Reversible seed furrow attachment assembly

Abstract

A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000) is disclosed, comprising: a mounting frame (1010) operably connected to an optional mounting bracket (100); a frame (1020) connected to the mounting frame, the frame having a first side (1021) and a second side (1022); a neck body (1030) comprising a neck (1031), wherein the neck body is fixedly connected to the frame or the neck body is connected to the mounting frame; a tail member (1040) connected to the neck body; a strut (1025, 2025); and a hook (1035, 2035); wherein the hook is engageable with the strut; and one of (i) the strut (1025) is disposed between the first side and the second side, and the neck body further comprises the hook (1035); or (ii) the hook (2035) comprises a first hook (2035-1) and a second hook (2035-2), the first side comprises the first hook, the second side comprises the second hook, and the neck body further comprises the strut (2025).

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 026,957, filed May 19, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0003] Seed trench accessories, such as seed packers, seed bouncers, seed deflectors, and the like, are well known in the art. Seed bouncers or seed deflectors are intended to prevent or minimize seed roll or seed bounce as the seed is deposited in the seed trench. Seed packers are configured to engage the seed to pack or “compact” the seed to the bottom of the seed trench to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and promote better seed germination. Such seed trench accessories are typically mounted by a carriage that is attached to the handle of the planter or to the seed tube, with the distal end of the seed packer positioned in the bottom of the seed trench behind the seed tube to sweep across the seed after it is deposited in the seed trench.

[0004] During seeding operations, it is sometimes necessary to reverse the planter. Typically, the operator lifts the row unit out of the ground prior to reversing, but the operator can occasionally forget to do so, causing the seed trench accessory to dig into the soil when the planter is reversed and causing the seed trench accessory or the carriage holding the seed trench accessory to bend or break. An example of a reversible seed trench accessory can be found in PCT Publication WO2020049467.

[0005] Accordingly, there is an industry need for seed packers and other seed trench accessories to be mounted or otherwise adapted such that if the planter is reversed without first lifting the row unit above the soil, the seed trench accessory or the carriage holding the seed trench accessory is not damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a planter row unit showing a prior art seed packer and mounting carriage that is not reversible and can be damaged if the planter is reversed without fully lifting the row unit above the soil.

[0007] FIG. 2 is Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the prior art mounting carriage shown.

[0008] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the prior art mounting carriage of FIG. 2.

[0009] FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of a planter row unit showing a reversible seed trench accessory.

[0010] FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the planter row unit of FIG. 3A with the boot removed for viewing.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reversible seed furrow attachment with mounting brackets and support brackets.

[0012] Figure 5 is a right-side elevation view of the seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the mounting bracket and mounting frame.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the support bracket in Figure 4.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A bottom view of the support bracket.

[0016] Figure 9 is Figure 7 Top view of the support bracket.

[0017] Figure 10 is Figure 7 Bottom perspective view of the support bracket.

[0018] Figure 11 is Figure 14 Bottom perspective view of the support bracket and mounting frame.

[0019] Figure 12 is a left elevation view of the reversible seed furrow attachment of Figure 4.

[0020] Figure 13 is a right-side elevation view of the reversible seed furrow attachment of Figure 4.

[0021] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the reversible seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a top-view plan view of the reversible seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a top view of the reversible seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a rear elevation view of the reversible seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a front elevation view of the reversible seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the mounting frame of the reversible seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 21 Left elevation view of the mounting frame.

[0028] Figure 19 yesFigure 22 The right-side elevation view of the mounting frame.

[0029] Figure 19 yes Figure 23 A bottom view of the mounting frame.

[0030] Figure 19 yes Figure 24 Top view of the mounting frame.

[0031] Figure 19 yes Figure 25 The front elevation view of the mounting frame.

[0032] Figure 19 yes Figure 26 Rear elevation view of the mounting frame.

[0033] Figure 19 yes Figure 30 Bottom perspective view of the mounting frame.

[0034] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the frame of the reversible seed furrow attachment of Figure 4.

[0035] Figure 28 is a perspective view of the second plate of the frame in Figure 27.

[0036] Figure 29 is the right-side elevation view of the second plate in Figure 28.

[0037] Figure 31 This is the left elevation view of the first plate of the frame in Figure 27.

[0038] Figure 32 This is a perspective view of the neck body of the reversible seed furrow attachment in Figure 4.

[0039] Figure 31 yes Figure 33 The right-side elevation view of the main neck structure.

[0040] Figure 31 yes Figure 34 Left elevation view of the main body of the neck.

[0041] Figure 31 yes Figure 35 Bottom perspective view of the neck body.

[0042] Figure 31 yes Figure 36 Front elevation view of the main body of the neck.

[0043] Figure 31 yes Figure 37 Rear elevation view of the main neck structure.

[0044] Figure 31 yes Figure 38 A top view of the neck body.

[0045] Figure 31 is a bottom plan view of the neck body of Figure 39

[0046] Figure 40 is a perspective view of the lower tail piece of the reversible seed furrow attachment of Fig. 4.

[0047] Figure 39 is a top plan view of the lower tail piece of Figure 41

[0048] Figure 39 is a left side elevational view of the lower tail piece of Figure 42

[0049] Figure 39 is a right side elevational view of the lower tail piece of Figure 43

[0050] Figure 39 is a top plan view of the cover of the lower tail piece of Figure 44

[0051] Figure 39 is a bottom plan view of the cover of the lower tail piece of Figure 45

[0052] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the cover of the lower tail piece of Figure 39 Fig. 46 is a perspective view of a tail piece body and electronics of the tail piece of

[0053] Figure 39 Fig. 47 is a left side elevational view of the tail piece body and electronics of Fig. 46.

[0054] Fig. 48 is a right side elevational view of the tail piece body and electronics of Fig. 46.

[0055] Fig. 49 is a perspective view of the tail piece body of Fig. 46.

[0056] Fig. 50 is a left side elevational view of the tail piece body of Fig. 49.

[0057] Fig. 51 is a right side elevational view of a window housing of the tail piece body of Fig. 46.

[0058] Fig. 52 is a bottom perspective view of the window housing of Fig. 51.

[0059] Fig. 53 is a right side elevational view of an electronics housing of the tail piece of

[0060] Fig. 54 is a left side elevational view of the electronics housing of Fig. 53. Figure 54

[0061] Figure 55 ​​​​​​​​is a perspective view of another seed furrow accessory having a mounting bracket and a support bracket.

[0062] Figure 54 is Figure 56 a right side elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0063] Figure 54 is Figure 57 a left side elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0064] Figure 54 is Figure 58 a top plan view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0065] Figure 54 is Figure 59 a bottom plan view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0066] Figure 54 is Figure 60 a rear elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0067] Figure 54 is Figure 61 a front elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0068] Figure 54 is Figure 62 a perspective view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0069] Figure 61 is Figure 63 a right side elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0070] Figure 61 is Figure 64 a left side elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0071] Figure 61 is Figure 65 a bottom perspective view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0072] Figure 64 is Figure 66 a right side elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0073] Figure 64 is Figure 67 a left side elevational view of the seed furrow accessory of

[0074] Figure 54 is Figure 68 a perspective view of the frame of the seed furrow accessory of

[0075] Figure 54 is Figure 69 a perspective view of the neck body of the seed furrow accessory of

[0076] Figure 68 is Figure 70 a right side elevation view of the neck body of

[0077] Figure 68 is Figure 71 a left side elevation view of the neck body of

[0078] Figure 69 is Figure 72 a right side elevation view of the neck body of

[0079] Figure 73 is a left side elevation view of a row unit of the CNH 2100 Series with another seed trench accessory.

[0080] Figure 72 is Figure 74 a left side elevation view of a row unit of

[0081] Figure 72 is Figure 75 a perspective view of the mounting bracket of a row unit of

[0082] Figure 72 is Figure 76 a left side elevation view of a seed trench accessory of

[0083] Figure 75 is Figure 77 a left side elevation view of a seed trench accessory of

[0084] Figure 76 is Figure 78 a left side elevation view of a seed trench accessory of

[0085] Figure 72 is Figure 79 a perspective view of a seed trench accessory of

[0086] Figure 78 is Figure 80 a front elevation view of a seed trench accessory of

[0087] Figure 78 is Figure 81 a rear elevation view of a seed trench accessory of

[0088] Figure 78 is Figure 82 a left side elevation view of a seed trench accessory of

[0089] Figure 78 is Figure 83right side elevational view of the seed furrow attachment of

[0090] Figure 78 is Figure 84 bottom plan view of the seed furrow attachment of

[0091] Figure 78 is Figure 85 top plan view of the seed furrow attachment of

[0092] Figure 72 is Figure 86 right side elevational view of the neck body of the seed furrow attachment of

[0093] Figure 72 is Figure 87 left side elevational view of the neck body of

[0094] Figure 72 is Figure 88 perspective view of the neck body of

[0095] Figure 72 is Figure 89 perspective view of the frame of the seed furrow attachment of

[0096] Figure 88 is Figure 90 perspective view of the frame of

[0097] Figure 88 is Figure 91 top plan view of the frame of

[0098] Figure 88 is Figure 92 bottom plan view of the frame of

[0099] Figure 88 is Figure 93 right side elevational view of the left side of the frame of

[0100] Figure 88 is Figure 1 left side elevational view of the right side of the frame of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict in terminology between documents incorporated by reference and the disclosure contained herein, the terminology as contained herein will control.

[0102] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the several views, Figure 1A row unit 10 of a conventional row seeder is shown. The row unit 10 includes a frame 12 supporting a furrowing disc assembly 20. The furrowing disc assembly 20 may include a pair of angled furrowing discs 22 (one of the furrowing discs 22 has been removed for clarity). The furrowing discs 22 are rollably mounted to a downwardly extending handle 14 of the frame 12 and are configured to create V-shaped seed furrows 30 in the soil surface 32 as the row unit moves through the field in a forward direction of travel (as indicated by arrow 34). A fork or handle extension 15 may be attached to the handle 14. The row unit 10 may include a plow wheel assembly 40 comprising a pair of plow wheels 42, each plow wheel pivotally mounted to one side of the frame 12 via a corresponding plow wheel arm 44 (one of the pair of plow wheels 42 and its plow wheel arm 44 has been removed for clarity). As is conventional, the depth adjustment assembly (not shown) may be configured to contact the plow wheel arm 44 to limit the upward travel of the plow wheel arm 44 relative to the furrowing disc 22, thereby limiting the depth of the seed furrow 30 created by the furrowing disc assembly 20. Also as is conventional, the row unit 10 may support a seed meter (not shown) and a seed hopper (not shown). In operation, seeds 50 are fed from the seed hopper to the seed meter. The seed meter dispenses the seeds 50 individually and discharges the dispensed seeds into a seed tube 52 supported by the frame 14. A seed conveyor (not shown), instead of the seed tube, may receive the seeds discharged by the seed meter. The seed meter may be a vacuum type meter, such as the vacuum type meter disclosed in International Patent Publication WO2012 / 129442. The seed tube 52 (or seed conveyor) guides the seeds 50 downward and backward toward the seed furrow 30. The seeds 50 are released from the discharge end of the seed tube 52 (or seed conveyor) and deposited in the open seed furrow 30. The closing component 60 can be pivotally connected to the frame 14 and is configured to “close” the seed furrow 30 by moving soil back into the open seed furrow 30 over the deposited seeds.

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The row unit 10 includes a mounting bracket 100 that supports the seed presser 70. An example of the mounting bracket 100 is a mounting bracket with part number 150111, available from Precision Planting LLC, 23207 Townline Road, Tremont, IL 61568. Examples of seed pressers also include those available from Precision Planting LLC. Seed presser and SmartFirmer TM .

[0104] Figure 2 is Figure 1The enlarged perspective view of the mounting bracket 100 shown in FIG. 2A is shown. As shown in the exploded view, the mounting bracket 100 includes left and right mating halves 102, 104. Each half 102, 104 includes corresponding forward-extending sidewalls 106, 108. The front end of each sidewall 106, 108 includes a mounting lug 110 and a hook member 112. The mounting lug 110 is sized to receive a pin 16 extending from each side of the handle 14 of the frame 12. Figure 1 The hook component 112 is also connected to the pin 18 on the handle 14. Figure 1 The engagement of the mounting lug 110 and hook member 112 with corresponding pins 16, 18 on the handle 14 rigidly secures the mounting bracket 100 relative to the handle 14. The rear ends of each half 102, 104 are secured together by bolts 114 received in matingly aligned holes 116. As shown in Figures 2 and 2A, each half 102, 104 also includes an inwardly projecting, longitudinally spaced front flange 118 and rear flange 120, which are matingly aligned such that, when assembled, the mating flanges 118, 120 define a through-hole 122 (Figure 2) for receiving the upper portion of the seed press 70, as best shown in Figure 3. Each rear flange 120 includes a slotted portion 124 that, together, defines a transverse groove 126 when the half 102, 104 are assembled. As discussed later, the transverse groove 126 receives the rearwardly projecting tab 80 of the elastic arm 78 of the seed presser 70, while the bottom end of the front flange 118 engages with the forward-extending lip 82 on the seed presser 70. The inwardly projecting flanges 118 and 120 also serve as spacers between the sidewalls 106 and 108, for indirectly accommodating... Figure 44 Seed tube 52 (or seed conveyor) is shown. Therefore, sidewalls 106, 108 surround seed tube 52 (or seed conveyor), thereby allowing seed tube 52 (or seed conveyor) to move independently relative to mounting bracket 100.

[0105] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the reversible seed furrow accessory is mounted to the row unit 10 using the mounting bracket 100 and the support bracket 201. Depending on the type of row unit, the support bracket 201 is a FurrowJet support bracket from Precision Planting LLC and is available as a support bracket with part numbers 141130, 141150, 141131, 141137, 141133, 141134, 141135, or 141214. An example of the support bracket is PCT Publication WO2016205424. Figure 7-1 The rear bracket 7310 is shown. In Figure 6Figure 0 shows a support bracket 201 for John Deere ME2, ME Plus, ME XP, or ME5 row units. The support bracket 201 connects the reversible seed furrow attachment 1000 to the row unit 10 near the closure assembly 60. Figures 4 and 5 show the reversible seed furrow attachment 1000 connected to the mounting bracket 100 and the support bracket 201. Figure 54-71 Figure 1010 is a perspective view showing the mounting frame 1010 engaging with the mounting bracket 100 via a notch 1018 on the arm 1011 and a flange 118 on the mounting bracket 100. Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view showing the mounting frame 1010 connected to the support bracket 201 via a connector 1012 at connector 202. The connector is implemented by a pin (not shown here, but described below).

[0106] The reversible seed furrow accessory 1000 has a mounting frame 1010 connected to a frame 1020. The frame 1020 has a first side 1021 and a second side 1022. The frame 1020 is shown in Figures 27-30. The mounting frame 1010 has connectors 1013 and 1014 for connecting to connectors 1023 and 1024 respectively on the frame 1020. The frame 1020 has a support 1025 formed by a first support portion 1025-1 on the first side 1021 and a second support portion 1025-2 on the second side 1022. The frame 1020 has a connector 1026 formed by a first connector portion 1026-1 and a second connector portion 1026-2 on the first side 1021 and the second side 1022 respectively. Optionally, the second connector 1027 may be formed by a first connector portion 1027-1 and a second connector portion 1027-2 on a first side 1021 and a second side 1022, respectively.

[0107] The reversible seed groove attachment 1000 has a neck body 1030. The neck body 1030 is securely attached to the frame 1020 at the connector 1026 via a connector 1036. Optionally, the neck body 1030 is further securely attached to a second connector 1027 via a connector 1037. The neck body 1030 has a neck 1031 connected to the connector 1036, which extends downward from the connector 1036 and provides resilient engagement of the reversible seed groove attachment 1000 with the seed groove 30. A body 1032 extending rearward from the neck 1031 is connected to the neck 1031. A hook 1035 extending rearward from the body 1032 is connected to the body 1032. The hook 1035 will engage with the support 1025. As seen in Figure 12, when the reversible seed furrow attachment 1000 rotates clockwise and when it engages with the seed furrow 30, the hook 1035 engages with the support 1025. The hook 1035 provides increased rigidity to the reversible seed furrow attachment 1000 compared to having only a neck 1031. When operating in the forward direction 34, the neck 1031 is flexible and provides resilient engagement with the seed furrow 30, and the hook 1035 freely rises above the support 1025 to provide a typical seed presser response.

[0108] Tail member 1040 is connected to neck 1031 and extends downward. Tail member 1040 can provide compaction for seeds in seed furrow 30 or deflect rebounding seeds to guide them back into seed furrow 30. Tail member 1040 can be a completely separate component, or a portion of tail member 1040 can be part of neck body 1030. As shown, a portion of tail member 1040 is part of neck body 1030. Tail member 1040 can be The tail component of the seed presser, or tail component 1040, can be... The tail component. The tail component of a SmartFirmer with electronic devices is described in PCT Publications WO201453157, WO2015171908, and WO2019 / 070617 and US Publication US2018 / 0168094. As shown in the figure, tail component 1040 is... The tail section.

[0109] The upper tail portion 1041 is connected to the body 1032 and the hook 1035. The upper tail portion 1041 may have an optional conduit 1042 through which a fluid conduit (not shown) travels to reach an optional nozzle 1060. Optionally, an insert 1039 extends downward from the neck 1031 to be inserted into the lower tail portion 1045.

[0110] Adjacent to the upper tail section 1041 are a first wall 1043-1 and a second wall 1043-2. ​​The first wall 1043-1 and the second wall 1043-2 may be made of a wear-resistant, low-friction coefficient material. A non-limiting example of a suitable material for the first wall 1043-1 and the second wall 1043-2, possessing both wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction, is ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene. A suitable low coefficient of friction for the first wall 1043-1 and the second wall 1043-2 ranges from a static coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.3 and a dynamic coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.15, as measured by ASTM D1894.

[0111] The lower tail portion 1045 has a housing 1050, which may be made of cobalt and may be used with... The sensor has the same cobalt housing. Housing 1050 can be connected to insert 1039. Window housing 1055 with window 1056 mates with housing 1050. Electronic board 1056 with reflectivity sensor 350 is disposed in housing 1050.

[0112] Figure 68-71 Seed groove accessory 1000' is shown. The positions of hook 1035 and support 1025 of seed groove accessory 1000 are interchanged. Frame 1020' will have hooks 2035-1, 2035-2, while neck body 1030' will have support 2025.

[0113] In this embodiment, the mounting frame 1010' with arm 1011' is integrated with the neck body 1030', as shown below. Figure 71 As shown. Arm 1011' has a tab 2018 for engaging with mounting bracket 100, as... Figure 72-93 As shown. The neck body 1030' has a neck 1031'. A support 2025 is provided on the neck body 1030', which can engage with hooks 2035-1 and 2035-2. The tail part 1040 is connected to the neck body 1030'. The tail part 1040 is as described above.

[0114] Frame 1020' is connected to mounting frame 1010', which has a first side 1021' and a second side 1022'. First side 1021' has a first hook 2035-1, and second side 1022' has a second hook 2035-2. First side 1021' and second side 1022' together form a connector 2012 that can engage with support bracket 201. This engagement can be achieved by a pin 2013.

[0115] Figure 74Seed furrow attachment 1000” is shown. Seed furrow attachment 1000” is similar to seed furrow attachment 1000’, but seed furrow attachment 1000” is connected to mounting bracket 100’, which is connected to the row unit of the CNH2100 series.

[0116] Row unit 10' has frame 12', trencher 22, and trenching disc 22. Mounting bracket 100' is attached to frame 12'. Mounting bracket 100' as Figure 85-87 As shown, it has a mounting bracket connector 320 having a first side 321 and a second side 322, and a mounting bracket row unit connector 310 having a first side 311 and a second side 312. The mounting bracket 100' is available from PrecisionPlanting LLC with part number 141214.

[0117] like Figure 77 As shown, the neck body 1030” is similar to the neck body 1030’. The mounting frame 1010” with arm 1011” is integral with the neck body 1030”. Arm 1011” has a tab 2018 for engaging with the mounting bracket connector 320, as shown. Figure 88-93 As shown. The neck body 1030” has a neck 1031”. A support 2025 is provided on the neck body 1030”, which can be engaged with hooks 2035’-1, 2035’-2. The tail part 1040 is connected to the neck body 1030”. The tail part 1040 is as described above.

[0118] Framework 1020 in ​ As shown in the diagram, frame 1020” is connected to mounting frame 1010”, which has a first side 1021” and a second side 1022”. The first side 1021” has a first hook 2035’-1, and the second side 1022” has a second hook 2035’-2. The first side 1021” and the second side 1022” together form a connector 2012’ that can engage with mounting bracket connector 320. The engagement can be achieved by pin 2013.

[0119] The following are non-restrictive examples.

[0120] Example 1 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000', 1000”) includes: a mounting frame (1010, 1010', 1010”) operably connected to an optional mounting bracket (100, 100'); and a frame (1020, 1020', 1020”) connected to the mounting frame (1010, 1010', 1010”), the frame (1020, 1020', 1020”) having a first side (1021, 1021', 1021”) and a second side. Side (1022, 1022', 1022"); Neck body including a neck, wherein the neck body is fixedly connected to the frame (1020, 1020', 1020"), or the neck body (1030, 1030', 1030") is connected to the mounting frame (1010, 1010', 1010"); Tail part (1040) connected to the neck body (1030, 1030', 1030"); Post (1025, 2025); Hook (1035, 2035) -1, 2035-2, 2035'-1, 2035'-2); wherein the hooks (1035, 2035-1, 2035-2, 2035'-1, 2035'-2) can engage with the support (1025, 2025); and one of the following conditions exists: (i) the support (1025) is disposed between the first side (1021) and the second side (1022), and the neck body (1030) further includes the hook (1035); or (ii) the hook (2035) 5-1, 2035-2, 2035'-1, 2035'-2) include a first hook (2035-1, 2035'-1) and a second hook (2035-2, 2035'-2), the first side (1021', 1021”) includes the first hook (2035-1, 2035'-1), the second side (1022', 1022”) includes the second hook (2035-2, 2035'-2), and the neck body (1030', 1030”) also includes the support (2025).

[0121] Example 2 - The reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000') as in Example 1 also includes a mounting bracket (100) and a support frame (201).

[0122] Example 3 - The reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000') as in Example 2 also includes a row unit (10) having a furrowing assembly (20) configured to create a seed furrow in the soil surface as the row unit moves forward in a traveling direction, wherein the mounting bracket (100) is attached to the handle (14) of the row unit (10) and the support frame (201) is connected to the frame (12) of the row unit (10).

[0123] Example 4 - The reversible seed furrow attachment (1000”) as in Example 1 further includes a mounting bracket (100’) and a row unit (10’), the row unit (10’) having a furrowing assembly (20) configured to open a seed furrow in the soil surface as the row unit (10’) moves in a forward direction of travel, wherein the mounting bracket (100’) includes a mounting bracket connector (320) and a mounting bracket row unit connector (310), wherein the mounting bracket row unit connector (310) is connected to the frame (12) of the row unit (10’), and wherein the reversible seed furrow attachment (1000”) is connected to the mounting bracket connector (320).

[0124] Example 5 - A reversible seed groove attachment (1000, 1000', 1000”) as in Example 3 or 4, wherein when the row unit (10, 10') is reversed in the direction opposite to the forward direction of travel, the seed groove attachment (1000, 1000', 1000”) moves from the normal operating position to the reversed position, thereby avoiding damage to the seed groove attachment (1000, 1000', 1000”), and the hooks (1035, 2035-1, 2035-2, 2035'-1, 2035'-2) engage with the support (1025, 2025).

[0125] Example 6 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000') as in any of Examples 1, 2, 3 or 5, wherein a support (1025) is disposed between a first side (1021) and a second side (1022), and the neck body (1030) further includes the hook (1035).

[0126] Example 7 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000) as in any of Examples 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6, wherein the neck body (1030) is fixedly attached to the frame (1020).

[0127] Example 8 - A reversible seed groove attachment (1000) as in any of Examples 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the mounting frame (1010) has a notch (2018) that engages with the flange (108) of the mounting bracket (100) to secure the mounting frame (1010) to the mounting bracket (100).

[0128] Example 9 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000') as in any of Examples 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the mounting frame (1010, 1010') is connected to the support frame (201).

[0129] Example 10 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000') as in any of Examples 1-5, wherein hooks (2035-1, 2035-2, 2035'-1, 2035'-2) include a first hook (2035-1, 2035'-1) and a second hook (2035-2, 2035'-2), a first side (1021', 1021") includes a first hook (2035-1, 2035'-1), a second side (1022', 1022") includes a second hook (2035-2, 2035'-2), and the neck body (1030', 1030") also includes the support (2025).

[0130] Example 11 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000', 1000”) as in Example 10, wherein the neck body (1030', 1030”) is integral with the mounting frame (1010', 1010”).

[0131] Example 12 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000', 1000”) as in any of Examples 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 or 11, wherein the mounting frame (1010', 1010”) has a tab (2018) that engages with the mounting bracket (100, 100') to secure the mounting frame (1010', 1010”) to the mounting bracket (100, 100').

[0132] Example 13 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000') as in any of Examples 2, 3, 5, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the frame (1020', 1020") has a connector (1012, 1012') for connection to the support bracket (201).

[0133] Example 14 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000”) as in any of Examples 4, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the frame (1020”) has a connector (1012”) for connection with the mounting bracket connector (320).

[0134] Example 15 - A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000, 1000', 1000") as in any of the preceding examples, wherein the tail part (1040) has an upper portion (1041) that is part of the neck body (1030, 1030', 1030") and a lower portion (1045) that is separate from the upper portion (1041).

[0135] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is offered in the context of this patent application and its claims. Various modifications to preferred embodiments of the apparatus, as well as the general principles and features of the systems and methods described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods described and illustrated above, but is accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reversible seed furrow attachment (1000), comprising: Mounting frame (1010), which is operatively connected to mounting bracket (100). A frame (1020) is connected to a mounting frame (1010), the frame (1020) having a first side (1021) and a second side (1022). The neck body (1030) includes a neck (1031), a hook (1035) and a body (1032) extending rearward from the neck (1031), wherein the neck body (1030) is fixedly connected to the frame (1020). Tail component (1040), said tail component being connected to and extending downward from the neck (1031); and A support column (1025) is disposed between a first side (1021) and a second side (1022) of the frame (1020); The hook (1035) is connected to the body (1032), extends rearward from the body (1032), and is capable of engaging with the support (1025); The upper tail component portion (1041) of the tail component (1040) is connected to the body (1032) and the hook (1035).

2. The reversible seed furrow attachment (1000) as claimed in claim 1 further includes a support bracket (201).

3. The reversible seed furrow attachment (1000) as described in claim 1, wherein, The mounting frame (1010) has a notch (1018) that engages with the flange (118) of the mounting bracket (100) to secure the mounting frame (1010) to the mounting bracket (100).

4. The reversible seed furrow attachment (1000) as described in claim 2, wherein, The mounting frame (1010) is connected to the support bracket (201).

5. A row unit (10) comprising a reversible seed furrow attachment (1000) as claimed in claim 2, the row unit (10) having a furrowing assembly (20) configured to create a seed furrow in the soil surface (32) as the row unit (10) moves in a forward direction, wherein, The mounting bracket (100) is attached to the handle (14) of the row unit (10), and the support bracket (201) is connected to the row unit frame.

6. The row unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The mounting frame (1010) is connected to the support bracket (201).

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