Combine header transport device

A combine header transport device includes a header support member. A frame is in mechanical communication with the header support member. The frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members are in a parallel relationship with each other. A first pair of wheel assemblies are rotatably connected to a first axle assembly. The first axle assembly is attached to the frame adjacent a first end thereof. A connector assembly is attached to the frame adjacent a second end thereof. The connector assembly provides an axis about which the combine header transport device is rotatable. The connector assembly includes a first connector and is configured so that a position of the first connector is adjustable in a vertical direction.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a combine header transport device.

Combine headers are a critical and expensive part of a combine. It is preferred to remove the header from the combine and transport each separately. A transport device such as, for example, a trailer can be utilized to transport a combine header from one location to another. However, the combine header trailers known in the art have limited and challenging maneuverability. Additionally, these trailers are not suitable for transporting a combine header at highway speeds and for long distances.

Thus, there is a need for an improved transport device that overcomes the above-described disadvantages.

SUMMARY

A combine header transport device comprising a header support member. A frame in mechanical communication with the header support member. The frame comprising a first frame member and a second frame member. The frame members being in a parallel relationship with each other. A first pair of wheel assemblies rotatably connected to a first axle assembly. The first axle assembly attached to the frame adjacent a first end thereof. A connector assembly attached to the frame adjacent a second end thereof. The connector assembly providing an axis about which the combine header transport device is rotatable. The connector assembly comprises a first connector and is configured so that a position of the first connector is adjustable in a vertical direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies, devices, and features illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts. Hence, specific dimensions, directions, or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, like elements found in the aforementioned embodiments may be referred to with like identifiers within this section of the application.

Embodiments of a combine header transport device10are described herein and are illustrated inFIGS. 1-10. The combine header transport device10may be utilized to transport a combine header11, which is illustrated inFIG. 1, from one location to another and store the combine header11before and after it is transported.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the combine header transport device10comprises a header support member12. Preferably, the header support member12provides support to the underside of the front end of the combine header when the header is received by the combine header transport device10. Thus, it is preferred that the header support member12is formed from a rigid and durable materials such as, for example, steel.

The header support member12is an elongated member. The header support member12is of a length that is defined between first and second ends14,16thereof. In an embodiment (not depicted), the length of the header support member12can be adjusted. Preferably, the length of the header support member12is selected to provide adequate support to the entire width of the combine header.

In some embodiments, the header support member12may be of a cylindrical shape. However, it should be appreciated that the header support member12can be of another shape. As illustrated inFIG. 2, when the combine header is not disposed on the combine header transport device10, the header support member12is provided in a spaced apart relationship with a frame18. Under these conditions, the header support member12is elevated with respect to the frame18. Also, when the combine header11is disposed on the combine header transport device10, the header support member12is elevated with respect to the frame18.

Preferably, the frame18is constructed of rigid and durable materials such as, for example, steel. The frame18is in mechanical communication with the header support member12via a plurality of arms20-24. The plurality of arms20-24are attached to the header support member12. In the embodiments illustrated, a first arm20is attached to the header support member12adjacent the first end14thereof, a second arm22is attached to the header support member12adjacent a midpoint26of the header support member12, and a third arm24is attached to the header support member12adjacent the second end16thereof. As illustrated, the length of the header support member12is such that the header support member12extends past the first arm20in a first direction and the third arm24in a second and opposite direction.

On an end, each arm20-24is attached to the header support member12via a weld or in another suitable manner. On an opposite end, each arm20-24is attached to a portion of the frame18. In an embodiment, each arm20-24is attached to the frame18in a manner which allows the position of the header support member12to be adjusted relative to the frame18. For example, each arm20-24may be attached to the frame18via a pivotal connection thereto.

As illustrated, in an embodiment, the first arm20is attached to a first cross member28. Preferably, the first cross member28is the rearmost cross member of the frame18. In this embodiment, the first cross member28defines a rear end30of the frame18. As is illustrated inFIG. 3, safety lighting31such as, for example, brake, tail, turn signal, and/or strobe lights are preferably attached to the first cross member28. In certain embodiments, the safety lighting may be provided in a recessed portion of the first cross member28. Preferably, the first cross member28is attached to and provided in a perpendicular relationship with a first frame member32and a second frame member34.

Preferably, the second arm22is attached to a second cross member36and the third arm24is attached to a third cross member38. The second cross member36is in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with the first cross member28and is attached to and provided in a perpendicular relationship with the first frame member32and the second frame member34. One or more additional cross members40may be provided between the first cross member28and the second cross member36. The third cross member38is in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with the second cross member36and is attached to and provided in a perpendicular relationship with the first frame member32and the second frame member34. One or more additional cross members42may be provided between the second cross member36and the third cross member38.

The header support member12is provided in a generally parallel relationship with the first frame member32and the second frame member34. In an embodiment, the first frame member32and the second frame member34are in a parallel relationship with each other. Preferably, the first frame member32and the second frame member34are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the first frame member32and the second frame member34are separated from each other by one or more cross members28,36,38,40-46. The first cross member28is attached to a first end48of the first frame member32and a first end50of the second frame member34. From the first end48, the first frame member32extends toward a front end84of the frame18and past the second end16of the header support member12to a second end52thereof. Similarly, from its first end50, the second frame member34extends toward the front end84of the frame18and past the second end16of the header support member12to a second end54thereof.

The combine header transport device10comprises one or more axle assemblies56,58. However, due to the embodiments of the combine header transport device10described herein, the combine header transport device10eliminates the need for a front axle assembly, i.e. an axle assembly attached to the frame18adjacent the front end84thereof. Eliminating the need for a front axle assembly is advantageous because it decreases the cost and complexity of manufacturing the combine header transport device10and improves the maneuverability of the device10when compared with known devices.

For the axle assemblies56,58provided, it is preferred that each axle assembly56,58is attached to the frame18at a location which is adjacent the rear end30thereof. More particularly, it is preferred that each axle assembly56,58is positioned in an axial direction between the midpoint26of the header support member12and the rear end30of the frame18. Positioning each axle assembly56,58adjacent the rear end30of the frame18provides certain advantages not found in the known devices. For example, positioning each axle assembly56,58adjacent the rear end30of the frame18allows some of weight of the combine header transport device10to be transferred to a tow vehicle61, which is illustrated inFIG. 11, which aids in maneuvering the combine header transport device10and extends the useful life of the device10. Additionally, positioning each axle assembly56,58as described above prevents one or more wheel assemblies62,62A,66,66A from interfering with and damaging the combine (not depicted) when the combine deposits the combine header on the combine header transport device10.

In an embodiment, the combine header transport device10comprises a first axle assembly56. In this embodiment, the first axle assembly56is attached to the first frame, member32adjacent a first end48of the first frame member32and the second frame member34adjacent a first end50of the second frame member34. In another embodiment, the first axle assembly56is attached to both frame members32,34such that the axle assembly56is positioned between the first cross member28and the second cross member36. In another embodiment, comprises a second axle assembly58. The second axle assembly58is provided in a spaced apart relationship with the first axle assembly56. Preferably, the second axle assembly58is positioned between the first axle assembly56and the rear end30of the frame18. In an embodiment, the combine header transport device10comprises one or more axle assemblies56,58which consist of the first axle assembly56and the second axle assembly58. As it is preferred that the first axle assembly56and the second axle assembly58are similarly configured, only the first axle assembly56will be described below.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the first axle assembly56may be attached to the first frame member32and the second frame member34via separate brackets. An example of a suitable bracket59for attaching the first axle assembly56to the first frame member32or the second frame member34is illustrated inFIG. 6. The first axle assembly56comprises a rotatable member61disposed and supported in an axle housing60. Preferably, the rotatable member61is separated from the axle housing60by one or more elastomeric chords63. The elastomeric chords63are disposed entirely within the axle housing60and surround the rotatable member61. The rotatable member61is in mechanical communication with each wheel assembly62,62A of the pair of wheel assemblies. The rotatable member is in mechanical communication with each wheel assembly62,62A via separate arms64,64A. As illustrated best inFIG. 5, each arm64,64A defines an end of the axle assembly56. In an embodiment, the first axle assembly56is Torflex® axle sold by Dexter Axle.

As illustrated, a pair of wheel assemblies are rotatably connected to each axle assembly56,58. Each wheel assembly62,62A,66,66A of the pair of wheel assemblies is in mechanical communication with the other wheel assembly62,62A,66,66A via the axle assembly56,58. Preferably, each wheel assembly62,62A,66,66A is connected to a particular axle assembly in such a manner that it is independently suspended from the other wheel assemblies62,62A,66,66A connected to that axle assembly56,58. Thus, for example, a first wheel assembly62of the pair of wheel assemblies can move vertically without causing a second wheel assembly62A of the pair of wheel assemblies to move vertically. In certain embodiments, each wheel assembly includes a brake device (not depicted). Preferably, the brake device is of the electrical variety.

In some embodiments, one or more combine header cradles67are attached to the frame. The one or more combine header cradles67are provided to support the back end of the combine header when the header is disposed on the combine header transport device10. Each combine header cradle67receives a portion of the back end of the combine header11. More particularly, each combine header cradle67includes a combine header receiving portion98and each combine header receiving portion98receives a separate frame portion of the back end of the combine header11. Preferably, as is illustrated in, for example,FIG. 2, a pair of combine header cradles67are provided and each combine header cradle67is secured to the second frame member34. Each combine header cradle67is adjustable. For example, when the combine header transport device is not in use, the position of each combine header cradle67can be adjusted relative to the second frame member34by loosening the ratchet strap as necessary and moving the desired combine header cradle67in a horizontal direction as necessary.

In certain embodiments, each combine header cradle67comprises a ratchet strap assembly100, which is illustrated inFIGS. 9-10. As best seen inFIGS. 9 and 10of the disclosure and as a non-limiting example, the one or more sidewalls102may extend outward from a body portion101of the one or more combine header cradles defining a frame receiving portion103therein. The frame receiving portion103of the one or more combine header cradles67may be of a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of the second frame member34of the frame18of the combine header transport device10. At least a portion of the ratchet strap assembly100may be attached to at least a portion of one of the one or more sidewalls102of the combine header cradle67. The ratchet strap assembly100comprises a hook104, ratchet strap106, and ratchet mechanism108. In one such embodiment, the hook104is connected to an end of the ratchet strap106. When in use, the hook104may engage a pin110that is positioned beneath the combine header receiving portion98. The pin110may extend through a pair of cradle arms112,114, which support the pin110and the combine header receiving portion98. An opposite end of the ratchet strap106is connected to the ratchet mechanism108. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the ratchet strap106extends from ratchet mechanism108and a first side of the second frame member34to a second side of the second frame member34, which is illustrated inFIG. 10. The ratchet strap assembly100is utilized to secure the combine header cradle67to the second frame member34.

Referring back toFIG. 5, in certain embodiments, the frame18comprises a third frame member68. The third frame member68may be a discrete portion of the frame18. Alternatively, the first frame member32or the second frame member34may be configured such that the third frame member68is formed in a unitary manner with the first frame member32or the second frame member34. In other embodiments (not depicted), the third frame member68may not be provided. In these embodiments, the first frame member32and the second frame member34may be extended and connected to each other to define the front end of the84of the frame18.

In embodiments where the third frame member68is provided, the third frame member68is a rigid member. Preferably, the third frame member68does not rotate independent of the combine header transport device10or include any portions rotate independent of the combine header transport device10. The third frame member68can be of any suitable length.

In some embodiments, the third frame member68is spaced apart from the first frame member32and the second frame member34. In one such embodiment, the third frame member68is provided in a parallel relationship with a portion70of the first frame member32and a portion72of the second frame member34. More particularly, in an embodiment, a first portion74of the third frame member68is in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with an end portion70of the first frame member32and an end portion72of the second frame member34.

In an embodiment, a first end76of the third frame member68is attached to the third cross member38. Thus, in this embodiment, the third frame member68is in mechanical communication with the first frame member32and the second frame member34via the third cross member38. From the first end76, the third frame member68may extend to and past a pair of cross members. Preferably, each cross member44,46of the pair of cross members is attached to the third frame member68and one of the first frame member32and the second frame member34. Therefore, when provided, the pair of cross members enable mechanical communication between the third frame member68and the first frame member32and the second frame member34.

Additional cross members may permit further mechanical communication between the third frame member and the first frame member or the second frame member. For example, a first end cross member78may be attached to the second end52of the first frame member32and a side of the third frame member68. Additionally, a second end cross member80may be attached to the second end54of the second frame member34and another side of the third frame member68. However, in some embodiments (not depicted), the first end cross member may be formed in a unitary manner with the first frame member and the second end cross member may be formed in a unitary manner with the second frame member.

As illustrated, the first end cross member78may be provided in an oblique relationship with the first frame member32and the third frame member68. Additionally, the second end cross member80may be provided in an oblique relationship with the second frame member34and the third frame member68. In other embodiments, the first end cross member78and the second end cross member80may be oriented in another manner. For example, in some embodiments (not depicted), one or both of the first end cross member78and the second end cross member80may be oriented in a perpendicular relationship with one or more of the first frame member32, second frame member34, and third frame member68.

In an embodiment, the third frame member68extends beyond the second end52of the first frame member32and the second end54of the second frame member34to a second end thereof86. The second end86of the third frame member68may define the front end84of the frame18. A connector assembly82is attached to the frame18adjacent the front end84thereof. In an embodiment, the connector assembly82is attached to the second end86of the third frame member68. In other embodiments (not depicted), the connector assembly82is attached to the frame18adjacent the front end84thereof and the front end84of the frame18is at or near an intersection of the first frame member32and the second frame member34.

The connector assembly82is provided to enable mechanical communication between the combine header transport device10and the tow vehicle61. Referring now toFIGS. 7-8, utilizing the connector assembly82described herein enables the combine header transport device10to operate with only one axis88about which the device10is rotatable. Providing only one axis88about which the combine header transport device10is rotatable allows the combine header transport device10to be maneuvered more easily and placed into a desired position relative to the combine more quickly than known devices. Furthermore, providing only the one axis88about which the combine header transport device10is rotatable decreases the likelihood that the device10will jack-knife and the driver of the tow vehicle61will lose control of the device10. Additionally, the connector assembly82enables the combine header transport device10to be in directly coupled to the tow vehicle61, which increases the safety of transporting the combine header at highway speeds and when braking.

The connector assembly82comprises a first connector90,90A which is provided on the combine header transport device10and a second connector which is provided on the tow vehicle61. In order to enable mechanical communication between the combine header transport device10and the tow vehicle61, the first connector90,90A may receive the second connector or vice versa. In an embodiment, the connector assembly90may be of the pintle variety. In this embodiment and as is illustrated inFIG. 7, the first connector90may be, for example, a ring member and the second connector may comprise a hook. In another embodiment, like the one illustrated inFIG. 8, the first connector90A may comprise a ball receiving member. In this embodiment, the second connector (not depicted) may comprise a ball and ball mount. When the first connector90,90A receives the second connector or vice versa the combine header transport device10is rotatable about the axis88.

Preferably, the connector assembly90,90A is configured so that the position of the first connector90,90A is adjustable in a vertical direction. More preferably, the first connector90,90A is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the front end84of the frame18. Adjustment of the first connector90,90A in a vertical direction allows the first connector90,90A to receive the second connector or vice versa and position the device10in a generally horizontal orientation regardless of the height that the second connector is provided at on the tow vehicle61, which enables the combine header transport device10to be utilized with a wider variety of tow vehicles than the prior art devices.

In one embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a support member92and a flange member94. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the first connector90,90A is permanently secured to the support member92and the flange member94is permanently secured to the front end84of the frame18. When the combine header transport device10is being used to move a combine header, the support member92is secured to the flange member94. The support member92can be secured to the flange member94via conventional methods such as, for example, fasteners or by another method. In an embodiment like the one illustrated inFIG. 7, the support member92may comprises a plurality of openings which correspond to a plurality of openings formed in the flange member94. To secure the support member92to the flange member94, one or more fasteners95can be placed into corresponding openings in the support member92and corresponding openings in the flange member94. To adjust the position of the first connector90,90A, one or more fasteners95can be removed from the openings and the support member92can be moved in relation to the flange member94. When the first connector90,90A is in a desired position, the fasteners can be placed into the appropriate openings in the support member92and the corresponding openings in the flange member94.

When a combine header10is being transported, the combine header transport device10is connected to the tow vehicle61as described above. Also, as noted above, the combine header transport device10may be utilized to store the combine header. For example, the combine header may remain on the combine header transport device10after being transported to a desired location and until it is desired to attach the header to a combine. The combine header can be stored on the combine header transport device10when the device is attached to the tow vehicle61and when the combine header transport device10is not attached to the tow vehicle61.

When the combine header transport device10is not connected to a tow vehicle, a support stand assembly96may be utilized to keep the combine header transport device10in a generally horizontal and stable position relative to the terrain that it is disposed over. Preferably, the support stand assembly96is attached to the combine header transport device10. More preferably, the support stand assembly96is attached to a portion of the frame18near the front end84thereof. In one such embodiment, the support stand assembly96is attached to the third frame member68adjacent the connector assembly90,90A. In another embodiment, the support stand assembly96may be attached to the third frame member68at a location adjacent the location where the first end cross member78and the second end cross member80attach to the third frame member68. In yet another embodiment, the support stand assembly96may be attached to the frame18at a location adjacent the intersection of the first frame member32and the second frame member34.

The support stand assembly96has an adjustable length. When it is desired to disconnect the combine header transport device10from the tow vehicle61, the length of the support stand assembly96may be increased. After the combine header transport device10is connected to the tow vehicle61; the length of the support stand assembly96may be decreased. Adjusting the length of the support stand assembly96prevents the support stand assembly96from being damaged by the road when the combine header transport device10is in motion and allows the support stand assembly96to support the device10over a variety of ground conditions.

The combine header transport device10provides an efficient and safe one-step method of loading and unloading a combine header11. For example, loading or unloading of a combine header11can typically be accomplished in less than two minutes and in a safe manner. It should be appreciated that loading and unloading efficiency and speed are important due to the limited number of days for timely harvest. Furthermore, because loading and unloading may occur on a roadway, the combine header transport device10increases safety and reduces the hazards of working on the roadway.

When loading the combine header11, a combine (not depicted) is provided with the combine header11attached thereto. The combine approaches the combine header transport device10. Preferably, the combine header transport device10is attached to the tow vehicle61when the combine header11is loaded thereon. In certain embodiments, the tow vehicle61and combine header transport device10are in a parallel relationship with each other during loading or unloading. In these embodiments, the tow vehicle61and combine header transport device10may remain parallel to a roadway during loading or unloading, which prevents working across roadways and traffic patterns.

During loading, the combine header11is directed to a location above the combine header transport device10and aligned with the combine holders67as the combine approaches the combine header transport device10. Next, the combine header11is lowered onto the combine header transport device10and the combine header11is detached from the combine. Once detached, the combine header11rests on the combine header transport device10. More particularly, the combine header11rests on the support member bar12and the combine header cradles67. The combine header11may be further secured to the combine header transport device10using one or more straps, chains, or additional securing members. These additional securing members can be adjusted using a ratchet, binder, or another tensioning member to ensure that the combine header11does not shift relative to the combine header transport device10during transport. Preferably, two straps and corresponding ratchets are provided to secure the combine header11to the combine header transport device10. In an embodiment, it is preferred that each strap is secured to the combine header11with a hook and the corresponding ratchet is secure to a combine header cradle67.

An advantage of the method is that the combine header11is never placed on the ground and that the tow vehicle61does not need to be moved into position after the combine header11is detached from the combine. As should be appreciated, placing the combine header11on the ground is not preferred because the combine header11can be damaged and because, under some conditions, it may be difficult to find a space that can accommodate the width and the length of a combine header11.

Similarly, utilizing the combine header transport device10is safe and efficient when unloading a combine header11. After the tow vehicle61has been positioned in a desired location such as, for example, a roadway or the edge of a field, the securing straps can be released. An advantage of the method of unloading the combine, header transport device10is that the combine header11does not need to be rotated in order to remove header from the combine header transport device10. Therefore, after releasing the securing straps, the combine header11can be removed from the combine header transport device10by driving the combine up to the combine header transport device10and lifting the combine header11off of the device10, which attaches the combine header11to the combine. Accordingly, the combine header11is not placed on the ground during unloading and the tow vehicle61does not need to be repositioned before the combine header11is attached to the combine.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be apparent that various modifications, additions, and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit. The embodiments discussed herein were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to use the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. As should be appreciated, all such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention.