PRESS WHEEL ASSEMBLY

• US 3,752,237 A
• Filed: 03/20/1972
• Issued: 08/14/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Michael C. Hornung
• Original Assignee: Michael C. Hornung
• Inventors: Hornung, Michael C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pulfrey, Robert E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rader, R. T.
• Application Number:
  US05/236,208
• Time in Patent Office: 512 Days
• Field of Search: 172/538,531,560,575,551,559,578,174,184,185,175 111/88,85
• US Class Current: 172/531
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 5/068 Furrow packing devices, e.g. press wheels

Abstract

This invention relates to a press wheel means to be mounted upon a cultivating implement utilized in a seed planting process. More particularly, this invention is an improved press wheel assembly having cooperating half wheel assemblies loosely mounted upon a main support shaft and constructed so as to create a constant wobbling or vibrating effect to maintain the same free and clear of mud and the like.

Claims

1. In combination with a cultivating implement having a plurality of spaced harrow tooth assemblies, a press wheel means, comprising:

a. a press wheel assembly rotatably mounted on a straight support shaft positioned adjacent and rearwardly of a harrow tooth assembly, b. said press wheel assembly having a pair of cooperating half wheel assemblies held in a pre-determined position on said support shaft by retainer members, said half wheel assemblies cooperating to form a split disc shape each freely rotatable on contact with the ground, c. each of said half wheel assemblies having a main body secured to a support hub, the width of said main body and a portion of said support hub extended in the same axial direction, and said portion of said support hub of a length greater than said width of said main body to provide a space between adjacent outer peripheral edges of said half wheels when said hubs are in full abutment, and said support hubs loosely mounted on said support shaft in a manner whereby said half wheel assemblies can be pivoted on said support shaft to contact each other in an outer portion with opposite outer portions spaced apart substantially and when in such contact first portions of said hubs substantially out of contact with said support shaft and second portions of said hubs in contact with said support shaft, and d. said half wheel assemblies upon rotation in contact with the ground of a furrow exerting pressure on the outside of said wheel assemblies, the lower portions thereof being in contact and said wheel assemblies having portions being apart and appreciably out of contact when same are out of the furrow to result in a flexing action and thereby break loose moist soil which has clung to said half wheels.

2. A press wheel means as described in claim 1, including:

a. a flexible arm member connected to said implement and one end connected to bearing members having said support shaft mounted therein, said arm member having a rearwardly, downwardly inclined leg section to maintain a spring pressure against said press wheel assembly for proper action when contacting the soil.

3. A press wheel means as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said main body having a central section integral with outwardly extended intermediate section and outer end section, and b. said outer end sections extended 45* to said central sections, and cooperating ones of said end sections on adjacent ones of said half wheel assemblies form an angle of 90* therebetween and are engagable with the soil at approximately 45*.