RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/469,371, filed on March 9, 2017 entitled: FLUID COVERING IMPLEMENT and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/501,598, filed on May 4, 2017 entitled: FLUID COVERING IMPLEMENT, which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an implement for moving soil to cover applied fluids.

BACKGROUND

There are liquid dispensing systems for dispensing liquids in the rhizosphere of plants. Examples of these systems are the Y-Drop applicator from 360 Yield Center and NutraBoss applicator from NutraBoss. These liquid dispensing systems apply fertilizer on the surface, and on their own, they can be subject to significant nutrient loss through volatilization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:

Figure 1 shows top view of a fluid covering implement having two discs disposed on an axle according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a top view of a fluid covering implement having two discs offset from each other on different axles according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 shows top view of a fluid covering implement having two discs each disposed on separate supports according to one embodiment.

Figure 4A shows a side elevation view of the embodiment of Figure 1 and including a biasing member.

Figure 4B shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 4A and including a ski disposed under the support member ahead of the disc.

Figure 4C shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 4B with the ski attached to the end of the support member.

Figure 4D shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 4A and including a wheel ahead of the disc on the support member.

Figure 4E shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 4D with the wheel behind the disc on the support member. Figure 5 shows perspective view of a fluid covering implement disposed on a fluid application apparatus according to one embodiment.

Figure 6A shows a side elevation view of fluid covering implement disposed on coulter mounting bracket according to one embodiment.

Figure 6B is a front elevation view of the embodiment of Figure 6A.

Figure 7A shows a side elevation view of a disc and depth guide according to one embodiment.

Figure 7B shows a top view of the embodiment of Figure 7A and further including a deflector according to one embodiment.

Figure 8 shows a top view of a fluid covering implement with a plow according to one embodiment.

Figure 9 shows a top view of a fluid covering implement with knives according to one embodiment.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of offset discs with depth guides and deflector according to one embodiment.

Figure 1 1 A shows a side view of a fluid covering implement disposed on a beam that is connected to a frame through a support member according to one embodiment.

Figure 1 IB is a partial top view of the beam and discs of Figure 1 1A.

Figure 12 shows perspective view of a fluid covering implement disposed on a fluid application apparatus according to one embodiment.

Figure 13A shows perspective view of a fluid covering implement disposed on a fluid application apparatus according to one embodiment.

Figure 13B is a side elevation view of the soil roughener of Figure 13A.

Figure 14 shows perspective view of a fluid covering implement disposed on a fluid application apparatus according to one embodiment.

Figure 15 illustrates a method for covering fluid deposited in the rhizosphere of plants growing in a field in accordance with one embodiment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an implement for moving soil from between rows of plants to at least the rhizosphere of the plants to cover fluid that is deposited in the rhizosphere.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fluids (such as liquids or gases) can be applied to the rhizosphere of plants 5 to deliver fluids such as fertilizer, insecticide, or herbicides to the rhizosphere or in direct contact with plants 5. Examples of implements that apply fluids to the rhizosphere can be found in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62/324,095; 62/365,824; and 62/442,895 and in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US2013043326, US20170049043, and US201601201 17, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Because of volatilization, these implements are generally limited in the types of fluid that can be applied. While any fluid could be applied with these implements, fluids that are volatile or evaporate before the fluid is absorbed into the soil are less favored because of fluid loss. These implements are disposed in-between rows of growing crops. For simplicity, these implements are illustrated in the Figures having tubes 7-1 and 7-2 for applying fluid.

The fluid covering implement 100 moves soil from between the rows of growing plants 5 and covers fluids that are applied at least to the rhizosphere of plants 5. In another embodiment, fluid covering implement moves soil from between the rows of growing plants 5 to 0 to 5 inches (0 to 12.7 cm) from the plants 5. In other embodiments, the soil is moved to 0 to 4 inches (0 to 10.2 cm), 0 to 3 inches (0 to 7.6 cm), 0 to 2 inches (0 to 5.1 cm), or 0 to 1 inch (0 to 2.5 cm) from the plants 5. In another embodiment, fluid covering implement 100 moves soil from between the rows of growing plants 5 such that the moved soil is in contact with the plants 5.

Fluid covering implement 100 includes a soil mover 110 (or soil moving implement 110) that moves soil from between the rows of crops to cover soil on one or both sides of the row. Soil mover 110 can be a disc 11 1, a plow 1 12, or a knife 1 13. In one example, a soil moving implement includes at least one disc, plow, or knife that are positioned or disposed in a middle region 108 between rows of plants. An edge or boundary of the middle region is a certain distance (e.g., 3-15 inches) from each rhizosphere of the rows of plants depending on the spacing of rows of plants. The soil moving implement moves soil from the middle region to cover soil of the rhizosphere.

Disc 1 11 can be any shaped coulter disc or cleaning wheel. Examples of discs and cleaning wheels include, but are not limited to, flat, notched, fluted, wavy, rippled, spiked, flat with spikes, notched with spikes, fluted with spikes, wavy with spikes, and rippled with spikes. To regulate the depth that disc 1 1 1 penetrates the soil, disc 1 1 1 can further include a depth guide 120. Depth guide 120 is illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B, and 10. Any of the discs 1 1 1 in any embodiment described herein can have a depth guide 120. Depth guide 120 is a cylinder having a diameter that is less than the diameter of disc 1 1 1. The greater the difference in diameter determines the depth that disc 1 1 1 can penetrate the soil.

Disc 1 1 1 and depth guide 120 can be made as a unitary part, or they can be separate parts.

In addition to or individually from depth guide 120, support member 15 can additionally contain a ski ( 121 or 122) or a wheel (123 or 124) to regulate the depth that disc 1 1 1 penetrates the soil. Illustrated in Figure 4B, ski 121-1 is disposed under support member 15 ahead of disc 1 1 1. Illustrated in Figure 4C, ski 122-1 is disposed at the end of support member 15 behind disc 1 1 1. Illustrated in Figure 4D, wheel 123-4 is disposed on support member 15 ahead of disc 1 1 1. Illustrated in Figure 4E, wheel 124-1 is disposed on support member 15 behind disc 1 1 1.

Disc 1 1 1 can be adjusted to adjust one or more of camber angle, toe angle, and depth to adjust the distance that soil is moved from between the rows to the rhizosphere or to the plants 5 and/or the amount of soil that is moved. Also, the diameter of disc 1 1 1 can be adjusted to change the amount of soil that is moved.

Plow 1 12 can be any shaped plow blade or moldboard.

In another embodiment, fluid covering implement 100 further includes a deflector 130. Deflector 130 can keep the soil from being thrown too high or too far. As illustrated in Figures 7B and 10, deflector 130 can be disposed adjacent to disc 1 1 1 in the direction of soil movement. Deflector 130 can have any shape to deflect the soil. Deflector 130 can be disposed at any rotational angle with respect to a transverse plane passing through disc 1 1 1 transverse to the direction of travel. This allows for the adjustment of the height of the side edge 132 of deflector 130 from the ground. Deflector 130 can be disposed at any rotational angle with respect to a plane aligned with the direction of travel. This allows for the adjustment of the height of the rear edge 131 of deflector 130 from the ground. Side edge 132 and/or rear edge 13 1 can have a surface that is curved towards the ground.

Fluid covering implement 100 can be installed on any implement that dispenses fluids to row crops. Examples of implements include, but are not limited to, sprayers, high clearance sprayers, side dress toolbars, planter row units, planter row unit toolbars, and cultivator toolbars. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate attachment of the fluid covering implement 100 to the frame 10 of an implement (such as a toolbar, a boom, a toolbar on mounted to a boom). Figures 1 to 3 are top plan views, and Figures 4A to 4E are side elevation views of the embodiment of Figure 1 with the liquid application removed. Any of the embodiments in Figures 2 to 3 can be attached to frame 10 the same as is shown in any of Figures 4A to 4E.

A vertical member 18 is attached to frame 10 and extends down towards the soil. A support member 15 is attached to vertical member 18 at the end opposite of frame 10. This attachment can be fixed or it can be pivotable. Illustrated in Figures 4A to 4E is pivot 12.

Support member 15 extends rearward opposite the direction of travel. The length of support member 15 is sufficient to have soil mover 1 10 disposed after fluid is applied to the row crops so that soil can be moved to cover the fluid. Figure 1 illustrates discs 1 1 1 -1 and 1 1 1 -2 disposed on an axle 16 through support member 15. Figure 2 illustrates offset discs 1 1 1 -1 and 1 1 1 -2 independently attached with axles 17-1 and 17-2 to support member 15. Figure 3 illustrates that discs 1 1 1 -1 and 1 1 1-2 can be independently attached to their own vertical member 18- 1 and 18-2 (not shown) and support member 15-1 and 15-2, respectively. While support members 15-1 and 15-2 can have the same length, one support member 15-1 or 15-2 can be longer so that discs 1 1 1 - 1 and 1 1 1 -2 can be disposed in line with each other to save space when there are narrow rows.

When support member 15 is pivotably connected to vertical member 18, a biasing member 30 can be disposed between vertical member 18 and support member 15 to urge support member 15 and discs 1 1 1 to the ground. Biasing member can be any device that applies a force. Examples include, but are not limited to, springs, air cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or actuators. In some embodiments, the biasing member can apply both a down force and a lift force on support member 15. Lift force is useful to lift support member 15 to disengage ground contact, such as when making a turn. In one embodiment, biasing member is a dual acting air cylinder that applies both a down force and a lift force. An example of a dual acting air cylinder is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,550,020, which is incorporated herein by reference. Another example is CleanSweep™ air cylinders available from Precision Planting LLC. Biasing member 30 can be actuated implement wide, section wide, or row by row. Biasing member 30 is illustrated in Figures 4A to 4E with the dual acting air cylinder from US8550020 having air lines 31 and 32.

In another embodiment, support member can be connected to a fluid application unit. Figure 5 illustrates application unit 1500, which is described in U.S. Application No. 62/442,895. Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an application unit 1500 in accordance with one embodiment. The application unit 1500 is preferably mounted to a transversely extending bar 10 (e.g., toolbar or boom) drawn by a tractor or other implement. A frame 15 10 (e.g., rigid frame 15 10) is coupled to the bar 10, a frame 151 1 (flexible frame, rigid frame), and a base 1512. It should be appreciated that frame 15 10 and 15 1 1 could be a unitary part. The base 1512 includes a biasing element 15 13 (e.g., spring) to bias or position linkage members 1520a, 1520b such that distal ends 1521a, 1521b of the linkage members 1520a, 1520b have a spacing 1525 that is similar to a row spacing of the rows of plants P- 16, P-17. In one example, the application unit 1500 includes ground contacting members 1524a, 1524b (e.g., ski, skid, wear element, etc.) at least partially contacting the ground while in operation with the application unit 1500 moving in a direction D that is substantially parallel with respect to rows of plants P- 16 and P-17. The ground contacting members 1524a, 1524b substantially prevent the flexible members 1522a, 1522b from contacting the ground and thus reduce wear on the flexible members 1522a, 1522b. The ground contacting members 1524a, 1524b also position the flexible members 1522a, 1522b to be slightly elevated (e.g., 0 to 3 inches) above the ground.

Fluid outlets 1530a, 1530b (e.g., spray nozzle, drip mechanism) are positioned with respect to a distal portion 1528a, 1528b of flexible members 1522a, 1522b for spraying a fluid in close proximity to the plants. In one example, the fluid outlets are positioned at a distal end of the distal portions of the flexible members and generate a spray Sa, Sb that sprays in a downward direction towards a base region of plants P- 16, P-17, respectively. It should be appreciated that each fluid outlet in the various embodiments described herein is preferably in fluid

communication with a fluid source (e.g., tank) containing an application (e.g., fluid application, crop inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide, herbicide or insecticide). The base 1512 also includes pins 15 14a, 1514b positioned in holes to set a width for biasing of the linkage members for different crop row spacing. The base 1512 includes additional holes 15 15a, 1515b and 15 16a, 15 16b to reduce a width of the linkage members 1520a, 1520b to adjust for different crop row spacing or for different types of crops. For a turn of a tractor and an implement having a plurality of application units 1500, the biasing element and pins cause the flexible members to flex inwards. Optionally, a rotating swivel 1570 or 1571 can be disposed between bar 10 and frame 15 10 and/or between frame 15 1 1 and base 1512. The degree of rotation can be any desired degree, but actual rotation will be limited by the movement in the rows. Having a rotating swivel 1570 or 1571 provides more flexibility during use to keep application unit 1500 in the row without providing too much force on the plants. Support member 15 is connected to frame 15 1 1.

In another embodiment, the application unit 1500 optionally includes a housing member 1580 for positioning a plurality of fluid outlets (e.g., 1581-1585) at a plurality of different angles (e.g., angled down towards ground, angle outwards from the housing member 1580) having a maximum range of approximately 180 degrees. Additional or fewer fluid outlets can be positioned with the housing member 1580. Each fluid outlet can have a fixed position or an adjustable angular position for spraying a fluid towards a base region of the plants or towards a certain target region between the rows of plants P- 16, P-17. The fluid sprayed by the fluid outlets 1581-1585 can be the same fluid that is spraying by the fluid outlets 1530a, 1530b or this fluid can be different. In one example, the fluid outlets 1581-1585 spray a fungicide.

Fluid covering implement 100 can also be used on side dress bars that have a coulter 40. An example is illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B. In a typical side dress bar, coulter 40 is connected via a coulter mounting arm 43 to a bracket 42 then to a tool bar arm 41 that is connected to frame 10. Fluid covering implement 100 can attach to bracket 42 with side support arms 19-1 and 19-2 connected to vertical members 18-1 and 18-2, respectively, then to support members 15-1 and 15-2, respectively, each having discs 1 1 1 -1 and 1 1 1 -2 and depth guide 120-1 and 120-2, respectively.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, plow 1 12 has plow blades 1 12-1 and 1 12-

2. Support arm 14 is attached to frame 10 and extends rearward opposite the direction of travel. At the end opposite the frame 10, connecting member 13 is connected to support arm 14 and disposed downward between blow blades 1 12-1 and 1 12-2 and connected to plow blades 1 12- 1 and 1 12-2.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, fluid covering implement 100 having knives 1 13-1 and 1 13-2. A vertical member 18 is attached to frame 10 and extends down towards the soil. A support member 15 is attached to vertical member 18 at the end opposite of frame 10. This attachment can be fixed or it can be pivotable. Support member 15 extends rearward opposite the direction of travel. The length of support member 15 is sufficient to have soil mover 1 10 disposed after fluid is applied to the row crops so that soil can be moved to cover the fluid. Figure 9 illustrates discs 1 13-1 and 1 13 -2 disposed on a cross member 1 1 through support member 15. Similar to Figure 1, attachment to frame 10 can be the same as illustrated in any of Figures 4A to 4E.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of offset discs with depth guides and deflector according to one embodiment. Discs 1 1 1 -1 and 1 1 1-2 can be independently attached to their own vertical member 18-1 and 18-2 (not shown) and support member 15-1 and 15 -2, respectively. To regulate the depth that discs 1 1 1-1 and 1 1 1 -2 penetrate the soil, the discs can further include a depth guide 120-1 and 120-2. Deflector 130-2 can be disposed adjacent to disc 1 1 1-2 in the direction of soil movement.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 1A and 1 IB, a support member 50 is connected to frame 10 at one end and to a beam 51 at the other end. Beam 5 1 may fixedly or pivotably attached to support member 50. When pivotably attached, support member 50 and beam 51 are connected through pivot 52. Discs 1 1 1-1 and 1 1 1-2 are attached to beam 51 with axles 53-1 and 53-2, respectively. The angle A between the horizontal plane (parallel to the ground) and support member 50 can be adjusted to change the angle of penetration of discs 1 1 1- 1 and 1 1 1 -2 in the soil.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, soil is not displaced from the middle of the row but rather adjacent to or in the rhizosphere. There may be instances when it is not desired to disturb the soil between the row, such as when an herbicide or insecticide has already been applied. This embodiment can minimize soil disturbance since soil does not have to be moved a great distance to cover fluid deposited in the rhizosphere. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a modification of application unit 1500, which is described in U.S . Application No. 62/442,895 , and which is described above. Any of the discs 1 1 1 described above can be used as discs 1542a, 1542b in this embodiment. Discs 1542a, 1542b are connected to axles 1541a, 1541b, respectively, to extension 1540a, 1540b, respectively, which are connected to linkage members 1520a, 1520b, respectively. Extension 1540a, 1540b are of sufficient length so that discs 1542a, 1542b are disposed behind flexible members 1522a, 1522b, respectively, along a direction of travel. Linkage members 1520a, 1520b are sufficiently rigid to keep discs 1542a, 1542b adjacent to or in the rhizosphere. While illustrated with this embodiment, the assembly of discs 1542a, 1542b, axles 1541a, 1541b, and extensions 1540a, 1540b can be attached to other structures such that discs 1542a, 1542b are adjacent to or in the rhizosphere. Optionally, a biasing member 30 can be disposed between base 1512 and frame 15 1 1 to bias the base 15 12 and thus discs 1542a, 1542b to the ground.

Illustrated in Figures 13A and 13B is another embodiment in which discs 1542a, 1542b and axles 1541a, 1541b from Figure 12 are replaced with a soil roughener 1550a, 1550b. Soil roughener 1550a, 1550b are connected to extensions 1540a, 1540b, respectively. Figure 13B is a side elevation view of one soil roughener 1550 and extension 1540. Soil roughener 1550 is any structure that engages soil to loosen and move the soil to cover fluid. Illustrated in Figure 13B, soil roughener 1550 has spikes 155 1 that extend down from soil roughener 1550 to engage with soil.

Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment that includes drag chains 1560a, 1560b that are connected to linkage members 1520a, 1520b, respectively. The length of the chains 1560a, 1560b are sufficient so that the trailing loop of the chains 1560a, 1560b are disposed behind flexible members 1522a, 1522b, respectively, along a direction of travel.

Figure 15 illustrates a method for covering fluid deposited in the rhizosphere of plants growing in a field in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, an implement and a soil moving implement perform this method. At operation 1502, the method includes depositing fluid in the rhizosphere of plants while driving an implement through the field. At operation 1504, the method further includes moving soil from between rows of plants to at least the rhizosphere of plants to cover the fluid. The soil may be moved from a middle region to cover soil of the rhizosphere.

In one example, moving soil from between rows of plants to at least the rhizosphere of plants to cover the fluid comprises moving soil from a middle region between rows of plants to 0 to 5 inches from the plants.

In another example, moving soil from between rows of plants to at least the rhizosphere of plants to cover the fluid comprises moving soil from a middle region between rows of plants to 0 to 3 inches from the plants.

In another example, moving soil from between rows of plants to at least the rhizosphere of plants to cover the fluid comprises moving soil from being adjacent to a row of plants or in the rhizosphere as illustrated in Figures 12, 13A, and 14 to 0 to 5 inches from the plants.