Wheel-track renovator

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a wheel-track renovator. The renovator comprises a support body that enables pivoting of the support body about a generally horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the renovator. The renovator also comprises ground-cutting discs linked to the support body. The ground-cutting discs are arranged to displace earth into wheel-tracks. The renovator further comprises a collection roller linked to the support body. The collection roller trails the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of the travel of the renovator, to direct and press at least some of the earth displaced by the ground-cutting discs into the wheel-tracks. The renovator further comprises a gauge wheel linked to the support body and leading the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator. The pivotable link enables the gauge wheel to control a cutting-depth of the ground-cutting discs.

Description

[0001] WHEEL-TRACK RENOVATOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003]

[0001] This invention relates to an assembly for, at least partly, renovating wheeltracks created by vehicles on earthen vehicle paths and fields.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005]

[0002] Heavy vehicles, such as tractors and machinery, are used on farmland for spraying, sowing and harvesting crops.

[0006]

[0003] The movement of vehicles around farmland typically follows established paths in order to avoid crop plots to minimise ground compaction. Accordingly, vehicle traffic is concentrated on these paths which are typically bare earth. The same applies within crop plots where vehicles are run along the same vehicle paths to minimize the impact on crops.

[0007]

[0004] Over time, however, the weight of the vehicles causes sections of the paths where the wheels run to be compacted so that wheel-tracks materialize as depressions formed in the path. This effect is accelerated by wet weather which tends to soften the ground. Additionally, the depressions may collect water to form puddles which can cause the depressions to turn into mud. The mud can be pushed by vehicles to the sides of the depressions or onto the ground adjacent to the depressions so the path becomes deeply rutted. This is particularly problematic in winter months when there is considerable vehicle activity on farmland involved with spraying insecticides, fungicides and herbicides.

[0008]

[0005] Soil and mud are displaced from the wheel-tracks to form ridges on each side of the wheel-track. As the wheel-tracks deepen, the ridges become more pronounced. While the depressions are relatively shallow, there will be sufficient clearance between the undercarriage of the vehicle and the ridges formed between the wheel-tracks. However, as the ridge becomes more pronounced, the path will become increasingly difficult to drive vehicles and / or equipment over. As a result, drivers may drive vehicles around particularly problematic areas, thus creating new wheel-tracks.

[0009]

[0006] It is, therefore, desirable to reform the path to reduce the depth of wheeltracks.

[0010]

[0007] The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011]

[0008] There is provided a wheel-track renovator comprising:

[0012] • a support body that is couplable to a prime mover to enable pivoting of the support body about a generally horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the renovator;

[0013] • ground-cutting discs that are linked to the support body and are arranged to displace earth into wheel-tracks from regions adjacent to the wheel-tracks;

[0014] • a collection roller linked to the support body and trailing the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator, to direct and press at least some of the earth displaced by the ground-cutting discs into the wheel-tracks;

[0015] • a gauge wheel linked to the support body and leading the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator; and wherein the pivotable link enables the gauge wheel to control a cutting depth of the ground-cutting discs.

[0016]

[0009] There is also provided a wheel-track renovator comprising:

[0017] • a support body that is couplable to a prime mover to enable pivoting of the support body about a generally horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the renovator;

[0018] • ground-cutting discs that are linked to the support body and are arranged to displace earth into the wheel-tracks from regions adjacent to the wheeltracks;

[0019] • a collection roller linked to the support body and trailing the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator, to direct and press at least some of the earth displaced by the ground-cutting discs into the wheel-tracks; and wherein the wheel-track renovator is operable to renovate wheel-tracks at speeds above 15 km / h.

[0020]

[0010] The support body may be a chassis.

[0021] [Oil] In an alternative embodiment, the support body may be mounting bar.

[0022]

[0012] The mounting bar may be in the range of 4 to 5 metres in length to enable positioning of the gauge wheel, ground-cutting discs and the collection roller to suit a range of wheel-track widths.

[0013] The mounting bar may be less than 4 metres in length. The mounting bar may be more than 5 metres in length.

[0023]

[0014] The renovator may further comprise a coupling member that enables coupling of the support body to a prime mover.

[0024]

[0015] The coupling member may enable live coupling to a prime mover.

[0025]

[0016] The coupling member may be pivotably linked to the support body about the generally horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the renovator.

[0026]

[0017] The coupling member may comprise a trailer coupling.

[0027]

[0018] The trailer coupling may connect with category 2, 3, or 4 drawbars.

[0028]

[0019] The coupling member may be a drawbar.

[0029]

[0020] The support bar may be couplable to a three-point link of a prime mover.

[0030]

[0021] The support body may be couplable to a three-point link of a prime mover.

[0031]

[0022] The support body may comprise a three-point link hitch that comprises a floating top link that is couplable to a top link of a three-point link of a prime mover.

[0023] The coupling member may be couplable to a three-point link of a prime mover.

[0032]

[0024] The lateral position of the gauge wheel, the ground-cutting discs and the collection roller may be adjustable in a lateral direction on the wheel-track renovator.

[0025] In one embodiment, the gauge wheel, the ground-cutting discs and the collection roller may be linked to the support body separately.

[0033]

[0026] In another embodiment, one or more of the gauge wheel, the ground -cutting discs and the collection roller may be connected and a common connection may be coupled to the support body to form the link to the support body.

[0034]

[0027] The gauge wheel, the ground-cutting discs and the collection roller may be connected to a shuttle linkage that may be coupled to the support body.

[0035]

[0028] The position of the shuttle linkage may be selectively adjustable in a lateral direction on the wheel-track renovator.

[0036]

[0029] The wheel-track renovator may comprise two renovator sets and each set comprises one gauge wheel, the ground-cutting discs and one collection roller.

[0037]

[0030] The ground-cutting discs in each renovator set may be aligned with the respective collection roller.

[0038]

[0031] The lateral positions of the renovator sets may be adjustable to renovate wheeltracks of varying widths.

[0039]

[0032] The ground-cutting discs may be substantially laterally aligned with respect to the direction of travel of the wheel-track renovator.

[0040]

[0033] The ground-cutting discs may comprise two gangs of discs.

[0034] Each gang of discs may be substantially laterally aligned with respect to the direction of travel of the wheel-track renovator.

[0041]

[0035] Each gang may define a cutting region.

[0042]

[0036] The cutting region of one or more gangs may be laterally spaced from the gauge wheel.

[0043]

[0037] The cutting region of one or more gangs may partially overlap in the lateral direction with the gauge wheel.

[0044]

[0038] The gangs of discs may be configured to cut into the regions of earth adjacent the wheel-tracks and to direct the earth into the wheel-tracks.

[0045]

[0039] The configuration of the gangs of discs may be adjustable to control the volume of earth being displaced.

[0046]

[0040] The lateral position of the gangs of discs relative to the gauge wheel may be adjustable.

[0047]

[0041] An angle of attack of the ground-cutting discs may be adjustable.

[0048]

[0042] A leading portion of the collection roller may be positioned in the range of 400 to 1800 mm from a lateral centreline through two rearmost opposed ground-cutting discs.

[0049]

[0043] The leading portion may be positioned in the range of 600 to 1500 mm from a lateral centreline through two opposed ground-cutting discs.

[0050]

[0044] The collection roller may comprise a series of slats spaced about the perimeter of the collection roller to define collectively a rolling perimeter of the collection roller.

[0051]

[0045] The rolling perimeter may have a diameter in the range of 200 mm to 1000 mm.

[0052]

[0046] Each roller may comprise 6 to 20 slats.

[0053]

[0047] The slats may be spaced evenly about the rolling perimeter.

[0054]

[0048] Each slat may be mounted to respective end plates of the collection roller to form a hollow cage.

[0055]

[0049] A longitudinal axis of each slat may extend between respective end plates of the collection roller.

[0056]

[0050] The transverse axis of each slat may be oriented radially of the collection roller.

[0057]

[0051] The slats may have a rectangular profile.

[0058]

[0052] The rectangular profile may have a longitudinal axis that is oriented radially with respect to the collection roller.

[0059]

[0053] Each slat may have a saw-tooth formation on a radially-outer side of the collection roller.

[0060]

[0054] The saw-tooth formations of adjacent slats may be off-set.

[0061]

[0055] The saw-tooth formation may comprise a series of peaks and valleys.

[0062]

[0056] The peaks on one slat may coincide with valleys on an adjacent slat.

[0057] Some slats may be flexible.

[0063]

[0058] The flexible slats may be chains.

[0064]

[0059] The wheel-track renovator may comprise an earth-deflector shield.

[0065]

[0060] Having regard to the direction of travel of the wheel-track renovator, the shield may trail the ground cutting-discs.

[0066]

[0061] Having regard to the direction of travel of the wheel-track renovator, the shield may lead the collection roller.

[0067]

[0062] The shield may extend at least partly over the ground-cutting discs.

[0068]

[0063] The shield may extend at least partly over the collection roller.

[0069]

[0064] The shield may be at a level above the ground-cutting discs and the collection roller.

[0070]

[0065] The level of the shield may decrease in the direction from the ground-cutting discs to the collection roller.

[0071]

[0066] A vertical spacing between the shield and the collection roller may be at least 20 cm.

[0072]

[0067] The lateral width of the shield may increase in the direction from the groundcutting discs to the collection roller.

[0073]

[0068] A hydraulic cylinder may connect the coupling member to the support body.

[0074]

[0069] The hydraulic cylinder may be actuable to rotate the support body about the pivotable link to lift the cutting discs and collection roller clear of the ground.

[0075]

[0070] The ground clearance may be sufficient for transporting the wheel-track renovator.

[0076]

[0071] The ground clearance may be sufficient for transporting the wheel-track renovator on public roads.

[0077]

[0072] The coupling member may comprise an elongate mounting bar.

[0078]

[0073] The mounting bar may comprise a single point hitch for connection to a prime mover.

[0079]

[0074] The assembly may further comprise a signage mounting, for example, to alert approaching vehicles to the oversize shape of the assembly.

[0080]

[0075] The wheel-track renovator may be operable to renovate wheel-tracks at speeds above 15 km / h, 20 km / h or 25 km / h.

[0081]

[0076] The wheel-track renovator may be operable to renovate wheel-tracks at speeds less than 30 km / h.

[0082]

[0077] The wheel-track renovator may be operable to renovate wheel-tracks at speeds in the range of 15 to 30 km / h.

[0083]

[0078] The gauge wheel comprises a rotational axis.

[0079] The rotational axis may be aligned with a leading perimeter of a pair of opposed ground-cutting discs.

[0084]

[0080] The rotational axis may be forward, having regard to the direction of travel of the renovator, of a leading perimeter of a pair of ground cutting discs.

[0085]

[0081] The rotational axis may be in the range of >0 mm to 3000 mm forward of the leading perimeter of a pair of ground cutting discs.

[0086]

[0082] The rotational axis may be in the range of >0 mm to 2800 mm, >0 mm to 2600 mm, >0 mm to 2400 mm, >0 mm to 2200 mm, >0 mm to 2000 mm, >0 mm to 1800 mm, >0 mm to 1600 mm, >0 mm to 1400 mm, >0 mm to 1200 mm, >0 mm to 1000 mm, >0 mm to 900 mm, >0 mm to 800 mm, >0 mm to 700 mm, >0 mm to 600 mm, >0 mm to 500 mm, >0 mm to 400 mm, >0 mm to 300 mm, >0 mm to 200 mm or >0 mm to 100 mm forward of the leading perimeter of a pair of ground cutting discs.

[0087]

[0083] A "live coupling" is a coupling that enables three degrees of freedom. That is, the pitch, yaw and roll of the coupling member is not determined by the pitch, yaw and roll of the prime mover. Therefore, the pitch, yaw and roll of the coupling member may be different to the pitch, yaw and roll of the prime mover at any given time.

[0088]

[0084] The term "cutting depth" as used throughout the description and claims is a reference to the depth to which the ground-cutting discs penetrate below the soil surface. The soil surface includes the surface of ridges formed either side of the wheeltracks, the surface of wheel-tracks and the surface of the soil adjacent to the wheeltracks and ridges.

[0089]

[0085] The term "direction of travel" should be read as meaning the direction in which the renovator travels when it is in use. It does not imply that the renovator is moving and does not import a requirement for the renovator to be moving for there to be a direction of travel.

[0090]

[0086] Although various features are disclosed above in relation to one or more aspect, it will be appreciated that one or more features of one aspect may be combined with other aspects to arrive at additional embodiments. It follows that disclosure of features in the preceding statements should not be interpreted as meaning that the features are limited in application to the aspects in respect of which they are disclosed.

[0091] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092]

[0087] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the apparatus and method as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0088] Figure 1 is an oblique view of a wheel-track renovator according to one embodiment;

[0093]

[0089] Figure 2 is a side view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 1;

[0094]

[0090] Figure 3 is a top view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 1;

[0095]

[0091] Figure 4 is a rear view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 1;

[0096]

[0092] Figure 5 is a top view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 1 in an alternative configuration;

[0097]

[0093] Figure 6 is a rear view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 5;

[0098]

[0094] Figure 7 is a side view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 1 with the gauge wheel in a wheel-track;

[0099]

[0095] Figure 8 is a side view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 1 in a transport configuration;

[0100]

[0096] Figure 9 is a rear view of the wheel-track renovator in Figure 8;

[0101]

[0097] Figure 10 is an oblique view from above of another embodiment of a renovator;

[0098] Figure 11 is a side view of the renovator in Figure 10 coupled to a prime mover and sitting on level ground; and

[0102]

[0099] Figure 12 is a side view of the renovator in Figure 10 coupled to a prime mover and sitting in a wheel track.

[0103] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0104]

[0100] An embodiment of the wheel-track renovator disclosed above will now be described in the following text which includes reference numerals that correspond to features illustrated in the accompanying Figures. To maintain clarity of the Figures, however, all reference numerals are not included in each Figure.

[0105]

[0101] A wheel-track renovator 2 for renovating wheel-tracks is shown in Figures 1 to 4. The renovator 2 comprises a coupling member 10, a support body 20, ground-cutting discs 54 and collection rollers 60.

[0106]

[0102] The coupling member 10 includes a drawbar 14 and a hitch 12. The hitch 12 comprises a hitch ring that is couplable to a range of different hitch pins, including category 2, 3 or 4 hitch pins. However, in other embodiments, the hitch 12 may comprise a trailer coupling. The hitch 12 provides a live coupling between a prime mover and the renovator 2. In other words, the attitude of the renovator 2 is not controlled by the attitude of the prime mover. The drawbar 14 comprise a pair of arms that diverge in the direction away from the hitch 12. Opposite the hitch 12, the drawbar 14 terminates at hinge points 18. The hinge points 18 are aligned laterally on a common, generally horizontal axis. The coupling member 10 further includes a first elevated mount 16.

[0103] The support body 20 comprises a frame 22 and a spreader bar 24. The frame 22 projects forwardly of the spreader bar 22. The frame 22 is connected to the drawbar 14 at the hinge points 18. They form a pivotable connection between the coupling member 10 and the support body 20 about a generally horizontal axis. The frame 22 includes a second elevated mount 26. A first hydraulic cylinder 28 links to upper ends of the first and second elevated mounts 16, 26. During operation of the renovator 2, the first hydraulic cylinder is inactive, so the support body 20 can pivot freely about the pivotable connection to the coupling member 10.

[0107]

[0104] The spreader bar 24 is 4 metres from end-to-end. This length enables wheeltracks of different widths to be renovated by adjusting the lateral position of the groundcutting discs 54 and the collection rollers 60 to align with the wheel-tracks. However, the spreader bar 24, in other embodiments, may be less than or more than 4 metres from end-to-end.

[0108]

[0105] A sign mount 40 is further included on renovator 2 to enable display of placards. Typically, the sign mount 40 will be used to warn approaching vehicles that the prime mover is slow moving or that the prime mover is an "oversize" vehicle.

[0109]

[0106] The renovator 2 includes two shuttle linkages 30. Each shuttle linkage 30 is mounted to the spreader bar 24. Each is positioned laterally outwardly of the frame 22. Each shuttle linkage 30 is slidable along the spreader bar 22. A second hydraulic cylinder 34 connects to one shuttle linkage 30 and a third hydraulic cylinder 34 connects to the other shuttle linkage 30. Operation of the second and third hydraulic cylinders 34 controls the lateral position of the respective shuttle linkages 30.

[0110]

[0107] Linked to each respective shuttle linkage 30 are a gauge wheel 38, disc assemblies 52 and a collection roller 60.

[0111]

[0108] Each gauge wheel 38 is mounted on a front brace 36. The front brace 36 extends forwardly of the spreader bar 24, having regard to the direction of travel of the renovator 2. The front brace 36 extends forwardly of the spreader bar 24 by a distance that is similar to the distance that the frame 22 extends forwardly of the spreader bar 24. The front brace 36 provides a fixed position of the gauge wheel 38 relative to the support body 20 during use. The position on the gauge wheel 38 relative to the support body 20 is adjustable. That is, the axle of the gauge wheel 38 is mounted to a cassette that is slidable relative to the front brace 36. Sliding movement of the cassette is controlled by a threaded bolt which is rotatable to extend or contract the distance between the axle and the support body 20.

[0112]

[0109] Linked to each shuttle linkage 30 are two gangs of discs 52 (see Figure 3). Each gang 52 is linked to the front brace 36 by a bracket 50. The front brace 36 is, in turn, linked to the shuttle linkage 30. Each gang 52 comprises three discs 54. The discs 54 are the same type that is found on disc ploughs. Each gang 52 is set at an angle of attack relative to the direction of travel of the renovator. The angle of attack is adjustable. However, in other embodiments, the angle of attack may be fixed relative to the direction of travel. The angle of attack of the discs 54 partly controls the extent to which earth is displaced when the renovator 2 is operated.

[0113]

[0110] A rear brace 58 extends rearwardly, having regard to the direction of travel of the renovator 2, from each respective shuttle linkage 30. The rear brace 58 provide a fixed position of the collection rollers 60 relative to the support body 20. Mounted to the rear brace 58 is the collection roller 60. Each collection roller 60 comprises spacer plates 62 with a series of slats 64. The slats 64 are disposed in spaced positions about the perimeter of the spacer plates 62. The slats 64 define the rolling perimeter of the collection roller 60. Each slat 64 has a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge. The radially outer edge includes a saw-tooth formation 66. The saw-tooth formation 66 on adjacent slats 64 may be aligned or may be off-set. The spacer plates 62 project radially beyond the radially outer edge of the slats 64. The spacer plates 62 project radially 10 mm beyond the radially outer edge of the slats 64. However, the extent to which the spacer plates 62 project radially beyond the radially outer edge of the slats 64 may be more or less than 10 mm. The spacer plates 62 may run on uncultivated ground each side of the wheel-track.

[0114]

[0111] In an alternative embodiment, some slats 64 may be flexible. In some embodiments, each flexible slat 64 comprises a chain. In other words, in such embodiments, some slats 64 comprise a chain. In other embodiments, the flexible slat may comprise a slack wire. The flexible slats extend between the spacer plates 62. In some embodiments, the collection roller 60 comprises alternating fixed and flexible slats 64. The fixed slats 64 may be in the form described in the preceding paragraph or may be a bar. The bar may have a round or polygonal cross-section. The bar may be tubular. In embodiments comprising flexible slats 64 comprising chains, the chain may be 13 mm high tensile chains. The chains may be other suitable gauges. The flexibility of the flexible slats 64 reduces or prevents earth collecting within the collection roller 60. In other words, the flexible slats 64 tend to dislodge earth from the collection roller 60.

[0115]

[0112] In operation, the renovator 2 is pulled so that the ground-cutting discs 54 lead the collection rollers 60. In this manner, the gangs 52 are located on opposite sides of a wheel-track where earth that has been pushed out of the wheel-track forms ridges. The ground-cutting discs 54 cut into the ridges and, owing to the angle of attack of the ground-cutting discs 54, displace the earth in a direction toward and into the wheeltrack. The ground-cutting discs 54 are rotatably mounted in the gangs 52.

[0113] In practice, there is a tendency for the gangs 52 to project loose earth into the air a short distance above the ground. The angle of attack of the discs 54 directs the projected earth toward a centreline (in the direction of travel of the renovator 2) extending between the gangs 52. The earth projected from each gang 52 is generally intercepted by earth projected from an associated opposing gang 52 so that it accumulates along the centreline leaving a ridge and shallow troughs on either side. The collection rollers 60 may, therefore, be configured to intercept the trajectory of some earth and direct it into the wheel-tracks where the collection rollers 60 press the displaced earth into the wheel-tracks. The intercepted earth, therefore, does not concentrate along the centreline and is spread more evenly across the wheel-tracks so the renovated path is more level that if the collections rollers 60 didn't intercept the earth. Renovating the wheel-track with earth from regions adjacent the wheel-tracks serves to reduce the depth of wheel-track depression, thereby raising the position of a vehicle travelling on the path relative to the ridge. According, the clearance between the vehicle undercarriage and the ridge is improved.

[0116]

[0114] The more even spread of earth intercepted by the collection roller 60 reduces the extent to which puddles form in renovated wheel-tracks. That is, the relatively even distribution of earth has the effect of improving the earth level across the path. This means that water will be less likely to form puddles, but, if puddles do form, they will be shallower and smaller.

[0117]

[0115] The collection rollers 60 also compress the displaced dirt. This compression facilitates surface water run-off and reduces the extent to which precipitation mixes with loose earth to form mud that is easily displaced by vehicles subsequently moving through the wheel-tracks.

[0118]

[0116] The spacing of the slats 64 contributes to collecting and directing loose earth into the wheel-track. In this embodiment, there are ten slats 64 spaced evenly about the perimeter of the collection roller 60. In other embodiments, there may be six to twenty slats. Collection rollers 60 comprising an end plate 62 diameter less than 400 mm may have fewer than twelve slats 64. Collection rollers 60 comprising an end plate 62 diameter greater than 400 mm may have more than twelve slats 64.

[0119]

[0117] The position of the collection rollers 60 close behind the gangs 52 also contributes to collecting and directing loose earth into the wheel-track. The positioning of the collection rollers 60 close behind the gangs 52 means that the slats 64 on the collection rollers 60 adjacent to the gangs 52 are moving generally downwardly in use. This movement tends to intercept loose earth kicked up by the discs 54 and to deflect the loose earth into the wheel-tracks. When the collection rollers 60 are less than 400mm behind the rearmost disc 54, the collection rollers 60 become clogged with earth so that they no longer operate to collect and deposit displaced earth in the wheel-tracks. However, if the rollers are located greater than 1800mm from the discs 54, they will be outside the trajectory of displaced earth and, again, will be ineffective at directing the earth into the wheel-tracks.

[0120]

[0118] The volume of earth that is displaced into a wheel-track from the regions adjacent to a wheel-track depends upon the angle of attack of the gangs 52 and on the depth to which the ground-cutting discs 54 cut into the earth mounds adjacent to the wheel-track. Wheel-tracks generally don't have a consistent depth, so more earth is required for renovating deeper wheel-tracks and less earth is required for renovating shallower wheel-tracks.

[0121]

[0119] The pivotable link between the support body 20 and the coupling member 10 enables the gauge wheel 38, when located within the wheel-track, to track the depth of the wheel-track as the renovator 2 travels. This can be seen in Figure 7. A reference line A is reproduced in both Figures 2 and 7 for comparing the effect of the gauge wheel 38 tracking the depth of the wheel-track. As shown in Figure 2, the gauge wheel 38 is on reference line A and the ground-cutting discs 54 are slightly above the reference line A. However, in Figure 7, the gauge wheel 38 is below reference line A (representing the gauge wheel 38 being in a wheel-track) and, in turn, the ground-cutting discs 54 extend below reference line A. In each of Figures 2 and 7, the collection roller 60 is essentially on reference line A. The collection roller 60 travels on the renovated wheel-track which is generally at a level which is consistent with the surrounding ground. However, the gauge wheel 38, the ground-cutting discs 54 and the collection roller 60 are in fixed alignment relative to the support body 20. As the support body 20 is pivotally connected to the coupling member 10, the inclination of the support body 20 can change, but the gauge wheel 38, the ground-cutting discs 54 and the collection roller 60 remain in their fixed alignment. Given that the support body 20 pivots about the collection roller 60, the inclination of the support body 20 is controlled by the level of the gauge wheel 38 relative to the level of the collection roller 60. This means that, as the wheel-track deepens, as shown in Figure 7, the gauge wheel 38 moves further below reference line A and the inclination of the support body 20 changes. The ground-cutting discs 54 remain in alignment between the gauge wheel 38 and the collection roller 60, but the change in inclination of the support body 20 means that the ground-cutting discs 54 now extend further below reference line A. This represents a situation where the cutting depth is greater on account of the greater wheel-track depth. This, in turn, means that more earth is displaced by the ground-cutting discs 54 into deeper wheel-tracks. The effect is that the cutting depth is dynamically responsive to the wheel-track depth at the gauge wheel 38. This is because the gauge wheel 38, which follows the depth of the wheel- track, controls the inclination of the support body 20. That is, as the renovator 2 travels along wheel-tracks, the gauge wheel 38 actively follows the depth of the wheel-track and, therefore, dynamically controls the cutting depth of the ground-cutting discs.

[0122]

[0120] The gauge wheel 38 rides over the surface of the wheel-track. The gauge wheel 38 may take any form suitable for riding over the surface of the wheel-track. A relatively narrow gauge wheel 38 risks pressing into the surface of the wheel-track so the path of the gauge wheel 38 does not accurately track the surface of the wheel-track. A relatively wide gauge wheel 38 is preferred for its ability to ride over the surface of the wheeltrack while carrying some of the weight of the renovator 2. The diameter of the gauge wheel 38 is selected to provide the same effect. The location of the gauge wheel 38 is selected to avoid interfering with the soil displaced by the ground-cutting discs 54. That is, while locating the gauge wheel 38 between opposed gangs 52 of ground-cutting discs 54 will provide the most accurate correlation between wheel-track depth and cutting depth, the rear of the gauge wheel 38 will likely be in the region where loose earth from the gangs 52 is projected into the air and loose earth is shifted into the wheel tracks. In other words, the gauge wheel 38 may prevent the loose earth from filling a portion of the wheel-track along which the gauge wheel 38 runs, given that the wheel-track represent the tracks formed by tractors, for example, and the gauge wheel 38 is considerably smaller than the driven wheels on a tractor. The gauge wheel 38 is located to avoid this interference.

[0123]

[0121] In this embodiment, the interference is avoided by the rotational axis of the gauge wheel 38 being located forward, having regard to the direction of travel of the renovator, of a leading perimeter of a leading opposed pair of ground-cutting discs 54. In other embodiments, the rotational axis of the gauge wheel may be located up to 3000 mm forward, having regard to the direction of travel of the renovator, of the leading perimeter of a leading opposed pair of ground-cutting discs 54. The accuracy with which the cutting depth correlates with wheel-track depth depends on the proximity of the gauge wheel 38 to the cutting discs. Accordingly, it is preferable for the gauge wheel 38 to be located close to the gangs 52, subject to reducing or avoiding the interference outlined in the preceding paragraph.

[0124]

[0122] The alignment of the ground-cutting discs 54 plays a role in displacing earth into the wheel-tracks. Specifically, the ground-cutting discs 54 have a tendency to throw earth up in the air. The trajectory of the earth is determined by the speed of the renovator 2 and the angle of attack of the ground-cutting discs 54. However, aligning the ground-cutting discs 54 such that the trajectories of earth from discs 54 on each side of a wheel-track intersect causes the earth from each side to collide in the air and to fall in the wheel-track. This is a distinct advantage over longitudinally off-set (with respect to the direction of travel) ground-cutting discs which will displace some earth into a wheel-track, but will also throw some earth clear over the wheel-track if the angle of attack or the speed of the wheel-track renovator is not reduced. This means that longitudinally off-set ground-cutting discs must be run at a set low speed. The renovator 2, however, can be run at a speeds greater than 15 km / h without concern of earth overshooting a wheel-track. This is facilitated by the collection rollers 60, as described above, which capture thrown earth and deposit it in the wheel-track. Specifically, some earth that is thrown into the air will generally be captured by the collection rollers 60 before the earth passes along its trajectory and outside the wheel-track. The combination of the substantially laterally aligned ground-cutting discs 54 and the collection rollers 60 enables the assembly to be run at higher speeds than renovators with longitudinally offset (with respect to the direction of travel) ground-cutting discs.

[0125]

[0123] Operating the renovator 2 at speeds greater than 15 km / h is also facilitated by the wheel-track renovator 2 having an earth-deflector shield 70. Having regard to the direction of travel of the wheel-track renovator 2, the shield 70 trails the ground cuttingdiscs and leads the collection roller 60. The shield 70 extends at least partly over the ground-cutting discs 54 and at least partly over the collection roller 60. The shield 70 is fixed to the rear brace 58. It extends between the arms of the rear brace 58 to form a cover over the region between the ground-cutting discs 54 and the collection roller 60. In this position, earth thrown up at a trajectory that passes over the collection roller 60 is deflected back into the space between the ground-cutting discs 54 and the collection roller 60. The initial trajectory of the earth generally results in the deflected earth falling into the wheel-track either ahead of the collection roller 60 or as a result of interaction with the collection roller 60.

[0126]

[0124] The shield 70 is at a level above the ground-cutting discs 54 and the collection roller 60. The level of the shield 70 decreases in the direction from the ground-cutting discs 54 to the collection roller 60. This is partly a result of the ground-cutting discs 54 having a greater diameter than the diameter of the collection roller 60. A vertical spacing between the shield 70 and the collection roller 60 is sufficient to allow soil flow between the shield 70 and the collection roller 60. The spacing may be in the range of 5 cm to 40cm. In this embodiment, the spacing is 20 cm. The lateral width of the shield 70 increases in the direction from the ground-cutting discs 54 to the collection roller 60.

[0127]

[0125] With the collection rollers 60 and the shield 70 facilitating faster operating speeds of the renovator 2, it is believed that the renovator can renovate wheel-tracks at speeds in the range of 15 to 30 km / h.

[0128]

[0126] As mentioned previously, the first hydraulic cylinder 28 links to upper ends of the first and second elevated mounts 16, 26. During operation of the renovator 2, the first hydraulic cylinder is inactive, so the support body 20 can pivot freely about the pivotable connection to the coupling member 10. However, the renovator 2 can be transported from one location to another on a property by actuating the first hydraulic cylinder 28 to reduce the distance between the ends of the first and second mounts 16, 26. This causes the support body 20 to be inclined about the pivotable link between the support body 20 and the coupling member 10. The gauge wheels 36 remain in contact with the ground while the support body 20 is inclined to the extent that the collection rollers 60 and the gangs 52 are lifted clear of the ground (Figures 8 and 9). The renovator 2 can then be towed from one location to another as a trailer attached to a vehicle.

[0129]

[0127] The renovator 2 includes second and third hydraulic cylinders 34 (Figures 4 and 6) which are respectively connected at one end to the support body 20. Another end of each of the second and third hydraulic cylinders 34 is connected to a respective shuttle linkage 30. The second and third hydraulic cylinders 34 are operable to drive the shuttle linkages 30 along the support body 30 to adjust the lateral position of the shuttle linkages 30. Such adjustment controls the lateral positions of the gauge wheels 36, the gangs 52 and the collection rollers 60. Figures 3 and 4 show a maximum working width of the renovator 2. Figures 5 and 6 show a minimum working width of the renovator 2. The lateral positions of the shuttle linkages 30 can be at any position from the minimum working width to the maximum working width. It will be appreciated that the renovator 2 can renovate wheel-track of different widths by adjusting the lateral positions of the shuttle linkages 30 through operation of the second and third hydraulic cylinders 34.

[0130]

[0128] The first, second and third hydraulic cylinders 28 and 34 have associated hydraulic fluid lines 15. The fluid lines 15 are bunched along the draw bar 14 and arranged for connection to a prime mover. Accordingly, the first, second and third hydraulic cylinders 28 and 34 are powered by and actuated by the prime mover to which the hydraulic fluid lines are connected.

[0131]

[0129] An alternative embodiment of a renovator 4 is shown in Figures 10 to 12. Features of the renovator 4 that are the same as the features of the renovator 2 are denoted by like reference numerals. Accordingly, the description of those features above applies equally to the same features of the renovator 4. For example, the renovator 4 comprises a support body 20 with a frame 22. The frame 22 includes hinge points 18. The support body 20 comprises a spreader bar 24 in the same form as described above in respect of the renovator 2. The renovator 4 further comprises gauge wheels 38 mounted on front braces 36. The renovator 4 further comprises gangs 52 of groundcutting discs which are mounted on brackets 50. The gangs 52 operate in the same way as the gangs 52 of the renovator 2 described above.

[0130] The renovator 4 further comprises collection rollers 60 mounted on a rear braces 58. The brackets 50 are connected to the rear brace 58. Figures 10 to 12 show that the renovator 4 doesn't include a shield 70. It will be appreciated, however, that the renovator may include a shield 70. It may be incorporated into the renovator 4 in the same way as the shield 70 is incorporated into the renovator 2.

[0132]

[0131] The renovator 4 differs from the renovator 2 in that the front brace 36 and the rear brace 58 are clamped to the spreader bar 24. This replaces the shuttle linkages 30. The lateral positioning the gauge wheel 38, gangs 52 and the collection rollers 60 can be adjusted by loosening bolts that clamp the front brace 36 and the rear brace 58 to the spreader bar 24 and manually shifting the front brace 36 and the rear brace 58 and the tightening the bolts to secure the gauge wheel 38, gangs 52 of ground-cutting discs 54 and the collection rollers 60 at the new lateral position.

[0133]

[0132] The renovator 4 further differs from the renovator 2 in that the frame 22 is couplable to a three-point linkage on a prime mover. The prime mover 72 in Figures 11 and 12 includes a top link 74 and two lifting arms 76 (although only one is shown in the Figures on account of the side view). The lifting arms 76 are hydraulically operable to lift, but lower under the influence of gravity. During operation of the renovator 4, the lifting arms 76 are set to raise and lower freely. That is, the hydraulic system of the prime mover 72 isn't operable and doesn't control the position of the lifting arms 76 during operation of the renovator 4.

[0134]

[0133] The frame 22 comprises a brace 78. The brace 78 extends between the hinge points 18 and the second mount 26. This arrangement reinforces the frame 22 so that force applied to the hinge points 18 is transferred to the spreader bar 24 and vice versa.

[0135]

[0134] The hinge points 18 are couplable to the lifting arms 76 of the prime mover 72. The frame 22 further comprises a mast 80. An upper end of the mast 80 includes a top hinge pin 88. The top hinge pin 88 is couplable to the top link 74. The lower end of the mast 80 is pivotably connected to the frame 22 to enable pivoting about the generally horizontal axis. The frame further comprises a boom 82. The boom 82 is articulated to enable a reduction in pacing between the top hinge pin 88 and the second mount 26. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the boom 82 comprises a first segment 84 and a second segment 86. The first segment 84 extends between the mast 80 and the second segment 86. The first segment 84 is pivotably connected to both the mast 80 and the second segment 86. The second segment extends between the first segment and the second mount 26. The second segment 86 is pivotably connected to both the first segment 84 and the second mount 26. The connection of the first segment 84 to the second segment 86 is spaced from the end of the first segment 84. The end of the first segment 84 includes a limit pin 92. As the distance between the top hinge pin 88 and the second mount 26 reduces, the boom 82 articulates about the pivotable connection between the first segment 84 and the second segment 86. This articulation enables the support body 20 to pivot about the generally horizontal axis through the hinge points 18 in response to the gauge wheels 38 moving deeper into a wheel-track. This is necessary as the lift arms 76 lower in response to the inclined orientation of the support body 20 (Figure 12).

[0136]

[0135] The opposite occurs as the inclination of the support body 20 reduces when the depth of the wheel-track decreases. That is, the distance between the top hinge pin 88 and the second mount 26 increases. However, the limit pin 92 prevents the first segment 84 and the second segment 86 from straightening, so the boom 82 always retains an angled connection between the first segment 84 and the second segment 86. This angled connection ensures that the boom 82 operates as a floating top link in the three-point link to the prime mover 72. The renovator 4 provides dynamic adjustment of the cutting depth of the discs 54 in response to changes in the depth of wheel-tracks. That is, the gauge wheels 38 track the depth of the wheel-tracks and the support body 20 changes inclination in the same way as the renovator 2. The change in inclination results in the cutting depth of the discs 54 changing as shown in Figure 11 and 12.

[0137]

[0136] The renovator 4 can be raised for transport. In the raised position, the gauge wheels 38, the discs 54 and the collection rollers 60 are lifted clear of the ground. This is achieved by operating the lifting arms 76. The tendency of the renovator 4 to tilt rearwardly about the hinge points 18 is opposed by the top link 74 and the boom 82 which is placed in tension. Therefore, the renovator 4 is retained in a relatively level inclination about the hinge points 18 as it is lifted by the lifting arms 76.

[0138]

[0137] In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein.

[0139]

[0138] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "upper" and "lower", "axial" and "radial", "forward" and "rearward" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. The terms "horizontal" and vertical" apply to when the wheel-track renovator disclosed above and defined in the claims is on level ground. It will be appreciated that features described as "horizontal" or "vertical" may not be in that orientation when the wheel-track renovator is not on flat (i.e. not inclined) ground. In such circumstances, the term "horizontal" is taken to mean the combination of perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator and generally parallel to the level of the ground. Also in such circumstances, the term "vertical" is taken to mean the combination of perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator and generally perpendicular to the level of the ground.

[0140]

[0139] Furthermore, while the wheel-track renovator has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the wheel-track renovator is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wheel-track renovator comprising:• a support body that is couplable to a prime mover to enable pivoting of the support body about a generally horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the renovator;• ground-cutting discs that are linked to the support body and are arranged to displace earth into wheel-tracks from regions adjacent to the wheel-tracks;• a collection roller linked to the support body and trailing the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator, to direct and press at least some of the earth displaced by the ground-cutting discs into the wheel-tracks;• a gauge wheel linked to the support body and leading the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of the travel of the wheel-track renovator; and wherein the pivotable link enables the gauge wheel to control a cutting depth of the ground-cutting discs.

2. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 1, wherein the wheel-track renovator further comprises a coupling member that enables coupling of the support body to a prime mover.

3. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 2, wherein the coupling member is pivotably linked to the support body about the generally horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the renovator.

4. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support body comprises a three-point link hitch that includes a floating top link that is couplable to a top link of a three-point link of a prime mover.

5. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 4, wherein the coupling member is couplable to a three-point link of a prime mover.

6. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lateral position of the gauge wheel, the ground-cutting discs and the collection roller are adjustable in a lateral direction on the wheel-track renovator.

7. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gauge wheel, the ground-cutting discs and the collection roller are connected to ashuttle linkage that is coupled to the support body and the position of the shuttle linkage is selectively adjustable in a lateral direction on the wheel-track renovator.

8. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ground-cutting discs are substantially laterally aligned with respect to the direction of travel of the wheel-track renovator.

9. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ground-cutting discs comprise two gangs of discs and each gang of discs may be substantially laterally aligned with respect to the direction of travel of the wheeltrack renovator.

10. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the each gang defines a cutting region and the cutting region of one or more gangs may partially overlap in the lateral direction with the gauge wheel.

11. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the configuration of the gangs of discs may be adjustable to control the volume of earth being displaced.

12. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a leading portion of the collection roller is positioned in a range of 400 to 1800 mm from a lateral centreline through two rearmost opposed ground-cutting discs.

13. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the collection roller comprise a series of slats spaced about the perimeter of the collection roller to define collectively a rolling perimeter of the collection roller.

14. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 13, wherein each slat is mounted to respective end plates of the collection roller to form a hollow cage.

15. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein each slat comprises a saw-tooth formation on a radially-outer side of the collection roller and the saw-tooth formations of adjacent slats are off-set.

16. The wheel-track renovator defined in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein some slats comprise a chain.

17. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the wheel-track renovator comprises an earth-deflector shield that leads the collection roller and that trails the ground-cutting discs, having regard to the direction of travel of the wheel-track renovator.

18. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 17, wherein the shield extend at least partly over the ground-cutting discs and partly over the collection roller.

19. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the gauge wheel comprises a rotational axis which is aligned with a leading perimeter of a pair of opposed ground-cutting discs or is forward, having regard to the direction of travel of the renovator, of a leading perimeter of a pair of opposed ground-cutting discs.

20. The wheel-track renovator defined in claim 19, wherein the rotational axis may be in the range of >0 mm to 3000 mm forward of the leading perimeter of a pair of ground cutting discs.

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