NZ250125A - Feed out trailer; moving device pushes hay bale supported on deck to deck edge where tines break up bale - Google Patents

Description

250 1 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $260.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional: 250125 No: Divisional from NZ Pat Appln No. 244040 Ante-dated: 20 August 1992 IMPROVEMENTS IN & RELATING TO FEED APPARATUS WE MICHAEL BRIAN OLIVER, a New Zealand citizen of Whitehall, R.D.4, Cambridge, New Zealand, and HARDING MANUFACTURING LIMITED, a New Zealand company of 8 Carters Crescent, Cambridge, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 250125 IMPROVEMENTS IN & RELATING TO APPARATUS Technical Field This invention relates to improvements in and relating to feed apparatus for bales of hay and such like.

Background Art Most hay intended to be fed to stock is baled, either as the so-called square or round bales. The square bale, which is generally rectangular cuboid, typically comprises a number of discrete layers compacted to form the The feeding out of bales to stock has always represented somewhat of a problem. It is not desirable to merely dump full bales around a paddock -for herds of livestock this means only a select few animals can access each bale. Instead it is preferable that each bale is broken up and scattered along the ground.

One way to achieve this is to place a bale on the deck of a tractor and as the tractor progresses, a second person breaks up the bale and shifts each portion off the deck onto the ground. This is fine but uses the resources of two people, which is an inefficient use of manpower which may not always be available.

Another method is to set the tractor on its course while the driver gets off, follows the tractor and performs the task of removing sections of bale. However it is easy for a person on foot to get crushed against the deck by the cattle, especially if some of the cows are on heat. Travelling on the bale. 2 25012 deck of a tractor driving itself is not recommended for safety reasons and the stock milling about the tray may prevent the driver from reaching the controls of the tractor if need be.

Automatic feed wagons have been introduced to address the foregoing but have their own inherent disadvantages. Typical feed out trailers generally have a capacity of one or two bales at a time. In the softer peat lands of the North Island, any greater size may cause bogging of the trailer. However, the ground east of the Southern Alps in the Soath Island of New Zealand is relatively firm. Here the smaller size of conventional feed out trailers can be a disadvantage. For instance, South Island runs are often substantially larger than many North Island farms. Also, the winters are harsher and more reliance may be made on feeding out. The smaller feed out trailers of the art are therefore often unsuitable for the South Island as numerous trips have to be made between the store of bales and the feeding out trailer. In addition, the tractor towing of the trailer will generally need to be disconnected from the trailer each time it has to be reloaded.

Another disadvantage of most of the prior art is that it is specific to its purpose i.e. a feeding out device. Generally, these devices are not able to be used for other duties such as providing a deck or platform on which other goods may be carted about a farm. Quite often the means by which the hay is removed and dispersed from the bale will interfere with the ability of the device to be used as a typical trailer.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. \ % 250 125 Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided feed apparatus comprising: a body portion which includes a substantially flat deck for supporting one or more loads comprising feedstuff; moving means which acts on a side or sides of at least one said load for horizontally moving said load across said deck towards an edge; interference means positionable to interfere with said load at or near an edge of said deck, portions of said load falling over the edge as the load is moved towards same, and ground travelling means enabling the apparatus to move along the ground.

Most embodiments of the present invention will resemble a trailer which may be coupled to the rear of a tractor or towing vehicle, but need not be restricted to this form. Common to most embodiments will be a substantially flat, horizontal deck. Side rails or fences will not normally be provided but may be on some embodiments. Attachable fences and guards may be an option for some embodiments.

A fence may be provided along the front of the deck to prevent items falling forwardly. Also, this may be an ideal position to house any power means for shifting a load across the deck though this may be provided below the deck.

The construction of the deck may be according to known principles. A wooden deck over a frame may be used. However, in a preferred embodiment a steel deck cover over a frame is used. The greater strength of the steel means that a thinner deck portion can generally b R n «i ^ u LZZt Quj constructed. This may be advantageous in reducing weight or increasing the volume underneath the deck for mounting drive means for the moving means.

A steel mesh has been used in the preceding example to both improve 5 traction for a person working on the deck, and for improved drainage and cleaning. It has also been found that a bale will still readily slide across such a deck covering. It should be appreciated that other forms of deck coverings and construction are still possible within the scope of the present invention.

A wide range of methods may be used to move a load across the deck. The typical range of movement is generally to push a load off an edge of the deck. Typically this will be the rear edge, though sideways orientated embodiments are still envisaged, and to a lesser extent embodiments which push a load forwardly. Some embodiments may offer a choice of 15 directions. Some embodiments may also allow for a greater range of movements for purposes such as loading the deck and for using the deck for other purposes. Consequently there may also be provided means for lifting or winching loads.

However, most embodiments will shift a load rearwards across the deck. 20 Generally this will mean moving substantially an entire bale (or article of the load) rather than gradually abrading the article and removing the abraded portions. For side unloading embodiments there may be one preferred direction of operation, necessitating the shifting means to be reset after each operation, or the arrangement may allow the shifting 25 means to operate in both sideways directions. Other shifting means may comprise components which swing in an arc to shift a load. Multiple shifting means may be provided to, for instance, allow a load to be fed off 5012 both sides of the deck, and/or from the rear either independently or in unison. In a preferred embodiment two rearward travelling moving means are provided.

Many mechanisms can be used to effect the various methods of shifting a 5 load. One possibility is a moving arm which sweeps across the deck driving a load before it. Hydraulic rams, motors and transmission assemblies, etc. may all be used to power it. Such means will be well known to a skilled engineer. Another embodiment could comprise dual pivoting arms sweeping in an outward arc towards the sides. In a 10 preferred embodiment, a movable barrier is provided able to drive a load before it. This barrier is driven from below the deck where the power means for its movement is situated. The barrier may run along a guide or track and can be driven by various means such as rams, driven cables and pulley arrangements, etc.

The interference means assists in breaking up the load. Typically the load to be fed will be a square bale, many of which (as stated previously) comprise a layered structure. By providing an obstruction which interferes with a portion of a bale (for instance), the bale can be readily coerced into separating into these layers. Consequently the interference 20 means will generally comprise at least one component or assembly which can interact with a portion of a load, generally as it approaches the edge from which it is destined to fall. While the top edge of the load is generally preferred, the interference means may act substantially upon any other edge or portion of the load, and/or any combination of portions 25 and edges.

In a preferred embodiment the obstruction comprises one or more tines placed in the path of a moving bale. These are generally supported, 6 4 p° u i a typically by an arm, arch or the deck and may be partially hooked so as to grab the leading or other face of a moving bale. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of partially hooked tines, extending downwardly from a support arm, press against the leading face of the bale. As the 5 bale reaches the edge of the deck, the action of the tines has usually helped loosen the leading layer of hay from the remainder of the bale. As gravity prompts the layer to fall off the edge, the partial hook attempts to partially restrain the layer generally resulting in further disintegration of the layer than would normally occur if the bale had been merely 10 pushed over the edge.

In this preferred embodiment, the tines are pivoted so as to deflect in deference to the progress of the bale. A bias, such as by a spring, is provided to resist this deflection and to return the tines to a substantially downward position once a layer has fallen free. It should be appreciated 15 that these principles, which have been given by way of example only, may be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

It should also be appreciated however, that other embodiments may rely upon other interference means. Moving and driven components may also find use in breaking up a load. These may be preferred where a 20 square bale such as has been described, is not the usual load.

In use the feed apparatus embodiment is intended to be coupled to a tractor or towing vehicle. Some such embodiments may also be powered to move themselves. Typically, ground travelling means is provided which allows the apparatus to be drawn along the ground. In most 25 instances a wheeled axis assembly, or a plurality thereof, are provided to allow freedom of movement. Skids could also be provided and a toboggan like arrangement could be preferable on softer ground. Retractable 7 S\ ,<r £ 1 wheels or an ability to alternate between wheels or skids could be provided in some embodiments. In some embodiments, skids or ground contacting plates may contact the ground if the wheels sink past a certain depth.

For most embodiments, some form of lifting device will be required to load bales of hay or other goods onto the deck. This may be readily performed by a suitable front end attachment for a tractor. Embodiments having larger deck areas would allow sufficient bales of hay for one or more feed out sessions to be carried. On return trips, the substantially clear deck 10 (for most embodiments) would enable other goods to be carried and in fact many embodiments of the present invention could also be used as a trailer for carting other goods. In some instances, the shifting or moving means could assist in the unloading of alternative carried goods.

Most embodiments of the invention are not dedicated solely to the 15 distribution of feed stuff.

Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 8 0 12 Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention "Rvamplfi One With reference to the drawing and by way of example only there is provided a feed apparatus (generally indicated by arrow 1) comprising: a body portion including a substantially flat deck deck 2 for supporting one or more loads 3 comprising feedstuff, moving means 4 for horizontally moving a said load 3 across said deck 2, interference means (generally indicated by arrow 5) positionable to interfere with said load 3 and brought into contact with same, and ground travelling means comprising wheels 6 to allow the apparatus 1 to travel along the ground.

The body portion generally comprises a frame or chassis having a top, substantially planar deck 2. The deck 2 may comprise a variety of different surfaces though in a preferred embodiment comprises a steel mesh supported by an underlying frame.

A load 3 may be placed on the deck. Where the load comprises hay bales to be feed out, then typically these are positioned between the moving means 4 and the interference means 5.

The moving means comprises a movable barrier which travels along a slot 7 in the deck 2. Guiding means for the barrier 4 is provided beneath the deck 2. A means is provided to propel the movable barriers 4 along the deck. In the illustrated embodiment, a cable and pulley system positioned substantially below the deck is used to effect movement of the barrier 4 along the indicated slot 7. The cable and pulley arKsfo^Asnit 9 G (not shown) may be powered from the PTQ of a tractor or towing vehicle although some embodiments may include power means to operate the movable barriers 4.

As an option, some embodiments may be powered to propel themselves along the ground. In such cases at least an additional wheel set may be required to maintain the deck 2 in a substantially level position. Such an additional wheel set may be retractable for when the apparatus 1 is to be towed behind another vehicle (should the towing option be provided). An advantage of such self-propelled units is that they can free the tractor for loading of the deck 2.

The interference means in the illustrated embodiment comprises an arch 8 from which are suspended a plurality of downwardly (though these could also be sidewardly) extending tine assemblies 9. Each downward assembly 9 includes at least one downwardly extending, partially hooked tine 10 which are positioned to encounter a bale travelling past same. These tines 10 are constructed of a spring steel and are biased downwardly. They (10) will deflect upwardly by the progress of the load 3, and help disrupt the edge layer of the bale, which layer will eventually fall free. In other embodiments, the tines 10 may be more rigidly constructed and the ability to deflect, and the biasing against same, may be provided within the assembly portion 9.

The apparatus may be coupled to a tractor or vehicle using a conventional coupling means, generally indicated by arrow 11. A retractable stand or jack may be provided to maintain the apparatus in a level position should the tractor be uncoupled.

✓ As can be appreciated, the deck 2 may also provide a work surface for carrying other goods. As the movable barriers 4 move rearwardly during feeding out, additional goods may be loaded at the front (tractor) end of the apparatus so that feeding out can still occur while other goods are carried. Alternatively, additional goods may be placed where the load 3 would normally be positioned and the moving means 4 used to assist in the unloading of these goods. In some embodiments, the interference means 5 may be detachable allowing the device to be used for other duties at various times of the year.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 11 2501

Claims (24)

1. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: Feed apparatus comprising: a body portion which includes a substantially flat deck for supporting one or more loads comprising feedstuff; moving means which acts on a side or sides of at least one said load for horizontally moving said load across said deck towards an edge; interference means positionable to interfere with said load at or near an edge of said deck, portions of said load falling over the edge as the load is moved towards same, and ground travelling means enabling the apparatus to move along the ground.
2. Feed apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said deck can support a plurality of hay bales.
3. Feed apparatus as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 in which said deck is substantially planar and horizontal.
4. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said deck comprises a supported metal mesh.
5. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said moving means can horizontally move said load longitudinally with respect to the normal direction of travel of the apparatus.
6. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 4 in which said moving means can move said load horizontally sideways, with respect to the normal direction of travel of the apparatus. 12 N 25012
7. 7. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said moving means includes at least one movable arm or barrier capable of pushing said load ahead of it.
8. 8. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a cable arrangement is employed to drive the moving means.
9. 9. Feed apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cable arrangement is in turn driven by the PTO of a towing vehicle.
10. 10. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 7 in which at least one ram is used to drive the moving means.
11. 11. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes multiple moving means, each arranged substantially side by side.
12. 12. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the interference means comprises one or more tines.
13. 13. Feed apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which said tines depend from a support such as an arch, arm or upright member.
14. 14. Feed apparatus as claimed in either claim 12 or claim 13 in which said tines can be deflected by said moving load.
15. 15. Feed apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which said tines are biased to resist deflection.
16. 16. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 through 15 which includes tines acting against the top portion of a said loa 13 250125
17. 17. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said interference means is positioned to encounter and interact with the load moved by said moving means.
18. 18. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes side fences or guards.
19. 19. Feed apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which said fences or ^guards are removable.
20. 20. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said ground travelling means comprises at least one of: a set of wheels; a wheeled axle, a skid.
21. 21. Feed apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes power means to propel it along the ground.
22. 22. Feed apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.
23. 23. A method for feeding hay from bales comprising loading said bales onto a deck having means for shifting said bales towards an interference means, the interference means comprising a plurality of members which interfere with the progress of said bale and contribute to its disintegration, the disintegrated portion of the bale being ejected or falling free from said deck.
24. 24. A method as claimed in claim 23 which makes use of apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 21. 14 250 125 A method for feeding hay from bales, substantially as described herein with reference to the drawing and example 1. MICHAEL BRIAN OLIVER & HARDING MANUFACTURING LIMITED