U.S. patent application number 11/065629 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for square bale feeder attachment for flat-bed vehicles.
Invention is credited to Ackerman, Galen R., Broxterman, Kerry S., Broxterman, Randy L., Harrell, K. Russell, Heiniger, Cedric C..
Application Number | 20050220571 11/065629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31887081 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050220571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ackerman, Galen R. ; et
al. |
October 6, 2005 |
Square bale feeder attachment for flat-bed vehicles
Abstract
A preferred embodiment of a bed assembly for flat bed trucks has
a square bale retriever at the rear of the flat bed that includes a
pair of lift arms adapted to grasp a bale by its opposite ends and
lift it up off the ground and onto a transverse feeder located at
the front of the bed. Once deposited on the feeder, a pusher
engages one end of the bale and pushes the bale along the feeder to
progressively advance successive flakes of the bale into a
discharging position off the remote end of the feeder. The bale can
thus be progressively distributed one flake at a time, the
frequency of flake discharge being controlled by the operator in
the cab of the truck. Alternative embodiments for pushers for
engaging and advancing the bale toward the discharge point are
disclosed. The feeder may be utilized separate from the bed
assembly and includes a ramp that causes the bale to move up an
incline during feeding operations.
Inventors: |
Ackerman, Galen R.;
(Sabetha, KS) ; Broxterman, Randy L.; (Sabetha,
KS) ; Heiniger, Cedric C.; (Sabetha, KS) ;
Harrell, K. Russell; (Sabetha, KS) ; Broxterman,
Kerry S.; (Hiawatha, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOVEY WILLIAMS LLP
2405 GRAND BLVD., SUITE 400
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108
US
|
Family ID: |
31887081 |
Appl. No.: |
11/065629 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11065629 |
Feb 24, 2005 |
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10862680 |
Jun 7, 2004 |
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10862680 |
Jun 7, 2004 |
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10225816 |
Aug 21, 2002 |
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6817820 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
414/24.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 1/483 20130101;
A01D 90/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/024.5 |
International
Class: |
A01D 085/00 |
Claims
1. A feeder for square bales containing a series of successive,
compacted flakes of crop material, said feeder comprising: a
support structure having an upper surface adapted to receive and
support a bale to be fed, said support structure having a discharge
end; conveyor mechanism for advancing a bale received on said
surface toward said discharge end of the structure; and a
separating device at said discharge end of the structure that is
operable to project upwardly beyond said surface to engage flakes
from beneath the flakes and project them off the feeder.
2. A feeder as claimed in claim 1, said support structure
comprising a ramp with a raised discharge end.
3. A feeder as claimed in claim 2, said ramp being selectively
lowerable into a generally horizontal position.
4. A feeder as claimed in claim 1, said separating device including
a retracting fork movable through a path of travel in which tines
of the fork project upwardly beyond said surface, sweep along the
surface, and then retract back down below the surface.
5. A feeder as claimed in claim 4, said conveyor mechanism and said
retracting fork being actuatable and deactuatable independently of
one another.
6. A feeder as claimed in claim 1, said conveyor mechanism
including a pusher disposed to project upwardly into position
behind and in pushing engagement with the most trailing flake in
the bale for advancing the bale.
7. A feeder as claimed in claim 1, said conveyor mechanism and said
separating device being actuatable and deactuatable independently
of one another.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a division of co-pending application
Ser. No. 10/862,680 filed Jun. 7, 2004, which is a division of Ser.
No. 10/225,816 filed Aug. 21, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,817,820.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to agricultural equipment and,
more particularly, to apparatus for handling and feeding bales of
hay to livestock, especially large square bales that comprise a
series of rectangular flakes of compacted crop materials.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0003] Prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,325 owned by the assignee of the
present invention is directed to a self-loading bed assembly for
flat-bed trucks to adapt the truck to pick-up, transport, and then
feed or off-load one or more big round bales. The actuating
mechanism for the bale lifting arms of the device is located
underneath the bed, and the lift arms are designed to slip down
into recesses in the bed when the arms are in a stored position so
that the arms are substantially flush with the top surface of the
bed. This leaves the bed unobstructed by the device and permits the
bed to be used for all kinds of other projects.
[0004] Large square bales have become progressively more attractive
to small farmers and ranchers in recent years for feeding to their
livestock. However, it is economically unsound for many small
farmers and ranchers to obtain single-purpose equipment devoted
exclusively to handling and feeding large square bales. Therefore,
many have resorted to loading one or more of the bales onto the bed
of a flat bed truck and then feeding the bales by hand in the
field, tearing the bales apart flake-by-flake and throwing them to
the ground as another person drives the vehicle. Feeding from a
truck that can also be used for many other purposes obviously has
economic advantages for the small farmer and rancher, but it is
difficult for one person to do the job effectively.
[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an
extension of the highly successful bale handling bed concepts
disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,325. While the bed
assembly of that patent was initially intended to have primary
utility for round bales, it has now been discovered that many of
its concepts are applicable to square bales as well. With certain
modifications, the assembly can be adapted to permit the user to
retrieve, transport and feed square bales, one flake at a time,
without leaving the cab of the truck, except for cutting the twines
that bind the bale. At the same time, the modified bed can still be
used for the retrieval, feeding, and transport of round bales. When
not feeding or transporting bales, the largely exposed and
unobstructed bed leaves the truck available for a myriad of other
uses around the ranch or farm.
[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, a square bale feeding
bed assembly has a transverse feeder at the front end of the bed
within the reach of the bale lift arms. Thus, the lift arms that
swing down from the back end of the bed to retrieve a bale can be
used to lift a square bale from the ground and deposit it on the
feeder for transport to the feeding site. At the feeding site, the
feeder is periodically engaged to advance the square bale endwise
toward one side of the bed, at which point the individual flakes of
the bale successively fall off the feeder and onto the ground.
Discharge of the flakes is aided by the use of a discharge station
on the feeder that is at the receiving end of a conveyor for the
bale and by a special separator associated with that station that
underlies each flake as it is presented to the station and engages
the bottom of the flake and projects it outwardly off the feeder
for gravitation to the ground. Feeding is also aided by the fact
that the feeder incorporates a ramp that is normally raised into an
upwardly inclined operating position for feeding purposes such that
the bale is advanced slightly up hill as it moves toward the
discharge end of the feeder. This arrangement is particularly
beneficial in preventing more than one flake from feeding at a
time.
[0007] The feeder can be retrofitted onto existing bed assemblies
already in the field and constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the '325 patent. Alternatively, the feeder may
comprise part of a completely new bed assembly that may or may not
utilize lift arms that are flush-mounted as contemplated by the
'325 patent. Further, the feeder may be loaded by external means
not part of the bed assembly, and may be positioned in a variety of
orientations for feeding in different directions. Additionally, the
feeder has utility totally separate and apart from mobile vehicles
and may be used at stationary sites, or on wagons and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side elevational of a flat-bed vehicle
incorporating the principles of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 but
illustrating the manner of use of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top, rear isometric view of a bed assembly
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention, parts being broken away to reveal details of
construction;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top, rear isometric view of the feeder alone
showing the ramp in its raised position, portions of the ramp being
broken away to reveal details of construction;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, right side front isometric view of
the bed assembly showing the manner in which the bale-clamping tips
of the lift arms are designed to be stowed neatly beneath the bed
and the feeder when the lift arms are in their stowed
positions;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of one end of the
conveyor mechanism associated with the feeder, the pusher component
of the feeder being illustrated in a retracted and stowed
position;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to FIG. 6
but illustrating the pusher partly deployed as the conveyor
mechanism commences operation;
[0015] FIG. 8 is another fragmentary side elevational view of the
conveyor mechanism similar to FIGS. 6 and 7 but showing the pusher
fully deployed;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the feeder with its
ramp raised and a bale in position to be discharged by the feeder,
parts being broken away to reveal details of construction;
[0017] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the discharge end
of the feeder illustrating the way in which each successive flake
of the bale is separated from the bale and discharged to the
ground;
[0018] FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view similar
to FIG. 10 but illustrating the separation and discharge process at
a slightly later point in the process;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary isometric view of the feeder
illustrating details of construction of the pusher mounting
arrangement;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, front isometric view of the
discharge end of the feeder with the discharge station thereof
removed to reveal details of construction of the separating fork at
that location;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the electro-hydraulic
system for controlling and operating the bed assembly and feeder
thereof; and
[0022] FIG. 15 is a schematic, fragmentary, side elevational view
of a second embodiment of the pusher arrangement of the feeder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms. While the drawings illustrate and the
specification describes certain preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of
example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the
present invention to the particular disclosed embodiments.
[0024] Apparatus for handling and feeding big square bales in
accordance with the present invention broadly includes a flat-bed
vehicle 10 and a bale handling and feeding bed assembly 12 mounted
on the chassis of vehicle 10. In many respect, bed assembly 12
corresponds closely to the bed assembly as disclosed and claimed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,325, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference into the present specification.
Accordingly, reference may be had to the '325 patent for a complete
understanding of the nature and operation of lift arms 14 and 16 of
a bale retriever 18 forming a part of bed assembly 12, and for a
full and complete understanding of the operating mechanism for lift
arms 14 and 16.
[0025] Suffice it to say, therefore, that lift arms 14 and 16 are
secured to the rear end of bed 20 of bed assembly 12 for conjoint
swinging movement in a generally fore-and-aft direction as
illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2. Arms 14 and 16 are thus
swingable about a transverse axis across the rear end of bed 20. A
lift cylinder 22 shown only in FIG. 2 is operably coupled with arms
14 and 16 for carrying out this function. Mechanism not shown is
also provided to move arms 14 and 16 toward and away from one
another, preferably but not necessarily in a swinging motion about
respective pivots 24 and 26 (FIG. 3) so that arms 14 and 16 can be
used to grasp an object such as a large square bale and apply a
squeezing action thereto as the arms are then swung vertically
between their various positions.
[0026] Opposite side edges of bed 20 are provided with fore-and-aft
extending, generally transversely L-shaped recesses 28 and 30
respectively that are configured to complementally receive arms 14
and 16 in a flat, stowed position as illustrated in FIG. 3 and also
FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates one of the recesses 28 with the arm 14
partially swung out laterally to reveal configuration details of
recess 28. When arms 14 and 16 are in their stowed positions, they
are substantially flush with the top surface of bed 20 so as to
provide a clear open and unobstructed expanse for the top surface
20 that is not interfered with by arms 14, 16 or any of the other
mechanism associated with retriever 18. When in their stowed
positions, the upper surfaces of arms 14 and 16 serve as additional
lateral extensions of the top surface of bed 20.
[0027] In one preferred form of the invention, the arms 14, 16 are
provided with removable extensions 32 and 34 respectively that
specifically adapt arms 14, 16 for handling a large square bale by
squeezing it from its opposite ends. It will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, however, that extensions 32, 34 are not
absolutely necessary, depending upon a number of factors, and in
any event need not necessarily correspond in configuration to the
particular extensions illustrated in the drawings. In the
embodiment herein disclosed, each extension 32, 34 is provided with
a pair of fore-and-aft spaced, laterally projecting prongs 36 and
38 that are offset a short distance below the longitudinal axis of
each of the arms. Prongs 36 and 38 are thus in position to pass
under bed 20 into a clearing relationship therewith when arms 14,
16 are in their stowed positions, all as illustrated and
exemplified in FIGS. 3 and 5. It will be understood that prong 36
is disposed for impaling the corresponding end of a large bale
generally at the center thereof as illustrated in FIG. 2 when a
retrieving operation is in process, while the other prong 38 is
disposed to butt up against the front face of the bale during the
retrieval process. This keeps the bale under the firm control of
arms 14 and 16 at all times during the retrieval process. If
desired, extensions 32, 34 can be made removably attachable to arms
14 and 16 such as through the use of a sleeve-like construction and
a selectively insertable and removable locking pin 40 visible in
FIGS. 3 and 5.
[0028] Bed assembly 12 also includes a square bale feeder broadly
denoted by the numeral 42. In a preferred embodiment, feeder 42
extends transversely of the path of travel of vehicle 10 and of the
longitudinal axis of bed 20 and is positioned at the front end of
bed 20 so as to leave a large open expanse of bed 20 that is not
occupied by feeder 42. Feeder 42 could, however, be arranged to
extend fore-and-aft, or in any other direction. Preferably, feeder
42 is no wider than the width of a big square bale to be fed and
may even be slightly narrower than such bale. Because bed 20 is
several times longer than the width of a typical large square bale,
the open and obstructed expanse of bed 20 between the rear
extremity of feeder 42 and the rear end of bed 20 is substantial,
leaving a large unobstructed surface area for hauling various items
including, for example, other equipment during periods of non-use
of feeder 42 and other bales during feeding or hauling operations.
In its most preferred embodiment, feeder 42 is no longer than the
width of bed 20 so as to avoid projecting laterally outwardly
beyond the opposite sides thereof. It will be noted also that
feeder 42 is of relatively low profile, presenting no tall
structures that could present overhead clearance problems during
feeding operations and at other times as well. In the alternative,
feeder 42 could be disposed in a recessed condition so that the top
surface of feeder 42 is substantially flush with the top surface of
bed 20.
[0029] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, feeder 42 is
designed as a retro-fit attachment to an existing bed assembly such
as that disclosed in the '325 patent. Thus, although the disclosed
embodiment contemplates feeder 42 as being detachably secured to
bed 20, the feeder could comprise a more permanent part of an
original equipment bed assembly and thus be affixed to the bed or
the chassis of the vehicle using means other than releasable
fasteners.
[0030] As illustrated in several of the figures, feeder 42 includes
a base 44 of generally rectangular configuration when viewed in
plan and consisting of a number of welded-together frame members
that present an open framework-type of construction for base 44.
Base 44 has a pair of mounting flanges 46 and 48 at opposite ends
thereof that slightly overhang and project outwardly beyond the top
surface of bed 20 and beyond upright structural side members 50 and
52 of bed 20 as illustrated particularly in FIG. 9. Holes 54 in
flanges 46, 48 (FIG. 4) are located outboard of side members 50, 52
for cooperating with suitable fasteners 56 in securing base 44 to
bed 20. In the illustrated embodiment fasteners 56 comprise bolt
assemblies, each of which includes a sleeve 58 provided with a
retaining hook 60 that fits under the bottom edge of the
corresponding side member 50 or 52 to thus capture the member and
securely retain base 24 in place when the bolt assembly is
tightened.
[0031] In addition to base 44, feeder 42 includes a ramp broadly
denoted by the numeral 62. Ramp 62 is mounted on frame 44 for
selective positioning in either a lowered horizontal position as
illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1,2 and 3, or a raised, upwardly
inclined, feeding position illustrated for example in FIGS. 4, 9
and 13. Like frame 44, ramp 62 has a frame-like rectangular
configuration as viewed in plan consisting of a number of
structural members that are rigidly interconnected to provide a
rigid overall structure. Ramp 62 is slightly longer and wider than
frame 44 and directly overlies the latter in registered
relationship therewith. A pair of mounting lugs 64 (only one being
shown-see FIGS. 5 and 9) project downwardly from the non-discharge
end of ramp 42 into receiving relationship between respective pairs
of upstanding ears 66 on flange 48 of base 44. Pivot bolts 68
pivotally interconnect lugs 64 and ears 66 to render ramp 62
vertically swingable during movement between its raised and lowered
positions. A hydraulic cylinder 70 connected between a cross member
72 on base 44 and a structural member 74 on ramp 62 provides the
power for effecting such manipulation of ramp 62.
[0032] Ramp 62 has three laterally spaced apart and longitudinally
extending rails 76, 78 and 80 that underlie and slidingly support a
bale during feeding operations. In addition to rails 76-80, ramp 62
is also provided with a central, tube-like member 82 located
between rails 76 and 78 that provides underlying support for the
bale and also serves to house conveyor mechanism as described
below. Although the areas between rails 76-80 and tube member 82
are illustrated in the drawings as being open spaces, such is for
illustrative purposes only, as cover plates have been removed to
show details of construction. Such shields or plates overlie the
open spaces while allowing the upper extremities of rails 76, 78
and 80 and the upper extremity of tube member 82 to project
upwardly therefrom to slidingly engage the bottom of the bale. An
upstanding, relatively short front wall 84 on ramp 62 is spaced
forwardly from rail 86 to serve as a guide wall along the front
side edge of ramp 62 to contain the bale. Front wall 84 also keeps
the bale from engaging or being interfered with by the upstanding
"headache rack" 86 immediately behind the cab of vehicle 10 and
fixed to bed 20 as is typical of such truck beds. A horizontal
panel or cover 88 extends between the lower extremity of wall 84
and the rail 76 to cover the otherwise open space of ramp 62 at
that location.
[0033] Ramp 62 is provided with conveying mechanism broadly denoted
by the numeral 90 for advancing a bale along the length of ramp 62
toward the discharge end thereof which, in the illustrated
embodiment, is the left end of ramp 62 as viewed from the rear of
the vehicle, such discharge end being the elevated end when ramp 62
is in its raised position. Among other things, conveying mechanism
90 includes an endless chain 92 extending longitudinally of ramp 62
in association with tube member 82. Chain 92 is entrained at its
opposite ends around a pair of sprockets 94 and 96 (see FIGS. 3 and
13 for sprocket 96) to present upper and lower runs of the chain
92. The upper run of chain 92 passes through or above tubular
member 82, while the lower run passes below such member. A
longitudinal slot 98 for a purpose yet-to-be described is located
along the top extremity of tubular member 82 in overlying
registration with the top run of chain 92.
[0034] Conveying mechanism 90 also includes a generally T-shaped
pusher 100 secured to chain 92 for use in engaging the trailing or
rear end of a bale and thus pushing the bale toward the discharge
end of ramp 62 when conveyor chain 92 is actuated. In FIGS. 4 and
9, for example, pusher 100 is illustrated in an upstanding
operating position which is maintained by pusher 100 at all of its
positions along the top of ramp 62. However, pusher 100 is also
selectively retractable down into a stored and protected position
during periods of non-use and loading of a bale onto feeder 42.
[0035] In this respect, it will be noted from FIGS. 6-8 and 12 that
pusher 100 is attached to chain 92 via a mounting foot 102 at the
bottom of the main body of pusher 100. Foot 102 is connected to a
pair of upstanding lugs 104 on chain 92 via a transverse pivot 106,
thus pivotally securing pusher 100 to chain 92 for swinging
movement relative thereto in a longitudinal, fore-and-aft
direction. Slot 98 in tube member 82 provides clearance for lugs
104 and foot 102 all along the top run of chain 92. Rollers 106 on
chain 92 (FIG. 12) are supported from beneath by longitudinally
extending angle bars 108 on the inside surfaces of tube member 82
along the top run of chain 92.
[0036] When pusher 100 is in its upright operating position along
the top run of chain 92, a heel portion of foot 102 bears against
chain 92 at a point a short distance behind pivot 106, (as shown
for example in FIG. 8) so that, although pusher 100 is pivotally
secured to chain 92, pusher 100 cannot be pushed over backwards
about pivot 106 during engagement with a bale. However, pusher 100
is free to pivot forwardly about pivot 106; thus, when lugs 104 are
positioned along the lower run of chain 92 as illustrated in FIGS.
6 and 7, for example, pusher 100 is free to swing forwardly and
assume a horizontal, stowed position, aided by a transverse guide
bar 110 spaced below sprocket 94 in the path of travel of pusher
100 as it moves around the corresponding end of ramp 62. Thus,
guide bar 110 guides and holds pusher 100 into its horizontal
stowed position of FIG. 6 as chain 92 is driven in a generally
clockwise direction viewing that figure, and guide bar 110
maintains pusher 100 in a generally horizontally disposed condition
until lugs 104 move past guide bar 110 and up around sprocket 94 as
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 when chain 92 is driven in a generally
counterclockwise direction viewing those figures.
[0037] Conveying mechanism 90 further includes a reversible
hydraulic motor 112 (FIGS. 4 and 9) for operating chain 92.
Hydraulic motor 112 is secured to the ramp 62 on the underside
thereof and has an output shaft 114 (FIG. 9) provided with a drive
sprocket 116 maintained in driving engagement with the lower run of
chain 92. A pair of idler sprockets 118 and 120 on opposite sides
of drive sprocket 116 are mounted for adjustment toward and away
from one another so as to provide a means of keeping chain 92 taut
and in engagement with drive sprocket 116. As noted, chain 92 is
looped over idler sprockets 118 and 120, while being looped under
drive sprocket 116. Due to the fact that motor 112 is mounted on
ramp 62 for movement therewith instead of on base 44, the length of
chain 92 does not change as ramp 62 is raised and lowered.
[0038] At the discharge end of ramp 62, a discharge station or
platform 122 is defined for receiving flakes of hay being advanced
forwardly by conveying mechanism 90. Discharge platform 122
projects outwardly beyond the discharge end of chain 92 and
presents an upper flat surface disposed to underlie and receive the
endmost, leading flake of hay in a bale as illustrated by the flake
124 of bale 126 in FIG. 9. After extending generally horizontally
for a distance to present the upper flat surface, platform 182
curves on down and around to present a generally rounded outermost
end face as an extension of the upper flat surface.
[0039] To facilitate discharge of each flake from the platform 122,
a separator broadly denoted by the numeral 128 is provided in
association with platform 122. Separator 128 comprises a fork 130
having a series of prongs 132 that are adapted to engage the
endmost flake 124 from the bottom while it overlies platform 122
and to then project the flake outwardly off platform 122 and onto
the ground. Prongs 132 are designed to operate within slots 134 in
platform 122 so as to project upwardly into engagement with the
flake 124 at the beginning of a feed stroke, then sweep forwardly
and outwardly through slots 134 as the flake is flung outwardly,
and to then retract back through slots 134 and into a protected
position beneath platform 122 at the completion of their
stroke.
[0040] Fork 130 includes a common cross bar 136 (FIG. 13) to which
all of the prongs 132 are secured. Cross bar 136 is rotatably
supported at its opposite ends by a pair of cranks 138 and 140 that
rotate through complete 360.degree. operating cycles during
actuation of separator 128. Crank 138 is rotatably supported by an
extension member 142 on the rear side of ramp 62, while crank 140
is rotatably supported by an extension member 144 on the front side
of ramp 62. In addition, crank 140 has an input shaft 146 fixed
thereto that is driven by a chain and sprocket assembly 148 also
carried by the extension member 144. Chain and sprocket assembly
148 is operated by a hydraulic motor 150 on the extension member
144. A control arm 152 is fixed to cross bar 136 of fork 130 but is
pivotally attached to the frame structure of ramp 62 via a link 154
(FIG. 9) so that prongs 132 are always maintained in an essentially
upwardly projecting attitude throughout their full 360.degree. of
travel about the axis of rotation of cranks 138 and 140. Thus,
slots 134 are useful in effectively stripping the prongs 132 out of
the flakes as the prongs move through their penetrating, feeding
and retracting motions. This type of action is illustrated, for
example, in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an electro-hydraulic
control system for feeder 42. A separate control system, not
illustrated herein, is provided on the vehicle 10 for operating the
bale retriever 18. As shown in FIG. 14, the items designated
broadly by the numeral 156 comprise components normally associated
with a standard hydraulic supply system on a farm vehicle such as
the vehicle 10. On the other hand, components designated broadly by
the numeral 158 comprise components that are associated with feeder
42 and that are operably coupled with the vehicle-mounted supply
system 156.
[0042] Supply system 156 includes a pump 160 driven by an output
shaft 162 from the engine of vehicle 10. Pump 160 is operable to
receive hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 164 for delivery under
pressure to the components 158, depending upon the position of a
three-position, manually actuated selector valve 166. Depending
upon the position of a control handle 168, selector valve 166 maybe
in a supply position as illustrated in FIG. 14, a standby position
shifted somewhat rightwardly from the illustrated position, or a
reverse position shifted fully rightward from the FIG. 14
position.
[0043] In the illustrated supply position, selector valve 166 is
operable to supply oil under pressure from reservoir 164 to the
ramp cylinder 70, the pusher motor 112 and the flake separator
motor 150 depending upon the positions of respective solenoid
valves 170, 172 and 174 for those components. Oil from pump 160 is
simultaneously available to all three solenoid valves 170-174 via
hydraulic lines 176, 178 and 180, but if the valves are in their
neutral positions as illustrated in FIG. 14, the oil merely
circulates back to reservoir 164 via return lines 182, 184 and 186.
A single pole double-throw switch 188 for ramp cylinder 70 is
electrically connected to solenoid valve 170 for controlling the
position thereof. When the switch element 190 is moved from its
neutral position shown in FIG. 14 into engagement with a contact
192, an electrical circuit is completed along lead 194 to shift
valve 170 leftwardly from its FIG. 14 position, thus establishing
communication between supply line 176 and a line 196 to ramp
cylinder 70 to extend the latter. Oil forced out of cylinder 70
during such extension communicates with return line 182 via a line
198. On the other hand, when switch element 190 is moved into
engagement with a contact 200 thereof, a circuit is established via
a lead 202 to shift solenoid valve 170 rightwardly from its FIG. 14
position. This communicates line 198 of ramp cylinder 70 with
supply line 176, causing cylinder 70 to retract. Line 196 thus
communicates with return line 182 to provide a means for fluid
exhausting from cylinder 70 to be returned to reservoir 164.
[0044] Another single pole double throw switch 204 is utilized to
control solenoid valve 172 for pusher motor 112. When the switch
element 206 of switch 204 is moved out of its neutral position of
FIG. 14 and into engagement with a contact 208, a circuit path is
established via a lead 210 that shifts solenoid 172 leftwardly from
its neutral position of FIG. 14 to communicate supply line 178 with
a line 212 leading to pusher motor 112. This drives pusher motor
112 in a "forward" direction as oil is exhausted therefrom via a
line 214 that establishes communication with a return line 184. On
the other hand, when switch element 206 is moved into engagement
with contact 216 of switch 206, a different circuit path is
established via a lead 218 to shift solenoid valve 172 rightwardly
from its neutral position of FIG. 14 so as to bring supply line 178
into communication with line 214 and return line 184 into
communication with line 212. This causes pusher motor 112 to rotate
in a "reverse" direction. Like solenoid 170, valve 172 is yieldably
biased toward the neutral position.
[0045] Solenoid valve 174 for separator motor 150 is a two-position
valve, as contrasted to the three-position solenoid valves 170 and
172. A single pole double throw switch 220 controls valve 174 and,
in one preferred embodiment, is arranged to also provide a way of
actuating pusher motor 112 in the forward direction as an
alternative to the performance of that function by switch 204. When
switch element 222 is moved into engagement with a contact 224 of
switch 220, an electrical circuit is established via a lead 226 to
cause valve 174 to shift rightwardly from its neutral position of
FIG. 14. This communicates supply line 180 with line 228, causing
separator motor 150 to be driven in the proper direction, during
which time oil is exhausted to return line 186 via a line 230 from
motor 150. When valve 174 is in its neutral position, oil is free
to circulate in a closed loop through line 228, motor 150, line
230, and valve 174 so fork 130 can return by gravity to a retracted
position.
[0046] If the operator so desires, he may operate pusher motor 112
in the forward mode using switch 220 by moving switch element 222
into engagement with a contact 231 of switch 22. This establishes a
circuit path to solenoid 172 via a lead 232 and lead 210, causing
solenoid 172 to be shifted leftwardly from its neutral position to
drive pusher motor 112 in the forward direction. Solenoid 174 is
yieldably biased to its neutral position of FIG. 14.
[0047] Operation
[0048] In use, the vehicle 10 and bed assembly 12 are available for
general utility purposes around the ranch or farm when lift arms
14, 16 are stowed and feeder 42 is in its lowered position, both of
such conditions being illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example.
The large uncluttered area on top of bed 20 immediately behind
feeder 42 provides ample space for hauling and transporting various
items, and also renders the vehicle suitable for general
transportation services, including city and highway travel.
[0049] To pick up, transport and feed a big square bale, lift arms
14, 16 are first spread from their stowed positions of FIG. 3 until
prongs 36 and 38 clear bed 20. Of course, if extensions 34 are not
already installed on arms 14, 16, the arms simply need to be raised
up out of their stowed positions, but then extensions 32 and 34
will need to be installed on the outer gripping ends of the arms
before proceeding further.
[0050] Assuming for the sake of this discussion, however, that
extensions 32 and 34 are already on arms 14 and 16, after the arms
have been spread apart to withdraw prongs 36 and 38, they are swung
upwardly and rearwardly into the rearwardly projecting, bale
retrieving position of FIG. 2. With the arms still spread apart,
the vehicle 10 is backed toward the bale, here denoted by the
numeral 234, with the bale positioned crosswise to the path of
travel of the vehicle. Once the rearmost tips of arms 14, 16 are
generally aligned with opposite ends of bale 234, arms 14, 16 may
be swung toward one another to engage, squeeze and grip bale 234 by
its opposite ends. Prongs 36 penetrate the ends of bale 234 at this
time, while prongs 34 come into abutment against the front face of
bale 234.
[0051] Thereupon, arms 14, 16 are actuated to lift bale 234 off the
ground and up and over bed 20 through an arc of approximately
180.degree., inverting the bale and placing it on feeder 42.
Preferably, ramp 62 is in its lowered position at this time to
facilitate reception of the bale. If desired, a second bale
designated by the numeral 236 and shown in phantom in FIG. 2 may
also be retrieved and then carried against the previous bale on
feeder 42 by arms 16 for transport to the feeding site. If no
second bale is to be transported, arms 14, 16 are simply returned
to their stowed positions after disengaging themselves from the
bale on feeder 42.
[0052] During transport of the bale to the feeding site, it has
been found advantageous to have pusher 100 positioned against the
normally trailing end of the bale and to raise the ramp 62 into its
operating position so that a condition substantially illustrated in
FIG. 9 is presented. This helps stabilize the bale for
transport.
[0053] After reaching the feeding site, the operator need only
leave the cab so long as is necessary to clip and remove the
strands of twine from around the bale. Pusher 100 is then actuated
to shove bale 126 endwise until the leading flake 124 overlies
discharge platform 122 as illustrated in FIG. 9. Stopping pusher
100 and energizing fork 130 then causes tines 132 to move up
against and into the bottom of flake 124, and to then flip the
flake outwardly off platform 122 as illustrated in FIG. 10. As fork
130 continues on around, tines 132 are retracted beneath platform
122 to be stripped out of flake 124 for discharge onto the ground.
Actuation of fork 130 may then be terminated, or it may be allowed
to continue cycling, although no further flakes will be discharged
until the next leading flake 238 has been brought into position on
platform 122 by pusher 100. Depending upon the number of flakes to
be fed at any one location, the operator may choose to operate
pusher 100 and fork 130 almost simultaneously, although in most
instances it is likely that those two mechanisms will be operating
sequentially of one another.
[0054] Tilting the bale so that it is fed "up hill" by pusher 100
helps assure that only one flake at a time is discharged from the
feeder. Gravity helps keep the leading flake in the series in place
against the next trailing flake such that a flake is discharged
only when the force of gravity is overcome by the separating fork
130. Thus, the operator can fairly accurately control the amount of
hay that is being distributed and its frequency.
[0055] Although the invention has been described above based upon
the assumption that the feeder 42 will extend across the bed 20 and
that a bale will be grasped by its opposite ends, it is within the
principles of the present invention to have feeder 42 arranged
fore-and-aft (or in any other direction) and to have retriever 18
correspondingly oriented. If feeder 42 is disposed to extend in a
fore-and-aft direction and lift arms 14, 16 remain swingable
fore-and-aft during retrieval operations, it is possible to
approach a ground-supported bale by one of its ends. In that
circumstance, arms 14, 16 would grasp the bale by its opposite
sides, swing the bale overhead, and then place it on the feeder
generally parallel to the path of travel of the vehicle. The bale
could then be fed off the rear end of the vehicle.
[0056] Further, it is within the principles of the present
invention for feeder 42 to be used by itself at a stationary work
site and not as part of a mobile vehicle. Or, it may be mounted on
a trailer, or wagon, or other vehicle that is not self-loading.
[0057] Alternative Embodiment
[0058] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
conveying mechanism for advancing the bale toward the discharge end
of the feeder. In this embodiment conveying mechanism 300 includes
a slider 302 that is slidably received on a transverse guide tube
304 extending the full length of the feeder. Slider 302 is moved
back and forth along guide tube 304 by a chain 306 anchored to
opposite ends of slider 302 and looped about sprockets 308 and 310
at opposite ends of tube 304. Cross bars 312 and 314 located
slightly inboard of sprockets 304 and 310 serve as limit stops for
slider 302 at opposite ends of its path of travel. Chain 306 is
operably coupled with a hydraulic motor (not shown) in the same
location as pusher motor 112 for the first embodiment.
[0059] Mechanism 300 further includes a generally L-shaped pusher
316 having a generally upwardly projecting back piece 318 and a
base 320 at the lower end of back piece 318. Base 320 is pivotally
attached to the trailing extremity of slider 302 by a transverse
pivot 322 so that pusher 316 is free to pivot between the two
extreme positions illustrated at opposite ends of the feeder. Base
320 has a downwardly projecting foot 324 at its forward end.
[0060] When pusher 316 is somewhere between the opposite ends of
its path of travel as illustrated in one of the phantom conditions
of FIG. 15, the trailing portion of base 320 rides upon chain 306
to hold pusher 316 against rocking back into its rearwardly
inclined position which it assumes at the non-discharge end of the
feeder. At the discharge end of the feeder, however, a transverse
cam bar 326 is disposed in the path of travel of foot 324 so as to
rock pusher 316 forwardly into a forwardly tilted attitude as
slider 302 approaches and comes into engagement with cross bar 312.
When chain 306 is reversed so that pusher 316 travels back toward
its home position at the non-discharge end of the feeder, pusher
316 will probably remain in its forwardly tilted position until
foot 324 engages cross bar 314, which causes pusher 316 to rock in
a clockwise position into its rearwardly inclined position.
Inasmuch as chain 306 curves around sprocket 320 and thus moves
downwardly and away from base 320 at the non-discharge end of the
feeder, pusher 316 is free to rock back in the indicated manner at
that location.
[0061] It is contemplated that when no bale is present on the
feeder, pusher 316 will be stored in its upright position. Then,
when a bale is to be loaded, pusher 316 is swung out to its
rearwardly inclined position to avoid any interference with the
bale and the lift arms during bale loading on the feeder.
Thereupon, chain 306 is actuated in the forward direction, causing
pusher 316 to move toward the discharge end of the feeder and into
pushing engagement with the trailing end of the bale. Feeding of
the bale then continues in the usual manner until the last flake
remains to be fed, whereupon pusher 316 may be advanced one last
increment of travel to cause it to tip forward and discharge the
final flake.
[0062] Although preferred forms of the invention have been
described above, it is to be recognized that such disclosure is by
way of illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting
sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious
modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set
forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0063] The inventor(s) hereby state(s) his/their intent to rely on
the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably
fair scope of his/their invention as pertains to any apparatus not
materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the
invention as set out in the following claims.
* * * * *