Abstract:
A system and method for removing material wrapped around a hay bale is provided. The system may comprise first and second generally opposing arms, a cutting device, and a grabbing device. The first and second arms are adapted for receiving a bale therebetween. One or both of the arms may be pivotably movable or linearly movable in order to receive and be positioned proximate a side of a bale. The cutting device may be movably coupled to the first arm and adapted for selectively traveling between first and second ends (e.g., a proximal end and a distal end) of the first arm. The grabbing device may be movably coupled to the second arm and adapted for selectively traveling between first and second ends (e.g., a proximal end and a distal end) of the second arm.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/363,693, filed Jul. 18, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for cutting, grabbing, and removing net wrap and other wrapping materials from large round bales of forage material by mechanical methods. The invention is compatible with bale forks (spears) for skid steers, tractors, or other equipment used to deliver bales to livestock. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The invention of plastic net wrap allowed hay producers to wrap large round bales of hay in a shorter amount of time and reduce the amount of hay lost to spoilage. Net wrap is typically comprised of woven plastic that packages a bale. Previously, producers had wrapped bales in sisal twine that could rot away allowing spoilage. Plastic net wrap does not degrade or decompose in the environment and can quickly clutter feeding facilities if not removed. The trash that is left in feeding facilities can become wrapped up in manure spreaders, yard mowers, and field tillage equipment or blown through the countryside. If consumed, net wrap can block the intestinal tract and/or decrease the stomach capacity of livestock because it does not decompose or break down. 
         [0004]    Removing net wrap from large round hay bales can be a strenuous and potentially dangerous activity for livestock producers. This is a multi-step process with several physically demanding steps. To complete the process, an operator must dismount from the machine used for transporting the hay, cut the net wrap, remove the net wrap from the bale, collect the net wrap, and then remount the machine to finish feeding the bale. Feeding hay bales weighing, for example ˜1100 pounds, near livestock also exposes producers to potentially dangerous situations. Livestock often crowd around the tractor when a bale is delivered to the feedlot and the operator has to move through the cattle to perform the task of removing net wrap. Adverse weather conditions can also make it stressful to remove net wrap as livestock must be fed daily, in rain, cold, or heat. 
         [0005]    To assist producers with the removal of net wrap many different designs have been developed to aid the process. One such known machine is an apparatus for cutting twine from around a bale detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,774, granted on Jul. 24, 2001 to Jerome S. Rogness. The machine in U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,774 cuts twine or net wrap while the bale is held by the grapple and bucket of a loader. However, currently no known implement exists for cutting and removing the net wrap while leaving the bale intact. 
         [0006]    Another design that utilizes a bucket and grapple to assist in the removal of net wrap is described in Canadian Patent No. 2,273,306, granted on Nov. 28, 2000 to Allen Schwitzer. With this remover, a drum with tines is used to engage and collect net wrap upon itself. After the twine is wound about the drum two hydraulic cylinders are actuated to engage a cutterbar that cuts the twine off while the drum rotates. A limitation of this design is that the net wrap is not removed from the device with every bale and is not compatible with bale forks. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a need exists for a system that cuts and removes net wrap from a bale while leaving the bale intact. Another need exists for a system that is compatible with bale forks (spears) and allows the bale forks to operate in their original embodiment without interference. Such a system would allow livestock producers to use a bale forks (spears) to haul hay from fields to barns to feeding locations without having to change implements. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    One embodiment of the present invention is generally directed to a system and method for removing material wrapped around a hay bale. The system may comprise first and second generally opposing arms, a cutting device, and a grabbing device. The first and second arms are adapted for receiving a bale therebetween. The cutting device may be movably coupled to the first arm and adapted for selectively traveling between first and second ends (e.g., a proximal end and a distal end) of the first arm. The grabbing device may be movably coupled to the second arm and adapted for selectively traveling between first and second ends (e.g., a proximal end and a distal end) of the second arm. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the present invention is generally directed to a net wrap removal implement. The implement may be configured for attachment to a tractor, skid steer, telehandler, pickup, truck, pull-type wagon, or other vehicle or piece of equipment. In one embodiment, the implement may include a bale forks frame with net wrap remover affixed to it; a net wrap remover consisting of one or more swing arms and cross beam; swing arms that hinge upon a pin mounted to the cross beam; at least one hydraulic cylinder to actuate one or more of the swing arms; a cutting mechanism mounted upon a swing arm of the remover; a grabbing mechanism mounted upon a swing arm of the remover; motors (e.g., an electric motors, hydraulic motors, or the like) or other powered means to power the cutting and grabbing mechanisms along the swing arm; and a serrated knife or blade affixed to the cutting mechanism. The implement may further include a roller chain, cable, belt or the like to convert motor rotational motion to linear motion of the cutting and grabbing mechanisms; hooks mounted upon the grabbing mechanism; and an actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, electric linear actuator, rotary actuator, or the like) to open and close the hooks of the grabbing mechanism. 
         [0010]    The swing may be folded for transport. The swing arms can also be folded closed during the moving of bales wherein the cutting of net wrap is not desired. The means to fold in and out the swing arms may include a rack and pinion. It will be appreciated that, in one embodiment, a single hydraulic cylinder may actuates both swing arms. The grabbing mechanism may be fixed or movable, and multiple grabbing mechanisms can be employed in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the cutter is located on the left side and the grabber is located on the right side. In other embodiments, the cutter is located on the right side and the grabber is located on the left side. The cutting and grabbing mechanisms can be mounted on respective trolleys that movably carry the cutting and grabbing mechanisms down the length of the respective arms. 
         [0011]    Other and further objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course of the following description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]    The features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Emphasis of the drawings is placed on illustrating the principles of the embodiment and not necessarily the scale. In the drawings, reference numbers designate equivalent parts throughout several drawings and views. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the mechanical net wrap remover with arms prepared for engaging bale according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the mechanical net wrap remover folded for transport or folded for engaging bales that do not yet need the net wrap removed according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the mechanical net wrap remover with cutter and grabbing mechanism extended to distal end of arms according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the mechanical net wrap remover with cutter and grabbing mechanism retracted to base end of arms according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a front right isometric view of the skid steer and mechanical net wrap remover preparing to load a bale according to one embodiment of the present invention.; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a left side view of the skid steer and mechanical net wrap remover with a loaded bale according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the skid steer and mechanical net wrap remover preparing to load a bale according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the skid steer and mechanical net wrap remover with the bale loaded and preparing to engage mechanical net wrap removal arms according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the skid steer and mechanical net wrap remover after the arms have been engaged with bale according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the skid steer and mechanical net wrap remover after the arms have opened to pull off the net wrap according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the trolley that carries the cutting and grabbing mechanisms upon the swing arms according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the grabbing mechanism in the open configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the grabbing mechanism in the closed configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating an overview of a method of using the mechanical net wrap remover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]    The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures. 
         [0028]    The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the mechanical net wrap remover according to one embodiment of the present invention can be seen. References made to certain directions (e.g., right, left, front, and rear) are determined when viewed from the operator station of tractor or skid steer  11  when the implement is mounted to the front loader linkage, as best shown in  FIG. 9 . The remover  10  may be mounted to a tractor, skid steer  11 , or other suitable equipment by means of a quick attach plate  17 . The frame  16  can consist of quick attach plate  17 , square tubing  13 , and round tubing  14  where spears  15  are secured. The quick attach plate  17  or frame  16  may further include couplers or other means of attachment by which the quick attach plate  17  or frame  16  may be coupled, pinned or otherwise attached to a tractor, skid steer  11 , or other equipment. 
         [0030]    As shown, the remover  10  has a right swing arm  21  that carries the cutter  31  and a left swing arm  20  that carries the grabbing mechanism  28 . Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the grabbing mechanism  28  may be carried on the right swing arm  21  and the cutter  31  may be carried on the left swing arm  20 . The cutter  31  and grabbing mechanism  28  can be mounted on respective trolleys  24  that movably carry the cutter  31  and grabbing mechanism  28  down the length of the arms  20 ,  21 . In one embodiment, the trolleys  24  are moved by chains  25  that are powered by electric motors  22 ,  23  mounted upon the arms  20 ,  21 . However, it will be appreciated that the trolleys  24  may be propelled by other means now known or hereafter developed. For example, in other embodiments, the trolleys  24  may be moved by gears, belts, cables, screw drives, rack and pinion assemblies, motors mounted to the trolleys  24 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0031]    As shown, the arms  20 ,  21  are pivotally coupled to the cross beam  26 . The arms  20 ,  21  can be folded in and out under the power of hydraulic cylinders  18  about the hinges  19 . The arms  20 ,  21  can be seen in a folded-up position for transport in  FIG. 2 , the arms  20 ,  21  can be seen in an open position in  FIG. 7 , and the arms  20 ,  21  can be seen in a generally parallel or opposing open position in  FIG. 2 . It will be appreciated that the arms  20 ,  21  can be folded and unfolded by other means now known or hereafter developed. For example, in other embodiments, the arms  20 ,  21  can be folded and unfolded by linear actuators, motors or servomotors. 
         [0032]    With the arms  20 ,  21  in the fully folded position shown in  FIG. 2 , bales  12  can be hauled from one location to another, for example from field to shed, from field to outdoor storage location, and from shed or outdoor storage, without unmounting of the remover  10 . 
         [0033]    The trolley  24  may consist of four steel plates  36  welded together with roller bearings  35  bolted above and below the swing arms  20 ,  21  allowing the trolley  24  to roll back and forth along its respective arm  20 ,  21  when pulled upon by the chain  25 . The trolley  24  can alternatively be made without wheels as just a sleeve around the swing arm  20 ,  21 . The trolley  24  could also feature polyblock to reduce friction between the sleeve and the swing arm  20 ,  21 . Other suitable mechanisms for coupling and guiding the trolley  24  relative to its respective arm  20 ,  21  are also within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0034]    As illustrated in the figures, the trolley  24  may be fixed to the chain  25  and given linear motion along the swing arms  20 ,  21  by the chain  25  which is powered by a respective motor  22 ,  23 . As schematically shown in  FIG. 4 , the chain  25  goes around an idler sprocket  32  at the distal end of the swing arm  20 ,  21 . The idler sprocket  32  may be fixed in place by a bracket  33 . In  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the trolleys  24  can be seen extended to distal end and retracted to the proximal end, respectively. For the cutter  31 , the chain  25  runs on the right (outside) of the swing arm  21  where it is fixed to the trolley  24 . After the chain  25  goes around the idler sprocket  32  it returns on the inside of the square tubing that makes up the swing arm  21 . The same design occurs for the grabber  28  on the left swing arm, however the chain  25  runs on the left (outside) of the left swing arm  20 . The chain  25  converts the rotational motion of the motor  22 ,  23  to linear motion along the swing arm  20 ,  21 . An alternative embodiment for the chain  25  could be steel cable to convert the rotational motion to linear motion. 
         [0035]    The cutter  31  can consist of sickle sections  34  or other knives, blades or cutting mechanisms which are easily sourced and replaced. The sickle sections  34  can be removably mounted to the trolley weldment  24 . In  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , the grabber mechanism  28  can be seen. The grabber mechanism  28  is mounted upon the trolley  24  in its open configuration in  FIG. 12 . The grabber  28  can consist of hooks  29 , projections, grapples, or other structure suitable for engaging the net wrap  38  upon the bale  12 . The hooks  29  can be closed by a linear actuator  30  which is retracted in  FIG. 13 . The linkage of the hooks  29  closes them together like tongs to engage the net wrap  38 . Springs (not shown) may be attached to the hooks to assist in the opening and/or closing actions. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that other suitable means for selectively opening and closing the hooks  29  relative to one another may be employed. 
         [0036]    An alternative embodiment for the folding in and out of the swing arms  20 ,  21  is a rack and pinion. The pinion may be fixed/welded to the swing arm  20  and the rack can be held so that it engages the pinion. The pinion may be given linear motion by a hydraulic cylinder  18  that is fixed parallel over the cross beam  26  of the remover  10 . With this design, one cylinder  18  could fold in and out both swing arms  20 ,  21  with a linkage that goes parallel to the cross beam  26  connecting a left and right rack and pinions. 
         [0037]    The side supports  27  can be bolted, welded, or otherwise removably or permanently attached to the frame  16  of the forks. The side supports  27  can be selectively moved up and down relative to the frame  16  to provide a way to raise or lower the cross beam  26  to a desirable height where the swing arms  20 ,  21  are in position to engage the bale  12 . 
         [0038]    It will be appreciated that the remover  10  may be manufactured and distributed as an entire unit or, alternatively, that certain of its individual components may form a kit adapted for retrofitting existing equipment. 
         [0039]      FIG. 14  demonstrates a method of using the remover  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the method can comprise the following steps: 
         [0040]    (1) unfolding the arms  20 ,  21  to prepare for engaging a bale  12 , 
         [0041]    (2) engaging the bale  12  and closing the arms  20 ,  21  until against sides of the bale  12 , 
         [0042]    (3) operating the motor  23  associated with the cutter  31  to perform a cutting action upon the net wrap  38  surrounding the bale  12 , 
         [0043]    (4) operating the motor  22  associated with the grabber  28  to move the grabber  28  to the distal end of arm  20  (if not already there) and then actuating the grabber  28  to collect the net wrap  38 , 
         [0044]    (5) operating the motor  22  associated with the grabber  28  to move the grabber  28  to the proximal end (pivot end) of the arm  20  and the actuating the grabber  28  a second time, 
         [0045]    (6) operating the motor  22  associated with the grabber  28  to move the grabber  28  back to the distal end of arm  20 , 
         [0046]    (7) unfolding the arms  20 ,  21  further until limit is reached as the net wrap  38  is pulled off of the bale  12 , and 
         [0047]    (8) removing the bale  12  from the forks  15  and releasing the net wrap  38  from the grabber  28 . 
         [0048]    The initiation of the foregoing steps may be manually controlled or, alternatively, some or all of the steps may be automated though use of an electronic controller or computer system. 
         [0049]    Notwithstanding the recitation of the foregoing steps, it will be understood that the cutting step may occur when the cutter  31  is traveling either from the distal end to the proximal end of the arm  21 , or from the proximal end to the distal end of the arm  21 . Similarly, it will be understood that the step of grabbing the net wrap may occur when the grabber  28  is traveling either from the distal end to the proximal end of the arm  20 , or from the proximal end to the distal end of the arm  20 . 
         [0050]    While the bale  12  illustrated in the figures is a large round bale, it will be appreciated that the remover  10  described herein may be adapted for use with bales of various sizes, shapes and configurations. Additionally, while net wrap  38  material is discussed herein and shown in the figures, the remover  10  of the present invention can be adapted for removing various types of material from bales including, but not limited to, net wrap, plastic sheet wrapping, film, twine and other materials surrounding the bales. 
         [0051]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. 
         [0052]    The constructions and methods described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.