A point element

Abstract

A point element for a point assembly is disclosed, the point assembly including a point holder fixable to a tine of an agricultural machine. The point element is engageable with the point holder and the point element comprises a point portion for engaging with soil during use, and a support portion for engaging with the point holder. At least the support portion of the point element includes an internal cavity that facilitates reception and delivery of fertiliser along a fertiliser delivery path that extends through the internal cavity.

Description

A POINT ELEMENTField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a point element and to a point assembly including a point element.Background of the Invention

[0002] No-till seeding involves cultivating with minimum controlled soil disturbance using a point element to cut a groove in the soil, typically to a depth between 80 to 180mm, to break up the soil before planting. With conventional seeding, a point element is designed to turn the soil over and cause significant disturbance to the soil surface. In contrast, the point elements of a no-till cultivator cut deeper and narrower furrows and do not turn the soil over. No-till or minimum tillage seeding results in less soil erosion, improved moisture retention and improved maintenance of the earthworm population density.

[0003] Some no-till seeding systems incorporate a sequence of components that may include granular and liquid fertiliser dispensers, seed dispensers, and soil closing devices. The fertilisers are typically dispensed into the furrow created by the point element, followed by seed placement and furrow closure.

[0004] However, with such arrangements the hydrophilic nature of many granular fertilisers may lead to soil clogging issues, particularly at the rear surface of the point element.Summary of the Invention

[0005] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a point element for a point assembly that includes a point holder fixable to a tine of an agricultural machine, the point element engageable with the point holder and the point element comprising: a point portion for engaging with soil during use; a support portion for engaging with the point holder; wherein at least the support portion includes an internal cavity that facilitates reception and delivery of fertiliser along a fertiliser delivery path that extends through the internal cavity.

[0007] In an embodiment, the internal cavity extends into the point portion.

[0008] In an embodiment, the support portion includes a curved externally facing wall that serves to deflect material away from the point element during use.

[0009] In an embodiment, a transverse cross-section of the curved wall is generally hemispherical.

[0010] In an embodiment, the internal cavity is arranged to direct fertiliser towards a rear end of the point portion during use.

[0011] In an embodiment, the cavity includes a directing groove that directs fertiliser towards the rear end of the point portion during use.

[0012] In an embodiment, the support portion includes at least one engagement groove for engaging with a corresponding engagement projection on the point holder.

[0013] In an embodiment, the support portion includes support flanges that extend laterally from the support portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the support flanges include fixing apertures for securing the point element to the point holder.

[0015] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a point assembly comprising: a point holder fixable to a tine of an agricultural machine; a point element according to the first aspect, the point element engageable with the point holder; and fixing means arranged to releasably retain the point element relative to the point holder when the support portion is engaged with the point holder.

[0016] In an embodiment, the point holder comprises a holder body with a first arm at an upper end and a second arm at a lower end, the first and second arms forming a U-shaped structure.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first arm includes at least one engagement projection configured to engage with the at least one engagement groove of the point element.

[0018] In an embodiment, the second arm includes at least one finger that extends into the internal cavity when the point element is engaged with the point holder.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least two fingers define a space therebetween, the space configured to allow passage of fertiliser during use.

[0020] In an embodiment, the point holder includes at least one first fertiliser aperture, the at least one fertiliser aperture configured to receive a liquid fertiliser tube arranged to deliver liquid fertiliser to a location behind the point element during use.

[0021] In an embodiment, the point holder includes a fixing aperture for fixing the point holder to the tine.

[0022] In an embodiment, the point assembly comprises a ll-bolt for fixing the point holder to the tine.

[0023] In an embodiment, the point holder includes a fixing projection, the fixing projection having a fixing aperture for securing the point element to the point holder.

[0024] In an embodiment, the point element and the point holder are configured such that loads are transferred during use from the point element to the point holder at two spaced locations.

[0025] In an embodiment, a load is transferred from the point element to the point holder at the first arm.

[0026] In an embodiment, a load is transferred from the point element to the point holder at the second arm.

[0027] In an embodiment, the point assembly further comprises a granular fertiliser tube that extends into the point element and is disposed against the second arm.

[0028] In an embodiment, the point assembly comprises a closing device, the closing device comprising a closing plate arranged to interact with soil to close a slot created during use by the point element.

[0029] In an embodiment, the closing device tapers inwardly towards a free end of the closing device.

[0030] In an embodiment, the closing plate comprises a first closing surface, a second closing surface and a third closing surface, wherein the first closing surface tapers inwardly towards the free end of the closing device, the second closing surface extending from a first tapering edge of the first closing surface in a different plane to the first closing surface, and the third closing surface extending from a second tapering edge of the first closing surface in a different plane to the first closing surface and the second closing surface.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first closing surface extends at an angle to vertical that is sufficiently large to prevent build up of soil on the closing device during use.

[0032] In an embodiment, the first closing surface extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to vertical.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first closing surface includes at least a first surface part and a second surface part, the first and second surface parts being non-coplanar.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0035] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a point assembly for an agricultural machine, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 2 depicts a side view of the point assembly of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a point element of the point assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the point element of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 5 depicts a side view of the point element of Fig. 3, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a sectional side view of the point element of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the point element of Fig. 3, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of a point holder of the point assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 9 shows a front view of the point holder of Fig. 8, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. 10 illustrates a side view of the point holder of Fig. 8, according to an embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 11 depicts an upper perspective view of a closing device of the point assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig. 12 shows a top view of the closing device of Fig. 11 , according to an embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 13 illustrates a lower perspective view of the closing device of Fig. 11 , according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 is a side view of an alternative point element.

[0049] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an alternative point holder.

[0050] Figure 16 is a bottom view of an alternative closing device.

[0051] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the alternative closing device shown inFigure 16.Description of an Embodiment of the Invention

[0052] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0053] The present disclosure relates to a point element and associated point assembly for an agricultural machine. The point assembly is designed for use in soil cultivation and fertiliser application operations. It comprises several components that work together to efficiently penetrate soil, create a furrow, deliver seed, deliver fertiliser, and close the furrow in a single pass.

[0054] The point assembly includes a point element, which is the primary soilengaging component. The point element has a tapered end design that allows it to effectively cut through soil and create a furrow. It is engineered to minimize soil disturbance while still creating an adequate opening for seed and fertiliser placement.

[0055] The point assembly also includes a point holder that serves as an interface between the point element and the tine of the agricultural machine. It is designed to securely hold the point element in place during operation while also allowing for easy replacement when necessary.

[0056] The assembly also incorporates a fertiliser delivery system. This system allows for precise placement of both granular and liquid fertilisers. The design enables the delivery of fertiliser directly into the soil furrow as it is being created, ensuring optimal nutrient placement for crop growth.

[0057] A closing device is included as part of the point assembly. This component follows behind the point element and is responsible for closing the furrow after seed and fertiliser have been deposited. The closing device is designed to effectively coverthe planted materials while maintaining an appropriate soil structure for seed germination and plant growth.

[0058] The point assembly is engineered to be robust and durable, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions encountered during agricultural operations. It incorporates wear-resistant materials in relevant areas to extend the operational life of the components.

[0059] The assembly is also designed with ease of maintenance in mind. Components that experience wear during normal operation are made to be easily replaceable, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs for the farmer.

[0060] Overall, the point assembly combines efficient soil penetration, accurate fertiliser placement, and effective furrow closing in a single, integrated unit.

[0061] Figures. 1 and 2 illustrate views of a point assembly 10 for an agricultural machine. The point assembly 10 comprises several components arranged to work together for soil penetration and material distribution.

[0062] The point assembly 10 includes a curved tine 12 that extends upward and forward. At the lower end of the tine 12 is a point holder 14 which engages with and supports a point element 16. The point element 16 has a tapered end designed for soil penetration.

[0063] A point assembly body 18 is connected to the lower end of the tine 12. The body 18 includes mounting points for other components of the assembly, and is disposed during use at a rear side of the tine 12. The point holder 14 is disposed at a front side of the tine 12. A closing device 20 is attached to a lower portion of the point assembly body 18, and is positioned to follow the point element 16 during operation.

[0064] The point holder 14 is secured to the tine 12 using a II bolt 22. The II bolt 22 passes over the point holder 14 and passes through apertures in the point assembly body 18 to fix the point holder 14 and the point assembly body 18 to the tine 12. An additional bolt 23 also fixes the point holder 14 to the tine 12. Bolts 24 fix the closing device 20 to the point assembly body 18.

[0065] A granular fertiliser tube 28, shown in Figure 2, is received in an internal cavity 36 of the point element 16 and extends inwardly of the point element 16 so that granular fertiliser is delivered through the cavity 36 and into a soil slot as the slot is created by the point element 16 during use.

[0066] The point element 16 features an engagement groove 42 which interacts with a corresponding engagement projection 44 on the point holder 14. This interactionmechanism allows for secure attachment and replacement of the point element 16, for example because the point element 16 has become worn. The engagement groove 42 and engagement projection 44 serve to engage the point element 16 with the point holder 14 so that loads on the point element during use are transferred to the point holder 14.

[0067] A liquid fertiliser tube 68 extends behind the point element 16 to deliver liquid fertiliser to the soil behind the point element 16 during operation. For this purpose, the point holder 14 includes apertures for receiving and guiding the liquid fertiliser tube 68.

[0068] The point element 16 is designed for efficient soil penetration and material distribution.

[0069] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the point element 16 comprises a support portion 30 and a point portion 32. The support portion 30 is configured for engaging with the point holder 14, and the point portion 32 is designed for engaging with soil during use.

[0070] The support portion 30 includes support flanges 34 that extend laterally from the support portion 30. The support flanges 34 include fixing apertures 35, which provide means for secure attachment to the point holder 14. Engagement grooves 42 are formed in the upper part of the support portion 30, which receive the engagement projections 44 of the point holder 14 to facilitate engagement between the point element 16 and the point holder 14.

[0071] The point element 16 includes an internal cavity 36 that extends through both the support portion 30 and part of the point portion 32, as shown more particularly in Figure 4. The internal cavity 36 facilitates reception and delivery of fertiliser, in this example granular fertiliser, along a fertiliser delivery path that extends through the internal cavity 36. The internal cavity 36 is defined by a curved wall 38, which directs fertiliser towards the point portion 32 during use. In this example, a transverse crosssection of the curved wall 38 is generally hemispherical.

[0072] Within the point portion 32, a directing groove 40 is shown that further directs fertiliser towards a rearward part of the tip of the point portion 32, ensuring precise placement of fertiliser in the soil slot as it is created by the point element 16 during operation.

[0073] The point portion 32 includes a hardened portion 46 on its exterior. The hardened portion 46 enhances the durability and wear resistance of the point element16 during soil engagement. The hardened portion 46 is formed from a material that is harder than the material from which the remainder of the point element 16 is formed, such as tungsten material. In some cases, the hardened portion 46 is welded to the point portion 32.

[0074] Figure 6 presents a sectional side view, revealing the internal structure of the point element 16. The internal cavity 36 is shown extending through the support portion 30 and into the point portion 32.

[0075] Figure 7 illustrates a view of the point element 16 from above when oriented in a generally vertical direction. This view shows the transverse cross sectional shape of the internal cavity 36, which is at least partly defined by the curved wall 38. The cavity 36 is open at a side of the point element 16 that faces rearwards during use.

[0076] The point element 16 is formed as a single piece, typically from iron. Various manufacturing methods may be employed in the production of the point element 16, including casting, forging, and machining, or a combination of these processes.

[0077] The curved wall 38 of the point element 16 facilitates better flow of debris away from the point element 16 and created soil slot, reducing the likelihood of debris accumulation during operation.

[0078] The internal cavity 36 and directing groove 40 of the point element 16 allows for efficient passage of the granular fertiliser through the point element 16. This configuration ensures that granular fertiliser is delivered precisely into the soil slot as it is created by the point element 16 during use, and importantly with less likelihood that the fertilizer will interact with soil and cause clogging as the fertiliser is being dispensed.

[0079] An alternative point element 90 is shown in Figure 14. Like and similar features are indicated with like reference numerals. The alternative point element 90 corresponds substantially with the point element 16 shown in Figures 3 to 7, except that a plurality of hardened plates 92 are fixed, for example using welding, to a forward facing surface of the point portion 32. Extending from the curved wall 38 is a tab 94 that serves to enable the fertilizer tube 28 to be secured relative to the point element 90, for example using a hose clamp..

[0080] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate the point holder 14. The point holder 14 is arranged to engage with and securely attach the point element 16 to the tine 12 of the agricultural machine.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, the point holder 14 comprises a holder body 48 that extends generally vertically during use, and includes a first arm 50 at an upper end of the holder body 48 and a second arm 52 at a second opposite lower end of the holder body 48. The holder body 48 and the first and second arms 50, 52 form a U-shaped structure, with the first arm 50 positioned above the second arm 52 during use.

[0082] The first arm 50 includes two engagement projections 44 that are designed to engage with the corresponding engagement grooves 42 on the point element 16. The engagement projections 44 are disposed at a free end of the first arm 50.

[0083] The second arm 52 includes two fingers 54 that define a space 56 between them.

[0084] When the point element 16 is engaged with the point holder 14, the engagement projections 44 are received in the engagement grooves 42 of the point element 16, and the fingers 54 are located in the internal cavity 36 of the point element 16. During use, the granular fertiliser tube 28 extends into the point element 16 from above and sits against the fingers 54. The fingers 54 are configured to locate the granular fertiliser tube 28 at a defined location generally centrally of the internal cavity 36 when the point element 16 is engaged with the point holder 14. The granular fertiliser passes through the space 56 during use.

[0085] The point holder 14 features a first fertiliser aperture 58 on the first arm 50, a second fertiliser aperture 60 on a fixing projection 65, and a third fertiliser aperture 62 on the second arm 52. These apertures receive a liquid fertiliser tube 68 that receives liquid fertiliser during use and delivers the liquid fertiliser to a location behind the point element 16 during use.

[0086] For attachment purposes, the point holder 14 includes a fixing aperture 64 on the holder body 48. The fixing aperture 64 is for fixing the point holder 14 to the tine 12. Additionally, a fixing projection 65 extends from the holder body 48 from a location generally between the first arm 50 and the second arm 52. The fixing projection 65 includes a fixing aperture 66 that facilitates fixing the point element 16 to the point holder 14 using the fixing apertures 35 of the point element 16 and for example a bolt and split pin (not shown).

[0087] Figures 9 and 10 provide front and side views of the point holder 14, respectively. The fixing projection 65 is visible, extending outward from the holder body 48, and the fixing aperture 66 is shown on the fixing projection 65.

[0088] The design of the point holder 14 integrates multiple functions, including engagement with the point element 16, fertiliser distribution, and secure attachment to the tine 12. The U-shaped structure formed by the holder body 48, the first arm 50 and the second arm 52 provides a robust framework for supporting the point element 16 during soil engagement operations.

[0089] The engagement projections 44 on the first arm 50 and the fingers 54 on the second arm 52 serve to securely hold the point element 16 in place since the engagement projections 44 are received in the engagement grooves 42, and the fingers 54 are received in the internal cavity 36. This design allows for efficient transfer of loads from the point element 16 to the point holder 14 during use at 2 spaced locations, ensuring stable and effective soil penetration.

[0090] The point holder 14 is typically manufactured from a durable material, such as iron, to withstand the rigorous conditions encountered during soil cultivation.

[0091] It will be understood that the point holder 14 and point element 16 are configured such that when the point element 16 is engaged with the point holder 14, the point holder 14 is substantially contained within the point element 16 and is thereby provided with a degree of protection by the point element 14 during use.

[0092] An alternative point holder 100 is shown in Figure 15. Like and similar features are indicated with like reference numerals. The alternative point holder 100 corresponds substantially with the point holder 14 shown in Figures 8 to 10, except that an alignment tab 102 is provided instead of a second arm 52 and fingers 54.

[0093] The closing device 20 of the point assembly 10 is shown in Figures 11 to 13. The closing device 20 is designed to close the soil slot created by the point element 16 during operation.

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, the closing device 20 includes a closing device body 70 and a closing plate 72 extending from the body. The closing device body 70 includes two fixing apertures 74 that are used to attach the closing device 20 to the point assembly body 18. A seed aperture 76 is visible in the central portion of the closing device body 70.

[0095] Figure 12 presents a top view of the closing device 20 and Figure 13 provides a lower perspective view of the closing device 20 that more particularly showsthe structure of the closing plate 72. This view reveals that the closing plate 72 includes three distinct closing surfaces: a first closing surface 78 that tapers inwardly towards an end of the closing plate 72 remote from the closing device body 70, a second closing surface 80 that extends from a first tapering edge 81 of the first closing surface 78 in a different plane to the first closing surface 78, and a third closing surface 82 that extends from a second tapering edge 83 of the first closing surface 78 in a different plane to the first closing surface 78 and the second closing surface 80. These surfaces are arranged in a configuration designed to interact effectively with soil during operation to close the soil slot. The first closing surface 78 extends at an angle to vertical that is sufficiently large to prevent build-up of soil on the closing device 20 whilst ensuring that the closing device 20 still performs the closing function on the soil during use. For example, the first closing surface 78 may extend at an angle approximately 29° relative to horizontal.

[0096] The closing device 20 is fixed in place relative to the point assembly body 18 using the fixing apertures 74. This fixed positioning ensures accurate and consistent soil closing action. The bolts 24, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, pass through the fixing apertures 74 to secure the closing device 20 to the point assembly body 18.

[0097] The closing plate 72 extends from the closing device body 70 and has a transverse bow-shaped design that prevents soil build-up during operation. The bow shape allows soil to flow around the closing plate 72, reducing the likelihood of soil accumulation that could impede the closing action.

[0098] The angles and arrangement of these closing surfaces are designed to promote a self-cleaning action. As the closing device 20 moves through the soil, the angled surfaces encourage soil to move away from the closing plate 72, preventing blocking or clogging. This self-cleaning feature is crucial for maintaining consistent performance during extended periods of operation.

[0099] The closing device 20 also includes a seed aperture 76 that aligns with a seed delivery tube 86 of the point assembly body 18 when the closing device 20 is connected to the point assembly body 18. The seed delivery tube 86 receives seed during use and delivers the seed to the soil after the soil slot has been closed by the closing device 20.

[0100] The closing device 20 is typically manufactured from a durable, wearresistant material such as iron.

[0101] An alternative closing device 110 is shown in Figures 16 and 17. Like and similar features are indicated with like reference numerals. The alternative pointelement 90 corresponds substantially with the point element 16 shown in Figures 11 to 13, except that the first closing surface of the alternative closing device includes a first surface part 112 and second surface part 114 that are not coplanar and instead are angled slightly relative to each other. In comparison, the first closing surface 78 of the closing device shown in Figures 3 to 7 is flat. Providing 2 surface parts 112, 114 further encourages soil to move away from the closing plate 72 during use, to reduce the likelihood of blocking or clogging.

[0102] In operation, as the point assembly 10 moves forward through the soil, the point element 16 creates a soil slot. The granular fertiliser tube 28 delivers fertiliser into this slot, followed by the liquid fertiliser delivered through the liquid fertiliser tube 68. The closing device 20 then follows, with the first closing surface 78, second closing surface 80, and third closing surface 82 interacting with the soil to effectively close the slot and cover the deposited fertiliser and seeds.

[0103] The point assembly 10 operates as an integrated unit to efficiently penetrate soil, create a furrow, deliver fertiliser, and close the furrow in a single pass. During operation, the point assembly 10 is attached to an agricultural machine via the tine 12, which provides the forward motion and downward force necessary for soil engagement.

[0104] As the agricultural machine moves forward, the point element 16 of the point assembly 10 engages with the soil. The tapered design of the point portion 32 allows it to effectively cut through the soil, creating a narrow slot. The hardened portion 46 on the exterior of the point portion 32 enhances durability during this soil penetration process, resisting wear from abrasive soil particles.

[0105] As the point element 16 moves through the soil, the curved wall 38 of the support portion 30 deflects soil and debris away from the point assembly 10.

[0106] Simultaneously with the creation of the soil slot, the granular fertiliser tube 28 delivers granular fertiliser through the internal cavity 36 of the point element 16. The fertiliser travels along the fertiliser delivery path defined by the internal cavity 36 and is directed by the curved wall 38 towards the point portion 32. The directing groove 40 within the point portion 32 further guides the granular fertiliser, ensuring it is deposited precisely into the soil slot immediately behind the point portion 32 as it is being created whilst minimising the likelihood of clogging.

[0107] The liquid fertiliser tube 68 extends behind the point element 16 and delivers liquid fertiliser to the soil slot. The liquid fertiliser tube 68 is guided through the first fertiliser aperture 58, second fertiliser aperture 60, and third fertiliser aperture 62 ofthe point holder 14. This arrangement ensures that the liquid fertiliser is deposited into the soil slot at a location behind the point element 16, providing a separation between the granular and liquid fertiliser applications.

[0108] As the point assembly 10 continues to move forward, the closing device 20 follows behind the point element 16. The closing plate 72 of the closing device 20 interacts with the soil to effectively close the slot created by the point element 16.

[0109] The design of the closing plate 72, and in particular the angle at which the first closing surface 78 extends relative to vertical, promotes a self-cleaning action during operation. As the closing device 20 moves through the soil, the angled surfaces of the second and third closing surfaces 80, 82 encourage soil to flow around it, preventing soil accumulation that could impede the closing action. This design ensures consistent performance even during extended periods of operation in varying soil conditions.

[0110] After closing of the soil slot by the closing device 20, seeds are delivered to the soil through the seed delivery tube 86 and the seed aperture 76.

[0111] Throughout the operation, the engagement between the point element 16 and the point holder 14 ensures that the loads experienced by the point element 16 during soil penetration are effectively transferred to the point holder 14 and subsequently to the tine 12.

[0112] The point assembly 10 performs multiple functions in a single pass: creating a precise soil slot, delivering both granular and liquid fertilisers at specific locations within the slot, then effectively closing the slot.

[0113] The point element 16 is engaged with the point holder 14 by aligning the fingers 54 of the point holder with the internal cavity 36 of the point element 16 and moving the point element 16 upwards relative to the point holder 14 until the engagement projections 44 are received in the engagement grooves 42 and the fingers 54 of the second arm 52 are disposed in the cavity 36. At this position, the fixing apertures 35 on the support flanges 34 of the point element 16 align with the fixing aperture 66 on the fixing projection 65 of the point holder 14. A suitable fixing device that may include a bolt and split pin arrangement may be used to secure attachment of the point element 16 to the point holder 14.

[0114] It will be understood that loads are transferred during use from the point element 16 to the point holder 14 at 2 spaced locations - at the engagement projections 44 and the fingers 54, with no or minimal loads borne by the fixing devicethat extends through the aperture 66 and prevents unwanted disengagement of the point element 16 from the point holder 14. This reduces the risk of failure of the fixing device and increases the likelihood that it will be possible to disengage the point element 16 from the point holder 14 without undue burden.

[0115] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A point element for a point assembly that includes a point holder fixable to a tine of an agricultural machine, the point element engageable with the point holder and the point element comprising: a point portion for engaging with soil during use; a support portion for engaging with the point holder; wherein at least the support portion includes an internal cavity that facilitates reception and delivery of fertiliser along a fertiliser delivery path that extends through the internal cavity.

2. The point element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal cavity extends into the point portion.

3. The point element as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support portion includes a curved externally facing wall that serves to deflect material away from the point element during use.

4. The point element as claimed in claim 3, wherein a transverse cross-section of the curved wall is generally hemispherical.

5. The point element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal cavity is arranged to direct fertiliser towards a rear end of the point portion during use.

6. The point element as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cavity includes a directing groove that directs fertiliser towards the rear end of the point portion during use.

7. The point element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support portion includes at least one engagement groove for engaging with a corresponding engagement projection on the point holder.

8. The point element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support portion includes support flanges that extend laterally from the support portion.

9. The point element as claimed in claim 8, wherein the support flanges include fixing apertures for securing the point element to the point holder.

10. A point assembly comprising: a point holder fixable to a tine of an agricultural machine; a point element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, the point element engageable with the point holder; andfixing means arranged to releasably retain the point element relative to the point holder when the support portion is engaged with the point holder.

11. The point assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the point holder comprises a holder body with a first arm at an upper end and a second arm at a lower end, the first and second arms forming a U-shaped structure.

12. The point assembly as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the first arm includes at least one engagement projection configured to engage with the at least one engagement groove of the point element.

13. The point assembly as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the second arm includes at least one finger that extends into the internal cavity when the point element is engaged with the point holder.

14. The point assembly as claimed in claim 13, comprising at least two fingers that define a space therebetween, the space configured to allow passage of fertiliser during use.

15. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the point holder includes at least one first fertiliser aperture, the at least one fertiliser aperture configured to receive a liquid fertiliser tube arranged to deliver liquid fertiliser to a location behind the point element during use.

16. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the point holder includes a fixing aperture for fixing the point holder to the tine.

17. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, comprising a U- bolt for fixing the point holder to the tine.

18. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the point holder includes a fixing projection, the fixing projection having a fixing aperture for securing the point element to the point holder.

19. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the point element and the point holder are configured such that loads are transferred during use from the point element to the point holder at two spaced locations.

20. The point assembly as claimed in claim 19 when dependent on claim 11 , wherein a load is transferred from the point element to the point holder at the first arm.

21. The point assembly as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 when dependent on claim 11 , wherein a load is transferred from the point element to the point holder at the second arm.

22. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21 , further comprising a granular fertiliser tube that extends into the point element and is disposed against the second arm.

23. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 22, comprising a closing device, the closing device comprising a closing plate arranged to interact with soil to close a slot created during use by the point element.

24. The point assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the closing device tapers inwardly towards a free end of the closing device.

25. The point assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein the closing plate comprises a first closing surface, a second closing surface and a third closing surface, wherein the first closing surface tapers inwardly towards the free end of the closing device, the second closing surface extending from a first tapering edge of the first closing surface in a different plane to the first closing surface, and the third closing surface extending from a second tapering edge of the first closing surface in a different plane to the first closing surface and the second closing surface.

26. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the first closing surface extends at an angle to vertical that is sufficiently large to prevent build up of soil on the closing device during use.

27. The point assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein the first closing surface extends at an angle of approximately 29° relative to horizontal.

28. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first closing surface includes at least a first surface part and a second surface part, the first and second surface parts being non-coplanar.

29. The point assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 28, wherein the point holder is substantially contained within the point element when the point element is engaged with the point holder.

Images