Transplantation machine

Abstract

To provide, generally, a transplanter, and more specifically, a transplanter for planting a chain of paper pots with seedlings in a field.SOLUTION: A transplanter 10 includes: a frame structure 30 configured to support a tray 3; an operating handle structure 20; and a base structure 40 including a chute 46. The frame structure can include a furrower 38 to form a furrow in soil. The transplanter can also include a furrow-closing structure 60 configured to close the furrow at a location beyond an end of the chute. The operating handle structure can enable one or more attributes of an operating handle to be selectively reconfigured. The base structure can be fabricated from one or more injection-molded parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 414,024, filed October 7, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a transplanter, and more particularly to a transplanter for planting a chain of paper pot seedlings in a field. [Background technology]

[0003] A transplanter is a common agricultural implement for transplanting seedlings into a field. One type of transplanter is specifically designed for planting seedlings grown in individual pots in a chain of paper pots.

[0004] A typical transplanter for chained paper pots includes an area for holding the pots and a chute through which the pots can slide as the transplanter moves along the soil furrow. The underside of the transplanter is provided with a furrower that creates a groove in the soil as the transplanter moves along the soil. The paper pots drop into the furrow as they leave the chute. The transplanter may also have a sweep at the end of the chute that moves the soil over the paper pots. To date, such transplanters have been made of metal sheets. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a transplanter that addresses one or more of the problems of current transplanters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An embodiment of the transplanter includes a base structure including a frame structure configured to support a tray, an operating handle structure, and a chute. The frame structure can include a furrow former for forming a furrow in the soil, and the transplanter can also include a furrow closing structure configured to close the furrow beyond an end of the chute. An embodiment of the operating handle structure can allow one or more attributes of the operating handle to be selectively reconfigured. An embodiment of the base structure can be fabricated from one or more injection molded parts.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a transplanter comprising: a guide wheel structure including a set of guide wheels; a frame structure including a set of frames configured to support a tray; an operating handle structure connected to the guide wheel structure and the frame structure, the operating handle structure including a grip for operating the transplanter; and a base structure connected to the frame structure, the base structure including a chute, wherein the base structure is made from at least one injection molded part.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention provides a transplanter comprising: a frame structure including a guide wheel structure including a set of guide wheels, a set of frames configured to support a tray, and a furrow former configured to form a furrow in the soil; an operating handle structure connected to the guide wheel structure and the frame structure, the operating handle structure including a fixed extension attached to the frame structure and the guide wheel structure and an adjustable extension configured to be attached to the fixed extension, wherein an angle between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension is selectively adjustable; a grip for operating the transplanter, the grip attached to an end of the adjustable extension; a base structure including a funnel-shaped rear portion and a chute extending from the funnel-shaped rear portion; and a furrow filling structure configured to fill the furrow, wherein the furrow filling structure is attached to the base structure beyond an end of the chute.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a transplanter comprising a guide wheel structure including a set of guide wheels, a frame structure including a set of frames configured to support a tray and a furrow former configured to form a furrow in the soil, and an operating handle structure connected to the guide wheel structure and the frame structure, the operating handle structure including a fixed extension attached to the frame structure and the guide wheel structure, an adjustable extension configured to be attached to the fixed extension, the angle between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension being selectively adjustable, and a grip for operating the transplanter, the grip being attached to an end of the adjustable extension, a base structure including a chute, the base structure being made from at least one injection molded part, and a furrow filling structure configured to fill the furrow, the furrow filling structure being attached to the base structure at a position beyond the end of the chute.

[0010] An embodiment of the base structure may include two or more injection molded parts. For example, a first injection molded part forms a rear portion of the base structure and may have a funnel-like shape, and a second injection molded part forms a front portion of the base structure and may include a chute. An embodiment of the base structure may include one or more features to aid in the alignment of other components of the implanter and / or components used therein. For example, the rear end of the base structure may be configured to aid in securing and / or positioning the tray with the implant in place. The front end of the base structure may include one or more structures to secure and properly align components of the groove filling structure.

[0011] An embodiment of the guide wheel structure can include a pair of guide wheels. An embodiment of the furrow filling structure can include a pair of angled furrow filling plows and / or a pair of angled furrow filling wheels. Each embodiment of the guide wheel structure and furrow closure structure can allow for selective adjustment of the spacing between each component, such as the guide wheels, furrow filling plows, and / or furrow filling wheels. This spacing can be made narrower or wider to accommodate use of the transplanter to plant different sized transplants and / or transplants with different spacing between adjacent furrows.

[0012] An embodiment of the operating handle structure may include two extensions having an adjustable length and / or angle therebetween. An embodiment may include a connector piece configured to allow selective attachment of two extensions having at least two different angles and / or lengths. In an embodiment, at least one of the selectable angles is configured to allow the grip and extensions to support the implanter in an upright position on a horizontal surface.

[0013] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of planting plants using a transplanter.

[0014] The illustrative embodiments of the present invention are intended to solve one or more of the problems described herein and / or one or more other problems not discussed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various aspects of the invention.

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary transplanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates an exemplary selectable handle structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates an exemplary selectable handle structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 2C] 2C illustrates an exemplary implanter stored using the bent handle configuration of FIG. 2B according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 13A-13C show details of an exemplary arrangement for adjusting the height of a guide wheel of a transplanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates alternative narrow and standard wheel configurations of guide wheels according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an alternative narrow wheel configuration and a standard wheel configuration for a closed wheel according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary base of an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6D] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6E] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6F] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6G] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6H] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6I] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 6J] 1 illustrates an exemplary rear portion of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A]1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7D] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7E] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7F] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7G] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7H] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7I] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 7J] 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a base for an implanter according to one embodiment. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates an exemplary implanter in use according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates an exemplary implanter in use according to one embodiment. [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates an exemplary implanter in use according to one embodiment. [Figure 8D] 1 illustrates an exemplary implanter in use according to one embodiment.

[0017] It should be noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Aspects of the present invention are directed to a transplanter having one or more features that address one or more shortcomings in conventional transplanters. An embodiment of the transplanter includes a base structure including a frame structure configured to support a tray, an operating handle structure, and a chute. The frame structure can include a furrow former for forming a furrow in the soil, and the transplanter can also include a furrow filling structure configured to fill the furrow beyond the end of the chute. An embodiment of the operating handle structure can allow one or more attributes of the operating handle to be selectively reconfigured. An embodiment of the base structure can be fabricated from one or more injection molded parts.

[0019] 1 illustrates an exemplary implanter 10 according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the implanter 10 includes an operating handle structure 20, a frame structure 30, a base structure 40, a guide wheel structure 50, and a groove filling structure 60. Exemplary features of embodiments of each of these structures are further described in conjunction with the various figures presented herein.

[0020] An embodiment of the operating handle structure 20 can include one or more interchangeable features. For example, the operating handle structure 20 is shown to include a fixed extension 22 and an adjustable extension 24. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the adjustable extension 24 can attach one of at least two selectable handle structures to the fixed extension 22. In particular, in a first configuration shown in Figure 2A, the fixed extension 22 can be attached at a first angle where the adjustable extension 24 extends substantially linearly from the fixed extension 22. In a second configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2B, the fixed extension 22 can be attached at a second angle where the adjustable extension 24 extends at a bent angle ranging from 90 degrees to 180 degrees from the fixed extension 22.

[0021] As shown, the operating handle structure 20 can include a connector piece 28 that allows for selective configuration of the adjustable extensions 24 in each of two configurations. In particular, to allow for the first configuration shown in FIG. 2A, the connector piece 28 can include two aligned ends, each of which is configured to allow connection with a corresponding end of the extensions 22, 24 using, for example, a male / female connection. For example, as shown, each end of the connector piece 25 can have an opening sized to allow an end of each extension 22, 24 to be inserted therein. Each extension 22, 24 can be secured to the connector piece 28, for example, using a pin inserted into a corresponding opening located on both the connector piece 28 and on the side of each extension 22, 24.

[0022] To allow for the second configuration shown in FIG. 2A, the connector piece 28 can further include an angled end. The angled end can be secured at a fixed angle to the two aligned ends using any solution (e.g., welding). The fixed angle can be selected to provide a desired angle between the extensions 22, 24. As shown in FIG. 2B, the angled end can be sized to be inserted into the end of the fixed extension 22 and secured thereto using, for example, a pin inserted into an opening located on the side of both the angled end and the fixed extension 22. The adjustable extension 24 can be inserted into the aligned end of the connector piece 28. As shown, the aligned end can be configured to allow the adjustable extension 24 to be fully inserted therefrom. Additionally, the adjustable extension 24 can include multiple openings along the side surface between the connector piece 28 and the grip 26 that allow for the selection of any of multiple intervals at which the adjustable extension 24 can be secured to the connector piece 28 (e.g., using a pin inserted therein).

[0023] The bent angle configuration of the adjustable extension 24 shown in Figures 1 and 2B can provide several advantages. For example, when planting along a furrow, the operator can be closer to where the paper pot enters the ground, thereby providing better visibility of the planting process. Additionally, the overall length of the transplanter 10 can be shortened, allowing the transplanter 10 to be used closer to structures and other plantings, thus preventing the transplanter 10 from being operated to the end of the planting row.

[0024] The shorter overall length also allows for less storage space. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2C, one embodiment of the transplanter 10 has an angle of the adjustable extension 24 selected such that the adjustable extension 24 and grip 26 provide a base for supporting the transplanter 10 on the surface 2, allowing the transplanter 10 to be stored in an upright position. In this range, the transplanter 10 can be adequately balanced in each orientation, and the adjustable extension 24 and grip 26 can provide an adequate stand for independently supporting the transplanter 10 on a substantially horizontal surface 2.

[0025] Although the handle structure 20 is shown as allowing for an adjustable angle between the fixed extension 22 and the adjustable extension 24, it is understood that this is merely an exemplary configuration. For example, embodiments of the handle structure 20 may include no adjustable attributes, additional adjustable attributes, or alternative adjustable attributes. To this extent, embodiments of the handle structure 20 may include a fixed extension 22 and / or an adjustable extension 24 having an adjustable length (e.g., a telescoping structure with a hole for inserting a pin). Additionally, embodiments of the grip 26 may be selectively positioned in the center of the adjustable extension 24 or may be moved to one side or the other of the adjustable extension 24.

[0026] It will be understood that the use of the connector piece 28 and pins as illustrated and described herein to achieve an adjustable angle between the fixed extension 22 and the adjustable extension 24 are merely illustrative of various solutions that may be used to implement the handle structure 20 having the adjustable extension 24 fixable at two or more angles relative to the fixed extension 22. For example, the connector piece 28 may include two ends, each of which may be temporarily or permanently attached to a corresponding end of the extensions 22, 24, which may be selectively rotated relative to one another and fixed at two or more desired angles relative to one another (e.g., by using a multiple toothed structure, tightening the joint, etc.).

[0027] The handle structure 20 can be attached to the rear end of the longitudinal support structure 32 of the frame structure 30 using an interface plate 34 (e.g., using a pair of bolts and nuts) attached to the rear end of the longitudinal support structure 32 of the frame structure 30. Additionally, the fixed extension 22 can be coupled to the guide wheel structure 50. In one embodiment, the various components of the handle structure 20, the frame structure 30, and the guide wheel structure 50 are made using powder coated steel. For example, the various components can be made from steel tubes or sheet metal. However, it is understood that one or more components can be manufactured from a suitable material, such as aluminum, fiberglass, composites, etc.

[0028] 3 shows a detailed view of an exemplary guide wheel structure 50 and interface plate 34 configuration of an implanter that allows a user to adjust the height that fixed extension 22 extends above the height of guide wheels 58A, 58B according to one embodiment. In this case, guide wheels 58A, 58B are attached to a guide wheel axle 56 that extends through the end of guide wheel extension 52. The length that guide wheel extension 52 extends below interface plate 34 can be selectively adjusted using guide wheel adjustment handle 54 to selectively lock guide wheel extension 52 into one of a number of slots in interface plate 34.

[0029] Additionally, the guide wheel structure 50 may allow the distance between the guide wheels 58A, 58B to be adjustable. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates a narrow wheel configuration 50A and a standard wheel configuration 50B of the guide wheels 58A, 58B according to one embodiment. As shown, this embodiment allows each guide wheel 58A, 58B to be positioned in one of two or more positions along the length of the guide wheel axle 56. With the narrow wheel configuration 50A, the plantings may be spaced closer together than would be the case with the standard wheel configuration 50B. However, the standard wheel configuration 50B may be suitable for most plantings and provide additional stability.

[0030] The narrow and standard wheel configurations 50A, 50B can be implemented using any solution. For example, in one embodiment, in the standard wheel configuration 50B, the guide wheel axle 56 can include openings on the opposing sides of the guide wheels 58A, 58B, into which a cotter pin 59 or the like can be inserted to hold the guide wheels 58A, 58B in a desired position. For the narrow wheel configuration 50A, the openings used for the inside of the guide wheels 58A, 58B of the standard wheel configuration 50B can be used to hold the outside of the guide wheels 58A, 58B of the narrow wheel configuration 50A. The guide wheel axle 56 can also include openings to space the inside of the guide wheels 58A, 58B from the guide wheel extension 52 and fix them in place on the narrow wheel configuration 50A. Alternatively, each guide wheel 58A, 58B can include a structure protruding therefrom to provide a minimum spacing between the guide wheels 58A, 58B and the guide wheel extension 52.

[0031] While two spacing configurations are shown, it is understood that embodiments can allow for additional spacing configurations, for example, by including additional openings in the guide wheel axles 56. Additionally, it is understood that a configuration in which one guide wheel is closer to the guide wheel extension 52 than the other guide wheel can be utilized, for example, to allow the transplanter 10 to operate closer to an existing crop on the corresponding side of the closer guide wheel.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, the transplanter 10 includes an upper paper pot support frame 36A and a lower paper pot support frame 36B that are attached (e.g., by welding or fasteners) to the longitudinal support structure 32 and are configured to support a standard tray 3 that holds a chain of paper pots. In use, the tray 3 of paper pots can rest on the paper pot support frames 36A, 36B and abut the rear end of the base structure 40. The base structure 40 is also attached (e.g., using fasteners) to the longitudinal support structure 32. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, the longitudinal support structure 32 can include an upper longitudinal support structure 32A and a lower longitudinal support structure 32B. The upper and lower longitudinal support structures 32A, 32B can be attached to each other using any solution, for example, a welded plate and a pair of bolts. Alternatively, the longitudinal support structures 32A, 32B can be individually fixed to the base structure 40.

[0033] The base structure 40 is configured to allow the paper pots to enter the base structure 40 from any lateral position of the microgreen tray 3 attached to the paper pot support frames 36A, 36B, travel along the chute 46 and then enter the ground through the grooves formed by the groove former 38.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the front end of the transplanter 10 may include a furrow filling structure 60 configured to push soil previously displaced by the furrow former 38 back into the furrow with the paper pots and corresponding seedlings after exiting the chute 46. One embodiment of the furrow filling structure 60 may be made using stainless steel. However, it is understood that any suitable material may be used, such as aluminum, fiberglass, low density polyethylene (LDPE), and / or the like. One embodiment of the furrow filling structure 60 may include an angled closing wheel 64 and a closing plow 66. As shown in FIG. 4B, the furrow filling structure 60 may also include a narrow closing wheel configuration 60A and a standard closing wheel configuration 60B. The alternative configurations 60A, 60B may be mounted using any solution. For example, each configuration 60A, 60B may use different angled wheel mounts 62 providing different angles and / or side lengths, such that the angled wheels 64 are positioned closer or farther apart from each other. In one embodiment, the angled wheel mount 62 may include one or more structures that are adjustable by an end user to provide a desired spacing between the closing wheels 64 .

[0035] Returning to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the base structure 40 is fabricated using injection molding. In a more particular embodiment, the base structure 40 is formed of two injection molded parts, a rear portion 42 and a front portion 44. The use of injection molded parts can reduce wear and tear due to rust and can reduce movement and deflection of the base structure 40 during use that can occur with structures made of sheet metal parts as used in the prior art. Additionally, the use of injection molded parts can reduce the number of parts, the amount of material forming the base structure 40, and can make the base structure 40 lighter than one manufactured using sheet metal. As a result, the overall weight of the transplanter 10 can be significantly reduced, making it easier for one person to carry and use.

[0036] The inventors have found that the sheet metal used in making the chutes in prior art transplanters can cause the paper pot to get stuck at all the connections. The shape of the base structure 40 is complex with a combination of curves and angles, so there is no way to make a continuous sheet metal for this application. Using injection molded parts to make the base structure 40 can provide a smooth shape with no connections, allowing the paper pot to slide easily without hindrance.

[0037] Furthermore, the inventors have found that the sheet metal parts used in the prior art transplanters deform during use, during transportation, and at different temperatures. In contrast, the injection molded base structure 40 is much more rigid and retains the same shape. This is particularly beneficial for the shoot 46, which remains constant in shape and does not squeeze the paper pots that move through it during planting. To this extent, the interface between the bottom of the base structure 40, including the funnel-shaped rear portion 42 and the shoot 46, and the side walls is smooth and connected to the side walls, which makes the movement of the pots across the base structure 40 even easier and unhindered.

[0038] The injection molded embodiment of the base structure 40 can also provide additional advantages. For example, such advantages include the ability to have a thinner profile for the transplanter 10 since structural integrity for the base structure 40 can be achieved in a smaller space than is achievable with sheet metal. During use, the transplanter 10 may be exposed to damp conditions. Under such conditions, sheet metal may quickly rust. The injection molded base structure 40 does not have such a problem. Additionally, thin sheets of metal may absorb large amounts of heat when used or stored in a sunny location. Such heat can dry out seedlings in paper pots and cause the roots to wither. In contrast, the injection molded base structure 40 can maintain a much cooler temperature under such conditions.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a plan view of an exemplary base 40 for an implanter 10 according to one embodiment. Figures 6A-6J show plan, bottom, front, back, left side, right side, and various perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary rear portion 42 of a base for an implanter 10 according to one embodiment. Figures 7A-7J show plan, bottom, front, back, left side, right side, and various perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary front portion 44 of a base for an implanter 10 according to one embodiment.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5-7J, the rear portion 42 of the base 40 can have a funnel-like shape, including a wide inlet end 42A and a narrow outlet end 42B. The rear portion 42 can have a transition region between the respective ends 42A, 42B, which has a smooth shape with a smaller lateral width moving away from the wide inlet end 42A. The inlet end 42A can have a width that corresponds approximately to the width of the adjacent tray 3. In one embodiment, the width of the inlet end 42A can be slightly smaller than the width of the tray 3, which can help hold the tray 3 in a predetermined position and in a desired orientation. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, the inlet end 42A can include a set of vertical structures 42C, which can be configured to be approximately abutting against the tray 3. For example, the set of vertical structures 42C can form a vertical wall. Each of the set of vertical structures 42C may have a height equal to or less than that of the tray 3 so as not to impede the traversal of the paper pot therefrom.

[0041] The rear portion 42 of the base 40 and the front portion 44 of the base 40 can meet at the beginning of the chute 46. For example, each portion 42, 44 can have angled ends that are complementary to one another and abut when attached to the frame structure 30. However, it should be understood that this is merely an example. An embodiment of the base 40 can be made using a single injection molded part, or two or more injection molded parts that can be joined at any desired location of the base 40. In one embodiment, each injection molded part is made using a polymer that provides a rigid material that does not easily break.

[0042] As shown in the drawings, each section 42, 44 may include a lattice-like structure on its bottom side to provide additional support to the corresponding section without adding significant weight to the corresponding section. Additionally, the closing wheel mount 48 on the front section 44 of the base 40 may include structure to provide additional support and / or aid in proper alignment of the groove filling structure 60 when the groove filling structure 60 is attached thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 7A, the front section 44 of the base 40 may include structure that extends beyond each side of the end 46A of the chute 46. Each structure may include a projection 49 that is sized to receive a slot 62A included in the end of the angled wheel mount 62. Once the slot 62A is properly positioned around the projection 49, the opening of the angled wheel mount 62 may align with the closing wheel mount 48 to allow the angled wheel mount 62 to be secured to the front section 44 of the base 40, such as with a wing bolt. The projections 49 and slots 62A allow the corresponding closing plows 55 and closing wheels 64 to properly align with the grooves formed by the chute 46 and furrow former 38. This alignment allows for preset or resettable spacing between the closing structures located on opposite sides of the chute 46.

[0043] 8A-8D show various views illustrating the use of an exemplary transplanter according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the paper pot tray 3 can be placed on the paper pot support frames 36A, 36B and can abut against the rear end of the base structure 40. The weight of the transplanter 10 can be generally balanced on the opposite sides of the carrying handle 39 (not shown in FIG. 8B for clarity) so that the user can carry the transplanter 10 by the carrying handle 39 alone, and the base structure 40 of the transplanter 10 can maintain a generally horizontal orientation. The user can use the carrying handle 39 and the grip 26 to place the transplanter 10 in a desired location and start using it.

[0044] The paper pot tray 3 includes a paper pot chain 5 that includes a plurality of paper pots 5A connected in series. Generally, most or all of the paper pots 5A can contain transplants of plants for planting in the field. Each transplant can be the same type of plant or can contain a plurality of different plants. The paper pots 5A can have any desired amount of predetermined spacing along the paper pot chain 5, which can be altered based on the type of plant being planted.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp 3A is placed under the paper pots 5A in front of the paper pot tray 3 to lift the paper pots 5 above the paper pot tray 3 and allow the paper pots 5A to easily cross the base 40 before exiting the chute 46. Generally, a user can pull the transplanter 10 by holding the grip 26 along the furrows of the field. As shown in more detail in Figures 8C and 8D, the pulling motion causes the furrow former 38 to form a furrow in the soil 7, causing the chain of paper pots 5 to fall into the furrow at the end 46A of the chute 46 across the base structure 40 and the angled wheel 64 and furrow filling structure 66 to return the soil to the furrow and onto the paper pots 5A located therein. The angled wheel 64 and furrow filling plow 66 can be of any size, position, and angle suitable to return the soil to the furrow without damaging the transplanted plants therein. To create a furrow, the first paper pot 5A of the paper pot chain 5 can be fed through the base structure 40 and the paper pot chain 5 and / or paper pot 5A can be embedded in the soil, so that the remaining paper pots 5A of the paper pot chain 5 can be pulled along the base structure 40 as the transplanter 10 moves.

[0046] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "set" means one or more (i.e., at least one), and the phrase "any solution" means any solution now known or later developed. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "comprises," "includes," "has," and their respective related forms, as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features and / or groups thereof.

[0047] The foregoing description of various aspects of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations apparent to those skilled in the art are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transplanter, a guide wheel structure having a set of guide wheels, the set of guide wheels including two guide wheels; a frame structure including a longitudinal support structure and a set of frames configured to support a tray having a paper pot chain including a plurality of seedlings; an operating handle structure including a fixed extension coupled to at least one of the guide wheel structure or a first end of the longitudinal support structure and attached to at least one of the first ends of the guide wheel structure and / or the longitudinal support structure, an adjustable extension configured to be attached to the fixed extension, a connector piece for enabling attachment of the adjustable extension to the fixed extension at one of a plurality of selectable angles between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension, and a grip connected to the adjustable extension for pulling the transplanter; a base structure made from at least one injection molded part, connected to the longitudinal support structure and extending beyond the second end of the longitudinal support structure, the base structure including a rear end, a funnel-shaped rear portion, and a chute; the base structure is configured to support the tray at the rear end and guide the paper pot chain from the tray along the funnel-shaped rear portion to the shoot and away from the transplanter when a user pulls the transplanter to plant the seedlings in a row; At least one of the plurality of selectable angles, the adjustable extension and the grip allow the transplanter to be supported in an upright position on a horizontal surface. transplant machine.

2. the base structure includes at least two injection molded parts; The injection molded part comprises: a rear portion having a funnel-shaped configuration; A front portion constituting the chute; Including, 2. The transplanter of claim 1.

3. the frame structure further comprising a furrow former configured to form a furrow in the soil; the transplanter further comprising a groove filling structure configured to fill the groove; the groove fill structure is attached to the base structure beyond an end of the chute; 2. The transplanter of claim 1.

4. the furrow filling structure includes a pair of angled furrow filling plows on opposite sides of the chute; A transplanter according to claim 3.

5. The groove filling structure includes a pair of angled groove filling wheels disposed on opposite sides of the chute. A transplanter according to claim 3.

6. The length of the adjustable extension extending from the end of the fixed extension is adjustable.

2. The transplanter of claim 1.

7. The connector piece enables attachment of the adjustable extension to the fixed extension at one of two selectable angles between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension.

2. The transplanter of claim 1.

8. The two guide wheels are configured to select and set one of at least two preset intervals.

2. The transplanter of claim 1.

9. A transplanter, a guide wheel structure including a set of guide wheels; A frame structure; a set of frames configured to support the tray; a furrow former configured to form a furrow in the soil; an operating handle structure coupled to a guide wheel structure and to the frame structure, the operating handle structure including a fixed extension attached to the frame structure and to the guide wheel structure, an adjustable extension configured to be attached to the fixed extension, and a grip attached to an end of the adjustable extension for operating the transplanter, wherein an angle between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension is selectively adjustable; a base structure formed from at least one injection molded part, the base structure including a funnel-shaped rear portion and a chute extending from the funnel-shaped rear portion; a groove filling structure attached to the base structure beyond an end of the chute and configured to fill the groove; Including, At least one of said selectively adjustable angles allows said adjustable extension and said grip to support said transplanter in an upright position on a horizontal surface. transplant machine.

10. the length of the adjustable extension extending from the end of the fixed extension is selectively adjustable; 10. A transplanter according to claim 9.

11. The base structure includes at least two injection molded parts, including a rear portion defining a funnel shape and a front portion defining a chute.

10. A transplanter according to claim 9.

12. the furrow filling structure includes a pair of angled furrow filling plows disposed on opposite sides of the chute; 10. A transplanter according to claim 9.

13. The groove filling structure includes a pair of angled groove filling wheels disposed on opposite sides of the chute.

10. A transplanter according to claim 9.

14. the operating handle structure further including a connector piece for enabling attachment of the adjustable extension to the fixed extension at one of a plurality of selectable angles between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension.

10. A transplanter according to claim 9.

15. the set of guide wheels includes two guide wheels configured to be selectively positioned to have one of a plurality of different spacings therebetween; 10. A transplanter according to claim 9.

16. A transplanter, a guide wheel structure including a set of guide wheels; A frame structure; a set of frames configured to support the tray; a furrow former configured to form a furrow in the soil; an operating handle structure coupled to the guide wheel structure and the frame structure, the operating handle structure including a fixed extension attached to the frame structure and the guide wheel structure, an adjustable extension attached to the fixed extension, an angle between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension being selectively adjustable, and a grip attached to an end of the adjustable extension for operating the transplanter, the angle between the fixed extension and the adjustable extension being selectively adjustable; a base structure including a chute and made from at least one injection molded part; a groove filling structure configured to fill the groove and attached to the base structure beyond an end of the chute; Including, At least one of said selectively adjustable angles allows said adjustable extension and said grip to support said transplanter in an upright position on a horizontal surface. transplant machine.

17. The groove filling structure is a pair of angled furrow filling plows on opposite sides of the chute; a pair of angled groove filling wheels disposed on opposite sides of the chute; 17. A transplanter according to claim 16.

18. further comprising a transportation handle attached to the frame structure.

17. A transplanter according to claim 16.

19. the transplanter further comprises a groove filling structure configured to fill a groove for one row of seedlings when pulled by the user; the groove filling structure includes a pair of angled closing wheels positioned over an end of the chute, the angled closing wheels having at least two selectable preset spacings; 2. The transplanter of claim 1.

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