Table extension for agricultural bagging machine
A table extension is provide and is adapted for movement between a bagging position and a transport position for use with an agricultural bagging machine. The table extension comprises a table for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural bagging machine, a frame for supporting the table, and a lift mechanism adapted for moving the table between the bagging position and the transport position with the lift mechanism in operable communication with said frame. The table extension is hydraulically powered and utilizes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and mechanism assembly to accomplish movement between the bagging and the transport position.
The present invention relates to a table extension for an agricultural bagging machine, and in particular to a table extension that moves between a bagging position and a transport position preferably under hydraulic power.
Agricultural bagging machines are well known in the art, and are used to bag all types of agricultural materials into very long plastic bags. The bags are essentially horizontal silos that lie on the ground. The bagging machines consist of some type of a loading device like a conveyer or hopper, which feeds the material to an auger or rotor that forces the material into the bags. Often the machines include some means to control the density or compaction of the material in the bag. As the bags fill, the agricultural bagging machine moves forward in a controlled manner and deploys the bag horizontally along the ground.
During operation, trucks unload the material to be bagged into the loader of the agricultural bagging machine at a rate controlled by the throughput of the bagging machine. In most situations the trucks can unload faster than the agricultural bagging machine can process the material, as such the trucks tend to back up and wait to unload the material.
Additionally, the agricultural bagging machines can be quite large. The bags alone can reach 12 to 14 feet in diameter, with the machine at least this wide. Obviously, the machines are of such a size that transportation of the machines can be difficult. Agricultural bagging machines are often too wide to transport safely, or legally, within a single lane of traffic.
Thus, a need exists for a device that can increase the capacity of agricultural bagging machines and that can be safely transported on conventional roadways.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn object of the present invention is to provide a table extension for an agricultural bagging machine that moves between a bagging position and a transport position.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification, drawings, and claims.
The present invention intends to overcome the difficulties encountered heretofore. To that end, a table extension is provided and is adapted for movement between a bagging position and a transport position for use with an agricultural bagging machine. The table extension comprises a table for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural bagging machine, a frame for supporting the table, and a lift mechanism adapted for moving the table between the bagging position and the transport position with the lift mechanism in operable communication with said frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the Figures,
The table extension 10 is preferably designed for use as a secondary or additional means of conveying material to be bagged, in that it attaches to a conveyor that is permanently attached at an intake end of the agricultural bagging machine 12. Again, the invention, however, is not necessarily limited thereby. The use of the table extension 10 adds capacity to the agricultural bagging machine 12, helps to level out the material to be bagged across the width of the conveyor 11 so as to increase the throughput of the agricultural bagging machine 12, and due to the unique design of a lift mechanism 14 of the table extension 10, allows the table extension 10 to easily move between a bagging position and a transport position (see
For ease of reference, the table extension 10 is given two distinct frames of reference depending on whether the table extension 10 is in the transport or bagging positions. In particular, in the transport position the table extension 10 is capable of being towed by a vehicle (not shown). Accordingly, in this position the table extension 10 has a forward end 20 located at the end closest to a trailer hitch 18 and a rearward end 22 opposite thereto (see
It should be noted that the direction of movement of the table extension 10 when in the transport position is perpendicular to the direction of movement is different of the table extension 10 when in the bagging position. The relative directions of movement correspond to the orientation of the forward and rearward ends in the two positions. That is, in the bagging position the agricultural bagging machine 12 moves in a direction that moves the forward end 24 of the table extension 10 ahead of the rearward end 26. Likewise, in the transport position the table extension 10 is moved under the power of a towing vehicle that moves the forward end 20 of the table extension 10 ahead of the rearward end 22.
In operation, the table extension 10 includes a table 30 that utilizes conventional chain and slat means to convey the material from the forward end 24 to the rearward end 26 during bagging operation. The table extension 10 includes a conventional hydraulic table motor 28 mounted to the table 30 for this purpose (the motor 28 is shown in detail but not described as it is of a conventional design and not considered an essential component of the present invention). The table 30 further includes hook plates 33 (see
The table extension 10 includes a lift mechanism 14 that underlies and supports the table 30. The table extension 10 also includes moveable side panels 23 that move into an upright horizontal position when the table extension 10 is in the bagging position, and lie flat on top of the table 30 when table extension 10 is in the transport position (see
The lift mechanism 14 moves the table extension 10 between the bagging and transport position, as well as providing support for the table 30. The lift mechanism 14 utilizes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders to operate a modified 4-bar linkage 34 to accomplish the movement. In particular, an axle lift cylinder 36 and a main folding cylinder 38 are the primary cylinders for moving the lift mechanism 14 between the bagging position and the transport position. The lift mechanism 14 also utilizes a table angle cylinder 40 and a hitch height cylinder 42 in the process. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of the invention the lift mechanism 14 is hydraulically driven and includes a power 4-bank hydraulic valve and manifold 44 (see
The structural components of the lift mechanism 14 will now be described in order better understand the movement of the lift mechanism 14 between the bagging and transport positions. These components comprise generally an axle assembly 46, a linkage assembly 56, and a hitch assembly 64, and will be described initially while in, and in reference to, the transport position. The axle assembly 46, best shown in
Turning now to the linkage assembly 56, shown best in
A support beam 74 pivotably attaches to the top of the two triangular upright beams 72 with elongated bolt and nut fasteners 19, which pass through the upper ends of the triangular beams 72 and through collar tubes 73 on the end of the support beams 74. A cotter pin 15 further secures the elongated bolt and nut fasteners 19. The support beam 74 is the point of connection between the linkage assembly 56 and the table 30. Collar brackets 76 pivotably attach with conventional nut and bolt fasteners through bracket holes 13 in the ends of the support beam 74 and then latch to the underside of the table 30 for this purpose. The collar brackets 76 detach and then are inserted through holes in collars 95 located on either side of the under side of the table 30, thereby locking the table to the support beam 74 (see
Additionally, an upright bar 60 pivotably mounts to one of the upright beams 72, through the side of one of the beam members 62. The elongated bolt and nut fasteners 71 pass through the upright bar 60, a collar 45, the beam member 62, and the bottom of the upright beam 72 to form the pivoting connection (see
The main folding cylinder 38 attaches to the end of the bracket plate 78 extending laterally outward from the support beam 74 with conventional nut and bolt fastener. The opposite end of the main folding cylinder 38 connects to the bracket plate 75 secured to a support plate 9 extending from the side of the support beam 74.
The table angle cylinder 40 secures to a bracket plate 77 secured to one of the frame members 62, and then extends upward to connect to the underside of the table 30 by attaching at to the back side of hook plate 33 (see
Shown best in
Operation of the table extension 10 begins in the transport position. The table extension 10 should be positioned adjacent the agricultural bagging machine 12, and remain attached to the towing vehicle. A power source is then attached to the 4-bank hydraulic manifold 44 to provide operational control of the various hydraulic cylinders of the table extension 10.
Next, the table angle cylinder lock 98 and the hitch height cylinder lock 122 are removed to allow for release of the cylinders 40 and 42. The table cylinder 40 is then retracted to move the table 30 from its transport position to a more horizontal position. The main folding cylinder 38 is then retracted to begin movement of the linkage assembly 56 and the axle assembly 46 into the bagging position. Retracting the main folding cylinder 38 moves the table 30 toward the forward end 20 of the table extension by pivoting the modified 4-bar linkage 34 in that direction. This moves the center of the weight of the table 30 off of the wheels 50, where it is when the table extension 10 is in the bagging position, toward the center of the lift mechanism 14 and lowers the table 30 as the triangular beams 72 move from a vertical position to a more diagonal position. Retraction of the main folding cylinder 38 also begins moving the axle assembly 46 because of the connection of the upright beam 60 and the linkage arm 61 to the bracket plate 78. Specifically, the linkage arm 61 is connected to the upper ear 69 of the lever plate 66, which as the linkage assembly 56 begins to move toward the forward end 20 of the table extension, will begin to rotate the lever plate 66 as well as the pivot bar 53 of the axle assembly 46 which in turn causes the movement of the axle assembly 46 out from under the table extension 10 and toward the rearward end 26 of the table extension 10.
Next, the collar brackets 76 are then inserted through the holes in the collars located on the underside of the table, and latched to secure the table to the support beam 74. The position of the table extension 10 can be precisely adjusted so that the hook plates 33 are centered over the nose tube 27 of the conveyor 11 of the agricultural bagging machine 12. The table extension 12 can then be further lowered into position by retracting the axle lift cylinder 36 and the hitch height cylinder 42 until the hooks 33 fully engage the nose tube 27. Retracting the axle lift cylinder 36 moves the axle assembly 46 further out from under the table extension 10 and toward the rearward end 26 of the table extension 10. This is accomplished in a manner similar to that described above in reference to retraction of the main folding cylinder 38. One end of the axle lift cylinder 36 is attached to the lower ear 67 of the pivot lever 66. After retraction of the main folding cylinder 38 the pivot lever 66 will have rotated counterclockwise from the poison shown in
Next, the table angle cylinder 40 can be adjusted to appropriately level the table 30 and bring the hooks 33 into full engagement with the nose tube 27, and the lift mechanism 14 is level under the table 30. The power source is disconnected from 4-bank hydraulic manifold 44 and released from the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is then moved away from table extension 10 and agricultural bagging machine 12 bagger. The rings 41 can then be locked into place to secure the table 30 to the nose tube 27 of the agricultural bagging machine 12. The side panels 23 of the table extension 10, and the side panels 23 of the agricultural bagging 12 can be raised and locked into place. Finally, hydraulic hoses can be connected to the motor 28 to power the table 30. The system is capable of operating the motor 28 and the motor on the conveyor of the agricultural bagging machine 12 in series from a central control panel of the agricultural bagging machine 12.
Converting from the bagging position to the transport position essentially requires reversing the process. The hydraulic attachment to the motor 28 is removed, and the side panels 23 of the table extension 10 lowered. The table extension 10 is then unlocked from the nose tube 27 of the conveyor 11 of the agricultural bagging machine 12, by removing the rings 41. The towing vehicle can then be connected to the hitch 18 of the table extension 12, and hydraulic power connected to the 4-bank valve manifold 44. The table 30 can then be raised off of the nose tube 27 of the conveyor 11 of the agricultural bagging machine 12 by extending the axle lift cylinder 36 and the hitch height cylinder 42 until the hooks 33 are clear of the nose tube 27 and the wheels 50 are in contact with the ground.
The table extension 10 can then be transported, however, only short distances. If bagging operations are to continue at the same site the table extension 10 can be transported as needed. If the table extension 10 needs to be transported any substantial distance, complete transition to the transport position will need to be completed.
To complete transition, the table 30 should be unlocked from the lift mechanism 14 by removing the collar bracket 76. The axle lift cylinder 36 and the hitch height cylinder 42 can be fully extended. The main folding cylinder 38 should be extended to move the axle assembly 46 and wheels 50 fully under the lift mechanism 14, and to begin raising the table 30 off of the lift mechanism 14. Next, the table angle cylinder 40 is extended to place the table 30 in the transport position (see
The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present inventions. The foregoing embodiments and the methods described herein may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art. Merely listing the steps of the method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the claims are so limited. Those skilled in the art that have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A table extension adapted for movement between a bagging position and a transport position for use with an agricultural bagging machine, comprising:
- a table for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural bagging machine;
- a frame for supporting said table; and
- a lift mechanism adapted for moving said table between said bagging position and said transport position, said lift mechanism in operable communication with said frame.
2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an axle assembly adapted for wheeled movement of said table extension when it is in said transport position.
3. The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein said axle assembly further comprises:
- a) an axle;
- b) wheels connected to said axle and rotateable to allow for said wheeled movement of said table extension when in said transport position;
- c) an axle frame connected to said axle for supporting said axle assembly and for operably connecting said assembly to said lift mechanism;
- d) an axle lift hydraulic cylinder connected to said axle frame for moving said axle assembly between said bagging and said transport position.
4. The invention in accordance with claim 3 wherein when said axle lift cylinder is extended said axle assembly supports said table extension for wheeled movement and when said axle lift cylinder is retracted said axle assembly is moved to a free standing position.
5. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a linkage assembly adapted for moving said table between said bagging and transport position.
6. The invention in accordance with claim 5, wherein the linkage assembly further comprises a four-bar linkage for accomplishing said movement.
7. The invention in accordance with claim 6, wherein the four-bar linkage further comprises:
- a support beam for support of said table;
- two beams pivotally and substantially perpendicularly connected at or near either ends of said support beam; and
- at least one frame member pivotally connected to said two triangular beams at ends opposite to said ends connected to said support beam.
8. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein said at least one frame member comprises two substantially parallel frame members.
9. The invention in accordance with claim 6 wherein said linkage assembly is hydraulically moved by a main folding cylinder.
10. The invention in accordance with claim 9 wherein said main folding cylinder operably moves said four-bar linkage between said bagging and transport position.
11. The invention in accordance with claim 9 further comprising an axle assembly adapted for wheeled movement of said table extension when it is in said transport position, and said axle assembly is operably connected to said lift mechanism, and wherein said main folding cylinder also moves said axle assembly.
12. The invention in accordance with claim 11 wherein said operable point of connection between said axle assembly and said lift mechanism is a pivot lever.
13. The invention in accordance with claim 5 wherein said lift mechanism further comprises a table angle cylinder for moving said table between said bagging and transport position.
14. The invention in accordance with claim 13 wherein when said table angle cylinder is extended said table is at an angle substantially transverse to the ground, and when said table angle cylinder is retracted said table is at an angle substantially parallel to the ground.
15. The invention in accordance with claim 13 wherein the table angle cylinder includes a cylinder lock wherein said lock is engaged when said table extension is in said transport position.
16. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a hitch assembly for providing the ability for said table to extension to be transported while in said transport position by a towing vehicle.
17. The invention in accordance with claim 16 wherein the hitch assembly further comprises
- a hitch for connection to the towing vehicle;
- a yoke connected on one end to said hitch and connected to said frame at the an opposite end; and
- a hitch height cylinder connected to said yoke for moving said hitch assembly between said bagging and transport positions.
18. The invention in accordance with claim 17 wherein said yoke is pivotally connected to said frame and said hitch.
19. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a hydraulic manifold for enabling hydraulic movement between said bagging and said transport position.
20. A lift mechanism for a table extension used with an agricultural bagging machine, comprising a mechanism for moving a table between a bagging and a transport position.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 22, 2004
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2005
Inventor: Ronald Hulshof (Sioux Center, IA)
Application Number: 10/829,879