Patent Description:
Draper headers for harvesting agricultural crops are known in the art. Typical draper headers include a header frame extending longitudinally between opposite first and second ends. At least a first support leg and a second support leg are spaced apart between the first and second ends of the header frame. A draper belt is rotatably supported by the header frame and extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops, and a draper track is coupled between the first and second support legs for supporting at least a portion of the draper belt. The draper track extends between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the draper track is secured to one of the first and second support legs, and the second end of the draper track is secured to the other of the first and second support legs. However, draper tracks on draper headers known in the art typically require a substantial cross-section for extending between the first and second support legs and adequately supporting the draper belt, which results in a potentially heavy and costly component.

Further draper headers are e.g. known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

According to one aspect of the invention, a draper header is provided for harvesting agricultural crops. A header frame extends longitudinally between opposite first and second ends. At least a first support leg and a second support leg are spaced apart between the first and second ends of the header frame. A draper belt is rotatably supported by the header frame and extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops. A tension draper track assembly is operatively coupled between the first and second support legs for supporting at least a portion of the draper belt. The tension draper track assembly includes an elongated draper track extending between a first end and an opposite second end. The second end of the elongated draper track is secured to one of the first and second support legs, and a tensioning mechanism is coupled between the first end of the elongated draper track and the other of the first and second support legs. The tensioning mechanism tensions the elongated draper track across the first and second support legs for supporting the draper belt.

According to another aspect of the invention, a draper header is provided for harvesting agricultural crops. A header frame extends longitudinally between opposite first and second ends. At least a first support leg and a second support leg are spaced apart between the first and second ends of the header frame. A draper belt is rotatably supported by the header frame and extends across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops. A tension draper track assembly is operatively coupled between the first and second support legs for supporting at least a portion of the draper belt. The tension draper track assembly includes at least a first elongated draper track and a second elongated draper track, and each first and second elongated draper track extends between a first end and an opposite second end. The second end of the first elongated draper track is secured to the first support leg, and the second end of the second elongated draper track is secured to the second support leg. A tensioning mechanism is coupled between the first end of the first elongated draper track and the first end of the second elongated draper track for tensioning the first and second elongated draper tracks across the first and second support legs to support the draper belt.

Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a draper header for harvesting agricultural crops is shown generally at <NUM>. The draper header <NUM> includes a header frame <NUM> with a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM> extending laterally between opposite ends <NUM>. A rear wall <NUM> extends substantially vertically along the rear portion <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> between the opposite ends <NUM> thereof. Referring to <FIG>, a cutter bar assembly <NUM> operatively extends across the front portion <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> between the opposite ends <NUM> for cutting the crops to be harvested. The draper header <NUM> further includes at least one pair of support arms <NUM> which extend between a proximal end <NUM> coupled to the rear portion <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> and an opposite distal end <NUM> spaced above the front portion <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>. At least one crop pick-up reel <NUM> is slidably and rotatably coupled between the support arms <NUM> for engaging the crops to be harvested. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear wall <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> for transferring crops away from the draper header <NUM>, generally for further processing by an agricultural machine such as a combine or for creation of windrows by a swather. However, it is to be appreciated that the crops may be transferred from the draper header for any number of other suitable purposes without varying the scope of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a draper belt assembly <NUM> is rotatably supported by the header frame <NUM> for transporting harvested agricultural crops to the opening <NUM> in the rear wall <NUM>. The draper belt assembly <NUM> includes an endless center draper belt <NUM> flanked by first and second endless side draper belts <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, each first and second side draper belt <NUM> extends across a pair of laterally spaced-apart first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM> extending between the front and rear portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>. The draper header <NUM> may also include a plurality of similar auxiliary support legs <NUM> extending between the front and rear portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> for further stability and support of the header frame <NUM> and for coupling with additional draper header components, such as a transport system or a gauge wheel system. However, it is to be appreciated that any number or configuration of draper belts, support legs, and auxiliary support legs may be utilized on the draper header without varying the scope of the invention. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the draper header <NUM> may alternatively include a single draper belt <NUM> rotatably supported by the header frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second side draper belts <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the center draper belt <NUM> and run perpendicularly thereto for transporting the harvested crops to the center draper belt <NUM>. The center draper belt <NUM> then directs the harvested crops through the opening <NUM> in the rear wall <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each first and second side draper belt <NUM> is tensioned between a pair of laterally spaced-apart rollers <NUM> rotatably coupled between the front and rear portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>. The first and second side draper belts <NUM> each include a plurality of cleats <NUM> extending transversely across and outwardly therefrom, as shown in <FIG>, for aiding in transporting the harvested crops to the center draper belt <NUM>. However, it is to be appreciated that the draper header may alternatively omit the cleats without varying the scope of the invention. Referring to <FIG>, each first and second side draper belt <NUM> includes a top run <NUM> spaced by the rollers <NUM> parallel and above an opposite return run <NUM>. The return run <NUM> of each first and second side draper belt <NUM> and the cleats <NUM> extending therefrom are supported by a tension draper track assembly <NUM> operatively coupled between each respective pair of first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each first and second support leg <NUM>, <NUM> extends between an aft end <NUM> coupled to the rear portion <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> and a fore end <NUM> coupled to the front portion <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>. The first support legs <NUM> have opposite medial and lateral side walls <NUM>, <NUM> extending between a horizontal top side <NUM> and a horizontal bottom side <NUM>. Similarly, the second support legs <NUM> have opposite medial and lateral side walls <NUM>, <NUM> extending between a horizontal top side <NUM> and a horizontal bottom side <NUM>. The first support legs <NUM> are positioned at or adjacent the opposite ends <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>, and the second support legs <NUM> are medially spaced from the first support legs <NUM> on each side of the opening <NUM> in the rear wall <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, both the first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM> may instead be laterally spaced from the opposite ends <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, such that one of the auxiliary support legs <NUM> is instead positioned at each opposite end <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, each tension draper track assembly <NUM> includes an elongated draper track <NUM> extending between a first end <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM> operatively coupled to and tensioned between the respective pair of first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM> for supporting the return runs <NUM> of the first and second side draper belts <NUM> and the cleats <NUM> extending therefrom. Each draper track <NUM> has a first side <NUM> and an opposite second side <NUM> with a generally planar cross-section defined by a horizontal upper portion <NUM> extending laterally between a pair of downwardly angled side portions <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the draper tracks <NUM> may omit the downwardly angled side portions <NUM> entirely. The draper track <NUM> may be a lightweight steel cross-section; however, it is appreciated that any suitable material may be used for the draper track without varying the scope of the invention. The first sides <NUM> of the draper tracks <NUM> are arranged to face and engage the return runs <NUM> of the first and second side draper belts <NUM> and the cleats <NUM> extending therefrom, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, at least one hole <NUM> extends through each draper track <NUM> adjacent the second end <NUM> thereof for coupling the second ends <NUM> of the draper tracks <NUM> to the respective second support legs <NUM>. Additionally, a tensioning mechanism <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, is coupled between the first end <NUM> of each draper track <NUM> and the respective first support leg <NUM> for tensioning the draper tracks <NUM> across the pairs of first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM> between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a coupling bracket <NUM> is secured to and extends substantially perpendicularly from the medial side wall <NUM> of each second support leg <NUM> adjacent the fore end <NUM> thereof. Each coupling bracket <NUM> includes a vertical face <NUM> intersecting with a longitudinal face <NUM> at a top edge <NUM>. The vertical face <NUM> is engaged with and secured to the medial side wall <NUM> of the respective second support leg <NUM>, and the longitudinal face <NUM> extends outwardly and downwardly from the vertical face <NUM> at the top edge <NUM>. Each longitudinal face <NUM> includes at least one hole <NUM> extending therethrough. The holes <NUM> in each longitudinal face <NUM> align with the holes <NUM> adjacent the second end <NUM> of each draper track <NUM> for receiving at least one fastener <NUM> or another suitable securing mechanism therethrough to secure the second end <NUM> of each draper track <NUM> to the respective second support leg <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a tensioning bracket <NUM> with a generally C-shaped cross-section extends downwardly from the bottom side <NUM> of each of the first support legs <NUM> for coupling with the tensioning mechanisms <NUM> of the tension draper track assemblies <NUM>. The tensioning brackets <NUM> are defined by a substantially planar face <NUM> flanked by a pair of side supports <NUM>. The planar face <NUM> extends parallel to the medial and lateral side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first support legs <NUM>, and the side supports <NUM> extend substantially perpendicularly to the planar face <NUM>. Each planar face <NUM> further includes a hole <NUM> extending therethrough, as shown in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each tensioning mechanism <NUM> includes a tensioning element <NUM> secured to the first end <NUM> of each draper track <NUM>. The tensioning elements <NUM> include a pair of spaced apart longitudinally-extending arms <NUM> flanking a longitudinally-extending threaded post <NUM>. The hole <NUM> in each tensioning bracket <NUM> receives the threaded post <NUM> extending from the respective tensioning element <NUM>, and the arms <NUM> of the tensioning elements <NUM> extend alongside and engage the side supports <NUM> of the tensioning brackets <NUM> to limit rotation of the tension draper track assemblies <NUM> between the threaded posts <NUM> and the tensioning brackets <NUM>. However, it is to be appreciated that the tensioning mechanisms may alter or omit the arms on the tensioning element, or may utilize an alternative method of reducing rotation of the tension draper track assemblies, without varying the scope of the invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each tensioning mechanism <NUM> further includes at least one fastening element <NUM>, such as bolts, or another suitable securing mechanism coupled to the threaded post <NUM> to secure the threaded post <NUM> through the hole <NUM> in the tensioning bracket <NUM>, thereby tensioning the draper tracks <NUM> across the first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM>. Each tensioning mechanism <NUM> also includes a coil spring <NUM> mounted on the threaded post <NUM> and at least partially compressed between the tensioning bracket <NUM> and the fastening elements <NUM> to dampen vibrations and limit loading in the draper tracks <NUM> during use of the draper header <NUM>. However, any suitable shock-absorbing element, such as an elastomeric component, may alternatively be placed between the tensioning bracket and the fastening element without varying the scope of the invention. The tension of each draper track <NUM> across the respective first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM> can be selectively increased or decreased by rotating, and thereby tightening and loosening, the fastening elements <NUM> on the threaded posts <NUM>. More specifically, as the fastening element <NUM> is rotated in a first direction on the threaded post <NUM>, the spring <NUM> is compressed between the fastening element <NUM> and the tensioning bracket <NUM> and the threaded post <NUM> is pulled to increase the tension on each draper track <NUM>. Alternatively, as the fastening element <NUM> is rotated in an opposite second direction on the threaded post <NUM>, the threaded post <NUM> is pushed to decrease the tension on each draper track <NUM>. The tension created on the draper tracks <NUM> allows for smaller and lighter weight draper tracks <NUM> for supporting the draper belts <NUM>.

To reduce friction and wear between the draper tracks <NUM> and the return runs <NUM> of the first and second side draper belts <NUM>, including the cleats <NUM> extending therefrom, the draper tracks <NUM> may be covered with a low-friction, wear-resistant material <NUM>, such as a polyethylene strip, sleeve, or coating, polyester webbing, aramid fiber covering, or any other suitable low-friction material. The first sides <NUM> of the draper tracks <NUM> engaged with the cleats <NUM> of the first and second side draper belts <NUM> may be covered in the low-friction material <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or the low-friction material <NUM> may instead be co-extruded with the draper tracks <NUM> to enclose both the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the draper tracks <NUM> in the low-friction material <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Alternatively, referring to <FIG>, the tension draper track assembly <NUM> may instead, or additionally, include pairs of substantially planar low-friction elements <NUM> flanking the second ends <NUM> of each draper track <NUM> to reduce friction and wear between the draper tracks <NUM> and the cleats <NUM> on the return runs <NUM> of the first and second side draper belts <NUM>. The low-friction elements <NUM> have substantially planar upward-facing sides <NUM> for engaging the cleats <NUM> on the return runs <NUM> of the first and second side draper belts <NUM>. The low-friction elements <NUM> are secured to the horizontal top side <NUM> of the respective second support leg <NUM> adjacent the second end <NUM> of the draper track <NUM>. Alternatively, the low-friction elements <NUM> may instead or additionally be secured to either the medial or lateral side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective second support leg <NUM>. The low-friction elements <NUM> extend longitudinally alongside the respective draper track <NUM> at least part way toward the first end <NUM> thereof. Additionally, the upward-facing sides <NUM> of the low-friction elements <NUM> are disposed slightly above the horizontal upper portions <NUM> of the draper tracks <NUM> so that the cleats <NUM> on the return runs <NUM> of the first and second side draper belts <NUM> engage the low-friction elements <NUM> rather than the draper tracks <NUM> adjacent the second support legs <NUM>.

An alternative embodiment of the draper header <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, wherein like elements of the alterative embodiment include like element numbers and, as the elements are substantially similar, will not be further explained herein. The alternative tension draper track assembly <NUM>' includes a first draper track <NUM> secured at the first support leg <NUM>' and a second draper track <NUM> secured at the second support leg <NUM>' with the tensioning mechanism <NUM>' operatively coupled therebetween. The coupling brackets <NUM>' for the alternative tension draper track assembly <NUM>' are secured to the first and second support legs <NUM>', <NUM>', as shown in <FIG>. One of the coupling brackets <NUM>' is secured to and extends substantially perpendicularly from the lateral side wall <NUM>' of the first support leg <NUM>' adjacent the fore end <NUM>' thereof. Similarly, the other of the coupling brackets <NUM>' is secured to and extends substantially perpendicularly from the medial side wall <NUM>' of the second support leg <NUM>' adjacent the fore end <NUM>' thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM> extend between first <NUM>' and opposite second ends <NUM>'. The second end <NUM>' of the first draper track <NUM> is secured to the coupling bracket <NUM>' extending from the first support leg <NUM>', and the second end <NUM>' of the second draper track <NUM> is secured to the coupling bracket <NUM>' extending from the second support leg <NUM>'. The first ends <NUM>' of each first and second draper track <NUM>, <NUM> include a downwardly-extending tab <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Each downwardly-extending tab <NUM> includes a corresponding hole <NUM> extending therethrough for coupling with the tensioning mechanism <NUM>' to tension the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM> across the first and second support legs <NUM>', <NUM>', as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the tensioning mechanism <NUM>' includes a threaded post, such as a bolt <NUM>, which is received by both of the corresponding holes <NUM> in the downwardly-extending tabs <NUM> of the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM>. The fastening elements <NUM>' are coupled to the bolt <NUM> to secure the bolt <NUM> through each of the corresponding holes <NUM> in the downwardly-extending tabs <NUM>, thereby tensioning the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM> across the first and second support legs <NUM>', <NUM>'. The coil spring <NUM>' of the tensioning mechanism <NUM>' is mounted on the bolt <NUM> and is at least partially compressed between one of the downwardly-extending tabs <NUM> and the fastening elements <NUM>' to dampen vibrations and limit loading in the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM> during use of the draper header <NUM>', as shown in <FIG>. However, any suitable shock-absorbing element, such as an elastomeric component, may alternatively be placed between one of the downwardly-extending tabs and the nut without varying the scope of the invention. Tension of the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM> across the first and second support legs <NUM>', <NUM>' can be increased and decreased by tightening and loosening the fastening elements <NUM>'. More specifically, as the fastening element <NUM>' is rotated in a first direction on the threaded bolt <NUM>, the spring <NUM>' is compressed between the fastening element <NUM>' and the adjacent tab <NUM> and the threaded bolt <NUM> is pulled to increase the tension on the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, as the fastening element <NUM>' is rotated in an opposite second direction on the threaded bolt <NUM>, the threaded bolt <NUM> is pushed to decrease the tension on each first and second draper track <NUM>, <NUM>. The tension created on the first and second draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM> allows for smaller and lighter weight draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM> for supporting the draper belt <NUM>' as well as a reduced number of support legs <NUM>', <NUM>' required to support the draper tracks <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to operation of the draper header <NUM>, the crops to be harvested first engage the crop pick-up reel <NUM> and are cut by the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. Once cut by the cutter bar assembly <NUM>, the crops are deposited and arranged on the draper belt assembly <NUM> by the crop pick-up reel <NUM>. The first and second side draper belts <NUM> are tensioned between the rollers <NUM> such that the top run <NUM> of each first and second side draper belt <NUM> transports the crops medially to the center draper belt <NUM>. As the top run <NUM> of each first and second side draper belt <NUM> transports the crops medially to the center draper belt <NUM>, the return run <NUM> of each first and second side draper belt <NUM> and the cleats <NUM> extending therefrom simultaneously engage and are supported by the first sides <NUM> of the draper tracks <NUM>, which extend and are tensioned between the respective pair of first and second support legs <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Once deposited on the center draper belt <NUM>, the cut crops are transported through the opening <NUM> in the rear portion <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> for further processing by the agricultural machine.

Claim 1:
A draper header (<NUM>) for harvesting agricultural crops, the draper header comprising
a header frame (<NUM>) extending longitudinally between opposite first and second ends and having at least first (<NUM>) and second (<NUM>) support legs spaced apart between the first and second ends thereof;
a draper belt (<NUM>) rotatably supported by the header frame and extending across the first and second support legs for transporting harvested agricultural crops;
a tension draper track assembly (<NUM>) operatively coupled between the first and second support legs for supporting at least a portion of the draper belt, the tension draper track assembly including
an elongated draper track (<NUM>) extending between a first end (<NUM>) and an opposite second end (<NUM>), the second end of the elongated draper track secured to one of the first and second support legs, and
a tensioning mechanism (<NUM>)
characterized in that
the tensioning mechanism coupled between the first end of the elongated draper track and the other of the first and second support legs for tensioning the elongated draper track across the first and second support legs to support the draper belt.