Auger finger with elastomeric tubular retainer that holds broken tip
A rigid auger finger for a crop-gathering auger that incorporates a purposely weakened failure region and a molded, unitary tubular elastomeric retainer that spans that region. When the finger breaks at the failure region under side load, the tubular retainer holds and allows the broken free end to pivot and can retract the broken end into the auger drum during rotation; users are combine and forage-harvester manufacturers or repair shops.
(57) What the patent covered
This write-up was generated by AI from the patent's text and may contain mistakes, so check it against the original patent before relying on it.
The main independent claim covered a rigid elongate auger finger having a thinner, weaker failure region between a mounting end and an elongate free end, together with a unitary tubular elastomeric retainer molded around portions of the finger on opposite sides of the failure region so that when the failure region breaks the tubular retainer spans the break, retains the free end to the mounting end, and permits resilient pivotal movement.
Distinguishing feature: A tubular elastomeric retainer molded to the finger that spans a designed failure region and both retains the broken tip and permits pivoting and controlled retraction into the drum.
Novelty 3/5. Purposefully weakened break points on auger fingers and separated retainers were already common; the patent combined those features with a molded tubular elastomeric retainer spanning the break, which is a moderate improvement on familiar fingers.
Manufacturing
Stamp or machine the rigid finger from steel, form a reduced-section failure region (machined groove or stamped neck), then overmold or mold a unitary tubular elastomeric sleeve around the finger so the sleeve covers portions on both sides of the failure region; final assembly is by fitting the finger into the auger drum.
Materials: Hardened steel or other rigid metal finger body (rigid elongate body), thermoplastic or thermoset elastomer (tubular retainer), possibly adhesive or overmold-compatible coating (if required).
Manufacturability 4/5. Requires one machined or stamped metal finger with a defined neck plus an overmolding or slip-on elastomer sleeve step; tooling for stamping/machining and elastomer molding is standard and part count is low.
Market demand
No demand check has been run for this patent. Likely search terms: auger finger replacement tubular retainer, breakaway auger finger for combine, overmolded retracting finger for header. The links in the sidebar open these searches.
Buyers: Combine and forage-harvester OEMs, header repair shops, farm equipment service departments.
Before manufacturing
No related continuation or divisional patents in force were found. Design patents, trademarks and unrelated patents may still cover the product.
Patent has lapsed; practical risks include ensuring elastomer overmold adhesion and durability in abrasive, high-impulse environments and meeting OEM fitment dimensions and material hardness; markets may be crowded with existing breakaway finger solutions.
This patent has reached the end of its full term and cannot be revived. This page is a research lead, not legal advice. Obtain a freedom-to-operate opinion before manufacturing.