Description:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to agriculture. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a seed dibbler apparatus which is configured to sow seeds precisely into soil in an automated manner.
BACKGROUND
Seed sowing is a very important step of farming. Success rate of any seed depends upon various known factors. One of the important factors which cannot be ignored is how the seeds are scattered on sown into the soil- to what depth they are sown, what number of the seeds sown into the soil, and so on. Generally, the seeds are sown into soil rather than just scattering over the soil. In ancient times, the seeds were generally scattered over the soil by hands. However, there were chances of seeds either getting eaten up by birds or fly away. So, it is important that the seeds must be sown to a particular depth of the soil.
There are many conventional arts for sowing the seeds into the soil. One of the conventional devices involves a sharpening tool having a pointed end which pierces a hole into the top surface of the soil and seed may be put into a cup attached to the top. The seed traverses through the pipe and can be inserted into the hole into the land. However, the seeds are released in multiple numbers, which may go waste as multiple seeds go into one hole. Some of the conventional arts discloses a device which does provide release of one seed per turn, however they are manual seed dibblers involving use of both the hands of the operator. Also, the conventional seed dibblers while inserting to pierce the hole in the land to sow the seeds, may be inserted with varying degree of force depending upon the operator’s effort. It can be higher force or low force, thereby sowing the seeds in irregular pattern. In addition, level of insertion of the seeds is being done randomly. In addition, the sharp end of the existing seed dibbler when inserted into the soil, hole thereof may get fill up with soil and need jerk to clear thereto.
Therefore, there exists a need for developing alternative to get rid of aforementioned problems.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
An object of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more drawbacks associated with conventional mechanisms.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a seed dibbler which releases one seed per turn automatically.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the seed dibbler which is ergonomic in handling.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the seed dibbler which allows insertion of the seed dibbler to a predetermined level of depth of insertion.
Another objection of the present disclosure is to provide a method for releasing one seed per turn through a seed dibbler.
SUMMARY
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a seed dibbler (100) is disclosed. The seed dibbler (100) includes an upper portion (102A) comprising a cup (104) removably enclosing a removable funnel assembly (106); the funnel-type assembly (106) having a top section (106A) wider than a bottom section (106B). The top section (106A) includes a plate (106C) to receive the plurality of seeds on top surface thereof. The bottom section (106B) includes inclined walls (106B1) to guide path of traversal to the received seeds to move downwards. A guiding wire gate (106B2) is fastened to lower side of the plate (106C) in an alignment to hold few of the received seeds that entered through the space (106D) and guide thereto to move the seeds one-by-one to fall into a hole (106F) of a sliding channel (106G). The sliding channel (106G) is detachably attached and lying under the bottom section (106B), the sliding channel (106G) comprising a sliding plate (106G3) with a hole (106F) of dimensions enough to get one seed stuck thereinto. A lower portion (102B) includes a lever (108) attached beneath the upper portion (102A), comprising a handle (108A) which when pushed moves the sliding channel (106G) linearly to bring the hole (106F) in alignment to mouth of a hollow pipe (110) attached to the lever (108) so that the seed stuck into the hole (106F) is able to traverse therethrough. The hollow pipe (110) having a tapering sharp end (112) and a shutter (114) disposed on the tapering sharp end (112). A disc (116) is attached in proximity to the tapering sharp end (112) to predefine depth of insertion of the seed dibbler (100) into the land.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method (200) for releasing one seed per interval automatically through a seed dibbler (100) is disclosed. The method (200) involves levelling the disc (116) by moving thereto along the hollow pipe (110) to predefine level of insertion of the hollow pipe (110) into the land, followed by pushing the seed dibbler (100) into the land to the predefined level of insertion of the hollow pipe (110) into the land. The method (200) further includes receiving a plurality of seeds to be released one-by-one to be sown into a land, in the cup (104) in such a way that a majority number of the seeds fall onto the plate (106C) and few of the seeds fall or move into the space (106D), followed by guiding path of traversal to the received seeds to move downwards through the inclined walls (106B1) and holding few of the received seeds that entered through the space (106D) and guiding thereto to move one-by-one to fall into the hole (106F) of the sliding channel (106G) through guiding wire gate (106B2). The method (200) further includes pushing the handle (108A) of the lever (108) and causing the sliding channel (106G) to move linearly to bring the hole (106F) in alignment to mouth of the hollow pipe (110). Finally, the method (200) involves pulling the transmission of strings (118) simultaneously, followed by causing the shutter (114) to open; and releasing the seed stuck into the hole (106F) to traverse through the hollow pipe (110) and exiting through the opened tapering sharp end (112).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiment will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:
Referring to Figure 1A, shows a schematic perspective view of a seed dibbler (100), in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of a present disclosure;
Referring to Figure 1B, shows a schematic left view of the seed dibbler (100), in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
Referring to Figure 1C, shows a schematic exploded view of an upper portion (102A) of the seed dibbler (100), in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
Referring to Figure 1D, shows a schematic top view of the upper portion (102A) of the seed dibbler (100), in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
Referring to Figure 1E, shows a schematic exploded view of a lower portion (102B) of the seed dibbler (100), in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
Referring to Figure 1F, shows a schematic view to demonstrate modularity of the seed dibbler (100), in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
Referring to Figure 1G, shows a close view showing engagement of transmission of strings (118) with the modular hollow pipe (110) of the seed dibbler (100), in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Referring to Figures 1H and 1I, shows a schematic view of a sliding channel (106G), in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Referring to Figure 2, shows a flowchart depicting a method (200) for releasing one seed per interval automatically through the seed dibbler (100), in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, the terms “like”, “as such”, “for example”, “including” are meant to introduce examples which further clarify more general subject matter, and should be contemplated for the persons skilled in the art to understand the subject matter.
The present disclosure discloses a seed dibbler (100) which is configured to release one seed per interval automatically. The seed dibbler (100) is modular and can be carried by packing thereto in a bag. The seed dibbler (100) includes an upper portion (102A) and a lower portion (102B), both the portions are removably attached to each other. In an embodiment, all the components of each of the portions of the seed dibbler (100) are modular and removably attached to each other.
As shown in Figures 1C and 1D, the upper portion (102A) includes a cup (104) which encloses a funnel assembly. The cup (104) can be of any height in which multiple seeds can be put which need to be released into the soil/land. The cup (104) may include a lid (104A) which can be opened manually to put the seeds. The seeds can be of any shape and diameter. The seed dibbler (100) is configured to release any seed which needs to be sown into the soil irrespective of shape and size of the seed. The cup (104) can be removably attached to the funnel assembly (106). The funnel assembly (106) may further be connected removably to the lower portion (102B) as shown in Figure 1C.
Referring to Figure 1D, the funnel assembly (106) has a top section (106A) and a bottom section (106B). The top section (106A) is wider than that of the bottom section (106B). The top section (106A) of the funnel assembly (106) includes a plate (106C). The plate (106C) is configured to separate the top section (106A) from the bottom section (106B). The plate (106C) is of waning gibbous-like shape that does not cover the bottom section (106B) at entirety. There is a space (106D) left which becomes an eye view for a substantial portion of the bottom section (106B). When the seeds are received in the cup (104), majority of the seeds fall onto the plate (106C) while rest i.e. few of the received seeds fall into the space (106D) or move into the space (106D) by stepping down from the plate (106C).
The bottom section (106B) of the funnel assembly (106) includes inclined walls (106B1) which also contribute to guiding path of traversal to the seeds to move towards the lower portion (102B) of the seed dibbler (100). The bottom section (106B) also includes a guiding wire gate (106B2) which is fastened to lower side of the plate (106C). In the embodiment, the guiding wire gate (106B2) which is fastened to lower side of the plate (106C) through screw. The guiding wire gate (106B2) is aligned such as to hold few of the received seeds that entered through the space (106D). The guiding wire gate (106B2) is also configured to guide thereto to move the seeds one-by-one to fall into a hole (106F) of a sliding channel (106G).
As shown in Figures 1H and 1I, the sliding channel (106G) lies under the bottom section (106B). The sliding channel (106G) is attached to the underside of the plate (106C) through a L-shaped element (106H). The L-shaped element (106H) attaches to underside of the plate (106C) and edge thereof is attached to a middle point of the sliding channel (106G) perpendicularly. The sliding channel (106G) is a rectangular-box like structure which has vertical walls (106G1) that extend to fold into sliding walls (106G2). Such a configuration is such that there is a space between edges of the sliding walls (106G2) and a base (106G4). Through such a space, a sliding plate (106G3) with a hole (106F) may be inserted and removed therefrom. The hole (106F) is of dimensions enough to get one seed stuck thereinto, thus the hole (106F) has diameter always somewhat greater than that of the seed such that the seed just gets stuck into the hole (106F). The L-shaped element (106H) fastened underside of the plate (106C), serves as a wall to avoid deflection of the seed falling away from the hole (106F). Such an arrangement also prevents the movement of extra seed beyond the L-shaped element (106H), thereby ensuring the movement of only one seed that is seed inside the hole, to move beyond the L-shaped element (106H).
As shown in Figure 1E, the lower portion (102B) includes an assembly of a lever (108). The lever (108) is attached beneath the upper portion (102A) and includes a handle (108A) as can be viewed in Figure 1B. There is a hollow pipe (110) that is connected to the lever (108) assembly. As can be viewed in Figure 1F, the hollow pipe (110) is modular and divided into multiple modular pipes including such as but not limited to pipes (110A, 110B, 110C,….). Each of the modular pipes (110A, 110B, 110C,….) has varying diameter. For example, the pipe 110A may have lesser diameter than that of the pipe 110B while the pipe 110B may have lesser diameter than that of the pipe 110C, and so on or vice versa. In such embodiments, the modular pipes (110A, 110B, 110C,….) may be connected to each other through a connector (120). The connector (120) may be affixed to either of the two pipes (110A, 110B) through known means in the art, for example welding. The connector (120) may be affixed to the pipe having larger diameter than that of the other. In some embodiments, the modular pipes (110A, 110B, 110C,…) may be snugly fit into each other, for instance the pipe (110A) may be snugly fit into the pipe (110B) where the pipe (110B) has larger diameter. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1E, a transmission of strings (118) may be connected with the handle (108A). Such transmission of strings (118) may include multiple strings such as (118A, 118B, 118C,..). Number of such strings (118) is in proportion to the number of modular pipes (110A, 110B,…). Thus, if the hollow pipe (110) is divided into three modular pipes (110A, 110B, 110C), then the number of strings (118) that may be required is three. The strings (118) run in parallel to the hollow pipe (110). Multiple strings (118A, 118B, 118C) may be connected or hooked onto corresponding each modular pipe (110A, …). For example as shown in Figure 1G, the string (118A) is removably hooked into a loop (122) of the first modular pipe (110A), the string (118B) is removably hooked into the loop (122) of the second modular pipe (110B), and so on. Each of the strings (118A, 118B,..) is bent at one end to be able to be hooked into the loop (122) and has a circle shape at other end such that the circle-shaped end of the string (118A). As shown in Figure 1G, the first string (118A) having bent end engages into a circle-shaped end of a string (108B) connected to the assembly of the lever (108). The first string (118A) having circle-shaped end through which the bent end of the second string (118B) engages. Thus, as the handle (108A) is pushed, the string (108B) is pulled, thereby pulling the first string (118A), followed by the second string (118B), and so on. The last string, for example third string (118C) has one bent end hooked through the loop (122) of the third pipe (110C), however another end is attached to a shutter (114). The hollow pipe (110) having a tapering sharp end (112) which is sharp enough to pierce into the soil. The shutter (114) is disposed on the tapering sharp end (112), opening and closing thereof actuated and controlled through assembly of the lever (108). Thus, as the third string (118C) is pulled, the shutter (114) is also pulled to open so as to uncover the tapering sharp end (112). Simultaneously, the handle (108A) when pressed moves the sliding channel (106G) linearly to bring the hole (106F) in alignment to mouth of the hollow pipe (110) so that the seed stuck into the hole (106F) is able to traverse through the hollow pipe (110) automatically.
As shown in aforementioned figures, the seed dibbler (100) also includes a disc (116) attached in proximity to the tapering sharp end (112) to predefine depth of insertion of the seed dibbler (100) into the land. The disc (116) may include multiple holes through which the strings (118A,…) may pass therethrough.
As shown in Figure 2, shows a flowchart depicting a method (200) for releasing one seed per interval automatically through the seed dibbler (100). The method (200) involves a number of steps, sequence thereof may be exemplary to make the persons skilled in the art to understand the present invention. The method (200) includes levelling the disc (116) by moving thereto along the hollow pipe (110) to predefine level of insertion of the hollow pipe (110) into the land, followed by pushing the seed dibbler (100) into the land to the predefined level of insertion of the hollow pipe (110) into the land and receiving a plurality of seeds to be released one-by-one to be sown into a land, in the cup (104) in such a way that a majority number of the seeds fall onto the plate (106C) and few of the seeds fall or move into the space (106D). The method (200) further involves guiding path of traversal to the received seeds to move downwards through the inclined walls (106B1), followed by holding few of the received seeds that entered through the space (106D) and guiding thereto to move one-by-one to fall into the hole (106F) of the sliding channel (106G) through guiding wire gate (106B2). The method (200) involves pushing the handle (108A) of the lever (108), followed by causing the sliding channel (106G) to move linearly to bring the hole (106F) in alignment to mouth of the hollow pipe (110) and pulling the transmission of strings (118) simultaneously. Then, the method (200) causing the shutter (114) to open and releasing the seed stuck into the hole (106F) to traverse through the hollow pipe (110) and exiting through the opened tapering sharp end (112).
The foregoing descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
, Claims:We Claim
1. A seed dibbler (100) comprising:
an upper portion (102A) comprising:
a cup (104) removably enclosing a removable funnel assembly (106) to receive a plurality of seeds to be released one-by-one to be sown into a land;
the funnel-type assembly (106) having a top section (106A) wider than a bottom section (106B), the top section (106A) comprising:
a plate (106C) to receive the plurality of seeds on top surface thereof, the plate (106C) separating the top section (106A) from the bottom section (106B) and not covering the bottom section (106B) at entirety, thereby leaving a space (106D) through which only few of the received seeds (not all) traverse to move towards a lower portion (102B) of the seed dibbler (100);
the bottom section (106B) comprising:
inclined walls (106B1) to guide path of traversal to the received seeds to move downwards; and
a guiding wire gate (106B2) fastened to lower side of the plate (106C) in an alignment to hold few of the received seeds that entered through the space (106D) and guide thereto to move the seeds one-by-one to fall into a hole (106F) of a sliding channel (106G);
the sliding channel (106G) detachably attached and lying under the bottom section (106B), the sliding channel (106G) comprising a sliding plate (106G3) with a hole (106F) of dimensions enough to get one seed stuck thereinto;
a lower portion (102B) comprising:
a lever (108) attached beneath the upper portion (102A), comprising a handle (108A) which when pushed moves the sliding channel (106G) linearly to bring the hole (106F) in alignment to mouth of a hollow pipe (110) attached to the lever (108) so that the seed stuck into the hole (106F) is able to traverse therethrough;
the hollow pipe (110) having a tapering sharp end (112);
a shutter (114) disposed on the tapering sharp end (112), opening and closing thereof actuated and controlled through assembly of the lever (108); and
a disc (116) attached in proximity to the tapering sharp end (112) to predefine depth of insertion of the seed dibbler (100) into the land.
2. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed dibbler (100) is modular.
3. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed dibbler (100) comprising a plurality of strings (118) in connection with the handle (108A) and extend along the hollow pipe (110) to further connect to the shutter (114), contributing to actuate opening and closing of the shutter (114).
4. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding plate (106G3) is removable.
5. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hole (106F) is customizable to release seed irrespective of diameter and shape of the seed.
6. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (102A) comprising a L-shaped element (106H) fastened underside of the plate (106C), serving as a wall to avoid deflection of the seed falling away from the hole (106F) and to prevent the movement of extra seed beyond the 106H. it ensure the movement of only one seed which is the seed inside the hole (106F) to move beyond the L-shaped element (106H).
7. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (102A) comprising a T-shaped element (106I) fastened underside of the lower portion (102B), serving as a wall to avoid deflection of the seed falling outside funnel (106).
8. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shutter (114) prevents filling of mud in the hollow pipe (110) when the tapering sharp end (112) pierces into the land to release the seed thereinto
9. The seed dibbler (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the strings (118) fastened onto the hollow pipe (110).
10. A method (200) for releasing one seed per interval automatically through a seed dibbler (100), the seed dibbler (100) comprising:
an upper portion (102A) comprising:
a cup (104) removably enclosing a removable funnel assembly (106);
the funnel-type assembly (106) having a top section (106A) wider than a bottom section (106B), the bottom portion (106B) having inclined walls (106B1), the top section (106A) of the funnel assembly (106) comprising:
a plate (106C) separating the top section (106A) from the bottom section (106B) and not covering the bottom section (106B) at entirety, thereby leaving a space (106D);
a guiding wire gate (106B2) fastened to lower side of the plate (106C) in an alignment;
the sliding channel (106G) detachably attached and lying under the bottom section (106B), the sliding channel (106G) comprising a sliding plate (106G3) with a hole (106F) of dimensions enough to get one seed stuck thereinto;
a lower portion (102B) comprising:
a lever (108) attached beneath the upper portion (102A), comprising a handle (108A);
the hollow pipe (110) having a tapering sharp end (112);
a shutter (114) disposed on the tapering sharp end (112), opening and closing thereof actuated and controlled through assembly of the lever (108); and
a disc (116) attached in proximity to the tapering sharp end (112) to predefine depth of insertion of the seed dibbler (100) into the land;
the method (200) comprising:
levelling the disc (116) by moving thereto along the hollow pipe (110) to predefine level of insertion of the hollow pipe (110) into the land;
pushing the seed dibbler (100) into the land to the predefined level of insertion of the hollow pipe (110) into the land;
receiving a plurality of seeds to be released one-by-one to be sown into a land, in the cup (104) in such a way that a majority number of the seeds fall onto the plate (106C) and few of the seeds fall or move into the space (106D);
guiding path of traversal to the received seeds to move downwards through the inclined walls (106B1);
holding few of the received seeds that entered through the space (106D) and guiding thereto to move one-by-one to fall into the hole (106F) of the sliding channel (106G) through guiding wire gate (106B2);
pushing the handle (108A) of the lever (108);
causing the sliding channel (106G) to move linearly to bring the hole (106F) in alignment to mouth of the hollow pipe (110);
pulling the transmission of strings (118) simultaneously;
causing the shutter (114) to open; and
releasing the seed stuck into the hole (106F) to traverse through the hollow pipe (110) and exiting through the opened tapering sharp end (112).