Patent ID: 6059201
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: A01M

Abstract:
A crop sprayer, comprising:a number of wheels;a chassis supported by said number of wheels;a boom frame supported by said chassis;a boom arm segment which operates in (i) a first mode of operation in which said boom arm segment is maintained fixed in relation to said boom frame, and (ii) a second mode of operation in which said boom arm segment is allowed to freely pivot relative to said boom frame; andan actuator supported by said boom arm segment and movable between a pivot-preventing position and a pivot-enabling position, wherein (i) said boom arm segment operates in said first mode of operation when said actuator is positioned in said pivot-preventing position, and (ii) movement of said actuator from said pivot-preventing position to said pivot-enabling position causes said boom arm segment to operate in said second mode of operation,wherein said actuator includes a bumper assembly having (i) a bumper rod, (ii) an axle rod which is spaced apart from said bumper rod, and (iii) a plurality of bumper arms spaced apart from each other and extending between said bumper rod and said axle rod, andwherein said actuator further includes a plurality of springs, each being interposed between said bumper assembly and said boom arm segment, whereby energy is absorbed by said plurality of springs when said bumper assembly is advanced into contact with an obstruction.