WO2025174306A1

WO2025174306A1 - Planting tool with fertilizer dispenser and respective dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2025174306A1
Application number: PCT/SE2025/050107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcus LUNDH; Magnus De Brito
Original assignee: Arevo AB
Current assignee: Arevo AB
Priority date: 2024-02-16
Filing date: 2025-02-11
Publication date: 2025-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-16
Also published as: SE2450153A1

Abstract

A planting tool (101) and a dispenser (1) for granulated fertilizer configured to be mounted to a fertilizer inlet opening (109) provided in a side wall (103c) of a hollow tube (103) of the planting tool and a method for dispensing fertilizer into a hollow tube of a planting tool. The dispenser comprises a housing (3) for connection to a fertilizer container and a dosage mechanism (11) therein comprising a dosage space (13) to be rotated between a loading position and a delivering position, wherein a dose of fertilizer is transferred into the dosage space when in the loading position and out from the dosage space into the hollow tube when in the delivering position. Said dispenser further comprising an actuator (21) connected to the dosage mechanism and to a jaw controlling device (107) such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism can be controlled by pressing the jaw controlling device.

Description

PLANTING TOOL WITH FERTILIZER DISPENSER AND RESPECTIVE DISPENSER

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a planting tool, a dispenser for granulated fertilizer to be used in a planting tool and a method for dispensing granulated fertilizer into a hollow tube of a planting tool.

BACKGROUND

Planting of seedlings, for example in forest planting, requires manual operation, for example using a planting tool. A commonly used planting tool is Pottiputki^tm. Pottiputki and similar planting tools comprise a hollow tube which is forced into the soil and through which hollow tube a seedling is provided for being planted in the hole in the soil made by the hollow tube. A movable jaw is provided in one end of the hollow tube, the end to be inserted into the soil, and a pedal is provided for opening and closing the movable jaw. Often also a release rod is provided reaching from the movable jaw up to a handle of the planting tool, whereby the movable jaw can be locked in open position by a locking device provided to the release rod which locking device can be unlocked by a user from near the handle of the planting tool whereby the movable jaw is closed. In another type of planting tool the opening of the jaw is controlled from the handle instead of from a pedal.

Fertilizer often needs to be provided to the seedling during planting. This is often time consuming and requires manual operation. Some dispensers for providing fertilizer in connection with a planting tool have been described.

In AU2016200375 a device for mounting on the body of a planting tool is disclosed. Granulated fertilizer is provided by the device into a hollow shaft of the planting tool. A piston is provided in the device for displacing fertilizer from the device and into the hollow shaft.

In W02004/107841 a dispenser which is operationally associated with an actuator provided for opening a closure at the lower end of an elongate hollow body of a planting tube is disclosed. The dispenser is capable of dispensing chemical in a solid unit dose form via the planting tube. The chemical is delivered via an aperture in a sidewall of the planting tube by a reciprocating piston of the dispenser.

In EP3793340 a planting tool with a dispenser for dispensing a dosage of granular fertilizer is disclosed. The fertilizer is provided by the dispenser into a hollow tube of the planting tool. The dispenser comprises a dosage mechanism with a dosage wheel which is rotated for delivering the fertilizer. The dosage mechanism is operably connected to the release rod of the planting tool.

There are some problems often associated with providing fertilizer into planting tools and with dispensers for providing fertilizer. For example the fertilizer often clog the mechanical parts whereby the mechanical parts may not work properly. Furthermore manual handling is often required for providing the fertilizer.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispenser for granulated fertilizer for a planting tool.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dispenser for granulated fertilizer for a planting tool which is robust and limits the need for manual handling.

This is achieved by a planting tool, a dispenser and a method for dispensing granulated fertilizer according to the independent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention a planting tool is provided. The planting tool comprises a hollow tube for receiving a seedling to be planted in a first end of the hollow tube, a movable jaw arranged at a second end of the hollow tube, wherein said movable jaw can be positioned in an open position in which the second end is open and a closed position in which the second end is closed, said planting tool further comprising a jaw controlling device connected to the movable jaw and configured to move the movable jaw to the open position when pressed, thereby allowing the seedling to exit the hollow tube via the second end. The planting tool comprises further a dispenser for granulated fertilizer configured to be mounted to a fertilizer inlet opening provided in a side wall of the hollow tube of the planting tool. The dispenser comprises a housing having an inlet for connection to a fertilizer container for receiving granulated fertilizer from the fertilizer container into the housing and an outlet for connection to the fertilizer inlet opening of the hollow tube. The dispenser comprises further a dosage mechanism arranged in the housing and configured to deliver a dose of the granulated fertilizer from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, said dosage mechanism comprising a dosage space wherein said dosage mechanism is configured to be rotated between a loading position and a delivering position, wherein a dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred from the fertilizer container, via the inlet of the housing into the dosage space when the dosage mechanism is in the loading position and said dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred out from the dosage space into the hollow tube via the outlet of the housing when the dosage mechanism is in the delivering position. The dispenser further comprises an actuator which is connected to the dosage mechanism and configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device of the planting tool such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism can be controlled from the jaw controlling device via the actuator by pressing the jaw controlling device.

According to another aspect of the invention a dispenser for granulated fertilizer to be used in a planting tool as described above is provided. The dispenser comprises a housing having an inlet for connection to a fertilizer container for receiving granulated fertilizer from the fertilizer container into the housing and an outlet for connection to the fertilizer inlet opening of the hollow tube. The dispenser comprises further a dosage mechanism arranged in the housing and configured to deliver a dose of the granulated fertilizer from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, said dosage mechanism comprising a dosage space wherein said dosage mechanism is configured to be rotated between a loading position and a delivering position, wherein a dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred from the fertilizer container, via the inlet of the housing into the dosage space when the dosage mechanism is in the loading position and said dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred out from the dosage space into the hollow tube via the outlet of the housing when the dosage mechanism is in the delivering position. The dispenser further comprises an actuator which is connected to the dosage mechanism and configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device of the planting tool such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism can be controlled from the jaw controlling device via the actuator by pressing the jaw controlling device. According to another aspect of the invention a method for dispensing granulated fertilizer into a hollow tube of a planting tool according to the invention is provided.

Hereby a robust dispenser for granulated fertilizer is provided by which minimal manual handling is required and which is directly controlled from the jaw controlling device. A defined dose of fertilizer is automatically delivered to each seedling. The direct connection between the jaw controlling device and the dosage mechanism via the actuator provides a robust and reliable dispenser.

In one embodiment of the invention the jaw controlling device is a pedal or a handle.

In one embodiment of the invention the actuator is connected to the jaw controlling device without involving any other functional part of the planting tool.

In one embodiment of the invention the dosage mechanism and the actuator are configured such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism from the delivering position to the loading position is performed when the jaw controlling device is pressed to move the movable jaw to the open position. Therefore, the dosage mechanism will rotate from the loading position to the delivering position when the movable jaw is moved from the open position to the closed position. Hereby fertilizer is delivered into the hollow tube when the movable jaw is moved from the open position to the closed position. This is suitable because fertilizer will then always be delivered before the seedling is introduced into the hollow tube and the seedling can be introduced into the hollow tube already when the planting tool is moved between planting positions, i.e. before the planting tool has been forced into the soil and before the jaw controlling device is pressed. Hereby time is saved, and an efficient planting process is achieved.

In one embodiment of the invention the dispenser further comprises a resilient device which is connected in the dispenser such that it will be loaded when the dosage mechanism is rotated by pressing the jaw controlling device, whereafter said resilient device strives to rotate the dosage mechanism back again. By the use of a resilient device for rotating the dosage mechanism from the loading position to the delivering position the rotation can be stopped before the dosage space closes completely towards a fertilizer filling space if one or more granulates of fertilizer is stuck therebetween. Hereby it can be avoided that such stuck granulates are crushed and hereby a risk for clogging and mechanical problems is decreased. The resilient device can be chosen to provide a suitable force for the rotation.

In one embodiment of the invention said resilient device is a resilient string which is connected in a first end to a rotating part of the dispenserand in a second end to a stationary part of the dispenser such that the resilient string strives to return the dosage mechanism to the delivering position via the actuator.

In one embodiment of the invention the actuator is fixedly connected to the dosage mechanism and is configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device via a connection device, which connection device is configured for transferring movement of the jaw controlling device to the actuator when the jaw controlling device is pressed to move the movable jaw to the open position but not when the jaw controlling device is returned, whereby a movement of the jaw controlling device when pressed is transferred to a rotation of the dosage mechanism via the connection device and the actuator. The connection device can suitably be adjusted in length for different sizes of planting tools. Hereby the dispenser can be used for different sizes of planting tools. Also mechanical tolerances within the same sizes of planting tools can be adjusted for thanks to the adjustable connection device.

In one embodiment of the invention at least a part of the connection device is a wire or a cord.

In one embodiment of the invention the dosage mechanism is releasably connected within the housing by a central pin around which the dosage mechanism is rotated. Hereby the dosage mechanism can easily be removed for cleaning purposes. The dosage mechanism, the inside of the housing and the outlet of the housing may need to be cleaned sometimes for proper functioning of the dispenser and delivery of fertilizer. The dosage mechanism can be removed while the housing is still mounted to the hollow tube of the planting tool and hereby cleaning can be done efficiently even during a planting process.

In one embodiment of the invention the planting tool further comprises a spring loaded locking device connected to the movable jaw and configured for locking the movable jaw in the open position, wherein said spring loaded locking device comprises an unlocking device by which a user can release the movable jaw such that the movable jaw by spring force from a spring provided in the spring loaded locking device returns to its closed position whereby the jaw controlling device also returns to an unpressed position.

In one embodiment of the invention the dosage mechanism is configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis, al, which, when the dispenser is mounted to the planting tool, is provided along substantially the same direction as a central longitudinal axis, a2, of the hollow tube.

In one embodiment of the invention the housing further comprises a fertilizer filling space provided in connection with the inlet of the housing for receiving the granulated fertilizer before it is delivered into the dosage space of the dosage mechanism and wherein a dosage space closing edge and a fertilizer filling space closing edge will meet and close the dosage space from the fertilizer filling space when the dosage mechanism rotates from the loading position to the delivering position, whereby the dosage space closing edge and the fertilizer filling space closing edge are designed in relation to each other such that they meet and close gradually. Hereby the risk that granulated fertilizer will get stuck between the dosage space closing edge and the fertilizer filling space closing edge is decreased and the risk for crushed fertilizer and a clogged dispenser is decreased.

In one embodiment of the invention either the dosage space closing edge or the fertilizer filling space closing edge has a teeth shaped form along its length. This is an example of a design which will decrease the risk that granulates of fertilizer are stuck between the dosage space closing edge and the fertilizer filling space closing edge.

In one embodiment of the invention the dosage space comprises a side opening which in the loading position of the dosage mechanism is provided in fluid communication with the inlet of the housing for allowing filling of the dosage space with granulated fertilizer and wherein the side opening of the dosage space in the delivering position of the dosage mechanism is directed towards and in fluid communication with the outlet of the housing for delivering the granulated fertilizer via the outlet.

In one embodiment of the invention the dosage space comprises a top opening which in the loading position of the dosage mechanism is provided in fluid communication with the inlet of the housing for allowing filling of the dosage space with granulated fertilizer and a bottom opening which in the delivering position of the dosage mechanism is directed towards and in fluid communication with the outlet of the housing for delivering the granulated fertilizer via the outlet.

In one embodiment of the invention a resilient device provided in the dosage mechanism is loaded by the rotation of the dosage mechanism during the method step of pressing the jaw controlling device and the method comprises further the steps of: locking the movable jaw in the open position by a spring loaded locking device, whereby also the jaw controlling device, the dosage mechanism and the resilient device are locked in their positions; and unlocking the spring loaded locking device and thereby releasing the movable jaw from the open position, whereby the movable jaw returns to the closed position and the resilient device is released whereby the dosage mechanism is rotated back by force from the resilient device.

In one embodiment of the invention the dosage mechanism is rotated into the loading position when the movable jaw is moved to the open position and the dosage mechanism is rotated back into the delivering position when the movable jaw is moved to the closed position.

In one embodiment of the invention the method further comprises the step of removing the dosage mechanism from the housing while the housing still is mounted to the hollow tube and cleaning the dosage mechanism, the inside of the housing and/or the outlet from the housing before connecting the dosage mechanism in the housing again.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure la is a perspective view of a planting tool according to one embodiment of the invention with a dispenser mounted.

Figure lb is the same planting tool as shown in Figure la but without a dispenser mounted.

Figure 2a is a side view of a part of a planting tool according to one embodiment of the invention with a movable jaw in closed position.

Figure 2b is a side view of a part of the same planting tool as shown in Figure 2a with the movable jaw in open position.

Figure 3a is a side view of a dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 3b is a perspective view of a part of the dispenser shown in Figure 3a.

Figure 4a is a longitudinal cross section of a dispenser mounted to a hollow tube of a planting tool according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4b is a perspective view of a dispenser mounted to a hollow tube of a planting tool according to one embodiment of the invention where parts of the dispenser have been demounted for allowing cleaning.

Figure 5a is a transversal cross section of a dispenser mounted to a hollow tube of a planting tool according to one embodiment of the invention and where the jaw controlling device is unpressed and a dosage mechanism is in delivering position.

Figure 5b is a transversal cross section of a dispenser mounted to a hollow tube of a planting tool according to the same embodiment as shown in Figure 5a where the jaw controlling device is pressed and the dosage mechanism is in loading position.

Figures 6a-6c are perspective views of three different embodiments of dosage mechanisms according to the invention.

Figure 7a is a side view of a dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7b is a perspective view partly in cross section of the dispenser as shown in Figure 7a.

Figure 7c is a top view of the dispenser as shown in Figures 7a and 7b.

Figure 8 shows a form of an opening provided between a fertilizer filling space and a dosage space in the dispenser as shown in Figures 7a-7c.

Figure 9a shows one embodiment of a planting tool with a dispenser mounted and with a movable jaw in closed position.

Figure 9b shows the same embodiment of a planting tool as shown in Figure 9a but with the movable jaw in open position.

Figure 9c is a closer view of a part of the same planting tool as shown in Figures 9a and 9b.

Figure 10a shows another example of a planting tool with a dispenser mounted and with a movable jaw in closed position. Figure 10b shows the same example of a planting tool as shown in Figure 10a but with the movable jaw in open position.

Figure 10c is a closer view of a part of the same planting tool as shown in Figures 10a and 10b

Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention a dispenser 1; 1' for granulated fertilizer for a planting tool 101; 101' and a planting tool 101; 101' comprising such a dispenser 1; 1' are provided. Such a planting tool 101 with a dispenser 1; 1' mounted according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure la and the same planting tool 101 without a dispenser mounted is shown in Figure lb. The dispenser according to the invention is configured for dispensing granulated fertilizer into a hollow tube 103 of the planting tool 101. It is desirable to facilitate dosage of fertilizer and to minimize manual operation and thereby avoid the addition of extra manual handling during planting. Furthermore, a defined dosage of fertilizer needs to be delivered to each seedling during the planting process.

Figures 2a and 2b show the planting tool 101 according to one embodiment of the invention in two different positions. Figures 3a and 3b show a dispenser 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 4a shows this dispenser 1 mounted to the hollow tube 103 of the planting tool 101 in cross section and Figure 4b shows the dispenser partly demounted and Figures 5a and 5b show in cross section a planting tool 101 with a dispenser 1 in two different positions. Figures 7a-7c show another embodiment of a dispenser 1' according to the invention. Figures 9a-9c show another embodiment of a planting tool 101' with a dispenser 1; 1' according to the invention.

The invention will now first be generally described with reference to all the drawings. The planting tool 101; 101' (see Figures la and lb, 9a, 9b) comprises a hollow tube 103 reaching between a first end 103a and an opposite second end 103b. A seedling to be planted by the planting tool is received into the hollow tube 103 via the first end 103a where an opening into the hollow tube 103 is provided. Le. a user of the planting tool 101; 101' puts a seedling into the first end 103a of the hollow tube 103. A movable jaw 105 is arranged at the second end 103b of the hollow tube 103. The movable jaw 105 can be positioned in an open position in which the second end 103b is open and a closed position in which the second end 103b is closed. The planting tool 101; 101' may further comprise a fixed jaw 106 which together with the movable jaw 105 forms a cone and closes the second end 103b when the movable jaw 105 is in the closed position, which cone can be forced into the ground for planting a seedling. The planting tool 101; 101' further comprises a jaw controlling device 107; 107' which may be a pedal 107 as in Figures 1 and 2 or a handle 107' as in Figures 9a-c. The jaw controlling device 107; 107' is connected to the movable jaw 105 and configured to move the movable jaw 105 to the open position when pressed. In the example where the jaw controlling device is a pedal 107 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pedal is pressed downward, i.e. towards the second end 103b of the hollow tube 103 (downward is hereby referring to directions in the drawings and to directions during normal use of the planting tool). In the example where the jaw controlling device is a handle 107' as shown in Figures 9a-c, the handle is pressed upwards, i.e. towards the first end 103a of the hollow tube 103. When the jaw controlling device 107; 107' is pressed the movable jaw 105 is moved to the open position thereby allowing the seedling to exit the hollow tube 103 via the second end 103b. In some examples, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the planting tool 101 also comprises a spring loaded locking device 111 connected to the movable jaw 105 and configured for locking the movable jaw 105 in the open position. Often the spring loaded locking device comprises a rod, called release rod Illa which is connected to the movable jaw 105 and reaches almost all the way up along the hollow tube 103 to the first end 103a of the hollow tube 103. The spring loaded locking device 111 comprises further an unlocking device 113 by which a user can release the movable jaw 105 such that the movable jaw 105 by spring force from a spring 112 provided in the spring loaded locking device 111 returns to its closed position whereby the jaw controlling device, which in this example is a pedal 107 also returns to an unpressed position, i.e. an upper position (referring to drawings and direction during normal use).

According to the invention a dispenser 1; 1' for granulated fertilizer to be mounted to a planting tool 101; 101' as described above is provided. A planting tool 101; 101' comprising such as dispenser is also provided according to the invention. The dispenser 1; 1' is configured to be mounted to a fertilizer inlet opening 109 provided in a side wall 103c of the hollow tube 103 of the planting tool 101; 101'. The fertilizer inlet opening 109 can be drilled in an existing hollow tube 103 of a planting tool by the user. The fertilizer inlet opening 109 can be provided somewhere along the length of the hollow tube 103 suitably between the movable jaw 105 and the first end 103a and in a position such that it can be connected to the jaw controlling device 107; 107'. The dispenser 1; 1' is to be connected to the jaw controlling device 107; 107' so a position of the fertilizer inlet opening 109 is adapted accordingly. One example of a dispenser 1 according to the invention is shown in Figures 3-6 and another example of a dispenser 1' is shown in Figures 7a-7c. Differences between the two different examples will be further described below. These are only two examples among many possible examples covered by the invention. Many of the details can be further varied within the scope of the invention which will be further discussed below. Features which are common to both examples are described first with reference to all the drawings. The dispenser 1; 1' (according to both examples) comprises a housing 3 having an inlet 3a for connection to a fertilizer container 51 for receiving granulated fertilizer from the fertilizer container 51 into the housing 3 and an outlet 3b for connection to the fertilizer inlet opening 109 of the hollow tube 103. The dispenser 1; 1' can be connected to the hollow tube 103 of the planting tool 101; 101' by different means, such as screws, hose clamp (202, shown in Figures 2a and 2b), or only a resilient device 41 as further described below. The dispenser 1; 1' comprises further a dosage mechanism 11 arranged in the housing 3 and configured to deliver a dose of the granulated fertilizer from the inlet 3a to the outlet 3b of the housing 3. The dosage mechanism 11 comprises a dosage space 13 in which a dose of granulated fertilizer is to be provided. The dosage mechanism 11 is configured to be rotated between a loading position and a delivering position, wherein a dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred from the fertilizer container 51, via the inlet 3a of the housing 3 into the dosage space 13 when the dosage mechanism 11 is in the loading position and said dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred out from the dosage space 13 into the hollow tube 103 via the outlet 3b of the housing 3 when the dosage mechanism 11 has been rotated to the delivering position. In Figure 5a the dosage mechanism 11 is in the delivering position and in Figure 5b the dosage mechanism is in the loading position. The dispenser 1; 1' comprises further an actuator 21; 21' which is connected to the dosage mechanism 11 and configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device 107; 107' of the planting tool 101; 101' such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism 11 can be controlled from the jaw controlling device 107; 107' via the actuator 21; 21' by pressing the jaw controlling device 107; 107'. The actuator 21; 21' will be connected to the jaw controlling device 107; 107' when the dispenser 1; 1' is mounted to the hollow tube 103. Hereby a movement of the jaw controlling device 107; 107' when pressed is directly transferred via the actuator 21; 21' to a rotation of the dosage mechanism 11. This is a direct transfer of motion from the jaw controlling device to the dosage mechanism via the actuator 21; 21' where no part of a spring loaded locking device 111 or a release rod Illa is involved, i.e. the motion of a release rod Illa or another part of a spring loaded locking device 111 connected to the movable jaw 105 is not used for controlling the rotation of the dosage mechanism 11 but this rotation is instead controlled directly from the jaw controlling device 107; 107'. The actuator 21; 21' is hereby connected to the jaw controlling device 107; 107' without involving any other functional part of the planting tool. This is advantageous because failure or damage in other connected components, such as the release rod Illa, will not affect the operation of the dispenser according to the invention. A more reliable planting tool is achieved when the dispenser 1; 1' is connected directly to the jaw controlling device 107; 107'.

Suitably the dosage mechanism 11 and the actuator 21; 21' are configured such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism 11 from the delivering position to the loading position is performed when the jaw controlling device 107; 107' is pressed to move the movable jaw 105 to the open position. Hereby automatic loading of fertilizer into the dosage space 13 is performed when the movable jaw 105 moves from the closed position to the open position and delivering of the fertilizer into the hollow tube 103 is performed when the movable jaw 105 moves from the open position to the closed position. When using the planting tool 101; 101' for planting, a quick and possibly desirable planting process is to feed the next seedling to be planted into the hollow tube 103 during movement of the planting tool 101; 101' between two planting positions. Therefore, the seedling is suitably provided into the hollow tube 103 when the movable jaw 105 is in closed position, forming a cone together with the fixed jaw 106, which cone is then forced into the soil at the position for planting. According to this invention the fertilizer has been delivered into the hollow tube 103 at the same time as the movable jaw 105 is moved to the closed position. Hereby the fertilizer is already provided in the bottom of the hollow tube 103 (in the closed cone formed by the movable jaw 105 and the fixed jaw 106) before the seedling is provided into the hollow tube 103 and therefore fertilizer will always be automatically delivered in a suitable dose for each seedling. In some prior arts the fertilizer is not delivered until the movable jaw 105 is opened (which is done when the planting tool already has been forced into the soil) and in such devices the user needs to wait to provide the seedling into the hollow tube 103 until the planting tool 101; 101' has been forced into the soil and the jaw controlling device is pressed for opening the movable jaw. Hereby, with the plating tool 101; 101' according to this embodiment of the invention the user can save time by putting the seedling into the hollow tube 103 already when the planting tool 101; 101' is above the soil on its way to the next planting position. Hereby an efficient planting procedure is achieved. The user will close the movable jaw 105 via the unlocking device 113 of the spring loaded locking device 111 if such is provided (release rod Illa) during movement of the planting tool 101; 101' from a previous planting to the next planting position, i.e. when the planting tool 101; 101' is above the soil during movement of the planting tool 101; 101' between two plating positions. At the same time as the movable jaw 105 is closed the fertilizer is delivered and then the user can feed the seedling into the hollow tube 103.

Suitably the dispenser 1; 1' further comprises a resilient device 41 which is connected in the dispenser 1; 1' such that it will be loaded when the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated by pressing the jaw controlling device, whereafter said resilient device 41 strives to rotate the dosage mechanism 11 back again. Hereby the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated from the loading position to the delivering position by the force from a loaded resilient device 41. The force applied by this resilient device 41 can be chosen such that granulated fertilizer which possibly will be stuck between an edge of the dosage space 13 and another part of the dosage mechanism 11 when the dosage mechanism is rotated will not be crushed, i.e. the rotation of the dosage mechanism can stop before the dosage space 13 is completely closed if any granulated fertilizer has been stuck there. Herbey it is avoided that granulated fertilizer is crushed. Hereby, thanks to the use of a resilient device 41 for rotation from loading position to delivery position crushing of granulated fertilizer can be avoided. This is suitable because crushed granulated fertilizer will possibly be problematic for mechanical function of the dispenser. Crushed granulated fertilizer may clog the dispenser and may cause wear or even breakage of the dispenser.

The resilient device 41 may be a resilient string 41 which is connected in a first end 41a to a rotating part of the dispenser, such as the actuator 21; 21', and in a second end 41b to a stationary part of the dispenser 1; 1' such that the resilient string 41 strives to return the dosage mechanism 11 to the delivering position. Other examples may comprise a spring or another resilient material. The resilient device 41 may also be utilized for holding the dispenser 1; 1' in position mounted to the hollow tube 103. In that case the dispenser can be easily disconnected and replaced, which can be a great benefit if you want to quickly replace the dispenser.

In some embodiments (and as shown in both the examples in the Figures) the actuator 21; 21' is fixedly connected to the dosage mechanism 11 and is configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device 107; 107' via a connection device 31. The connection device 31 is configured for transferring movement of the jaw controlling device 107; 107' to the actuator 21; 21' when the jaw controlling device 107; 107' is pressed to move the movable jaw 105 to the open position but not when the jaw controlling device 107; 107' is returned. Hereby a movement of the jaw controlling device 107; 107' when pressed is transferred to a rotation of the dosage mechanism 11 via the connection device 31 and the actuator 21; 21'. The connection device 31 is suitably adjustable in length and hereby it can be adjusted to fit good for different sizes of planting tools. Also different planting tools of the same size can differ somewhat in sizes and distances between components whereby a possibility to adjust a length of the connection device 31 is suitable for good operation. The connection device 31 can for example be a wire or a cord which both are examples of flexible connection devices 31 which can be used for transferring movement of the jaw controlling device only when pressed and not when returned, i.e. strict in length and guiding in one direction and flexible in the other. A wire or a cord are also suitable examples because they are adjustable in length during mounting and can be adapted for different sizes of planting tools.

In some examples (as illustrated in Figures 3-5) the dosage mechanism 11 is configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis, al, (illustrated in Figure 4) which, when the dispenser is mounted to the planting tool 101; 101', is provided along substantially the same direction as a central longitudinal axis, a2, of the hollow tube 103.

Suitably the housing 3 further comprises a fertilizer filling space 15 provided in connection with the inlet 3a of the housing 3 for receiving the granulated fertilizer before it is delivered into the dosage space 13 of the dosage mechanism 11. This can for example be seen in Figures 3b, 5a, 5b and 7b. A dosage space closing edge 13a and a fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a will meet and close the dosage space 13 from the fertilizer filling space 15 when the dosage mechanism 11 rotates from the loading position to the delivering position. In some embodiments the dosage space closing edge 13a and the fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a are designed in relation to each other such that they meet and close gradually. This may be suitable for avoiding granulated fertilizer to be stuck between the dosage space closing edge 13a and the fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a when the dosage space 13 is closed from the fertilizer filling space. Two examples of different suitable designs of the dosage space closing edge 13a, 13a' are shown in Figures 6a and 6b. However, the fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a may instead have a corresponding design to affect the same result. In Figure 6c a dosage space closing edge 13a'' without such a design is also shown. This can also be used in the dispenser according to the invention.

In Figure 6a an example of a dosage space closing edge 13a having a teeth shaped form along its length is shown. This can be compared with the design and function of the teeth of a backhoe. In Figure 6b another example is shown where the dosage space closing edge is shaped as a V.

In some examples (as the example illustrated in Figures 3-6) the dosage space 13 comprises a side opening 14 which in the loading position of the dosage mechanism 11 is provided in fluid communication with the inlet 3a of the housing 3 for allowing filling of the dosage space 13 with granulated fertilizer. The side opening 14 of the dosage space 13 is in the delivering position of the dosage mechanism 11 instead directed towards and in fluid communication with the outlet 3b of the housing 3 for delivering the granulated fertilizer via the outlet 3b.

In other examples (as the example illustrated in Figures 7a-7c) the dosage space 13 comprises a top opening 14a which in the loading position of the dosage mechanism 11 is provided in fluid communication with the inlet 3a of the housing 3 for allowing filling of the dosage space 13 with granulated fertilizer and a bottom opening 14b which in the delivering position of the dosage mechanism 11 is directed towards and in fluid communication with the outlet 3b of the housing 3 for delivering the granulated fertilizer via the outlet 3b. In this example it is the fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a which has a design for minimizing the risk of crushing granulated fertilizer. This edge 15a is shown in Figure 8. The plate 19 in Figure 8 is provided in the bottom of the fertilizer filling space 15 and is also seen in Figure 7b.

The dosage mechanism 11 in the example illustrated in Figures 7a-7c is provided at an angle towards the hollow tube 103, i.e. the dosage mechanism 11 is rotating around a central axis, a3, which is provided at an angle in relation to the central longitudinal axis, a2, of the hollow tube 103. This may provide a better angle for connection of the actuator to the jaw controlling device. It may also be advantageous when the dispenser 1' is exposed to water since the angle of the housing will allow gravity to help removing water out from the housing.

Figure 4b is a perspective view of a dispenser 1 mounted to a hollow tube 103 of a planting tool 101; 101' according to one embodiment of the invention where parts of the dispenser 1 have been demounted for allowing cleaning. According to this embodiment of the invention the dosage mechanism 11 is releasably connected within the housing 3 by a central pin 20 around which the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated. By removing the dosage mechanism 11 from the housing 3 while the housing 3 still is mounted to the hollow tube 103, the dosage mechanism 11 and the inside of the housing 3 and the outlet 3b of the housing 3 can conveniently be cleaned also during use of the planting tool 101; 101'. After cleaning the dosage mechanism 11 is connected again inside the housing 3. Hereby possible problems with contamination and clogging can efficiently be handled. Different dosage mechanisms 11 can also be provided having different sizes of dosage spaces 13. This is illustrated by two examples of dosage mechanism in Figure 4b with reference numbers 11a and lib. Hereby the dosage mechanism 11 can easily be changed if the dosage amount of fertilizer needs to be changed.

Figures 9a-9c show different views of another embodiment of a planting tool 101' with a dispenser 1; 1' mounted. In this embodiment a jaw controlling device 107' is provided as a handle 107'. A fixed jaw 106 and a movable jaw 105 are provided as in the previously described embodiment. In this embodiment the movable jaw 105 is connected to the jaw controlling device, i.e. the handle 107' via a rod 250 such that the movable jaw 105 is forced to the open position via the rod 250 when the jaw controlling device 107' is pressed upward towards the first end 103a of the hollow tube 103 (with reference to directions in the drawings and shown in Figure 9b). The jaw controlling device 107' is spring loaded, i.e. connected via a spring 251 to the hollow tube 103, such that it will strive back to a lower position where the movable jaw 105 is in the closed position (shown in Figure 9a). The jaw controlling device 107' is connected to an actuator 21' of the dosage mechanism 11 via a connection device 31 having the same features and functions as described for the connection device 31 of the previous embodiments. However, an additional connector 31a may be needed in this embodiment for allowing transfer of movement from the jaw controlling device, i.e. the handle 107' to the actuator 21'. In Figure 9c the actuator 21' of the dosage mechanism 11 can be seen and its connection to the connection device 31. The actuator 21' may extend in another direction compared to the actuator 21 of the previous embodiment as shown in Figure 9c. The rest of the details of the dispenser 1; 1' are the same as described for the previous embodiments.

Figures 10-10c show different views of another example of a planting tool 301 with a dispenser 1; 1' mounted. The planting tool 301 is the same type as the planting tool 101 described with reference to Figures la and lb with the difference that the dispenser 1; 1' according to the invention is provided without a connection to the jaw controlling device 107. A jaw controlling device 107 in the form of a pedal 107 is provided and the movable jaw 105 is moved to the open position by pressing the pedal 107 in the same way as described above in relation to Figures la and lb. However, in this embodiment the dispenser 1; 1' is provided separate from the jaw controlling device 107. A separate dispenser handle 307 is provided in this example which is connected to the actuator 21' of the dosage mechanism 11, via the connection device 31 and possible also via an extra connector 31a in the same way as for the embodiment as described in relation to Figures 9a-c. Hereby the dispenser 1; 1' according to the invention can also be used in a planting tool 301 without connection to a jaw controlling device 107; 107'. This may be suitable if dosage of fertilizer needs to be done independently of the movement of the jaw, for example if fertilizer doesn't have to be delivered for every plant. The same dispenser 1; 1' as described above with reference to Figures 1-9 can hereby be used in a planting tool 301 as shown in Figures lOa-lOc without connection to a jaw controlling device 107, 107'. All features of the dispenser 1; 1' as described with reference to Figures 1-9 are the same and relevant also for the dispenser 1; 1' as connected to the planting tool 301 shown in Figures lOa-c.

Hereby a planting tool 301 is provided comprising a hollow tube 103 for receiving a seedling to be planted in a first end 103a of the hollow tube 103, a movable jaw 105 arranged at a second end 103b of the hollow tube 103, wherein said movable jaw 105 can be positioned in an open position in which the second end 103b is open and a closed position in which the second end 103b is closed, said planting tool further comprising a jaw controlling device 107 connected to the movable jaw 105 and configured to move the movable jaw 105 to the open position when pressed, thereby allowing the seedling to exit the hollow tube 103 via the second end 103b, said planting tool further comprising a dispenser 1; 1' for granulated fertilizer configured to be mounted to a fertilizer inlet opening 109 provided in a side wall 103c of the hollow tube 103 of the planting tool 301, said dispenser 1; 1' comprising: a housing 3 having an inlet 3a for connection to a fertilizer container 51 for receiving granulated fertilizer from the fertilizer container 51 into the housing 3 and an outlet 3b for connection to the fertilizer inlet opening 109 of the hollow tube 103; a dosage mechanism 11 arranged in the housing 3 and configured to deliver a dose of the granulated fertilizer from the inlet 3a to the outlet 3b of the housing 3, said dosage mechanism 11 comprising a dosage space 13 wherein said dosage mechanism 11 is configured to be rotated between a loading position and a delivering position, wherein a dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred from the fertilizer container 51, via the inlet 3a of the housing 3 into the dosage space 13 when the dosage mechanism 11 is in the loading position and said dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred out from the dosage space 13 into the hollow tube 103 via the outlet 3b of the housing 3 when the dosage mechanism 11 is in the delivering position; and an actuator 21; 21' which is connected to the dosage mechanism 11 and configured to be connected to a dispenser handle 307 of the planting tool 301 such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism 11 can be controlled from the dispenser handle 307 via the actuator 21; 21' by pressing the dispenser handle 307.

As discussed above in relation to previous embodiments the dispenser 1; 1' may comprise a resilient device 41 which is connected in the dispenser 1; 1' such that it will be loaded when the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated by pressing the dispenser handle 307, whereafter said resilient device 41 strives to rotate the dosage mechanism 11 back again. Said resilient device 41 may be a resilient string 41 which is connected in a first end 41a to a rotating part of the dispenser and in a second end 41b to a stationary part of the dispenser 1; 1' such that the resilient string 41 strives to return the dosage mechanism 11 to the delivering position. The actuator 21; 21' may be fixedly connected to the dosage mechanism 11 and may be configured to be connected to the dispenser handle 307 via a connection device 31; 31', which connection device 31; 31' is configured for transferring movement of the dispenser handle 307 to the actuator 21; 21' when the dispenser handle 307 is pressed but not when the dispenser handle 307 is returned, whereby a movement of the dispenser handle 307 when pressed is transferred to a rotation of the dosage mechanism 11 via the connection device 31; 31' and the actuator 21; 21'. Possibly an additional connector 31a is also provided as discussed above. At least a part of the connection device 31; 31' may be a wire or a cord. The dosage mechanism 11 may be releasably connected within the housing 3 by a central pin 20 around which the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated. The dosage mechanism 11 may be configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis, al, which, when the dispenser is mounted to the planting tool 301, is provided along substantially the same direction as a central longitudinal axis, a2, of the hollow tube 103. The housing 3 may further comprise a fertilizer filling space 15 provided in connection with the inlet 3a of the housing 3 for receiving the granulated fertilizer before it is delivered into the dosage space 13 of the dosage mechanism 11 and a dosage space closing edge 13a and a fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a will meet and close the dosage space 13 from the fertilizer filling space 15 when the dosage mechanism 11 rotates from the loading position to the delivering position, whereby the dosage space closing edge 13a and the fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a are designed in relation to each other such that they meet and close gradually. Possibly either the dosage space closing edge 13a or the fertilizer filling space closing edge 15a has a teeth shaped form along its length. According to the invention a method for dispensing granulated fertilizer into a hollow tube 103 of a planting tool 101; 101' is also provided. A flow chart of the method is shown in Figure 11 and the method steps are described in order below:

SI: Pressing the jaw controlling device 107; 107' whereby the movable jaw 105 moves to the open position and the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated in one direction between the delivering position and the loading position. Suitably a resilient device 41 provided in the dosage mechanism 11 is loaded by the rotation of the dosage mechanism 11 during the step of pressing the jaw controlling device 107; 107'.

If a spring loaded locking device 111 is provided in the planting tool , the method may also comprise the steps of:

S2: Locking the movable jaw 105 in the open position by the spring loaded locking device 111, whereby also the jaw controlling device 107, the dosage mechanism 11 and the resilient device 41 are locked in their positions.

S3: Unlocking the spring loaded locking device 111 and thereby releasing the movable jaw 105 from the open position, whereby the movable jaw 105 returns to the closed position and the resilient device 41 is released whereby the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated back by force from the resilient device 41.

Suitably the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated into the loading position when the movable jaw 105 is moved to the open position and the dosage mechanism 11 is rotated back into the delivering position when the movable jaw 105 is moved to the closed position. Hereby granulated fertilizer is loaded into the dosage space 13 of the dosage mechanism 11 when the movable jaw 105 is in open position and granulated fertilizer is delivered out from the dosage space 13 via the outlet 13b and into the hollow tube 103 of the planting tool 101 when the movable jaw 105 is moved to the closed position. This is done by the user by unlocking the spring loaded locking device 111 whereby the resilient device 41 is released and the force from the resilient device 41 rotates the dosage mechanism 11 to the delivering position.

Possibly the method may comprise a further step: S4: Removing the dosage mechanism 11 from the housing 3 while the housing 3 still is mounted to the hollow tube 103 and cleaning the dosage mechanism 11 and the inside of the housing 3 and the outlet 3b from the housing 3 before connecting the dosage mechanism 11 in the housing 3 again. Possibly the dosage mechanism 11 can also be changed to another dosage mechanism 11a, lib having another volume of the dosage space 13.

Claims

1. A planting tool (101; 101') comprising a hollow tube (103) for receiving a seedling to be planted in a first end (103a) of the hollow tube (103), a movable jaw (105) arranged at a second end (103b) of the hollow tube (103), wherein said movable jaw (105) can be positioned in an open position in which the second end (103b) is open and a closed position in which the second end (103b) is closed, said planting tool further comprising a jaw controlling device (107; 107') connected to the movable jaw (105) and configured to move the movable jaw (105) to the open position when pressed, thereby allowing the seedling to exit the hollow tube (103) via the second end (103b), said planting tool further comprising a dispenser (1; 1') for granulated fertilizer configured to be mounted to a fertilizer inlet opening (109) provided in a side wall (103c) of the hollow tube (103) of the planting tool (101; 101'), said dispenser (1; 1') comprising: a housing (3) having an inlet (3a) for connection to a fertilizer container (51) for receiving granulated fertilizer from the fertilizer container (51) into the housing (3) and an outlet (3b) for connection to the fertilizer inlet opening (109) of the hollow tube (103); a dosage mechanism (11) arranged in the housing (3) and configured to deliver a dose of the granulated fertilizer from the inlet (3a) to the outlet (3b) of the housing (3), said dosage mechanism (11) comprising a dosage space (13) wherein said dosage mechanism (11) is configured to be rotated between a loading position and a delivering position, wherein a dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred from the fertilizer container (51), via the inlet (3a) of the housing (3) into the dosage space (13) when the dosage mechanism (11) is in the loading position and said dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred out from the dosage space (13) into the hollow tube (103) via the outlet (3b) of the housing (3) when the dosage mechanism (11) is in the delivering position; and an actuator (21; 21') which is connected to the dosage mechanism (11) and configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device (107; 107') of the planting tool (101; 101') such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism (11) can be controlled from the jaw controlling device (107; 107') via the actuator (21; 21') by pressing the jaw controlling device (107; 107').

2. Planting tool according to claim 1, wherein the jaw controlling device is a pedal (107) or a handle (107').

3. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (21; 21') is connected to the jaw controlling device (107; 107') without involving any other functional part of the planting tool.

4. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage mechanism (11) and the actuator (21; 21') are configured such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism (11) from the delivering position to the loading position is performed when the jaw controlling device (107; 107') is pressed to move the movable jaw (105) to the open position.

5. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (1; 1') further comprises a resilient device (41) which is connected in the dispenser (1; 1') such that it will be loaded when the dosage mechanism (11) is rotated by pressing the jaw controlling device (107; 107'), whereafter said resilient device (41) strives to rotate the dosage mechanism (11) back again.

6. Planting tool according to claim 5, wherein said resilient device (41) is a resilient string (41) which is connected in a first end (41a) to a rotating part of the dispenser and in a second end (41b) to a stationary part of the dispenser (1; 1') such that the resilient string (41) strives to return the dosage mechanism (11) to the delivering position.

7. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (21;

21') is fixedly connected to the dosage mechanism (11) and is configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device (107; 107') via a connection device (31; 31'), which connection device (31; 31') is configured for transferring movement of the jaw controlling device (107; 107') to the actuator (21; 21') when the jaw controlling device (107; 107') is pressed to move the movable jaw (105) to the open position but not when the jaw controlling device (107; 107') is returned, whereby a movement of the jaw controlling device (107; 107') when pressed is transferred to a rotation of the dosage mechanism (11) via the connection device (31; 31') and the actuator (21; 21').

8. Planting tool according to claim 7, wherein at least a part of the connection device (31; 31') is a wire or a cord.

9. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage mechanism (11) is releasably connected within the housing (3) by a central pin (20) around which the dosage mechanism (11) is rotated.

10. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring loaded locking device (111) connected to the movable jaw (105) and configured for locking the movable jaw (105) in the open position, wherein said spring loaded locking device (111) comprises an unlocking device (113) by which a user can release the movable jaw (105) such that the movable jaw (105) by spring force from a spring (112) provided in the spring loaded locking device (111) returns to its closed position whereby the jaw controlling device (107) also returns to an unpressed position.

11. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage mechanism (11) is configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis (al) which, when the dispenser is mounted to the planting tool (101; 101'), is provided along substantially the same direction as a central longitudinal axis (a 2) of the hollow tube (103).

12. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) further comprises a fertilizer filling space (15) provided in connection with the inlet (3a) of the housing (3) for receiving the granulated fertilizer before it is delivered into the dosage space (13) of the dosage mechanism (11) and wherein a dosage space closing edge (13a) and a fertilizer filling space closing edge (15a) will meet and close the dosage space (13) from the fertilizer filling space (15) when the dosage mechanism (11) rotates from the loading position to the delivering position, whereby the dosage space closing edge (13a) and the fertilizer filling space closing edge (15a) are designed in relation to each other such that they meet and close gradually.

13. Planting tool according to claim 12, wherein either the dosage space closing edge (13a) or the fertilizer filling space closing edge (15a) has a teeth shaped form along its length.

14. Planting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage space (13) comprises a side opening (14) which in the loading position of the dosage mechanism (11) is provided in fluid communication with the inlet (3a) of the housing (3) for allowing filling of the dosage space (13) with granulated fertilizer and wherein the side opening (14) of the dosage space (13) in the delivering position of the dosage mechanism (11) is directed towards and in fluid communication with the outlet (3b) of the housing (3) for delivering the granulated fertilizer via the outlet (3b).

15. Planting tool according to any one of the claims 1-13, wherein the dosage space (13) comprises a top opening (14a) which in the loading position of the dosage mechanism (11) is provided in fluid communication with the inlet (3a) of the housing (3) for allowing filling of the dosage space (13) with granulated fertilizer and a bottom opening (14b) which in the delivering position of the dosage mechanism (11) is directed towards and in fluid communication with the outlet (3b) of the housing (3) for delivering the granulated fertilizer via the outlet (3b).

16. A dispenser for granulated fertilizer to be used in a planting tool (101; 101') according to any one of the preceding claims, said dispenser being configured to be mounted to the fertilizer inlet opening (109) provided in the side wall (103c) of the hollow tube (103) of the planting tool (101; 101'), said dispenser (1; 1') comprising: a housing (3) having an inlet (3a) for connection to a fertilizer container (51) for receiving granulated fertilizer from the fertilizer container (51) into the housing (3) and an outlet (3b) for connection to the fertilizer inlet opening (109) of the hollow tube (103); a dosage mechanism (11) arranged in the housing (3) and configured to deliver a dose of the granulated fertilizer from the inlet (3a) to the outlet (3b) of the housing (3), said dosage mechanism (11) comprising a dosage space (13) wherein said dosage mechanism (11) is configured to be rotated between a loading position and a delivering position, wherein a dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred from the fertilizer container (51), via the inlet (3a) of the housing (3) into the dosage space (13) when the dosage mechanism (11) is in the loading position and said dose of granulated fertilizer is transferred out from the dosage space (13) into the hollow tube (103) via the outlet (3b) of the housing (3) when the dosage mechanism (11) is in the delivering position; and an actuator (21; 21') which is connected to the dosage mechanism (11) and configured to be connected to the jaw controlling device (107; 107') of the planting tool (101; 101') such that a rotation of the dosage mechanism (11) can be controlled from the jaw controlling device (107; 107') via the actuator (21; 21') by pressing the jaw controlling device (107; 107').

17. A method for dispensing granulated fertilizer into a hollow tube (103) of a planting tool (101; 101') according to any one of the claims 1-15, said method comprising the step of: pressing (SI) the jaw controlling device (107; 107') whereby the movable jaw (105) moves to the open position and the dosage mechanism (11) is rotated in one direction between the delivering position and the loading position.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the dosage mechanism (11) is rotated into the loading position when the movable jaw (105) is moved to the open position and the dosage mechanism (11) is rotated back into the delivering position when the movable jaw (105) is moved to the closed position.

19. Method according to any one of the claims 17-18, wherein the method further comprises the step of removing (S4) the dosage mechanism (11) from the housing (3) while the housing (3) still is mounted to the hollow tube (103) and cleaning the dosage mechanism (11), the inside of the housing (3) and/or the outlet (3b) from the housing (3) before connecting the dosage mechanism (11) in the housing (3) again.