AU679322B2 - Bale feeder - Google Patents

Description

PI00/009 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 0 0 0 *00* 0 0 000 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT INVENTION TITLE: BALE FEEDER Applicant: of: Allan James SLAT ER Edgar Road LONG WARRY VIC 3816 0 0 00 0 0 00 T he invention is described in the following statement: .JIMAC/slater.spec /20.03.95/D3 TITLE OF THE INVENTION Bale Feeder FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to devices used to feed out hay. It is particularly applicable to units used to feed out rectangular bales eight feet long, which fit onto trailer units, attachable to the rear of tractors. It will, however, be understood that the invention is applicable to the feeding out of bales other than eight feet long and to fitting on the rear of utility vehicles and other vehicles or trailers.

In the specification and claims, here the word "hay" is used, it will be understood that organic matter other than hay is included by this term. Where the work "tractor" is used, this refers to any two, four or six wheel drive tractor or other suitable towing vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently there are in existence many systems for storing feed for livestock. Cut and dried hay (grass), in its many forms, may be loose stacked or, more commonly, baled in some shape to allow easy handling and storage. The compression of hay into a fixed form also influences its decomposition rate and nutritional content.

Some farmers/contractors use round baling systems, other use square or rectangular bales. Non-round bales may take a variety of sizes depending on the machinery used. Bales may be in a variety of sizes in height and width for instance: three feet by two feet, three feet by three feet, four feet by three feet and four feet by four feet.

Round and non-round bales are usually tied by twine in order to keep their shape until feeding out.

There are also various systems and mechanisms available for dispensing the hay when required. Bales may be taken from the place of storage and placed on the ground or elsewhere. The lengths of twine are cut and removed so the animal(s) can consume the hay. Frequently it is also desired to break up the bales to loosen the matter. It may also be desired to spread the hay over some distance to allow many animals to gain access to the feed at once. These processes may be achieved manually or be assisted by machine means.

JM:AC/slater.spec/20.03.95/D3 ~sl I isr~~r One way of feeding out from hay bales, is to load the bales onto a trailer towed by a tractor, or onto the back of a utility vehicle. The vehicle is driven along and the hay bales cut and dispensed by hand. A line or trail of feed may extend over a short distance or, in some farms, hundreds of meters.

Another method of dispensing Iay from hay bales, is by machine. Round bales may be placed in a machine which rotates the bale, breaking off and dropping hay at a controllable rate. Square or rectangular bales may be placed on an apparatus whereby a conveyer with battens feeds the bale though a chopper or beater. Again the feedout rate is controlled by the speed of the vehicle compared with the speed the bale progresses though the chopper.

There are however, disadvantages or problems with current methods of dispensing hay. Dispensing hay by hand is arduous and is a two person operation one to drive and one to feed out. Machine methods of dispensing square or rectangular 99** bales require expensive machinery and untied bales may fall apart inconsistently.

9999 oe S In order to overcome these problems, it has been proposed to provided an invention which simply and effectively dispenses hay from square or rectangular hay bales.

The progression of a bale through a beater or chopper or similar, is achieved by utilising the strings which bind the bale together, to haul the bale in a fixed direction at a fixed speed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a device useful for feeding hay, in the form of bales tied with twine, to livestock, which device comprises: 1. a framework; 2. a platform connected to the framework for supporting a bale; 3. winding means mounted on the framework near one end for winding in one or more lengths of twine; and 4. paddle means mounted on the framework adjacent the winding means adapted to break-up the hay, wherein the bale may be pulled towards the winding means by means of the length JM:AC/slater.spec/20.03.95/D3 C 1~ -9 1 or lengths of twine and the paddle means operated to break-up the hay so that it falls to the ground on which the device is situated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate one embodiment of the invention. Thus: Figure 1 is a perspective view, looking down from one corner of the embodiment; Figure 2 is a similar view but showing a bale of hay loaded for breaking-up; and Figure 3 is a rear view of a utility vehicle showing the device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION There are several advantages of the invention over current hay dispensing methods.

Firstly, the device is relatively less expensive and less complicated than current machineF which achieve a similar function. There is no requirement for a conveyer to progress the bale. The device is adaptable to different situations, for instance: a S: unit can be built into a trailer design, which is attachable to the rear of tractors, or fitted to a utility vehicle. As one end of the bale is held together by the twine whilst S' the bale is being fed, it is held firmly together which ensures effective dispensing.

The rate of dispensing is easily controlled and dispensing achieved in a one man operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a trailer unit, designed to be attached to the rear of a tractor. The unit is wide enough to accept an eight foot bale across it, but narrow enough to pass through a typical farm gate.

There is provided on the side of the trailer, two receiving slots, into which may be inserted the two forks of a tractor headstock (not part of the invention) which is in turn connected to the three-point linkage on the rear of the tractor.

There is also provided on the preferred embodiment, a dog clutch mechanism or similar, which interfaces with the hydraulics on the tractor upon engagement of the trailer to the headstock. In this way the drive to the feed system is driven and controlled.

JM:AC/slater.spec/20.03.95/D3 d -I On the trailer, taere is provided a platform on which the bale rests. A guide bar is located parallel to the bale which assists holding of the bale and prevents it twisting.

An adjustable end bar at one end of the trailer, can be pulled out if a longer bale requires support.

The device preferably comprises a chain-driven mechanism, adapted to provide two functions. Firstly, a driven gear winds a shaft, which reels in the twine binding the bale and progresses the bale. Secondly, a shaft is provided with a paddle bar (also termed a beater or chopper), which cuts or strikes off hay from the bale as it is being progressed.

Above this mechanism, is a bar upon which is secured a number of straps. To these are attached the other end of each length of twine. Sprung prick-up tines may be attached to the cross bar to assist holding the top of the bale, thus preventing it from falling apart too easily and providing a consistent feed rate. On the twine roller, there may also be restriction cogs, to help control the feed rate of the bale.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is used as described as follows. A tractor is fitted with a headstock having two forks and a hydraulic drive. This is a usual attachment for this kind of farm equipment. A bale is placed on the trailer, either using the forks or by other means.

The tractor reverses up to the trailer, inserting the forks into the receiving slots. The male part of the hydraulic drive engages with the female part, which is part of the mechanism on the trailer. The trailer is then raised to a suitable height for towing.

"i Before dispensing, the operator cuts the twine at the feed end. Each length of tine is or are tied by one end to the .tring roller drive wheel. The free end of each length of twine is secured to the straps extending from the overhead cross frame, in moderate tension. The machine is now ready to operate.

When the driver wishes to dispense hay, he or she engages the hydraulic drive. This activates the twine winding mechanism and the beater. The beater, rotating approximately 14 to 16 times faster than the twine winding shaft, knocks the hay off the bale as the tractor moves along. (The overhead tines and the restriction dogs, if JMAC/slater.spec/20.03.95/D3 -I I present, on the string winding shaft partially restrict the progression of the bale, to control the feed rate.) As the lenths of twine are wound around the shaft, the bale is moved progressively into the path of the beater. The feed-out rate can be controlled by the driver either by adjusting the speed of the tractor, or the speed of the hydraulic drive. When the hay bale is completely fed out, the string is removed from the winding shaft, ready to accept a new bale. There may be provided a free wheel as part of the string winding shaft to facilitate removal of the twine.

In another embodiment of the device, the drive mechanism may be by a mechanism other than hydraulic. For instance, a direct drive shaft may be employed.

Alternatively, an electric motor may be employed.

In an alternative version of the invention, the drive chain may be other than by chain. Gears and/or shafts may be employed to drive the paddle roller and the twine winding shaft.

In a further version of the invention, the device is not designed as part of a trailer.

Rather, it is a stand alone unit, capable of being fitted to any trailer or other vehicle for instance a utility vehicle. Since the invention does not require a conveyer system it is compact and adaptable to fit many applications. The motive power for the unit could be by 12 volt motor operating from the parent vehicle. Speed control means may be provided, accessible from the driving position.

In order that the invention will be more readily understood, several embodiments will now be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a drawing of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Integer 1 denotes a platform, on which the bale is placed. 2 is an adjustable end bar and 3 a side bar which locates the bale. The forks of the tractor-head stock insert into receiving slots at 4 and 5. 6 is the female part of the drive interface. This drives the various shafts by the chain shown. 8 is a drive wheel for the twine winding shaft 11. 9 is a drive wheel for the beater 10. The chain tension is maintained by idler wheel 7. Overhead bar 12 is adjustable for the size of bale, as is the end bar 2. The overhead bar has affixed to it, straps 13 and tines 14. The exact number of these may vary within the JM:AC/slater.spec/20.03.95/D3 II i-P pl 19~- 0 scope of the ir dion.

Figure 2 shows the preferred embodiment with the hay bale in position. Bale 15 is connected but not advanced to the beater as yet. The twine of the bale is shown as cut. One end of each length of twine is tied to the shaft at 11. The other end of each length of twine is attached to the straps 13. In this way, it can be seen that the bale will be advanced as the chain driven progression mechanism is activated. The hay spills past the beater.

Figure 3 shows the invention as fitted to a utility motor vehicle. Number indicates the utility vehicle (not part of the invention). Bale 21, rests on the tray of the utility. The invention is bolted or otherwise connected to the utility. An upper bar, to which is attached straps, is shown as 22. Beater 23 can be seen at the rear of the vehicle, obscuring the twine winding shaft. Not shown are the electrical motor and transmission which drives the feeder system.

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Claims (4)

1. A device useful for feeding hay, in the form of bales tied with twine, to livestock, which device comprises: 1. a framework;

2. a platform for supporting a bale connected to the framework;

3. winding means mounted on the framework near one end for winding in one or more lengths of twine; and

4. paddle mileans mounted on the framework adjacent the winding means adapted to break-up the hay, wherein the bale may be pulled towards the winding means by means of the length or lengths of twine and the paddle means operated to break-up the hay or like animal feed so that it falls to the ground on which the device is situated. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform is constructed on, in or as part of a trailer unit for attachment to a farm vehicle. 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein hydraulic power is supplied from the farm vehicle to the device. o* 4. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the platform is supplied with a longitudinal guide bar to guide the bale. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the winding means V comprises one or more steps each adapted for attachment to a length of twine. S. 6. A device as claimed in claim 1, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 7th day of April 1997 ALLAN JAMES SLATER by His Patent Attorneys JAMES MURRAY CO. I I ~1 eL l_ ABSTRACT A device useful for feeding hay, in the form of bales tied with twine, to livestock, which device comprises: 1. a framework; 2. a platform for supporting a bale connected to the framework; 3. winding means (11) mounted on the framework near one end for winding in one or more lengths of twine; and 4. paddle means (10) mounted on the framework adjacent the winding means adapted to break-up the hay, wherein the bale may be pulled towards the winding means by means of the length or lengths of twine and the paddle means operated to break-up the hay or like animal feed so that it falls to the ground on which the device is situated. S.. S *w a f JM:AC/slater.spec/20.03.95/D3 L~L~ I ~LI _IIL ~L-