Grain spreading device

A grain spreading device for evenly distribute grain as it is poured into a storage bin. The grain spreading device generally includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an evenflow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND

Field

Example embodiments in general relate to a grain spreading device for evenly distributing grain in a grain storage bin.

Related Art

Devices for spreading grain as it is being poured into a grain storage bin have been in use for years. However, existing or conventional spreaders must typically be adjusted for a particular flow rate, and such adjustment must be made if the flow rate is subsequently changed. If the flow rate is not accommodated by the spreader, for example, if it is too high, the grain may simply overflow the spreader and spill into the center of the bin, which is the very condition the spreader is designed to prevent. In addition, some spreaders are sensitive to the angle and location at which grain is delivered to the spreader, and require grain to be delivered to the center of the spreader, and flowing straight down.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment is directed to a grain spreading device. The grain spreading device includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an even-flow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

In an example embodiment of the grain-spreading device, the flow-control ring may be suspended from the grain bin opening by a plurality of hooks. In some example embodiments, each spring of the plurality of springs may be connected between an ear proximate the upper opening of the flow-control ring and a mounting point on the cone.

In still other embodiments of the grain-spreading device, the cone may include a plurality of channels and a plurality of peaks between the channels, each channel comprising an upper surface, wherein the variable opening comprises a plurality of gaps between the bottom of the flow-control ring and the upper surfaces of the channels, wherein each mounting point is proximate to one of the plurality of peaks. Some embodiments may further comprise a plurality of legs attached to and extending away from the cone, wherein each leg has a first end aligned with one of the plurality of channels. Further, each leg may be pivotably attached to the cone such that the angle of each leg relative to the cone is adjustable.

In some example embodiments of the grain-spreading device the cone is attached to a guide assembly that is slidably positioned on an interior of the flow-control ring, and the guide assembly maintains an orientation of the cone relative to the flow-control ring. The guide assembly may comprise a plurality of upright guides, and each upright guide may further comprise a contact member positioned between the upright guide and an inner surface of the flow-control ring.

In still further embodiments, the grain-spreading device may include a means for creating a variable opening proximate the bottom of the flow-control ring, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain inside the flow-control ring increases.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the grain spreading device in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the grain spreading device that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the grain spreading device in detail, it is to be understood that the grain spreading device is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The grain spreading device is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example grain spreading device10generally comprises a flow-control ring20(e.g., an “evenflow” ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening81, the flow-control ring20including an upper opening22and a bottom24, and a cone30movably suspended below the flow-control ring20by a plurality of springs40to create a variable opening27between the cone30and the bottom24of the flow-control ring20. The plurality of springs40create a restoring force, wherein the variable opening27increases in size when a weight of grain84on the cone30moves the cone away from the bottom24of the flow-control ring20against the restoring force of the plurality of springs40.

The flow-control ring20may be suspended from the grain bin opening81by a plurality of hooks28. Each spring40may be connected between a spring-attachment ear26proximate the upper opening22of the flow-control ring20and a mounting point36on the cone. The cone30may include a plurality of channels32and a plurality of peaks34between the channels, each channel32comprising an upper surface33. The variable opening27may include a plurality of gaps29between the bottom24of the flow-control ring20and the upper surfaces33of the channels32. Each spring mounting point36on the cone may be proximate to one of the plurality of peaks34, so that grain flowing in the channel is not impeded by the spring40or the mounting point36.

Some embodiments may further comprise a plurality of legs50attached to and extending away from the cone30, wherein each leg50has a first end52aligned with one of the plurality of channels32. Further, each leg50may be pivotably attached by a hinge56or other means, to the cone30such that the angle of each leg50relative to the cone30is adjustable.

The cone30may be attached to an upright guide assembly60that is slidably positioned within the flow-control ring20. The guide assembly60maintains an orientation of the cone30relative to the flow-control ring20. More particularly, the guide assembly ensures that the cone, or the outer edge of the cone, is in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the flow-control ring, so that the variable opening27between the bottom of the flow-control ring and the cone30, or the upper surfaces33of the cone's channels32, is consistent and the same size all the way around the flow-control ring20. The guide assembly60thus helps to ensure that the grain flowing in the channels32flows equally, or fairly equally, in each channel32.

The guide assembly may include a plurality of upright guides62, which may be in the form of an angle iron, pointed inward toward the center of the flow-control ring20. The upright guides62may be held together to form a rigid frame by using multiple support cross bars66extending across the assembly through the center, or by multiple support frame members68that connect the upright guides62together with an octagonal structure. Each upright guide62may further comprise a contact member64, which is typically positioned between the upright guide and the inner surface21of the flow-control ring20, to reduce friction and to provide a bearing surface to allow the guide assembly60to move smoothly up and down within the interior of the flow-control ring20.

As shown inFIGS. 1-12, the grain spreading device10includes a flow-control ring20that is generally a cylindrical tube in form, although other shapes and forms are possible. The flow-control ring20, which may also be referred to as an evenflow ring, serves to contain incoming grain84being delivered into a grain bin80, and aid in the even distribution of the grain. For example, if the grain is introduced off-center, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, such that it hits the inner surface21of the flow-control ring20, the grain will still be spread evenly in the bottom of the bin, as will be explained in detail below.

The flow-control ring20also serves as a base from which the grain spreading device10is typically suspended in a grain bin opening81, as also shown inFIGS. 10-12. The flow-control ring20comprises an upper opening22, and a plurality of spring attachment ears26around the top of the ring. In the embodiment shown, there are eight such attachment ears26evenly spaced around the flow-control ring20, although of course different configurations and numbers of ears26are possible. Since the flow-control ring20is stationary relative to the bin opening, it provides a fixed mounting for the springs40. Accordingly, the springs40provide a restoring force that normally holds the cone as close to the flow-control ring20as it will go, with the position of the cone varying and the position of the flow-control ring20unchanged during operation.

As best shown inFIGS. 1, 3, 7 and 8, the flow-control ring20may also include means for suspending the grain spreading device10in position directly under the grain bin opening81, such as hooks28that can be attached at mounting points on the outside of the flow-control ring20. The mounting points may comprise metal tabs with one or more holes so that a nut and bolt arrangement may be used to secure hooks28. A nut and bolt attachment allows the hooks28to pivot at the attachment point, which in turn permits the grain spreading device10to be mounted in bins having differently sized and configured openings.

The flow-control ring20, as mentioned, is generally in the shape of a tube, with a bottom24on the opposite side of the tube from the upper opening22. The bottom24and the upper opening22may generally be parallel (such that the upper and lower edges lie in parallel planes), although to accommodate the shape of the cone30, the bottom24of the flow-control ring20may have notches, as seen inFIGS. 7 and 8.

C. Cone and Upright Guide Assembly

As best shown inFIGS. 7-8, the grain spreading device10also includes a cone30that is movably positioned near the bottom24of the flow-control ring20. The cone30may be in the shape of an angled cone, with the point of the cone directed upwards, toward the interior of the grain spreading device10. The cone generally comprises a plurality of channels32, separated by peaks34between the channels. The channels serve to guide and carry the grain84as it flow through the grain spreading device10, with the peaks tending to separate the flows and directing the grain into the channels32. The channels32have an upper surface33, over which the grain84will flow when the device10is in use.

In addition, at the outer periphery of the cone30, near or attached to each peak34, is a spring mounting point36. As shown in the figures, the spring mounting points36are in the form of rods extending outward from the peak, such that the springs40and mounting points36will not impede or affect the flow of grain in the channels32. Of course, other mountings are possible, such as holes through which the ends of springs40may pass. In the embodiment shown there are eight springs40, eight mounting points36, and eight spring ears26. Other numbers of springs, as well as other configurations are also possible, and the cone in the example embodiments is movably positioned below the flow-control ring20, and guide assembly60is attached to the cone30and holds the cone's position so that it does not tilt relative to the flow-control ring20. Since the cone does not tilt, and is guided as it slides up and down relative to flow-control ring20, the movement of the cone will create a variable sized opening27between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring20, and the opening has substantially the same distance and characteristic all the way around the bottom of the flow-control ring20.

As mentioned, the cone30is securely mounted to an upright guide assembly60that fits slidably inside the flow-control ring20. The guide assembly has a number of contact members64, which may be plastic, nylon, or other hard, low-friction material that allows the upright guide assembly60to slide freely up and down within the flow-control ring20. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the contact members64are positioned between the individual upright guides62and the inner surface21of flow-control ring20. The contact members may be attached to the upright guides62, which may be angle iron sections that easily accommodate the contact members64, and also provide the appropriate rigidity to the guide assembly60.

The upright guides62are connected to each other, and held in a rigid frame, by either support cross bars66, as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-2, or by support frame members68, shown in subsequent figures, and best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. In the latter embodiment, the frame members68(of which there may be multiple sets) from an octagonal frame that leaves the center of the grain spreading device10open to receive and hold grain84, as also shown inFIGS. 11-12, although the device10will also function with either of the guide configurations, or a different configuration that holds the upright guides62in position.

A plurality of legs50may also be attached with hinges56to the cone30, with the legs50being aligned with the channels32of the cone, so that grain flowing in the channels32will continue to flow onto the associated legs50, from a first end52of each leg, to a second end54of each leg, and from there into the grain bin. As best shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the legs50each have attached to their undersides a kicker arm58, which serves as a lever to allow for the adjustable positioning of the legs50. Specifically, the bottom of plunger70can be pushed down, which in turn pushes down on the ends of kicker arms58, causing the legs to pivot about hinges56and to extend outward and away from cone30.

The center of cone30may include a plunger guide38, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, which may be in the form of a square tube with a number of holes aligned across the tube. Plunger70may also include a square center rod with a number of holes cross drilled through it. This arrangement allows the plunger70to be positioned at various lengths extending from the bottom of the cone30, and then locked into place with a hairpin39inserted through the appropriate holes in the guide38and the plunger70. Accordingly, the legs50are easily and readily adjustable with arms58, hinges56, and the plunger70, to allow the grain spreading device10to work well in bins80of various diameters.FIG. 9illustrates the legs50in both a relaxed and an extended position.

D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the grain spreading device10allows for a self-regulating spreading of grain, which works well independent of the flow rate of grain into the bin. Further, the device also accomplishes even distribution even if grain is poured into the bin by an off-center auger82, or with a flow that is not straight down into the grain spreading device10. This is illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12.

A grains spreading device similar to that shown in the figures, but without regulating springs40, will work to distribute grain evenly, but typically must be set up with an opening around the perimeter at the bottom of a ring is optimized for a particular flow rate. This can be a problem if different equipment or a different operator causes grain to be poured into the bin at a different rate. For example, if the rate is lower, and the opening is relatively large, an off-center introduction of grain may result in most of the grain flowing down just a few of the legs, or even a single leg, defeating the purpose of the spreader. This happens because the opening may be large enough that all the grain can exit from the opening toward one side of the spreader before the grain accumulates within the flow-control ring so that a fairly equal amount of grain flow into all the channels.

If, on the other hand, the flow rate of the grain is much higher than the spreader opening has been adjusted for, the grain may fill the ring before it can all flow out the proper channels and legs, and simply spill over the top of the ring and into the center of the bin, again defeating the purpose of the spreader.

Both scenarios are undesirable, as an uneven piling of grain within a bin, and especially the fines in the grain, can cause issues with even cooling and drying of the grain, due to uneven and impeded air flow.

The spring-regulated device disclosed here prevents these problems, by making the spreader10self-regulating. For example, as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 11, when there is little or no grain within the flow-control ring20, the restoring force of the springs40will hold the cone30as far up as it can go, and the design, size, and shape of the cone30is such that there will still remain small individual gaps29between the upper surfaces33of the channels32and the bottom of the flow-control ring20. These gaps29, collectively, comprise a variable opening27at the bottom of the device, through which grain can flow. However, the opening is small enough that even an off-center, low rate flow of grain will not simply flow out one side of the device, but will instead pile up inside the flow-control ring20, as shown inFIG. 11.

In this state, since the grain84is now in fairly equal height above each gap29, it will flow equally through the channels32all the way around the grain spreading device10and evenly distributed into the bottom of the bin80, as shown.

FIGS. 6 and 12illustrate the condition of the spreading device10when there is a high flow rate. In this condition, the weight of the grain84acting against the force of springs40, pushes the cone30down, creating a much larger variable opening27, and corresponding gaps29between the upper surfaces33of the cone30and the bottom of the flow-control ring20. This larger opening, as contrasted with a fixed opening, is regulated by the springs40, such that it allows a high flow of grain84to flow over the cone30in channels32and onto legs50. With appropriate spring force, the opening27and gaps29will be sufficient to prevent the grain from entirely filling the flow-control ring20and spilling over the top. This operational condition is illustrated inFIG. 12, which again results in the grain84being distributed evenly over the bottom of bin80.

As shown for example inFIGS. 5 and 6, the spring attachment ears26may have spring attachment holes at different distances away from mounting points36on the cone, such that the spring force and threshold at which the cone begins to move can be adjusted, simply by attaching the springs at different points on the ears26.