Patent ID: 7921931

Claim:
A seeding implement, comprising: a frame configured to couple to a tool bar; a linkage coupled to the frame and a portion of a shank; a hoe opener coupled to the shank, the hoe opener configured to engage soil when in an operative first position; a packer wheel assembly including a mounting bracket, an arm coupled to at least a portion of the linkage and the mounting bracket, and a packer wheel axially mounted to at least a portion of the mounting bracket, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the hoe opener in a first position when the hoe opener engages soil; and an adjustment mechanism including a linkage member pivotably coupled to both a portion of the shank and a portion of the packer wheel assembly such that when the hoe opener is moved in a rearward direction when it encounters an obstruction and disengages from soil in a second disengaged position, the linkage member simultaneously moves the packer wheel in the rearward direction and into a second position so that the hoe opener does not contact the packer wheel, while the packer wheel maintains contact with ground in the second position, and wherein when the hoe opener is re-engaged in soil in the operative first position, the linkage member simultaneously moves the packer wheel forward into its first position behind the hoe opener while it continues to maintain contact with the ground.