IES20050548A2

IES20050548A2 - A trailer

Info

Publication number: IES20050548A2
Application number: IE20050548A
Authority: IE
Inventors: William Ian Fallon
Original assignee: William Ian Fallon
Priority date: 2004-08-18
Filing date: 2005-08-18
Publication date: 2006-09-06
Also published as: WO2006018823A3; WO2006018823A2

Abstract

A round bale transporting trailer (1) comprises a platform (15) for carrying round bales, which is pivotally coupled to a chassis (3) and is tippeable relative to the chassis (3) for discharging the bales therefrom. A pick-up mechanism (35) mounted on a forward and (8) of the chassis (3) is provided for picking up and transferring bales from the ground onto the platform (15). The pick-up mechanism comprises a carrier device 938) which is pivotally mounted on the chassis (3) and carries a pair of pick-up arms (36) which in turn carry engagement discs (58), and are pivotal between a gripping state for releasing the bales onto the platform (15). A second ram (49) acting between the chassis (3) and the carrier device (38) urges the carrier device (38) between a pick-up position for picking up a bale on the ground and a loading position for loading the bale onto the platform (15). A third ram (65) mounted within the carrier device (38) operates the pick-up arms (36) between the gripping and release states. A tailgate (18) which is pivotally coupled to the platform (15) is pivotal between a retaining state for retaining the bales on the platform (15) and a discharge state for facilitating discharge of the bales from the platform (15) when the platform (15) is tipped.

Description

The present invention relates to a trailer, and in particular, to a round bale transporting trailer for transporting round bales of material, in particular, though not limited to large round bales of hay, silage, straw and the like.

Hay, straw, grass and the like when harvested is typically formed into bales, and commonly formed into large cylindrical bales. Such large cylindrical bales are generally referred to as round bales, The bales typically are of axial length of the io order of 1 metre to 1.5 metres, and of substantially similar diameter. The bales may be left in the field from which the hay, straw, grass or the like has been harvested unwrapped, or they may be wrapped and left in the field. However, in general, the bales are deposited randomly throughout the field. This, thus, requires that the bales be picked up and moved to a storage area, which may be in the field or elsewhere. Because of the weight of such bales, it is not feasible to manhandle the bales, and thus, mechanical handling equipment is required. Typically, to transport bales from the positions at which they have been randomly deposited in a field to a storing area requires a trailer, which typically is hitched to and towed by a tractor. A separate tractor with a forklift or other suitable lifting attachment attached to the front or rear of the tractor is required to lift the bales from the field onto the trailer. This is a cumbersome way of transferring bales from a field to a storage area, and ties up a significant amount of plant and equipment.

There is therefore a need for a trailer which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a trailer.

According to the invention, there is provided a round bale transporting trailer comprising a chassis supported on a pair of ground engaging wheels, a bale 30 carrying platform extending between a forward end and a rearward end mounted on the chassis, characterised in that a retaining means is located adjacent the rearward end of the platform for retaining bales thereon, and a bale pick-up mechanism is AoiO IE 0 5 0 5 4 8 located adjacent the forward end of the platform for sequentially picking up cylindrical bales from the ground and transferring the bales from the ground onto the platform at the forward end thereof.

Preferably, the bale carrying platform is adapted for accommodating movement of the bales from the forward end to the rearward end. Advantageously, the platform is inclined in a generally rearwardly downwardly direction for facilitating the movement of the bales along the platform from the forward end towards the rearward end thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining means is operable between a retaining state for retaining the bales on the platform and a discharge state for facilitating discharge of the bales from the platform. Preferably, the retaining means is pivotally coupled to the platform and is pivotal between the retaining state and the discharge state. Advantageously, a first urging means is provided for urging the retaining means between the retaining state and the discharge state. Preferably, the first urging means comprises a first ram. Advantageously, the first urging means is coupled between the platform and the retaining means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining means comprises a tailgate.

In another embodiment of the invention, the platform is pivotally mounted on the chassis, and is tippable relative to the chassis for increasing the downward angle of inclination of the platform towards the rearward end thereof for facilitating discharge of the bales from the platform. Preferably, a tipping means is provided for tipping the platform. Advantageously, the tipping means comprises a tipping ram.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pick-up mechanism comprises a pair of spaced apart pick-up arms operably coupled to the chassis adjacent the forward end on respective opposite sides thereof, the pick-up arms being operable between a pick-up position for engaging a bale on the ground and a loading position for transferring and loading a picked up bale onto the platform.

IE 0 5 0 5 4 8 Preferably, a second urging means is provided for urging the pick-up arms between the pick-up position and the loading position. Advantageously, the second urging means comprises a second ram.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pick-up arms are pivotal relative to the chassis between the pick-up position and the loading position.

Preferably, the pick-up arms are operable relative to each other between a gripping state for gripping a bale therebetween, and a release state for releasing a gripped bale. Advantageously, a third urging means is provided for urging the pick-up arms between the gripping state and the release state. Preferably, the third urging means is coupled to the pick-up arms. Advantageously, the third urging means comprises a third ram.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pick-up arms are pivotally connected to a carrier device and are pivotal relative to the carrier device between the gripping state and the release state.

In another embodiment of the invention, the carrier device is pivotally coupled to the chassis for pivotally coupling the pick-up arms to the chassis, and the carrier device is pivotal relative to the chassis between a pick-up position and a loading position for urging the pick-up arms between the pick-up position and the loading position, respectively.

Preferably, the second urging means is coupled between the carrier device and the chassis for urging the carrier device and the pick-up arms between the pick-up position and the loading position.

Advantageously, the pick-up arms terminate in respective bale engaging means for engaging the respective axial opposite ends of the bale for gripping the bale therebetween.

IE 0 5 Ο 5 4 8 In one embodiment of the invention, the pick-up mechanism defines a cradle for supporting a bale as the bale is being transferred from the ground to the platform. Preferably, the cradle defined by the pick-up mechanism co-operates with the platform for facilitating transfer of the bale from the pick-up mechanism onto the platform.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pick-up mechanism is aligned with the platform for picking up a bale lying on the ground with a central geometrical axis of the bale lying horizontally and transversely relative to the platform, so that the bale can be transferred onto the platform with the central axis of the bale extending transversely of the platform by operating the pick-up arms to move from the pick-up position to the loading position through a vertical plane.

In another embodiment of the invention, a hitch is coupled to and extends from the forward end of the chassis for hitching the trailer to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle, the hitch being operable between a first position for facilitating towing of the trailer behind the tractor with the trailer and tractor aligned longitudinally, and a second position for facilitating towing of the trailer behind the tractor with the trailer offset longitudinally relative to the tractor to one side thereof for facilitating picking a bale from the ground and transferring the bale from the ground onto the platform.

In one embodiment of the invention a hitch coupling is provided for coupling the hitch arm to a three-point linkage of a tractor, the hitch coupling comprising an elongated mounting member for coupling between lower two linkages of the three-point linkage, a first coupling means located on the mounting member for coupling the mounting member to a connecting arm extending from an upper one of the linkages of the three-point linkage, and a second coupling means on the mounting member for coupling to the hitch arm.

The invention also provides a hitch coupling for coupling a hitch arm of a trailer to a three-point linkage of a tractor, the hitch coupling comprising an elongated mounting ΙΕ ο 5 0 5 4 8 member for coupling between lower two linkages of the three-point linkage, a first coupling means located on the mounting member for coupling the mounting member to a connecting arm extending from an upper one of the linkages of the three-point linkage, and a second coupling means on the mounting member for coupling to the hitch arm.

In one embodiment of the invention the first coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the mounting member to the connecting arm. Preferably, the first coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the connecting arm to the mounting member about a substantially horizontally extending pivot axis.

In another embodiment of the invention the second coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the hitch arm to the mounting member. Preferably, the second coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the hitch arm to the mounting member about a substantially vertically extending pivot axis.

In another embodiment of the invention the first coupling means comprises a pair of spaced apart first coupling brackets extending from the mounting member for embracing a portion of the connecting arm therebetween.

In a further embodiment of the invention the second coupling means comprises a pair of spaced apart second coupling brackets extending from the mounting member for embracing the hitch arm therebetween.

Advantageously, the first coupling means is located to one side of the mounting member, and the second coupling means is located on the opposite side of the mounting member.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the round bale transporting trailer according to the invention is that as well as being suitable for transporting round bales from one location to another, the trailer is suitable for picking up bales from the ground and placing the bales on the trailer. ΙΕ ο 5 Ο 5 4 8 This, thus, avoids the need for a second tractor or other vehicle equipped with lifting apparatus for lifting the bales from the ground onto the trailer. Accordingly, only one single tractor is required for towing the trailer. A further advantage of the invention is achieved when the platform of the trailer is adapted for accommodating movement of bales from the forward end towards the rearward end. This has the advantage that the bales can be placed on the forward end of the platform by the pick-up mechanism, and as the bales are sequentially placed on the forward end of the platform, each bale as it is being placed on the forward end of the platform urges the next adjacent bale towards the rear of the platform, and so on, until the platform is filled with bales from the rearward end to the forward end. The provision of the retaining means to the rearward end of the platform has the advantage of retaining the bale nearest the rearward end of the platform on the platform as the bales are being urged along the platform towards the rearward end thereof. By providing the retaining means to be operable between a retaining state and a discharge state has the added advantage that the bales can be readily discharged from the platform when the retaining means is in the discharge state. Pivotally coupling the platform to the chassis has the added advantage that the platform can be tippable for further facilitating movement of the bales along the platform from the forward end towards the rearward end, and also for facilitating discharge of the bales from the platform.

The provision of the pick-up mechanism adjacent the front end of the platform has the advantage that the bale can readily easily be picked up from the field and transferred onto the platform by aligning the trailer with the bale with a central geometrical axis of the bale extending horizontally and transversely of the platform. Indeed, by providing the hitch to be operable between a first position for facilitating towing of the trailer aligned behind the tractor and a second position with the trailer offset to one side of the tractor at the rear thereof further facilitates ease of aligning the trailer with the bale, as well as picking the bales from the ground and transferring the bales onto the platform.

By providing the pick-up means as a pair of pick-up arms which are operable between a gripping state and a release state provides a particularly advantageous IE 0 5 0 5 4 8 form of the pick-up mechanism, and a further advantage is achieved when the pickup arms are pivotal relative to the chassis between the pick-up position and the loading position, which facilitates ease of transfer of the bales from the ground to the platform.

A further advantage of the invention is achieved when the pick-up mechanism defines a cradle for supporting a bale as the bale is being transferred by the pick-up mechanism from the ground to the platform. By supporting the bale on the cradle defined by the pick-up mechanism during transfer from the ground to the platform excessive stresses which would otherwise be induced in the pick-up arms of the pick-up mechanism are minimised. Additionally, a further advantage is achieved when the pick-up mechanism co-operates with the platform for facilitating urging of the bale from the pick-up mechanism onto the platform, in that by inducing initial momentum in the bale as the pick-up mechanism is approaching the platform, the momentum induced in the bale is sufficient for urging the bale along at least a portion of the platform.

The provision of the hitch coupling according to the invention provides the added advantage of stabilising the trailer when being towed behind a tractor. The provision of the hinge coupling according to the invention stabilises the mounting member in both a vertical direction and a sideward horizontal direction, and thereby prevents vertical and sideward horizontal movement of the mounting member, which in turn facilitates positive hitching of the trailer to the tractor, and eliminates sideward horizontal and vertical up and downward movement of the hitch arm relative to the tractor during towing, and loading and unloading bales to and from the trailer.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a round bale transporting trailer according to the invention for transporting large round bales, ΐ’Ε 0 5 Ο 5 4 8 Fig.2 is a side elevational view of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig.3 is a top plan view of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is another top plan view of the trailer of Fig. 1 in use, Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the trailer of Fig. 1 in use, iO Fig. 6 is a side elevational view also of the trailer of Fig. 1 in use, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another portion of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further portion of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the portion of Fig. 9 of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of the portion of Fig. 9 of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 9 of the trailer of Fig. 1, Fig. 13 is a side elevational view similar to Fig. 2 of a round bale transporting trailer according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 14 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 9 of a portion of the trailer of Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a hitch coupling also according to the invention for hitching the trailers of Figs. 1 to 14 to the three-point linkage of a tractor, and ΙΕ ο 5 0 5 4 β Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the hitch coupling of Fig. 15.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 12 thereof, there is illustrated a round bale transporting trailer according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for transporting large round bales, typically, large round bales 2 of hay, straw, silage or the like, which may be wrapped or unwrapped. Such bales are typically cylindrical in shape and are of diameter of 1 metre to 1.5 metres and of substantially similar axial length. The trailer 1 comprises a chassis 3 which is carried on a bogey 4, which in turn carries a pair of axles 5 on which respective pairs of ground engaging wheels 6 are carried. The bogey 4 is coupled to the chassis 3 by a coupling mechanism 7, which facilitates pivoting of the bogey 4 relative to the chassis 3 about a transversely extending horizontal pivot axis defined by a pair of pivot shafts 8. The chassis 3 extends between a forward end 9 and a rearward end 10 of the trailer 1. A hitch arm 11 pivotally coupled to the chassis 3 by a coupling bracket 12 at the forward end 9 thereof extends forwardly from the chassis 3 for hitching the trailer 1 to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle (not shown). The coupling bracket 12 is rigidly secured to the chassis 3, and the hitch arm 11 is pivotally coupled to the coupling bracket 12 by a pivot pin 13. The hitch arm 11 is pivotal between a first position illustrated in Fig. 3 for towing the trailer 1 behind the tractor with the trailer 1 aligned with the tractor and a second position illustrated in Fig. 4 for facilitating towing of the trailer 1 behind the tractor with the trailer 1 offset to one side of the tractor for facilitating picking up bales 2 from the ground and transferring the bales from the ground to the trailer 1 as will be described below. A moving means for moving the hitch arm 11 between the first and second positions comprises a double acting hydraulic ram 14 which is coupled between the coupling bracket 12 and the hitch arm 11. The ram 14 also acts as a securing means for selectively securing the hitch arm 11 in the respective first and second positions.

A bale carrying platform 15 is pivotally mounted on the chassis 3 at the rearward end thereof, and is supported on spaced apart upstanding supports 16 which extend upwardly from the chassis 3 on either side thereof for maintaining the bale carrying ΙΕ ο 5 0 5 4 β platform 15 inclined in a generally downwardly rearwardly direction for facilitating movement of bales 2 from the forward end 9 towards the rearward end 10, as the bales 2 are being loaded onto the platform 15 at the forward end thereof. Side rails mounted on each side of the platform 15 retain the bales on the platform 15. A retaining means comprising a tailgate 18 is pivotally coupled to the chassis 3 at the rearward end 9 thereof, and is pivotal between a retaining state illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 5 for retaining the bales 2 on the platform 15 and a discharge state illustrated in Fig. 6 for facilitating discharge of the bales 2 from the platform 15.

Two spaced apart pairs of spaced apart mounting brackets 19 secured to the chassis 3 carry respective first pivot shafts 20, which in turn pivotally engage respective first pivot brackets 21, which are secured to the platform 15 for facilitating tipping of the platform 15 for discharging the bales 2 therefrom. A second pivot shaft 22 is carried on the first pivot brackets 21, and second pivot brackets 23 secured to the tailgate 18 engage the second pivot shaft 22 for facilitating pivoting of the tailgate between the retaining state and the discharge state relative to the platform 15.

A first urging means comprising a first double acting hydraulic ram 24 acting between a first anchor bracket 25 mounted on the tailgate 18 and a second anchor bracket 26 secured to and extending from the first pivot brackets 21 operates the tailgate 18 between the retaining and the discharge states.

A tipping means comprising a double acting hydraulic tipping ram 28 is coupled to third and fourth anchor brackets 29 and 30, which are secured to the chassis 3 and the platform 15, respectively, for tipping the platform 15 for facilitating discharge of bales from the platform 15, see Fig. 6.

A pick-up mechanism 35 is mounted on the chassis 3 to the forward end 9 thereof for sequentially picking up bales 2 from the ground and for transferring the bales from the ground onto the platform 15 with the central axis of the bales extending substantially horizontally and transversely of the platform 15. The pick-up mechanism 35 comprises a pair of spaced apart pick-up arms 36, which are pivotally IE 0 5 0 5 4 8 carried on a carrier device 38. The pick-up arms 36 are pivotal towards and away from each other between a gripping state for gripping a bale 2 therebetween and a release state further spaced apart from each other for releasing the bale 2. The carrier device 38 is pivotally coupled to the forward end 9 of the chassis 3, and is pivotal between a pick-up position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 with the pick-up arms 36 also in a pick-up position for picking up a bale on the ground, and a loading position illustrated in Figs.1 and 2 with the pick-up arms 36 in a corresponding loading position for depositing a bale onto the platform 15.

The carrier device 38 comprises a pair of spaced apart plate members 39 joined by first and second transverse members 40 and 41, respectively. The plate members 39 are pivotally coupled to the forward end 9 of the chassis 3 by two spaced apart pairs of spaced apart carrier brackets 44, which are mounted on and extend forwardly from a forward transverse member 45 of the chassis 3, see Fig. 7. Pivot shafts 46 which are pivotally carried in the carrier brackets 44 pivotally engage the respective plate members 39 for facilitating pivoting of the carrier devices 38 between the pick-up position and the loading position. Bearings 47 and 48 in the carrier brackets 44 and the plate members 39, respectively, pivotally engage the pivot shafts 46.

A second urging means, namely, a second double acting hydraulic ram 49 is coupled to the chassis 3 by a pair of fifth anchor brackets 50 and to the earner device 38 by a pair of sixth anchor brackets 51 extending from the second transverse member 41 of the carrier device 38, and acts between the chassis 3 and the carrier device 38 for urging the carrier device 38 and in turn the pick-up arms 36 between the pick-up and loading positions. In this embodiment of the invention the fifth anchor brackets 50 are formed by a lower portion of the third anchor brackets 29.

Referring now to Figs. 9 to 12, and in particular to Fig. 9, a transverse carrier arm 54 extending between and through the plate members 39 of the carrier device 38 pivotally carries the pick-up arms 36 at respective opposite ends thereof. Pivot pins IE 05 05 4 6 carried at respective opposite ends of the transverse carrier arm 54 pivotally engage the pick-up arms 36. The pick-up arms 36 are cranked at 56, and extend from the transverse carrier arm 54 and terminate in respective engagement means, namely, engagement discs 58 for engaging the axial opposite ends of the bales 2. Pivot mounting brackets 59 on the engagement plates 54 pivotally engage corresponding pivot pins 60 carried on the ends of the pick-up arms 36 for facilitating pivoting of the engagement discs 58 relative to the pick-up arms 36, for in turn facilitating engagement of the engagement discs 58 with the axial opposite ends of a bale 2.

Portions 61 of the pivot arms 36 extend beyond the pivot pins 55 and pivotally engage actuating rods 62, which are slideable in linear bearings 63 in the respective adjacent plate members 39 for operating the pick-up arms 36 between the gripping and release states. Each actuating rod 62 terminates in a corresponding pivot pin 64 which pivotally engages the portion 61 of the corresponding pick-up arm 36.

A third urging means for urging the pick-up arms 36 between the gripping and release states comprises a third double acting hydraulic ram 65 located between the plate members 39. A housing 66 of the third ram 65 is coupled to one of the actuating rods 66 by a first U-shaped coupling bracket 67, while a piston rod 68 of the third ram 65 is coupled to the other actuating rod 62 by a second U-shaped coupling bracket 69, so that as the piston rod 68 is extended from the housing 66, the pick-up arms 36 are urged in a direction towards each other into the gripping state for gripping a bale 2 between the engagement discs 58, and on retraction of the piston rod 68 into the housing 66, the pick-up arms 36 are urged away from each other into the release state for disengaging the engagement discs 58 from the bale 2.

A portion 70 of each plate member 39 of the carrier device 38 is shaped to define a concave arcuate edge 71, on which the first transverse members 40 are carried.

The first transverse members 40 are of circular cross-section, and are recessed into corresponding recesses 73 formed in the arcuate edges 71 of the plate members 39, IE 0 5 0 5 4 8 so that the first transverse members 40 effectively form a cradle 74 for engaging and supporting a bale gripped between the two pick-up arms 36 as the carrier device 38 is being pivoted from the pick-up position to the loading position. Additionally, when the carrier device 31 is in the loading position, the cradle 74 formed by the first transverse members 40 is oriented for facilitating rolling of the bale 2 therefrom onto the platform 15, see Figs. 1 and 2.

In use, the round bale transporting trailer 1 is hitched to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle by the hitching arm 11, and the tipping ram 28, the first ram 24, the second ram 40 and the third ram 65, as well as the ram 14 are coupled to the hydraulic system of the tractor or other suitable towing vehicle for operating of the respective rams. Where it is desired to tow the trailer behind a tractor to or from a field with the trailer aligned behind the tractor, the hitch arm 11 is operated into the first position and secured therein by the ram 14. When it is desired to pick up bales from the field, the hitch arm 11 is pivoted into the second position and is secured in the second position by the ram 14, so that the trailer 1 when towed behind the tractor is offset from the tractor to one side for facilitating picking up of bales 2 from the field and transferring the bales onto the trailer 1.

With the trailer 1 offset from the tractor, the trailer 1 is towed to the first bale 2 in the field to be picked up and is manoeuvred to approach the bale with the axis of the bale 2 horizontal and disposed in a general direction transversely of the trailer 1, and the trailer 1 is substantially aligned with the bale 2. The second ram 49 is operated for pivoting the carrier device 38 and in turn the pick-up arms 36 of the pick-up mechanism 35 downwardly into the pick-up position, and with the pick-up arms 36 in the release state, the trailer 1 is advanced until the bale 2 is located between the engagement discs 58 of the pick-up arms 36 with the axial opposite ends of the bale 2 adjacent the engagement discs 58. The third ram 65 is then operated for urging the pick-up arms 36 into the gripping state for gripping the bale 2 between the engagement discs 58.

When the bale 2 is securely gripped by the engagement discs 58, the second ram 49 ΙΕ ο 5 0 5 4 8 is again operated for pivoting the carrier device 38, and in turn the pick-up arms 36 with the bale 2 gripped therebetween into the loading position. With the pick-up arms 36 in the loading position the third ram 65 is operated for urging the pick-up arms 36 into the release state for releasing the engagement discs 58 from the bale 2, and the bale commences to roll from the cradle 74 formed by the first transverse members 40 onto the platform 15 at the forward end thereof. Since the platform 15 is inclined in a downwardly rearwardly direction, the initial rolling of the bale 2 from the cradle 74 formed by the first transverse members 40 causes the bale 2 to roll at least partly along the platform 15 from the forward end thereof, and for a sufficient distance for facilitating transfer of the next bale from the ground onto the platform 15 by the pick-up mechanism 35. Indeed, by commencing to operate the third ram 65 for urging the pick-up arms 36 into the release state as the carrier device 38 is being urged into the loading position, as the carrier device 38 reaches the loading position, the momentum imparted to the bale 2 tends to further ensure that the bale rolls onto the platform 15 from the cradle 74, and in turn along the platform 15 from the forward end 9 thereof. As the bales 2 are sequentially loaded onto the forward end 9 of the platform 15, the bales are sequentially urged along the platform 15 towards the tailgate 18.

When the platform 15 is filled with bales, the ram 13 is operated for urging the hitch arm 10 into the first position and for retaining the hitch arm 10 in the first position. The trailer 1 is then aligned directly behind the tractor, and is towed by the tractor to an area where the bales 2 are to be stored. To discharge the bales 2 from the trailer 1 the first ram 24 is operated for pivoting the tailgate 18 from the retaining state to the discharge state, and the tipping ram 28 is operated for tipping the platform 15 for in turn discharging the bales from the platform 15 over the tailgate 18 onto the ground. The trailer is then ready to collect the next load of bales.

Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14, there is illustrated a round bale transporting trailer according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80. The trailer 80 is substantially similar to the trailer 1 of Figs. 1 to 12, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The ΙΕ ο 5 Ο 5 4 8 main difference between the trailer 80 and the trailer 1 is in the pick-up mechanism 35. In this embodiment of the invention the pick-up mechanism 35 instead of the cradle 74 being formed by the first transverse members 40, a support plate 81 is mounted on the carrier device 38 for supporting a bale engaged between the engagement discs 58 as the carrier device 38 is being pivoted between the pick-up position and the loading position. In this embodiment of the invention only two spaced apart first transverse members 40 are provided at the extreme positions of the arcuate edges 71 of the plate members 39, and the support plate 81 is secured to and extends between the two first transverse members 40. The two first transverse members 40 and the support plate 81 are located on the plate members 39 so that when the carrier device 38 is in the loading position, the support plate 81 is inclined downwardly towards the platform 15 for assisting in transferring the bale from the pick-up mechanism 35 to the platform 15.

Otherwise, the round bale transporting trailer 80 and its use is similar to the round bale transporting trailer 1 of Figs. 1 to 12.

Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, there is illustrated a hitch coupling also according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 85, for hitching the hitch arm 11 of either of the round bale transporting trailers 1 and 80 to a three-point linkage of a tractor. Such three-point linkages for hitching implements to the rear of a tractor will be well known to those skilled in the art, and further description of the three-point linkage will not be provided. The hitch coupling 85 comprises an elongated mounting member 86 having spigots 87 extending from its respective opposite ends for engaging the lower two linkage members (not shown) of a threepoint linkage. A first coupling means comprising a pair of spaced apart first coupling brackets 89 are mounted on one side of the mounting member 86 and extend forwardly therefrom for pivotally coupling a connecting arm 90 extending from the upper one of the linkage members (not shown) of the three-point linkage. The first coupling brackets 89 are welded to a mounting plate 92, which is welded to the mounting member 86. A second coupling means comprising a pair of spaced apart second coupling brackets 94 extend rearwardly from the mounting member 86 for ΙΕ ο 5 Ο 5 4 8 embracing the hitch arm 11 and pivotally coupling the hitch arm 11 to the mounting member 86. The second coupling brackets 94 are welded to the mounting plate 92. A first pivot pin 95 extending through one of a pair of bores 96 in each of the first coupling brackets 89 pivotally engages the connecting arm 90. A second pivot pin 97 extending through bores (not shown) in the second mounting brackets 94 pivotally engages the hitch arm 11. The mounting member 86 is mounted to the lower two linkage members of the three-point linkage with the mounting member 86 oriented so that the first pivot pin 95 defines a horizontally extending pivot axis, while the second pivot pin 97 defines a vertically extending pivot axis. io It has been found that by coupling the mounting member 86 to the upper linkage of the three-point linkage by the connecting arm 90, the mounting member 86 is stabilised, and both vertical and horizontal sideward movement of the mounting member 86 is prevented. This, thus, stabilises the mounting of the hitch arm of either of the trailers 1 or 80 to the three-point linkage of a tractor, and in turn stabilises the trailer.

While the pick-up mechanism has been described as comprising a particular arrangement of pick-up arms and engagement discs, any other suitable arrangement of pick-up mechanism may be provided.

While the retaining means has been described as comprising a tailgate, any other suitable retaining means for retaining the bales on the platform may be provided. Additionally, while the tailgate has been described as being pivotally coupled to the platform, the tailgate or other retaining means may be pivotally or otherwise coupled to the platform, or indeed, to the chassis for facilitating operation of the retaining means between the retaining state and the discharge state.

Additionally, while the bale carrying platform has been described as being inclined in a rearwardly downwardly direction for facilitating the movement of the bales along the platform from the forward end towards the rearward end, the bale carrying platform may be adapted in any other suitable way for accommodating movement of ΙΕ ο 5 Ο 5 4 β the bales from the forward end towards the rearward end as the bales are being placed on the forward end. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the bale carrying platform may be mounted to be substantially horizontal, and any suitable means may be provided for urging the bales from the forward end towards the rearward end. For example, it is envisaged that as each bale is placed on the forward end of the platform, the platform may be slightly tipped by the tipping means for urging the bale towards the rearward end. Once the bale had moved towards the rearward end, the bale carrying platform could be returned by the tipping means to the horizontal state. io While the rams have been described as being double acting hydraulic rams, any suitable rams may be used, whether pneumatic, hydraulic or otherwise, and in certain cases, it may not be necessary for the rams to be double acting. Single acting rams may be suitable.

Claims

1. A round bale transporting trailer comprising a chassis supported on a pair of ground engaging wheels, a bale carrying platform extending between a forward end and a rearward end mounted on the chassis, characterised in that a retaining means is located adjacent the rearward end of the platform for retaining bales thereon, and a bale pick-up mechanism is located adjacent the forward end of the platform for sequentially picking up cylindrical bales from the ground and transferring the bales from the ground onto the platform at the forward end thereof.

2. A trailer as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the bale carrying platform is adapted for accommodating movement of the bales from the forward end to the rearward end.

3. A trailer as claimed in Claim 2 characterised in that the platform is inclined in a generally rearwardly downwardly direction for facilitating the movement of the bales along the platform from the forward end towards the rearward end thereof.

4. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the retaining means is operable between a retaining state for retaining the bales on the platform and a discharge state for facilitating discharge of the bales from the platform.

5. A trailer as claimed in Claim 4 characterised in that the retaining means is pivotally coupled to the platform and is pivotal between the retaining state and the discharge state.

6. A trailer as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 characterised in that a first urging means is provided for urging the retaining means between the retaining state and the discharge state.

7. A trailer as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that the first urging means comprises a first ram. IE 0 5 0 5 4 8

8. A trailer as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 characterised in that the first urging means is coupled between the platform and the retaining means.

9. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the retaining means comprises a tailgate.

10. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the platform is pivotally mounted on the chassis, and is tippable relative to the chassis for increasing the downward angle of inclination of the platform towards the rearward end thereof for facilitating discharge of the bales from the platform,

11. A trailer as claimed in Claim 8 characterised in that a tipping means is provided for tipping the platform.

12. A trailer as claimed in Claim 9 characterised in that the tipping means comprises a tipping ram.

13. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the pick-up mechanism comprises a pair of spaced apart pick-up arms operably coupled to the chassis adjacent the forward end on respective opposite sides thereof, the pick-up arms being operable between a pick-up position for engaging a bale on the ground and a loading position for transferring and loading a picked up bale onto the platform.

14. A trailer as claimed in Claim 13 characterised in that a second urging means is provided for urging the pick-up arms between the pick-up position and the loading position.

15. A trailer as claimed in Claim 14 characterised in that the second urging means comprises a second ram.

16. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 15 characterised in that the pick-up ΙΕ ο 5 Ο 5 4 8 arms are pivotal relative to the chassis between the pick-up position and the loading position.

17. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 16 characterised in that the pick-up arms are operable relative to each other between a gripping state for gripping a bale therebetween, and a release state for releasing a gripped bale.

18. A trailer as claimed in Claim 17 characterised in that a third urging means is provided for urging the pick-up arms between the gripping state and the release state.

19. A trailer as claimed in Claim 18 characterised in that the third urging means is coupled to the pick-up arms.

20. A trailer as claimed in Claim 18 or 19 characterised in that the third urging means comprises a third ram.

21. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 20 characterised in that the pick-up arms are pivotally connected to a carrier device and are pivotal relative to the carrier device between the gripping state and the release state.

22. A trailer as claimed in Claim 21 characterised in that the carrier device is pivotally coupled to the chassis for pivotally coupling the pick-up arms to the chassis, and the carrier device is pivotal relative to the chassis between a pick-up position and a loading position for urging the pick-up arms between the pick-up position and the loading position, respectively.

23. A trailer as claimed in Claim 21 or 22 characterised in that the second urging means is coupled between the carrier device and the chassis for urging the carrier device and the pick-up arms between the pick-up position and the loading position.

24. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 23 characterised in that the pick-up IE 0 5 0 5 4 8 arms terminate in respective bale engaging means for engaging the respective axial opposite ends of the bale for gripping the bale therebetween.

25. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 24 characterised in that the pick-up mechanism is aligned with the platform for picking up a bale lying on the ground with a central geometrical axis of the bale lying horizontally and transversely relative to the platform, so that the bale can be transferred onto the platform with the central axis of the bale extending transversely of the platform by operating the pick-up arms to move from the pick-up position to the loading position through a vertical plane.

26. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the pick-up mechanism defines a cradle for supporting a bale as the bale is being transferred from the ground to the platform.

27. A trailer as claimed in Claim 26 characterised in that the cradle defined by the pick-up mechanism co-operates with the platform for facilitating transfer of the bale from the pick-up mechanism onto the platform.

28. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that a hitch is coupled to and extends from the forward end of the chassis for hitching the trailer to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle, the hitch being operable between a first position for facilitating towing of the trailer behind the tractor with the trailer and tractor aligned longitudinally, and a second position for facilitating towing of the trailer behind the tractor with the trailer offset longitudinally relative to the tractor to one side thereof for facilitating picking a bale from the ground and transferring the bale from the ground onto the platform.

29. A trailer as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that a hitch coupling is provided for coupling the hitch arm to a three-point linkage of a tractor, the hitch coupling comprising an elongated mounting member for coupling between lower two linkages of the three-point linkage, a first coupling means located on the mounting member for coupling the mounting member to a connecting arm extending IE 0 5 0 5 4 8 from an upper one of the linkages of the three-point linkage, and a second coupling means on the mounting member for coupling to the hitch arm.

30. A trailer as claimed in Claim 29 characterised in that the first coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the mounting member to the connecting arm.

31. A trailer as claimed in Claim 30 characterised in that the first coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the connecting arm to the mounting member about a substantially horizontally extending pivot axis.

32. A trailer as claimed in Claim 29 or 31 characterised in that the second coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the hitch arm to the mounting member.

33. A trailer as claimed in Claim 32 characterised in that the second coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the hitch arm to the mounting member about a substantially vertically extending pivot axis.

34. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 33 characterised in that the first coupling means comprises a pair of spaced apart first coupling brackets extending from the mounting member for embracing a portion of the connecting arm therebetween.

35. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 34 characterised in that the second coupling means comprises a pair of spaced apart second coupling brackets extending from the mounting member for embracing the hitch arm therebetween.

36. A trailer as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 35 characterised in that the first coupling means is located to one side of the mounting member, and the second coupling means is located on the opposite side of the mounting member.

37. A hitch coupling for coupling a hitch arm of a trailer to a three-point linkage of ΙΕ ο 5 Ο 5 4 β a tractor, the hitch coupling comprising an elongated mounting member for coupling between lower two linkages of the three-point linkage, a first coupling means located on the mounting member for coupling the mounting member to a connecting arm extending from an upper one of the linkages of the three-point linkage, and a second 5 coupling means on the mounting member for coupling to the hitch arm.

38. A hitch coupling as claimed in Claim 37 characterised in that the first coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the mounting member to the connecting arm. 10

39. A hitch coupling as claimed in Claim 38 characterised in that the first coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the connecting arm to the mounting member about a substantially horizontally extending pivot axis.

40. A hitch coupling as claimed in any of Claims 37 to 39 characterised in that 15 the second coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the hitch arm to the mounting member.

41. A hitch coupling as claimed in Claim 40 characterised in that the second coupling means is adapted for pivotally coupling the hitch arm to the mounting 20 member about a substantially vertically extending pivot axis.

42. A hitch coupling as claimed in any of Claims 37 to 41 characterised in that the first coupling means comprises a pair of spaced apart first coupling brackets extending from the mounting member for embracing a portion of the connecting arm 25 therebetween.

43. A hitch coupling as claimed in any of Claims 37 to 42 characterised in that the second coupling means comprises a pair of spaced apart second coupling brackets extending from the mounting member for embracing the hitch arm 30 therebetween.

44. A hitch coupling as claimed in any of Claims 37 to 43 characterised in that IE Ο 5 Ο 5 4 8 the first coupling means is located to one side of the mounting member, and the second coupling means is located on the opposite side of the mounting member.