Depth control device for planter

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention generally relates to agricultural seed planting implements and to the furrow opening assemblies thereon.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seed planting unit incorporated in a seed planting implement;

#FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the seed planting unit, showing the unit from an angle different from the angle shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2;

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

#Referring now to the drawings more specifically and to FIG. 1 in particular, a seed planting unit 20 is shown. Seed planting unit 20 is part of a seed planting implement having a frame that includes a tow bar assembly, a tow bar and a connection assembly at the longitudinally forward end thereof configured for mating with a corresponding hitch of a tractor or other work vehicle (all of which are not shown) for pulling the seed planting implement through a field. A laterally extending toolbar 18 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2) is generally transverse to the tow bar and thereby generally transverse to the direction 28 the implement is towed during planting operations. A plurality of seed planting units (or row units) 20 are connected to toolbar 18 in a side by side relationship, each of the seed planting units (row units) being substantially identical to the others. In the exemplary embodiment shown, seed planting implement 10 may include sixteen seed planting units 20, only one of which is identified with reference numbers; however, it should be understood that more or fewer seed planting units can be provided on a particular seed planting implement.

#Referring now primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2, each seed planting unit 20 includes a frame 22 that is connected to toolbar 18 by upper arms 24 and lower arms 26, each arm 24, 26 being connected to frame 22 and to toolbar 18. Accordingly, each seed planting unit 20 extends rearward from toolbar 18 to plant a row of seeds as the seed planting implement is towed across a field in the direction 28. The individual planting units 20 are spaced along toolbar 18 to provide planted seed rows of a desired spacing. During a planting operation, forward movement of the seed planting implement causes each seed planting unit 20 to form a seed trench, deposit equally spaced seeds in the seed trench and close the seed trench over the deposited seeds.