Sprayer boom mount
By designing a combination of support columns, spray boom mounting brackets, and latch plates for the spray boom mounting components, multi-position fixing of the spray boom is achieved, solving the problem of insufficient adjustability in existing technologies, improving the reliability of the device, and reducing manufacturing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TEXAS TRACTOR SUPPLY LLC
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing sprayer boom mounts lack adjustability, leading to wear, reduced reliability, and potential safety issues, while also incurring unnecessary complexity and high manufacturing costs.
A sprayer boom mounting component has been designed, including a support column, a boom mounting bracket, and a latching plate. By combining multiple latching plate openings with latching rod openings, the boom mounting bracket can be fixed in multiple positions, reducing the torque requirement on the latching pin.
It offers greater adjustability and stability, reduces the risk of wear and tear, simplifies operation, and reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements.
Smart Images

Figure CN122006944A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a sprayer boom mounting component. Background Technology
[0002] Various sprayer boom mounts have been developed for supporting sprayer booms from vehicles, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. Conventional sprayer boom mounts typically consist of a support post mounted on the vehicle, a boom mount bracket pivotally attached to the support post, and a latching mechanism for securing the boom mount bracket in a desired position. These conventional sprayer boom mounts lack the adjustability of the desired amount provided in this disclosure.
[0003] In some existing sprayer boom mounts with multiple adjustment points, the latching mechanism includes a single latching pin that engages with a corresponding latching bar opening to secure the boom mount in place. While this design provides a simple and effective way to secure the sprayer boom, it can lead to excessive force being applied to the latching pin, causing these conventional sprayer boom mounts to wear and tear over time, resulting in reduced reliability and potential safety issues during operation.
[0004] Additionally, some existing spray boom mounts may include unnecessary and useless adjustability, which can be cumbersome and add complexity, potentially leading to higher manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements.
[0005] None of these methods provide a comprehensive solution that combines the features described in this disclosure. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a series of concepts further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0007] This disclosure relates to a sprayer boom mount, which includes a support post, a boom mount bracket, and a latching plate. The support post is configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The boom mount bracket is configured to receive a sprayer boom.
[0008] The support post includes a lower end configured for mounting to a vehicle. The support post also includes a forward-extending latch bar with at least one latch bar opening configured to receive a latch pin.
[0009] The boom mount is pivotally attached to a support post and spaced apart from a forward-extending latch bar. The boom mount includes a rearwardly extending mounting for attachment to the sprayer boom and a forward-extending arm for connection to a latch plate.
[0010] A latch plate is pivotally attached to a forward extension arm of the boom mount bracket. The latch plate includes a plurality of latch plate openings configured to align with at least one latch rod opening and to receive a latch pin. By aligning different combinations of the plurality of latch plate openings with at least one latch rod opening, the boom mount bracket can be positioned in a selected pivotable position.
[0011] Many objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount that is installed on the vehicle and supports the sprayer boom.
[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded isometric view of the sprayer boom mounting components;
[0014] Figure 3 This is an isometric view from the front side of the sprayer boom mount, with some aspects broken down to show additional details.
[0015] Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mounting components.
[0016] Figure 5A This is an elevation view of the sprayer boom mount, focusing on the upper area including the latch bar.
[0017] Figure 5B This is an elevation view of an optional embodiment of the sprayer boom mount, focusing on the upper region including the latch bar.
[0018] Figure 6A This is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount, focusing on the upper area including the boom mount bracket, where the latch bar is concealed to show additional details.
[0019] Figure 6B This is an isometric view of an optional embodiment of the sprayer boom mount, focusing on the upper region including the boom mount bracket, where the latch bar is concealed to show additional details.
[0020] Figure 7 This is an isometric view from the front side of an alternative embodiment of the sprayer boom mount, wherein the latching rods are spaced apart below the boom mount bracket.
[0021] Figure 8A It is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount in a selected pivotable position.
[0022] Figure 8BIt is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount in a selected pivotable position.
[0023] Figure 8C It is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount in a selected pivotable position.
[0024] Figure 8D It is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount in a selected pivotable position.
[0025] Figure 8E It is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount in a selected pivotable position.
[0026] Figure 8F It is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount in a selected pivotable position.
[0027] Figure 8G It is an isometric view of the sprayer boom mount in a selected pivotable position. Detailed Implementation
[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, with one or more accompanying drawings illustrated therein. Each drawing is provided by way of interpretation of the disclosure and not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment.
[0029] Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of this disclosure are disclosed in or will be apparent from the following detailed description. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of this disclosure.
[0030] The terms “connection,” “attachment,” “link,” “installation,” and “fastening” should be interpreted as any method of connecting two objects, including but not limited to: any fasteners that allow a static, translational, or pivotable relationship, such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pins, and U-clamps; any type of welding, such as conventional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, brazing, ultrasonic welding, blow welding, induction welding, etc.; the use of any resin, adhesive, epoxy resin, etc.; integrally formed into a single part; any mechanical fit, such as friction fit, interference fit, sliding fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, etc.; any combination thereof; etc.
[0031] Unless otherwise specifically stated, any part of the device disclosed herein may be made of any suitable or appropriate material, including but not limited to metals, alloys, polymers, polymer blends, wood, composite materials, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, any part of the device disclosed herein may be manufactured using any applicable manufacturing method, such as, but not limited to, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.
[0032] In the context of the use of the term "includes" or "including" in the specification or claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as this term is understood as a transitional word when used in the claims. Furthermore, in the context of the use of the term "or" (e.g., A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B or both." The term "A or B only, not both" will be used when the applicant intends to indicate "only A or B and not both." Therefore, the use of the term "or" herein is inclusive, not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner, Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2nd edition, 1995). Additionally, in the context of the use of the terms "in..." or "to..." in the specification or claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on..." or "to...". Furthermore, in the context of the use of the term "connection" in the specification or claims, it is intended not only to mean "directly connected to" but also to mean "indirectly connected to," such as through another component or components.
[0033] General Reference Figures 1 to 8G A sprayer boom mount 100 is provided. The sprayer boom mount 100 includes a support post 106, a boom mounting bracket 116, and a latch plate 122. The sprayer boom mount 100 can be configured to support a sprayer boom 102 and be mounted to a vehicle 104.
[0034] The support post 106 may include a lower end portion 108 configured to be mounted to the vehicle 104. The support post 106 may also include a forward-extending latch bar 110, which may include at least one latch bar opening 112 for receiving a latch pin 114. The forward-extending latch bar 110 may include a first latch bar opening 130 and a second latch bar opening 132 spaced apart from front to back. In some embodiments, the forward-extending latch bar 110 may include at least a first latch bar opening 130, a second latch bar opening 132, and a third latch bar opening 138 spaced apart from front to back. Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, in some alternative embodiments, at least one of the at least one latch bar opening 112 may be vertically offset relative to the remainder of the at least one latch bar opening 112. The purpose of offsetting one of the at least one latch bar opening 112 may be to ensure that the plurality of latch plate openings 126, as... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, it is properly aligned with at least one latch bar opening 112.
[0035] In some alternative embodiments, and as Figure 3 As shown, the forward-extending latch bar 110 can be a U-shaped channel member.
[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 104 can be a lawn tractor, an all-terrain vehicle, a multi-purpose terrain vehicle, etc.
[0037] The lower latch pin 114, the middle latch pin 123, and the upper latch pin 129 can be various different fixing mechanisms, including but not limited to square latch pins, round latch pins, cotter pins, and pivot pins.
[0038] The boom mount 116 is pivotally attached to the support post 106 and spaced apart from the forward-extending latch bar 110. The boom mount 116 may also include a rearwardly extending mounting member 118 and a forward-extending arm 120 for mounting the sprayer boom 102. In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the boom mount 116 may include a first L-shaped bracket 146 and a second L-shaped bracket 146, which are located on opposite sides of the support post 106 and bound together as an integral component 155 of the boom mount 116. In some alternative embodiments, the boom mount 116 may be attached to the support post 106 using a rear fastener 117.
[0039] like Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the boom mounting bracket 116 can be pivotally attached to the support post 106 below the forward-extending latching rod 110. Figure 7 As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the spray bar mounting bracket 116 can be pivotally attached to the support post 106 above the forward-extending latch bar 110.
[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the spray boom mounting bracket 116 may include a first mounting bracket member 152 and a second mounting bracket member 154. The first mounting bracket member 152 and the second mounting bracket member 154 may be pivotally attached to opposite sides of the support post 106 and bound together as an integral member 155 of the spray boom mounting bracket 116.
[0041] In some alternative embodiments, the first mounting bracket member 152 and the second mounting bracket member 154 may be separated by a boom mount bracket separator 151. The boom mount bracket separator 151 may be a tubular member. The boom mount bracket separator 151 may be secured to the first mounting bracket member 152 and the second mounting bracket member 154. The boom mount bracket separator 151 may be a tubular member configured to receive an intermediate fastener 153. In this embodiment, the integral member 155 of the boom mount bracket 116 is formed by securing the first mounting bracket member 152 to the second mounting bracket member 154 using the intermediate fastener 153 received through the boom mount bracket separator 151.
[0042] like Figures 8A to 8G As shown, a latch plate 122 is pivotally attached to a forward extension arm 120 of a boom mount 116. The latch plate 122 may also have a distal portion 124 including a plurality of latch plate openings 126. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 may be arranged such that, when the boom mount 116 pivots relative to the support post 106, different latch plate openings of the plurality of latch plate openings 126 may be aligned with at least one latch bar opening 112, such that the boom mount 116 can be latched in a selected pivotable position 128 by placing an upper latch pin 129 through the aligned hole.
[0043] like Figure 6B and Figure 5B As shown, the latch plate 122 may include a plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in a first column 134 and a second column 136. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in the first column 134 may be configured to align with a first latch bar opening 130. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in the second column 136 may be configured to align with a second latch bar opening 132. In some alternative embodiments, the latch plate 122 may include a first latch plate member 156 and a second latch plate member 158, located on opposite sides of a forward-extending latch bar 110 and bound together as an integral member 148 of the latch plate 122.
[0044] like Figure 2As shown, latch plate 122 may include a first latch plate member 156 and a second latch plate member 158. The first latch plate member 156 is pivotally attached to a first mounting bracket member 152. The second latch plate member 158 is pivotally attached to a second mounting bracket member 154. The first latch plate member 156 and the second latch plate member 158 may be bound together as an integral member 148 of latch plate 122. The first latch plate member 156 and the second latch plate member 158 may be separated by a latch plate separator 157. The latch plate separator 157 may be a tubular member. The latch plate separator 157 may be secured to the first latch plate member 156 and the second latch plate member 158. The latch plate separator 157 may be a tubular member configured to receive a pre-fastener 159. In this embodiment, the first latch plate member 156 is secured to the second latch plate member 158 by using a front fastener 159 that is received through the latch plate separator 157 to form an integral member 148 of the latch plate 122.
[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first latch plate member 156 and the second latch plate member 158 may be L-shaped members. The first latch plate member 156 may have a first distal portion 160. The second latch plate member 158 may have a second distal portion 162. The first distal portion 160 may include a plurality of latch plate openings 126. The second latch plate member 158 may also include a plurality of latch plate openings 126. At least one latch bar opening 112 may be configured to align with the plurality of latch plate openings 126 of the first distal portion 160. At least one latch bar opening 112 may also be configured to align with the plurality of latch plate openings 126 of the second distal portion 162.
[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the support column 106 may be telescopic and configured to adjust the height 150 of the sprayer boom mount 100. The lower end 108 of the support column 108 may be configured to adjust the depth 145 of the sprayer boom mount 100 from the vehicle 104.
[0047] like Figure 6A and Figure 5A As shown, the latch plate 122 may include a plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in a first column 134, a second column 136, and a third column 140. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in the first column 134 may be configured to align with a first latch lever opening 130. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in the second column 136 may be configured to align with a second latch lever opening 132. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in the third column 140 may be configured to align with a third latch lever opening 138.
[0048] like Figure 6A As shown, in some embodiments of the latch plate 122 including a plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in a pattern 142 comprising three columns 127, the three columns 127 may be characterized in that two columns 127 of an even number of plurality of latch plate openings 126 are equidistant from each other and located on either side of a single column 127 of an odd number of plurality of latch plate openings 126 to form a hexagonal shape 144.
[0049] like Figure 6B As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the latch plate 122 may include a plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in a pattern 142 comprising two columns 127. In this embodiment, the forward-extending latch bar 110 may include a first latch bar opening 130 and a second latch bar opening 132. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in the first column 134 may be configured to align with the first latch bar opening 130. The plurality of latch plate openings 126 arranged in the second column 136 may be configured to align with the second latch bar opening 132. In this alternative embodiment, the pattern 142 may feature two columns 127, wherein the first column 134 includes an even number of plurality of latch plate openings 126, and the second column 136 includes an odd number of plurality of latch plate openings 126.
[0050] like Figures 8A to 8G As shown, in some embodiments, pattern 142 can be configured to provide sequential steps when one of the plurality of latch plate openings 126 aligns with at least one of the latch bar openings 112. Each sequential step can preferably provide a 2.4° movement of the spray bar mounting bracket 116 relative to the support post 106. However, this amount is contemplated to be in the range of 2°–4°. The total range of motion for the sequential steps can preferably be 15° relative to the support post 106. However, this amount is contemplated to be in the range of 10°–20°.
[0051] Figures 8A to 8G A series of selected pivotable positions 128 of the spray boom mounting bracket 116 are provided as alternative embodiments. Figure 8A In this configuration, the boom mount 116 is in a selected pivotable position 128, wherein the boom mount 116 is tilted upward relative to the support post 106 to its highest limit within the range of 10°-20°. Figure 8B In the middle, the tilt of the spray boom mounting bracket 116 is approximately 2.4° lower than the highest limit within the range of 10°-20°. Figure 8C In the middle, the tilt of the spray boom mounting bracket 116 is approximately 4.8° lower than the highest limit within the range of 10°-20°. Figure 8D In the middle, the tilt of the spray boom mounting bracket 116 is approximately 7.2° lower than the highest limit within the range of 10°-20°. Figure 8EIn the middle, the tilt of the spray boom mounting bracket 116 is approximately 9.6° lower than the highest limit within the range of 10°-20°. Figure 8F In the middle, the tilt of the spray boom mounting bracket 116 is approximately 12° lower than the highest limit within the range of 10°-20°. Figure 8G In the middle, the tilt of the spray bar mounting bracket 116 is about 14.4° lower than the highest limit within the range of 10°-20°.
[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the sprayer boom mount 100 may consist of an outer lower member 164, an inner lower member 166, an outer upper member 168, and an inner upper member 170. The outer lower member 164 may be a rectangular tubular member configured to be mounted to the vehicle 104. The inner lower member 166 may be a rectangular tubular member configured to slide within the outer lower member 164. The outer upper member 168 may be a rectangular tubular member configured to support the sprayer boom mount 100. The lower end portion 178 of the outer upper member 168 may be fixed to the rear end portion 175 of the inner lower member 166, such that the outer upper member 168 is perpendicular to the inner lower member 166. The outer lower member 164 and the inner lower member 166 may each include a plurality of lower member openings 182. The outer upper member 168 and the inner upper member 170 may each include a plurality of upper member openings 180. The plurality of lower member openings 182 of the outer lower member 164 can be configured to align with the plurality of lower member openings 182 of the inner lower member 166. The plurality of upper member openings 182 of the outer upper member 168 can be configured to align with the plurality of upper member openings 182 of the outer inner member 170. The alignment holes of the outer lower member 164 and the inner lower member 166 can be secured by a lower latch pin 114. The alignment holes of the outer upper member 168 and the inner upper member 170 can be secured by a middle latch pin 123. The plurality of upper member openings 180 can be configured to adjust the height of the support post 106. The plurality of lower member openings 182 can be configured to adjust the depth of the support post 106 relative to the vehicle 104.
[0053] The pattern 142 of multiple latch plate openings 126 is an improvement on the prior art. The hexagonal shape 144 of the pattern 142 maximizes the number of latch plate openings 126 within a relatively small space on the latch plate 122, allowing for a wide range of movement of the spray bar mounting bracket 116 while occupying minimal space. The hexagonal shape 144 of the pattern 142 ensures consistent spacing between each of the multiple latch plate openings 126, optimizing material use and reducing manufacturing time and complexity. The hexagonal shape 144 of the pattern 142 is also versatile, as it can be easily scaled and adapted to various applications and spacing constraints. The hexagonal shape 144 of the pattern 142 is also easy to use. Compared to existing technologies, the construction of the sprayer boom 102 mounted on the boom mount 116 reduces the force required to adjust the boom mount 116 using multiple latch plate openings 126, because the only weight to consider is the weight of the sprayer boom 102, while some existing technologies include additional components that increase the weight and therefore the force required to adjust the boom mount 116.
[0054] Therefore, it can be seen that the apparatus of this disclosure readily achieves the mentioned and inherent purposes and advantages. While certain preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been illustrated and described for these purposes, many changes can be made by those skilled in the art to the arrangement and structure of the parts and steps, and these changes are included within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Each feature or embodiment of the disclosure may be combined with any other feature or embodiment of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A sprayer boom mounting member for supporting a sprayer boom from a vehicle, the sprayer boom mounting member comprising: A support post, the support post including a lower end configured to be mounted on the vehicle, and including a forward-extending latch bar, the forward-extending latch bar including at least one latch bar opening for receiving a latch pin; A boom mounting bracket, which is pivotally attached to the support post and spaced apart from the forward-extending latching bar, includes a rearwardly extending mounting member and a forward-extending arm for mounting the sprayer boom; as well as A latch plate, pivotally attached to the forward extension arm of the boom mount, the latch plate having a distal portion having a plurality of latch plate openings arranged such that, when the boom mount pivots relative to the support post, different latch bar openings among the plurality of latch plate openings can be aligned with at least one latch bar opening, such that, by placing the latch pin through the aligned hole, the boom mount can be latched in a selected pivotable position.
2. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The forward-extending latch bar includes at least a first latch bar opening and a second latch bar opening spaced apart from front to back.
3. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 2, wherein, The latch plate includes a plurality of latch plate openings arranged in a first column and a second column, wherein the plurality of latch plate openings arranged in the first column are configured to align with the first latch bar opening, and the plurality of latch plate openings arranged in the second column are configured to align with the second latch bar opening.
4. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The forward-extending latch includes at least a first latch opening, a second latch opening, and a third latch opening spaced apart from front to back.
5. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 4, wherein, The latch plate includes a plurality of latch plate openings arranged in a first column, a second column, and a third column, wherein the plurality of latch plate openings arranged in the first column are configured to align with a first latch bar opening, the plurality of latch plate openings arranged in the second column are configured to align with a second latch bar opening, and the plurality of latch plate openings arranged in the third column are configured to align with a third latch bar opening.
6. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The latch plate includes a plurality of latch plate openings arranged in a pattern comprising three columns, wherein the three columns are characterized in that two columns of an even number of latch plate openings spaced equidistant from each other are located on either side of a single column of an odd number of latch plate openings spaced equidistant from each other, forming a hexagonal shape.
7. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 6, wherein, The pattern is configured to provide sequential steps when one of the plurality of latch plate openings aligns with one of the at least one latch bar opening, each sequential step providing a 2-4 degree movement of the spray bar mounting bracket relative to the support post, wherein the total range of movement of the spray bar mounting bracket relative to the support post is 10-20 degrees.
8. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the at least one latch bar openings is vertically offset relative to the remainder of the at least one latch bar opening.
9. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The spray bar mounting bracket consists of two L-shaped brackets, which are located on opposite sides of the support column and are bound together as an integral component.
10. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The latch plate consists of two latch plates located on opposite sides of the forward-extending latch bar and bound together as a single integral component.
11. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The support column is telescopic and configured to adjust the height of the sprayer boom mount.
12. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The spray bar mounting bracket is pivotally attached to the support post below the forward-extending latch bar.
13. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 1, wherein, The spray bar mounting bracket is pivotally attached to the support post above the forward-extending latch bar.
14. A sprayer boom mount for supporting a sprayer boom from a vehicle, the sprayer boom mount comprising: A support post, the support post including a lower end configured to be mounted on the vehicle, and including a forward-extending latch bar, the forward-extending latch bar including at least one latch bar opening for receiving a latch pin; A spray boom mounting bracket includes a first mounting bracket component and a second mounting bracket component, the first mounting bracket component and the second mounting bracket component being pivotally attached to opposite sides of the support column and bound together as an integral component; A latch plate, the latch plate including a first latch plate member and a second latch plate member, the first latch plate member being pivotally attached to a first mounting bracket member, and the second latch plate member being pivotally attached to a second mounting bracket member, the first latch plate member and the second latch plate member being bound together as an integral member; The first latch plate member has a first distal portion and the second latch plate member has a second distal portion, the first distal portion and the second distal portion each having a plurality of latch plate openings, at least one of the plurality of latch plate openings being configured to align with the at least one latch bar opening; as well as The plurality of latch plate openings are arranged such that, when the boom mount bracket pivots relative to the support post, different latch plate openings among the plurality of latch plate openings can be aligned with at least one latch bar opening, such that the boom mount bracket can be latched in a selected pivotable position by placing the latch pin through the aligned hole.
15. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 14, wherein, The support column is telescopic and configured to adjust the height of the sprayer boom mount.
16. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 14, wherein, The latch plate includes a plurality of latch plate openings arranged in a pattern comprising three columns, wherein the three columns are characterized in that two columns of an even number of latch plate openings spaced equidistant from each other are located on either side of a single column of an odd number of latch plate openings spaced equidistant from each other, forming a hexagonal shape.
17. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 16, wherein, The pattern is configured to provide a sequential step when one of the plurality of latch plate openings aligns with one of the at least one latch bar opening, each sequential step providing a 2-4 degree movement of the spray bar mounting bracket relative to the support column within a total range of 10-20 degrees of movement of the mounting bracket relative to the support column.
18. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 16, wherein, At least one of the plurality of latch plate openings is vertically offset relative to the remainder of the plurality of latch plate openings.
19. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 14, wherein, The spray bar mounting bracket is pivotally attached to the support post below the forward-extending latch bar.
20. The sprayer boom mounting component according to claim 14, wherein, The spray bar mounting bracket is pivotally attached to the support post above the forward-extending latch bar.