Abstract:
A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This Patent Application is a Divisional of, and claims priority to under 35 U.S.C. §120, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/855,266, filed on May 27, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,029, entitled, “Collapsible Grain Chute” and having Travis Harnetiaux as the Inventor. The full disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/855,266 is hereby fully incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In general terms, the instant invention relates to an agricultural seed planter, and more particularly to a grain chute for attachment the bulk seed assembly distributor of a seed planter to improve the cleanout process when either changing the variety of seed being planted or prior to seasonal storage of the unit. 
   By and large, modern agricultural seed planters employ a plurality row dispensing bins, each of which has an associated metering device for applying preselected quantities of the seed to the land. These individual bins generally have limited storage capacity, for example one to three bushels, and therefore require frequent refilling. To avoid the lost time and excess fuel usage associated with frequent refilling, apparatus was developed using a central bulk supply of seed carried by the frame of the planter so that the dispensing bins can be resupplied with seed during operation in the field. A seed distribution system in which grain is conveyed from a main hopper can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,473. This system utilizes a single main hopper which dispenses seed to a plurality of individual or mini-hoppers that each, in turn, supply seed to an individual row planting mechanism. The seed is fed from the main hopper into each mini-hopper by entraining it in an air stream contained in separate, individual transfer hoses that are connected between the main tank and each of the individual mini-hoppers. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,706 illustrates another seed planting system that also utilizes a central storage hopper for supplying a plurality of smaller, satellite hoppers via a plurality of individual hoses or tubes running from the central hopper to each of the individual satellite, row hoppers. Thus, while the systems of the &#39;473 and &#39;706 patents provide for the maintenance of seed supply quantities in the row hoppers during seeding operations, they also require the incorporation of a large number of separate seed transport tubes in those systems where multiple, mini-hoppers are present. 
   The &#39;473 and &#39;706 patents are merely illustrative of the general type of seeder relevant to the instant invention. There are many improvements or alternative arrangements available today on the market, but all “air seeders” generally work on the same or similar principles. A bulk storage bin, supported by the planter frame, feeds seed via gravity into a manifold-like distributor, located below the storage bin, where the seeds are air pushed into a multiplicity of outlets through individual hoses to the satellite hoppers. In some instances, more than one bulk storage bin, most often two, is used, each feeding a separate portion or section of the mini-hoppers. 
   Some difficulties and shortcomings have been identified in the field operation of systems such as described above, particularly when the bulk storage bins are to be emptied for end of the season storage or when making a change in the type or variety of seed being planted. To completely empty the bulk storage bin the operator must either remove the distributor or the bottom enclosure cover thereof and catch the extra grain in a sack or sacks. This is a somewhat difficult task in that the sack may become full, requiring quick replacement, or may have an inadequately small opening, allowing seed to miss the sack and fall directly on the ground. 
   It would be quite advantageous to have a means for fully and conveniently emptying the bulk bins of a seed planter without losing expensive seed or creating an over planted area in the field. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to provide an attachment to the bulk seed distributor of a seed planter that greatly improves the ability to effectively and efficiently empty the bulk seed bin. 
   It is another object of the instant invention to provide a grain chute for the bulk seed distributor of a seed planter that ensures effective and efficient elimination of seed materials from the bulk seed bin. 
   It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a collapsible grain chute for the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural seed planter that promotes the effective and efficient emptying of the bulk seed bin of the planter. 
   It is a still further object of the instant invention to provide a collapsible grain chute with a conical shape that affixes to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural seed planter to provide effective and efficient emptying of the bulk seed bin of the planter. 
   It is an even still further object of the instant invention to provide a collapsible grain chute, made of a flexible cloth-like material, that affixes to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural seed planter to provide effective and efficient emptying, via gravity, of the bulk seed bin of the planter. 
   It is another objected of the instant invention to provide a generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute, with a cinch cord to selectively close the chute; the chute affixes to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural seed planter to provide effective and efficient empting of the bulk seed bin of the planter. 
   These and other objects are obtained by providing a generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of an agricultural planter of the general type with which the instant invention may be used, showing, among other things, a pair of bulk seed bins and a plurality of satellite hoppers being fed therefrom; 
       FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of the planter of  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 2  is a left end view of a bulk seed distributor with the collapsible chute of the instant invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear perspective, partially exploded, view of a suitable distributor in combination with the collapsible chute of the instant invention; and 
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective, partially exploded, view of the distributor/chute combination of the  FIG. 3 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms “left” or “right” are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application of any element may already by widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a pneumatic seed planting system (also known as an “air seeder”) as it would be used in conjunction with the invention as described below. Reference numeral  10  indicates an agricultural planter which may be connected to a prime mover, such as a tractor, for transport through a field. The planter or seeder  10  is shown as having two bulk storage bins  12  and a plurality of individual distribution or row metering hoppers  13  that receive seed from the storage bins  12  by means of a distribution system indicated generally by the numeral  15 . Generally speaking, storage bins  12  could have capacities ranging from 50 to about 340 bushels while the individual row hoppers would characteristically range from about one quart to three bushels in capacity. Each of the row metering bins  13  will have an associated seed metering device that applies the seed to the soil in a manner well-known in the industry. Each seed transport hose  18  is connected to supply seed to individual row hoppers. The ability of the system to supply seed to a comparatively large member of row hoppers is facilitated by the design of a single seed transport duct that is connected to a hopper  12  at one end and which extends from there outwardly over a series of row bins. The delivery system includes a source of air, such as blower, that is connected by air supply tubes to the bottom of storage bins  12 . Air entering into the bin  12  picks up seeds and pneumatically transports them through hoses  18  into the inlet ends of a manifold supply hose. The planter can be of substantially any conventional design and configuration.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict the Case 1200 Series Advanced Seed Planter. 
     FIG. 2  is an end view of an exemplary bulk seed distributor  30  attached to bulk storage bin  12 . The attachment location between these two components will normally be at the lowest point of bin  12  relative to the ground so that seeds in bin  12  will be encouraged to flow into the distributor by the force of gravity. Referring also to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the distributor  30  can be seen to comprise, basically, a box-like enclosure with a top opening  32  in flow communication with storage bin  12  and an opposing bottom opening  34 . During operation of the planter, opening  34  is normally closed by a generally flat plate (not shown) affixed in to the main generally rectangular body portion  36  of distributor  30 . However, when the planter is to be cleaned or emptied of seed, the flat plate is removed and the collapsible chute  60  is attached to generally fully encompass opening  32 . 
   Distributor  30  further includes an opening  38  in the forward wall for the insertion of pressurized air to assist in movement of seeds through the system. The wall opposite opening  38  is a manifold-like series of outlet connectors  40  to which hoses  42  are connected for distribution to row metering hoppers  13 . Distributor  30  is affixed to bin  12  via flange  44  which mates with a matching flange  46  on bin  12  by bolts or other suitable mechanical mechanisms. 
   Collapsible chute  60  is comprised of a main body  62  that is generally shaped like a hollow truncated funnel terminating at the top end in a large inlet opening  64  generally the same shape and size of bottom opening  32  of distributor  30 , and terminating at the bottom end in a smaller opening  66 . Opening  66  may include a hem  68  with a cinch chord  70  ( FIG. 2 ) therein to permit the opening  66  to be selectively closed. The main body  62  may be made of any flexible material with sufficient durability to withstand the conditions under which it must operate. For example, main body  62  may be made of canvas, nylon or other synthetic materials. As seen best in  FIGS. 2-4 , an elongated plate  72  is affixed to one end of main body  62 , as by rivets through holes  74  and extends beyond the associated edge of main body  62 . Plate  72  has a horizontal top-opening slot  76  therein and a protruding catch  78 . A retaining member  80 , affixed to main body  62  and protruding away therefrom is sized to allow slot  76  to slide over member  80  and moved into position to hold plate  72  in the operating location. An over-the-center latch  82  engages catch  78  to lock chute  60  into engagement with distributor  30 . The opposing end of the chute  60  and distributor  30  are duplicates of the corresponding ends just described, but are not shown. Other latches and/or slot arrangements can be used effectively so long as one end of the chute can be generally fixed in position relative to the bottom opening  32  in distributor  30  and the opposing end pivoted and locked into operating position. Also, a cinch chord or a friction fit could be used to hold the chute in position. The location below the distributor in which the chute is maintained in operation is usually quite confined, so the pivot/locking arrangement is a significant practical feature. In some configurations, the bottom opening  32  may be centered axially with the inlet opening  64  of main body  62 , i.e., it is axially symmetrical. In other situations, because of interference with other components in the general area, the bottom opening is offset, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   In operation, when it is necessary to empty the bulk storage bin  12 , the bottom plate of distributor  30  is removed and the collapsible chute  60  is attached over the opening. The operator, by controlling the flow by opening and closing opening  66 , allows the remaining seeds to flow into sacks or bags for later use or storage. When bin  12  is empty, the chute  60  is replaced by the bottom plate, and then put away in a storage box on the planter or tractor. Being flexible and not having a full rigid frame around the top end, the chute may be collapsed into a relatively small flat package, making storage more convenient and efficient. 
   It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown.