Patent Publication Number: US-2022210961-A1

Title: Agricultural drill/planter/coulter/disc blade with step plane notch edge

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to an improved ground engaging blade for an agricultural implement such as a tillage disc or coulter, drill or planter, and more particularly to such a blade that, due to this shape, resists throwing and provides a consistent cut. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Coulters are presently used ahead of no-till implements—such as a planter—to fracture a narrow band of soil to prepare the soil to receive the no-till implement. U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,270 to Bruce, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, shows coulters and one way of how they are used to till and open the soil. 
     A disc can be a flat coulter that is deformed to a convex shape on one side and concave shape on the other side so it will throw soil in one direction as it moves forwardly through the ground. Discs are most often used with a plurality of them side by side in “gangs” or rows as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,079 to Bruce, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Further, U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,194 to Bruce, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, details that because of differences in soil types and differences among crops grown, there is a need for coulters and discs that can be easily adjusted in shape at the time of manufacture to conform to the conditions anticipated in the field. One such condition is difficult soil types with excess rocks and residue which results in an inconsistent cut made by the coulter or a soil type or crop type in which throwing is disfavored. As such, there is a need in the art for a coulter which provides a consistent cut and reduces throwing. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure relates to an apparatus for an agricultural implement blade. The blade is a disc or coulter that is generally circular with an outer periphery. A plurality of step plane notches are disposed in the outer periphery of the disc, each of the plurality of step plane notches tapering from a predetermined thickness on a radial inside to a thinner generally sharped edge at the radially outermost part thereof. In one embodiment of the disclosure, each step plane notch has a uniformly deep and sharpened edge so as to provide consistent penetration and residue sizing of the ground with a reduced amount of soil throwing. The disc can be generally curved, a flat coulter, or a disc that is convex on one side and concave on the other side. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the apparatus described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the convex side of the concave/convex disc made in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the concave side of the disc of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the convex side of the disc of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the disc of  FIGS. 1-3 , but with a hub attached to a bent axle; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged side elevational view of the hub of  FIG. 6  from the left side of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded, partial perspective view of the disc and hub shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of two of the discs of  FIGS. 1-3  shown with a spacer spool between adjacent discs; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of part of a gang of discs with spacer spools between adjacent discs showing the direction that the discs throw dirt when pulled through an agricultural field; 
         FIG. 9  is a coulter version of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the coulter of  FIG. 9  with a hub of the type shown in  FIGS. 4-6  attached thereto; 
         FIG. 11  shows a gang of coulters of the type shown in  FIG. 9  disposed on a shaft with spacer spools disposed between adjacent coulters; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosures. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end and sides are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Agricultural Blade 
     As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade  10 . Each blade  10  may be of any diameter and thickness and may be constructed out of any suitable material. In preferred embodiment, the blade  10  is of a diameter that is preferably 17 inches to 40 inches. In a still further preferred embodiment, the blade  10  is preferably 0.180 inches to 0.5 inches in thickness. However, the agricultural blade may be of any diameter and thickness without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In a still further embodiment, the blade  10  is constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, steel, hard plastics, and the like. Each blade  10  further comprises an outer periphery  18 . 
     Disc 
     As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade  10 . In an embodiment of the agricultural blade apparatus, the agricultural blade  10  is a disc  12 , which may be convex on one side and concave on the other side. Each disc  12  may be of any diameter and thickness and may be constructed out of any suitable material. In preferred embodiment, the disc  12  is of a diameter that is preferably 17 inches to 40 inches. In a still further preferred embodiment, the disc  12  is preferably 0.180 inches to 0.5 inches in thickness. However, the disc may be of any diameter and thickness without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In a still further embodiment, the disc  12  is constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, steel, hard plastics, and the like. Each disc  12  further comprises an outer periphery  18 . 
     Coulter 
     As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade  10 . In an embodiment of the agricultural blade apparatus, the agricultural blade  10  is a coulter  14 , which is substantially flat. Each coulter  14  may be of any diameter and thickness and may be constructed out of any suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, the coulter  14  is of a diameter that is preferably 17 inches to 40 inches. In a still further preferred embodiment, the coulter  14  is preferably 0.125 inches to 0.5 inches in thickness. In a still further embodiment, the coulter  14  is constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, steel, hard plastics, and the like. Each coulter  14  further comprises an outer periphery  18 . 
     Step Plane Notch 
     As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade  10 . In an embodiment of the agricultural blade apparatus, the agricultural blade  10  further comprises a step plane notch  16 , and preferably a plurality of step plane notches  16  disposed in the outer periphery  18  of the agricultural blade  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural blade comprises at least five step plane notches  16 . The angle of opening of each notch  16  disposed in the outer periphery  18  is preferably 80 degrees to 135 degrees, or any angle which is suitable for reduction of throwing and promotion of consistent cuts. It is to be understood that the notches  16  can be of other shapes and sizes. It is preferable that each notch  16  be the same shape to promote uniform wear. Further, it is preferable that the plurality of notches  16  are equally spaced in the outer periphery  18 . In a preferred embodiment, spacing should be provided such that each third of the agricultural blade  10  contains at least one notch, preferably at least one and half notches, and preferably at least two notches. 
     Additionally, as stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade  10  wherein the agricultural blade  10  comprises a step plane notch  16 , and preferably a plurality of step plane notches  16  disposed in the outer periphery  18  of the agricultural blade  10 . In one arrangement, as one example, the agricultural blade  10  comprises a plurality of step plane notches  16  wherein every other step plane notch  16  is sharpened on the opposite side. In another arrangement, the agricultural blade  10  comprises a plurality of step plane notches  16  wherein every step plane notch  16  is sharpened on both sides. In yet another arrangement, the agricultural blade  10  comprises a plurality of step plane notches  16  wherein every step plane notch  16  is sharpened on the same side. Any variation of sharpening the step plane notches  16  including, but not limited to, every step plane notch  16  being sharpened alike or each step plane notch  16  being sharpened in its own unique manner (i.e., being sharpened on one side, being sharpened on both sides, etc.) may be utilized by the agricultural blade apparatus without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, the step plane notches  16  remain sharp longer than other blades. 
     Furthermore, the agricultural blade  10  comprises a plurality of step plane notches  16  which may be uniform in depth  40  and sharpness so that any forces applied to the outer periphery  18  will be transmitted evenly so as to avoid inconsistency in the cut made by the blade  10 , whether it is a disc or a coulter. In another embodiment, the agricultural blade  10  comprises a plurality of step plane notches  16  that may vary in depth  40  and sharpness. In one embodiment, the agricultural blade  10  comprises a plurality of step plane notches  16  wherein each step plane notch  16  comprises a depth  40  which is 50% or less of the width  42  of the notch  16 . In one embodiment, as one example, the agricultural blade  10  comprises a plurality of step plane notches  16  of varying depths, but each step plane notch  16  comprises a depth  40  which is 50% or less of the width  42  of the respective notch  16 . 
     Central Opening, Shaft, and Axle 
     Each of the agricultural blades  10  is provided with a central opening  20  which receives the shaft  32 . In an alternative embodiment, each of the agricultural blades  10  is provided with a central opening  20  which receives the axle  22 . The central opening  20  may be of any suitable size, shape, and design, so as to accommodate receipt of the shaft  32 . Similarly, the shaft  32  and axle  22  may be of any suitable size, shape, and design. 
     Hub 
     Each of the agricultural blades  10  is provided with a hub  24  which facilitates receipt of the shaft  32  or axle  22 . The hub may be of any suitable size, shape, and design. 
     Spacer Spools 
     Spacer spool  34  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to be positioned between adjacent agricultural blades  10  to facilitate proper spacing of the cuts made by the agricultural implement in the soil. Each of the spacer spools  34  comprises a center section and opposite end portions. A shaft opening extends through each of the spacer spools  34 . The end portion can be provided with an annular rim or peripheral portion which is slightly convex so as to be complimentary to the inside curvature of the adjacent disc blade  12  or substantially flat so as to be complimentary to the adjacent coulter blade  14 . The opposite end portion is also provided with an annular rim or peripheral portion which is slightly concave so as to be complimentary to the outside curvature of the adjacent disc blade  12  or substantially flat so as to be complimentary to the adjacent coulter blade  14 . In an alternative embodiment, one end portion may be slightly smaller in diameter than the opposite end portion since it has been found through experience that the agricultural blades  10  suffer less breakage if spools of different diameters are positioned on opposite sides thereof. 
     Threaded Fastener 
     Threaded fastener  26  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to tighten against the surface of the hub  24  while also pulling the agricultural blade  10  into firm engagement with the hub  24 . The use of a threaded fastener  26  ensures that a seal is formed with the hub  24  and the agricultural blade  10 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, the threaded fastener  26  is a generally cylindrical elongated member having a first threaded end and a head. First threaded end and head are in coaxial alignment with one another. That is, the center axis of rotation of the first threaded end and head are in alignment with one another, despite the fact that the diameters or shapes or features of the first threaded end and the head may differ. First threaded end and head may have the same diameter or different diameters. 
     Also shown in this example is a head positioned in the end of the threaded fastener  26 . Head is any feature or device that allows for the threaded fastener  26  to be grasped and rotation to be imparted on the threaded fastener  26 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, head is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the first threaded end. This head includes a plurality of flat surfaces on opposing sides of the head. These flat surfaces allow for a wrench or other tool to grasp the head and impart torque there on. This can be useful during the installation process. It is hereby contemplated for use that head can take on any other form, such as a hex-head member, a square head member, a recessed hexagonal socket, a recessed square socket, a recessed flat head feature that receives a flat head screw driver, a recessed Philips head feature that receives a Phillips head screw driver, a slot, a pair of crossed slots, or any other feature that can be used to impart rotation. In this arrangement, when the first threaded end is inserted within the hub  24 , the head extend outward from the hub  24  thereby facilitating easy access to the head. In this arrangement, once the first threaded end is inserted into the hub  24 , a tool grasps the head thereby imparting rotation on threaded fastener  26  or preventing rotation of the threaded fastener  26 . 
     Nut 
     Also shown in this example is a nut  30  positioned in the end of the threaded fastener  26  opposite the head and in coaxial alignment with the head. The nut  30  is any feature or device that allows for the threaded fastener  26  to be grasped and rotation to be imparted on the threaded fastener  26  and remain in firm engagement with the hub  24  and agricultural blade  10 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, the nut  30  is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the first threaded end. The nut  30  includes a plurality of flat surfaces on opposing sides of the nut  30 . These flat surfaces allow for a wrench or other tool to grasp the nut  30  and impart torque there on. This can be useful during the installation process. It is hereby contemplated for use that nut  30  can take on any other form, such as a hex-head member, a square head member, or any other feature that can be used to impart rotation. In this arrangement, when the first threaded end is inserted within the hub  24  and the nut  30 , wherein the nut extend outward from the agricultural blade  10  thereby facilitating easy access to the nut  30 . In this arrangement, once the first threaded end is inserted into the nut  30 , a tool grasps the nut  30  thereby imparting rotation on nut  30  or preventing rotation of the threaded fastener  26 . 
     In Operation 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 and 12 , an agricultural blade  10  has a plurality of step plane notches  16  disposed in the outer periphery  18  of the disc  12  or coulter  14 . The cross section shown in  FIG. 12  shows a cross section of the disc  12  and step plane notches  16 . 
     An important distinction between the agricultural blade  10  and prior art agricultural blades is that the step plane notches  16  are uniform in depth and sharpness so that any forces applied to the outer periphery  18 , will be transmitted evenly so as to avoid inconsistency in the cut made by the blade, whether it is a disc or a coulter. In a preferred embodiment, the disc  12  or coulter  14  is connected to a mounting apparatus such as hub  24  ( FIGS. 4-6 ) on bent axle  22  or a spacer spool  34  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) that separate and hold in place the discs  12  along a shaft  32  which provides rotation about an axis of rotation. In an embodiment, the axis of rotation is substantially horizontal. The disc gang  36  shown in  FIG. 9  or the coulter gang  38  shown in  FIG. 12  could have a non-circular center opening with a complementary shaped shaft in the non-circular center opening so that the shaft and discs or coulters all rotate together as a unit. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a spacer spool  34  is disposed on a shaft  32  between two of the discs  12  or between two of the coulters  14  and the spacer spool  34  extends radially outwardly by a distance. 
     Additionally, as described above,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a concave/convex disc made in accordance with the disclosure. However, in another embodiment, the side shown of the disc in  FIG. 1  may be concave without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, as described above,  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a concave/convex disc. However, in another embodiment, the side shown of the disc in  FIG. 2  may be convex without departing from the disclosure. 
       FIG. 6  shows that the hub  24  is preferably attached to the disc  12  around a central opening  20  by placing threaded fasteners  26 , such as bolts, through substantially aligned holes  28  in the hub  24 , through substantially aligned holes  28  extending through the disc  12  or coulter  14  to make sure that the hub  24  is securely fastened to the disc  12 . Nuts  30  are threadably attached to the ends of the threaded fasteners  26  to hold the hub  24  to the disc  12 .  FIGS. 4-6  show that the hub  24  conforms to the surface of the disc  12 . The hub  24  shown in  FIG. 10  is preferably of the same configuration as that shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . In an embodiment, the central opening is adapted to be attached to an agricultural implement, such as a disc harrow, disc seeder, or planter. 
     A second embodiment of the disclosure, shown by example only, is a coulter  14  shown in  FIGS. 9-11 and 13 . The only difference between the coulter  14  of  FIGS. 9-11 and 13  and the disc  12  of  FIGS. 1-3  is that the coulter  14  is primarily flat, whereas the disc  12  may be convex on one side and concave on the other side. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept as expressed by the attached claims.