GB2564533A

GB2564533A - Bale handling device

Info

Publication number: GB2564533A
Application number: GB1807867.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Beaty Jim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-24
Filing date: 2018-05-15
Publication date: 2019-01-16
Also published as: GB201807867D0; GB201708296D0

Abstract

A bale handling device comprises a chassis 12, a handling frame 24 pivotally attached to the chassis, drive means 34 for driving the handling frame for pivotal movement relative to the chassis between a first position and a second position, and at least one lifting spike 32 rigidly attached to the handling frame, wherein when the handling frame is in its first position, the lifting spike extends in an upward direction, and when the handling frame is in its second position, the lifting spike extends substantially horizontally, and wherein, when the spike is embedded within a bale to be moved and the handling frame is moved by the drive means away from the second position, the bale is lifted and retained against sliding movement relative to the handling frame in all directions only by the cooperation between the spike and the bale. The lifting spike may be adjustably mounted on the handling frame

Description

BALE HANDLING DEVICE

This invention relates to a device for use in the handling and transportation of hay bales or the like. Whilst suitable for such use, the device may also be suitable for use in a range of other applications, for example in moving other materials, pallets, etc.

Large round bales are in increasingly widespread use. These bales, being large, last for a relatively long time and so their use allows the regularity with which bales need to be delivered to a particular site to be reduced. These bales are sufficiently large that manual handling thereof is difficult, and so bales of this type are typically lifted and moved using specialist handling/lifting equipment.

Where it is required to transport a bale of this type to a field or other location, for example to provide feed to livestock kept in the field, there may be a need to use lifting equipment to load the bale onto a trailer for transportation to the field, and for the lifting equipment to then be required to be moved to the field for use in unloading the bale from the trailer. Clearly, this is inconvenient. Rather than take this approach, the lifting equipment may be used both to lift the bale and to transport the bale. The lifting equipment used may take the form of forks or the like attached to a lifting arm of a tractor.

Typically, lifting equipment is not of low ground pressure form and so, depending upon ground conditions, the lifting equipment may be unsuitable for use in the field as it may sink into or compact the ground, especially where the ground is relatively soft, for example after rain, leading to the formation of long lasting ruts in the ground. Furthermore, mud tends to be deposited onto roads used subsequently by the equipment which is undesirable. Accordingly, the use of tractors and the like for this purpose is not preferred. US5954468 and US4348143 both describe bale lifting or handling devices. Both of these arrangements include fork members that, in use, are positioned so as to extend beneath the bale, movement of the fork members lifting and/or otherwise manoeuvring the bale. Such arrangements have the disadvantage that some additional retaining means are required to ensure that the bale is properly retained in position. Consequently, the use of such equipment is relatively time consuming. Other bale lifting or handling devices are described in, for example, US5383714, US4037741 and US2001/0041116.

It is an object of the invention to provide a bale handling device in which at least some of the disadvantages associated with known forms of bale handling equipment are overcome or are of reduced effect.

According to the invention there is provided a bale handling device comprising a chassis, a handling frame pivotally attached to the chassis, drive means for driving the handling frame for pivotal movement relative to the chassis between a first position and a second position, and at least one lifting spike carried by the handling frame, wherein when the handling frame is in its first position, the lifting spike extends in an upward direction, and when the handling frame is in its second position, the lifting spike extends substantially horizontally.

The lifting spike may be rigidly connected to the handling frame. The lifting spike is preferably adjustably mounted upon the handling frame, conveniently being moveable to a position in which, when the handling frame is in the second position, the spike is adjacent and extends substantially parallel to the ground upon which the device is standing. Conveniently, a pair of spikes are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

When the spike is embedded within a bale to be moved and the handling frame is moved by the drive means away from the second position, the bale may lifted and retained against sliding movement relative to the handling frame in all directions only by the cooperation between the spike and the bale. By permitting adjustment of the position of the spike, the device can be adjusted to suit the application in which it is being used, adjusting the height of the spike to take into account the dimensions of the materials to be lifted. By allowing the spike to be lowered to a position adjacent the ground, and by providing a pair of spikes, the spikes may be used as forks for use in moving pallets and products located thereon.

The upward direction may be angled to the vertical.

Whilst two or more spikes may be provided, it is envisaged that a single spike will be sufficient in some applications.

The arrangement of the invention is advantageous in that no additional securing means are required to secure the bale in position, the lifting spike reliably securing the bale in position. Consequently, in use, handling of a bale is relatively straightforward, not requiring the operator to apply straps or the like to secure the bale before transportation can be undertaken.

The chassis is preferably a wheeled chassis. The handling device can thus be used in the transportation of bales. The wheels of the chassis are preferably of a form such that the bale handling device applies only a low ground pressure to the ground over which it is moved, for example taking the form of wheels fitted with floatation tyres. Unnecessary ground compaction and the formation of ruts in the ground surface may thus be avoided or reduced. The chassis preferably takes the form of a trailer. By way of example, it may be suitable for movement using a suitable all-terrain vehicle such as a quad bike, buggy or the like. A standard ball hitch may be used to connect the trailer to the buggy or other drive vehicle.

The drive means preferably comprises a hydraulic ram. It may be powered by a hydraulic motor mounted upon the chassis. By way of example, the motor may be battery powered, for example using a 12V battery. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement is advantageous in that the device does not require use with a drive vehicle having a power take off point, but rather can be used with any suitable towing vehicle, the device effectively being self-contained.

The handling frame may carry a bed and side walls, allowing the device to serve as a trailer with a tipping capability. Such a device may be used in the transportation of a wide range of materials.

If desired, the sidewalls may be removable. A removable rear wall or tailgate may also be provided. If desired, the rear wall or tailgate may be hinged or pivotally mounted.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are views illustrating a bale handling device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4 and 5 are views illustrating the device of Figures 1 to 3 in use, and

Figures 6 to 11 are views illustrating an alternative embodiment.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, a bale handling device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated, the device 10 comprising a chassis 12 of lengths of box section mild steel material, the lengths being welded to one another to define sides 14, a central beam 16, and cross members 18 extending between the sides 14 and the central beam 16. The sides 14 are shaped such that adjacent the front end of the chassis 12, the sides 14 meet the central beam 16. A ball hitch connector 20 or other suitable connector is secured to the front end of the central beam 16.

Wheels 22 are attached to the sides 14, via respective axles and bearings. As illustrated, four wheels 22 are provided, two to each side of the chassis 12. However, two wheeled arrangements are also possible (for example as shown in Figures 6 to 11). Each wheel 22 is of relatively wide, low ground pressure form, floatation form. Accordingly, the formation of ruts in the ground surface and unnecessary ground compaction thereof may be reduced, the formation of such ruts being especially problematic where the ground is soft, for example as a result of rainfall, such ruts tending to remain in the ground surface even once the ground surface has dried out, and so tending to be long standing.

The device 10 further comprises a handling frame 24 pivotally mounted to the chassis 12 at a position adjacent the rear thereof. The handling frame 24, like the chassis 12, is fabricated from lengths of box section mild steel, welded to one another. The handling frame 24 defines a pair of sides 26 and a central beam 28, and cross members 30. The sides 26 are located adjacent respective ones of the sides 14, and pivot pins are connected therebetween to support the handling frame 24 for pivotal movement relative to the chassis 12. The central beam 28 is located adjacent the central beam 16, and is similar pivotally connected thereto.

The pivotal mounting of the handling frame 24 to the chassis 12 allows the handling frame 24 to be moved between a first, rest position in which it is angled to the chassis by an angle of less than 45 degrees, for example by an angle of 30-40 degrees, and a second position in which it is angled to the chassis 12 by approximately 90 degrees.

An upstanding lifting spike 32, preferably of length at least 50% of the axial length of a bale to be handled, is rigidly mounted upon the handling frame 24, upstanding therefrom. A hydraulic ram 34 is connected between the central beam 16 of the chassis 12 and the central beam 28 of the handling frame 24, the ram 34 being arranged such that operation thereof to extend or retract the ram 34 drives the handling frame 24, and hence the lifting spike 32, for pivotal movement relative to the chassis 12. As illustrated, the front part of the chassis 12 conveniently carries a hydraulic motor 36 driven, in use, using the electrical output from a 12V battery or the like to operate the ram 34. A suitable, simple control arrangement is provided to control whether, at any given time, the ram 34 is to be extended or retracted.

The device 10 is designed so as to be capable of being towed using a range of drive vehicles, for example using a relatively low weight all-terrain vehicle such as a quad bike or buggy or the like fitted with a tow hitch to which the connector 20 can be secured.

In use, in order to lift and move a bale, the ram 34 is driven to move the handling frame 24 from its first, rest position (shown in Figures 1 to 3) to the upstanding, second position (see Figure 4) in which the lifting spike 32 extends substantially horizontally. In this condition, the device 10 is manoeuvred rearward towards the bale, driving the lifting spike 32 into the bale such that the lifting spike extends substantially along the axis of the bale. Whilst it is desirable for the spike 32 to extend along the axis of the bale, limited displacement of the spike 32 away from the axis of the bale does not impede operation of the device 10.

After insertion of the spike 32 into the bale, the ram 34 is operated to reduce the length thereof, pivoting the handling frame 24 back towards the first position. As shown in Figure 5, such movement of the handling frame 24, and associated movement of the lifting spike 32, causes the bale to be lifted from the ground and to be supported by the device 10, being lifted solely by the interengagement between the spike and the bale. With the handling frame 24 in the first position, it will be appreciated that the bale is securely retained on the lifting spike 32 under the action of gravity. The bale may rest directly upon the handling frame 24, and so a significant part of the weight of the bale may be borne directly by the handling frame 24. The location of the lifting spike 32 within the bale bears at least some of the weight of the bale and also serves to prevent significant movement of the bale in any direction relative to the device 10. The bale is thus securely retained in position, not requiring additional straps or the like to be fitted to secure the bale in position. The device 10 can then be driven to a remote location using the drive vehicle. At the remote location, the handling frame 24 can again be moved to its second position, resulting in the bale being moved so as to be supported upon the ground, after which the device 10 can be driven away from the bale using the drive vehicle to retract the lifting spike 32 from the bale. The handling frame 24 can then be returned to its first position, leaving the device 10 in a condition ready for moving to another location.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the invention has a number of advantages. Firstly, it is self-contained, not requiring powering from the drive vehicle with which it is used. The device 10 can thus be used with drive vehicles of a range of forms. The device 10 is of low ground pressure form and so can be safely driven over a wide range of ground surface conditions without causing damage or unnecessary compaction thereto. Preferably, the drive vehicle with which it is used is similarly of low ground pressure form, although in some applications this may not be required. As the lifting spike serves both to lift the bale and to retain the bale in position during handling, it will be appreciated that operation is simplified, not requiring additional securing straps or the like to be used. The device 10 may thus be used in a time efficient manner.

Figures 6 to 11 illustrate an alternative embodiment. In many respects the arrangement of Figures 6 to 11 is similar to or equivalent to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 described hereinbefore, and only the significant differences between the two embodiments are described herein in detail, and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts.

As with the arrangement of Figures 1 to 5, the device 10 comprises a chassis 12. The chassis 12 is of a different design to that of Figures 1 to 5, including a central strut, a cross member, and angled sides interconnecting the central strut and the ends of the cross member. Wheels 22 are rotatably mounted upon the side members. As with the arrangement of Figures 1 to 5, the wheels 22 and associated tyres are of a low ground pressure or compression, flotation form. Consequently, movement of the device 10 across relatively soft ground surfaces does not result in significant or unacceptable compression thereof.

Pivotally mounted upon the chassis 12 is a handling frame 24. The handling frame 24 includes a bed 24a, side walls 24b and a front wall 24c, and thus is capable of serving as a load carrying trailer. As with the arrangement of Figures 1 to 5, a ram (not shown) or other drive means is provided to allow the handling frame 24 to be driven between a first position (see Figures 6 to 9) and a second position (see Figures 10 and 11). It will be appreciated that in being driven between these positions, the handling frame 24 pivots about a pivot axis 24d. The handling frame 24 is designed in such a manner as to allow the device 10 to serve as a trailer, suitable for use in carrying a wide range of materials as mentioned above. Furthermore, the pivotal mounting of the handling frame 24 to the chassis 12 allows the device to serve as a trailer having a tipping function to allow emptying of materials from the handing frame 24 in a simple and convenient manner.

The handling frame 24 carries a pair of lifting spikes 32. Each spike 32 is mounted upon a cross bar 32a from which a pair of arms 32b extend, the arms 32b being telescopically received within box section members 32c secured to the underside of the handling frame 24. The arms 32b are formed with a series of openings. The members 32c are also provided with openings, and retaining pins are provided to allow fixing of the arms 32b relative to the members 32c. It will be appreciated that by removing the pins, the positions of the arms 32b, cross member 32a, and hence spikes 32 can be adjusted such that, when the handling frame 24 is in its second position, the spikes 32 can be raised or lowered. The spikes 32 can be lowered to a position in which they extend substantially parallel to and adjacent the ground upon which the device 10 is standing. With the handing frame 24 in its second position, the spikes 32 are at a level lower than the pivot axis 24d.

The manner in which the spikes 32 are fitted to the device 10 is such that, if desired, they can be removed from the handling frame 24, and so do not impede use of the device 10 as a trailer. Conveniently, a removable rear wall or tailgate 24e is also provided, so as to properly contain materials being carried by the device.

Operation of the device 10 of Figures 6 to 11 is substantially as described hereinbefore when being used to lift and transport large round bales. However, it may be used in a wide range of other applications, for example by lowering the spikes 32 smaller objects such as smaller bales may be lifted in substantially the manner set out hereinbefore. By lowering the spikes to a height adjacent the ground, they may be inserted into pallets, limited tipping of the handling frame 24 then serving to lift the pallets (and products located thereon) from the ground for movement. Furthermore, the device may be used to carry other types of load simply by loading the materials to be moved into the handling frame 24. Emptying of the handling frame may be achieved by tipping thereof (after removal of the rear wall 24e, if provided). Where used in this manner, the spikes 32 may be removed, if desired.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention is described hereinbefore, it will be appreciated that a wide range of modifications or alterations are possible. By way of example, the designs of the chassis and/or handling frame may be modified. The drive means could take other forms. For example it could include a hand pump rather than an electrically operated pump, or it may include a different form of actuator to the hydraulic ram mentioned hereinbefore. The invention is not restricted to the specific materials and manufacturing techniques described hereinbefore. Whilst described as forming part of a trailer, which is advantageous in that it can be towed using a relatively light all-terrain vehicle, the invention may take other forms. It may, if desired, be mounted upon, rather than intended to be towed behind, a vehicle.

Whilst a specific embodiment of the invention is described hereinbefore and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that a wide range of modifications and alterations made be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bale handling device comprising a chassis, a handling frame pivotally attached to the chassis, drive means for driving the handling frame for pivotal movement relative to the chassis between a first position and a second position, and at least one lifting spike carried by the handling frame, wherein when the handling frame is in its first position, the lifting spike extends in an upward direction, and when the handling frame is in its second position, the lifting spike extends substantially horizontally.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the lifting spike is rigidly connected to the handling frame.

3. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the lifting spike is adjustably mounted upon the handling frame.

4. A device according to Claim 3, wherein the lifting spike is moveable to a position in which, when the handling frame is in the second position, the spike is adjacent and extends substantially parallel to the ground upon which the device is standing.

5. A device according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the spike, when the handling frame is in the second position, is lower than a pivot axis of the pivotal connection by which the handling frame is mounted to the chassis.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a pair of spikes are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis is a wheeled chassis.

8. A device according to Claim 7, wherein the wheels of the chassis are of a form such that the bale handling device applies only a low ground pressure to the ground over which it is moved.

9. A device according to Claim 8, wherein the wheels are fitted with floatation tyres.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, and including a connector whereby the device can be coupled to an all-terrain vehicle.

11. A device according to Claim 10, wherein the connector comprises a ball hitch.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive means comprises a hydraulic ram.

13. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive means is powered by a hydraulic motor mounted upon the chassis.

14. A device according to Claim 13, wherein the motor is battery powered.

15. A device according to Claim 14, wherein the motor is powered using a battery mounted upon the chassis.

16. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spike is removable.

17. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handling frame carries a bed and side walls, allowing the device to serve as a trailer with a tipping capability.

18. A device according to Claim 17, further comprises a removable rear wall or tailgate.