Method and apparatus of guidance of a finger weeding tool in row crop cultivator tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a row crop cultivator tool (100) including a frame (101); at least one wheel (102) operatively connected to the frame (101) for supporting the frame (101) with respect to the ground; a first longitudinal support arm (108) operatively and pivotally connected to the frame (101); a first transversal support arm (110) operatively connected to the first longitudinal support arm (108); a first finger weeding tool (112) mounted on the first transversal support arm (110); a second longitudinal support arm (108') operatively and pivotally connected to the frame (101); a second transversal support arm (110') operatively connected to the second longitudinal support arm (108'); a second finger weeding tool (112') mounted on the second transversal support arm (110'); wherein, in use, the first longitudinal support arm (108) is configured to pivot independently from the second longitudinal support arm (108').

Description

[0001] TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0002] METHOD AND APPARATUS OF GUIDANCE OF A FINGER WEEDING TOOL IN ROW CROP CULTIVATOR TOOL

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] This invention relates in general to a row crop cultivator tool for unearthing weeds on cultivated row crops.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Row crop cultivators using circular steel discs have long been used to till soil and unearth weed from row crops. For example, US Patent No. 5,785,129 (KELLER et al.) discloses a row crop cultivator having a fixed depth of penetration.

[0007]

[0003] During operation of known row crop cultivators, the weeding tools are positioned very close to the roots of the cultivated crops, and it becomes difficult to properly remove weeds without affecting the desired cultivated crops. This problem is further complicated by the soil type, humidity of the soil and speed of the row crop cultivator.

[0008]

[0004] Finger weeder tools for removing weeds that are mounted on row crop cultivators are known in the art. The finger weeder tools rotate while being driven on the ground as the row crop cultivator is pulled by a tractor. For example, US Patent No. 10,238,021 B2 (KIRCHHOFF et al.) discloses a soil-working device for row crops having a beam on which two finger-weeder tools are disposed by means of a transverse beam. However, one problem of such device is that when obstacles, such as rocks, are encountered in the field, the finger- weeder-tools are both lifted from the ground and do not properly till the soil.

[0009]

[0005] There exists therefore a need for a row crop cultivator tool with finger weeder tool that can remove weeds while being less affected by obstacles, such as rocks, when tilling the soil.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0006] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a row crop cultivator tool comprising: a frame; at least one wheel operatively connected to the frame for supporting the frame with respect to the ground; a first longitudinal support arm operatively and pivotally connected to the frame; a first transversal support arm operatively connected to the first longitudinal support arm; a first finger weeding tool mounted on the first transversal support arm; a second longitudinal support arm operatively and pivotally connected to the frame; a second transversal support arm operatively connected to the second longitudinal support arm; a second finger weeding tool mounted on the second transversal support arm; wherein, in use, the first longitudinal support arm is configured to pivot independently from the second longitudinal support arm.

[0007] In embodiments, the first longitudinal support arm is operatively connected to the frame by means of a first spring for pressuring downward the first longitudinal support arm with respect to the ground.

[0012]

[0008] In embodiments, the second longitudinal support arm is operatively connected to the frame by means of a second spring for pressuring downward the second longitudinal support arm with respect to the ground.

[0013]

[0009] In embodiments, the first longitudinal support arm comprises a first telescoping part for supporting the first transversal support arm and for longitudinally adjusting the first transversal support arm with respect to the first longitudinal support arm. Similarly, the second longitudinal support arm comprises a second telescoping part for supporting the second transversal support arm and for longitudinally adjusting the second transversal support arm with respect to the second longitudinal support arm.

[0014]

[0010] In embodiments, the first telescoping part comprises a series of side tabs cooperating with longitudinal securing means for locking in position the first telescoping part with respect to the first longitudinal support arm. Similarly, the second telescoping part comprises a series of side tabs cooperating with longitudinal securing means for locking in position the second telescoping part with respect to the first longitudinal support arm.

[0015]

[0011] In embodiments, the first telescoping part comprises a distal bended end extending laterally with respect to the first longitudinal support arm for laterally adjusting the first transversal support arm with respect to the first longitudinal support arm. Similarly, the second telescoping part comprises a distal bended end extending laterally with respect to the second longitudinal support arm for laterally adjusting the second transversal support arm with respect to the second longitudinal support arm.

[0016]

[0012] In embodiments, the distal bended end of the first telescoping part comprises a series of side tabs cooperating with lateral securing means for locking in position the first transversal arm with respect to the first telescoping part. Similarly, the distal bended end of the second telescoping part comprises a series of side tabs cooperating with lateral securing means for locking in position the second transversal arm with respect to the second telescoping part.

[0017]

[0013] In embodiments, the distal bended end of the first telescoping part comprises a series of central openings and the first transversal support arm comprises a series of side tabs for fitting into the central openings for vertically adjusting the first transversal support arm with respect to the first telescoping part. Similarly, the distal bended end of the second telescoping part comprises a series of central openings and the second transversal support arm comprises a series of side tabs for fitting into the central openings for vertically adjusting the second transversal support arm with respect to the second telescoping part.

[0014] In embodiments, the first weeding tool is operationally connected to the first transversal arm via first angular adjustment means for angular adjustment of the first weeding tool between at least two positions. Similarly, the second weeding tool is operationally connected to the second transversal arm via second angular adjustment means for angular adjustment of the second weeding tool between at least two positions.

[0018]

[0015] In embodiments, the first finger weeding tool is configured to be adjustably positioned on the first support arm for adjusting the first finger weeding tool with respect to the ground. Similarly, the second finger weeding tool is configured to be adjustably positioned on the second support arm for adjusting the second finger weeding tool with regards to the ground.

[0016] In embodiments, there is provided a method of operating the row crop cultivator tool, comprising adjusting a position of first and / or second weeding tool along a longitudinal direction.

[0019]

[0017] In embodiments, the method comprises adjusting a position of the first and / or second weeding tool along a lateral direction.

[0020]

[0018] In embodiments, the method comprises adjusting a position of the first and or / second weeding tool along a vertical direction.

[0021]

[0019] In embodiments, the method comprises adjusting a position of the first and / or second weeding tool along an angular direction.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a row crop cultivator tool, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the row crop cultivator tool shown in Figure 1 , with some parts removed.

[0025]

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a row crop cultivator tool, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a row crop cultivator tool, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]

[0024] Figure 5 side view of the row crop cultivator tool shown in Figure 1 , with one longitudinal support arm in an upward position.

[0028]

[0025] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a row crop cultivator tool, according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0029]

[0026] The present invention is illustrated in further details by the following non-limiting examples.

[0030]

[0027] Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown an embodiment of an over-the-row row crop cultivator tool 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This preferred embodiment of the present invention is used for early season row crop cultivation. It allows for deep cultivation from a distance of 1 cm to 8 cm from the row center. This preferred embodiment allows complete surface row crop cultivation on top of the cultivated row. The row crop cultivator tool 100 has a frame 101 to which is operatively connected a pair of wheels 102 that are configured to support the row crop cultivator tool 100. The tool 100 includes a set of cutting and tilling instruments for cutting weed that include pair of tilling discs 104, a set of tilling sweeps 106, and a pair of rotating star-shaped discs or finger weeding tools 112, 112’. The tool 100 also includes a combing tool (not shown) for racking the soil that has been uplifted by the tilling and weed cutting instruments. The row crop cultivator tool 100 is operatively connected to a tractor (not shown) for pulling the row cultivator tool 100 along the ground.

[0031]

[0028] Referring to Figure 6, in addition to Figure 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a between-the-rows row crop cultivator tool 100, according to another embodiment of the present invention. This preferred embodiment is used for late season row crop cultivation. This embodiment allows complete surface row crop cultivation between the cultivated rows. The row crop cultivator tool 100 has a frame 101 to which is operatively connected a wheel 102 that is configured to support the row crop cultivator tool 100. The tool 100 includes a set of cutting and tilling instruments for cutting weed that include pair of tilling discs 104, a set of tilling sweeps 106, and a pair of rotating star-shaped discs or finger weeding tools 112, 112’. The tool 100 also includes a combing tool (not shown) for racking the soil that has been uplifted by the tilling and weed cutting instruments. The row crop cultivator tool 100 is operatively connected to a tractor (not shown) for pulling the row cultivator tool 100 along the ground.

[0032]

[0029] Referring to Figure 2, in addition to Figures 1 and 6, there is shown the row crop cultivator tool 100, with the tilling discs 104, the tilling sweeps 106 and the finger weeding tools 112, 112’, but with some of the other parts removed for illustrative purposes. Each finger weeding tool 112, 112’ is mounted on a respective transversal support arm 110, 110’ which is in turn mounted on a longitudinal support arm 108, 108’ that is operatively and pivotally connected to the frame 101. In use, the first longitudinal support arm 108 is configured to pivot between upward and downward positions independently from the second longitudinal support arm 108’.

[0030] Each longitudinal support arm 108, 108’ is operatively connected to a coiled metal spring 114, 114’, which are in turn operatively connected to the frame 101 so as to pressure downward of each support arm 108, 108 with respect to the ground. As such, the coiled springs 114, 114’ function as a suspension mechanism when in use. As persons skilled in the art will understand, the coiled springs 114, 114’ may be replaced by similar spring means to achieve a similar function and result. For example, the springs 114, 114’ may be rubber springs.

[0033]

[0031] The longitudinal support arms 108, 108’ may be mounted on a support bracket 116 on the frame 101. The support bracket 116 supports a transversal rod 118 at each of the ends thereof. The longitudinal support arms 108, 108’ are pivotally connected to the transversal rod 118 around which the longitudinal support arms 108, 108’ pivot between upward and downward positions.

[0034]

[0032] Each longitudinal support arm 108, 108’ may include a telescoping part 109, 109’ that is configured to be longitudinally adjustable along its length. The longitudinal adjustment may be achieved by longitudinal securing means, such as brackets, screws and bolts 111 , 111’ and by a series of side tabs 129, 129’. As persons skilled in the art will understand, similar longitudinal adjustment means may be used to achieve a similar function and result.

[0035]

[0033] Each transversal support arm 110, 110’ may be adjustably mounted onto the telescopic part 109, 109’ of its respective longitudinal support arm 108, 108’ by means of a support bracket 120, 120’. Each telescopic part 109, 109’ has a distal bended end that is oriented orthogonally to both the longitudinal support arm 108, 108’ and the transversal support arms 110, 110’. Each telescopic part 109, 109’ may be provided at its distal bended end with a series of side tabs 113, 113’ between side notches that cooperate with the corresponding support bracket 120, 120’ or lateral adjusting means that are configured to securely adjust the transversal support arms 110, 110’ along a lateral direction that is generally orthogonal to both the longitudinal support arms 108, 108’ and the transversal support arms 110, 110’. The distal ends of the telescopic part 109, 109’ are provided with a set of central openings 122, 122’ for receiving side tabs 124, 124’ located on the transversal support arms 110, 110’. The tabs 124, 124’ are configured to securely adjust the transversal support arms 110, 110’ along a direction that is generally orthogonal to both the longitudinal support arms 108, 108’ and the transversal support arms 110, 110’. A set of screws and bolts 126, 126’ help secure the transversal support arm 110, 110’ to the transversal support arm 108, 108’. The support brackets 127, 127’ at the lower end of the transversal support arm 110, 110’ allow for angular adjustment of the finger weeding tools 112, 112’. The angular adjustment of the support brackets 127, 127’ is performed using two coaxially mounted bolts 128, 128’. The coaxially mounted bolts 128, 128’ are installed in one of 3 positions allowing for three (3) different positions of angular adjustment.

[0036]

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, in addition to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown the finger weeding tools 112, 112’ both being in a downward ground engaging position.

[0037]

[0035] Referring to Figure 4, in addition to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown one of the finger weeding tools 112 being in an upward position as it encounters an obstacle, such as a rock R.

[0038]

[0036] Referring to Figure 5, in addition to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown one of the finger weeding tools 112’ being in an upward position as it encounters an obstacle, such as rock R.

[0037] The row crop cultivator tool 100 with wheels 102 are configured to support the row crop cultivator tool 100 at a configured working depth set by a working depth adjustment pin. In operation, the pair of wheels 102 roll on the soil surface or ground. Each wheel 102 is mounted on a depth wheel arm. The depth wheel arm is operationally mounted on the frame 101 via a working depth adjustment mechanism.

[0039]

[0038] The row crop cultivator tool 100 shown is moved on the surface soil or ground along cultivated grow crops C and cuts down the undesired weeds W. When one of the finger weeding tools 112, 112’ encounters an obstacle, such as a rock R, the corresponding longitudinal support arm 108, 108’ is moved in the upward direction. The springs 114, 114’ help push downward the longitudinal support arm 108, 108’ once the obstacle, such as rock R, has been overcome.

[0040]

[0039] Advantageously, the row crop cultivator 100 produces better tilling results as only one finger weeing tool 112, 112’ is lifted when it encounters an obstacle, such as rock R.

[0041]

[0040] Advantageously, the support brackets 127, 127’ or angular adjustment means allow for angular adjustment of the finger weeding tools 112, 112’. The support brackets 120, 120’ allow for both lateral and longitudinal adjustments independently. The angle is not fixed and can be different depending on the application. This allows for compensation of different soil firmness, which could result in lower rotating speed accuracy for the finger weeding tools 112, 112’.

[0042]

[0041] Advantageously, the longitudinal support arms 108, 108’ provide adjustment at fixed positions using the bolts 111 , 11 T and the side tabs 129, 129’. This allows for exact adjustment of the longitudinal position of the finger weeding tools 112, 112’, allowing repeatable adjustment on the row crop cultivator tools 100 of a row crop cultivator (not shown).

[0043]

[0042] Advantageously, the distal ends of the telescopic part 109, 109’ provide adjustment at positions values using the bolts 126, 126’, the side tabs 113, 113’, the central openings 122, 122’ and the support bracket 120, 120’. This allows for exact adjustment of the lateral position of the finger weeding tools 112, 112’, allowing repeatable adjustment on all the row crop cultivator tools 100 of a row crop cultivator (not shown).

[0044]

[0043] Advantageously, the transversal support arms 110, 110’ provide adjustment at fixed positions using the bolts 126, 126’, the side tabs 124, 124’ and the support bracket 120, 120’. This allows for exact adjustment of the vertical position of the finger weeding tools 112, 112’, allowing repeatable adjustment on all the row crop cultivator tools 100 of a row crop cultivator (not shown). The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0045] DEFINITIONS

[0046]

[0044] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0047]

[0045] The terms "comprising", "having", "including", and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e. , meaning "including, but not limited to") unless otherwise noted.

[0048]

[0046] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All subsets of values within the ranges are also incorporated into the specification as if they were individually recited herein.

[0049]

[0047] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0050]

[0048] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.

[0051]

[0049] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0052]

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A row crop cultivator tool (100) comprising: a frame (101); at least one wheel (102) operatively connected to the frame (101) for supporting the frame (101) with respect to the ground; a first longitudinal support arm (108) operatively and pivotally connected to the frame (101); a first transversal support arm (110) operatively connected to the first longitudinal support arm (108); a first finger weeding tool (112) mounted on the first transversal support arm (110); a second longitudinal support arm (108’) operatively and pivotally connected to the frame (101); a second transversal support arm (110’) operatively connected to the second longitudinal support arm (108’); a second finger weeding tool (112’) mounted on the second transversal support arm (110’); wherein, in use, the first longitudinal support arm (108) is configured to pivot independently from the second longitudinal support arm (108’).

2. The row crop cultivator tool of claim 1 , wherein the first longitudinal support arm (108) is operatively connected to the frame (101) by means of a first spring (114) for pressuring downward the first longitudinal support arm (108) with respect to the ground.

3. The row crop cultivator tool of claim 2, wherein the second longitudinal support arm (108’) is operatively connected to the frame (101) by means of a second spring (114’) for pressuring downward the second longitudinal support arm (108) with respect to the ground.

4. The row crop cultivator tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first longitudinal support arm (108) comprises a first telescoping part (109) for supporting the first transversal support arm (110) and for longitudinally adjusting the first transversal support arm (110) with respect to the first longitudinal support arm (108).

5. The row crop cultivator tool of claim 4, wherein the first telescoping part (109) comprises a series of side tabs (129) cooperating with longitudinal securing means (111 ) for locking in position the first telescoping part (109) with respect to the first longitudinal support arm (108).

6. The row crop cultivator tool of claim 5, wherein the first telescoping part(109) comprises a distal bended end extending laterally with respect to the first longitudinal support arm (108) for laterally adjusting the first transversal support arm (110) with respect to the first longitudinal support arm (108).

7. The row crop cultivator tool of claim 6, wherein distal bended end of the first telescoping part (109) comprises a series of side tabs (113) cooperating with lateral securing means (120, 126) for locking in position the first transversal arm(110) with respect to the first telescoping part (109).

8. The row crop cultivator tool of claim 7, wherein the distal bended end of the first telescoping part (109) comprises a series of central openings (122) and the first transversal support arm (110) comprises a series of side tabs (124) for fitting into the central openings (122) for vertically adjusting the first transversal support arm (110) with respect to the first telescoping part (109).

9. The row crop cultivator tool of claim 8, wherein the first weeding tool (112) is operationally connected to the first transversal arm (110) via first angular adjustment means (127) for angular adjustment of the first weeding tool (112) between at least two positions.

10. The row crop cultivator tool of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first finger weeding tool (112) is configured to be adjustably positioned on the first support arm (110) for adjusting the first finger weeding tool (112) with respect to the ground.11 . The row crop cultivator tool of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second finger weeding tool (112’) is configured to be adjustably positioned on the second support arm (110’) for adjusting the second finger weeding tool (112’) with regards to the ground.

12. A method of operating the row crop cultivator tool of claim 4 or 5, comprising adjusting a position of first weeding tool (112) along a longitudinal direction.

13. A method of operating the row crop cultivator tool of claim 6 or 7, comprising adjusting a position of the first weeding tool (112) along a lateral direction.

14. A method of operating the row crop cultivator tool of claim 8, comprising adjusting a position of the first weeding tool (112) along a vertical direction.

15. A method of operating the row crop cultivator tool of claim 9, comprising adjusting a position of the first weeding tool (112) along an angular direction.

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