Patent ID: 6394732
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A bale handling device, the device comprising:(a) a support beam defining a closed end of a bale frame, the support beam comprising a primary bale support, the primary bale support comprising: (i) a hollow beam member; (ii) a vertical support post connected to the hollow beam member and centrally located on the hollow beam member; and (iii) a primary support plate connected to the hollow beam member and connected to the support post, the primary support plate being centrally located on the hollow beam member and extending upwards from the hollow beam member; (b) a first arm defining a first side of the bale frame, the first arm comprising a first arm connecting member, the first arm connecting member being telescopically received within the hollow beam member; (c) wear strip material positioned between the first arm connecting member and the hollow beam member; (d) a second arm defining a second side of the bale frame, the second arm comprising a second arm connecting member, the second arm connecting member being telescopically received within the hollow beam member; (e) wear strip material positioned between the second arm connecting member and the hollow beam member; (f) a first bale piercing spear connected with the first arm at a first given length therealong and projecting within the bale frame; (g) a second bale piercing spear connected with the second arm at a second given length therealong and projecting within the bale frame; (h) a first hydraulic cylinder mounted on an exterior surface of the hollow beam member, for controlling telescoping movement between the first arm connecting member and the hollow beam member so that the first bale engaging member and the second bale engaging member are movable toward and away from each other; (i) a second hydraulic cylinder mounted on the exterior surface of the hollow beam member, for controlling telescoping movement between the second arm connecting member and the hollow beam member so that the first bale engaging member and the second bale engaging member are movable toward and away from each other; and (j) an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to a vehicle such that the bale frame can be raised and lowered; wherein the first bale engaging member and the second bale engaging member together comprise a secondary bale support and wherein the secondary bale support is located relative to the primary bale support and said first and second given lengths are selected such that when a bale is positioned within the bale frame a center of gravity of the bale is located between the primary bale support and the secondary bale support and such that when the bale frame is thereafter lifted the bale will be supported by both the primary bale support and the secondary bale support.