Bale thrower

An improved bale thrower for use with a hay baler is disclosed. The thrower affixes to the discharge end of the bale case of the baler and can be selectively pivoted vertically about at least one horizontal axis between a first operative position for directionally ejecting bales and a second inoperative position which allows the bales to be deposited directly on the ground behind the baler.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
This invention relates generally to bale throwers, and specifically to a 
bale thrower which may be selectively pivoted vertically about at least 
one horizontal axis between a first operative position and a second 
inoperative position. 
Bale throwers are, in general, very well known equipment accessories 
employed extensively throughout the agricultural community. The increasing 
mechanization of farm procedures in pursuit of economy has all but totally 
eliminated the manual "bucking" of bales from the ground to a moving truck 
bed or wagon. Today, it is not only more convenient, but in many cases 
necessary that every labor saving device be employed to its fullest--and 
the bale thrower fills this need. 
Basically, there are two main types of baler throwers, the "pan"-type and 
"belt"-type. The invention to be described herein relates more to the 
latter category, but, in its broadest sense could be equally applicable to 
any type of thrower. General examples of the prior art bale throwers and 
specific features thereof are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,132,754; 
3,059,755; 3,095,962 and 3,110,392. 
Various circumstances arise which make it desirable to be able to easily 
select a mode of bale handling, i.e., whether the bales are ejected 
through the thrower or deposited on the ground. For example, if the 
thrower itself breaks down, a considerable amount of valuable time can be 
lost if the baling operation cannot continue. Also, especially in regard 
to commercial operators, selectivety is important because some clients 
want the bales removed, and some of them want them left on the field. 
Furthermore, the situation where an insufficient number of wagons are 
available to keep up with the baling operation requires the mentioned 
selectivety. 
Pan-type bale throwers are normally of such construction that bales may be 
fed directly to the ground when the apparatus is not functioning. 
Attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 3,155,223 which very clearly shows 
this characteristic. Bales discharged from bale case 26 are deposited on 
pan 98. If the thrower is operating, the bale is ejected upwardly and 
rearwardly by the swinging motion of the pan; however, if the thrower is 
not operating, the bale is pushed off the rear of the pan by the motion of 
subsequently formed bales through case 26. 
The belt-type thrower has several advantages over the pan-type which are 
apparent to those of skill in the art, but the lack of operation mode 
selectivity has proven to be a drawback in those situations mentioned 
above. Heretofore, the only practical method of making an operational mode 
selection with a belt-type thrower has been to remove the thrower 
completely. This process, though not impossible, is at best inconvenient 
due to an average thrower weight from about 300 to about 500 pounds. A 
previously known solution to this problem is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 
3,181,686. The thrower disclosed in this patent is pivoted about a 
vertical axis on the bale case from an operative to an inoperative 
position. Because of basic bale case design and structure, this apparatus 
is impractical. The tremendous moment arm created during the rotation of 
the thrower has a great tendency to twist the case and thus damage its 
ability to perform its function. The invention to be described below is 
not subject to this problem and is far superior thereto in operation and 
construction. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a bale thrower which 
may be selectively moved between an operative position and an inoperative 
position. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a belt-type bale thrower 
for attachment to the discharge end of a bale case which is pivotable 
vertically between a first position in operative alignment with the bale 
case and a second inoperative position out of alignment therewith. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a belt-type bale thrower 
in which each of the belts pivot upwardly about horizontal axes between 
operative and inoperative positions. 
It is a further object of this invention to provide a hay baler and bale 
thrower combination which may selectively eject bales into a trailing 
wagon or drop them on the ground by pivoting the bale thrower vertically 
relative to the baler. 
It is a still further object of this invention to provide a bale thrower of 
the character described which is durable of construction, relatively 
inexpensive of manufacture and extremely effective in use. 
It is an even still further object of this invention to provide a bale 
thrower which may be easily pivoted to an inoperative position to allow 
access to the baler plunger for maintenance or removal. 
These and other objects are accomplished by providing an improved bale 
thrower for use with a hay baler. The thrower affixes to the discharge end 
of the bale case of the baler and can be selectively pivoted vertically 
about at least one horizontal axis between a first operative position for 
directionally ejecting bales and second inoperative position which allows 
the bales to be deposited directly on the ground behind the baler.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to FIG. 1, the baler 10 will be described in general terms 
for illustrative purposes only, it being understood that the baler itself 
forms no part of the instant invention. A frame 11 is supported for ground 
travel in the direction of arrow 12 by a pair of wheels 13. The primary 
elements of the baler include a plunger housing 14, an in-line bale case 
16, and an in-feed housing 17. A conventional crop pickup 18 feeds the cut 
crop material into the in-feed housing 17 which in turn conveys the crop 
into the plunger housing 14 wherein the reciprocating motion of the 
plunger 19 forms a bale. The individual bales are tied by either twine or 
wire which is stored in bulk in a twine box 21. As the individual bales 
are formed they are forced through the bale case 16 for ejection at the 
open discharge end 22 thereof. As can best be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the 
bale case 16 includes a top wall 23 and an opposing bottom wall 24. The 
bale thrower 40, which will be described in further detail below, is 
affixed to the discharge end of bale case 16. 
The power from a prime mover such as a tractor is transmitted to the baler 
through a power-take-off 26 which is in driving relationship to the 
primary flywheel 27. The motive power for the bale thrower 40 is 
transferred through a drive shaft 31, protected by housing 32 via sheave 
28 and endless belt 29. 
Attention is now directed to FIG. 2, though continued reference to FIG. 1 
may be advantageous to better understand some of the elemental 
relationships. The thrower 40 includes a first frame comprised of elements 
41 and 42 which are affixed respectively, to the top and bottom of the 
discharge end of the bale case 16. Frame elements 41 and 42 may be 
attached to the bale case in any suitable manner, but the affixment should 
be as rigid as possible to provide the stability and strength necessary to 
support the weight and moment arm of the thrower. 
A second frame comprised of top elements 43,44 and 46, bottom plates 47 and 
48, and two opposed side panels, only one of which 49, can be seen. Top 
elements 43,44 and 46 are connected to form a generally U-shape structure 
(best seen in FIG. 1) which is given added lateral stability by other 
structural elements to be described below. Element 44 is pivotally 
connected to frame element 41 by a pin 50 which forms a vertical axis of 
rotation for the thrower. Likewise, bottom plate 47 is pivotally connected 
to frame element 42 by a pin 51 which is in alignment with pin 50. 
Structurally, elements 43, 44, and 46-49 form an open-ended chamber 
through which a bale, such as 52, may pass on its way to discharge. Bottom 
plate 47 is substantially in alignment with bottom wall 24 of bale case 16 
such that the bale need not flex an appreciable amount to pass between the 
case and the second frame. 
Bottom plate 48 is pivotally connected, at 53, to plate 47 so that it may 
assume two functional positions. In the first of these positions, as shown 
in solid line in FIG. 2, it is slightly incline with respect to plate 47. 
The plate is fixed in this position by end bolts, only one of which, 54, 
is shown, so that it may guide the bales upwardly into the conveyor 
section to be described. When the bale thrower is moved to its inoperative 
position, and it is desired to deposit the bales on the ground, plate 48 
is moved to its second position, shown in dotted line in FIG. 2 and solid 
line in FIG. 3. With the end bolts removed and support arms, only one of 
which, 56, is shown, pivoted and fixed to the side panels of the second 
frame, plate 48 is directed at a slight downward angle to direct the 
discharged bales to the ground. 
The bale ejector portion of the thrower, shown generally as 60, includes 
driven conveyors 61 and 71. Lower conveyor 61 comprises a generally 
rectangular belt frame 62 upon which at least two rollers 63 and 64 are 
mounted for rotation. An endless belt 66 is suspended between rollers 63 
and 64, and held taut therebetween for rotation therewith. Other rollers 
may be employed as required, such as 67, for support. Belt frame 62 is 
supported in the semi-cantilevered attitude of FIG. 2 by a pair of spaced 
apart arms 68 and 69 which are rigidly fixed to and project away from 
frame 62 at approximately a 90.degree. angle. The end of each arm 68 and 
69 remote from frame 62 is pivotally affixed to second frame elements 43 
and 46, respectively, along a single horizontal axis of rotation 70. 
Additional strength to accommodate the moment arm of conveyor 61 is 
obtained by supporting arms 68 and 69 on the rearward edge of the side 
panels of the second frame. 
Upper conveyor 71, similarly to conveyor 61, includes a belt frame 72, 
rollers 73 and 74, endless belt 76 and optional roller 77. A pair of 
upstanding dog ears, 78 and 79 are mounted in spaced relationship to 
second frame elements 43 and 46, respectively, and support the ends of 
rollers 73 for vertical movement about horizontal axis 80. 
FIG. 2 shows the operational position of the bale thrower. As the bales 
leave the bale case 16 they are directed into the bite between belts 66 
and 76 which rotate in opposite directions to accelerate the bales 
upwardly and rearwardly toward a trailing wagon (not shown). A 
substantially fixed spacing between the belts is maintained by rod 81 
which is pivotally connected at 82 to bracket 83 on arm 68. Rod 81 
projects through a hole in bracket 84 on belt frame 72 for sliding 
movement relative thereto. A washer 87 is welded to rod 81 below bracket 
84 and a series of spacers 88 fix the minimum distance therebetween. A 
compression spring 85 acts against bracket 84 and free-sliding washer 86 
to absorb upward forces exerted on conveyor 71 during the ejection of a 
bale. Any suitable means may be employed to prevent washer 86 from 
slipping off the end of rod 81, such as, for example, the cotter pin 
shown. A similar rod and bracket arrangement is located on the opposite 
side of the thrower to promote stability. 
Referring to FIG. 3, the second or inoperative position of the bale thrower 
is shown. Bottom plate 48 has been moved to its lower, bale dropping 
position, and both conveyors 61 and 71 pivoted upwardly. More 
specifically, conveyor 61 has been pivoted about horizontal axis 70 to 
open the rearward end of the second frame to allow bales, such as 89, to 
be guided by plate 48 toward the ground. Conveyor 71 has been pivoted 
counterclockwise about horizontal axis 80 to allow clearance for conveyor 
61. A rod 90 is shown in FIG. 2 to be fixed at one end to a portion of 
bracket 84, and held at the other end by spring clamp 91. In FIG. 3, rod 
90 is shown to be engaged with slot 92 in bracket 93. Thusly, the two 
conveyors are fixed in the inoperative position. 
The drive system for the thrower is similar to those shown in the cited 
prior art patents, but does include some important modifications. 
Generally, the mechanical drive disclosed herein (1) changes the 
rotational power direction 90.degree., and (2) moves the power application 
from one side of the thrower, adjacent shaft 31, to the other where it is 
used to rotate the various working elements. 
The torque transmitted by shaft 31 is moved through a 90.degree. angle by 
endless belt 101 extending between sheaves 102 and 103 around horizontal 
sheaves 104 and 105 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2). The rotational drive 
force is transferred to the opposite side of the thrower by a power 
transfer mechanism 106. Mechanism 106 comprises a shaft 107 having end 
sheaves 103 and 108 fixed thereto. Shaft 107 is rotatably supported by 
arms 109 and 110 which are in turn supported, respectively, by plates 111 
and 112 fixed to the second frame, for pivotable movement about horizontal 
axis 113. 
An endless belt 114 is operably connected to sheaves 108, 116, 117 and 
tensioned idler 118 to operate conveyors 61 and 71 in the desired manner. 
A flywheel, such as 119, may be employed to advantageously "smooth out" 
the power surges which the system may experience. The idler 118 is held in 
biased contact with endless belt 114 by a spring 120 fixed to belt frame 
62. 
Thus it can be seen that movement from the operative position shown in FIG. 
2 to the inoperative position of FIG. 3 provides some slack in endless 
belt 114. This slack permits power transfer mechanism 106 to pivot 
counterclockwise about axis 113 to relieve tension in endless belt 101 and 
substantially stop operation of the thrower. 
Shaft 31 continuously rotates in the structural arrangement shown and, even 
when the thrower is in the inoperative position has a tendency to cause 
severe wear on replacement items, particularly endless belt 101. Various 
mechanisms have been employed to control the relationship between shaft 31 
and the thrower including movable tensioning devices for belt 29; however, 
none have been completely satisfactory from the point of view of 
convenience and cost. The simple arrangement shown in FIG. 4 solves this 
problem in a unique and quite satisfactory manner. 
Sheave 102 is protected laterally by side plates 121 and 122 which form 
part of a larger protective housing. Two holes, 123 and 124, extend 
through plates 121 and 122 at distances from the axis of sheave 102 
greater than the radius thereof. Thus, when the tension is released from 
endless belt 101, it may be manually pulled beyond holes 123 and 124, and 
pins, such as 126 and 127 (see FIG. 2) inserted therein to hold the belt 
away from the rotating sheave. Of course, the pins are removed when it is 
desired to operate the bale thrower and repositioned in the holes, above 
the relocated belt, for storage. 
Thus, a novel bale thrower co-operable with a baler has been described. The 
structural configuration of the preferred embodiment set forth above very 
satisfactorily solves the major problems heretofore associated with bale 
throwers. The pivoting feature of the instant thrower allows an operator 
to quickly and easily change operation mode, and to efficiently withdraw 
or service the baler plunger. This latter feature, as understood by one of 
skill in the art, is extremely advantageous inasmuchas the plunger can 
only be removed or effectively serviced through the discharge end of the 
bale case. Previously, access to the plunger could be obtained only by 
removal of the thrower, which required the use of a hoist. 
It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials, steps 
and arrangements of parts, which have herein been described and 
illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, will occur to 
and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of the 
disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. 
For example, directional control means may be applied to the bale thrower 
to ensure correct positioning thereof relative to the trailing wagon. For 
example, a hydraulic cylinder may be affixed between the thrower and the 
bale case, or a more commonly known wagon tongue attachment may be 
employed.