Liquid distribution apparatus for distributing liquid into a seed furrow

• US 20040255834A1
• Filed: 04/06/2004
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paul E. Schaffert
• Original Assignee: Paul E. Schaffert
• Inventors: Schaffert, Paul E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,121,216 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 111/200
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 23/025 Continuous injection tools
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 5/062 Devices for making drills or furrows
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 5/064 with rotating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 5/068 Furrow packing devices, e.g. press wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 5/08 Machines for both manuring and sowing or both manuring and planting
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 7/06 Seeders combined with fertilising apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 7/201 Mounting of the seeding tools

Abstract

An extension for use with a planter, drill, or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seed in a furrow. The extension defines protrusions for attaching one or more liquid distribution apparatuses arranged to distribute liquid in a furrow well above the seeds, on the seeds, or both.

Claims

1. An extension for use with a planter for properly placing seeds in a seed furrow, the planter including a liquid supply hose for distributing liquid into the seed furrow, the seed furrow having a centrally located bottom portion and a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the centrally located bottom portion of the seed furrow, said extension comprising:

an elongate flexible body member defining a generally arcuate shape which provides a generally downwardly and rearwardly sweeping orientation, and also defining an upper segment and a lower segment;

the upper segment attachable to the planter;

the lower segment comprising an upper surface;

the lower segment configured to depend downwardly and rearwardly from the planter and extendible into the furrow; and

a first and second protrusions extending upwardly from the upper surface, the first and second protrusions being adapted to support a liquid distribution apparatus therebetween.

2. The extension of claim 1, wherein the planter comprises a furrow opener.

3. The extension of claim 1, wherein the planter comprises a seed tube.

4. The extension of claim 1, wherein the upper surface defines a centerline along a length of the lower segment, the first and second protrusions being located on opposing sides of the centerline.

5. The extension of claim 1, wherein the first and second protrusions each define an aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing a retainer plate to the first and second protrusions.

6. The extension of claim 5, wherein the fastener is a screw.

7. The extension of claim 1, wherein the first and second protrusions each define an aperture for receiving prongs of a retainer plate.

8. The extension of claim 1, wherein the first and second protrusions each define an inward curve configured to retain the liquid distribution apparatus.

9. The extension of claim 1, wherein the first and second protrusions each define an inward flange configured to retain the liquid distribution apparatus.

10. The extension of claim 1, wherein the first and second protrusions each include a flange oriented parallel to the centerline of the upper surface.

11. The extension of claim 1, wherein the lower segment further comprises a lower surface having a downwardly convex shape.

12. The extension of claim 1, wherein the lower segment defines a decreasing width dimension between the first side and the second side.

13. The extension of claim 1, the liquid distribution apparatus comprising:

a supply channel fluidly connected with the liquid supply hose;

a distribution channel in fluid connection with the supply channel; and

whereby when the supply channel is fluidly connected with the liquid supply hose, the at least one outlet is oriented to distribute liquid into the furrow.

14. The extension of claim 13, further comprising:

a retainer plate secured to the first and second protrusions.

15. The extension of claim 14, further comprising:

at least one fastener being received by the first and second protrusions to secure the retainer plate against the first and second protrusions, whereby the liquid distribution apparatus is securely mounted to the extension.

16. An extension for use with a planter for properly placing seeds in a furrow, the planter including at least one liquid supply hose for distributing liquid into the seed furrow, the seed furrow having a centrally located bottom portion and a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the centrally located bottom portion of the furrow, said extension comprising:

an elongate flexible body member defining a generally arcuate shape which provides a generally downwardly and rearwardly sweeping orientation, and also defining an upper and lower segment;

the upper segment attachable to the planter;

the lower segment configured to depend downwardly and rearwardly from the planter and extendible into the seed furrow; and

the lower segment defining a means for securing a liquid distribution apparatus thereto.

17. The extension of claim 16 further comprising a means for distributing liquid into the seed furrow connected with the lower segment.