Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
9 ~953~3
ROUND BALE HANDLER
-
This invention relates to a round bale handler
for use with a prime mover, which allows moving of round
bales as well as facilitating unrolling of them.
A popular form of bale is known as a round bale,
which is cylindrical in shape with a typical diameter of
about 4 to 6 feet, a typical length of about 4 to 6 feet,
and a typical weight in the vicinity of about 1000 lbs.
to 2,000 lbs~ Various devices for handling round bales
; have been described in the past. Such devices include
fork lift type devices such as those manufactured by
Sperry New Holland (a division of Sperry Corporation), or
devices whlch can be a~tached to a front end loader, such
as those manufactured by ~zee-on Manufacturing Ltd. or
disclosed in U.S. patent 4,329,103 to Millerr Other
round bale handling devices include devices whereby the
.
round bale is grasped by the device by means of two
opposed, usually hydraulically activated, clamping arms
which grasp the bale at opposite ends of the axis thereof
thereby clamping the bale between them. Such devices
include those disclosed in U.S. patent 4,280,777 tv Gray,
U.S. patent 3,997,069 to McCanse et al, and U.S. patent
3,968,940 to Godbersen. Other round bale handling devi-
ces which utilize spikes which penetrate along the axis
of a round bale, are also known. Such devices include
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~ ~2Q~S38
those disclosed in the Miller patent, as well as V.S.
,'7 ? ` -- (
patent 4,099,629 to Cox and U.S~ patent 4,084,707 to
McFarland. Many of the foxegoing devices are relatively
complex in construction. In addition, many do not pro~
S vide any means by which the round bale can be readily
unrolled by the device, or where such means is provided,
such is typically relatively complex. Such relatively
complex unrolling devices are disclosed in the McCanse
patent wherein a hydraulic cyllnd~r is required to swing
the boom, in the Godbersen patent wherein a separate
hydraulically driven rotating drum assists in unrolling
the bale, or in the device of U.S. patent 3,779~208 to
~ay which requires an idler roller.
It is also desirable to convert round bales to
silage for livestock feeding. This is readily
accomplished by drawing a large plastic bag over the
round bale and tying such plastic bag closed at the
opening. In order to accomplish the foregoing though,
~ the round bale must be elevated oEf the ground so that
the bag can be drawn over the bale~ A round bale
handling device utilizing a spike as described, is par-
ticularly useful to assist in the foregoing process.
However, the difficulty with the round bale handling
devices described which utilize a spike, is that because
of their construction, it is difficult to have reasonably
clear access to the end of the bale closest to the prime
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~1 2~5~531~
mover so that the plastic bag can be drawn completely
thereover Thus bagging becomes relatively difficult
with such devices.
It is desirable then, to have a round bale
s handling device which can transpor~ a round bale, and can
also be utilized to unroll it, and which is relatively
simple in construction. In addition, it is desirable
that such device enable a plastic bag to be relatively
readily drawn over the end of a bale carried by the
device which is nearest the prime mover.
The present invention provides a round bale
handler for use with a prime mover. The handler compri-
ses a frame having a rear member, and a spike. The spike
has a pointed front end to readily penetrate the round
bale. A rear end of the spike is pivotally connected to
the frame so that the spike is swingable between a for-
ward position parallel with the normal direction of tra-
vel of the prime mover when the frame is connected to
; such prime mover, and at least one sideways position
substantially 90 from the forward position. The spike
is of a sufficient length such that the spike can
penetrate through the axis of the bale and extend
substantially along the entire length of it. Stop means
are provided for releasably retaining the spike in the
forward position, and preventing the spike from swinging
beyond each sideways position.
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531!~
Preferably the spike can swing to two sideways
positions, each substantially 90 from the orward posi-
tion.
The frame is usefully additionally provided
with an upper guide connected to the rear member oE the
frame and disposed forward and sideways of the rear
member, at a position above the plane in which the spike
swings and between the rear and the front ends of the
spike, so as to provide upward support for the spike when
the frame is connected to the prime mover and the spike
is in the forward or sideways positions or therebetween.
Alternatively, the frame is provided with a
pair of spaced parallel guides connected to the rear
member of the frame and disposed forward and sideways of
it at positions adjacent respective sides of the plane in
which the spike swings, and between the rear and front
ends of the spike. The foregoing is so as to provide
upward and downward support for the spike when the frame
is connected to the prime mover and the spike is in the
forward or sideways positions or therebetween. In a
further embodiment of the invention, the rear member
includes a beam extending between opposite ends of the
guides. As well, two brackets can be usefully addi-
tionally provided, which brackets can be releasably posi-
tioned at any of a plurality of positions along the beam.
The brackets are adapted to connect the frame to an
3P538
implement on the prime mover.
A wheel is usefully additionally provided which is
rotatably mounted on the spike between the pair of guides
when such are used, the guides in such case being spaced apart
a distance slightl~ greater than the diameter of the wheel so
that the wheel can roll freely on either guide when the spike
swings.
The stop means provided can usefully additionally
releasably retain the spike in each of the forward and sideways
positions~
A method of loading and unrolling a round bale
utilizing the above apparatus is also prescribed.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in
detail with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
round bale handler of the present invention, showing the handler
attached to an implement ln turn attached to a prime mover,
namely a tractor;
Figure 2 is a vertical cross section of a portion of
Figure l; and
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the handler of Figure
1 .
Referring to the drawings, the round bale handler is
generally numbered 10. Figure 1 shows handler 10 attached to a
front end of lift arms 4 and tilt arms 6
: 5
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~;~Q~S3~3
of an implement, namely a front end loader 2, which is in
turn attached at its rear end to a prime mover, namely a
tractor 8. In this regard, it will be noted that terms
such as front, rear, upward, or downward or the like are
relative only and are used particularly with reference to
the device when connected through an implement or the
; like to a prime mover.
Handler 10 is constructed of a frame which
includes a rear member 12. Rear member 12 includes I~
beam 14 connected to and extending between rear ends 58
and 62 of semi-circular guides 56 and 60 which will be
described in more detail later. I-beam 14 includes
parallel webbings lS connected by webbing 16.
Two slide brackets 20 are slidably mounted on
~15~ I-beam 14, each including facing portions 22 and 24 adja-
cent respective opposed webs lS, and interconnecting por-
tion 21. Each slide bracket 20 further includes portions
30 and 34 welded or otherwise integrally attached to por-
tions 22 and 24 respectively so as to slidably retain
slide bracket 20 upon I-beam 14. Aligned holes are pro-
vided in portions 22 and 30, as well as portions 24 and
34, which permit passage of respective bolts 32 and 36
therethrough as well as through any of a plurality of
holes 18 and 19 respectively. By means of the foregoing
bolt and hole arrangements, the slide brackets 20 can be
positioned at any of a plurality of positions along I-
~ ~LZ~S3~
beam 14, each corresponding to the position of a
corresponding pair o~ holes 18 and 13. Each slide
bracket 20 further includes a pair of ears 26 and a pair
of ears 28, each ear being provided with a hole therein
such that each pair can accommodate a bolt therethrough
to attach each slide bracket 20 to an implement such as
the front end loader 2. Typically, ears 26 would be
attached by means of bolts or roll pins to tilt arms 6 of
the front end loader 2, while each pair of ears 28 would
be attached to the front end of lift arms 4 of the front
end loader 2. However, such an arrangement can be
reversed if desired.
Two plates 38 extend forwardly from webbing 16
of I-beam 14, each plate 38 being provided with a hole
aligned with that on the other plate 38 so as to accom
modate bolt 48 therethrough. Bolt 48 retains a pivot pin
46 in position between plates 38. A spike 40 is provided
which includes a pointed front end 50 as well as a rear
end 42 pivotally mounted upon pivot pin 46. By virtue of
the foregoing mounting of spike 40, spike 40 is able to
swing between a forward position shown in solid lines in
Figure 1 and 3, and opposed first and second sideways
positions each substantially 90 from the forward posi-
tion, shown in broken lines in Figures 1 and 3. By
"sllbstantially" 90 is meant an angle of 90 but allowing
for a variation of about plus or minus 10. Spike 40 is
: 7
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lZ~$5~8
provided with a wheel 52 which contains self-aligning roller
bearing 54, rotatably mounted partway therealong. Wheel 50
is maintained in position on spike 40 by collar 92 which is
welded or otherwise connected to spike 40, and cylindrical
sleeve 90 positioned over a rear portion of spike 40 and welded
or otherwise connected to a pivot block 44 also pivotally mounted
on pivot pin 46.
The frame of loader 10 is further provided with a pair
of spaced parallel guides 56, 60 connected to the I-beam 14
of rear member 12 as described. Guides 56, 60 are simi-circular
in shape with an L-shaped cross section as shown most clearly
in Figure 2. Guides 58, 60 are disposed forward and sideways
from I-beam 14 at positions adjacent respective sides of the
plane in which spike 40 swings , and between the front end 50
and rear end 42 of spike 40 as shown. Guides 56 and 60 are
spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the diameter
of wheel 52. By this is meant that the opposed surfaces 57 and
61 of guides 56 and 60 respectively, are spaced apart a
distance slightly gr~ater than the diameter of wheel 52.
As a result of the foregoing arrangement wheel 52 can roll
freely on either guide 56 and 60, and more specifically on
either opposed surface 57 and 61 thereof respectively, when
the spike 40 swings. Of course normally gravity will cause
wheel 52 to rest upon surface 57 and roll thereupon. However,
when downward pressure is
~ ~2~53i 3
applied ko a round bale, such as round bale 84, by uti-
lizing front end loader 2, spike 40, due to its length,
will tend to flex upwardly somewhat until wheel 52 con-
tacts surfa~e 61. ~hen spike 40 swings at such time,
then of course wheel 52 will roll on surface 61 of guide
60. In the foregoing manner as well, guides 56 and 60
:~ provide downward and upward support, respectively, for
the spike 40 when member 14 is connected to prime mover 8
to implement 2, and the spike is in the forward or
sideways positions, or any position therebetween.
Guide 56 is reinforced in its position by means
of angle iron spokes 64, and gussets 66 connected to one
of the plates 38 and I-beam 14, whereas guide 60 is
likewise reinforced by means of angle iron spokes 68 and
gussets 70. The frame of loader 10 is additionally pre-
ferably provided with two parallel skids ~not shown),
which are simply flat, elongated, metal sheets, each
positioned inwardly adjacent an inwardmost position of a
corresponding slide bracket 20. Each skid extends bet-
ween and beneath I-beam 14 and guide 56, as well as
beneath spokes 640 The purpose of the skids is to mini
mize the chance that the loader 10 will get hung-up or
caught on mounds ox other features on the surface on
which a bale is being unrolled, as the loader approaches
such surface during the unrolling operation to be
described.
~9
:
8~S38
Two removable stop pins 72 are provided each of
which can pass through a corresponding set of aligned
holes in portions 57 and 61 of guides 56 and 60 respec~
tively. The holes for stop pins 72 are arranged such
that stop pins 72 when inserted therein are spaced apart
a distance somewhat slightly grader than the diameter of
wheel 52 so that stop pins 72 can releasably retain spike
40 in the forward position. Plates 80 and 82 prevent
spike 40 from swinging beyond respective sideways posi-
tions. Removable stop pin 76 which passes through a set
of aligned holes in portions 57 and 61 of guides 56 and
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9a
2~S3~3
60 respectively, in conjunction with plate 80 serves to
releasably re~ain spike 40 in a corresponding sideways
position, while removable stop pin 78 in conjunction with
plate 82 serve to releasable retain spike 40 in the other
corresponding sideways position thereof. Removable stop
pins 72, 76, 78 and plates 80 and 82 are collectively
referred as to stop means which releasably retain spike
40 in each of the forward and sideways positions. All o
the stop pins 72, 76, 78 may be attached to the guide 60
by means of chains ox wires so as to prevent loss of
them.
The round bale handler as descxibed is typically
made from sufficiently strong steel, with various pieces
preferably being interconnected by means of welding. A
means of constructing the loadex will be evident from the
above description. In particular though, it might be
noted that sections 30 and 34 of slide brackets 20 are
welded to respective sections 22 and 24 of each slide
bracket 20, following positioning of such slide bracket
adjacent I beam 14. There will also be appreciated of
course that spike 40 is mad~ of a sufficient total length
such that spike 40 can penetrate through the axis of a
round bale 84 and extend substantially along the entire
length of such axis of round bale 84. This will mean
that the portion of spike 40 projecting beyond guides 56
and 60 will be substantially equal in length to a typical
~2~9?53~3
round bale which might be handled by the apparatus
(typically, although not restricted to, about 6 feet in
length).
In use, the handler 10 is attached to a front
end of an implement such as front end loader 2 previously
connected to tractor 8, in a manner previously described.
When it is desired to elevate or transport a round bale
84, the operator simply operates front end loader 2 in a
well-known manner to adjus~ the height and angle of spike
40 to penetrate through the axis of round bale 84.
Tractor 8 is then driven forward until spike 40 penetra-
tes through the axis of bale 84 and extends substantially
along the entire length of it. Bale 84 can then be ele-
vated by operating front end loader 2 again in a well-
known manner. At such point, if desired, a plastic bag
can be drawn over bale 84~ which in that case would be a
high moisture bale to facilitate silaging. Such an
operation will generally require two men. It will be
noted though, that the plastic bag can be very readily
drawn over the end of the round bale closest to guides 56
and 60 with minimal interference by such guides due in
part to their semi-circular shape. That is, the opening
of the plastic bag could be drawn to a position almost
completely adjacent wheel 52. Bale 84 could then be
unloaded or transported if desired, or stacked for
storage. More importantly though, bale 84 can be
transported to a position for unrolling.
11
lZ~ 3~
To unroll bale 84, the operator of tractor 8
first ascertains in which direction bale 84 is impaled on
spike 40 so that he can determine in which direction
spike 40 must swing to unroll bale 84. For example, as
shown in Figure 2, spike 40 must swing to the left rela-
tive to the frame of handler lO if unrolling of bale 84
is to be accomplished. If the operator had impaled bail
84 from the opposite end than that shown in Figure l,
then spike 40 would have to swing in the opposite direc-
tion relative to the frame of handler lO (unless the
operator wishes to unroll the bale by putting the tractor
in reverse following obtaining spike 40 in the sideways
position~. Upon ascertaining the foregoing, the operator
dismounts from tractor 8 and removes the appropriate stop
pin 72 and stop pin 76 or 78 such that spike 40 can swing
in the appropriate direction relative to the frame. The
~operator also uncuts strings (not shown) on bale 84 which
are typically present to retain the bale in a rolled up
form. The operator again mounts tractor 8 and then
applies a slight downward pressure to bale 84 by
operating front end loader 2 in a Xnown manner. The
front wheels of tractor 8 are then cranked in the oppo-
site direction to which spike 40 must swing relative to
the fxame of loader lO, and the tractor 8 placed in for-
ward gear. What will actually happen then, is that trac-
tor 8 and the rame of loader lO will turn in the
; 12
53~
direction of the front wheels of tractor 8, while spike
40 and bale 84 remains stationary. In this regard, it is
to be understood that the reference to swinging of spike
40 is a relative term and not absolute, since that in
S fact by the foregoing procedure spike 40 and front end
loader 2 will in mosk cases t both turn and swing to some
extent with respect to one another. The foregoing opera-
tion is continued until spike 40 contacts either plate X0
or 82, but in the particular example of Figure 1 t this
will be plate 80. The driver may then dismount and posi-
tion removable stop pin 76 or 78 through its respective
set of holes in guides 56 and 60 (although again in the
particular example of Figure 1, this will be stop pin
76)j such being required only if the tractor will be dri-
ven in reverse. The driver then again mounts tractor 8
which is now substantially 90 to its initial position,
and commences unrolling bale 84 by placing kractor 8 in
forward gear. It will be appreciated of course that the
operator of tractor 8 need never concern himself in the
field with the direction in which bale 84 is being
impailed. This is 50 since spike 40 can swing to either
o~ the two opposed sideways po~ ions, and in addition
since once spike 40 i5 in either such sideways position,
tractor 8 can be placed in reverse gear should such be
necessary at that time for unrolling bale ~4.
It will be noted that the loader 10 described
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13
53~
above can be adapted to front end loaders or other simi-
lar devices wherein the arms might be spaced varying
distances apart. This will be most clearly seen by
referring to Figure 3. If it is desired to adapt the
loader 10 to a front end loader wherein the set of lift
arms 4 and the set o tilt arms 6 are spaced further
apart than those for which slide brackets 20 are set up
as shown in Figure 2, then bolts 32, 36 and associated
nuts may simply be unfastened, and each of the slide
brackets 20 slid away (or toward one another where the
arms are closer together~ from one another along I-beam
14 until the holes in portions 22 and 30, and portions 24
and 34, are aligned wi~h other sets of holes 18 and 19
respectively. Bolts 32 and 36 may then be reinserted
through such aligned holes and the corresponding nuts
retightened thereon. In addition though, slide brackets
20 need not be equally spaced about the lengthwise centre
of I-beam 14 and could be offset with respect thereto so
, that the centre of I-beam 14 will be offset with respect
to the centre of the front end loader 2. Such an
arrangement can provide more sideways clearance on one
side of the round bale handler, and hence increased
safety under certain conditions.
Various modifications to the loader 10 described
above can of course be made. Such modifications
including providing any of known remote control means for
14
:
538
removing or inserting any of the stop pins or equivalent
means. Furthermore, if desired a hydraulic cylinder or
motor could be connected between the frame of loader lO
and spike 40, in order to swing spike 40 to a sideways
position while the ~rame of loader lO and tractor 8 con-
tinue to travel in a straight line.
When the handler described is in use, it may
also be desirable to utilize a conventional non swinging
spike attached to a rear three point hitch on tractor 8,
so khat two bales 84 can be carried simultaneously in
order to maintain the same centre of overall balance as
when no bales are carried. Such minimizes the possibi-
lity of tractor 8 tipping over. It should also be noted
that although the handler has been specifically designed
for handling and unrolling round balest it could also be
used to handle (i.e. move) other material such as coils
of wire or the like.
Further, the above described round bale handler
with semi~circular guides extends the reach of the spike
further than would be possible without such guides.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art
in light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations
and mod1fications are poæsible in the practice of this
invention without departing from the spirit or scope
thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to
be construed in accordance with the substance defined by
the following claims.
.
53~3
SUPPLEMENTARY ~TSCLO_URE
~ n alternate, preferred5 embodiment of a round bale
handler of the present nvention, is also provided, again fo- use
with a prime mover. The handler comprises a frame having a rear
member, and a spike. The spike has a pointed front portion to
readily penetrate the round bale. A rear portion of the spike is
pivotally connected to the frame so that the spike is swingable
between a forward position parallel with the normal d~rection of
travel of the prime mover when ~he frame is connected to such
prime mover, and at least one sideways position substantially 90
f-~om the forward position. A stop means is mounted on the frame
for releasably retaining the spike in the forward position, and
preventlng movement of the spike rearward of the sideways
position. The spike is of a sufficient length such that the
forward portion of it can penetrate through the axis of the bale
and extend substantially along the entire length of t.
In this embodiment of the invention, the bale handler
additionally preferably comprises a bale keeper, movable alGng
the rear portion of the spike, and which extends radially from
the spike so as to restrain rearward movement of a bale on the
front portion of the spike and abutting the bale keeper. In such
case, a keeper retainer is positioned and constructed so as to
-releasably retain the bale keeper in an extended and a retracted
position along the rear portion of the sp ke. In eithe; the
extended or retracted position of the keeper retainer, a bale can
be retained on the spike abutting the bale keeper.
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A SUppO-i~ arm ls preferably provided, which is
pivotally connected to an upper end of said frame, and extends
and is connected to, the rear portlon of the spike. The support
arm is to provide upward and downward support for the spike.
The support arm is usefully connected between an upper
end of the frame and the rear portion of the spike. Furthermore,
the extended and retracted positions of the bale keeper are
positioned forward of the support arm. In addition, the spike is
preferably swingable between the forward position and opposite
first and second sideway posit~ons each substantially 90~ from
the forward position. Further, the retracted position is
preferably adjacent a forward end of the support arm.
The bale keeper can usefully be constructed to extend a
distance below the spike which is less than that which it extends
lS above and sideways of the spike, and with a lower upcurving edge.
Furthe-l, the bale keeper can be in the form of a plate provided
with one or more sighting openings therethrough.
In this alternate embodiment, the handler s again
preferably constructed so that the spike can swing to two
sideways positions, such substantially 90 from the forward
position.
The frame in such embodiment is usefully additionally
provided with an upper guide connected to the rear member of the
frame and disposed forward and sideways of the rear member, at a
position above the plane in which the spike swings and between
the rear and the front ends of the spike, so as to provide upward
support for the spike when the frame is connected to the prime
~7
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$53~
mover and the spike is in the forward or sideways positions or
therebetween.
In the alternate embodiment also, two brackets can be
usefully additionally provided, which brackets can be releasably
positioned a~ any of a plurality of positions along a rear end of
the frame. The brackets are adapted to connect the frame to an
implement on the prime mover.
A method of loading and unrolling a round bale
utilizing the above apparatus, is also provided.
DRAWlNGS
Further embodiments of the invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the preEerred,
alternate embodiment of the round bale handler of the present
inven~ion, showing the handler attached to an implemen-t, namely a
` front end loader, in turn attached to a prime mover, namely a
; trac cor;
Figure 5 is a perspective v.ew of the handler of Figure
4 showing it attached to another implement, namely a 3-point
hitch, attached to the rear of the prime mover, again a tractor;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the handler of Figure
1 ~oward the rear end of it;
Figure 7 is a vertical cross section along the length
of the handler of Figure 4; and
Figure 8 is a cop plan view of the handler of Figure 4.
; ~ ~
531~3
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The preferred, alternate embodiment of the round
bale handler of the present invention, will now be described
with reference to Figures 1 through 5. Figure l shows the
handler 110 attached to a front end of lift arms 104 and tilt
arms 106 of an implement, namely a front end loader 102. The
front end loader is in turn attached at its rear end to a
prime mover, namely a tractor 108. It should be noted at this
point that terms such as front, rear, upward, downward, or the
like will be used as relative terms throughout this
application, and are used particularly with reference to the
round bale handler device when connected through an implement
or the like to a prime mover.
Handler 110 is constructed of a frame which includes
a rear member, in particular I-beam 1]4. I-beam 114 includes
parallel webbings 115 interconnected by webbing 116. The rear
member also includes a reinforcing plate 117 centrally
disposed on a rear side of I-beam 114~ and connected between
parallel webbings 115.
Two brackets 120 are slidedably mounted on I-beam
114. Each bracket 120 consists of two sections 120a and 120b.
Each sec~ion 120a and 120b of each bracket 120 has a bottom
portion 122 and interconnected flanged portion 130 which
extends around the lower webbing 115, thereby retaining each
section 120a and 120b on I-beam 114. Each section 120a and
120b further includes a top surface 124 provided with an
elongated slot 123 therein. Slot 123 is alignable with a
~9
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9538
corresponding slot (no, shown) in the upper webbing 115 of
I-beam 114, such that bolts 136 may be passed through a
portion of respective slots 123 in each section 120a and 120b,
and a portion of such slot in upper webbing 115, when each
section 120a and 120b is slidably pos tioned at any of a
plurality of positions along I-beam 114. By such an
arrangement each section 120a and 120b of each bracket 120,
can be independently slid 'oward and away from one another
along I-beam 114 to connect to arms of varying width of
respective implements. Furthermore, each of the bracket 120
can then be positioned at any of a plurality of positions
along I-beam 114 and be releasably retained in such position
by bolts 136.
Each bracket 120 further includes a pair of ears 125
connected to respective section 120a and 120b. Each pair of
ears 125 is provided with sets of aligned holes at an upper
end thereof, as well as sets of such aligned holes at a lower
end thereof. The sets of aligned holes can accommodate
respective bolts or pins therethrough, so as to attach each
bracket 120 to an implement such as front end loader 102 shown
in Figure 1. Typically the upper ends of ears of 125 would be
attached by means of bolts or roll pins to the front end of
lift arms 104, while the lower ends of ears 125 would be
at.ached in a similar fashion to tilt arms 106, again as
illustrated in Figure 1.
Two semi-circular support plates 138 extend
forwardly from webbing 116 of I-beam 114, the set of plates
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5;38
138 being provlded with a set oE allgned holes so as to
accommodate a pivot pin 146 the-lethrough. A spike 140 is
further provided which has a front portion 149 with pointed
front end 150~ and a rear portion 141, with rear end 142. A
rear end 142 of spike 140 further includes a pivot block 144
pivotally mounted upon pivot pin 146. The frame of handler
110 is further provided with an upstanding member 156
connected to I-beam 114. ~ember 156 has an upper end 157 wi~h
a pair of opposed ears 158 thereon, ears 158 being provided
wi~h a se~ of allgned holes in order to connect handler 110 in
some cases to an arm of an implement, such as upper arm 107 of
a typical 3-point hitch, as shown in Figure 2. A support arm
160 has a lower, forward end 162 connected by means of welding
or the like to rear portion 141 of spike 140. An upper, rear
end 164 of support arm 160 is pivotally connected to upper end
157 of member 156 (which represen~s an upper end of the frame
of handler 110), by means of pivot pln 166. Support arm 160
thereby provides upward and downward support for spike 140.
By virtue of the fo-regoing mounting of spike 140, spike 140 s
~ able to swing between a forward position shown in solid lines
in Figure 1, and shown again in Figures 2 through 5, and
opposed first and second sideways positions each substantially
from the forward position, one of which sideways position
is shown in broken lines in Figure 1. By "substantially" 90
is meanc an angle of 90 but allowing for a variation of about
+ 10 ~
A bale keeper 180 is slidably mounted on rear
~'~'.,
~l2~38
portion 141 of sp ke 1~0, and consists of a plate with two
sighting openings 182 therethrough Bale keeper 180 is also
dimensioned so as to extend below spike 140 a distance less
than that which it extends above and sideways of spike 140
This facet is most clearly seen in Figure 2 In addition,
bale keeper 1~0 is provided with a lower upcurving edge 184
Bale keeper 180 is slidably mounted on rear portion 141 of
spike 140, by vlrtue of it being weldecl or otherwlse attached
to an outer sleeve 166 which is slidable along an inner sleeve
165 positioned about a part of rear portion 141 of spike 140
Sleeve 166 carries a ~lange 168 with a plurallty of holes 170
Cherealong, including a rearwardmost hole 172 which
cor.esponds to an extended position of bale keeper 180, shown
in broken lines in Figure 4 Holes 170 are each alignable
with a hole in a bracket 174 connected to support arm 160
Bracket 174 carries pin 176 passing through bracket 174, and
which is biased by spring 178 toward flange 168 Thus, when
any hole 170 is aligned with the hole in bracket 174 through
which pin 176 passes, pin 176 will be automatically urged into
such hole 170 Sleeve 166 with its flange 168, and bracket
174 with its biased pin 176, are collectively referl-ed to as a
keeper re~ainer, since such component can retain bale keeper
180 (by virtue of its attachment to sleeve 166) in the
retracted position shown in solid lines in Figure 4, the
extended position shown in broken lines in Figure 4, or
various positions therebetwe~n corresponding to the positions
of holes 170 in flange 168 It should be noted ~hat sleeve
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166 has an opening 167 in a lower end thereof as shown in
Figure 4, for the purpose of allowing debris such as hay or
the like, which may otherwise become trapped between outer
sleeve 166 and inner sleeve 165, to fall out opening 167.
The frame of loader 110 is additionally provided
with a skid 185, having a slightly sloping forward end 185a,
and a sloping rearward end 186. Two removable stop pins 188
are provided which are conveniently attached by respective
chains I90 to member 186 of the frame, to prevent loss of stop
pins 188. Stop pins 188 can be passed through respective sets
of aligned holes in plates 138 as shown in Figures 1 through
5, in order ~o retaln spike 140 in the forward position.
Alternatively, either one of the stop pins 188 can be passed
through a se, of aligned holes 194 in plate 138, in order to
retain spike 140 in either sideways position in which spike
140 abuts a corresponding stop 196 (each of which preven.
spike 140 from swinging rearward beyond a corresponding
sideways position abutting such stop 196). Stops 196 and pins
188 in conjunction with the portion of plates 138 with the
openings therein, are collectively referred to as stop means
which can releasably retain spike 140 in each of the forward
and sideways positions, as well prevent rearward movement of
spike 140 f-.om either of the sideways positions.
The round bale handler 110 as described is typically
made of sufficiently strong steel, with various element being
assembled in a manner which will be evident to one skill in
the art in light of the above description. It will also be
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apprecia,ed ;.ha, spike 140 has the front portion 149 (that
portion of the spike 140 which ex~ends forward of bale keeper
180 when in the extended position shown in Figure 4) of
sufficient length such tha, the front portion 149 can
penetrate through the axis of a typical round bale, such as
round bale 196 shown in Figure 1, which may be handled by the
apparatus Such a round bale again typically has a length of
about 4 to 6 feet, although it is not restricted to such size
In use, the preferred embodiment of the handler llO
is at,ached to a front end of an implement such as front end
loader 102 as shown in Figure 1, or the 3-point hitch as shown
in Figure 2, and in the manner prevlous described The height
or angle of spike 140 is adjusted by operating the implement
in a well known manner Prior to loading a bale 196 on spike
140, -the operator flrst ensures that bale keeper 180 is in the
-retracted position, and pins 188 are in respective sets of
holes l91, as shown ln Figure 1 The prime mover 108 is then
driven forward until the front portion 149 of spike 140
penetrates through the axis of bale 196, and extends
substantially along the entire length of it so that bale 196
abuts bale keeper 180 Bale 196 can then be elevated and
transported by operation of front end loader 102 and prime
mover 108 in a well known manner Following elevation of bale
196, if desired~ a plastic bag can be drawn over lt if the
bale is a high moisture bale, to facilitate silaglng Such an
operation wlll generally require two men However, the
; plastic bag can be very readily drawn over the end of round
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bale 196 abutting bale keeper l80 with minimal interference by
any parts of loader 110 Tha. is, the plastic bag can be
drawn to almost a completely closed position around bale 196
Bale 196 can then be transported for storing Where a bag has
not been drawn over bale 196 it can then be transported to a
desired position for unrolling The positioning of the bale
196 adjacent bale keeper 180 when in the retracted position~
ensure that bale 196 is close to tractor 108 thereby
minimizing the chances of a dangerous situation arising
whereby the tractor 108 may be tilted as a result of the
weight of bale 196 (which again can typically weigh about 2
tons)
To unroll bale 196, the operator of tractor 108
first ascertains in which direction bale 196 is impaled on
spike 140, so that he can determine in which direction spike
140 must swing to unroll bale 196 For example, as shown in
Figure 1, spike 140 must swing to the right from the
operator's point of view on tractor 108 if he wishes to first
unroll bale 196 in a direction reverse of that in which it was
originally rolled Tractor 108 is then backed up either
before or afte~ the operator ascertains the foregoing, a
sufficient distance so that a rea end 197 of bale 196 is
adjacen. the extended position of bale keeper 180, again shown
in broken lines in Figure 4 Bale keeper 180 can then be slid
to its extended position and retained therein by means of pin
176 passing through hole 172~ as already described At the
same time, or after or prior to the last step, the stop rneans
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is adjusted so Lhat spike 140 can swing to a first sideways
position in which bale 196 is to be unrolled in reverse
direction. This is accomplished preferably by removing both
pins 188 from respective sets of holes 191. The operator also
uncuts strings ~not shown) on bale 196 which are typically
present to retain the bale in a rolled up form. The operator
again mounts tractor 108 and applies a slight downward
pressure to bale 196 by operating the implement (again front
end loader 108 in Figure 1, and 3-point hitch in Figure 2) in
a well known manner. In the case of the implement being front
end loader 102 as in Figure 1, the front wheels of tractor 108
are cranked in a direction opposite that to which spike 140
must swing relative to the frame of loader 110, and the
tractor 108 placed in forward gear. By continuing such a
procedure, spike 140 will then swing rearward to the first
sideways position, which is to the right of tractor 108 as
viewed by the operator of it. In this regard, it is to be
understood that reference to swinging of spike 140 is a
relative term and not an absolute one, since in fact by the
foregoing procedure and other procedures to be described,
spike 140 and front end loader 102 will in most cases, both
turn and swing to some extent with respect to one another.
When spike 140 is in the first sideways position, it will be
prevented from further rearward movement by its abutting a
stop 196. The driver may then dismount and position a stop
pin 188 in a set of holes 194 adjacent the first position of
spike 140, in orde- to removably retain spike 140 in such
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38
flrst positlon. ~-lowever, this will only be required in
situations where tractor 108 is to be driven in reverse gear
due -~o the direction in which bale 196 was first impaled on
spike 140. Unrolling of bale 196 shown in Figure 1 though,
now takes place in ~he reverse direction from which it was
originally rolled, simply by placing tractor 108 in forward
gear. Bale keeper 180, by being in the extended position,
re~ains bale 196 at a sufficient distance from the side of
tractor 108 to avoid being run over by the wheels of it. In
this regard, it will be understood that any particular bale
handler as descL-ibed ls constructed so that there will be an
extended position of bale keeper 180 sufficently far along
spike 140, such that the bale to be unrolled will avoid the
wheels of the typical prime removerls) with which the handler
is to be used.
Preferably, bale 196 is only partially unrolled in
the reverse direction, and is further unrolled by operating
and turning tractor 108 substantially 180 with respect ~o the
spike (although again both tractor 108 and spike 140 will tend
to turn and swing), so that spike 140 is in the second
sideways position abutting a stop 196. The second sideways
position is to the left of tractor 108 as viewed by the
opera~or of i~. Bale 196 is then again held against the
surface by front end loader 102 and tractor 108 placed in
forward gear, so that the bale unrolls in the direction in
which it is Lolled. The shape of bale keeper 180 as
prevlously described, allows spike 140 to approach closer to
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~he ground (and hence permits bale 196 ~o be more completely
~mrolled) than would otherwise be possible if bale keeper 180
was symmetrically dimensioned about spike 140, while still
providing good restraint on rearward movement of a bale on
spike 140. At the same time skid 185 reduces the chances of
the loader 110 from becoming caught or "hung up" on the
ground.
Xt will be appreciated of course that bale 196 could
be entirely unrolled in the direction in which it is rolled if
desired. However, the above precedure is preferred since it
tends to unroll the bale more evenly and Yeduces clumping of
the hay. In addition, from the above description, i. will be
appreciated how a similar precedure can be carried out
utilizing handler 110 attached to a 3-point hitch as shown in
Figure 2. Furthermore, in view of the construction of bracket
120 already described, it will be appreciated how handler 110
can be connected to implements with different spacing and
sizing of their respective arms.
With regard to the first embodiment of the handler
disclosed in the original disclosure filed in this
application, spike 40 has a front portion, which includes the
pointed front end 50. Spike 40 also has a rear portion which
~ncludes rear end 42. The front portion of spike 40 is that
portion extending forward (or to the right as viewed in Figure
2~ of guides 56, 60, while the rear portion of spike 40, is
the remainder thereof.
It should also be noted that the method of partially
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unrolling a bale in the reverse direction to which it has been
rolled, described in connection with the preferred alternate
embodiment, can also be used on the embodiment of Figures 1 to
3. In addltion, it will also be appreclated that either
embodiment can be used on a front end loader attached to a
trac~or, whlch is provided with a conventional non-swinging
spike attached to a rear 3-point hitch on ~he tractor, so that
two bales can be carried simultaneously. Such an arrangement
will again assist in maintaining the same centre of overall
balance as when no bales are carried.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in
light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and
modifications are possible in the practlce of this invention
; without departing from the Spil-it or scope thereof.
Accordingly, ~he scope of the invention is to be construed in
accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
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