Patent ID: 6955030
Filing Date: 2005-10-18
Classification: A01F

Abstract:
1. A packing machine for packing material into a container, comprising: a movable frame having a rearward end and a forward end; a material-forming enclosure having an intake end coupled to the rearward end of the movable frame and configured to receive the material to be packed, and an output end extending rearwardly away from the movable frame and configured to receive the container; a material-filling apparatus coupled to the movable frame and configured to move the material to be packed rearwardly into the material-forming enclosure and to pack the material into the container, wherein the packaging machine is adapted to move forwardly as the material is packed into the container; and at least one drag member operatively coupled to the packing machine to extend rearwardly with respect to the frame to resist forward movement of the packing machine, wherein the at least one drag member is at least substantially flat having an adjustable operative surface area and having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface is in contact with at least one of the container and the packed material and is facing substantially all of the packed material disposed along the operative surface area thereof, and wherein at least a portion of the lower surface contacts a ground surface on which the packed material rests.