IES20110024A2 - Machinery for handling heavy loads - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for lifting, transporting and tipping a load comprising: a load body having a front and rear end, the load body comprising a support level and a lift level, the levels pivotally mounted together at the rear of the load body, wherein the load body is moveable between a transport position wherein the levels are substantially parallel to each other at a position above ground level; and a lowered position wherein the load body is lowered such that at least a rear portion of the lift level contacts the ground; and wherein the lift level is pivotable between the transport position and a tipping position wherein the levels are substantially perpendicular. <Figure 1>

Description

Machinery for Handling Heavy Loads Field of the Invention The invention reiates to machinery suitable for handling heavy loads, such as round bales of fodder. In particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus which may be used to load, transport and unload round bales in stacks, comprising pairs of bales. io Description of Related Art It is now common to find round bales of hay or silage which are baled and wrapped using specialist expensive powerful machinery. Each baie may weigh in the region of about 600 kilograms. After baling and/or wrapping in the hay field, the round bales are left in the field and picked up is later and transported to their storage site. The size and weight of the bales means they are difficult to handle, transport and indeed store. Manual handling is impossible and so special handling equipment is required. Such equipment is generally mounted on the front or back of a tractor.

An existing apparatus includes a pair of downwardly extending side arms which can be placed over the bales and actuated by hydraulic rams to move inwardly and grip the sides of the big roll bales.

Many machines adapted to pick up and transport round bales can only handle one bale at a time, but a number of machines have been proposed, and in some cases manufactured, for the purpose of transporting several bales per trip. These machines typically include a towable trailer vehicle defining a somewhat elongate bed or platform with one or more longitudinally extending conveyors for moving the bales along the bed. Bales are picked up and lifted onto the bed from front, rear or side.

Numerous bale picking and stacking apparatus have been developed in the past for handling large bales. However, problems have been realized with their use. Some are designed as tractor drawn carts with mechanisms attached for handling the bales. While somewhat serviceable, : - Η Ο 024 fhe carts are not easily maneuvered, especially when the bales are to be stacked.

Other pickers and stackers are designed as complete self powered vehicles. In these, the operator's cab is usually situated at one end of the machine, alongside the picking and stacking head. Such machines are difficult to maneuver in close areas due to their necessary width dimensions.

In the past, round baled fodder production was extremely costly since baling equipment available to the contractor was not capable of producing fodder bales of the correct density. This problem has now been resolved by the introduction of bailers driven by high horse power tractors which are capable of producing bales exceeding 600kg. This has resulted in a saving to the farmer, as higher density bales reduce the cost and number of bales required by upwards of 10%. The downside of this is that the farmer can no longer collect his bales from the field himself, with his standard tractor. The farmer can employ a contactor fo do this, or he can hire a larger tractor and loader fo retrieve the bales.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, as set out in the appended claims, there is provided an apparatus for lifting, transporting and tipping a load comprising: a load body having a front and rear end, the load body comprising a support level and a lift ievel, the levels pivotally mounted together af the rear of the load body, wherein the load body is moveable between a transport position wherein the levels are substantially parallel to each other at a position above ground level; and a lowered position wherein the load body is lowered such that at least a rear portion of the lift level contacts the ground; and wherein the lift level is pivotable between the transport position and a tipping position wherein the levels are substantially perpendicular.

If 1 1 0 024 The apparatus of the invention is ideally suited to handling loads of the type as round bales of animal fodder or cotton or the like. By handling it is meant lifting the bale onto the device for transportation, transportation of the bales to a desired location and unloading the bales. The apparatus of fhe invention is particularly advantageous since it solves of the problem of (i) collecting and transporting, and (ii) unloading and stacking pairs of heavy round bales, such as animal fodder, using a small horsepower tractor.

This is a significant advantage of the present invention, since it is generally impossible to achieve such stacking of bales of average weight of 600KG by low power tractors. The skilled person will appreciate that tractors or the like of at least 75 horsepower would be required to lift and stack such bales in this type of stacking arrangement. The nature of the device of the invention allows tractors of lower power, for example, tractors having as low as 45 horse power can operate the device of the invention. This is an important achievement resulting from the particular design of the apparatus. Suitably fhe apparatus is made from a strong, durable metal such as steel. The skilled person will appreciate the best types of steel to be used.

The apparatus comprises a load body, which comprises two main parts. The skilled person will appreciate that the load body may also be known as a chassis. A chassis is essentially a framework that supports a weight or a body. The skilled person will further appreciate that fhe chassis may be considered as including the tow bar. In other embodiments, the chassis may be understood to also cover side walls or supporting rails members etc.

First, a support level or plane which is used to support the weight of the load well above the ground level to facilitate fhe transportation step; and secondly, a lift plane which facilitates loading and unloading of the bales onto the apparatus. The support level and lift level are cooperatively mounted together to form the load body. The support level and lift level are pivotally mounted together towards the rear of the load body so that pivotal movement allows the upward displacement of the lift level relative to the support level when it is desired to unload the load. This tipping action - J 4 IE ί 10 024 is best achieved by pivotaily connecting the support level and lift level towards the remote rear end of the support level. Any suitable means for facilitating a pivot mount between the lift level and support level may be used. In a preferred embodiment, suitable mounting means include a bale clamp pivot mount. This arrangement is particularly desirably, since a bale grab, for example a bale clamp may be also mounted onto the pivot mount. in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support level of the apparatus comprises an open frame assembly wherein the support level is io defined by a pair of side arms.

In a preferred embodiment, the lift level comprises an open frame assembly wherein the lift level is defined by a pair of side arms. Suitably, secondary side arms may be provided on side arms of the lift level. Preferably, secondary side arms may be provided on the inner portion of the lift level side arms. If desired, the secondary side arms may extend beyond the frame of the lift level. Such secondary side arms are desirable since they can be provided as a load support.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the (iff level and the support level take the form of a frame. Most preferably the frame is an open frame, By open frame, if is meant that the support level and the lift level frames comprise a pair of side arms connected by at least a front beam. The rear of the frame may be open meaning that the rear ends of the side arms are not connected together.

Further supporting or reinforcing beams may be provided if so desired.

Stiffening plates or struts or the like may also be added if desired. The skilled person will appreciate types and nature of mechanical support/arrangements, which may be used to reinforce the assemblies or parts of the assemblies if so desired.

In a preferred arrangement of the apparatus of the invention, the lift level is positioned within the support level assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the lift level frame sits within the support level frame.

Desirably, the secondary side arms of the lift level are narrower in width than the widest part of the round bale. This is to ensure that the bale 5JE 1 1 0 024 may sit within the frame created by the secondary side arms of the lift level frame.

The lift level of the apparatus of fhe invention may aiso be provided with a support means which is positioned at fhe end of the lift level remote from the pivotal mount. Such a support means may be required to prevent fhe front end of the lift level from falling to ground level away from the plane of the support level· The front end of the lift level is the opposite end to where the lift and support levels are pivotally mounted relative to each other. Suitable support means include protruding stops, bars or lips or other protrusions that are provided on the lift level to prevent the front of the lift level failing through the support level as defined by the support level frame. Desirably, the support means may be adjustable. Desirably, the support means is adjustably mounted on the lift level, so that the resting height may be adjusted as necessary depending on the weight of the load, the quality of the terrain and/or the height of the vehicle onto which the chassis may be attached for transportation. In other words, the height or position of the front of the lift level relative to the support level may be adjusted. Typically, the adjustment means for the support means may be an aperture and pin arrangement or an aperture and bolt arrangement. This involves a series of apertures spaced apart by a predetermined amount being provided on a supporting surface of the support level. For example, the series of apertures may be provided on vertical beam position on the front support strut of the support. In one preferred embodiment, the support means may comprise at least one stop bar or lip for engaging with a portion of the support ievef.

Preferably, a pair of stop means may be provided on a front support strut of the support level frame. Suitably at least one stop bar or lip may be provided with engagement means suitable for interacting/locking with the series of apertures provided on the supporting surface located on the support level. Preferably, such stop means are provided on either side spaced apart on the centre of the support level frame strut.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, fhe secondary side arms of the lift level extend beyond the length of the side arms of the support level. This means that the lift level secondary side arms are longer than the side arms of the supporting frame. This is an advantageous arrangement since it i£ 1 1 0 0 2 4 Si assists in loading the bales and also allows the apparatus to conveniently handle a pair of bales. The apparatus is most desirably used to transport pairs of bales since when a pair of bales is loaded. The apparatus provides means for unloading the pair of bales in a stacked configuration. More details will be provided later.

Desirably, the terminating portion of fhe secondary side arms of the lift level are angled outwards from a plane formed by the secondary side arms. This is an advantageous arrangement since it assists in loading the bales without damaging any covering material. The arrangement also facilitates bale loading since when the apparatus is reversed to load bales, the area for initial engagement with bales is wider so that less accuracy is required to initially engage or catch the bale between the extended side arms of the lift level.

In a preferred arrangement, each of the support level side arms are supported over a wheel. It will be appreciated that wheel Is intended to represent wheels as in the common sense, rollers, tracks or other means which facilitates movement of the apparatus.

Suitably, the load body of the apparatus of fhe invention is moveable between the transport position and the lowered position by a chassis height adjustment means. The device operates to lift bales by movement of the lift level between a transport position wherein the support level and lift level (which in combination make up the load body or chassis) are substantially parallel to each other at a position above ground level and a lowered position wherein the entire load body is lowered such that at least a rear portion of the lift level contacts fhe ground. In particular, a portion of fhe secondary side arms of the lift level may contact the ground. This means that the load body comprising the lift and support levels can be positioned quite close to the ground. The apparatus may then be reversed on towards the front of a bale to be loaded. The reversing movement slides the secondary side arms of the lowered lift level underneath the bulk of the round bale in a gentle manner that does not cause damage to the cover material. Continuation of the reversing motion has the effect of sliding the secondary side arms of the lowered lift level underneath bale. The bale does IE 110024 not move from its initial position which is an important factor in ensuring that the cover is not damaged. The operator may stop when the first bale to be loaded is accommodated on rear portion of the secondary side arms. The load body may then be raised and the apparatus is transported to the location of the next bale to be loaded. The load body is lowered after being carefully aligned with the orientation of the next bale so that the first bale loaded may be unloaded in correct alignment with the second bale to be loaded. The apparutus may then be reversed such that the lowered secondary arms slide underneath fhe bulk of both of the correctly aligned io bales. Correct alignment of the pair of bales to be loaded is critical to ensure that the bale covering is not damaged when the bales are being loaded.

The secondary side arms should be of sufficient length to accommodate a pair of bales. When the bales have been loaded onto the secondary side arms of the lowered lift level of the apparatus, the operator may engage the height adjustment means to move the lowered lift level back to the transport position. The transport position may be just above the ground levei and it is only required that it is sufficiently clear of the ground. The weight/density of the bale, the power of the tractor and fhe roughness of the terrain will determine how high the lift ievel must be raised.

In a preferred embodiment, the load body or chassis height adjustment means may be hydraulic ram. Preferably, the hydraulic ram may is of the telescopic axie beam type. The skilled person will appreciate that a telescopic axle beam can extend or retract as required in a telescopic manner. Preferably, the telescopic axle beam is itself moveable within a vertical housing provided on the support levei. Provision of such a housing on the support is advantageous in that it allows the hydraulic height adjustment means to be provided in a neat manner and produces an aesthetically pleasing design. If also protects the telescopic axle beam ram when in the retracted position.

In a preferred embodiment, the telescopic axle beam has a wheel mounted thereon. Suitably the wheel may be mounted on the lower side of the axle beam, located closest to the ground. The skilled person will i£ ί ο ύ ι 7 8 IE 1 1 0 024 appreciate suitable means for connecting a wheel to the lower end of the axle beam.

Suitably, the side arms of the support level may have portions which extend vertically upwards to form a barrier. A barrier is advantageous for safety reasons as it helps maintain the loaded bales in the correct position and lessens the risk of bales falling from the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier comprises a rail. A rail is desirable since it adds strength and stability to the apparatus, yet allows the apparatus to be relatively light w Preferably, the axle beam housing forms a vertical portion of the barrier. Suitably, where a supporting rail forms the barrier, the rail may be mounted onto an upper portion of the axle bean housing. Accordingly, the rail also advantageously acts as a supporting strut in this capacity.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus of ihe invention comprises barriers side walls which are connected by a further front barrier which extends across the front of the load body. Desirably, the front barrier is a stability rail.

In a preferred embodiment, the support level is provided with a means for pivoting the lift level between the transport position and the tipping position. Desirably, the means for pivoting is a hydraulic tipping arm. Preferably, the tipping arm is a multi stage hydraulic arm. Suitable, the multi stage hydraulic arm may be connected to the load body chassis on one end and to the lift level at another position.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus of the invention comprises a means for pulling the apparatus. Suitably, the pulling means is provided on the front end of load body. Desirably, the means for pulling is a drawbar. Such a drawbar may be attached to a tractor or other device having a means for operating hydraulics. Preferably the towbar will include means for adjusting the height of the drawbar hitch. This is desirable since it will facilitate linking the apparatus to vehicles of various heights. Suitable means for adjusting the height of fhe drawbar hitch include a vertical arm extension which can be mounted on the end of the towbar. Desirably, the vertical arm extension may comprise a plurality of apertures therein, which V IE 1 1 0 0 2 4 may be used as attachment means for a hitch or the like. This is advantageous since it means the hitch eye may be adjusted both vertically and horizontoally.

In a further aspect of the invention, each secondary side arm of the 5 lift level is provided with a load grip means in at least one position. A load grip means is advantageous as it assists in holding the loaded bales in position for transportation. Load grip means assist in unloading the bales at the tipping stage. Suitably, the load grip means comprise a pair of bale clamp bodies wherein each clamp body is provided on opposing locations of the side arms of lift level.

Desirably, a pair of clamp bodies are provided towards the rear of the side arms of the lift body. This is the most advantageous position since in particular it allows the rear bale to be clamped. The load grip means are very useful when for the bale unloading procedure, if desired to unload a pair of bales in the stacked position. The advantages of this arrangement will be made clear when the procedure for unloading the bales is considered later.

Suitably, the clamp body may be roundly contoured to assist in grabbing the round bale.

Preferably, the load grip means is moveable between a load hold position and a load release position. Desirably, the load grip means is moveable through a hydraulic arm provided on each of the side arms of the lift level.

For example, where the bales are tipped past perpendicular to the support level, the top bale of the stack may start to slip out of a position flush with the lower bale of the stack. When unloaded this could lead to an unstable stack which may be dangerous or may topple at a later time, potentially causing damage to the surrounding area. The problem can be obviated or at least lessened by providing load grip means for gripping the load, in particular for gripping the load when being tipped.

In a preferred embodiment, the load grip means may be extendable in a direction along the length of the bales. Extendible load grip means are desirable, since extended grips means allows greater control of the position •Ε 110024 *.E 1 0 fi -, / ό of the. bales during the fipping/unloading stage. When extendible the grip means are used, this slippage or instability is lessened or reduced.

Desirably, the extendible grip means comprises telescopically extendable arms. Alternatively, the grip means may be adapted such that extended portions can be attached thereto. In such cases, for example, further grips means may be temporarily attached or connected to the load grip means. This may be accomplished manually be the operator before the bales are unloaded.

In preferred embodiment the lift load may be provided with load grip io means comprising a stabilizing means for stabilization of the upper baie of a stack. Suitably, the load grip means may be in the form of a harness or bracket or cradle type arrangement which may be secured to the front of the lift level for securing engagement with the baie corresponding to the uppermost bale of a bale stack.

Suitably, at least two types of load grip may be combined, for example, a pair of extended bale clamps and a bale cradie.

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:Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the right side of apparatus of the invention; Figure 2 shows a rendered fop perspective view of the right side of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 3 shows a side view of the left side of support level of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 4 shows a side view of the front of the support level shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a top perspective view from the rear of the right side of the 30 support level frame comprising side arms and front support strut; IE 1 1 0 0 2 4 Figure 6 shows a top perspective view from the front of the of the right side of the lift level of the apparatus of the Invention; Figure 7 shows a top perspective view from the front of the right side of the drawbar of the apparatus and slider fitting for accommodating the multi stage hydraulic cylinder ram as shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 8 shows a top perspective view of a bale clamp pivot mount; Figure 9 shows a rendered perspective view from the front right side of the apparatus of the invention in the loading position wherein the lift level is in the lowered load position; io Figure 10 shows a rendered perspective view of the loaded apparatus following from Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a rendered perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 10 wherein the lift level is raised to the transport position; Figure 12 shows a rendered perspective view of the apparatus of Figures 9 to 11, wherein the lift level is raised to the unload or tip position; Figure 13 shows a rendered perspective view of the apparatus of Figure wherein the lift level is in the fully raised (unload/tip) position; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the unloaded apparatus of Figure wherein the grabs have been disengaged to release the stacked load; Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus having bale clamps with extension for stabilizing the bale stack while tipping; Figure 1 ό shows a perspective view of the front of an embodiment of the invention having a bale stability harness attached to the lift level frame and in bale engaged position; Figure 17 shows the apparatus of the embodiment of Figure 16 wherein the bale stability harness is being removed from the unloaded bale stack; Figure 18 shows a close up view of a bale clamp mounted onto the bale clamp pivot mount of Figure 8 in tipping or unloading position; IE i 0 v i 7 8 12 IE 11 O 0 2 4 Figure 19 shows a further view ofthe bale clamp mounted onto the bale clamp pivot mount of Figure 18: Figure 20 shows a close up of a fitted drawbar of Figure 7 having the lower portion of the multi stage cylinder hydraulic ram in assembled position, at rest; Figure 21 shows the position of the multi stage cylinder hydraulic ram early in the tipping/unloading position; and Figure 22 shows the position of the multi stage cylinder hydraulic ram in the fully extended position.

Detailed Description of the Invention One of the principal inventive concepts of the present invention is that the proposed apparatus solves of the problem of (i) collecting and transporting, and (ii) unloading and stacking pairs of heavy round bales, such as animal fodder, using a small horsepower tractor. The smallest tractor on the farm (i.e. from 50 horse power upwards) when coupled to the apparatus of the invention can travel to the field in complete safety and collect two bales without imposing any stress on the hydraulic linkage of the tractor.

The machine may be then lowered to the ground hydraulically and the operator may load fhe machine by reversing in the direction of the bales. Through use of two hydraulic rams, located adjacent to each wheel, the bale handler can power itself up to the transport position.

Upon arrival in the farmyard, the machine may be hydraulically tipped via a special three stage hydraulic tipping ram, requiring minimum hydraulic pressure and resulting in the bales being stacked end on end, this replacing the hire of an expensive loader. The hydraulic bale grabs, located left and right can be used to remove the bales in pairs for winter-feeding.

The advantages of the apparatus being that no great lifting power is required to load the bales onto the support arms, and that the weight of the bales are distributed vertically along the arms which are easily supported above the wheeled axle of the trailer. The small amount of power required and sliding mechanism of loading allowing transportation of the bales by a IE :00178 IE 1 1 0 0 2 4 standard average powered tractor. Finally, the orientation of the loaded bales and tipping mechanism facilitates easy unloading and stacking in bale head to tall pairs. The apparatus obviates the need for high-powered drive machinery. Advantageously, the machine enables the operator to collect the fodder bales from the field in pairs. The machine also enables the operator to stack the bales end on end in the farmyard. Storing round bales of fodder in a stacked configuration is thought to be the most effective way of preserving and storing sifage.

Referring now to the drawings and specifically Figures 1 to 22 inclusive and initially Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a bale handling apparatus 1 of the invention comprising load body or chassis 2 made up of support level 3 and lift level 4 which are pivotally mounted at using bale clamp pivot mount P. Drawbar 5 for attachment to a vehicle is attached to the front of support level 3 and is clearly visibly towards the front of the load body 2. A pair of adjustable baie clamps 6 for handling the bates is also visible mounted onto side arms 7 of the lift level 4 through use of bale clamp pivot mount P. Secondary side arms S are provided on the lift level 3 side arms (visible in Figure 6). The load body 2 is supported over wheels W which over which the load body 2 is mounted using telescopic wheel axle beam 9 (see Figure 3). The wheel axle beam 9 is only partially visible in this view, since the majority portion of the beam 9 is accommodated within vertical housing 10. Each side arm of support level 3 also comprises rails 12. Front rail 13 is also provided for ensuring the stability of the apparatus.

Figure 2 illustrates a rendered version of the baie handler apparatus 1 in the assembled configuration. This representation clearly shows the level frame sits within the support level frame at a substantially parallel position to the support level. The depth of the lift level frame 4 relative to the support level frame 3 is determined by the height setting on support arms 23 (Figure 6).

Figure 3 shows a side view of a first part of the chassis or load body 2 ot the bale handler 1, namely the support levei frame 2 which comprises a pair of side arms 11 from which a rail 12 extends upwards from the side arm IE 1 1 0 0 2 4 IE 10 0 17 8 to attach to vertical housing 10. Rail 12 adds further strength to the apparatus and acts as a safety barrier. Front rail 13 is also provided for ensuring the stability of the apparatus. Drawbar 5 terminates in a hitch portion 15 for attaching the device to a vehicle. Hitch portion 5 is horizontally adjustable along the length of towbar 5.

Figure 4 shows the front view of the chassis or load body 2 of the apparatus shown in Figure 3. Wheels W are attached to telescopic wheel axel beam 9 by wheel axel 18. Telescopic wheei axel beam 9 is hydraulically actuatable to be removeably accommodated withdrawn and retracted io within vertical housing 10 ot the support level 3.

Figure 5 shows the chassis or foad body 2 wherein fhe lift level frame 4 is position within the support level frame 3. Adjustable lift level stop lips 14 are provided on the front of the lift level 4 for engagement with supporting strut 15 of the support level 3. A pair of stop lips 14 prevent the lift level frame 4 falling through the apparatus support level frame 3 and also assist in supporting the load weight when bale handler 1 is loaded. This figure also shows the open frame configuration of support level frame 3 and lift level frame 4, the lift level frame 4 comprising pair of lift level side arms 14 and strengthening corner struts 20. Spaces 24 are provided in support level 3 frame side arms 11 for accommodating axel beam housing 10. Pivot connector 26 is provided for engagement with bale clamp pivot mount P (shown in Figure 8).

Figure 6 illustrates fhe lift level 4 portion of the chassis 2 of apparatus 1. The lift level 3 also comprises an open frame consisting of side arms 11 and support strut 15 connecting side arms 11 at the front of the lift level 4. Bale engaging side arm extensions 16 are provided on either side of the inner side arm 11. Secondary side arms 16 extend beyond the end of the lift level 4 frame side arms 11. The terminating portions 17 of the secondary side arms 11 are angled outwards from the line of the secondary side arm extensions 16 to facilitate bale loading by provide an increased area available between the terminating portions 17 of the secondary side arms 11. Support strut 15 is also provided with extending head rail 18 which extends upwards from the support strut 15 in an inverted U shape. Hydraulic cylinder head IE 10 0 17? IE 1 1 0 02 4 body 19 is provided to extend upwards from the centre of the support strut 15 on the front of the lift level 4 and is connected to head rail 18 for further stability through connector 20. Multi stage hydraulic cylinder attachment head 21 juts outward from hydraulic cylinder head body 19 for connection to multistage hydraulic ram cylinder 22 (shown in Figure 1). A pair of support arms 23 are provided either side of hydraulic cylinder head body 19 which are provided with a series of apertures A, for attaching stops lips 14 at a desired position so that the depth of lift level frame 3 within the support level frame 4 can be set at a predetermined amount and may be adjusted if necessary. Apertures provided on fhe stop lips 14 can be aligned with the apertures on the support arm 23 and a securing pin 24 [not shown) may be inserted to lock the stop lips 23 in the desired position.

Figure 7 is a blown up image of the drawbar 5. Hitch head 15 having an aperture 24 for hitching the apparatus onto a tow bar of a vehicle (not shown) is clearly visible, as are drawbar side spaces 25 and a pair of slider brackets 26 positioned on either side of the towbar side spaces 25. The triangular shaped slider brackets 26 have an extended apertured track T, for accommodating a portion of pin 27 provided on T shaped pin head 28 mounted on the lower end of the multi stage hydraulic cylinder ram and used to lock the pins 29 into the apertures T of slider brackets 26 so that the multi stage hydraulic cylinder ram 22 is moveable within track aperture T (Figure 20) to allow the multi stage hydraulic cylinder ram 22 to extend beyond its normal extended length (Figure 21 and 22) so as to tip the lift level 3 away from the support level 3 at an angle greater than 90 degrees.

Figure 8 shows a close up of a blade clamp pivot mount P of the present invention. Side arm connector 30 is shown for attachment to the inner portion of side arm 14 of the lift level 3 of the apparatus of the invention. The view is from the rear and corresponds to the right blade clamp pivot mount P [shown in Figure 1). Bracket portion 31 is adapted to co-operate with pivot connector 26 (shown in Figure 5) of support level 3. Mount body 32 for accommodating bale clamps 6 are also shown in this Figure. Bale clamps 6 and hydraulic actuator 33 are shown mounted on the bale clamp pivot mount P in Figure 18 and Figure 19 respectively.

IE 1 1 0 02 4 In operation, when the apparatus is ready to be loaded, the operator reverses the apparatus towards lined up bale(s) ready for collection. The entire chassis or load body 2 may be lowered by engaging the telescopic wheel axle rams 9 to rise into the housing members 10. This has the effect of horizontally adjusting the load body 2 downwards towards fhe ground level by a hydraulic means located over the wheel axles 18. The rear end of secondary lift level side arm member 16 extensions 17 touch the ground first and the lift level 4 of chassis 2 effectively left in a slightly sloped posjtion relative to the front end of the lowered support level 3, This is visible in Figure 9. The extension of the secondary lift level side arms 16 are of sufficient length to accommodate two bales on the apparatus. When fhe secondary iift level side arms 16 are lowered to ground level, bale coliection and loading may be achieved by reversing the apparatus such that lowered secondary lift level side arms 16 slide carefully under the bottom sides of the is of the bales. When the arms surround the length of the bales to be loaded, the secondary lift level side arms 16 and the bales can be lifted by raising the load body to the transport position. In other words when the bales are in the correct position for loading, the pair of bales can be loaded (Figure 10), by hydraulically raising the load body 2 by activating the hydraulic telescopic axel beams in the opposite direction, so that the weight of the bales is distributed along the secondary side arms 16 and the side arms of the support level 7. in addition, the load is supported horizontally over the load body or chassis and vertically over the wheeled axle 18 of the load body 2 (Figure 11). Only a small hydraulic height adjustment of at the free ends of the arms off the ground is needed to facilitate bale transportation. This is easily accomplished by even a low powered tractor. The bales may then be easily transported to the storage location.

When unloading is desired, the operator may simply lower the chassis to the lowered position, until secondary lift level side arms 16 touch the ground and the vehicle may carefully pull away from the load to unload the bales in the same orientation as when they were loaded.

If it is required to unload the bales in a stacked formation, then bale clamp arms 6 which are mounted onto bale clamp pivot mount P may be hydraulically activated to grasp either side of the last loaded bale.

IE 10 0 17 8 'IE 110024 Multistage double acting hydraulic cylinder 22 can be engaged to extend and raise the lift level 4 over the support level 3 by utilizing pivoting action through bale clamp pivot mount P fas shown in Figure 1,8 & 12). As the front of lift levei 3 is raised, multistage double acting hydraulic cylinder 22 extends telescopically. As the hydraulic cylinder extends the left level 4 is lifted away from the plane of the support level 3 until it reaches a substantially perpendicular position. At this point, the end of the hydraulic cylinder ram 15 is in the initial rest position as shown in Figure 21. The cylinder may be further extended to side along track T, the action of which, causes the end of io cylinder to slide through track T from the initial rest position (Figure 21) to the top position (Figure 22) in order to become fully extended. When in the fully extended position, the lift level 4 is In a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the support level 3 (Figure 13). This has the effect of unloading a pair of bales in a stacked configuration wherein the bales are stacked in an upright head to tai! fashion.

Bale grab arms 6 may be released to disengage from the bales and the apparatus may move away cleanly. The multistage double acting hydraulic cylinder ram 15 may then be moved back into the initial position to lower the lift level to lie substantially within the plane of the support level.

The apparatus may then be returned to the field to load further bales.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do 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 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 subcombination.

Claims (32)

Claims

1. An apparatus for lifting, transporting and tipping a load comprising: 10 a load body having a front and rear end, the load body comprising a support level and a lift level, fhe levels pivotally mounted together at the rear of the load body, wherein the load body is moveable between a transport position wherein the levels are substantially parallel to 15 each other at a position above ground level; and a lowered position wherein the load body is lowered such that at least a rear portion of the lift level contacts the ground; and wherein the lift level is pivotable between the transport position and a tipping position wherein the levels are 20 substantially perpendicular.

2. A apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support ievel comprises an open frame assembly wherein the support level is defined by a pair of side arms.

3. A apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lift level 25 comprises an open frame assembly wherein the lift level is defined by a pair of side arms.

4. A apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the lift level is positioned within the support level frame assembly. /£ 11 ο ο 2 4

5. A apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the side arms of the lift levei extend beyond the length of the side arms of the support level.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the 5 terminating portion of the side arms of the lift level are angled outwards from a plane formed by the side arms.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein each of the support level side arms of the load body is supported over a wheel.

8. An apparatus according to any preceeding wherein the load body is io moveable between the transport position and the lowered position by a height adjustment means.

9. An apparatus according to ciaim 8 wherein the height adjustment means is hydraulic ram.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the hydraulic ram 15 operates a telescopic axle beam.

11. An apparatus according claim 10 wherein the telescopic axie beam is moveable within a vertical housing provided on the support level.

12. An apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the axle beam has a wheel mounted thereon. 20

13. An apparatus according to any one of claim 2 to claim 12 wherein the side arms of the support level have portions which extend vertically upwards to form a barrier.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the axle beam housing forms a portion of the barrier. 25

15. An apparatus according to ciaim 14 apparatus wherein the barrier comprises a rail.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the rail is mounted onto an upper portion of the axle bean housing as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15. IE 1 1 0 0 2 4 |£ 10 0 17 8

17. 1 7. A apparatus according to any one of ciaim 2 or claim 16 wherein the side walls are connected by a front barrier which extends across the front of the load body.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the front barrier is a stability rail.

19. An apparatus according to any proceeding claim wherein the support level is provided with a means for pivoting the lift level between the transport position and the tipping position.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claim 18 or 19 wherein the means for pivoting is a hydraulic tipping arm.

21. An apparatus according to any proceeding claim wherein the lift level is provided with a support means at the end remote from the pivotal mount.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the support means is at least one stop bar for engaging with a portion of the support level.

23. An apparatus according to any proceeding claim wherein a means for pulling the apparatus is provide on the front end of load body.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the means for pulling is a drawbar.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 24 wherein each side arm of the lift level is provided with a load grip means.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the load grip means is moveable between a load hold position and a load release position.

27. An apparatus according to any one of claim 2 to claim 26 wherein the load grip means is moveable through a hydraulic arm provided on each of the side arms of the lift level.

28.

29. An apparatus according to any one of claim 25 to claim 27 wherein the load grip means is a clamp body.

30. An apparatus according to any proceeding claim wherein the load is a round fodder baie. JE 10 0 17 8 IE 110024

31. A apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the side arms of the lift level are of suitable length to accommodate at least a pair of round fodder bales within the lift level

32. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying daw ings.