GB2390287A

GB2390287A - Planter

Info

Publication number: GB2390287A
Application number: GB0315668A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernard Winlo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-07-05
Filing date: 2003-07-04
Publication date: 2004-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-04
Also published as: GB2390520A; GB0215530D0; GB2390520B; GB0315668D0; GB2390287B

Abstract

A planter for items that are planted or sown in a growing medium. The planter comprises a seed dispenser 12 into which a user can introduce a seed, release means 50,52 for depositing a seed from the seed dispenser 12, drill means 50,52 for making a hole in soil within which the seed can be deposited, and depth gauge means 100 that allow a user to control the depth of the hole made by the drill means 50,52. The drill means 50,52 may be formed by opening jaws that serve as the release means. The entire planter may be made of plastic mouldings, or some or all components may be of metal. There is a hopper or well 22 for storing seeds prior to planting and there is a spacing gauge for controlling the spacing of planted seeds. Depth gauge 100 may be adjustable.

Description

Planter This invention relates to a planter for planting growing articles

such as 5 seeds. In the context of this specification and claims, the term "seed" is

used to refer to any item that is planted or sewn in a growing medium in order to grow a plant, and includes, but is not limited to, seeds, bulbs, corms, seedlings, plug plants and so forth.

It is well known that seed planting can be a backbreaking job, requiring 10 a person to bend over to ground level. It may take a person many hours to complete a large planting operation, resulting in fatigue, discomfort and potential injury.

There have been many proposals to provide seed planting apparatus that allows a user to carry out a planting operation while standing 15 upright. One example is disclosed in US-A-909 289, and there are many others. However, known planters have all had disadvantages, making them difficult to use and inflexible in use. In particular, known planters do not allow a user to achieve sufficient control over the depth to which seeds are planted and the spacing between them both of these being 20 of great importance to ensure successful growth. Such planters are often heavy and cumbersome. Also known planters do not allow support for (a tray of) plug plants. In addition they are unlikely to be suitable for commercial production, indeed most never go into production. 25 An aim of this invention is to provide a seed planter that ameliorates the disadvantages of known seed planters. The features of a seed planter embodying the invention are intended to be not only attractive in

appearance and provide ease of use to the end user but also commercially attractive to a manufacturer.

Therefore, from a first aspect, the invention provides a seed planter comprising: a seed dispenser into which a user can introduce a seed, 5 release means for depositing a seed from the seed dispenser, drill means for making a hole in soil within which the seed can be deposited, depth gauge and spacing gauge means that allow a user to control the depth of the hole made by the drill means and the distance apart of the seeds, a tubular stem interconnecting the seed dispenser and the drill means 10 the stem being tubular such that seed can pass through it, and a hopper for storing seeds prior to their being sewn, the hopper being removable from the planter.

Such a seed planter can be used to plant seeds to a required planting depth and row spacing quickly and simply. Providing a removable 15 hopper allows a user to carry a stock of seed to be sewn, and allows the user to readily return unsewn seed to a packet.

Most typically, the depth gauge means limits the distance to which the drill means can be inserted into the soil. This may be more effective than the alternative of simply providing the user with an indication of the 20 intended depth.

Most advantageously, the depth gauge means is adjustable whereby a user can swiftly vary the depth of the hole made by the drill means. For example, this may be achieved by removing a lynch pin, sliding the depth gauge to its new position and replacing the lynch pin. In known 25 planters this adjustment has often required the use of a spanner on a clamp screw - the user must therefore have remembered a suitable spanner and must ensure that the screw hasn't rusted in. This enhances the versatility of the apparatus. For example, the depth gauge means

may be movable in relation to the drill means in a direction that is approximately vertical when the planter is in use. In preferred embodiments, the depth gauge is adjustable to one of a plurality of discrete depth settings. (Alternatively, it may be infinitely adjustable 5 between limits.) In alternative embodiments, the depth gauge can be connected to the apparatus {for example, by snap-fit formations) at one of a plurality of spaced positions. Additionally, the depth gauge can provide a user with an indication of a distance between successive positions at which a planting operation is to be performed. For example, 10 it may have a part that is at a known distance from the location at which a seed is deposited. This too may be adjustable by quick and simple pin or wedge means or it may hold itself in place by self-sprung means. In alternative embodiments, the depth gauge or position gauge can be connected to the apparatus (for example, by snap-fit formations) at one 15 of a plurality of spaced positions.

The drill means may operate by being pushed into growing medium (e.g. soil) in which a planting operation is to be performed. This is a simple but effective arrangement. In such cases, the drill means normally has a pointed formation to ease its passage into the soil.

20 The release means may include a plurality of jaws, separable under the control of a user to effect release of a seed. An innovation on these jaws is that the upper mating edge is cut away to help the jaws to always close properly even when soil clings to this edge. One or both of the jaws may constitute a component of the drill means. (For instance, part 25 of the jaws may have a pointed outer shape that can be pushed into the growing medium.) In simpler embodiments, one of the jaws can be considered to be a fixed jaw and another is movable with respect to it.

Altematively, both jaws may be movable to provide a larger opening for planting larger articles.

In a further embodiment the jaws may be plastic mouldings, which may snap fit together or they may be secured by other means. To enhance durability, they may have a shaped metal sleeve that could also snap fit into place, or may be alternatively secured, to cover the outer soil-

5 engaging surface.

Conventionally, the release means may be operated by a user effecting manual pressure on an operating lever. In embodiments of this invention, the lever is made of textured plastic to give it a quality tactile feel. Alternatively, the release means may be operated by a user 10 manually twisting an operating handle. It may also have an over-centre device to retain the jaws open or shut and which is disengaged by reverse movement of the lever. Many other arrangements are also possible. The planter may further comprise a seed container which may be a one 15 piece plastic moulding including other features such as the handle, or in another embodiment, a moulding means interchangeable with and independent of other features. The moulding may be designed exclusively for the planter or it may be an off-the-shelf item such as a proprietry food container to keep down cost. This use of a plastic 20 moulding allows a significant weight reduction when compared with normal materials used. Most advantageously, the apparatus may be formed entirely, or almost entirely, from moulded plastic components. If required, some components may be of metal if additional strength or rigidity is required for particular applications. The use of plastic gives a 25 skilled designer the opportunity to 'concept' design the product - a significant advantage for a competitive product in today's market.

The preferred hopper in this embodiment contains a moulded-in recess in a wall, inclined to the vertical and sloping towards the user to give best sight of the seed and easiest access. This recess or groove helps the

user guide the seed up out of the hopper and across to the top opening in the tubular stem. In one embodiment, hopper inter-changeability is achieved by the use of a socket moulding to locate it onto the top of the main tubular stem of the planter. In another embodiment it is 5 secured to the handle moulding by a snap fit arrangement. In both cases, it is shaped in one or more corners to facilitate the pouring of unused seed back into a seed packet.

A tension element may be provided to transmit an opening force to the release means. For example, the elongate element may include an 10 elongate rod. The tension element may be disposed within a protective enclosure to reduce its vulnerability.

From a further aspect, the invention provides a seed planting system comprising a seed planter together with one or more additional container means of different sizes and configurations, e.g. a container 15 for plug plants. While interchangeable containers are not new, the means of shaping and mounting them is. A container means can be selected by a user for use on the planter prior to the start of a planting operation. This provides a planter that is exceptionally versatile in the range of articles that it can be used to plant and user friendly at its user 20 interface.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures la, lb and 1c are general arrangement drawings of a seed planter being a first embodiment of the invention; 25 Figures 2a and 2b show a hopper and handle component of the embodiment of Figure 1;

\ Figures 3a and 3b show a first component of seed dispensing jaws of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figures 4a and 4b show a second component of seed dispensing jaws of the embodiment of Figure 1; 5 Figure 5 shows a depth control component of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figures 6a and 6b are general arrangement drawings of a seed planter being a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 7a and 7b are general arrangement drawings of a seed planter 10 being a third embodiment of the invention; Figures 8a and 8b are general arrangement drawings of a seed planter being a fourth embodiment of the invention; and Figures 9a and 9b are general arrangement drawings of a seed planter being a fifth embodiment of the invention; 15 Figures 9c to 9e are enlarged detailed views of parts of the embodiment of Figures 9a and 9b; Figures 1 Oa and 1 Ob are general arrangement drawings of a seed planter being a sixth embodiment of the invention; and Figures 1 Oc to 1 Of are enlarged detailed views of parts of the 20 embodiment of Figures 1 Oa and 1 Ob.

In this description, use of terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "up" and

"down" and related terms refer to the apparatus in its position for normal use, as shown in Figure 1 a.

N With reference first to Figures 1 a and 1 b, a seed planter embodying the invention has three main component groups: a handle assembly 10, a planting head 12, and an interconnecting stem 14.

The handle assembly performs two functions. It allows the user to hold 5 and operate the planter and it provides a reservoir for seeds to be sown.

The handle assembly is constructed around a handle moulding 20, in this embodiment formed of ABS. This is shown most clearly in Figures 2a and 2b. In the first embodiment, the handle moulding 20 has a well portion 22 10 within which seeds can be stored, the weJI22, having an opening that faces upwards. The well portion 22 is formed adjacent to a cylindrical boss 24. A passage extends through the boss 24 along an axis that is generally vertical. A handle portion 26 projects horizontally from the boss 24 opposite the well portion 22.

15 An upper part of the passage of the boss 24 has a countersunk portion 28. A sloping sidewall 30 of the well intersects with the countersunk portion 28 at a curved, downwardly formed lip 32.

The handle portion 26 has a generally cylindrical shape, and may have formations to enhance a user's grip of it. A slot 36 is formed in the handle 20 portion, passing upwardly into it from below and extending from adjacent to the boss 24 most of the way to an outer end surface of the handle portion 26. A hole 38 is formed horizontally though the handle portion 26 to intersect with the slot 36.

An operating lever 40 is located within the slot 36. The operating lever is 25 formed as a generally flat plastic moulding, with a lower face shaped to provide a user with a comfortable surface to grip. A pivot pin 42 passes through the hole 38 to retain the operating lever within the handle portion 26 and allow the operating lever 40 to pivot within the handle

portion 26. A hole is formed horizontally through the operating lever remote from the pivoting axis, close to the boss 24.

The planting head comprises a fixed jaw 50 shown in Figures 3a and 3b, upon which is carried a movable jaw 52, shown in Figures 4a and 4b.

5 Both are formed as one-piece mouldings of plastic material, nylon in this embodiment. Alternatively, they may be formed of metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel, which may be more durable for extensive use in hard ground.

The fixed jaw has a cylindrical boss 54 through which is formed a vertical 10 passage. From the boss, a pointed portion 56 of the jaw extends downwardly in the general shape of a hollow cone that is cut away by a hypothetical plane that coincides with its axis. Two solid cylindrical spigots 58 project from diametrically opposite locations on the boss 54.

The axes of the spigots 58 lie within the hypothetical plane described 15 above. These may be formed integrally within the moulding, or they may be metal inserts to increase their strength and durability.

The movable jaw 52 has a pointed portion 60 that is a mirror-image of the pointed portion 56 of the fixed jaw 50. Above the pointed portion 60 is a pair of spaced flat lugs 62. A slot is formed in each lug 62 that has an 20 inner circular portion from which a narrower portion extends to an edge of the lug 62. The inner circular portion is of diameter slightly greater than that of the spigots 58 of the fixed jaw while the narrower portion is of width less than the diameter of the spigots 58. Thus, the movable jaw 52 can be snapped into place on the fixed jaw 50 such that each spigot 58 25 is located within the circular portion of a respective one of the lugs 62, thus allowing the movable jaw to pivot around the spigots 58. The elasticity of the plastic material allows the lugs to deflect sufficiently to allow the spigots 58 to pass through the narrower portions of the slots.

The lugs and spigots are configured such that the pointed portions of the

jaws can be brought to lie adjacent to one another, in what will be called the closed position, thereby forming a hollow conical enclosure with a closed pointed lower end.

A web 66 extends from the pointed portion of the movable jaw 52 in a 5 direction opposite to the lugs 62. The web carries an upwardly directed cylindrical spring locating projection 68 and hole 70 extends horizontally through the web 66, the function of both of which will be described in due course.

A projecting lug 72 extends from the boss 54 of the fixed jaw 50. The 10 projecting lug 72 carries a downwardly directed cylindrical spring locating projection 74 that points towards the corresponding formation on the movable jaw 52. A helical spring 76 is trapped in compression between the two spring locating projections 68, 74 that serves to urge the movable jaw 52 to the closed position.

15 The interconnecting system includes two principle components; a connecting tube 80 and an operating rod 82. The connecting tube 80 is a hollow cylindrical plastic tube. Its external diameter is selected such that the tube 80 is a close fit within the respective bosses 24, 54 of the handle moulding 20 and the fixed jaw 52. Each of these bosses 24, 54 20 has a locking formation 86, 88 that interacts with a hole in the tube 80 to secure the tube within the bosses. Alternatively, the tube 80 may be formed of metal such as aluminium. This can be stronger than a plastic equivalent. It will also add weight to the device, which can provide an impression of greater durability, and help the device penetrate the soil.

25 The operating rod 82 is a solid moulding of plastic material. End regions 84 of the rod are formed as connecting formations, each having a circular hole extending through it. A pin passes through the hole 70 of the movable jaw 52 and the hole in one of the end regions of the

connecting rod 82 thereby providing a pivoting connection between the rod 82 and the movable jaw 52, Likewise, a pivoting connection between the rod 82 and the operating lever 40 through a hole in the operating lever. The operating rod 82 may, instead, be made of metal 5 for increased strength and durability. In such embodiments, each end portions of the operating rod may be bent at an angle of approximately 90 to the length of the rod to form a hook portion to pass through the respective holes in the operating lever 40 and the movable jaw 52.

These end portions may be secured by a suitable fastening, such as a 10 clip or a star washer.

Opposite the projecting lug 72, the fixed jaw 50 has a vertically extended locating formation 90 formed on the boss 54. The locating formation 90 is formed by a vertically extending projection that has a C- shaped section in plan. There is therefore formed a vertical channel within the projection 15 that has a vertically extending opening directed outwardly from the boss 54. A base of that channel, formed by a wall of the boss 54, has several vertically spaced holes 92 that extend from the channel into the passage within the boss 54.

A positioning component 100, as shown in Figure 5, is carried on the fixed 20 jaw 50. The positioning component, formed as a one-piece nylon moulding, has a foot portion 102 and a mounting stem 104. The foot portion 102 is formed as a horizontal plate having an approximately triangular peripheral shape. One side of the triangular periphery has a concave curve. The mounting stem 104 extends vertically form the foot 25 portion 102 from a position approximately centrally of the concave side.

The mounting stem 104 is of hollow rectangular section with a pair of ribs 106 that from opposite edges of one face and extend along the length of the mounting stem 104. A horizontal bore 110 is formed through the mounting stem 104 in a direction normal to the ribs 106. The bore is of

stepped diameter, with the larger diameter towards the side that carries the ribs 106, A plunger 1 12 is located within the bore 1 10, a portion of the plunger projecting from the narrower end of the bore. A helical spring 114 is located within the bore 110 to bias the plunger towards the larger 5 diameter portion.

The mounting stem 104 of the positioning component 100 is slid into the locating formation 90 of the fixed jaw 50, the ribs 106 interengaging with the C-shaped section of the mounting formation 90. In this position, the pointed lower portion of the planting head lies within the convex curve 10 of the foot portion 102. An end portion of the plunger 1 12 can enter any of the holes 92 on the mounting formation, and be retained there under the force of the spring 11 4, to prevent sliding movement of the positioning component with respect to the fixed jaw 50. The plunger 1 12 can be withdrawn by grasping and pulling upon its projecting part 15 against the spring force.

Operation of the apparatus will now be described.

In order to plant seeds, the user sets the depth stop 100 to the required depth then places a stock of seeds in the well portion 22 of the handle moulding 20. When the user identifies a place at which a seed is to be 20 sown, he/she scoops a seed from the well portion 22, sliding it up the sloping surface 30 through the guide recess 32 and drops it into the vertical passage within the handle moulding. The seed then falls down through the handle portion through the connecting tube 80, to be caught between the fixed and movable jaws 50, 52. The user then 25 pushes the pointed lower end of the planting head into the soil at a position at which a seed is to be deposited, thereby making a planting hole in the soil, until the foot portion 102 of the positioning component comes into contact with the soil. The user then pulls the operating lever 40 into the slot 36 in the handle portion 26. This pulls the operating rod 82

upwards, and this, in turn, pulls the lug 66 of the movable jaw 52, causing it to pivot away from the fixed jaw 50, such that the seed can fall into the planting hole. The apparatus is then withdrawn from the hole, the operating lever 40 is then released to close the jaws under the action of 5 the springs; ready for use again. (If the jaw is released before withdrawal it may retrieve the seed.) It will be noted that the positioning component 100 acts as a depth control, ensuring that the depth of the hole made as the apparatus is pushed into the ground remains constant. The actual depth of the hole 10 made is controlled by the vertical position of the positioning component 100 on the fixed jaw, each one of the holes 92 of the fixed jaw representing a specific depth. The positioning component is also of a known length, so it can be used as a measure of the distance between planting locations along a row of planting. In this case, the point of the 15 foot 102 is 1 OOmm (4") from the point at which the seed is deposited. The apparatus may be provided with several interchangeable positioning components of various lengths, the most appropriate one of which can be selected by a user for a particular planting operation, The second embodiment of the invention, which is shown in Figures 6a 20 and 6b, shares many features with the first. These are given numbers in the drawings that correspond to the like features of the first embodiment, and these will not be described further.

In this embodiment, an upper end portion of the operating rod 82 is formed with a rack gear. This enters a vertical bore 120 in the handle 25 moulding 20. A plastic moulded operating handle 122 is carried on the handle moulding 20. An end portion of the operating handle 122 is contained within a horizontal socket in the handle moulding 20, the operating handle having retention formations to retain it there, such that it can rotate about a horizontal axis, but cannot be withdrawn from the

bore without application of significant force. The end portion of the operating handle 122 is formed as a pinion gear that engages with the rack on the operating rod 82. Preferably, the socket extends through the handle moulding so that the operating handle can be inserted into it 5 from either end. This allows the apparatus to be configured for left-

handed or right-handed use.

Thus, a user can cause the jaws to open to deposit a seed by rotating (twisting like a motorcycle throttle) the operating handle 122 to pull the operating rod 82 upwards. This has the same effect as the user pulling on 10 the operating lever 40. When the user releases the operating handle 122, the jaws return to the closed position under the action of the spring.

It will be seen that both of the jaws 50, 52 in these embodiments have cut-away sections 124,126 on the surfaces that come into contact with each other. (Optionally, the cut-away is present on just one jaw.J This 15 forms a gap 128 between adjacent parts of the jaws when they are closed. This reduces the likelihood that soil will become trapped between the jaws; this might prevent the movable jaw 52 from closing.

As will be appreciated, these embodiments are all constructed from several plastic mouldings, in this case, of ABS, polypropylene or nylon, 20 and these are interconnected by way of snap fits. The only other metal component in this embodiment is the spring. This provides for rapid assembly of robust, corrosion-resistant, lightweight apparatus. If a snap-

fit is insufficiently strong for use in some embodiments, metal pins or self-

tapping screws may be provided to strengthen the joint. Some 25 components may also be formed from natural materials, such as wood.

An alternative arrangement for providing a stepped adjustment to the depth gage may be provided. A number of horizontal T-shaped slots are provided on the fixed jaw 50 and a tang is provided on the mounting

stem 104 of the positioning component. The slots and the tang are shaped and dimensioned such that the tang can 'snap' into the slot. The tang and slot are configured such that a sharp tap in the reverse direction releases it for repositioning (doing away with the plunger and continuing the theme of snap fit), A further embodiment uses a crank handle instead of a twist grip to give more comfortable action, particularly for users who have wrist problems.

This would either operate the rack or could be connected to the tie bar with a short pinpointed link, which may be more economical than a rack.

10 In further embodiments, some components may be made of metal. For example, the connecting tube 80 may be of metal to increase its rigidity, and one or both jaws may be of metal to increase their durability.

It may be further desirable to enclose the operating rod to reduce the likelihood of its being damaged.

15 As a further enhancement, a seed metering unit may be incorporated into the handle moulding.

The third and fourth embodiments of the invention, which is shown in Figures 7a, 7b, 8a and fib, shares many features with the first or second.

These are given numbers in the drawings that correspond to the like 20 features of the first or second embodiments, and these will not be described further.

in this embodiment the one-piece handle/hopper moulding is replaced with a handle moulding, a hopper or container support arm and inter-

changeable means for containing seeds, for containing bulbs/corms or 25 for supporting trays of plug plants. (Such a tray could be formed integrally and non-interchangeably, as with the seed repository of the embodiment of the first embodiment.) The support arm can be adjusted

to suit right or left-handed use and the means of securing the components in this case is a dovetail slide or it can be a thread on the end of the support arm together with a corresponding thread in the base of the container, or a bayonet fitting or any other quick means of 5 fastening. The handle can be a moulding round the tubular stem as shown or, if wide diameter tube is used to allow larger bulbs, corms or plug-plants to be planted, the handle would be too large to be comfortably gripped so it could be moved away from the stem by moulding it as a 'D' shape. In this guise the vertical part of the D would 10 become a narrower grip for the user to hold and the opposite side of the D could be moulded large enough to encompass the tube.

The operating lever could be let into the handle as shown or it could be mounted anywhere convenient on the handle moulding with the tie rod shape adjusted to suit.

15 With reference to Figure 7a and 7b, an embodiment is shown that includes a hopper 140 for containing articles such as seeds, bulbs or corms prior to planting. The hopper 140 is carried on an arm 142 that can be connected to a collar 144 carried on the tube 80. An end potion of the arm 142 has a formation that can be slid into a cooperating 20 formation on the collar 142 to provide a releasable interconnection between them.

The hopper 140 can be exchanged for an alternative support 144, having a similar arm for connection with the collar, for other articles, such as a tray of plug plants 146 in the example shown in Figure 7b.

25 In the embodiment of Figures 8a and fib, a hopper 150 has a formation that can be releasably connected with a cooperating formation on a handle moulding. As with the preceding embodiment, this can be

replaced with an alternative support 152 appropriate for use with other types of articles for planting.

Alternative configurations of the handle and operating lever 40 are shown in the embodiment of Figures 8a and fib.

5 In embodiments that are intended for use with plug plants or other larger items, it may be advantageous to provide two movable jaws, each of which pivots away from a central axis of the planter when the operating lever is used. This ensures that the item can fall freely out of the planter so that it does not become caught when the jaws are subsequently 1 0 closed.

In any of the above embodiments, to protect seeds against spillage if the planter is accidentally dropped it may be fitted with a self-closing lid 160 (see Fig 8a) that is held shut by a suitable spring. Such a lid 160 may be hinged on the edge of the hopper 140 furthest from the user when 15 the planter is in normal use. The lid 160 can optionally be operativelyinter-connected to the operating lever 40 and its associated jaw opening mechanism previously described, for example by a pinpointed link 162. Such a lid 160 is opened when the lever is squeezed to open the jaw. It automatically shuts when the lever 40 is released. By being 20 hinged as described, the widest opening is presented towards the user for ease of access to the contents of the hopper 140. The lid may be fitted with a simple latching device that would lock it shut as the lever is released and automatically unlock it as the lever is squeezed. This would prevent it from being jolted open in the event of falling onto the ground.

25 The embodiment of Fig 9 is constructed predominantly of stainless steel.

The tubular stem 14 is formed from a length of stainless steel tube.

Towards the upper end of the stem, a handle 240 is formed by a tube that extends transversely to the stem, a mounting plate 244 being

disposed between these two components. The mounting plate has a flat surface against which the handle 240 is mounted and curved recesses into which the stem 14 is received. The handle 240 is secured to the plate 244 and the plate 244 is secured to the stem 14 by respective 5 U-bolts. Rubber grips 248 are carried on the handle 240 to make it more comfortable in use.

An operating lever 246 is carried on the plate such that it can pivot about a horizontal axis close to one end of the lever 246. Close to the mid-point of the lever 246, an operating rod 82 is connected. This will be 10 described in more detail below. The operating rod 82 passes through a slot in the mounting plate to limit its movement other than longitudinally as required to operate the jaws.

A combined depth and planting gauge assembly 250 is carried on the lower end part of the stem 14 and is shown in more detail in Fig 14.

15 The gauge assembly 250 comprises a boss 254 carried on the stem 14.

The boss 254 includes two parallel walls that extend vertically. The walls have parallel, aligned through holes.

The gauge assembly 250 further includes a foot component 256. The foot component 256 has a mounting stem 258 of U-shaped cross-section 20 that is located between the walls of the boss 254. The stem 258 has several pairs of spaced notches 262. A lynch pin 260 can be passed through the holes in the walls of the boss 254 and through the notches 262 to locate the foot 256 in one of several spaced vertical positions. A locking ring is provided to hold the lynch pin in place. A horizontal base 25 plate 264 of the foot component 256 is carried on the lower end of the mounting stem 258.

The foot component 256 provides two means by which distance between adjacent planting positions can be measured. First, apertures

are provided through the base plate 264, distance being judged by placing one of the apertures above a location of a previous planting.

This embodiment includes one such aperture formed entirely within the base plate 264 and a second that is constituted by a semi-circular recess 5 in one end of the base plate 264.

To measure longer distances, an adjustable gauge is provided. This comprises a loop 272 of resilient material, such as resilient plastic, having a generally rectangular natural shape. Several hooks 270 are carried on the base plate 264, whereby the loop 272 can be located by the hooks 10 upon the base plate. The loop 272 is dimensioned such that it must be deflected slightly before it can engage with the hooks 270, thereby ensuring that it is securely retained. The loop is considerably longer than the foot, such that it can be slid lengthways to a required position in relation to the foot. For use, the loop is positioned such that the jaws are 15 in the correct position to make a hole for planting when one end of the loop is positioned at the location of a previous planting.

The embodiment of Fig 10 differs from the embodiment of Fig 9 only in that an over-centre mechanism, as will be described below, in place of the operating lever.

20 In the embodiment of Fig 10 the lever opening the jaws is fitted with an over-centre device to hold the jaws open in one position and hold them shut in another. The operating rod 82 operates under tension to open the jaws. A region towards an upper end of the rod is surrounded by a helical compression spring 200. A lower end of the spring 200 is secured 25 by passing through a hole 202 in the rod 82 while an upper end is located below a plate 210, the plate 210 having an aperture 204 through which the rod passes. An end portion 206 of the rod 82 is turned at a right angle to its length. The end portion 206 passes through an

aperture in an operating cam 208 that is supported on the plate 210. An operating lever212 is connected to the cam 208.

As shown in Figure 13, the operating rod 82 is in the lower position with the jaws closed. Upon lifting the operating lever 212, the cam 208 pivots 5 with respect to the end portion 206 of the rod 82. The shape and dimension of the cam 208 causes the rod 82 to be pulled upwardly, opening the jaws and compressing the spring 200. When fully opened (as shown in Figure 12), the shape of the cam 208 causes the rod 82 to be releases a short distance, thereby imparting an over-centre action to 10 the cam.

Note that the geometry of the pivotal jaws is selected to minimise the force required to open the jaw. The rod 82 is connected to the jaw below the level of the jaw's pivot. This causes the mechanical advantage of the rod to increase as the jaw opens and the returning 15 spring force increases.

All components handled by the user are grouped closely together to reduce hand movement to a minimum and so reduce fatigue.

Embodiments of Figures 9 and 10 incorporate interchangeable hoppers for carrying different types of seed. The hopper shown in Figures 1 1 a 20 and 11 b are suitable for relatively small seeds, while the hopper shown in Figure 12 is suitable for larger bulbs or plug plants.

Each hopper includes a cylindrical socket portion 220. The socket portion has a cylindrical recess into which an upper part of the tubular stem can be received. A hopper can be fitted to the planter by 25 inserting the upper part of the stem into the recess and can readily be removed to enable a user to deal with unsewn seed or to exchange it for another hopper to suit a task at hand.

The hopper shown in Figures 11 a and 11 b is suitable for containing a large number of small seeds. It has two chambers 222, 224 into which seed is introduced prior to being sewn. This gives the user an option of carrying a large amount of one type of seed or smaller amounts of two 5 different types of seed.

A guide recess 226 is moulded into the wall of each chamber closes to the socket portion 220. The guide recess 226 extends upwardly from the base of the chamber to a top surface of the hopper, and extends across the top surface to a dispensing opening 228 that communicates with the 10 hollow interior of the stem. A user can slide a seed from the chamber along the guide recess to drop it into the dispensing opening 230. Seeds are often small and awkwardly shaped, and cannot always be picked up securely and in the absence of the guide recess, a user must take greater care if the seed is not to slide off the side of the top surface of 15 the hopper.

Note also that the chambers are shaped to have a sloping, rounded corner region to enable seed to be poured from them, for example, to return the seed back into a packet.

An alternative hopper is shown in Figure 12. This hopper is intended for 20 use with plug plants small bulbs (which are larger than typical seeds).

The hopper has several (in this case, twelve) recesses 230. Each recess acts as a receptacle for a single bulb or plant. Compared with seed, these are easy to handle, so this embodiment need not include a guide recess.

Claims

Claims

A seed planter comprising: 5 a. a seed dispenser into which a user can introduce a seed, b. release means for depositing a seed from the seed dispenser, c. drill means for making a hole in soil within which the seed can be deposited, 10 d. a depth gauge and a spacing gauge that allow a user to control the depth of the hole made by the drill means and the distance apart of the seeds, e. a tubular stem interconnecting the seed dispenser and the drill means the stem being tubular such that seed can pass 15 through it, and f. a hopper for storing seeds prior to their being sewn, the hopper being removable from the planter.
2. A seed planter according to claim 1 in which the depth gauge means is adjustable.

20
3. A seed planter according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the depth gauge is suitable for use as a step by which the planter can be driven into the ground,
4. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the hopper is a plastic moulding.
5. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the hopper includes a formation that allows a user to pour seed 5 from the hopper.
6. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the hopper incorporates a guide recess moulded into a wall of the hopper, which guide recess extends to a seed dispensing outlet. 10
7. A seed planter according to claim 6 in which the recess extends across a top surface of the hopper.
8. A seed planter according to claim 6 or claim 7 in which the dispensing opening is formed by an end of the tubular stem of the planter.

15
9. A seed planter according to any preceding claim having interchangeable hoppers.
10. A seed planter according to claim 9 including mounting means of mounting the hoppers onto the planter, the mounting means including a socket moulding in the hopper underside that fits 20 over the top of the main stem tube.
11. A seed planter according to claim 10 in which the mounting means includes a flexible tab that carries a boss moulded into the socket moulding such that the boss snaps into a corresponding recess in the tubular stem, thus locking the 25 hopper in place.
12. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the release means includes a twist grip or crank handle to cause a seed to be dispensed.
13. A seed planter according to claim 12 in which the twist grip or 5 crank incorporates has a pinion, in mesh with a rack, movement of the rack by the pinion causing the release means to open and release a seed.
14. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which a lid is provided that opens automatically upon operation of the 10 release means to cause a seed to be dispensed.
15. A seed planter according to claim 14 in which the lid incorporates automatic locking and unlocking means to prevent its opening other than when intended.
16. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the 15 release means incorporates a pair of jaws, a seed being dispensed upon the jaws moving from a closed to an open position.
17. A seed planter according to claim 16 in which the jaws are of moulded plastic.

20
18. A seed planter according to any claim 16 or claim 17 in which the jaws have a recess moulded into mating leading edges for the purpose of preventing soil build up from stopping the jaws from closing properly.
19. A seed planter according to any one of claims 16 to 18 in 25 which the release means incorporates an over-centre device operative to urge the jaws towards one or other of their closed or their other position.
20. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the depth gauge includes an adjustable stop that limits the depth that the drill means can penetrate ground.
21. A seed planter according to claim 20 having a series of equi 5 spaced slots in the stem that are serve to lock the stop in one of several places upon the stem.
22. A seed planter according to claim 21 in which locking is achieved by means of a lynch pin that can pass through one pair of the slots and adjacent holes provided in a moulded-in 10 locating means in the fixed jaw.
23. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the spacing gauge includes a gauge component that can be slidably moved with respect to the release means.
24. A seed planter according to claim 23 in which the gauge 15 component is a loop of resilient material.
25. A seed planter according to claim 24 in which the gauge component is retained by being sprung into place between a plurality of hooks.
26. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the 20 release means includes a lever, the lever being recessed into a handle.
27. A seed planter according to any preceding claim in which the release means includes an operating lever that is sited above or below the handle or to one side of a handle.
28. A seed planter according to any preceding claim formed substantially entirely from components formed as plastic mouldings. 29 A seed planter substantially as herein described with reference 5 to the accompanying drawings.