AU2006202462A1 - A Spraying Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

A Spraying Apparatus Field of the Invention.

This invention is directed to a spraying apparatus and particularly, to a shrouded spraying apparatus that can be towed behind a vehicle and which can be used to spray weeds, apply liquid fertilizer and the like. The invention is particularly directed to a spraying apparatus that can be transported in a relatively compact form and which can then be "unfolded" into a larger form. The invention may also be directed to a spraying apparatus which can be quickly and easily made larger or smaller. The invention will be described with reference to a spraying apparatus that is towed behind a quadracycle but it should be appreciated that no particular limitation is meant thereby and the spraying apparatus may also be towed by any other suitable type of vehicle or may be attached to a vehicle.

Background Art.

It is quite well known to provide a spraying apparatus that can be towed behind a vehicle to spray weeds, crops, to apply fertiliser, or any other type of sprayable material to a surface.

If the apparatus is to be used to spray weedicides/herbicides, it is known to provide a shrouded apparatus. The shrouded apparatus typically comprises some form of inverted substantially U-shaped housing containing the spray nozzles.

The shroud or housing prevents spray drift and concentrates spray to the desired area.

It is advantageous (in terms of speed and efficiency) to have a spraying apparatus that can spray relatively large areas in the shortest possible time. Thus, it is known to provide boom arms on which spray nozzles are placed. These boom arms can be quite long and it is known to have boom arms with a length of between 4-8 metres. These boom arms can be hinged back or hinged sidewardly to reduce the length of the boom arms particularly for transportation and storage. This type of apparatus is well known in the farming community. However, with this type of apparatus, the spray nozzles are not protected by a housing or shroud.

Shrouded spray devices are usually of fixed length. This is because conventionally, it has been difficult to provide a shrouded spray device that can be folded, etc. Thus, to improve efficiency, it is known to provide shrouded spray devices having a length of between 4-6 metres. This makes the device difficult to transport to and from a work site and makes the device difficult to store in a compact manner.

Thus, it is also known to provide a much shorter spray device which is shrouded and which has a length of between 1-3 metres. While this type of device is better to transport and store, the shorter length means that the device is not particularly efficient when used in large areas.

There would be an advantage to provide a spraying apparatus that could be used on what could be known as "medium size" areas which would include areas such as football fields, other types of playing fields, many types of parks (particularly council parks), some areas in botanical gardens, smaller hobby farms, larger (acreage) homesites and the like.

One disadvantage with such "medium-size" areas is that accessibility is sometimes an issue. Accessibility is usually not an issue for broad acre farming and therefore very large spraying devices can be used, but in the medium-size areas, accessibility may be an issue. For instance, some council parks can only be accessed through a relatively small gate, pathway or driveway. Some playing fields can also be accessed through a "standard" type road.

Another disadvantage with many areas to be treated is that the areas contain obstacles. These obstacles may comprise fences, trees (particularly in parks), goal posts which are concreted in the ground (particularly in playing fields) and the like. Quite a high degree of skill is required to maneuver around these obstacles without damaging the equipment but still ensuring that the ground very close to the obstacle is treated. It is often found that the spraying apparatus is damaged by striking an obstacle.

Another disadvantage with many types of existing spraying equipment, and particularly for medium-size areas is that the areas can vary quite significantly in size. There is an advantage (at least in terms of efficiency) in having the spray equipment of the correct size for the area to be sprayed. Therefore, having an apparatus which is relatively small (and therefore more accessible) may be inefficient for use in a large area having better access and conversely, having a larger apparatus may be inefficient in small areas, areas where there are a large number of obstacles, or where access is restricted.

I3 A general disadvantage with existing shrouded spraying devices is that the shroud necessarily limits the spray pattern, which is mostly an advantage, but which can sometimes create difficulties. For instance, when spraying against a wire afence line, a shrouded device will not be able to spray through the fence line because of the shroud. Therefore, it is necessary to initially treat the area as best as possible with the shrouded device and then to move along the fence line (typically with a Sbackpack sprayer) to spray any weeds, etc. missed by the shrouded sprayer. There Swould be an advantage if this could be minimised or even eliminated.

IND

SThus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a shrouded spray apparatus where the apparatus could be "length adjustable" in a simple and convenient manner thereby making the apparatus able to do small jobs where the shrouded spray apparatus has a shorter length, and larger jobs where the shrouded spray apparatus has a longer length, and where the apparatus can be folded to make it more compact for transportation and storage.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Object of the Invention.

It is an object of the invention to provide a spraying apparatus, and particularly a shrouded spray apparatus that may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a spraying apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first main elongate shrouded spray member containing at least one spray nozzle and which has two ends, a first shrouded end member which is attached relative to one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member and which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and, when in the extended position, extending over one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member, and an extension shrouded spray member that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the extension shrouded spray member, when in the extended position, extending from one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member to provide a longer spraying apparatus, the shrouded end member being movable to the retracted position prior to movement of the extension shrouded spray member to the extended position.

In this manner, the spraying apparatus can be extended from a shorter length (typically for small areas and also for compact transportation and storage) to a longer length. This can be achieved by pivoting away the end member and then pivoting the extension member from the retracted position to the extended position.

When the extension member is moved back to the retracted position, the end member can be then moved back from its retracted position to the extended position.

In a broader form, the invention resides in a spraying apparatus comprising a main elongate shrouded spray member containing at least one spray nozzle and which has two ends, a first shrouded end member which is attached relative to one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member and which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and, when in the extended position, extending over one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member. In this broader form of the invention, it is preferred that each end has a shrouded end member of the type which can move between the retracted position and the extended position.

Suitably, an end member and an extension member is provided on each end of the first main elongate member. This can extend the spray apparatus from a length of about two metres to a length of about four metres or more. Of course, the precise length of the spraying apparatus can vary and the invention should not be limited only to the length given above.

The spraying apparatus can be towed behind a vehicle or pushed in front of the vehicle, or otherwise mounted or associated with a vehicle or possibly even manually moved over a ground surface. However, it is envisaged that the spraying apparatus will be towed behind a vehicle.

The type and size of vehicle can vary depending, inter alia, on the size of the job, the type of terrain, accessibility and the like. In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle may comprise a quadracycle, however the invention need not be limited only to this type of vehicle and a vehicle may comprise a tractor, a car, a truck, an electric vehicle, a petrol vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a vehicle containing wheels, a vehicle containing tracks, and the like.

The spraying apparatus can be used to spray any suitable material to, against, over or at, any suitable surface. It is envisaged that the spraying apparatus will be used to spray chemicals onto a ground surface. These chemicals may comprise weedicides, herbicides, fertilisers, insecticides, soil treatment agents, soil conditioning agents, dyes, aqueous and non-aqueous mixtures and the like, and it is not considered that the invention should be limited to any particular type of fluid that can pass through the spraying apparatus.

The first main elongate shrouded spray member will typically comprise an elongate shroud/hood/housing or other type of configuration that can be used to reduce or prevent spray drift, etc. The length of the first elongate shrouded spray member will vary depending on the use, the type of vehicle, the type of job, the terrain, etc. However, it is considered that the first elongate member will have a length of between 1-3 metres and typically between 1.5-2.5 metres. The first member may be made of any suitable material and the shroud, etc. will typically be made of metal, plastic, fibreglass, composite materials and the like. The shroud may be made of rigid material or of flexible material that can be held by a frame arrangement, etc. The shroud may be opaque or transparent, or may contain viewing windows, etc.. In an embodiment, the shroud will be made of metal such as aluminium or steel.

The first elongate shrouded spray member will typically comprise a substantially inverted U-shaped member although it is considered that the shroud may comprise other configurations. The shroud will typically have an open bottom which faces the ground in use. The open bottom may have a width of between 5-60 centimetres and typically between 10-30 centimetres although no particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by these values. Typically, the shroud will be spaced some way above the ground and the spacing may be anywhere between centimetres, although no particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by these values. In order to prevent spray from passing underneath the shroud, some form of barrier means may be provided.

The barrier means may comprise a flexible member that can contact the ground to provide some form of barrier or "seal" to prevent spray from exiting the spray member. The flexible member may comprise an array of bristles although it is envisaged that other types of barrier means may also be provided such as flexible flap members (that can overlap each other), chains, strips, straps, and the like.

The first elongate shrouded spray member will typically be provided with at least one spray nozzle and typically a plurality of spray nozzles. The nozzle may be of any suitable manufacture and may be made of plastic, metal (typically brass), composite materials and the like. The nozzle may have any suitable spray pattern depending on the desired type of application of the spray to the surface.

Suitably, a plurality of nozzles is provided and the arrangement of the array will typically be such that the spray from each nozzle will slightly overlap the spray from an adjacent nozzle to prevent any untreated areas from occurring.

The nozzle will typically be connected to some form of pipe, hose, or other type of conduit to a supply of liquid to be spray through the nozzle. It is considered that a flexible hose will be most convenient. The nozzles may be fed separately from each other or may be connected to some form of common manifold.

The spacing between adjacent nozzles will vary depending on the spray pattern, etc.

and will typically be between 20-80 centimetres although no particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by these values.

The first shrouded spray member will typically be substantially rectangular when viewed in plan although it is envisaged that the spray member may also have other configurations such as oval, round, etc.

The spraying apparatus has a first shrouded end member. The end member will typically be attached at or adjacent the end of the elongate member.

Typically, the end member will be hingedly attached relative to the end of the elongate member although it is considered that other types of attachments may also be suitable including some form of pin arrangement etc. that enables the end member to be entirely removed from or attached to the first elongate member. However, it is considered more efficient to have the end member hingedly attached such that can be pivoted away quite easily.

The end member is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the end member is away from the end of the first elongate member and in the extended position, the end member extends over the end of the first elongate member. The end member, when in the extended position, prevents spray drift from passing through the otherwise open end of the first elongate member.

The end member can be made of material similar to that described with reference to the first elongate member, and, in an embodiment, the end member is made of metal and also contains the barrier means which will typically comprise flexible bristles. It is envisaged that the end member will not contain any nozzles as the nozzles of the first elongate member will typically be arranged and angled to ensure that liquid is sprayed into the area defined by the end member. However, if there is an advantage in providing one or more spray nozzles in the end member, this can be done.

One advantage in being able to swing or otherwise move the end member to the retracted position is that the last nozzle in the first elongate member can spray material slightly out of the now open end of the first elongate member. This can provided a good clean spray edge. However, the main reason for being able to remove the end member is to enable the extension member to be placed in position to lengthen the entire spraying apparatus.

The apparatus includes an extension shrouded spray member that can move between an extended use position to lengthen the spraying apparatus and a retracted non-use position.

The extension shrouded spray member will typically be hingedly mounted and will typically be hingedly mounted to the main shrouded spray member.

The extension shrouded spray member may have a design which is similar to the main shrouded spray member and therefore may contain a shroud/hood/housing which can contain one or more nozzles and a barrier means typically in the form of an array of bristles.

The extension shrouded spray member can move to a position substantially in line with the main spray member and extending from one end of the main spray member to lengthen the spray apparatus when required.

When not required, the extension shrouded spray member can move to a retracted position where it is out of the way. It is considered that one suitable retracted position will be extending over the top of the main spray member. Thus, the extension shrouded spray member may be hinged about a horizontal axis.

The spray apparatus may contain a frame assembly or may be attached to or otherwise operatively associated with a frame assembly. The frame assembly may be attached to a vehicle by any suitable means. If desired, wheels may be provided on the frame member or spray apparatus.

It is preferred that the spray apparatus can "track" undulations in a ground surface to provide an even spray. There are various ways in which this can be achieved. One way is to pivotly attach the frame member relative to the vehicle to Senable the spray apparatus to track the ground surface.

The spray apparatus will typically be connected to or otherwise communicate with a supply tank, the supply tank supplying the required chemicals/aqueous/non-aqueous solution to the spray nozzles. The supply tank may O be provided on the vehicle, on the spray apparatus, on the frame assembly or in any other suitable position. The volume of the supply tank may vary and will typically be

\O

(i between 20 litres-200 litres although it is envisaged that the volume may be larger for larger vehicles and larger spray apparatus.

S 10 A pump or other type of delivery means will typically be provided to provide pressurised liquid to the nozzles. Any suitable pump or delivery means may be used and it is not considered that the invention should be limited to any particular type of pump or delivery means.

A control means may be provided to control the pressure, volume, or even the nozzles through which the liquid will flow. Thus, the control means may enable only certain nozzles to be activated. The control means will typically be positioned convenient to an operator. It is not considered that any particular limitation should be placed on the type of control means that can be used.

Another broad form of the invention comprises a spray apparatus which can be maneuvered manually (and therefore is not towed behind a vehicle), the apparatus having an elongate shrouded housing containing at least one nozzle and a shrouded end housing on each end of the elongate housing, at least one, and preferably both of the end housings being movable between a retracted position, where the end of the elongate housing is open, and an extended position where the end housing covers the otherwise open end of the elongate housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a view of the spray apparatus in the "shortened" position and attached to the rear of a quadracycle.

Figure 2 illustrates a close-up view of one end of the spray apparatus in the "shortened" position.

Figure 3 illustrates a close-up view of one end of the spray apparatus and particularly illustrates how the shrouded end member is releasably locked in place.

Figure 4 illustrates one end of the spray apparatus which is similar to that illustrated in Figure 2 except that the shrouded end member has been pivoted away into the retracted position.

Figure 5 illustrates how the spray apparatus can be lengthened by pivoting the shrouded extension member into position on one end of the first member and illustrates how the shrouded end member has been pivoted away to enable the extension member to be positioned in place.

Figure 6 illustrates a safety release mechanism in the "locked" position and which can be released should the extension member strike a solid object (such as a post).

Figure 7 illustrates the safety release mechanism of Figure 6 in the "released" position.

Figure 8 illustrates the hinge joint that forms part of the release mechanism.

Figure 9 illustrates the spray apparatus in the lengthened position.

Figure 10 illustrates a forward view of a quadracycle attached to the spray apparatus in a particular manner that enables the spray apparatus to be "ground tracking".

Figure 11 is a close-up view showing the frame assembly that forms part of the spray apparatus (in the embodiment only), the chemical tank, the motor and the pump.

Figure 12 illustrates a view similar to figure 11 except from a slightly different angle to again illustrate the frame assembly, the chemical tank, the motor and the pump.

Figure 13 illustrates a view from the quadracycle looking back and particularly illustrating a visual gauge system to see if chemicals are being properly passed to the various spray nozzles.

Figure 14 illustrates a control panel to control the spray apparatus.

Figure 15 illustrates a close-up view showing the inside of the extension member and illustrating the spray nozzles.

Figure 16 illustrates a "short version" of the apparatus attached to the rear of a quadracycle.

Figure 17 illustrates the "short version" of the apparatus from the other side.

Figure 18 illustrates the "short version" of the apparatus with the end members in the "retracted" position.

Figure 19 illustrates a close-up view of one side of the "short version" of the apparatus.

Figure 20 illustrates the apparatus and the quadracycle on a trailer and showing its compact nature.

Figure 21 illustrates how, by retracting one shrouded end member, spray can be sprayed right up against an obstruction.

Figure 22 illustrates the "safety" mechanism to minimise damage to the apparatus if the apparatus inadvertently strikes an object a tree trunk).

Figures 23-24 illustrate a manual version and a simple version of the apparatus.

Best Mode.

Referring to the illustrations and initially to Figure 1, there is illustrated a spray apparatus 10, typically for a spraying herbicides and weedicides over a ground surface.

The apparatus contains a first main elongate shrouded spray member 11 (hereinafter called first member), the first member having two ends and a shrouded end member (hereinafter called end member) 12 positioned on each end of first member 11, therefore there being two end members 12. In the position illustrated in Figure 1, each end member is in the extended use position, but each end member can be swung away to a retracted non-use position as will be described in greater detail below.

The apparatus further contains an extension shrouded spray member (hereinafter called extension member) adjacent each end of the first member and therefore the apparatus contains two extension members 13. In the position illustrated in Figure 1, each extension member 13 is in an upside-down retracted position but each extension member 13 can be swung down to a use position as will be described in greater detail below.

The first member, the end member, and the extension member each contains a metal shroud/hood 14 which is basically an inverted U-shaped design. The shroud 14 has an open bottom and this open bottom is designed to sit somewhat above the ground surface, typically between 5-30 centimetres. Therefore, to prevent spray drift, a barrier means is provided, and in the particular embodiment, the barrier means comprises bristles 15 on each member (that is the first member, both end members and both extension members).

The first member 11 and each extension member 13 is provided with one or more spray nozzles 16. An example of the spray nozzles 16 is illustrated in Figure 2, Figure 4 and Figure 15. The spray nozzles may be of standard manufacture and in the particular embodiment, the nozzles are grouped together in groups of three and each group is spaced apart along the inside of the shroud by a distance of between 20-40 centimetres. The nozzle arrangement should be such that a good even spray is obtained and that sufficient spray contacts the ground/plants etc.

In the embodiment, end members 12 are not provided with any spray nozzles.

Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a close-up view showing one of the end members 12 on the end of first member 11 and in the use position where the end member 12 closes off the otherwise open end of first member 11. In the particular embodiment, end member 12 is hingedly attached to first member 11 by hinge 17. The placement of the hinge is such that the end member 12 can move by 1800 about hinge 17 from the position illustrated in Figure 2 to the position illustrated in Figure 4. In the position illustrated in Figure 4, end member 12 has been hinged away such that the end of first member 11 is now open.

Referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated how end member 12 is temporarily locked in the extended use position where it closes off the end of first member 11. In the particular arrangement, a rubber (or otherwise stretchable) key 18 is provided which can be stretched and locked against a small bracket to hold end member 12 in place. The manufacture of key 18 is quite standard. Once key 18 has been released, end member 12 can be swung to the retracted position illustrated in Figure 4 when desired.

Referring to Figure 4, this illustrates one extension member 13 in the retracted upside-down position where it overlies first member 11. Once end member 12 has been swung away (as illustrated in Figure the extension member 18 can be swung from the upside-down position illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 4 to the extended use position illustrated in Figure 5. Extension member 13 is hinged to first member 11 by a horizontal hinge 19 which is best illustrated in Figure 4. A rubber cushion 20 is provided to support the extension member when the extension member is in the upside-down retracted position.

Thus, when it is desired to lengthen the spray apparatus, one (or both) of the end members 12 can be decoupled and swung away and then one (or both) of the extension members can be swung down to effectively lengthen the spray apparatus. Figure 9 illustrates the fully extended spray apparatus where each extension member 13 has been swung into the use position.

Each extension member 13 is provided with a ground wheel 21 (see Figure The ground wheel is a "castor" type wheel which pivots about a horizontal pivot pin, the pin being supported by a bracket, the bracket being supported by a pair of frame members 22 which are attached to the extension member. When the extension member is in the retracted upside-down position (see for instance Figure 2 and Figure the castor ground wheel 21 can be pivoted into an "out of the way" position.

When the spray apparatus is in the fully extended position (see Figure it can be between 3-6 metres long and therefore there is a risk that an outer end of the spray apparatus may strike something solid (for instance a post or tree). To prevent damage to the spray apparatus, a safety release mechanism is provided, this being illustrated in Figures 6-8.

Referring to these Figures, Figure 6 illustrates the safety release mechanism in the locked position, Figure 7 illustrates the safety release mechanism in the released position, and Figure 8 illustrates the hinge that enables the extension member to hinge away once the safety release mechanism has been triggered.

Referring now in greater detail and initially to Figure 7, the release mechanism comprises a catch 23, which is hidden in Figure 6. Catch 23 catches over a horizontal pin 24 (see Figure 7) and catch 23 is biased into the locking position by a spring 25. However, should sufficient force be placed on the extension member, the catch will release from pin 24 to enable this part of the spray apparatus to be bent back about hinge 26 (see Figure Also, the position of the safety release mechanism is Sinwardly from hinge 19 that hinges the extension member 13 to the first member 11.

Figure 1 illustrates the position of each hinge 26 and therefore the position where the release mechanism is. Thus, in the shortened version of the spray apparatus (see Figure if the end member 12 hits an obstruction a post etc), it will bend back INO about hinge 26. Similarly, in the lengthened version of the spray apparatus (see Figure 9, if the extension member hits an obstruction, it will bend back about hinge 26.

Figures 10-12 illustrate the frame assembly which, in the particular I 10 embodiment, comprises part of the spray apparatus. Thus, in this particular embodiment, the spray apparatus comprises the first member, end member, extension member and the frame assembly. However, in other embodiments, the frame assembly may be separate from the spray apparatus.

The frame assembly connects the vehicle to the spray apparatus, and in this particular embodiment, the connection is such that the spray apparatus can track the ground surface. Specifically, the frame assembly comprises a pair of longitudinal frame members 27 (only one being illustrated) and which are formed of box section.

The frame members 27 can have varying lengths but in this particular embodiment, the length of the frame members is between 1-2 metres. The forward end of each frame member 27 is attached to the rear wheel rim of the vehicle (in this particular case a quadracycle) but via an attachment 28 which is attached to the wheel rim. The forward end can pivot about attachment 28 to provide the frame assembly with a separate ground tracking ability. In practice, the forward end of the frame member 27 is provided with an opening which extends about a projection on attachment 28 and a circlip or similar member is used to hold the frame member 27 to attachment 28. The arrangement allows easy coupling/decoupling of the frame assembly to the vehicle.

The frame members 27 are interconnected by cross members 29 see Figure 11) to provide a structurally rigid unit. This arrangement also provides a platform to hold the chemical tank 30, the motor 31 and the pump 32 (the motor 31 driving the pump 32). Various hoses, etc. are also provided to supply the chemicals to the various nozzles.

The "rear" end of each frame member 27 (that is the end which is closest to the first member 11) is supported by a castor wheel 33 (or more correctly a IND 14 Spair of wheels 33) to reduce load on the first member 11.

SFigure 13 illustrates a driver's rear view, when the driver is on the quadracycle and particularly illustrates an array of see-through plastic gauges 35 to enable the driver to turn around to make sure that chemicals are being passed to each spray nozzle.

O Figure 14 illustrates a typical control panel 34 which is on the handlebars of the quadracycle and which allows the driver to operate the various spray

\O

NI nozzles, etc.

Figures 16-22 illustrate a "short version" of the spray apparatus which NI 10 is quite similar to that described above except that the extension member (13 in Figures 1-15) is not present. Thus, the short version still contains a "central" elongate shrouded spray member 41 containing internal nozzles, and a pair of retractable end members 42, 43. The end members can pivot to an "upside-down" position illustrated in Figure 18 and do so about a hinge.

Figure 19 shows that the apparatus can be attached to the rear of a quadracycle by frame members 44 and this time the frame members are attached to the quadracycle wheel by slightly different coupling arrangement but again a coupling arrangement that enables the apparatus to pivot or "track" undulations in the ground surface.

Figure 20 illustrates how the apparatus with the end members in the retracted "upside-down" position can be transported on the back of a trailer 45 and the width is such that the trailer is within regulation sizes.

Figure 21 illustrates how the apparatus can be used to spray chemicals against an obstruction such as a post 46. This is achieved by simply hinging away one of the end members 42 to expose the open end of central member 41 thereby allowing spray to be sprayed against the post. This obviates the need to do a special "spot" spraying using a backpack sprayer which is one of the disadvantages with known devices that do not have a hinge away end member.

Figure 22 illustrates the safety release mechanism in use and a version of the safety release mechanism has been described with reference to Figures 6-8. The safety release mechanism prevents damage, in this case, to the end member 42.

Figure 23 and Figure 24 illustrates a simple manual version of the invention which again comprises a shrouded spray member 50 containing shrouded r IND O end members 51, 52 which are hinged to the spray member 50 by a hinge 53 and therefore which can be tilted up when required. The manual version contains a chemical tank and a small motor to pump liquid through the spray nozzles. A small handheld sprayer 54 is provided which is attached to the chemical tank/pump via a hose 55 to enable "spot" spraying to be done in a straightforward manner.

The apparatus provides many advantages including the ability to quickly change from a shortened version that can be used on smaller ground areas but which also enables the apparatus to be more compactly transported and stored, to a longer version which can enable large areas to be efficiently treated.

C 10 Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A spraying apparatus comprising a first main elongate shrouded spray member containing at least one spray nozzle and which has two ends, a first shrouded end member which is attached relative to one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member and which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and, when in the extended position, extending over one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member, and an extension shrouded spray member that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the extension shrouded spray member, when in the extended position, extending from one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member to provide a longer spraying apparatus, the shrouded end member being movable to the retracted position prior to movement of the extension shrouded spray member to the extended position.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each end of the first elongate spray member contains a said end member.

3. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising two extension spray members.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension spray member is hinged relative to the first spray member about a substantially horizontal hinge to enable the extension spray member to be hinged to a retracted position where the extension spray member is in an upside-down position over the top of the first spray member.

The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end member is hinged to an end of the first spray member about a vertical, substantially vertical or inclined hinge.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a safety release mechanism which enables an end portion of the apparatus to be at least partially opened when struck to prevent damage to the end portion of the apparatus.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members, each frame member being attached to, or relative to, a leading vehicle.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the apparatus is pivotally attached to the leading vehicle.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the apparatus is attached to at least one ground wheel of the leading vehicle.

The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a tank for holding a liquid and a pump to pump liquid from the holding tank and through the spray nozzles.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including control means on the leading vehicle to control the spray.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is connected to a leading vehicle, the leading vehicle comprising a quadracycle.

13. A spraying apparatus comprising a main elongate shrouded spray member containing at least one spray nozzle and which has two ends and a first shrouded end member which is attached relative to one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member and which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and, when in the extended position, extending over one end of the first main elongate shrouded spray member.

14. A spraying apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying illustrations. DATED this 9 th day of June 2006 Techni Gro Weed Control Pty Ltd By its Patent Attorneys Cullen Co.