CA1302959C - Device for deploying tubular, flexible, sheet material, and methods of utilization thereof - Google Patents
Device for deploying tubular, flexible, sheet material, and methods of utilization thereofInfo
- Publication number
- CA1302959C CA1302959C CA000520038A CA520038A CA1302959C CA 1302959 C CA1302959 C CA 1302959C CA 000520038 A CA000520038 A CA 000520038A CA 520038 A CA520038 A CA 520038A CA 1302959 C CA1302959 C CA 1302959C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- bales
- framework
- ground
- sheet material
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F25/00—Storing agricultural or horticultural produce; Hanging-up harvested fruit
- A01F25/14—Containers specially adapted for storing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F15/00—Baling presses for straw, hay or the like
- A01F15/07—Rotobalers, i.e. machines for forming cylindrical bales by winding and pressing
- A01F15/071—Wrapping devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F25/00—Storing agricultural or horticultural produce; Hanging-up harvested fruit
- A01F25/14—Containers specially adapted for storing
- A01F2025/142—Machinery for making sausage-like groups of bales by wrapping or bagging
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F25/00—Storing agricultural or horticultural produce; Hanging-up harvested fruit
- A01F25/14—Containers specially adapted for storing
- A01F2025/147—Containers specially adapted for storing the containers are specially adapted for storing or drying the products in vacuum
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Storage Of Harvested Produce (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract A compressed (e.g. accordian pleated) assembly of tubular, flexible, sheet material (preferably plastic material), is deployed to form an extended tube by a device that consists essentially of an arched rigid framework with a skin of sheet metal extending over its upper part. The compressed assembly of sheet material is mounted on a forward portion of the device, so that such material can be deployed into an extended tube at the rear of the device by pulling the latter forwardly along the ground, the free end of the tube having been suitably anchored at the starting location. Cooperating surfaces on the device are arranged to inhibit the deployment sufficiently to ensure tension in the tube beyond the rear of the device. This tube deployment can be combined with a simultaneous loading operation whereby goods to be stored, e.g. cylindrical bales of forage, are inserted from the front of the device through the frame-work and into the extended tube as it is formed. When the goods to be stored are such bales, they are preferably arranged end-for-end along the tube and in a triangular side-by-side and stacked relationship. As an alternative, instead of the tube being kept erect by the simultaneous storage of bales or other goods therein, a separate support structure can be assembled in the tube as it is formed. The effect will be to produce a shelter that can either be used as temporary accommodation for human use (e.g. a first aid station in a disaster area) or for storage. If translucent plastic material is used the shelter can be adapted as a greenhouse.
Description
13~
A device for deploying tubular, flexible, sheet material, and methods of utilization thereof Field of the invention This invention relates to a device for forming an extended tube usable as storage or as a shelter, by deploying a compressed assembly of tubular, flexible, sheet material (normally plastic material), and to methods for utilizing such device.
The primary intended use of the device is for the bagging of bales of forage (e.g. grasses and legumes) for the production of silage.
Another use of the device is for constructing a greenhouse.
Yet another use of the device is the construction of a temporary shelter for human occupation.
Prio It is known to bag so-called "round" bales of forage (the bales are actually cylindrical) in individual plastic bags. A round bale handler for this purpose is described in my prior Canadian patent No. 1,209,538 issued August 12, 1986, and in my equivalent U.S. patent No. 4,648,769 issued March 10, 1987.
9~
Summary of_the $nvention One object of the present invention is to provide a device that will facilitate the efficient, mechanised storage of round bales in an elongated plastic tube. The bales are arranged along the tube in an end-for-end relationship. At the same time they are also preferably arranged in a triangular side-by-side stacked relationship, i.e. with two bales resting on a lower part of the tube on the ground and a third bale supported above and between the two lower bales, with the upper part of the plastic tube extending over this triangular assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device that can be used for deploying an extended tube of flexible sheet material, for use either in the storage of round bales as explained above, or in the storage of other goods, or in the formation of a shelter, such as a green-house or a form of temporary housing.
Brief Description of the Drawings ._________________________________ An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side view of the device with some parts cut away;
Figure 2 is an end view, as seen on the line II-II in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a section taken on the line III-III in Figure l;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating how the device is used;
Figure 5 is a section on the line V-V in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a cut-away side view of a modification; and Figure 7 is a partial sectional taken on the line VII-VII in Figure 6.
Detailed Description of the Prefered Embodiments As seen in Figures 1 to 3, a deploying device 9 consists of a framework of steel members, comprising parallel, horizontally extending, tubular members 10 to 18, arranged in the shape of an arch and interconnected by transverse tubular members 19 and 20 that are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. The rearward member 19 extends up one side of the framework from a bottom end l9a, over the convex top thereof, and down the other side to the other bottom end l9b. The forward member 20 is similar, except that its bottom ends are joined together by a transverse portion 20a. Covering and supported by this framework there is a skin 21 of sheet steel that is provided with a series of horizontal ridges 22 spaced around its full extent from one lower edge 23 to the other lower edge 24.
Secured to the member 20 at the front end of the device there is a steel guard plate 25, an inner edge 26 of which defines the same arch-shape as the framework. An upper part 25a of the guard plate 25 is hinged to lower parts 25b by hinges 27 to enable the upper part to swing forward and down. This arrangement lowers the total height of the device for transportation. In use, the upper part 25a will be secured in its erect position as shown in the drawings.
Secured to a lower forward face of the guard plate 25 on each side of the device, there is a vertical tubular member 28 that is curved forward at 29 and then rearwardly to form a skid 30 by means of which the device is supported on the ground.
Alternatively, the member 30 can serve to mount wheels (not shown) that support the device on the ground.
~3~
The portions 29 on each side of the device together support an elongate rubber roller 31 that extends horizontally across the front of the device and contacts the ground while being freely pivotable about its axis. Pivoted by a pin 32 to each member 28 there is an upstanding arm 33 of a horizontal draw bar 34, in the transverse centre of which there is a hook 35.
The front ends of the skids 30 are interconnected across the device by a square-section, tubular member 36 and by a flat, horizontal, stabilizing platform 37. At the rear edge of such platform there is a further, transverse, tubular member 38. The member 36 acts as a stop for the bottom edge of a vertical, protector plate 39 which hangs down from a hinge 40, whereby, when desired, this plate can be swung ~orwards and upwards to lie vertically against the front of the device.
On the outside surface of the skin 21, about one third of the distance to the rear of the device from the front guard plate 25, there is welded a further tubular member 41 that forms a bulge that extends over the full extent of the arch from its respective bottom ends 41a, 41b.
At their rear ends the upper members 13, 14 and 15 have rearwardly projecting, extension rods 13a, 14a and 15a.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate diagrammatically the preferred manner of using the device for bagging bales.
A compressed assembly of tubular, plastic, sheet material 50, arranged in accordian pleats, is mounted over the arch defined by the skin 21 immediately behind the guard plate 25. An end of this material (not shown) will have been pulled off the device by hand~ closed, and anchored at a desired location by suitable means. As the device 9 is moved forward on its skids 30 and roller 31 along the ground 42, the tubular sheet material 50 is drawn rear-wardly away from the accordian pleat assembly over the skin 21. The ridges 22 serve to facilitate this relative s~
movement and to avoid the sheet material 50 adhering to the skin 21. Immediately in front of the location where the sheet material 50 passes over the bulge caused by the member 41, there will be placed a tube 51 to lie over the sheet material 50~ This tube 51 is preferably made of PVC piping and extends around almost the entire circumference of the tubular material 50. The two ends of this tube 51, which are preferably located beneath the device 9, are then inter-connected by an elastic member (not shown). The tube 50 thus becomes a closed hoop extending comparatively tightly around the tube of sheet material 50 on the skin 21 of the device, but nevertheless havîng some ability to expand and contract its diameter by means of flexure of the elastic member that joins its two ends. The tube 51 and member 41 thus cooperate to form means for inhibiting (but not preventing) relative movement between the device 9 and the extended tube of sheet material 50 formed behind the device. Combined with the anchoring of the initial end of the material, the result is to apply a forwardly directed tension to the extended tube as the device travels forward.
The bales of forage are introduced into the extended tube 50 by means of a round bale handler of the type described in the above-mentioned patent. Only the forward tool portion 52 of this handler is shown in outline in Figure 4. This tool portion 52 will be mounted on a tractor (not shown), whereby it can be moved Eorwards and backwards, sideways, and up and down, as required. A round bale 53 is speared by, and supported on, a spike 58 that projects from the tool portion 52. This spike 58 can place a bale 54 on top of the lower portion of the plastic material that rests on the ground in a loading area situated beneath a rearwardly projecting over-hang of the skin 21. Shown at 54-57 are similar bales that have already been loaded into the extended tube 50 in the end-for-end and side-by-side triangular arrangement described above. Figure 4 shows ~he next bale 53 in the process of being placed between, and on top of, the bales 54, 55.
Figure 5 shows a previously loaded third bale in position as bale 56. When the bale 53 is thus in position, the spike 58 is withdrawn from it, if necessary employing a hydraulically :~3~
operated push-off plate 59 to prevent the bale from being withdrawn with the spike. The long reach of the round bale handler is especially use~ul in enabling the bales to be effectively introduced into the tube through the arch formed by the deploying device and deposited on the plastic material lying on the ground in the loading area or on an already loaded bale, beneath the overhang.
If the goods to be stored are other than bales, a loading machine best suited to the handling of such goods can be used to load them into the extended tube as it is formed.
A transverse I-beam 60 of the tool portion 52 has a hole at each end, into which holes there are hooked the two ends of a loop of cable 61, the centre of which is used to engage the draw-bar hook 35 for pulling the device 9 forward along the ground. The cable 61 will tend automatically to centre itself in the hook 35. However, in addition, during such forward pulling operation the spike 58 can be inserted in the space 62 (~igure 5) between the stacked bales. This ensures centering and straight pulling of the device 9.
The forward movement of the device will preferably be incremental, rather than continuous, with the bales being inserted while the device is stationary between movements.
During the forward movement, the roller will serve the function of smoothing the path in front of the device, e.g.
pushing any sharp rocks into the ground and flattening any straw stubble or other projecting growth, in order to minimise damage to the plastic material that comes to lie on the ground.
The invention is not limited to use with bales. Any other goods can be stored in the extended tube as it is being formed, and can serve the function of retaining the tube erect.
Another use for a modified version 9' (Figures 6 and 7) of the device 9 is for the construction of a shelter for temporary human accommodation, or for the storage of goods, or as a greenhouse. In the former cases the plastic material of the tube 50 will preferably be opaque (e.g. a plastic sheet reinforced with nylon fibers, white on the outside, and black on the inside). On the other hand, for greenhouse use, the material of the tube 50 will be translucent. As shown in Figure 6, the device 9' is shorter in the front-to-rear direction than the device 9, but other-wise it has essentially the same in structure, although the arch is semicircular (Figure 7). If preferred, the arch can be semielleptical or of any other convenient curved shape.
The framework members 11 and 17 support a platform 63 on which a man can stand to erect a fixed support framework (not shown) that will be required to keep the tube 50 erect as it is deployed behind the device when the latter moves forward. Such a support framework could, for example, consist of a system of aluminum or fiberglas tubes designed for easy locking into place at regular intervals along the extended tube as it is formed.
When such a shelter is used as a greenhouse, if desired the portion of the tube 50 that forms the floor can be cut down the middle and rolled to the sides to provide access to the ground. Alternatively, the crops can be planted through the plastic. As a still further alternative, the plastic can be left intact and a hydroponic system used.
The device 9' can be moved forward by any suitable means, one of which, as shown in Figure 6, is a winch 64 mounted on the platform 63 and having a cable 65 extending forwardly to a fixed object (not shown), in which case there will no longer be any need for the draw bar 34.
~oreover, when a greenhouse is being formed, the roller 31 can often be dispensed with, especially if the ground has already been cultivated in advance.
The triangular stacking arrangement adopted in the present process is advantageous in providing good air circulation around the stored bales, a feature that is especially useful when the bales are of straw and require ~3~
to be treated with an injection of anhydrous ammonia in the known manner. By injecting the gaseous ammonia at one location in the loaded and sealed tube, a large number of bales can be treated simultaneously by virtue of the space 62, much more economically from the viewpoint of labour than has hitherto been possible.
Alternatively, the air can be evacuated from the loaded and sealed tube by a suitable vacuum device, e.g. as is often desirable for the storage of vegetables etc.
Finally, the product, i.e. a sealed tube loaded with bales that in due time become edible animal silage, can constitute a feeding station to which the animals are brought, without any need to transport the silage to the herd. The farmer need simply slit the plastic material from one end of the tube to the other to expose the silage, and then mount an electric fence along the silage, through which fence the animals can feed in an orderly manner.
A device for deploying tubular, flexible, sheet material, and methods of utilization thereof Field of the invention This invention relates to a device for forming an extended tube usable as storage or as a shelter, by deploying a compressed assembly of tubular, flexible, sheet material (normally plastic material), and to methods for utilizing such device.
The primary intended use of the device is for the bagging of bales of forage (e.g. grasses and legumes) for the production of silage.
Another use of the device is for constructing a greenhouse.
Yet another use of the device is the construction of a temporary shelter for human occupation.
Prio It is known to bag so-called "round" bales of forage (the bales are actually cylindrical) in individual plastic bags. A round bale handler for this purpose is described in my prior Canadian patent No. 1,209,538 issued August 12, 1986, and in my equivalent U.S. patent No. 4,648,769 issued March 10, 1987.
9~
Summary of_the $nvention One object of the present invention is to provide a device that will facilitate the efficient, mechanised storage of round bales in an elongated plastic tube. The bales are arranged along the tube in an end-for-end relationship. At the same time they are also preferably arranged in a triangular side-by-side stacked relationship, i.e. with two bales resting on a lower part of the tube on the ground and a third bale supported above and between the two lower bales, with the upper part of the plastic tube extending over this triangular assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device that can be used for deploying an extended tube of flexible sheet material, for use either in the storage of round bales as explained above, or in the storage of other goods, or in the formation of a shelter, such as a green-house or a form of temporary housing.
Brief Description of the Drawings ._________________________________ An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side view of the device with some parts cut away;
Figure 2 is an end view, as seen on the line II-II in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a section taken on the line III-III in Figure l;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating how the device is used;
Figure 5 is a section on the line V-V in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a cut-away side view of a modification; and Figure 7 is a partial sectional taken on the line VII-VII in Figure 6.
Detailed Description of the Prefered Embodiments As seen in Figures 1 to 3, a deploying device 9 consists of a framework of steel members, comprising parallel, horizontally extending, tubular members 10 to 18, arranged in the shape of an arch and interconnected by transverse tubular members 19 and 20 that are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. The rearward member 19 extends up one side of the framework from a bottom end l9a, over the convex top thereof, and down the other side to the other bottom end l9b. The forward member 20 is similar, except that its bottom ends are joined together by a transverse portion 20a. Covering and supported by this framework there is a skin 21 of sheet steel that is provided with a series of horizontal ridges 22 spaced around its full extent from one lower edge 23 to the other lower edge 24.
Secured to the member 20 at the front end of the device there is a steel guard plate 25, an inner edge 26 of which defines the same arch-shape as the framework. An upper part 25a of the guard plate 25 is hinged to lower parts 25b by hinges 27 to enable the upper part to swing forward and down. This arrangement lowers the total height of the device for transportation. In use, the upper part 25a will be secured in its erect position as shown in the drawings.
Secured to a lower forward face of the guard plate 25 on each side of the device, there is a vertical tubular member 28 that is curved forward at 29 and then rearwardly to form a skid 30 by means of which the device is supported on the ground.
Alternatively, the member 30 can serve to mount wheels (not shown) that support the device on the ground.
~3~
The portions 29 on each side of the device together support an elongate rubber roller 31 that extends horizontally across the front of the device and contacts the ground while being freely pivotable about its axis. Pivoted by a pin 32 to each member 28 there is an upstanding arm 33 of a horizontal draw bar 34, in the transverse centre of which there is a hook 35.
The front ends of the skids 30 are interconnected across the device by a square-section, tubular member 36 and by a flat, horizontal, stabilizing platform 37. At the rear edge of such platform there is a further, transverse, tubular member 38. The member 36 acts as a stop for the bottom edge of a vertical, protector plate 39 which hangs down from a hinge 40, whereby, when desired, this plate can be swung ~orwards and upwards to lie vertically against the front of the device.
On the outside surface of the skin 21, about one third of the distance to the rear of the device from the front guard plate 25, there is welded a further tubular member 41 that forms a bulge that extends over the full extent of the arch from its respective bottom ends 41a, 41b.
At their rear ends the upper members 13, 14 and 15 have rearwardly projecting, extension rods 13a, 14a and 15a.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate diagrammatically the preferred manner of using the device for bagging bales.
A compressed assembly of tubular, plastic, sheet material 50, arranged in accordian pleats, is mounted over the arch defined by the skin 21 immediately behind the guard plate 25. An end of this material (not shown) will have been pulled off the device by hand~ closed, and anchored at a desired location by suitable means. As the device 9 is moved forward on its skids 30 and roller 31 along the ground 42, the tubular sheet material 50 is drawn rear-wardly away from the accordian pleat assembly over the skin 21. The ridges 22 serve to facilitate this relative s~
movement and to avoid the sheet material 50 adhering to the skin 21. Immediately in front of the location where the sheet material 50 passes over the bulge caused by the member 41, there will be placed a tube 51 to lie over the sheet material 50~ This tube 51 is preferably made of PVC piping and extends around almost the entire circumference of the tubular material 50. The two ends of this tube 51, which are preferably located beneath the device 9, are then inter-connected by an elastic member (not shown). The tube 50 thus becomes a closed hoop extending comparatively tightly around the tube of sheet material 50 on the skin 21 of the device, but nevertheless havîng some ability to expand and contract its diameter by means of flexure of the elastic member that joins its two ends. The tube 51 and member 41 thus cooperate to form means for inhibiting (but not preventing) relative movement between the device 9 and the extended tube of sheet material 50 formed behind the device. Combined with the anchoring of the initial end of the material, the result is to apply a forwardly directed tension to the extended tube as the device travels forward.
The bales of forage are introduced into the extended tube 50 by means of a round bale handler of the type described in the above-mentioned patent. Only the forward tool portion 52 of this handler is shown in outline in Figure 4. This tool portion 52 will be mounted on a tractor (not shown), whereby it can be moved Eorwards and backwards, sideways, and up and down, as required. A round bale 53 is speared by, and supported on, a spike 58 that projects from the tool portion 52. This spike 58 can place a bale 54 on top of the lower portion of the plastic material that rests on the ground in a loading area situated beneath a rearwardly projecting over-hang of the skin 21. Shown at 54-57 are similar bales that have already been loaded into the extended tube 50 in the end-for-end and side-by-side triangular arrangement described above. Figure 4 shows ~he next bale 53 in the process of being placed between, and on top of, the bales 54, 55.
Figure 5 shows a previously loaded third bale in position as bale 56. When the bale 53 is thus in position, the spike 58 is withdrawn from it, if necessary employing a hydraulically :~3~
operated push-off plate 59 to prevent the bale from being withdrawn with the spike. The long reach of the round bale handler is especially use~ul in enabling the bales to be effectively introduced into the tube through the arch formed by the deploying device and deposited on the plastic material lying on the ground in the loading area or on an already loaded bale, beneath the overhang.
If the goods to be stored are other than bales, a loading machine best suited to the handling of such goods can be used to load them into the extended tube as it is formed.
A transverse I-beam 60 of the tool portion 52 has a hole at each end, into which holes there are hooked the two ends of a loop of cable 61, the centre of which is used to engage the draw-bar hook 35 for pulling the device 9 forward along the ground. The cable 61 will tend automatically to centre itself in the hook 35. However, in addition, during such forward pulling operation the spike 58 can be inserted in the space 62 (~igure 5) between the stacked bales. This ensures centering and straight pulling of the device 9.
The forward movement of the device will preferably be incremental, rather than continuous, with the bales being inserted while the device is stationary between movements.
During the forward movement, the roller will serve the function of smoothing the path in front of the device, e.g.
pushing any sharp rocks into the ground and flattening any straw stubble or other projecting growth, in order to minimise damage to the plastic material that comes to lie on the ground.
The invention is not limited to use with bales. Any other goods can be stored in the extended tube as it is being formed, and can serve the function of retaining the tube erect.
Another use for a modified version 9' (Figures 6 and 7) of the device 9 is for the construction of a shelter for temporary human accommodation, or for the storage of goods, or as a greenhouse. In the former cases the plastic material of the tube 50 will preferably be opaque (e.g. a plastic sheet reinforced with nylon fibers, white on the outside, and black on the inside). On the other hand, for greenhouse use, the material of the tube 50 will be translucent. As shown in Figure 6, the device 9' is shorter in the front-to-rear direction than the device 9, but other-wise it has essentially the same in structure, although the arch is semicircular (Figure 7). If preferred, the arch can be semielleptical or of any other convenient curved shape.
The framework members 11 and 17 support a platform 63 on which a man can stand to erect a fixed support framework (not shown) that will be required to keep the tube 50 erect as it is deployed behind the device when the latter moves forward. Such a support framework could, for example, consist of a system of aluminum or fiberglas tubes designed for easy locking into place at regular intervals along the extended tube as it is formed.
When such a shelter is used as a greenhouse, if desired the portion of the tube 50 that forms the floor can be cut down the middle and rolled to the sides to provide access to the ground. Alternatively, the crops can be planted through the plastic. As a still further alternative, the plastic can be left intact and a hydroponic system used.
The device 9' can be moved forward by any suitable means, one of which, as shown in Figure 6, is a winch 64 mounted on the platform 63 and having a cable 65 extending forwardly to a fixed object (not shown), in which case there will no longer be any need for the draw bar 34.
~oreover, when a greenhouse is being formed, the roller 31 can often be dispensed with, especially if the ground has already been cultivated in advance.
The triangular stacking arrangement adopted in the present process is advantageous in providing good air circulation around the stored bales, a feature that is especially useful when the bales are of straw and require ~3~
to be treated with an injection of anhydrous ammonia in the known manner. By injecting the gaseous ammonia at one location in the loaded and sealed tube, a large number of bales can be treated simultaneously by virtue of the space 62, much more economically from the viewpoint of labour than has hitherto been possible.
Alternatively, the air can be evacuated from the loaded and sealed tube by a suitable vacuum device, e.g. as is often desirable for the storage of vegetables etc.
Finally, the product, i.e. a sealed tube loaded with bales that in due time become edible animal silage, can constitute a feeding station to which the animals are brought, without any need to transport the silage to the herd. The farmer need simply slit the plastic material from one end of the tube to the other to expose the silage, and then mount an electric fence along the silage, through which fence the animals can feed in an orderly manner.
Claims (13)
1. A method of bagging a plurality of cylindrical bales of forage comprising moving a compressed assembly of tubular sheet material away from an anchored end of such material whereby to deploy said material as an extended tube, and inserting into such extended tube a plurality of cylindrical bales of forage in an end-for-end series, wherein said bales are also arranged in a triangular array with two bales side-by-side on a lower portion of the tube and a third bale resting on and between said two bales, the three bales defining a central space between them, said space extending along the end-for-end series of bales.
2. A method of bagging a plurality of cylindrical bales of forage using a device comprising a rigid framework and ground-engaging means connected to the framework to mount the same for travel along the ground, said framework being arch-shaped transversely of its direction of travel and having a forward portion loaded with a compressed assembly of tubular sheet material and a further portion located rearwardly of said forward portion for deploying said material in the form of an extended tube upon forward travel of the device, the method comprising (a) drawing an end of said tubular sheet material rearwardly off the device and closing and anchoring said end, and (b) moving the device forward away from the anchored end to deploy the material as an extended tube while inserting said bales from the front of the device through the framework and into the extended tube in an end-for-end series, (c) wherein the bales are placed in the tube in a triangular array with two lower bales side-by-side on a lower portion of the tube and an upper bale resting on and between the two lower bales, the three bales defining a central space between them, said space extending along the end-for-end series of bales.
3. A method according to claim 1, including restricting relative movement between the device and the sheet material in order to tension the extended tube.
4. A method of bagging a plurality of bales of forage using a device comprising a rigid framework and ground-engaging means connected to the framework to mount the same for travel along the ground, said framework being arch-shaped transversely of its direction of travel and having a forward portion loaded with a compressed assembly of tubular sheet material and a further portion extending rearwardly of said forward portion, said further portion having the shape of a downwardly open arch that forms a rearwardly extending overhang for deploying said material in the form of an extended tube upon forward travel of the device with said overhang supporting upper portions of such tube above a loading area in which a lower portion of the tube rests on the ground, said method comprising (a) drawing an end of said tubular sheet material rearwardly off the device and closing and anchoring said end, and (b) moving the device forward away from the anchored end to deploy the material as an extended tube while inserting said bales from the front of the device through the framework and into the extended tube in said loading area said overhang extending sufficiently rearwardly to retain said upper portions of the tube out of contact with bales located in the loading area.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said bales are arranged in such loading area in a triangular array with two bales side-by-side on the lower portion of the tube and a third bale resting on and between said two bales.
6. A device for bagging a plurality of bales of forage, comprising (a) a rigid framework, and (b) ground-engaging means connected to said framework to mount the same for travel along the ground, (c) said framework being arch-shaped transversely of its direction of travel and having a forward portion for receiving a compressed assembly of tubular sheet material and a further portion located rearwardly of said forward portion for deploying said material in the form of an extended tube upon forward travel of the device, said framework defining a loading area in which a lower portion of the tube rests on the ground, said loading area being for receiving a plurality of bales in a side-by-side, stacked triangular array, (d) said further portion having the shape of a downwardly open arch forming a rearwardly extending overhang, said overhang supporting upper portions of the extended tube above the loading area and extending rearwardly at least as far as a most rearward edge of a said bale in the loading area whereby to retain said upper portions of the tube out of contact with each of said plurality of bales as they are inserted into the loading area.
7. A device for deploying a compressed assembly of tubular sheet material, comprising (a) a rigid framework, and (b) ground-engaging means connected to said framework to mount the same for travel along the ground, (c) said framework being arch-shaped transversely of its direction of travel and having a forward portion for receiving said compressed assembly and a further portion located rearwardly of said forward portion, said further portion having the shape of a downwardly open arch whereby to form a rearwardly extending overhang for deploying said material in the form of an extended tube upon forward travel of the device, said overhang supporting upper portions of such tube above a loading area within the tube, at which loading area the lower portion of the tube rests on the ground.
8. A device according to claim 7, wherein an upper part of said further portion of the framework includes a rearwardly and downwardly sloping, drop-down portion.
9. A device according to claim 7, including a loading platform extending across the framework above the ground and underlying said forward portion of the framework.
10. A device according to claim 7, including means for resisting said deployment of the material whereby to maintain tension in the extended tube as it is formed.
11. A method of bagging a plurality of bales of forage using a device comprising, a rigid framework, and ground-engaging means connected to said framework to mount the same for travel along the ground, said framework being arch-shaped transversely of its direction of travel and having a forward portion for receiving a compressed assembly of tubular sheet material and a further portion located rearwardly of said forward portion and having the shape of a downwardly open arch forming a rearwardly extending overhang for deploying said material in the form of an extended tube upon forward travel of the device, said overhang supporting upper portions of such tube above a loading area within the tube, at which loading area the lower portion of the tube rests on the ground, said method comprising (a) loading the device with said compressed assembly of tubular sheet material, (b) drawing an end of said sheet material rearwardly off the device and closing and anchoring said end, and (c) moving the device forward away from the anchored end to deploy the material as an extended tube while inserting said bales from the front of the device through the framework and into the extended tube in said loading area, said bales being arranged in such loading area in a triangular array with two bales side-by-side on the lower portion of the tube and a third bale resting on and between said two bales with said upper portions of the tube held out of contact with said third bale by said overhang.
12. A method according to claim 11, including restricting relative movement between the device and the sheet material in order to tension the extended tube.
13. A device according to claim 6, including means for resisting said deployment of the material to maintain tension in the extended tube as it is formed.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000520038A CA1302959C (en) | 1986-10-07 | 1986-10-07 | Device for deploying tubular, flexible, sheet material, and methods of utilization thereof |
| GB8723311A GB2195605B (en) | 1986-10-07 | 1987-10-05 | A device for deploying tubular, flexible,sheet material,and methods of utilization thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000520038A CA1302959C (en) | 1986-10-07 | 1986-10-07 | Device for deploying tubular, flexible, sheet material, and methods of utilization thereof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1302959C true CA1302959C (en) | 1992-06-09 |
Family
ID=4134110
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000520038A Expired - Lifetime CA1302959C (en) | 1986-10-07 | 1986-10-07 | Device for deploying tubular, flexible, sheet material, and methods of utilization thereof |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1302959C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2195605B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5425221A (en) * | 1993-09-13 | 1995-06-20 | Pronovost; Normand | Apparatus for loading flexible tubing with bales |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2237008A (en) * | 1989-10-13 | 1991-04-24 | Final Packaging Ltd | Dancer rollers |
| FR2770371B1 (en) * | 1997-10-30 | 2000-01-21 | Lucas Sa G | PROCESS FOR GEARING BALES OF PLANTS AND MATERIALS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROCESS |
| US6513307B1 (en) | 1997-10-30 | 2003-02-04 | Lucas G | Method for sheathing bales of plants and equipment for implementing same |
| DE69803695T2 (en) * | 1997-10-30 | 2002-10-24 | Lucas Georges Ets | METHOD FOR SHELLING PLANT BALES AND DEVICES FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE54885B1 (en) * | 1982-12-03 | 1990-03-14 | Korsgaard Ebbe | A method and an apparatus for building up a ground store of pressed vegetable material |
| GB2135955B (en) * | 1983-03-09 | 1986-06-25 | Beatrice Mary Leedham | Wrapping bales |
| GB2136761B (en) * | 1983-03-26 | 1986-06-18 | David James Cundall | Bale-sheathing device |
| US4594836A (en) * | 1984-07-23 | 1986-06-17 | Good Maynard L | Apparatus and method for loading plastic tubing with bales |
-
1986
- 1986-10-07 CA CA000520038A patent/CA1302959C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1987
- 1987-10-05 GB GB8723311A patent/GB2195605B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5425221A (en) * | 1993-09-13 | 1995-06-20 | Pronovost; Normand | Apparatus for loading flexible tubing with bales |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2195605B (en) | 1991-01-09 |
| GB8723311D0 (en) | 1987-11-11 |
| GB2195605A (en) | 1988-04-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |