Windrower implement with merger attachment

A windrower implement comprising:

• a frame extending along a central longitudinal axis between a forward end and a rearward end relative to a direction of travel during operation;
• an implement head attached to the forward end of the frame, wherein the implement head is operable to discharge crop material in a rearward direction generally along the central longitudinal axis;
• a merger attachment coupled to the frame rearward of the implement head and positioned to receive discharged crop material from the implement head, wherein the merger attachment is operable to convey crop material laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis, the merger attachment including:
• a support structure extending along a longitudinal structure axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is positioned for receiving crop material from the implement head, and the second end is disposed outboard of the first end for discharging the crop material from the merger attachment;
• a belt forming an endless loop encircling the support structure;
• an idler roll rotatably attached to the support structure at the first end thereof and supporting the belt;
• a drive roll rotatably attached to the support structure at the second end thereof and supporting the belt;
• a drive system coupled to the drive roll and operable to rotate the drive roll about a rotation axis thereof for rotating the belt in and endless loop about the drive roll, the support structure, and the idler roll;
• and
• wherein the support structure includes an upper support surface and a lower support surface extending between the first end and the second end and arranged in a non-parallel relationship relative to each other to define a tapered profile along the longitudinal structure axis, wherein the tapered profile is narrower at the first end of the support structure and wider at the second end of the support structure.

A merger attachment for a windrower implement, the merger attachment comprising:

• a support structure extending along a longitudinal structure axis between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is positioned for receiving crop material from the implement head, and the second end is disposed outboard of the first end for discharging the crop material from the merger attachment;
• a belt forming an endless loop encircling the support structure;
• an idler roll rotatably attached to the support structure at the first end thereof and supporting the belt;
• a drive roll rotatably attached to the support structure at the second end thereof and supporting the belt;
• a drive system coupled to the drive roll and operable to rotate the drive roll about a rotation axis thereof for rotating the belt in and endless loop about the drive roll, the support structure, and the idler roll;
• and
• wherein the support structure includes an upper support surface and a lower support surface extending between the first end and the second end and arranged in a non-parallel relationship relative to each other to define a tapered profile along the longitudinal structure axis, wherein the tapered profile is narrower at the first end of the support structure and wider at the second end of the support structure.