Grain tank extension

Details Grain tank extension Grain tank extension

1999-05-28

2001-03-27

Pezzuto, Robert E. (Department: 3671)

Crop threshing or separating

With hopper

C460S119000, C414S502000, C056S028000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06206779

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a grain tank extension for an agricultural combine and in particular to an extension having molded plastic corner panels with integrally formed studs at each end of the corner panels. The studs are used for attaching the corner panels to adjacent side panels with retaining pins so that the extension can be assembled and disassembled without the use of hand tools.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is a common practice to equip a combine grain tank with an extension to increase the holding capacity of the tank. The tank extension typically forms the highest part of the combine. To facilitate storage of the combine, the extension is made to be removed or lowered into the grain tank. This reduces the height of the combine so the combine may fit through a smaller doorway for inside storage of the combine during the off season. Many grain tank extensions are manufactured of steel with either solid or perforated sheet panels that are bolted to the upper end of the grain tank and are bolted to one another with a multitude of bolts. The result is numerous nut and bolt fasteners that must be removed to disassemble the extension for storage. Other extensions are made of wooden panels or canvas fabric supported on a steel frame. These extensions also have numerous nut and bolts fasteners.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a grain tank extension that is easily disassembled for storage of the extension in the grain tank of the combine.
It is a feature of the present invention that the grain tank extension is formed with straight side panels and uniquely shaped corner panels with the comer panels molded of plastic to be lightweight and easy to handle.
It is a feature of the present invention that the corner panels have projecting studs at each end that are inserted into apertures at the ends of adjacent side panels. The studs are held in the apertures by retaining pins to couple the side panels and corner panels to one another without the use of hand tools.
In a preferred embodiment, the side panels are rotatably mounted to the grain tank to pivot into the tank for storage. The corner panels each have downwardly extending posts that seat into pockets at the corners of the grain tank. The corner panels are removed by lifting the posts from the pockets. The corner panels are placed inside the grain tank for storage.
The corner panels are integrally formed with the stud at each end for coupling the corner panels to the side panels. The corner panels are formed with a double wall structure having a hollow interior. The hollow interior can be filled with rigid foam for added strength if desired. Flanges extend beyond the side panels and overlap abutting ends of adjacent corner panels. The flanges each have an aperture that receives the stud from the adjacent corner panel. The stud is held therein by a retaining pin to avoid the need for hand tools when lowering the extension for storage.
The overlapping flange at the ends of the side panels is shaped with a groove extending along the side panel end. Each corner panel in turned is formed with a raised rib that seats within the groove in the adjacent side panel flange. The overlapping flange and the rib and groove cooperate to form a circuitous path to resist leakage of grain between the corner and side panels.


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