Patent ID: 7395767

Claim:
A ground engaging apparatus comprising: i) a frame; ii) a support plate pivotally attached to the frame about a first point; iii) a first bias member attached at a first end to the frame and attached at a second end to the support plate; iv) at least two arms each pivotally attached at respective first ends to the support plate; v) a shank support to which respective second ends of the at least two arms are pivotally attached; vi) a second bias member attached at a first end to the frame and attached a second end to one arm of the at least two arms; vii) a shank attached to the shank support; viii) a ground opening tool attached to a free end of the shank opposite the shank support; and ix) a ground follower attached to the shank support; wherein: said first bias member applies a first force to the support plate urging the support plate to rotate about the first point to thereby abut a stop that obstructs rotation thereof until a counter force is applied against the ground follower or ground opening tool that is greater than the first force such that the support plate rotates about the first point in a direction away from the stop; and the second bias member applies a second force to the one arm thereby urging the ground follower against a surface and the ground opening tool into the surface.