IE911551A1 - An attachment for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An attachment (1) for mounting on the three point linkage (5) of a tractor (6) for carrying four round bales (3) of hay or straw comprises a support member (8) to which a pair of carrier arms (20) are pivotally connected at each end. First tines (9, 10) for carrying two bales extend from the support member (8). Second tines (23) for carrying two further bales extend from the carrier arms (20). Hydraulic rams (30) pivot the carrier arms (20) from a loading position for engaging the bales to a carrying position with the second tines (23) above the first tines (9, 10) for carrying the bales on the second tines (23) above the bales on the first tines (9, 10). The attachment (1) is raisable and lowerable by the three point linkage (5) of the tractor (6).

Description

JAMES MASTERSON, an Irish citizen of Firmullagh, Moyne, Longford, County Longford, Ireland.

The present invention relates to an attachment for a vehicle for carrying bales of material, and in particular, though not limited to an attachment for a tractor for carrying round bales of hay or straw.

Round bales are a particularly efficient way of baling and storing straw and hay, and because of this have gained widespread acceptance, particularly, on larger size farms. However, while round bales are relatively efficient in the baling and storing of hay and straw, they are relatively cumbersome to handle, and accordingly, serious problems arise when round bales of hay and straw are to be handled in relatively small lots, for example, lots of up to four or six, for, for example, feeding and/or bedding of animals. Because of the size and weight of round bales, powered or power assisted mechanical lifting apparatus is required for handling such round bales. Such apparatus generally tends to be relatively expensive, and in many cases is not satisfactory for the handling of round bales.

There is therefore a need for an attachment for a vehicle for carrying bales of material, such as, for example, round bales of hay and straw.

The present invention is directed towards providing an attachment for a vehicle for carrying bales of material.

According to the invention there is provided an 5 attachment for a vehicle for carrying bales of material, the attachment comprising a support member, at least one first tine extending from the support member for engaging a bale, a second tine for engaging another bale extending from an elongated carrier arm, the carrier arm being pivotally connected to the support member about a first pivot axis spaced apart from the second tine, the carrier arm being pivotal about the first pivot axis from a loading position to facilitate loading and unloading of a bale on the second tine to a raised carrying position for carrying a bale on the second tine, and operating means for pivoting the carrier arm about the first pivot axis. Preferably, the second tine extends substantially transversely from the carrier arm. Advantageously, the first pivot axis is parallel to the second tine.

Preferably, the first and second tines are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment of the invention the second tine is provided at one end of the carrier arm, the other end of the carrier arm being pivotally connected to the support member about the first pivot axis. In another embodiment of the invention the second tine is at a level substantially similar to the level of the first tine when the carrier arm is in the loading position.

In a further embodiment of the invention the second tine is at a level below the level of the first tine when the carrier arm is in the loading position.

Advantageously, the second tine is substantially above the first tine when the carrier arm is in the carrying position.

In one aspect of the invention, when the carrier arm is in the carrying position, the line of action of the weight of the bale on the second tine acting through the centre of gravity of the said bale is spaced apart horizontally from the first pivot axis and is disposed on the side of the first pivot axis opposite that in which the second tine is disposed in the loading position.

In one embodiment of the invention the support member is provided by an elongated support member, the first tine extending substantially transversely of the support member. Preferably, the carrier arm is pivotally connected to the support member at one end of the support member.

Advantageously, the carrier arm extends substantially longitudinally of the support member in the loading position, and substantially transversely of the support member in the carrying position.

In a further embodiment of the invention two carrier arms are provided, one at each end of the support member, and both being pivotally connected to the support member about respective spaced apart first pivot axes, each carrier arm carrying a corresponding second tine for carrying a respective bale.

Advantageously, two spaced apart first tines extend from the support member for carrying respective bales.

In another embodiment of the invention, when the respective carrier arms are in the carrying position, the line of action of the weight of the respective bales on the corresponding second tines acting through the centre of gravity of the said bales is disposed within the first pivot axes.

Advantageously, a pair of first tines are provided on the support member for carrying each bale.

In one embodiment of the invention each operating means comprises a ram connected to the support member and a corresponding carrier arm. Preferably, each ram is pivotally connected to the support member about a second pivot axis, each second pivot axis being spaced apart from the corresponding first pivot axis and being parallel thereto. Advantageously, each second pivot axis is disposed on the same side of the corresponding first pivot axis as the corresponding second tine when in the loading position. Preferably, each second pivot axis is disposed downwardly relative to the corresponding first pivot axis.

Advantageously, each ram is pivotally connected to the corresponding carrier arm about a third pivot axis intermediate the ends of the corresponding carrier arm. Preferably, each third pivot axis is disposed below the corresponding carrier arm when the carrier arm is in the loading position.

In another embodiment of the invention mounting means is provided on the support member for mounting the attachment to a land vehicle. Preferably, the first and second tines extend substantially rearwardly relative to the mounting means.

In one embodiment of the invention the first and second tines are adapted for carrying straw or hay bales .

In another embodiment of the invention the first and second tines are adapted for carrying round bales.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an attachment according to the invention for mounting on a tractor for carrying bales of material, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the attachment of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the attachment of Fig. 1 illustrated mounted on the rear of a tractor, Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the attachment of Fig. 1 with bales of material thereon, Fig. 5 is a rear elevational view of the attachment of Fig. 1, also with bales of material mounted thereon, and Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the attachment of Fig. 1 with bales of material mounted thereon.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated an 5 attachment according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for mounting on a vehicle for carrying four bales of material, for example, four round bales 3 of straw or hay. The round bales may be of diameter up to 4 meters and width up to 3 meters. The attachment 1, in this case, is suitable for mounting on a three point linkage 5 of a tractor 6. For convenience, only the rear portion of the tractor 6 is illustrated in Fig. 3. The attachment 1 comprises an elongated support member 8 of tubular steel which carries two pairs of parallel first tines 9 and 10 of circular cross section steel terminating in pointed tips 11 extending rearwardly and transversely of the support member 8 for carrying two bales 3. The pairs of first tines 9 and 10 are arranged so that each pair of first tines 9 and 10 carries a round bale 3 of straw or hay. The first tines 9 are secured to the support member 8 by plate brackets 14 and 15 of steel which extend downwardly from and are welded to the support member 8. Tubular sockets 16 of steel are welded to and are carried by the plate brackets 14 and 15 and releasably engage the corresponding first tines 9. Nuts 17 secure the tines 9 in the sockets 16 in a manner which will be well known to those skilled in the art. The first tines 10 of each pair are secured to the support member 8 by mounting brackets 18 as will be described in more detail below.

Two carrier arms 20 are pivotally connected at opposite ends of the support member 8 about respective spaced apart parallel first pivot axes 21 which extend transversely of the support member 8 and the carrier arms 20. Second tines 23 of steel for carrying respective round bales 3 of hay or straw extend rearwardly and transversely of the respective carrier arms 20 at the free ends 24 thereof spaced apart from the corresponding first pivot axes 21. The second tines 23 terminate in pointed tips 22 and are parallel to the first tines 9 and 10. The carrier arms 20 are of box section steel terminating in circular section tubular steel at the free ends 24. Pairs of mounting plates 28 of steel welded to the ends of the support member 8 carry pivot shafts 29 which pivotally engage pivot apertures (not shown) in the carrier arms 20 at ends 25 of the carrier arms 20 remote from the free ends 24. The pivot shafts 29 extend parallel to the first tines 9 and 10 and the second tines 23, and define the respective first pivot axes 21 about which the carrier arms 20 are pivotal from a loading position illustrated in Fig. 1 to facilitate loading of bales 3 onto or from the respective second tines 23 to a carrying position illustrated in Fig. 2 for carrying the bales 3 on the second tines 23. In the loading position the second tines 23 may be at a level substantially similar to the level of the first tines 9 and 10, or may be at a level below the first tines 9 and 10. In the carrying position, the second tines 23 lie in a vertical plane 69 which falls within the first pivot axes 21, see Figs. 5 and 6.

Operating means for pivoting the carrier arms 20 about the first pivot axes 21 comprise respective hydraulic rams 30 pivotally connected to the support member 8 and to the carrier arms 20. Each hydraulic ram 30 is pivotally connected to the support member 8 by the corresponding mounting bracket 18 about a second pivot axis 31. The first tines 10 extend through carrier plates 32 of the mounting brackets 18 and pivotally engage a pivot mounting 33 of the respective hydraulic rams 30. The first tines 10 define the second pivot axes 31 which are disposed downwardly of and on the same respective sides of the corresponding first pivot axes 21 as the corresponding second tines 23, when the second tines 23 are in the loading position. A pair of pivot mounting brackets 35 of steel plate welded to each carrier arm 20 intermediate the ends thereof pivotally engage pivot pins 36 carried on piston rods 38 of the corresponding hydraulic rams 30. The pivot pins 36 define third pivot axes 34 about which the hydraulic rams 30 are pivotally connected to the carrier arms 20. When the carrier arms 20 are in the loading position, the third pivot axes 34 are disposed below the carrier arms 20. Inlet and outlet ports 39 are provided in the hydraulic rams 30 for delivering hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic rams 30 from, for example, the hydraulic system of the tractor 6 for pivoting the carrier arms 20 from the loading position to the carrying position and vice versa. A reinforcing plate 40 of steel extends between and is welded to the carrier plates 32 of the mounting brackets 18 for strengthening the mounting brackets 18. Webs 42 of steel extend between and are welded to the reinforcing plates 40 and the support member 8 adjacent the ends thereof for further strengthening and reinforcing the mounting brackets 18. Nuts 45 on the ends of the first tines 10 secure the first tines 10 in the mounting brackets 18 and also secure the hydraulic rams 30 in the mounting brackets 18.

Mounting means for mounting the attachment 1 to the tractor 6 comprise a top mounting bracket 48 and a pair of lower mounting brackets 49 for respectively engaging top and bottom links 50 and 51 of the three point linkage 5. The top mounting bracket 48 comprises a pair of spaced apart plates 54 of steel welded to and extending upwardly and forwardly from the support member 8. Apertures 55 in the plates 54 carry a mounting pin 56 for engaging the top link 50 of the three point linkage 5. A reinforcing plate 57 of steel extends between the mounting plates 54. The lower mounting brackets 49 are formed by the plate bracket 15 and adjacent spaced apart plate brackets 58 of steel. Apertures 59 in the plate brackets 15 and 58 carry mounting pins 60 for engaging respective bottom links 51 of the three point linkage 5.

Bars 64 of steel having hand grip portions 65 are welded to and extend from bands 66 of steel which are rotatable on the support member 8 between the mounting plates 15 and 58. The bars 64 act as support stands for supporting the attachment 1 when dismounted from the tractor 6.

In the loading position the carrier arms 20 extend substantially longitudinally of the support member 8, and in the carrying position the carrier arms 20 extend transversely of the support member 8. The carrier arms 20 and the hydraulic rams 30 are pivotally connected to the support member 8 so that in the carrying position the carrier arms 20 are inclined upwardly inwardly towards each other. Accordingly, the lines of action of the weight of the bales 3 on the second tines 23 acting through the centre of gravity of the respective bales 3 and acting on the second tines 23 act through the vertical planes 69 and fall within the first pivot axes 21, thereby the weight of the respective bales 3 on the second tines 23 act to urge the carrier arms further inwardly towards each other. This inward urging of the carrier arms 20 by the bales 3 is counteracted by the bales 3 on the second tines 23 abutting each other as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. In this way any danger of the pivot arms 20 pivoting into the loading position during transportation of the bales 3 on the second tines 23 in the event of failure of the hydraulic system of the tractor to maintain the hydraulic rams 30 extended in the carrying position is avoided. The fact that the line of action of the weight of the bale 3 on each second tine 23 falls within the first pivot axes 21, or in other words the line of action of the weight of each bale on the respective second tines 23 acting through the centre of gravity of the said bale is spaced apart horizontally from the first pivot axis 21 and is disposed on the side of the first pivot axis opposite that in which the second tine 23 is disposed in the loading position, is achieved by virtue of the fact that the second tines 23 lie in the respective vertical planes 69 which fall within the first pivot axes 21 when the carrier arms are in the carrying position. In other words, each second tine 23 in the carrying position lies in a vertical plane 69 which is disposed on one side of the corresponding first pivot axis 21 which is opposite to the side on which the said second tine 23 is disposed when in the loading position.

In use, the attachment 1 is mounted to the three point linkage 5 of a tractor 6 with the top mounting bracket 48 mounted to the top link 50 and the lower mounting brackets 49 mounted to the bottom links 51 of the three point linkage 5. When the attachment 1 is mounted on the three point linkage 5 of the tractor 6 the first tines 9 and 10 and second tines 23 effectively extend rearwardly from the top and lower mounting brackets 48 and 49, respectively. The hydraulic rams 30 are connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor 6 by suitable hydraulic hoses (not shown) for operating the rams 30. With four round bales 3 of hay or straw suitably arranged on the ground substantially side by side, and with the carrier arms 20 in the loading position, the tractor 6 is reversed towards the bales 3 so that the two central bales 3 are engaged by the pairs of first tines 9 and 10 and the two outer bales 3 are engaged by the respective second tines 23. Preferably the pairs of first tines 9 and 10 should engage the bales centrally at a level corresponding to or just above the centre of gravity of the two bales 3. The two second tines 23 should preferably engage the two respective bales 3 adjacent the central axis of the bales. The tractor 6 is reversed until the first tines 9 and 10 and the second tines 23 fully engage the bales 3, and the support member 8 and carrier arms 20 are abutting the bales 3. The carrier arms 20 are then pivoted by the hydraulic rams 30 into the carrying position.

The three point linkage 5 of the tractor 6 is operated to raise the attachment 1 upwardly to in turn raise the bales on the first tines 9 and 10 off the ground. The tractor 6 is then driven to transport the bales 3 to the desired location.

In many cases, it is envisaged that the bales 3 may be arranged on the ground in the desired loading position by the two first pairs of tines 9 and 10 prior to being loaded onto the attachment 1. It is also envisaged in many cases that the two bales to be picked up by the first tines 9 and 10 will first be picked up, and the attachment will then be raised slightly by the three point linkage 5 of the tractor 6 to raise the two bales 3 on the first tines 9 and 10 approximately 150 mm above the ground. With the carrier arms 20 in the loading position, the remaining bales may then be simultaneously or sequentially picked up by the second tines 23. The position at which the second tines 23 engage the respective bales 3 is not that important, since if the second tines 23 fail to engage the bales 3 along their central axis, the bales will merely pivot about the second tines 23 so that the centre of gravity of the bales 3 lie beneath the respective tines 23, or until the bales on the second tines 23 engage the bales on the first tines 9 and 10, see Fig. 6. Similarly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not essential that the first tines 9 and 10 engage the bales 3 along a horizontal plane passing through the central axis of the bales 3.

While the attachment has been described as comprising an elongated support member carrying a pair of carrier arms, one at each end thereof, it will be appreciated, in certain cases, that an attachment with a single carrier arm may be provided. In which case, the carrier arm would carry one single tine. In such cases, it will be appreciated that the support member need not necessarily be an elongated member. Any suitable support member could be provided.

While two pairs of first tines have been described as being mounted on the support member, it is envisaged in certain cases, that a single pair of tines may be provided for engaging a single bale. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that a single tine only may be provided on the support member for carrying one single bale. In other cases, it is envisaged that sufficient first tines may be provided for carrying more than two bales on the support member. It is also envisaged that the first tines may be arranged so that each tine carries one bale.

Needless to say, other suitable constructions of support member and carrier arm may be used and indeed many other suitable construction of tines may be used.

It is also envisaged that operating means other than hydraulic rams may be provided for pivoting the carrier arms, and needless to say, any other suitable mounting arrangements for mounting the carrier aims to the support member may be provided. Other mounting arrangements for mounting the hydraulic rams to the support member and carrier arms may be used.

While the attachment has been described as being suitable for mounting to a three point linkage of a tractor, it will be appreciated that the mounting means may be provided for mounting the attachment to any other land vehicle, or indeed, any other vehicle. Where the attachment is mounted to a tractor it will be appreciated that the attachment may be mounted to the tractor in any other way besides being mounted by the three point linkage.

Needless to say, while the attachment has been described with the carrier arms and second tines arranged to be level or at a lower level to that of the first tines when the carrier arms are in the loading position, this is not essential, and the second tines may be at any desired level when the carrier arms are in the loading position. For example, the carrier arms may be arranged with the second tines slightly above the level of the first tines .

While the attachment has been described for carrying round bales of hay or straw, the attachment may be used for carrying bales of any material and of any shape or size.

Claims (25)

1. An attachment for a vehicle for carrying bales of material, the attachment comprising a support member, at least one first tine extending from the support 5 member for engaging a bale, a second tine for engaging another bale extending from an elongated carrier arm, the carrier arm being pivotally connected to the support member about a first pivot axis spaced apart from the second tine, the carrier arm being pivotal 10 about the first pivot axis from a loading position to facilitate loading and unloading of a bale on the second tine to a raised carrying position for carrying a bale on the second tine, and operating means for pivoting the carrier arm about the first pivot axis. 15

2. An attachment as claimed in Claim 1 in which the second tine extends substantially transversely from the carrier arm.

3. An attachment as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the first pivot axis is parallel to the second tine. 20

4. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first and second tines are parallel to each other.

5. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second tine is provided at one end of the carrier arm, the other end of the carrier arm being pivotally connected to the support member about the 5 first pivot axis.

6. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second tine is at a level substantially similar to the level of the first tine when the carrier arm is in the loading position. 10

7. An attachment as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 in which the second tine is at a level below the level of the first tine when the carrier arm is in the loading position.

8. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in 15 which the second tine is substantially above the first tine when the carrier arm is in the carrying position.

9. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which, when the carrier arm is in the carrying position, the line of action of the weight of the bale 20 on the second tine acting through the centre of gravity of the said bale is spaced apart horizontally from the first pivot axis and is disposed on the side of the first pivot axis opposite that in which the second tine is disposed in the loading position.

10. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support member is provided by an elongated support member, the first tine extending 5 substantially transversely of the support member.

11. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which the carrier arm is pivotally connected to the support member at one end of the support member.

12. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim 10 in which the carrier arm extends substantially longitudinally of the support member in the loading position, and substantially transversely of the support member in the carrying position.

13. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim 15 in which two carrier arms are provided, one at each end of the support member, and both being pivotally connected to the support member about respective spaced apart first pivot axes, each carrier arm carrying a corresponding second tine for carrying a 20 respective bale.

14. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which two spaced apart first tines extend from the support member for carrying respective bales.

15. An attachment as claimed in Claim 13 or 14 in which, when the respective carrier arms are in the carrying position, the line of action of the weight of 5 the respective bales on the corresponding second tines acting through the centre of gravity of the said bales is disposed within the first pivot axes.

16. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which a pair of first tines are provided on the 10 support member for carrying each bale.

17. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which each operating means comprises a ram connected to the support member and a corresponding carrier arm. 15 18. An attachment as claimed in Claim 17 in which each ram is pivotally connected to the support member about a second pivot axis, each second pivot axis being spaced apart from the corresponding first pivot axis and being parallel thereto.

18. 20 19. An attachment as claimed in Claim 18 in which each second pivot axis is disposed on the same side of the corresponding first pivot axis as the corresponding second tine when in the loading position. 20. An attachment as claimed in Claim 17 or 18 in which each second pivot axis is disposed downwardly 5 relative to the corresponding first pivot axis.

19. 21. An attachment as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 20 in which each ram is pivotally connected to the corresponding carrier arm about a third pivot axis intermediate the ends of the corresponding carrier 10 arm.

20. 22. An attachment as claimed in Claim 21 in which each third pivot axis is disposed below the corresponding carrier arm when the carrier arm is in the loading position. 15

21. 23. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which mounting means is provided on the support member for mounting the attachment to a land vehicle.

22. 24. An attachment as claimed in Claim 23 in which the first and second tines extend substantially rearwardly 20 relative to the mounting means.

23. 25. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first and second tines are adapted for carrying straw or hay bales.

24. 26. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim 5 in which the first and second tines are adapted for carrying round bales.

25. 27. An attachment for a vehicle, the attachment being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.