AU2011200651B2

AU2011200651B2 - An Improved Rake and a Kitset of Parts

Info

Publication number: AU2011200651B2
Application number: AU2011200651A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Neville Allan Marsh
Original assignee: MARSHN PWB Ltd
Current assignee: MARSHN PWB Ltd
Priority date: 2011-02-09
Filing date: 2011-02-09
Publication date: 2015-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2031-02-09
Also published as: AU2011200651A1

Abstract

An improved rake and a kitset of parts for constructing same is provided. The rake includes a reinforcing band secured to two or more of the rake's arms. The reinforcing band provides rigidity and strength to the rake's arms to minimise 5 damage to these when the rake is in use. V//7 / ax .. ... 7 '.. ...

Description

AN IMPROVED RAKE AND A KITSET OF PARTS STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New 5 Zealand Patent Application Number 580714, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an improved rake and a kitset of parts. BACKGROUND ART 10 A swather rake is a tractor powered implement used to facilitate the collection of cut plant material for storage. These rakes organise cut plant material into rows from which this can be formed into bails or otherwise collected for storage. The rake has a number of arms that extend outwardly from a carriage. The ends of the arms define the radius of a circle. 15 Tines are secured to the arms. It is the tines that contact plant matter and organise this into rows during operation of the rake. An actuator can rotate the arms around their longitudinal axis through a range of approximately 45L. The actuator can also rotate around a vertical axis at the centre of the circle to thereby rotate the arms around the central reference. 20 In use, the arms rotate around the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis. This causes the tines to contact the cut plant material and organise this into a row. However, in use the arms may strike obstructions such as water troughs, fences, 1 or trees. This can cause damage to the arms such as bending or breaking. This is a significant hindrance to the use of these rakes. For instance, damage to the rake arms may mean that the rake cannot be used until the arms are repaired. If replacement arms must be ordered then the delay can be significant. 5 Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a system to minimise damage to swather rake arms. In addition, it would be advantageous if that system could be easily retrofitted to existing rakes, or could be easily secured to a number of different types of rake. Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing 10 problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any 15 reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common 20 general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or 25 steps. 2 Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 5 According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a rake, including a central body, a plurality of arms secured to the central body, an actuator configured to rotate the arms, characterised in that 10 the rake includes a reinforcing band secured to two or more of the arms. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kitset of parts configured to be secured to a rake, wherein the rake has a central body, a plurality of arms secured to the central body, and an actuator configured to rotate the arms, the kitset including: 15 a reinforcing band, a plurality of fasteners, characterised in that the reinforcing band can be secured to two or more of the arms. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of 20 preventing damage to a rake, wherein the rake includes a central body, a plurality of arms secured to the central 3 body, and an actuator configured to rotate the arms, the method characterised by the step of securing a reinforcing band to two or more of the arms. In a preferred embodiment the present invention relates to improvements to tractor 5 powered swather rakes. Reference herein will be made accordingly. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tractor powered swather rake may include a plurality of rake heads secured to a central body acts as a rotor. This is as should be known to those skilled in the art. Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "rake head" should be 10 understood as meaning the portion of the swather rake which moves the cut plant material to organise this into a row. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of rake heads may cooperate to organise plant material across a large area and organise this into a single row. This is as should be understood by those skilled in the art. Reference will be made herein accordingly. 15 However, this should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged. Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "carriage" should be understood as meaning the main body of a rake head. In a particularly preferred embodiment the carriage may have wheels and connectors to engage complementary connectors on a tractor. This embodiment 20 allows the rake to be towed by a tractor. In a preferred embodiment, the carriage may include a power take off ("PTO"). The PTO drives the actuator to rotate the arms of the rake. This is as should be understood by one skilled in the art. 4 In a preferred embodiment the arms may be secured to and extend away from the carriage. The length of the arms defines the radius of a circle from the centre of the carriage. Reference herein will be made to the length of the arms defining a circle. This 5 should be understood as meaning the circumference of a circle defined by the distal end of the arms to the carriage. In a preferred embodiment the arms may be substantially horizontal. Therefore, the plane of the circle defined by the arms is also substantially horizontal. Reference will be made here to the arms as being substantially horizontal. 10 However this should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged. Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "actuator" should be understood as meaning a component to rotate the arms. In a preferred embodiment the actuator may rotate each of the arms about an axis defined by its length. In this embodiment the arms act as an axle to rotate tines. 15 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the actuator may also rotate the arms about a substantially vertical axis at the centre of the circle. In this embodiment, the arms rotate around both their longitudinal axis, and about the axis at the centre of the circle. This is important in ensuring that the rake can organise cut plant material into rows 20 and is as should be understood by those skilled in the art. Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "reinforcing band" should be understood as referring to a component that provides additional strength to the arms. In a preferred embodiment the reinforcing band is secured to the arms at its distal 5 most point to the central body. That is, the band may be secured to the end of the arm and therefore sit substantially at the circumference of the circle. However, alternatives are envisaged including those where the band is secured at other positions along the length of the arm. 5 In a particularly preferred embodiment the reinforcing band is secured to all of the rake's arms. It is envisaged that the reinforcing band may be formed from two or more sections of material. This embodiment is advantageous as it allows the reinforcing band to be formed from shorter lengths of material. It is therefore easier to transport and 10 can be made from more readily available materials. However the foregoing should not be seen as limiting and it is envisaged as within the scope of the present invention that the reinforcing band may be a single length of material extending around the circumference of the circle. In a particularly preferred embodiment the reinforcing band is made from spring 15 steel. This ensures that the reinforcing band can provide resilient strength to the rake arms while in use. This is particularly beneficial in helping to ensure that the rake arms are not damaged by contact with objects or obstructions. In a particularly preferred embodiment the reinforcing band may include connection apertures. 20 Reference to the term "connection apertures" should be understood as meaning apertures configured to assist in securing a reinforcing band to the arms. The aspects of the connection apertures and interaction with a connection assembly will be discussed in more detail below. Throughout the present specification reference to the term "connection assembly" 6 should be understood as referring to a plurality of components to secure the reinforcing band to the rake arms. In a preferred embodiment the connection assembly includes a plurality of stub axles. 5 Throughout the present specification the term "stub axle" should be understood as referring to a component that can engage a rake arm. In a preferred embodiment, the stub axle may support the reinforcing band, and allow the arms to rotate around their longitudinal axis. This should become clearer from the following description. 10 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stub axle is configured to be inserted into a cavity in the end of the rake arm. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the shape and configuration of the stub axle will be selected according to the characteristics of the rake arm(s) with which it is used. This should become clearer from the following description. 15 However, alternatives are envisaged including those where the stub axle may surround a portion of the arm, or otherwise engage the arm. In a preferred embodiment, the stub axle may have an engagement portion and a bearing portion. In the preferred embodiment, the engagement portion may be the section of the 20 stub axle that is configured for insertion into a cavity in the end of a rake arm. Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "bearing portion" should be understood as meaning a section of the stub axle that can support the reinforcing band. In a preferred embodiment the bearing portion may be configured for insertion 7 through a slot aperture in the reinforcing band. The bearing portion may be a cylinder shape having dimensions in the range of: e A length of between 8 - 15mm; e A diameter of between 20 - 30mm. 5 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bearing portion may have a length of 11mm and a diameter of 25mm. The bearing portion may also have a shoulder. The term "shoulder" should be understood as meaning a section of greater width than the bearing portion. The shoulder abuts against the reinforcing band to 10 prevent this moving along the length of the arm. Preferably the shoulder may extend between 2 - 10mm past the edge of the bearing portion. The inventor has found these dimensions to be particularly advantageous due to the length of arms in commonly available rakes. However alternatives are 15 envisaged provided that the bearing portion can support the reinforcing band. In a preferred embodiment, a fastener may attach the reinforcing band to the stub axle. The fastener may be a combination bolt and washer. In this embodiment the bolt extends through the washer and slot aperture. Corresponding screw threads on 20 the stub axle and bolt engage, thereby securing the reinforcing band to the arms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the washer may have a concave contact surface. 8 Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "contact surface" should be understood as referring to a surface of a washer that sits against another component of the present invention. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the washer may provide a concave contact 5 surface against which a bolt head may abut. It is also envisaged that the washer may provide a convex contact surface that abuts against the reinforcing band, or that the washer provides a flat contact surface(s), or any combination of the forgoing. These aspects of the present invention should become clearer from the following 10 description. It should also be appreciated that the foregoing is not limiting and alternatives are envisaged for the connection assembly and its components. Throughout the present specification reference to the term "tines" should be understood as meaning a plurality of elongate projections. When the rake is used 15 the tines contact plant material on the ground; rotation of the arms causes the tines to lift the cut plant matter so as to organise it into rows. The tines may be formed integrally in arms of the rake, or be individual components secured to the arms. This is as should be understood by those skilled in the art. 20 The inventor has found that the present invention has a number of advantages. Firstly, the reinforcing band provides additional strength to the rake arms in use. This limits damage to the rake arms should they strike an object which is a trough or fence, significantly decreasing the amount of damage to the rake arms. 9 These benefits help to reduce the costs of replacing broken parts. Further, productivity is maximised by reducing downtime to repair broken rake arms. In addition, the inventor has found that the specific arrangement of the preferred embodiment is particularly advantageous in ensuring the effacious operation of the 5 present invention. Yet a further advantage is that the kitset can be easily retrofitted to existing rakes. Therefore, it is not necessary to purchase an entirely new and expensive piece of machinery to obtain the benefits of the present invention. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view showing the present invention in use; 15 Figure 2A and 2B show exemplary sections of a reinforcing band; Figures 3a - 3E are side perspective views of a stub axle forming part of a connection assembly; Figure 4A is an exploded view of the components of a connection assembly; and 20 Figure 4B is a view of Figure 4A with the components assembled. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention provides improvements to swather rakes. Throughout the Figures like references refer to like components. 10 The present invention may be sold as a kitset of parts including all or some of the components described in the following description. In this embodiment, the kitset may also include instructions describing how the parts are to be assembled and secured to the rake so as to achieve the present invention. 5 A swather rake (1) is shown in Figure 1 being towed by a tractor (2). A swather rake (1) is a device to organise cut plant material such as grass into a row. The swather rake (1) includes a plurality of rake heads (3, 4, 5, 6) mounted on a central body (7). Each rake head is a rotor that organises cut plant matter into a row. 10 The central body (7) is mounted on wheels (not visible in the Figures) to facilitate movement of the swather rake and this being towed behind the tractor (2). Rake heads (3-6) are offset to the side of central body (7) by outrigger arms (7A). This staggers the rakes heads (3-6) and provides a wide operational area. The outrigger arms (7A) allow the rake heads (3-6) to be raised to a storage and 15 transport position. The components of the rake heads (3-6) are identical and therefore will not be discussed separately. Rather a discussion of these features will be provided with reference to one rake head (3). Rake head (3) includes a carriage (8) having wheels (9). A plurality of arms (10) 20 extend from the carriage (8). The arms (10) are substantially horizontal but can pivot with respect to carriage (8) during normal operation of the swather rake (1). This allows the arms to be displaced vertically and thereby accommodate undulation in the ground with which rake (1) is used. The number and length of arms (10) varies depending on the manufacturer and 11 model of the swather rake (1). The length of the arms (10) from the centre of carriage (8) defines the radius of a circle (not indicated in the drawings). The circumference of the circle is defined by the ends arm (10) distal to carriage (8). 5 An actuator (11) is configured to rotate the arms about an axis defined by their length. This is through a range of approximately 452. The actuator (11) can also rotate the arms (10) about a substantially vertical axis at the centre of the circle (not indicated in the drawings). Tines (not visible in the Figures) are secured to the arms. The tines are long 10 enough that they can touch cut plant material as the swather rake (1) moves over this. Rotation of arms (10) causes tines to move cut plant material and organise that into a row. The foregoing is as should be understood by those skilled in the art. The rake head (3) includes a reinforcing band (12). The components of the 15 reinforcing band (12) will be discussed below with reference to its assembly and being secured to the rake head (2). The reinforcing band (12) is formed from multiple sections of material (13). The length of each section will vary depending on the circumference of the circle. Exemplary sections (13) of the reinforcing band (12) are shown in Figures 2A and 20 2B. Each section (13) of the reinforcing band (12) has connection apertures (14) and slot apertures (15). The connection apertures (14) are positioned to facilitate connecting the sections (13) together. The slot apertures (15) facilitate connecting the reinforcing band (12) to arms (10). 12 The position of slot apertures (15) and connection apertures (14) must be selected according to the number and length of the arms (10). This will vary between manufacturers. Parameters of the length of material, and position of connection and slot apertures (14,15) may be selected from the following: 5 Table 1 MAKE OF MODEL NUMBER LENGT NUMBER OF DISTANCE DISTANCE SWATHER OF H OF SLOT BETWEEN OF SLOT RAKE SECTIONS SECTI APERTURES CENTRES OF APERTURE ONS SLOT FROM END (METR APERTURES OF SECTION ES) (M) (M) Claas 680 2 5.800 7 0.973 0.860 2 4.040 4 0.973 0.860 780 2 5.347 6 0.973 0.300 2 5.010 5 0.973 0.835 780 2 5347 6 0.973 0.300 (bolt on arms) 2 5.010 5 0.973 0.960 2600 2 5.320 6 0.850 0.505 2 4.410 5 0.850 0.505 2700 4 5.320 6 0.860 0.510 2900 4 5.800 7 0.876 0.250 4 0.600 N/A N/A N/A 880 3 6.000 7 0.826 0.500 1 6.000 6 0.826 0.500 Krone 880 4 6.000 7 08.26 0500 Pottinger 881A 4 6.000 6 0.989 0.542 Lely 1015 5.135 5 0.976 0.615 A connection assembly (16) is used to secure the reinforcing band (12) to the rake head (2). The connection assembly (16) is formed from a stub axle (17), a washer (18) and bolt (19). Figure 4A shows a view of some of the components of the 10 connection assembly (16). The stub axle (17) is chosen to correspond to the shape of the end of the arms (10). This will vary depending on the make and model of the swather rake (1). A selection of stub axles (17) are shown in Figures 3A - 3E. 13 Each stub axle (17) has a first portion (20A) and a second portion (20B). The first portion (20A) is configured to be inserted into a cavity in an end of the arm (10). The second portion (20B) is a cylinder shape having a length of 11 mm and a diameter of 25mm. The second portion (20B) acts as a bearer to support the 5 sections of material (13). The slot apertures (15) are longer than the diameter of second portion (20B). Second portion (20B) has an aperture (21) in end (22). The aperture has an internal screw thread (not visible in Figures) complementary to a screw thread (23) on bolt (19). 10 The reinforcing band (12) and its attachment to the rake band (2) will now be described. Stub axles (17) are chosen to correspond to the arms (10). First portion (20A) of stub axle (17) is inserted into a cavity in arm (10). The stub axle is secured to arm by bolts that extend through arm and into stub axle (17). 15 A length of material (13) is positioned relative to the rake head (3). The second portion (20B) is inserted through one of the slot apertures (15). Washer (18) is positioned against outside surface (24) of the length of material (13). The washer (18) has a concave surface which limits or reduces loosening of bolt 20 (19) when the arms (10) are rotated in use. This helps to ensure that the reinforcing band (12) does not fall apart. The bolt (19) is inserted through the washer (18) and into aperture (21) and tightened. The complementary screw threads on the bolt (23, 19) and in side aperture (21) engage to secure the section of material (13) to the stub axle (17). 14 This process is repeated for adjacent arms that align with slot apertures (15) in the sections of material (13). Another section of material (13) of the reinforcing band (12) can be secured to the arms (10). 5 The sections of material (13) are secured to each other by overlapping these so that connection apertures (14) align. A fastener (not visible in Figures) is inserted through connection apertures (14) to secure the sections (13) to each other. This is repeated around the circumference of the circle (not indicated in the drawings) so as to form a rigid hoop. 10 Once completed, the swather rake (1) can be used as known in the art. However, the reinforcing band (12) provides strength and rigidity to the arms (10) in use. Therefore if the arms strike an object such as a water trough or fence they are less likely to bend. In addition, the connection assembly and stub axles allow the arms (10) to rotate 15 around the axis defined by their longitudinal axis. Therefore, the reinforcing band (12) does not hinder the normal operation of the swather rake (1). Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 15

Claims

1. A rake, including a rake head, wherein the rake head includes a carriage, a plurality of arms secured to the carriage, 5 an actuator configured to rotate the arms, a reinforcing band connected to two or more of the arms at an end of the arms that is distal to the carriage by stub axles when the rake is in use, wherein the connection of the arms to the reinforcing band is configured to enable the arms to rotate around an axis defined by the arm's length, 10 and wherein the reinforcing band includes a plurality of apertures and wherein each of the axles extends from one of the plurality of arms through an aperture in the band, and wherein at least one of the each apertures in the band is large enough that a stub axle extending therethrough has a degree of play so as to be able 15 to move with respect to the band.

2. The rake as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage includes a plurality of wheels.

3. The rake as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the arms about an axis defined by their length. 20

4. The rake as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of tines are secured to the arms. 16

5. The rake as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcing band is connected to all of the plurality of arms

6. The rake as claimed in claim 5, wherein the reinforcing band is a rigid hoop.

7. The rake as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rigid hoop is formed from a 5 plurality of sections of material.

8. The rake as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each stub axle includes a first portion configured to engage one of the plurality of arms and a second portion configured to engage the reinforcing band.

9. The rake as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first portion is a protrusion 10 having a shape such that it can be inserted into a cavity in the arm and the second portion extends through a slot aperture in the reinforcing band.

10. The rake as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, including a bolt having a head and a body, wherein the body engages the second portion of the stub axle to connect the reinforcing band to the arm. 15

11. The rake as claimed in claim 10 including a washer having a concave surface positioned between the bolt head and the reinforcing band wherein the bolt head abuts the concave surface of the washer.

12. The rake as claimed in claim 11 wherein the washer includes a convex surface that abuts the reinforcing band. 20

13. A kitset of parts for constructing a rake wherein the rake includes a rake head which includes a carriage, a plurality of arms secured to the carriage, and an actuator configured to rotate the arms, the kitset including 17 a set of instructions, lengths of material that are long enough to be connected to two or more of the plurality of arms at the end of the arms that is distal to the carriage, a plurality of stub axles, 5 wherein the lengths of material have preformed apertures so that when the kitset is assembled the stub axles can extend through the lengths of material, and wherein at least one of the apertures is large enough that when the kitset is assembled and in-use the stub axles have a degree of play so as to be able to move with respect to the length of material. 10

14. The kitset as claimed in claim 13 wherein the set of instructions teach a person to assemble the kitset in such a way that each of the stub axles extend through one of the apertures in the lengths of material and into an aperture in one of the arms of the rake.

15. The kitset as claimed in either one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the lengths of 15 material are long enough that they can be secured to the plurality of arms at points distal to the central body so as to form a rigid hoop.

16. The kitset of parts as claimed in any one of claims 13 - 15, wherein each stub axle includes a first portion having a shape such that it can be inserted into a cavity in one of the plurality of arms. 20

17. The kitset as claimed in anyone of claims 13 - 16, wherein the stub axles include a second portion configured to extend through an aperture in the length(s) of material. 18

18. The kitset of parts as claimed in anyone of claims 13 to 17, wherein the separation of adjacent apertures in the lengths of material corresponds to the distance between ends of adjacent arms of the rake.

19. The kitset as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, including a plurality of 5 bolts having threads corresponding to a thread on the second portion of the axles.

20. A kitset of parts as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19, including a plurality of washers having either a concave or a convex surface. 10 19