Ground contouring apparatus with provision for mounted accessories

Abstract

Disclosed is a ground modifying apparatus of a type sometimes known as levellers, typically as used on tractors and skid-steer vehicles. In current practice these are used for preparing, levelling, and contouring the ground. Such device includes at least an accessory body portion supporting a ground modifying accessory or includes a way to attach the same. The apparatus includes a travelling carriage assembly pivotably attached by a carriage pivot, about a rotational axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The carriage pivot is positioned lower than the center of gravity of the travelling carriage assembly.

The claims defining the invention are: 
     
         1 . A ground modifying assembly comprising at least an accessory body portion supporting a ground modifying accessory or includes means for the attachment thereof,
 said ground modifying assembly including a travelling carriage assembly which is pivotably attached by a carriage pivot, about a rotational axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said ground modifying assembly, to said ground modifying assembly;   said carriage pivot characterised by being positioned lower than the centre of gravity of said travelling carriage assembly.   
     
     
         2 . A ground modifying assembly, as claimed in  claim 1 , which includes a body mounting portion for connection to a vehicle or a support depending from a vehicle,
 said arrangement further characterised by having multiple linkages extending and connecting said accessory body portion and body mounting portion, and where a link may comprise one or more of either or both of: a fixed length linkage, and an actuator.   
     
     
         3 . A ground modifying assembly, as claimed in  claim 2 , in which there are present at least two sets of linkages between the accessory body portion and body mounting portion, each set of linkages comprising at least two links, and wherein there is present a set of linkages outwardly displaced from and either side of the longitudinal centre axis of said ground modifying assembly. 
     
     
         4 . A ground modifying assembly, as claimed in  claim 3 , in which the arrangement allows for relative vertical movement of said body mounting portion relative to body mounting portion, but resists relative alteration in the pitch of one to the other. 
     
     
         5 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 4  in which links in a set of linkages are substantially parallel one to the other. 
     
     
         6 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 3  in which said sets of linkages allow roll rotation of said accessory body portion relative to said body mounting portion, about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said ground modifying assembly. 
     
     
         7 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 6  which includes at least one actuator to effect said roll rotations of said accessory body portion relative to said body mounting portion. 
     
     
         8 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 2  in which a ground modifying accessory comprises at least one of: a blade, a mouldboard, a powered drum, a powered drum with protruding features, and a rake. 
     
     
         9 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 2  in which a ground modifying accessory comprises a blade or mouldboard, and there is second a second ground modifying accessory ahead of said blade or mouldboard. 
     
     
         10 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 9  in which second ground modifying accessory is mounted on a pivoting transverse mount, at least one actuator allowing for pivoting of said transverse mount between accessory raised and accessory lowered positions. 
     
     
         11 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 2  which includes a scarifier module comprising a plurality of tines, pivotably attached to the accessory body portion about a substantially transverse axis. 
     
     
         12 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 1  in which said travelling carriage assembly can be pivoted upwardly about a substantially transverse axis to rest substantially above said accessory body portion. 
     
     
         13 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 2  in which said body mounting portion comprises a connection for one of: an excavator arm bucket linkage, a standard quick-hitch arrangement for skid-steer loaders, a linkage for tractor arms. 
     
     
         14 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 2  which includes at least one positional aid comprising at least on of the set comprising: a sensor, transmitter, and transceiver; a said positional aid being associated with a guidance system, and wherein information is passed from said positional aid to a control system controlling one or more actuators affecting the relative position between said accessory body portion and body mounting portion. 
     
     
         15 . A ground modifying assembly as claimed in  claim 1  when attached to a vehicle.