SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WRAPPING AN AGRICULTURAL BALE

A bale wrap for an agricultural bale includes a wrapping layer having a center section, a first shoulder section, and a second shoulder section. The first shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a first lateral side of the center section, the second shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a second lateral side of the center section, the center section is configured to cover a circumferential side of the agricultural bale, the first shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a first axial side of the agricultural bale, the second shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a second axial side of the agricultural bale, and a center stretchability of the center section with respect to a longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer is greater than a shoulder stretchability of the first and second shoulder sections with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for wrapping an agricultural bale.

Agricultural balers are used to compress an agricultural product (e.g., cotton) into a package to facilitate storage, transport, and handling of the agricultural product. For example, a round baler may compress the agricultural product into a round bale within a baling chamber, such that the round bale has a desired size and density. After forming the bale, the bale may be wrapped with a bale wrap to secure the agricultural product within the bale and to generally maintain the shape of the bale. The bale wrap may be formed from a natural material, such as cotton or hemp. As a result, the bale wrap may biodegrade after use or be shredded during bale processing, thereby reducing waste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, a bale wrap for an agricultural bale includes a wrapping layer having a center section, a first shoulder section, and a second shoulder section. The first shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a first lateral side of the center section, the second shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a second lateral side of the center section, the center section is configured to cover a circumferential side of the agricultural bale, the first shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a first axial side of the agricultural bale, the second shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a second axial side of the agricultural bale, and a center stretchability of the center section with respect to a longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer is greater than a shoulder stretchability of the first and second shoulder sections with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural system10(e.g., harvester) having a bale wrapping system. The agricultural system10is configured to harvest agricultural product12(e.g., cotton) from a field14and to form the agricultural product12into bales (e.g., agricultural bales). For example, the agricultural system10includes a header16having drums configured to harvest the agricultural product12from the field14. Additionally, the agricultural system10includes an air-assisted conveying system18configured to move the agricultural product12from the drums of the header16to a baler20. The baler20is supported by and/or mounted within or on a chassis of the agricultural system10. As discussed in detail below, the baler20may form the agricultural product12into round bales. However, in other embodiments, the baler20of the agricultural system10may form the agricultural product into square bales, polygonal bales, or bales of other suitable shape(s). As described in greater detail below, after forming the agricultural product12into a bale, the bale wrapping system of the agricultural system10wraps the bale with a bale wrap to secure the agricultural product12within the bale and to generally maintain a shape of the bale.

As discussed in detail below, the bale wrapping system is configured to wrap the bale with a bale wrap having one or more layers. In certain embodiments, the bale wrap includes a wrapping layer having a center section, a first shoulder section, and a second shoulder section. The first shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a first lateral side of the center section, and the second shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a second lateral side of the center section. Accordingly, the center section is positioned between the first and second shoulder sections with respect to a lateral extent of the wrapping layer. Furthermore, the center section is configured to cover a circumferential side of the bale, the first shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a first axial side of the bale, and the second shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a second axial side of the bale. Accordingly, after the bale is wrapped with the wrapping layer, the bale wrap covers an entirety of the circumferential side of the bale and at least a portion of each axial side of the bale, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the bale wrap in maintaining the shape of the bale and providing the bale with enhanced protection from the environment (e.g., as compared to a bale wrap that only covers the circumferential side of the bale).

In addition, as discussed in detail below, a center stretchability of the center section with respect to a longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer is greater than a shoulder stretchability of the first and second shoulder sections with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer. Accordingly, as the wrapping layer is disposed about the bale, wrinkling of the shoulder sections may be reduced (e.g., as compared to a wrapping layer having uniform stretchability), thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of the bale wrap in maintaining the shape of the bale and providing the bale with enhanced protection from the environment. For example, during the bale wrapping process, the center section may be stretched by the bale wrapping system as the bale wrap is disposed about the bale. However, due to the lower stretchability of the shoulder sections, the shoulder sections may naturally contract about the axial sides of the bale, thereby reducing wrinkling of the shoulder sections. As a result, the shoulder sections may effectively engage the axial sides of the bale, thereby effectively maintaining the shape of the bale and blocking material (e.g., dust, water, etc.) from engaging at least a portion of the axial sides of the bale.

FIG.2is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a bale wrapping system40that may be employed within the agricultural system10ofFIG.1. A bale wrap42is configured to wrap around a bale44(e.g., a bale of the agricultural product, an agricultural bale, etc.) formed by the baler20of the agricultural system10. As cotton or another agricultural product is harvested, the agricultural product flows into an accumulator48(e.g., bale chamber) and/or a feeding system. For example, cotton may be blown by the air-assisted conveying system into the accumulator/bale chamber48. The cotton is then fed into a cavity50of the baler20. The baler20includes multiple rollers52that support and/or drive rotation of one or more belts53. For example, one or more rollers52engage the belt(s)53, which enable the belt(s)53to move along the pathway defined by the rollers52and the bale44. One or more rollers are driven to rotate via a belt drive system54(e.g., including electric motor(s), hydraulic motor(s), pneumatic motor(s), etc.). The belt(s)53circulate around the path defined by the rollers52and the bale44, as indicated by arrows55. Movement of the belt(s)53captures agricultural product from the accumulator48and draws the agricultural product into the cavity50, where the agricultural product is gradually built up to form the bale44. As the agricultural product builds within the cavity50, one or more of the rollers52may move radially outward to accommodate the increasing size of the bale44.

Once the bale44reaches a desired size, the bale wrapping system40wraps the bale44with the bale wrap42. The bale wrap42may include cotton, hemp, flax, other suitable material(s) (e.g., biodegradable material(s), natural material(s)), or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the bale wrap42may include only cotton. Additionally, the bale wrap42may include canvas, fabric, cloth, other suitable material(s), or a combination thereof.

The bale wrap42is fed into contact with the bale44with one or more feed rollers56and over a wrap guide or wrap applicator58(e.g., duckbill). The wrap guide/wrap applicator58is configured to move (e.g., rotate) to direct the bale wrap42into contact with the bale44. The bale wrap42is captured between the bale44and the belt(s)53. Accordingly, rotation of the bale44draws the bale wrap42around the bale44, thereby wrapping the bale44.

To secure the bale wrap42around the bale44, the bale wrapping system40includes an adhesive system60. The adhesive system60includes one or more sprayers61that spray an adhesive onto the bale wrap42(e.g., one side of the bale wrap42). Additionally or alternatively, the sprayer(s) may spray an activator (e.g., water) onto the bale wrap42to activate an adhesive (e.g., water-soluble film, powder embedded within the bale wrap, etc.). Accordingly, the adhesive system60may create an adhesive layer on the bale wrap42, thereby coupling the bale wrap42to itself, which secures the bale wrap42around the bale44. For example, a first portion of the bale wrap42couples (e.g., adheres) to a second portion (e.g., a backside and/or an exterior surface) of the bale wrap42with the adhesive provided by and/or activated by the adhesive system60as the first portion overlaps the second portion. The bale wrap42is then cut with a cutter or cutting system62to separate additional bale wrap42(e.g., on a shaft of a bale wrap assembly) from the bale wrap42surrounding the bale44.

The cutting system62is configured to cut the bale wrap42to a suitable length for wrapping the bale44. For example, the length of the bale wrap42may be selected based on a size of the bale44and a desired number of wraps of the bale wrap42(e.g., the number of times the bale wrap42wraps around a circumferential side of the bale44). The cutting system62may include a cutting mechanism, an actuation assembly coupled to the cutting mechanism, and a track. The cutting mechanism may include a knife that engages the bale wrap42to cut the bale wrap42. In other embodiments, the cutting mechanism may include other suitable mechanism(s) configured to cut the bale wrap (e.g., a rotary knife, a duckbill knife, a saw, a shear bar, etc.). In some embodiments, the actuation assembly is configured to move the cutting mechanism along a track to selectively drive the cutting mechanism into engagement with the bale wrap42. In certain embodiments, the bale wrap42may have partially pre-cut sections (e.g., perforated sections) to facilitate cutting the bale wrap42by the cutting system62.

The bale wrap42is configured to wrap around the bale44to secure the agricultural product within the bale44and to generally maintain a shape of the bale44, such as the round shape in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the shape of the bale may be rectangular, polygonal, or another suitable shape. The bale wrapping system40may wrap the bale44with the bale wrap42once or multiple times. For example, the bale wrap42may form one wrap (e.g., layer), one wrap and a portion of another wrap, two wraps, or five wraps around the bale44. The adhesive system60may spray various circumferential lengths of adhesive/activator along the bale wrap42. For example, the adhesive system60may spray along a circumferential portion of the bale wrap42that extends less than 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, or 100 percent of the circumferential extent of the bale44. The sprayed portion of the bale wrap42may also cover more than one wrap of the bale wrap42. In some embodiments, the portion of the bale wrap42sprayed with the adhesive/activator may be a selected length (e.g., 1 cm, 15 cm, 30 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, 150 cm, or more).

In certain embodiments, the agricultural system10includes a controller64. The controller64may be configured to control rotation of the belt(s)53and/or a belt speed of the belt(s)53. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller64is communicatively coupled to the belt drive system54, and the controller64is configured to control a rotation rate of one or more wheels or rollers52to control the belt speed of the belt(s)53. The controller64may control the belt speed of the belt(s)52in response to feedback from one or more sensors66. The sensor(s)66are communicatively coupled to the controller64, and the sensor(s)66are configured to output sensor signal(s) indicative of a flow rate of agricultural material, size of the bale44, other suitable parameter(s), or a combination thereof.

In addition, the sensor(s)66may enable the controller64to determine when to apply adhesive/activator to the bale wrap42. In some embodiments, upon determining the bale44has reached a desired size (e.g., based on feedback from the sensor(s)66), the controller64may automatically activate a bale wrapping process. For example, the controller64may receive signal(s) from the sensor(s)66indicative of the size of the bale44(e.g., weight, diameter, circumference, etc.). Upon determining the bale44has reached a target size, the controller64may activate the bale wrapping system40to initiate the bale wrapping process. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller64is communicatively coupled to a bale wrap shaft drive system68(e.g., including electric motor(s), hydraulic motor(s), pneumatic motor(s), etc.), which is coupled to a shaft of a bale wrap assembly70and configured to drive the shaft to rotate. The bale wrap assembly70includes the shaft and the bale wrap42disposed about the shaft. The controller64may activate the bale wrap shaft drive system68to begin feeding the bale wrap42toward the bale44. In some embodiments, the wrap guide58(e.g., duckbill) may be actuated (e.g., rotated), which drives the bale wrap42into contact with the bale44. As previously discussed, the bale wrap42is captured between the bale44and the belt(s)53. Accordingly, rotation of the belt(s)53draws the bale wrap42around the bale44.

The controller64may then determine the extent (e.g., length) of the bale wrap42around the bale44based on feedback from the sensor(s)66. Once a target amount of wrapping is complete, the controller64, which is communicatively coupled to the adhesive system60, may activate the adhesive system60. The controller64may then control the amount of adhesive/activator sprayed onto the bale wrap42and/or how much of the bale wrap42is sprayed with adhesive/activator (e.g., circumferential extent of the bale wrap42that is sprayed with adhesive/activator). In some embodiments, depending on the size of the bale44, the controller64may control the adhesive system60to spray more or less adhesive/activator onto the bale wrap42and/or control how much of the bale wrap42is sprayed with adhesive/activator. For example, if the bale44is small, less adhesive/activator may be used and/or less bale wrap42may be sprayed with adhesive/activator. However, if the bale44is large, more adhesive/activator may be sprayed onto the bale wrap42and/or more of the bale wrap42may be sprayed with adhesive/activator.

The controller64is configured to control movement and operation of the cutting system62as well. For example, the controller64, which is communicatively coupled to the cutting system62, may control engagement of a cutting mechanism of the cutting system62with the bale wrap42, such that the cutting mechanism cuts the bale wrap42. As illustrated, the cutting system62is positioned upstream of the sprayer(s)61of the adhesive system60relative to the direction of movement of the bale wrap42. Once the bale wrap42is cut and the bale wrap shaft drive system68terminates rotation of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly70, the bale wrap42continues to rotate with the bale44, thereby enabling a portion of the bale wrap42with adhesive/activated adhesive to contact and adhere to another portion of the bale wrap42that is disposed about the bale44.

In certain embodiments, the controller64may control the adhesive system60, the cutting system62, the bale wrap shaft drive system68, and the belt drive system54to control the bale wrapping process. For example, in response to the controller64determining that the bale44is in condition for wrapping, the controller64may control the belt drive system54to control the belt speed of the belt(s)53, such that the belt(s)53reach a target belt speed for wrapping the bale44. The target belt speed for wrapping the bale may be greater than or less than a target belt speed for bale formation. In certain embodiments, the belt speed may not be adjusted for wrapping the bale44(e.g., the target belt speed for wrapping the bale may be equal to the target belt speed for bale formation). The controller64may determine that the bale44is in condition for wrapping based on a weight of the bale44(e.g., based on feedback from the sensor(s)66), a duration of the bale forming process, instructions from another controller (e.g., a harvester controller) to wrap the bale44, based on a size of the bale44(e.g., based on feedback from the sensor(s)66), other suitable parameter(s), or a combination thereof. In response to determining the bale is in condition for wrapping, the controller64may control the bale wrap shaft drive system68to feed the bale wrap42toward the bale44. The controller64may then output a signal to actuate the adhesive system60. Concurrently or a selected duration thereafter, the controller64may output a signal to the cutting system62to drive the cutting mechanism into engagement with the bale wrap42, thereby cutting the bale wrap42. Thereafter, the controller64may control the belt drive system54to stop rotation of the belt(s)53. The wrapped bale44may then be ejected from the agricultural system10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller64of the bale wrapping system40includes a processor72and a memory74. The processor72(e.g., a microprocessor) may be used to execute software, such as software stored in the memory74for controlling the bale wrapping system40(e.g., for controlling rotation of the bale44, the adhesive system60, the cutting system62, etc.). Moreover, the processor72may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor72may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) or complex instruction set (CISC) processors.

The memory74may include a volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory74may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory74may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor72to execute, such as instructions for controlling the bale wrapping system40. In certain embodiments, the controller64may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitable components. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data, instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling the bale wrapping system40), and any other suitable data. The processor72and/or the memory74, and/or an additional processor and/or memory device, may be located in any suitable portion of the agricultural system10.

Additionally, the bale wrapping system40includes a user interface76communicatively coupled to the controller64. The user interface76may be configured to provide information to an operator (e.g., indicative of the rotation rate of the bale44, the belt speed of the belt(s)53, an amount of the bale wrap42remaining on the bale wrap assembly70, a size of the bale44, an amount of adhesive/activator remaining, other suitable parameter(s), or a combination thereof). Additionally, the user interface76may be configured to enable operator interactions with the bale wrapping system40, such as control of the adhesive system60, control of the cutting system62, control of the belt(s)53, control of other parameter(s), or a combination thereof. For example, the user interface76may include a display and/or other user interaction device(s) (e.g., button(s)) configured to enable operator interactions.

In certain embodiments, the bale wrap42includes a wrapping layer having a center section, a first shoulder section, and a second shoulder section. The first shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a first lateral side of the center section, and the second shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from a second lateral side of the center section. The center section is configured to cover a circumferential side78of the bale44, the first shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a first axial side80of the bale44, and the second shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of a second axial side of the bale44. As used herein, “circumferential side” of the bale44refers to the outer side of the bale that extends along the direction of rotation of the bale44, as compared to the axial sides of the bale. A bale having any suitable shape (e.g., square, polygonal, etc.) has a circumferential side that extends along the direction of rotation of the bale. A center stretchability of the center section with respect to a longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer (e.g., extent of the wrapping layer along the direction the wrapping layer extends about the circumferential side78of the bale44) is greater than a shoulder stretchability of the first and second shoulder sections with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer. Accordingly, as the wrapping layer, which is part of the bale wrap42, is disposed about the bale44, wrinkling of the shoulder sections may be reduced (e.g., as compared to a wrapping layer having uniform stretchability), thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of the bale wrap in maintaining the shape of the bale and providing the bale with enhanced protection from the environment.

In certain embodiments, during the bale wrapping process, the center section may be stretched by the bale wrapping system40as the bale wrap42is disposed about the bale44. To stretch the center section of the wrapping layer during the bale wrapping process, the controller64may control the belt drive system54to control the belt speed of the belt(s)53, and the controller64may control the bale wrap shaft drive system68to control a roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly70. For example, the controller64may control the belt speed to pull the bale wrap42from the bale wrap assembly70at a higher speed than the roll speed. As a result, the center section of the wrapping layer of the bale wrap42stretches. However, due to the lower stretchability of the shoulder sections, the shoulder sections may naturally contract about the axial sides of the bale, thereby reducing wrinkling of the shoulder sections. As a result, the shoulder sections may effectively engage the axial sides of the bale, thereby effectively maintaining the shape of the bale and blocking material (e.g., dust, water, etc.) from engaging at least a portion of the axial sides of the bale.

The controller64may control the belt speed of the belt(s)53and the roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly70to stretch the center section of the wrapping layer by any suitable percentage (e.g., within the stretching capability of the center section of the wrapping layer). For example, the bale wrapping system40may stretch the center section of the wrapping layer 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, or more. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the controller64may vary the amount of stretch during the bale wrapping process. For example, the controller64may control the belt speed of the belt(s)53and the roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly70to progressively increase the amount of stretch of the center section of the wrapping layer as the bale44is wrapped with the bale wrap42. For example, the controller64may increase the amount of stretch (e.g., linearly, parabolically, exponentially, etc.) from a minimum stretch (e.g., 0 percent) to a maximum stretch (e.g., 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, etc.). Alternatively, the controller64may control the belt speed of the belt(s)53and the roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly70to progressively decrease the amount of stretch of the center section of the wrapping layer as the bale44is wrapped with the bale wrap42. For example, the controller64may decrease the amount of stretch (e.g., linearly, parabolically, exponentially, etc.) from a maximum stretch (e.g., 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, etc.) to a minimum stretch (e.g., 0 percent). Furthermore, the controller64may control the belt speed of the belt(s)53and the roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly70to alternately increase/decrease the amount of stretch of the center section of the wrapping layer as the bale44is wrapped with the bale wrap42.

While controlling the belt speed of the belt(s)53and the roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly70to control the stretching of the center section of the wrapping layer is disclosed above, in certain embodiments, the controller may only control the belt speed of the belt(s) or the roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the controller may control a braking system (e.g., alone or in combination with the belt speed of the belt(s) and/or the roll speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly) to control the stretching of the center section of the wrapping layer. For example, the braking system may reduce the speed of the bale wrap upstream of the belt(s), thereby stretching the center section of the wrapping layer. In certain embodiments, the braking system is configured to reduce the rotational speed of the shaft of the bale wrap assembly and/or the rotational speed of the feed rollers. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the braking system may control application of force of a braking element (e.g., a brake, the wrap guide/applicator, etc.) against the bale wrap.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrapping system40includes a fluid applicator82configured to apply a fluid treatment (e.g., soya wax, cotton wax, sea weed, biodegradable plastic) or a fluid activator (e.g., water) to the wrapping layer after the bale wrap42is disposed about the bale44. The fluid applicator82may include any suitable device(s) configured to apply the fluid treatment/activator, such as a spray nozzle, a liquid application nozzle, an atomizer, a pump, other suitable device(s), or a combination thereof. The fluid treatment is configured to block water penetration into the bale44, thereby substantially protecting the bale44from environmental moisture (e.g., rain, dew, etc.). Furthermore, the fluid activator is configured to activate a particulate treatment within the wrapping layer. The activated particulate treatment is configured to block water penetration into the bale44, thereby substantially protecting the bale44from environmental moisture (e.g., rain, dew, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the fluid applicator82may applied the fluid treatment/activator across an entire lateral extent of the wrapping layer (e.g., width of the wrapping layer) before the shoulder sections contract about the axial sides of the bale44. Accordingly, the circumferential side78of the bale44and at least a portion of each axial side of the bale44may be substantially protected from environmental moisture. In certain embodiments, the fluid applicator82is communicatively coupled to the controller64, and the controller64is configured to activate the fluid applicator82during the bale wrapping process. For example, the controller may activate the fluid applicator during the entire bale wrapping process, such that each wrap of the wrapping layer receives the fluid treatment/activator, or the controller may activate the fluid application during the last wrap, such that only the outer wrap of the wrapping layer receives the fluid treatment/activator. While the fluid applicator82is positioned at the accumulator/housing48in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the fluid applicator may be positioned at a bale storage section of the baler, and the fluid treatment/activator may be applied after the bale is wrapped and moved to the storage section. In addition, in certain embodiments, the sprayer(s)61of the adhesive system60may function as the fluid applicator82and apply the fluid treatment/fluid activator to the wrapping layer of the bale wrap. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the fluid treatment/activator may not be applied to the wrapping layer. In such embodiments, the fluid applicator may be omitted. For example, in embodiments in which the bale wrap42includes the particulate treatment within the wrapping layer, the particulate treatment may be activated by environmental moisture/water (e.g., from rain, dew, etc.), thereby substantially protecting the bale44from the environmental moisture/water.

In certain embodiments, the bale wrap42may be formed from a single layer, such as the wrapping layer disclosed above. However, in other embodiments, the bale wrap42may be formed from multiple layers (e.g., coupled to one another). For example, in certain embodiments, the bale wrap42may include a wrapping layer and a water-resistant membrane coupled to the wrapping layer. The water-resistant membrane may be positioned on an outer surface of the wrapping layer, such that the wrapping layer contacts the bale. The water-resistant membrane is configured to block water penetration into the bale44, thereby substantially protecting the bale44from the environmental moisture (e.g., rain, etc.). For example, the water-resistant membrane may be formed from an organic water-resistant material, a wax-coated material, a biodegradable plastic, etc. In certain embodiments, the bale wrap includes a second wrapping layer coupled to the water-resistant membrane (e.g., positioned on an outer surface of the water-resistant membrane, such that the water-resistant membrane is disposed between the wrapping layers). The second wrapping layer may have the same structure as the wrapping layer disclosed above (e.g., a center section with a higher longitudinal stretchability than the shoulder sections), the second wrapping layer may have a substantially uniform structure (e.g., the center section and the shoulder sections may have the same longitudinal stretchability), or the second wrapping layer may have another suitable structure.

FIG.3is an exploded view of an embodiment of a bale wrap42that may be used by the bale wrapping system ofFIG.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrap42includes a wrapping layer84. As previously discussed, the wrapping layer84has a center section86, a first shoulder section88, and a second shoulder section90. The first shoulder section88extends laterally outwardly (e.g., outwardly with respect to a lateral axis92) from a first lateral side94of the center section86, and the second shoulder section90extends laterally outwardly (e.g., outwardly with respect to the lateral axis92) from a second lateral side96of the center section86. As previously discussed, the center section86is configured to cover the circumferential side of the bale. For example, the axial extent (e.g., width) of the bale may be about 4 feet (e.g., about 1.2 m), about 5 feet (e.g., about 1.5 m), about 6 feet (e.g., about 1.8 m), or about 8 feet (e.g., about 2.4 m). Accordingly, a lateral extent98(e.g., extent with respect to the lateral axis92) of the center section86may be about 4 feet (e.g., about 1.2 m) for a 4-foot bale, about 5 feet (e.g., about 1.5 m) for a 5-foot bale, about 6 feet (e.g., about 1.8 m) for a 6-foot bale, or about 8 feet (e.g., about 2.4 m) for an 8-foot bale, thereby enabling the center section86to cover the circumferential side of the bale.

Furthermore, as previously discussed, the first shoulder section88is configured to cover at least 5 percent of the first axial side of the bale, and the second shoulder section90is configured to cover at least 5 percent of the second axial side of the bale. For example, at least one shoulder section (e.g., each shoulder section) may cover 5 percent to 95 percent, 10 percent to 80 percent, 15 percent to 70 percent, or 20 percent to 60 percent of the respective axial side. In certain embodiments, a lateral extent100of the first shoulder section88is at least 10 cm, and a lateral extent102of the second shoulder section90is at least 10 cm. For example, the lateral extent of at least one shoulder section (e.g., each shoulder section) may be 10 cm to 40 cm, 15 cm to 35 cm, or 20 cm to 30 cm. In certain embodiments, the lateral extent of each shoulder section may be selected based on a diameter of the bale. Because the wrapping layer84covers an entirety of the circumferential side of the bale and at least a portion of each axial side of the bale, the wrapping layer84enhances the effectiveness of the bale wrap in maintaining the shape of the bale and provides the bale with enhanced protection from the environment (e.g., as compared to a bale wrap that only covers the circumferential side of the bale).

As previously discussed, a center stretchability of the center section86with respect to a longitudinal extent (e.g., longitudinal axis104) of the wrapping layer84is greater than a shoulder stretchability of the first and second shoulder sections with respect to the longitudinal extent (e.g., longitudinal axis104) of the wrapping layer84. Accordingly, as the wrapping layer84is disposed about the bale, wrinkling of the shoulder sections may be reduced (e.g., as compared to a wrapping layer having uniform stretchability), thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the bale wrap in maintaining the shape of the bale and providing the bale with enhanced protection from the environment. For example, during the bale wrapping process, the center section86may be stretched by the bale wrapping system as the bale wrap is disposed about the bale. However, due to the lower stretchability of the shoulder sections, the shoulder sections may naturally contract about the axial sides of the bale, thereby reducing wrinkling of the shoulder sections. As a result, the shoulder sections may effectively engage the axial sides of the bale, thereby effectively maintaining the shape of the bale and blocking material (e.g., dust, water, etc.) from engaging at least a portion of the axial sides of the bale.

In certain embodiments, the center stretchability of the center section86enables the center section to stretch at least 10 percent with respect to the longitudinal extent (e.g., the longitudinal axis104) of the wrapping layer84. For example, in certain embodiments, the center stretchability of the center section may enable the center section to stretch 10 percent to 100 percent, 15 percent to 50 percent, or 20 percent to 30 percent with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer84. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the shoulder stretchability of the shoulder sections may enable the shoulder sections to stretch less than 5 percent with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer. For example, the shoulder stretchability of the shoulder sections may enable the shoulder sections to stretch 0 percent to 5 percent, 1 percent to 4 percent, or 2 percent to 3 percent with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer. In certain embodiments, the center section and the shoulder sections may have a relatively low stretchability with respect to the lateral extent (e.g., lateral axis) of the wrapping layer (e.g., as compared to the center stretchability of the center section with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer). For example, the lateral stretchability of the center section and the shoulder sections may be less than 5 percent, less than 4 percent, less than 3 percent, less than 2 percent, or less than 1 percent with respect to the lateral extent of the wrapping layer. As used herein, “stretchability” refers to the ability of the material to stretch without breaking fibers (e.g., without regard to returning to an original shape).

In certain embodiments, the wrapping layer84is formed from natural and/or biodegradable material(s), thereby reducing waste (e.g., as compared to a non-biodegradable plastic bale wrap). For example, the wrapping layer84may include canvas, cloth, biodegradable plastic, other suitable natural/biodegradable material(s), or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the wrapping layer may be formed entirely from cotton, hemp, or flax. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the wrapping layer may be formed as a continuous layer (e.g., via a weaving process). However, in other embodiments, the shoulder sections may be formed separately from the center section and coupled to the center section (e.g., via a stitched connection, via an adhesive connection, etc.).

To establish a center section86with a higher longitudinal stretchability than the shoulder sections, the center section86may include generally longitudinally extending fibers (e.g., cotton fibers) that oscillate along the longitudinal axis104. The magnitude of the oscillation of the generally longitudinally extending center section fibers may be greater than the magnitude and/or the frequency of the oscillation of the generally longitudinally extending shoulder section fibers (e.g., the generally longitudinally extending shoulder section fibers may extend along the longitudinal axis with no oscillation). During the bale wrapping process, the generally longitudinally extending fibers of the center section may straighten (e.g., the magnitude of oscillation may be reduced), thereby enabling the center section to stretch. The center section and the shoulder sections may also include generally laterally extending fibers (e.g., which may be straight to establish a low lateral stretchability). In certain embodiments, the center section of the wrapping layer may have fibers arranged in a gauze or double gauze pattern. While establishing the stretchability of the center section with oscillating generally longitudinally extending fibers is disclosed above, in certain embodiments, the stretchability of the center section may be established with any other suitable fibers/material(s). For example, in certain embodiments, the generally longitudinally extending fibers of the center section may have a greater individual stretchability than the generally longitudinally extending fibers of the shoulder sections.

As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the bale wrap42includes a water-resistant membrane106coupled to the wrapping layer84. The water-resistant membrane106may be positioned on an outer surface of the wrapping layer84, such that the wrapping layer84contacts the bale. The water-resistant membrane is configured to block water penetration into the bale, thereby substantially protecting the bale44from the environmental moisture (e.g., rain, dew, etc.). For example, the water-resistant membrane106may be formed from an organic water-resistant material, a wax-coated material, a biodegradable plastic, etc. The water-resistant membrane106may be coupled to the wrapping layer84via an adhesive connection (e.g., an adhesive layer positioned between the wrapping layer84and the water-resistant membrane106), a stitched connection, other suitable connection(s), or a combination thereof. To enable the water-resistant membrane106to longitudinally stretch with the center section86of the wrapping layer84, the water-resistant membrane106may be coupled to the wrapping layer84in a wrinkled state (e.g. at least with respect to the longitudinal axis104). Accordingly, as the center section86longitudinally stretches, the wrapping layer84may straighten. However, because the shoulder sections longitudinally stretch less than the center section, the water-resistant membrane may remain at least partially wrinkled on the axial sides of the bale.

In the illustrated embodiment, a lateral extent107(e.g., extent with respect to the lateral axis92) of the water-resistant membrane106is equal to the lateral extent of the wrapping layer84. Accordingly, the water-resistant membrane106covers the circumferential side of the bale and at least 5 percent of each axial side of the bale. However, in other embodiments, the lateral extent of the water-resistant membrane may be equal to the lateral extent of the center section of the wrapping layer, such that the water-resistant membrane only covers the circumferential side of the bale. While the bale wrap42includes the water-resistant membrane106in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments (e.g., in embodiments in which the fluid treatment is applied to the wrapping layer, in embodiments in which the bale wrap includes the particulate treatment within the wrapping layer), the water-resistant membrane may be omitted. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a water-resistant sealant (e.g., coating, etc.) may be applied to the wrapping layer (e.g., alone or in combination with the water-resistant membrane) to block water penetration into the bale.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrap42includes a second wrapping layer108coupled to the water-resistant membrane106. The second wrapping layer108may be positioned on an outer surface of the water-resistant membrane106, such that the water-resistant membrane106is disposed between the wrapping layers. In addition, the second wrapping layer108may have the same structure as the wrapping layer84(e.g., a center section with a higher longitudinal stretchability than the shoulder sections), the second wrapping layer108may have a substantially uniform structure (e.g., the center section and the shoulder sections may have the same stretchability), or the second wrapping layer may have another suitable structure. The second wrapping layer108may be coupled to the water-resistant membrane106via an adhesive connection (e.g., an adhesive layer positioned between the water-resistant membrane106and the second wrapping layer108), a stitched connection, other suitable connection(s), or a combination thereof. Furthermore, a lateral extent (e.g., extent with respect to the lateral axis92) of the second wrapping layer108may be equal to the lateral extent of the wrapping layer84, or the second wrapping layer may have another suitable lateral extent.

In certain embodiments, the second wrapping layer108is formed from natural and/or biodegradable material(s), thereby reducing waste (e.g., as compared to a non-biodegradable plastic bale wrap). For example, the second wrapping layer108may include canvas, cloth, biodegradable plastic, other suitable natural/biodegradable material(s), or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the second wrapping layer may be formed entirely from cotton. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the second wrapping layer may be formed as a continuous layer (e.g., via a weaving process), or the second wrapping layer may be formed from multiple sections coupled to one another (e.g., via stitched connection(s), via adhesive connection(s), etc.). In certain embodiments (e.g., in embodiments in which the water-resistant membrane is omitted), the fluid treatment or the fluid activator (e.g., in embodiments in which particulate treatment is disposed within the second wrapping layer) may be applied to the second wrapping layer. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the water-resistant membrane is omitted, the second wrapping layer may be coupled to the wrapping layer. In addition, in certain embodiments, the second wrapping layer may be omitted. In embodiments of the bale wrap having multiple layers and/or the particulate treatment, the bale wrap may be formed (e.g., manufactured) with the layers/particulate treatment before being disposed about the bale. For example, a multi-layer bale wrap (e.g., with or without the particulate treatment) may be formed into the bale wrap assembly and disposed within the baling chamber to facilitate the bale wrapping process.

FIG.4is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bale wrap42disposed about a bale44. In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrap42includes a single layer corresponding to the wrapping layer84. As previously discussed, the wrapping layer84includes the center section86, the first shoulder section88, and the second shoulder section. The first shoulder section88extends laterally outwardly from the first lateral side94of the center section86, and the second shoulder section extends laterally outwardly from the second lateral side96of the center section88. Accordingly, the center section86is positioned between the first and second shoulder sections with respect to the lateral extent of the wrapping layer84. Furthermore, the center section86is configured to cover the circumferential side78of the bale44, the first shoulder section88is configured to cover at least 5 percent of the first axial side80of the bale44, and the second shoulder section is configured to cover at least 5 percent of the second axial side of the bale44. Accordingly, the bale wrap42covers an entirety of the circumferential side78of the bale44and at least a portion of each axial side of the bale44, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the bale wrap42in maintaining the shape of the bale44and providing the bale44with enhanced protection from the environment (e.g., as compared to a bale wrap that only covers the circumferential side of the bale).

In addition, as previously discussed, the center stretchability of the center section86with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer84is greater than the shoulder stretchability of the first and second shoulder sections with respect to the longitudinal extent of the wrapping layer. Accordingly, with the wrapping layer84disposed about the bale44, wrinkling of the shoulder sections may be reduced (e.g., as compared to a wrapping layer having uniform stretchability), thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of the bale wrap42in maintaining the shape of the bale44and providing the bale with enhanced protection from the environment. For example, during the bale wrapping process, the center section86may be stretched by the bale wrapping system as the bale wrap42is disposed about the bale44. However, due to the lower stretchability of the shoulder sections, the shoulder sections may naturally contract about the axial sides of the bale, thereby reducing wrinkling of the shoulder sections. As a result, the shoulder sections may effectively engage the axial sides of the bale44, thereby effectively maintaining the shape of the bale44and blocking material (e.g., dust, water, etc.) from engaging at least a portion of the axial sides of the bale44.