Patent ID: 8776701
Filing Date: 2014-07-15
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter during travel in a forward direction, said apparatus comprising: a frame structure mounted to the planter, and having an elongated portion extending forwardly of the planter, said frame having at least one mount structure extending transversely from a forward end of said elongated portion; a disk structure mounted to each of said mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple pivot points relative to said mount structure, and each of said pivot points being adjustably distanced apart from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter relative to a fixed point of said frame structure; said mount structure comprises a box having a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls, a front wall and an open rear portion, said top and bottom walls having multiple vertically aligned spaced apertures defining said multiple pivot points, one of said side walls configured for engaging a corresponding vertical side of said elongated portion; said disk structure includes an arm assembly that is horizontally pivotably attached to said mount structure at one of said pivot points, a standard attached to said arm assembly and extending downwardly from said arm assembly, and wherein said arm assembly comprises at least one arm attached to a generally cylindrical front end portion and extending rearwardly therefrom, said standard being mounted to said at least one arm to be aligned with said generally cylindrical front end portion; wherein said selected pivot point is a sole point of attachment of said disk structure to said frame structure, such that said selected pivot point and said standard are aligned in each of the selected multiple pivot points; said disk structure further comprising first and second disks forming a generally V-shaped opening in the ground as the apparatus travels in the forward direction; and a fertilizer applying structure mounted to said apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the ground between said first and second disks.