Patent Description:
A harvester may be used to harvest agricultural crops, such as barley, beans, beets, carrots, corn, cotton, flax, oats, potatoes, rye, soybeans, wheat, or other plant crops. Furthermore, a combine (e.g., combine harvester) is a type of harvester generally used to harvest certain crops that include grain (e.g., barley, corn, flax, oats, rye, wheat, etc.). During operation of a combine, the harvesting process may begin by removing a plant from a field, such as by using a header. The header may cut the agricultural crops and transport the cut crops to a processing system of the combine.

Certain headers include a cutter bar assembly configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the cut crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly may extend along a substantial portion of the width of the header at a forward end of the header. The header may also include one or more belts positioned behind the cutter bar assembly relative to the direction of travel of the harvester. The belt(s) are configured to transport the cut crops to an inlet of the processing system. Certain headers include a reel assembly configured to direct the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly toward the belt(s), thereby substantially reducing the possibility of the cut crops falling onto the surface of the field.

Reel assemblies typically include a reel having multiple fingers extending from a central framework. The central framework is driven to rotate such that the fingers move in a circular pattern. The fingers are configured to engage the cut crops, thereby urging the cut crops to move toward the belt(s). The reel is typically supported by multiple arms extending from a frame of the header. In certain embodiments, the reel assembly may include one or more actuators configured to drive the arms to rotate, thereby adjusting the position of the reel. Certain frames have a center section and a wing section pivotally coupled to the center section. The reel may extend across the center section and the wing section to urge cut crops toward respective belt(s). To enable the reel to flex with the frame, the reel may include a first section, a second section, and a joint configured to enable the second section to pivot relative to the first section. The first section of the reel may be supported by an arm coupled to the center section of the frame, and the second section of the reel may be supported by an arm coupled to the wing section of the frame. Because the distance between the arms varies as the frame flexes, certain reels include a telescoping assembly configured to enable the first and second sections of the reel to move relative to one another. Unfortunately, the telescoping assembly is complex and costly to manufacture, and time-consuming to maintain. Examples of header frames with pivoting wing sections are found in the patent applications published as <CIT> and <CIT>. In both patent applications no details are provided about how the reel adapts to the flexing of the header frame.

In certain embodiments, a reel assembly of an agricultural header includes a first arm configured to support a reel of the reel assembly and a first pivot joint configured to pivotally couple the first arm to a frame of the agricultural header. The first pivot joint is configured to enable the first arm to pivot about a first local lateral axis of the agricultural header and about a longitudinal axis of the agricultural header relative to the frame. In addition, the reel assembly includes a second arm configured to support the reel of the reel assembly and a second pivot joint configured to pivotally couple the second arm to the frame. The second pivot joint is configured to enable the second arm to pivot about a second local lateral axis of the agricultural header relative to the frame and to substantially block pivoting of the second arm about the longitudinal axis relative to the frame.

Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

Turning to the drawings, <FIG> is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural harvester <NUM> having a header <NUM> (e.g., agricultural header). The agricultural harvester <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> configured to support the header <NUM> and an agricultural crop processing system <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the header <NUM> is configured to cut crops and to transport the cut crops toward an inlet <NUM> of the agricultural crop processing system <NUM> for further processing of the cut crops. The agricultural crop processing system <NUM> receives cut crops from the header <NUM> and separates desired crop material from crop residue. For example, the agricultural crop processing system <NUM> may include a thresher <NUM> having a cylindrical threshing rotor that transports the crops in a helical flow path through the harvester <NUM>. In addition to transporting the crops, the thresher <NUM> may separate certain desired crop material (e.g., grain) from the crop residue, such as husks and pods, and enable the desired crop material to flow into a cleaning system located beneath the thresher <NUM>. The cleaning system may remove debris from the desired crop material and transport the desired crop material to a storage compartment within the harvester <NUM>. The crop residue may be transported from the thresher <NUM> to a crop residue handling system <NUM>, which may remove the crop residue from the harvester <NUM> via a crop residue spreading system <NUM> positioned at the aft end of the harvester <NUM>.

As discussed in detail below, the header <NUM> includes a cutter bar assembly configured to cut the crops within the field. The cutter bar assembly is configured to flex along a width of the header to enable the cutter bar assembly to substantially follow the contours of the field. The cutter bar assembly is supported by multiple arms distributed along the width of the header. Each arm is pivotally mounted to a frame of the header, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly to flex. To increase the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly, the frame may be divided into multiple sections that are pivotally coupled to one another. For example, the frame may include a center section, a first wing section positioned on a first lateral side of the center section, and a second wing section positioned on a second lateral side of the center section, opposite the first lateral side. The first wing section and the second wing section may each be pivotally coupled to the center section by a respective pivot joint. As a result, a flexible frame is formed, thereby increasing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly.

The header <NUM> includes a reel assembly configured to urge crops cut by the cutter bar assembly to belts that convey the cut crops toward the inlet <NUM> of the agricultural crop processing system <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, the reel assembly includes a reel having multiple fingers extending from a central framework. The central framework is driven to rotate such that the fingers engage the cut corps and urge the cut crops toward the belts. To enable the reel to flex with the header frame, the reel may include multiple sections coupled to one another by pivot joints. For example, the reel may include a center section (e.g., positioned forward of the center section of the header frame), a first wing section (e.g., positioned forward of the first wing section of the header frame), and a second wing section (e.g., positioned forward of the second wing section of the header frame). The first wing section and the second wing section of the reel may each be coupled to the center section of the reel by a respective pivot joint. As a result, a flexible reel is formed, thereby enabling the reel to flex with the header frame.

The first wing section of the reel may be supported by an arm coupled to the first wing section of the frame, and the second wing section of the reel may be supported by an arm coupled to the second wing section of the frame, and the center section of the reel may be supported by arms coupled to the center section of the frame. In certain embodiments, a first arm is configured to support the reel on the frame (e.g., support the first wing section of the reel on the first wing section of the frame), and a second arm is configured to support the reel on the frame (e.g., support the center section of the reel on the center section of the frame). In such embodiments, a first pivot joint is configured to pivotally couple the first arm to the frame, and a second pivot joint is configured to pivotally couple the second arm to the frame. The first pivot joint is configured to enable the first arm to pivot about a first local lateral axis of the agricultural header (e.g., a lateral axis of the first wing section of the frame) and about a longitudinal axis of the agricultural header relative to the frame. In addition, the second pivot joint is configured to enable the second arm to pivot about a second local lateral axis of the agricultural header (e.g., a lateral axis of the center section of the frame) relative to the frame and to substantially block pivoting of the second arm about the longitudinal axis relative to the frame. Because the first pivot joint enables the first arm to pivot about the longitudinal axis, the distance between the first arm/reel connection point and the second arm/reel connection point may be substantially maintained as the header frame flexes (e.g., as the first wing section of the header frame pivots relative to the center section of the header frame). Accordingly, a telescoping assembly configured to enable the reel sections to translate relative to one another (e.g., to compensate for variable spacing between the reel/arm connection points) may be obviated. As a result, the cost and complexity associated with manufacturing the header may be substantially reduced. In addition, maintenance operations on the header may be substantially reduced due to the absence of the telescoping assembly.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a header <NUM> that may be employed within the agricultural harvester of <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the header <NUM> includes a cutter bar assembly <NUM> configured to cut a portion of each crop (e.g., a stalk), thereby separating the crop from the soil. The cutter bar assembly <NUM> is positioned at a forward end of the header <NUM> relative to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>. As illustrated, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> extends along a substantial portion of the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along a lateral axis <NUM>). The cutter bar assembly includes a blade support, a stationary guard assembly, and a moving blade assembly. The moving blade assembly is fixed to the blade support (e.g., above the blade support along a vertical axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>), and the blade support/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate relative to the stationary guard assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade support/moving blade assembly is driven to oscillate by a driving mechanism <NUM> positioned at the lateral center of the header <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the blade support/moving blade assembly may be driven by another suitable mechanism (e.g., located at any suitable position on the header). As the harvester is driven through a field, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> engages crops within the field, and the moving blade assembly cuts the crops (e.g., the stalks of the crops) in response to engagement of the cutter bar assembly <NUM> with the crops.

In the illustrated embodiment, the header <NUM> includes a first lateral belt <NUM> on a first lateral side of the header <NUM> and a second lateral belt <NUM> on a second lateral side of the header <NUM>, opposite the first lateral side. Each belt is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The first lateral belt <NUM> and the second lateral belt <NUM> are driven such that the top surface of each belt moves laterally inward. In addition, the header <NUM> includes a longitudinal belt <NUM> positioned between the first lateral belt <NUM> and the second lateral belt <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>. The longitudinal belt <NUM> is driven to rotate by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. The longitudinal belt <NUM> is driven such that the top surface of the longitudinal belt <NUM> moves rearwardly along the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the crops cut by the cutter bar assembly <NUM> are directed toward the belts by a reel assembly <NUM>, thereby substantially reducing the possibility of the cut crops falling onto the surface of the field. The reel assembly <NUM> includes a reel <NUM> having multiple fingers <NUM> extending from a central framework <NUM>. The central framework <NUM> is driven to rotate such that the fingers <NUM> move (e.g., in a circular pattern). The fingers <NUM> are configured to engage the cut crops and urge the cut crops toward the belts. The cut crops that contact the top surface of the lateral belts are driven laterally inwardly to the longitudinal belt due to the movement of the lateral belts. In addition, cut crops that contact the longitudinal belt <NUM> and the cut crops provided to the longitudinal belt by the lateral belts are driven rearwardly along the longitudinal axis <NUM> due to the movement of the longitudinal belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the belts move the cut agricultural crops through an opening <NUM> in the header <NUM> to the inlet of the agricultural crop processing system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter bar assembly <NUM> is flexible along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>). The cutter bar assembly <NUM> is supported by multiple arm assemblies distributed along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., along the lateral axis <NUM> of the header <NUM>). Each arm assembly is mounted to a frame <NUM> of the header <NUM> and includes an arm configured to rotate and/or move along the vertical axis <NUM> relative to the frame. Each rotatable/movable arm is coupled to the cutter bar assembly <NUM>, thereby enabling the cutter bar assembly <NUM> to flex during operation of the harvester. The flexible cutter bar assembly may follow the contours of the field, thereby enabling the cutting height (e.g., the height at which each crop is cut) to be substantially constant along the width of the header <NUM> (e.g., the extent of the header <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>).

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame <NUM> is divided into multiple sections that are pivotally coupled to one another, thereby increasing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly <NUM>. As illustrated, the frame <NUM> includes a center section <NUM>, a first wing section <NUM> positioned on a first lateral side of the center section <NUM> (e.g., along the lateral axis <NUM>), and a second wing section <NUM> positioned on a second lateral side of the center section <NUM>, opposite the first lateral side (e.g., along the lateral axis <NUM>). The first wing section <NUM> and the second wing section <NUM> are each pivotally coupled to the center section <NUM> by a respective pivot joint. As a result, a flexible frame <NUM> is formed, thereby increasing the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reel <NUM> includes multiple sections coupled to one another by pivot joints to enable the reel <NUM> to flex with the header frame. As illustrated, the reel <NUM> includes a center section <NUM> (e.g., positioned forward of the center section <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>), a first wing section <NUM> (e.g., positioned forward of the first wing section <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>), and a second wing section <NUM> (e.g., positioned forward of the second wing section <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). The first wing section <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the center section <NUM> by a first pivot joint <NUM>, and the second wing section <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the center section <NUM> by a second pivot joint <NUM>. As a result, a flexible reel <NUM> is formed, thereby enabling the reel <NUM> to flex with the header frame <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first wing section <NUM> of the reel <NUM> is supported by a first arm <NUM> coupled to the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, the center section <NUM> of the reel <NUM> is supported by a second arm <NUM> and a third arm <NUM> each coupled to the center section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, and the second wing section <NUM> of the reel <NUM> is supported by a fourth arm <NUM> coupled to the second wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. As discussed in detail below, a first pivot joint pivotally couples the first arm <NUM> to the frame <NUM>, and a second pivot joint pivotally couples the second arm <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. The first pivot joint is configured to enable the first arm <NUM> to pivot about a first local lateral axis of the agricultural header <NUM> (e.g., a lateral axis of the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>) and about the longitudinal axis <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. In addition, the second pivot joint is configured to enable the second arm <NUM> to pivot about a second local lateral axis of the agricultural header <NUM> (e.g., a lateral axis of the center section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>) relative to the frame <NUM> and to substantially block pivoting of the second arm <NUM> about the longitudinal axis <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. In certain embodiments, an actuator is coupled to each arm and configured to drive the arm to rotate about the respective local lateral axis, thereby controlling a position of the reel <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM> (e.g., to control engagement of the fingers of the reel with the cut agricultural crops).

Because the first pivot joint enables the first arm <NUM> to pivot about the longitudinal axis <NUM>, the distance between the first arm/reel connection point and the second arm/reel connection point may be substantially maintained as the header frame <NUM> flexes (e.g., as the first wing section <NUM> of the header frame <NUM> pivots relative to the center section <NUM> of the header frame <NUM>). Accordingly, a telescoping assembly configured to enable the reel sections to translate relative to one another (e.g., to compensate for variable spacing between the reel/arm connection points) may be obviated. As a result, the cost and complexity associated with manufacturing the header may be substantially reduced. In addition, maintenance operations on the header may be substantially reduced due to the absence of the telescoping assembly.

While the pivot joints of the first and second arms are discussed herein, in certain embodiments, the fourth arm may have the same or similar pivot joint to the first pivot joint of the first arm, and the third arm may have the same or similar pivot joint to the second pivot j oint of the second arm. Accordingly, the pivot j oint of the fourth arm may enable the fourth arm to pivot about the longitudinal axis. As a result, the distance between the third arm/reel connection point and the fourth arm/reel connection point may be substantially maintained as the header frame flexes (e.g., as the second wing section of the header frame pivots relative to the center section of the header frame). Furthermore, while the illustrated header includes two wings in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the header may include more or fewer wings (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more).

<FIG> is a back view of a portion of the header <NUM> of <FIG>, in which the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is in a substantially level position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the center section <NUM> of the frame by a pivot joint <NUM>. The pivot joint <NUM> enables the first wing section <NUM> to pivot relative to the center section <NUM> about the longitudinal axis of the header <NUM>. In addition, the pivot joint <NUM> substantially blocks rotation of the first wing section <NUM> relative to the center section <NUM> about the vertical axis. As previously discussed, the pivot joint <NUM> establishes a flexible frame that enhances the flexibility of the cutter bar assembly.

Furthermore, the center section <NUM> of the reel <NUM> has a center shaft <NUM>, and the first wing section <NUM> of the reel <NUM> has a first wing shaft <NUM>. As illustrated, the center shaft <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the first wing shaft <NUM> by the first pivot joint <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot joint <NUM> is a universal joint that enables the first wing shaft <NUM> to pivot relative to the center shaft <NUM> about the longitudinal axis and about the vertical axis <NUM>. In addition, the first pivot joint <NUM> substantially blocks rotation of the first wing shaft <NUM> relative to the center shaft <NUM> about the lateral axis <NUM> (e.g., such that a single drive unit may drive the shafts and the reel, and the framework/fingers coupled to the shafts, to rotate).

As illustrated, the first arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> by a first pivot joint <NUM>. The first pivot joint <NUM> is configured to enable the first arm <NUM> to pivot about a first local lateral axis <NUM> of the header <NUM> and about the longitudinal axis of the header relative to the frame <NUM>. The first local lateral axis <NUM> corresponds to the lateral axis of the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Accordingly, while the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is level with the center section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, as illustrated, the first local lateral axis <NUM> is aligned with the header lateral axis <NUM>. However, as the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> rotates about the pivot joint <NUM>, the angle between the first local lateral axis <NUM> and the header lateral axis <NUM> varies.

Furthermore, the second arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the center section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> by a second pivot joint <NUM>. The second pivot joint <NUM> is configured to enable the second arm <NUM> to pivot about a second local lateral axis <NUM> of the header <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> and to substantially block pivoting of the second arm <NUM> about the longitudinal axis relative to the frame <NUM>. The second local lateral axis <NUM> corresponds to the lateral axis of the center section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the second local lateral axis <NUM> is aligned with the header lateral axis <NUM>.

<FIG> is a back view of the portion of the header of <FIG>, in which the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is in a raised position (e.g., rotated upwardly about the pivot joint <NUM> relative to the center section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>). As illustrated, with the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in the illustrated raised position, the first local lateral axis <NUM> is angled upwardly relative to the header lateral axis <NUM>. In addition, due to the difference in position between the frame pivot joint <NUM> and the first shaft pivot joint <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM>, upward rotation of the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> causes the first wing shaft <NUM> to drive the first arm <NUM> to rotate outwardly about the longitudinal axis, as illustrated. Because the first pivot joint <NUM> enables the first arm <NUM> to pivot about the longitudinal axis, a telescoping assembly configured to enable reel sections to translate relative to one another may be obviated. As a result, the cost and complexity associated with manufacturing the header may be substantially reduced. In addition, maintenance operations on the header may be substantially reduced due to the absence of the telescoping assembly.

<FIG> is a back view of the portion of the header of <FIG>, in which the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is in a lowered position (e.g., rotated downwardly about the pivot joint <NUM> relative to the center section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>). As illustrated, with the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in the illustrated lowered position, the first local lateral axis <NUM> is angled downwardly relative to the header lateral axis <NUM>. In addition, due to the difference in position between the frame pivot joint <NUM> and the first shaft pivot joint <NUM> along the vertical axis <NUM>, downward rotation of the first wing section <NUM> of the frame <NUM> causes the first wing shaft <NUM> to drive the first arm <NUM> to rotate inwardly about the longitudinal axis, as illustrated. Because the first pivot joint <NUM> enables the first arm <NUM> to pivot about the longitudinal axis, a telescoping assembly configured to enable reel sections to translate relative to one another may be obviated. As a result, the cost and complexity associated with manufacturing the header may be substantially reduced. In addition, maintenance operations on the header may be substantially reduced due to the absence of the telescoping assembly.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first arm <NUM>, which is configured to support the reel. As previously discussed, the first pivot joint <NUM> is configured to pivotally couple the first arm <NUM> to the frame. In addition, the first pivot joint is configured to enable the first arm <NUM> to pivot about the first local lateral axis <NUM> and about the longitudinal axis <NUM> relative to the header frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm <NUM> has a frame mounting portion <NUM> and a reel mounting portion <NUM>. The reel mounting portion <NUM> of the first arm <NUM> is formed from a tube having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, in other embodiments, the reel mounting portion <NUM> may be formed from any suitable structure. The frame mounting portion <NUM> and the reel mounting portion <NUM> may be coupled to one another by any suitable connection system, such as a welded connection, an adhesive connection, or a fastener connection. In further embodiments, the frame mounting portion and the reel mounting portion may be parts of a single integral structure.

As illustrated, the first pivot joint <NUM> is coupled to the frame mounting portion <NUM> of the first arm <NUM> by a mount <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the first pivot joint <NUM> may be coupled to the first arm <NUM> by any other suitable connection system. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot joint <NUM> includes a ball joint <NUM> configured to enable the first arm <NUM> to pivot about the first local lateral axis <NUM> and about the longitudinal axis <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the first pivot joint may include any other suitable assembly configured to enable the first arm to pivot about the first local lateral axis and about the longitudinal axis. For example, the first pivot joint may include a first single-axis joint configured to enable the first arm to pivot about the first local lateral axis and a second single-axis joint configured to enable the first arm to pivot about the longitudinal axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reel assembly <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> coupled to the first arm <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is configured to drive the first arm <NUM> to pivot about the first local lateral axis <NUM> relative to the frame (e.g., relative to the first wing section of the frame). Accordingly, the actuator <NUM> may control the position of the reel relative to the frame along the vertical axis <NUM> by controlling the angle of the first arm <NUM> relative to the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder. However, in other embodiments, the actuator may include any suitable device configured to drive the first arm to rotate about the first local lateral axis, such as a linear actuator and/or a pneumatic actuator. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, an actuator may be coupled to at least one other arm of the reel assembly to control the vertical position of the reel relative to the frame.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reel assembly <NUM> includes a third pivot joint <NUM> configured to pivotally couple the actuator <NUM> to the frame. The third pivot joint <NUM> is configured to enable the actuator <NUM> to pivot about the first local lateral axis <NUM> and about the longitudinal axis <NUM> relative to the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the third pivot joint <NUM> includes a ball joint <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the third pivot joint may include any other suitable assembly configured to enable the actuator to pivot about the first local lateral axis and about the longitudinal axis. For example, the third pivot joint may include a first single-axis joint configured to enable the actuator to pivot about the first local lateral axis and a second single-axis joint configured to enable the actuator to pivot about the longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, the reel assembly <NUM> includes a fourth pivot joint <NUM> pivotally coupling the actuator <NUM> to the first arm <NUM> (e.g., the frame mounting portion <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>). The fourth pivot joint <NUM> is configured to enable the first arm <NUM> to pivot about the first local lateral axis <NUM> and about the longitudinal axis <NUM> relative to the actuator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth pivot joint <NUM> includes a ball joint <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the fourth pivot joint may include any other suitable assembly configured to enable the first arm to pivot about the first local lateral axis and about the longitudinal axis relative to the actuator. For example, the fourth pivot joint may include a first single-axis joint configured to enable the first arm to pivot about the first local lateral axis and a second single-axis joint configured to enable the first to pivot about the longitudinal axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reel assembly <NUM> includes a carriage <NUM> configured to couple the reel to the first arm <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> is configured to move along the reel mounting portion <NUM> of the first arm <NUM> (e.g., generally along the longitudinal axis <NUM>). In the illustrated embodiment, the reel mounting portion <NUM> of the first arm <NUM> is substantially straight, thereby establishing a substantially linear path for the reel along the first arm <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the reel mounting portion of the first arm may have another suitable shape, such as curved or arcuate, among other suitable shapes. Furthermore, the carriage may include one or more bushings and/or bearings configured to facilitate movement of the carriage along the reel mounting portion of the first arm. In the illustrated embodiment, the reel assembly <NUM> includes a second actuator <NUM> configured to drive the carriage <NUM> along the reel mounting portion <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>, thereby controlling the position (e.g., longitudinal position) of the reel relative to the frame. While the second actuator <NUM> includes a hydraulic cylinder in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the second actuator may include any suitable type of actuator, such as a linear actuator and/or a pneumatic cylinder. In certain embodiments, a carriage and/or second actuator may be coupled to the second arm, the third arm, the fourth arm, or a combination thereof, to facilitate moving the reel relative to the frame.

<FIG> is an exploded view of an embodiment of the first pivot joint <NUM> configured to pivotally couple the first arm of <FIG> to an agricultural header frame. As previously discussed, the first pivot joint <NUM> includes a ball joint <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint <NUM> includes a rounded bearing assembly <NUM> and a fastener <NUM>. A shaft <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> extends through an opening <NUM> in the rounding bearing assembly <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM> of the rounded bearing assembly <NUM> is disposed within a cavity <NUM> of the mount <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> is configured to couple the mount <NUM> to the frame of the agricultural header. Interaction between rounded elements within the rounded bearing assembly <NUM> enables the mount <NUM> to pivot about the longitudinal axis <NUM> and about the first local lateral axis <NUM> relative to the fastener <NUM>/frame. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, interaction between the shaft <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> and the rounding bearing assembly <NUM> may enable the mount <NUM> to pivot about the first local lateral axis <NUM>. Because the mount <NUM> is coupled to the first arm, the ball joint <NUM> enables the first arm to pivot about the longitudinal axis and about the first local lateral axis relative to the frame of the agricultural header.

Claim 1:
A reel assembly (<NUM>) of an agricultural header (<NUM>), comprising:
a first arm (<NUM>) configured to support a reel (<NUM>) of the reel assembly (<NUM>);
a second arm (<NUM>) configured to support the reel (<NUM>) of the reel assembly (<NUM>); and characterized by
a first pivot joint (<NUM>) configured to pivotally couple the first arm (<NUM>) to a frame (<NUM>) of the agricultural header (<NUM>), wherein the first pivot joint (<NUM>) is configured to enable the first arm (<NUM>) to pivot about a first local lateral axis (<NUM>) of the agricultural header (<NUM>) and about a longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the agricultural header (<NUM>) relative to the frame (<NUM>);
a second pivot joint (<NUM>) configured to pivotally couple the second arm (<NUM>) to the frame (<NUM>), wherein the second pivot joint (<NUM>) is configured to enable the second arm (<NUM>) to pivot about a second local lateral axis (<NUM>) of the agricultural header (<NUM>) relative to the frame (<NUM>) and to substantially block pivoting of the second arm (<NUM>) about the longitudinal axis (<NUM>) relative to the frame (<NUM>).