Material or article handling – Round hay bale handling
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-01
2001-11-06
Fischetti, Joseph A. (Department: 3652)
Material or article handling
Round hay bale handling
C414S111000, C414S489000, C414S501000, C414S789700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312205
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bale loading system for loading and unloading large hay bales to and from a vehicle having a flat bed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When hay is cut, the cutting machine typically leaves the hay in the field in long windrows. The cut hay is baled with balers which are driven along these windrows and which pick up the hay. When sufficient hay is accumulated in the baler, it is wrapped with twine and ejected from the baler, typically onto the ground. As a result, a large number of bales are left scattered over the field. Bales come in different sizes and shapes, and include large rectangular bales measuring roughly four feet (4′) by four feet (4′) by eight feet (8′) and weighing up to two thousand pounds.
Some mechanical devices for picking up, moving and stacking these large rectangular bales have been developed, but they either don't carry very many bales or they are not suited for road travel. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a convenient and automated system for loading a large number of the large rectangular bales onto a vehicle, transporting them relatively long distances to a storage area and unloading them.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a bale loading and carrying vehicle having a novel bale loading arm and a novel unloading/loading deck. The combination of elements of the present invention allow for automated loading and unloading of large and heavy hay bales by a single operator.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a bale loading arm for use with a bale carrier, said loading arm comprising:
(a) a loading frame having a proximal end and a distal end, engaging the bale carrier at its proximal end and which pivots about a substantially horizontal axis, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carrier;
(b) means for pivoting the loading frame;
(c) a pivot member rotatably engaging the distal end of the loading frame which is substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the loading frame;
(d) means for rotating the pivot member; and
(e) a bale grasper having a grasper arm and grasping means affixed to the grasper arm, wherein the grasper arm is rotatably mounted to the pivot member, extending outward from the loading frame; and
(f) means for rotating the grasper arm.
Preferably, the grasping means comprises a pair of opposed paddles, one of which is moveable between an open bale receiving position and a closed bale grasping position, and means for moving the moveable paddle. The pair of opposed paddles may extend from the grasping arm in the forward direction such that the bale carrier may be moved forward to position a bale within the bale grasping means. The paddle moving means may be a hydraulic cylinder disposed between the grasper arm and the paddle.
The loading frame may be moved by a hydraulic cylinder and ram attached between the bale carrier and an articulating lever arm wherein said lever arm is attached to the bale carrier and the loading frame. The pivot member rotation means comprises an orbit motor and chain drive. Alternatively, the pivot member rotation means may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and lever arm. The grasping arm rotation means may comprise an orbit motor and chain drive configuration or alternatively may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and lever arm.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a bale loading arm for use with a bale carrier having a longitudinal axis, said loading arm comprising:
(a) a first member having a proximal end and a distal end which extends laterally outward from the bale carrier and which pivots about a substantially horizontal axis, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bale carrier;
(b) means for pivoting the first member;
(c) a second member having a longitudinal axis which rotatably and pivotally engages the distal end of the first member such that the second member may rotate about its own longitudinal axis and pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the first member;
(d) means for rotating the second member and means for pivoting the second member; and
(e) bale grasping means affixed to the second member for grasping the bale.
In a preferred embodiment, the grasping means comprises a pair of opposed paddles, one of which is moveable between an open bale receiving position and a closed bale grasping position and means for moving one paddle. The pair of opposed paddles may extend from the grasping arm in the forward direction such that the bale carrier may be moved forward to position a bale within the bale grasping means.
Preferably, the paddle moving means comprises a hydraulic cylinder disposed between the grasper arm and the paddle. The first member pivot means may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and ram attached between the bale carrier and an articulating lever arm wherein said lever arm is attached to the bale carrier and the loading frame. The second member rotation means may comprise an orbit motor and chain drive or alternatively may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and lever arm. The second member pivot means comprises an orbit motor and chain drive configuration or alternatively may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and lever arm.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a bale carrying vehicle having a flat bed with a front end and a back end comprising;
(a) a bale loading arm attached to the front end of the flat bed for loading bales onto the flat bed;
(b) a pivot deck for loading and unloading bales which pivotally engages the rear end of the flat bed wherein said deck pivots between being substantially planar with the flat bed and being at a substantially right angle to the flat bed, including means for pivoting the pivot deck;
(c) bale retaining members attached to the pivot deck which extend vertically upwards when the pivot deck is planar with the flat bed and which extend horizontally when the pivot deck is at a right angle to the flat bed;
(d) a means for pushing the bales along the bale retaining members when the pivot deck is at a right angle to the flat bed; and
(e) conveyor means for moving bales along the length of the flat bed and pivot deck;
In a preferred embodiment, the means for pushing the bales along the bale retaining members comprises a bale pusher, being a member pivotally attached to the pivot deck. The bale pusher may be pivoted by means of a hydraulic ram, scissor hoist or other suitable means, such that when the pivot deck is at a right angle to the flat bed, the lower end of the bale pusher, may be swung away from the pivot deck.
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Bennett Jones LLP
Fischetti Joseph A.
LandOfFree
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