Safety system for use with a grain bin

A kit for use with a grain bin having an auger, a motor for driving the auger, and an access opening for entering the bin, the kit comprising:

• an electrical switch adapted to be connected in circuit with the motor to selectively prevent operation thereof;
• a cover adapted to be mounted adjacent the access opening of the grain bin for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position, the cover being adapted to disengage the switch to permit operation of the motor when the cover is displaced from the first position and to operatively engage the switch to permit operation of the motor when the cover is in the first position;
• a latch adapted to secure the cover in the first position;
• and
• a spring adapted to bias the cover toward the second position such that, when the kit is assembled and mounted to the grain bin and the latch and cover are released, the cover moves away from the first position and the switch precludes operation of the motor and auger.

For use with a grain bin having an auger, a motor for driving the auger, and an access opening, a safety apparatus comprising:

• an electrical switch in circuit with the motor, the switch having a first state wherein the switch prevents operation of the motor and a second state wherein the switch permits operation of the motor;
• a cover mounted adjacent the access opening for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position;
• means for placing the switch in the second state when the cover is in the first position and for placing the switch in the first state when the cover is displaced from the first position;
• a latch for securing the cover in the first position;
• and
• a spring for biasing the cover toward the second position such that, when the latch and cover are released, the cover moves to the second position and the switch enters the first state to preclude operation of the motor and auger.

A method for reducing a risk of suffocation within a grain bin having an auger, a motor for running the auger, and an access opening, the method comprising the steps of:

• mounting a cover adjacent the access opening for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position;
• placing a switch in circuit with the motor such that placing the switch in a first operative state precludes operation of the auger and placing the switch in a second operative state permits operation of the auger;
• locating the cover and the switch for interaction such that the switch enters the first operative state when the cover is displaced from the first position;
• and
• biasing the cover toward the second position such that the auger cannot be operated unless the cover is secured in the first position.