preventing debris disposed on the soil surface from getting caught. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS.  1   a  and  1   b    are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a front perspective view, and a side view, respectively, a rod weeder according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  1   c    is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a side view the rod weeder according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the rod being lifted over an obstruction; 
         FIGS.  1   d  and  1   e    are simplified block diagrams illustrating in rear views the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with the rod weeder being in a level and an oscillated position, respectively; 
         FIGS.  1   f  and  1   i    are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a detailed rear view, a detailed front view, a detailed top view, and a detailed bottom view, respectively, a connecting mechanism for pivotally movable connecting the support beam to the connecting structure of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIGS.  2   a  to  2   c    are simplified block diagrams illustrating in side views the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with the rod weeder being in a high down-pressure, low down-pressure, and raised position, respectively; 
         FIG.  2   d    is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a side view a down-pressure adjusting mechanism of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  3   a    is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view removal of a chain cover of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS.  3   b  and  3   c    are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a detailed side view and opposite side view, respectively, loosening of the drive chain of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  3   d    is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view removal of pins securing the rod assembly of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  3   e    is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view removal of the rod assembly of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and, 
         FIG.  3   f    is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a detailed side view removal of the rod assembly of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and, 
         FIGS.  4   a  to  4   c    are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a top view, a rear view, and a top perspective view, respectively, a section of a multi rod rod weeder farm implement employing a plurality of the rod weeder according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. 
     While the description of the preferred embodiments hereinbelow is with reference to a rod weeder as a single unit, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, but are also adaptable for employing a plurality of the same in a large farm implement. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1   a    to  1   i,    2   a  to  2   d,  and  3   a  to  3   f  a rod weeder  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The rod weeder  100  comprises mounting structure  103 ,  106  which is adapted for being mounted to, for example, a tractor or a frame of a larger farm implement, via mounting elements  104 . Support frame  102  is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure  103 ,  106  via pivots  102 A at a first end thereof. A second end of the support frame  102  is pivotally movable mounted at pivot  102 B to connecting structure  113 . The support frame  102  is, for example, V-shaped, mounted at two pivots  102 A to mounting structure  103  and narrowing towards the pivot  102 B. The connecting structure  113  has support beam  114  mounted thereto, preferably, such that the support beam is oriented substantially perpendicular to a forward moving direction of the rod weeder  100 . Preferably, rod  126  is mounted to the support beam  114  via rod shanks  118  extending downwardly from a first end and a second end of the support beam  114 . The rod  126  is rotatable mounted to the rod shanks  118  and driven by drive wheel  132  via chain or belt  128 . The drive wheel  132  is actuated using drive  134 , for example, a hydraulic motor connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor. In operation, the rod is rotating at a rate of approximately 100 to 150 rpm in an opposite direction to a rolling direction associated with the forward moving direction of the rod weeder  100 , as indicated by the block arrows in  FIG.  1   b   . Further preferably, gauge wheels  120  are mounted to respective wheel shanks  116  extending downwardly from a first and a second end portion of the support beam  114  in close proximity to the rod shanks  118  such that the gauge wheels  120  are placed ahead of the rod  126  in the forward moving direction. 
     Down-pressure is exerted onto the rod  126  using hydraulic cylinder  110 , which is pivotally movable mounted at pivot  110 A to the mounting structure  106 , preferably, via head bracket  108 , as will be described hereinbelow, and at pivot  110 B to the connecting structure  113 , such that the rod  126  is placed just below the soil surface  10 , as illustrated in  FIG.  1     b.  Guide bar  105  is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure  106  at pivot  105 A and via slot  105 B to the connecting structure  113 . The slot  105 B enables longitudinal movement of a connecting pin mounted to the connecting structure  113  therein between a first position at a first end thereof when the rod weeder  100  is in an operating position and second position at a second end thereof when the rod weeder  100  is in a raised position. Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinder  110  also applies trip pressure when an obstruction is encountered. The rod  126  pivots about pivot  102 B and gauge wheels  120 , lifting the rod  126 , from the position illustrated in  FIG.  1     b,  over the obstruction, as indicated by the dashed block arrow in  FIG.  1     c.    
     The components of the rod weeder  100  are made of, for example, steel and assembled using conventional fastening techniques such as screw fastening and/or welding. Pivotal/rotating movement is enabled using, for example, bolts disposed in respective bores or suitable bearings. The rod  126  is driven using, for example, a chain drive and sprocket wheels. Alternatively, a belt drive such as, for example, a V-belt or toothed belt, may be employed instead of a chain. The drive  134  and the hydraulic cylinder  110  are, for example, hydraulically connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor and operation thereof is remotely controlled via a control center placed at the tractor. 
     Preferably, the support beam  114  is pivotally movable mounted to the connecting structure  113  at pivot  115  such that the support beam  114  is enabled to oscillate about an axis through the pivot  115  and oriented parallel to the forward moving direction of the rod weeder. The oscillating movement of the support beam about the pivot  115  enables the rod  126  to follow the level of the ground  10  in case the same is uneven instead of level  10 A, as illustrated in  FIGS.  1   d    and  1   e,  thus substantially increasing the effectiveness of the rod weeder  100  when used on uneven ground. The support beam  114  is, for example, mounted to the connecting structure  113  via mounting structure  160 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  1   f    to  1   i.  The mounting structure  160  may be made of steel sheet material such that it conforms to a respective surface portion of the support beam  114  and is mounted thereto using screw fasteners such as screw V-bolts  162 A and screw nuts  162 B. Alternatively, the mounting structure  160  may be welded to the support beam  114 . The mounting structure  160  may have a hollow cylinder  164  mounted thereto for accommodating a pin therein. Respective bores  113 B and  113 D for accommodating the pin therein are disposed in mounting extensions  113 A and  113 C of the connecting structure  113  such that the bores  113 B and  113 D are placed behind the support beam  114  and ahead of the support beam  114 , respectively, in the forward moving direction. The pin when disposed in the bores  113 B and  113 D and the hollow cylinder connects the support beam  114  to the connecting structure  113  such that the support beam  114  is pivotally movable about the pin with the pin forming the pivot  115 . In the example implementation illustrated in  FIGS.  1   d  to  1   i    the pivot  115  is placed below the support beam  114 . Alternatively, the pivot  115  may be placed above the support beam  114  or level with the support beam  114 . 
     Further preferably, the rod weeder  100  is adapted to enable adjustment of the down-pressure exerted by the hydraulic cylinder  110  onto the rod  126 . The down-pressure is adjusted by changing the location of the pivot  110 A of the hydraulic cylinder  110  in the operating or field position, i.e. the orientation of the hydraulic cylinder  110 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  2   a  and  2   b    for exerting high down-pressure and low down-pressure, respectively. The down-pressure is easily adjusted by placing pin  140  into one of bores  138  disposed in the mounting structure  106  when the hydraulic cylinder  110  is in tension mode in the raised position of the rod weeder  100 , as illustrated in  FIG.  2   c   . For example, the highest possible down-pressure is selected by placing the pin  140  into the top bore  138 , as illustrated in  FIG.  2   c   , while selection of the lowest possible down-pressure is by placing the pin  140  into the bottom bore  138 . As is evident to one skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to three different down-pressures as illustrated in 
       FIGS.  2   a  to  2   c   , but may be adapted to providing a larger selection by providing more than three bores  138 . 
     The adjustment is enabled by interposing head bracket  108  between the mounting structure  106  and the pivot  110 A of the hydraulic cylinder  110 , as illustrated in  FIG.  2   d   . The head bracket  108  is pivotally movable mounted to the mounting structure  106  at pivot  144  via slot  145  disposed therein to enable sliding movement of the head bracket  108  with respect to the mounting structure  106  as well as rotating movement. Tension spring  112  mounted to the mounting structure  106  at  112 A and to the head bracket  108  at  112 B exerts force onto the head bracket  108  as indicated by the dashed block arrow in  FIG.  2   d   . When the hydraulic cylinder  110  is actuated to move the rod weeder  100  from the raised position into the operating or field position the same exerts pressure acting onto the pivots  110 A and  110 B. The acting pressure rotates the head bracket  108  about the pivot  144 , as indicated by the downward pointing block arrow in  FIG.  2   d   , while sliding movement of the head bracket  108  is prevented by the force exerted thereon by the spring  112 . The rotation of the head bracket  108  continues until interacting surface  141  of the head bracket  108  is in contact with the pin  140  disposed in one of the bores  138 , thus abutting further rotational movement of the head bracket  108 . Further pressure exerted by the hydraulic cylinder  110  results in sliding movement of the head bracket  108  with respect to the mounting structure  106  until the interacting element  142  of the head bracket  108  is in contact with the pin  140 , as indicated by the bloc arrow pointing towards the mounting structure  106 , thus securing the head bracket  108  and pivot  110 A of the hydraulic cylinder  110  in a fixed position with respect to the mounting structure  106  while in the field position. As is evident, when the hydraulic cylinder  110  is actuated to move the rod weeder  100  from the operating or field position into the raised position, the head bracket  108  will undergo the same movement in reverse, thus freeing the pin  140  to allow removal and placement of the same in a different bore  138 . 
     Optionally, the rod weeder  100  is adapted to enable easy and fast replacement of the rod  126  without use of tools. First, chain cover  130  is removed from rod shank  118  by removing pin  146 , as indicated by the block arrow in  FIG.  3   a   . Second, the chain  128  is loosened by pushing spring  135  loaded sprocket wheel  136  from the operating position into a replacement position, as indicated by the block arrow in  FIG.  3   b   . The sprocket wheel  136  is secured in the replacement position using hook  137 , as illustrated in  FIG.  3   c   . Third, after loosening the chain  128 , pins  148 , securing rod shoes  124  to the respective rod shanks  118 , are removed, as indicated by the block arrows in  FIG.  3   d   . Fourth, after removal of the pins  148 , the chain  128  is removed from the sprocket wheel  136  and the drive wheel  132  without breaking the same and, fifth, the rod shoes  124  are removed from the respective rod shanks  118 , as illustrated in  FIG.  3   e   , resulting in the removal of an assembly comprising the rod  126 , the rod shoes  124  and the chain  128  (not shown). 
     In order to enable simple removal of the rod shoes  124  from the respective rod shanks  118 , the bottom portion  118 A of each of the rod shanks, preferably, comprises interacting elements  118 B and  118 C which are adapted to accommodate respective securing elements  150  and  152  such as, for example, pins or bolts, of the rod shoes  124 , as indicated in  FIG.  3   f   . With the pin  148  disposed in opening  154  of the rod shoe  124  and, therefore, in contact with interacting surface  118 D of the bottom portion  118 A of the rod shank  118 , and the securing elements  150  and  152  of the rod shoes  124  in contact with the interacting elements  118 B and  118 C each rod shoe  124  is securely mounted to the respective rod shank  118  in a three point manner. Removal of the pin  148  allows movement of the rod shoe  124  by slightly rotating the same about securing element  152  until the securing element  150  is removed from the interacting element  118 B of the rod shank  118 , followed by movement of the bolt  152  from the interacting element  118 B, as indicated by the block arrows in  FIG.  3     f.    
     The replacement assembly comprising the rod  126 , the rod shoes  124  and the chain  128  is simply installed by performing the same steps of the above process in reverse. 
     Further optionally, the rod weeder  100  comprises disk openers  122  rotatably mounted to the wheel shanks  116  in proximity to the gauge wheels  120  such that a front end thereof is placed ahead of the gauge wheels  120  in the forward moving direction and oriented substantially parallel thereto. The disk openers  122  prevent plant debris from being caught at the wheel shanks  116  or the rod shanks  118  by cutting the same or pushing them downward onto or into the soil. The disk openers  122  are made of, for example, steel and mounted to the wheel shanks  116  in a conventional manner. 
     It is noted that, while the preferred embodiment of the rod weeder  100  comprises the features of: the oscillation about a center pivot; the mechanism for adjusting the down-pressure; the easily removable rod assembly; and, the disc openers, the invention is not limited thereto, but may comprise only one or any combination of these features depending on design preferences. 
     Further optionally, a multi rod rod weeder farm implement  200  comprising a plurality of rod weeders  100  may be provided. For example, the mounting structure  103 ,  106  of each rod weeder  100  is mounted to farm implement frame structure  202  of the farm implement  200 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  4   a  to  4   c   , such that the rod weeders  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 ,  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . are placed successively in a direction perpendicular to the forward moving direction (indicated by the block arrow). The farm implement frame structure  202  is supported by wheels  204  and adapted for being connected to a tractor for pulling the same as well as for providing hydraulic power thereto. For example, hydraulic power is provided to the hydraulic cylinder  110  of each of the rod weeders  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 ,  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . via hydraulic lines mounted to the farm implement frame structure  202  and connected via a hydraulic coupler to the hydraulic system of the tractor. Provision of power for moving the rod weeders  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 ,  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . into the operating or field position and for moving the rod weeders  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 ,  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . into the raised position is controlled by the operator of the tractor placed in the cabin thereof. 
     Enabling each rod weeder  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 ,  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . to independently oscillate, as described hereinabove, substantially improves the efficiency of the multi rod rod weeder farm implement  200  by enabling the rods  126 . 1 ,  126 . 2 ,  126 . 3 ,  126 . 4 , . . . of the rod weeders  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 ,  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . to independently follow the ground level at the location of the individual rod weeder  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 ,  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . , which is highly advantageous when the ground is uneven in the direction perpendicular to the forward moving direction, as illustrated in  FIGS.  4   b    and  4   c.    
     The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.