Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
AUGER EXTENSION FOR A VERTICAL MIXER, EXTENDABLE AUGER FOR A
VERTICAL MIXER AND VERTICAL MIXER INCLUDING THE SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of vertical mixers. More
particularly, it
relates to an auger extension for a vertical mixer, to an extendable auger for
a
vertical mixer and to a vertical mixer including the same.
BACKGROUND
It is known in the art to use industrial vertical mixers, for example to
prepare total
mixed rations (TMR) for feeding livestocks. Such vertical mixers typically
include a
tub having an open top, a closed bottom and a peripheral wall and thereby
defining a
mixing chamber. The vertical mixers also typically include at least one auger
substantially centered in the tub and extending substantially vertically in
the mixing
chamber, for rotation about a vertical axis. In several cases, the auger(s)
is/are
combined with serrated cutting blades for cutting long strands of forages,
such as
hay, into smaller lengths and therefore allows such materials to better mix
with
grains and other commodities, for example to prepare the desired TMR. The
height
of the auger(s) of a vertical mixer, is/are usually adapted to a height of the
corresponding mixing chamber, for example, in order to perform the desired
processing of the strands of forages and yield TMR with strands of forage of a
desired size.
In some instances, it is desired to increase the capacity of the mixing
chamber of a
vertical mixer, for example in order to increase the volumetric capacity of
each total
mixed rations (TMR) which can be produced using the vertical mixer. To do so,
one
possibility is to install peripheral wall extensions, mounted at an upper edge
of the
peripheral wall of the tub, and extending upwardly therefrom, in order to
produce a
larger mixing chamber.
Such a solution yields the desired increased tub (and mixing chamber)
capacity.
However, vertical mixers including such peripheral wall extensions, mounted at
an
upper edge of the peripheral wall of the tub, tend to suffer from several
drawbacks.
Indeed, in such cases, the height of the augers(s) is no longer optimized for
the
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height of the corresponding mixing chamber, given that the height of the
mixing
chamber is increased by the addition of an additional section of the tub, at
the top
thereof.
In view of the above, there is a need for an improved auger extension for a
vertical
mixer, an extendable auger for a vertical mixer and/or a vertical mixer
including the
same which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome
or
at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first general aspect, there is provided an extendable
auger for a
vertical mixer. The extendable auger comprises a base section, an extension
section
removably securable to the base section, an extension fixation assembly and a
cover. The base section includes a base section central shaft having a hollow
core
and a top end, and a base section helical member having a helical edge and
being
mounted to the base section central shaft to extend peripherally therefrom.
The
extension section is positionable over the base section and includes an
extension
section central shaft having a hollow core, a lower end and a top end with an
extension support wall positioned at the top end thereof. The extension
section
further includes an extension section helical member having a helical edge and
being mounted to the extension section central shaft to extend peripherally
therefrom. The extension fixation assembly includes a base support wall
positioned
at the top end of the base section central shaft and an extension abutment
wall
positioned at the bottom end of the extension section central shaft. The base
support
wall is superposable to the extension abutment wall and securable
thereagainst. The
extension fixation assembly further includes a fastening assembly configured
to
removably secure the extension section to the base section, when the base
support
wall and the extension abutment wall are superposed to one another. The cover
is
superposable and removably securable to one of the base support wall and the
extension support wall.
In an embodiment, the base support wall and the extension abutment wall are
angled relative to a horizontal plane of between about 1 degree and about 60
degrees.
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In an embodiment, the base section further comprises base section serrated
cutting
blades mounted to the base section helical member and extending past the
helical
edge thereof. The extension section further comprises extension section
serrated
cutting blades mounted to the extension section helical member and extending
past
the helical edge thereof.
In an embodiment, the fastening assembly includes fastening bores defined in
the
base support wall and the extension abutment wall. The fastening bores are
aligned
when the base support wall and the extension abutment wall are superposed to
one
another, to receive auger extension fasteners therein.
__ In an embodiment, each one of the base support wall and the extension
abutment
wall are annular walls including a hollow central section providing access to
the
hollow core of the corresponding one of the base section central shaft and the
extension section central shaft.
In an embodiment, each one of the base support wall and the extension abutment
wall include projections projecting inwardly towards the hollow central
section
thereof, with the fastening bores each being defined in a section of a
corresponding
one of the projections.
In an embodiment, the extension section increases a height of the extendable
auger
of between about 20% and about 50%, when mounted to the base section.
In accordance with another general aspect, there is also provided a vertical
mixer.
The vertical mixer comprises a tub including a tub wall having a top edge and
an
inner surface defining a mixing chamber having an open top and a closed
bottom,
The tub further includes a tub wall extension mountable to the tub wall, at a
top edge
thereof. The vertical mixer further comprises at least one extendable auger
extending substantially vertically into the mixing chamber from the bottom
thereof.
Each one of the at least one extendable auger comprises a base section, an
extension section removably securable to the base section, an extension
fixation
assembly and a cover. The base section includes a base section central shaft
having
a hollow core and a top end, and a base section helical member having a
helical
edge and being mounted to the base section central shaft to extend
peripherally
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therefrom. The extension section is positionable over the base section and
includes
an extension section central shaft having a hollow core, a lower end and a top
end
with an extension support wall positioned at the top end thereof. The
extension
section further includes an extension section helical member having a helical
edge
and being mounted to the extension section central shaft to extend
peripherally
therefrom. The extension fixation assembly includes a base support wall
positioned
at the top end of the base section central shaft and an extension abutment
wall
positioned at the bottom end of the extension section central shaft. The base
support
wall is superposable to the extension abutment wall and securable
thereagainst. The
extension fixation assembly further includes a fastening assembly configured
to
removably secure the extension section to the base section, when the base
support
wall and the extension abutment wall are superposed to one another. The cover
is
superposable and removably securable to one of the base support wall and the
extension support wall.
In an embodiment, the base section of the extendable auger further comprises
base
section serrated cutting blades mounted to the base section helical member and
extending past the helical edge thereof. The extension section of the
extendable
auger further comprises extension section serrated cutting blades mounted to
the
extension section helical member and extending past the helical edge thereof.
In an embodiment, the fastening assembly includes fastening bores defined in
the
base support wall and the extension abutment wall, the fastening bores being
aligned when the base support wall and the extension abutment wall are
superposed
to one another, to receive auger extension fasteners therein.
In an embodiment, each one of the base support wall and the extension abutment
wall are annular walls including a hollow central section providing access to
the
hollow core of the corresponding one of the base section central shaft and the
extension section central shaft.
In an embodiment, each one of the base support wall and the extension abutment
wall include projections projecting inwardly towards the hollow central
section
thereof, with the fastening bores each being defined in a section of a
corresponding
one of the projections.
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In an embodiment, the extension section increases a height of the extendable
auger
of between about 20% and about 50%, when mounted to the base section.
In accordance with another general aspect, there is further provided an auger
extension for an auger of a vertical mixer including an extendable auger
having a
base section with a base support wall positioned at a top edge thereof. The
auger
extension comprises an extension section removably securable on top of the
base
section, an extension fixation assembly and a cover. The extension section
includes
an extension section central shaft having a hollow core, a lower end and a top
end
with an extension support wall positioned at the top end thereof. The
extension
section further includes an extension section helical member having a helical
edge
and being mounted to the extension section central shaft to extend
peripherally
therefrom. The extension fixation assembly includes an extension abutment wall
positioned at the bottom end of the extension section central shaft, the
extension
abutment wall being superposable to the base support wall and securable
thereagainst. The extension fixation assembly further includes a fastening
assembly
configured to removably secure the extension section to the base section, when
the
base support wall and the extension abutment wall are superposed to one
another.
The cover is superposable and removably securable to the extension support
wall.
In an embodiment, the extension section further comprises extension section
serrated cutting blades mounted to the extension section helical member and
extending past the helical edge thereof.
In an embodiment, the extension abutment wall is angled relative to a
horizontal
plane of between about 1 degree and about 60 degrees.
In an embodiment, the fastening assembly includes fastening bores defined in
the
extension abutment wall, the fastening bores being aligned with corresponding
bores
defined in the base support wall when the base support wall and the extension
abutment wall are superposed to one another, to receive auger extension
fasteners
therein.
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In an embodiment, the extension abutment wall is an annular wall including a
hollow
central section providing access to the hollow core of the extension section
central
shaft.
In an embodiment, the extension abutment wall includes projections projecting
inwardly towards the hollow central section thereof, with the fastening bores
each
being defined in a section of a corresponding one of the projections.
In an embodiment, the extension section increases a height of the extendable
auger
of between about 20% and about 50%, when mounted to the base section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent upon reading
the
following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given for the
purpose of
exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a vertical mixer, in accordance with an
embodiment
where no tub wall extension is mounted to the tub wall and the extendable
auger is
configured in a base configuration.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the vertical mixer of Figure 1, shown with a
section of
a tub wall removed.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of a vertical mixer, in accordance with an
embodiment
where a tub wall extension is mounted to the tub wall and the extendable auger
is
configured in an extended configuration.
Figure 4 is an isometric view of the vertical mixer of Figure 3, shown with a
section of
a tub wall removed.
Figure 5 is a front exploded view of an extendable auger of the vertical mixer
of
Figure 4.
Figure 5A is a rear exploded view of an upper section of the extendable auger
of
Figure 5.
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Figure 6 is an isometric view of the extendable auger of Figure 5, shown in
the base
configuration.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the extendable auger of Figure 5, shown in
the
extended configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements.
The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or
dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are
embodiments only, given solely for exemplification purposes.
Moreover, although the embodiments of the auger extension for a vertical
mixer, the
extendable auger for a vertical mixer and/or the mixer including the same and
corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as
explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries
are
essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be
understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other
suitable
components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable
geometrical
configurations, may be used for the auger extension for a vertical mixer, the
extendable auger for a vertical mixer and/or the vertical mixer including the
same, as
will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a
person
skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional
descriptions such as
"above", "below", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise
indicated, be
taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.
Referring generally to Figures 1 to 4, in accordance with one embodiment,
there is
provided a vertical mixer 10 which, for example and without being [imitative,
can be
used for processing silage and/or mixing an animal feed composition used to
feed
livestock such as cattle or the like. In the embodiment shown, the vertical
mixer 10 is
a total mixed rations (TMR) mixer used to prepare total mixed rations for
feeding
livestock. One skilled in the art would however understand that, in
alternative
embodiments (not shown), the vertical mixer 10 could be adapted for different
purposes, such as straw cutting or the like.
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The vertical mixer 10 includes a tub 12 (or hopper) with a tub wall 14 having
an inner
surface 14a and an outer surface 14b. The inner surface 14a of the tub wall 14
defines a mixing chamber 16 having an open top and a closed bottom. In the
embodiment shown, the mixing chamber 16 is configured to receive forages,
grains,
protein supplements, minerals, vitamins, or other feedstuffs to be mixed, for
example
in order to prepare the TMR. In the embodiment shown, the open top of the tub
12
can be used as an inlet 26 for the introduction of the forages, grains,
protein
supplements, minerals, vitamins, or other feedstuffs to be mixed in the tub
12.
In an embodiment, the vertical mixer 10 further includes a tub wall extension
18
removably mountable to the tub wall 14, at a top edge 14c thereof. Figures 3
and 4
show the vertical mixer 10 with the tub wall extension 18 mounted at the top
edge
14c of the tub wall 14, while Figures 1 and 2 show the vertical mixer 10
without the
tub wall extension 18 secured to the tub wall 14, at the top edge 14c thereof.
One
skilled in the art will understand that, several known securements means
and/or
methods could be used to mount the tub wall extension 18 to the tub wall 14.
For
example and without being limitative, in an embodiment the tub wall extension
18
can be secured to the tub wall 14 using a combination of nuts and bolts
insertable
into fixation bores, but one skilled in the art will understand that, in
alternative
embodiments (not shown), other types of fasteners could be used to secure the
tub
wall extension 18 to the tub wall 14. In other alternative embodiments (not
shown),
the tub wall extension 18 could be permanently mounted to the tub wall 14, at
a top
edge 14c thereof.
When mounted to the tub wall 14, the tub wall extension 18 provides a
continuity of
the tub wall 14, with the tub wall extension 18 extending continuously
substantially
vertically, upwardly from the tub wall 14, in order to increase the capacity
of the
mixing chamber 16 defined by the combination of the tub wall and the tub wall
extension 18. In an embodiment, the tub wall extension 18 has a height of
between
about 6 inches and about 24 inches. In other words, in such an embodiment, the
tub
wall extension 18 increases the height of the tub wall 14 of between about 6
inches
and about 24 inches, when mounted to the tub wall 14.
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In an embodiment, the tub wall extension 18 includes a plurality of tub wall
sections
19, each mounted at the top edge 14c of a corresponding section of the tub
wall 14,
and laterally adjacent to one another, to define a continuous wall section
extending
continuously upwardly from the tub wall 14. The laterally adjacent tub wall
sections
19 can be connected to one another, once again using known securements means
and/or methods, such as nuts and bolts, or the like. One skilled in the art
will
understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tub wall
extension 18
could also be a single piece structure securable to the tub wall 14, at a top
edge 14c
thereof.
Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the vertical mixer 10 also includes at least one
extendable auger 30, extending substantially vertically into the mixing
chamber 16,
from the bottom thereof, and rotatable to mix the feedstuffs received in the
mixing
chamber 16. As will be described in more details below, each one of the
extendable
augers 30 includes a base section 40 removably engageable to an extension
section
50 securable to the base section 40 and extending upwardly and substantially
vertically therefrom, when mounted thereto. In view of the above, the at least
one
extendable auger 30 is configurable between a base configuration (see Figures
1, 2
and 6) where the extendable auger 30 is free of extension section 50 and
includes
only the base section 40, and an extended configuration (see Figures 3, 4 and
7)
where the extendable auger 30 includes the base section 40 and the extension
section 50 mounted on top of the base section 40 and extending upwardly
therefrom.
In an embodiment, the extension section 50 has a height of between about 8
inches
and about 24 inches. In other words, in such an embodiment, the extension
section
50 increases the height of the extendable auger 30 of between about 8 inches
and
about 24 inches when mounted to the base section 40. In an embodiment, the
extension section 50 increases the height of the extendable auger 30 of
between
about 20% and about 50%, when mounted to the base section.
In the embodiment shown, three extendable augers 30 are provided, but one
skilled
in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the
vertical
mixer 10 could include a single extendable auger 30, two extendable augers 30,
or
more than the three extendable augers 30 of the embodiment shown. One skilled
in
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the art will understand that the number of extendable augers 30 of a vertical
mixer 10
typically matches the size of the mixing chamber 16 of the vertical mixer 10,
with
vertical mixers 10 having a larger mixing chamber 16 including more extendable
augers 30 than vertical mixers 10 having a smaller mixing chamber 16. In order
to
ease the description, reference to a single extendable auger will be made in
the
description below, each one of the extendable augers 30 having the same
characteristics and operation.
In the embodiment shown, the base section 40 of the extendable auger 30
includes
a base section central shaft 41 having a hollow core 41c and extending
substantially
vertically. The base section central shaft 41 has a bottom end 41a and a top
end
41b. The base section 40 of the extendable auger 30 also includes a base
section
helical member 42 mounted to the base section central shaft 41 and extending
peripherally therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the base section helical
member
42 has an outer helical edge 42a with base section serrated cutting blades 43
mounted to the base section helical member 42 and extending past the outer
helical
edge 42a thereof. In other words, the base section serrated cutting blades 43
are
mounted to the base section helical member 42 and are positioned to project
from
the helical edge 42a of the base section helical member 42, to favor the
cutting of
the strands of forages, upon rotation of the extendable auger 30 in a selected
rotation direction.
It will however be understood that, in alternative embodiments (not shown),
the base
section 40 of the extendable auger 30 could be free of base section serrated
cutting
blades 43. In such embodiments (not shown), the base section 40 of the
extendable
auger 30 includes only the base section central shaft 41 and the base section
helical
member 42 mounted thereto. The base section serrated cutting blades 43 can be
provided inside the mixing chamber 16, rather than mounted to the base section
helical member 42 of the extendable auger 30. For example and without being
limitative, in an embodiment (not shown), stationary serrated cutting blades
(not
shown) can be mounted to the inner surface 14a of the tub wall 14. In another
alternative embodiment, stationary serrated cutting blades (not shown) mounted
to
the inner surface 14a of the tub wall 14 can be provided in addition to the
base
section serrated cutting blades 43 of the base section 40 of the extendable
auger 30,
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to increase the cutting action performed in the feedstuff, when the material
inside the
mixing chamber 16 is processed by the rotation of the extendable auger 30.
Similarly to the base section 40, the extension section 50 of the extendable
auger 30
includes an extension section central shaft 51 having a hollow core 51c and
extending substantially vertically. The extension section central shaft 51 has
a
bottom end 51a and a top end 51b. The extension section 50 also includes an
extension section helical member 52 mounted to the extension section central
shaft
51 and extending peripherally therefrom. Once again, in the embodiment shown,
the
extension section helical member 52 has an outer helical edge 52a with
serrated
extension section cutting blades 53 mounted to the extension section helical
member
52 and positioned to project from the helical edge 52a of the extension
section
helical member 52, to favor the cutting of the strands of forages, upon
rotation of the
extension section 50 of the extendable auger 30 in the selected rotation
direction.
When the extension section 50 is secured on top of the base section 40, the
base
section helical member 42 and the extension section helical member 52 extend
substantially continuously along the consecutive base section central shaft 41
and
extension section central shaft 51. In other words, the extension section
helical
member 52 and the base section helical member 42 are positioned and configured
to
act together as a single continuous helical member.
Once again, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the extension section 50
of the
extendable auger 30 could be free of base section serrated cutting blades 43,
with
the extension section 50 of the auger 30 including only the extension section
central
shaft 51 and the extension section helical member 52 mounted thereto.
In order to allow the mounting of the extension section 50 to the base section
40
(with the extension section 50 being on top of the base section 40), the
extendable
auger 30 further includes an extension fixation assembly 34 configured to
securely
and removably secure (or fasten) the extension section 50 of the extendable
auger
to the base section 40 thereof. In the embodiment shown, the extension
fixation
assembly 34 includes a base support wall 35 positioned at the top end 41b of
the
30 base section central shaft 41 of the base section 40 and an extension
abutment wall
36 positioned at the bottom end 51a of the extension section central shaft 51
of the
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extension section 50. The base support wall 35 and the extension abutment wall
36
are engageable to one another (i.e. are abuttable against one another) and
securable thereagainst, to mount the extension section 50 to the base section
40. In
other words, the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment wall 36
extend
along a common engagement plane P, such that the extension abutment wall 36
can
be superposed to the base support wall 35, with the extension section 50 being
fastened to the base section 40.
In an embodiment, each one of the base support wall 35 and the extension
abutment
wall 36 extend at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. In an embodiment,
the
angle of each one of the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment wall
36
relative to the horizontal plane ranges between about1 degree and about 60
degrees. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative
embodiment (not
shown), each one of the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment wall
36
could also extend substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.
One skilled in the art will understand that the base support wall 35 and/or
the
extension abutment wall 36 can be mounted to the corresponding one of the base
section central shaft 41 and the extension section central shaft 51, for
example and
without being limitative by welding, brazing, soldering, riveting or the like.
In an
alternative embodiment, the base support wall 35 and/or the extension abutment
wall
36 can be integral to the corresponding one of the base section central shaft
41 and
the extension section central shaft 51.
In an embodiment, an extension support wall 39 is also provided at the top end
51b
of the extension section central shaft 51 of the extension section 50. Hence,
in an
embodiment (not shown), a second auger extension (not shown) could be mounted
on top of a first auger extension (not shown), similar to the extension
section 50 of
the embodiment shown. One skilled in the art will understand that, in such an
embodiment (not shown), the second auger extension (not shown) could be
secured
to the first auger extension (not shown), similarly to the extension section
50 being
secured to the base section 40 of the embodiment shown.
The extension fixation assembly 34 further includes a fastening assembly 37
configured to removably secure the extension section 50 to the base section
40,
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when the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment wall 36 are engaged
(or
superposed) to one another. In the embodiment shown, the fastening assembly 37
includes fastening bores 38 (or channel) defined in the base support wall 35
and the
extension abutment wall 36 and configured to receive auger extension fasteners
33
therein, to securely maintain the base support wall 35 and the extension
abutment
wall 36 engaged to one another.
In the embodiment shown, the fastening assembly 37 includes substantially
squared
shape fastening bores 38 defined in the base support wall 35 and substantially
rounded shape fastening bores 38 defined in the extension abutment wall 36,
with
the auger extension fasteners 33 being embodied by carriage bolts, each
insertable
in corresponding fastening bores 38 of the base support wall 35 and the
extension
abutment wall 36 successively, from below (with the head of the carriage bolts
engaging the bottom surface of the base support wall 35 and a squared section
of
the carriage bolts inserted in the squared shape fastening bores 38 of the
base
support wall 35). Nuts can subsequently be threaded in the carriage bolts to
fasten
the auger extension fasteners 33 and securely maintain the base support wall
35
and the extension abutment wall 36 engaged to one another.
One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments (not
shown),
the fastening assembly 37 could differ from the one of the embodiment shown.
For
example and without being limitative, in an embodiment, the auger extension
fasteners 33 can be threaded fasteners (i.e. fasteners having external
threads, such
as bolts), with the fastening bores 38 defined in one of the base support wall
35 and
the extension abutment wall 36 having internal threads matching the threads of
the
auger extension fasteners 33 defined in a peripheral wall thereof. In such an
embodiment, the auger extension fasteners 33 can be inserted in the unthreaded
fastening bores 38 of the base support wall 35 or the extension abutment wall
36
and be threaded in the threads defined in the peripheral walls of the
fastening bores
38 of the other one of the base support wall 35 or the extension abutment wall
36.
One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not
shown),
the fastening bores 38 of the base support wall 35 or the extension abutment
wall 36
could also both have internal threads defined in a peripheral wall thereof.
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One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments (not
shown), a
fastening assembly 37 different from the assembly of the embodiment shown and
allowing the extension section 50 to be removably secured to the base section
40,
could also be used. For example and without being !imitative, in an
embodiment, the
base support wall 35 and the extension abutment wall 36 could include
complementary male/female members, for example allowing the extension section
50 to slidingly engage to the base section 40, or the like.
In the embodiment shown, the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment
wall
36 are annular walls (i.e. the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment
wall
36 each extend along a periphery of the corresponding base section central
shaft 41,
51 and include a hollow central section), thereby permitting access to the
hollow core
41c, 51c of the base section central shaft 41, 51 of the corresponding one of
the
base section 40 and the extension section 50, in order to secure the extension
section 50 to the base section 40.
In the embodiment shown, the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment
wall
36 also each include projections 35a, 36a extending inwardly towards the
hollow
central section thereof, with the fastening bores 38 each being defined in a
section of
a corresponding one of the projections 35a, 36a. One skilled in the art will
understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the projections
35a, 36a
could project outwardly of the base support wall 35 and the extension abutment
wall
36 (i.e. in a direction substantially opposite to the hollow central section
thereof).
In order to close the hollow core 41c, 51c of the base section central shaft
41, 51 of
the corresponding one of the base section 40 and the extension section 50
(i.e. in
order to prevent silage or the like to enter the hollow core 41c, 51c of the
base
section central shaft 41, Si), the extendable auger 30 further includes a
cover 32 (or
cap) mounted to the base section central shaft 41, 51 of the corresponding one
of
the base section 40 and the extension section 50, at a top end 41b, 51b
thereof.
When no extension section 50 is mounted onto the base section 40, the cover 32
is
superposed and mounted to the base section central shaft 41 of the base
section 40
and covers the top end 41b thereof (i.e. covers the base support wall 35). In
other
words, when the cover 32 is mounted to the base section central shaft 41 of
the base
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section 40, it is superposed to the base support wall 35, and prevents access
thereto
(and consequently prevents access to the fastening bores 38 of the fastening
assembly 37 defined in the base support wall 35). In an embodiment, the cover
32 is
removably securable to the base support wall 35, for example through
engagement
-- of cover fasteners 31a (such as, for example and without being !imitative,
threaded
bolts) in dedicated corresponding cover fastening bores 31b (such as, for
example
and without being !imitative, threaded bores) defined in the support walls 35.
Similarly, when the extension section 50 is mounted onto the base section 40,
the
cover 32 is superposed and mounted to the extension section central shaft 51
of the
extension section 50 and covers the top end 51b thereof (i.e. covers the
extension
support wall 39). In an embodiment, the cover 32 is removably securable to the
extension support wall 39, for example through engagement of cover fasteners
31a
(such as, for example and without being !imitative, threaded bolts) in
dedicated
corresponding cover fastening bores 31b (such as, for example and without
being
!imitative, threaded bores) defined in the extension support wall 39.
Hence, to mount an extension section 50 to the base section 40 of the
extendable
auger 30, the cover 32 must be removed (for example by unfastening the cover
fasteners 31a from the cover fastening bores 31b of the base support wall 35),
thereby exposing the base support wall 35. Subsequently, the extension section
50
can be engaged with the base section 40 of the extendable auger 30, through
the
extension section 50 being positioned on top of the base section 40, with the
base
support wall 35 and the extension abutment wall 36 being engaged to one
another.
In an embodiment, the fastening bores 38 defined in the base support wall 35
and
the extension abutment wall 36 are aligned (or placed in register) to allow
insertion of
the auger extension fasteners 33 therein and the extension section 50 is
secured to
the base section 40 using the auger extension fasteners 33. Finally, the cover
32 is
superposed and mounted to the extension section central shaft 51 of the
extension
section 50 and is secured to the extension support wall 39, for example
through
engagement of cover fasteners 31a (such as, for example and without being
limitative, threaded bolts) in dedicated corresponding cover fastening bores
31b
(such as, for example and without being limitative, threaded bores) defined in
the
extension support wall 39.
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For example and without being limitative, in the embodiment shown, securing of
the
extension section 50 to the base section 40 can be performed by an operator by
inserting an arm in the exposed hollow core of the central shaft 51c of the
extension
section 50 and hollow core of the central shaft 41c of the base section 40 and
by
.. inserting an auger extension fastener 33 (such as a carriage bolt) in each
corresponding fastening bore 38 defined in the base support wall 35 and the
extension abutment wall 36, from below. The auger extension fastener 33 can
subsequently be temporarily held in place by the user to prevent falling
thereof by
gravity, while they are fastened (for example by threading a nut onto the
carriage
bolt), using the other arm of the user, to securely maintain the base support
wall 35
and the extension abutment wall 36 engaged to one another. One skilled in the
art
will understand that, in alternative embodiment (not shown), where different
fastening assemblies could be used, different steps could also be performed to
secure the extension section 50 to the base section 40.
In an embodiment, not shown, the vertical mixer 10 can be mounted onto a
trailer
chassis for supporting the vertical mixer 10. In an embodiment, the trailer
chassis is
couplable to a motorized vehicle, such as, for example and without being
limitative, a
tractor (not shown), to allow displacement of the vertical mixer 10. One
skilled in the
art will understand that the vertical mixer 10 can also be free of trailer
chassis and be
.. substantially stationary, rather than easily displaceable.
Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and
illustrated
herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be
exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the
features of
the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of
the
components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate
that any of
the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other
embodiments
disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention could be embodied in
other
specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The
present
examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to
the details
given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been
illustrated and
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described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is
therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
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