Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 2959351 2017-02-28
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A TUBULAR BAG ONTO A CROP
BAGGING DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document discloses a method and apparatus for mounting a
tubular bag
onto a crop bagging device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mounting a tubular bag onto a crop bagging device requires several
individuals to lift the bag, which is folded in a ring in an accordion fashion
and weighs up to
500 pounds or more, into position upon a tunnel at the discharge end of a crop
bagging
device. Lifting devices exist that consist of a cradle that mounts to the crop
bagging device
within the tunnel. In use the cradle is lowered to the ground by a boom and a
winch or
hydraulic actuator integral to the crop bagging device. Once on the ground a
bag is loaded
over the cradle, and then the cradle is lifted, until the bag is positioned
above the top end of
the tunnel. The bag is then placed directly onto the tunnel, secured in place,
and crop
bagging can begin. The process of replacing a crop bag on a crop bagging
device can take 45
minutes or more.
SUMMARY
[0003] A method is disclosed comprising: mounting a structural tunnel
frame to a
crop bagging device, the structural tunnel frame being pre-loaded with a
tubular bag, which
is in a folded state encircling an outer peripheral surface of the structural
tunnel frame;
supplying a crop from the crop bagging device into the tubular bag; and
feeding the tubular
bag from the structural tunnel frame as the tubular bag fills with the crop.
[0004] An apparatus is disclosed comprising: a structural tunnel frame
defining a
crop-bagging-device-tunnel-shroud-receiving interior that extends between a
crop supply
open end of the structural tunnel frame to a crop discharge open end of the
structural tunnel
frame; and a tubular bag, which is supported in a folded state encircling an
outer peripheral
surface of the structural tunnel frame. =
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[0005] In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of
the
following features: The crop bagging device has a tunnel shroud that defines a
crop
discharge end of the crop bagging device. Mounting comprises sliding the
structural tunnel
frame over an outer peripheral surface of the tunnel shroud. The structural
tunnel frame is
sized and structured to hold the tubular bag, when in the folded state, in a
conformation
where a crop conduit, defined by structural tunnel frame or the structural
tunnel frame and
the tubular bag, has sufficient minimum dimensions to permit the structural
tunnel frame to
be slid in an axial direction over the tunnel shroud without the tubular bag
catching on the
tunnel shroud. The structural tunnel frame comprises a network of frame
members that
support a frame tunnel shroud. The outer peripheral surface, of the structural
tunnel frame, is
defined by the frame tunnel shroud. The frame tunnel shroud comprises a sheet
of metal. The
structural tunnel frame is tubular in shape. The tubular bag is secured to the
outer peripheral
surface of the structural tunnel frame via a strap. Mounting is carried out
using a lifting
device. The lifting device comprises a forklift, and in which during mounting,
forklift tines
of the forklift are positioned within forklift-tine-receiving passages of the
structural tunnel
frame. The lifting device comprises a crane. The tubular bag, when in the
folded state, is
folded in an accordion fashion. The structural tunnel frame comprises a base
platform,
which is spaced below a base part of the outer peripheral surface, of the
structural tunnel
frame, to define a tubular bag receiving cavity between the base platform and
the base part.
After filling the tubular bag, removing the tubular bag from the structural
tunnel frame.
Demounting the structural tunnel frame from the crop bagging device. After
demounting:
mounting the structural tunnel frame or a second structural tunnel frame to a
crop bagging
device, the structural tunnel frame or second tubular structural being pre-
loaded with a
second tubular bag, which is in a folded state encircling an outer peripheral
surface of the
structural tunnel frame or second structural tunnel frame. Supplying a crop
from the crop
bagging device into the second tubular bag. Feeding the second tubular bag
from the
structural tunnel frame or second structural tunnel frame as the second
tubular bag fills with
the crop. Prior to mounting, pre-loading the tubular bag onto the outer
peripheral surface of
the structural tunnel frame. Securing the structural tunnel frame to the crop
bagging device.
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The structural tunnel frame comprises a pair of parts that are spaced and
structured to define
forklift-tine-receiving passages.
[0006] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the
claims,
which are incorporated here by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in
which
like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in
which:
[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a method of loading a
tubular bag onto
a structural tunnel frame.
[0009] Figs. 2 and 3 are a perspective view, and a section view,
respectively,
illustrating a method of mounting the structural tunnel frame and tubular bag
of Fig. 1 to a
crop bagging device, with a forklift shown in Fig. 3.
[0010] Fig. 4 is a section view illustrating a method of feeding crop from
a feed arm
of a grain cart through the crop bagging device and structural tunnel frame of
Fig. 2 and into
the tubular bag.
[0011] Fig. 5 is a section view illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 2 after
the tubular bag
has been filled with crop, removed from the crop bagging device, and sealed.
[0012] Fig. 6 is a section view illustrating a method of demounting, using
a forklift,
the structural tunnel frame from the crop bagging device, after removal of the
tubular bag
from the structural tunnel frame in Fig. 5.
[0013] Fig. 7 is a front end elevation view of another embodiment of a
structural
tunnel frame pre-loaded with a tubular bag.
[0014] Fig. 8 is a front end elevation view of another embodiment of a
structural
tunnel frame pre-loaded with a tubular bag, and mounted on a crop bagging
device, with the
tunnel shroud of the crop bagging device replaced with a series of guide pins.
[0015] Fig. 9 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 8,
illustrating a
method of mounting a structural tunnel frame on the guide pins.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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[0016] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described
here
without departing from what is covered by the claims.
[0017] Referring to Fig. 5, a tubular bag 36 may be used to store
harvested crops 88
such as silage, grains, and other plants that are grown as food. Such bags may
be made of
water impermeable material, such as plastic, which may be sufficiently durable
to withstand
external elements over one or more seasons of weather. Such bags may be sealed
on either
end and may extend along a ground surface for considerable distances, such as
three hundred
feet, twelve hundred feet, or longer or shorter distances, and may be made in
relatively large
diameters, such as four to fourteen feet in diameter, or larger or smaller
diameters. These
bags may be relatively thick-walled, flexible, and expandable, and may be
filled compactly
with crop to minimize air pockets and reduce or eliminate moisture ingress to
ensure that the
crop remains in good condition for months at a time. Tubular bags are used as
a cost-
effective and flexible replacement for traditional upright silo storage.
[0018] Referring to Fig. 4, a crop bagging machine or device 48 may be
used to
supply crop into a tubular bag 36. A variety of designs for such devices 48
exist, but a
common design includes a hopper 50, a conveyor such as a rotating feed auger
80, and a
discharge tunnel shroud 112. The hopper 50 may be used to receive and funnel
crop, for
example supplied from a conveyor 101 connected to a grain cart. The hopper 50
may be
connected to supply crop to a conveyor conduit 52 that leads to an outlet 84
within tunnel
shroud 112. Referring to Fig. 4, the conveyor 101 may force crop into a bag
36. The auger
80 may have a transverse rotating roller that is fitted with radial arms that
sweep crop out of
an outlet 84 in an internal wall 86 of the device 48, out the tunnel shroud
112, and into the
bag 36. Other suitable conveyors may be used such as an impellor, a fan, or a
conveyor belt.
The auger 80 may expel crop at a sufficient pressure to compact crop within
the bag 36. In
some cases the conduit 52 may extend axially beyond the shroud 112 into the
bag 36 itself
(not shown). The crop bagging device 48 may have a backstop (not shown) that
prevents the
bag 36 from being forced away from the device 48 before the bag 36 is filled
to proper
compaction. Referring to Fig. 2, the conveyor, for example the auger, may be
powered from
the power take-off shaft of a farm tractor (not shown), which may connect to a
power takeoff
shaft 66 on the device 48.
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[0019] Referring to Figs. 2-3, crop bagging device 48 may have a variety
of suitable
other features. A hydraulic or other actuator 54 may be provided for raising
and lowering a
bag pan platform 56 that is spaced below the shroud 112. Crop bagging device
48 may have
a tow connection 64, for example an A-frame as shown, for connecting to a
tractor or other
suitable towing vehicle. Ground engaging members 60, for example wheels,
skids, or tracks,
may be provided.
[0020] In a conventional use (not shown), a bag is directly fitted to, for
example
wrapped around, the tunnel shroud 112, to receive crop supplied through the
conduit 52. The
tunnel shroud 112 forms a conduit and has a suitable shape - often a curved
semi-cylindrical
shape, or an arched or inverted U-shape as shown. The tubular bag sits around
an outer
peripheral surface of the tunnel shroud 112 during use. Referring to Fig. 2,
the shroud 112
may have a maximum outer diameter 113 that is equivalent to or smaller than
the maximum
inner diameter 111 of the tubular bag 36, so that the bag 36 may be fitted
over the shroud
112. The bag is folded in an unexpanded and compacted configuration and begins
to unfold
as the bag is filled with crop. As the bag is filled the bag begins to expand,
and as the bag
expands it feeds gradually off of the shroud 112 onto the ground.
[0021] Referring to Figs. 1-5 and 7-8, an apparatus 11 is illustrated
comprising a
structural tunnel frame 10. Frame 10 may be provided to act as a rack that
supports one or
more tubular bags 36, for example a crop or silage bag as shown. Referring to
Figs. 2 and 4,
tubular bag 36 may be supported in a folded state encircling an outer
peripheral surface 22 of
the structural tunnel frame 10. Referring to Fig. 1, the outer peripheral
surface 22 is
illustrated prior to bag 36 being mounted thereon. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2,
structural
tunnel frame 10 may define a crop-bagging-device-tunnel-shroud-receiving
interior 87 that
extends between a crop supply open end 34 of the structural tunnel frame 10 to
a crop
discharge open end 32 of the structural tunnel frame 10.
[0022] Referring to Fig. 4, tubular bag 36 may be folded in an accordion
fashion. The
folded state may be achieved by a suitable method such as folding the bag 36
back and forth
on itself in alternating directions to form a stack 36C of folded layers. The
bag 36 may then
be incrementally fed from the stack 36C by pulling upon an outer layer 36A or
an inner layer
36B of the stack 36C. In the example shown the bag 36 is fed from the frame 10
by pulling
CA 2959351 2017-02-28
on the outer layer 36A. In the example shown the layers are arranged
horizontally, although
other configurations may be used, such as vertical layers, and it should be
understood that
the words horizontal and vertical are defined relative to the outer peripheral
surface 22 of the
frame 10 and not by reference to the direction of gravitational acceleration
on the Earth.
[0023] Referring to Fig. 1, tubular bag 36 may have a suitable structure
for loading
onto structural tunnel frame 10 and for receiving and storing crops. Tubular
bag 36 may
define a crop-receiving conduit 39 that extends between an open supply end 46
of the tubular
bag 36 to an open discharge end 44 of the tubular bag 36. In use, the tubular
bag 36 may
form a ring that nests around the frame 10. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, an
inside
circumferential surface 38 of the tubular bag 36 may contact outer peripheral
surface 22 of
the structural tunnel frame 10 when loaded on structural tunnel frame 10.
[0024] Referring to Fig. 2, the tubular bag 36 may be secured to the outer
peripheral
surface 22 of the structural tunnel frame 10 in use. For example, a strap 40
may be used to
secure the bag 36 to the frame 10. The strap 40, which may have a strap
tightener 42, such as
a suitable ratchet, latch, or other locking system, which may provide
sufficient resistance to
prevent the entire bag 36 from being pulled off of the frame 10 in an axial
direction during
use, while providing sufficient slack to permit the bag 36 to be fed off of
the frame 10 in a
controlled layer-by-layer fashion. The strap 40 may retain the bag 36 in a
loop or ring-like
configuration as shown.
[0025] Referring to Figs. 1-5 and 7-8, structural tunnel frame 10 may
comprise frame
members, for example arranged in a supportive network. Referring to Fig. 1, in
some cases
the network of frame members, which may include beams as shown, support a
frame tunnel
shroud 20, which may be formed by a sheet of metal. Referring to Fig. 1, outer
peripheral
surface 22 may be defined by the frame tunnel shroud 20. Referring to Fig. 1,
the frame
members may support the shroud 20 on the outside, inside (shown), or both the
outside and
inside surfaces of the shroud 20. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the network of
frame members
may include cross and angle arms 106 and 108 along an inner peripheral surface
22 of the
frame 10. Angle arms 28 may support a base part 108, such as a base sheet as
shown, of the
shroud 20. The ends 32, 34, or both ends 32 and 34 may be lined by frame
member (not
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shown) to form a reinforced rim. Frame members may be made of suitable
materials, such as
steel or plastic. Guide pins may be used as frame members.
[0026] Referring to Figs. 1 and 7, frame 10 may comprise an inner frame 19
and an
outer frame 23 connected rigidly together to define a bag-receiving-cavity 110
between the
two. The outer frame 23 may also provide protection to a bag 36 supported by
the frame 10.
In the example shown, the inner frame 19 is made up of arms 104, 106, 28, and
shroud 20. In
the example shown, the outer frame 23 includes a pair of side supports, such
as formed by
brace arms 26 mounted between base platform 30 and upright arms 17, which are
also
mounted to base platform 30. Brace arms 24 extend from uprights arms 17 to
shroud 20, to
rigidly connect the outer and inner frames 23 and 21. The base pan or platform
30 may be
spaced below the base part 108 of the structural tunnel frame 10 to define
part or all of the
tubular bag receiving cavity 110 between the base platform 30 and the base
part 108. The
platform 30 may have ground engaging members, or may itself form a ground
engaging
member (as shown) to support the frame 10 on a ground surface in the upright
position
shown with a bag 36 pre-loaded to the frame 10. Referring to Fig. 1, outer
frame 23 may
include frame members such as tubes 25, arms 16, arm 14, and upright arm 15,
as discussed
further below, which further define cavity 110 between the inner and outer
frames 21 and 23.
[0027] Referring to Fig. 2, structural tunnel frame 10 may be sized and
structured to
hold or otherwise retain tubular bag 36, when in the folded state, in a
conformation where a
crop conduit 39, defined by tubular bag 36, has sufficient minimum dimensions
to permit
structural tunnel frame 10 to be slid in an axial direction 70 over the tunnel
shroud 112 of the
crop bagging device 48 without the tubular bag 36 catching on the tunnel
shroud 112. The
shroud 20 may be shaped to correspond with the shape of the shroud 112.
Referring to Fig.
8, another embodiment of a frame 10 is shown.
[0028] Referring to Fig. 2, the frame 10 may support a sufficient angular
portion,
such as three hundred sixty degrees (100%), of a circumferential profile
defined around the
inner circumferential surface 38 of the bag 36. In the example shown, the
frame 10 is tubular
in shape and supports three hundred sixty degrees of the circumferential
profile of surface 38
of bag 36. In other cases a relatively smaller angular portion, such as
between one hundred
eighty (50%), for example two hundred seventy or more, degrees (75%), may be
supported.
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Referring to Fig. 7, the circumferential profile of surface 38 may be defined
around a
longitudinal axis 71 of the bag 36. By supporting a sufficient angular portion
of the bag 36,
the amount of bag 36 that dangles freely below the frame 10 is reduced, in the
example
eliminated, reducing and in the example shown eliminating the possibility of
catching the
bag 36 on the tunnel shroud 112 of the crop bagging device 48. Any free
portions of the bag
36 may be held taut to avoid catching on shroud 112 or other parts of device
48. In some
cases the frame 10 may be made up of discrete, spaced parts that form a
collective support
for the requisite angular portion. For example, the frame 10 may be made up of
discrete
tines, spaced apart to form fingers, and that cooperate together to
effectively form a single
surface supporting the angular portion.
[0029] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, structural tunnel frame 10 may comprise
a suitable
mechanism for lifting and positioning the frame 10. In the example shown, two
such
mechanisms are shown. A pair of parts, such as tubes 25, may be spaced and
structured to
define forklift-tine-receiving passages 18. Suitable passages 18 include
slots, apertures, and
others. Referring to Fig. 3, passages 18 may be sized to receive forklift
tines 92 of a forklift
inserted in a suitable direction, such as an axial direction 94. Axial in this
document may
refer to a direction that is parallel with axis 71 of the bag 36. Referring to
Figs. 1 and 3,
structural tunnel frame 10 may have apart, such as a crane lug 12, suitable
for lifting via a
crane hook 116. Referring to Fig. 2, one or more of crane lug 12 and tubes 25
may be
mounted on a suitable part of frame 10, for example formed by an upright
member or arm
15, which may support one or more cross member or arms 14 and 16. In the
example shown,
arms 16 support tubes 25, while cross arm 14 supports lug 12. Other lifting
mechanisms may
be used.
[0030] Referring to Figs. 1-3, tubular bag 36 may be loaded onto
structural tunnel
frame 10 via a suitable method. Referring to Fig. 1, tubular bag 36 may be
supplied to a user,
such as a farmer, in a pre-loaded state where the bag 36 is installed on
surface 22. In one
example the frame 10 is purchased from a retail or wholesale location with bag
36 pre-
loaded. In some cases the method may include pre-loading the bag 36 on the
surface 22, for
example while the frame 10 is stationary, prior to mounting the frame 10 on
the device 48.
Referring to Fig. 2, once loaded, tubular bag 36 may be secured to outer
peripheral surface
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CA 2959351 2017-02-28
22 of the frame tunnel shroud 20, for example via strap 40 and tightener 42.
Thus, in one
example, the farmer may pre-load the bag 36 upon frame 10, for example during
the early
morning hours of harvest season while the farmer is waiting for the sun to dry
up any
condensation or moisture on the ground.
[0031] Referring to Figs. 2-4, structural tunnel frame 10 may be
mounted to crop
bagging device 48 via a suitable method. Referring to Fig. 1, after the frame
10 is pre-loaded
with bag 36, structural tunnel frame 10 may be mounted to crop bagging device
48.
Referring to Fig. 3, mounting may be carried out using a suitable lifting
device such as a
crane hook 116 or forklift tines 92. In the example shown, forklift tines 92
are used to mount
frame 10, for example by inserting tines 92 into forklift-tine-receiving
passages 18 of the
structural tunnel frame 10. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, structural tunnel
frame 10 may be
mounted to crop bagging device 48 by sliding the structural tunnel frame 10,
for example in
an axial direction 70 such as parallel to one or more of a longitudinal axis
71 (Fig. 7) of the
tubular bag 36 or parallel to a longitudinal axis 73 (Fig. 3) of the tunnel
shroud 112, over an
outer peripheral surface or other suitable external surface 114 of the tunnel
shroud 112 of
crop bagging device 48. Referring to Fig. 4, once mounted, frame 10 may rest
in a position
coaxial with shroud 112, with the shroud 112 nested within the frame 10, and
the frame 10
nested within the bag 36.
[0032] Referring to Fig. 4, once the frame 10 and bag 36 are
mounted on the tunnel
shroud 112, the tubular bag 36 may be prepared for crop bagging: In the
example shown a
leading end 76 of the tubular bag 36 is withdrawn from the stack 36C, and
closed via a
suitable mechanism. Referring to Fig. 4, a pair of boards 78 may be used to
close the end 76,
by positioning the end 76 between the boards 78 and securing the boards 78
together for
example using fasteners such as nails, screws, or other suitable fasteners.
Once in place
resting on the ground surface 102, with the end 76 of the tubular bag 36
closed and sealed,
the bag 36 is ready to be filled with crop.
[0033] Referring to Fig. 4 crop bagging device 48 may then be
used to supply crop
88, for example grain, into tubular bag 36. Crop 88 may be supplied from crop
bagging
device 48 into the tubular bag 36. Crop 88 may be supplied to device 48 from a
crop storage
or transfer vehicle, such as a grain cart, and feed via a crop conveyor 100,
such as an auger,
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to hopper 50, for example in a direction 90A. Crop 88 may drop through hopper
50 to crop
feed chute or conduit 52, for example in a direction 90B, via gravity or
another suitable
mechanism. Crop 88 may be moved or impelled through crop feed conduit 52 and
ejected
out of discharge outlet 84 via auger 80, for example in a direction 90C, out a
discharge end
62 of the device 48, and into tubular bag 36, for example in a direction 90D.
Referring to
Figs. 4-5, the tubular bag 36 may be fed, for example gradually, from the
structural tunnel
frame 10 as tubular bag 36 fills with crop 88.
[0034] Referring to Fig. 5, at a suitable point in the process, for
example when the
bag 36 is filled to capacity as shown, tubular bag 36 may be removed from
structural tunnel
frame 10. Referring to Fig. 5, the entire length of tubular bag 36 may be fed
off of structural
tunnel frame 10 as bag 36 is filled with crop 88. As shown, the bag 36 has
been filled to
capacity, and a trailing end 77 of bag 36 has been pulled off of contact with
frame 10. The
end 77 may be closed via a suitable mechanism, such as by using parallel
boards 78 to pinch
the end 77 in the same fashion as was done for leading end 76, along with the
use of
fasteners to secure the boards 78. Other suitable closing mechanisms may be
used. Once
closed and sealed, the bag 36 forms a weather resistant, moisture resistant,
low-cost, silo
storage device for long term storage of crop 88, for example over the winter
months.
[0035] Referring to Fig. 6, at a suitable point in the process, for
example after
removal of bag 36, structural tunnel frame 10 may be removed, for example
demounted,
from crop bagging device 48. Structural tunnel frame 10 may be demounted from
the crop
bagging device 48 via a suitable mechanism, such as a lifting device for
example a forklift as
shown. Forklift tines 92 may be inserted within passages 18, frame 10 may be
retracted in an
axial direction off of shroud 112, frame 10 may be positioned at a suitable
location on
ground surface 102, and tines 92 may be retracted or withdrawn from frame 10
in a direction
96 after frame 10 has been demounted. In some cases, the frame 10 may be
transported, for
example by forklift, back to a storage area such as a barn.
[0036] Referring to Figs. 2-3, any part or all of the process may be
repeated as many
times as needed, for example to provide replacement bags 36 for use with
bagging device 48.
Thus, after use of the initial frame 10 and corresponding bag 36, the first
structural tunnel
frame 10 or a second structural tunnel frame may be mounted to crop bagging
device 48.
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Prior to mounting, the structural tunnel frame 10 or second tubular structural
may be pre-
loaded with or supporting a second tubular bag, which is in a folded state
encircling an outer
peripheral surface of the structural tunnel frame or second structural tunnel
frame. Crop 88
may be supplied from the crop bagging device 48 into the second tubular bag.
Second
tubular bag may be fed from the structural tunnel frame 10 or second
structural tunnel frame
as the second tubular bag fills with the crop 88.
[0037] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, an embodiment is shown where the tunnel
frame
mounts over a guide, for example formed by a series of spaced guide pins 112A,
rather
than a tunnel shroud 112. The guide pins 112A may be staggered about a
periphery whose
shape corresponds with the shape of the peripheral profile 113 of the frame
10, so that the
frame 10 is able to slide over the guide pins 112A into place on the device
48. The guide
pins 112A may be angled, for example inwardly toward one another (converging)
with
increasing distance from the device 48, to act as wedges to allow the pins to
align and insert
within the frame 10 as the frame 10 and device 48 move relatively toward one
another
during installation. The pins 112A may be mounted to be raised and lowered,
for example if
connected to a hydraulic system already present on the device 48. Thus, the
device 48 may
be positioned adjacent the frame 10, while the frame 10 rests upon the ground
surface, the
hydraulic lift adjusted to align the pins 112A and the frame 10, and the
device 48 moved to
insert the guide pins 112A into the frame 10, to pick up and mount the frame
10 in place, on
the device 48. The frame 10 may be secured in place, for example using latches
or other
locking devices, and the method may resume as above. Demounting of the frame
10 may
occur by a reverse procedure.
[0038] A crop bagging device may possess the ability to move itself, for
example
travel forward, to prevent overfilling or overstretching of the bag. Undue
stretching and
expansion of the bag may exert a force on the bagging device that could damage
the device
or the bag. Such a force may cause the bagging device to move forward and away
from the
filled portion of the bag as the bag unfolds. A bagging device may be fitted
with running
gear and / or may be pulled forward by a vehicle, such as a tractor, as the
bag is filled.
[0039] In the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its inclusive sense
and does
not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles "a" and "an"
before a claim
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feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of
the individual
features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by
virtue only
of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as
defined by the
claims.
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