GB2555696A

GB2555696A - Bale handling unit

Info

Publication number: GB2555696A
Application number: GB1713504.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Cavanagh Paul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-24
Filing date: 2017-08-23
Publication date: 2018-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-23
Also published as: GB201713504D0; GB201614430D0; GB2555696B

Abstract

A bale handling unit 5 comprises a frame having first and second lower locking members 20a, 20b, a first bale receiving portion 2a having a first sub-frame 10a, and a second bale receiving portion 2b having a second sub-frame 10b. Each of the sub-frames comprise bale receiving means 9a, 9b and a resiliently movable buffer assembly 11a, 11b which comprise a first upper locking member 23a, 23b which are moveable in response to the bale receiving means receiving a bale. The frame is attached to a vehicle and the bale receiving portions are independently vertically moveable relative to the frame. Wherein receipt of a bale by the bale receiving means moves the movable buffer to move the upper locking member above the lower locking member to prevent downward movement of the bale receiving portion relative to the frame

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Bale handling unit Abstract Title: Bale handling unit (57) A bale handling unit 5 comprises a frame having first and second lower locking members 20a, 20b, a first bale receiving portion 2a having a first sub-frame 10a, and a second bale receiving portion 2b having a second subframe 10b. Each of the sub-frames comprise bale receiving means 9a, 9b and a resiliently movable buffer assembly 11a, 11b which comprise a first upper locking member 23a, 23b which are moveable in response to the bale receiving means receiving a bale. The frame is attached to a vehicle and the bale receiving portions are independently vertically moveable relative to the frame. Wherein receipt of a bale by the bale receiving means moves the movable buffer to move the upper locking member above the lower locking member to prevent downward movement of the bale receiving portion relative to the frame

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

Xi

CM

03 18 re

CM

ce

CM

Fig. 3

03 18

L0

Ο

L0

Fig. 4 Fig. 5

03 18

LO ce

Ο ce

O

o

Fig. 6 Fig. 7

03 18 γΩ

Fig. 8

03 18

Fig. 9

Bale Handling Unit

Background

Vehicles and associated units maybe used to pick up and transport bales such as bales 5 of agricultural material.

Summary

A bale handling unit for use with a vehicle is provided. The bale handling unit comprises a frame, a first bale receiving portion, and a second bale receiving portion.

The frame comprises first and second lower locking members and means for attaching the bale handling unit to the vehicle. Each of the first and second bale receiving portions has a sub-frame comprising bale receiving means and a resiliently movable buffer assembly. The resiliently movable buffer assembly comprises an upper locking member and is movable in response to the bale receiving means receiving a bale. The frame is attached to the vehicle and is vertically movable relative to the vehicle, and the first and second bale receiving portions are separately attached to the frame and are independently vertically movable relative to the frame. Receipt of a bale by one of the bale receiving means moves the corresponding resiliently movable buffer assembly to thereby position the corresponding upper locking member above the corresponding lower locking member. Subsequent upward vertical movement of the frame relative to the vehicle causes the corresponding lower locking member to engage the corresponding upper locking member to thereby prevent downward movement of the corresponding bale receiving portion relative to the frame.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a bale handling unit in accordance with a first embodiment;

Figure 2 shows the bale handling unit of Figure 1 in a folded configuration;

Figure 3 shows the first bale receiving portion of the bale handling unit of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a portion of the bale handling unit of Figure 1 in a first arrangement; Figure 5 shows a portion of the bale handling unit of Figure 1 in a second arrangement; Figure 6 shows a portion of the bale handling unit of Figure 1 in a third arrangement; Figure 7 shows a portion of the bale handling unit of Figure 1 in a fourth arrangement;

Figure 8 shows a bale handling unit in accordance with a second embodiment; and, Figure 9 shows a bale handling unit in accordance with a third embodiment.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a bale handling unit 1 for use with a vehicle such as a tractor (not shown). The bale handling unit is suitable for handling (i.e. collecting, lifting, transporting, depositing, etc) bales. The bales may be any type of bale such as a bundle of raw or finished material, which may be bound, such as with cord or wire, and may be wrapped. Preferably the bale handling unit is for use with bales of agricultural material such as bales of silage, hay, straw, cotton, or any other agricultural product which can be rolled into a bale.

The bale handling unit 1 comprises first and second bale receiving portions 2a, 2b and is capable of handling two bales simultaneously. The bales can be lifted independently, offering the advantage that a first bale 3a can be lifted and transported prior to the independent lifting of a second bale (not shown). Significantly, the first bale remains elevated throughout the lifting operation of the second bale, and the first bale does not, for example, need to be placed back on the ground in order for the second bale to be lifted, thus minimising damage to the bales or the bale wrapping. Moreover, the bale handling unit itself is arranged such that when a first bale is being carried, the presence of the first bale 3a within the first bale receiving portion 2a maintains the first bale receiving portion 2a in an elevated position and away from the ground throughout the entire process in which the second bale is lifted. Moreover, a plurality of bales can be individually loaded and then unloaded simply by raising and lowering the bale handling unit 1.

The bale handling unit 1 may be attached to a vehicle such as a tractor by any suitable means. In the embodiment shown, the bale handling unit 1 is attached to a tractor by means of a standard three-point linkage system, and the bale handling unit 1 may be configured for use with any suitable vehicle linkage system. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the bale handling unit 1 comprises a frame 5 which includes three brackets 4 for attachment to the tractor. In general, brackets may typically be made from any suitable material such as steel, and arranged to correspond to a standard three-point linkage at the front and/or rear of any suitable vehicle. Other suitable means of attachment of the bale handling unit 1 may be used and will be known to the skilled person.

-3In the embodiment shown, the frame 1 of the bale handling unit is made from too x too mm square box section steel. Any suitable material may additionally or alternatively be used.

In general, the width of the bale handling unit 1 (i.e. the length of the frame 5, corresponding to the width dimension of the vehicle) is dependent upon the diameter (or size in general) of the bales with which the bale handling unit 1 is to be used. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a bale handling unit 1 together with a first bale 3a, in position within the first bale receiving portion 2a of the bale handling unit 1. The first bale 3a is shown transparently for clarity. Typically, a bale of silage may be 1.3-1.8111 in diameter. Bale handling units configured to handle two bales simultaneously may, therefore, have a width of about 2.7-4111 such as 2.8-3.8m, 2.9-3.6m, or 3.0-3.5111.

In general, and in the embodiment shown, the bale handling unit 1 is arranged such that when the bale handling unit 1 is carrying two bales there is a suitable gap between the two bales to prevent the bales from touching and possibly damaging each other. The size of the gap may be dependent on the size and shape of the bales that are to be used with the bale handling unit. In general, a suitable gap may, for example, be 5-30011, such as io-2ocm, or about 15cm.

A hydraulic hose (not shown) from the vehicle may also be secured to the bale handling unit 1. Any suitable means of connection 6, such as any of the means of connecting hydraulic hoses that are typically used on agricultural vehicles, may be used.

In addition to the frame 5, the bale handling unit 1 comprises first and second bale receiving portions 2a, 2b. In other embodiments, the bale handling unit 1 comprises more than two bale receiving portions, such as three, four, or five, bale receiving portions. The bale receiving portions 2a, 2b maybe folded relative to the frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1, as shown in Figure 2, for the purposes, for example, of transport on the road, or storage. In the embodiment shown, the frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1 comprises first and second hinges 7a, 7b, one at each end, which may be folded by means of a double action hydraulic system 8, powered by a hydraulic hose from the vehicle which is connected to the bale handling unit 1 using the hose connection means 6. Other folding arrangements or means of folding the unit may be employed.

-4Generally, the bale receiving portions of the disclosed bale handling units are substantially identical. More specifically, although design features may differ between the individual bale receiving portions of a bale handling unit, the mechanism by which the bale receiving portions work is substantially the same. The following description refers generally to the first bale receiving portion 2a of the embodiment shown, but is applicable to the bale receiving portions generally. For clarity, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the corresponding features in different bale receiving portions, with the suffix “a” referring to a feature of the first bale receiving portion and the suffix “b” referring to a feature of the second bale receiving portion.

io

Each of the bale receiving portions 2a, 2b comprises means 9a, 9b for receiving a bale. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the bale receiving means 9a, 9b comprises a pair of tubular steel arms, with either straight or swept ends to enable lifting of the bale, without snagging the wrapping of the bale on the ground. Any other suitable design or material may be used. In other embodiments, the bale receiving means may, for example, comprise a plurality of spikes for piercing a bale (as shown in Figure 9).

The bale receiving means 9a, 9b of the bale receiving portion 2a, 2b are attached to a Tshaped sub-frame 10a, 10b. Also attached to the sub-frame 10a, 10b is a buffer assembly 11a, 11b. In the embodiment shown, the buffer assembly 11a, 11b comprises two bumpers 12a, 12b, made from any suitable material such as steel or plastic, and a rigid plate 13a, 13b (also known as a plunger plate) which connects the bumpers 12a, 12b. The shape and material of the bumpers 12a, 12b is preferably selected to minimise the possibility of damage to the bale or bale wrapping, and any suitable shape or material may be used.

The buffer assembly 11a, 11b is resiliently moveable relative to the sub-frame 10a, 10b. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the buffer assembly 11a, 11b is resiliently movable in a substantially horizontal direction (which is a direction parallel to the ground and also parallel to the direction in which the bale is received by the bale receiving portion 2a, 2b). The rear of the buffer assembly 11a, 11b, and specifically the rear of the rigid plate 13a, 13b, comprises a plunger 14a, 14b (also known as a buffer stem). The plunger has a first end 150a, 150b and a second end 151a, 151b. This arrangement is shown in detail in Figure 3, in which the buffer assembly 11a can be seen to be attached to the first end 150a of the plunger 14a.

-5In the embodiment shown, the plunger 14a is received within a tube 16a incorporated into the sub-frame 10a, specifically into the vertical portion 101a, 101b of the T-shaped sub-frame 10a, 10b. A coiled spring 17a is located within the tube 16a. The plunger 14a is positioned along the central longitudinal axis of the spring 17a. In the embodiment shown, the tube 16a further comprises a retaining flange 18a at the end nearest to the plunger plate 13a, 13b. The plunger 14a is retained within the tube 16a by any suitable retaining means 19a, such as by means of a dowel pin, which is longer than the diameter of the opening of the tube 16a within the retaining flange 18a. Indeed, to prevent excessive lateral movement of the plunger 14a, the diameter of the opening of the tube 16a at the retaining flange 18a is preferably only slightly larger than the diameter of the plunger 14a, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm larger. The retaining means 19a also functions to couple the plunger 14a to the end of the coiled spring 17a. In this way, the plunger plate 13a, 13b is resiliently movable in a direction perpendicular to the subframe 10a (which is a direction determined by the longitudinal axis of the tube 16a).

The spring 17a resists movement of the buffer assembly 11a, 11b, and specifically of the plunger plate 13a, 13b towards the sub-frame 10a, and biases movement of the plunger plate 13a, 13b away from the sub-frame 10a, 10b. The skilled person will understand that the tension of the spring 17a, 17b can be varied as appropriate.

Both or all of the bale receiving portions 2a, 2b are connected to the frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1. Specifically, each of the bale receiving portions 2a, 2b is configured to be vertically moveable relative to the frame 5. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, each of the bale receiving portions 2a, 2b is connected to the frame 5 by means of a plurality of cantilevers, including upper and lower cantilevers 21a, 21b. Each of the bale receiving portions 2a, 2b may be connected to the frame 5 by means of a plurality of upper cantilevers 210a, 210b and a plurality of lower cantilevers 211a, 211b. In the embodiment shown, each of the bale receiving portions 2a, 2b is connected to the frame 5 by means of two upper cantilevers 210a, 210b and two lower cantilevers 211a, 211b. The cantilevers maybe made from any suitable material, and in the embodiment shown, comprise flat steel plate. A boss 22a, 22b is located at each end of each cantilever 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b. The bosses 22a, 22b provide a pivot for movement of the cantilevers relative to both the bale receiving portion 2a, 2b and the frame 5. The use of a plurality of cantilevers 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b allows vertical movement of the bale receiving portion 2a, 2b relative to the frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1. This arrangement also ensures that the frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1 and the sub-6frame 10a, 10b of the bale receiving portion 2a, 2b maintain the same relative orientation throughout their relative movement.

As shown in Figure 3 in particular, the frame 1 comprises a lower locking member 20a, 5 which in the embodiment shown is small projection 20a, in the form of a steel nipple of approximately 10mm in height. The projection 20a is attached to the top of the frame 5 at or close to the position at which the corresponding bale receiving portion 2a, 2b is connected to the frame 5. Specifically, the projection 20a is located on top of the frame 5 and in vertical alignment with the position on the frame 5 which is directly in line with the longitudinal axis of the tube 16a and plunger 14a.

The plunger 14a comprises an upper locking member 23a, close to the second end 151a, such as i-5cm, or about 2cm, 3cm, or 4cm from the second end 151a. In the embodiment shown, the upper locking feature is a notch 23a. The plunger may be composed of any suitable material and may have any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown, the plunger 14a is a 25mm diameter steel rod. The notch 23a is a notch in the bar of approximately 10mm depth.

Due to its specific positioning on top of the frame 5, the projection 20a is precisely located such that, in use, it is capable of being engaged by the notch 23a in the plunger 14a, as discussed in more detail below. Moreover, engagement of the projection 20a by the notch 23a in the plunger 14a prevents movement of the plunger 14a and, as a result, also prevents movement of the corresponding bale receiving portion 2a, 2b relative to the frame 5.

The operation of the bale handling unit 1 will now be described. In a first step, the three-point linkage between the vehicle and the bale handling unit 1 is used, in a conventional manner, to lift the bale handling unit 1 off the ground.

The vehicle is then driven towards a first bale and stops in front of it, positioned so that the first bale receiving portion 2a is suitably aligned for receipt of the bale. The frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1 is then lowered until both the first and second bale receiving means 2a, 2b are resting on the ground. Prior to contact with the ground, the cantilevers 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b are fully extended (i.e. substantially horizontal), as shown in Figure 4.

-ΊAs frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1 continues to be lowered by means of the threepoint linkage 4, contact between the bale receiving means 2a, 2b and the ground prevents further downward movement of the bale receiving means 2a, 2b. However, the frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1 is not restricted from further downward movement.

As a result, the cantilevers 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b are caused to rotate, and each of the bale receiving portions 2a, 2b is moved towards the frame 5 of the bale handling unit 1, until the position shown in Figure 5 is reached. The cantilevers 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b are substantially vertical, such as for example, less than 20°, less than 15°, or less than 10° from the vertical.

With the first bale lined up with the bale receiving means 9 of the first bale receiving portion 2a, the tractor is then driven forward causing the bale receiving means 9 to contact and receive the bale (which in the embodiment shown, involves pushing the arms 9 underneath the bale 3). Receipt of the first bale by the first bale receiving portion 2a pushes the buffer assembly 11a, 11b towards the sub-frame 10a. Movement of the buffer assembly 11a, 11b towards the sub-frame 10a extends the plunger 14a until the notch 23 of the plunger 14 is positioned above and slightly beyond the corresponding projection 20a, as shown in Figure 6.

Having received the first bale, the bale handling unit 1 is lifted off the ground using the three-point linkage. The weight of the first bale 3a on the first bale receiving portion 2a as the bale handling unit 1 is lifted causes the cantilevers 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b to rotate and, as a result, the first bale recei vi ng portion 2a begins to move through a descending arc. This movement causes the plunger 14a to move relative to the corresponding projection 20a, until the notch 23a in the plunger 14a engages the projection 20a, as shown in Figure 7.

Engagement of the projection 20a within the notch 23a of the plunger 14a locks the first bale handling unit 2a (and specifically the cantilevers 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) in a rigid configuration, in which it is prevented from further movement relative to the frame 5. The entire bale handling unit 1 is then lifted off the ground using the three-point linkage. Being in a locked configuration, the first bale receiving portion 2a will be lifted a greater distance from the ground than the second (empty) bale receiving portion 2b because the cantilevers 210b, 211b of the second bale receiving portion 2b are not locked and are free to fully rotate into a substantially horizontal position under gravity. In contrast, the locked cantilevers of the first bale receiving portion 2a cannot rotate

-8and remain in a substantially vertical orientation, for example, being less than 20°, less than 15°, or less than io° from the vertical. This arrangement offers the advantage that that the weight of the bale is substantially distributed vertically along the length of the cantilevers and the weight is not substantially borne by the plunger.

Once the bale handling unit l has been raised sufficiently for the bale receiving means 9b of the second bale receiving portion 2b to be clear of the ground, the vehicle can be driven to a second bale, such that the second bale receiving portion 9b is suitably aligned for receipt of the second bale. The operation as described above in relation to the handling of a first bale by the first bale receiving portion 2a is then exactly repeated.

The entire bale handling unit 1 is again lowered towards the ground until the bale receiving means 9b of the second bale receiving portion 2b are resting on the ground and ready to receive the second bale. At this stage the first bale receiving portion 2a, being higher than the second, is not touching the ground, and so the possibility of damage to the first bale or bale wrapping is minimised. The vehicle is then driven forward causing the bale receiving means 9b of the second bale receiving portion 2b to contact and receive the second bale (which in the embodiment shown, involves pushing the arms 9b underneath the bale).

Exactly as described in respect of the handling of the first bale, receipt of the second bale by the second bale receiving portion 2b and the weight of the second bale as the entire bale handling unit is lifted off the ground causes the engagement of the projection 20b by the notch 23b of the plunger 14b of the second bale handling unit. As described in respect of the operation of the first bale receiving portion 2a, engagement of the projection 20b by the notch 23b locks the second bale receiving portion 2a in a rigid configuration, in which the cantilevers 210b, 211b are in a substantially vertical orientation, suitable for transport.

With the two bales now loaded, the bales may be transported to their new destination.

To deposit the bales, the entire bale handling unit 1 is lowered using the three-point linkage 4 until the bales come to rest on the ground. Further downward movement of the first and second bale receiving portions 2a, 2b is prevented due to the bale receiving means contacting the ground. However, the frame 5 continues to move downwards. As a result, the notches 23a, 23b in the plungers 14a, 14b of the first and second bale receiving portions 2a, 2b are caused to disengage their corresponding projections 20a, 20b (as shown in Figure 6).

-9Finally, as the vehicle is moved away from the bales, the springs 17a, 17b move the plungers 14a, 14b and the attached plunger plates 13a, 13b to their original position, as shown in Figure 5. The bale handling unit 1 is then lifted clear of the ground using the three-point linkage 4, which extends the cantilevers 210a, 210b, 211a, 211b into a substantially horizontal position as shown in Figure 4, and the vehicle is driven to the next bale.

In other embodiments, the upper and lower locking members 20a, 20b, 23a, 23b may 10 be any combination of features which are capable of interacting to prevent the spring from returning the plunger to its resting position. For example, the notch and projection shown in the Figures and described above maybe reversed, with the lower locking member comprising a notch or a hole in the frame, and the upper locking member comprising a projection from the plunger. Indeed the locking members may not comprise a notch and a projection, but may for example comprise two projections which are configured to interact.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the bale handling unit 1. This embodiment is the same as that of Figure 1, which is described above, except that the unit cannot be folded for transport. In addition, the unit is braced with box section gussets 24 for added strength.

Figure 9 shows yet another embodiment of the bale handling unit 1. This embodiment is the same as that of Figure 8, except that the bale receiving means 9 comprise spikes for moving hay and straw bales. This unit can be mounted on a front end loader via a universal fitting and not just by means of a three-point linkage. The spikes maybe, for example, 10-iiocm in length, such as 3O-9Ocm or 40-70011, and may be made from any suitable material, such as forged steel.

The advantages of the disclosed bale handling unit is that it saves time, improves efficiency, and minimises the risk of damaging the handled bales or bale wrapping. In addition, the unit may comprise two or more bale receiving portions which can be utilised independently to pick up and transport two or more bales at a time with minimal effort. The ability to pick up and transport two bales will save time and improve efficiency. In addition, the bale handling unit may be attached to the front and/or rear of the vehicle offering flexibility of design and the possibility of carry twice

- 10 as many bales, thus improving efficiency even further. Another advantage is that the driver only needs to operate one hydraulic lever to collect or deposit each of the bales. Specifically, each of the handled bales may independently be collected, transported, and deposited simply by raising or lowering the bale handling unit from/to the ground.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims

l. A bale handling unit (1) for use with a vehicle, the bale handling unit comprising:

5 a frame (5) comprising a first and second lower locking members (20a, 20b) and means (4) for attaching the bale handling unit (1) to the vehicle;

a first bale receiving portion (2a) having a first sub-frame (10a) comprising first bale receiving means (9a) and a first resiliently movable buffer assembly (11a), wherein the first resiliently movable buffer assembly (11a) comprises a first upper locking

10 member (23a) and is movable in response to the first bale receiving means (9a) receiving a bale (3a); and a second bale receiving portion (2b) having a second sub-frame (10b) comprising second bale receiving means (9b) and a second resiliently movable buffer assembly (11b), wherein the second resiliently movable buffer assembly (11b) comprises

15 a second upper locking member (23b) and is movable in response to the second bale receiving means (9b) receiving a bale;

wherein the frame (5) is attached to the vehicle and is vertically movable relative to the vehicle, and the first and second bale receiving portions (2a, 2b) are separately attached to the frame (5) and are independently vertically movable relative to the frame

20 (5), wherein receipt of a bale (3a) by the first bale receiving means (9a) moves the first resiliently movable buffer assembly (11a) to thereby position the first upper locking member (23a) above the first lower locking member (20a), wherein subsequent upward vertical movement of the frame (5) relative to the vehicle causes the first lower locking

25 member (20a) to engage the first upper locking member (23a) to thereby prevent downward movement of the first bale receiving portion (2a) relative to the frame (5); and wherein receipt of a bale by the second bale receiving means (9b) moves the second resiliently movable buffer assembly (11b) to thereby position the second upper

30 locking member (23b) above the second lower locking member (20b), wherein subsequent upward vertical movement of the frame (5) relative to the vehicle causes the second lower locking member (20b) to engage the second upper locking member (23b) to thereby prevent downward movement of the second bale receiving portion (2b) relative to the frame (5).

- 12 2. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the sub-frames (10a, 10b) comprises a vertical portion (101a, 101b), wherein a first side of the vertical portion faces the corresponding bale receiving means (9a, 9b) and wherein a second side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b), which is opposite to the first side, faces the

5 frame (5).

3. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vertical portions (101a, 101b) of each of the first and second sub-frames (10a, 10b) comprises a tube (16a, 16b) extending from the first side to the second side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b),

10 wherein each of the tubes (16a, 16b) comprises a spring (17a, 17b), wherein the spring (17a, 17b) is internal and coaxial to the tube (16a, 16b), and wherein the longitudinal axes of the spring (17a, 17b) and tube (16a, 16b) are substantially horizontal.

4. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first and second

15 resiliently movable buffer assemblies (11a, 11b) comprises a plunger plate (13a, 13b) and a plunger (14a, 14b), wherein each of the first and second plungers (14a, 14b) extends longitudinally through the corresponding tube (16a, 16b) and spring (17a, 17b) of the corresponding vertical portions (101a, 101b) of the corresponding sub-frame (10a, 10b), wherein the plunger plate (13a, 13b) is attached to the first end (150a, 150b) of the

20 plunger (14a, 14b) on the first side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b), wherein the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) is positioned at or near to the second end (151a, 151b) of the plunger (14a, 14b) on the second side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b), and wherein the plunger comprises a plunger retaining member (19a, 19b) which engages the corresponding spring (17a, 17b) to thereby provide resilient

25 movement of the first and second buffer assemblies (11a, 11b) relative to the corresponding sub-frame (10a, 10b).

5. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the first and second tubes (16a, 16b) comprises a corresponding retaining flange (18a, 18b) on the first side

30 of the vertical portion (101a, 101b) of the corresponding sub-frame (10a, 10b), wherein interference between the retaining flange (18a, 18b) and the corresponding plunger retaining member (19a, 19b) prevents removal of the plunger (14a, 14b) from the tube (16a, 16b).

35 6. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the first and second bale receiving portions (2a, 2b) are separately attached to the frame (5) by

-13means of an upper rotating member (210a, 210b) and a lower rotating member (211a, 211b).

7. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the first and second 5 upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) are arranged to rotate between a substantially horizontal orientation in which the second end (151a, 151b) of the corresponding plunger (14a, 14b) is substantially vertically below and horizontally displaced from the frame (5) and a substantially inclined orientation in which the second end (151a, 151b) of the corresponding plunger (14a, 14b) is substantially

10 vertically above and horizontally aligned with the frame (5).

8. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bale handling unit (1) is arranged such that as the frame (5) is moved vertically downwards relative to the vehicle, contact between the first and/or second bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) and the

15 ground prevents further downward vertical movement of the bale receiving portion (2a,
2b), thereby causing the rotation of the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially inclined position.

20 9. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein when the first and/or second bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) and the frame (5) are in contact with the ground, the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) are in an inclined orientation and the second end (151a, 151b) of the corresponding plunger (14a, 14b) is substantially vertically above and horizontally aligned with the frame (5), and

25 wherein the bale handling unit (1) is arranged such that receipt of a bale by the corresponding bale receiving means (9a, 9b) pushes the corresponding plunger plate (11a, 11b) to move the associated plunger (14a, 14b) to thereby position the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) above the corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b).

10. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bale handling unit (1) is arranged such that upon receipt of a bale in the first and/or second bale receiving portion (2a, 2b), as the frame (5) is subsequently moved vertically upwards relative to the vehicle, the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) is engaged by the

35 corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b) to thereby prevent the horizontal movement of the corresponding bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) relative to the frame (5),

-14thereby preventing the rotation of the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) and the downward vertical movement of the corresponding bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) relative to the frame (5).

5 11. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein when the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) is engaged by the corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b), the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) are orientated at an angle that is less than 20° from the vertical.

10 12. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second upper locking member (23a, 23b) comprises a notch or a hole which is configured to engage a corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b) comprising a projection.

15 13. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second upper locking member (23a, 23b) comprises a projection which is configured to engage a corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b) comprising a notch or a hole.

20 14. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second bale receiving means (9a, 9b) comprises a pair of arms.

15. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second bale receiving means (9a, 9b) comprises a plurality of spikes.

16. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (5) comprises first and second hinges (7a, 7b) for folding the respective first and second bale receiving portions relative to the frame (5), and/or wherein each of the first and second bale receiving means (9a, 9b) is hingedly connected to the corresponding

30 sub-frame (10a, 10b).

17. A bale handling unit substantially as shown in the accompanying figures.

18. A double bale handling unit designed to be easily used and efficient, minimising

35 damage to the bale wrapping comprising attachment means for attaching the unit to a tractor, two pairs of lifting arms and a lockable hinged cantilever on each mechanism

-ι₅such that each pair can be utilised individually, this locking mechanism incorporates a spring loaded plunger with stem that is actuated when engaging a bale to lock the hinged cantilevers into a compressed position, the plunger stem having been machined to lock with precision onto the cantilever post extension, and having adjustment means

5 for fine tuning, with the plunger head designed to minimise damage to the bale.

19. A double bale unit according to claim 18 which the two pairs of bale lifting arms can be hinged inwardly to fold up for ease of road transportation.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

Claims

CO o

CM

l. A bale handling unit (l) for use with a vehicle, the bale handling unit comprising:

5 a frame (5) comprising a first and second lower locking members (20a, 20b) and means (4) for attaching the bale handling unit (1) to the vehicle;

a first bale receiving portion (2a) having a first sub-frame (10a) comprising first bale receiving means (9a) and a first resiliently movable buffer assembly (11a), wherein the first resiliently movable buffer assembly (11a) comprises a first upper locking

10 member (23a) and is movable in response to the first bale receiving means (9a) receiving a bale (3a); and a second bale receiving portion (2b) having a second sub-frame (10b) comprising second bale receiving means (9b) and a second resiliently movable buffer assembly (11b), wherein the second resiliently movable buffer assembly (11b) comprises

15 a second upper locking member (23b) and is movable in response to the second bale receiving means (9b) receiving a bale;

wherein the frame (5) is attached to the vehicle and is vertically movable relative to the vehicle, and the first and second bale receiving portions (2a, 2b) are separately attached to the frame (5) and are independently vertically movable relative to the frame

20 (5), wherein receipt of a bale (3a) by the first bale receiving means (9a) moves the first resiliently movable buffer assembly (11a) to thereby position the first upper locking member (23a) above the first lower locking member (20a), wherein subsequent upward vertical movement of the frame (5) relative to the vehicle causes the first lower locking

25 member (20a) to engage the first upper locking member (23a) to thereby prevent downward movement of the first bale receiving portion (2a) relative to the frame (5); and wherein receipt of a bale by the second bale receiving means (9b) moves the second resiliently movable buffer assembly (11b) to thereby position the second upper

30 locking member (23b) above the second lower locking member (20b), wherein subsequent upward vertical movement of the frame (5) relative to the vehicle causes the second lower locking member (20b) to engage the second upper locking member (23b) to thereby prevent downward movement of the second bale receiving portion (2b) relative to the frame (5).

2. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the sub-frames (toa, tob) comprises a vertical portion (iota, 101b), wherein a first side of the vertical portion faces the corresponding bale receiving means (9a, 9b) and wherein a second side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b), which is opposite to the first side, faces the

5 frame (5).
3. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vertical portions (101a, 101b) of each of the first and second sub-frames (10a, 10b) comprises a tube (16a, 16b) extending from the first side to the second side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b),

10 wherein each of the tubes (16a, 16b) comprises a spring (17a, 17b), wherein the spring (17a, 17b) is internal and coaxial to the tube (16a, 16b), and wherein the longitudinal axes of the spring (17a, 17b) and tube (16a, 16b) are substantially horizontal.

CO

CM
4. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first and second

15 resiliently movable buffer assemblies (11a, 11b) comprises a plunger plate (13a, 13b) and a plunger (14a, 14b), wherein each of the first and second plungers (14a, 14b) extends longitudinally through the corresponding tube (16a, 16b) and spring (17a, 17b) of the corresponding vertical portions (101a, 101b) of the corresponding sub-frame (10a, 10b), wherein the plunger plate (13a, 13b) is attached to the first end (150a, 150b) of the

20 plunger (14a, 14b) on the first side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b), wherein the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) is positioned at or near to the second end (151a, 151b) of the plunger (14a, 14b) on the second side of the vertical portion (101a, 101b), and wherein the plunger comprises a plunger retaining member (19a, 19b) which engages the corresponding spring (17a, 17b) to thereby provide resilient

25 movement of the first and second buffer assemblies (11a, 11b) relative to the corresponding sub-frame (10a, 10b).
5. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the first and second tubes (16a, 16b) comprises a corresponding retaining flange (18a, 18b) on the first side

30 of the vertical portion (101a, 101b) of the corresponding sub-frame (10a, 10b), wherein interference between the retaining flange (18a, 18b) and the corresponding plunger retaining member (19a, 19b) prevents removal of the plunger (14a, 14b) from the tube (16a, 16b).

35
6. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the first and second bale receiving portions (2a, 2b) are separately attached to the frame (5) by means of an upper rotating member (210a, 210b) and a lower rotating member (211a, 211b).
7. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the first and second 5 upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) are arranged to rotate between a substantially horizontal orientation in which the second end (151a, 151b) of the corresponding plunger (14a, 14b) is substantially vertically below and horizontally displaced from the frame (5) and a substantially inclined orientation in which the second end (151a, 151b) of the corresponding plunger (14a, 14b) is substantially

10 vertically above and horizontally aligned with the frame (5).

CO

CM
8. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bale handling unit (1) is arranged such that as the frame (5) is moved vertically downwards relative to the vehicle, contact between the first and/or second bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) and the

15 ground prevents further downward vertical movement of the bale receiving portion (2a,

2b), thereby causing the rotation of the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially inclined position.

20
9. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein when the first and/or second bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) and the frame (5) are in contact with the ground, the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) are in an inclined orientation and the second end (151a, 151b) of the corresponding plunger (14a, 14b) is substantially vertically above and horizontally aligned with the frame (5), and

25 wherein the bale handling unit (1) is arranged such that receipt of a bale by the corresponding bale receiving means (9a, 9b) pushes the corresponding plunger plate (11a, 11b) to move the associated plunger (14a, 14b) to thereby position the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) above the corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b).
10. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bale handling unit (1) is arranged such that upon receipt of a bale in the first and/or second bale receiving portion (2a, 2b), as the frame (5) is subsequently moved vertically upwards relative to the vehicle, the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) is engaged by the

35 corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b) to thereby prevent the horizontal movement of the corresponding bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) relative to the frame (5),

1203 18 thereby preventing the rotation of the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) and the downward vertical movement of the corresponding bale receiving portion (2a, 2b) relative to the frame (5).

5 11. A bale handling unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein when the corresponding upper locking member (23a, 23b) is engaged by the corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b), the corresponding upper and lower rotating members (210a, 210b, 211a, 211b) are orientated at an angle that is less than 20° from the vertical.

10 12. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second upper locking member (23a, 23b) comprises a notch or a hole which is configured to engage a corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b) comprising a projection.
15 13. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second upper locking member (23a, 23b) comprises a projection which is configured to engage a corresponding lower locking member (20a, 20b) comprising a notch or a hole.

20 14. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second bale receiving means (9a, 9b) comprises a pair of arms.

15. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second bale receiving means (9a, 9b) comprises a plurality of spikes.
16. A bale handling unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (5) comprises first and second hinges (7a, 7b) for folding the respective first and second bale receiving portions relative to the frame (5), and/or wherein each of the first and second bale receiving means (9a, 9b) is hingedly connected to the corresponding

30 sub-frame (10a, 10b).
17. A method of moving a bale, the method comprising the use of the bale handling unit as claimed in claim 1, fitted to a suitable vehicle.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1713504.7 Examiner: Bryony Barcelo