WO2022023016A1

WO2022023016A1 - A bale wrapping machine and offload mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2022023016A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/069375
Authority: WO
Inventors: Con Hourihane
Original assignee: Idough Investment Company Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-07-27
Filing date: 2021-07-12
Publication date: 2022-02-03
Also published as: GB202011621D0; IE20210231A1; GB2597528B; IE87452B1; KR20230071774A; GB2597528A

Abstract

A bale wrapping machine and offload mechanismA bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material with a wrapping material, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and a circular side wall, the machine comprising:(i) support means for supporting a bale for wrapping and for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis;(ii) at least one wrapping arm for supplying a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale is turned about the horizontal axis; and(iii) a loading arm for loading the bale onto the support means, characterized in that the loading arm also functions as an end tip to tip the bale onto one of its flat ends during unloading. [Figure 9]

Description

Title

A bale wrapping machine and offload mechanism

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a bale wrapping machine and offload mechanism.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Wrapping machines are well known for wrapping bales of materials. The invention relates to a wrapping machine, in particular to a bale-wrapping machine for use in wrapping bales with a plastics wrapping film, of the kind that are suitable for mounting directly onto the front or rear of a tractor. The invention is particularly concerned with wrapping machines for wrapping bales of agricultural silage, grain, hay, straw, maize, beet pulp, beet tops, and the like (hereinafter referred to as “fodder”) with a plastics film, which preferably is air tight and water tight. The device of the invention may also be used in conjunction with machines for compacting and wrapping general farm and agricultural waste products, such as waste plastics and the like, and for wrapping other loose materials and objects such as comminuted peat moss, saw dust, wood shavings, wood chippings, brewery waste, bricks, blocks, cartons and the like. [0003] It has become conventional practice in agriculture to form harvested fodder into cylindrical bales, commonly called “round bales” which have two flat ends and a circular side wall, and square or rectangular bales, which are then wrapped in a plastics film. This is particularly suitable method of manufacturing silage because the silage is kept air-tight within the wrapped bale which, typically, is wrapped with up to six plies of plastics film. Machines for wrapping cylindrically shaped bales with a plastics film are described, for example, in GB 2191984 A, GB 2228246A and EP 0208034A (GB 2159489B).

[0004] Bale wrapping machines of the kind described in the aforesaid patents comprise a wheeled chassis that may be towed by a tractor. The chassis carries a tipping platform that, in turn, supports a turntable. The turntable is rotatable about a vertical axis. The turntable carries a pair of spaced apart 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 round 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. If no movement of the bale about its longitudinal axis were to occur the bale would merely be wrapped with a single band having the thickness of the width of the plastics film. However, on each rotation of the turntable the endless belt is caused to move for a predetermined distance, which, in turn, causes the bale to roll about its surface, i.e. about a horizontal axis. This rolling of the bale on the belt allows a new area of bale to be wrapped by the film on each rotation of the turntable, thus eventually achieving a complete covering of the bale with a substantial degree of overlap of the plastics film.

[0005] In the bale-wrapping machines described above, the bale to be wrapped is mounted on a turntable that rotates about a vertical axis, and the arm/dispenser for the roll of plastics film is fixed. It is the rotation of the bale about the vertical axis that causes the film to be unrolled from the dispenser. However, it is also known from the prior art, for example in EP2348809, EP0110110, DE 3642513, and GB2193683, for the bale to be mounted on rollers that rotate the bale only about the horizontal axis. In this arrangement there is provided a rotary support arm for the film dispenser that rotates the film dispenser, about a vertical axis, around the bale, while the bale is being turned about a horizontal axis.

[0006] The present invention relates to all types of the foregoing machines.

[0007] An issue that arises in relation to cylindrical bales is that if they are unloaded from a wrapping machine onto their circular side wall they can roll away. Given their weight this can be a serious hazard as they may cause damage or injury as they roll away. This problem is exacerbated if the bale is unloaded on a slope.

[0008] One solution to this problem is to use what is called an end tip. In the context of the present invention an end tip is a mechanism that tips the bale over onto its flat end. End tips typically takes the form of a bumper/buffer or arm that abuts at least part of the bale being unloaded causing it to tip over onto one of its flat ends during an unloading phase. Typically as the bale is being unloaded it is lowered toward the ground and one end of it is supported by the end tip, while the other is not. This causes a rotation of the bale because the unsupported end moves toward the ground while the supported end does not. This causes a rotation from a position where it is resting on its circular side to a position where it is resting on a flat end.

[0009] Furthermore wrapped bales have more plastic cover on their flat ends so they have better protection from damage, for example puncturing due to being left down on materials on the ground for example stones and stubble. Also the bales hold their shape better too, in this standing on end position, because the twine or netting that holds the bale of material together the bale prevents the bale swelling. If left sitting on their circular sides they can deform/flatten over time.

[0010] WQ2015185732 to the present applicants, illustrates an example of such an end tip mechanism. See for example Figure 17, item 701 thereof, which is a fixed arm used to stand a cylindrical bale on its flat end after wrapping. During unloading the bale moves off the machine, catches on the fixed arm on its way down to the ground, and is rotated to stand on its flat end.

[0011] As the bale comes off the machine at a level higher than ground level, one end of the bale can be temporarily caught to cause rotation of the bale onto its end. [0012] As a bale rolls off a machine onto an end tip, because it is off centre, the bale turns to the side as it offloads and drops to the ground and lands on its flat end. This is often not a well-controlled process. For example if the machine is working in an uphill orientation the bale can come off the machine relatively fast and it is difficult to control its movement. Some machines have a roller on the machine to stop the bale rolling off the machine without being end tipped onto its flat end. Impact with this roller can damage the wrapping on the bale.

[0013] In view of the foregoing there is a need to improve and/or provide alternative end tip mechanism for offloading bales from wrapping machines.

Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention provides a bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material with a wrapping material, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and a circular side wall, the machine comprising:

(i) support means for supporting a bale for wrapping and for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis;

(ii) at least one wrapping arm for supplying a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale is turned about the horizontal axis; and

(iii) a loading arm for loading the bale onto the support means, characterized in that the loading arm also functions as an end tip to tip the bale onto one of its flat ends during unloading.

[0015] One arm can thus provide two functions thus providing a simple but efficient machine. During a loading phase it acts as a loading arm. During an unloading phase it offloads the bale and end tips it also. As the end tip mechanism is a modification of the loading mechanism the weight of the machine is reduced as compared to what it would be if it these were completely separate mechanisms. [0016] The loading arm is typically for engaging only a portion of the bale during unloading so as to effect a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. [0017] This is a simple but effective way of unloading the bale so it stands on its flat end.

[0018] The loading arm may have a loading configuration where it can engage underneath and lift a bale onto the support means and an unloading configuration where it is more compact relative to the length of the bale so that it engages underneath only a portion of the bale so as to effect, during unloading, a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

[0019] For example the loading arm may be articulable such that in the unloading configuration it is more compact relative to the length of the bale so that it engages underneath only a portion of the bale so as to effect, during unloading, a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

[0020] Again these are simple configurations that allows for dual functionality.

[0021] Desirably the support means is tiltable downwards or tips to accommodate loading of the bale. Suitably the loading arm is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means during loading of the bale. Mounting the end tip to the support means can be utilised where the loading arm functions as an end tip but also where there is a loading arm that is separate to the end tip.

[0022] Another advantage of loading arm that functions as end tip of the invention is that when it is attached to the support means/cradle it can be in close contact with the bale before the support means starts to tip.

[0023] Where the support means is tiltable downwards to accommodate unloading of the bale the loading arm can then move with the cradle as it tilts/tips. This means the movement of the bale is always under control. As the cradle tilts/tips the bale weight gradually moves from the cradle to the loading arm/end tip when the end tip reaches a set height, the cradle (and thus the loading arm/end tip) stops and the bale turns to the side and drops to the ground on its flat end.

[0024] The loading arm may be mounted on the support means by a pivot that moves with the support means. This pivot can allow one or more of:

(i) in a loading configuration of the machine, the loading arm being in line with the support means;

(ii) in use during wrapping, the loading arm being offset to one side of the support means;

(iii) in an unloading configuration of the machine, the loading arm being in-line with the support means. [0025] The loading arm may move relative to the support means only in a plane that is at a fixed angle relative to a horizontal plane through the support means. This means that the only movement of the loading arm may be to move inline for loading, move offset to allow wrapping and then move inline again for unloading. This can be achieved by a single uniaxial pivot that restricts the loading arm to movement over and back in a single plane.

[0026] Inline means inline with the support means, typically to the rear of the support means. The rear of the support means is that part of the support means furthest from the vehicle, such as a tractor, to which the bale wrapping machine is attached. Offset means offset relative to the support means typically to the left or right of the support means.

[0027] In terms of lowering the loading arm to the ground to pick up a bale and raising it again, this can be achieved using a tilting action of the support means where the loading arm is attached to the support means. (In such a case the tilting action of the support means is enough to move the loading arm by the desired amount.)

[0028] The fixed angle may be an obtuse angle that is located between the loading arm and the support means, and the obtuse angle is for example between 95 and 120 degrees, such as 100 to 115 degrees. This allows for close proximity of the loading arm to the bale especially during the initial offloading phase where the bale starts to leave the support means and transfer onto the loading arm (in its end tip configuration).

[0029] The bale may engage between the loading arm and the support means for loading of the bale onto the support means, optionally wherein the support means has a bumper against which the bale engages for loading. This means the loading arm can be simple in construction as it only needs to engage one side of the bale, the other being engaged by the support means/bumper.

[0030] Desirably the loading arm is L-shaped with a first limb attached to the bale wrapping machine, for example attached to the support means, and a second limb projecting from the first limb. A simple construction that works well.

[0031] Desirably the loading arm, for example the second limb thereof, engages with more than 50%, for example more than 60%, such as more than 70% of the length of the bale during loading and engages with less than 50%, for example less than 40% of the length of the bale, during unloading.

[0032] A simple way to reduce the length of the bale engaged by the second limb during unloading is by reducing the length of the second limb that extends along the length of the bale. [0033] The length of the bale engaged by the second limb during unloading may be reduced by folding an end portion of the second limb back toward the first limb, for example by converting the L-shape to a U-shape.

[0034] From a loading viewpoint the loading could be used to load smaller diameter bales. For example those which are not well made. For example if the end portion of the loading arm is positioned in an intermediate position between its loading position and its end tip position this will reduce the width in which the bale is accommodated and so a smaller bale could be loaded.

[0035] The loading arm of the invention temporarily catches one end of the bale to cause rotation of the bale onto its end during unloading.

[0036] Desirably the loading arm is foldable/articulated from an unfolded configuration in the loading phase to a folded configuration in the unloading phase.

[0037] In an unfolded configuration, the loading arm engages most of the length of bale. In the folded configuration, the loading arm engages a portion of the length of bale which is less than half the length of the bale to cause rotation of bale during unloading.

[0038] A bale-wrapping machine of the invention may comprise attachment points for mounting on a three point linkage of a vehicle. So it may be carried by a machine such as a tractor though of course it could also be trailed.

[0039] The invention also provides a bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material with a wrapping material, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and a circular side wall, the machine comprising:

(i) support means for supporting a bale for wrapping and for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis wherein the support means is tiltable downwards to accommodate unloading of the bale;

(iii) an end tip to tip the bale onto one of its flat ends during unloading characterized in that the end tip is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means as the support means tilts downwards during unloading of the bale.

[0040] There are two main differences from the invention as described above. The first is that there can be a separate loading arm to the end tip. For example a separate end tip arm may be provided to the loading arm. The second is because the end tip does not have dual functionality of loading and end tipping it does not need to have separate loading and end tip configurations (though of course it may have both configurations if desired - i.e. the loading arm described above may be used if desired). So the end tip may be rigid (for example does not have an end portion which moves/articulates). For example it may be an arm formed by a continuous piece of tubular material. For example the end tip could be an end tip arm such as a rigid arm with the same shape as that shown in Figures 8 to 11.

[0041] However all other features described for the loading/end tip arm described above apply to this aspect of the invention also.

[0042] For example it is desirable that the end tip, for example in the form of an end tip arm, is mounted on the support means by a pivot that moves with the support means similar to that shown in all of Figures 1 to 11.

[0043] It is also desirable that the end tip moves relative to the support means only in a plane that is at a fixed angle relative to a horizontal plane through the support means. [0044] This means that, like the dual function arm above, this end tip also is positioned proximate the bale for unloading.

[0045] Suitably the fixed angle is an obtuse angle that is located between the loading arm and the support means, and the obtuse angle is for example between 95 and 120 degrees, such as 100 to 115 degrees.

[0046] Otherwise it functions on the same principles of the dual functionality arm above, it too causes the bale to tip over onto its flat end.

[0047] Like the dual function arm above it is desirable that it can be moved out of the way for wrapping. For example in a loading configuration of the machine, the end tip may be in-line with the support means. However to avoid fouling of the wrapping arms or the wrapping film during wrapping it is desirable that in use during wrapping, the end tip is offset to one side of the support means.

[0048] To function as an end tip, in an unloading configuration of the machine, the end tip is in-line with the support means.

[0049] In this aspect of the invention the end tip may be a rigid arm, for example a U- shaped arm.

[0050] A bale wrapping machine according to this aspect may further comprise a loading arm for loading the bale onto the support means, optionally wherein, the loading arm is to the front or side of the machine and the end tip is to the rear of the machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0052] Figure 1 is and view of a wrapping machine of the invention;

[0053] Figure 2 is a side view thereof;

[0054] Figures 3 to 11 show a bale loading and unloading sequence according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0055] The following description of an embodiment of the present invention is not limiting. In particular any of the features show in the drawings and/or described can be utilised in relation to any embodiment of the invention, including those embodiments set out in the claims.

[0056] The present invention relates to a bale-wrapping machine 1 for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material 2 with a wrapping material. The bale 2 is illustrated is a large round bale of fodder material and it will be appreciated that the bale can be of any material and of varying size. The cylindrical bale 2 has flat ends 3 and a circular side wall 4. It has a central axis 5 which is the runs through the midpoint of the cylindrical bale along the length of the bale (see for example Figure 4). This midpoint is at the center of curvature of the circular side wall. As mentioned above it is desirable to drop the bale 2 on the ground after wrapping in a position in which it is standing on one of its flat ends 3. When standing on its flat end the central axis 5 of the bale 2 is vertical. [0057] The wrapping film is omitted for ease of illustration.

[0058] The wrapping machine 1 comprises a chassis or frame 10. It has two tubular members 11,12 which together form a lower stand part 13,14 (best seen in Figures 2 and 3) upon which the wrapping machine stands when lowered to the ground.

Together they also form an upright mast and join together to form a wrapping arm support 15. The support 15 forms a mount for a drive mechanism 16 which attaches a pair of wrapping arms 7, 8 to the frame. The wrapping arms 7,8 rotate to apply wrapping material in a known way. They wrapping arms 7,8 are driven by the drive mechanism 16. Typically this will be an hydraulic oil driven mechanism.

[0059] The machine shown in the drawings is one where the wrapping material is applied by rotating arms, but of course the end tip of the invention can be utilized with any machine. This includes machines where the arm(s) holding the wrap do not rotate and instead the support means comprises a rotatable turntable.

[0060] The chassis/frame 10 has cross members 17,18 which have respectively mounted thereon an upper top link bracket 20 and a pair of opposing lower arm brackets 19 to allow connection to a three point linkage of a vehicle such as a tractor. [0061] The machine shown is adapted for attachment to a three point linkage but it will be appreciated that the wrapping machine could also be a trailed machine.

[0062] The wrapping arms 7, 8 each have a roll holder 21 for holding a roll of wrapping material to be dispensed; a tensioner 22 for tensioning a film of wrapping material being dispensed and a safety bar/stop 23 which stops the wrapping action if the safety bar 23 hits an obstacle in order to prevent injury and/or damage by collision with the wrapping arms 7,8.

[0063] Also forming part of the chassis/frame 10 are two support arms 24 which extend horizontally and rearwardly. A support means 25 for supporting a bale 2 for wrapping and for rotating the bale 2 about a substantially horizontal axis is mounted on the arms 24. For wrapping, the support means 25 is horizontal, so the bale 2 is orientated so that its central axis 5 is horizontal also. Any suitable support means can be used such as the cradle type shown in the drawings. Or indeed a rotatable turntable could be used. [0064] The support means 25 takes the form of a cradle 26 and has a cradle frame 27 that carries a pair of spaced apart rollers 28 each of which rotates about a horizontal axis. An endless belt (omitted for ease of illustration) is stretched between the rollers 28 and rotates with the rollers 28. Each wrapping arm 7,8 is for supplying a strip of wrapping material to the bale 2 as the bale is turned about the horizontal axis which coincides with central axis 5.

[0065] A cut and start device 30 is provided on either side of the machine 1. The cut and start device 30 can be of any suitable type including one that extends by more than its closed length, for example as described

732.

[0066] Each cut and start 30 is for cutting and holding the respective strips of wrapping materials being dispensed from the arms 7 and 8 between wrapping of each bale. [0067] The machine 1 also comprises a loading arm 40 for loading the bale 2 onto the support means 25. The loading arm 40 also functions as an end tip to tip the bale 2 onto one of its flat ends 3 during unloading. This will be described in more detail below. [0068] The support means 25 and in particular the cradle 26 is tiltable. For example the support means 25 and in particular the cradle 26 is tiltable downwards to accommodate loading of the bale. This tilting also accommodates unloading of the bale as described below.

[0069] The loading arm 40 is mounted on the support means 25 and the loading arm travels with the support means as it tilts.

[0070] As shown in the drawings (see for example Figure 1) the loading arm 40 is attached to the support means 25 by means of a fixed bracket 41. A pivot pin/point 42 allows pivotal movement of the loading arm 40 relative to the support means 25. [0071] The support means 25 has a fixed bumper 29 against which the bale 2 engages for loading. The bumper 29 extends transversely across the wrapping machine 1.

[0072] The loading arm 40 is L-shaped with a first limb 43 attached to the bale wrapping machine 1 via the support means 25, and a second limb 44 projecting from the first limb 42. The second limb has an end portion 45 that is pivotally mounted by a pivotal mount 46 to the reminder of the loading arm 40 and this allows the length of the bale 2 engaged by the second limb 44 during unloading to be reduced by reducing the length of the second limb 44 that extends along the length of the bale 2. This allows the loading arm 40 to engage only a portion of the bale 2 during unloading so as to effect a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

[0073] The steps of loading and unloading will now be described.

[0074] The machine may start in the configuration of Figures 1 and 2. In this configuration the support means 25 and in particular the cradle 26 is arranged in a plane as indicated by the broken line H in Figure 2. In the wrapping position the broken line H will be horizontal. The plane in which the arm 40 lies, is indicated by the broken line A in Figure 2.

[0075] The angle B (see Figure 2), is an obtuse angle that is located between the loading arm 40 and the support means 25 and is measured from the plane H to the plane A. The angle B is for example between 95 and 120 degrees, such as 100 to 115 degrees.

[0076] The angle B does not change. As the mounting of the loading arm by the bracket 41 and pivot 42 only allows pivotal movement of the arm 40 the angle remains constant. Movement of the arm 40 in the direction of arrow C only occurs with tilting of the support means 25 and in particular tilting of the cradle 26.

[0077] As is desirable for all embodiments of the present invention it is to be noted, for example from Figure 2B that the loading arm 40 extends upwards but lying at angle of between 5 and 30 degrees from the vertical to allow movement of a bale off the support means 25 and in particular cradle 26 before it abuts the loading arm.

[0078] As is desirable for all embodiments having the loading arm 40 in close proximity to the bale before the support means starts to tip. For example at the closest point it may be no more than 60 cm, such as no more than 50 cm, such as no more than 40 cm, suitably no more than 30 cm from the bale.

[0079] In order to wrap the bale 2 with plastics film, the bale is lifted onto the cradle 26 by means the lifting arm 40. When in the cradle 26 the bale 2 is orientated with its circular side wall 4 resting upon on the endless belt. [0080] From the configuration of Figures 1 and 2, the machine is brought into the loading configuration of Figure 3. In Figure 3 the support means 25 and in particular the cradle 26 has been tilted downward to facilitate loading of the bale 2. The bale 2 is lying on its cylindrical side wall 4. The tilting can be achieved by any desired method including hydraulic/electrical actuators. It will be noted that the arm 40 has been pivoted about pivot point 42 while remaining in plane A. It has been pivoted (by any desired method including hydraulic/electrical actuators) so that it extends out to the side of the wrapping machine 1 and so leaves the way clear to bring the machine proximate the bale 1. It is now in an offset position relative to the bale wrapping machine 1.

[0081] It is to be noted that tilting of the support means 24 is enough to bring the arm 40 against the ground for picking up the bale. No relative movement of the arm 40 and the support means 24 is required to bring the arm 40 into contact with the ground. [0082] In Figure 4 the machine has been brought proximate the bale and in particular the bumper 29 and the rollers 28 of the support means 25 are proximate the bale 2. [0083] The next step is that the arm 40 is rotated by 90 degrees back to the position it was in in Figures 1 and 2 and as indicated by the directional arrow R in Figure 4. [0084] This results in the position shown in Figure 5 where the arm 40 now embraces the bale 2. In this loading configuration of the machine, the loading arm 40 is in-line with machine 1 for example the support means 24. The loading arm 40 is L-shaped with a first limb 43 now positioned along one flat end 3 of the bale 2. The second limb 44 projecting from the first limb 42 is now positioned along the length of the bale 2. The bale is now engaged for lifting between the bumper 29 and the loading arm 40.

[0085] In all Figures the wrapping arms 7 and 8 are disposed to the sides of the machine 1 to facilitate loading and unloading.

[0086] Then the tilting of the support means 25 is reversed as indicated by directional arrow T in Figure 5. This action does two things. Firstly it returns the support means to a position where the plane H is horizontal. Secondly it lifts the bale 2 because the loading arm 40 and the bumper 29 together engage the bale 2 and cause it lift with movement in the direction of arrow T. This brings the bale 2 into a loaded position sitting atop the support means and ready to be wrapped. This position is shown in Figure 6.

[0087] Before wrapping can begin the arm 40 must be moved out of the way. Otherwise it will interfere with the wrapping by the wrapping arms 7,8.

[0088] So in use during wrapping, as show in Figure 7 the loading arm 40 is offset to one side of the support means 24 and to one side of the machine 1. Wrapping can now take place in the conventional manner. [0089] To unload the bale 2 the loading arm is moved back to the position it was in Figures 1, 2 and 6 by rotation about pivot point 42. So in this unloading configuration of the machine, the loading arm 40 is in-line with the support means 24 and the machine 1.

[0090] However the loading arm 40 is reconfigured so that it is in a different configuration for unloading than it was for unloading. It now functions as an end tip to unload the bale 2 onto one of its flat ends 3.

[0091] In particular as shown in Figure 8, not only has the loading arm 40 been rotated back to the inline position, the end portion 45 of the second limb 44 has been pivoted about the pivot 46. (This may be achieved using any suitable means including hydraulic/electrical actuator.) The length of the bale 2 engaged by the second limb 44 during unloading is thus reduced because the length of the second limb 44 that extends along the length of the bale 2 has been reduced by this folding action. The extent of the bale 2 that is engaged, along its length is thus reduced.

[0092] As can be seen from Figure 8 the end portion 45 of the second limb 44 has been moved back toward the first limb 43. This converts the arm 40 from the L-shape of Figures 1 to 7 to a U-shape as seen in Figures 8 to 11.

[0093] The length of the bale 2 engaged by the second limb 44 is reduced by the length of the end portion 45.

[0094] It will be seen that the loading arm 40 (and in particular the second limb 44 of the loading arm 40) engages more than 50%, for example more than 60%, such as more than 70% of the length of the bale during loading and less than 50%, for example less than 40% of the length of the bale, during unloading.

[0095] In Figure 9 the unloading has begun by tilting the support means 25 in particular the cradle 26 to tip the bale 2 off. The bale 2 rolls until it abuts the loading arm 40 which is in its unloading configuration to act as an end tip device. Only the end L of the bale 2 is supported by the loading arm 40. The other end M is unsupported. Furthermore the configuration of the loading arm 40 is now such that it has blocked the bale from engaging between the loading arm 40 and the bumper 29. This creates an off-centre weight distribution with the weight of the bale 2 that is unsupported exceeding the weight that is supported by the configuration of the loading arm. When the loading arm 40 reaches a set height, the movement of the support means 25 and thus the arm 40 stops, and the bale turns to the side and drops to the ground on its end. As will be appreciated this action causes a turning moment indicated by directional arrow D in Figure 9. The result is that a rotation of the bale 2 from a horizontal orientation shown in each of Figures 3 to 9 to a vertical orientation shown in Figures 10 and 11 is achieved. In particular as seen in Figure 10 which is the next stage in the sequence after Figure 9 the bale 2 lands on its flat end 3 on the ground. The bale wrapper then moves on leaving the bale 2 behind as shown in Figure 11.

[0096] It will be appreciated that the sequence can be repeated for the next bale. For example after the bale has been dropped on the ground the wrapping machine can be returned to the configuration of Figure 3 ready to pick up a next bale. This is done by moving the end portion 45 of the second limb 44 away from the first limb 43. This converts the arm 40 from the U-shape of Figures 8 to 11 to the L-shape as seen in Figures 1 to 7. Furthermore the support means 25 may be further tilted so that the arm 40 is proximate the ground.

[0097] Furthermore the arm 40 is pivoted back to its offset position to allow the next bale to abut the bumper 29.

[0098] It will be appreciated that one or more of the following can be automated to be run automatically using a control system:

(i) loading of a bale;

(ii) wrapping of the bale;

(iii) offloading of the bale;

(iv) returning the machine to a bale loading configuration.

For example once the bale wrapping machine 1 has been moved into a position proximate a bale an automated sequence can be initiated which completes all of the steps above.

[0099] If mounted on a rear three point linkage then the machine 1 will have to be reversed up to a bale for loading. If mounted on a front three point linkage then the machine can be driven (forward) up to a bale for loading.

[00100] The loading arm of the invention is mounted on the support means 25 and moves with the support means 25 during loading and unloading of the bale. In particular it moves with a tilting motion of the support means.

[00101] It will be appreciated that a loading arm of the invention is articulable such that in the unloading configuration it is more compact relative to the length of the bale so that it engages underneath only a portion of the bale so as to effect, during unloading, a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

[00102] The loading arm 40 has a loading configuration where it can engage underneath and lift a bale 2 onto the support means 25 and an unloading configuration where it is more compact relative to the length of the bale 2 so that it engages underneath only a portion of the bale 2 so as to effect, during unloading, a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. [00103] The plane in which the loading arm 40 lies does not change relative to the support means 25. While it pivots in that plane, the angle of that plane relative to a horizontal plane of the support means does not change. The angle B is constant in all configurations of the machine 1 and is thus the same in all of Figures 1 to 11 notwithstanding that some tilting of the support means together with the loading arm has occurred. The loading arm 40 moves relative to the support means only in a plane that is at a fixed angle relative to a horizontal plane through the support means.

[00104] In relation to the present invention the length of a cylindrical bale is its length between its flat ends.

[00105] As described above the invention also provides a bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material with a wrapping material, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and a circular side wall, the machine comprising:

(iii) an end tip to tip the bale onto one of its flat ends during unloading where the end tip is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means as the support means tilts downwards during unloading of the bale.

[00106] In this arrangement there are two main differences from the invention as shown in the drawings. The first is that there can be a separate loading arm to the end tip. For example a separate end tip arm may be provided to the loading arm. The second is because it is does not have dual functionality of loading and end tipping it does not need to have separate loading and end tip configurations. So the end tip may be rigid (for example does not have an end portion which moves/articulates). For example it may be an arm formed by a continuous piece of tubular material.

[00107] However all other features described for the loading/end tip arm described above apply to this aspect of the invention also. Like the mechanism above the end tip engages underneath only a portion of the bale 2 so as to effect, during unloading, a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

[00108] For example it is desirable that the end tip, for example in the form of an end tip arm, is mounted on the support means by a pivot that moves with the support means. [00109] It is also desirable that the end tip moves relative to the support means only in a plane that is at a fixed angle relative to a horizontal plane through the support means.

[00110] This means like the dual function arm above this end tip also is positioned proximate the bale for unloading.

[00111] Suitably the fixed angle is an obtuse angle that is located between the loading arm and the support means, and the obtuse angle is for example between 95 and 120 degrees, such as 100 to 115 degrees.

[00112] Otherwise it functions on the same principles of the dual functionality arm above, it too causes the bale to tip over onto its flat end.

[00113] Like the dual function arm above it is desirable that the end tip can be moved out of the way for wrapping. For example in a loading configuration of the machine, the end tip may be in-line with the support means. However to avoid fouling of the wrapping arms or the wrapping film during wrapping it is desirable that in use during wrapping, the end tip is offset, for example to one side of the support means. [00114] To function as an end tip, in an unloading configuration of the machine, the end tip is in-line with the support means.

[00115] In this aspect of the invention the end tip may be a rigid arm, for example a U-shaped arm.

[00116] A bale wrapping machine according to this aspect may further comprising a loading arm for loading the bale onto the support means, optionally wherein, the loading arm is to the front or side of the machine and the end tip is to the rear of the machine.

[00117] 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. [00118] 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 sub-combination.

Claims

1. A bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material with a wrapping material, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and a circular side wall, the machine comprising:

(ii) at least one wrapping arm for supplying a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale is turned about the horizontal axis; and (iii) a loading arm for loading the bale onto the support means, characterized in that the loading arm also functions as an end tip to tip the bale onto one of its flat ends during unloading.

2. A bale-wrapping machine according to Claim 1 wherein the loading arm is for engaging only a portion of the bale during unloading so as to effect a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

3. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein the loading arm has a loading configuration where it can engage underneath and lift a bale onto the support means and an unloading configuration where it is more compact relative to the length of the bale so that it engages underneath only a portion of the bale so as to effect, during unloading, a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

4. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein the loading arm is articulable such that in the unloading configuration it is more compact relative to the length of the bale so that it engages underneath only a portion of the bale so as to effect, during unloading, a rotation of the bale from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

5. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein the support means is tiltable downwards to accommodate loading of the bale.

6. A bale-wrapping machine according to Claim 5 wherein the loading arm is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means during loading of the bale.

7. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein the support means is tiltable downwards to accommodate unloading of the bale.

8. A bale-wrapping machine according to Claim 7 wherein the loading arm is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means during unloading of the bale.

9. A bale-wrapping machine according to any of claims 5 to 8 wherein the loading arm is mounted on the support means by a pivot that moves with the support means.

10. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein, in a loading configuration of the machine, the loading arm is in-line with the support means.

11. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein, in use during wrapping, the loading arm is offset to one side of the support means.

12. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein, in an unloading configuration of the machine, the loading arm is in-line with the support means.

13. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein, the loading arm moves relative to the support means only in a plane that is at a fixed angle relative to a horizontal plane through the support means.

14. A bale-wrapping machine according to Claim 13 wherein the fixed angle is an obtuse angle that is located between the loading arm and the support means, and the obtuse angle is for example between 95 and 120 degrees, such as 100 to 115 degrees.

15. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein the bale is engaged between the loading arm and the support means for loading of the bale onto the support means, optionally wherein the support means has a bumper against which the bale engages for loading.

16. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim wherein the loading arm is L-shaped with a first limb attached to the bale wrapping machine, for example attached to the support means, and a second limb projecting from the first limb.

17. A bale wrapping machine according to Claim 16 wherein the second limb engages more than 50%, for example more than 60%, such as more than 70% of the length of the bale during loading and less than 50%, for example less than 40% of the length of the bale, during unloading.

18. A bale wrapping machine according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 wherein the length of the bale engaged by the second limb during unloading is reduced by reducing the length of the second limb that extends along the length of the bale.

19. A bale wrapping machine according to any of Claims 16 to Claim 18 wherein the length of the bale engaged by the second limb during unloading is reduced by folding an end portion of the second limb back toward the first limb, for example by converting the L-shape to a U-shape.

20. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim comprising attachment points for mounting on a three point linkage of a vehicle.

21. A bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material with a wrapping material, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and a circular side wall, the machine comprising:

(iii) an end tip to tip the bale onto one of its flat ends during unloading, characterized in that the end tip is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means as the support means tilts downwards during unloading of the bale.

22. A bale-wrapping machine according to Claim 21 wherein the end tip is mounted on the support means by a pivot that moves with the support means.

23. A bale-wrapping machine according to Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein the end tip moves relative to the support means only in a plane that is at a fixed angle relative to a horizontal plane through the support means.

24. A bale-wrapping machine according to Claim 23 wherein the fixed angle is an obtuse angle that is located between the loading arm and the support means, and the obtuse angle is for example between 95 and 120 degrees, such as 100 to 115 degrees.

25. A bale-wrapping machine according to any of Claims 21 to 24 wherein, in a loading configuration of the machine, the end tip is in-line with the support means.

26. A bale-wrapping machine according to any of Claims 21 to 25 wherein, in use during wrapping, the end tip is offset to one side of the support means.

27. A bale-wrapping machine according to any of Claims 21 to 26 wherein, in an unloading configuration of the machine, the end tip is in-line with the support means.

28. A bale wrapping machine according to any of Claims 21 to 27 wherein the end tip is a rigid arm, for example an L-shaped or U-shaped arm.

29. A bale wrapping machine according to any of Claims 21 to 28 further comprising a loading arm for loading the bale onto the support means, optionally wherein, the loading arm is to the front or side of the machine and the end tip is to the rear of the machine.