Abstract:
A finger for a crop gathering auger of a grain header for an agricultural combine, a forage harvester, or the like, the finger including a resilient elastomeric retainer retractor which spans a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken, and which is configured and operable for automatically retracting the broken off free end into an auger drum and retaining it therein during subsequent rotation of the drum for limiting potential damage from the broken end and preventing entry of the broken end into crop handling equipment of the combine or other machine.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to a finger for a crop gathering auger of a grain header for an agricultural combine, and more particularly, to an auger finger including a resilient elastomeric retainer retractor which spans a failure region of the finger and will retain and allow resilient pivotal movement of a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken without the retainer retractor itself being subject to failure as a result of the breakage of the failure region, and which is preferably additionally operable for automatically controllably retracting the broken off free end into an auger drum and retaining it therein during subsequent rotation of the drum for limiting potential damage from the broken end and preventing entry of the broken end into crop handling equipment of the combine. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    It is well known to provide stiff, hard fingers of steel or other rigid material protruding radially outwardly from a central region of a drum of a rotating crop gathering auger of a grain header of an agricultural combine, for raking crops into an inlet opening of a feeder operable for conveying the crops into a threshing system of the combine, and also for other applications such as on forage harvesters and the like. Reference generally in this regard, Farley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,527 entitled Center Feed Finger Adjustment Mechanism For Header. As illustrated in the Farley et al. patent, such fingers are typically mounted on an auger finger shaft or other element located within the auger drum in axially offset relation to a rotational axis of the drum, and protrude radially outwardly through holes in an outer cylindrical surface of the drum. 
         [0003]    It is additionally well known to provide a failure region at a predetermined location along the length of such fingers, such as a groove or the like, such that, in the event that a large, solid or hard object such as a stone or rock, a stump or fence post or fragment thereof, an animal skeleton or part thereof, or the like, is encountered and attempted to be raked by a finger, forces exerted by the rotation of the drum applied through the finger against the object, if sufficiently strong, will cause the finger to break at the failure region. Induction of the broken off end of the finger into the feeder, and subsequent passage into the threshing system and other systems of the combine is to be avoided, as the end of the finger can jam the mechanisms thereof and/or cause damage such as breakage and result in machine downtime. 
         [0004]    Therefore, to avoid such occurrences, the failure region is typically located within the auger drum, and the end of the finger located radially outwardly of the failure region can include a retainer or detent element, such as a pin thereacross, located within the drum, for preventing removal of the broken end of the finger from the drum. However, in the event of breakage of the finger, the broken free end of the finger can undesirably flail about the exterior of the drum during the rotation thereof, so as to strike the floor or pan of the header during the rotation resulting in annoying noise, or, if the free end falls into the drum, it can undesirably move around freely therein so as to also create annoying noise, and it can possibly damage or jam other components located therein, and be difficult to find and retrieve. 
         [0005]    Thus, what is sought is an apparatus and method for retaining a broken free end of an auger finger, which overcomes one or more of the problems and disadvantages set forth above, and particularly, which is automatically operable for retracting the broken free end of an auger finger into a rotating auger drum and subsequently retaining the broken free end within the drum, and which is simple in construction. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    What is disclosed is an auger finger with a resilient elastomeric retainer retractor for retaining a broken free end thereof, which overcomes one or more of the problems and disadvantages set forth above, and which is additionally operable for automatically and controllably retracting the broken free end into a rotating auger drum and subsequently retaining the broken free end within the drum, and which is simple in construction. 
         [0007]    According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the auger finger includes a mounting end portion having a first sectional extent, an elongate free end portion opposite the mounting end portion, and a failure region disposed between and connecting the elongate free end portion with the mounting end portion. The failure region preferably has a second sectional extent smaller and weaker than the first sectional extent, or is otherwise weakened, so as to break and release the free end portion from the mounting end portion when the finger is subjected to a predetermined side loading condition, representative of contact with an obstruction. And, the auger finger includes at least one elastomeric retainer retractor connected to the free end portion and to the mounting end portion and spanning the failure region, the retainer retractor being constructed and operable such that, when the failure region is broken, the retainer retractor will retain the free end portion, while being resiliently flexible for allowing relative pivotal movement therebetween in a manner that facilitates retraction of the free end portion into the drum, but which substantially limits or prevents free flailing of the free end portion while extending from the drum, and after retraction into the interior thereof. 
         [0008]    More particularly, the mounting end portion of the auger finger is preferably adapted to be mounted within a drum of an auger in connection with a support element offset axially from a rotational axis of the drum such that the failure region is also located within the drum, and the free end portion projecting radially outwardly from the drum. Importantly, in the event of breakage or failure of the failure region, the elastomeric retainer retractor connected between the free end and mounting end portions and spanning the failure region, will be capable of holding the free end portion in connection with the mounting end portion, including in opposition to forces generated as a result of rapid energy release from the breakage such that the free end portion will not fly from the drum or otherwise be lost. Further, during subsequent rotation of the drum, the retainer retractor will allow relative pivotal movement of the free end portion and the mounting end portion, and preferably at least some limited relative longitudinal movement therebetween, as required, to facilitate and control automatic retraction of the free end portion into the drum and holding of the free end in a suitable position therein, such that the finger will not undesirably flail about the exterior of the drum during subsequent rotation, or, become loosened and lost or inducted into a threshing system of a combine with which the finger is used, or flail about inside the drum when retracted therein. 
         [0009]    According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the resilient retainer retractor comprises a member of a resiliently stretchable rubber or rubbery material. In one preferred embodiment, the rubber member is of tubular shape, and can be molded around at least portions of the free and mounting end portions of the finger adjacent to opposite ends of the failure region, and the free and mounting end portions can include recesses and/or protrusions for engaging and holding the rubbery material, for better holding the retainer retractor to the finger portions. 
         [0010]    According to other preferred aspects of the invention, the rubber member includes one or more windows or openings therein beside the failure region of the finger, preferably facing in a predetermined direction which is the rotational direction of the drum and the opposite direction, such that, in the event of breakage of the finger, the portion or portions of the retainer retractor in the vicinity of the broken region will be less likely to be pinched between the relatively pivoting portions of the finger and punctured and/or torn by sharp edges and/or points on the thus exposed surface or surfaces thereof, or by elements or particles such as shards of the finger that may break from the finger and fly or be propelled therefrom. This directional orientation can be established when the finger is mounted in the drum. In its free state, the tubular member will retain its original tubular shape, but when subjected to bending forces resulting from bending and breaking and subsequent pivoting of the broken end portions of the finger, the portion or portions of the tubular member spanning the broken failure region are configured so as to correspondingly resiliently bend or flex while holding the broken off free end portion of the finger in connection with the mounting end portion. In a further preferred embodiment, the element or elements spanning the failure region are configured and sufficiently strong and robust for controlling relative pivotal movements of the portions of the broken finger, so as to be limited at least generally, to the direction of rotation of the drum and the opposite direction. 
         [0011]    In still another preferred embodiment, the rubber member includes portions attached or connected to the free and mounting end portions of the finger, which preferably comprise tubular members or bands which extend therearound and are securely affixed or attached thereto using any of the above described techniques, and at least one resilient elastomeric element or tether connected to and extending between the tubular members or bands in spanning relation to the failure region, thereby defining the desired opening or openings next to the failure region. More preferably, two tethers are provided, located on opposite sides of the failure region, such that the opening or openings face both in the direction of movement, and in the opposite direction, such that contact between portions of the retainer retractor and any sharp edges or points and other projectiles emanating from the breakage region can be avoided or substantially limited if breakage occurs. Again, this directional orientation can be established when the finger is installed in the drum. The tether or tethers also preferably extend and are spaced sidewardly outwardly of the failure region, and include rounded surface portions facing the failure region, so as to lessen the possibility of damage thereto from sharp or pointy edges and or separated elements. The elements or tethers while sufficiently flexible to allow pivotal movement of the broken finger portions, are also preferably sufficiently robust so as to be capable of exerting a centering force on the broken free end portion for substantially limiting relative pivotal movements at least generally or largely to the direction of rotation of the drum and the opposite direction, and also for reducing random flailing of the broken free end portion. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a simplified side view of a grain header supported on a feeder on the front end of an agricultural combine, and showing in dotted lines a gathering auger on the header, including an array of auger fingers of the invention extending radially outwardly from a drum of the auger at angularly spaced locations therearound; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a simplified schematic side view of the header and auger of  FIG. 1 , illustrating one of the auger fingers at several rotational positions of the drum of the auger; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the auger finger of  FIG. 2 , shown mounted on a mounting sleeve mountable on an auger finger shaft of the drum; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary side view of the auger finger of  FIG. 2 , illustrating a retainer retractor of the invention in dotted lines to reveal one embodiment of underlying features of the finger, including a failure region thereof; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is another fragmentary side view of the auger finger of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the retainer retractor of the invention in dotted lines to reveal an alternative embodiment of underlying features of the finger; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is another fragmentary side view of the auger finger of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the retainer retractor of the invention in dotted lines to reveal another alternative embodiment of underlying features of the finger; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is another fragmentary side view of the auger finger, illustrating the failure region thereof in dotted lines; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is another fragmentary side view of the auger finger, illustrating breakage of the failure region; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is another simplified schematic side view of the auger finger showing separation of the free and mounting end portions thereof and retention of the free end portion by the retainer retractor of the invention illustrating relative pivotal movement of the mounting and free end portions thereof when the failure region is broken; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is still another simplified schematic side view of the auger finger, with the retainer retractor shown in cross section to illustrate resilient stretching thereof during relative pivotal movement of the mounting and free end portions; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a simplified schematic side view of the header, illustrating rotation of the auger and the auger finger intact and in its normal operating position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is another simplified schematic side view of the header, showing still further rotation of the auger and contact of the finger with an obstacle; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is another simplified schematic side view of the header, showing still further rotation of the auger and breakage of the finger at the failure region thereof as a result of the contact with the obstacle; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is another simplified schematic side view of the header, showing still further rotation of the auger to cause partial retraction of the broken portion of the finger into a drum of the auger by the retainer retractor; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is another simplified schematic side view of the header, showing the broken finger portion fully retracted into the drum by the retainer retractor; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is another simplified schematic side view of the header, showing a resting position of the broken finger portion within the drum as facilitated by the retainer retractor; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a fragmentary side view of another embodiment of the auger finger of  FIG. 2 , illustrating another embodiment of a retainer retractor of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17   b  is another fragmentary side view of the auger finger and retainer retractor of  FIG. 17 , illustrating application of a side force against the finger causing breakage of the failure region thereof; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17   c  is another fragmentary side view of the auger finger and retainer retractor of  FIG. 17 , illustrating breakage of the failure region and pivotal movement of the end portions of the finger as retained by the retainer retractor; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an auger finger including another embodiment of a retainer retractor of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18   a  is a side view of the auger finger and retainer retractor of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18   b  is a top view of the auger finger and retainer retractor of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18   c  is a side view of the auger finger and retainer retractor of  FIG. 18 , illustrating breakage of the failure region and relative pivoting of the mounting and free end portions of the finger as retained by the retainer retractor; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 18   d  is another side view of the auger finger and retainer retractor of  FIG. 18 , illustrating breakage of the failure region and further relative pivoting of the mounting and free end portions of the finger as retained by the retainer retractor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Referring now to the drawings, in  FIG. 1 , the front end of a conventional agricultural combine  20  is shown, including a feeder  22  supporting a grain header  24  conventionally operable for cutting and gathering crops containing grain, such as wheat and other grasses, legumes such as soybeans, and the like, in the well known conventional manner. Header  24  has a front end  26  including cutter apparatus  28  extending along the width thereof, configured and operable for severing crops (not shown) from the ground during movement of combine  20  in a forward direction, denoted by arrow F. 
         [0037]    Header  24  includes a reel  30  disposed above cutter apparatus  28  and rotatable for directing the cut crops rearwardly onto and along a generally flat, horizontal floor or pan  32  of header  24 , into a gathering auger  34  extending across the width of the header adjacent to the rear of pan  32 . Auger  34  includes a hollow cylindrical drum  36  having opposite right hand and left hand helical flights  38  and  40  extending around opposite end portions thereof, respectively. Auger  34  is rotatable about a rotational axis  42  ( FIG. 2 ), and flights  38  and  40  are rotatable therewith for conveying crop material from opposite end regions of the header toward the center region thereof. Feeder  22  includes an inlet opening (not shown) just rearwardly of the center region of header  24 , for receiving the augered crops, in the well known manner. 
         [0038]    To facilitate flow and induction of the crops into the inlet of feeder  22 , drum  36  includes an array of auger fingers  48  at longitudinally and angularly spaced locations therearound which rotate therewith and are configured to reciprocally move telescopically radially outwardly therefrom and radially inwardly therein during the rotation, for raking the crop material into feeder  22 , in the well known manner. 
         [0039]    Referring also to  FIG. 2 , auger  34  of header  24  is shown. The rotation of auger  34  is denoted by arrow B, about axis  42  through drum  36 . As noted above, drum  36  is hollow, and it includes a longitudinally and angularly spaced array of holes through an outer cylindrical surface  44  thereof, represented by hole  46 . An auger finger constructed and operable according to the teachings of the invention, is positioned in and extends outwardly through each of the holes of the array, as illustrated by auger finger  48  in hole  46 . As will be explained, each of the auger fingers, as represented by auger finger  48 , telescopically extends outwardly through its hole, represented by a hole  46 , by a different amount, depending on the rotational position of drum  36  about axis  42 . To illustrate, auger finger  48  is shown in a first rotational position telescopically extending in an upwardly and forwardly directed orientation from drum  36 , in preparation for raking. 
         [0040]    The auger finger is denoted by number  48 A at a second rotational position of drum  36 , telescopically extending forwardly and downwardly in a raking position and orientation. The auger finger is denoted by number  48 B at a third rotational position of the drum, extending rearwardly and downwardly and mostly telescopically retracted into, the drum. And, the auger is denoted by number  48 C in a rearward and upwardly directed orientation re-emerging from the drum. Thus, it should be evident that by rotation of drum  36  in the direction denoted by arrow B in  FIG. 2 , an auger finger will project telescopically a substantial distance from drum  36  in a gathering or raking mode through a portion of a revolution of the drum, as denoted by numbers  48  and  48 A, then will retract into drum  36  through another portion of the revolution, as denoted by number  48 B and  48 C, once the crop has been raked rearwardly into the feeder. 
         [0041]    Referring also to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9  and  10 , each of the auger fingers of drum  36 , represented by auger finger  48 , includes an elongate rigid body  50  constructed of a suitable material such as, but not limited to, a metal such as steel or aluminum. Body  50  includes a mounting end portion  52 , a free end portion  54 , and a failure region  56  at a predetermined location between mounting and free end portions  52  and  54 , connecting portions  52  and  54  together. Failure region  56  is preferably located in relation to mounting end portion  52 , so as to be located at all times within an internal cavity  58  of drum  36 , while free end portion  54  extends radially outwardly from drum  36  through the range of rotational positions thereof, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0042]    Mounting end portion  52  is adapted to be received and held in a hole through a side of a mounting flange or sleeve, illustrated by mounting sleeve  60  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , which in turn, is mounted for rotation about a sidewardly extending auger finger shaft  62  located in internal cavity  58  of drum  36 . Auger finger shaft  62  is mounted at a fixed location within internal cavity  58  in axially offset relation to axis  42 , such that the mounting sleeves, represented by sleeve  60 , will be rotatable about an auger finger shaft axis  64  extending longitudinally through shaft  62 . Mounting end portion  52  can be secured to sleeve  60  in any desired manner, such as by using one or more commercially available roll pins or fasteners, or by threaded engagement, or the like, in the well known manner, preferably so as to enable easy and quick removal and replacement. For purposes of the invention, namely, for aligning features of the invention with the direction of rotation of the drum, the mounting end portion  52  will be securable to sleeve  60  in a particular orientation. 
         [0043]    Failure region  56  can comprise any suitable construction which will result in breakage of body  50  at that location as a result of application of at least a predetermined threshold side loading condition, as denoted by arrow C in  FIGS. 8 and 13 , the magnitude of which can be determined as required or desired for a particular application, it being understood that failure region  56  is to be weaker than at least mounting end portion  52 , such that in the event of application of a side load against the finger of at least the threshold value, the finger will break at failure region  56  and not at mounting end portion  52  or another undesired location. The contemplated threshold side load force would be equivalent to that of resulting from contact with an object or obstruction not desired to be inducted into the feeder of a combine, which can include, for instance, but is not limited to, a large stone or rock, a fence post, log or stump, an animal carcass or skeleton, or a part or parts of any of these. To provide this capability, failure region  56  can comprise suitable structure, such as a circumferential groove around body  50 , a notch, or the like, to provide the desired weakening so as to be subject to breakage before other portions of body  50 , particularly mounting end portion  52 . 
         [0044]    As noted above, in the event of breakage of a finger, such as finger  48  at failure region  56 , it is desirable for the broken or detached free end portion  54  to be retained in connection with drum  36 , so as not to be subject to induction into feeder  22  and subsequent conveyance or passage into other regions of combine  20  wherein consequential damage therefrom could result. It has likewise been found to be undesirable for the broken portion of a finger to flail about the exterior of drum  36  so as to cause noise and potentially damage nearby components of header  24 . Thus, it has been found to be desirable to have the capability to retract a broken segment of a finger into internal cavity  58  and to hold the broken portion therein in a position and orientation so as to cause no further damage. 
         [0045]    This desirable capability is achieved according to the present invention by providing at least one resilient elastomeric retainer retractor  66  connected between mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54  of each auger finger, so as to span failure region  56  thereof and hold or retain free end portion  54  in the event failure region  56  is broken. Resilient retainer retractor  66  additionally necessarily allows relative pivotal movement of mounting end portion  52  and free end-portion  54 , to allow passage of free end portion  54  over an object (e.g.,  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) contact with which caused the breakage of failure region  56 , and to allow and facilitate automatic retraction of free end portion  54  through hole  46  into internal cavity  58  of drum  36 , by continued rotation of the drum. 
         [0046]    To provide this capability, according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, resilient elastomeric retainer retractor  66  includes a tubular member  68  of a resilient rubber or rubbery material, such as, but not limited to, natural rubber, neoprene, urethane, and combinations of the above, which is connected to or mounted on both mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54 , and spans failure region  56 . Member  68  is shown as being of unitary construction, and can be held in position in connection with mounting and free end portions  52  and  54  in any of several ways, which can include, but are not limited to, friction, mechanical fasteners or elements, such as pins  70  received in holes  72  through member  68  and underlying portions of mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54  ( FIG. 3 ), and/or by adhesion using an adhesive such as commonly commercially available under the name Chemlock, and/or by molding, for instance, so as to occupy and conform to one or more recesses in the surfaces of mounting end portion  52  and/or free end portion  54 , as illustrated by recesses  74  and  76  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and/or so as to conform to raised protrusions, such as a protrusions  78 , on the surfaces of portions  52  and/or  54  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 8 , failure region  56  is illustrated as being broken by application of a side load against free end portion  54 , as denoted by arrow C, this can result from a variety of causes, such as by contact with an obstruction such as is illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
         [0048]    Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , and also to  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15  and  16 , failure or breakage of failure region  56  and resultant controlled relative pivotability of end portions  52  and  54  of finger  48  as facilitated and achieved by resilient retainer retractor  66  during rotation (arrows B) of auger  34  of header  24 , is shown. Here, it should be observed that to provide the capability of easy relative pivotal movement of mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54  in the event of breakage of failure region  56 , resilient retainer retractor  66  is configured so as to be sufficiently resiliently stretchable, at least in the vicinity of failure region  56 , to allow a limited amount of relative longitudinal movement of mounting end  4  portion  52  and free end portion  54 , as denoted by arrow D and gap  80  in  FIG. 10 , as a result of contact with an object or obstruction ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) that is not raked by finger  48  so as to be cleared or moved from the path thereof. 
         [0049]    Referring more particularly to  FIG. 11 , failure region  56  within retainer retractor  66  of finger  48  is shown intact, finger  48  projecting outwardly through hole  46  in drum  36  of auger  34  rotating in direction B. In  FIG. 12 , failure region  56  is shown still intact, as finger  48  initially contacts an obstruction  82  in its path. Referring to  FIG. 13 , with further rotation of auger  34  as denoted by arrow B, a side load, denoted by arrow C, is exerted against free end portion  54  by contact with obstruction  82 , resulting in breakage of failure region  56 , and an initial relative pivotal movement of free end portion  54  and mounting end portion  52  as enabled and controlled by retainer retractor  66  which also retains free end portion  54  on mounting end portion  52 . Here, the side load denoted by arrow C is illustrated as being exerted in the direction opposite that of the rotation of the drum denoted by arrow B. In  FIG. 14 , during further rotation of auger  34  as denoted by arrow B, free end portion  54  is further pivoted and is beginning to be retracted through hole  46  of drum  36 , while still being retained by retainer retractor  66 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 15  illustrates further pivoting of free end portion  54  relative to mounting end portion  52 , as allowed and controlled by retainer retractor  66 , and the complete retraction of free end portion  54  through hole  46  of drum  36 , during further rotation of auger  34  in direction B. 
         [0051]      FIG. 16  show the position of free end portion  54  of finger  48  within the interior of drum  36  during subsequent rotation of auger  34 , as denoted by arrow B. 
         [0052]    This sequence is intended to be illustrative of a wide variety of incidents that may result in breakage of a finger, and the failure region of the fingers will desirably be constructed so as to fail when a side loading force thereagainst resulting from contact with an object or obstruction corresponding to a large stone or rock, a fence post, log or stump, an animal carcass or skeleton, or a part or parts of any of these, is generated. 
         [0053]    Additionally, it has been found that when an auger finger breaks, the free and mounting ends can pivot one relative to the other very rapidly, in a snapping action. It has also been found that the broken surfaces in the failure region can include sharp edges and/or points, and further that small particles or elements of the finger can break free and shoot outwardly from the break so as to possibly puncture the retainer retractor and induce tearing and possibly failure thereof. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 ,  17   a  and  17   b,  auger finger  48  is shown including a second embodiment of a retainer retractor  84  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention, like parts of retainer retractor  84  and retainer retractor  66  being identified by like numbers. Retainer retractor  84  is connected between mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54  of auger finger  48 , so as to span failure region  56  thereof and hold or retain free end portion  54  in the event failure region  56  is broken, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b.  Retainer retractor  84  has resilient properties to move with and thereby allow relative pivotal movement of broken apart mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54  ( FIG. 17   b ), to allow passage of free end portion  54  over an object (e.g.,  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) contact with which caused the breakage of failure region  56  (e.g. resulting from application of a side load C), and to allow and facilitate automatic retraction of free end portion  54  through hole  46  into internal cavity  58  of drum  36 , by continued rotation of the drum. Additionally, in the event of breakage of failure region  56 , to prevent or limit penetration or puncturing of retainer retractor  84  by sharp edges or points on the surface of the failure region, represented by a sharp edge  86 , and/or flying particles or elements, represented by shard  88 , retainer retractor  84  includes at least one opening  90  beside failure region  56 , and preferably two openings  90 , preferably oriented to face in the direction of rotation of the drum, as denoted by arrow B, and in the opposite direction, respectively. The provision of openings  90  in the rotational direction in which the end portions of the finger are anticipated to pivot facilitates the pivoting action, and leaves a pair of resiliently flexible elements or tethers  92  extending across failure region  56  which will allow the pivoting movement, but are also operable for retaining free end portion  54  in connection with mounting end portion  56  for facilitating the retraction of free end portion  54  into the rotating drum. Retainer retractor  84  preferably comprises a tubular member  94  of a resilient rubber or rubbery material, such as, but not limited to any of the materials set forth above, namely, natural rubber, neoprene, urethane or a combination thereof, which is connected to or mounted on both mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54  adjacent to failure region  56 . Member  94  is shown as being of unitary construction, and can be held in position in connection with mounting and free end portions  52  and  54  in any of several ways, which can include, but are not limited to, friction, mechanical fasteners or elements, such as pins  70  ( FIG. 3 ), and/or by adhesion using an adhesive such as Chemlock, and/or by molding, for instance, so as to occupy and conform to one or more recesses in the surfaces of mounting end portion  52  and/or free end portion  54 , as illustrated by recesses  74  and  76  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and/or so as to conform to raised protrusions, such as a protrusions  78 , on the surfaces of portions  52  and/or  54  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0055]    Referring also to  FIGS. 18 ,  18   a,    18   b,    18   c  and  18   d,  auger finger  48  is shown including a third embodiment of a retainer retractor  96  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention, like parts of retainer retractor  96  and retainer retractors  66  and  84  being identified by like numbers. Retainer retractor  96  is connected between mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54  of auger finger  48 , so as to span failure region  56  thereof and hold or retain free end portion  54  in the event failure region  56  is broken, as illustrated in  FIGS. 18   c  and  18   d.  Retainer retractor  96  has resilient properties to allow relative pivotal movement of mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54 , to allow passage of free end portion  54  over an object (e.g.,  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) contact with which caused the breakage of failure region  56 , and to allow and facilitate automatic retraction of free end portion  54  through hole  46  into internal cavity  58  of drum  36 , by continued rotation of the drum. Additionally, in the event of breakage of failure region  56 , to prevent or limit penetration or puncturing of retainer retractor  96  by sharp edges or points on the surface of the failure region, represented by a sharp edge  86 , and/or flying particles or elements, represented by shard  88 , retainer retractor  96  defines at least one opening  90  beside failure region  56 , and preferably two openings  90 , again preferably oriented to face in the direction of rotation of the drum denoted by arrow B in  FIGS. 18   c  and  d,  and in the opposite direction, respectively. Openings  90  are defined on the sides by a pair of resiliently flexible elements  98  extending across failure region  56 , which elements  98  are configured and operable for retaining free end portion  54  in connection with mounting end portion  56  in the event of breakage of the finger, while allowing pivotal movement of the broken portions sufficient for the automatic retraction of free end portion  54  into the rotating drum. Retainer retractor  96  can also be composed of, for instance a natural rubber, neoprene, urethane, or combination thereof, and includes a pair of members or bands  100  connected to or mounted on mounting end portion  52  and free end portion  54 , respectively. Retainer retractor  96  is shown as being of unitary construction, and bands  100  are affixed in position in connection with mounting and free end portions  52  and  54  in any of several ways, which can include, but are not limited to, friction, mechanical fasteners or elements, such as pins  70  ( FIG. 3 ), and/or by adhesion using an adhesive such as Chemlock, and/or by molding, for instance, so as to occupy and conform to one or more recesses in the surfaces of mounting end portion  52  and/or free end portion  54 , as illustrated by recesses  74  and  76  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and/or so as to conform to raised protrusions, such as a protrusions  78 , on the surfaces of portions  52  and/or  54  ( FIG. 6 ). Elements  98  are preferably integrally formed with bands  100 , are configured to have a relatively large sectional extent for strength and robustness, and are spaced outwardly of failure region  56 . This combination of features is advantageous as it provides strength to resist the forces that can be exerted to separate the broken portions of the finger, and it provides a self centering capability to control or limit the directions in which the broken finger portions can be pivoted, at least generally or largely to the rotational direction denoted by arrow B and the opposite direction. As an example, for a finger of aluminum or steel having a sectional thickness or extent of about 10 to 15 mm, each of elements  98  of a preferred embodiment will have a sectional thickness of about 10 mm. Also again, for orienting openings  90  so as to face in the desired direction of rotation and the opposite direction, the finger will preferably be mountable in a predetermined orientation, as discussed in reference to  FIG. 3  above. 
         [0056]    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 invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown.