GB2305648A

GB2305648A - A bale Wrapping apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2305648A
Application number: GB9620191A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Padraig Christopher Mchale; Martin William Mchale
Original assignee: Wellmount Ltd
Current assignee: Wellmount Ltd
Priority date: 1995-09-29
Filing date: 1996-09-27
Publication date: 1997-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2016-09-27
Also published as: GB2305648B; GB9620191D0

Abstract

Bale wrapping apparatus 1 is adapted to deposit a wrapped cylindrical bale (2) onto the ground with its main axis (39) vertical. The bale wrapper 1 comprises a bale support table 20 with means 35, 37 for rotating the bale about the main axis (39) during wrapping. The bale support table 20 is tippable into a raised tipped position for tipping the bale (2) onto a bale support platform 52. The bale support platform 52 is carried on a carrier framework 53 which is pivotal from a bale receiving position to a bale delivery position for delivering the wrapped bale (2) onto the ground. The bale support platform 52 is tiltable about a pivot shaft 81 which is carried on the carrier framework 53 for sliding and toppling the bale (2) from the platform 52 to the ground with an end (51) of the bale (2) resting on the ground. As the carrier framework 53 approaches the delivery position, a tilt member 85 engages the bale support platform 52 for tilting the bale support platform 52. The bale support table 20 is also rotatable about a vertical axis during wrapping.

Description

"A bale wrapping apparatus" The present invention relates to a bale wrapping apparatus, and in particular, to an apparatus for wrapping a relatively large round bale with a sheet of plastics material. The bale wrapping apparatus according to the invention may also be used for wrapping a bale of any other shape with plastics material.

Bale wrapping apparatus, in general, referred to as bale wrappers are used extensively for wrapping relatively large round bales of silage, hay, straw and other fibrous forage with sheet plastics material.

Such bale wrappers are also used for wrapping relatively large square and rectangular bales. Bale wrappers of this type are disclosed in European Patent Specification No. 0,208,034, European Patent Specification No. 0,367,529 and British Patent Specification No. 2,191,984.

In general, such bale wrappers comprise a chassis supported on ground engaging wheels. A sheet feeding mechanism for feeding the sheet plastics material from a roll for wrapping the bale is supported on the chassis. A bale support table is mounted on the chassis and is rotatable about a vertical axis for rotating the bale about the vertical axis for wrapping the sheet material around the bale. Spaced apart horizontal rollers rotatably mounted on the bale support table carry drive support belts on which the bale is supported for rotating the bale around a horizontal axis simultaneously while the bale is being rotated about the vertical axis for wrapping the bale.

The bale support table is pivotal from a lower substantially horizontal wrapping position to a raised tipped position for tipping the wrapped bale from the table to the ground. In general, the bale support table is pivotal about a horizontal tipping axis which extends transversely of the bale wrapper adjacent a rear end thereof. An hydraulic tipping ram pivots the bale support table between the lower wrapping position and the raised tipped position, so that the wrapped bale is discharged rearwardly of the bale wrapper. To avoid puncturing of the wrapping material of the wrapped bale, it is important that the wrapped bale should not fall directly from the bale support table onto stubble in a field, or other matter, or sharp objects which could cause puncturing of the wrapping material.

A bale wrapper which comprises a bale transfer mechanism for transferring a wrapped bale from the bale support table when the bale support table is the tipped position to the ground is disclosed in PCT Application Publication No. WO 94/06272. The bale transfer mechanism disclosed in this PCT specification lowers the wrapped bale slowly from the bale support table and delivers the wrapped bale onto the ground.

In general, on completion of a wrapping cycle, the bale support table is normally stopped with the central geometric longitudinal axis of the wrapped bale lying parallel to the tipping axis of the bale support table.

Where the bale being wrapped is a round bale, the central longitudinal axis of the wrapped round bale on the stopped bale support table normally lies parallel to the tipping axis of the bale support table.

Accordingly, the transfer mechanism of the bale wrapper of PCT Application Publication No. WO 94/06272 receives the wrapped bale with the central longitudinal axis of the bale extending parallel to the tipping axis of the bale support table.

The transfer mechanism is pivotal about a pivot axis which extends parallel to the tipping axis of the bale support table, and accordingly, on being pivoted from a raised receiving position to a lower delivery position, the bale is lowered by the bale transfer mechanism with its axis still parallel to the tipping axis of the bale support table. When the transfer mechanism is lowered into the delivery position, the bale rolls from the transfer mechanism onto the ground. In general, there is little danger of puncturing of the wrapping material, since the bale is gently rolled onto the ground. However, in certain cases, there may be a danger of puncturing of the wrapping material of the bale.

There is therefore a need for a bale wrapper which lowers a wrapped bale from a bale support table of a bale wrapper onto the ground with minimum risk of puncturing of the wrapping material.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a bale wrapper.

According to the invention, there is provided a bale wrapping apparatus of the type comprising a chassis, a bale support table for supporting the bale being wrapped, the bale support table comprising a means for rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis during wrapping, and being pivotally mounted on the chassis about a main pivot axis and being pivotal about the main pivot axis between a wrapping position for supporting the bale during wrapping and a raised tipped position for discharging a wrapped bale therefrom, a bale transfer means for receiving a wrapped bale from the bale support table and for transferring the wrapped bale to the ground, the bale transfer means comprising a bale support means for receiving the wrapped bale from the bale support table, and a carrier means for carrying the bale support means, the carrier means being connected to the chassis and being movable between a raised receiving position with the bale support means raised above the ground for receiving the wrapped bale from the bale support table and a lower delivery position for delivering the wrapped bale to the ground, wherein the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means, and is tiltable from a bale supporting position with the wrapped bale supported thereon, to a tilted position for tipping the wrapped bale from the bale support means to the ground, so that the wrapped bale is deposited on the ground with a main axis of the wrapped bale which coincided with the first wrapping axis during wrapping of the bale extending substantially vertically from the ground, and a tilting means for tilting the bale support means to the tilted position is provided.

In one embodiment of the invention the tilting means is located for tilting the bale support means as the carrier means and the bale support means are approaching the delivery position.

In another embodiment of the invention the bale support means is located relative to the bale support table for receiving the wrapped bale with a portion of the wrapped bale overhanging the bale support means for facilitating sliding and toppling of the wrapped bale from the bale support means to the ground as the bale support means is tilted to the tilted position so that when deposited on the ground the main axis of the wrapped bale has been oriented through approximately 900 from its orientation when received on the bale support means.

In another embodiment of the invention the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means about a tilt axis, and is tiltable between the bale supporting position and the tilted position about the tilt axis. Preferably, the tilt axis about which the bale support means is tiltable extends substantially perpendicularly to the main pivot axis.

Advantageously, the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means by a pivot mounting means, the pivot mounting means defining the tilt axis.

In one embodiment of the invention the bale support means comprises a support framework, the support framework being tiltably connected to the carrier means.

In another embodiment of the invention the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means adjacent a distal end thereof.

In a further embodiment of the invention the tilting means comprises a tilt member extending from a ground engaging means and having a bale support engaging means for engaging the bale support means, the bale support engaging means being cooperable with the bale support means as the carrier means is approaching the delivery position for tilting of the bale support means.

In one embodiment of the invention the ground engaging means comprises a ground engaging framework.

Advantageously, the ground engaging means extends rearwardly from the chassis.

In another embodiment of the invention the ground engaging means is pivotally connected to the chassis about a secondary pivot axis, and is pivotal between an operative position engaging the ground and an inoperative position spaced apart from the ground for facilitating trailing of the bale wrapping apparatus, the tilt member extending upwardly from the ground engaging means to the bale support means. Preferably, the secondary pivot axis extends parallel relative to the main pivot axis. Advantageously, the secondary pivot axis lies relatively closely to the main pivot axis.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier means is pivotally connected to the chassis about the secondary pivot axis, and is pivotal between the receiving position and the delivery position about the secondary pivot axis.

In another embodiment of the invention a drive ram is connected between the ground engaging means and the carrier means for pivoting the carrier means from the delivery position to the receiving position.

Preferably, a control means is provided for controlling the flow of fluid from the ram for cushioning movement of the carrier means from the receiving position to the delivery position.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier means comprises a carrier framework.

In another embodiment of the invention the carrier means is connected to the chassis adjacent a rear end thereof, and extends in a generally rearwardly direction from the chassis.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bale wrapper according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1 illustrated in use, Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1 in a different position, Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, in use, Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is an end elevational view of another portion of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a plan view of a portion of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram of an hydraulic control circuit of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a detail of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another detail of the bale wrapper of Fig. 1, Figs. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the detail of Figs. 10 and 11, Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the detail of Fig. 10, and Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a bale wrapping apparatus, namely, a bale wrapper according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for wrapping a round bale 2 of hay, straw or the like with a sheet 3 of flexible plastics material.

The bale wrapper comprises a chassis 4 having a pair of side members 5 joined by front and rear end members 6 and 7, respectively. The chassis 4 is supported on a pair of ground engaging wheels 10 which are rotatable on an axle 11 which is carried on brackets 12 which in turn extend downwardly from the side members 5. A tow hitch 13 is carried on a pair of front members 14 extending forwardly from the front end member 6 for hitching the apparatus 1 to a tractor (not shown) or other towing vehicle or power source. An upstanding post 15 extending upwardly from one of the front members 14 (see Fig. 1) carries a feeding mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral 16 for carrying a roll (not shown) of the plastic sheet material (also not shown), and for feeding the sheet material from the roll to the bale 2.

A bale support table 20 on which a bale 2 is supported during wrapping comprises a subframework 21 which rotatably carries a table framework 22. The subframework 21 is pivotally connected to the chassis 4 by a main pivot shaft 23 which defines a main pivot axis 25 about which the bale support table 20 is pivotal between a substantially horizontal wrapping position (not shown) in which the bale is supported during wrapping and a raised tipped position illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 for discharging a wrapped bale 2 from the bale support table 20. Mounting brackets 26 extending from the rear end member 7 of the chassis 4 carry the main pivot shaft 23. Pivot brackets 28 extending from the subframework 21 pivotally engage the main pivot shaft 23 for pivotally connecting the subframework 21 to the chassis 4.The main pivot axis 25 extends transversely of the chassis 4 adjacent the rear end thereof and extends substantially horizontally.

A tipping means for pivoting the bale support table 20 from the wrapping position to the tipped position comprises a telescoping single acting hydraulic tipping ram 30, the housing 31 of which is pivotally connected by a pivot bracket 32 to the front end member 6 of the chassis 4. A piston rod 33 of the tipping ram 30 is pivotally connected by a pivot bracket 34 to the subframework 21. Hydraulic fluid is delivered to the tipping ram 30 through an hydraulic control circuit 29 which is described below with reference to Fig. 9 for urging the bale support table 20 into the tipped position.

A pair of spaced apart drums 35 are rotatably carried in bearings 36 mounted on the table framework 22. The drums 35 are rotatable about respective horizontal axes which extend parallel to the main pivot axis 25. Drive belts 37 carried on the drums 35 support and rotate a bale 2 during wrapping on the bale support table 20 about a horizontal first wrapping axis 38 which extends parallel to the main pivot axis 25. The first wrapping axis 38 coincides with a main axis of the bale, namely, the geometric longitudinal central axis 39 of the bale.

The table framework 22 is carried on a drive shaft 40 which is rotatably mounted in the framework 21 and defines a second wrapping axis 41 about which the table framework 22 is rotatable during wrapping of the bale.

The second wrapping axis 41 extends perpendicularly to the first wrapping axis 38, and when the bale support table 20 is in the horizontal wrapping position (not shown), the second wrapping axis 41 extends vertically.

Bearings (not shown) rotatably carry the drive shaft 40 in the subframework 21.

An hydraulically powered drive motor 42 is mounted on the subframework 21 and drives the drive shaft 40 for rotating the table framework 22 about the second wrapping axis 41. The drive motor 42 also drives the drums 35 through a drive transmission (not shown) simultaneously with driving the drive shaft 40, for rotating a bale 2 on the table framework 22 simultaneously about the first wrapping axis 38 and the second wrapping axis 41 for wrapping the sheet material 3 onto the bale 2. A pair of retaining rollers 43 rotatable in brackets 44 extending from the table framework 22 locate the bale 2 on the drive belts 37 during wrapping.

The bale wrapper 1 described to here is substantially similar to well known bale wrapper, and will be well known to those skilled in the art, and accordingly, it is not intended to describe the chassis 4, feed mechanism 16 and bale support table 20 in further detail.

A bale transfer means comprising a bale transfer mechanism 50 which is mounted to the rear of the chassis 4 receives a wrapped bale 2 from the bale support table 20 when the bale support table 20 is in the tipped position, and transfers the wrapped bale to the ground. The bale transfer mechanism 50 deposits the wrapped bale 2 on the ground with the central axis 39 of the wrapped bale 2 having been oriented through approximately 900 from its horizontal orientation on the bale support table 20. In this way, the wrapped bale 2 is deposited on the ground with the central axis 39 of the bale 2 extending vertically from the ground.

In other words, the wrapped bale 2 is deposited on the ground with one of its axial end faces 51 resting on the ground. Since the number of layers of sheet wrapping material 3 at the end faces 51 is significantly greater than the number of layers of sheet wrapping material 3 on the circumferential surface of the wrapped bale 2, there is virtually no likelihood of the wrapping material at the end faces 51 being punctured, as the wrapped bale 2 is deposited on the ground, and even if one or two of the layers of sheet wrapping material 3 on the end face 51 were punctured as it engaged the ground, the remaining layers of wrapping material on the end face 51 will remain intact.

The bale transfer mechanism 50 comprises a bale support means, namely, a bale support platform 52 which is pivotally carried on a carrier means, namely, a carrier framework 53. The carrier framework 53 comprises a pair of side carrier members 54 and 55 which are joined by an end member 56 and an intermediate member 57.

Carrier brackets 58 extending rearwardly from the rear end member 7 of the chassis 4 carry a pair of pivot pins 59, which in turn pivotally engage and carry the side carrier members 54 and 55. The pivot pins 59 are co-axial and define a horizontal secondary pivot axis 60 about which the carrier framework 53 is pivotal between a receiving position raised above the ground and illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 for receiving a wrapped bale from the bale wrapping table 20 and a lower delivery position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 7 for delivering the wrapped bale onto the ground as will be described below. The secondary pivot axis 60 is parallel to the main pivot axis 25.

A ground engaging means, namely, a ground engaging framework 63 is also pivotally carried on the pivot pins 59 and is pivotal about the secondary pivot axis 60 between an operative position resting on the ground as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 for partly supporting the weight of the wrapped bale 2 as it is being transferred by the transfer mechanism 50 from the bale wrapping table 20 to the ground as will be described below, and an inoperative position spaced apart above the ground for facilitating trailing of the bale wrapper 1. The ground engaging framework 63 is not illustrated in the inoperative position. However, a bale transfer mechanism which comprises a carrier framework and a ground engaging framework which are substantially similar to the carrier framework 53 and the ground engaging framework 63 are described in PCT Application Publication No. WO 94/06272.

The ground engaging framework 63 comprises a pair of side members 64 which are pivotally carried on the pivot pins 59 and are joined by a pair of cross members 65 and 66. The cross member 65 carries a ground engaging plate 67 for engaging the ground. A drive means, namely, a single acting hydraulic drive ram 68 which is pivotally connected to the cross member 66 of the ground engaging framework 63 and the intermediate member 57 of the carrier framework 53 pivots the carrier framework 53 from the delivery position to the receiving position. Pivot brackets 69 extending from the cross member 66 pivotally engage a housing 70 of the drive ram 68, and pivot brackets 71 extending from the intermediate member 57 of the carrier framework 53 pivotally engage a piston rod 72 of the drive ram 68.

The drive ram 68 is connected into the hydraulic control circuit 29 as will be described below so that the drive ram 68 pivots the carrier framework 53 and in turn the bale support platform 52 upwardly into the receiving position as the tipping ram 30 pivots the bale support table 20 into the tipped position, so that the bale support platform 52 is in the receiving position for receiving the wrapped bale 2 from the bale support platform 20 as the bale support platform 20 reaches the tipped position. Additionally, as will be described below the control circuit 29 restricts the flow of return hydraulic fluid from the drive ram 68 for controlling the speed of the downward pivotal movement of the carrier framework 53 from the receiving position to the delivery position under the combined weight of the carrier framework 53 and a wrapped bale 2. The drive ram 68 also transfers part of the combined weight of the carrier framework 53 and a wrapped bale 2 onto the ground engaging plate 67 of the ground engaging framework 63 for minimising the turning moment in the chassis 4 about the axle 11 as a wrapped bale is being lowered from the receiving position to the delivery position. The drive ram 68 also cushions the downward pivotal movement of the carrier framework 53 into the delivery position.

The bale support platform 52 comprises a bale support framework 75 and a sheet 76 of relatively thick resilient plastics material which is secured to the bale support framework 75. The bale support framework 75 comprises a pair of end members 77 joined by side members 78 and 79 and an intermediate member 80. The bale support framework 75 is tiltably connected to the carrier framework 53 by a pivot mounting means, namely, a pivot shaft 81 which is carried by a pair of pivot brackets 82 which extend from the side member 54 of the carrier framework 53 and defines a tilt axis 83 about which the bale support platform 52 is tiltable for discharging the bale onto the ground. A pair of pivot brackets 84 extend from the side member 78 of the bale support framework 75 for engaging the pivot shaft 81.

The bale support platform 52 is tiltable about the tilt axis 83 from a bale supporting position illustrated in Figs 1 to 3 with the wrapped bale 2 supported thereon with its central axis 39 substantially horizontal, to a tilted position, see Figs. 4 and 7, for sliding the bale off the sheet 76 with a slightly toppling action for orienting the wrapped bale 2 through approximately 90 , so that when on the ground the wrapped bale 2 rests on one of its axial end faces 51.

A means for tilting the bale support platform 52 from the bale supporting position to the tilted position comprises an upstanding tilt member 85 which extends upwardly from the ground engaging plate 67 of the ground engaging framework 63. The tilt member 85 terminates in a bale support engaging means, namely, a roller 86 for engaging a plate member 87 which is welded to the bale support framework 75 as the carrier framework 53 is approaching the delivery position for tilting the bale platform 52 into the tilted position, see Figs. 4 and 7. The roller 86 is rotatably carried on the tilt member 85 by a pair of side brackets 88.

Accordingly, the ground engaging framework 63 acts as a ground engaging means for the tilt member 85 so that the tilt member 85 cooperates with the ground and the bale support platform 52 as the carrier framework 53 is approaching the delivery position for tilting the bale support platform 52 into the tilted position for in turn depositing the wrapped bale onto the ground.

The tilt axis 83 defined by the pivot shaft 81 extends perpendicularly to the main pivot axis 25. The pivot shaft 81 and the bale support framework 75 are located relative to the bale support table 20 so that a wrapped bale 2 is received from the bale support table 20 onto the bale support platform 52 with a portion of the wrapped bale 2 overhanging the bale support framework 75, and the pivot shaft 81. Accordingly, as the bale support platform 52 commences to tilt in the direction of the arrow A, the wrapped bale 2 commences to slide in the direction of the arrow B off the bale support platform 52 and quickly overbalances, thus, toppling onto the ground with the central axis 39 of the wrapped bale 2 extending upwardly and the wrapped bale 2 supported on one of its axial ends 51 on the ground.

Because it is resilient, the sheet 76 of the bale support platform 52 yields under the weight of the wrapped bale 2 for facilitating toppling of the wrapped bale 2 from the bale support platform 52.

An extension member 89 extends from the ground engaging framework 63 beneath the chassis 4, and carries an abutment member 90 for engaging the subframework 21 of the bale support table 20 as the bale support table 20 is approaching the wrapping position for pivoting the ground engaging framework 63 into the inoperative position. The cross members 65 and 66 of the ground engaging framework 63 engage the carrier framework 53 for supporting the carrier framework 53 above the ground when the ground engaging framework 63 is in the inoperative position for facilitating trailing of the bale wrapper 1. This aspect of the ground engaging framework 63 and the carrier framework 53 is described in PCT Application Publication No. WO 94/06272.

The hydraulic control circuit 29 comprises an hydraulic valve 91 which interconnects the rams 30 and 68 through hydraulic fluid lines 92 and 93, respectively. A main hydraulic fluid line 94 delivers hydraulic fluid to the rams 30 and 68 through the valve 91 from an hydraulic fluid source (not shown). The valve 91 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the rams 30 and 68 for simultaneously operating the rams 30 and 68 for simultaneously pivoting the bale support table 20 into the tipping position and the carrier framework 53 and the bale support platform 52 into the receiving position.A variable restrictor 95 is located in the main hydraulic fluid line 94 for controlling the rate of return of hydraulic fluid from the rams 30 and 68 for controlling the downward movement of the bale support table 20 into the wrapping position and the carrier framework 53 and the bale support platform 52 into the delivery position, and for cushioning the downward movement of the bale support table 20 and the carrier framework 53. A flow regulator 96 is located in the hydraulic line 93 for regulating the flow rate of hydraulic fluid returning from the drive ram 68 so that the carrier framework 53 reaches the delivery position and the wrapped bale 2 is deposited on the ground before the subframework 21 of the bale support table 20 engages the abutment member 90 of the ground engaging framework 63 for pivoting thereof into the inoperative position.The hydraulic fluid source comprises a conventional hydraulic fluid power source which is not illustrated but which is mounted on the chassis 4. An hydraulic pump (not shown) of the hydraulic fluid power source is driven by a power takeoff shaft of a tractor or other vehicle to which the bale wrapper 1 is hitched. The hydraulic fluid power source also powers the drive motor 42 for rotating the table framework 22. The control circuit 29 controls appropriate control valves (not shown) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the drive motor 42.

In this embodiment of the invention the chassis 4, the subframework 21, the table framework 22, the carrier framework 53, the ground engaging framework 63 and the support framework 75 are all of box section steel members welded together.

In use, on a bale having been wrapped on the bale support table 20, the hydraulic circuit 29 powers the rams 30 and 68 for raising the bale support table 20 and the bale support platform 52 simultaneously into the tipped and receiving positions, respectively. The wrapped bale 2 with its central axis 38 extending parallel to the main pivot axis 25 is tipped from the bale support table 20 onto the bale support platform 52. As the bale support table 20 is being pivoted from the bale wrapping position to the tipped position, the subframework 21 disengages the abutment member 90 on the extension member 89 of the ground engaging framework 63 thereby permitting the ground engaging framework 63 to pivot downwardly into the operative position to engage the ground.On transfer of the wrapped bale 2 to the bale support platform 52, the control circuit 29 is switched to return the hydraulic fluid from the rams 30 and 68 thereby permitting the bale support table 20 to return to the wrapping position under its own weight, and the bale support platform 52 and the carrier framework 53 to pivot downwardly to the delivery position, with the bale supported on the bale support platform 52 under their combined weights.As the bale support platform 52 and the carrier framework 53 approach the bale delivery position, the roller 86 of the tilt member 85 engages the plate member 87 of the bale support platform 52, and further downward movement of the carrier framework 53 into the bale delivery position causes the cooperating action between the tilt member 85 and the plate member 87 to tilt the bale support platform 52 in the direction of the arrow A thereby causing the wrapped bale 2 to commence sliding in the direction of the arrow B on the sheet 76. When the wrapped bale 2 has slid to a position with its centre of gravity overhanging the pivot shaft 81, the wrapped bale 2 topples to the ground, and is thus oriented through 900 so as to land with one of its axial ends 51 resting on the ground.

As discussed above the flow regulator 96 of the control circuit 29 is set so that the carrier framework 53 and the bale support platform 52 will have reached the delivery position and the wrapped bale 2 will have been deposited on the ground, before the subframework 21 of the bale support table 20 engages the abutment member 90 of the ground engaging framework 63. On the subframework 21 engaging the abutment member 90 of the ground engaging framework 63, further downward movement of the bale support table 20 into wrapping position pivots the ground engaging framework 63 into the inoperative position. The ground engaging framework 63 as it pivots into the inoperative position pivots the carrier framework 53 upwardly, and the ground engaging framework 63 and the carrier framework 53 lie substantially horizontally for facilitating trailing of the bale wrapper 1.In this position, due to the action of the tilt member 85 the bale support platform 52 is in the tilted position. The bale wrapper 1 is again ready to receive the next bale for wrapping and on the bale being wrapped the hydraulic circuit 29 supplies hydraulic fluid to the rams 30 and 68 to raise the bale support table 20 and the carrier framework 53 and bale support platform 52 into the tipped and bale receiving positions, respectively, as already described.

While the bale support platform has been described as comprising a bale support framework and a sheet of resilient material secured thereto, any other suitable bale support platform and bale support means may be provided. Needless to say, any other connecting means for connecting the bale support platform to the carrier framework may be used provided the bale support platform or any other bale support means which is provided is tiltable relative to the carrier means, and preferably is tiltable about a tilt axis which extends substantially perpendicularly to the secondary axis of the carrier means. It will of course be appreciated that any other suitable means for tilting the bale support means relative to the carrier means may be provided.It is envisaged that a ground engaging member may be mounted on the bale support platform so that as the bale support platform approaches the delivery position, the ground engaging member would engage the ground, and thus tilt the bale support platform. Alternatively, a member may be mounted on the chassis which would engage the bale support platform as the carrier framework is pivoting with the carrier framework into the delivery position. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that an hydraulic ram, drive motor or the like may be provided as a means for tilting the bale support platform relative to the carrier framework.

While the bale wrapper has been described as comprising a ground engaging framework which supports a substantial proportion of the weight of the wrapped bale as the wrapped bale is being lowered from the receiving to the delivery position through the drive ram, it will be appreciated in certain cases, that the ground engaging framework may be dispensed with, and the drive ram for pivoting the carrier framework and bale support platform may be connected directly to the chassis or an extension from the chassis, or where it is desired to support at least part of the weight from the wrapped bale through a ground engaging means other than the wheels of the bale wrapper, any other suitable separate ground engaging means may be provided.

While the bale wrapper has been described as being suitable for wrapping a round bale, it will be appreciated that the apparatus may be used with any other type of bale wrapper, whether for wrapping a round bale, square bale, rectangular bale or the like.

However, the advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the bale transfer mechanism orients the bale through 90C so that the bale is placed on the ground with an axial end of the bale which is covered with many layers of wrapping material resting on the ground.

Claims

1. A bale wrapping apparatus of the type comprising a chassis, a bale support table for supporting the bale being wrapped, the bale support table comprising a means for rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis during wrapping, and being pivotally mounted on the chassis about a main pivot axis and being pivotal about the main pivot axis between a wrapping position for supporting the bale during wrapping and a raised tipped position for discharging a wrapped bale therefrom, a bale transfer means for receiving a wrapped bale from the bale support table and for transferring the wrapped bale to the ground, the bale transfer means comprising a bale support means for receiving the wrapped bale from the bale support table, and a carrier means for carrying the bale support means, the carrier means being connected to the chassis and being movable between a raised receiving position with the bale support means raised above the ground for receiving the wrapped bale from the bale support table and a lower delivery position for delivering the wrapped bale to the ground, wherein the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means, and is tiltable from a bale supporting position with the wrapped bale supported thereon, to a tilted position for tipping the wrapped bale from the bale support means to the ground, so that the wrapped bale is deposited on the ground with a main axis of the wrapped bale which coincided with the first wrapping axis during wrapping of the bale extending substantially vertically from the ground, and a tilting means for tilting the bale support means to the tilted position is provided.

2. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the tilting means is located for tilting the bale support means as the carrier means and the bale support means are approaching the delivery position.

3. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the bale support means is located relative to the bale support table for receiving the wrapped bale with a portion of the wrapped bale overhanging the bale support means for facilitating sliding and toppling of the wrapped bale from the bale support means to the ground as the bale support means is tilted to the tilted position so that when deposited on the ground the main axis of the wrapped bale has been oriented through approximately 90 from its orientation when received on the bale support means.

4. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means about a tilt axis, and is tiltable between the bale supporting position and the tilted position about the tilt axis.

5. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 in which the tilt axis about which the bale support means is tiltable extends substantially perpendicularly to the main pivot axis.

6. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means by a pivot mounting means, the pivot mounting means defining the tilt axis.

7. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the bale support means comprises a support framework, the support framework being tiltably connected to the carrier means.

8. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the bale support means is tiltably connected to the carrier means adjacent a distal end thereof.

9. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the tilting means comprises a tilt member extending from a ground engaging means and having a bale support engaging means for engaging the bale support means, the bale support engaging means being cooperable with the bale support means as the carrier means is approaching the delivery position for tilting of the bale support means.

10. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which the ground engaging means comprises a ground engaging framework.

11. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which the ground engaging means extends rearwardly from the chassis.

12. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which the ground engaging means is pivotally connected to the chassis about a secondary pivot axis, and is pivotal between an operative position engaging the ground and an inoperative position spaced apart from the ground for facilitating trailing of the bale wrapping apparatus, the tilt member extending upwardly from the ground engaging means to the bale support means.

13. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 in which the secondary pivot axis extends parallel relative to the main pivot axis.

14. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 or 13 in which the secondary pivot axis lies relatively closely to the main pivot axis.

15. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 14 in which the carrier means is pivotally connected to the chassis about the secondary pivot axis, and is pivotal between the receiving position and the delivery position about the secondary pivot axis.

16. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 15 in which a drive ram is connected between the ground engaging means and the carrier means for pivoting the carrier means from the delivery position to the receiving position.

17. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 in which a control means is provided for controlling the flow of fluid from the ram for cushioning movement of the carrier means from the receiving position to the delivery position.

18. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the carrier means comprises a carrier framework.

19. A bale wrapping apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the carrier means is connected to the chassis adjacent a rear end thereof, and extends in a generally rearwardly direction from the chassis.

20. A bale wrapping apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.