Patent Description:
Planters are farming implements that are conveyed over an area, such as a field, and operate to deposit seeds in furrows formed in the ground. Generally, planters are drawing through a field by a tractor and, more particularly, are towed behind the tractor through the field. Planters may include one or more row units used to deposit seeds in a row as the planter is drawn through a field.

One example of such planters are known from <CIT> an agricultural machine is arranged to be towed across a ground surface by a traction vehicle, which agricultural machine comprises a connection device engaging the traction vehicle and a ground contacting device, which two devices are connected to a support beam having an extension essentially transverse to the towing direction and essentially orientated parallel to the ground surface. The support beam being formed with a first beam portion to which the connection device engaging the traction vehicle is attached, and a primary second beam portion, and a secondary second beam portion to which the ground contacting device is attached. At least one of the second beam portions being formed so that the ground contacting device can be detachably connected to said second beam portion in any one of a plurality of lateral positions along the support beam. Another such planter with a similar detachable connection of the row units to the toolbar is known from <CIT>.

The invention proposes to improve the known planters by means of an agricultural implement according to claim <NUM>.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement may include a frame and a row unit removably coupled to the frame. The frame may include a laterally-extending toolbar; a first rail secured to the toolbar and extending at least partially along a length of the toolbar; and a second rail secured to the toolbar and extending at least partially along the length of the toolbar.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement may include a frame and row unit removably coupled to the frame. The frame may include a laterally-extending toolbar comprising a first side; a first laterally-extending rail extending from the first side; and a second laterally-extending rail extending from the first side. The row unit may include first mounting features receivable onto the first rail; and second mounting features receivable onto the second rail. The second mounting features may be pivotable between a first position in which the second mounting features are disengaged with the second rail and a second position in which the second mounting features are engaged with the second rail. Furthermore, the first mounting feature comprises a first tab and the second mounting feature comprises a second tab. The second tab is pivotable relative to the first tab and the second tab is pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to a direction that is parallel to a length of the second rail.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of coupling a row unit to an agricultural implement. The method may include providing a frame that may include a laterally-extending toolbar. The toolbar may include a first laterally-extending rail formed along a first side of the toolbar and a second laterally-extending rail formed along the first side of the toolbar. The method may also include a row unit. The row unit may include a first mounting feature and a second mounting feature. The method may also include engaging the first mounting feature onto the first rail and moving the second mounting feature relative to the first mounting feature from a first position in which the second mounting feature is disengaged with the second rail to a second position in which the second mounting feature is engaged with the second rail.

The various aspects may include one or more of the following features. The first mounting feature may include at least two laterally offset first mounting features receivable onto the first rail. The second mounting feature may include at least two laterally offset second mounting features receivable onto the second rail. The first rail and the second rail may be provided on or extend from a common side of the toolbar. The first mounting feature may include a first tab, and the second mounting feature may include a second tab. The second tab may be pivotable relative to the first tab. The second tab may be pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to a direction that is parallel to a length of the second rail. The second tab may be slideable relative to the first tab. The first rail may include a plurality of aligned rails extending along the toolbar. The second rail may include a plurality of aligned rails extending along the toolbar. The row unit may be laterally positionable along the toolbar when the second mounting feature is disengaged with the second rail. The second mounting feature may include an anti-rotation feature that engages a portion of the toolbar to prevent rotation of the second mounting relative to the toolbar. The anti-rotation feature may include a flange.

The various aspects may also include one or more of the following features. The row unit may be laterally positionable along the frame when the second mounting features are disengaged from the second rail. The row unit may include a plurality of row units. The second mounting features may be pivotable about respective axes that are perpendicular to the first side of the toolbar. The row unit may include a first locking system configured to lockingly secure the second mounting features to a sidewall of the second slot. The implement may include a second locking system configured to lockingly secure the first mounting features to a sidewall of the first slot. Engaging the first mounting feature with the first rail may include supporting the row unit from the frame. The second mounting feature may be secured to a sidewall of the second rail.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

The detailed description of the drawings refers to the accompanying figures in which:.

The present disclosure is directed to agricultural implements, systems, and methods for assembling agricultural implements. Particularly, the present disclosure is directed to agricultural planters and methods of assembling agricultural planters. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to agricultural planters. Rather, the present disclosure is applicable to other types of agricultural implements, such as implements that are used to install, treat, or otherwise address crops arranged in rows. The agricultural implements may be adapted to receive row units, such as planter row units in the context of a planter, that are removably couplable to the implement. As an example, the present disclosure is applicable to seeders, sprayers, and tillage equipment. Still further, the scope of the disclosure may be applicable to assembly of machines outside of the agricultural arts. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass all such applications.

The present disclosure is made in the context of agricultural planters and the assembly thereof. However, these are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Rather, as explained above, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to
encompass any implement or device, whether within the agricultural arts or otherwise, to which the assembly systems and methods apply. However, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Benefits of the present disclosure include improved assembly processes and reduced assembly time. For example, access to a single side of the agricultural implement, as opposed to both fore and aft sides, is provided. Further, time to assemble and associated labor costs are also reduced as a result of the coupling arrangement between the implement frame and the coupled row units. Consequently, the present disclosure provides for an implements having improved coupling arrangements that reduce assembly time and cost.

<FIG> shows an example agricultural planter <NUM>. The planter <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and a plurality of planter row units <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a laterally-extending beam or toolbar <NUM>, and the planter row units <NUM> are coupled to the toolbar <NUM> at various locations along the toolbar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a portion of an example agricultural planter <NUM>. Some portions of the planter <NUM> are omitted from <FIG> for the purposes of clarity. The planter <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that includes a laterally-extending toolbar <NUM>. A planter row unit <NUM> is coupled to the toolbar <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. A portion of a frame <NUM>, links <NUM>, and an actuator <NUM> of the planter row unit <NUM> are illustrated with the remainder of the planter row unit <NUM> omitted for the purposes of clarity. Although a single planter row unit <NUM> is illustrated, it is to be understood that the planter <NUM> may have a plurality of planter row units <NUM> laterally arranged along one or more sides of the toolbar <NUM>, in one or more configurations, e.g., in a staggered arrangement. For example, the planter row units <NUM> may be arranged in a staggered relationship to form crop rows having a twin row configuration. In other implementations, the planter row units <NUM> may be arranged uniformly along the toolbar <NUM> to form crop rows having uniform spacing. Still further, planter row units <NUM> may be attached to the toolbar <NUM> in any desired arrangement.

In the illustrated example, the toolbar <NUM> includes opposing vertical sides <NUM> and <NUM> that extend between opposing horizontal sizes <NUM> and <NUM>. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are applied in the context of the planter <NUM> being positioned on level ground and in an orientation intended for normal operation. Arrow <NUM> indicates a direction in which the planter <NUM> is normally conveyed during a planting operation or otherwise being transported. As shown in <FIG>, the planter row unit <NUM> is attached at the side <NUM> of the toolbar <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the toolbar <NUM> has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and a central channel <NUM> extending therethrough. However, it is within the scope that the toolbar <NUM> may have any have other cross-sectional shapes. For example, in some implementations, the toolbar <NUM> may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to another type of quadrilateral (such as square or trapezoidal). In other implementations, the toolbar <NUM> may have a cross-sectional shape that is polygonal, circular, elliptical, or any other type of cross-sectional shape. Although <FIG> illustrates a planter row unit <NUM> being coupled in a trailing configuration (i.e., a configuration in which the planter row unit <NUM> extends rearwardly from the toolbar <NUM>), the toolbar <NUM> may be configured to permit one or more planter row units <NUM> to be attached in a leading configuration. That is, planter row units <NUM> may be attached to the toolbar <NUM> and extend in a forward direction from the toolbar <NUM>. The forward direction would be a direction opposite the direction in which the planter row unit <NUM> extends as shown in <FIG>. In still other implementations, a toolbar <NUM> may be configured to include one or more planter row units <NUM> that extend both in the forward direction and in the rearward direction. The toolbars <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG>, respectively, provide for such coupling of planter row units in both the forward and rearward directions.

Referring to <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes a first rail <NUM> and a second rail <NUM> that are coupled to the toolbar <NUM> along the side <NUM> to form respective slots <NUM> and <NUM>. Although the first and second rails <NUM> and <NUM> are included to define slots <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> may be incorporated in other ways. For example, as shown in <FIG>, in some implementations, the toolbar <NUM> may have the slots <NUM> and <NUM> formed in respective sides <NUM> and <NUM>. In some implementations, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> may be integrally formed into the toolbar <NUM>, such as by extrusion, or may be machined into the toolbar <NUM>. In still other implementations, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> may be incorporated in any number of other ways and are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In still other implementations, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted.

The rails <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as the other rails described herein, define and extend along respective axes. In the example of <FIG>, the rails <NUM> and <NUM> define axes that extend perpendicular to the plane defined in <FIG>. In some implementations, an axis defined by a rail may be parallel with a longitudinal axis of a toolbar. For example, in the example of <FIG>, the rails <NUM> and <NUM> define axes that are parallel to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the toolbar <NUM>. In other implementations, axes defined by the rails and a longitudinal axis of a toolbar may be nonparallel.

Referring again to <FIG>, the rails <NUM> and <NUM> have an "L-shaped" cross-section. In the illustrated example, ends <NUM> of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to the side <NUM>, such as by welding, adhesive, fasteners, a combination of these, or any other type of attachment method. In other implementations, the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be integrally formed in the toolbar <NUM>. The slots <NUM> and <NUM> are formed between the sidewalls <NUM> of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> and the side <NUM>. The slots <NUM> and <NUM> have openings <NUM>. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> have a horizontal orientation and extend along sides <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> are parallel to the sides <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. With the planter <NUM> positioned on level ground and oriented to operate as intended, the slot <NUM> is configured to receive a portion of the planter row unit <NUM> in a vertical direction.

In other implementations, a toolbar of the planter frame may have one or more rails having other configurations. For example, <FIG> show other implementations of rails incorporate into a planter frame. <FIG> is a cross-section of an example toolbar <NUM>. The toolbar <NUM> is formed from a panel <NUM>, which may be in the form of a plate, and a C-channel <NUM>. The panel <NUM> and the C-channel <NUM> may be combined using, for example, welding, fasteners, an adhesive, or combination of these. Other joining methods may also be used. Further, in other implementations, the toolbar <NUM> may be integrally formed, such as by extrusion.

In <FIG>, end portions <NUM> of the panel <NUM> form the rails <NUM> and <NUM>. In this example, a side <NUM> of the C-channel <NUM> disposed opposite the panel <NUM> does not include end portions. Thus, the side <NUM> excludes rails, precluding attachment of a planter row unit to the side <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-section of another example toolbar <NUM>. The toolbar <NUM> is constructed using parallel panels <NUM> and parallel panels <NUM> extending between the panels <NUM>. In other implementations, the toolbar <NUM> may be integrally formed, such as by extrusion. End portions <NUM> of the panels <NUM> extend beyond the panels <NUM> and form rails <NUM> and <NUM> to which one or more planter row units, such as planter row units <NUM>, may be secured. As shown, the rails <NUM> and <NUM> are provided on both panels <NUM> and provide mounting locations for one or more planter row units.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of another example toolbar <NUM>. The toolbar <NUM> includes a rectangular or square cross-sectional shaped center portion <NUM> along with rails <NUM> attached at corners <NUM> of the center portion <NUM>. The rails <NUM> extend perpendicularly from sides <NUM> of the center portion <NUM> and provide mounting locations for one or more planter row units. The rails <NUM> may be secured to the center portion <NUM> by welding, fasteners, an adhesive, a combination of these, or other types of joining methods.

It is noted that the example toolbars <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> shown in <FIG>, respectively, omit slots operable to receive mounting features, such as a portion of mounting tabs (described in more detail below) of one or more planter row units for mounting the planter row units to the respective toolbars <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Thus, slots as described, for example, in the context of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> may be omitted while still permitting one or more planter row units to be mounted to the toolbars. Although tabs, such as tabs <NUM> and <NUM> (described in more detail below) and adjustable components, such as adjustable component <NUM> (described in more detail below), are provided as example mounting features, other types of mounting features are within the scope of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of another example toolbar <NUM>. The toolbar <NUM> may be formed by combining two L-shaped portions <NUM>, with one of the L-shaped portion <NUM> oriented <NUM>° relative to the other L-shaped portion <NUM>. Again, though, the toolbar <NUM> may be formed integrally, such as by extrusion. The two L-shaped portions <NUM> are attached such that an end portion <NUM> of each L-shaped portion <NUM> extending beyond the other L-shaped portion <NUM>. The end portions <NUM> define rails <NUM> to which one or more planter row units may be coupled. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the toolbar <NUM> is such that a <NUM>° rotation of the toolbar about a longitudinal axis <NUM> of center channel <NUM> results in an identical configuration as that shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of another example toolbar <NUM> that has a similar construction as that of toolbar <NUM>. However, the L-shaped portions <NUM> of toolbar <NUM> include oblique end portions <NUM> that extend beyond the adjacent L-shaped portion at an oblique angle to form the rails <NUM> to which one or more planter row units may be coupled.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the toolbars <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> includes at least one rail to which one or more planter row units may be coupled. For example, one or more portions of a planter row unit may be received onto the rail or rails formed on the toolbars. The coupled planter row unit(s) may be moved along the rail or rails of the toolbar to a desired location along the toolbar. Once in a desired location, the planter row unit may be secured to the desired location along the rail or rails such that the planter row unit is prevented from lateral movement along the rail or rails.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the example toolbar <NUM> of <FIG> onto which a planter row unit <NUM> is coupled. A portion of a frame <NUM> of the planter row unit <NUM> is shown. The frame <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a first tab <NUM> formed on the base <NUM>, a second tab <NUM>, and a coupler <NUM> extending from the base <NUM>. The second tab <NUM> is formed on an adjustable component <NUM> that is disposed on the coupler <NUM>. The adjustable component <NUM> is another example mounting feature within the scope of the present disclosure. The coupler <NUM> is operable releasably to engage the second tab <NUM> to a counterpart rail 906A of the toolbar <NUM>. The adjustable component <NUM> is movable along a length of the coupler <NUM>, and, in some implementations, the adjustable component <NUM> is also rotatable on the coupler <NUM> about a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>.

The first tab <NUM> engages a counterpart rail 906B formed on the toolbar <NUM>, allowing the planter row unit <NUM> to rest on the toolbar <NUM>. With the planter row unit <NUM> resting on the toolbar <NUM>, the adjustable component <NUM> may be positioned so that second tab <NUM> engages the rail 906A to fasten the planter row unit <NUM> securely to the toolbar <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, a portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> contacts a portion <NUM> of the toolbar <NUM> adjacent a corner <NUM> thereof. In other implementations, the base <NUM> may contact the toolbar <NUM> at another location or at multiple locations. Contact between the portion <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the toolbar <NUM> when the first tab <NUM> is engaged with the rail 906B may place the planter row unit <NUM> into a desired orientation on the toolbar <NUM>. The desired orientation may facilitate engagement of the second tab <NUM> with the rail 906A.

In some implementations, the coupler <NUM> may be a fastener, such as a bolt, a rod, shaft, or other component adapted to releasably engage the second tab <NUM> with the rail 906A. In the illustrate example, the coupler <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM> that engages a threaded bore <NUM> formed in the adjustable component <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> also extends through a bore <NUM> formed in the base <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> includes a flange or head <NUM> on an end of the coupler <NUM> opposite the threaded portion <NUM>. The head <NUM> has a cross-sectional size that is greater than a cross-sectional size of the bore <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> is rotatable within the bore <NUM>.

With the first tab <NUM> engaged with the rail 906B, the second tab <NUM> is oriented so that a surface <NUM> formed on the second tab <NUM> is adjacent to and aligned with a mating surface <NUM> formed on the rail 906A. In some implementations, the second tab <NUM> may be brought into engagement with the rail 906A such that the surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> contact each other. The coupler <NUM> is then rotated in a first rotational direction until, for example, a desired amount of tension is imparted to the coupler <NUM> thereby securing the planter row unit <NUM> to the toolbar <NUM>. In other implementations, a position of the second tab <NUM> relative to the rail 906A may be maintained as the coupler <NUM> is rotated in the first rotational direction, causing the surface <NUM> of the second tab <NUM> to be brought into contact with the surface <NUM> of the rail 906A. The coupler <NUM> may be rotated until the desired amount of tension is imparted to the coupler <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> may be rotated in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, in order to release the second tab <NUM> from the rail 906A and planter row unit <NUM> from the toolbar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of another adjustable component <NUM> for use with a coupler, such as coupler <NUM> and coupler <NUM>, discussed in more detail below. The adjustable component <NUM> is another example mounting feature within the scope of the present disclosure. The adjustable component <NUM> includes an inclined tab <NUM> located at a first end <NUM> and a flange <NUM> located at a second end <NUM>, opposite the first end <NUM>. A bore <NUM> extends through the adjustable component <NUM> and receives a coupler, such as coupler <NUM> and <NUM>. The bore <NUM> is threaded and engages with a threaded surface of the coupler. As a result of the mating threads, relative rotational movement between the adjustable component <NUM> and the coupler results in longitudinal movement of the adjustable component <NUM> relative to the coupler.

As explained below, the inclined tab <NUM> functions to engage a rail formed on a toolbar to secure a planter row unit thereto. The flange <NUM> engages a side of a toolbar to maintain an orientation of the adjustable component <NUM> relative to the toolbar. Absent the flange <NUM>, an orientation of the adjustable component <NUM> may change as a result of the forces applied by the inclined tab <NUM> to a rail of the toolbar and vice versa. These forces may tend to rotate the adjustable component <NUM> relative to the toolbar. Engagement between the flange <NUM> and a side of the toolbar counteracts this rotational tendency of the adjustable component <NUM>. Thus, the flange <NUM> forms an anti-rotation feature that operates to prevent rotation of the adjustable component <NUM> as the adjustable component <NUM> is moved relative to a rail of a toolbar. Although flange <NUM> illustrates an example of an anti-rotation feature that operates to maintain the adjustable component <NUM> in a selected orientation relative to a toolbar, such as toolbar <NUM>, or rail of a toolbar, such as rail <NUM>, in other implementations, other types of anti-rotation features may be used.

The flange <NUM> includes a laterally extending portion <NUM>. The laterally extending portion <NUM> provides an increased area of contact between the flange <NUM> and a side of a toolbar, thereby increasing stability of an engagement between the adjustable component <NUM> and the toolbar.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an example toolbar <NUM>. As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the toolbar <NUM> is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the toolbar <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The toolbar <NUM> include rails <NUM> and <NUM> that form an oblique angle relative to sides <NUM> of the toolbar <NUM>. The rails <NUM> are located at opposing corners <NUM> and extend longitudinally along all or a portion of a length of the toolbar <NUM>. A frame <NUM> of a planter row unit <NUM> couples to the toolbar <NUM> via the rails <NUM> and <NUM> in a manner similar to that described above with respect to <FIG> in order to secure the planter row unit <NUM> to the toolbar <NUM>.

A portion of the frame <NUM> of the planter row unit <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a tab <NUM> formed on the base <NUM>, a coupler <NUM> extending from the base <NUM>, and the adjustable component <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The coupler <NUM> extends through threaded bore <NUM> of the adjustable component <NUM>. The adjustable component <NUM> is threadably engaged with the coupler <NUM> such that relative rotation of the adjustable component <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> produces relative longitudinal movement between the adjustable component <NUM> and the coupler <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an assembly condition in which the tab <NUM> is engaged with rail <NUM> and in which inclined tab <NUM> is not engaged with rail <NUM>. The illustrated condition may correspond with an initial assembly step in which the planter row unit <NUM> is rested on the toolbar <NUM> as a result of engagement between the tab <NUM> and rail <NUM> and prior to engagement of the adjustable component <NUM> to the rail <NUM>. As shown, an abutting surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> is directed away from side adjacent side <NUM>, and the inclined tab <NUM> is similarly disengaged from the rail <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the adjustable component <NUM> rotated approximately <NUM> compared to that shown in <FIG> such that the inclined tab <NUM> is now oriented in a manner to engage the rail <NUM> and in which the abutting surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> is in contact with the side <NUM> adjacent the flange <NUM>. As the coupler <NUM> is rotated in a first rotational direction, the adjustable component <NUM> is drawn towards the rail <NUM> to securely fasten the planter row unit <NUM> to the toolbar <NUM>. Rotation of the coupler <NUM> in a second direction, opposite the first direction, displaces the adjustable component <NUM> from the rail <NUM>, releasing the inclined tab <NUM> from the rail <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example toolbar <NUM>. The toolbar <NUM> may similar to toolbar <NUM>. The toolbar <NUM> includes continuous rails <NUM> and <NUM>, slots <NUM> and <NUM>, a side <NUM> to which the rails <NUM> and <NUM> are attached, and a central channel <NUM>. The rails <NUM> and <NUM> extend along an entirety of the length L of the toolbar <NUM>. In other implementations, one or both of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may extend along less than an entirety of the length L of the toolbar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of another example toolbar <NUM> in which the rails <NUM> and <NUM> and, consequently, slots <NUM> and <NUM> are divided up into segments <NUM>. Although both rails <NUM> and <NUM> are shown as being divided into segments <NUM>, in other implementations, one of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be segmented while the other of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be continuous. Further, in other implementations, a portion of one or both of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be continuous, while another portion of one or both of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be segmented. Thus, in some implementations, one or both of the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be discontinuous. In some implementations, the segments <NUM> may be sized to receive a single planter row unit. In other implementations, the segments <NUM> may be sized to receive more than one planter row unit. A central channel <NUM> extends through the toolbar <NUM>.

In some implementations, the rails included on a planter frame, e.g., rails <NUM> and <NUM>, (and, where present, the associated slots, e.g., slots <NUM> and <NUM>) provide for coupling one or more planter row units thereto. Further, the rails (and slots, where applicable) allow for laterally sliding the planter row units in order to place the planter row units in a desired position along the toolbar. For example, the rails, whether continuous or segmented, provide for convenient positioning of the planter row units along the toolbar of a planter frame without the need to access an opposing side of the toolbar. For example, as shown in <FIG>, access to side <NUM> is unnecessary to mount and position the planter row unit <NUM> along the rails <NUM> and <NUM> of the toolbar <NUM>. As mentioned earlier, planter row units may be located along the toolbar with uniform spacing between adjacent planter row units. In other implementations, one or more planter row units may be positioned in a non-uniform manner along the toolbar. In still other instances, some planter row units mounted to the rails may be uniformly distributed along the toolbar while other planter row units may be nonuniformly distributed along the toolbar. Thus, the rails allow planter row units to be positioned along the toolbar in any desired configuration. Returning to <FIG>, the planter row unit <NUM> includes mounting tabs <NUM> and <NUM> that are received onto the rails <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, in order to mount the planter row unit <NUM> to the toolbar <NUM> and, hence, the frame <NUM>. As shown, the tabs <NUM> and <NUM> define recesses <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, that are configured to receive the rails <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Again, although tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are described, other types of mounting features may be used and are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated implementation of <FIG>, the tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are also received into the respective slots <NUM> and <NUM>. However, in other implementations, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted and the mounting tables <NUM> and <NUM> may be mounted to the rails <NUM> and <NUM> exclusively. <FIG> show various toolbars that omit slots. Although tabs are described as examples both in the context of <FIG> and other figures described herein, other types of mounting features are also within the scope of the present disclosure and can be used to couple a row unit to a toolbar.

The mounting tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be movable relative to each other. For example, in some implementations, the mounting tab <NUM> may be pivotable about an axis <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> and, hence, the mounting tab <NUM>. <FIG> are detail views of the planter <NUM> in which the mounting tab <NUM> is pivotable on the frame <NUM> of the planter row unit <NUM> relative to the counterpart mounting tab <NUM>, which is fixed on the frame <NUM> and, in some implementations, forms an integral part of frame <NUM>.

<FIG> show the mounting tab <NUM> in a first position. With the mounting tab <NUM> in the first position, the planter row unit <NUM> may be installed onto the toolbar <NUM> by having the mounting tab <NUM> received onto the rail <NUM>. In this example, the mounting tab <NUM> is also received into the slot <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Again, though, the slots <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted. With the tab <NUM> received onto the rail <NUM>, the planter row unit may be allowed to freely rest on the toolbar <NUM> as a result of the interlocking relationship between the tab <NUM> and the rail <NUM>. As a result, a person assembling the planter row unit <NUM> to the toolbar <NUM> is able to release the planter row unit, freeing the person to perform other tasks, such as pivoting the mounting tab <NUM> about axis <NUM> into a second position in which the mounting tab <NUM> is received onto the rail <NUM> and, in this example, in the slot <NUM>.

In some implementations, the mounting tab <NUM> may be pivotable about axis <NUM> on a bolt <NUM> or other threaded component. The bolt may be threadably received through the mounting tab <NUM> by mating threads formed in the mounting tab <NUM>. With the mounting tab <NUM> pivoted into the second position, the bolt <NUM> may be tightened such that the mounting tab <NUM> is tightened against the inner surface <NUM> to secure the mounting tab <NUM> to the rail <NUM> and, hence, to the toolbar <NUM>. With the bolt <NUM> tightened, the frame <NUM> may be prevented from moving on the rail <NUM> and, hence, along the toolbar <NUM>. In some implementations, the mounting tab <NUM> may be similarly pivotably mounted to the frame <NUM> by a bolt or other threaded component threaded into the mounting tab <NUM>. With the mounting tab <NUM> received onto the rail <NUM>, the bolt may be tightened to secure the mounting tab <NUM> to the rail <NUM> and, hence, the toolbar <NUM>.

With this type of coupling between the planter row unit <NUM> and the toolbar <NUM>, installing the planter row unit <NUM> may be performed by a single person using fewer component compared to conventional mounting. Further, access to the side <NUM> of the toolbar <NUM> is avoided, making installation less laborious and time intensive.

Although a single mounting tab <NUM> and mounting tab <NUM> are shown, a planter row unit may include two or more mounting tabs <NUM>, two or more mounting tabs <NUM>, or both. For implementations having two or more mounting tabs <NUM>, the mounting tabs <NUM> may be laterally offset from each other and laterally aligned such that the mounting tabs <NUM> are received onto the rails <NUM> together and to provide the planter row unit <NUM> a desired orientation when coupled to the toolbar <NUM>. Similarly, the planter row unit <NUM> may include two or more mounting tabs <NUM> that are laterally aligned and laterally offset. Each of the mounting tabs <NUM> may be pivotable relative to the frame <NUM> and receivable onto the rail <NUM> when pivoted into the second position, as described above.

In other implementations, the mounting tab <NUM> may be movable on the frame <NUM> in other ways. For example, the mounting tab <NUM> may be slideable on the frame <NUM> relative to the mounting tab <NUM>. <FIG> are detail views of another example planter <NUM>. The planter <NUM> includes a toolbar <NUM> that includes a rail <NUM> extending along the toolbar <NUM> while omitting a corresponding slot. For example, the toolbar <NUM> may be similar to toolbar <NUM> shown in <FIG>. A planter row unit <NUM> is mounted to the toolbar <NUM> via a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a mounting tab <NUM>. The mounting tab <NUM> is received into a slot <NUM> formed in the frame <NUM> and is slidable along the frame <NUM> in a slot <NUM>. The mounting tab <NUM> is slidable in the slot <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the arrow <NUM> corresponds to a vertical direction. However, in other implementations, the slot <NUM> may be oriented in a direction other than vertical.

The frame <NUM> also includes a threaded component <NUM>, such as a bolt, that is threadably received into a threaded bore <NUM> formed in the frame <NUM>. A surface <NUM> of the mounting tab <NUM> is adapted to abut an end <NUM> of the threaded component <NUM>. Rotation of the threaded component <NUM> about axis <NUM> in a first direction is operable to move the mounting tab <NUM> towards the rail <NUM>, while rotation of the threaded component in a second direction, opposite the first direction, about axis <NUM> is operable to displace the mounting tab <NUM> away from the rail <NUM>.

With the planter row unit <NUM> supported from the toolbar <NUM>, for example, as described above, the threaded component <NUM> is operable to move the mounting tab <NUM> within the slot <NUM> towards engagement with the rail <NUM> to secure the planter row unit <NUM> to the toolbar <NUM>. Engagement between the mounting tab <NUM> and the rail <NUM> may include contact between a surface <NUM> of the mounting tab <NUM>, opposite surface <NUM>, and an end surface <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. The threaded component <NUM> is also operable to move the mounting tab <NUM> away from the rail <NUM> to disengage with the rail <NUM>. In some implementations, the planter row unit <NUM> may be secured to the rail <NUM> (and the toolbar <NUM>) by a single mounting tab <NUM>. In other implementations, the frame <NUM> may include two or more mounting tabs <NUM>, and the planter row unit <NUM> may be secured to the rail <NUM> (and the toolbar <NUM>) by two or more mounting tabs <NUM>.

Still further, in some implementations, a surface <NUM> formed on the mounting tab <NUM> and a corresponding surface <NUM> formed on the rails <NUM> may define mating tapered surfaces. As the mounting tab <NUM> is moved toward the rail <NUM>, the tapered surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> engage to form a wedged connection between the mounting tab <NUM> and the rail <NUM> to securely attach the planter row unit <NUM> to the toolbar <NUM>.

<FIG> is an example method <NUM> for coupling a planter row unit to a planter frame. At <NUM>, a frame from a planter, such as frame <NUM> of planter <NUM>, is provided. At <NUM>, one or more planter row units, such as planter row unit <NUM> is provided. The planter row unit includes mounting features, such as mounting tabs <NUM> and <NUM>. At <NUM>, one or more first mounting features of the planter row unit engages a toolbar of the planter frame. For example, the one or more first mounting features may be engaged with a first rail of the toolbar. Engagement between the first rail and the one or more first mounting features allows the planter row unit to be coupled to the toolbar of the planter frame without input or support from an outside source. For example, in some instances, the planter row frame may include a first set of mounting tabs that are received onto a first rail formed on the toolbar of the planter frame. Engagement between the first set of mounting tabs and the rail may allow the planter row unit to rest from the toolbar without additional support. Thus, once resting from the toolbar, a user may perform other tasks, such as engaging a second set of mounting tabs to complete attachment of the planter row unit to the toolbar of the planter frame.

At <NUM>, with the mounting features engaging the rail, the planter row unit is moved along the length of the toolbar to a desired position. At <NUM>, one or more second mounting features is engaged with the toolbar. For example, the one or more second mounting features may be engaged with a second rail provided on the toolbar. In some implementations, the one or more second mounting features may be pivoted on the planter row unit relative to the first mounting features to secure the planter row unit to the planter frame. In other implementations, the one or more second mounting features may be slid or otherwise linearly displaced along the planter row unit into engagement with the second rail to secure the planter row unit to the planter frame. Securing the planter row unit to the planter frame may also include tightening a threaded component, such as a fastener, to cause a surface of the one or more mounting features to become clamped into engagement with a surface of the second rail, such as a sidewall of the second rail. In some implementations, the one or more first mounting features may also be clamped into engagement with a surface of the rail to secure the planter row unit to the planter frame. Further, the first rail and the second rail may be provided at a common side of the toolbar.

Claim 1:
An agricultural implement (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) comprising a laterally-extending toolbar (<NUM>); and
a row unit (<NUM>) removably coupled to the frame (<NUM>),
wherein the frame (<NUM>) further comprises;
a first rail (<NUM>) secured to the toolbar (<NUM>) and extending at least partially along a length of the toolbar (<NUM>);
a second rail (<NUM>) secured to the toolbar (<NUM>) and extending at least partially along the length of the toolbar (<NUM>); and
the planter row unit (<NUM>) comprises:
a first mounting feature receivable onto the first rail (<NUM>); and
a second mounting feature receivable onto the second rail (<NUM>), the second mounting feature movable between a first position in which the second mounting feature is disengaged with the second rail (<NUM>) and a second position in which the second mounting feature is engaged with the second rail (<NUM>),
wherein the first mounting feature comprises a first tab (<NUM>) and wherein the second mounting feature comprises a second tab (<NUM>), characterized in that
the second tab (<NUM>) is pivotable relative to the first tab (<NUM>) and
the second tab (<NUM>) is pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to a direction that is parallel to a length of the second rail (<NUM>).