Abstract:
A cotton module handling implement has a plurality of elongated tapered rods attached to a frame. Each rod extends perpendicular to the front face of the frame and is positioned horizontally and vertically so as to distribute the weight of the cotton module evenly across each rod and throughout the cotton module itself. The number and width of the rods allow for penetration of the cotton module without substantially disturbing the seed cotton integrity. Mounting brackets for either a three-point hitch or a front-end loader extend from the rear face of the frame.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Modern cotton harvesting techniques separate the fibrous cotton boll from the remainder of the plant. The bolls are formed into large generally cylindrical cotton modules then wrapped with plastic and placed in the field. These cotton modules may be 8 feet long, by 8 feet in diameter and have a weight of approximately 5,000 pounds. Generally, the modules are staged in rows in the field until later picked up and transportation to the cotton gin where the modules are unwrapped and the seed cotton is further cleaned and processed. 
         [0002]    The size, weight and density of the cotton modules require equipment specifically designed for handling cotton modules in the field. Current hay bale handling equipment does not provide adequate support of the cotton module to prevent the cotton module from falling apart either upon insertion or removal of the rods, or upon lifting of the module. To address the more fluidic nature of the cotton modules, current cotton module handlers include devices that lift or cradle the module from the bottom, such as the John Deer CM11 series cotton module handlers, or devices that grapple the module. Both cotton module handling devices involve complex actuators and moving joints that unnecessarily increase the complexity and expense of cotton module handling. These handling devices also grasp the bale on the outer wrapping and can cause damage to the wrapping further complicating the handling process. Furthermore, both the cradle style and grappling style cotton module handlers pinch or grasp near the bottom of the module to support it. In doing so, undesired plant stalks, twigs and other trash is picked up with the module, requiring removal prior to further processing. 
         [0003]    A need exists for a cotton module handler that is robust, possesses few if any moving parts, can penetrate and lift the cotton module without disintegration of the module, and minimizes or eliminates the need to remove stalks, twigs and other trash that otherwise would have been picked up in handling the cotton modules. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The cotton module handling implement has a plurality of elongated tapered rods attached to a frame. Each rod extends perpendicular to the front face of the frame and is positioned horizontally and vertically so as to distribute the weight of the cotton module evenly across each rod and throughout the cotton module itself. The number and width of the rods allow for penetration of the cotton module without substantially disturbing the seed cotton integrity. Mounting brackets for either a three-point hitch or a front-end loader extend from the rear face of the frame. 
         [0005]    The present invention&#39;s simple construction results in a device that is robust, efficient, inexpensive to construct and inexpensive and simple to operate. Unlike the hydraulically powered grappling and lifting cotton bale handlers, the current invention possesses no hydraulically moving components that can break, wear out, or require maintenance. Furthermore, operation is 50% faster than other such cotton module movers. The device is capable of penetrating, elevating and transporting a cotton module without loss of module integrity of the cotton module and without introducing undesired plant stalks, twigs or other trash to the cotton module. 
         [0006]    During use, the operator moves the invention, attached to a three-point hitch or front-end loader, such that the tapered rods penetrate one of the cotton module unwrapped surfaces. The module is then elevated and rotated a desired amount and transported to the desired location. It can then be lowered and the operator can move the invention, sliding the rods from the module without substantially disturbing the cotton module&#39;s structural integrity. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention attached to a three-point hitch. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention showing the sleeved attachment of the rods to the frame and three point hitch attachment brackets. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the rod and frame connection of  FIG. 4  taken at section line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention attached to a front end loader. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  a cross-sectional view of the rod and frame connection of  FIG. 9  taken at section line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the second embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The drawings illustrate an invention that enables an individual to move a large cotton module by penetrating the module with, and supporting it upon, tapered rods spaced apart to distribute the bulk of the module&#39;s weight evenly throughout the module&#39;s volume. The invention enables cotton module handling in a manner that avoids picking up plant stalks, twigs or other trash associated with other forms of cotton module handlers. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of the present invention  10  designed for attachment to a three-point hitch  52  of a tractor  50 . The invention includes a plurality of generally parallel rods  20  and  22 , of sufficient length to penetrate 85 percent of the length of the cotton module, a frame  30 , and three point hitch attachment brackets  40 . Preferably, each rod  20 ,  22  is constructed of a high strength metal alloy. In the preferred version of the first embodiment, the invention possesses two upper rods  20  and two lower rods  22  arranged in a generally rectangular or trapezoidal pattern extending from the front face  32  of the frame. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention  10 . Each rod,  20  or  22 , possesses a tip portion  24  and a base portion  26 . Preferably each rod is between 7 and 8 feet long, with each upper rod  20  having a slightly smaller diameter than each lower rod  22 . Preferably each upper rod  20  has a diameter of approximately 2 inches, while each lower rod  22  possesses a diameter of approximately 2.25 inches. The tip portion  24  possesses a taper, preferably between 8 and 14 inches in length having a tip radius of approximately 0.125 to 0.25 inches. Apertures  34  within the frame  30  are of the appropriate diameter to receive each rod base portion  26 . Preferably, for the first embodiment, the diameter of the aperture  34  allows for a non-interference fit between the inside surface of the aperture and the exterior surface of the mating surface of the rod  20 ,  22 . The non-interference fit allows for some movement to aid in module penetration and allows for easier replacement, repair and storage of the rods and frame. 
         [0022]    In the preferred version of the first embodiment of the present invention, each aperture  34  is contained within a sleeved portion  35 , the sleeve portion  35  secured to the frame  30 . Each rod  20  or  22  may be secured to the frame  30  by any means known in the art. In the preferred version of the first embodiment, each rod  20  or  22  is secured by a retaining pin or bolt  36  passing through a first sleeve hole  38 , a hole in the rod  28  and a second sleeve hole  39 , and secured with a nut  37 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the frame  30 , three-point hitch mounting brackets  40 , and rod sleeves  35 . The sleeves  35  increase the overall strength of the frame  30  to rod assembly  20  or  22  and ease installation through the frame  30  which may be of hollow tubular construction. The sleeves  35  in the preferred version of the first embodiment of the invention  10  extend out past the back surface  33  of the frame. The sleeves however in this embodiment lay flush with the front surface  32  of the frame  30  to allow full penetration of the rods into the module up to the front surface  32  of the frame  30  without hindrance of the sleeve  35 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a rear view of the frame  30  of the invention  10 . The frame  30  in the preferred version of the first embodiment of the invention has a first top horizontal member  61 ; a second horizontal lower member  63 ; a left side member  65  connecting the first horizontal top member  61  and the second horizontal lower member  63 ; a center vertical member  67  connecting the first horizontal top member  61 , and the second horizontal lower member  63 ; and a right side member  69  connecting the first horizontal top member  61  and the second horizontal lower member  63 . Two upper three-point hitch attachment brackets  41  attach to the center vertical member  67 . Two lower left three-point hitch brackets  45  are attached to the left side vertical member  65  and two lower right three-point hitch brackets  45  are attached to the right side vertical member  69 . The mounting brackets  40 ,  41 ,  45  are positioned lower on the frame  30  than the rods  20 ,  22  for additional ground clearance when the cotton module is elevated. In the preferred version of the first embodiment of the invention  10 , the lower three-point hitch mounting brackets are attached to the portion of the right and left vertical members  65  and  69  that extend below the lower horizontal frame member  63 . The sleeves  35  and associated apertures  34  are shown as being spaced apart in a generally trapezoidal pattern, with the upper sleeves  35  being slightly wider apart than the lower sleeves, both upper and lower sleeves  35  being spaced horizontally apart a greater distance than the distance they are spaced apart vertically. Spacing the rods  20  and  22  apart vertically and horizontally help to distribute the weight of the cotton module throughout the module boll matrix, preventing the module from falling apart or the rods from pulling out. The rods  20  and  22  are close enough together, however, not to lie near the outer surface of the cotton module. While this preferred version of the first preferred embodiment shows a trapezoidal pattern having the rods spaced a distance ranging from 27 to 30 inches, other patterns and dimensions within the scope of the invention may be utilized, including a rectangular pattern or a diamond pattern. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of the rod and frame connection of  FIG. 4  taken at section line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . The rod  20  is shown having a width less than that of the sleeve  35  that it is inserted to. This non-interference fit allows for a slightly greater amount of movement of the rod during insertion and removal from the cotton module, reducing disturbance and aiding in penetration. Additionally, this non-interference fit allows for easier removal and insertion of the rod  20  into the sleeve  35 , should replacement or repair be necessary. The sleeve  35  extends rearward past the upper frame member  61 , but does not extend past the front face of the upper frame member  61 . The rod  20  of the first preferred embodiment is shown to be secured by a bolt  36  that is inserted through an upper hole  38  of the sleeve  35 , through a hole  28  in the rod  20 , and through a lower hole  39  of the sleeve  35 . Here, the bolt  36  is shown secured by a nut  37 . It should be understood, however, that the rod may be secured to the sleeve by any mean known in the art, including using retaining pins, bolts or retaining clips. 
         [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of the invention  10 . The rods  20 ,  22  extend from the front surface  32  of the frame  30 . The three point hitch mounting brackets  40  and sleeves  35  extend from the rear surface  33  of the frame  30 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 7  shows a second embodiment of the present invention  110  designed for attachment to a front end loader  152 . Like the first embodiment the invention includes a plurality of generally parallel rods  120 ,  122 , a frame  130 , and front-end loader attachment brackets  140 . The rods  120  and  122  are of sufficient length to penetrate at least 65 percent of the length of the cotton module. In the preferred version of this second embodiment, the invention possesses two upper rods  120  and two lower rods  122  arranged in a square pattern extending from the front face  132  of the frame. Preferably, the rods  120 ,  122  are spaced apart approximately 36 inches on each center. 
         [0028]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of the frame  130 , front-end loader mounting brackets  140 , and rod sleeves  135 . The sleeves  135  increase the overall strength of the frame  130  to rod  120 ,  122  assembly and ease installation through the frame  130  which may be of hollow tubular construction. The sleeves  135  in the preferred version of the second embodiment of the invention  110  extend out past the back surface  133  of the frame  130  and extend past the front surface  132  of the frame  130 . Preferably each upper and lower rod  120  and  122  has a diameter of approximately 2½ inches. The tip portion  124  possesses a taper, preferably between 8 and 14 inches in length and more preferably 12 inches in length, having a tip radius preferably 0.062 to 0.125 inches and more preferably 0.187 inches. A web  131  attaches to and reinforces the sleeve  135  and frame  130  assembly. 
         [0029]      FIG. 9  shows a front view of the frame  130  of the invention  110 . The frame  130  in the preferred version of the second embodiment of the invention has a first top horizontal member  161 ; a second horizontal lower member  163 ; a left side member  165  connecting the first horizontal top member  161  and the second horizontal lower member  163 ; and a right side member  169  connecting the first horizontal top member  161  and the second horizontal lower member  163 . Two front-end loader attachment brackets  140  attach to the right and left side members  165  and  169 . The sleeves  170  and  172  and associated apertures  171  and  173  are shown as being spaced apart in a generally square pattern, with the upper sleeves  170  spaced apart an equal distance as the lower sleeves  172 , both upper and lower sleeves  170 ,  172  being spaced apart vertically the same as they are horizontally. Spacing the rods  120  and  122  apart vertically and horizontally helps to distribute the weight of the cotton module throughout the module boll matrix, preventing the module from falling apart or the rods from pulling out. While this preferred version of the second preferred embodiment shows a square pattern having the rods  120  and  122  horizontally and vertically spaced approximately 36 inches apart, other patterns and dimensions within the scope of the invention may be utilized, including a trapezoidal, rectangular, or a diamond pattern. Apertures  171  and  173  within the frame  130  are of the appropriate diameter to receive each rod. 
         [0030]      FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of the rod and frame connection of  FIG. 9  taken at section line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 . Here, for the second embodiment, the diameter of the rod  120  and interior diameter of the sleeve  170  create an interference fit between the inside surface of the aperture and the exterior mating surface of the rod  120 . The interference fit provides greater rigidity in the relatively shorter tines of the second embodiment while still allowing for replacement or repair of a rod  120  or  122 . The rod  120  is shown here secured to the upper frame member  161  by a bolt  136  passing though a through an upper bore  138  in the sleeve  170 , through a bore  128  in the rod  120 , and through a lower bore  139  of the sleeve. The bolt  136  is secured with a nut  137 . It should be understood, however, that the rod may be secured to the sleeve by any mean known in the art, including using retaining pins, bolts or retaining clips. 
         [0031]      FIG. 11  shows a top view of the invention  110 . The rods  120 ,  122  and sleeves  170 ,  172  extend from the front surface  132  of the frame  130 . The front-end loader mounting brackets  140  and sleeves  170 ,  172  extend from the rear surface  133  of the frame  130 . Each rod  120 ,  122  is secured to the frame  130  with a pin or bolt  136  passing through the sleeve  170 ,  172  and into the rod  120 ,  122 . 
         [0032]    To operate the cotton module handling attachment, the invention is attached to a three-point hitch, front end loader or the like. The operator then positions the invention  10  or  110  such that the tapered rod tips  24 ,  124  point at the generally circular unwrapped portion of the cotton module. The operator then moves the invention  10 , or  110  toward the cotton module penetrating the seed cotton matrix until the frame is resting against the cotton module. The operator tilts and or lifts the cotton module, elevating it and rotating it from its resting position. The module then can be transported to the desired location, lowered, and the invention can then be removed from the cotton module. 
         [0033]    The operation for the invention attached to the three-point hitch varies slightly from the operation of the invention on the front end loader, in that upon penetrating the module, the user may set the hydraulic system of the three point hitch to a float mode, allowing the invention to move slightly as it penetrates the cotton module. The module is then elevated with a slight angle towards the back of the invention. 
         [0034]    When the invention  110  is attached to a front-end loader or the like, upon or after elevating the cotton module, the operator generally rotates the cotton module at a greater angle toward the rear of the invention  110 , allowing more weight to bear against the frame  130  of the invention  110 .