CA2212881A1 - Combine concave kit - Google Patents
Combine concave kitInfo
- Publication number
- CA2212881A1 CA2212881A1 CA 2212881 CA2212881A CA2212881A1 CA 2212881 A1 CA2212881 A1 CA 2212881A1 CA 2212881 CA2212881 CA 2212881 CA 2212881 A CA2212881 A CA 2212881A CA 2212881 A1 CA2212881 A1 CA 2212881A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cross
- members
- bar
- concave
- grid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F12/00—Parts or details of threshing apparatus
- A01F12/18—Threshing devices
- A01F12/26—Multi-part threshing concaves
Abstract
A kit of components for assembling a concave for use with a combine or threshing machine includes a plurality of cross-bar members pre-drilled with a set of apertures along the centerline thereof to accept removable grid-defining subassemblies. The kit also includes side-plate members that can be bolted in place in the combine or threshing machine, each of which carries a brace member that receives the ends of the cross-bar members. Brackets and bolts are provided to secure each cross-bar member and associated grid-defining subassembly to an adjacent end brace member as well as to intermediate brace members so that any cross-bar member can be removed and replaced if necessary. Furthermore, any cross-bar member can be turned over to present another working edge to the rotor of the combine or threshing machine. It is seen that by utilizing the concave kit of this invention it is possible for a farmer to remove the entire concave from his harvesting equipment and to then repair or rebuild the concave on site, without having to either buy a new concave or spend considerable time and effort in using welding equipment to dismantle and rebuild a conventional concave. Additionally, if the harvesting equipment is to be used to harvest a different crop, one requiring a different grid size, it is possible to modify the concave of the present invention merely by replacing the original grid-defining subassemblies with ones having a different grid size.
Description
The present invention relates to a combine or threshing machine in general, and to a removable concave therefor in particular.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
s Combines and threshing machines are used in the harvesting of grains and other crops such as corn to remove the desired grains, for example, from the plant. The grains are removed from the plant stalk and are deposited in a container carried by the machine, while the stalks are thrown from the machine to lay on the ground, as chaff.
10 Most, if not all, present day combines and threshing machines remove the grains from the stalks in essentially the same manner, by passing the plants between a rotating rotor and a concave, the concave extending along the length of the rotor and being in close proximity thereto. As suggested by its name, a concave is transversely arcuate presenting a concave threshing surface to the arcuate rotor. The threshing 15 surface of the concave is constructed as an open grid or mesh so that the separated grains can pass therethrough to a conveyor which in turn carries the grains to the container. The size of the grid will depend on the crop being harvested, the grid being coarser for corn than it is for wheat or oats.
Over time, the threshing surface of the concave will wear or will be damaged, perhaps by stones and other debris that is picked up during harvesting. A typical concave is a welded assembly with rectangular cross-members and transverse rods defining the grid of the concave and its mesh size. The rods pass through the cross-members below the working edge of each and it is the working edges that will usually wear, requiring replacement of the concave. There is therefore a need for a new concave, one that can be readily removed from a combine or threshing machine andreplaced therein, one that can be easily and readily repaired should it become worn or damaged, and one that can be readily and easily reconfigured to accommodate different mesh or grid sizes for different crops.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and meets the requirements suggested above. The invention provides a concave kit for a combine5 or threshing machine that includes a plurality of cross-bar members pre-drilled with a set of apertures along the centerline thereof to accept removable grid-defining subassemblies. The kit also includes side-plate members that can be bolted in place in the combine or threshing machine, each of which carries a brace member that receives the ends of the cross-bar members. Brackets and bolts are provided to 10 secure each cross-bar member and associated grid-defining subassembly to an adjacent end brace member as well as to intermediate brace members so that any cross-bar member can be removed and replaced if necessary. Furthermore, any cross-bar member can be turned over to present another working edge to the rotor of the combine or threshing machine. It is seen that by utilizing the concave kit of this 15 invention it is possible for a farmer to remove the entire concave from his harvesting equipment and to then repair or rebuild the concave on site, without having to either buy a new concave or spend considerable time and effort in using welding equipment to dismantle and rebuild a conventional concave. Additionally, if the harvestingequipment is to be used to harvest a different crop, one requiring a different grid size, 20 it is possible to modify the concave of the present invention merely by replacing the original grid-defining subassemblies with ones having a different grid size.
Broadly speaking, the present invention may be considered as providing a kit of components for assembling a concave for cooperation with a 5 rotor of a combine or threshing machine, comprising: a pair of generally arcuate mirror-image side-plate members including means for removable attachment thereof within a combine or threshing machine; a plurality of generally arcuate end brace members each having inner and outer arcuate edges and a plurality of generally rectangular cut-outs extending into the end brace member normal to 10 the inner arcuate edge thereof, each of the side-plate members having an end brace member secured to an inwardly facing surface thereof; a plurality of generally rectangular cross-bar members positionable between the side-plate members, each of the cross-bar members being receivable at the ends thereof in a corresponding cut-out of an adjacent end brace member; means for 15 removably securing each cross-bar member to the adjacent end brace member;
and a plurality of removable grid-defining subassemblies extendable between and normal to each of the cross-bar members, each grid-defining subassembly being securable to an adjacent cross-bar member; whereby the cross-bar members are reversible after one longitudinal edge thereof has become worn to present the 20 other longitudinal edge to a rotor of the combine or threshing machine and whereby said grid-defining subassemblies can be removed and replaced by grid-defining subassemblies defining a different grid size.
HWR:lcd - 3 -. CA 02212881 1997-08-12 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art concave, it being appreciated that a concave constructed in accordance with the present invention will have a similar appearance.
Figure 2 is a plan view of a side-plate member as used with the present invention.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a brace member as used with the present invention .
Figure 4, 5 and 6 are a perspective views of three types of cross-bar members as used with the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a transverse brace member as used with the present invention.
Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of two types of angle brackets as used with the present invention, Figure 10 shows an end view of the grid-defining subassemblies as used with the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a transverse cross-section through a number of the components creating a concave adjacent a side-plate.
HWR:lcd - 4 -Figure 12 illustrates another transverse cross-section through the components of the invention adjacent an intermediate brace member.
Figure 13 illustrates a partial plan view of an assembly of the components of the present invention.
Figure 1 illustrates a prior art concave 10, all components of which are welded together, meaning that the entire concave must be replaced if such components are worn or if a new crop is to be harvested, one requiring a different grid size. The concave 10 includes arcuate end members 12, a plurality10 of transverse cross-bar members 14, back braces 16 and a plurality of rod-like grid members 18 spaced apart across the concave and extending between adjacent cross-bar members at right angles thereto. The grid members and the cross-bar members define the grid of the concave, with the uppermost edges of the cross-bar members defining the threshing surface of the concave subjected 15 to the rotor of the machine.
The present invention takes the conventional concave 10 as seen in Figure 1 and breaks it down into a number of separate components and subassemblies which can be assembled and disassembled at will. It is possible to remove and replace worn or broken parts and it is possible to rebuild a 20 concave to accommodate different crops requiring different grid sizes. When the components of the present invention are assembled together the appearance of the resulting concave will be essentially the same as that of a conventional concave, such that the new concave could easily replace a conventional concave in a combine or threshing machine.
HWR:lcd - 5 -Figures 2 through 8 illustrate the various components of the concave of the present invention. In Figure 2 the first component to be discussed is the side plate 20 manufactured from hot rolled steel plate of about 10mm (.375n) thickness. The5 side plate has generally arcuate inner and outer edges 22 and 24 respectively with large and small diameter mounting holes 26 and 28 respectively therethrough.
Welded to the side plate 20 as seen in Figure 3 is an end brace member 30 which is shorter than a side plate and has arcuate inner and outer edges 32 and 34 respectively. Spaced apart along the length of the inner edge 32 is a plurality of 10 generally rectangular cut-outs 36 extending into the body of the brace member 30 generally normal to the inner edge 32. The length of the brace member is less than that of the side plate 20 so that the mounting holes 26, 28 are not obstructed by the brace member 30. Additional or intermediate brace members 30' are provided, as discussed hereinafter, for extra support of the concave components after assembly.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 show three types of cross-bar members used with the present invention. Figure 4 shows a first cross-bar member 38 having a length ofabout 165cm (65"), a thickness of about 10mm (.375") and a depth of about 6.4cm (2.5"). The material is preferably a 1045 hot rolled carbon steel. Spaced apart along 20 the length of the cross-bar 38 is a first plurality of square holes 40 positioned on the centerline of the member. The holes are symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal center of the member although the spacing is not uniform from hole to hole. The cross-bar member has longitudinal edges 42 and 44, one of which will be the working or threshing edge once the concave has been assembled. Figure 5 shows 25 a second type of cross-bar member 46 having a plurality of holes 48 which are also symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal center of the member but with a different, non-uniform spacing when compared to the first member 38.
A typical concave assembly will utilize six of the first cross-bar members 38 and five of the second cross-bar members 46, with the cross-bar members 46 alternating with the cross-bar members 38. Each cross-bar member is adapted to be received within a cut-out 36 of a brace member 30.
Figure 6 illustrates the third type of cross-bar member, namely front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50' respectively which are sized the same as the members 38, 46 and made of hot rolled steel. Each cross-bar member 50, 50' has mounting holes 52 therethrough along the centerline thereof, the spacing of the holes 52 being different again from the spacing of the holes 40 and 48 foundin the cross-bar members 38 and 46 respectively. Close to one edge 54 of the cross-bar member 50, 50' is a plurality of small diameter (6.4 mm or l/4") holes56 provided in uniformly spaced groups of seven holes, with each group being separated from each other by a distance somewhat greater than the spacing between holes.
Figure 7 shows a transverse brace member 58 of 6.4 mm (1/4") hot rolled steel having essentially the same length and depth of a cross-bar member.Each brace member 58 has a plurality of spaced apart holes 60 along the centerline thereof and a plurality of small diameter holes 62 adjacent to one edge, the holes being provided in groups that are aligned with the groups of holes 56 provided in the front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50'.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate, in perspective, two types of angle brackets, a small bracket 64 and a large bracket 66. Both brackets have a short leg 68 and a longer leg 70 or 72 as the case might be, the leg 70 being associated withthe small bracket 64 and the leg 72 being associated with the bracket 66. The 25 longer leg of bracket 64 is provided with an aperture in the form of an oblong HWR:lcd - 7 -through hole 74, while the longer leg of bracket 66 is provided with an aperturein the form of a slot 74'.
Figures 10, 11, 1Z and 13 illustrate the assembly of the various components of this invention to create a new concave. Initially the brace members 58 are paired as shown in Figure 10 with a 6.4 mm (1/4/') diameter rod 76 extending between each pair of aligned holes 62, from one brace member to the adjacent brace member. Rods of slightly different lengths are used to createthe desired arcuate nature of the concave, a typical concave of this invention utilizing 540 rods that are 3.25 cm (1.278") long, 60 rods that are 3.74 cm (1.471") long, 60 rods that are 4.23 cm (1.665") long and 60 rods that are 5.07 cm (1.977") long. Each rod is welded at its end to the adjacent brace member 58. It is also noted in Figure 10 that one set of rods 76 extends between a brace member 58 and the front cross-bar member 50 while another set of rods 76 extends between a brace member 58 and the rear cross-bar member 50'. The combination of rods and transverse brace members, or rods, transverse brace member and front or rear cross-bar member creates the aforementioned grid-defining subassembly of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates the assembly of components at one end of the concave. There, a side plate 20 is shown with a brace member 30 Iying thereagainst and welded thereto. Alternating cross-bar members 38 and 46 are shown resting in the cut-outs 36 with the front cross-bar 50 resting against andwelded to the forward edge 78 of the brace member and the rear cross-bar 50' resting against and welded to the rear edge 80 of the brace member. The transverse brace members 58 with rods 76 extending therebetween are positioned with one of the pairs of brace members 58 being positioned against the adjacent face of one cross-bar member while the other brace member of the HWR:lcd - 8 -. CA 02212881 1997-08-12 pair is positioned against the adjacent face of the adjacent cross-bar member.
Along the length of each cross-bar member an angle bracket 64 or 66 is located at each mounting hole 52 of each cross-bar member. The brace members are connected to the cross-bars by way of a bolt 82 extending through a hole 74 or a slot 74' of an angle bracket 64 or 66, a hole 60 of a first brace member 58, a hole 52 of the cross-bar, and a hole 60 of the other brace member 58. A nut 84 is threaded onto and tightened on each nut 82 as seen in Figure 11.
From one cross-bar member 38 to an adjacent cross-bar member 46 the small angle brackets 64 are positioned so that the longer legs 70 thereof 10 extend in opposite directions as shown in Figure 13. The short leg 68 of eachsuch angle bracket abuts an intermediate brace member 30' which is identical to a brace member 30 but is positioned at a location spaced from the end of the concave and in alignment with the gap between groups of holes 56 or 62 as seen in Figure 12. In the illustrated version of the present invention there are15 eight of the intermediate brace members 30' spaced along the length of the concave, there being one end brace member 30 at each end, welded to the adjacent end plate 20 as previously described. Each angle bracket short leg 68 is welded to the adjacent side of the adjacent intermediate brace member 30', while the short leg of each angle bracket 64 or 66 adjacent the respective end 20 brace members 30 is welded thereto as well. The respective end edges of the intermediate brace members 30' are welded to the front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50'.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the components as described herein are used to create several subassemblies that can be used to create new 25 and different concave configurations or to repair worn or broken concaves. One subassembly includes an end plate 20 having an end brace member 30 welded HWR:lcd - 9 . CA 02212881 1997-08-12 thereto, there being alternating small and large angle brackets 64, 66 welded tothe end brace member at alternating cutouts 36, and front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50' welded to the forward and rear end edges 78, 80 respectively of the end brace member 30. A second subassembly is formed by each 5 intermediate brace member 30' having angle brackets 64 welded thereto as described above, with each intermediate brace member being welded to the front and rear cross-bar members as described above. A third subassembly is formed by the spaced transverse brace members 58 with the plurality of rods 76 extending therebetween as seen in Figure 10 and is the grid-defining 10 subassembly referenced hereinabove.
A basic framework for a concave is formed by the first and second subassemblies described above. To create a concave one need only insert the cross-bar members 38, 46 into the cutouts 36 of the end and intermediate brace members and then insert the third subassemblies into the cutouts so that a 15 transverse brace member 58 abuts a face of the cross-bar member. Then the bolts 82 are pushed through the aligned holes of the angle brackets, transverse brace members and cross-bar members, and the nuts 84 threaded onto the threaded end of the respective bolt and tightened thereon.
If it is necessary to replace a broken or a worn cross-bar member one 20 need only remove the concave from the combine or threshing machine, undo the bolts and nuts along the cross-bar member that needs to be replaced, pull the cross-bar member out from the cutouts 36 of the end and intermediate brace members, reversed so that the longitudinal edge 42 which was originally at the base of the cutouts becomes the working edge, exposed to the rotor of the 25 combine or threshing machine. The bolts and nuts are replaced and retightenedand the concave is then ready for replacement in the combine or threshing HWR:lcd - 10 -machine. If on the other hand one wants to assemble a concave having a larger or smaller grid size, to accommodate a different crop, one removes the concave from the combine or threshing machine and undoes all of the bolts and nuts used to attach the cross-bar members and the transverse brace members to the angle 5 brackets. The original third subassemblies are removed and a new set of third subassemblies in which the longitudinal spacing of the rods 76 is greater or less than the original spacing therebetween is positioned in contact with the original cross-bar members and the bolts and nuts are replaced and retightened. Then the new concave, having the desired grid size, is replaced in the combine or 10 threshing machine so that harvesting of the new crop can commence. Preferablythe farmer will have several sets of third subassemblies available so that a concave having the desired grid size can be created without substantial downti me .
From the foregoing it will be seen that by utilizing the kit of 15 components according to the present invention, a farmer can remove, repair (or rebuild) and reassemble a concave without having to purchase a complete new unit and that consequently he will enjoy considerable savings in time and inventory during the harvesting season. He can repair worn cross-bar members, being able to make use of both longitudinal edges of a cross-bar member, 20 something that cannot be done with existing concaves. He can rebuild a concave in the field to replace broken components, if necessary, and he can rebuild a complete concave to create one having a different grid size to accommodate different crops, something that cannot be done with existing concaves. Additionally, since the rods do not project through the cross-bars 25 there will be no spearing of the crops and hence no plugging of the equipment.
Clearly, the present invention provides considerable advantages at harvest time and is a boon to the farmer at that time. It is also clear that the foregoing has HWR:lcd - 1 1 -described the preferred form of the invention, but that a skilled person in the art could alter the design of the individual components to accommodate different makes, models and sizes of combines or threshing machines, but without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. Accordingly the 5 scope of protection to be afforded this invention is to be determined from the claims appended hereto.
HWR:lcd - 1 2 -
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
s Combines and threshing machines are used in the harvesting of grains and other crops such as corn to remove the desired grains, for example, from the plant. The grains are removed from the plant stalk and are deposited in a container carried by the machine, while the stalks are thrown from the machine to lay on the ground, as chaff.
10 Most, if not all, present day combines and threshing machines remove the grains from the stalks in essentially the same manner, by passing the plants between a rotating rotor and a concave, the concave extending along the length of the rotor and being in close proximity thereto. As suggested by its name, a concave is transversely arcuate presenting a concave threshing surface to the arcuate rotor. The threshing 15 surface of the concave is constructed as an open grid or mesh so that the separated grains can pass therethrough to a conveyor which in turn carries the grains to the container. The size of the grid will depend on the crop being harvested, the grid being coarser for corn than it is for wheat or oats.
Over time, the threshing surface of the concave will wear or will be damaged, perhaps by stones and other debris that is picked up during harvesting. A typical concave is a welded assembly with rectangular cross-members and transverse rods defining the grid of the concave and its mesh size. The rods pass through the cross-members below the working edge of each and it is the working edges that will usually wear, requiring replacement of the concave. There is therefore a need for a new concave, one that can be readily removed from a combine or threshing machine andreplaced therein, one that can be easily and readily repaired should it become worn or damaged, and one that can be readily and easily reconfigured to accommodate different mesh or grid sizes for different crops.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and meets the requirements suggested above. The invention provides a concave kit for a combine5 or threshing machine that includes a plurality of cross-bar members pre-drilled with a set of apertures along the centerline thereof to accept removable grid-defining subassemblies. The kit also includes side-plate members that can be bolted in place in the combine or threshing machine, each of which carries a brace member that receives the ends of the cross-bar members. Brackets and bolts are provided to 10 secure each cross-bar member and associated grid-defining subassembly to an adjacent end brace member as well as to intermediate brace members so that any cross-bar member can be removed and replaced if necessary. Furthermore, any cross-bar member can be turned over to present another working edge to the rotor of the combine or threshing machine. It is seen that by utilizing the concave kit of this 15 invention it is possible for a farmer to remove the entire concave from his harvesting equipment and to then repair or rebuild the concave on site, without having to either buy a new concave or spend considerable time and effort in using welding equipment to dismantle and rebuild a conventional concave. Additionally, if the harvestingequipment is to be used to harvest a different crop, one requiring a different grid size, 20 it is possible to modify the concave of the present invention merely by replacing the original grid-defining subassemblies with ones having a different grid size.
Broadly speaking, the present invention may be considered as providing a kit of components for assembling a concave for cooperation with a 5 rotor of a combine or threshing machine, comprising: a pair of generally arcuate mirror-image side-plate members including means for removable attachment thereof within a combine or threshing machine; a plurality of generally arcuate end brace members each having inner and outer arcuate edges and a plurality of generally rectangular cut-outs extending into the end brace member normal to 10 the inner arcuate edge thereof, each of the side-plate members having an end brace member secured to an inwardly facing surface thereof; a plurality of generally rectangular cross-bar members positionable between the side-plate members, each of the cross-bar members being receivable at the ends thereof in a corresponding cut-out of an adjacent end brace member; means for 15 removably securing each cross-bar member to the adjacent end brace member;
and a plurality of removable grid-defining subassemblies extendable between and normal to each of the cross-bar members, each grid-defining subassembly being securable to an adjacent cross-bar member; whereby the cross-bar members are reversible after one longitudinal edge thereof has become worn to present the 20 other longitudinal edge to a rotor of the combine or threshing machine and whereby said grid-defining subassemblies can be removed and replaced by grid-defining subassemblies defining a different grid size.
HWR:lcd - 3 -. CA 02212881 1997-08-12 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art concave, it being appreciated that a concave constructed in accordance with the present invention will have a similar appearance.
Figure 2 is a plan view of a side-plate member as used with the present invention.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a brace member as used with the present invention .
Figure 4, 5 and 6 are a perspective views of three types of cross-bar members as used with the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a transverse brace member as used with the present invention.
Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of two types of angle brackets as used with the present invention, Figure 10 shows an end view of the grid-defining subassemblies as used with the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a transverse cross-section through a number of the components creating a concave adjacent a side-plate.
HWR:lcd - 4 -Figure 12 illustrates another transverse cross-section through the components of the invention adjacent an intermediate brace member.
Figure 13 illustrates a partial plan view of an assembly of the components of the present invention.
Figure 1 illustrates a prior art concave 10, all components of which are welded together, meaning that the entire concave must be replaced if such components are worn or if a new crop is to be harvested, one requiring a different grid size. The concave 10 includes arcuate end members 12, a plurality10 of transverse cross-bar members 14, back braces 16 and a plurality of rod-like grid members 18 spaced apart across the concave and extending between adjacent cross-bar members at right angles thereto. The grid members and the cross-bar members define the grid of the concave, with the uppermost edges of the cross-bar members defining the threshing surface of the concave subjected 15 to the rotor of the machine.
The present invention takes the conventional concave 10 as seen in Figure 1 and breaks it down into a number of separate components and subassemblies which can be assembled and disassembled at will. It is possible to remove and replace worn or broken parts and it is possible to rebuild a 20 concave to accommodate different crops requiring different grid sizes. When the components of the present invention are assembled together the appearance of the resulting concave will be essentially the same as that of a conventional concave, such that the new concave could easily replace a conventional concave in a combine or threshing machine.
HWR:lcd - 5 -Figures 2 through 8 illustrate the various components of the concave of the present invention. In Figure 2 the first component to be discussed is the side plate 20 manufactured from hot rolled steel plate of about 10mm (.375n) thickness. The5 side plate has generally arcuate inner and outer edges 22 and 24 respectively with large and small diameter mounting holes 26 and 28 respectively therethrough.
Welded to the side plate 20 as seen in Figure 3 is an end brace member 30 which is shorter than a side plate and has arcuate inner and outer edges 32 and 34 respectively. Spaced apart along the length of the inner edge 32 is a plurality of 10 generally rectangular cut-outs 36 extending into the body of the brace member 30 generally normal to the inner edge 32. The length of the brace member is less than that of the side plate 20 so that the mounting holes 26, 28 are not obstructed by the brace member 30. Additional or intermediate brace members 30' are provided, as discussed hereinafter, for extra support of the concave components after assembly.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 show three types of cross-bar members used with the present invention. Figure 4 shows a first cross-bar member 38 having a length ofabout 165cm (65"), a thickness of about 10mm (.375") and a depth of about 6.4cm (2.5"). The material is preferably a 1045 hot rolled carbon steel. Spaced apart along 20 the length of the cross-bar 38 is a first plurality of square holes 40 positioned on the centerline of the member. The holes are symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal center of the member although the spacing is not uniform from hole to hole. The cross-bar member has longitudinal edges 42 and 44, one of which will be the working or threshing edge once the concave has been assembled. Figure 5 shows 25 a second type of cross-bar member 46 having a plurality of holes 48 which are also symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal center of the member but with a different, non-uniform spacing when compared to the first member 38.
A typical concave assembly will utilize six of the first cross-bar members 38 and five of the second cross-bar members 46, with the cross-bar members 46 alternating with the cross-bar members 38. Each cross-bar member is adapted to be received within a cut-out 36 of a brace member 30.
Figure 6 illustrates the third type of cross-bar member, namely front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50' respectively which are sized the same as the members 38, 46 and made of hot rolled steel. Each cross-bar member 50, 50' has mounting holes 52 therethrough along the centerline thereof, the spacing of the holes 52 being different again from the spacing of the holes 40 and 48 foundin the cross-bar members 38 and 46 respectively. Close to one edge 54 of the cross-bar member 50, 50' is a plurality of small diameter (6.4 mm or l/4") holes56 provided in uniformly spaced groups of seven holes, with each group being separated from each other by a distance somewhat greater than the spacing between holes.
Figure 7 shows a transverse brace member 58 of 6.4 mm (1/4") hot rolled steel having essentially the same length and depth of a cross-bar member.Each brace member 58 has a plurality of spaced apart holes 60 along the centerline thereof and a plurality of small diameter holes 62 adjacent to one edge, the holes being provided in groups that are aligned with the groups of holes 56 provided in the front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50'.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate, in perspective, two types of angle brackets, a small bracket 64 and a large bracket 66. Both brackets have a short leg 68 and a longer leg 70 or 72 as the case might be, the leg 70 being associated withthe small bracket 64 and the leg 72 being associated with the bracket 66. The 25 longer leg of bracket 64 is provided with an aperture in the form of an oblong HWR:lcd - 7 -through hole 74, while the longer leg of bracket 66 is provided with an aperturein the form of a slot 74'.
Figures 10, 11, 1Z and 13 illustrate the assembly of the various components of this invention to create a new concave. Initially the brace members 58 are paired as shown in Figure 10 with a 6.4 mm (1/4/') diameter rod 76 extending between each pair of aligned holes 62, from one brace member to the adjacent brace member. Rods of slightly different lengths are used to createthe desired arcuate nature of the concave, a typical concave of this invention utilizing 540 rods that are 3.25 cm (1.278") long, 60 rods that are 3.74 cm (1.471") long, 60 rods that are 4.23 cm (1.665") long and 60 rods that are 5.07 cm (1.977") long. Each rod is welded at its end to the adjacent brace member 58. It is also noted in Figure 10 that one set of rods 76 extends between a brace member 58 and the front cross-bar member 50 while another set of rods 76 extends between a brace member 58 and the rear cross-bar member 50'. The combination of rods and transverse brace members, or rods, transverse brace member and front or rear cross-bar member creates the aforementioned grid-defining subassembly of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates the assembly of components at one end of the concave. There, a side plate 20 is shown with a brace member 30 Iying thereagainst and welded thereto. Alternating cross-bar members 38 and 46 are shown resting in the cut-outs 36 with the front cross-bar 50 resting against andwelded to the forward edge 78 of the brace member and the rear cross-bar 50' resting against and welded to the rear edge 80 of the brace member. The transverse brace members 58 with rods 76 extending therebetween are positioned with one of the pairs of brace members 58 being positioned against the adjacent face of one cross-bar member while the other brace member of the HWR:lcd - 8 -. CA 02212881 1997-08-12 pair is positioned against the adjacent face of the adjacent cross-bar member.
Along the length of each cross-bar member an angle bracket 64 or 66 is located at each mounting hole 52 of each cross-bar member. The brace members are connected to the cross-bars by way of a bolt 82 extending through a hole 74 or a slot 74' of an angle bracket 64 or 66, a hole 60 of a first brace member 58, a hole 52 of the cross-bar, and a hole 60 of the other brace member 58. A nut 84 is threaded onto and tightened on each nut 82 as seen in Figure 11.
From one cross-bar member 38 to an adjacent cross-bar member 46 the small angle brackets 64 are positioned so that the longer legs 70 thereof 10 extend in opposite directions as shown in Figure 13. The short leg 68 of eachsuch angle bracket abuts an intermediate brace member 30' which is identical to a brace member 30 but is positioned at a location spaced from the end of the concave and in alignment with the gap between groups of holes 56 or 62 as seen in Figure 12. In the illustrated version of the present invention there are15 eight of the intermediate brace members 30' spaced along the length of the concave, there being one end brace member 30 at each end, welded to the adjacent end plate 20 as previously described. Each angle bracket short leg 68 is welded to the adjacent side of the adjacent intermediate brace member 30', while the short leg of each angle bracket 64 or 66 adjacent the respective end 20 brace members 30 is welded thereto as well. The respective end edges of the intermediate brace members 30' are welded to the front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50'.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the components as described herein are used to create several subassemblies that can be used to create new 25 and different concave configurations or to repair worn or broken concaves. One subassembly includes an end plate 20 having an end brace member 30 welded HWR:lcd - 9 . CA 02212881 1997-08-12 thereto, there being alternating small and large angle brackets 64, 66 welded tothe end brace member at alternating cutouts 36, and front and rear cross-bar members 50, 50' welded to the forward and rear end edges 78, 80 respectively of the end brace member 30. A second subassembly is formed by each 5 intermediate brace member 30' having angle brackets 64 welded thereto as described above, with each intermediate brace member being welded to the front and rear cross-bar members as described above. A third subassembly is formed by the spaced transverse brace members 58 with the plurality of rods 76 extending therebetween as seen in Figure 10 and is the grid-defining 10 subassembly referenced hereinabove.
A basic framework for a concave is formed by the first and second subassemblies described above. To create a concave one need only insert the cross-bar members 38, 46 into the cutouts 36 of the end and intermediate brace members and then insert the third subassemblies into the cutouts so that a 15 transverse brace member 58 abuts a face of the cross-bar member. Then the bolts 82 are pushed through the aligned holes of the angle brackets, transverse brace members and cross-bar members, and the nuts 84 threaded onto the threaded end of the respective bolt and tightened thereon.
If it is necessary to replace a broken or a worn cross-bar member one 20 need only remove the concave from the combine or threshing machine, undo the bolts and nuts along the cross-bar member that needs to be replaced, pull the cross-bar member out from the cutouts 36 of the end and intermediate brace members, reversed so that the longitudinal edge 42 which was originally at the base of the cutouts becomes the working edge, exposed to the rotor of the 25 combine or threshing machine. The bolts and nuts are replaced and retightenedand the concave is then ready for replacement in the combine or threshing HWR:lcd - 10 -machine. If on the other hand one wants to assemble a concave having a larger or smaller grid size, to accommodate a different crop, one removes the concave from the combine or threshing machine and undoes all of the bolts and nuts used to attach the cross-bar members and the transverse brace members to the angle 5 brackets. The original third subassemblies are removed and a new set of third subassemblies in which the longitudinal spacing of the rods 76 is greater or less than the original spacing therebetween is positioned in contact with the original cross-bar members and the bolts and nuts are replaced and retightened. Then the new concave, having the desired grid size, is replaced in the combine or 10 threshing machine so that harvesting of the new crop can commence. Preferablythe farmer will have several sets of third subassemblies available so that a concave having the desired grid size can be created without substantial downti me .
From the foregoing it will be seen that by utilizing the kit of 15 components according to the present invention, a farmer can remove, repair (or rebuild) and reassemble a concave without having to purchase a complete new unit and that consequently he will enjoy considerable savings in time and inventory during the harvesting season. He can repair worn cross-bar members, being able to make use of both longitudinal edges of a cross-bar member, 20 something that cannot be done with existing concaves. He can rebuild a concave in the field to replace broken components, if necessary, and he can rebuild a complete concave to create one having a different grid size to accommodate different crops, something that cannot be done with existing concaves. Additionally, since the rods do not project through the cross-bars 25 there will be no spearing of the crops and hence no plugging of the equipment.
Clearly, the present invention provides considerable advantages at harvest time and is a boon to the farmer at that time. It is also clear that the foregoing has HWR:lcd - 1 1 -described the preferred form of the invention, but that a skilled person in the art could alter the design of the individual components to accommodate different makes, models and sizes of combines or threshing machines, but without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. Accordingly the 5 scope of protection to be afforded this invention is to be determined from the claims appended hereto.
HWR:lcd - 1 2 -
Claims (6)
1. A kit of components for assembly into a concave for cooperation with a rotor of a combine or threshing machine, comprising: a pair of generally arcuate mirror-image side-plate members including means for removable attachment thereof within a combine or threshing machine; a plurality of generally arcuate end brace members each having inner and outer arcuate edges and a plurality of generally rectangular cut-outs extending into the end brace member normal to the inner arcuate edge thereof, each of said side-plate members having an end brace member secured to an inwardly facing surface thereof; a plurality of generally rectangular cross-bar members positionable between said side-plate members, each of said cross-bar members being receivable at an end thereof in a corresponding cut-out of an adjacent end bracemember; means for removably securing each cross-bar member to the adjacent end brace member; and a plurality of removable grid-defining subassemblies extendable between and normal to each of said cross-bar members, each grid-defining subassembly being securable to an adjacent cross-bar member;
whereby the cross-bar members are reversible after one longitudinal edge thereofhas become worn to present the other longitudinal edge to a rotor of the combine or threshing machine and whereby said grid-defining subassemblies can be removed and replaced by grid-defining subassemblies defining a different gridsize.
whereby the cross-bar members are reversible after one longitudinal edge thereofhas become worn to present the other longitudinal edge to a rotor of the combine or threshing machine and whereby said grid-defining subassemblies can be removed and replaced by grid-defining subassemblies defining a different gridsize.
2. A kit according to claim 1 including a plurality of intermediate brace members positionable at spaced apart locations between said side-plate members in engagement with said cross-bar members.
3. A kit according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each of said grid-definingsubassemblies includes a pair of spaced apart transverse brace members and a plurality of cylindrical rods extending between said transverse brace members along the length thereof and adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof.
4. A kit according to claim 3 wherein one of said grid-defining subassemblies includes a transverse brace member spaced apart from a front cross-bar member and a plurality of cylindrical rods extending between said last-mentioned transverse brace member and said front cross-bar member along thelength thereof and adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof.
5. A kit according to claim 4 wherein one of said grid-defining subassemblies includes a transverse brace member spaced apart from a rear cross-bar member and a plurality of cylindrical rods extending between said last-mentioned transverse brace member and said rear cross-bar member along the length thereof and adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof.
6. A kit according to any of claims 3 to 5 wherein: each of said cross-bar members and each of said transverse brace members includes a plurality of alignable through holes spaced apart along the length thereof; a plurality of angle brackets is provided, each being welded along one leg thereof to an end brace member or an intermediate brace member adjacent a cut out thereof, the other leg of each angle bracket having an aperture therethrough; and wherein a plurality of bolts and nuts are provided for securing each other leg of an anglebracket to, respectively, a transverse brace member of one grid-defining subassembly, a cross-bar member, and a transverse brace member of another grid-defining subassembly.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2212881 CA2212881A1 (en) | 1997-08-12 | 1997-08-12 | Combine concave kit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2212881 CA2212881A1 (en) | 1997-08-12 | 1997-08-12 | Combine concave kit |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2212881A1 true CA2212881A1 (en) | 1999-02-12 |
Family
ID=29274960
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2212881 Abandoned CA2212881A1 (en) | 1997-08-12 | 1997-08-12 | Combine concave kit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2212881A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10390490B1 (en) * | 2014-03-05 | 2019-08-27 | Kevin J. Kile | Concaves for an agricultural combine |
| US10412896B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2019-09-17 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | System and method for installing separator grates within an agricultural combine |
| EP3731622A4 (en) * | 2017-12-28 | 2021-09-15 | Brian Robertson | Combine harvester concave frame assembly |
-
1997
- 1997-08-12 CA CA 2212881 patent/CA2212881A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10390490B1 (en) * | 2014-03-05 | 2019-08-27 | Kevin J. Kile | Concaves for an agricultural combine |
| US10412896B2 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2019-09-17 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | System and method for installing separator grates within an agricultural combine |
| EP3731622A4 (en) * | 2017-12-28 | 2021-09-15 | Brian Robertson | Combine harvester concave frame assembly |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |