An agricultural coupler and an agricultural implement assembly having a flexible TINE, coupler and a depth or press wheel

Abstract

This invention relates to an agricultural coupler and an agricultural implement assembly. The agricultural coupler is used for an agricultural implement assembly having a flexible tine and a depth or press wheel. The agricultural implement assembly may be used as an attachment to an existing seed sowing implement or may be used in conjunction with an agricultural dispensing unit described in co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT / IB2023 / 061091.

Description

AN AGRICULTURAL COUPLER AND AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT ASSEMBLY HAVING A FLEXIBLE TINE, COUPLER AND A DEPTH OR PRESS WHEELFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an agricultural coupler and an agricultural implement assembly. The agricultural coupler is used for an agricultural implement assembly having a flexible tine and a depth or press wheel. The agricultural implement assembly may be used as an attachment to an existing seed sowing implement or may be used in conjunction with an agricultural dispensing unit described in co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT / IB2023 / 061091. Accordingly, the patent specification of International Patent Application No. PCT / IB2023 / 061091 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and forms part of the disclosure of this invention.

[0002] More particularly the agricultural assembly includes a flexible S-tine, a coupler and an adjustable depth wheel assembly that in use is suitable for depositing seed in soil at a desired depth.BACKGROUND

[0003] As a result of the inventor's further development of the subject invention of International Application No. PCT / IB2023 / 061091 an assembly including a flexible tine and a depth or press wheel has been developed.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect there is provided a coupler for an agricultural implement assembly, the coupler including a housing, the housing being configured to provide a leading end, a top side, a bottom side and a trailing end, a. the top side being configured to receive and couple with a flexible tine proximate the leading end of the housing, b. the trailing end of the coupler being configured to couple to a trailing wheel.

[0005] In one example the housing is configured to provide a right housing side and a left housing side, the left and right sides being connected together by one or more connection members.

[0006] In one example the trailing end of the coupler is configured to provide a coupling means to couple with a wheel bracket that supports the trailing wheel.

[0007] In one example the coupling means on the trailing end of the coupler is a dovetail shaped slide.

[0008] In one example, the trailing wheel is engageable with the coupler by way of a wheel bracket that supports the trailing wheel.

[0009] In one example, the wheel bracket has a complementary coupling means to engage with the coupling means on the trailing end of the coupler.

[0010] In one example, the coupling means on the wheel bracket is a complementary shaped anchor slot that is engageable with a complementary dovetail anchor slide on the trailing end of the coupler.

[0011] In one example, the flexible tine is an S-tine.

[0012] In one example, the trailing wheel is a depth wheel or a press wheel.

[0013] In one example the trailing wheel is a depth wheel.

[0014] In one example, the trailing wheel is a press wheel.

[0015] In one example the trailing wheel is engageable to the coupler by way of an optional spacer member positioned intermediate a wheel bracket and coupler, the spacer member being configured to couple with the trailing end of the coupler and with the wheel bracket supporting the trailing wheel.

[0016] In one example, the bottom side of the coupler is configured to couple with a ground cutting member.

[0017] In one example the top side of the coupler is configured to further provide a seed or fertilizer channel positioned between the flexible tine and the trailing end of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

[0018] In one example the spacer member is configured to provide a second seed or fertiliser channel positioned between the flexible tine and the trailing edge of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

[0019] In one aspect there is provided a coupler for an agricultural implement assembly, the coupler including a housing, the housing being configured to provide a first end, a top side, a bottom side and a second end, a. the top side being configured to receive and couple with a flexible tine proximate the first end of the housing, and b. the second end of the coupler being configured to couple to a depth or press wheel.

[0020] In one example the housing is configured to provide a right housing side and a left housing side, the left and right sides being connected together by one or more connection members.

[0021] In one example the second end of the coupler is configured to provide a coupling means to couple with a wheel bracket that supports the depth or press wheel.

[0022] In one example the coupling means on the second end of the coupler is a dovetail shaped slide.

[0023] In one example, the depth or press wheel is engageable with the coupler by way of a wheel bracket that supports the depth or press wheel.

[0024] In one example the wheel bracket has a complementary coupling means to engage with the coupling means on the second end of the coupler.

[0025] In one example the coupling means on the wheel bracket is a complementary shaped anchor slot that is engageable with a complementary dovetail anchor slide on the trailing end of the coupler.

[0026] In one example, the flexible tine is an S-tine.

[0027] In one example the depth or press wheel is engageable to the coupler by way of an optional spacer member positioned intermediate a wheel bracket and coupler, the spacer member being configured to couple with the trailing end of the coupler and with the wheel bracket supporting the depth or press wheel.

[0028] In one example, the bottom side of the coupler is configured to couple with a ground cutting member.

[0029] In one example the top side of the coupler is configured to further provide a seed or fertilizer channel positioned between the flexible tine and the second end of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

[0030] In one example the spacer member is configured to provide a second seed or fertiliser channel positioned between the flexible tine and the second edge of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

[0031] In one aspect there is provided an assembly for mounting to a travelling framework so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling framework, the assembly comprising; a. A flexible tine having a linkage point for connecting to the travelling frame, the tine being shaped and configured to extend from the travelling frame towards the ground, b. A coupler member secured to the base of the tine, andc. A wheel coupled to the coupler member such that in use the wheel traverses and engages the ground.

[0032] In one example, the tine does not engage the ground, when in use. In one example the tine is an S-shaped flexible tine.

[0033] In one example, the wheel is a press wheel.

[0034] In one example the wheel is a depth wheel.

[0035] In one example the depth wheel is height adjustable relative to the wheel bracket and coupler.

[0036] In one example the depth or press wheel trails the tine and coupler member when in use.

[0037] In one example, the depth wheel is secured to the coupler by a wheel bracket, the bracket having a plurality of orifices at different positions and heights relative to the ground to receive an axle of the depth wheel.

[0038] In one example, a bottom side of the coupler member is configured to receive and engage with a ground cutting member.

[0039] In one example, the coupler member is the coupler as defined in the above aspects.

[0040] In one example, a top side of the coupler is configured to further provide a seed or fertilizer channel positioned between the flexible tine and the end of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

[0041] In one example the depth or press wheel is engageable to the coupler by way of an optional spacer member positioned intermediate a wheel bracket and coupler, the spacer member being configured to couple with the end of the coupler and with the wheel bracket supporting the wheel.

[0042] In one example, the spacer member is optionally configured to provide a second seed or fertiliser channel positioned between the flexible tine and the trailing edge of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler

[0043] In one example the wheel bracket of the wheel may be further mounted to the spacer member or coupler at one or more heights.

[0044] In another aspect, there is provided a method for seeding a crop using an assembly as described above with a depth wheel or press wheel, the method including a. Mounting the assembly onto a travelling framework that further includes one or more hoppers,b. selecting and setting a desired depth height of the depth wheel, c. optionally cutting an incision through the surface of the ground with minimal soil disturbance at the ground surface.; and d. depositing seed and or fertiliser from the one or more hoppers onto the ground and compacting the ground with the depth wheel or press wheel.

[0045] In one example the method includes the step of direct drilling the seed into the ground.

[0046] The method of depositing of seed and / or fertiliser and the compacting of the ground by the trailing depth wheel is preferably performed continuously.

[0047] In one example the step of depositing the seed and or fertiliser occurs via one or more channels between the one or more hoppers and a coupler as defined above, the coupler being configured to further provide a seed or fertilizer channel positioned between the flexible tine and the second end of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of four specific embodiments thereof. The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-

[0049] Figure 1 is a right side perspective view of a coupler for an agricultural assembly.

[0050] Figure 2 is a left side perspective view of the coupler shown in Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 3 is a top rear perspective view from the right side of the coupler shown inFigure 1.

[0052] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view from the right side of the coupler shown in Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 5 is a top side view of the coupler shown in Figure 1.

[0054] Figure 6 is a bottom side view of the coupler shown in Figure 1.

[0055] Figure 7 is an internal perspective side view of the left side of the coupler housing of the coupler shown in Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 8 is an internal perspective side view of the right side of the coupler housing of the coupler shown in Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 9 a leading end perspective view of the coupler and having a ground cutting means affixed to the bottom side of the coupler.

[0058] Figure 10(a) is a leading end right side perspective view of a ground cutting means shown in Figure 9.

[0059] Figure 10(b) is a trailing end right side perspective view of the ground cutting means shown in Figure 9.

[0060] Figure 11(a) is a leading end left side perspective view of a ground cutting means shown in Figure 9.

[0061] Figure 11(b) is a trailing end left side perspective view of the ground cutting means shown in Figure 9.

[0062] Figure 12 is a front perspective view of one example of an agricultural implement assembly disposed in its normally operative working position, without a ground cutting attachment and with an optional spacer member providing a second seed / fertiliser channel positioned intermediate the coupler and trailing wheel.

[0063] Figure 13 is a right side elevation of the assembly shown in Figure 12 disposed in its normally operative working position.

[0064] Figure 14 is a right side elevation of an agricultural implement assembly disposed in its normally operative working position as shown in Figure 13 with the right side of the housing of the coupler removed.

[0065] Figure 15 is a left side view of the assembly shown in Figure 14.

[0066] Figure 16 is a top side perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 14 with the tine and depth wheel removed.

[0067] Figure 17 is a top side view of the assembly shown in Figure 16.

[0068] Figure 18 is a left top side perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 16.

[0069] Figures 19(a), 19(b) and 19(c) show another example of a spacer and coupler fastened together and the height adjustability of the spacer relative to the coupler depending on the positioning of the fasteners.

[0070] Figure 20is a front perspective view of another example of an agricultural implement assembly disposed in its normally operative working position, with a ground cutting attachment and with an optional spacer member providing a second seed / fertiliser channel positioned intermediate the coupler and trailing wheel.

[0071] Figure 21 is a right side elevation of the assembly shown in Figure 20 disposed in its normally operative working position.

[0072] Figure 22 is a right side elevation of an agricultural implement assembly disposed in its normally operative working position as shown in Figure 21 with the right side of the housing of the coupler removed.

[0073] Figure 23 is an exploded rear perspective view showing the components of the assembly of implement assembly shown in Figure 20.

[0074] Figure 24 is a top side perspective view of the assembly excluding the S-tine and the right side housing cover.

[0075] Figure 25 is a top side perspective view of the assembly excluding the S-tine, the right side housing cover and the depth wheel.

[0076] Figure 26 is a left side front perspective view of the assembly excluding the S-tine, the right side housing cover and the depth wheel.

[0077] Figure 27 is an example of a press wheel, coupler and flexible tine assembly;

[0078] Figure 28 is an example of a press wheel coupler and flexible tine assembly where the flexible tine is mounted in the opposite direction to the tine mounted in Figure 27;

[0079] Figure 29 shows a perspective view of one example of a plurality of assemblies mounted to a travelling frame in a row behind a hopper.

[0080] Figure 30 shows a perspective view of another example of a plurality of assemblies mounted to a travelling frame in row behind a hopper.Detailed Description

[0081] As used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and "including" are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended rather than exclusive. Specifically, when used in this specification, including the claims, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and "including" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or components are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0082] The term "about" as used herein in connection with a referenced numeric indication means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus 10% of that referenced numeric indication. For example, the language "about 100mm" covers the range of 90mm to 110mm.

[0083] The term "approximately" as used herein, means close or near to, near in position, close together, essentially.

[0084] The term "agricultural hopper system" as used herein means a device or apparatus used in agriculture which is suitable for housing and releasing, dispersing and / or dispensing agricultural matter such as, without limitation, seed and / or fertilizer. The agricultural hopper system may include a hopper and a metering system in which the metering system is capable of metering agricultural matter through the metering system for release, dispersal and / or dispense.

[0085] The term "fertilizer" as used herein means any organic, inorganic, natural or synthetic material which supplies one or more chemical elements required for plant growth.The term "fertilizer" includes, without limitation, liquid fertilizer and organic fertilizer. Non-limiting examples of organic fertilizer include manure, slurry fertilizer, worm castings, peat, seaweed fertilizer, guano, compost, bloodmeal, bone meal and the like. Non-limiting examples of liquid fertilizer include potassium chloride liquid fertilizer, potassium nitrate liquid fertilizer, potassium magnesium sulfate liquid fertilizer, potassium sulfate liquid fertilizer, urea liquid fertilizer, calcium ammonium nitrate liquid fertilizer, and the like.

[0086] The term "hopper" as used herein means a receptacle for housing material, product or agricultural matter such as seed and / or fertilizer. The receptable can be adapted and configured in a variety of shapes and sizes such that it is suitable for use in an agricultural machine, such as, without limitation, a gravity seed drill or a gravity seed hopper system. For example, the hopper may include a substantially cone-shape or a funnel shape. The term "hopper" may include one hopper or a plurality of hoppers, such as, without limitation, at least two, at least three, at least four or at least five hoppers.

[0087] The term "seed" as used herein means a singular seed or a plurality of seeds. The term encompasses any seed capable or suitable for use in precision planting or capable or suitable for use in a gravity seed hopper system, airseeding drill or a gravity seed drill. Nonlimiting examples of suitable seed types include seed such as grass, wheat, barley, rye, rapeseed, oats, peas, beans, soybeans, alfalfa, kale, carrot, radish, hemp, swede, maize, fodder beet, and the like.

[0088] The term "substantially" as used herein, means for the most part, or mostly, or essentially, or to a great or significant extent.

[0089] The term "leading end" as used herein means the end that leads relative to the direction of travel of the assembly.

[0090] The term "trailing end" as used herein end means following or behind relative to the direction of the travel of the assembly.

[0091] Generally, in one form of the invention there is provided an assembly including a flexible tine, such as but not limited to a S-tine, for traversing across the ground and one or more seed or fertiliser channels for mounting at the rear of the tine and a trailing adjustable height depth wheel, that in use compacts or closes over the ground after the seed or fertiliser has been discharged.

[0092] A linkage point is provided on the tine for connecting the tine to a travelling frame which traverses the ground. The linkage is adapted for suspending the tine and assembly in a prescribed operative working position with respect to the travelling frame and the ground sothat there exists a working spatial relationship between the tine, the coupler and the depth or press wheel.

[0093] The tine is preferably S-shaped to provide some flexibility and springiness as the assembly traverses the ground. Generally, the wheel, coupler and tine assembly is designed to take the weight of the travelling framework that may carry or follow on or more hoppers. It is to be understood that a plurality of coupler, wheel and tine assemblies can be used, depending on the load and weight needed to bear, to spread the load and weight across a number of assemblies.

[0094] The coupler at the base of the tine may further include a ground cutting means attached thereto to form an incision in the soil below the ground surface allowing for seed or fertiliser to be deposited into the ground behind the cutting means. The trailing depth or press wheel may be used to compact or close over the incision formed by the cutting means.

[0095] A coupler 1 suitable for an agricultural assembly is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The coupler 1 comprises a housing 2 with a leading end 3 that points in the intended direction of travel, a top side 4, a bottom side 5 and a trailing end 6. The coupler housing comprises a right housing side 7 and a left housing side 8. The top side 4 of the housing is configured to provide an aperture 10 into which a flexible tine can be received and coupled thereto proximate the leading end 3 of the coupler. The right and left sides of the coupler housing are connected together by one or more connection members 11. The trailing end 6 of the coupler is configured with a coupling means 12 to couple directly to a wheel bracket of a trailing wheel (not shown) or indirectly to the trailing wheel by a spacer member (not shown in Figures 1 to 6). In one example the coupling means 12 on the trailing end of the coupler is a dovetail shaped slide best shown in Figure 3. In one example the wheel bracket (not shown) has a complementary coupling means to engage with the coupling means 12 on the trailing end of the coupler. In one example the connection means on the wheel bracket is a complementary shaped anchor slot that is engageable with a complementary dovetail anchor slide on the trailing end of the coupler. The cross section of the dovetail anchor slide 12 is best seen in Figures 3 and 5.

[0096] With reference to Figures 5 and 6 the two external sides to the coupler housing, right 7 and left 8 sides, can be seen to be complementary in shape to mesh together. Each respective side is shaped and configured to allow the two sides to be joined together by connection members, such as nuts and bolts. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the internal surfaces of left and right hand sides 8 and 7 respectively are shown. It can be seen for example that the internal surfaces complement each other and one example is seen bygroove 101 on the internal surface of the left hand side 8, being configured to receive a complementary tongue 102 on the internal surface of the right hand side 7 , which assists in enabling a positive connection between the two sides of the housing of the coupler as the two sides are being coupled together. It can further be seen that the shape and profile of each half of the coupler that together form the channel 10 that holds the flexible tine is specific and complementary to the shape and cross section of the tine. The shape and cross- sectional of the tine is partially triangular in shape having curved profiles at the corners (best seen in Figure 5) and each half of the coupler reflects a complementary shape profile to receive and engage with the tine. While each side has been shown to have a unique internal and external shape and configuration profile, it is to be understood that other complementary shape and configuration profiles may be envisaged to provide a coupler. In the coupler shown, a second orifice 13 is provided on the top side of the coupler and this orifice leads to a channel 14 that extends through to the bottom side of the coupler. This channel may be used to provide a conduit for seed or fertiliser to flow through the coupler from the top side to the bottom side when connected to a suitable hopper.

[0097] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, a recess 15 and 16 is shown proximate the leading end of the coupler housing sides 7 and 8 respectively. The recess 15 is shaped and configured to receive a ground cutting means 16 that extends from the bottom side of the coupler to provide a cutting edge below the leading end 3 of the coupler. This is best seen in Figure 9. The ground cutting means 16 is attached to the left hand side 7 of the coupler housing by one or more threaded members 17 and 18. The shape of the ground cutting member is shown in Figures 10 (a) and (b) and 11 (a) and (b). The leading edge of the cutting member 19 extends downwardly from the leading end 3 of the coupler. The cutting member is further shaped on each side to provide a mouldplough feature 20 that fends the soil away from the trailing end of the ground cutting member as the ground cutting member creates a furrow in the ground as it is drawn through the ground, when in use.

[0098] With reference to Figures 12-15, an example of a coupler as described above is shown in one example of an agricultural assembly 30, including a depth wheel 31, a wheel bracket 32, a spacer member 33 and a flexible tine 34. The tine 34 includes a linkage point 55 at one end of the tine, which is shown as a bolt hole to provide a means of bolting the tine on to a travelling frame (not shown). The other end of the tine 36 extends into the housing of the coupler 1 and is secured in place therein. The housing of the coupler essentially clamps around the end of the tine 36, which is best seen in Figure 14.

[0099] The coupler 1 also supports a first channel 37, the first channel 37 extending into the coupler housing adjacent to and trailing the tine end 36. The coupler provides an outlet 38 that together with the first channel 37 provide a conduit from the top side of the coupler to the first outlet 38 (seen in Figure 14) on the bottom side of the coupler 1. In use, this provides a conduit through the coupler to allow for the passage of seed or fertiliser from a hopper (not shown) in fluid communication with first channel 37.

[0100] In the example illustrated, the coupler is connected to a spacer member 33. However, it is to be appreciated that the spacer member is optional. In this example the spacer member 33 may also support a second channel 39. The second channel 39 extends into the housing of the spacer member that is connected to and trailing the coupler 1. The spacer member provides an outlet 40 that together with channel 39 provide a conduit from the top side of the spacer member 33 to the outlet 40 on the bottom side of the spacer member 33. In use, this provides a conduit through the spacer member to allow for the passage of seed or fertiliser from a hopper (not shown) in fluid communication with channel 39.

[0101] In this example the spacer member 33 is connected to a trailing and height adjustable depth wheel 31. The depth wheel 31 is mounted to the spacer member 33 by a wheel bracket 32. The wheel bracket 32 extends to receive and support an axle 41 of the depth wheel 31. The wheel bracket 32 is shaped and configured to provide a plurality of positions to secure the axle 41 on each side of the bracket so as to enable adjustment of the height of the depth wheel. With reference to Figure 16, the wheel bracket 32 on one side is configured to provide a series of spaced apart axle receiving orifices 42 to receive one end of the axle 41, while on the other side of the wheel bracket is provided a slot 43 to receive the other end of the axle 41, the slot providing a range of heights to receive the axle. It is to be appreciated that other depth wheel height adjustment mechanisms may be employed. It is desirable that the height of the depth wheel can be quickly and systematically adjusted as required.

[0102] The depth wheel 31 is preferably a wheel having a width of about 100-200mm and having minimal if any tread to assist with covering and compacting the ground after the seed / fertiliser has been deposited on the ground. Although, it is to be appreciated that there are many different types of wheels used with agricultural seeding or sewing assemblies and it would be clear to someone skilled what wheel options would be suitable for a given agricultural application.

[0103] With reference to Figures 16 to 18, the coupler 1, spacer member 33 and the wheel bracket 32 are shown in more detail. The connection between the coupler 1 and spacer member 33 is shown as a connection such as a dovetail anchor slot and slide connection 44. The connection 44 is fastened by clamping the housing of the spacer member together using a fastener 45. A similar dovetail anchor slot and slide connection may be employed between the spacer member 33 and the wheel bracket 32, although it is to be appreciated that other means of connecting the respective body parts and bracket could be employed such as a knuckle connector.

[0104] Figure 16 shows the configuration of the wheel bracket 32 in more detail showing the spaced apart orifices on one side of the wheel bracket and the slot on the other side of the wheel bracket. The orifices and slot allow the selection of a plurality of different positions for the wheel axle (not shown) and provide a way of selecting a range of wheel depths / heights. Figures 16 and 17 also show the top of the dovetail slide connection 44.

[0105] The operation of the dovetail slide connection is best seen with reference to Figures 3, 4 and 7, where the right-hand side of the housing of the coupler 1 is shown from a rear perspective view. The dovetail slide connection 44 is shown and includes spaced apart grooves 46 and 47. These grooves are positioned to align with one or more fasteners, such as fastener 45 on the spacer member 33 (shown in Figure 16). These grooves and corresponding fasteners help to prevent the slide connection from sliding out of the corresponding dovetail slot 22 of the spacer member 33 as shown in Figures 16 and 17. The one or more fasteners 45 may be taken out and the height of the spacer 33 may then be lowered relative to the coupler 1 and the fasteners repositioned and tightened to alter the relative heights of the seed channels 37 and 39. This is best illustrated in Figures 19(a), 19(b) and 19 (c) where an example of the coupler 1 and spacer 33 are connected together by two fasteners 45 is illustrated. The fasteners can be fastened to align the height of coupler 1 and spacer 33 together as shown in Figure 19(b). Alternatively, the fasteners may be fastened so the height of the spacer 33 is lower than the coupler 1 as shown in Figure 19(c). This height adjustability is desirable if the seed exiting both the front 37 and rear 39 channels needs to be at the same depth or different depths depending on the desired requirements for the application of the seed.

[0106] With reference to Figures 20 to 26 a second configuration of an agricultural assembly is illustrated, this time including a ground cutting means 16. The coupler 1 includes a recess into which the ground cutting means 16 can be secured through fastening members (28, 29). In all other respects the set-up of the second configuration of theseeding assembly is equivalent to that shown in Figures 12 to 15. The ground cutting means 16 includes a leading cutting edge that cuts through the ground as a result of the downward pressure on the first body part as a result of the downward pressure on the tine, which is then passed through to the cutting means. While there is downward pressure on the cutting means, it is to be appreciated that the weight of the travelling frame and any hopper associated therewith is predominantly loaded onto the depth wheel. All the other features of the assembly are the same as described above.

[0107] As mentioned above the spacer member 33 is optional and would be included if a second dispensing channel was required. If the spacer member 33 is not in use, the coupler 1 may be linked directly to the wheel bracket 32 through the same dovetail slide connection and spaced apart grooves as described above. These spaced apart grooves may also be used to adjust the relative height of the coupler relative to the wheel bracket 33, which provides another mechanism for adjusting the height of the depth wheel.

[0108] In a third configuration of an agricultural assembly 50 and with reference to Figures 27 and 28, the assembly includes a coupler 51, a flexible tine 52, a wheel bracket 53 and a trailing wheel 54. The coupler is again assembled from a left and right half profiles that together can be fastened together by fastener 55 about the end of the tine 56, which is secured by the coupler. The coupler 51 includes a means to engage and connect to a wheel bracket 54. A dovetail groove and slide connection means as described above may be employed. The trailing wheel is then mounted to the wheel bracket. It is to be appreciated that the wheel bracket may be further adapted to provide a means to vary the height / depth of the wheel relative to the coupler. With reference to Figure 28 it is to be appreciated that the tine may be mounted to the coupler in a reverse direction to that shown in Figure 27.

[0109] The flexible tines as described herein may be made from spring steel to provide the flexibility or springiness needed in the tine so the assembly travels across the ground substantially following the contour of the ground. It is to be appreciated that the tine does not engage the ground when the assembly is in use. The flexibility in the tine allows for the assembly to accommodate bumps and troughs in an uneven ground surface. This may be desirable so seed may be substantially planted at a consistent depth irrespective of the unevenness of the ground surface. The shape of the tine may be a semi-coiled S-type shape to allow for resilience and flexibility. The tine may be made from spring steel, which at its linkage point end is flattened to provide a flat abutment surface at the linkage point and as the tine extends towards the body the spring steel edges are partially rolled upwards andtowards the centre of the tine to increase the strength and resilience of the tine as it extends towards and into the coupler 1. It is preferred that the end of the tine may be slightly flared in diameter to be received and secured by the coupler.

[0110] The body parts and bracket may be formed from steel through a steel casting process. It is to be appreciated that many different configurations of shape may be adopted for a coupler as described herein.

[0111] The ground cutting means may be made from cast steel.

[0112] In use, and with reference to Figure 29 an agricultural assembly is shown that may utilise a coupler assembly as described herein and an assembly comprising a plurality of couplers connected to flexible tines in a row with, in this instance, trailing depth wheels behind a hopper assembly with main drill wheels. It is to be appreciated, however that other arrangements could be used such as that shown in Figure 30 where a double row of couplers connected to flexible tines and trailing depth wheels is shown. It is also to be appreciated that the depth or press wheels may be used in these rows to take the weight off the main drill wheels in cultivated ground so the main drill wheels do not press too deep into the soft soil.

[0113] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Persons of ordinary skill can utilize the disclosures and teaching herein to produce other embodiments and variations without undue experimentation. All such embodiments and variations are considered to be part of this invention.

[0114] The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the interchangeable cassette, the dispensing system and the agricultural hopper system comprising the same, described. The interchangeable cassette, the dispensing system and the agricultural hopper system may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and are not limited by the dimensions of the embodiments shown. Numerous applications of the present disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the interchangeable cassette, the dispensing system and the agricultural hopper system comprising the same to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

[0115] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

Claims1. A coupler for an agricultural implement assembly, the coupler including a housing, the housing being configured to provide a leading end, a top side, a bottom side and a trailing end, a. the top side being configured to receive and couple with a flexible tine proximate the leading end of the housing, b. the trailing end of the coupler being configured to couple to a trailing wheel.

2. The coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to provide a right housing side and a left housing side, the left and right sides being connected together by one or more connection members.

3. The coupler as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the trailing end of the coupler is configured to provide a coupling means to couple with a wheel bracket that supports the trailing wheel.

4. The coupler as claimed in claim 3 wherein the coupling means on the trailing end of the coupler is a dovetail shaped slide.

5. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the trailing wheel is engageable with the coupler by way of a wheel bracket that supports the trailing wheel.

6. The coupler as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wheel bracket has a complementary coupling means to engage with the coupling means on the trailing end of the coupler.

7. The coupler as claimed in claim 6, wherein the coupling means on the wheel bracket is a complementary shaped anchor slot that is engageable with a complementary dovetail anchor slide on the trailing end of the coupler.

8. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flexible tine is an S-tine.

9. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the trailing wheel is a depth wheel or a press wheel.

10. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein trailing wheel is a depth wheel.

11. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 the trailing wheel is a press wheel.

12. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the trailing wheel is engageable to the coupler by way of an optional spacer member positioned intermediate a wheel bracket and coupler, the spacer member being configured to couple with the trailing end of the coupler and with the wheel bracket supporting the trailing wheel.

13. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the bottom side of the coupler is configured to couple with a ground cutting member.

14. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the top side of the coupler is configured to further provide a seed or fertilizer channel positioned between the flexible tine and the trailing end of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

15. The coupler as claimed in claim 12 wherein the spacer member is configured to provide a second seed or fertiliser channel positioned between the flexible tine and the trailing edge of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

16. A coupler for an agricultural implement assembly, the coupler including a housing, the housing being configured to provide a first end, a top side, a bottom side and a second end, a. the top side being configured to receive and couple with a flexible tine proximate the first end of the housing, b. the second end of the coupler being configured to couple to a depth or press wheel.

17. The coupler as claimed in claim 16, wherein the housing is configured to provide a right housing side and a left housing side, the left and right sides being connected together by one or more connection members.

18. The coupler as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the second end of the coupler is configured to provide a coupling means to couple with a wheel bracket that supports the depth or press wheel.

19. The coupler as claimed in claim 18, wherein the coupling means on the second end of the coupler is a dovetail shaped slide.

20. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the depth wheel or press wheel is engageable with the coupler by way of a wheel bracket that supports the depth or press wheel.

21. The coupler as claimed in claim 20, wherein the wheel bracket has a complementary coupling means to engage with the coupling means on the second end of the coupler.

22. The coupler as claimed in claim 21, wherein the coupling means on the wheel bracket is a complementary shaped anchor slot that is engageable with a complementary dovetail anchor slide on the trailing end of the coupler.

23. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the flexible tine is an S- tine.

24. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the depth wheel or press wheel is engageable to the coupler by way of an optional spacer member positioned intermediate a wheel bracket and coupler, the spacer member being configured to couple with the trailing end of the coupler and with the wheel bracket supporting the depth or press wheel.

25. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24, the bottom side of the coupler is configured to couple with a ground cutting member.

26. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the top side of the coupler is configured to further provide a seed or fertilizer channel positioned between the flexible tine and the second end of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

27. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the spacer member is configured to provide a second seed or fertiliser channel positioned between the flexible tine and the second edge of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

28. An assembly for mounting to a travelling framework so as to engage the ground traversed by the travelling framework, the assembly comprising; a. A flexible tine having a linkage point for connecting to the travelling frame, the tine being shaped and configured to extend from the travelling frame towards the ground, b. A coupler member secured to the base of the tine, and c. A wheel coupled to the coupler member such that in use the wheel traverses the ground.

29. The assembly as claimed in claim 28, wherein the tine is an S-shaped flexible tine.

30. The assembly as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the wheel is a depth wheel or a press wheel.

31. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the wheel is a depth wheel.

32. The assembly as claimed in claim 31, wherein the depth wheel is height adjustable relative to the wheel bracket and coupler member.

33. The assembly as claimed in any claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the depth wheel is secured to the coupler member by a wheel bracket, the bracket having a plurality of orifices at different positions and heights relative to the ground to receive an axle of the depth wheel.

34. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the wheel is a press wheel.

35. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein a bottom side of the coupler member is further configured to receive and engage with a ground cutting member.

36. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein the coupler member is a coupler as defined in any one of claims 1 to 27.

37. The assembly as claimed in claim36, wherein a top side of the coupler is configured to further provide a seed or fertilizer channel positioned between the flexible tine and the end of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler.

38. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein the wheel is engageable to the coupler by way of an optional spacer member positioned intermediate a wheel bracket and coupler, the spacer member being configured to couple with the end of the coupler and with the wheel bracket supporting the trailing wheel.

39. The assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein the spacer member is optionally configured to provide a second seed or fertiliser channel positioned between the flexible tine and the edge of the coupler, the channel extending from the top side of the coupler to the bottom side of the coupler40. The assembly as claimed in claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the wheel bracket of the wheel is further configured to be mounted to the spacer member or coupler at one or more heights.

41. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 40, wherein the flexible tine does not extend to engage the ground, when in use.

42. A method for seeding a crop using an implement assembly as defined in any one of claims 28 to 41 with a depth wheel, the method including a. Mounting the assembly onto a travelling framework that further includes one or more hoppers, b. selecting and setting a desired depth height of the depth wheel,c. optionally cutting an incision through the surface of the ground with minimal soil disturbance at the ground surface; and d. depositing seed and or fertiliser through the one or more channels onto the ground and compacting the ground with the trailing depth wheel.

43. The method as claimed in claim 42 including the further step of direct drilling the seed into the ground.

44. The method as claimed in claim 42 or claim 43 wherein the step of depositing seed and / or fertiliser and compacting of the ground with the trailing depth wheel is performed continuously.

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