Patent ID: 6230476
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A combine head gathering belt assembly for combines, comprising,first and second elongated support guide frames positioned side by side having opposite sides, and an elongated slot therebetween,first and second laterally spaced sprockets rotatably mounted on a first end of each guide frame,third and fourth laterally spaced sprockets rotatably mounted on a second end of each guide frame,a first continuous sprocket chain encircling the first and third sprockets and having an inner longitudinal traveling course in the elongated slot,a second continuous sprocket chain encircling the second and fourth sprockets and having an inner longitudinal traveling course within the slot parallel to the travel source of the second continuous sprocket chain,the first and second laterally spaced sprockets and the third and fourth laterally spaced sprockets being positioned so that the first and second continuous sprocket chains have identical parallel elongated configurations of the same width and length.a plurality of flexible spaced belt segments secured to the sprocket chains and extending outwardly and forwardly from the chains on the inner travel courses thereof;each belt segment having a base end adjacent the chain to which it is attached, and an outer free end, and being positioned on the chains and being of a length that the outer free ends of segments on one chain terminate adjacent the base ends of segments on the other chain when in the elongated slot, and whereupon such outer frame and base ends will separate from each other to create an opening therebetween when moving around the sprockets upon which the chains are mounted so as to release any plant stalks that may be captured by and between adjacent belt segments while traveling the inner travel course in the elongated slot.