Expandable Grain Tank for Agricultural Combines

Abstract

An expandable grain tank is provided for covering the open end of a grain tank of an agricultural combine. The expandable tank includes a tarp and a support structure for raising and lowering the tarp. The support structure is configured with an upper frame, a plurality of expandable legs connected to the upper frame and the grain tank, and an actuator to expand and retract the expandable legs. The expandable tank is configured to be moved between a retracted position and an expanded position.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A grain tank assembly comprising:
 a grain tank having an open upper portion; and   an expandable tank connected to the grain tank to completely enclose the open upper portion of the grain tank, the expandable tank including:
 a flexible collapsible tank portion; 
 a support structure connected to the flexible collapsible tank portion and configured to position the expandable tank between a retracted position and an expanded position, the support structure including at least one spring loaded expandable leg extension connected to the grain tank and the support structure, wherein the spring loaded expandable leg extension is biased to expand the expandable leg extensions to move the expandable tank to the expanded position; 
   a floating bubbler auger operatively connected to the grain tank to fill the grain tank with a crop material, wherein the floating bubbler auger rises within the grain tank as the grain tank fills with crop material; and   a connector connectable to the floating bubbler auger and the support structure for maintaining the support structure in the retracted position;   wherein the at least one spring loaded expandable leg extension is configured to expand as the floating bubbler auger rises within the grain tank.   
     
     
         16 . The grain tank assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the support structure comprises four spring loaded expandable leg extensions. 
     
     
         17 . The grain tank assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the expandable tank includes a resealable access opening. 
     
     
         18 . The grain tank assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the support structure includes an access opening. 
     
     
         19 . The grain tank assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the flexible collapsible tank portion includes a resealable access opening.