Patent Abstract:
A liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquid products to row crops. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of drop assemblies supported by and laterally spaced along a boom structure and pivotal with respect thereto. Each of the drop assemblies includes dribble hoses for dribbling a liquid product onto the soil in a rhizosphere of adjacent crop rows. The drop assemblies may include a spray assembly for spraying the row crops.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In modern farming practices, broadcast applications of fertilizers or other liquid products to assist plant growth are common practice. For example, applying starter fertilizers at planting in furrow or subsurface presents an opportunity to assist plant nutrient needs for a short period of time, and in very limited amounts. Moreover, world goals of an average corn yield of 300 bushels per acre and average soybean yields of 100 bushels per acre have been suggested to help support the ever-growing population&#39;s food and energy needs. Agronomic specialists are developing new genetics in grains, creating genetic potential to achieve these higher yield goals. However, conventional liquid product application systems are useful only at the beginning of the plant&#39;s life and, especially when used later in a plant&#39;s life, create a significant amount of waste as they spray liquid products in the air above the plants. Thus, conventional broadcast applications of liquid products do not allow for the level of fertilization needed for new genetic plant nutrient needs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative liquid dispensing system in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0003]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an illustrative liquid placement apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2B  depicts a partial view of an illustrative drop assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2C  is a partial, exploded view of the illustrative drop assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an illustrative drop assembly, shown in a first position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the illustrative drop assembly of  FIG. 3A , shown in a second position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded, perspective view of an illustrative coupling assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4B  is an assembled, perspective view of the illustrative coupling assembly of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is an exploded, perspective view of an illustrative base assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is an assembled, perspective view of an illustrative base assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7A  is a bottom view of an illustrative upper portion of a base assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the illustrative upper portion of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7C  is a front, outline view of the illustrative upper portion of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of an illustrative lower portion of a base assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of the illustrative lower portion of  FIG. 8A  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9A  is an assembled, perspective view of an illustrative flow regulator in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9B  is an exploded, perspective view of the illustrative flow regulator of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an illustrative elbow assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a partial, upper-perspective view of an illustrative lower portion of a base assembly, showing an elbow assembly disposed therein, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative configuration for an illustrative liquid placement apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a breakaway mounting assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the breakaway mounting assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the breakaway mounting assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a rear elevation view of the breakaway mounting assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a breakaway mounting assembly for the liquid placement apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the breakaway mounting assembly of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the breakaway mounting assembly of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a side elevation view of the breakaway mounting assembly of  FIG. 17  showing the drop assembly pivoting from the normal position to the breakaway position in phantom lines. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a rea perspective view of another embodiment of a breakaway mounting assembly. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Embodiments of the invention allow for efficiencies in fertilizer usage and higher yield potential by creating the ability to feed plants just prior to the plants&#39; specific crop nutrient needs, thereby helping the genetics to reach their full potential. Embodiments of the invention include a liquid placement apparatus that places the nutrients near the rhizosphere in a moisture zone for the process of mineralization. Nutrients can either be taken in by the plants by mass flow or diffusion, thereby minimizing the environmental footprint left during fertilizer application. By implementing embodiments of the invention, an early time line of opportunity of application is achieved and ranges from the early vegetative stages of a plant&#39;s life to the middle reproductive stages of the plant&#39;s life. This range creates a large window of opportunity for applicators to achieve new levels of fertilization for higher yields and to achieve more efficient use of fertilizer, thereby reducing surface contamination. 
         [0032]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , an illustrative liquid dispensing system  10  is depicted in a perspective view. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the illustrative liquid dispensing system  10  includes a carrier  12  that supports a liquid dispensing apparatus  14 . According to various embodiments, the carrier  12  can be of any number of different configurations. For example, in some embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the carrier  12  can be a tractor that includes its own propulsion technology and to which the liquid dispensing apparatus  14  is directly coupled. In other embodiments, the carrier  12  can be a trailer, or other towable vehicle, to which the liquid dispensing apparatus  14  is attached. In these embodiments, the carrier  12  can be towed by an independent tractor. Any number of different configurations for the carrier  12  are possible and all of these are considered to be within the ambit of the invention. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the liquid dispensing apparatus  14  may include a boom  16  (often referred to as a “toolbar”). A number of liquid placement apparatuses  18  may be coupled to the boom  16  and may extend downward therefrom (e.g., when the boom  16  is in a fully extended position). Each of the liquid placement apparatuses  18  receives a liquid product from a tank  15  that is supported by the carrier  12 . The liquid product is transferred from the tank  15  to a liquid placement apparatus  18  via one or more distribution hoses  19  that may be disposed along the boom  16 . Any type and number of suitable distribution hoses  19  may be utilized and any type of suitable pumping mechanism (not illustrated for the purposes of brevity and clarity of description) may be employed to transfer the liquid product from the tank  15  to the distribution hoses  19 , and thereby, to the liquid placement apparatuses  18 . In example embodiments, the liquid placement apparatuses  18  may attach to a boom  16  as shown in the figures and described above, however, this is not meant to limit the invention. For example, the liquid placement apparatuses  18  may be attached to any suitable structure such as, but not limited to, a side-dress applicator, a cultivator, an opener, a planter row unit, a shank, a chisel, and/or an opener disk. In other words, the liquid placement apparatuses  18  may be attached in a spaced relation to any suitable structure which is supported at a height above the row crop including, by way of example, a boom, frame toolbar, or an attachment to a planter row unit, or any number of ground working tools such as the shank, chisel, and opener disk. 
         [0034]    According to various embodiments, the boom  16  can be of any number of different lengths and of any number of different configurations. For example, common boom  16  lengths include 60 feet, 90 feet, and 100 feet. Any other boom  16  length could be employed, as well, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The boom  16  is attached to the carrier  12  using any number of attachment technologies including, for example, a z-bracket mechanism. In embodiments, the boom  16  can be attached in front of the carrier  12  or behind the carrier  12 . According to various embodiments of the invention, the carrier  12  includes the ability to raise the boom  16  to a height that is high enough to allow the carrier  12  to turn on the end of a field in a standing crop without injuring the standing crop. In other embodiments, portions of the boom  16  can be folded upwardly, and out of the way of the standing crops, as described below. 
         [0035]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the boom  16  includes a center section  17   a,  that is mounted to the carrier  12 , and two wing sections  17   b  and  17   c.  In some embodiments, the wing sections  17   b  and  17   c  can be designed to fold at joints  17   d  and  17   e,  respectively. The foldable design allows for space-efficient storing of the system  10 . Additionally, the wing sections  17   b  and  17   c  can be optionally folded (e.g., upwardly) during a turn-around action at the end of a crop row. It will be understood by individuals having skill in the relevant arts that foldable wings sections  17   b  and  17   c  can be useful in that, when the carrier  12  reaches an end of a crop row, the wing sections  17   b  and  17   c  can be folded upwardly, thereby moving the wing sections  17   b  and  17   c,  and any hardware attached thereto, out of the way of the crops at the end of the crop row as the carrier  12  is turned around to go down an adjacent crop row in the opposite direction. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIG. 2A , an illustrative liquid placement apparatus  18  is depicted in a perspective view. As shown, the liquid placement apparatus includes a base assembly  20  that is coupled to a lower end of a drop assembly  22 . The drop assembly  22  is adjustably coupled to the boom  16  using a coupling assembly  24 . The liquid placement apparatus  18  further includes a hose assembly  26  that facilitates transferring liquid product from the distribution hose  19  associated with the boom  16  to the base assembly  20 , which includes two dribble hoses  162   a  and  162   b  extending therefrom through which the liquid product is delivered to the ground. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A, and 3B , the drop assembly  22  includes an upper portion  32  and a lower portion  34 , flexibly coupled together using a cable  35  that is disposed within the upper portion  32  and the lower portion  34 . In embodiments, the cable  35  can be secured to the inside of each of the upper portion  32  and the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  by crimping the cable  35  in place at crimps  36  and  38 , respectively. In other embodiments, any number of other mechanisms can be used to couple the cable  35  to the upper  32  and lower  34  portions of the drop assembly  22 . Additionally, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A, and 3B , the drop assembly  22  includes a gap  40  between the upper portion  32  and the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22 . The gap  40  allows the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  to move relative to the upper portion  32  such as, for example, when an obstacle is encountered. According to various embodiments of the invention, the gap  40  can be of any desired size (e.g., ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, etc.). 
         [0038]    Turning to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an illustrative drop assembly  22  is depicted in two perspective views, in two different positions, according to embodiments of the invention. In a first position, illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the drop assembly  22  is oriented substantially vertically and the upper  32  and lower  34  portions of the drop assembly  22  are substantially aligned, providing a roughly straight drop assembly  22 . The cable  35  extends across the gap  40 , thereby providing a flex point at which the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  can move (e.g., flex, tilt, etc.) into a second position, illustrated in  FIG. 3B , when the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  or the base assembly  20  encounters a foreign structure such as, for example, a standing crop or field obstructions such as rocks, posts, gullies or ravines. 
         [0039]    The upper portion  32  and the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  can be of any number of different lengths and configurations. In an embodiment, for example, the upper  32  and lower  34  portions together make a drop assembly  22  that is 18 inches to 30 inches long. Depending upon the particular application, the drop assembly  22  can be shorter than 18 inches and, in some embodiments, the drop assembly can be longer than 30 inches. In some embodiments, the upper  32  and lower  34  portions of the drop assembly  22  can include ¾ inch pipe flexibly coupled to one another using a ⅝ inch cable  35  that is crimped inside of the upper  32  and lower  34  portions. In some embodiments, the upper portion  32  and the lower portion  34  can be flexibly coupled to one another using any number of other coupling mechanisms including, for example, hinges, pivots, rotational coupling mechanisms, and the like, such that the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  can move relative to the upper portion  32  when the lower portion  34  encounters an obstacle such as, for example, a standing crop, as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0040]    Returning now to  FIG. 2 , the drop assembly  22  is adjustably coupled to the boom  16  using a coupling assembly  24  that couples the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  to the boom  16  at a drop location  22   a.  According to various embodiments, any number of drop assemblies  22  can be coupled to the boom  16 , with any desired amount of spacing provided between adjacent drop assemblies  22 . According to embodiments, the boom  16  includes a number of drop assemblies  22  extending downwardly therefrom, where each drop assembly  22  extends downwardly from the boom  16  at a drop location  22   a.  In some embodiments, for example, the boom  16  includes a drop location  22   a  at every 15-48 inches, depending upon the configuration of the boom  16 . 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , an illustrative coupling assembly  24  is illustrated in an exploded view ( FIG. 4A ) and in an assembled view ( FIG. 4B ). The illustrative coupling assembly  24  is just one example of a suitable coupling assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In embodiments, other types of coupling assemblies can be used and in some embodiments, the coupling assembly  24  can include features or configurations not described herein. The illustrative coupling assembly  24 , illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  allows for adjusting the placement of the coupling assembly (and therefore, the drop assembly  22 ) along the boom  16  (e.g., the coupling assembly  24  allows for determining a drop location  22   a  with minimal effort). 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the illustrative coupling assembly  24  includes a bracket  42 , having a number of slots  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  disposed therein, and U-bolts  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54  that are configured to be coupled to the bracket  42 , and around the boom  16  and the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22 , thereby removably attaching the drop assembly  22  to the boom  16 . With particular reference to  FIG. 4A , the bracket  42  includes a body  44 , in which is disposed the slots  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d,  which, in some embodiments, are generally L-shaped, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . According to various embodiments, the body  44  of the bracket  42  is substantially flat and substantially circular in shape and is configured such that each L-shaped slot  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  is roughly disposed within a quadrant of the circularly-shaped body  44 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In some embodiments, the body  44  can include any number of other types of shapes. Similarly, in embodiments, the slots  46  can include shapes other than L-shapes such as, for example, S-shapes, T-shapes, and the like. According to various embodiments, the slots  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  are evenly spaced around the bracket  44  and can be particularly spaced apart to correspond to the widths of the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and the boom  16 . 
         [0043]    As is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in operation, the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  is aligned in a perpendicular orientation with the boom  16  and the bracket  42  is disposed between the upper portion  32  and the boom  16 . As is illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the bracket  42  is positioned such that a first pair of L-shaped slots  46   a  and  46   b  is exposed on a first side of the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and a second pair of L-shaped slots  46   c  and  46   d  is exposed on a second side of the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22 . 
         [0044]    In this mounting position, a first portion  46   e  of the first slot  46   a  is oriented substantially parallel to the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and connects with a second portion  46   f,  at a lower end of the first portion  46   e.  The second portion  46   f  of the first slot  46   a  extends from the lower end of the first portion  46   e  outwardly, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the boom  16 . Similarly, but in what is essentially a reflected orientation, in the mounting position, the second slot  46   b  includes a first portion  46   g  that is substantially parallel to the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and connects with a second portion  46   h,  at an upper end of the first portion  46   g.  The second portion  46   h  of the second slot  46   b  extends from the upper end of the first portion  46   g  outwardly, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the boom  16 . Also in the mounting position, a first portion  46   i  of the third slot  46   c  is oriented substantially parallel to the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and connects with a second portion  46   j,  at a lower end of the first portion  46   i.  The second portion  46   j  of the third slot  46   c  extends from the lower end of the first portion  46   i  outwardly, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the boom  16 . Similarly, but in what is essentially a reflected orientation, in the mounting position, the fourth slot  46   d  includes a first portion  46   k  that is substantially parallel to the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and connects with a second portion  46   l , at an upper end of the first portion  46   k.  The second portion  46   l  of the fourth slot  46   d  extends from the upper end of the first portion  46   k  outwardly, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the boom  16 . 
         [0045]    With particular reference to  FIG. 4A , to adjustably secure the drop assembly  22  to the boom  16 , a set of adjustable U-bolts  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54  are utilized. Each U-bolt  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54  is roughly shaped like a “U.” That is, for example, a first U-bolt  48  includes a first arm  48   a  and a second arm  48   b  that are parallel to one another and that each have threads disposed toward the outside end of the arm  48   a  and  48   b.  A curved mid-portion  48   c  extends between the inside ends of the first arm  48   a  and the second arm  48   b,  thereby defining a U-shaped bolt  48 . Similarly, a second U-bolt  50  includes threaded parallel arm portions  50   a  and  50   b  connected by a curved mid-portion  50   c;  a third U-bolt  52  includes threaded parallel arm portions  52   a  and  52   b  connected by a curved mid-portion  52   c;  and a fourth U-bolt  54  includes threaded parallel arm portions  54   a  and  54   b  connected by a curved mid-portion  54   c.    
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , to secure the bracket  42  to the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and the boom  16 , the first U-bolt  48  is inserted through the back  42   b  of the bracket  42  such that the first arm member  48   a  passes through the first portion  46   i  of the third slot  46   d,  the second arm member  48   b  passes through the first portion  46   e  of the first slot  46   a,  and the mid-portion  48   c  of the first U-bolt  48  wraps around the outside (back) side of the upper portion  32  of the arm assembly  22 . A first nut  55   a  is screwed onto the first arm member  48   a  and secured against the front side  42   a  of the bracket  42 , and a second nut  55   b  is screwed onto the second arm member  48   b  of the first U-bolt  48  and secured against the front side  42   a  of the bracket  42 , thereby holding the first U-bolt  48  in place. As shown, in embodiments one or more washers  55   c  can be disposed between the nuts  55   a  and  55   b  and the bracket  42 . 
         [0047]    Similarly, the second U-bolt  50  is inserted through the back  42   b  of the bracket  42  such that the first arm member  50   a  of the second U-bolt  50  passes through the first portion  46   k  of the fourth slot  46   d,  the second arm member  50   b  passes through the first portion  46   g  of the second slot  46   b,  and the mid-portion  50   c  of the second U-bolt  50  wraps around the outside (back) side of the upper portion  32  of the arm assembly  22 . A third nut  55   d  is screwed onto the first arm member  50   a  and secured against the front side  42   a  of the bracket  42 , and a fourth nut  55   e  is screwed onto the second arm member  50   b  of the second U-bolt  50  and secured against the front side  42   a  of the bracket  42 , thereby holding the second U-bolt  50  in place. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the first and second U-bolts  48  and  50  adjustably couple the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  to the back side  42   b  of the bracket  42 . Similarly, the third and fourth U-bolts  52  and  54  adjustably couple the boom  16  to the front side  42   a  of the bracket  42 , as described here. As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the third U-bolt  52  is inserted through the front  42   a  of the bracket  42  such that the first arm member  52   a  of the third U-bolt  52  passes through the second portion  46   j  of the third slot  46   c,  the second arm member  52   b  passes through the second portion  46   l  of the fourth slot  46   d,  and the mid-portion  52   c  of the second U-bolt  52  wraps around the inside (front) side of the boom  16 . A fifth nut  55   f  is screwed onto the first arm member  52   a  and secured against the back side  42   b  of the bracket  42 , and a sixth nut  55   g  is screwed onto the second arm member  52   b  of the third U-bolt  52  and secured against the back side  42   b  of the bracket  42 , thereby holding the third U-bolt  52  in place. 
         [0049]    Similarly, the fourth U-bolt  54  is inserted through the back  42   b  of the bracket  42  such that the first arm member  54   a  of the fourth U-bolt  54  passes through the second portion  46   f  of the first slot  46   a,  the second arm member  54   b  passes through the second portion  46   h  of the second slot  46   b,  and the mid-portion  54   c  of the second U-bolt  54  wraps around the inside (front) side of the boom  16 . A seventh nut  55   h  is screwed onto the first arm member  54   a  and secured against the back side  42   b  of the bracket  42 , and an eighth nut  55   h  is screwed onto the second arm member  54   b  of the fourth U-bolt  54  and secured against the back side  42   b  of the bracket  42 , thereby holding the fourth U-bolt  54  in place. In this manner, the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  is adjustably and removably coupled to the boom  16 . 
         [0050]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , an illustrative base assembly  20  is depicted in an exploded, perspective view. According to various embodiments of the invention, the base assembly  20  is a roughly triangle-shaped unit. The front  20   a  of the base assembly  20  leads the assembly  20  through the terrain so that the base assembly  20  can push through crops and other obstacles. In embodiments, the base assembly  20  is constructed from polypropylene plastic and, in embodiments, incorporates a grid-based design that is engineered for strength, weight distribution and durability. According to various embodiments, the base assembly  20  travels between approximately 6 inches and approximately 8 inches above the ground surface as the carrier  12  (see  FIG. 1 ) moves through the crop rows, but can still be effective as high as 28 inches above the ground surface. Each base assembly  20  travels independently through a crop row and that crop row acts as a guide for the base assembly  20  to follow in contours and uneven topography. The liquid placement apparatus  18  has the capacity to dribble on the surface  1  to 50 gallons of product within 3 inches on both sides of plant rows. According to embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 1 , the liquid placement apparatuses  18  are mounted on the boom  16  with approximately 6 inches of space between each of the base assemblies  20 . In other embodiments, the apparatuses  18  are configured to allow a different amount of space between base assemblies  20 . 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the base assembly  20  is manufactured in two injected molded pieces: an upper portion  70  and a lower portion  72 . The upper portion  70  and lower portion  72  of the base assembly  20  are coupled using fastening devices such as, for example, a number of screws  73 . The base assembly  20  is coupled to the bottom of the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  using a fastening device such as, for example, a 5/16×1.5 inch shoulder bolt  74 . In other embodiments, other types or sizes of bolts or other fasteners can be used to attach the base assembly  20  to the drop assembly  22 . In an embodiment, the bolt  74  is disposed approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the base assembly  20  and can be secured to the lower portion  34  of the drop assembly  22  using a nut (not illustrated). 
         [0052]    With particular reference to  FIGS. 5 and 7A-7C , the upper portion  70  of the base assembly includes a back wall  76  and a parallel, opposed front wall  78 . Angled side walls  80  extend from the ends of the front wall  78  toward the ends of the back wall  76 , which is longer than the front wall  78 . In some embodiments, the back wall  76  is significantly longer than the front wall  78 , thereby providing for a wider base angle  79 . In an embodiment, the upper portion  70  of the base assembly  20  does not include a front wall  78 , but rather, comes to a point in the front. A pair of parallel, opposed wall segments  82  extend between the back ends  84  of the side walls  80  and the ends  86  of the back wall  76 , thereby forming a roughly triangular frame  88 . An upper panel  90  is disposed over the frame  88 . As is further illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 7A , a wing  92  is attached to the back wall  76  and extends outwardly from the back wall  76 , along the length of the back wall  76 . Additionally, a number of apertures  94  are disposed within the upper panel  90 . The apertures  94  are adapted to receive the screws  73  with which the base assembly  20  is assembled. 
         [0053]    With particular reference to  FIG. 7A , disposed within the frame  88  of the upper portion  70  of the base assembly  20  is an upper grid  100 . In embodiments, the upper grid  100  includes a first set of ribs  102 , which extend between the two sidewalls  80 , parallel to the back wall  76 . A second set of ribs  104  intersects the first set of ribs  102  and each of the second set of ribs  104  extends between the back wall  76  and a sidewall  80 , in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the back wall  76  (and, thus, the first set of ribs  102 ), and in the configuration illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 7A , the apertures  94  extend through ribs  102  or  104 , thereby allowing the screws  73  to pass through the upper portion  70  of the base assembly  20  into the lower portion  72 . 
         [0054]    Additionally, a number of the ribs  102  and  104  toward the back  20   b  of the base assembly have channels (e.g., portions cut away)  114  disposed therein for allowing tubing to be disposed therethrough, as described in more detail below. The upper grid  100  corresponds to a lower grid  130 . The grids  100  and  130  are engineered to reduce breakage of the upper portion  70  of the base assembly  20  upon impact with a foreign structure. Additionally, the designs of the grids  100  and  130  help to distribute the weight of the base assembly  20  in a manner that allows for the base assembly  20  to be moved through crop fields at reasonable speeds such as, for example, speeds ranging from about 1 mph to about 12 mph, while allowing the drop assembly  22  to hang in a reasonably vertical configuration. In embodiments, the weight of the base assembly  20  is distributed such that the base assembly is oriented with its front  20   a  end angled slightly upward (and thereby causing the drop assembly  22  to hang somewhat forward) while at rest, allowing the drop assembly  22  to move to a substantially vertical position as the speed of the carrier  12  increases and the carrier moves through the field. 
         [0055]    According to various embodiments, the width  106  of the back wall  76  of the upper portion  70  of the base assembly  20  can have any desired dimension. In embodiments, for example, the width  106   a  varies from about 9 inches to about 32 inches. It will be appreciated by individuals having skill in the relevant arts that the length  108   a  of the mold varies in relation to the width  106 . In some embodiments, the widths  106   a  and  106   b  of the molds  70  and  72  are determined for a specific plant row width. According to various implementations, each base width  106   a  and  106   b  is designed to allow for 6 inches of total clearance—e.g., 3 inches of clearance on each side of the base assembly  20 . This clearance between the base assembly  20  and the crop row allows the base assembly  20  to move between crop rows without damaging the crops in those crop rows. 
         [0056]    With particular reference to  FIG. 7C , the height  110  of the upper portion  70  of the base assembly  20  varies between the two sidewalls  80 . As shown in  FIG. 7C , the height  110  is beveled upward in the center front  111  of the upper portion  70  of the base assembly. The beveled upper portion  70  design allows neighboring base assemblies, when the machine is engaged, to not tangle with each other and allows base assemblies to slide off of each other if needed. Entanglement can happen, for example, when the boom  16  (or a portion thereof) is raised to allow the machine to turn at the end of a crop row. When the boom  16  is lowered, the standing crop may initially misalign the base assemblies until a short distance is traveled, whereby the design of the base assemblies allows the base assemblies to realign themselves. Additionally, the wing  92 , which in embodiments, can extend approximately 1.5 inches from the back wall  76 , protects neighboring base assemblies from catching on an elbow  160   a  or  160   b  (described in more detail below) when the base assemblies are realigned in the crop rows upon turnaround alignment from the row change. 
         [0057]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5, 8A and 8B , the lower portion  72  of the base assembly  20  includes a frame  120  defined by a back wall  122 , a front wall  124 , two angled sidewalls  126 , and two parallel wall segments  128 , as shown. The shape of the frame  120  is roughly triangular and, in embodiments, is substantially similar to the shape of the frame  88  of the upper portion  70  of the base assembly  20 . In some embodiments, the upper portion  70  and the lower portion  72  are configured such that the two portions  70  and  72  are flush along the sides when attached. A lower panel  129  extends over the bottom side of the frame  120 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the lower panel  129  includes a bevel  129   a  extending from the front  72   a  of the lower portion  72  toward the rear  72   b  of the lower portion  72 . In some embodiments, the bevel  129   a  can extend the entire length of the lower panel  129  (that is, the lower panel  129  itself could be angled downward from the front  72   a  toward the rear  72   b ), while in other embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8B ), the bevel  129   a  extends for only a portion of the length of the lower panel  129 . The bevel  129   a  helps the base assembly  20  move through crop rows more smoothly by facilitating deflection of encountered obstacles. 
         [0058]    As is shown in  FIG. 8A , the lower grid  130  is disposed within the frame  120  (and coupled to the lower panel  129 ). The lower grid  130  includes a first set of ribs  132  that extends between the two sidewalls  126  and a second set of ribs  134  that intersects the first set of ribs  132  in a substantially perpendicular orientation. As illustrated, each of the second set of ribs  134  extends between the back wall  122  and a sidewall  126 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the lower portion  72  of the base assembly includes a number of apertures  136  that extend through ribs  132  or  134 , thereby allowing the screws  73  to pass into the lower portion  72 . Additionally, a number of the ribs  132  or  134  toward the back  20   b  of the base assembly have channels (e.g., portions cut away)  138  disposed therein. The channels  138  match the channels  114  of the upper portion  70  such that, when the base assembly  20  is assembled, a pair of throughways  140  (see  FIG. 11 , which illustrates one throughway  140  of the pair) are provided within the base assembly  20  for allowing tubing to be disposed therethrough, as described in more detail below. 
         [0059]    Returning briefly to  FIG. 1 , a liquid product is delivered to crop rows, in embodiments of the invention, using a number of liquid placement apparatuses  18  that extend downwardly from a boom  16  attached to a carrier having a storage tank  15  and transfer pump (not illustrated herein for the purposes of clarity and brevity). The liquid product is pumped from the tank  15  into the distribution hose  19 . The pump can be any type of conventional pump with the ability to provide enough liquid product as prescribed for the application intended. 
         [0060]    According to embodiments of the invention, and with reference to  FIG. 2A , the liquid product travels through the distribution hose  19  and into the hose assembly  26  near the drop location  22   a.  As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A, 5, and 6 , the hose assembly  26  includes an upper hose assembly  142   a  that extends along the drop assembly  22  and that is attached, at an upper end  144  to an n-orifice outlet  146  using a connector  148  adapted to be relatively easily coupled to the n-orifice outlet  146 . According to embodiments, the upper hose assembly  142   a  is a ⅜ diameter hose. In other embodiments, hoses of different diameters can be used to optimize liquid product flow for the particular configuration. At a lower end  150  of the upper hose assembly  142   a,  a y-splitter  152  couples the upper hose assembly  142   a  to a lower hose assembly  142   b.    
         [0061]    In embodiments, the upper hose assembly  142   a  is attached to the back of the drop assembly  22  using fasteners  142   c,  as shown in  FIG. 2 , to protect the upper hose assembly  142   a  form damage caused by encountering debris from the crop row. In embodiments, the upper hose assembly  142   a  is disposed outside of the drop assembly  22  for convenience of replacement. The fasteners  142   c  can include any type of fastening device such as clamps, ties, and the like. In other embodiments, the upper hose assembly  142   a  can be disposed within the drop assembly  22  for added protection. In further embodiments, a removable cover (not illustrated) can be disposed over the upper hose assembly  142   a  to protect the upper hose assembly  142   a  from damage. 
         [0062]    Turning briefly to  FIG. 12 , an alternative embodiment of an upper hose assembly  200  is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the upper hose assembly  200  includes two hoses  202  and  204 , each of which is coupled to an n-orifice outlet  206 . This configuration can be useful, for example, where an operator wishes to use fewer liquid placement apparatuses  18  (see  FIG. 1 ). As illustrated, the hoses  202  and  204  are disposed along the sides of the drop assembly  208  and are coupled to secondary hoses  210  and  212 , respectively, using flow regulators  214  and  216 , respectively. It should be understood that, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a y-splitter is not needed, as the liquid product flow is delivered to the upper hose assembly  200  in two different channels  202  and  204  initially. In embodiments, a removable cover can be disposed over the upper hose assembly  200  to protect from damage caused by encountering debris in a crop row. Other configurations and implementations can be utilized, as well. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIGS. 2A, 5, 6 and 9A  and B, the lower hose assembly  142   b  includes a pair of secondary hoses  154  and  156 , flow regulators  158   a  and  158   b,  (see  FIG. 6 ) elbow assemblies  160   a  and  160   b,  and dribble hoses  162   a  and  162   b.  Each of the secondary hoses  154  and  156  includes a flow regulator  158   a  and  158   b,  respectively, disposed therein. The secondary hoses  154  and  156  are partially disposed within the base assembly  20 , extending into the base assembly  20  through apertures  154   c  and  156   c,  respectively, which are defined within the upper panel  90  of the base assembly  20 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 5 , within the base assembly  20 , each of the secondary hoses  154  and  156  is coupled to an elbow assembly  160   a  and  160   b , respectively. A dribble hose  162   a  and  162   b  is coupled to each elbow assembly  160   a  and  160   b , respectively. In operation, the liquid product travels through the primary hose  142 , through the y-splitter  152  into the secondary hoses  154  and  156 , through the flow regulators  158   a  and  158   b,  into the elbow assemblies  160   a  and  160   b  and is ejected through the dribble hoses  162   a  and  162   b.    
         [0064]    Turning to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , an illustrative flow regulator  158   b  is depicted. As shown, the flow regulator  158   b  is disposed within a secondary hose  156 , which, as can be seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , actually includes two separate hose portions  156   a  and  156   b  that are coupled by the flow regulator  158   b.  It should be understood that the other secondary hose  154  is similarly constructed (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), having two hose portions  154   a  and  154   b  that are coupled using the flow regulator  158   a.  Additionally, the components and configuration of the flow regulator  158   a,  disposed within the secondary hose  154 , are substantially the same as the components and configuration of the flow regulator  158   b,  described herein. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the flow regulator  158   b  includes a flat orifice  164  enclosed inside of a plastic barbed insert  160  and cap  162 . According to embodiments of the invention, the orifice  164  is strategically placed approximately 12.5 inches from the elbow apparatus  160   b  to ensure equal positive flow of liquid product. The size of the orifice  164  can be determined by desired flow rate, specific gravity of product, and volume of product to be delivered to a crop row. The flow regulator  158   b  is coupled to the hose portions  156   a  and  156   b  using clamps  166  and  168 , respectively. According to embodiments of the invention, other types of flow regulators can be used. 
         [0066]    Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , and with continued reference to  FIG. 5 , the elbow assembly  160   b  includes a first portion  170  that is coupled, at a first end  172  thereof, to the secondary hose  158   b  and, at a second end  174  thereof to a mounting plate  176  having an opening (not shown) defined therein. The elbow assembly  160   b  further includes a second portion  178  that is coupled, at a first end  180  thereof, to the mounting plate  176 , and, at a second end  182  thereof, to the dribble hose  162   b.  In embodiments, the components  170 ,  176 , and  178  of the elbow assembly  160   b  can be stainless steel and can be welded together. A stainless steel construction minimizes the possibility of rust or other corrosive damage to the base assembly  20  from the liquid product. In other embodiments, other types of material and/or mechanisms for coupling the components  170 ,  176 , and  178  can be employed. In embodiments, the second portion  178  of the elbow assembly  160   b  has a 3-5 degree turn away from the outside of the base assembly  20 . According to some embodiments of the invention, the second portion  178  of the elbow assembly  160   b  also has a 22-degree bend downward to assist the flow of liquid product downward toward the ground to reduce splattering. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the mounting plate  176  is configured to be disposed adjacent to a blocking surface  184  disposed within the lower portion  72  of the base assembly  20 . The mounting plate  176 , and its position adjacent the blocking surface  184 , holds the elbow assembly  106   b  in place within the lower portion  72  of the base assembly  20 . The second hose portion  162   b  of the secondary hose  162 , and the first portion  170  and the second portion  178  of the elbow assembly  160   b  are configured to be disposed within the throughway  140  defined within the base assembly  20 . It should be understood that a substantially similar configuration is repeated on the other side of the base assembly with respect to the secondary hose  154  and the corresponding elbow assembly  160   a.    
         [0068]    Returning briefly to  FIG. 5 , the dribble hoses  162   a  and  162   b  are attached to the elbow assemblies  160   a  and  160   b  using clamps  185   a  and  185   b,  respectively, and can include, for example, hoses with single-strand wire enclosures of lengths varying from about 18 inches to about 36 inches, depending on the application. According to embodiments, the dribble hoses  162   a  and  162   b  are configured to drag on the ground as the carrier  12  (see  FIG. 1 ) moves through a field of row crops. In other embodiments, the dribble hoses  162   a  and  162   b  are configured to terminate some predetermined distance above the ground. Additionally, in various embodiments, the dribble hoses  162   a  and  162   b  are attached to the elbow assemblies  160   a  and  160   b,  respectively, using an adjustable clamp, which facilitates relatively easy assembly and replacement. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 13-16  illustrate an embodiment of a “breakaway” mounting assembly  300  for attaching the drop assembly  22  to the boom  16 . The breakaway mounting assembly  300  permits the drop assembly  22  to swing from its normal position, wherein the drop assembly  22  is oriented substantially vertically fore and aft, to a breakaway position, wherein the drop assembly  22  is pivoted rearwardly with respect to the forward direction of travel (indicated by arrow  301 ) as shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 15 , in order to prevent damage to the liquid placement apparatus  18  upon encountering an obstruction or obstacle in the field, such as a rock, fence, dense vegetation, etc. In this embodiment, the breakaway mounting assembly  300  comprises a block clamp  310  having an internal periphery  312  complimentary to the exterior periphery of the boom  16  so that the block clamp  310  frictionally engages with the boom  16 . The block clamp  310  includes upper and lower block halves  314 ,  316  which are secured together at opposing ends by clamp bolts  318  which, when tightened, will frictionally clamp the boom  16  within the interior periphery  312 . Spaced flanges  320 ,  322  extend downwardly from the lower block half  316  to receive an eyebolt  324  therebetween. A pin  326  extends through the aligned holes in the flanges  320 ,  322  and through the eye of the eyebolt  324 . The pin  326  includes a quick-release retaining clip  328  to retain the pin  326  in position. A forward swing stop  330  comprising a stop plate  332  which extends downwardly from the forward end of the lower block half  316 . A bumper  334  is threadably secured to the plate  332 . Thus, it should be appreciated that the breakaway mounting assembly  300  permits the drop assembly  22  to swing rearwardly in the event the base assembly  20  or any portion of the drop assembly  22  encounters an obstruction in the field and the forward swing stop  330  prevents the drop assembly from swinging forwardly so the drop assembly returns to the normal position, i.e, its substantially vertical hanging position. 
         [0070]    When it is desired to remove the drop assembly  22  from the boom  16 , the retaining clip  328  is released from the end of the pin  326  and the pin  326  is removed from the eye of the eyebolt  324 . Additionally, when it is desired to laterally adjust the position of the drop assembly  22  along the boom  16 , the clamp bolts  336  are loosened and the block clamp  310  is slid along the boom to the desired position and the clamp bolts  336  are retightened to frictionally secure the drop assembly at the desired position. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 17-20  illustrate another embodiment of a breakaway mounting assembly  400  for attaching the drop assembly  22  to the boom  16 . As with the previous embodiment, this embodiment of the breakaway mounting assembly permits the drop assembly  22  to pivot rearwardly with respect to the forward direction of travel (as indicated by arrow  401 ) from its normal position (i.e., substantially vertical) to the breakaway position upon encountering an obstacle in the field as indicated by phantom lines in  FIG. 20 . In this embodiment, the breakaway mounting assembly  400  comprises a boom mounting plate  402  having apertures  404  through which the threaded ends of U-bolts  406  are received for slidably securing the boom mounting plate  402  to the boom  16 . It should be appreciated that when it is desired to laterally adjust the position of the breakaway mounting assembly  400 , and thus the drop assembly  22  along the boom  16 , bolts  408  are loosened and the mounting assembly  400  is slid along the boom to the desired position and the bolts  408  retightened securing the drop assembly at the desired position 
         [0072]    A forward swing stop  410  is supported from the boom mounting plate  402 . The forward swing stop  410  includes spaced flanges  412 ,  414  which extend rearwardly from a web plate  416 . Each of the spaced flanges  412 ,  414  include an aperture  418  which are matingly aligned to receive a transverse pivot bolt  420 , the purpose of which will be described later. A riser bracket  430  is received between the spaced flanges  412 ,  414  of the forward swing stop  410 . The riser bracket  430  has a pair of spaced flanges  432 ,  434  projecting rearwardly from a web plate  436 . Each of the flanges  432 ,  434  has an aperture  438  which matingly aligns with the apertures  418  of the forward swing stop  418  A bolt  420  extends through and pivotally secures the riser bracket  430  within the forward swing stop  410 . 
         [0073]    At an upper end portion of riser bracket  430  is a section of tube  440  fixedly secured thereto. The tube  440  supports a drop assembly coupler  450 . The drop assembly coupler  450  comprises a sleeve  452  fixed at one end to a plate  454 . The plate  454  is attached to the tube  440  by U-bolts  456  The other end of the sleeve  452  is open to receive the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22 . The sleeve  452  includes an aperture  460  which aligns with a mating aperture in the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22 , through which the pin  462  is inserted, thereby pinning upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  to the drop assembly coupler  450 . When it is desired to remove the drop assembly  22  from the drop assembly coupler  450 , the retainer clip  464  is released from the end of the pin  462  and the pin  462  is removed. 
         [0074]    At a lower portion of the riser bracket  430   a  magnet  470  is secured to the web member  436 . The magnet  470  may vary in strength so as to sufficiently attract and retain the riser bracket  430  to the forward swing stop  410  during operation until a sufficient force (due to impact with the ground surface or other obstruction) is exerted to overcome the magnetic force. In one example, magnet  470  is threadably secured to the riser bracket  430  using a bolt or screw; however, it is contemplated that magnet  470  could be fixedly secured to at any position on the riser bracket  430  using a weldment. Magnet  470  retains drop assembly  22  in the normal position (i.e., substantially vertical) position during operation; however, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , it also permits the riser bracket  430 —and drop assembly  22  to pivot rearwardly about bolt  420 , in the event the base assembly  20  or any portion of the drop assembly  22  encounters an obstruction in the field. After the obstruction has passed, riser bracket  430  again pivots about bolt  420 , allowing the drop assembly  22  to move forwardly where it is retained again by magnet  470  in a substantially vertical (operating) position. 
         [0075]      FIG. 21  illustrates another embodiment of a breakaway mounting assembly  500  for attaching the drop assembly  22  to the boom  16 . As with the previous embodiments, this embodiment of the breakaway mounting assembly permits the drop assembly  22  to pivot rearwardly with respect to the forward direction of travel (as indicated by arrow  501 ) from its normal position (i.e., substantially vertical) to the breakaway position upon encountering an obstacle in the field. The breakaway mounting assembly  500  is coupled to boom  16  by a mounting plate  502  and U-bolts  504 . A forward swing stop bracket  506  is fixed to and extends downwardly from the mounting plate  502 . Pivot plates  508 ,  510  are spaced laterally on each side of the forward swing stop bracket  506  and are pivotally attached thereto by pivot pin  512 . A sleeve  514  is fixed to the rearward end of the pivot plates. The sleeve  514  is adapted to receive the upper portion  32  of the drop assembly  22  and is removably retained therein by a pin  516 . A magnet  520  is attached by a weldment or other suitable means to the lower end of the forward swing stop bracket  506  to magnetically retain the drop assembly in substantially vertical orientation until the drop assembly  22  impacts an obstruction with sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction allowing the drop assembly, together with the sleeve  514  and pivot plates  508 .  510  to pivot about the pivot pin  512 . 
         [0076]    Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1