Abstract:
A hydraulically tilting dual bale spear having multiple bale tines is presented. The bale spear has a first frame and a second frame connected to one another at a pivot point. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member. When activated, the hydraulic cylinder tilts the second frame with respect to the first frame member thereby providing a safer, faster and more efficient way to gather and pick up bales. The benefit over a non-tilting dual bale spear is that it allows the operator to pick up two bales without stopping or dragging the first bale across the ground and ripping the net wrap. It also allows the operator to level out the two bales once picked up for easier off load onto a truck or trailer.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/757,782 filed Jan. 29, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a bale spear. More specifically, and without limitation, this invention relates to a mechanized laterally tilting dual bale spear used for gathering and picking up multiple round hay bales at once. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Hay is an important feed for cows, horses, goats, and other ruminants. Traditionally, hay was harvested and stacked for drying by hand. However, since the industrial revolution, harvesting, baling and stacking hay has become increasingly more mechanized. Initially, mechanization was developed to bale hay in small rectangular hay bales. A major improvement in the hay baling art was the development of large round hay balers. These round balers collect cut hay from the ground, roll it to produce a round hay bale that is many times larger than traditional square bales. These round bales are quite efficient as the round baler compresses the harvested crop mat. Using a large round baler improves the efficiency of a baling operation as less bales are required, as compared to square bales, which reduces the amount of bales that must be made, moved or used 
         [0004]    While the development of large round hay bales is an improvement over the prior art, the use of large round hay bales presents certain problems. Namely, large round hay bales are heavy, dense and therefore they are difficult to pick up, move and control. In addition, due to the fact that often times hay is cut on more-marginal or variable land, using machinery to pick up and move large round bales on rolling or hilly terrain can be difficult, dangerous and inefficient. I addition, due to the fact that farming operations are growing and becoming more mechanized, it is becoming difficult to meet the efficiency and cost demands required by modern farming operations with conventional equipment. 
         [0005]    Thus a primary object of the present invention is to provide a device that improves the efficiency of moving large round hay bales. 
         [0006]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that improves the safety of moving large round hay bales. 
         [0007]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that improves that amount of control a user has when moving large round hay bales. 
         [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that easily allows for more than one large round hay bale to be picked up and moved at a time. 
         [0009]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is simple and easy to use. 
         [0010]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is inexpensive. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is rigid and durable while being adjustable. 
         [0012]    These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification, drawings and claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    A hydraulically tilting dual bale spear having multiple bale tines is presented. The bale spear has a first frame and a second frame connected to one another at a pivot point. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member. When activated, the hydraulic cylinder tilts the second frame with respect to the first frame member thereby providing a safer, faster and more efficient way to gather and pick up bales. The benefit over a non-tilting dual bale spear is that it allows the operator to pick up two bales without stopping or dragging the first bale across the ground and ripping the net wrap. It also allows the operator to level out the two bales once picked up for easier off load onto a truck or trailer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a hydraulically tilting dual bale spear; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a guiding member in the form of a curved rod and a follower to replace the cam slot in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a front perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a guiding member in the form of a curved rail and a follower to replace the cam slot in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of a hydraulically tilting dual bale spear; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a partial rear elevation view of a hydraulically tilting dual bale spear; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a hydraulically tilting dual bale spear; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a hydraulically tilting dual bale spear attached to a tractor wherein the right side of the hydraulically tilting dual bale spear is tilted all the way down; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a hydraulically tilting dual bale spear attached to a tractor wherein the left side of the hydraulically tilting dual bale spear is tilted all the way down. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0022]    With reference to the figures, a hydraulically tilting dual bale spear  10  is presented. While the figures and the description show and discuss a dual bale spear, the invention is not so limited. It is hereby contemplated that the invention herein is equally applicable to a triple bale spear, a quadruple bale spear, and so on without limit. The bale spear  10  a front side  12 , a back side  14 , a left side  16 , a right side  18 , a top side  20  and a bottom side  22 . The bale spear  10  has two main components, a first frame  24  and a second frame  26 . The term tilting mechanism is used to describe the components that work in unison with one another to connect first frame  24  with second frame  26  while allowing second frame to angularly tilt from side-to-side with respect to the first frame  24 . The tilting mechanism cause tilting, guide tilting, facilitate tilting, while providing needed strength and rigidity to the system  10  to facilitate its intended purpose of lifting, carrying and manipulating bales and other objects. 
         [0023]    First frame  24  connects to a tractor, wheel loader  28  or other piece of machinery, equipment, vehicle or the like. First frame  24  connects to tractor  28  by any means known in the art such as through an attachment, a Bob-Tach™, Quick-Tach™, or any other connecting arrangement. In embodiment pictured, a Quick-Tach™ attachment mechanism  29  is presented having an upper lip  30  which angles downwardly, a sidewall  32  connected to each side of the upper lip  30  which provides the outside boundary of the upper lip  30  and a lower lip  34  which also angles downwardly. Lower lip  34  has a pair of locking holes  36 , one in either side of the lower lip  34  which receive locking members from the attachment system of wheel loader  28 . 
         [0024]    First frame member  24  has a bottom frame member  38  and an opposing upper frame member  40  which are connected to one another at each outward side by opposing side frame members  42  thereby a rigid and generally square or rectangular first frame member  24  is formed. In one arrangement the bottom frame member  38 , upper frame member  40  are positioned in parallel spaced alignment to one another; the side frame members  42  are positioned in parallel spaced alignment to one another; and the side frame members  42  are positioned in perpendicular alignment to the bottom frame member  38  and upper frame member  40 , thereby forming a generally square or rectangular frame. So as to improve the aesthetics of the first frame member  24  as well as to allow for better visibility when bale spear  10  is tilted, the upper corners of the first frame member  24  are replaced with a corner frame member  44  which is positioned at an angle to the upper frame member  40  and side frame members  42  thereby eliminating the squared upper corners of first frame  24 . 
         [0025]    A pair of opposing angled cross braces  46  are positioned within the open interior of the first frame member  24 . Angled cross braces  46  are connected at their bottom edge to the top surface of bottom frame member  38  and angle outwardly therefrom where they connect at their top edge to the bottom side of upper frame member  40 . Alternatively, angled cross braces  46  connect at their top edge to upper frame member  40 , side frame member  42 ; or at the intersection of upper frame member  40  and side frame member  42 , the intersection of upper frame member  40  and corner frame member  44  or the intersection of side frame member  42  and corner frame member  44 . 
         [0026]    Also positioned within the opening of first frame member  24  to provide additional rigidity and strength is longitudinal cross brace  48 . In one arrangement, longitudinal cross brace  48  extends in parallel spaced alignment to the upper frame member  40  and bottom frame member  38  and connects at its outward edges to angled cross braces  46 , adjacent their top edge. Alternatively, longitudinal cross braces  48  connects at its outward edge to, side frame member  42 , corner frame member  44 ; or at the intersection of side frame member  42  and corner frame member  44 . The upper lip  30  and sidewalls  32  of the attachment mechanism  29  are connected to the back side  14  of the longitudinal cross brace  48  and extend rearward therefrom. Similarly, the lower lip  34  of the attachment mechanism  29  is connected to the back side of the bottom frame member  38  and extend rearward therefrom. 
         [0027]    Additional frame members can be connected to first frame member  24  to improve the rigidity and strength thereof without departing from the scope of the invention and are hereby contemplated. 
         [0028]    A cam plate  50  is positioned within the first frame member  24 . In the arrangement shown, cam plate  50  is positioned in the bottom outside corners of the first frame member  24 . That is, the cam plate  50  is positioned in the opening between the bottom frame member  40 , the side frame member  42  and the angled cross brace  46 . Depending on the arrangement, in the event that the first frame member  24  has corner frame members  44  the upper edge of the cam plate may  50  may connect to a portion of the corner frame members  44  as well (as is shown in the figures). In this arrangement, cam plate  50  is completely surrounded by frame members, thereby providing cam plate  50  with optimal strength and rigidity. 
         [0029]    A cam slot  52  is positioned within each cam plate  50 . In one arrangement, cam slot  52  is a portion of a circle which has a constant or even curvature. In another arrangement, cam slot  52  is any arcuate opening or feature. 
         [0030]    First mounting bracket  54  is also connected to the first frame member  24 . In the arrangement depicted, first mounting bracket  54  is connected to the front side  12  of angled cross brace  46  and is attached thereto adjacent the bottom edge of the angled cross brace  46 . In the arrangement depicted, first mounting bracket  54  is a plate having a rectangular outside edge which terminates in a rounded nose  56  which points towards the center of the first frame member  24 . Positioned within the rounded nose  56  is a through hole  58 , which is used for attachment. 
         [0031]    Second frame member  26  has a bottom frame member  60  and an opposing upper frame member  62  which are connected to one another at each side by opposing side frame members  64  thereby a rigid and generally square second frame member  26  is formed. In one arrangement the bottom frame member  60 , upper frame member  62  are positioned in parallel spaced alignment to one another; the side frame members  64  are positioned in parallel spaced alignment to one another; and the side frame members  64  are positioned in perpendicular alignment to the bottom frame member  60  and upper frame member  64 , thereby forming a generally square or rectangular frame. 
         [0032]    A pair of opposing second frame cross braces  66  are positioned within the open interior of the second frame member  26 . Second frame cross braces  66  are connected at their bottom edge to the top surface of bottom frame member  60  and angle inwardly therefrom where they connect at their top edge to the bottom side of upper frame member  62 . Additional frame members can be connected to second frame member  26  to improve the rigidity and strength thereof without departing from the scope of the invention and are hereby contemplated, examples include the longitudinal cross brace  48  and corner frame members  44 , described above. 
         [0033]    A bushing plate  68  is positioned in the inside corner formed by bottom frame member  60  and second frame cross braces  66 . The bottom edge of bushing plate  68  is connected to the upper edge of bottom frame member  60 , and the outside edge of bushing plate  68  is connected to the inside edge of second frame cross braces  66 . The interior edge of bushing plate  68  is not connected to an additional frame member (as is shown), however, for additional strength an additional frame member can be connected along this edge. 
         [0034]    A through hole is positioned in the bushing plate and a bushing  70  is connected thereto by a conventional nut and bolt arrangement positioned in the opening between the bottom frame member  40 , the side frame member  42  and the angled cross brace  46 . Depending on the arrangement, in the event that the first frame member  24  has corner frame members  44  the upper edge of the cam plate may  50  may connect to a portion of the corner frame members  44  as well (as is shown in the figures). In this arrangement, cam plate  50  is completely surrounded by frame members, thereby providing cam plate  50  with optimal strength and rigidity. 
         [0035]    Bushing  70  extends outwardly and rearward from bushing plate  68  and is matingly received within cam slot  52  of cam plate  50  of first frame  24 . To ensure bushing  70  remains within cam slot  52 , a washer  74  is positioned on either side of bushing  70  and cam plate  50 . Alternatively, bushing  70  has a groove which matingly fits within cam slot  52  and shoulders which are wider than cam slot  52 , thereby preventing bushing from escaping cam slot  52 . Bushing  70  and cam slot  52  connect first frame member  24  to second frame member  26  while allowing side-to-side angular tilting of second frame member  26  with respect to first frame member  24 . 
         [0036]    Axel  76  connects upper frame member  40  of first frame member  24  to the upper frame member  62  of second frame member  26 . Axel  76  is connected to and extends outwardly and forward from upper frame member  40  of first frame member  24  and passes through upper frame member  62  of second frame member  26  thereby pivotally connecting the two upper frame member  40 ,  62  to one another. In one arrangement, as is shown, axel  76  is received within a circular collar connected to second frame member  26  which allows second frame member  26  to rotate upon axel  76 . To facilitate pivoting at this pivot point, axel  76  is generally located at the centers of the two upper frame member  40 ,  62 , adjacent their centers. Axel  76  is held in place by a locking pin  78  positioned on the forward side of second frame member  26 , thereby preventing axel  76  from withdrawing from second frame member  26 . In one arrangement, axel  76  is positioned at the center of a circle formed by the curvature of cam slots  52 . Axel  76  generally extends perpendicularly outwardly from the plane formed by second frame member  26  thereby providing an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the plane of second frame member  26 . As the plane of first frame member  24  is positioned in generally parallel spaced relation to the plane of the second frame member  24 , the axis of rotation established by axel  76  is generally perpendicular to both the plane of the first frame member  24  and the second frame member  26 . 
         [0037]    Second mounting bracket  80  is also connected to the second frame member  26 . In the arrangement depicted, second mounting bracket  80  is connected to the rear side  14  of bottom frame member  60  and extends upwardly therefrom. Second frame member  26  is positioned just inside the interior edge of bushing plate  68 . In the arrangement depicted, second mounting bracket  80  is a plate having a rectangular bottom edge which terminates in a rounded nose  82  which points upwardly. Positioned within the rounded nose  82  is a through hole  84 , which is used for attachment. 
         [0038]    Hydraulic cylinder assembly  86  is connected at its first end to first mounting bracket  54  and at its second end to second mounting bracket  80 . Hydraulic cylinder assembly  86  has a hydraulic cylinder  88  and a piston  90  which forcibly extends and retracts in and out of hydraulic cylinder  88 . Hydraulic lines  92  are connected to hydraulic cylinder  88  to supply and return hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinder assembly  86 . Hydraulic lines  92  are removeably and replaceably connected to the hydraulic system of wheel loader  28 . 
         [0039]    At least two pairs of bale tines  94  are connected to and extend outwardly and forward from the bottom frame member  60  of second frame member  26 . Two bale tines  94  provide additional stability for the speared bale and prevents rotation of the bale. Additional tines  94  can be added to any portion of second frame member  26  such that three, for or more tines  94  are used to pick up a bale. 
         [0040]    In one arrangement, an additional bale spear extends out of second frame cross brace  66  and/or the upper frame member  62  of second frame member  26 . Bale tines  94  are positioned at fixed positions on second frame member  26 , or alternatively bale tines  94  are manually or mechanically moveable and adjustable along second frame member  26 . In the arrangement wherein tines  94  are mechanically moveable, additional hydraulic cylinders or electric motors are needed to facilitate their adjustment. 
         [0041]    Due to the width of average roads the second frame member  26  can facilitate two adjacent conventional round bales. However, if a bale spear is needed to simultaneously lift three or more round bales, it is hereby contemplated that folding wings can be connected to the exterior edge of the second frame member. Folding wings are connected by a joint and are controllable by hydraulic cylinders or electric motors. When in transit, folding wings are in a folded condition, whereas when the tractor  28  reaches the field, and its width is no longer restricted, the wings are unfolded thereby allowing for picking up three or more bales. 
         [0042]    Alternatively, to facilitate picking up more than two round bales simultaneously and/or to facilitate lateral adjustment of multiple bales after being picked up, the second frame member  26  has telescoping portions  96 . These telescoping portions retract within one another and extend therefrom, to facilitate a width varying second frame member  26 . This retraction and extension is accomplished by way of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, electric motors or any other movement mechanism. In one arrangement, as an example to facilitate this width extension and retraction, the second frame member  26  includes a narrower tube member that fits within a wider tube member such that the narrower tube member fits and slides within the wider tube member to adjust the width of the second frame member  26  along arrows A. 
         [0043]    Alternative Arrangement: While cam plates  50  and cam slots  52  are shown and described herein as being part of first frame  24 , and bushing plate  68  and bushing  70  are shown and described as being part of second frame  26 , it is hereby contemplated to invert this arrangement. That is, in an alternative arrangement, the cam plates  50  and cam slots  52  are part of second frame  26 , and bushing plate  68  and bushing  70  are part of first frame  24 . This, either arrangement provides identical functionality, however there may be compelling reasons, based on specific applications, that makes one arrangement more desirable than the other. 
         [0044]    Alternative Arrangement: While arcuate cam slots  52  with corresponding bushings  70  is presented as one manner of connecting first frame member  24  with second frame member  26  while allowing and guiding tilting of second frame member  26  with respect to first frame member  24 , this is not the only manner of accomplishing this functionality. In an alternative arrangement, cam slots  52  are replaced with a straight or curved rod, shaft, rail or other guiding member  98 . In this arrangement, a follower  100 , such as a collar or the like replaces bushings  70 . In this arrangement follower  100  fits over and slides along guiding member  98  as the second frame member  26  is tilted up or down. Accordingly, this arrangement of a guiding member  98  and follower  100  is a different structure than cam slots  52  and bushings  70  that provides a similar functionality. Like cam slots  52  and corresponding bushings  70 , the guiding members  98  and corresponding followers  100  can be connected to either the first frame  24  or the second frame  26 . 
         [0045]    In operation: the dual bale spear  10  is connected to the tractor  28  by any conventional means. Hydraulic lines  92  of the hydraulic cylinder assembly  86  are connected to the hydraulic system of tractor  28 . Once connected, the bale spear  10  is ready for use. 
         [0046]    The operator controls the height and up/down tilting of the tines  94  by manipulating the implement arm of tractor  28  that bale spear is connected to. The user controls the side-to-side tilting of second frame member  26  by controlling the flow to hydraulic cylinder  88  which controls the distance at which piston  90  extends out of or into hydraulic cylinder  88 . As the piston  90  extends out of hydraulic cylinder  88  the second frame  26  tilts one way with respect to first frame member  24 ; as the piston  90  retracts into hydraulic cylinder  88  the second frame  26  tilts the opposite way with respect to first frame member  24 . In one arrangement, hydraulic cylinder  88  has pistons  90  that extend out of each end of the hydraulic cylinder  88 . In this way, as a piston  90  extends out of one end of the hydraulic cylinder  88  the second frame  26  tilts one way (along arrow R); and as a piston  90  extends out of the other end of the hydraulic cylinder  88  the second frame  26  tilts the other way (along arrow R). 
         [0047]    As the second frame  26  tilts with respect to first frame  24 , the second frame pivots upon axel  76  and bushings  70  slide or roll along cam slots  52  of cam plate  50 . Axel  76  and bushings  70  in cam slots  52  keep the plane of first frame member  24  in parallel spaced alignment with the plane of second frame member  26 . In this way, second frame member  26  tilts side to side without interfering or hitting first frame member. 
         [0048]    As the user approaches a first bale, the user centers a pair of tines, either right pair or left pair  94  on the bale. The user drives the tractor towards the bale, thereby piercing the tines  94  into the bale until the tines  94  are fully inserted into the bale. Tines  94  are fully inserted in the bale when the bale engages the front side of the second frame member  26 . After the tines  94  are fully inserted in the bale, the operator using the loader controls raises the loader therefore lifting the first bale. Once raised, the operator tilts the side of second frame member  26  that the bale is on upwardly. 
         [0049]    Moving on to the next bale, the operator positions the center of the pair of tines opposite the first bale with the bale to be picked up. The first bale being tilted upward allows the operator to pierce the second bale without dragging the first bale along the ground, which often results in tearing of the bale net wrap. Once the second bale has been fully engaged the operator using the loader controls can raise the loader therefore lifting both bales simultaneously. 
         [0050]    Now that the operator has two bales lifted, using the loader controls, the bale spear can be tilted to a level position in which the bottom of both bales are parallel to surface in which they are being off-loaded. This adjustment allows flexibility to the operator to allow him to match the angle of the bales on frame member  26  to the angle of truck or trailer on to which they are being offloaded, thus allowing to simultaneously disengagement of both bales precisely and efficiently. 
         [0051]    From the above discussion it will be appreciated that presented is a dual bale spear that improves the efficiency of moving large round hay bales; improves the safety of moving large round hay bales; improves that amount of control a user has when moving large round hay bales; easily allows for more than one large round hay bale to be picked up and moved at a time; provides a device that is simple and easy to use, that is inexpensive, durable and rugged. 
         [0052]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.