Table extension for agricultural bagging machine

Abstract

A table extension is provide and is adapted for movement between a bagging position and a transport position for use with an agricultural bagging machine. The table extension comprises a table for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural bagging machine, a frame for supporting the table, and a lift mechanism adapted for moving the table between the bagging position and the transport position with the lift mechanism in operable communication with said frame. The table extension is hydraulically powered and utilizes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and mechanism assembly to accomplish movement between the bagging and the transport position.

1 . A table extension adapted for movement between a bagging position and a transport position for use with an agricultural bagging machine, comprising: 
 a table for conveying material to be bagged to the agricultural bagging machine;    a frame for supporting said table; and    a lift mechanism adapted for moving said table between said bagging position and said transport position, said lift mechanism in operable communication with said frame.    
   
   
       2 . The invention in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising an axle assembly adapted for wheeled movement of said table extension when it is in said transport position.  
   
   
       3 . The invention in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said axle assembly further comprises: 
 a) an axle;    b) wheels connected to said axle and rotateable to allow for said wheeled movement of said table extension when in said transport position;    c) an axle frame connected to said axle for supporting said axle assembly and for operably connecting said assembly to said lift mechanism;    d) an axle lift hydraulic cylinder connected to said axle frame for moving said axle assembly between said bagging and said transport position.    
   
   
       4 . The invention in accordance with  claim 3  wherein when said axle lift cylinder is extended said axle assembly supports said table extension for wheeled movement and when said axle lift cylinder is retracted said axle assembly is moved to a free standing position.  
   
   
       5 . The invention in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a linkage assembly adapted for moving said table between said bagging and transport position.  
   
   
       6 . The invention in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the linkage assembly further comprises a four-bar linkage for accomplishing said movement.  
   
   
       7 . The invention in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the four-bar linkage further comprises: 
 a support beam for support of said table;    two beams pivotally and substantially perpendicularly connected at or near either ends of said support beam; and    at least one frame member pivotally connected to said two triangular beams at ends opposite to said ends connected to said support beam.    
   
   
       8 . The invention in accordance with  claim 7  wherein said at least one frame member comprises two substantially parallel frame members.  
   
   
       9 . The invention in accordance with  claim 6  wherein said linkage assembly is hydraulically moved by a main folding cylinder.  
   
   
       10 . The invention in accordance with  claim 9  wherein said main folding cylinder operably moves said four-bar linkage between said bagging and transport position.  
   
   
       11 . The invention in accordance with  claim 9  further comprising an axle assembly adapted for wheeled movement of said table extension when it is in said transport position, and said axle assembly is operably connected to said lift mechanism, and wherein said main folding cylinder also moves said axle assembly.  
   
   
       12 . The invention in accordance with  claim 11  wherein said operable point of connection between said axle assembly and said lift mechanism is a pivot lever.  
   
   
       13 . The invention in accordance with  claim 5  wherein said lift mechanism further comprises a table angle cylinder for moving said table between said bagging and transport position.  
   
   
       14 . The invention in accordance with  claim 13  wherein when said table angle cylinder is extended said table is at an angle substantially transverse to the ground, and when said table angle cylinder is retracted said table is at an angle substantially parallel to the ground.  
   
   
       15 . The invention in accordance with  claim 13  wherein the table angle cylinder includes a cylinder lock wherein said lock is engaged when said table extension is in said transport position.  
   
   
       16 . The invention in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a hitch assembly for providing the ability for said table to extension to be transported while in said transport position by a towing vehicle.  
   
   
       17 . The invention in accordance with  claim 16  wherein the hitch assembly further comprises 
 a hitch for connection to the towing vehicle;    a yoke connected on one end to said hitch and connected to said frame at the an opposite end; and    a hitch height cylinder connected to said yoke for moving said hitch assembly between said bagging and transport positions.    
   
   
       18 . The invention in accordance with  claim 17  wherein said yoke is pivotally connected to said frame and said hitch.  
   
   
       19 . The invention in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a hydraulic manifold for enabling hydraulic movement between said bagging and said transport position.  
   
   
       20 . A lift mechanism for a table extension used with an agricultural bagging machine, comprising a mechanism for moving a table between a bagging and a transport position.