Point for a tine, fastener, tine assembly, agricultural implement and method of mounting a point to a tine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a replaceable point (26) for mounting on a tine (2) in a soil working agricultural implement (1), such as a cultivator or harrow, which comprises a point body (261) having tip portion (262), and a point fastener recess (264). The point body (261) has a front face (2611) and a rear face (2612). The point fastener recess (264) is configured to enable engagement with a fastener (28) such that a fastener axis (Af) extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264).

Description

[0001] POINT FOR A TINE, FASTENER, TINE ASSEMBLY, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND

[0002] METHOD OF MOUNTING A POINT TO A TINE

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present disclosure relates agricultural implements and more specifically to a point for use on a tine of a cultivator or harrow-type agricultural implement.

[0005] The disclosure particularly relates to the attachment of the point to the tine, such that the point can be replaced.

[0006] Background

[0007] It is well known that agricultural implements in the form of cultivators or harrows comprise an implement frame which carries a plurality of tines for working soil.

[0008] It is also well known that such tines may be provided with a replaceable point that can be replaced when worn out or when a different function is desired.

[0009] A "point" is as such a well-known term for a distal part of the tine assembly. The point is often pointed and may be sharpened and / or provided with one or more wear surfaces that present an increased hardness compared with the remainder of the point body.

[0010] The point may be replaceable, in the sense that it is formed as a separate part that is releasably attached to the tine, such that it can be replaced when worn, damaged, or when a different function is desired.

[0011] As non-limiting examples, there are points adapted for loosening soil, for mixing soil and for cutting off roots of weeds. Such points may be more or less wide; there are goose foot points and there are wing points.

[0012] The point is typically attached to the tine by means of a bolt and a nut, whereby the bolt head is received, wholly or partially recessed, in a recess in a front face of the point, with a bolt shank extending perpendicularly through the point and also through a tine body, to be engaged by a nut at a rear side of the tine body.

[0013] Such points are disclosed in e.g. DE102009058412A1 and WO2016075266A1. It is desirable to facilitate and speed up the mounting and dismounting of the point, such that the time spent replacing points can be reduced.

[0014] It is desirable to protect the bolt and the nut from the abrasive wear caused by soil flowing around the point and the tine.

[0015] It is desirable to protect the bolt from such shear forces as may occur when the point strikes an obstacle, such as a stone.

[0016] Hence, there is a need for an improved way of fastening a point to a tine.

[0017] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved way of fastening a point to a tine. In particular, objectives include providing a fastening system that is more user friendly and that reduces the risk of damage to the fasteners.

[0018] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the attached drawings and in the following description.

[0019] According to a first aspect, there is provided a replaceable point for mounting on a tine in a soil working agricultural implement, such as a cultivator or harrow. The point comprises a point body having a tip portion, and a point fastener recess, wherein the point body has a front face and a rear face. The point fastener recess is configured to enable engagement with a fastener such that a fastener axis extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane at the point fastener recess.

[0020] More particularly, the point fastener recess can be configured to enable engagement with a fastener such that a fastener axis extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane at the point fastener recess, such that a force component directed away from the tip potion can be provided.

[0021] The tip portion is the portion of the tip that forms the distal part of the point when the point is mounted to a tine, and hence the portion at which the point may be pointed, sharpened and / or provided with a wear surface. The point fastener recess is typically positioned at the proximal part of the point body, i.e. near the other end of the point body relative to the tip portion.

[0022] The front face of the point is the side of the point that is configured to face forwardly in a working direction when the point is mounted to a tine of an agricultural implement.

[0023] The rear face of the point is the face opposite the front face.

[0024] In the event the point body is perfectly flat, the "point plane at the recess" would be parallel, or even coincide, with the front face. In the event the point body is curved, the "point plane at the recess" may be a plane that tangents the point body at the recess.

[0025] By forming the recess and the hole such that a bolt can extend at a nonperpendicular angle to the point plane, it is possible to achieve a connection that provides a force component in a plane parallel with the attachment portion, that may be used to essentially bias the point towards an abutment surface formed on the tine and / or on an adjacent shin which may also be mounted on the tine, thus reducing shear force on the bolt.

[0026] The abutment surface may for example be provided by a step formation formed on the tine and / or the adjacent shin.

[0027] The force component may be directed away from the tip portion.

[0028] A locking surface may be formed at an end portion of the point. The locking surface may be angled. An angled locking surface may be suitable for abutment against an abutment surface formed on the tine and / or on an adjacent shin. For example, the angled locking surface may be suitable for abutment against an undercut portion of a step.

[0029] The locking surface of the point may be configured to abut the abutment surface formed on the tine and / or shin to lock the point from rotation around the point fastener.

[0030] A force parallel to the non-perpendicular angle may cause the locking surface of the point to press against the abutment surface of the tine and / or shin. The non-perpendicular angle may be about 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to an axial abutment surface.

[0031] The fastener axis may extend at an angle of about 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to the point plane at the fastener recess.

[0032] The non-perpendicular angle may be directed such that a projection of the fastener axis in the point plane is directed away from the tip portion of the point.

[0033] Moreover, the nut, and the distal portion of the bolt, can be positioned further up on the tine, such that abrasion and wear caused by the soil flow may be reduced.

[0034] The point fastener recess may be formed in the front face and comprise a recess portion closest to the front face and a through hole, extending from a bottom of the recess portion to the rear face.

[0035] The bottom of the recess portion may be configured for engaging an axial abutment surface of a fastener such that the fastener axis extends at a non- perpendicular angle to a point plane at the point fastener recess.

[0036] The bottom of the recess may present a surface, which is concave as seen in a first plane that is perpendicular to the point plane at the point fastener recess and extends along a point center line.

[0037] The concave surface thus does not need to be mathematically cylindrical, but can be oval, such as elliptic or parabolic.

[0038] The concave surface does not need to describe an entire cylinder, but may describe a curve about 90-270 degrees, preferably about 90-180 degrees.

[0039] The concave surface may have a polygonal cross section, so as to be made up of a plurality of planar part-surfaces.

[0040] The concave surface may be substantially part-cylindrical with a cylinder axis extending in parallel with the point plane.

[0041] The term "substantially cylindrical" implies that the concave surface has a shape with a constant, curved, cross section, along the cylinder axis. The concave surface may be concave also in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.

[0042] The concave surface may be substantially part spherical.

[0043] The through hole may be elongated as seen in the point plane at the point fastener recess, with a major axis extending along a point center line.

[0044] The term "elongated" means longer in a first direction than in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Hence, the term implies that the through hole may be rectangular, oval, elliptic, etc.

[0045] The bottom of the recess may be rotational symmetric about a geometric rotation axis that is non-perpendicular to the point plane at the point fastener recess.

[0046] The through hole may extend in a direction which coincides with the geometric rotation axis.

[0047] Hence, the bottom of the recess may be generally conical, with a cone axis extending non-perpendicular to the point plane.

[0048] Alternatively, the bottom of the recess may be generally annular, with an annulus plane being non-parallel with the point plane.

[0049] The bottom of the recess may be rotational symmetric about a geometric rotation axis that is perpendicular to the point plane at the point fastener recess, and the through hole may extend in a direction which is non-parallel with the geometric rotation axis.

[0050] Hence, the bottom of the recess may be spherical, conical or planar / annular.

[0051] The bottom of the recess may be rotational symmetric about a geometric rotation axis that is perpendicular to the point plane at the point fastener recess, and the through hole may be elongated as seen in the point plane at the point fastener recess, with a major axis extending along a point center line.

[0052] The term "elongated" means longer in a first direction than in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Hence, the term implies that the through hole may be rectangular, oval, elliptic, etc. Hence, the point can be used with a fastener having a shank which extends in a direction which is non-perpendicular to its axial abutment surface.

[0053] The point fastener recess may comprise a threaded recess, which is open to the rear face, and which presents a thread axis that extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane at the point fastener recess.

[0054] Hence, the recess may be formed as a bottom-hole or as a through hole.

[0055] The point fastener recess may present an effectively non-circular cross section, as seen in the point plane at the point fastener recess.

[0056] The non-circular cross section may be polygonal or oval.

[0057] As non-limiting examples, the cross section may be square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or have any other cross section suitable for transferring a torque, such that the point can be mounted by only turning a corresponding nut.

[0058] The effectively non-circular cross section may be presented by the recess portion of the point fastener recess.

[0059] In particular, the effectively non-circular cross section may be presented only by the recess portion, with the through hole being circular or elongated in cross section.

[0060] In the point, a point end portion at a point upper portion may present at least one first locking surface having a surface normal, which, as seen in the point plane, has a surface normal that is non-parallel with the point center line.

[0061] The first locking surface can engage a corresponding locking surface formed on at least one of a tine supporting the point and a shin mounted above the point, so as to prevent lateral movement of the point relative to the tine and / or relative to a shin mounted on the tine.

[0062] The point as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a point upper portion presents a second locking surface that presents a surface normal which is non-parallel with the point plane.

[0063] The second locking surface can be designed to engage an undercut portion of a step separating the point support surface and the shin support surface, so as to prevent movement of the point upper portion away from the point support surface, such that the load on the fastener can be reduced.

[0064] The second locking surface may at least partially coincide with the first locking surface.

[0065] According to a second aspect, there is provided a fastener for fastening the point as described above, to a tine of a soil working agricultural implement. The fastener comprises a fastener head portion, and a fastener shank. The fastener head portion has a first convex surface, which faces towards a fastener shank, and which is convex as seen in a first plane parallel with a fastener axis Af.

[0066] The first convex surface may be substantially cylindrical with a cylinder axis extending across, in particular perpendicularly to, a longitudinal axis of the fastener shank.

[0067] The fastener head portion may have a second convex surface, which is convex in at least a plane perpendicular to the first plane.

[0068] The fastener head may comprise a non-circular portion, as seen in a plane that is perpendicular to the fastener shank.

[0069] According to a third aspect, there is provided a fastener nut for fastening the point described above, to a tine of a soil working agricultural implement. The fastener comprises a fastener nut body and a threaded recess, in particular a through hole extending through the fastener nut body, having a thread axis. The fastener nut body has a first convex surface, which faces towards a direction in which the thread axis extends, and which is convex as seen in a first plane parallel with the thread axis.

[0070] The first convex surface may be substantially cylindrical with a cylinder axis extending across, in particular perpendicularly to, the thread axis.

[0071] The fastener nut body may have a second convex surface, which is convex in at least a plane perpendicular to the first plane.

[0072] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a fastener for fastening the point as described above to a tine of a soil working agricultural implement. The fastener comprises a fastener head portion, and a fastener shank. The fastener head portion presents an axial abutment surface, which faces towards a fastener shank, and which is non-perpendicular to a fastener axis.

[0073] The fastener axis may extend at an angle of about 50-85 degrees or 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to the axial abutment surface.

[0074] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a soil working tine assembly for an agricultural implement, comprising a tine body having a point fastening portion. The point fastening portion presents a point support surface having a recess or through hole for receiving a fastener shank, and the recess or through hole extends non-perpendicularly to a point support surface plane at the recess or through hole.

[0075] The point fastening portion may be suitable for releasable attachment of a point.

[0076] The recess or through hole may extend at an angle of about 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to the point support surface plane at the recess or through hole.

[0077] The extension of the recess or through hole may be such that an axis parallel with the extension is directed towards a tine tip at a tine front side, and away from the tine tip at a tine back side. The tine front side may be a side configured to engage with a point. The point support surface may be arranged on the front side. A tine tip may be a distal end of the tine configured to be close to, or submerged, in soil during work.

[0078] The extension of the recess or through hole may be such that a force component, projected in the point support surface plane, on a releasably attached point may be directed away from a tip portion of said point.

[0079] A recess may be a bottom hole which may be threaded and configured to threadingly engage a fastener shank. A through hole may be a threaded or nonthreaded through hole.

[0080] The tine body may present a counter surface at a side opposite the point support surface, the counter surface being configured to support a nut, wherein the counter surface is non-parallel with the point support surface. The soil working tine assembly may further comprise a shin support surface, which is separated from the point support surface by a step.

[0081] The step may extend across an entire width of the tine. The step may extend non-straight, such as generally V-shaped or U-shaped.

[0082] Hence, it is possible to provide a smooth transition between the front face of the point and the front face of the shin, thus providing a more even flow of soil and less wear on the parts.

[0083] The step may present an undercut portion.

[0084] The soil working tine assembly may further comprise a fastener cutout at a face opposite the point support surface.

[0085] The soil working tine assembly may further comprise a nut countersink portion at a face opposite the point support surface, said countersink portion having a bottom surface which is concave.

[0086] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an agricultural implement for working soil, comprising an implement frame supporting a plurality of soil working tines as described above, wherein, in at least some of the soil working tines a point as described above is received with its point fastener recess aligned with the point fastening hole of the soil working tine, and a fastener engaging the point fastener recess and the point fastening hole extends at an angle which is non-perpendicular to the point plane at the point fastener recess.

[0087] The fastener may extend at an angle of about 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to the point plane at the point fastener recess.

[0088] In the agricultural implement, each soil working tine may further comprise a shin, having an end portion, wherein a thickness of a point upper end portion corresponds to a thickness of the shin lower portion and the height of the step, such that a point front surface is flush with a shin front surface at a joint between the point and the shin.

[0089] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of attaching a point to a tine for an agricultural implement, comprising positioning the point to support against a point support surface formed on the tine, providing a fastener comprising a fastener shank, using the fastener to connect the point to the tine, and applying a force along the fastener shank, such that a force component is provided along the point support surface.

[0090] In the method as claimed, the point may be arranged to bear against an abutment surface formed on the tine and / or on an adjacent shin which may also be mounted on the tine. The force component can be provided to bias the point towards the abutment surface.

[0091] In the method as claimed, the point may be arranged to bear against a step formed at the point support surface and wherein the force component is provided to bias the point towards the step.

[0092] In the method, an undercut portion of the step may be caused to engage a protruding portion on the point, such that the point is locked in a direction perpendicular to the point support surface.

[0093] In the method, a shin may be mounted to the tine, such that a shin front face is flush with a point front face.

[0094] In the method, said using the fastener may comprise arranging the fastener with a fastener head portion engaging a bottom surface of a recess in the point and with a fastener shank extending through the tine non-perpendicular to the point support surface.

[0095] The fastener shank may extend through the tine at an angle of about 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to the point support surface.

[0096] In the method, said using the fastener may comprise causing the fastener to engage a threaded recess in at least one of the point and the tine.

[0097] The threaded recess may extend at an angle of about 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to the point support surface.

[0098] Consequently, the non-perpendicularity of said recess, through hole, threaded recess, fastener axis and fastener shank can be configured to bias the point, when attached to a tine, along a point support surface in a direction away from a point tip. The biasing may be towards an abutment surface formed on the tine and / or on an adjacent shin.

[0099] Thus, the direction of the biasing can be seen as directed backwards and upwards along the tine, relative to a working direction.

[0100] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an agricultural implement in the form of a cultivator.

[0101] Figs 2a-2b are schematic perspective and side views of a tine for the cultivator.

[0102] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the lower portion of the tine with a point and a shin mounted.

[0103] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a shin for use on the tine.

[0104] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the lower portion of the tine, without the point and the shin.

[0105] Figs 6a-6b are schematic perspective and side views of a first embodiment of a fastener.

[0106] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a point.

[0107] Figs 8a-8b are schematic cross sectional side views of the lower portion of the tine with a point and shin mounted.

[0108] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross sectional side view of a portion of a point body according to one embodiment.

[0109] Fig. 10 is a schematic cross sectional side view of a portion of a point body according to another embodiment.

[0110] Fig. 11 is a schematic cross sectional side view of a portion of a point body according to yet another embodiment.

[0111] Figs 12a-12b are schematic perspective and side views of a second embodiment of a fastener. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lower portion of the tine with a point mounted.

[0112] Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lower portion of the tine with a point mounted.

[0113] Figs 8a-8b are schematic cross sectional side views of the lower portion of the tine with a point mounted.

[0114] Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a fastener with a nut mounted.

[0115] Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the nut.

[0116] Fig. 18 is a schematic side view of a fastener according to another embodiment.

[0117] Figs 19a-19b are schematic cross sectional side views of the lower portion of the tine with a point and shin mounted.

[0118] Figs 20a-20b are schematic cross sectional side views of the lower portion of the tine with a point and shin mounted.

[0119] Figs 21a-21c are schematic cross sectional side views the lower portion of the tine with a point mounted and a perspective view of a fastener according to another embodiment.

[0120] Fig. 22 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the lower portion of the tine with a point mounted according to another embodiment.

[0121] Fig. 23 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the lower portion of the tine with a point mounted according to yet another embodiment.

[0122] Detailed description

[0123] The invention will be described with reference to an agricultural implement 1 for tillage, in the form of a cultivator having three different types of tools. However, it is understood that the concepts disclosed herein may be used for any type of cultivator, harrow or other agricultural implement having soil working tools in the form of tines with replaceable points, including combination implements, such as seeders, planters or other implements configured for distributing material to ground over which the implement travels. The agricultural implement 1 may be configured for being towed and / or carried by a traction vehicle in a working direction Dw. The traction vehicle may be any type of traction vehicle, including traditional tractors, which tow and / or carry the agricultural implement 1, as well as gantry-type traction vehicles. It is also possible for the agricultural implement to be self-propelled. The traction vehicle, regardless of its type, or the self-propelled agricultural implement, may be driverless, such as autonomous or remote controlled.

[0124] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an agricultural implement in the form of a cultivator having an implement frame 10 supporting a plurality of cultivator tines 2, a drawbar 11 with a towing connector 111, and a rear frame 12 supporting a pair of packer rollers 3. The rear frame 12 may be movably connected to the implement frame 10, such that the relative position of the rear frame 12 may be adjusted, and / or such that the rear frame 12, using the packer rollers 3 as ground support, may be used to adjust working depth of the cultivator tines 2.

[0125] The towing connector 111 may be any type of connector for towed and / or carried connection to a traction vehicle (not shown).

[0126] The implement frame 10, 11, 12 may be formed by a single frame section or by two or more frame sections which are movable, such as pivotable, relative to each other, e.g. such that the agricultural implement can be converted between a working state and a transport state, to raise tools out of the ground during turning on a headland and / or for adjusting working depth.

[0127] The implement frame 10, 11, 12 comprises a tool carrying frame section 10, which supports a plurality of cultivator tines 2. The cultivator tines may be distributed in a manner known per se over the width to provide an even working result and over the length of the frame section 10 to reduce the risk of blocking.

[0128] The frame section 10 may support one or more further types of soil working tools. In the illustrated example, the frame section 10 additionally supports star shaped levelers and soil flow control discs laterally outwardly of the levelers.

[0129] The implement frame 10, 11, 12 can support further types of ground engaging tools, for e.g. cultivation and / or reconsolidation of the soil which has been worked by the tines 2. Such tools can comprise levelling tools, further tillage tools (harrow or cultivation tools (such as disc tools or tines)), straw harrows, tines carrying goose foot or wing shares, and / or packer rollers operating in front of and / or behind. It is also possible to provide output units for distributing material, in particular granular material such as seeds, pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer, etc., to the ground over which the implement travels.

[0130] Referring to figs 2a-2b, there is illustrated a tine 2, which may be a cultivator tine or a harrow tine.

[0131] It is understood that there are many different ways of designing a tine 2, in particular with respect to its fastening to the implement frame 10, its resilience mechanism and its appearance, and so the parts of the tine 2 which do not relate to the fastening of the point 26 can be arbitrarily chosen, and are being described herein only by way of example.

[0132] The tine 2 comprises a frame fastening portion 21, which may be designed in any suitable way to provide a connection to the implement frame 10, a spring portion 22, adapted to provide give the tine 2 the ability to yield to obstacles, and optionally to oscillate during normal operation.

[0133] While, in some embodiments, the spring portion may be integrally formed with the tine working portion 24, in the present example, the spring portion 22 and the tine working portion 24 are formed as separate components, which are connected to each other by a spring connecting portion 23. The tine working portion 24 may curve rearwardly from the spring portion and then forwardly towards a point fastening portion 25 which is formed at a free end of the tine 2.

[0134] The point 26 is releasably attached at the point fastening portion 25, at a forwardly facing surface of the point fastening portion 25, as seen in the working direction Dw, and may, but need not, be supplemented by a shin 27, arranged rearwardly / upwardly of the point 26 and configured to control the flow of soil and / or to protect the tine working portion 24 from wear caused by the flow of soil.

[0135] The tine 2 may be provided as an assembly, comprising a tine body 22, 23,

[0136] 24, 25, a point 26 and optionally a shin 27. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the point fastening portion 25 as seen in a side view according to a first embodiment of a point attachment concept. As can be seen from fig. 3, the point 26 is mounted at the free end of the tine 2, distally of the shin 27. A point fastener 28 is provided for fastening the point 26 to the point fastening portion 25, and a point plane Pp is defined at the position of the point where the point fastener 28 engages the point 26. In the illustrated embodiment, where the point is forwardly concave and single curved, the point plane Pp tangents the point at the position of the point 26 where the point fastener 28 engages the point 26.

[0137] A separate shin fastener 29 may be provided as well. The shin fastener 29 may be identical with the point fastener 28, or it may be differently designed.

[0138] The point fastener 28 extends along a fastener axis Af, which is nonperpendicular to the point plane Pp. Thus, a projection of the fastener axis Af in the point plane Pp can be seen as directed away from the tip portion 262 of the point 26.

[0139] An angle Al between the point plane Pp and the fastener axis Af may be on the order of 50-89 degrees or 50-85 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees.

[0140] A point longitudinal direction Lp is defined as a direction extending from the point upper portion 263 (fig. 7) to the point tip 262 (fig. 7) and along a point body 261.

[0141] The point body 261 presents a front face 2611 which, in the illustrated example, is generally concave and a rear face 2612, which is generally convex.

[0142] A point normal plane Pn is defined as a plane which is perpendicular to the point longitudinal direction Lp at a position where the point fastener 28 engages the point 26.

[0143] The point fastener 28 will extend such that the point fastener 28 emerges and / or engages a nut 30 at a rear side of the point fastening portion 25 above said point normal plane Pn. As can also be seen in fig. 3, a forwardly facing surface of the point 26 may be flush with a forwardly facing surface of the shin 27, where a point upper portion 263 meets, and optionally abuts, a shin lower portion 272.

[0144] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a shin 27 having a shin body 271, which may be formed from a generally flat metallic blank, such as steel, which may be shaped, hardened and optionally provided with a wear resistant surface coating.

[0145] The shin body 271 has a shin lower portion 272, a shin upper portion 273 and at least one shin fastener recess 274, which may comprise a through hole with a countersunk portion, such that a bolt head can be received and prevented from rotating.

[0146] The shin lower portion 272 may comprise a longitudinal recess or protrusion, which may be configured to engage a corresponding protrusion or recess formed in an upper portion 263 of the point body 261, such that relative lateral movement between the point 26 and the shin 27 can be counteracted or prevented.

[0147] The shin body 271 may be formed from a generally elongate and rectangular metal blank, with cut-outs provided at the tip portion 272 and / or at the upper portion 273, as described herein.

[0148] The shin body 271 may be straight or curved, as illustrated. The degree of curvature may be adapted for the type of soil flow desired. For example, the shin body 271 may curve more forwardly than the tine 2, so as to guide the soil flow forwardly. Hence, a shin front face 2711 may be generally concave.

[0149] Alternatively, or additionally, the shin body may be twisted so as to guide the soil flow sideways.

[0150] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the point fastening portion 25, which may present a point support surface 251 that may be generally shaped to follow a shape of the point body 261. In the present case, where the point body 261 is forwardly concave, the point support surface 251 may be correspondingly forwardly concave.

[0151] A point fastening hole 252 may intersect the point support surface 251. The point fastening hole may intersect the point support surface 251 such that a hole axis is non-perpendicular to the point support surface. The point fastening hole 252 will effectively define the angle at which the fastener axis Af will extend through the point 26 and the point fastening portion 25.

[0152] The point fastening hole 252 may be formed as a through hole extending from the point support surface 251 to a rear side of the point fastening portion 25.

[0153] A shin support surface 253 may be provided proximally of the shin support surface 251, as seen along the point fastening portion 25. In the present case, where the shin body 271 (fig. 4) is forwardly concave, the shin support surface 253 may be correspondingly forwardly concave.

[0154] The point support surface 251 and the shin support surface 253 may be separated by a step 255, such that one of the surfaces 251, 253, in particular the point support surface 251, may be recessed relative to the other one of the surfaces 251, 253. The step may be integrally formed with the point fastening portion 25. The step 255 may be formed so as to correspond to a shape of the longitudinal recess or protrusion formed in the shin lower portion 272, such that the step 255 may engage the corresponding longitudinal protrusion or recess formed in the upper portion 263 of the point body 261, such that the step 255 may engage the upper portion 263 of the point so as to counteract relative lateral movement between the upper portion 263 of the point body 261 and the point fastening portion 25.

[0155] A height of the step 255, as measured from the point support surface 251 closest to the step may correspond to a difference in thickness between the point upper portion 263 and the shin lower portion 272, such that front surfaces of the point upper portion 263 and of the shin lower portion 272 will be flush when the point 26 and the shin 27 are mounted to the tine 2.

[0156] The point body 261 and the shin body 271 may thus have different thicknesses. Alternatively, the point upper portion 263 and / or the shin lower portion 272 may be formed with an increased and / or reduced thickness than the remainder of the respective body 261, 271.

[0157] At a rear side of the point fastening portion 25, a cutout 256 may be provided where the point fastening hole 252 intersects a rear side of the point fastening portion 25. In particular, the cutout 256 may be formed such that a counter surface 257 is provided which is perpendicular to a hole axis of the point fastening hole 252. Hence, the counter surface 257 may be non-parallel with the point support surface 251.

[0158] Figs 6a-6b schematically illustrate a bolt for use as a point fastener 28.

[0159] The fastener 28 may present a fastener axis Af, which may be a longitudinal axis of the fastener 28 and optionally also an axis of rotation for any relative rotation between the fastener and a nut during threading of the nut.

[0160] A fastener shank 281 may be elongate and essentially cylindrically shaped. At one end of the fastener shank 281, there may be provided a thread portion 282 and at the other end of the fastener shank 281, a head portion 283.

[0161] A portion, or all of, the head portion 283 may present a shape configured to counteract rotation, such as a polygonal shape and in particular a rectangular or square shape, as seen in a plane perpendicular to the fastener axis Af.

[0162] The head portion may present a convex surface 284 which faces towards the fastener shank 281, and which is configured to abut a corresponding surface on the point 26 to provide a force along the fastener axis Af.

[0163] The convex surface 284 may be a curved surface, such as a surface which is convex towards the fastener shank 281.

[0164] In particular, the convex surface 284 may be single curved, such as for example part cylindrical with a cylinder axis perpendicular to the fastener axis Af.

[0165] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a point 26, having a point body 261, with a front face that 2611 is to face forwardly towards the working direction Dw.

[0166] The point body 261 may be formed from a generally flat metal blank, such as steel, which may be shaped, hardened and optionally provided with a wear resistant surface coating on all or part thereof.

[0167] The point body 261 may be elongate so as to extend along a point longitudinal direction Lp between a point tip 262 and an upper portion 263. A point center line Lc is illustrated by a dash-dotted line, which is parallel with the longitudinal direction Lp. The point tip 262 may be tapered and may comprise a hardened surface portion, a surface coating and / or wear resistant surface insets, which may be provided in a manner which is known per se.

[0168] The point upper portion 263 may comprise a longitudinal protrusion and / or recess 265 configured to abut the shin 27 and or the step 255 so as to prevent lateral relative movement. The recess 265 may provide at least one locking surface 2651, which has a surface normal with at least a component in the point plane Pp at the point upper portion 263. In the illustrated example, the surface normal is entirely in the point plane Pp.

[0169] The point 26 presents a point fastener recess 264, which may comprise a recess portion 2642 having a bottom 2641 and a through hole 2643 extending from the bottom 2641 to a rear face 2612 of the point body 261.

[0170] The recess portion 2642 may be designed to be sufficiently deep so as to completely receive a fastener head such that the fastener head does not protrude past a front face 2611 of the point body 261.

[0171] The trough hole 2643 may be designed to be deep enough to provide sufficient strength for the connection of the point 26 to the point fastening portion 25.

[0172] The through hole 2643 may be formed with a cylindrical shape having an axis that is non-perpendicular to the point plane Pp.

[0173] Alternatively, the through hole 2643 may be slightly elongated along the longitudinal direction Lp, so as to allow the fastener 28 to extend through the through hole 28 in a range of directions Af which may be perpendicular or nonperpendicular to the point plane Pp.

[0174] The point body 261 may be formed from a generally elongate and rectangular metal blank, with cut-outs provided at the tip portion 262 and / or at the upper portion 263, as described herein.

[0175] The point body 261 may be generally flat along its length.

[0176] Alternatively, the point body 261 may be curved, as illustrated. As yet further options, the point body may be provided with "wings" or the like for cutting off roots of weeds.

[0177] Figs 8a-8b schematically illustrate, in cross section in a plane containing the working direction Dw and containing the center line Lc, wherein the free end of the tine 2 with the point 26 and the shin 27 mounted to the point fastening portion 25. A point fastener 28 is used for attaching the point 26 to the point fastening portion 25 while supported by the point support surface. A shin fastener 29, which may be identical with the point fastener 28 is used to attach the shin 27 to the point fastening portion 25.

[0178] Referring to fig. 8a, the point upper portion 263 is positioned so that it abuts the step 255. The point upper portion 263 may also be caused to engage the shin lower portion 272, such that relative lateral movement between the point 26 and the shin 27 is prevented, as is relative lateral movement between the point 26 and the point fastening portion 25.

[0179] The shin fastener 29 extends perpendicularly to the shin support surface 253 at the shin fastener recess 274.

[0180] The point fastener 28 extends non-perpendicularly to the point support surface 251 at the point fastener recess 264.

[0181] At a rear side of the point fastener portion 25, opposite to the support surfaces 251, 253, the fasteners 28, 29 may be engaged by respective nuts 30, or the like.

[0182] While the head portion 283 of the point fastener 28 engages a bottom 2641 of the point fastener recess 264, the nut 30 may engage a surface formed in a cutout portion 256 of the point fastening portion 25. This surface may be perpendicular to the fastener axis Af. The surface may thus also be non-parallel with the point support surface 251.

[0183] Referring to fig. 8b, which is a partial enlargement of fig. 8a, the fastener convex surface 284 formed at the underside of the fastener head 283 may engage the concave surface formed at the bottom 2641 of a recess portion 2642, while the fastener shank 281 extends through the point through hole 2643 non- perpendicularly to the point plane Pp.

[0184] The surfaces 284, 2641 may ideally have approximately the same curvature.

[0185] The recess portion 2642 may be configured to be deep enough for the fastener head 283 to be entirely received therein, such that no portion of the fastener head 283 protrudes past the front face of the point body 261.

[0186] Figs 9-11 illustrate different designs of point fastener recesses 264, which may be used for different types of point fastener heads 283.

[0187] All other aspects of the tine 2 may be designed in accordance with any of figs 2a-8b.

[0188] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a second embodiment of the point attachment concept.

[0189] In fig. 9, there is illustrated a point fastener recess having a bottom 2641-1, which may be tapered, such that it can be used with fastener head 283, the underside of which is correspondingly tapered.

[0190] Fig. 10 schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a third embodiment of the point attachment concept.

[0191] In fig. 10, there is illustrated a point fastener recess having a bottom 2641-2, which is annular, such that it can be used with a fastener head 283, the underside of which is correspondingly annular.

[0192] The point fastener recess design as illustrated in figs 9 and 10 may be freely combined with other aspects of the point attachment disclosed herein, in particular the various designs of the point upper portion 263, and the various designs of the rear side of the point fastening portion 25.

[0193] It is understood that the embodiments illustrated in figs 9 and 10 can only be used with a fixed fastener axis Af directions.

[0194] By contrast, the first embodiment of the point attachment concept, which is illustrated for comparison in fig. 11, with a rounded, such as cylindrical, bottom 2641, can be used with a range of fastener axes Af directions. Figs 12a-12b schematically illustrate a fastener 28-1, which is designed similar to the fastener 28 illustrated in figs 6a-6b, with a first convex surface 284-1 and a second convex surface 285 formed at the underside of the head portion 283-1, such that the underside of the head portion 283-1 can absorb angular offsets in two mutually perpendicular directions. The fastener 28-1 illustrated in figs 12a-12b is intended for a fourth embodiment of the point attachment concept.

[0195] In some embodiments, the convex surfaces 284-1, 285 may be merged to provide a part-spherical surface.

[0196] All other aspects of the fastener, point and tine 2 may be designed in accordance with any of figs 2a-8b.

[0197] Fig. 13 schematically illustrates an alternative design of the step 255 separating the point support surface 251 and the shin support surface 253.

[0198] In this design, the step 255 presents an undercut portion 2551, which may be formed along all or part of a step edge, such that the point support surface 251 is slightly overlapped by the shin support surface 253.

[0199] The point 26 may present a corresponding second locking surface 2652, which presents a surface normal that is non-parallel with the point plane Pp at the point upper portion 263. The second locking surface 2652 may thus engage below the undercut portion 2551 to counteract relative movement of the point upper portion 263 away from the point support surface 251.

[0200] The second locking surface 2652 may extend over all or part of the width of the point upper portion 263. The locking surface 2652 may, but need not, coincide with the first locking surface 2651.

[0201] In the illustrated example, the first locking surface 2651 is divided into two portions, which are at an angle to each other, to provide locking in both opposite lateral direction, while the second locking surface 2652 is provided only at a central portion of the point upper portion 263, such as at the middle section of the "V" (see fig. 7) thus formed. All other aspects of the point 26, the shin 27 (if any) and the point fastening portion 25 may be designed in accordance with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0202] Fig. 14 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the rear side of the point fastening portion 25, wherein a nut countersink portion 2522 is provided in the rear side of the point fastening portion 25, such that a nut can be at least partially received.

[0203] Hence, in some embodiments, the point fastening hole 252 may comprise an abutment surface 2521, which may be provided at a bottom of a nut countersink portion 2522. The point fastening hole 252 may thus present a point fastening through hole 2523, which may extend from the abutment surface 2521 to the point support surface 251.

[0204] Optionally, the nut countersink portion 2522 may be provided in a cutout 256 which may be formed as illustrated in figs 8a, 19a, 21a.

[0205] The abutment surface 2521 may be concave and in particular spherical.

[0206] The point fastening through hole 2523 forming part of the point fastening hole 252 may thus extend from the bottom of the nut countersink portion 2522.

[0207] Figs 15a-15b schematically illustrate a cross sectional view of corresponding to figs 13 and 14, with the fastener 28, 28-1 installed and with a nut 30-1 having a spherical surface portion 301 or a spherical adapter portion in engagement with the abutment surface 2521. Fig. 15b is a partial enlargement of fig. 15a.

[0208] The fastener 28, 28-1 may be formed in accordance with figs 6a-6b or 12a- 12b. The bottom 2641 of the point fastener recess 264 may be accordingly formed.

[0209] All other aspects of the point 26, the shin 27 (if any) and the point fastening portion 25 may be designed in accordance with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0210] Fig. 16 schematically illustrates the fastener 28-1 illustrated in figs 12a-12b with the nut 30-1 that will be described with reference to fig. 17.

[0211] Fig. 17 schematically illustrates a nut 30-1 having an inwardly threaded and axially extending through hole (not shown), gripping portion 302 and an axially oriented surface 301 at one axial end thereof, which surface 301 is configured for abutting the abutment surface 2521 of the point fastening hole 252.

[0212] The gripping portion 302 may be formed according to any standard or specialized shape for providing a torque transferring engagement with a tool. Hence, in its most simple form, the gripping portion 302 may provide a standard hexagonal outline for engagement with fixed or variable wrench.

[0213] The abutment surface 301 may be spherical or conical.

[0214] The nut and the abutment surface 301 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, a standard nut may be used together with a separate shim forming the surface 301.

[0215] It is also possible to provide a shim which is not rotationally symmetrical, such that its concave surface may be single or double curved.

[0216] The point fastener recess design as illustrated in fig 12a-12b and 15a-15b may be freely combined with other aspects of the point attachment disclosed herein, in particular the various designs of the point upper portion 263, and the various designs of the rear side of the point fastening portion 25.

[0217] Fig. 18 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a fastener 28-2, which can be used either to connect a prior art point to a point fastening portion 25, the point fastening hole 252 of which being non-perpendicular to the point plane Pp, or to connect a point according to the present invention to a prior art point fastening portion, the point fastener hole of which being perpendicular to the point plane Pp.

[0218] The fastener 28-2 may have a convex surface 284-2 which is nonperpendicular to the fastener axis Af.

[0219] The convex surface 284-2 may be annular in shape, or, alternatively, conical.

[0220] Optionally, the fastener 28-2 may have a fastener head 283-2 which may have a head axis Ah, which is non-parallel with the fastener axis Af.

[0221] The head portion 283-2 may present a cross section, in a head abutment plane Ph perpendicular to the head axis Ah, configured to counteract rotation. For example, the head portion 283-2 may be polygonal (in particular rectangular or square), oval, elliptic, etc., as seen in the head plane Ph.

[0222] Figs 19a-19b schematically illustrates a fifth embodiment of the point attachment concept. Figs 19a-19b schematically illustrate the use of the fastener 28- 2 illustrated in fig. 18 for attaching a prior art point to a point fastening portion 25 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 19b is a partial enlargement of fig. 19a.

[0223] As illustrated in figs 19a-19b, the point fastening through hole 2523 formed of the point fastening hole 252 formed in the point fastening portion 25 extends non-perpendicular to the point support surface 251.

[0224] Optionally, a cutout 256 may be formed on the rear side of the point fastening portion 25, as illustrated.

[0225] The point fastener recess 264 is designed generally in accordance with prior art, such that a the bottom 2641 of the point fastener recess 264 may be parallel to the point plane Pp, or may present an angle to the point plane Pp that is smaller than an angle presented between the point fastening through hole 2523 and a direction that is normal to the point support surface 251.

[0226] In either case, the bottom 2641 may be substantially annular, such as is illustrated in fig. 10, or conical, as illustrated in fig. 9.

[0227] The recess portion 2642 may extend perpendicular to the bottom 2641. Alternatively, the recess portion 2642 may be oversized and extend perpendicularly into the point body 261, even in a case where the bottom 2641 is not parallel with the point plane Pp.

[0228] Hence, in figs 19a-19b, the fastener axis extends non-perpendicular to the point plane Pp and also non-perpendicular to the point support surface 251.

[0229] The point fastener recess design as illustrated in figs 19a and 19b may be freely combined with other aspects of the point attachment disclosed herein, in particular the various designs of the point upper portion 263, and the various designs of the rear side of the point fastening portion 25.

[0230] Figs 20a-20b schematically illustrates a sixth embodiment of the point attachment concept. Fig. 20b is a partial enlargement of fig. 20a. Figs 20a-20b schematically illustrate the use of the fastener 28-2 illustrated in fig. 18 for attaching a point 26 according to the present disclosure to a prior art point fastening portion 25.

[0231] As illustrated in figs 20a-20b, the point fastening through hole 2523 formed of the point fastening hole 252 formed in the point fastening portion 25 extends perpendicular to the point support surface 251.

[0232] The point fastener recess 264 is designed generally in accordance with the present disclosure, in particular figs 9 and 10, such that a bottom 2641 of the point fastener recess 264 may be non-parallel to the point plane Pp.

[0233] In either case, the bottom 2641 may be substantially annular, such as is illustrated in fig. 10, or conical, as illustrated in fig. 9.

[0234] The recess portion 2642 may extend non-perpendicular to the bottom 2641. Alternatively, the recess portion 2642 may be oversized and extend perpendicularly into the point body 261.

[0235] Hence, as illustrated in figs. 20a-20b, the fastener axis Af extends perpendicular to the point plane Pp and perpendicular to the point support surface 251.

[0236] The point fastener recess design as illustrated in figs 20a-20b may be freely combined with other aspects of the point attachment disclosed herein, in particular the various designs of the point upper portion 263, and the various designs of the rear side of the point fastening portion 25.

[0237] Figs 21a-21b schematically illustrates a seventh embodiment of the point attachment concept. Fig. 21c is a partial enlargement of fig. 21a.

[0238] Figs 21a-21c schematically illustrate the use of a fastener 28-3 (fig. 21c) in the form of a prior art plow bolt, having a head portion 283 with a conical surface 287 and a rotation preventing portion 288 between the conical surface 287 and a shank of the fastener shank 281.

[0239] As is illustrated in fig. 21a, the point fastening portion 25 of the tine 2 is formed in accordance with the present disclosure, with the point fastening through hole 2523 extending non-perpendicular to the point support surface 251. The point fastener recess 264 is designed essentially in accordance with fig.

[0240] 10, but with the bottom portion (bottom 2641 and / or through hole 2643) being modified so as to cooperate with the rotation preventing portion 288 to prevent rotation of the fastener 28-3 relative to the point 26.

[0241] The point fastener recess design as illustrated in figs 21a-21b may be freely combined with other aspects of the point attachment disclosed herein, in particular the various designs of the point upper portion 263, and the various designs of the rear side of the point fastening portion 25.

[0242] Referring to fig. 22, in a variation of the concept disclosed herein, it is possible to provide one of the point 26 and the point fastening portion 25 with a recess or hole 2643, 2523 that presents a thread portion 2644 and the other one with a corresponding through hole 2643, 2523, whereby a threaded fastener 28-3 is caused to threadingly engage said threaded recess or hole 2643, 2523.

[0243] In the illustrated example, the threaded recess or hole 2643 formed in the point body 261 would have a thread axis At which extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane Pp at the threaded recess or hole 2643. The through hole 2523 formed in the point fastening portion 25 would correspondingly extend at a non-perpendicular angle to a point support surface 2511 at the threaded recess or hole 2523.

[0244] In such cases, the point fastener recess 264 would be open at the rear face 2612 of the point 26. However, the point fastener recess 264 may extend through the point body 261 or it may take the form of a bottom hole, extending part way through the point body 261. The fastener 28-3 would be inserted "from behind", i.e. firstly introduced through the point fastening portion 25 and then engage the threads 2644 of the hole 2643.

[0245] In a variation of this concept, the hole 2523 would instead be threaded, whereas the hole 2643 need not be threaded, whereby the fastener 28-3 would instead be inserted from the front so as to engage threads formed in the point fastening portion 25. Referring to fig. 23, in yet another variation of the concept disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a threaded fastener 28-3, which can be used with a single nut 30 in the case where the point 26 or the point fastening portion 25 has a threaded recess or hole, as mentioned above, or with two nuts (one at each end of a fastener shaft) in other cases previously described herein. In particular, such a threaded rod may have thread sections that are threaded in opposite directions at its respective ends.

[0246] The nut 30 may be received in a recess 2642 having a recess bottom 2641 against which the nut will abut. The recess may be circular or non-circular in cross section, in particular it may be non-circular such that the relative rotation between the nut 30 and the point 26 may be prevented.

[0247] In this variation, the through hole 2643 may, but need not, be threaded.

[0248] Alternatively, the nut or nuts 30 may be designed in accordance with the previous disclosure herein.

[0249] It is understood that the shin 27, if any, may be provided with the same attachment mechanism as the corresponding point 26.

Claims

29CLAIMS1. A replaceable point (26) for mounting on a tine (2) in a soil working agricultural implement (1), such as a cultivator or harrow, the point (26) comprising: a point body (261) having a tip portion (262), and a point fastener recess (264), wherein the point body (261) has a front face (2611) and a rear face (2612), characterized in that the point fastener recess (264) is configured to enable engagement with a fastener such that a fastener axis (Af) extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264).

2. The point as claimed in claim 1, wherein the point fastener recess (264) is formed in the front face (2611) and comprises a recess portion (2642) closest to the front face (2611) and a through hole (2643), extending from a bottom (2641) of the recess portion to the rear face (2612).

3. The point as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bottom (2641) of the recess portion (2642) is configured for engaging an axial abutment surface of a fastener such that the fastener axis (Af) extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264).

4. The point as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bottom (2641) of the recess (264) presents a surface, which is concave as seen in a first plane that is perpendicular to the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264) and extends along a point center line.

5. The point as claimed in claim 4, wherein the concave surface is substantially part-cylindrical with a cylinder axis extending in parallel with the point plane (Pp).

306. The point as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the surface is concave also in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.

7. The point as claimed in claim 6, wherein the concave surface is substantially part spherical.

8. The point as claimed in any one of claims 2-7, wherein the through hole (2643) is elongated as seen in the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264), with a major axis extending along a point center line.

9. The point as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bottom (2641) of the recess is rotational symmetric about a geometric rotation axis that is nonperpendicular to the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264).

10. The point as claimed in claim 9, wherein the through hole (2643) extends in a direction which coincides with the geometric rotation axis.

11. The point as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bottom (2641) of the recess is rotational symmetric about a geometric rotation axis that is perpendicular to the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264), and wherein the through hole (2643) extends in a direction which is non-parallel with the geometric rotation axis.

12. The point as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bottom (2641) of the recess is rotational symmetric about a geometric rotation axis that is perpendicular to the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264), and wherein the through hole (2643) is elongated as seen in the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264), with a major axis extending along a point center line.

13. The point as claimed in claim 1, wherein the point fastener recess (264) comprises a threaded recess, which is open to the rear face (2612), and which presents a thread axis that extends at a non-perpendicular angle to a point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264).

14. The point as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the point fastener recess (264) presents an effectively non-circular cross section, as seen in the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264).

15. The point as claimed in claim 14, wherein the non-circular cross section is polygonal or oval.

16. The point as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the effectively non- circular cross section is presented by the recess portion (2642) of the point fastener recess (264).

17. The point as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a point end portion at a point upper portion (263) presents at least one first locking surface (2651) having a surface normal, which, as seen in the point plane (Pp), has a surface normal that is non-parallel with the point center line.

18. The point as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a point upper portion (263) presents a second locking surface (2652) that presents a surface normal which is non-parallel with the point plane (Pp).

19. A fastener for fastening the point as claimed in any one of claims 1-8 or claims 14-18 when dependent on claim 4, to a tine of a soil working agricultural implement, the fastener comprising: a fastener head portion (283, 283-1, 283-2), and a fastener shank (28, 28-1, 28-2),wherein the fastener head portion has a first convex surface (284, 284-1), which faces towards a fastener shank (28, 28-1, 28-2), and which is convex as seen in a first plane parallel with a fastener axis (Af).

20. The fastener as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first convex surface (284, 284-1) is substantially cylindrical with a cylinder axis extending across, in particular perpendicularly to, a longitudinal axis of the fastener shank (28, 28-1, 28- 2).

21. The fastener as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fastener head portion (283, 283-1, 283-2) has a second convex surface (285), which is convex in at least a plane perpendicular to the first plane.

22. The fastener as claimed in any one of claims 19-21 wherein the fastener head portion (283, 283-1, 283-2) comprises a non-circular portion, as seen in a plane that is perpendicular to the fastener shank (281).

23. A fastener nut (30, 30-1) for fastening the point as claimed in any one of claims 1-8 or claims 14-18 when dependent on claim 4, to a tine of a soil working agricultural implement, the fastener comprising: a fastener nut body (302), a threaded recess, in particular a through hole extending through the fastener nut body, having a thread axis, wherein the fastener nut body has a first convex surface (301), which faces towards a direction in which the thread axis extends, and which is convex as seen in a first plane parallel with the thread axis.

24. The fastener as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first convex surface (301) is substantially cylindrical with a cylinder axis extending across, in particular perpendicularly to, the thread axis.3325. The fastener as claimed in claim 24, wherein the fastener nut body has a second convex surface, which is convex in at least a plane perpendicular to the first plane.

26. A fastener (28-2) for fastening the point as claimed in claim 11 or 12 claims, to a tine of a soil working agricultural implement, the fastener comprising: a fastener head portion (283-2), and a fastener shank (281), wherein the fastener head portion (283-2) presents an axial abutment surface (284-2), which faces towards a fastener shank (281), and which is nonperpendicular to a fastener axis (Af).

27. The fastener as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fastener axis extends at an angle of about 50-85 degrees or 50-89 degrees, preferably about 55-85 degrees, about 60-80 degrees or about 65-75 degrees to the axial abutment surface.

28. A soil working tine assembly for an agricultural implement, comprising a tine body having a point fastening portion (25), wherein the point fastening portion (25) presents a point support surface (251) having a recess or through hole (252) for receiving a fastener shank (281), and wherein the recess or through hole (252) extends non-perpendicularly to a point support surface plane at the recess or through hole (252).

29. The soil working tine assembly as claimed in claim 28, wherein the tine body presents a counter surface (257) at a side opposite the point support surface (251), the counter surface being configured to support a nut, wherein the counter surface is non-parallel with the point support surface.3430. The soil working tine assembly as claimed in claim 28 or 29, further comprising a shin support surface (253), which is separated from the point support surface (251) by a step (255).

31. The soil working tine assembly as claimed in claim 30, wherein the step (255) presents an undercut portion (2551).

32. The soil working tine assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28-31, further comprising a fastener cutout (256) at a face opposite the point support surface (251).

33. The soil working tine assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28-32, further comprising a nut countersink portion (2522) at a face opposite the point support (251) surface, said countersink portion optionally having a bottom surface (2521) which is concave.

34. An agricultural implement for working soil, comprising an implement frame (10, 11, 12) supporting a plurality of soil working tines (2) assemblies as claimed in any one of claims 28-33, wherein, in at least some of the soil working tine assemblies: a point (26) as claimed in any one of claims 1-18 is received with its point fastener recess (264) aligned with the point fastening hole (252) of the soil working tine, and a fastener (28, 28-1, 28-2) engaging the point fastener recess (264) and the point fastening hole (252) extends at an angle which is non-perpendicular to the point plane (Pp) at the point fastener recess (264).

35. The agricultural implement as claimed in claim 34, wherein each soil working tine (2) further comprises a shin (27), having an end portion, wherein a thickness of a point upper end portion (263) corresponds to a thickness of the shin35 lower portion (272) and the height of the step (255), such that a point front surface (2511) is flush with a shin front surface (2711) at a joint between the point and the shin.

36. A method of attaching a point (26) to a tine (2) for an agricultural implement, comprising: positioning the point (26) to support against a point support surface (251) formed on the tine (2), providing a fastener (28, 28-1, 28-2) comprising a fastener shank (281), using the fastener to connect the point (26) to the tine (2), and applying a force along the fastener shank (281), such that a force component is provided along the point support surface (251).

37. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the point (26) is arranged to bear against a step (255) formed at the point support surface (251) and wherein the force component is provided to bias the point towards the step (255).

38. The method as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein an undercut portion (2551) of the step (255) is caused to engage a protruding portion on the point, such that the point (26) is locked in a direction perpendicular to the point support surface (251).

39. The method as claimed in any one of claims 36-38, wherein a shin (27) is mounted to the tine (2), such that a shin front face (2711) is flush with a point front face (2611).

40. The method as claimed in any one of claims 36-39, wherein said using the fastener (28, 28-1, 28-2) comprises arranging the fastener with a fastener head portion engaging a bottom surface (2641) of a recess (264) in the point (26) and with36 a fastener shank (281) extending through the tine (2) non-perpendicular to the point support surface (251).

41. The method as claimed in any one of claims 36-39, wherein said using the fastener (28, 28-1, 28-2) comprises causing the fastener to engage a threaded recess in at least one of the point (26) and the tine (2).

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