Patent ID: 7165928
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: A01D,B65B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A cotton bale handling method comprising: supporting the bale of cotton in a bale configuration using protective wrap extending around the bale; transporting a cotton bale with the protective wrap from a harvest location to a cotton gin; inserting an upper elongated wrap engaging structure into the bale; engaging a lower portion of the protective wrap with a lower wrap engaging structure; tensioning a lower portion of the protective wrap with the lower wrap engaging structure; positioning the cotton bale adjacent a receiver, the step of positioning including moving the tensioned lower portion of the protective wrap and bale in a conveying direction against a severing device to facilitate removal of the cotton and draping of the protective wrap over the upper elongated wrap engaging structure; separating the protective wrap from the cotton while the cotton bale is positioned adjacent the receiver; and transferring cotton from the bale away from the wrap into the receiver for processing by the cotton gin.