GB1602433A

GB1602433A - Apparatus for applying chemicals to the ground and/or crops growing therein

Info

Publication number: GB1602433A
Application number: GB5418076A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Allman & Co Ltd
Current assignee: Allman & Co Ltd
Priority date: 1978-03-20
Filing date: 1978-03-20
Publication date: 1981-11-11

Description

(54) APPARATUS FOR APPLYING CHEMICALS TO THE GROUND AND/OR CROPS GROWING THEREIN (71) We, E. ALLMAN & CO. LIMITED, of Birdham Road, Chichester, Sussex PO20 7BT, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to apparatus for applying liquid or solid. material to the ground and/or crops growing therein.

Known apparatus for this purpose comprises a container for a bulk supply of chemical material which may be in liquid form or in the form of a powdered or granular solid. The container is either adapted to be mounted upon a tractor, or forms part of a separate trailer vehicle for towing behind a tractor, and means are provided through which the chemical material can be fed from the container to a plurality of outlets disposed along a boom arranged to extend traversely of the tractor or trailer and to extend at both sides to a distance laterally considerably beyond the path traversed by the tractor.

Owing to the difficulty of driving a tractor on an accurate predetermined course across open country, and the difficulty of gauging the exact position of the outer ends of the boom relative to treated areas of the ground or crop there is the disadvantage with such known apparatus, that portions of the ground or crop are untreated, or receive an excessive dose of chemical. Various means and methods of operation have been deviced with the object of minimising this disadvantage, but none has been wholly satisfactory.

A further disadvantage of the aforesaid known apparatus is that if a wind is blowing during use, the tractor driver will at times be down wind of the outlets and thus subjected to spray drift, or dust cloud.

The main object of the present invention is to provide apparatus whereby both these disadvantages can be avoided or minimised.

Other advantages of the present invention will be hereinafter described.

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for applying liquid or solid material to the ground and/or crops growing therein, the apparatus comprising a container for a bulk supply of the material to be applied, said container being adapted for mounting on a tractor or upon a trailer for towing behind a tractor, a movable boom, means for mounting the movable boom relative to the container for horizontal movement through 180 between a first position in which, in use, the movable boom extends laterally on one side of the tractor or trailer and a second position in which it extends laterally on the other side of the tractor or trailer, a ground engaging member at the outer end of the movable boom, and means for feeding the said material from the container to a plurality of outlets on the movable boom.

Desirably, the movable boom- is readily detachable from the container to enable this boom to be left in a field whilst the container is taken away for refilling.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows in general outline part of one apparatus according to the invention; Figures 2 and 3 show details of the apparatus of Figure 1 to an enlarged scale; Figures 4 and 5 are details similar to those of Figures 2 and 3 of a modification of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a rear elevation of another apparatus according to the invention; Figures 7 and 8 show details of the apparatus of Figure 6; and Figure 9 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 6.

With reference to Figure 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings there is shown an apparatus for applying a liquid chemical to the ground and/or crops growing therein and which includes a cylindrical container 10 for a bulk supply of the chemical. This container 10 may be mounted in any convenient manner at the rear of an agricultural tractor, but as shown it is carried on a chassis of a trailer which is adapted to be towed by the tractor.

Behind the container 10 is a verticallyadjustable boom 9 which is fixed relative to the container and the trailer and which extends traversely of the tractor and trailer and is of a length substantially equal to the width of the tractor. This fixed boom 9 incorporates a plurality of spaced outlets in the form of spray nozzles.

Embracing the container 10 is a part circular track 12 which is engaged by rollers 13 on a carriage assembly 14 on which can be mounted the inner end of a movable boom 15. The carriage assembly 14 can slide along the track 12 to admit the movable boom 15 moving horizontally through 180 between a position in which it extends laterally from one side of the tractor at an angle of approximately 90 to the longitudinal axis of the latter, to a position in which it extends laterally from the other side of the tractor at an angle of approximately 90 to the longitudinal axis of the tractor, this movement taking place through an arc at the rear of the tractor.

Associated with the track 12 and carriage assembly 14 is latch means 16 operable by a tractor driver for retaining the movable boom 15 in either of its alternative extreme positions. Moreover, spaced along the movable boom 15 are a plurality of spray nozzles similar to those on the fixed boom 9.

At the outer end of the movable boom 15 of Figures 1, 2 and 3 is a ground engaging member (see Figure 6) in the form of a castor wheel 17 or a skid which can swivel in the manner of a castor. This ground engaging member is vertically adjustable relative to the movable boom 15, and the track 12 is vertically adjustable relative to the container so that the height of the movable boom above the ground can be varied.

In or associated with the container 10 is a pump (not shown) for feeding the chemical through flexible conduits to the plurality of nozzles in the two booms 9 and 15 and associated with the conduits is a cut-off cock which is operable by a driver of the tractor.

The preferred method of using the apparatus in accordance with the invention to treat a field is as follows: The tractor is first driven around the perimeter of the field with the movable spray boom 15 extending from the side of the tractor directed towards the middle of the field to treat a headland or marginal portion of the field. Subsequently the tractor is driven to-and-fro across the field in the manner of mowing a lawn, with the movable boom 15 always extending from the down wind side of the tractor so that any spray drift will be carried away from the driver.

The mode of doing this is as follows: As the driver approaches the headland at the end of a row he releases the latch means 16 and cuts off the supply of chemical. If the movable boom 15 is extending from the right-hand side of the tractor then as he drives onto the headland he steers the tractor to the left. Due to the drag of the castor wheel 17 or skid at the outer end of the movable boom 15, the movable boom will tend to swing into a position in which it is trailing behind the tractor. The driver then reverses whilst applying the opposite lock with the result that the drag of the castor wheel 17 or skid will cause the boom 15 to continue its angular movement relative to the tractor until it is projecting from the opposite side of the tractor and is latched in position ready for the next pass.The driver can then follow his previous wheel marks across the field and particularly the mark made by the castor wheel 17 or skid opening the cock as he leaves the headland.

When there is substantially no wind an alternative method of working would be to go around and around the field whilst getting nearer to the middle on each circuit. On each circuit the mark made by the castor wheel 17 or skid can be followed with the outer wheels of the tractor. In both methods of working it is desirable to drive the tractor in straight passes either from headland to headland, or from corner to corner rather than on a curved path which would result in differential speeds throughout the length of the boom 15, and therefore uneven application of chemical. By either of these methods it is relatively simple to ensure that the whole of the field is treated without overlap thereby preventing excessive dosage and waste of chemical. Furthermore, these methods can be used without the need of any form of markers.Considering the apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 3 in greater detail, the track 12 is formed from a tube and is mounted on a pair of transverse support members 18 positioned adjacent the front end and rear end of the container 10 respectively. The support members are in fact carried by the container 10 in the particular example because the container is fabricated from sheet steel. For this purpose two pairs of vertical support members 19 are mounted on the ends respectively of the container and the support member 18 are adjustably secured thereto.

The rear transverse support member 18 forms the aforesaid fixed boom 9.

The carriage assembly 14 includes a pair of saddles 20, 21 each of which mounts a pair of rollers 13 which have concave peripheral surfaces for engagement with the tube form- ing the track 12. The two saddles 20, 21 are interconnected by a structural member 22 running above the track and each saddle mounts a depending rod 23 for engagement one at a time with latch plates 16a pivotally mounted at the ends of the front tranverse support member 18. The plates 16a are spring loaded by means of suitable springs and as mentioned can be released by the operator when movement of the boom 15 is required. The saddles 20, 21 also carry a support for a pipe which extends into the tank, the support being in the form of a hoop.

Moreover, each saddle 20, 21 also carries a support pin 24 which extends transversely of the axis of the boom 15. Each support pin 24 also carries at its free end a guide plate 25 which facilitates the engagement with the associated pin 24 of a hook member 26 carried on the boom 15. The plates 25 also serve to retain the hook members 26 against axial movement on the pins 24.

The movable boom 15 includes a tubular member 27 which is provided intermediate its ends with a hinge 28 (as shown in Figures 6 and 9) whereby it can be folded for the purpose of transport. At its outer end is mounted the castor wheel 17, the mounting being adjustable so that the height of the boom 15 can be adjusted.

At its inner end the tubular member 27 is fastened to a generally triangular frame 29.

which mounts the hooks 26. In addition two of the members constituting the frame 29 mount vertical sleeves 30 in which are located adjustable supports 31 the purpose of which is to support the boom after it has been detached from the carriage assembly. In addition the boom is provided with bracing wires 32 which extend to adjacent the hinge 28.

In the modification of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3 which is shown in Figures 4 and 5, the carriage assembly 14 comprises the pins 24, the plates 25, the rods 23 for engagement with the latch plates 16a, and the track 12, to which the pins, plates and rods are secured. In this case it is the track 12 which is moved as the boom 15 is moved. For this purpose the track 12 runs at four locations about the track between a pair of rollers 33 having their axes horizontal and which are disposed above and below the track. A further roller 34 is provided in association with the pair of rollers 33 at each location, the roller 34 engaging the internal peripheral surface of the track 12.The movement of the track 12 and boom 15 can take place as previously described but if desired, and as shown in Figure 4, one of the rollers 34 can be connected to the output shaft of a motor unit 35 whereby the movement of the track 12 and boom 15 can be assisted as and when required.

In use, the tank or container 10 may be emptied before the treatment of the field has been finished. In this case the boom 15 can be detached from the carriage assembly 14 and supported by means of the supports 31.

whilst the tractor and the remaining portion of the apparatus is driven away for replenishment of the tank. It will be understood that a fluid coupling must be separated in order for this to take place. Moreover for transportation purposes the boom 15 can be folded and for this purpose the outer portion of the boom can be provided with temporary support whilst the castor wheel 17 is removed and repositioned in a suitable sleeve, indicated at 36 in Figures 6 and 9, after which the hinge 28 is released to allow folding of the boom. A hook 37 is provided on the triangular frame 29 to retain the outer and inner parts of the boom 15 together after folding.The folded boom 15 can then be towed on its castor wheel 17 behind the vehicle.

Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 show another apparatus according to the invention and where appropriate identical reference numerals have been used. In this example the track 12 of Figures 1 to 3 is replaced by a vertical support which comprises a vertically disposed tubular member 38 which at is lower end is carried by a bearing mounted upon a chassis member 39. The member 38 is provided with a longitudinal rib on its outer surface and which is located in a channel defined in the internal surface of a sleeve 40 of a carriage assembly slidable on the member 38. The sleeve carries, a locking pin 41 for engagement within one of a plurality of holes 42 in the member 38 whereby the height of the sleeve can be adjusted.

Included in the carriage assembly is an arm 43 which is carried by the sleeve 40 and at its outer end is connected to a cross member 44, the arm and member being provided with bracing member 45. At its ends, the cross member 44 carries the pins 24 and associated plates 25 of the carriage assembly. Moreover, each pin 24 carries a depending rod 23 for engagement with the latch plate.

The front transverse support 18 in the present example may be divided to provide clearance for the tank and as shown the vertical support members 19 associated with the front support member are secured to the side of the tank 10. Moreover associated with the front support members are a pair of "C" shaped mambers 46 into one of which, one end of the cross member 44 enters when the boom is in one or the other of its extended positions. The rear support member carries a pair of pressure plates 47 respectively which engage with the underside of the cross member 44, the plates having downwardly sloping end portions.

The detail of the movable boom 15 has already been described and when unlocked the boom can be swung between its extreme positions about the axis of the tubular member 38.

Within the tubular member 38 there is located a double acting piston/cylinder combination 48 to which is secured a support wire 49 the opposite end of which is fastened to the inner portion of the boom adjacent the hinge. The piston/cylinder combination is used to provide temporary support for the boom 15 when the castor wheel 17 is moved prior to folding the boom.

Moreover, a hydraulic piston cylinder combination 50 is provided to assist movement of the boom 15 between its alternative positions. The cylinder of the combination 50 is pivotally connected to the chassis member 39 and the piston rod is coupled to a pivotal link 51 again mounted on the chassis member. The tubular member 38 is provided with an arm 52 and the latter is coupled to the link 51 by means of a rod 53 having pivots at its opposite ends. As the piston rod is extended or retracted the boom is swung between its extreme positions.

In the examples described the tank 10 has been used to provide support for various components. If a glass fibre tank is utilised then it can no longer be used to provide support and it then becomes a non-structural component of the apparatus and the required support for the various components is provided by suitable members connected and mounted on a chassis.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. An apparatus for applying liquid or solid material to the ground and/or crops growing therein, the apparatus comprising a container for a bulk supply of the material to be applied, said container being adapted for mounting on a tractor or upon a trailer for towing behind a tractor, a movable boom, means for mounting the movable boom relative to the container for horizontal movement through 180' between a first position in which, in use, the movable boom extends laterally on one side of the tractor or trailer and a second position in which it extends laterally on the other side of the tractor or trailer, a ground engaging member at the outer end of the movable boom, and means for feeding the said material from the container to a plurality of outlets on the movable boom.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising latch means for locking the movable boom in the first and second positions.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, comprising means, operable by a driver of the tractor when the apparatus is in use, for releasing the latch means.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising a fixed boom adapted to be fixedly mounted on the tractor or trailer so that, in use, the fixed boom extends transversely of the tractor or trailer.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fixed boom extends across the full width of the tractor or trailer when the apparatus is in use.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the movable boom is provided with a hinge intermediate its ends whereby the boom can be folded to facilitate transportation.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the ground engaging member can be relocated at the free end of the folded boom.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the means for mounting the movable boom comprise a carriage movable relative to the tank, said movable boom being detachably mounted on the carriage.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, including means for temporarily supporting the inner end of the movable boom when the boom is removed from the carriage.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or 9, in which the carriage defines a pair of spaced pins for engagement by a pair of hook members respectively which are secured to the movable boom.

I 1. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8,9 or 10, in which said carriage includes a pair of saddles mounted for movement on a circular track, and means carried by said saddles for supporting the boom.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which each of said saddles carries a pair of rollers engaging with said track, said rollers being of concave form.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 10, in which said carriage includes a circular track, means mounting said track for circumferential movement, and means carried by said track for supporting said movable boom.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, in which said means mounting said track comprises a pair of rollers at each of a plurality of locations about the track, said pair of rollers engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the track, and a further roller at each location, said further roller being engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the track.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in which said rollers are carried on supports fixed relative to the tank.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or 15, in which one of said rollers can be driven by a motor to assist the movement of the movable boom.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8,9 or 10, in which said carriage includes an arm movable about a vertical axis, and means carried at the outer end of the arm for supporting the movable boom.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, in which said arm is secured to a sleeve mounted about a vertical member, said vertical member being angularly movable about its vertical axis.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, including a bearing at the lower end of said vertical member, said bearing being mounted

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. used to provide temporary support for the boom 15 when the castor wheel 17 is moved prior to folding the boom. Moreover, a hydraulic piston cylinder combination 50 is provided to assist movement of the boom 15 between its alternative positions. The cylinder of the combination 50 is pivotally connected to the chassis member 39 and the piston rod is coupled to a pivotal link 51 again mounted on the chassis member. The tubular member 38 is provided with an arm 52 and the latter is coupled to the link 51 by means of a rod 53 having pivots at its opposite ends. As the piston rod is extended or retracted the boom is swung between its extreme positions. In the examples described the tank 10 has been used to provide support for various components. If a glass fibre tank is utilised then it can no longer be used to provide support and it then becomes a non-structural component of the apparatus and the required support for the various components is provided by suitable members connected and mounted on a chassis. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. An apparatus for applying liquid or solid material to the ground and/or crops growing therein, the apparatus comprising a container for a bulk supply of the material to be applied, said container being adapted for mounting on a tractor or upon a trailer for towing behind a tractor, a movable boom, means for mounting the movable boom relative to the container for horizontal movement through 180' between a first position in which, in use, the movable boom extends laterally on one side of the tractor or trailer and a second position in which it extends laterally on the other side of the tractor or trailer, a ground engaging member at the outer end of the movable boom, and means for feeding the said material from the container to a plurality of outlets on the movable boom.

on a chassis member of the apparatus.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, including a powered device for moving said vertical member through 180 and assisting the movement of the movable boom.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which said vertical member is of tubular form and said sleeve is prevented from moving angularly relative thereto.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which the vertical member carries a further powered device which is connected to a wire secured to the boom at a position adjacent a hinge intermediate the ends of the movable boom, whereby the boom can be temporarily supported whilst the ground engaging member is adjusted.

23. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 22, in which the heights of the carriage and the ground engaging means are adjustable.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the ground engaging member comprises a castor wheel.

25. An apparatus for applying liquid or solid material to the ground and/or crops growing therein, the apparatus being constructed, arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 or Figure 1 as modified by Figures 4 and 5, or Figures 6, 7 and 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.

26. A tractor or trailer for towing behind a tractor having an apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding - claims mounted thereon.