Abstract:
A fertilizer tube system for efficiently dispensing and placing fertilizer within a furrow to minimize germination injury. The fertilizer tube system generally includes a fertilizer tube having an input opening at an upper end of the fertilizer tube and an output opening at a lower end of the fertilizer tube, an upper connector attached to an upper portion of the fertilizer tube, a central connector attached to a central portion of the fertilizer tube and a lower connector attached to a lower portion of the fertilizer tube.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/699,868 filed on Apr. 29, 2015 (Docket No. WIES-005), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/682,486 filed on Apr. 9, 2015 (Docket No. WIES-004). Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any applications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable to this application. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Field 
         [0004]    Example embodiments in general relate to a fertilizer tube system for efficiently dispensing and placing fertilizer within a furrow to minimize germination injury. 
         [0005]    2. Related Art 
         [0006]    Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
         [0007]    Liquid fertilizer applicators have been in use for years. Typically, the placement of liquid fertilizer in close proximity to seeds during the planting process is done to improve crop yields. Unfortunately, current liquid fertilizer applicators utilized in the farming industry sometimes directly apply liquid fertilizer to the seed which results in burning of the seed thereby increasing germination injury. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a fertilizer tube system. The fertilizer tube system includes a fertilizer tube having an input opening at an upper end of the fertilizer tube and an output opening at a lower end of the fertilizer tube, an upper connector attached to an upper portion of the fertilizer tube, a central connector attached to a central portion of the fertilizer tube and a lower connector attached to a lower portion of the fertilizer tube. 
         [0009]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the fertilizer tube system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the fertilizer tube system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the fertilizer tube system in detail, it is to be understood that the fertilizer tube system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The fertilizer tube system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a rear left side perspective view of a fertilizer tube system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a rear right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a left side view of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a right side view of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an exploded rear right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment with respect to a planter frame to be installed upon. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a rear right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment being slid upon the mounting member of the planter shank. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a rear right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment being rotated into the installed position and the tab bent over the planter shank to prevent removal of the invention from the planter shank. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a rear right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment installed upon the planter shank and the fertilizer delivery tube attached to the fertilizer tube. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a front right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment attached to the planter shank with the disks attached. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment attached to the planter shank with the seed tube attached. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment attached to the planter shank. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. Overview. 
       [0026]    An example fertilizer tube system  10  generally comprises a fertilizer tube  30  having an input opening  31  at an upper end of the fertilizer tube  30  and an output opening  39  opening at a lower end of the fertilizer tube  30 , an upper connector  50  attached to an upper portion of the fertilizer tube  30 , a central connector attached to a central portion of the fertilizer tube  30  and a lower connector  20  attached to a lower portion of the fertilizer tube  30 . 
         [0027]    The present invention is designed to be utilized in combination with a liquid fertilizer system used on a crop planter implement but may be utilized to dispense additional types of fertilizer such as non-liquid fertilizer (e.g. particulate fertilizer). U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,805 (Liquid Fertilizer Application System) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,007 (Liquid Fertilizer Application System) both to Wiesenburger are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
         [0028]    The present invention may be utilized with any type of planter implement designed for planting a row crop such as, but not limited to, the John Deere ExactEmerge™ Row Unit manufactured by Deere &amp; Company in Moline, Ill. The present invention may be utilized with respect to various other types of planter implements. 
       B. Fertilizer Tube. 
       [0029]    The fertilizer tube  30  is comprised of an elongated structure. The fertilizer tube  30  is not a straight structure as best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 8  of the drawings. The fertilizer tube  30  has an input opening  31  at an upper end of the fertilizer tube  30  and an output opening  39  opening at a lower end of the fertilizer tube  30  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 8  of the drawings. The input opening  31  is capable of being fluidly connected to a conventional liquid fertilizer system to receive a liquid fertilizer from the liquid fertilizer. The output opening  39  opening dispenses the liquid fertilizer into a seed furrow or near a seed furrow created by the disks  18  of the planter implement. The lower portion of the fertilizer tube  30  is positioned between a pair of disks  18  of the planter implement when the fertilizer tube  30  is attached to the planter shank  14  as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15  of the drawings. 
         [0030]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 8 , the fertilizer tube  30  is preferably comprised of a continuous single structure. The fertilizer tube  30  may also be comprised of a plurality of sections connected together permanently or non-permanently. The fertilizer tube  30  is preferably comprised of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal. The fertilizer tube  30  preferably has a circular cross sectional area but may have different cross sectional shapes (e.g. rectangular, oval). The lumen of the fertilizer tube  30  may be consistently in width or differing in width along the length of the fertilizer tube  30 . The fertilizer tube  30  is preferably comprised of a continuous single tubular structure as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4  of the drawings. In particular, the fertilizer tube  30  is preferably constructed of a single piece of metal tubing that is bent to form the fertilizer tube  30 . 
         [0031]    A coupler  40  fluidly connects the upper end of the fertilizer tube  30  to a fertilizer delivery tube  11  from the liquid fertilizer system of the planter implement. The coupler  40  is preferably comprised of a quick coupler  40  to allow for simple and easy connection of the fertilizer delivery tube  11  to the fertilizer tube  30 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 8  of the drawings, the fertilizer tube  30  is comprised of a first segment  32  on the lower portion of the fertilizer tube  30 , a second segment  33  extending from the first segment  32 , a third segment  34  extending from the second segment  33 , and a fourth segment  35  extending from the third segment  34 . Each segment is defined by a bend or corner in the fertilizer tube  30  redirecting the fertilizer tube  30 . Each segment is preferably comprised of a substantially straight structure having an independent longitudinal axis that doesn&#39;t align with any of the other segments&#39; longitudinal axis. 
         [0033]    When in use, the fertilizer tube  30  will be positioned in front of the guard scraper with the front edge angled downwardly and rearwardly as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . A portion of the first segment  32  of the fertilizer tube  30  will wear from engaging the earth over time. 
         [0034]    The fertilizer tube  30  is comprised of a first segment  32  adapted to be positioned adjacent to a front edge of the planter shank  14  and a second segment  33  extending forwardly from the first segment  32 . The first segment  32  has a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane (e.g. a ground surface) when the fertilizer tube  30  is attached to the planter shank  14  as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. The second segment  33  extends forwardly from the end of the first segment  32  at a second angle with respect to the horizontal plane (e.g. a ground surface) when the fertilizer tube  30  is attached to the planter shank  14  as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. While both the first segment  32  and the second segment  33  extend upwardly and forwardly, the second angle for the second segment  33  is greater than the first angle for the first segment  32  as further illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The first segment  32  and the second segment  33  are preferably aligned along a common vertical plane as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 through 8  of the drawings. The output opening  39  opening is within a lower distal end of the first segment  32 . 
         [0035]    The angle A 1  between the first segment  32  and the second segment  33  as measured from the left side in  FIG. 3  is approximately 169 degrees but may vary greater or less. The angle A 2  between the first segment  32  and the second segment  33  as measured from the rear in  FIG. 7  is approximately 180 degrees but may vary greater or less. It is preferable that the second segment  33  is parallel to a vertical plane comprised of a plane that is parallel to the forward path of movement of the planter implement and the corresponding planter shank  14  that is vertically aligned. It is further preferable that both the first segment  32  and the second segment  33  are both parallel with respect to the vertical plane as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 8  of the drawings. The second segment  33  is preferably comprised of a straight segment extending from a first corner between the second segment  33  and the first segment  32  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. The second segment  33  has a longitudinal axis that is more vertically orientated than the first segment  32  when the fertilizer tube  30  is attached to the planter shank  14  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. 
         [0036]    The fertilizer tube  30  is further comprised of a third segment  34  and a fourth segment  35 , wherein the third segment  34  extends upwardly and rearwardly from the second segment  33  and the fourth segment  35  extends upwardly and rearwardly from the third segment  34 . The third segment  34  and the fourth segment  35  are each comprised of a substantially straight structure. The third segment  34  and the fourth segment  35  both preferably extend rearwardly at an approximately same angle with respect to the horizontal plane, though different angles may be used. As best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the third segment  34  and the fourth segment  35  are preferably not aligned along the common vertical plane in one embodiment of the invention. The third segment  34  extends to the right of the common vertical plane and the fourth segment  35  extends at angle between the common vertical plane and the third segment  34  as best shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0037]    The third segment  34  extends upwardly and rearwardly from the end of the second segment  33  opposite of the first segment  32  at a third angle with respect to the horizontal plane (e.g. a ground surface) when the fertilizer tube  30  is attached to the planter shank  14  as further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. While the first segment  32 , the second segment  33  and the third segment  34  all extend upwardly, the third angle for the third segment  34  is in an substantially opposite direction of the first angle for the first segment  32  and the second angle for the second segment  33  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. The angle B 1  between the second segment  33  and the third segment  34  as measured from the left side in  FIG. 3  is approximately 126 degrees but may vary greater or less. The angle B 2  between the second segment  33  and the third segment  34  as measured from the rear in  FIG. 7  is approximately 157 degrees but may vary greater or less. The third segment  34  is preferably comprised of a straight segment extending from a second corner between the third segment  34  and the second segment  33  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. The third segment  34  has a longitudinal axis that is more vertically orientated than the first segment  32  and the second segment  33  when the fertilizer tube  30  is attached to the planter shank  14  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. 
         [0038]    The fourth segment  35  extends upwardly from the end of the third segment  34  opposite of the second segment  33  at a fourth angle with respect to the horizontal plane measured from the side (e.g. a ground surface) when the fertilizer tube  30  is attached to the planter shank  14  as further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. While the first segment  32 , second segment  33 , the third segment  34  and the fourth segment  35  all extend upwardly, the fourth angle for the fourth segment  35  is preferably greater than the first angle for the first segment  32  and the second angle for the second segment  33  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  of the drawings. The angle C 1  between the third segment  34  and the fourth segment  35  as measured from the left side in  FIG. 3  is approximately 180 degrees but may vary greater or less. The angle C 2  between the third segment  34  and the fourth segment  35  as measured from the rear in  FIG. 7  is approximately 163 degrees but may vary greater or less. 
         [0039]    The first segment  32  is preferably approximately 5.25 inches in length, the second segment  33  is preferably approximately 9 inches in length, the third segment  34  is preferably approximately 5.5 inches in length and the fourth segment  35  is preferably approximately 2.5 inches in length. The respective lengths of all of the segments  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  35  may vary depending upon the application, how close the lower end of the fertilizer tube  30  is to be positioned to the ground surface and various other factors. 
       C. Upper Connector. 
       [0040]    The upper connector  50  is attached to an upper portion of the fertilizer tube  30  such as, but not limited to, the third segment  34  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 8  of the drawings. The upper connector  50  is adapted for connecting to an upper fastener  19  of a planter frame  12  (e.g. a threaded member  19  extending rearwardly from the planter frame  12  as shown in  FIG. 10  of the drawings. The upper connector  50  is comprised of an inner portion  52  attached (e.g. welded) to the fertilizer tube  30 , an outer portion  54  extending from the inner portion  52  at an angle and an aperture  56  within the outer portion  54 . The aperture  56  is sized to slidably receive the upper fastener  19 . The upper connector  50  is secured to the planter frame  12  using a threaded nut  17  threadably connected to the upper fastener  19  as shown in  FIG. 11  of the drawings. 
       D. Lower Connector. 
       [0041]    The lower connector  20  is attached to a lower portion of the fertilizer tube  30  such as, but not limited to, the first segment  32 . The lower connector  20  is adapted for connecting to a lower portion of a planter shank  14 . The lower connector  20  is preferably comprised of a bendable material. The lower connector  20  is preferably constructed of a first portion  22  and a second portion  24  that extend rearwardly from the fertilizer tube  30 . The lower connector  20  is further preferably comprised of a substantially V-shaped structure or U-shaped structure adapted to be positioned about a front edge of the planter shank  14 . When the front edge of the planter shank  14  is positioned within the inner portion of the lower connector  20 , the first portion  22  and the second portion  24  are bent towards one another to snugly and frictionally engage the planter shank  14  to prevent movement of the lower portion of the fertilizer tube  30 . The lower connector  20  is preferably comprised of a bendable material such as a bendable metal material to allow an installer the ability to bend the first portion  22  and second portion  24  adjacent to the sides of the planter shank  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 11  of the drawings. 
       E. Intermediate Connector. 
       [0042]    The intermediate connector  60  attached the fertilizer tube  30  between the upper connector  50  and the lower connector  20  such as, but not limited to the second segment  33 . The intermediate connector  60  is adapted for connecting to an axle  15  of the planter shank  14  that is used for supporting the disks  18  of the planter. The intermediate connector  60  preferably extends rearwardly in a substantially horizontal manner as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , though various other angles may be used. The intermediate connector  60  is illustrated as having a flat structure that has a plane that is substantially vertically orientated, however, various other structures may be used for the intermediate connector  60 . 
         [0043]    The intermediate connector  60  is comprised of an inner portion  62  extending rearwardly, a middle portion  64  extending rearwardly from the inner portion  62  of the intermediate connector  60  at an angle, an outer portion  66  extending rearwardly from the middle portion  64  of the intermediate connector  60  substantially parallel with respect to the inner portion  62  of the intermediate connector  60 , and an aperture  68  within the outer portion  66 . The aperture  68  slidably receives the right portion of the axle  15  of the planter shank  14  used to support the right disk  18 . However, the aperture  68  may be formed to be positioned upon the left portion of the axle  15  on the opposite side of the planter shank  14 . One or more washers  16  are positioned over the intermediate connector  60  after being positioned upon the axle  15  and then the right disk  18  is attached with a threaded fastener (e.g. threaded nut  17 ) to the axle  15  as illustrated in  FIGS. 11, 12, 14 and 15 . 
       F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment. 
       [0044]    In use, a fertilizer tube  30  is attached to each planter shank  14  of a planter implement. To assemble the fertilizer tube  30  to the planter implement, the user positions the intermediate connector  60  upon the axle  15  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The user then rotates the fertilizer tube  30  so that the lower connector  20  receives the front edge of the planter shank  14  and the aperture  56  of the upper connector  50  passes over the upper fastener  19  of the planter frame  12  as shown in  FIG. 11  of the drawings. The user then squeezes or otherwise compresses the lower connector  20  so that the first portion  22  and the second portion  24  frictionally engage the planter shank  14  to prevent movement of the lower portion of the fertilizer tube  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 11  of the drawings. A threaded nut  17  or other type of fastener is used to secure the upper connector  50  to the upper fastener  19  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The disks  18  are then attached to the opposing portions of the axle  15  extending from the planter shank  14  as shown in  FIGS. 13 through 15  of the drawings. 
         [0045]    When fully assembled and attached to the planter frame  12 , the upper portion of the fertilizer tube  30  extends around a rearward extending upper portion of the planter frame  12  as best illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The user then uses the coupler  40  (e.g. a compression fitting) to connect the fertilizer tube  30  to a fertilizer delivery tube  11  as shown in  FIGS. 12 through 15  of the drawings. Each fertilizer delivery tube  11  comes from a fertilizer reservoir or manifold and supplies the fertilizer to each fertilizer tube  30 . 
         [0046]    As the planter implement is pulled through the soil, the disks  18  create a V-shaped furrow in the soil which is well-known in the art of planters. The output opening  39  opening of the fertilizer tube  30  emits the liquid fertilizer onto the lower surface of the furrow in front of the seed tube in preparation for the disbursement of the seed from the seed tube. The seed is then dispensed from the seed tube and placed above the fertilizer within the furrow. The furrow is finally covered with soil to allow the seed to grow. 
         [0047]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the fertilizer tube system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The fertilizer tube system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.