AU2019271999B2

AU2019271999B2 - Harvesting tool

Info

Publication number: AU2019271999B2
Application number: AU2019271999A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Steven Ray Kastning; Chrisa Dawn McDougall-Kastning
Original assignee: Mcdougall Kastning Chrisa Dawn
Current assignee: Mcdougall Kastning Chrisa Dawn
Priority date: 2019-10-08
Filing date: 2019-11-28
Publication date: 2025-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-28
Also published as: CA3062467C; AU2019271999A1; WO2021068071A1; CA3062467A1; EP4040941A1; EP4040941A4

Abstract

A paddle tine (10) for use over a pickup tine previously fixed with a harvester reel tube (15) of a harvesting header comprises an elongated body (20) having a central cavity (25) therethrough and is adapted to slide over the pickup tine (16) of the harvester reel tube. An attachment mechanism (30), such as one or more resilient clips (31) with a fastening clip, is fixed with the proximal end of the elongated body to secure the paddle tine to the harvester reel tube over the pickup tine. Two opposing paddle webs (40) project laterally away from the elongated body proximate the distal end. FIG. 1 1/6 LO Cc CD CD

Description

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CD CD HARVESTING TOOL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to harvesting equipment, and more particularly to a paddle tine for use with a harvester reel tube.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Typical harvesting headers include a plurality of thin pickup tines fixed with a rotating harvester reel tube that rotates to sweep crops into the header machine. In some instances, it is desirable to include a larger "paddle" type tine for feeding more of the crop into the header machine. Slipping a paddle tine over the existing pickup tine is desirable so that the pickup tine does not have to be removed, and so that the reel can be converted back to the standard thin pickup tines by simply removing the auxiliary paddle tines.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a device that is easily installed over an existing pickup tine on a harvester reel tube. Such a needed invention would be relatively rigid and durable so as to handle the forces experienced during use.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect, the present invention provides an auxiliary tine configured to attach over an existing pickup tine on a harvester reel tube, the auxiliary tine comprising:

an elongated body portion having a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal length and first and second lateral sides defining a lateral width, the elongated body portion further having a longitudinal cavity extending through the longitudinal length, the longitudinal cavity configured to receive the existing pickup tine therein; a reel tube clip fixed at the proximal end of the elongated body portion, the reel tube clip having an arcuate portion configured to matingly receive an arcuate portion of the harvester reel tube laterall adjacent to opposing lateral sides of the existing pickup tine, an outer surface of the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip having an outwardly-projecting ledge; and a fastener clip having an arcuate portion configured to matingly receive another arcuate portion of the harvester reel tube , a distal end of the arcuate portion of the fastener clip having an inwardly-projecting flange; whereby, when the auxiliary tine is attached to the harvester reel tube, the existing pickup tine is received within the longitudinal cavity of the auxiliary tine, the fastener clip is fastened onto the reel tube clip with the inwardly-projecting flange of the fastening clip engaged with the outwardly-projecting ledge of the reel tube clip, and the arcuate portion of the fastener clip and the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip cooperatively encompass the harvester reel tube to secure the auxiliary tine onto the harvester reel tube over the existing pickup tine.

[0007] At attachment mechanism is fixed with the proximal end of the elongated body. Preferably the attachment mechanism includes one or more resilient clips. In some embodiments each resilient clip includes a relatively resilient inner portion fixed within a relatively rigid outer portion.

[0008] Two opposing paddle webs project laterally away from the elongated body proximate the distal end. Preferably each of the two opposing paddle webs includes a reinforced bottom portion having a thickness greater than the web portion thereof.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes at least one retaining ledge formed as part of each resilient clip. A resilient fastener clip is further included for encompassing the harvest reel tube and at least a portion of the resilient clips. The fastener clip has inwardly-projecting flanges, such that the retention clip may be secured over the harvest reel tube and the resilient clips of the proximal end of the elongated body to secure the paddle tine to the harvester reel tube.

[0010] The present invention is a device that is easily installed over an existing pickup tine on a harvester reel tube. The present device is relatively rigid and durable so as to handle the forces experienced during use. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a harvester reel tube having pickup tines fixed therewith, the paddle tine of the present invention positioned over the pickup tines;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention showing two different types of attachment mechanisms;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the invention, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

[0015] FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view showing a fastener clip exploded away from a distal end of an elongated body of the paddle tine;

[0016] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of FIG. 5 but with the fastener clip affixed with the distal end of the elongated body; and

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5B through a longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0019] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below" and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. When the word "each" is used to refer to an element that was previously introduced as being at least one in number, the word "each" does not necessarily imply a plurality of the elements, but can also mean a singular element.

[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an auxiliary tine 10 in the form of a paddle tine 10 for use with an existing pickup tine 16 fixed with a harvester reel tube 15 of a harvesting header or other machine (not shown). The auxiliary paddle tine 10 comprises an elongated, rigid body 20 having a longitudinal central cavity 25 therethrough from a proximal end 22 to proximate a distal end 28 thereof defining a longitudinal length and first and second lateral sides defining a lateral width of the elongated body 20. The elongated body 20 is adapted to slide over the existing pickup tine 16 of the harvester reel tube 15 (FIG. 4). As most existing pickup tines 16 are curved or arched, preferably the elongated body 20 is arched from the distal end 28 to the proximal end 22 from a side view (FIG. 4). A front side 21 of the elongated body 20 forms a concave side 24 and the rear side 29 forms a convex side (FIGS. 3 and 4). The front side 21 and rear side 29 preferably each include a longitudinally-aligned notch 50 for receiving therein portions of the existing pickup tine 16. Preferably the elongated body 20 is made from a rigid injection-molded plastic material.

[0021] An attachment mechanism 30 is fixed with the proximal end 22 of the elongated body 20. Preferably the attachment mechanism 30 includes one or more resilient reel tube clips 31 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) having an arcuate portion configured to matingly receive an arcuate portion of the harvester reel tube 15 laterally adjacent to opposing lateral sides of the existing pickup tine 16. The reel tube clip 31 has a lateral width. The longitudinal notch 50 extends through the reel tube clip 31. In some embodiments each resilient reel tube clip 31 includes a relatively resilient inner portion 36 fixed within a relatively rigid outer portion 35, the resilient inner portion 36 accommodating a shoulder of the existing pickup tine 16.

[0022] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 30 includes a pair of loops 32 (FIG. 2) projecting away from each of the reel tube clips 31, such that the auxiliary paddle tine 10 may be slid over the existing pickup tine 16 and secured to the harvester reel tube 15 with the resilient reel tube clips 31, a pair of plastic, resilient fastening ties 33 being threaded through each of the loops 32 and about the harvester reel tube 15 to further secure the auxiliary paddle tine 10 to the harvester reel tube 15. In some embodiments the fastening ties 33 are replaced with hook-and-loop fastening strips 34. In some embodiments the fastening ties 33 or hook and-loop fastening strips 34 are applied to embodiments of the auxiliary paddle tine 10 devoid of the loops 32 (not shown), and simply fasten around the resilient reel tube clips 31.

[0023] Two opposing paddle webs 40 project laterally away from the elongated body 20 proximate the distal end 28. The opposing paddle webs 40 define a lateral width greater than the lateral width of the elongated body portion 20. Preferably each of the two opposing paddle webs 40 includes a reinforced bottom portion 41 having a thickness greater than a web portion 42 thereof (FIGS.1 and 3).

[0024] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 30 includes at least one retaining ledge 37 (FIGS. 5A-6) formed as part of each resilient reel tube clip 31. Such a retaining ledge 37 preferably is oriented facing substantially towards the distal end 28 of the elongated body 20. A fastener clip 60 is further included. The fastener clip 60 has an arcuate portion to matingly receive another arcuate portion of the harvester reel tube 15 such that the arcuate portion of the fastener clip 60 and the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip 31 cooperatively encompass the harvester reel tube 15. The fastener clip 60 has inwardly-projecting flanges 65 and is resilient, such that the reel tube clip 31 may be secured over the harvest reel tube 15 and the resilient reel tube clips 31 of the proximal end 22 of the elongated body 20 to secure the auxiliary paddle tine 10 to the harvester reel tube 15. The arcuate portion of the fastener clip 60 has a lateral width proximate the lateral width of the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip 31.

[0025] Preferably in such embodiments a distal side of the resilient clips 31 each include a smooth outer surface 38 (FIG. 5A) from the retaining ledge 37 to the proximal end 22 of the elongated body 20, such that the inwardly-projecting flanges 65 of the fastening clip 60 contact the smooth outer surface 38 to separate the inwardly-projecting flanges 65 apart as the resilient fastening clip 60 engages the resilient clips 31. Once the inwardly projecting flanges 65 clear the retaining ledges 37 the inwardly-projecting flanges 65 snap back toward each other to engage the retaining ledges 37 and maintain the elongated body 20 on the harvester reel tube 15. Further, each resilient clip 31 preferably includes an outer lip 39 to laterally retain the resilient fastening clip 60 thereon.

[0026] While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

[0027] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

[0028] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0029] All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0030] Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above "Detailed Description." While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.

[0031] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. An auxiliary tine configured to attach over an existing pickup tine on a harvester reel tube, the auxiliary tine comprising: an elongated body portion having a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal length and first and second lateral sides defining a lateral width, the elongated body portion further having a longitudinal cavity extending through the longitudinal length, the longitudinal cavity configured to receive the existing pickup tine therein; a reel tube clip fixed at the proximal end of the elongated body portion, the reel tube clip having an arcuate portion configured to matingly receive an arcuate portion of the harvester reel tube laterally adjacent to opposing lateral sides of the existing pickup tine, an outer surface of the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip having an outwardly-projecting ledge; a fastener clip having an arcuate portion configured to matingly receive another arcuate portion of the harvester reel tube, a distal end of the arcuate portion of the fastener clip having an inwardly-projecting flange; whereby, when the auxiliary tine is attached to the harvester reel tube, the existing pickup tine is received within the longitudinal cavity of the auxiliary tine, the fastener clip is fastened onto the reel tube clip with the inwardly-projecting flange of the fastening clip engaged with the outwardly-projecting ledge of the reel tube clip, and the arcuate portion of the fastener clip and the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip cooperatively encompass the harvester reel tube to secure the auxiliary tine onto the harvester reel tube over the existing pickup tine.

2. The auxiliary tine of claim 1, further comprising:

a paddle portion at the distal end of the elongated body portion, the paddle portion having a lateral width greater than the lateral width of the elongated body portion.

3. The auxiliary tine of claim 2, wherein the paddle portion includes a web portion and a reinforced portion at a distal end of the web portion, the reinforced portion having a thickness greater than the web portion.

4. The auxiliary tine of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongated body portion is arced from the distal end to the proximal end forming a concave side and a convex side viewed in a side elevation from one of the first and second lateral sides.

5. The auxiliary tine of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a longitudinal notch extends through the reel tube clip and into the proximal end of the elongated body portion, the longitudinal notch receiving a proximal portion of the existing pickup tine.

6. The auxiliary tine of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip extends laterally from each of the first and second lateral sides of the elongated body portion defining a lateral width of the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip.

7. The auxiliary tine of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the arcuate portion of the fastener clip has a lateral width proximate the lateral width of the arcuate portion of the reel tube clip.