Roller assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roller assembly for an agricultural drilling machine. Specifically, a roller assembly for a metering system on a seed or fertiliser drilling machine. The roller assembly comprises a cylindrical body comprising a substantially centrally positioned channel extending along its longitudinal axis, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned for receiving and interlocking with an insert thereby facilitating synchronous rotation of the cylindrical body and the insert; and wherein the insert has a length exceeding its width and comprises: (i) a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body; and (ii) an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or drive means.

Description

ROLLER ASSEMBLYTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roller assembly for an agricultural drilling machine.Specifically, a roller assembly for a metering system on a seed or fertiliser drilling machine.Background

[0002] Agricultural drilling machines are used in agriculture to sow seeds and disperse fertiliser for crops. Seed drilling ensures that seeds are distributed evenly and assist in preventing seeds from being eaten by birds and animals, or being dried up due to exposure to the elements. Fertiliser dispersal requires the measured dispersal of fertiliser in desired locations.

[0003] Agricultural drilling machines typically comprise a seed / fertiliser storage compartment, a delivery system, a metering system, a distribution system, and depth control mechanisms.

[0004] The delivery system delivers seeds and / or fertiliser from the storage compartment to the distribution system via a metering system. The metering system often comprises a plurality of rollers for regulating the flow of seeds / fertiliser, and allowing for precise control over the quantity of seeds / fertiliser released.

[0005] However, the roller component often comprises a cylindrical sponge or foam which is configured with a cylindrical channel for receiving the cylindrical axle of the agricultural drilling machine. As such there is very little resistance between the cylindrical channel of the sponge or foam on the metering system and the cylindrical axle when assembled. Therefore, the sponge or foam of the roller component often requires adhesive to adhere to the axle to prevent the sponge or foam from asynchronous rotation relative to the cylindrical axle.

[0006] Further, during use, the cylindrical sponge orfoam may become damaged or eaten by rodents, or may become compressed requiring the cylindrical sponge or foam to be frequently replaced. The use of adhesive and its removal can also be problematic and time consumingwhen replacingthe cylindrical sponge orfoam.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to address the aforementioned problems, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.Statements of invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides fora roller assembly for an agricultural drill, the roller assembly comprising, or consisting essentially of:a cylindrical body comprising a substantially centrally positioned channel extending along its longitudinal axis, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned for receiving and interlocking with an insert thereby facilitating synchronous rotation of the cylindrical body and the insert, when the insert is inserted; andwherein the insert has a length exceeding its width and comprises: (i) a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body; and (ii) an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or a drive means.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides fora roller assembly for an agricultural drill, the roller assembly comprising, or consisting essentially of:a cylindrical body comprising a substantially centrally positioned channel extending along its longitudinal axis, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned for receiving and interlocking with an insert thereby facilitating synchronous rotation of the cylindrical body and the insert; andwherein the insert has a length exceeding its width and comprises: (i) a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body, and wherein the flange abuts the cylindrical body when inserted; and (ii) an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or drive means.

[0010] In one aspect, there is provided an insert fora cylindrical body for an agricultural drilling machine, the insert comprising, or consisting essentially of:I. a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with a substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body, and wherein the flange abuts the cylindrical body when the insert is inserted; andii. an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or a drive means.

[0011] In one aspect, there is provided a kit of parts for a roller assembly for an agricultural drill, the kit comprising, or consisting essentially of:a cylindrical body comprising substantially centrally positioned channel extending along its longitudinal axis, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned for receiving and interlocking with an insert thereby facilitating synchronous rotation of the cylindrical body and the insert; andwherein the insert has a length exceeding its width and comprises: (I) a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body, and wherein the flange abuts the cylindrical body when inserted; and (ii) an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or a drive means.

[0012] In one example, the insert comprises a flange at a first end, and wherein the flange abuts the cylindrical body when the insert is inserted into the cylindrical body.

[0013] In one example, also provided is a cap fashioned for attachment to a second end of the insert for limiting longitudinal movement of the insert when the insert is inserted into the cylindrical body.

[0014] In one example, the shaft is fashioned to provide at least one protrusion for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess in the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body.

[0015] In one example, the shaft is fashioned to provide a plurality of protrusions for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess in the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body.

[0016] In one example, the plurality of protrusions on the insert are spaced apart.

[0017] In one example, the shaft comprises a plurality of protrusions selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 protrusions.

[0018] In one example, the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned to provide at least one cylindrical body recess for interlocking with a complementary protrusion on the insert.

[0019] In one example, the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned to provide a plurality of cylindrical body recesses for interlocking with a plurality of complementary protrusions on the insert.

[0020] In one example, the protrusions extend substantially along the length of the shaft.

[0021] In one example, the cylindrical body is fabricated from a foam material or a sponge material. In another example, the cylindrical body is 3D-printed.

[0022] In one example, the cylindrical body may be further fashioned exteriorly with a plurality of ridges and a plurality of depressions. The plurality of ridges and the plurality of depressions fashioned exteriorly, preferably extend substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

[0023] In one example, the cylindrical body may be further fashioned interiorly with a plurality of cavities. Each interior cavity of the plurality may extend completely, substantially or partially, along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The plurality of interior cavities may be circumferentially arranged around a circumference of the cylindrical body.

[0024] In another example, the plurality of interior cavities may be concentrically arranged around a circumference of the cylindrical body. In other examples, the interior cavities may be provided as a plurality of geometric shapes having a cross-sections such as circles; ovals; polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals, squares, parallelograms, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, enneagons; and any combinations of the aforementioned geometric shapes.

[0025] In one example, the cylindrical body is fashioned or fabricated as a single piece.

[0026] In one example, the cylindrical body has an outermost diameter of between about 25 mm and about 150 mm.

[0027] In one example, the cylindrical body has an outermost diameter of between about 50 mm and about 100 mm.

[0028] In one example, the cylindrical body has an outermost diameter of between about 65 mm and about 85 mm.

[0029] In one example, the cylindrical body has an outermost diameter of about 70 mm and about 75 mm.

[0030] In one example, the cylindrical body has an outermost diameter of about 73 mm.

[0031] In one example, the cylindrical body has a length between about 70 mm and about 230 mm.

[0032] In one example, the cylindrical body has a length of between about 70 mm and about 130 mm.

[0033] In one example, the cylindrical body has a length between about 150 mm and 230 mm.

[0034] In one example, the cylindrical body has a length of between about 81 mm and about 99 mm.

[0035] In one example, the cylindrical body has a length of between about 86 mm and about 94 mm.

[0036] In one example, the cylindrical body has a length of about 90 mm.

[0037] In one example, the substantially centrally positioned channel has an innermost diameter of between about 5 mm and about 50 mm.

[0038] In one example, the substantially centrally positioned channel has an innermost diameter of between about 20 mm and about 30 mm.

[0039] In one example, the substantially centrally positioned channel has an innermost diameter of between about 22 mm and about 28 mm.

[0040] In one example, the substantially centrally positioned channel has an innermost diameter of about 25 mm.

[0041] In one example, the insert has a length of between about 60 mm and about 130 mm.

[0042] In one example, the insert has a length between about 85 mm and about 120 mm.

[0043] In one example, the insert has a length between about 95 mm and about 110 mm.

[0044] In one example, the insert has a length about 101 mm.

[0045] In one example, the axle channel has an innermost diameter of between about 5 mm and about 40 mm.

[0046] In one example, the axle channel has an innermost diameter of between about 15 mm and about 25 mm.

[0047] In one example, the axle channel has an innermost diameter of between about 17 mm and about 23 mm.

[0048] In one example, the axle channel has an innermost diameter of 20 mm.

[0049] In one example, the axle channel may be a cylindrical shape or a cuboidal shape, such as a rectangular cuboid. As such, the axle channel may have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, or a square cross-section.

[0050] In one example, the shaft has a length between about 65 mm and about 130 mm.

[0051] In one example, the shaft has a length between about 80 mm and about 100 mm.

[0052] In one example, the shaft has a length between about 85 mm and about 95 mm.

[0053] In one example, the shaft has a length between about 85 mm and about 89 mm.

[0054] In one example, the insert may be fashioned with an integrally formed hollow spacer extending away from the flange and shaft, and through which the axle channel extends. Optionally, the hollow spacer may be fashioned with an integrally formed spacer flange.

[0055] In one example, the insert is fashioned orfabricated as a single piece.

[0056] In one example, the flange has an outer diameter between about 15 mm and about 100 mm.

[0057] In one example, the flange has an outer diameter between about 35 mm and about 55 mm.

[0058] In one example, the flange has an outer diameter between about 42 mm and about 47 mm.

[0059] In one example, the flange has an outer diameter about 45 mm.

[0060] In one example, the flange has a thickness that is between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[0061] In one example, the flange has a thickness that is between about 10 mm and about 15 mm.

[0062] In one example, the flange has a thickness that is about 12 mm.

[0063] In one example, the cap has an outermost diameter of between about 15 mm and about 100 mm.

[0064] In one example, the cap has an outermost diameter of between about 35 mm and about 55 mm.

[0065] In one example, the cap has an outermost diameter of between about 42 mm and about 47 mm.

[0066] In one example, the cap has an outermost diameter selected from between about 25 mm and about 35 mm; between about 55 mm and about 75 mm; and about 45 mm.Description of the figures

[0067] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the roller assembly 1 of the present invention comprising the insert 10, the cylindrical body 20, and the cap 30.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the insert 10.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the insert 10.

[0070] Figure 4 shows side view and dimensions (in mm) of insert 10.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a front view flange 13 on one end of insert 10.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a rearview of the insert 10.

[0073] Figure 7 shows dimensions (in mm) of one embodiment of the insert 10.

[0074] Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of the cylindrical body 20 and substantially centrally positioned channel 21.

[0075] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the cylindrical body 20 and substantially centrally positioned channel 21.

[0076] Figure 10 show a side view and dimensions (in mm) of one embodiment of the cylindrical body 20.

[0077] Figure 11 shows dimensions (in mm) and cross-section of the cylindrical body 20 and channel 21.

[0078] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of cap 30.

[0079] Figure 13 shows a front view of cap 30.

[0080] Figure 14 shows front view of cap 30 and dimensions (in mm).

[0081] Figure 15 Ato F show representative examples of cross-sections of a plurality of roller assemblies 1 having an axle channel 14 with a square cross-section.

[0082] Figures 15 A and Beach show a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23 each cavity having an ovalised cross-section. The cylindrical body extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and providingan axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0083] Figure 15 C shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of exterior longitudinal ridges 24 and a plurality of grooves 25 that together provide a corrugated exterior surface and a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23. The cylindrical body extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and providingan axle channel 14 havinga square cross-section.

[0084] Figure 15 D shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of exterior longitudinal ridges 24 and a plurality of grooves 25 that together provide a corrugated exterior surface. The cylindrical body 20 extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and providingan axle channel 14 havinga square cross-section.

[0085] Figure 15 E shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23. The cylindrical body 20 extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and providing an axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0086] Figure 15 F shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23 arranged concentrically. The cylindrical body 20 extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and providing and an axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0087] Figures 16 A to D show further cross-sections of a plurality of roller assemblies 1 , where the cylindrical body extends in various configurations about and engages with a plurality of spaced apart outwardly projecting “T” shaped protrusions on the insert 10. The cylindrical body 20 extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and providing the axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0088] Figure 16 A shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23 arranged concentrically. The cylindrical body 20 further extending circumferentially about the insert 10 having a plurality of outwardly projecting spaced apart “T” shaped protrusions and an axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0089] Figure 16 B shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23. The cylindrical body 20 further extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and having a plurality of outwardly projecting spaced apart “T” shaped protrusions and an axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0090] Figure 16 C shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23, the majority of the cavities have a triangular cross-section, interspersed with some spaced apart cavities having a diamond cross-section. The cylindrical body 20 further extending circumferentially about the insert 10 and having a plurality of outwardly projecting spaced apart “T” shaped protrusions and an axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0091] Figure 16 D shows a roller assembly 1 having a cylindrical body 20 fashioned with a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially extending interiorly arranged cavities 23, the cavities being interspersed with some spaced apart cavities having a diamond cross-section. The cylindrical body 20 further extending circumferentially about the insert 10 having a plurality of outwardly projecting spaced apart “T” shaped protrusions and an axle channel 14 having a square cross-section.

[0092] Figure 17 shows a front perspective view of the insert 10 fashioned with integrally formed hollow spacer 26 and spacer flange 27, and having an axle channel 14 with a square shaped cross-section.

[0093] Figure 18 shows a rear perspective view of the insert 10 fashioned with hollow spacer 26 and spacer flange 27, and havingan axle channel 14with a square shaped crosssection.Detailed Description

[0094] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known orforms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0095] As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0096] As used herein throughout the description and the appended claims, the term “about” and “approximately” is intended to mean ± 10 % of the stated value.

[0097] Throughout this description and any claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise”, "comprising” and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited only to”.

[0098] The term "consisting essentially of" as used herein means the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.

[0099] The term "consisting of" as used herein means the specified materials or steps of the claimed invention, and excludes any element, step, feature, or ingredient not specified.

[0100] The present invention is based on the provision of a roller assembly for an agricultural drilling machine for regulating the flow of seeds and fertilisers, and allowing for precise control over the quantity of seed and fertiliser released during seed sowing.

[0101] Figure 1 shows the roller assembly 1 according to the present invention, for an agricultural drilling machine. The roller assembly 1 comprises a cylindrical body 20 having a cross-section along its diameter and substantially centrally positioned longitudinal channel 21 through the cylindrical body 20 and along its longitudinal axis. The substantially centrally positioned channel 21 further has a cross-section and is fashioned for receiving and interlocking with an insert 10.

[0102] The cylindrical body 20, may be further fashioned with a plurality of interior cavities 23 as can be seen in Figure 15 and Figure 16. Each interior cavity of the plurality 23 may extend partially, substantially, or completely along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 20. The plurality of interior cavities 23 may be circumferentially arranged around a circumference of the cylindrical body 20, for example as shown as cross-sections in Figure 15 and Figure 16.

[0103] In other examples, the plurality of interior cavities 23 may be concentrically arranged around the circumference of the cylindrical body 20, shown more specifically as cross-sections in Figure 15 F and Figure 16 A. More specifically, the plurality of interior cavities 23 may be provided as a plurality of geometric shapes having a cross-sections such as circles; ovals; polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals, squares, parallelograms, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, enneagons; and any combinations of the aforementioned geometric shapes, as shown in Figure 15 A to F, and Figure 16 A to D.

[0104] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the present inventor believes that provision of the interior cavities 23 help to limit compression of seeds, grains, and fertiliser as they move through the roller assembly for dispersal, thereby limiting or preventing damage to seeds and grains. As such, the interior cavities 23 may provide resilience to the cylindrical body 20 and regulate the amount of pressure applied to seeds, grains, or fertiliser during dispersal.

[0105] The cylindrical body 20, may be further fashioned with a plurality of longitudinal ridges 24 and a plurality of grooves 25 which extend longitudinally along the cylindrical body 20. The plurality of longitudinal ridges 24 and the plurality of grooves 25 which may each extend longitudinally along the cylindrical body 20 may further control dispersion of the seeds and fertiliser.

[0106] The roller assembly 1 as shown in Figure 1 may optionally further comprise a cap 30 that engages with the insert 10 thereby limiting any longitudinal movement of the insert 10 when inserted within the substantially centrally positioned channel 21 and the cylindrical body 20.

[0107] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the insert 10 for the cylindrical body 20 comprises a shaft 11 , preferably having a flange 13 at first end of the insert 10, specifically the shaft 11. The shaft 11 comprises a cross-section fashioned to provide rotational resistance when received by and interlocked with the cylindrical body 20. Shaft 11 may have a cross-section that is between about 35 mm and about 55 mm at its widest point, or between about 42 mm and about 47 mm at its widest point, or about 45 mm at its widest point.

[0108] Specifically, the shaft 11 is received by and interlocks with the substantially centrally positioned channel 21 and provides rotational resistance between the cylindrical body 20 and the insert 10. As such, when the insert 10 is positioned within the cylindrical body 20 any rotational movement of the insert 10 relative to the cylindrical body 20 around the longitudinal axis, is synchronous.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4, the insert 10 may extend substantially along the length of the substantially centrally positioned channel 21 when inserted, more specifically, the shaft 11 may extend substantially along the length of the substantially centrally positioned channel 21. The insert 10 may have a length (which includes the shaft 11 and the flange 13) that is between about 60 mm and about 130 mm, between about 85 mm and about 120 mm, or between about 95 mm and about 110 mm, or about 101 mm. Similarly, the shaft 11 may have a length between about 65 mm and about 130 mm, or between about 80 mm and about 100 mm, or between about 85 mm and about 95 mm, orabout 89 mm.

[0110] The flange 13 of the insert 10 as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, provides a means to also limit longitudinal movement of the insert 10 when positioned within the cylindricalbody 20. Further, when inserted into the cylindrical body 20, the flange 13 abuts the cylindrical body 20. As shown in Figure 4, flange 13 may have a thickness between about 5 mm and about 20 mm in thickness, or between about 10 mm and about 15 mm in thickness, orabout 12 mm in thickness.

[0111] Additionally, the flange 13 may have an outer diameter between about 15 mm and about 100 mm, between about 35 mm and about 55 mm as shown in Figure 4, or between about 42 mm and about 47 mm in outer diameter, or about 45 mm in outer diameter. In some examples, the flange 13 has the same outer diameter as cap 30. In some examples, cross-section of shaft 11 at its widest point, is equal to the outer diameter of flange 13 which is also equal to the outer diameter of cap 30, and can be seen in Figure 4 and Figure 14.

[0112] The flange 13, may further comprise flange recesses 15 to allow for a user to grip the insert 10. This provides for grip for a user thereby facilitating easy replacement of the cylindrical body 20 when it becomes worn or becomes damaged by pests feeding on seeds embedded in the roller assembly 1 when on the agricultural drilling machine. The flange 13 may comprise at least one flange recess 15. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of flange recesses 15. Preferably, there are two flange recesses 15 as shown in Figure 2. It will also be appreciated that the flange 13 can be configured with additional or alternative configurations to provide grip for a user. For example, by inclusion of a plurality of ridges, such ridges may be arranged around the edge to provide grip to a user.

[0113] In another example, and as shown in Figure 17, flange 13 may be fashioned with an integrally formed hollow spacer 26 extending away from the flange 13 and shaft 11 , and through which axle channel 14 extends. Optionally the hollow spacer 26 may be fashioned with an integrally formed spacer flange 27.

[0114] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, it will be appreciated that the shaft 11 may be fashioned with protrusions 12 that provide rotational resistance, when positioned within the cylindrical body 20. For example, shapes such as “x”, “+”,” would be suitable for providing rotational resistance. The shaft 11 may have a cross-section width of between about 15 mm and about 100 mm, between about 35 mm and about 55 mm as shown in Figure 4 as feature, or between about 42 mm and about 47 mm in width, or about 45 mm in outer diameter, which is measured fromprotrusion end to protrusion end. In a specific example, cross-section width of the shaft 11 is shown as 11 a in Figure 3. The cross-section width of the shaft 11 may have the same outer diameter as flange 13.

[0115] Substantially centrally positioned channel 21 of the cylindrical body 20 has a shape, dimension, and cross-section fashioned so that it is complementary to the shape, dimension, and cross-section of shaft 11. Substantially centrally positioned channel 21 of the cylindrical body 20 may have a cross-section, that is between about 34 mm and about 55 mm at its widest point, or between about 41 mm and about 47 mm at its widest point, or about 45 mm at its widest point, and provided it is complementary in shape to receive and interlock with shaft 11. Other shape / configurations not specified which are capable of providing rotational resistance when the insert 10 is received and interlocked with the cylindrical body 20, will also be suitable.

[0116] The shaft 11 of the insert 10 may preferably be fashioned to provide at least one protrusion 12 for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess 22 in the substantially centrally positioned channel 21 of the cylindrical body 20.

[0117] The cylindrical body 20, cylindrical body recess 22 and centrally positioned channel 21 can be seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9. Alternatively, the shaft 11 of the insert 10 may be further fashioned to provide a plurality of protrusions 12, each protrusion fashioned for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess 22 in the channel 21 that is substantially centrally positioned longitudinally through the cylindrical body 20. Preferably, the at least one protrusion or the plurality of protrusions 12 extend longitudinally along the length of the shaft 11. In some examples, and as seen in Figure 15 and Figure 16, the insert 10 and the cylindrical body 20 may be fashioned in an interlocking arrangement, the arrangement being such so as to ensure, in use, there is no rotation of the insert 10 independent of the cylindrical body 20.

[0118] In some examples, the cylindrical body 20 may be prepared from a foam material or a sponge material. However, other suitable materials for the cylindrical body 20 for the roller assembly 1 on an agricultural drill would be readily apparent to a person of skill on the art. The cylindrical body 20 may be cut from a sheet of foam material or a sponge material. The cylindrical body 20 may further have an outermost diameter 20a of between about 25 mm and about 150, between about 50 mm and 100 mm, betweenabout 65 mm and about 85 mm, or between about 70 mm and about 75 mm, or more specifically about 73 mm as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10.

[0119] Also as shown in Figure 10, the cylindrical body 20 may further comprise a length that is between about 70 mm and about 130 mm, between about 81 mm and about 99 mm, between about 86 mm and 94 mm, about 90 mm. Figure 11 also shows possible dimensions of the centrally positioned channel 21 on the cylindrical body 20. For example, the centrally positioned channel 21 may have an innermost diameter of between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 22 mm and about 28 mm, or more specifically about 25 mm.

[0120] Insert 10 may be further fashioned to provide an axle channel 14 of for receipt of an axle on the agricultural drilling machine.

[0121] Axle channel 14 is shown in Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 15, Figure 16, Figure 17, and Figure 18. The axle channel 14 extends substantially centrally and longitudinally within the shaft 11 and flange 13 of the insert 10 providing for receipt of an axle on the agricultural drilling machine (not shown). The axle channel 14, when of circular shape may comprise an innermost diameter 14a of between about 5 mm and about 40 mm, between about 15 mm and about 25 mm, between about 17 mm and about 23 mm, or about 20 mm (as shown in Figure 7 as 14a). Axle channel 14 of the insert 10, snugly and tightly receives the axle on the agricultural drilling machine. The axle channel 14 may be further fashioned to provide a crosssection having a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or square shape. Preferably, a rectangular or square cross-section shape. Square cross-section shape can be seen in Figure 15, Figure 16, Figure 17, and Figure 18. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the present inventor believes that provision of an axle channel 14 that is noncircular in cross-section, for example, triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal in cross-section, provides for improved rotational resistance between the axle channel 14 and the axle of the agricultural drilling machine, and as such avoids or substantially minimises the need to use adhesive to ensure substantially simultaneous rotation of the axle with insert 10, and thereby the roller assembly 1.

[0122] Insert 10 may further be fashioned by way of 3D-printing, or injection moulding.Suitable materials for example could comprise using ASA filament (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), nylon, or carbon fibre. Theinsert 10 may also be fabricated from aluminium, for example aluminium sheets. However, other suitable materials would be readily apparent to a person of skill in the art.

[0123] When the roller assembly 1 is assembled on an axle of the agricultural drilling machine, the receipt and interlocking of the protrusions 12 on the insert 10 within the substantially centrally positioned channel 21 provide for rotational resistance between the insert 10 and the cylindrical body 20, and together with the snug fit of the axle within the axle channel 14, facilitate synchronous rotation of the roller assembly 1 and axle of the agricultural drilling machine, when assembled.

[0124] The substantially centrally positioned channel 21 may have an innermost diameter (shown as 21a in Figure 9) of between about 5 mm and about 50 mm, or between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 22 mm and about 28 mm, or about 25 mm.

[0125] As discussed above, the roller assembly 1, may further comprise a cap 30 for limiting longitudinal movement of the roller assembly 1 when assembled on the axle of the agricultural drilling machine.

[0126] Cap 30 can be seen in Figure 12 - Figure 14. The cap 30 may comprise holes 31 for attachment of the cap 30 to the insert 10 byway of aligning complimentary orifices 16 on the shaft 11 with holes 31 on the cap 30, which can be seen in Figure 1 , Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 6, and Figure 7.

[0127] A securing means 17 (not shown) such as a screw or suitable alternative may be used to secure cap 30 to the insert 10. Figure 4 and Figure 14 show that orifice 16 and the complementary hole 31 on cap 30 may be between about 2.5 mm and about 3.5 mm in diameter, or about 3.2 mm in diameter. Also shown in Figure 4 is that orifice 16 may be between about 7 mm and about 10 mm in length, orabout 8.8 mm.

[0128] Cap 30 may have an outer diameter of between about 15 mm and about 100 mm, or between about 35 mm and about 55 mm in diameter, or between about 42 mm and about 47 mm in outer diameter, or about 45 mm in outer diameter, and provided that the holes 31 are complementarily arranged with orifices 16 as shown in Figure 14. In some examples, the cap 30 has the same outer diameter as the flange 13.

[0129] Cap 30 may further comprise a cap channel 32 through which the axle on the agricultural drilling machine passes when assembled. Cap channel 32 may comprise substantially the same inner diameter as axle channel 14on insert 10.

[0130] Also provided by the present invention is a method to prepare the cylindrical body 20.The cylindrical body 20 may be fabricated from materials such as a sponge, foam, porous rubber, nylon, preferably as a single piece. For example, the cylindrical body 20 may be cut out of a thick flat sheet of material, longitudinally and using a waterjet. For example, the cylindrical body 20 may be cut from a flat sheet of foam or sponge. The material may have a thickness between about 81 mm and about 99 mm thick, between about 86 and about 94 mm, or about 90 mm. In some examples, the cylindrical body 20 can be fabricated from materials such as wood, metal, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and by 3D printing.

[0131] In other examples, the insert 10 can be fabricated by methods such as 3D printingand injection moulding, preferably as a single piece. 3D printing may comprise materials such as ASA, ABS, orTPU, however other suitable materials would be readily apparent to a person of skill in the art. The cylindrical body 20 and the insert 10, may be fabricated from the same or different materials.

[0132] Preferably, the cylindrical body 20 is 3D printed from acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).Without wishing to be bound by any theory, polymers such as those aforementioned and used for 3D printing help to limit (or prevent) awns on seeds and grains (such as oats, barley, wheat, rye) from attaching to the cylindrical body 20. And as such, limiting attachment of awns on seeds or grain to the cylindrical body 20 helps to facilitate better dispersal, lowers wastage of seeds and grains, and saves time from having to remove the seeds and grains from the cylindrical body 20.

[0133] Alternatively, the roller assembly may be provided as a single piece for assembly with the agricultural drilling machine.

[0134] Where the description reference has been made to integers having known equivalents thereof, those equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. It is appreciated that further modifications may be made to the invention as described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A roller assembly for an agricultural drill, the roller assembly comprising, or consisting essentially of:a cylindrical body comprising a substantially centrally positioned channel extending along its longitudinal axis, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned for receiving and interlocking with an insert thereby facilitating synchronous rotation of the cylindrical body and the insert; andwherein the insert has a length exceeding its width and comprises: (i) a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body; and (ii) an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or drive means.

2. The roller assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a flange at a first end of the insert, and wherein the flange abuts the cylindrical body when the insert is received by the cylindrical body.

3. The roller assembly according to claim 2, wherein the insert is fashioned with an integrally formed hollow spacer extending away from the flange and shaft, and through which the axle channel extends.

4. The roller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the hollow spacer is fashioned with a spacer flange through which the axle channel extends.

5. The roller assembly according to claim 4, wherein the spacer flange is of substantially the same dimension as the flange.

6. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 5, further comprising a cap fashioned for attachment to a second end of the insert for limiting longitudinal movement of the insert when inserted within the cylindrical body.

7. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the shaft is fashioned to provide at least one protrusion for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess in the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body.

8. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the shaft is fashioned to provide a plurality of protrusions for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess in the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body.

9. The roller assembly according to claim 8, wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of protrusions selected from 1 , 2, 3, 4, and 5 protrusions.

10. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the insert is fabricated as a single piece.

11. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned to provide at least one cylindrical body recess for interlockingwith a complementary protrusion on the insert.

12. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1- 11, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned to provide a plurality of cylindrical body recesses, each recess for interlockingwith a complementary protrusion on the insert.

13. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 7 - 12, wherein the at least one protrusion extends along the shaft.

14. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the cylindrical body is fabricated as a single piece.

15. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the cylindrical body is fabricated from a foam material, a sponge material, or by 3D-printing.

16. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 -15, wherein the cylindrical body is further fashioned exteriorly with a plurality of ridges and a plurality of grooves.

17. The roller assembly according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of ridges and the plurality of grooves each substantially extend along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

18. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 -17, wherein the cylindrical body is further fashioned interiorly with a plurality of cavities, and wherein each interior cavity of the plurality extends completely, substantially or partially, along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

19. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 18, wherein the axle channel has a shape selected from a cylindrical shape and a cuboidal shape.

20. The roller assembly according to any one of claims 1 - 19 wherein the axle channel has a cross-section selected from: a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, and a square cross-section.

21. A cylindrical body for a roller assembly for an agricultural drilling machine, the cylindrical body comprising, or consisting essentially of: a substantially centrally positioned channel extending along its longitudinal axis, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned for receiving and interlocking with a complementary insert thereby facilitating synchronous rotation of the cylindrical body and the insert around the longitudinal axis.

22. The cylindrical body according to claim 21 , wherein the cylindrical body is further fashioned exteriorly with a plurality of ridges and a plurality of grooves.

23. The roller assembly according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of ridges and the plurality of grooves each substantially extend along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

24. The cylindrical body according to any one of claims 21 - 23, wherein the cylindrical body is further fashioned interiorly with a plurality of cavities, and wherein each interior cavity of the plurality extends completely, substantially or partially, along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

25. The cylindrical body according to any one of claims 21 - 24, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned to provide at least one cylindrical body recess for interlockingwith a complementary protrusion on the insert.

26. The cylindrical body according to any one of claim 21 - 25 wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned to provide a plurality of cylindrical body recesses for interlocking with a complementary protrusion on the insert.

27. The cylindrical body according to any one of claims 21 - 26, wherein the cylindrical body is fabricated from a foam material, a sponge material, or by 3D-printing.

28. An insert for a cylindrical body for an agricultural drilling machine, the insert having a length exceeding its width and comprising, or consisting essentially of:i. a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with a substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body; andii. an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or drive means.

29. The insert according to claim 28, wherein the insert is fashioned with a flange at a first end of the insert, and wherein the flange abuts the cylindrical body when inserted therein.

30. The insert according to claim 29, wherein the insert is fashioned with an integrally formed hollow spacer extending away from the flange and the shaft, and through which axle channel extends.

31. The insert according to any one of claims 29 - 30, wherein the hollow spacer may be fashioned with an integrally formed spacer flange.

32. The insert according to claim 31 , wherein the spacer flange has substantially the same dimensions as the flange.

33. The insert according to claim 28, further comprising a cap for attachment to a second end of the insert for limiting longitudinal movement of the insert when inserted within the cylindrical body.

34. The insert according to any one of claims 28 - 29, wherein the shaft is fashioned to provide at least one protrusion for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess in the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body.

35. The insert accordingto any one of claims 28 - 34, wherein the shaft is fashioned to provide a plurality of protrusions for interlocking with a complementary cylindrical body recess in the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body.

36. The insert accordingto any one of claims 28 - 35, wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of protrusions selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 protrusions.

37. The insert accordingto any one of claims 28 - 36, wherein the protrusions extend along the shaft.

38. A kit of parts fora roller assembly for an agricultural drill, the kit comprising:a cylindrical body comprising substantially centrally positioned channel extending along its longitudinal axis, wherein the substantially centrally positioned channel is fashioned for receiving and interlockingwith an insertthereby facilitating synchronous rotation of the cylindrical body and the insert; and wherein the insert comprises: (i) a shaft comprising a cross-section fashioned for providing rotational resistance when received and interlocked with the substantially centrally positioned channel of the cylindrical body, and wherein the flange abuts the cylindrical body when inserted; and (ii) an axle channel extending centrally and longitudinally along the length of the shaft for receipt of an axle or a drive means.

39. A kit of parts fora roller assembly for an agricultural drill, the kit comprising:i. a cylindrical body according to any one of claims 21 - 27; andii. an insert according to any one of claims 28 - 37.

40. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 38 or 39 further comprising a cap for attachment to a second end of the insert for limiting longitudinal movement of the insert when inserted within the cylindrical body.

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