Bale wrapping method and apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus for wrapping a protective cover about a bale. The bale is supported stationary on a tined lift of a vehicle and provided within a frame having a roll of a protective cover rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The roll of protective cover orbits about the bale for at least one complete revolution and protective covering is withdrawn from the roll onto the bale during the revolution. Thereafter, the protective cover is severed, and the wrapped bale is withdrawn from the frame. The time required to load and unload the bale from the wrapping machine is minimized since the bale is engaged by the tined lift of the tractor throughout the entire operation.

1 . A method of wrapping a protective cover about a bale, comprising the steps of: 
 penetrating a bale with a vehicle having a tined lift;    providing adjacent said bale a frame having a receiver for a protective cover roll rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis;    positioning the penetrated bale in proximity with the axis of rotation of the rotatable receiver;    causing the protective cover roll receiver to move in a path about the axis with the protective cover engaged with the bale for at least one complete revolution;    severing the protective cover; and    withdrawing the protective covered bale from the frame.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of positively holding the free end of the protective cover adjacent the bale during at least half of said complete revolution of said receiver about the bale.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , further comprising the step of releasing the free end of the protective cover before said complete revolution of said receiver about the bale.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein a mechanism having a pair of coacting bars is utilized to positively hold and release said free end of said protective covering during said holding and releasing steps.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein said mechanism also is utilized to sever said protective covering during said severing step.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said mechanism is pivoted within said path of said receiver during said holding step, is pivoted outside of said path of said receiver during said releasing step, and is pivoted within said path of said receiver during said severing step.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6 , wherein one of said bars is pivoted adjacent the bale during a final revolution of said receiver about the bail so that a final layer of said protective covering extends between said bars.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said bars are pivoted by the action of a pair of cylinders.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of positioning the bale is accomplished by lifting the bale to a height slightly above a stationary cross arm of said frame.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus for wrapping a protective cover around a bale, comprising: 
 a mobile frame for receiving a bale held stationary in an elevated position above a frame supporting surface;    a receiver for a roll of protective material carried in said frame for rotation in a path of movement about the bale;    means for rotating said receiver about the bale to cause said protective material contained by said receiver to be withdrawn from said receiver and wrapped onto the bale; and    means for severing said protective material after a desired amount has been wrapped onto the bale.    
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said means for severing said protective material is provided by a pair of coacting bars each being pivotable relative to said frame between a position adjacent said bale within said path of movement of said receiver and a position distal from said bale external of said path of movement of said receiver.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said bars are positionable in a closed condition adjacent the bale to hold the free end of the protective material adjacent the bale.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein said bars are positionable in an open configuration with said bars extending on opposite sides of said path of movement of the said receiver.  
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 13 , further comprising a pair of cylinders connected to said frame for use in pivoting said bars.  
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said means for rotating said receiver includes an elongate arm that is connected to said frame such that said arm is permitted to spin about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, said receiver being connected to an end of said arm for rotation therewith.  
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein said receiver extends substantially parallel to said axis of rotation and perpendicular to said elongate arm.  
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein said receiver has a pair of rollers that cause said protective material to follow an “S”-shaped path before being unwound from said receiver.  
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 17 , further comprising a motor attached to said frame for powering rotation of said arm about said axis of rotation.  
     
     
         19 . Apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said frame includes a cross arm for use in aiding the positioning of a bale within said frame.  
     
     
         20 . Apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said frame has wheels and a hitch.