Patent ID: 7520338
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
1. A furrow closer apparatus for attachment to a shank of a ground working implement, the shank extending rearward and downward from an implement frame member to a lower shank end adapted for attachment to a ground engaging tool, the apparatus comprising: a bracket adapted for attachment to the shank such that the bracket extends down from an upper forward portion of the shank; first and second spring arms attached to a lower end of the bracket such that a spring arm extends rearward and downward from the lower end of the bracket on each side of and below a shank location, wherein during operation the spring arms are movable laterally and vertically and are biased to a neutral position laterally and vertically such that lateral and vertical movement of the spring arms upward, downward, or laterally away from the neutral position is resisted by a bias force; a flexible tether attached at one end to the first spring arm and at the opposite end to the second spring arm such that the tether exerts no force on the spring arms when the spring arms are in the neutral position, and such that outward lateral movement of one spring arm away from the shank location will cause the tether to exert an inward lateral force on the other spring arm toward the shank location; and first and second soil moving elements attached to lower ends of the respective first and second spring arms such that the soil moving elements are in proximity to a location of the lower shank end when the spring arms are in the neutral position and such that leading faces of the soil moving elements are oriented at opposed angles to an operating travel direction such that forward portions of the leading faces are farther apart than rearward portions of the leading faces and such that, when mounted on the shank, soil contacted by each leading face is moved toward the shank rearward of the shank and over a furrow created by a ground engaging tool attached to the shank.