초록 ▼

A device in the nature of a rotary tiller equipped for traveling through fields as well as uneven terrain, for effectively chopping up encountered clods, vegetation and debris, and mixing same with the soil. We utilize a framework in which either of two different types of bladed, couner-rotating rot

A device in the nature of a rotary tiller equipped for traveling through fields as well as uneven terrain, for effectively chopping up encountered clods, vegetation and debris, and mixing same with the soil. We utilize a framework in which either of two different types of bladed, couner-rotating rotors may be effectively mounted, with one type of rotor having a number of outwardly extending teeth that are adapted for penetrating the ground as the tiller device moves thereover. The outermost portion of each tooth is provided with a novel cutting blade, which may interact with a stationary shear bar, with this type of blade being well adapted for chopping up encountered vegetation and for mixing it thoroughly with the soil. Another type of blade usable in our rotary tiller is a cylindrially-shaped gumbo rotor, utilizing a number of essentially flat, peripherally disposed blades, each of substantially rectangular configuration, which blades are oriented such that their principal surfaces each form a part of the exterior of the cylinder, and with each blade having a long edge that is sharpened, and caused to engage the soil. This latter type of rotor advantageously will not clog or become ineffective, even in very sticky soil. Our tiller device is equipped for mounting either type of rotor in such a manner that the depth of cut can be carefully controlled, and such that the closeness of the toothed blade to the shear bar can be carefully controlled. We preferably utilize a spring bias arrangement in the fore and aft positioning of the rotor, such that upon a hard obstacle becoming lodged between the shear bar and the rotor teeth, the spring bias can be overcome in such a way as to cause an enlargement of the distance between the teeth and the shear bar, such that the obstruction can pass through. Other features of our invention include the use of at least one skirt on the rear of the device for assuring a highly satisfactory leveling action.

대표청구항 ▼

A tiller for cutting and mulching vegetation, comprising a framework, an elongate, ground-engaging rotor mounted for rotation with respect to said framework, and a cooperative cover essentially surrounding the upper portion of said rotor but spaced above said rotor for a substantial distance to defi

A tiller for cutting and mulching vegetation, comprising a framework, an elongate, ground-engaging rotor mounted for rotation with respect to said framework, and a cooperative cover essentially surrounding the upper portion of said rotor but spaced above said rotor for a substantial distance to define the upper boundaries of a large mixing chamber, said mixing chamber also having forward and rear walls, said framework having rolling support means, means for driving said rotor in a rotative direction opposite to that of said rolling support means, said rotor having a plurality of blade means that serve to forcefully engage the ground and bring about a cross-mix of earth and vegetation into a fluidized conglomerate in said mixing chamber, said blade means involving a multiplicity of cutting blades, said framework having a fixed shear bar arranged to interact with peripheral portions of said cutting blades, thus to enable a cutting of heavy vegetation, deflector means disposed closely adjacent the path of travel of said blade means, and disposed above the lower edge of the forward wall of said mixing chamber, said deflector means serving to intercept earth thrown off from said rotor blades and directed toward or parallel to said forward wall, and functioning to redirect such earth rearwardly over said rotor, and spring bias means for biasing said rotor in such a way that its blades normally operate in close proximity to said shear bar, though not in metallic contact therewith, such bias means being at least partially overcome in the event a hard obstruction wedges between said shear bar and said blades, thus allowing an increase in the shear bar-blade spacing, such that the obstruction may pass through. A tiller for cutting and mulching vegetation comprising a framework, an elongate, ground-engaging rotor mounted for rotation with respect to said framework, and a cooperative cover essentially surrounding the upper portion of said rotor but spaced above the rotor for a substantial distance to define a large mixing chamber, said tiller having rolling support means, means for driving said rotor in a rotative direction opposite to that of said rolling support means, said rotor having a plurality of blade means that serve to forcefully engage the ground and bring about a cross-mix of earth and vegetation into a fluidized conglomerate in said mixing chamber, with the action of said rotor causing the fluidized mixture of earth and vegetation to flow over said rotor and thence downwardly behind said rotor, upper and lower hinged skirts, said upper skirt forming at least a portion of the rear wall of said mixing chamber, with the position of said upper skirt being responsive to at least some degree to the rate of flow of the fluidized conglomerate flowing through said mixing chamber, said lower skirt having a lower edge generally in contact with the tilled earth, and arranged to level the fluidized mixture after it has been deposited on the ground, and means for accomplishing a ready adjustment of the position of said rotor with respect to said framework.