WO2023037170A1

WO2023037170A1 - A band for straw pick up assembly for balers

Info

Publication number: WO2023037170A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/051974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Narayanankutty Pramod Perinchery
Original assignee: Ashlyn Antony
Current assignee: Ashlyn Antony
Priority date: 2021-09-09
Filing date: 2022-03-07
Publication date: 2023-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-09

Abstract

The present disclosure envisages a band (100) for a straw pick up assembly (102) for balers. The band (100) comprises a curved body (101), a plurality of bolt holes (112), and a sleeve portion (114) along with a slit (116). The curved body (101) has a first operative end (1) and a second operative end (2). The plurality of bolt holes (112) is configured on the first operative end (1). Each of the bolt holes (112) is configured to allow the first operative end (1) to be fastened on a projection (104A) of the main bracket (104). The sleeve portion (114) along with the slit (116) is configured at the second operative end (2). The sleeve portion (114) is configured to receive a projection (104B) of the main bracket (104) and allow the projection (104B) to engage with the slit (116), thereby preventing up/ down and sideways movement of the band (100).

Description

A BAND FOR STRAW PICK UP ASSEMBLY FOR BALERS

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of agricultural apparatus.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Typically, balers are used for baling straw, hay, and other trashes from the field. The main part of a baler is a straw pickup apparatus that helps in picking up straw from field and transfer to the baling chamber. The straw pick up consists of a reel in which 4 or 5 tine bars are fitted on equidistant angles as per the size of pickup which can freely rotate on their axis, and a main bracket which holds the reel and bands, spring tines fitted on the tine bars. The bands are made of sheet metal parabolic structure to wrap the reel leaving the spring tine to rotate between bands. Figure 1A and Figure IB depict bands 100’ bolted on top and bottom to the main bracket 104 of the straw pickup assembly 104 to maintain the shape and rigidity of the bands 100’. The straw pickup assembly 104 is the lowest part of the baler which facilitates picking up of straw from a field. The bottom bolts 108 of the bands 100’ are difficult to remove which makes it difficult to detach the bands 100’ from the main bracket 104. However, at many times the removal of the bands 100’ causes wear or breakage or to replacement of the spring tine 110. Further, the number of bands 100’ is more in case of wider straw pickup, and therefore requires more assembling time in case of production. Moreover, sideways movement of the bands 100’ will create excessive noise and wear to the band 100’ and that it touches the spring tine 110 in the reel 106 during baling. Further, by the external impact to the bands 100’, there are chances of up and down movement of the bands 100’. This also creates the noise and causes wear to the band 100’ as it frequently touches the spring tine 110 in the reel 106.

There is, therefore, felt a need for a band for the straw pick up assembly for balers that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks. OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a band for a straw pick up assembly for balers.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide band for a straw pick up assembly for baler that is rigid.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a band for a straw pick up assembly for baler that is easy to attach and detach.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a band for a straw pick up assembly for baler that helps in minimizing the assembly effort and time.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a band for a straw pick up assembly for baler that is easy to maintain.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a band for a straw pick up assembly for balers. A plurality of bands is configured to be coupled with a tine mounting bracket of the straw pick up assembly, said tine mounting bracket defined by a first set of projections and a second set of projections, said bands configured to rotate along with a plurality of tines to form a bale of straw. The band comprises a curved body, a plurality of bolt holes, and a sleeve portion along with a slit. The curved body has a first operative end and a second operative end. The plurality of bolt holes is configured on the first end of the body. Each of the bolt holes is configured to allow the first operative end to be fastened on a projection of the first set of projections. The sleeve portion along with the slit is configured at the second operative end. The sleeve portion is configured to receive a projection of the second set of projections of the main bracket. The sleeve portion is further configured to allow the projection to engage with the slit, thereby preventing up/ down and sideways movement of the band while baling of straw.

In an embodiment, the second set of projections is non-linear. In another embodiment, the second set of projections is curved.

In an embodiment, the sleeve, the slit, and the bolt holes facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the band to and from main bracket.

In an embodiment, the first operative end of the element is of a rigid material having bolt holes configured thereon.

In an embodiment, the band is of sheet metal, plastic or polymer to enable the band to be rigid.

In an embodiment, the first operative end of the band is configured to apply pressure to the second operative end of the band to enable rigidity of said band while baling.

In an embodiment, the bands are configured to be coupled with the first set of projections and the second set of projections.

In an embodiment, the band has a flat elongated body having reinforcing ribs/ beading configured along its edges.

In an embodiment, the first set of projections has through holes configured thereon. The axis of each of the through holes exactly matches with the axis of each of the bolt holes to receive a bolt therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

The band of the present disclosure for straw pick up assembly for balers will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of a typical straw pick up assembly depicting conventional bands bolted at top and bottom of a main bracket in between spring tines;

Figure IB illustrates an isometric view of the main bracket with conventional band bolted at the top and the bottom of thereof; Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the band of the present disclosure which is engaged at the bottom portion of the main bracket and is bolted at the top portion of the main bracket;

Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the band of Figure 2 with bolt holes at one end and sleeve and slit at another end of the band; and

Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate isometric views of the band of Figure 2 being coupled to the main bracket.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 - First end

2 - Second end

100 - Band for straw pick up assembly for balers

100’ - Conventional band

101 - Curved body

102 - Straw-pick up assembly

104 - Main bracket

104 A - First projections

104B - Second curved projections

106 - Reel with bars

108 - Bolts

110 - Spring tine

112 - Bolt holes

114 - Sleeve portion

116 - Slit

118 A, 118B - Reinforcing ribs/ beads DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures. Figure 1A depicts a typical straw pick up assembly 102 having rotating pickup reel and bars 106. The reel 106 has pickup teeth or spring tines 110 that pick-up the crop that is in a windrow. The rotating tines 110 rotate about an axis where the tines 110 beneath the axis are moving in the direction that the baler is being propelled so that the tines 110 get under and lift up the crop material and deliver it to another section that further moves the harvested crop. Between two tines 110 there is coupled a band 100’ to the top and bottom portion of a main bracket 104. A plurality of such bands 100’ is to be bolted side-by-side to a first set of projections 104A and a second set of projections 104B of the main bracket 104 between tines 110. The bands 100’ are bolted via bolts 108.

Figure IB depicts an enlarged isometric view of the main bracket 104 with the band 100’ bolted to the projections 104A and the projections 104B. During baling operation, sideways movement of the bands 100’ creates excessive noise and wear to the band 100’ and that the band 100’ frequently touches the spring tine 110 in the reel 106 during baling. Further, by the external impact to the bands 100’, there are chances of up and down movement of the bands 100’. This also creates the noise and causes wear to the band 100’. Further, the bottom bolts 108 of the main bracket 104 are difficult to remove, which makes it difficult to detach the bands 100’ from the main bracket 104. However, at many times the removal of the bands 100’ causes wear or breakage and even replacement of the spring tines 110.

Therefore, to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the present disclosure envisages a band 100 for a straw pick up assembly 102 for balers. A plurality of the bands 100 is configured to be coupled adjacent to each other with a tine mounting bracket/ main bracket 104 of the straw pick up assembly 102 and configured to rotate along with plurality of tines 110 to form a bale of straw. In an embodiment, the tine mounting bracket 104 is defined by first set of projections 104 A and a second set of projections 104B. In an embodiment, the second set of projections 104B is non-linear. In another embodiment, the second set of projections 104B is curved.

The band 100 (hereinafter referred to as “band 100”) for straw pickup assembly 102 for balers will now be described with reference to Figure 2 through Figure 6.

Referring to Figure 3, the band 100 comprises a curved body 101, a plurality of bolt holes 112, and a sleeve portion 114 along with a slit 116. The curved body 101 has a first operative end 1 and a second operative end 2. The plurality of bolt holes 112 is configured on the first operative end 1 of the body 101. Each of the bolt holes 112 is configured to allow the first operative end lof the band 100 to be bolted via bolts 108 on a projection of the first set of projections 104A of the main bracket 104. In an embodiment, the first set of projections 104A have through holes. The axis of each of the through holes matches exactly with the axis of each of the bolt holes 112 to receive a bolt 108 therein. This allows secure bolting of the first operative end 1 of the band 100 with the projection 104A.

The sleeve portion 114 along with the slit 116 is configured at the second operative end 2 of the body 101. The sleeve portion 114 is configured to receive a curved projection of the second set of curved projections 104B of the main bracket 104. The sleeve portion 114 is further configured to allow the curved projection 104B to engage with the slit7 116, thereby preventing sideways movement of the band 100 while baling. The bolting of the first end 1 of the band 100 prevents up/ down while baling of straw. In an embodiment, the bands 100 are configured to be bolted with the first set of projections 104 A and coupled with the second set of projections 104B.

The band 100 a flat elongated body having reinforcing ribs/ beading 118A, 118B configured along its edges.

In an embodiment, the sleeve 114, the slit 116, and the bolt holes 112 facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the band 100 to and from main bracket 104.

In an embodiment, the band 100 is of a sheet metal, plastic or polymer and the like, to enable the band 100 to be rigid.

In another embodiment, the first operative end 1 of the band 100 is configured to apply pressure to the second operative end 2 of the band 100 to enable rigidity of the band 100 while baling.

In an embodiment, the first operative end 1 of the band 100 is of a rigid material having the bolt holes 112 configured thereon.

Referring to Figure 4 to Figure 6, the first and second set of projections 104A, 104B are engaged with the band 100. The second end 2 of the band 100 is pushed to allow the sleeve portion 114 to receive the curved projection 104B and allow the curved part of the projection 104B to come out of the slit 116. The second end 2 is securely held by the curved projection 104B. Further, the first end 1 of the band 100 having bolt holes 112 is placed on the projection 104A having through holes. The first end 1 is bolted via bolts 108 with the projection 104A (please refer Figure 2 and Figure 6).

The band 100 of the present disclosure is rigid, is easy to attach and detach, and helps in minimizing the assembly effort and time. Further, the band 100 is subjected to less wear and tear as compared to the conventional band 100’. Also, the band 100 of the present disclosure is easy to maintain.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a band for straw pick assembly for balers, that:

• is rigid;

• is easy to attach and detach;

• helps in minimizing the assembly effort and time;

• is easy to maintain; and

• has less wear and tear during baling and during attachment/ detachment.

The embodiments as described herein above, and various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known aspects, components and molecular biology techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The foregoing description of specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein, that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications of such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. Further, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the present disclosure with reference to the described embodiments, it will be recognized that the described embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the scope of such principles.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A band (100) for a straw pick up assembly (102) for balers, a plurality of said bands (100) configured to be coupled with a tine mounting bracket (104) of the straw pick up assembly (102), said tine mounting bracket (104) defined by a first set of projections (104A) and a second set of projections (104B), said bands (100) configured to rotate along with a plurality of tines (110) to form a bale of straw, said band (100) comprising: a. a curved body (101) having a first operative end (1) and a second operative end (2); b. a plurality of bolt holes (112) configured on the first operative end (1) of the body (101), each of the bolt holes (112) configured to allow the first operative end (1) to be fastened on a projection of the first set of projections (1404A); and c. a sleeve portion (114) along with a slit (116) configured at the second operative end (2), said sleeve portion (116) configured to receive a projection of the second set of projections (104B) of the main bracket (104), and further configured to allow the projection (104B) to engage with the slit (116), wherein said bolt holes (112), said sleeve portion (114), and said slit (116) prevent up/ down and sideways movement of the band (100) while baling of straw.

2. The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second set of projections (104B) are non-linear.

3. The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second set of projections (104B) are curved.

4. The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sleeve portion (114), said slit (116), and said bolt holes (112) facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the band (100) to and from main bracket (104).

5. The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first operative end (1) of the band (100) is of a rigid material having said bolt holes (112) configured thereon.

6. The band (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said band (100) is of sheet metal, plastic or polymer to enable the band (100) to be rigid. The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first operative end (1) of the band (100) is configured to apply pressure to the second operative end (2) of the band (100) to enable rigidity of said band (100) while baling. The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bands (100) configured to be coupled with said first set of projections (104A) and said second set of projections (104B). The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said band (100) has a flat elongated body having reinforcing ribs/ beading (118A, 118B) configured along edges thereon. The band (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first set of projections (104 A) have through holes configured thereon, wherein axis of each of said through holes exactly match with the axis of each of said bolt holes (112) to receive a bolt (108) therein.