CA1063979A - Vehicle mountable bale lifter - Google Patents
Vehicle mountable bale lifterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1063979A CA1063979A CA270,851A CA270851A CA1063979A CA 1063979 A CA1063979 A CA 1063979A CA 270851 A CA270851 A CA 270851A CA 1063979 A CA1063979 A CA 1063979A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frame member
- vehicle
- mast
- spears
- attached
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D87/00—Loaders for hay or like field crops
- A01D87/12—Loaders for sheaves, stacks or bales
- A01D87/127—Apparatus for handling, loading or unrolling round bales
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A vehicle mountable lifting device is disclosed. The device is especially adapted to be mounted on the rear end of a pickup truck for picking up bales of hay and similar articles. The device consists of a transverse elongated horizontal frame member, a mast extending upwardly therefrom at the midpoint of the frame member, a main lifting spear extending rearwardly and horizontally from the midpoint of the frame member and two smaller stabilizing spears extending in the same direction at each end of the frame member, the frame member being adapted to be pivotally mounted in a horizontal position on the bumper of a truck so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to, or coinciding with, its longitudinal axis, with the mast adapted to be attached at its top to a cable extending to a vehicle-mounted winch.
A vehicle mountable lifting device is disclosed. The device is especially adapted to be mounted on the rear end of a pickup truck for picking up bales of hay and similar articles. The device consists of a transverse elongated horizontal frame member, a mast extending upwardly therefrom at the midpoint of the frame member, a main lifting spear extending rearwardly and horizontally from the midpoint of the frame member and two smaller stabilizing spears extending in the same direction at each end of the frame member, the frame member being adapted to be pivotally mounted in a horizontal position on the bumper of a truck so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to, or coinciding with, its longitudinal axis, with the mast adapted to be attached at its top to a cable extending to a vehicle-mounted winch.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a vehicle mountable device adapted to stab, engage and lift bundles of crop materials. It relates particularly to a truck mountable device adapted to handle large cylindrical bales of hay.
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a vehicle mountable device adapted to stab, engage and lift bundles of crop materials. It relates particularly to a truck mountable device adapted to handle large cylindrical bales of hay.
2. Description of the Prior Art Many prior art devices are known for manipulating bales of hay and similar articles. Conventional front end loaders may be used for this purpose. In addition, many devices are known which are adapted to be mounted on three point tractor hitches. Typically, such devices are fork lift type devices in which tines are pushed underneath the article to be moved and are then lifted, or lifted and rotated, in order to lift the article off the ground for transport. An example of a bale lifting device adapted to be attached to a three point tractor hitch is provided by the subject matter of U.S. Patent No. 3,957,167, Jacobson et al, issued on May 18, 1976. A tractor mountable hay stacker is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 3,967,742, Meinert, 20 issued July 6, 1976. A truck mountable baled hay loader is dis-closed in U.S. Patent No. 2,732,087, Pratt, issued January 24, 1956. Each of these devices utilizes the basic fork lift technique, and requires a lifting action in order to raise the tines off the ground.
New hay baling machines coming into widespread use produce very large cylindrical hay bales weighing in the area of 800 to 1,500 pounds. These bales are often lying on their side, on their curved surfaces. Because of their weight, size and shape, they are difficult to handle with conventional fork lift devices. Special machines for handling such bales have been developed which are adapted to be towed by a tractor, but these ~ ., :
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machines are relatively e~pensive. This invention provides a simple truck mountable bale lifting device which engages the bale by a stabbing action and lifts it by a simple rotary action, with no vertical lifting means being required. This bale lifting device may be mounted on any farm pickup truck, trac.tor, or even a front end loader. It is inexpensive and simple to operate.
New hay baling machines coming into widespread use produce very large cylindrical hay bales weighing in the area of 800 to 1,500 pounds. These bales are often lying on their side, on their curved surfaces. Because of their weight, size and shape, they are difficult to handle with conventional fork lift devices. Special machines for handling such bales have been developed which are adapted to be towed by a tractor, but these ~ ., :
i3 ;~
machines are relatively e~pensive. This invention provides a simple truck mountable bale lifting device which engages the bale by a stabbing action and lifts it by a simple rotary action, with no vertical lifting means being required. This bale lifting device may be mounted on any farm pickup truck, trac.tor, or even a front end loader. It is inexpensive and simple to operate.
3 Summary of the Invention This invention consists of a vehicle mountable lifting device com-prising an elongated frame member, at least one mast extending from the frame melllber substantially perpendicularly to it and at least one spear extending from the frame member substantially perpendicularly to the frame member and at an angle of between about 60 and 120 to the mast. The lifting device is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle so that the frame member is pivotally attached to the vehicle in a substantially horizontal position and is rotat-able about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame member.
The at.achment to the vehicle is preferably such that the axis of rotation of the lifting device is transverse to the normal path of motion of the vehicle, the spear extends substantially horizontally and away from the vehicle and the mast is generally upwardly disposed. In other embodiments, the spear and the mast are substantially perpendicular to each other, a single mast is pro-vided and is attached to the frame member at about the midpoint of the framemember, and three spears are provided, one relatively large main spear attached to the frame member at about its midpoint and two smaller stabiliz-ing spears attached to the frame member adjacent to each end of the frame member, the three spears being substantially parallel to each other. The combination of the lifting device and a vehicle is also claimed, wherein the vehicle is provided with a pair of pivot supports on which the lifting device is mounted, and the vehicle is provided with means to apply force to the mast so as to rotate the lifting device. The force applying means may be a winch mounted on the vehicle and attached to the mast adjacent its top by means of a cablè. If the vehicle is a pickup truck, the pivot supports are mounted on the rear bu~per of the truck, the spears extend rearwardly from the truck~ the winch is mounted in the truck box at its forward end and means is provided for controlling the action of the winch from the cab of the truck. The lifting device is especially adapted for lifting large bales of hay. In operation, the vehicle is simply driven towards the bale of hay so that the bale of hay is engaged by the spears, the mast is pulled by the winch so as to rotate the spears upwardly and lift the bale off the ground, the vehicle is driven to the desired location, the process is reversed, and the vehicle is driven out of engagement with the bale of hay.
The at.achment to the vehicle is preferably such that the axis of rotation of the lifting device is transverse to the normal path of motion of the vehicle, the spear extends substantially horizontally and away from the vehicle and the mast is generally upwardly disposed. In other embodiments, the spear and the mast are substantially perpendicular to each other, a single mast is pro-vided and is attached to the frame member at about the midpoint of the framemember, and three spears are provided, one relatively large main spear attached to the frame member at about its midpoint and two smaller stabiliz-ing spears attached to the frame member adjacent to each end of the frame member, the three spears being substantially parallel to each other. The combination of the lifting device and a vehicle is also claimed, wherein the vehicle is provided with a pair of pivot supports on which the lifting device is mounted, and the vehicle is provided with means to apply force to the mast so as to rotate the lifting device. The force applying means may be a winch mounted on the vehicle and attached to the mast adjacent its top by means of a cablè. If the vehicle is a pickup truck, the pivot supports are mounted on the rear bu~per of the truck, the spears extend rearwardly from the truck~ the winch is mounted in the truck box at its forward end and means is provided for controlling the action of the winch from the cab of the truck. The lifting device is especially adapted for lifting large bales of hay. In operation, the vehicle is simply driven towards the bale of hay so that the bale of hay is engaged by the spears, the mast is pulled by the winch so as to rotate the spears upwardly and lift the bale off the ground, the vehicle is driven to the desired location, the process is reversed, and the vehicle is driven out of engagement with the bale of hay.
4. Description of the Drawings \ In drawings which illustrate an embodiment of this invention.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bale lifting device of this invention mounted on a pickup truck;
,~ .
- 2a -... . . .
' ~i3t~
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the pivotal mounting means for attachment of the device to the truck bumper.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a winch mounting assembly.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bale lifting device of this invention mounted on a pickup truck;
,~ .
- 2a -... . . .
' ~i3t~
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the pivotal mounting means for attachment of the device to the truck bumper.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a winch mounting assembly.
5. Description of the Preferred Embodiment In the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the Figures, an elongated horizontal frame member 1 made of tubular steel of square cross section is welded to an upwardly extending mast 2 and a rearwardly extending main spear 3, both of which are also made of tubular steel of square cross section. The frame member 1, the mast 2 and the spear 3 are braced by five welded triangular steel plates 4. The frame member 1 has welded to it adjacent its ends two smaller stabilizing spears 5 extending in the same direction as main spear 3, and two pivot plates 6 extending in the opposite direction for pivotal attach-ment to a veh~cle. Mast 2 is provided at its upper end with a ring or eye 7 adapted to be attached to a cable 8.
As best illustrated in Figure 2, pivot supports 9 are bolted to the bumper of the truck. Each pivot support 9 consists of one flat steel plate 10 and two steel angle irons 11 mounted back to back in spaced relationship to each other. ;~
Angle irons 11 and pivot plates 6 are provided with apertures adapted to receive a pivot bolt 12. Each pivot plate 6 is rounded at its lower front corner so as to allow it to rotate - ;
between angle irons 11. The device may be easily attached to or removed from the truck by means of bolts 12. -An electrical winch 13 is mounted at the forward end of the truck box, and is controlled by a switch mounted within the truck cab 14. Any suitable winch may be employed. Indeed, it would be possible to utilize a hand operated winch, `
although its operation would be considerably slower and more difficult than an electrically operated device.
In operation, the truck is simply backed into a bale of hay which is impaled by main spear 3 and stabilizing spears 5.
The winch 13 is actuated so as to draw mast 2 towards the front of the truck, thereby rotating the spears upwardly and raising the bale off the ground. The rotation is continued until the spears are nearly in a vertical position. The truck is then driven to the desired location, where the process is reversed, the bale is lowered to the ground, and the truck is driven out of engagement with the bale. With this invention, a mechanically simple and inexpensive device is provided which may readily be mounted on any conventional pickup truck or other vehicle, and which provides a simple and effective means of transporting large bales of hay.
The bale lifting device of this invention may also be ; mounted on a trailer three point hitch or on a fork lift.
Many variations might be introduced without departing from the spirit of this invention. For example, if desired, a plurality of masts might be utilized instead of one mast, each provided with its own winch. Also by way of example, the arrangement of spears may be varied. For example, instead of `
using one main lifting spear and two stabilizing spears, it would be possible to employ two spaced apart lifting spears, and no stabilizing spears. Alternatively, a plurality of lighter spears might be employed. Many other variations might be conceived of within the scope of this invention.
As best illustrated in Figure 2, pivot supports 9 are bolted to the bumper of the truck. Each pivot support 9 consists of one flat steel plate 10 and two steel angle irons 11 mounted back to back in spaced relationship to each other. ;~
Angle irons 11 and pivot plates 6 are provided with apertures adapted to receive a pivot bolt 12. Each pivot plate 6 is rounded at its lower front corner so as to allow it to rotate - ;
between angle irons 11. The device may be easily attached to or removed from the truck by means of bolts 12. -An electrical winch 13 is mounted at the forward end of the truck box, and is controlled by a switch mounted within the truck cab 14. Any suitable winch may be employed. Indeed, it would be possible to utilize a hand operated winch, `
although its operation would be considerably slower and more difficult than an electrically operated device.
In operation, the truck is simply backed into a bale of hay which is impaled by main spear 3 and stabilizing spears 5.
The winch 13 is actuated so as to draw mast 2 towards the front of the truck, thereby rotating the spears upwardly and raising the bale off the ground. The rotation is continued until the spears are nearly in a vertical position. The truck is then driven to the desired location, where the process is reversed, the bale is lowered to the ground, and the truck is driven out of engagement with the bale. With this invention, a mechanically simple and inexpensive device is provided which may readily be mounted on any conventional pickup truck or other vehicle, and which provides a simple and effective means of transporting large bales of hay.
The bale lifting device of this invention may also be ; mounted on a trailer three point hitch or on a fork lift.
Many variations might be introduced without departing from the spirit of this invention. For example, if desired, a plurality of masts might be utilized instead of one mast, each provided with its own winch. Also by way of example, the arrangement of spears may be varied. For example, instead of `
using one main lifting spear and two stabilizing spears, it would be possible to employ two spaced apart lifting spears, and no stabilizing spears. Alternatively, a plurality of lighter spears might be employed. Many other variations might be conceived of within the scope of this invention.
Claims (9)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vehicle mountable lifting device comprising: an elongated frame member; a mast extending from said frame member substantially perpendicularly thereto and being attached to said frame member at about the mid-point of said frame member; three spears extending from said frame member substantially perpendi-cular to said frame member and to said mast, one relatively large main spear attached to said frame member at about the mid-point thereof, and two smaller stabilizing spears attached to said frame member adjacent to each end thereof, said three spears being substantially parallel to each other; said lifting device being adapted to be mounted on a vehicle so that said frame member is pivotally attached to said vehicle in a substantially horizontal position and is rotatable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said frame member.
2. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said frame member is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle so that said frame member is rotatable about an axis coincident with its horizontal axis.
3. In combination, a vehicle and a lifting device mounted thereon, said combination comprising: a vehicle; a lifting device pivotally mounted on said vehicle at one end thereof, said lifting device comprising a horizontally disposed elongated frame member mounted in a position generally perpendicular to the normal path of motion of said vehicle, at least one mast extend-ing generally upwardly from said frame member and substantially perpendicular thereto, three spears extending from said frame member substantially perpendicular to said frame member and at an angle of between 60° and about 120° to said at least one mast, one relatively large main spear attached to said frame member at about the mid-point thereof, and two smaller stabilizing spears attached to said frame member adjacent to each end thereof, said three spears being substantially parallel to each other and being disposed in a substantially horizontal position and extending away from said vehicle; means for applying a force to said mast so as to cause said lifting device to rotate about an axis sub-stantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said horizontally disposed elongated frame member; and means for controlling the action of said force applying means.
4. The invention defined in claim 3 further including a pair of pivot supports mounted at one end of said vehicle, and wherein said lifting device is pivotally mounted on said pivot supports.
5. The invention defined in claim 4 wherein a single mast is provided which is attached to the said frame member at about the mid-point of said frame member.
6. The invention defined in claim 5 wherein said spears are substantially perpendicular to said mast.
7. The invention defined in claim 6 wherein said means for applying a force is a winch mounted on said vehicle and attached to said mast adjacent the top thereof by means of a cable.
8. The invention defined in claim 7 wherein said frame member is attached to said pivot supports by means of two pivot plates extending from each end of said frame member and held in pivotal engagement with said pivot supports by means of pivot bolts, said frame member being rotatable about an axis extending through said pivot bolts, said axis being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said frame member.
9. The invention defined in claim 7 or 8 wherein the vehicle is a pickup truck, said pivot supports are mounted on the rear bumper of said truck, said spears extend rearwardly from said truck, said winch is mounted in the truck box at the forward end thereof, and means for controlling the action of said winch are provided in the cab of said truck.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA270,851A CA1063979A (en) | 1977-02-01 | 1977-02-01 | Vehicle mountable bale lifter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA270,851A CA1063979A (en) | 1977-02-01 | 1977-02-01 | Vehicle mountable bale lifter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1063979A true CA1063979A (en) | 1979-10-09 |
Family
ID=4107850
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA270,851A Expired CA1063979A (en) | 1977-02-01 | 1977-02-01 | Vehicle mountable bale lifter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1063979A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4288191A (en) * | 1979-10-03 | 1981-09-08 | Tri-L Manufacturing, Inc. | Hay bale handling mechanism |
| US4527935A (en) * | 1983-07-14 | 1985-07-09 | Fortenberry Durrel W | Round hay transporter |
| US5651653A (en) * | 1996-05-17 | 1997-07-29 | Bablo; Noel | Hayroll handling device |
-
1977
- 1977-02-01 CA CA270,851A patent/CA1063979A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4288191A (en) * | 1979-10-03 | 1981-09-08 | Tri-L Manufacturing, Inc. | Hay bale handling mechanism |
| US4527935A (en) * | 1983-07-14 | 1985-07-09 | Fortenberry Durrel W | Round hay transporter |
| US5651653A (en) * | 1996-05-17 | 1997-07-29 | Bablo; Noel | Hayroll handling device |
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