Patent ID: 7401457
Filing Date: 2008-07-22
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. An auger finger, comprising: a mounting end portion; an elongate free end portion opposite the mounting end portion; failure region at a predetermined location connecting the mounting and free end portions, the failure region being constructed so as to be weaker than at least the mounting end portion so as to break and disconnect the mounting and free end portions when the finger is subjected to a predetermined side loading condition; at least one tether connected between the free and mounting end portions and spanning the failure region so as to be capable of holding the free end portion in connection with the mounting end portion while allowing relative pivotal movement therebetween if the failure region is broken; and a rigid link configured to allow pivotal movement of the free end portion relative to the mounting end portion when the failure region is broken, wherein the rigid link has one end pivotally connected to the free end portion and an opposite end pivotally connected to the mounting end portion, the rigid link being configured to allow the free end portion and the mounting end portion to move a controlled distance apart when the failure region is broken to facilitate the relative pivotal movement of the free and mounting end portions.