Apparatus and method for applying a liquid chemical

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to a garden bed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame supporting a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure being in engagement with an applicator for contacting the area to apply the liquid thereto, wherein the liquid is applied to the applicator within the enclosure. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame supporting one or more enclosures and a liquid distribution system having at least one nozzle disposed within each enclosure for applying the liquid onto a furrow. The invention also relates to methods of applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed between crops, and / or to a furrow adjacent a garden bed and / or a side of the garden bed, using an apparatus of the invention. In particular examples, the liquid chemical is a herbicide.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A LIQUID CHEMICAL

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to a garden bed, in particular to an area of a garden bed between crops in approximately parallel rows, or to a furrow adjacent of a garden bed and / or a side of the garden bed, and related methods. In particular examples, the liquid chemical is a herbicide.

[0004] Background

[0005] Using chemicals such as herbicides is an integral part of commercial farming. There is a desire to apply the herbicide selectively to avoid or generally reduce contact with the crop and minimise herbicide use.

[0006] Where a garden bed has a plurality of parallel rows of crops per garden bed, or where there are a series of garden beds separated by a furrow, it can be difficult and time consuming to apply the chemical by hand, which is typically done by spraying. Also, when applying the chemical by hand spraying it is generally impossible to avoid over spray of the chemical onto the crops. In addition to the potential of contacting crops unintentionally, overspray and evaporation lead to wasted chemicals, thereby increasing farming costs.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, one of more of the deficiencies related to the prior art.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed, preferably between crops in approximately parallel rows, including a frame supporting a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure being in engagement with an applicator for contacting the area to apply the liquid thereto, wherein the liquid is applied to the applicator within the enclosure. According to a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, each enclosure has an open base configured to closely pass over the area and the applicator is positioned at an edge of the enclosure which is rearward in use.

[0010] The apparatus may further include a liquid distribution system having at least one nozzle disposed within each enclosure for applying the liquid onto the applicator. The nozzle may be of any suitable type. Preferably, the nozzles are dripper nozzles. Preferably, each enclosure has 3, more preferably 5, dripper nozzles. In preferred embodiments, when the apparatus is in use, the nozzles drip the liquid onto the applicator.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid distribution system includes a tank to store the liquid. The tanks may be in communication with the nozzles via a manifold.

[0012] In a preferred form, the enclosure has side walls, a front wall at an edge which is forward in use and an upper wall, the walls and garden bed substantially defining a space for containing liquid and reducing overspray.

[0013] The applicator may be of any suitable type. Preferably, the applicator is configured to contact the area as the apparatus travels over the garden bed. Preferably, the applicator includes a plurality of flexible elongate members such as chains, strips or bristles. Preferably, the applicator includes a brush and / or a flexible chain, e.g. a plastic chain. Where the applicator includes a chain(s), the chains may make better contact with the inconsistent surface and shape of the furrows.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, one or more of the applicators may be in engagement with the enclosure via an articulated joint, such as a hinge. This facilitates contact of the applicator with the garden bed, so that when the applicator makes contact with the area it swings back in an arc at an angle of between approximately 10 and 80 degrees, preferably between approximately 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably approximately 45 degrees. When the apparatus is in use, this angle may change to accommodate irregularities in the garden bed. In use, when the frame is lifted up and the applicator is no longer making contact with the garden bed, the applicator hangs approximately vertical. The apparatus of the present invention provides the advantage that the liquid is wiped onto the area, thereby reducing airborne droplets of liquid and / or overspray onto the crop. This is facilitated by the liquid being applied to the applicator within the enclosure, preferably via a drip mechanism. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, drippers drip the liquid, e.g. herbicide onto the applicator which is in the form of a brush, and the brush wipes over weeds. This spreads the herbicide out over the bristles of the brush, thereby requiring fewer drippers and less herbicide. This arrangement also reduces or prevents large droplets of the liquid from landing directly onto the ground, splattering and smashing into smaller airborne droplets.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to a furrow adjacent a garden bed, optionally including a side of the garden bed, and including a frame supporting one or more enclosures within which the liquid chemical is applied; and a liquid distribution system having at least one nozzle disposed within each enclosure for applying the liquid onto the furrow.

[0016] The nozzle(s) may be of any suitable type. Preferably, the nozzles are dripper nozzles. The nozzles may be arranged to form a nozzle array. The nozzle array may include two or more rows of nozzles, more preferably two or three rows. Preferably, each enclosure includes a nozzle array having approximately 50 to 150, more preferably approximately 70 to 110, dripper nozzles. These may be arranged in rows, e.g. in two or three rows. In preferred embodiments, when the apparatus is in use, the nozzles drip the liquid directly onto the furrow and / or side of the garden bed.

[0017] Preferably, the liquid distribution system includes a tank to store the liquid. The tanks may be in communication with the nozzles via a manifold.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each enclosure has an open base configured to closely pass over the furrow and one or more shields, preferably a shield positioned at, or near, an edge of the enclosure which is rearward in use, and optionally including a further shield positioned at, or near, an edge of the enclosure which is forward in use. In a preferred form, the enclosure has side walls, a front wall at an edge which is forward in use and an upper wall, the walls and garden bed substantially defining a space for containing liquid and reducing overspray.

[0019] Preferably, the shield includes a plurality of flexible elongate members such as chains, strips or bristles. In a preferred form the shield may comprise brush(es). In this aspect of the invention, the brush(s) are designed to provide wind protection and do not make substantial contact with the herbicide.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the shield(s) may be in engagement with the enclosure via an articulated joint, such as a hinge. When the apparatus is in use, the shield(s) may hang approximately vertical.

[0021] The apparatus of the present invention provides the advantage that the liquid is applied onto the area to be treated, thereby reducing airborne droplets of liquid and / or overspray onto the crop. This is facilitated by the liquid being applied to the nozzle array, with the nozzle array dripping the liquid directly onto weeds in the area to be treated.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus further includes lateral enclosures disposed at lateral sides of the apparatus for applying liquid to a side of the garden bed and a furrow between adjacent beds, the lateral enclosures having an open base configured to pass over the sides of the garden bed and furrows, each enclosure being in engagement with a nozzle array for applying the liquid to the sides of the garden bed and furrows. The liquid may be applied to the nozzle array within the enclosure.

[0023] In such embodiments, the nozzle(s) in the lateral enclosures may be of any suitable type. Preferably, the nozzles are dripper nozzles. The nozzles may be arranged to form a nozzle array. The nozzle array may include two or more rows of nozzles, more preferably two or three rows. Preferably, each enclosure includes a nozzle array having approximately 50 to 150, more preferably approximately 70 to 110, dripper nozzles. These may be arranged in rows, e.g. in two or three rows. In preferred embodiments, when the apparatus is in use, the nozzles drip the liquid directly onto the furrow and side of the garden bed. In such embodiments, the shield may extend along a side of the enclosure which is outermost in use.

[0024] In all aspects, the apparatus of the present invention may be mounted on wheels and configured for towing behind or in front of a vehicle such as a tractor. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to be mid-mounted on a vehicle such as a tractor. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may be self-propelled and or autonomous.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus may include means for facilitating lining up of an applicator or apparatus with the area of the garden bed between the crops in approximately parallel rows, or with the furrow(s) adjacent the garden bed and / or the side of the garden bed. In practice, the rows of crops and furrows are not exactly straight and / or exactly parallel with the edge of the garden bed. To accommodate this, the apparatus may include a side-shift function, preferably in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, which facilitates lining up of the applicator with the area. In use, this may allow the operator to make adjustments from the vehicle, e.g. tractor cabin, to line up the applicator or apparatus with the area.

[0026] In additional and / or alternate embodiments, camera guidance systems may be used for facilitating lining up of an applicator or apparatus with the area of the garden bed between the crops in approximately parallel rows, or with the furrow(s) adjacent the garden bed and / or the side of the garden bed. In these embodiments the camera guidance system may automatically line up the applicator or apparatus with the garden bed, such that the operator does not need to do this manually.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus may include a height control system to facilitate keeping the applicator or nozzle array at an appropriate height from and / or approximately level with the surface of the garden bed, which in turn facilitates precise application of the liquid chemical. In preferred embodiments, the height control system facilitates keeping the enclosures in close proximity to and / or in contact with the surface of the garden bed or furrow. More preferably, the height control system facilitates keeping the open base of each enclosure in close proximity to and / or in contact with the surface of the garden bed or furrow. In preferred embodiments, the height control system may comprise one or more, preferably two, ground level indicators, preferably positioned in front of the applicator (see Figure 9) or nozzle array and one or more, preferably four, limit switches (see Figure 10) which activate to lower or raise the one or more ground level indicators if the terrain of the garden bed changes, for example if the bed dips, rises or is no longer level. In preferred embodiments, the limit switches activate one or more, preferably four, coils which may be connected to a hydraulic valve block, preferably via one or more, preferably two, cartridge valves (see Figure 15). In preferred embodiments, the hydraulic valve communicates with one or more, preferably two, hydraulic depth wheels, which lower or raise the one or more ground level indicators as required to maintain the apparatus at an appropriate height from and / or approximately level with the surface of the garden bed.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the height control system may be controlled by a control box (see figure 12), located conveniently for an operator of the apparatus, for example in the cabin of a tractor. Preferably the control box has two modes, manual and automatic. In manual mode, the operator may use the control box to raise and lower the one or more hydraulic depth wheels. In automatic mode, the ground level indicators may control the one or more hydraulic depth wheels in the manner described herein.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed between crops, and / or to a furrow adjacent a garden bed and / or a side of the garden bed, using an apparatus of the present invention, as hereinbefore described.

[0030] Preferably the liquid chemical is a herbicide.

[0031] Brief description of the drawings

[0032] In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed between crops in approximately parallel rows according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a rear view of the apparatus of Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sub assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1 , with various parts removed for clarity.

[0035] Figure 4 is a rear view of the apparatus of Figure 3.

[0036] Figure 5 is an example of a garden bed, furrows adjacent the garden bed and sides of the garden bed, to which a liquid chemical may be applied using an apparatus of the invention.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the enclosures and applicators of an apparatus of the invention.

[0038] Figure 7 is a close-up view of an enclosure and applicator of an apparatus of the invention.

[0039] Figure 8 shows the hydraulic depth wheel mechanism.

[0040] Figure 9 shows the shoes of the height control system of an apparatus of the invention.

[0041] Figure 10 shows the limit switches of the height control system of an apparatus of the invention inside die cast aluminium housing.

[0042] Figure 11 shows the electrical box of the height control system of an apparatus of the invention containing relays, diodes and fuses.

[0043] Figure 12 shows the control box of the height control system of an apparatus of the invention, which sits in a tractor cabin.

[0044] Figure 13 shows the manifold through which the liquid herbicide passes. In use, the liquid herbicide passes through the manifold to the enclosures and thence to the applicator. The manifold incorporates a high / low flow detection system comprising of transparent sight glasses and weighted balls. There are seven in total, one for each group of drippers. If there is a blockage in the system, the flow will decrease and the ball will float down low or sit in the bottom of the transparent housing. If there is a leak or a blowout, the ball will float up high due to the increased flow. When the flow rate is correct, the ball will sit in about the middle range. There are different weighted balls for different flow rates.

[0045] Figure 14 shows the height control shoes. This angle shows how they are adjustable both in height and width.

[0046] Figure 15 shows the valve block of the height control system of an apparatus of the invention, containing four coils, two cartridge vales and two speed control valves.

[0047] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to a furrow(s) adjacent a garden bed and / or to a side of the garden bed, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Figure 17 is a close-up view of an enclosure and nozzle array of the apparatus of Figure 16.

[0049] Figure 18 is a view of the underneath of an apparatus of one embodiment of the invention, showing a frame supporting a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure being in engagement with a brush for applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed between crops. The liquid chemical is applied to each brush by the dripper nozzles within each enclosure. The apparatus further includes lateral enclosures for applying liquid to a side of the garden bed and / or a furrow between adjacent beds. The lateral enclosures each have a nozzle array for dripping the liquid directly onto the sides of the garden bed and / or furrow. The lateral enclosures include brush shields positioned at an edge of each lateral enclosure which is rearward in use, at an edge of each lateral enclosure which is forward in use, and along the side of each lateral enclosure which is outermost in use.

[0050] Detailed description

[0051] An apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 1. The apparatus 10 is configured for applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed 18 between crops 20 in parallel rows, to control weeds in those areas. Such a garden bed 18 is illustrated in Figure 5. In the described embodiment the liquid is a herbicide. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the apparatus 10 incorporated into a towable vehicle 44 for mounting behind a tractor using a conventional three-point hitch. The towable vehicle 44 has a frame 42 and wheels 40. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the apparatus 10 removed from the towable vehicle 44 so that the features of the apparatus 10 may more easily be seen.

[0052] With reference to Figures 3, 4 and 6, the apparatus 10 comprises a frame 12 supporting a plurality of enclosures 14, each enclosure 14 being in engagement with an applicator 16 for contacting a desired garden bed area to apply the liquid thereto. The liquid is applied to the applicator 16 within the enclosure 14. By applying the liquid to the applicator 16 within the enclosure, overspray may be greatly reduced and preferably substantially eliminated. Also, evaporation into the atmosphere may be reduced, thereby reducing chemical usage.

[0053] Each enclosure 14 has an open base configured to closely pass over the area to which the liquid is to be applied to reduce the potential for overspray or evaporation. Applicator 16 is positioned at an edge of the enclosure which is rearward in use. Each applicator 16 is a brush configured to contact the garden bed as the apparatus 10 travels over the garden bed, thereby applying the liquid to the garden bed at the desired location without applying the liquid to the crops. The brushes are coarse brushes, similar to those used in industrial sweepers and essentially brush the liquid chemical onto the garden bed.

[0054] Each enclosure 14 has side walls 22, a front wall 24 at an edge which is forward in use, a rear wall 26 at an edge which is rearward in use and an upper wall 28. The walls 22, 24, 26, 28, applicator 16 and garden bed substantially define a space for containing liquid and vapours and reducing overspray. A gap may be provided between the front wall 24 and the garden bed, to allow air into the enclosure 14 and also to prevent the lower forward edge from catching on the garden bed. Although the enclosure is shown in a generally boxy configuration, it will be appreciated that it may take other shapes and forms.

[0055] Enclosures 14, as illustrated, are formed of sheet metal material, though it will be appreciated that they may be formed of other materials also. Depending on the liquid chemical to be used, an anti-corrosion coating may need to be applied. Each enclosure is preferably 130 mm wide and spaced 215 mm from each other. A liquid distribution system 32 is provided for supplying liquid from the tank 30, which preferably has a capacity of 200 litres. The liquid distribution system 32 runs from a 12volt electric pump with a series of valve pressure gauges along a manifold to distribute the chemical to the enclosures 14. The liquid distribution system 32 has at least one nozzle which is disposed within each enclosure 14 for applying the liquid onto the applicator 16. As can be seen in Figure 7, in the illustrated embodiment each enclosure has 5 dripper nozzles 50. Preferably the nozzles are pressure compensating dripper nozzles that run at a pressure of around 15psi. Such an arrangement should provide a generally even flow in the range of approximately 2 to 6 litres per hour, which has been found to apply a desired amount of herbicide to a garden bed with a tractor travelling at 2 to 3 kilometres per hour.

[0056] Apparatus 10 further includes lateral enclosures 34 disposed at lateral sides thereof. The lateral enclosures 34 are similarly configured to enclosures 14 described above and also are used to apply liquid to a side of the garden bed 46 and / or a furrow 48 between adjacent beds, for controlling weeds in those areas. The sides of the garden bed 46 and furrow 48 can be seen in Figure 5. The lateral enclosures 34 also have an open base configured to pass over the sides of the garden bed 46 and furrows 48 and each enclosure 34 has an applicator 36 for contacting the sides of the garden bed 46 and furrows 48 to apply the herbicide thereto. As described above, the liquid is applied to the applicator 36 within the enclosure 34, preferably using dripper nozzles of the above- described type, thereby reducing the potential for overspray or evaporation.

[0057] Applicator 36 extends along a side of the enclosure 34 which is outermost in use. At an edge of the enclosure 34 which is rearward in use, there is provided a cover in the form of plastic strips that together form a shield that can adapt to the varying level of the side of the garden bed.

[0058] Although the apparatus 10 is described as being part of a towable vehicle 44 and travelling on wheels, it may be otherwise configured and may not be provided with wheels. In addition to the wheels or instead of, the apparatus 10 may be provided with skids for skidding along the garden bed.

[0059] Apparatus 10 is used in a method of applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed between crops. In use, the apparatus is towed behind a farm vehicle such as a tractor and liquid chemical is filled in the tank. The liquid distribution system 32 is operated while the apparatus is being towed to apply the liquid chemical to the garden bed. The liquid chemical is preferably a herbicide, preferably one containing glyphosate, though it will be appreciated that other chemicals may also be used.

[0060] To facilitate precise herbicide application, the herbicide applicator machine may include a height control system to keep it at the correct height and level with the top of the seedbed 18.

[0061] The system is illustrated in Figures 8 to 15 and comprises of the following:

[0062] Two ground level indicators in the form of shoes 52 positioned closely in front of the applicator 16.

[0063] One control box 54

[0064] Two hydraulic depth wheels 56

[0065] One hydraulic valve block 58

[0066] Two Cartridge valves 60

[0067] Four Coils 62

[0068] Four Limit switches 64

[0069] The left shoe 52a is positioned towards the left side of the bed and the right shoe 52b towards the right side of the bed. The height of the shoes 52 and the spacing is fully adjustable. The shoes 52 pivot on a shaft 53 and are designed to maintain contact with the ground at all times. When the bed dips or is no longer level the one or both shoes 52 drop down and trigger a limit switch 64 which then activates a coil 62 connected to a cartridge valve 60 which is connected to a hydraulic valve block 58. Limit switches 64 are contained in a limit switch housing 65 shown in Figure 10. The valve 60 is opened and oil is pumped to the hydraulic depth wheel 56, which lowers the apparatus 10 using hydraulic rams 57 until the shoe 52 comes into contact with the seedbed 18 again. The same thing happens when the seedbed 18 becomes higher the shoe 52 is pushed up triggering the upper limit switch 64 to open the valve 60 which sends oil to the hydraulic depth wheel 56 which raises the unit until the shoe 52 is in the neutral position again. When the shoes 52 are in the neutral position none of the limit switches 64 are activated and therefore the hydraulic system will not respond. A control 54 located in the cabin of the tractor has two modes “auto” and “manual”. There are four push buttons that are connected to each of the four coils 62. When in manual mode the push buttons are used to raise and lower the hydraulic depth wheels. When switched in auto mode the shoes 52 control the hydraulic depth wheels 56.

[0070] Manual mode is used to get the machine 10 at roughly the correct height before starting a pass over a seedbed 18. Once the shoes 52 are over the seedbed 18 the operator flicks a toggle switch which changes the mode from manual to auto. The machine 10 automatically lowers until the shoes 52 make contact with the seedbed 18. When the machine 10 gets to the end of the pass the operator puts it back into manual mode until they start another pass. If not put into manual mode when the shoes 52 are not in contact with the ground the system will continually try to lower the applicator because the shoes 52 are hanging rather than in the neutral position this will result in the hydraulic cylinders fully retracting and overloading the hydraulic system.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11 , an electrical control box 67 is provided, the electrical control box 67 containing relays 63 for switching the coils 62.

[0072] As shown in Figure 13, a sight glass flow indicator system 69 is provided. The herbicide passes through the sight glass flow indicator system 69 which is used to detect blockages, blowouts or leaks in the system.

[0073] Figure 15 shows hydraulic valve block 58, consisting of four coils 62 placed over the two cartridge valves 60, and two hydraulic flow control valves 70.

[0074] An apparatus 10 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 16. The apparatus 10 is configured for applying a liquid chemical to a side of a garden bed 46 and / or a furrow 48 between adjacent beds, to control weeds in those areas. Such a garden bed 18 is illustrated in Figure 5. In the described embodiment the liquid is a herbicide.

[0075] With reference to Figures 16 to 18, the apparatus 10 comprises a frame 12 supporting a plurality of enclosures 14, each enclosure 14 being in engagement with at least one nozzle 50 for applying the liquid directly onto the furrow and side of the garden bed. The liquid is applied to the nozzle(s) 50 within the enclosure 14. By applying the liquid to the nozzle(s) 50 within the enclosure, overspray may be greatly reduced and preferably substantially eliminated. Also, evaporation into the atmosphere may be reduced, thereby reducing chemical usage.

[0076] Each enclosure 14 has an open base configured to closely pass over the area to which the liquid is to be applied to reduce the potential for overspray or evaporation.

[0077] Each enclosure 14 has side walls 22, a front wall 24 at an edge which is forward in use, a rear wall 26 at an edge which is rearward in use and an upper wall 28. The walls 22, 24, 26, 28, nozzle(s) 50 and garden bed substantially define a space for containing liquid and vapours and reducing overspray. A gap may be provided between the front wall 24 and the garden bed, to allow air into the enclosure 14 and also to prevent the lower forward edge from catching on the garden bed. Although the enclosure is shown in a generally boxy configuration, it will be appreciated that it may take other shapes and forms.

[0078] Enclosures 14, as illustrated, are formed of sheet metal material, though it will be appreciated that they may be formed of other materials also. Depending on the liquid chemical to be used, an anti-corrosion coating may need to be applied. Each enclosure is preferably 130 mm wide and spaced 215 mm from each other.

[0079] A liquid distribution system 32 is provided for supplying liquid from the tank 30, which preferably has a capacity of 200 litres. The liquid distribution system 32 runs from a 12 volt electric pump with a series of valve pressure gauges along a manifold to distribute the chemical to the enclosures 14. The liquid distribution system 32 has at least one nozzle 50 which is disposed within each enclosure 14 for applying the liquid onto the furrow. Preferably the nozzles are pressure compensating dripper nozzles that run at a pressure of around 15 psi. Such an arrangement should provide a generally even flow in the range of approximately 2 to 6 litres per hour, which has been found to apply a desired amount of herbicide to a garden bed with a tractor travelling at 2 to 3 kilometres per hour.

[0080] Apparatus 10 further includes lateral enclosures 34 disposed at lateral sides thereof. The lateral enclosures 34 are similarly configured to enclosures 14 described above and also are used to apply liquid to a side of the garden bed 46 and / or a furrow 48 between adjacent beds, for controlling weeds in those areas. The sides of the garden bed 46 and furrow 48 can be seen in Figure 5. The lateral enclosures 34 also have an open base configured to pass over the sides of the garden bed 46 and furrows 48. As described above, the liquid is applied to nozzles 50 within the enclosure 34. The nozzles 50 are arranged in a nozzle array in two rows of the above- described type, thereby reducing the potential for overspray or evaporation.

[0081] A seal 37 in the form of a brush like member extends along sides of the enclosures 14 and 34 which are forward and rearward in use. At an edge of the enclosure 34 which is rearward in use, there is provided a cover in the form of plastic strips that together form a shield that can adapt to the varying level of the side of the garden bed.

[0082] Although the apparatus 10 is described as being part of a towable vehicle 44 and travelling on wheels, it may be otherwise configured and may not be provided with wheels. In addition to the wheels or instead of, the apparatus 10 may be provided with skids for skidding along the garden bed.

[0083] Apparatus 10 is used in a method of applying a liquid chemical to a furrow adjacent a garden bed and / or a side of the garden bed. In use, the apparatus is towed behind a farm vehicle such as a tractor and liquid chemical is filled in the tank. The liquid distribution system 32 is operated while the apparatus is being towed to apply the liquid chemical to the garden bed. The liquid chemical is preferably a herbicide, preferably one containing glyphosate, though it will be appreciated that other chemicals may also be used.

[0084] Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the invention has been described in relation to applying herbicide to a crop, other chemicals such as fungicides or pesticides may also be used.

[0085] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS1 . An apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed, preferably between crops in approximately parallel rows, the apparatus including a frame supporting a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure being in engagement with an applicator for contacting the area to apply the liquid thereto, wherein the liquid is applied to the applicator within the enclosure.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each enclosure has an open base configured to closely pass over the area and the applicator is positioned at an edge of the enclosure which is rearward in use.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further including a liquid distribution system having at least one nozzle disposed within each enclosure for applying the liquid onto the applicator.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the nozzles are dripper nozzles.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each enclosure has 5 dripper nozzles.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure has side walls, a front wall at an edge which is forward in use and an upper wall, the walls and garden bed substantially defining a space for containing liquid and reducing overspray.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator includes a brush and / or chain configured to contact the area as the apparatus travels over the garden bed.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein applicator is in engagement with the enclosure via an articulated joint.

9. An apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to a furrow adjacent a garden bed, optionally including a side of the garden bed, the apparatus including:a frame supporting one or more enclosures within which the liquid chemical is applied; and a liquid distribution system having at least one nozzle disposed within each enclosure for applying the liquid onto the furrow.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each enclosure has an open base configured to closely pass over the area and the nozzle(s) is(are) positioned at an edge of the enclosure which is rearward in use.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the nozzles are dripper nozzles.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein each enclosure includes a nozzle array including two or more rows of nozzles.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each row includes approximately 30 to 40 nozzles14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the enclosure has side walls, a front wall at an edge which is forward in use and an upper wall, the walls and garden bed substantially defining a space for containing liquid and reducing overspray.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the liquid distribution system includes a tank to store the liquid, the tank being in communication with the nozzles via a manifold.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further including lateral enclosures disposed at lateral sides of the apparatus for applying liquid to a side of the garden bed and a furrow between adjacent beds, the lateral enclosures having an open base configured to pass over the sides of the garden bed and furrows, each enclosure being in engagement with a nozzle array for applying the liquid to the sides of the garden bed and furrows.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a shield extends along a side of the enclosure which is outermost in use.

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, mounted on wheels and configured for towing behind a tractor.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further including a height control system to facilitate keeping the apparatus at an appropriate height from and / or approximately level with the surface of the garden bed.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the height control system comprises one or more ground level indicators, preferably positioned in front of the applicator or nozzle array, and one or more limit switches which activate in response to the ground level indicators to lower or raise the one or more ground level indicators if the terrain of the garden bed changes.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the one or more limit switches activate one or more coils which are connected to a hydraulic valve block, preferably via one or more cartridge valves, wherein the hydraulic valve communicates with one or more hydraulic depth wheels which lower or raise the one or more ground level indicators to maintain the apparatus at an appropriate height from and / or approximately level with the surface of the garden bed.

22. A method of applying a liquid chemical to an area of a garden bed between crops, and / or to a furrow adjacent a garden bed and / or a side of the garden bed, using an apparatus according to any preceding claim.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the liquid chemical is a herbicide.

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