Bunk Cleaner System and Method of Use
Patent Number: US 11040375 Grant Date: 2021-06-22 Filing Date: 2019-04-25
Overview
This patent describes a purpose-built feed-bunk cleaning assembly that mounts to a utility vehicle and provides controlled pitch, roll, and height adjustments for a scoop designed to clear troughs efficiently. Filed in April 2019 and granted in June 2021, the application—prosecuted for inventors based in Sunray, TX—claims a robust combination of a frame that secures to a vehicle, a rotatable hinge and swing arm, and an adjustable vertical sliding assembly that together allow the scoop to self-level, tilt forward or rearward, and be raised or lowered. The design includes a beveled front edge and interchangeable scoop bodies (rounded or flat-bottom) so the same assembly can match varied bunk profiles and protect both the implement and the bunk from raised joints. The specification and claims anticipate real-world operation by aligning the swing axis with vehicle travel and by defining forward and rear pitch axes tied to vehicle brackets and arm joints, enabling precise scraping action under variable approach angles.
Key Features
- Frame-mounted hinge and swing arm providing controlled roll and swing motion
- Adjustable vertical sliding assembly for selectable locked and free vertical travel
- Forward and rear pitch adjustments to set effective scraping angle
- Interchangeable scoop bodies and a beveled edge for bunk protection and complete debris removal
By securing broad, function-focused claims, the firm reinforced practical adaptability for agricultural operators. This mechanical innovation enhances feed-bunk maintenance workflows and has immediate relevance to livestock operations and equipment manufacturers seeking durable, vehicle‑mountable cleaning solutions.
Invention Details
Abstract: A bunk cleaner assembly for selectively adjusting a pitch, a roll and a height adjustment of a scoop assembly for cleaning a trough of a feed bunk. The bunk cleaner assembly comprises a frame portion, a swinging arm assembly, the scoop assembly, and a utility vehicle. The frame portion is configured in attaching the swinging arm assembly and the utility vehicle to one another. The swinging arm assembly comprise a hinge assembly.
Summary of the Invention: A bunk cleaner assembly for selectively adjusting a pitch, a roll and a height adjustment of a scoop assembly for cleaning a trough of a feed bunk.
Said bunk cleaner assembly comprises a frame portion, a swinging arm assembly, said scoop assembly, and a utility vehicle. Said frame portion is configured in attaching said swinging arm assembly and said utility vehicle to one another. Said swinging arm assembly comprise a hinge assembly. Said frame portion comprises a horizontal frame portion, a vertical frame portion, and a vehicle receiver bracket. Said frame portion comprise a first end, and a second end. Said hinge assembly attaches to said first end of said frame portion. Said vehicle receiver bracket is at said second end of said frame portion. said frame portion further comprises said vehicle receiver bracket configured to selectively attach said frame portion to said utility vehicle. Said frame portion is configured to extend said swinging arm assembly alongside of said utility vehicle and above said feed bunk. Said swinging arm assembly comprises said hinge assembly, a swing arm assembly and a scoop portion. Said hinge assembly is rotatably attached to said frame portion. Said swing arm assembly connects said hinge assembly to said scoop portion and hangs substantially down from said hinge assembly. Said scoop portion comprises a front edge, two sides, a scoop cavity and a back end. Said scoop portion is configured to scoop debris from said trough of said feed bunk. Said swinging arm assembly with said scoop assembly is configured to selectively rotate on a swing axis. Said swinging arm assembly freely rotates around said swing axis through a swinging range of motion. Said bunk cleaner assembly is configured to selectively change said roll with said swinging range of motion, said pitch with a forward pitch range of motion and a rear pitch range of motion, and said height adjustment with a vertical movement.
Patent Document
Related: Agriculture | Mechanical Engineering | Cleaning And Maintenance | Livestock | Packaging And Logistics | Sunray, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney