Patent Publication Number: US-10773884-B1

Title: Removal tool for agricultural bin runners and methods for using the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns a tool and methods for removing a runner from an agricultural bin. More particularly, some embodiments of the present invention concern a tool having a lever arm engaged directly, or indirectly, with an engagement portion comprising a series of crossbars which can attach to a runner on the bottom of an agricultural bin. The tool may have one or more protrusions on a portion of a crossbar which can engage one or more corresponding tabs on a runner to disengage the tab(s) of the runner from corresponding grooves, or openings, in an agricultural bin. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Agricultural bins (also known as commodity bins, produce bins, and harvest bins) are often used in the farming industry, as well as other related industries. Agricultural bins are useful for both storage and transport of mass quantities of agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, and grain, as well as animal feed. Such bins are typically made from durable plastic and designed to be handled by a forklift, making it easier to transport and store the bins. To prevent wear and damage, as well as to provide holding strength, a bin may be equipped with rails and/or feet (hereinafter referred to, generally, as “runners”) which are attached to the bottom or underside of the bin. In some cases, a runner may extend along the bottom of a leg and/or between multiple legs of a bin. 
     Runners are typically secured to a bin by means of one or more tabs which engage a corresponding groove or opening formed in a leg of the bin, locking the runner into place. Since runners are frequently in contact with the ground and machinery, they tend to wear out before the bin to which they are attached does—thus requiring periodic replacement. However, runners are exceptionally difficult to remove from a bin, due to their high durability and robust locking mechanism. In fact, removing runners from a single bin may require multiple hours of manual labor, which may include drilling, sawing, and/or hammering to completely remove the runners. As a result, a user or company may forego replacement of the runners and instead replace the entire bin, which is both costly and an inefficient use of resources. Therefore, there exists a need for a mechanism by which a runner can be swiftly and easily removed. More particularly, the need exists for a mechanism which reduces the amount of human resources and labor required to remove a runner. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a tool which can be used to remove, or extract, a runner from an agricultural bin. In some embodiments, a tool may generally comprise a lever arm and an engagement portion. In some embodiments, the engagement portion may include one or more crossbars, preferably made from metal or steel, for securing and/or engaging a leg of an agricultural bin. In preferred embodiments, the engagement portion may comprise an engagement crossbar, a proximal crossbar, a lateral crossbar, and a pair of side pieces. In some embodiments, the lever arm may be integrally formed with the engagement crossbar, or, alternatively, it may be removably engaged with the engagement crossbar by means of an opening or slot therein through which the lever arm can be inserted. In the latter case, the tool may include an opening or slot through which a removable lever arm can be inserted and stored when not in use. 
     According to some embodiments of the present invention, a proximal crossbar and a lateral crossbar of the engagement portion of a tool may be used to secure the tool on a leg of an agricultural bin. In some embodiments, an integrally formed handle may be disposed on a side of a crossbar which may be used to help a user secure the engagement portion of the tool around a leg. In preferred embodiments, the proximal crossbar and the lateral crossbar may be parallel to the engagement crossbar—with the engagement crossbar and the proximal crossbar on a same side of the engagement portion and with the lateral crossbar disposed at an opposite side of the engagement portion. The distal ends of the proximal crossbar, lateral crossbar, and engagement crossbar may be connected to a pair of side pieces, such that one distal end of each may be engaged with a first side piece and the other distal end of each may be engaged with a second side piece. 
     In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the proximal crossbar and lateral crossbar may be fixedly engaged with each side piece and the engagement crossbar may be rotatably engaged with each side piece. In some embodiments, each end of the engagement crossbar may have a flange engaged with each side piece and secured thereto by means of a screw or bolt, or the like, through an opening in each flange and each side piece. In such embodiments, the engagement crossbar may be rotatable, relative to the proximal crossbar and lateral crossbar, around an axis aligned with the openings in each flange and each side piece. In contrast, in other embodiments, the engagement crossbar may lack flanges at each distal end, thereby being rotatable around its central axis. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, a tool may have side pieces which may include slots or openings which may allow a rotatable or non-rotatable engagement crossbar to slide forwards or backwards. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, one or more protrusions may be disposed along the engagement crossbar for engaging one or more tabs of an agricultural bin runner. In preferred embodiments, the engagement crossbar may have a plurality of protrusions, the total number of which may be equal to the number of tabs disposed on a runner. The protrusions may be spaced and arranged such that they are centrally aligned with each corresponding tab when the tool has been engaged with a leg of a bin. In some embodiments, a distal end of a protrusion may be flat, the surface of which may be about parallel to the surface of a runner tab when the two portions are aligned with each other. In preferred embodiments, a distal end of a protrusion may be shaped such that a portion of the surface may be about perpendicular to the axial portion of the protrusion and an adjacent portion of its surface may be oblique (i.e., beveled). This configuration may help ensure constant contact between the protrusion and runner tab as the engagement crossbar rotates during use. 
     To use the tool to remove a runner, a user may first start by placing an agricultural bin upside down so that the legs are accessible. The user may then place the engagement portion around the leg which has the runner to be removed, such that the leg is between the engagement crossbar, proximal crossbar, lateral crossbar, and side pieces. The tool may be oriented such that the outer portion of the leg is supported by the proximal crossbar and the inner portion is secured by the lateral crossbar. Next, the user may align the protrusions on the engagement crossbar with the tabs of the runner. Once the tabs and protrusions are aligned, the user may press down on a portion of the lever arm, causing the engagement crossbar to rotate and engage the protrusions with the tabs. The user may then continue pressing down on the lever arm until the tabs are released and completely disengaged from their corresponding grooves, or openings. Once the tabs are freed, the user may finish removing the runner from the leg by hand. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary tool for removing a runner from an agricultural bin in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the tool illustrated  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a magnified view of a rear central portion of the tool illustrated  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of an exemplary engagement portion of the tool illustrated  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the engagement portion illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a magnified view of a portion of an exemplary engagement crossbar of the tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary tool, with a lever arm in a first position, engaged with a leg of an agricultural bin in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the tool and agricultural bin of  FIG. 7 , wherein the lever arm is in a second position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention, in its various aspects, will be explained in greater detail below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with several exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments themselves do not limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, where like elements have like numerals, do not limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments and/or invention, including any length, angles, or other measurements provided. Rather the invention, as defined by the claims, may cover alternatives, modifications, and/or equivalents of the exemplary embodiments. 
     The present invention is primarily directed to a tool which may be used to remove, or extract, a runner from an agricultural bin, or the like (e.g., harvest bin, produce bin, commodity bin, etc.). A tool may generally include a lever arm and an engagement portion which may comprise one or more side pieces and crossbars, wherein a crossbar may be about perpendicular to the lever arm. For example, referring, generally, to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary tool  10  is illustrated having a lever arm  20  and an engagement portion comprising an engagement crossbar  30 , a proximal crossbar  40 , a first side piece  51 , a second side piece  52 , and a lateral crossbar  60 , wherein first side piece  51  and second side piece  52  may each generally comprise a flat plate and wherein engagement crossbar  30 , proximal crossbar  40 , and lateral crossbar  60  may each be generally elongate. In some embodiments, a lever arm may be oriented, generally, away from a lateral crossbar and may be engaged directly or indirectly with an engagement crossbar. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , lever arm  20  may be secured to engagement crossbar  30  by means of channel  32 , which may be integrally formed with engagement crossbar  30  and within which lever arm  20  can be inserted. It is to be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, a lever arm may be integrally formed with an engagement crossbar. 
     In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a lever arm may be removably engaged with an engagement crossbar. For example, as further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , lever arm  20  may be removable from channel  32 , such that when tool  10  is not being used, a user may remove lever arm  20  and, optionally, store lever arm  20  within slot  37  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 , which may be disposed below channel  32  on a side of engagement crossbar  30 . To secure lever arm  20  within slot  37 , a dial  36  may be provided which may have a screw, or the like, extending therefrom. Once lever arm  20  is within slot  37 , a user may turn dial  36  until lever arm  20  is adequately secured by the screw. To remove lever arm  20 , a user may turn dial  36  in an opposite direction until lever arm  20  is able to be removed from slot  37 . 
     Referring now, generally, to  FIG. 4 , the engagement portion of tool  10  is illustrated (i.e., without lever arm  20  inserted). As shown, the distal ends of engagement crossbar  30 , proximal crossbar  40 , and lateral crossbar  60  may be secured to first side piece  51  (at one distal end) and second side piece  52  (at the other distal end), such that a longitudinal axis of each crossbar is oriented approximately perpendicular to an inner surface of each flat plate of each side piece. As further illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 4 , a longitudinal axis of each of engagement crossbar  30 , proximal crossbar  40 , and lateral crossbar  60  may be approximately parallel to each other.  FIG. 4  also illustrates that the inner surface of each of proximal crossbar  40  and lateral crossbar  60  may be approximately parallel to each other. In preferred embodiments, a proximal crossbar, engagement crossbar, and lateral crossbar may be generally shaped to have a square crosssection. However, it is to be appreciated that a crossbar may be shaped to have a rectangular, circular, or elliptical cross-section, or any other cross-sectional shape. 
     In some embodiments, a handle, or the like, may be disposed on a lateral crossbar which may allow a user to safely and more easily maneuver or manipulate a tool. In preferred embodiments, a handle may be disposed near a center of a side of a lateral crossbar and the handle may be oriented such that a user may grasp the handle without having to touch a portion of the lateral crossbar. For example, as further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a handle  62  may be integrally formed with lateral crossbar  60  which, for example, may be utilized when a user is securing tool  10  on a leg of an agricultural bin. 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an engagement crossbar, proximal crossbar, and lateral crossbar may be fixedly, rotatably, or pivotally engaged with a side piece. For example, as further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , engagement crossbar  30  may be rotatably engaged with first side piece  51  and second side piece  52 , whereas proximal crossbar  40  and lateral crossbar  60  may each be fixedly engaged with first side piece  51  and second side piece  52 . In preferred embodiments, an engagement crossbar may have one or more flanges disposed at a distal end and by which a side piece may be engaged. For example, engagement crossbar  30  may have a first flange  38  (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) at a first distal end and a second flange  39  at a second distal end, wherein an opening may be formed in each flange for rotatably securing to each side piece by means of a screw or bolt, or the like. As configured, engagement crossbar  30  may be rotatable, relative to proximal crossbar  40  and lateral crossbar  60 , around an axis which passes through the opening in first flange  38  and the opening in second flange  39 . It is to be appreciated, however, that an engagement crossbar may lack flanges and may be directly and/or rotatably engaged with a side piece. For example, an engagement crossbar may be rotatably engaged with a side piece at near a center of a distal end of the engagement crossbar, thus enabling the engagement crossbar to rotate around a central longitudinal axis. It is further to be appreciated that, in other embodiments of the present invention, a tool may have one or more side pieces which may include slots or openings formed therein, which may allow an engagement crossbar to slidably move within a slot or opening. 
     In preferred embodiments of the present invention, one or more protrusions may be provided on a crossbar for engaging one or more tabs of an agricultural bin runner. For example, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 , a plurality of protrusions  34  may be disposed laterally along engagement crossbar  30  and may be oriented, generally, toward lateral crossbar  60 . In preferred embodiments, the total number of protrusions provided on an engagement crossbar may be equal to the total number of tabs on an outer portion of a leg of an agricultural bin. In some embodiments, the relative positioning and spacing of each protrusion may correspond to the arrangement and positioning of the tabs on a runner of an agricultural bin. For example, a protrusion may be positioned such that it may be centrally aligned with a corresponding tab of an agricultural bin runner when the engagement portion of a tool is engaged with a leg of the bin. It is to be appreciated, however, that, the number and positioning of protrusions may not necessarily correspond to the number and positioning of tabs provided on a leg of an agricultural bin. For example, the number of tabs on a runner may exceed the number of protrusions on a crossbar. 
     In preferred embodiments, a protrusion may generally have a cylindrical shape with a distal end which may be flat (i.e., perpendicular to an axial portion of the protrusion), rounded, chamfered, or beveled. For example, as more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the distal ends of protrusions  34  may be beveled, such that a portion  35 A of the distal end surfaces may be oblique to an adjacent portion  35 B of the distal end surfaces. As configured, when a leg of a bin is engaged by the engagement portion of tool  10  and protrusions  34  make initial contact with corresponding tabs of a runner, each portion  35 A of protrusions  34  and each surface of the corresponding tabs may be about parallel to each other, such that the abutting surfaces squarely engage each other without play. As engagement crossbar  30  rotates, protrusions  34  may force the tabs inward and upward to a point where each portion  35 A of protrusions  34  and each surface of the tabs begin to disjoin. As engagement crossbar  30  continues to rotate, the points of contact between protrusions  34  and the tab surfaces transitions from portion  35 A to portion  35 B, while the tabs continue to be forced inward and upward. By each portion  35 B being oblique to each portion  35 A of the protrusions  34 , adequate force may be maintained against the tabs throughout the entire range of rotation of engagement crossbar  30 . 
     When a tool is engaged with a leg of an agricultural bin, a proximal crossbar and a lateral crossbar may help secure the tool by preventing play between any abutting components. In preferred embodiments, a proximal crossbar and a lateral crossbar may be constructed in accordance with the specifications of a leg of an agricultural bin. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an exemplary tool  110  may have a proximal crossbar  140  and a lateral crossbar  160  which may be spaced apart such that a leg of an agricultural bin  200  (with a runner  210  engaged therein) may be tightly secured proximal crossbar  140  and lateral crossbar  160 . Furthermore, the lengths of proximal crossbar  140  and lateral crossbar  160  may be approximately equal to the length of the leg of bin  200  such that, when the distal ends of proximal crossbar  140  and lateral crossbar  160  are secured by a first side piece  151  and a second side piece  152  (or the like), lateral movement of tool  110  may be limited or minimized. It is to be appreciated, however, that the spacing between crossbars and the lengths thereof may vary in accordance with different types and dimensions of agricultural bins. 
     In preferred embodiments, an engagement crossbar may be slightly offset from a proximal crossbar such that the engagement crossbar, or a portion thereof, may not contact a leg of an agricultural bin when being secured thereto. For example, as further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , when tool  110  is secured on the leg of bin  200 , engagement bar  130  may be separated from the leg such that the outer portion thereof may not contact one or more of protrusions  134 . This may allow engagement crossbar  130  to rotate freely and engage protrusions  134  with the tabs of runner  210  (as shown, for example, in  FIG. 8 ). 
     In one implementation of the present invention, a tool may be used to remove a runner when, for example, the runner has been worn out and the agricultural bin to which it is attached is still viable. Referring, generally, to the exemplary illustrations of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a user may begin by placing agricultural bin  200  upside down so that the legs thereof are freely accessible. Using tool  110 , the user may place the engagement portion of tool  110  around the leg from which runner  210  is to be removed, ensuring that lever arm  120  of tool  110  is in a disengaged position, (i.e., the position illustrated in  FIG. 7 ). In some cases, the user may utilize handle  162  which may be disposed on a side of lateral crossbar  160  and oriented away from the bottom of bin  200 . 
     The leg of bin  200  may be positioned within the engagement portion such that i) protrusions  134  may be aligned with the tabs of runner  210 , ii) proximal crossbar  140  (illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) may be squarely secured to the outer portion of the leg, and iii) lateral crossbar  160  (illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) may be squarely secured to the inner portion of the leg. Once the leg of bin  200  is securely engaged and protrusions  134  are properly aligned, the user may press down on lever arm  120 , causing engagement crossbar  130  to rotate and initiate contact between protrusions  134  and each of the corresponding tabs of runner  210 . As the user continues to press down on lever arm  120  (and engagement crossbar  130  continues to rotate), protrusions  134  force the corresponding tabs of runner  210  inwards and upwards. By forcing the tabs inwards, the tabs disengage from their corresponding grooves (or openings) in the leg of bin  200  and, by simultaneously forcing the tabs upwards, the tabs are prevented from re-engaging the corresponding grooves. The user may continue to press down on lever arm  120  until the tabs have been completely disengaged from the corresponding grooves within the leg of bin  200  and until the rotation of engagement crossbar  130  and the force from protrusions  134  has caused a substantial portion of runner  210  to be pushed out from the leg of bin  200 , as illustrated in FIG.  8 . Once this is achieved, the user may finish removing runner  210  from the leg by hand. In some cases, a runner may have one or more additional tabs on a corner, perpendicular to the tabs which have been disengaged. In such cases, a user may need to manually disengage the one or more tabs before the runner can be completely removed. Once a runner is removed, it may be discarded and replaced with a new runner. 
     In addition to the embodiments discussed above, it is to be understood that a tool may be adapted to accommodate various types of agricultural bins. For example, a tool may have one or more additional crossbars which may be positioned to provide for more leverage as an engagement crossbar rotates. In some embodiments, a tool may have adjustable protrusions which may be positioned in accordance with the arrangement of tabs on a runner. In other embodiments, one or more protrusions may be spring loaded which may reduce the amount of manual force needed to be applied by a user. Furthermore, it may be possible to have an adjustable engagement portion (i.e., adjustable crossbars) which may be extended or retracted to accommodate different leg sizes of a bin. 
     It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. Thus, although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.