Abstract:
A vertically folding rake assembly is configured for forming a windrow of cut agricultural crop material. The rake includes a trolley; a pair of rake arm suspension supports interconnected with the trolley and movable in a vertical plane between a raised position and a lowered position, and a vertically movable linkage arrangement configured for moving each of the rake arm suspension arrangements between the raised position and the lowered position. The rake further includes a rake arm suspended from each of the rake arm suspension supports. Each of the rake arm suspension supports includes a linkage pivotally connected to the trolley and a vertical support member that is pivotal about a vertical pivot axis and in support of the rake arm. The rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a pivot connection to provide pivoting movement of the rake arm about a horizontal axis, and a counterbalancing biasing arrangement to center each rake arm.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/519,916, filed Nov. 14, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to a folding rake for raking a cut crop material into a windrow, and more particularly to a rake having a vertically movable linkage arrangement configured to move the rake between an operative position for raking crop material and an inoperative, stowed position for transport or storage.  
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In the prior art, it is generally known to construct a foldable rake that includes a trolley adapted for connection to a tow vehicle. The foldable rake includes rake arms carrying a number of rake elements (e.g. rake wheels, etc.) which are operable to direct crop material inwardly as the rake is pulled by the tow vehicle across the field. An example of a foldable rake is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,710 to Tonutti. The &#39;710 patent discloses a foldable rake that includes a cylinder assembly in combination with an actuator configured to extend and retract along a longitudinal axis of the rake in moving one or more of the rake wheels between an inoperative and an operative position.  
         [0004]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a vertically folding rake assembly that includes a vertically movable linkage arrangement configured to move the rake elements between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a suspension-type support arrangement for the rake arms of a rake, in which the rake arms are mounted to a support member that is pivotal about a vertical axis. It is a further object of the invention to provide a rake arm suspension arrangement that includes a pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of each rake arm, which carries the rake elements, about a generally horizontal pivot axis. It is a further object of the invention to provide a counterbalanced biasing arrangement in association with the rake arm suspension arrangement for biasing the rake arm toward a centered position.  
         [0005]     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one embodiment of a rake includes a trolley and a rake arm suspension support arrangement interconnected with the trolley and movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The rake arm suspension support arrangement includes a pair of linkages and a pair of rake arm supports. The linkages are movable in a generally vertical plane. Each rake arm support is pivotally interconnected by a bracket with one of the linkages for movement about a generally vertical pivot axis. A preferred bracket generally includes a pair of plates configured to receive each linkage therebetween. A rake arm carrying a raking means or element (e.g., a rake wheel) is suspended from each rake arm support by a vertical support member.  
         [0006]     Each rake arm support includes a horizontal support member interconnected with the vertical support member. The horizontal support member includes a collar that defines the generally vertical pivot axis of the vertical support member. The rake arms are generally suspended from a lower end of each of the vertical support members.  
         [0007]     The rake arm suspension arrangement for suspending each rake arm from the trolley further includes a pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of the rake arm about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The pivot connection includes a horizontal pivot pin in combination with a pivot plate pivotably mounted to the horizontal pivot pin. The lower end of each of the vertical support members includes a slot to receive the pivot pin, and the pivot plate is fixed to the rake arm. This arrangement allows the rake arm to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.  
         [0008]     The rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a counterbalanced biasing arrangement associated with each rake arm for biasing the rake arm toward a centered position. The counterbalanced biasing arrangement includes a first biasing assembly and a second biasing assembly positioned on opposite sides of each vertical support member. Each of the first and second biasing assemblies is connected by a bracket to the vertical support member. Each first and second biasing assembly includes a spring that extends generally parallel to the vertical support member between the bracket and the rake arm. The first and second biasing assemblies each further includes a spring compression adjustment feature, to vary the biasing force applied by the spring to the rake arm. The spring compression adjustment feature may include a bolt and a locking nut securing the bolt to one of the first and second brackets. The bolt is configured to extend into an interior defined by one of the springs. The spring compression adjustment feature further includes a tightening nut and a washer located between the tightening nut and the spring. The tightening nut is received by and configured to move along the bolt to adjust the position of the washer and the end of the spring, to thereby selectively adjust the compression of the spring. The lower end of the spring may be secured by a plate to the rake arm.  
         [0009]     The rake preferably also includes a front rake wheel mounted at a forward end defined by each rake arm. The front rake wheel is movable between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position relative to the rake arm in accordance with crop conditions. A front rake arm support member carries the front rake wheel on each of the rake arms. The front rake arm support member is pivotally connected by a stub shaft that is pivotably mounted to a sleeve located at the front end of the rake arm. A coupling is received through openings in the stub shaft and aligned openings in the sleeve so as to secure the front rake wheel in the raised, inoperative position or the lowered, operative position relative to the rake arm.  
         [0010]     The rake preferably also includes a lifting and lowering means interconnected with the rake arm suspension support arrangement for moving the one or more rake arms between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. The lifting and lowering means includes a vertically movable actuator arrangement interconnected between the trolley and each the linkages. The vertically movable actuator arrangement includes an upright member and a guide member received within a passage defined by the upright member in a telescoping manner. The upright member may be mounted between first and second mounting plates carried by the trolley. The guide member is configured to move in a vertical direction relative to the upright member.  
         [0011]     The vertically movable actuator arrangement also includes an operating mechanism for moving the actuator arrangement in a vertical direction. In one form, the operating mechanism is a cylinder assembly having a cylinder end and a rod end that is extendible and retractable from the cylinder end. The cylinder end of the cylinder assembly is connected to the trolley, and the rod end of the cylinder assembly is connected by a pin to the guide member such that extension and retraction of the cylinder assembly causes extension and retraction of the guide member in a telescoping manner and in a vertical direction relative to the upright member. The cylinder end of the cylinder assembly may be secured by a mounting bracket connected to one of the plates between which the upright member is located. A reinforcing bar can be attached between the mounting bracket and the trolley to add rigidity to the support structure. The vertically movable actuator arrangement further includes front and rear pairs of actuating links, each of which has a lower end pivotably connected to one of the linkages. An upper end of each of the actuating links is connected to the rod end of the cylinder assembly via a pin. The actuating links include overlapping slots that receive the pin therethrough, such that extension of the cylinder assembly lifts the upper end of each of the front and rear actuating links and the pair of linkages attached thereto.  
         [0012]     The rake further preferably includes a pair of control members, each of which is interconnected between the trolley and each rake arm support. The pair of control members are configured to move the pair of rake arm supports apart from one another when the linkages are lowered, and to move the rake arm supports together toward one another when the linkages are raised.  
         [0013]     The rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a windrow width adjustment arrangement for varying the angle defined between the rake arms when the rake arms are in the lowered, operative position. The adjustment arrangement may include a turnbuckle assembly interconnected with each of the pair of rake arms, which is configured such that adjustment of a length of the turnbuckle assembly selectively varies an angle defined between the rake arms when the rake arms are in the lowered, operative position. The vertical support of the rake arm suspension arrangement includes a head disposed above the collar of the horizontal support member. The head is connected to an arm extending radially outward from the collar. A first coupling of the turnbuckle assembly is connected at the arm and a second coupling of the turnbuckle assembly is connected at the horizontal support member. The arm includes a first opening disposed radially outward from a second opening relative to the head. The first coupling of the turnbuckle assembly is connected to the arm by a pin inserted in the first opening, which allows the rake arms to pivot apart from each other when the rake arms are moved to the lowered, operative position. Alternatively, the first coupling of the turnbuckle assembly is connected by the pin inserted in the second opening when the rake arms are positioned in the raised, inoperative position. The collar includes a tab having an opening generally aligned with the second opening of the arm, such that pin engages the tab in a manner that restrains movement of the rake arms when the rake arms are in the raised, inoperative position.  
         [0014]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a rake for movement between a transport position and an operating position for creating a windrow of cut crop material in a field is provided. The method includes the steps of actuating a vertically movable linkage arrangement connected so as to selectively raise and lower a suspension arrangement in support of one or more rake arms carrying rake means; and selectively securing the suspension arrangement in a raised, inoperative position or positioning the suspension arrangement in a lowered, operative position. The method can further include the steps of actuating the vertically movable linkage arrangement by operation of a cylinder assembly configured to move the vertically movable linkage arrangement in a vertical direction; and pivoting a horizontal support of the suspension arrangement about a generally vertically axis so as to move the suspension arrangement relative a central axis of the rake. The method may include locking a rake arm and a vertical support carrying the raking means so as to restrain pivoting movement of the rake arm while the rake is in the inoperative position. The rake arm is moved to the lowered, operative position by retracting the cylinder assembly so as to lower the suspension arrangement and associated raking means; pivoting the suspension arrangement in an outward direction from the central axis of the rake while lowering the suspension arrangement; and pivoting a rake arm in support of the raking means to an open position for creating the windrow of cut crop material as the rake is moved along the ground. The method may further include engaging the suspension arrangement with a cushioned stop member attached to a trolley in support of the suspension arrangement and the raking means when the rake arm is moved to the lowered, operative position.  
         [0015]     While all of the features of the present invention can be incorporated together into a rake to enhance operation, it is understood that the one or more of the features of the invention may be utilized separately from each other or in combination with other rake features, and that each functions to enhance rake operation on its own.  
         [0016]     Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.  
         [0018]     In the drawings:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a rake of the present invention showing the rake arms in a raised, inoperative position for transport or storage;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the rake of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view the rake of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the rake of  FIG. 1 , showing the rake arms in a lowered, operative position;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the rake of  FIG. 4 , showing the rake arms in the lowered, operative position;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view of the rake of  FIG. 1 , showing the rake arms in the raised, inoperative position and the rake wheels removed;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial isometric view of a draw bar incorporated into the rake, with reference to line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial side elevation view of a front rake wheel support of the rake of  FIG. 1 , showing the rake wheel support in the operative, lowered position and the inoperative, raised position (illustrated by dashed lines);  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged partial top plan view of a windrow width adjustment assembly of the rake, with reference to line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 3 ; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged partial side elevation view of a rake arm suspension assembly incorporated into the rake of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a vertically folding rake  20  generally includes a trolley assembly  25 , and a pair of rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  mounted by a pair of suspension-type arm supports  35   a  and  35   b , respectively, to the trolley assembly  25 . The rake  20  further includes an operating mechanism  40  that is interconnected between the trolley assembly  25  and the arm supports  35   a  and  35   b . In a manner to be explained, the operating mechanism  40  is configured to move the rake arms  30  and  30   b  between a raised, inoperative position (as shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 ) for transport or storage, and a lowered, operative position (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) for raking a field of cut crop material so as to form windrows of crop material.  
         [0000]     1. Trolley Assembly  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3  and  7 , the trolley assembly  25  is generally configured as a transport arrangement for the rake  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the preferred trolley assembly includes a front drawbar member  45  and a rear drawbar member  50 . A forward end of the front drawbar member  45  includes a standard hitch coupling  55  adapted for connection, in a known manner, to a tow vehicle (e.g., a tractor) which is operable to draw the rake  20  through a field of cut crop material in a forward direction of travel (illustrated by arrow  60 ). The rear drawbar member  50  is generally tubular-shaped and defines a passage to receive a rearward end of the front drawbar member  45 , such that the front drawbar member  45  is engaged with the rear drawbar member  50  in a telescoping manner. As shown in FIG.  7 , the vertical walls of the rear drawbar member  50  include a pair of aligned openings  65 . The vertical walls of the front drawbar member  45  include axially spaced sets of pairs of aligned openings  70  located such that each pair of openings  70  has the same spacing as the pair of aligned openings  65  in the rear drawbar member  50 . A pair of cross members, such as threaded bolts  75  or other connection members, are engaged through the aligned openings so as to fix the front drawbar member  45  in position relative to the rear drawbar member  50 . The openings  65  in the vertical walls of the rear drawbar member  50  can be selectively placed into alignment with any selected set of aligned openings  70  in the front drawbar member  45  in a manner so as to selectively adjust the overall length defined by the front drawbar member  45  and the rear drawbar member  50 .  
         [0031]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the rear end of the rear drawbar member  50  is connected to a pair of rearwardly divergent trolley frame members  80   a  and  80   b . The divergent frame members  80   a  and  80   b  generally form a V-shaped structure centered about a central axis  82  of the rake  20  when viewed in a top plan view (See  FIG. 3 ). The trolley assembly  25  further includes a pair of vertical frame members  85   a  and  85   b  (See  FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the vertical frame member  85   a  is secured to the rearwardly divergent frame member  80   a  via a short axial frame member  90   a , and the vertical frame member  85   b  is secured to the rearwardly divergent frame member  80   b  by a short axial frame member  90   b . A wheel  95  is rotatably mounted at the lower end of each vertical frame member  85   a  and  85   b . A transverse upper frame member  100  extends between and interconnects the upper ends of the vertical frame members  85   a  and  85   b . A front mounting plate  105  and a rear mounting plate  110  are secured to the front and rear vertical walls of the upper frame member  100 , respectively, and extend upwardly above the upper horizontal wall of the upper frame member  100 .  
         [0032]     A reinforcing bar  112  is included to impart rigidity to the overall support structure of the trolley assembly  25  against forces caused by operation of the rake  20  in the field and during transport of rake  20 . Reinforcing bar  112  generally includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the reinforcing bar  112  is secured to the mounting plate  105 . The lower end of the reinforcing bar  112  is connected to a gusset member  113  secured to the frame members  80   a  and  80   b  and the rear drawbar member  50  of the trolley assembly  25 .  
         [0000]     2. Rake Arm Suspension Arrangement  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , the suspension-type arm supports  35   a  and  35   b  generally provide a rake arm suspension arrangement configured to support the rake arms  30  and  30   b  from the trolley assembly  25 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  4 , and  6 , the preferred suspension-type supports  35   a  and  35   b  include a pair of linkages  115   a  and  115   b  located one on either side of the central axis  82  of the trolley assembly  25 . The linkages  115   a  and  115   b  are of a parallel bar-type, such that linkage  115   a  includes a lower bar  116   a  and an upper bar  118   a , and linkage  115   b  includes a lower bar  116   b  and an upper bar  118   a . Relative to the central axis  82 , the inner ends of each of the lower and upper bars  116   a  and  118   a  of linkage  115   a  and the inner ends of the lower and upper bars  116   b  and  118   b  of linkage  115   b  are pivotably mounted to and between the front and rear mounting plates  105  and  110 . The outer ends of each of the lower and upper bars  116   a  and  118   a  of linkage  115   a  and the outer ends of each of the lower and upper bars  116   b  and  118   b  of linkage  115   b  are pivotably mounted to a pair of linkage plate brackets  120   a  and  120   b , respectively.  
         [0034]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  6 , linkages  115   a  and  115   b  are maintained in the raised, operative position via transport pins  122   a  and  122   b  engaged within upper openings  125   a  and  125   b  in the front mounting plate  105  and aligned openings  130   a  and  130   b  in the rear mounting plate  110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when linkages  115   a  and  115   b  are in the lowered, operative position, the transport pins  122   a  and  122   b  are removed from the upper openings  125   a  and  125   b , respectively, and received within a pair of lower openings  135   a  and  135   b  in the front mounting plate  105  and an aligned pair of openings  140   a  and  140   b  in the rear mounting plate  110  (see  FIG. 6 ). In this manner, the transport pins  122   a  and  122   b  are maintained in an easily accessible location to be switched into the upper openings  125   a  and  125   b  when the linkages  115   a  and  115   b , respectively, are raised to the inoperative position.  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  4  and  6 , the suspension-type arm supports  35   a  and  35   b  further include laterally extending horizontal support arms  185   a  and  185   b . The horizontal support arm  185   a  is mounted for movement about a vertical pivot axis  190   a , and the horizontal support arm  185   b  is mounted for movement about a vertical pivot axis  190   b . The axes  190   a  and  190   b  are generally defined at the outer ends of linkage plate brackets  120   a  and  120   b  by a pair of collars  200   a  and  200   b , respectively. Each of the linkage plate brackets  120   a  and  120   b  generally includes a pair of plate structures to receive the outer ends of the lower bars  116   a ,  116   b  and upper bars  118   a ,  118   b , respectively, therebetween.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 3 , and  5 , a pair of control arms  210   a  and  210   b  extend in a rearward direction, relative to the forward direction of travel  60 , from the horizontal support arms  185   a  and  185   b , respectively. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , a pair of control rods  215   a  and  215   b  of fixed-length are pivotally mounted between a pair of mounting brackets  220   a  and  220   b  secured at the outer ends of the control arms  210   a  and  210   b , respectively, and a pair of mounting brackets  225   a  and  225   b  secured to the trolley assembly  25 . In this arrangement, the control rods  215   a  and  215   b  are operable to pivot the suspension-type arm supports  35   a  and  35   b  through control arms  210   a ,  210   b , respectively, to thereby pivot rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  relative to one another upon raising and lowering of linkages  115   a  and  115   b.    
         [0037]     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 4 , and  6 , vertical collars or sleeves  230   a  and  230   b  are secured to the outer ends of the horizontal support arms  185   a  and  185   b , respectively. The upper ends of the depending vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b  are received within passages defined by the sleeves  230   a  and  230   b , respectively, such that the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b  are pivotally movable relative to the horizontal support arms  185   a  and  185   b  about vertical pivot axes  240   a  and  240   b , respectively, which are coincident with the longitudinal axis defined by the sleeves  230   a  and  230   b  and the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b , respectively. A pair of heads  250   a  and  250   b  each are secured at the upper end of one of the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b , and rest on the upper edges above one of the sleeves  230   a  and  230   b , respectively. A pair of collars  252   a  and  252   b  are engaged with the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b , respectively, adjacent the lower edge of the sleeves  230   a  and  230   b  and cooperate with the heads  250   a  and  250   b  to fix an axial position of the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b  relative to the sleeves  230   a  and  230   b , respectively.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the sleeve  230   a  (See  FIGS. 2, 4 , and  6 ) is attached with a radially outwardly extending tab  255  (shown in dashed lines). An arm  260  extends from the head  250   a  and includes a radially inward portion  262  that overlies the tab  255 . The radially inward portion  262  of the arm  260  includes an opening  265  adapted to be selectively aligned with an opening in the tab  255 . The arm  260  further includes a radially outward portion  264  that extends beyond the tab  255 . An adjustable turnbuckle assembly  275   a  is engaged at a first coupling  280  with a bracket  270  secured to the support arm  185   a . A second coupling  285  of the adjustable turnbuckle assembly  275   b  is selectively engaged with either the radially outward portion  264  of the arm  260  or with the radially inward portion  262  of the arm  260  and the tab  255  via a pin  290 . The turnbuckle assembly  275   a  is operable to maintain a desired rotational position of the vertical support member  235   a  relative to the sleeve  230   a  for controlling an angle of the rake arm  30   a  relative to the forward direction of travel  60 .  
         [0039]     It should be understood that the above description with respect to the sleeve  235   a , head  250   a , and turnbuckle assembly  275   a  of suspension-type arm support  35   a  applies with equal force to the suspension-type arm support  35   b.    
         [0040]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 4  and  10 , the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  are engaged with the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b  by a counterbalanced biasing arrangement that influences the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  toward at a horizontally centered position and yet allows a limited range of vertical oscillation of the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  about a horizontal axis. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  are mounted to the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b  by pivot plates  295   a  and  295   b , respectively. The pivot plates  295   a  and  295   b  generally extend upward from an upper surface of the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b . A pair of pivot pins  300   a  and  300   b  define the generally horizontal axes about which the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  are pivotable relative to the vertical support members  235   a  and  235   b , respectively. The pivot pins  300   a  and  300   b  generally extend through openings in the pivot plates  295   a  and  295   b , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 10 , pin  300   a  also extends through an aligned cutout or slot  298  at the lower end of the vertical support member  235   a . Suspension or biasing spring assemblies  311   a  and  312   a  are located on either side of the pivot connection defined by the pin  300   a  with the rake arm  30   a , and at the lower end of the associated vertical support member  235   a.    
         [0041]     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , the biasing spring assembly  310   a  is secured by bolts  315   a  and  318   a  to brackets  320   a  and  322   a , respectively, located at the lower end of the vertical support member  235   a . The threaded shank of the bolts  315   a  and  318   a  each receives a locking nut  325  in a manner that maintains the bolts  315   a  and  318   a  in engagement with the brackets  320   a  and  322   a , respectively. The biasing assemblies  310   a  and  312   a  each further includes a coil spring  330  having a lower end that is secured to a foot plate  340  mounted to an upper wall of the rake arm  30   a . The shank of the bolts  315   a  and  318   a  extends into an interior of the coil spring  330 . A spring adjustment nut  335  is engaged along the threaded shank of the bolts  315   a  and  318   a . A washer  342  is interposed between the spring adjustment nut  335  and the top end of the coil spring  330 . With this arrangement, the spring adjustment nut  335  can be turned along the thread shank of the bolts  315   a  and  318   a  in a manner that adjusts the force applied by the spring  330  on the rake arm  30   a , which tends to bias the rake arm  30   a  about a rake arm pivot axis defined by the pivot pin  300   a . The biasing spring assemblies  310   a  and  312   a  are located on either side of the pivot pin  300   a  such that the spring forces counteract each other so as to maintain the rake arm  30   a  in a generally horizontal orientation and at a centered position while allowing the rake arm  30   a  to oscillate or rock (as illustrated by arrow  344 ) about the pivot pin  300   a  in a manner that accommodates fluctuations in the ground contour.  
         [0042]     It should be understood that the above description with respect to the biasing assemblies  310   a  and  312   a  applies with equal force to the biasing spring assemblies  310   b  and  312   b  located on either side of the pivot pin  300   b  between the rake arm  30   b  and the lower end of the vertical support member  235   b  (See  FIGS. 1 and 4 ).  
         [0000]     3. Rake Arm  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , the rake arm  30   a  includes a series of finger wheel rakes  350   a ,  352   a ,  354   a ,  356   a , and  358   a , and the rake arm  30   b  includes a series of rake wheels  350   b ,  352   b ,  354   b ,  356   b , and  358   b  (shown in dashed lines). Although the illustrated embodiment shows finger wheel rakes  350   a ,  352   a ,  354   a ,  356   a ,  358   a ,  350   b ,  352   b ,  354   b ,  356   b , and  358   b , it should be understood that any number or other satisfactory type of raking structure may be employed, such as basket-style rakes, tedder-type rakes, etc. and is not limiting on the invention. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , rear rake wheels  350   a  and  352   a  are carried by a rear L-shaped rake wheel support  360   a  pivotally interconnected via a stub shaft  365   a  with the rake arm  30   a . Similarly, rear wake wheels  350   b  and  352   b  are carried by a rear L-shaped rake wheel support  360   b  pivotally interconnected via a stub shaft  365   b  with rake arm  30   b . The forward pair of rake wheels  354   a  and  356   a  are secured to the rake arm  30   a  via a front rake wheel support  370   a  pivotally interconnected via a stub shaft  375   a  to the rake arm  30   a . In a similar manner, the forward pair of rake wheels  354   b  and  356   b  are secured to the rake arm  30   b  via a front wheel support  370   b  pivotally interconnected via a stub shaft  375   b  to the rake arm  30   b . With this rake mount arrangement, the rake wheels  350   a ,  352   a ,  354   a ,  356   a  are able to rotate about the supports  360   a  and  370   a , respectively, and the rake wheels  350   b ,  352   b ,  354   b ,  356   b  rotate about the supports  360   b  and  370   b , respectively, as the rake  20  is drawn across the field. Supports  360   a ,  370   a  and  360   b ,  370   b  in turn pivot relative to rake arms  30   a  and  30   b , respectively, to accommodate fluctuations in ground contour.  
         [0044]     The front rake wheels  358   a  and  358   b  are secured by a pair of single arm front rake support members  380   a  and  380   b , respectively, at a forward end  382   a  and  382   b  (relative to the direction of travel  60 ) and at a top surface of the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  via stub shafts  385   a  and  385   b , respectively. According to the conditions of the crop material, the front rake support members  380   a  are configured to be selectively positioned relative to the rake arms  30   a  in either a raised, inoperative position or in a lowered, operative position by a coupling pin  390  ( FIG. 8 ) inserted through one of a series of openings  392  in the stub shafts  385   a  and aligned openings in the front rake support members  380   a . It should be understood that the above description with respect to the front wheel  358   a  and the front rake support member  380   a  applies with equal force to the front wheel  358   b  and the front rake support member  380   b . In heavy crop conditions, the front rake support members  380   a  and  380   b  are placed in the raised, inoperative position so as to prevent the front rake wheels  358   a  and  358   b , respectively, from raking the crop material. In lighter crop conditions, the front rake support members  380   a  and  380   b  are placed in the lowered, operative position so as to enable the front rake wheels  358   a  and  358   b , respectively, to rake the crop material.  
         [0000]     4. Stop Members  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , when the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  are moved to their lowered, operative positions, each of the lower linkage bars  116   a  and  116   b  rests on a resilient stop member or bumper  410   a  and  410   b , respectively. The stop members  410   a  and  410   b  are mounted at the upper end of the vertical frame members  85   a  and  85   b , respectively. The vertical position of the stop members  410   a  and  410   b  can be adjusted in a manner that adjusts the pressure applied by the rake finger wheels  350   a ,  352   a ,  354   a ,  356   a ,  358   a ,  350   b ,  352   b ,  354   b ,  356   b , and  358   b  on the ground. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the stop members  410   a  and  410   b  are generally secured by a pair of adjusting screws  415   a  and  415   b , respectively, received by a receiver at each of a pair of upper plates  420   a  and  420   b  mounted at the upper ends of the vertical frame members  85   a  and  85   b , respectively. A shank of the adjusting screws  415   a  and  415   b  extends into an interior of the vertical frame members  85   a  and  85   b , respectively. Locking nuts are configured to engage with the shanks of the adjusting screws  415   a  and  415   b , and are selectively rotated into engagement with each upper plate  420   a  and  420   b  for fixing the vertical position of each stop member  410   a  and  410   b.    
         [0000]     5. Operating Mechanism  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4  and  6 , the operating mechanism  40  generally includes a vertically movable actuator arrangement interconnected between the trolley assembly  25  and each of the rake arm suspension-type arm supports  35   a  and  35   b . The preferred vertically moveable actuator arrangement includes a cylindrical or tubular upright member  422  and a guide member  425  received within a passage defined by the upright member  422  in a telescoping manner. The tubular upright member  422  is mounted to and between the front and rear mounting plates  105  and  110 , respectively. The guide member  425  is capable of telescoping movement in a vertical direction relative to the upright member  422 . An axial pin or shaft  430  is mounted at the upper end of the guide member  425 . The pin  430  includes a forwardly extending section and a rearwardly extending section relative to the forward direction of travel  60  (See  FIG. 1 ). The forwardly extending section of the pin  430  extends from the front of the guide member  425 . The rearwardly extending section of the pin  430  extends from a rear surface of the guide member  425 .  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 , the operating mechanism  40  further includes an extendible and retractable actuating cylinder assembly  435  configured to move the actuator arrangement in the vertical direction. The actuating cylinder assembly  435  is interconnected between the front mounting plate  105  of the trolley assembly  25  and the pin  430 . The actuating cylinder assembly  435  (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) generally includes a rod end that is extendible and retractable from a cylinder end in a known manner. The cylinder end of the cylinder assembly  435  is secured by a mounting bracket  440  to the front mounting plate  105 . The reinforcing bar  112  can be attached at the mounting bracket  440  to provide structural support to the cylinder end of the cylinder assembly  435 . The rod end of the cylinder assembly  435  is connected via a clevis  445  to the pin  430 . With this arrangement, extension and retraction of the cylinder assembly  435  results in extension and retraction of the guide member  425  in a telescoping manner and in the vertical direction relative to the upright member  422 .  
         [0048]     Still referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  4 , the operating mechanism  40  further includes a pair of front actuating links  450   a  and  450   b  pivotably mounted at their lower ends to the front vertical walls of the upper bars  118   a  and  118   b  of linkages  115   a  and  115   b , respectively, relative to the forward direction of travel  60  (See  FIG. 1 ) of the rake  20 . In a similar fashion as shown in  FIG. 6 , a pair of rear actuating links  455   a  and  455   b  are pivotably mounted at their lower ends of the rear vertical walls of the upper bars  118   a  and  118   b  of linkages  115   a  and  115   b , respectively. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the upper ends of the front actuating links  450   a  and  450   b  include slots  460   a  and  460   b , respectively. The slots  460   a  and  460   b  are positioned so as to be in overlapping relationship with each other and with the forwardly extending section of the axial pin  430  extending therethrough. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the rear actuating links  455   a  and  455   b  include slots  465   a  and  465   b , respectively. The slots  465   a  and  465   b  are positioned in overlapping relationship with the rearward extending section of axial pin  430  extending therethrough. In this manner, extension of the cylinder assembly  435  functions to lift or raise the inner ends of the front actuating links  450   a  and  450   b  and the rear actuating links  455   a  and  455   b , respectively, as well as raise the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  attached thereto. Retraction of the cylinder assembly  435  functions to lower the inner ends of front actuating links  450   a  and  450   b  and the rear actuating links  455   a  and  415   b , as well as lower the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  attached thereto.  
         [0000]     6. Operation  
         [0049]     In operation, the rake  20  functions as follows. In the transport position, the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  of the rake  20  are positioned in a raised, operative configuration. To convert the rake  20 , the transport pins  122   a  and  122   b  are first removed from the upper openings  125   a ,  125   b  in the mounting plate  105  and the upper openings  130   a , and  130   b  in the mounting plate  110 . Upon removal of the pins  122   a  and  122   b , the cylinder assembly  435  is retracted in a manner which causes lowering of the guide member  425  into the passage defined by the upright member  422 . The retracting cylinder assembly  435  also causes lowering of the actuating links  450   a ,  450   b ,  455   a  and  455   b  so as to spread and lower the linkages  115   a  and  115   b . The linkages  115   a  and  115   b  are lowered so as to bring the lower bar  116   a  and  116   b  into engagement with the stop members  410   a  and  410   b , respectively. As the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  are lowered, the control rods  215   a  and  215   b  act on the control bars  210   a  and  210   b  to pivot the horizontal arm supports  185   a  and  185   b  about the collars  200   a  and  200   b  and thereby move the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  apart toward an open, operative position for creating windrows of cut crop material.  
         [0050]     During transport, each of the turnbuckle assemblies  275   a  and  275   b  is positioned by the pin  290  in the opening  265  at the inner portion  262  of the arm  260  and the aligned opening in the underlying tab  255  in a manner that maintains the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  in a generally parallel relationship. To prepare the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  for use, the operator removes the pin  290  from the opening  265  at the inner portion  262  of the arm  260  and the aligned opening in tab  255 . The operator then repositions the outer coupling  285  of each of the turnbuckle assemblies  275   a  and  275   b  in a known manner such that the outer coupling  285  is in alignment with the opening at the outer portion  264  of the arm  260 . Upon alignment, the operator inserts the pin  290  through the opening in the arm  260  and the aligned openings in the turnbuckle coupling  285 . The length of the turnbuckle assemblies  275   a  and  275   b  can be adjusted in a known manner so as to place the rake arm  30   a  and  30   b  at a desired angle. Such adjustment in the angle of rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  functions to adjust the width of the windrow created by operation of the rake  20 . The operator then places the front rake wheels  358   a  and  358   b  in either a raised position or a lowered position, as desired according to crop conditions, and draws the rake  20  behind a tow vehicle (not shown).  
         [0051]     During movement of the rake  20  across the field, the individual rake wheels  350   a ,  352   a ,  354   a ,  356   a ,  350   b ,  352   b ,  354   b , and  356   b  are configured to rotate about the support arms  360   a ,  370   a ,  360   b  and  370   b , respectively, relative to the associated rake arm  30   a  and  30   b , respectively. Supports  360   a ,  370   a  and  360   b ,  370   b  in turn pivot relative to rake arms  30   a  and  30   b , respectively, to accommodate fluctuations in ground contour. Simultaneously, each of the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  is able to rock or oscillate via the pivot connection provided by the pivot plates  295   a  and  295   b  and associated pivot pins  300   a  and  300   b , also to accommodate fluctuations in the contour of the field. In addition, when the rake  20  encounters fluctuations in the ground contour during use which cause the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  to pivot upwardly, such movement of the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  is accommodated by the slots  460   a  and  460   b  in the front actuating links  450   a  and  450   b  and the slots  465   a  and  465   b  in the rear actuating links  455   a  and  455   b , respectively, of the vertically movable actuator arrangement. Resilient bumpers  410   a  and  410   b  are configured to engage the lower bars  116   a  and  116   b  so as to provide a cushioned limit to a downward movement of the linkages  115   a  and  115   b.    
         [0052]     To convert the rake  20  from the lowered, operative configuration to the raised, transport configuration, the cylinder assembly  435  is extended so as to raise the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  via upward movement of the inner ends of the front actuating links  450   a ,  450   b  and the rear actuating links  455   a  and  455   b  caused by the upward extension of the guide member  425  from the upright member  422 . As the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  are raised, the control rods  215   a  and  215   b  act on the control arms  210   a  and  210   b , to pivot the horizontal arm supports  185   a  and  185   b  about the vertical pivot axes  190   a  and  190   b  defined by the collars  200   a  and  200   b , respectively. Each of the horizontal arm supports  185   a  and  185   b  pivots inward toward an inoperative position exemplified by a reduced overall width of the rake  20 . The transport pins  122   a  and  122   b  are inserted in the upper openings  125   a ,  130   a ,  125   b  and  130   b  of the mounting plates  105  and  110 , respectively to maintain the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  in the raised, transport position. The operator removes the pin  290  from the opening  265  at the outer portion  264  of the arm  260 . Upon removal of the pin  290 , the operator adjusts the length of the turnbuckle assemblies  275   a  and  275   b  and repositions the outer coupling  285  of the turnbuckle assembly  275   a  and  275   b  so as to be in alignment with the opening  265  at the inner portion  262  of the arm  260  and the aligned opening in the tab  255 . The operator then inserts the pin  290  through the opening  265  in the arm  260  and the aligned openings in the tab  255  and the coupling  285  of each of the turnbuckle assemblies  275   a  and  275   b  so as to lock the rake arms  30   a  and  30   b  against movement during transport.  
         [0053]     Although the mechanism shown to lift the linkages  115   a  and  115   b  is described as a cylinder assembly  435 , it should be understood that any other type of movable operating device may be employed, such as a linear actuator, a rodless cylinder assembly, a manual or motor-operated screw-type mechanism, or the like.  
         [0054]     Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.