Patent ID: 7494409
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. An auger assembly comprising: a first auger section; a second auger section foldable relative to said first section toward and away from an axial position in which the second section is axially aligned with the first section; and a releasable coupling between said sections permitting the sections to be drivingly interconnected when said second section is in said axial position and drivingly disconnected when the second section is out of said axial position, said coupling including a pair of interengageable components on the first and second sections respectively, and a guide disposed to guide said components into axial alignment with one another as the second section is moved into said axial position, one of said components having a cam surface thereon, said guide being disposed to engage said cam surface as the outer conveyor section is swung into said axial position and thereby axially align the components, said one component comprising a body having an arcuate outer surface defining said cam surface, said guide comprising an annular member disposed to receive said body and bear against said outer surface thereof as the second section is moved toward said axial position, said body being substantially the same size as the internal diameter of said annular member, said one component having an axially disposed end face provided with first drive structure, said other component having an axially disposed end face provided with second drive structure, said first and second drive structures being configured to matingly interengage when the second section is in its axial position, said coupling further including spring mechanism yieldably biasing said components relatively toward one another.