IES20070137A2 - Improvements in and relating to bale wrapping machines - Google Patents

Improvements in and relating to bale wrapping machines

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Publication number
IES20070137A2
IES20070137A2 IES20070137A IES20070137A2 IE S20070137 A2 IES20070137 A2 IE S20070137A2 IE S20070137 A IES20070137 A IE S20070137A IE S20070137 A2 IES20070137 A2 IE S20070137A2
Authority
IE
Ireland
Prior art keywords
bale
loading
wrapping
conveyor
onto
Prior art date
Application number
Inventor
Andrew Deasy
Original Assignee
Idough Invest Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Idough Invest Company filed Critical Idough Invest Company
Priority to IES20070137 priority Critical patent/IES20070137A2/en
Publication of IES20070137A2 publication Critical patent/IES20070137A2/en

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Abstract

The present invention relates to apparatus (1) for wrapping a bale of fodder with a strip of wrapping material. The apparatus comprises a loading mechanism (2) adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially orizontally disposed floor (3) by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane. The apparatus further comprises a linkage aram (33) adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor (3). The present invention also related to a loading device for loading bales onto a bale wrapping machine, an off-loading device for off-laoding wrapped bales from a bale wrapping apparatus and a method of wrapping a bale. <Figure 3>

Description

Improvements in and relating to Bale Wrapping Machines Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to a bale wrapping machine. The invention is particularly concerned with a bale wrapping machine for loading, wrapping with a plastics film, and unloading bales of silage, hay, straw and the like (hereinafter referred to as 'fodder’). The machine of the invention may also be used for wrapping other loose materials and objects such as waste material, comminuted peat moss, saw dust, wood shavings, wood chippings, brewery waste, bricks, blocks, cartons and the like.
Background to the Invention It has become conventional practice in agriculture to form fodder into cylindricalshaped, rectangular or square shaped bales which are then wrapped in a plastics film.
Typically bale wrapping machines comprise a wheeled chassis which may be towed by a tractor. The chassis carries a tipping platform which, in turn, supports a turntable. The turntable is rotatable about a vertical axis. The turntable carries a pair of spaced rollers each of which rotates about a horizontal axis. An endless belt is stretched between the rollers and rotates with the rollers. In order to wrap a large round bale of fodder material with plastics film, the bale is lifted onto the turntable by means of lifting arms. The bale rests on the endless belt. The free end of a roll of plastics film is attached to the bale and the turntable is then rotated about a generally vertical axis to cause the sheet of film to be wrapped around the bale.
It is known to provide a bale wrapping machine which is designed as a static machine for wrapping large rectangular or square bales, but can also wrap round bales. In operation the machine is placed in the yard and the operator can load the machine using a tractor with a loader or a telehandler. The operator does this by placing the bale in the centre of the machine. The operator then starts the wrap sequence and the machine will wrap the bale and eject it when it is finished. However a problem with this type of bale wrapping machine is that it is static and requires that the bales are brought to a central •EO7O137 European Patent Number EP 0 539 549 attempts to solve this problem and discloses a mobile bale wrapping machine. A lifting mechanism for lifting rectangular bales onto the turntable is also described. The lifting mechanism comprises gripping means for gripping the bale, a lifting means for lifting the gripping means upwards through an arc ol substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane and means for moving the elevated gripping means through a further arc of substantially 90 degrees in second substantially vertical plane which is substantially normal to said first plane. However a problem with this type of lifting mechanism is that two actuating elements, typically in the form of two hydraulic rams, are required to pivot the bale 180 degrees. This means that extra hydraulics is required for the two actuating rams and results in a complex lifting mechanism increasing the risk of breakdown and adding to expense.
Another problem with bale wrapping machines is off-loading wrapped bales after wrapping. The baling machine must typically be static when off-loading wrapped bales. This slows up the baling process for the operator. In addition the ejection of wrapped bales results in the bales being ejected in a non-uniform manner, which means the wrapped bales can be more difficult to collect for subsequent storage and/or transport. All current bale wrappers deposit the bale in the same orientation when ejected by the baler, i.e. with the long side aligned with the direction of travel of the baler. This means that when collecting the bales in the field an operator must drive substantially perpendicular in lines across those of the baler. This method of collection is undesirable. The problem is further amplified where a field is long and narrow making the collection process of wrapped bales tedious and slow.
A further problem with baling machines is that it is difficult for an operator to determine when a roll of wrapping material is empty. The operator must stop the wrapping arm and change the roll of plastic material.
The present invention aims to provide a baling apparatus/machine to overcome the above mentioned problems.
ISO7O1 J/ Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided, as set out in the appended claims, an apparatus for wrapping a bale of fodder with a strip of wrapping material, comprising a loading mechanism adapted to securely pick up at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane; characterised in that a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor.
An advantage of the present invention is that only one actuating element is required for the loading mechanism. In addition there is no time lag between different actuating elements as only one actuating element is required. Moreover the complexity of the loading mechanism is reduced as one section of the valve and actuating element is eliminated and thus reducing maintenance and associated costs.
Suitably, the linkage arm turns the bale in an arc of at least 10 degrees. In another embodiment the linkage arm turns the bale in an arc of between 10 to 90 degrees.
Suitably, the loading mechanism comprises a gripping arm having a swivel bracket at one end. Preferably, the swivel bracket can be pivoted to the arm and pivotally aligns with the bale to securely grip the bale when said arm comes in contact with the at least one bale.
Suitably, the swivel bracket can be mechanically connected to the arm and aligns with the bale to securely grip the bale when said arm comes in contact with the at least one bale.
The apparatus may provide an off-loading mechanism for off-loading at least one wrapped bale having an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the machine, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame.
IE0 7 0 1 37 Suitably, the pivoting frame is positioned at an angle to the conveyor floor in a substantially vertical position to the conveyor floor to hold the at least one wrapped bale on the conveyor before off-loading. Ideally the pivoting frame is pivoted 90 degrees to the conveyor floor. The pivoting frame can be pivoted to position the pivoting frame in line with the conveyor floor to form a single conveyor bed to allow for off-loading of the at least one wrapped bale.
Suitably, the adjustable conveyor comprises adjusting means to lower the conveyor adjacent the ground to allow for off-loading of the at least one wrapped bale. The adjustable conveyor can be mounted to the side of the baling apparatus by a pivot joint.
Suitably, the pivot joint comprises means to pivot said adjustable conveyor by a substantially 90-degree angle to the side of the wrapping apparatus. This arrangement allows for the bales to be easily ejected while the baling apparatus is moving. The arrangement also allows for the wrapped bale to be ejected and deposited in a field turned substantially 90 degrees. This positioning of the wrapped bales allows for easy collection by an operator, which is very advantageous. in another embodiment of the invention the pivot joint and pivot frame can pivot concurrently to allow for off-loading of the at least one wrapped bale.
The adjustable conveyor may comprise a ground engaging support wheel for engaging the ground during operation for off-loading at least one wrapped bale. The ground engaging wheel provides support during the off-loading process.
In another embodiment of the present invention, during wrapping a bale of fodder with the strip of wrapping material, a sensor is provided to detect if a least one roll of wrapping material is empty during wrapping operation. l’he sensor may comprise a wobble stick and a switch such that as the wrapping material is applied to the bale the wrapping material is passed over the wobble stick to actuate said switch to indicate wrapping material is available for wrapping operation.
/FO 70 ) 37 In a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a loading device for loading bales onto a bale wrapping machine comprising: a loading arm adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane; characterised in that there is provided a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor.
In another embodiment there is provided an off-loading device for off-loading wrapped bales from a bale wrapping apparatus comprising: an off-loading mechanism, for off-loading at least one wrapped bale, having an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame.
In a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of wrapping a bale comprising the steps of: loading the bale onto a horizontally disposed floor of a baling apparatus using a loading arm adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane and a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor; wrapping the loaded bale with a wrapping material; and off-loading at least one wrapped bale using an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame.
Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:«0 70 1 J7 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bale wrapping machine according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows one aspect of the bale wrapping machine for loading a bale; Figure 3 illustrates a more detailed side view of Figure 2 before loading a bale; F igure 4 further illustrates a more detailed side view of Figure 2 in operation; Figure 5 shows a side view of another aspect of the present invention for offloading a bale; Figure 6 illustrates operation of the baling machine for off-loading a bale; Figure 7 shows an underside view of the offloading embodiment of Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated an apparatus for wrapping a bale of fodder with a strip of wrapping material according to the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. A loading mechanism 2 is mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus 1. A substantially horizontally disposed floor 3 to the ground and wrapping arms 4 are provided to wrap bales of fodder. An off-loading mechanism 5 in the form of an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus is provided, the operation of which is discussed later in the specification.
Referring now to Figures 2-4 inclusive illustrates operation of a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a gripping arm 21 designed to pick up or grip bales of fodder, either square shaped bales or round shaped bales. The gripping arm 21 has a swivel bracket 22 such that the swivel bracket 22 is spring loaded so that it normally rests in the position shown in Figure 2. The gripping arm 21 is mechanically mounted to the baling apparatus 1 by a suitable mechanical coupling means 23, known in the art. The swivel bracket 21 can be pivotally connected to the arm 21 at pivot point 25. When the swivel bracket 22 comes in contact with the bale the swivel bracket 22 pivots inwards towards the wrapping apparatus to grip the bale of fodder. This means that the swivel bracket 22 will be approximately parallel to an inner arm 26, which ensures that the bale is securely held during loading. Ί IEq 7 Ο J 3γ It will be appreciated that alternatively the swivel bracket 22 can be attached by a coupling mechanism 25 which would ensure that the swivel bracket 22 remains parallel to the inner arm 26 at all times.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4 the bale is securely gripped by the gripping arm 21 and is ready for loading the bale onto the substantially horizontally disposed floor 3 for wrapping.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the loading mechanism of Figure 2 before loading of the bale onto the horizontally disposed floor 3. The gripping arm 21 is coupled to the frame of the wrapping apparatus by a main lifting arm 31. A torque is applied to the main li fting arm 31 by means of an actuating element 32. A linkage arm 33 is connected from the main arm 31 and to the wrapping apparatus 1. The loading mechanism lifts the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane to the ground by the main lifting arm 31, which is actuated by the actuating element 32.
I he actuating element 32 is typically a hydraulic cylinder, which is known in the art. The bale when lifted substantially in a 90-degree arc and is ready for loading onto the horizontally disposed floor 3 to be wrapped with wrapping material by wrapping arms 4.
As the main lifting arm 31 is rotated the linkage arm 33 simultaneously rotates or turns the main arm 32 to turn the bale further in the same direction as the 90 degree arc such that the bale is loaded onto the substantially horizontally disposed floor 3. In other words as the main lift arm 31 is rotated the linkage arm effectively pulls the arm to rotate towards the wrapping apparatus 1. The linkage arm 33 provides for further rotation of the bale to ensure the bale is easily loaded onto the substantially horizontally disposed floor for wrapping, typically the extra rotation provided by the linkage arm 33 is of the order of 10 degrees or more. Thus the bale is rotated by 100 degrees or over in a single movement action. It will be appreciated that the linkage arm 33 provides a simple mechanism for completing the loading of the bale onto the horizontally disposed floor without the need for extra hydraulics. The linkage arm 33 is typically in the form of an elongated length of steel, or iron bar, having a boss at each end such that the linkage arm 33 is linked to the main arm 31 so that a force or torque is supplied to pivot ISO 70 137 the main arm 31 sufficiently to load the bale onto the horizontally disposed floor. As the lift arms are raised by the actuating element 32 the linkage arms cause the main arm to pivot about the point where the linkage arm is attached to the lifting arm.
In the example shown in the figures the linkage arm can turn the main arm 31 through an arc of 90 degrees, resulting in the main arm being rotated through a total angle of 180 degrees, but only using one actuating element. It has been found that the loading mechanism of the present invention will load bales for wrapping onto the wrapping floor by linkage arm turning the main arm through an angle of approximately 10 degrees or more. It will be appreciated that linkage arm provides sufficient torque to rotate the arm over the 90 degrees supplied by the actuating element 32. The linkage arm can be considered to function as a perpendicular linkage arm and operates in reverse to a parallel linkage, wherein a parallel linkage is known in agricultural machinery.
It will be appreciated that the lifting mechanism of the present invention allows for the possible loading of groups of smaller bales onto the horizontally disposed table to be wrapped in a single wrap. Typically the loading arm can handle groups of eight rectangular or square bales for loading on the bale wrapping machine for single wrapping. This is advantageous as plastic material is saved and the square smaller bales are easier to handle individually on opening a single wrapped group of bales. figure 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. An off-loading mechanism for off-loading at least one wrapped bale is provided. An adjustable conveyor 41 is mounted to one side of the apparatus. The conveyor 41 comprises a plurality of rollers 42. The conveyor 41 is provided with a pivoting frame 43 and is pivoted to the adjustable conveyor 41 at point 44. In operation after the bale of fodder is wrapped the wrapped bale is driven off the floor 3, for example using known rocking rollers and is driven onto the conveyor 41. The conveyor 41 is mounted on the baling apparatus 1 on the opposite side as the loading mechanism 2. The entire adjustable conveyor 41 is mounted in such a way that it can be raised high above the ground during transport. «070137 he pivoting frame 43 is pivoted at an angle of substantial 90 degrees to the adjustable conveyor to hold the bale on the conveyor 41. It will be appreciated that the pivoting frame may be positioned at any angle so long as the bale is held on the conveyor 41. To unload the bale the conveyor 41 is adjustable to drop down to bring the bale closer to the ground. The pivoting frame 43 is then pivoted to rotate to form a single substantially flat conveyor bed to allow the bale 45 roll off the conveyor onto the ground by action of the rollers 42. It is envisioned the pivoting frame 43 will comprise at least one roller 42. In the embodiment shown in the figure 5 the pivoting frame 43 comprises three rollers, but can work equally as well with only one roller. It will be appreciated that bale 45 can be off-loaded without the need for rollers 42 if the conveyor is positioned at a relative angle to the ground to allow the bale slide off the conveyor 41. The pivoting frame 43 is pivoted to the adjustable conveyor 41 by any known mechanism.
It will be appreciated that the adjustable conveyor comprises any suitable adjusting means to lower the conveyor 41 adjacent to the ground to allow for easier offloading of the wrapped bale.
Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the off-loading mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. In this embodiment the adjustable conveyor 41 is hinged or pivoted to the baling apparatus at point 51. When a bale 45 is ready for off loading as shown in Figure 5 the adjustable conveyor 41 is further configured to rotate away from the baling apparatus 1 at hinged or pivot point 51 to effectively rotate the conveyor belt through approximately 90 degrees to allow for off-loading of the bale, as shown by Figure 6. This has the effect that the wrapped bale is off-loaded to the ground and positioned at 90 degrees to what they are normally collected to. This has the advantage that the bale is easily collected by a loader and can travel in the same direction of the baling apparatus, which is highly advantageous.
In operation as indicated above once the bale is fully wrapped it is driven off the horizontally disposed floor used for example rocking rollers and onto the set of conveyors 42. The whole conveyor section 41 then pivots around substantially 90 degrees to the wrapping apparatus 1. The pivoting frame 43 then pivots to form a single ΙΕΟ 7 0 1 37 Hat conveyor bed to allow the bale run off the conveyor onto the ground and positioned at a 90-degree angle for normal off-loading.
It will be appreciated to increase the efficiency of the off-loading mechanism is that the adjustable conveyor 41 is configured to pivots at pivot point 51 concurrently with the pivoting frame 43 to allow the bale run off the conveyor in a single action. The pivoting or hinged point 51 can be mechanically implemented in a number of ways for example by use of a linkage mechanism or an actuating cylinder. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the underside of the adjustable conveyor 41. The pivot or hinge point 51 is provided with a pivoting arm 53 which can be actuated by a controller (not shown) either from the bale wrapping machine or a remote control.
The adjustable conveyor comprises an optional support wheel 52 which comes in contact with the ground during the pivoting operation to provide extra support to the conveyor frame. The support wheel 52 optimises efficiency of the off loading mechanism. Ideally rear wheels associated with the baling apparatus are positioned to the rear of the wrapping apparatus so as to transfer weight to the rear wheels of the pulling apparatus, typically a tractor.
Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. The wrapping arm 4 allows for the bale 45 to be wrapped by the wrapping material, for example plastic film material known in the art. The wrapping material is provided by roller 61. The present invention provides a sensor to detect if the at least one roll of wrapping material is empty during operation. This is achieved by passing the wrapping material over a wobble stick 63 to actuate a switch 62 to indicate wrapping material is available for operation. By monitoring the input for the switch 62 on each revolution a controller can detect if one roll is empty or two. This provides an effective mechanism for monitoring rolls of wrapping material.
It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention have mainly described operation with agricultural bales. The invention is equally applicable to a wrapping apparatus for wrapping other loose materials and objects such as waste material, IE0 70 1 3? comminuted peat moss, saw dust, wood shavings, wood chippings, brewery waste, cardboard, bricks, blocks, cartons and the like.
I’he words comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein 5 with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in io the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination, The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail. «0 7 0

Claims (5)

Claims ίο 1. Apparatus for wrapping a bale of fodder with a strip of wrapping material, comprising: a loading mechanism adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane; characterised in that there is provided a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor. 1 37 is passed over the wobble stick to actuate said switch to indicate wrapping material is available for wrapping operation. 16. A loading device for loading bales onto a bale wrapping machine comprising: a loading arm adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane; characterised in that there is provided a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor. 17. An off-loading device for off-loading wrapped bales from a bale wrapping apparatus comprising: an off-loading mechanism, for off-loading at least one wrapped bale, having an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame. 18. A method of wrapping a bale comprising the steps of: loading the bale onto a horizontally disposed floor of a baling apparatus using a loading arm adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane and a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor; wrapping the loaded bale with a wrapping material; and off-loading at least one wrapped bale using an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame 19. Apparatus for wrapping a bale of fodder as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and/or drawings. TOMKINS &, CO «θ 7 0 I 37 is passed over the wobble stick to actuate said switch to indicate wrapping material is available for wrapping operation. 16. A loading device for loading bales onto a bale wrapping machine comprising: 5 a loading arm adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane; characterised in that there is provided a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the 10 at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor. 17. An off-loading device for off-loading wrapped bales from a bale wrapping apparatus comprising: an off-loading mechanism, for off-loading at least one wrapped bale, having an 15 adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame. 18. A method of wrapping a bale comprising the steps of: 20 loading the bale onto a horizontally disposed floor of a baling apparatus using a loading arm adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane and a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one 25 bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor; wrapping the loaded bale with a wrapping material; and off-loading at least one wrapped bale using an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame 19. Apparatus for wrapping a bale of fodder as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and/or drawings. TOMKINS & CO The following revised Claims were filed on 27 th June 2008 ΙΕο 7 ο 137 Claims
1. Apparatus for wrapping a bale of fodder with a strip of wrapping material, comprising: a loading mechanism adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane; characterised in that there is provided a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor. 2. A loading device for loading bales onto a bale wrapping machine comprising: a loading arm adapted to securely grip at least one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane; characterised in that there is provided a linkage amt adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the linkage arm turns the bale in an arc of at least 10 degrees. 3. An off-loading device for off-loading wrapped bales from a bale wrapping apparatus comprising: an off-loading mechanism, for off-loading at least one wrapped bale, having an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the loading mechanism comprises a gripping arm having a swivel bracket at one end. 4. A method of wrapping a bale comprising the steps of: loading the bale onto a horizontally disposed floor of a baling apparatus using a loading arm adapted to securely grip at ieast one bale and load the bale onto a substantially horizontally-disposed floor by lifting the bale through an arc of substantially 90 degrees in a first substantially vertical plane and a linkage arm adapted to further turn the at least one bale in an arc such that the at least one bale is loaded onto said substantially horizontally-disposed floor; IE0 70 1 37 wrapping the loaded bale with a wrapping material; and off-loading at least one wrapped bale using an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the swivel bracket is pivoted to the arm and 20 pivotally aligns with the bale to securely grip the bale when said arm comes in contact with the at least one bale. 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the swivel bracket is mechanically connected to the arm and aligns with the bale to securely grip the bale when said arm comes in contact with the at least one bale. 6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising an off-loading mechanism for off-loading at least one wrapped bale having an adjustable conveyor mounted to one side of the wrapping apparatus, said conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers, wherein at least one roller is mounted on a pivoting frame. fEO 70 1 37 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the pivoting frame is positioned at an angle to the conveyor floor in a substantially vertical position to the conveyor floor to hold the at least one wrapped bale on the conveyor before off-loading. 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the pivoting frame is pivoted to position the pivoting frame in line with the conveyor floor to form a single conveyor bed to allow for off-loading of the at least one wrapped bale. 9. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the adjustable conveyor comprises adjusting means to lower the conveyor adjacent the ground to allow for off-loading of the at least one wrapped bale. 10. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the adjustable conveyor is mounted to the side of the machine by a pivot joint, 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the pivot joint comprises means to pivot said adjustable conveyor by a substantially 90 degree angle to the side of the machine. 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein said pivot joint and pivot frame pivot concurrently to allow for off-loading of the at least one wrapped bale. 13. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 12 wherein the adjustable conveyor comprises a ground engaging support wheel for engaging the ground during operation for off-loading at least one wrapped bale. 14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein during wrapping a bale of fodder with the strip of wrapping material a sensor is provided to detect if a least one roll of wrapping material is empty during wrapping operation. 15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sensor comprises a wobble stick and a switch such that as the wrapping material is applied to the bale the wrapping material ΙΕο 7 ο
5. Apparatus for wrapping a bale of fodder as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and/or drawings. TOMKINS & CO.
IES20070137 2007-03-02 2007-03-02 Improvements in and relating to bale wrapping machines IES20070137A2 (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113141881A (en) * 2020-12-29 2021-07-23 安徽思嘉瑞机械设备有限公司 Bundling and film-wrapping integrated machine

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113141881A (en) * 2020-12-29 2021-07-23 安徽思嘉瑞机械设备有限公司 Bundling and film-wrapping integrated machine

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