USRE1013E - Improvement in mowing-machines - Google Patents

Description

3 SheetS- Sheet I. E, BALL.

Mowing Machine.

.Reissued July 17, 1860.

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N, PETERS. Walhinglam u. c.

' 3 Sheets-Sheet 2. E: l

Mowing Machine.

Reissued July I7,"1860.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EPURAIM BALL, [0F CANTON, OHIO.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 18,788, dated December 1, 1857; Reissue No. 832, dated September 27, 1859; Reissue No. 1,013, dated July 17, 18 60.

DIVISION No. 4.

To all whom it may concern,-

Be it known that I, EPHRAIM BALL, of Oanton, in the county of Stark, in the State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mowing-Machines, of which the followingisa full, clear, and exact; description, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings, which make a part ofthis specification, and in which- Figure 1 represents a rear view, of'the machine, the black lines showing the finger-beam resting upon the ground in the position it'will occupy when the machine is mowing upon a level surface, the blue lines showing one position of the fingerbar when mowing on an uneven surface, with the left end raised to conform thereto, the red lines showing the position of the finger-beam when mowing upon an uneven surface, which raises the entire fin gerbeam, the dotted black lines showing the position of the finger-beam raised up at its right or outer end toward the machine to pass over an obstacle, and the dotted red lines showing the tingerbeam in two different positions raised off of the ground and turned up toward the machine to pass over obstacles or through gates. Fig. 2 represents a view in perspective of the yielding brace-bar or shoe part, to

Y which the finger-beam is attached, together with the yielding coupling-arm and certain other parts connected therewith, the same being shown detached. Fig. 3 represents a top or plan view of the metallic part S, through which the heel of the cutter-bar and inner cutter works. Fig. at is a side view of the same, looking in the direction of arrow 2, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 represents a side view of the machine, looking in the direction of arrow 1, Fig. 1, when the machine is mowingon level ground, a part of the main frame being represented as broken away to show the position of the gearing. Fig. 6 represents a section on line A B, Fig. 1, looking in the direction of arrow 3, the finger-beam being shown in the highest position represented in red dotted lines, Fig. 1. Fig. 7 represents a detached view of a portion of one of the main wheels and a portion of its gearing, a partof the pinion which gears into one of the main gear-whcels'being represented as broken away, together with its shield, to show one of the ratchet-wheels .with its pawl, spring, and

| case, and by which motion is communicated from the main wheel to the main gear-shaft. Fig. 8 represents a detached plan or top view of one of the pinions on the main gear-shaft, together with its ratchet-wheel and pawl, the

being represented as broken away to show the relative position .of the parts. Fig. 9 represents a detached view, in perspective, of the yielding brace-bar or shoe part and couplingportion of the finger-beam, showing the mode in which the heel of the finger-beam is supported by its yielding brace-bar or shoe part. Fig. 10 represents a top or plan view of the machine(a part ofthe peripheries of thewheels B B being broken away, together with a porbeam and cutter folded over upon the frame in a compact manner. The black lines show the finger-beam supported or folded above the main frame in front of the axes of the main supporting-wheels to facilitate the removal of the machine from field to field, and the red lines show the position of the finger-beam when folded back over the rear of the main frame.

more of the several parts or branches of my improvements separate from the rest, such part or parts may be used in connection with proper frames and gearing, although different from those herein described, which are proportioned and arranged with reference to the use of the whole of the parts together; and it is obvious that several parts of my improvements are applicable to several other mowingmachines in use.

ments to practical use being shown in this machine, it is unnecessary to specify the manner ofapplyingthe parts respectively to othermowing-machines, since the ordinary skill of the constructer will be sufflcient for that purpose.

Mowing-machines as heretofore constructed have not possessed the advantages due to a hinged folding finger beam-4'. 0., a. fingeron the ground and freely conform to the irregularities thereof independently of the up and top of the case which covers the ratchet-wheel arm, similar to Fig. 2, with the addition of a tion of the part marked S, to show the positionof the pinion-wheels E E',) with the finger- When it may be expedient to use one or I One mode of applying each of my improvebeam so hinged to the main frame as to rest ter.

down motions of the mainframe when mowing, while at the same time possessing the capability of being raised bodily and turned or folded over or on top of the main frame to facilit-ate the removal of the machine from field to field or from place to place.

To secure the above advantages in a mowing-machine is the object of that branch of my improvements which is the subject of this'patcut, and which consists, first, in so hinging the shoe to which the heel of the finger-beam is attached and by which it is drawn over the ground as that the finger-beam will not only be free to rise and fall ateither end or at both ends independently of the main frame, but will also be capable of being raised and folded or turned so as to occupy a position on top or above the main frame without disconnecting the hinge by which itis drawn, as'will be hereinafter described.

It also consists in so arranging the drafthinge as respects the main frame as that the weight of the finger-beam, when folded or turned over on top of the main frame, can be made to rest on the main frame in front of the axes of the main supporting-Wheels to prevent the machine from canting back, and also in such a position as to prevent the machine from having a tendency to turn over laterally when carrying the finger-beam in a folded position.

It also consists in attaching the finger-beam to a shoe or yielding brace-bar of such length as that the finger-beam can be folded either over or under the rear of the main frame,when desirable, without detaching the draft-hinge.

It also consists in combining certain elements or features in the construction of the metallic device which supports the heel ofthe finger-beam and guides the heel cutter-bar.

The elements which I have thus combined are the following: first, a curved metallic surface to run upon the ground like a shoe or runner; second, a recess in which the heel of the finger-beam can be placed so as to be supported in front and in rear, and also be protected from injury by the metallic surface of the device which runs on the ground; third, a suitable vertical groove or recess for the heel of the cutter-bar to Vibrate in, and also a horizontal one for the inner cutter to work in; fourth, a forward upward extension, whereby-the device can be connected to the main frame by a yielding connection in advance of the heel of the finger-beam; fifth, two cars or lugs on the side which runs next to the main frame,for the convenient and secure hinging of the end of the coupling-arm next the standing grass.

outer end otfthe finger-beam, tracker, and.

guides the outer end of the cutter-bar and cut- The elements which I have thus combined are as follows: first, a curved metallic surfaceto run upon the ground like a shoe or runner; second, a recess in which the outer end of the finger-beam can be securely fastened, so as to be well supported both in front and rear; third, a suitable recess or groove in which the cutter-bar and outer cutter can have free play, while at the same timevthey are kept in line with the openings in the guards; fourth, two lugs in rear, with a narrow slit oropening between them, and so arranged as that the tracker, which is to he hinged between said lugs, will be supported on each side, while it be held in a position at an angle of about thirty degrees to a line at right angles to the line of motion of the machine, whereby the cut grass is thrown inward, so as to leave a clear space for the machine on the next round.

As my machine is fully described in other patents granted to me of even date herewith, 1 do not deem a detailed description here necessary.

The inner end or heel ofthe finger-beam I is rigidly secured to the lower double runner or forked ends, Q Q, of a strong metallic draft-shoe or yielding brat e-bar Q, the forward end of which extends upward and forward, and

is hinged between lugs Not" a wrist or swivel, i, which is free to turn on an axis parallel to the line of motion of the machine in a piece, j, hinged to piecej' by a screw or pivot, 70, the piece j being bolted firmly to the under side of the inner projecting part, A, of the main frame, while the wrist or swivel-piece t" is held in place by nut 75. I

A coupling-a1*m,R,is hinged at its right end 'betweenthe lugs R It, which project up from .rise and fall independently of the other end and of the main frame, since the hinged connection of the yielding brace-bar or shoe Q with the wrist t" allows of a free up-and-down movement of the entire finger-beam, and as the wrist or swivel-piece if is free to turn in the piece j, the "yielding brace-bar or hinged draft-shoe Q and finger-beam P have also a free rolling or lateral motionat right angles,

or nearly so ,to the line of motion of the machine, while the coupling-arm, which is hinged to the shoe or yielding brace-bar to which the heel of the finger-beam is attached, serves to steady the finger-beam laterally and to prevent it from being wrenchedout of place, as

respects the main frame, by the resistance of the grass or of obstacles in its path.-

In mowing-machines it'is often desirable to fold up or turn over the finger-beam upon "the main frame to facilitate the removal of the machine from place to place or from one field to another. By my invention this is ea ily done, and that, too, without disturbing or disconnecting the draft-hinge by which the fin- 1,013 e i a ger-beam and cutters are drawn over the ground. In Fig. 10 of the accompanying drawings the finger-beam P and cutters are shown in black lines in the position they occupy when folded or turned over the top of the main framepreparatory to moving the machine from one field to another. When in this position the weight of the fingerbeam, cutter, and shoe, taken together, is borne about equally by the wheels B B,thereby rendering the machine very evenly balanced when the fingerbeam is folded or turned over the top of the main frame. The position, too, of the fingerbeam is such that the weight thereof rests on the main frame in front of the axis of the main supporting-wheels, and thus all tendency of the machine to tip back, even in ascending hills, is obviated.

To fold up the finger-beam the left ends of the coupling-arm and pitman are disconnected, (which is easily done by unscrewing nut e and bolt l,) when the finger-beam, by reason of its hinged and swiveled draft-connection, already described, can be raised, turned, and folded over the frame, as shown in the drawings, the'swivel or wrist t" supporting or holding the'finger-beam in its elevated or folded position, while the yielding brace-bar or shoe Q rests or leans against the side of the main frame.

1n packing the machine in cars or for storage the linger-beam may be folded back over the rear of the main frame, as shown in red lines, Fig. 10.

I will now point out the difference between vmy invention for folding the finger-beam and that for which a reissued patent was granted to Gy-renus Wheeler, Jr., on the 3d ofJannary, 1860, on a patent granted the. 5th of December, 1854.

Wheeler, in his reissued patent, (Division F,) says that for the purpose of transportation or for passing through gates or narrow lanes it is desirable that the cutter-bar, which projects beyond the main frame of the machine, should be susceptible of being folded up to and .supported by the main frame. He also states that such a result is effected in his machine as follows: Disconnect the lever I from thepiece H by removing its fastening and lift the cord orchain'p from its pulley g. The piece H is then free to swing back of the frame. The cutter-bar can then be swung or folded against the side piece, 0, and be fastened there. In my machine, instead of the finger-beam occupying a place at the side or rear of the frame, as in Wheelers case, it can be raised up and folded over the top of the frame and be fastened there with as much,if not actually more, celerity than Wheelers can be fastened at the side or rear of his frame. In Wheelers proposed arrangement the fingerbeam and cutters would be liable to strike against stumps or stone heaps if themachine should happen to pass by or over them, whereas 'in my machine the finger-beam and cutters are raised up above the main frame, whereby all the danger in this respect is avoided. Again, if the machine is to beleft-standing in the field, the cutters can be raised up and folded over the frame in rear of the main wheels, so as to have them out of the way of the feet of cattle should they happen to be running about the inclosure. In my machine, as the finger-beam is free torise and fall bodily or at either end independently of the other end and of the main frame, I have devised a new metallic device for supporting the heel of the finger-beam and the parts connected therewith, so that the right end of the coupling-arm, heel of the tinger-beam, heel of cutter-bar, and inner cutter shall always maintain their proper relative position, however much the heel of the fingerbeam may be thrown about .by undulating ground.

The bottom or runner part of this device is represented by letters Q Q Q. From the rear of the latter rise up the parts Q and R R.

S represents another part of the device, and is shown detached in Figs. 8 and 4, for the purpose of a more full representation. Part S is in this instance made up of three piecesviz., part S,which rests on the'runners Q Q, the part which projects over the heel of the fingerbeam and forward of the rear of theinner cutter, and thepart corresponding in thickness to it, which fits over the front of the inner cutter. Said parts are then securely riveted together, so as to present the appearance shown in Figs. 3 and 4, (the upper part of the piece which rests on the runners Q Q being recessed out for the cutter-bar,) after which the part Sis securely and permanently riveted to the runners Q Q, so as to occupy the relative position as shown in Figs. Band 10 of the drawings. It will thus be seen that the finger-beam has a firm and rigid support in front against the part S-one on the bottomiagainst the runners QQ and one in rear against the part Q-while the ears or lugs It It afi'ord rigid and firm supports for the pivot of the right hinge of the coupling-arm, and-the groove S a suitable guide or space for the free play of the heel of the cutter-bar and inner cutter.

As the various parts of this device are made of metal, and are as securely and permanently fastened together as if soldered or brazed to each other, they are rendered for all practical purposes as good as if made in one piece; and

I do not wish to be understood as claiming making said device-from several pieces, since it might be made in one piece and it is evident that the form and proportion of the parts may besomewhat changed and yet retain the essential features of my invention--viz., a front,

bottom, and rear support for the heel of the finger-beam, together with a suitable groove for the cutter-bar and inner cutter and ears for hinging the coupling-arm, all in one rigid metallic device. Bolts are passed through the heel of the finger-beam and through the runner part of the device above described.

T is the metallic shoe, cast in one piece, for supporting the outer end of the finger-beam,

guiding the cutter-bar and outer cutter, and

patent as my infield, substantially as set forth.

2. So hinging the finger-beam to the main frame as that the weight of the finger-beam, when folded up thereon, shall rest on or be borne by the main frame in front of the axes of the main supporting wheel or wheels, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination of the finger-beam with the main frame and mechanism so constructed and combined therewith as that, the fingerbeam can be raised bodily and then turned and held up to render the removal of the machine from place to place more convenient, expeditious, and safe, substantially as set forth.

4. The combination of the finger-beam with the main frame, whereby the finger-beam can be raised, turned, or folded over on or above the main frame, so that its Weight shall be borne by the main frame in rear of the axes of the supporting-wheels, substantially as herein described.

5. The combination of the finger-beam with tlie'main frame, whereby the finger-beam can be raised and turned over above the main frame, with its'weight resting either in front or in rearof the axes of the main supportingwheels, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.

6. So hinging the finger-beam to the main frame as that the main frame shall be nearly balanced laterally when the finger-beam is folded up thereon, substantially as set forth.

7. So hinging the finger-beam to the main frame as that it can be folded under the main frame, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

8. The combination of the fin ger-beam with the main frame so that the finger-beam can be either folded over or under the main frame, substantially as set forth.

9. The combination of the following elements in a shoe or metallic device for supporting the heel of the finger-beam, viz: a curved surface to run upon the ground like a runner, a recess or arrangement of parts whereby the heel of the finger-beam will have a rigid metallic support in front, on the bottom, and in rear, a suitable groove for the heel of the cutter-bar and inner cutter to play in, two metallic lugs on the side next to the main frame, between which to hingea coupling-arm, all combinedin one rigid and permanent shoe device.

10. The combination of the following elements in a metallic shoe for supporting the outer end of the finger-beam, viz: a curved surface to run upon the ground like a runner, a recess for the outer end ofthe finger-beam, whereby it can be bolted to the shoe so as to have a rigid support in front, on the bottom,

and in the rear, a groove for the outer end of the- 'cutterbar and outer cutter to work through, and two lugs in the rear, said elements being combined and arranged in relation to each other substantially as shown and described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name.

EPHRAIM BALL. Witnesses DANIEL GOTSHALL,

D. H. HARMER.

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