Abstract:
A system and method for wrapping bales of agricultural material including, but not limited to, cotton bales and biomass bales, provides a supply of tubular wrapping material at an outlet end of bale forming apparatus, for receiving successive large bales, and gathers, clamps, and cuts the wrapping material at a point between a just wrapped bale and the discharge opening, for closing the end of the wrapper of the just finished bale, and forming the wrapper for the next bale.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/402,124, filed Aug. 24, 2010. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to a system and method for wrapping bales of agricultural material including, but not limited to, cotton bales and biomass bales, and more particularly, which provides a supply of tubular wrapping material at an outlet end of the bale forming apparatus, adapted for receiving successive large bales produced by the bale forming apparatus, and which gathers, clamps, and cuts the wrapping material at a point between a just wrapped bale and the discharge opening, for closing the end of the wrapper of the just finished bale, and forming the wrapper for the next bale. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/402,124, filed Aug. 24, 2010, is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     Large unitary bales of agricultural material, e.g., cotton, biomass, hayage, silage, etc., also commonly referred to as modules, or large square bales, are a common manner of packaging for high productivity. Presently, large baling and packaging apparatus carried on or towed by harvesting machines, also referred to as module builders or on-board module builders (OBMB), are capable of forming bales and modules as large as 8 feet by 8 feet by 16 feet (approx. 250 by 250 by 500 cm). These bales and modules are unloaded to ground level without covers or other wrapping materials. This unloading can occur in the field, or at the periphery of the field, and the bales or modules are picked up later for processing, use, or storage. Tarps designed to cover the top and partially the sides of the bales or modules are often installed within a few hours after unloading. Such bales or modules would benefit, however, by being wrapped or packaged as they are unloaded, for instance, when the OBMB tilts to unload the bale or module onto a field. An advantage would be that the integrity of the module would be improved and ground losses of the agricultural material would be reduced. 
     Therefore, what is sought is a system and method for wrapping large bales and modules of agricultural material including, but not limited to, cotton bales and biomass bales, before being unloaded onto the ground, so as to improve integrity and reduce ground losses. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     What is disclosed is a system and method for wrapping large bales and modules of agricultural material including, but not limited to, cotton bales and biomass bales, before being unloaded onto the ground, so as to improve integrity and reduce ground losses. The term “biomass” should be interpreted broadly to include that and other balable plant materials. 
     According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the system and method are utilized on or in association with a mobile bale forming apparatus, having a floor for carrying compacted bales from a bale forming chamber of the apparatus. The system of the invention includes wrap dispensing structure disposed about a path along the floor and defining an opening through which the bales will successively pass when leaving the bale forming chamber. The wrap dispensing structure holds and contains an elongate tube of wrapping material having cross sectional dimensions for fitting about the bales and a longitudinal dimension sufficient for receiving at least two of the bales in succession. The wrap dispensing structure is configured and operable for holding an open end of the tube of the wrapping material about the opening such that as each of the bales pass through the opening the bales will enter the tube and progressively pull the wrapping material from the wrap dispensing structure about the bale so as to be progressively covered by the wrapping material and so as to be at least substantially fully covered by the wrapping material when exiting the opening. 
     According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the system includes wrapper closing apparatus disposed adjacent to the wrap dispensing structure, configured and operable for gathering the tube of the wrapping material between the wrap dispensing structure and the wrapped bale, cinching the material about an end of the bale to close the tube, and placing a clamp about the cinched material for holding the tube closed about the end of the bale. 
     According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the wrapper closing apparatus is configured and operable for severing the clamp and the clamped wrapping material for enclosing an end of a wrapper of the tube of the wrapping material for a next successive one of the bales. 
     According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the wrapper closing apparatus comprises a jaw configured and operable for closing about the wrapping material in a generally circular manner for cinching the wrapping material about the end of the bale and simultaneously tightly clamping the clamp about the cinched wrapping material. The jaw preferably carries an elongate arm that will circumscribe a generally circular path about the tube of the wrapping material about a center region of the end of the bale, for gradually gathering the wrapping material toward the center region of the end of the bale. As another preferred aspect, the wrapper closing apparatus is configured and operable to be automatically movable between a first position adjacent to a path of movement of the bales from the opening of the wrap dispensing structure to allow unobstructed passage of the bales from the opening, and a second position in the path of movement. As a non-limiting example, the wrapper closing apparatus can comprise an arm pivotable between the first position and the second position. And, the arm can carry a dispenser containing a plurality of the clamps, configured and operable for dispensing the clamps in succession into the jaw. 
     As still another preferred aspect of the invention, the wrapping material can comprise, as a non-limiting example, commercially available plastics, or fabrics, and portions for covering the ends of the bales or other regions can be of an air permeable mesh material, such as a cotton. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified fragmentary side view of on-board bale forming apparatus comprising a cotton module builder, on a cotton harvester, and including a bale wrapping system of the invention, shown in an initial phase of wrapping a cotton module as it is discharged from the module builder; 
         FIG. 1A  is an enlarged fragmentary side view in partial section, of an aspect of a wrap dispensing structure of the system of the invention, shown dispensing wrapping material over a bale exiting the apparatus; 
         FIG. 1B  is another simplified fragmentary side view of the on-board bale forming apparatus, bale wrapping system of  FIG. 1 , tilted on the harvester for wrapping and unloading the bale onto a surface below the harvester; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary perspective view of one embodiment of tubular wrapping material for the system of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view of a cotton module wrapped with the material of  FIG. 2 , showing a clamp cinching one end of the wrapper; 
         FIG. 4  is another simplified fragmentary side view of the module builder of  FIG. 1  tilted in the unloading position, showing the system of the invention cinching and clamping the wrapping material between a just finished bale and a wrapper for a next successive bale; 
         FIG. 5  is another simplified fragmentary side view of the module builder of  FIG. 1  tilted in the unloading position, showing the system of the invention, a bale being unloaded, and an unloaded bale on the ground; 
         FIG. 6  is another simplified fragmentary side view of the module builder of  FIG. 1 , and a bale trailer or bale accumulator towed by the harvester behind the module builder, showing a bale being discharged by the builder, and another bale carried on the trailer; 
         FIG. 7  is another simplified fragmentary side view of the module builder and trailer of  FIG. 6 , with the trailer tilted for unloading the bale therefrom; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified rear view of the module builder and apparatus of the system of the invention in a standby configuration, showing as a heavy dark line a sectional view of a representative wrapper between a finished bale and a discharge outlet of the module builder; 
         FIG. 9  is another simplified rear view of the module builder with the apparatus of the invention in a deployed configuration, initially contacting and gathering the wrapper; 
         FIG. 10  is another simplified rear view of the module builder with the apparatus of the invention in the deployed configuration, further gathering the wrapper and partially forming a clamp about the gathered material of the wrapper; 
         FIG. 11  is another simplified rear view of the module builder with the apparatus of the invention in the deployed configuration, further gathering the wrapper and forming the clamp thereabout; 
         FIG. 12  is still another simplified rear view of the module builder and apparatus of the invention, further gathering the wrapper and forming the clamp thereabout; 
         FIG. 13  is still another simplified rear view of the module builder and apparatus of the invention, further gathering the wrapper and forming the clamp thereabout; 
         FIG. 14  is still another simplified rear view of the module builder and apparatus of the invention, further gathering and cinching the wrapper with the clamp thereabout; 
         FIG. 15  is still another simplified rear view of the module builder and apparatus of the invention, further cinching the wrapper with the clamp; 
         FIG. 16  is still another simplified rear view of the module builder and apparatus of the invention, finally cinching and clamping the wrapper; 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmentary end view of the apparatus of the system for gathering, cinching and cutting the wrapper, showing a clamp thereof in an initial flat configuration, and elements of apparatus for dispensing the clamp; 
         FIG. 18  is a fragmentary end view of the apparatus of the system for gathering, cinching and cutting the wrapper, in an operating configuration and showing a clamp thereof in a partially clamped configuration; 
         FIG. 19  is another fragmentary end view of the apparatus of the system for gathering, cinching and cutting the wrapper, in another operating configuration and showing a clamp thereof in a greater partially clamped configuration; 
         FIG. 20  is a simplified schematic view of the apparatus for dispensing clamps; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a representative clamp of the system of the invention; and 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a strip of several of the clamps of  FIG. 21 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts a self-propelled cotton harvester  24  including an on-board bale forming apparatus  26  constructed and operable according to the invention for collecting and compacting the cotton into uniformly compacted unitary bales, and discharging or unloading the bales onto the ground or another surface, or another vehicle such as a self-propelled bale handler, trailer, accumulator, wagon, truck, or the like, as harvester  24  moves in a forward direction F over a field. Harvester  24  here is configured to include apparatus on a forward end thereof, of conventional construction and operation for picking and propelling an airborne stream of cotton upwardly and rearwardly through ducts  28  into a compacting chamber  30  of apparatus  26 , as denoted by arrows S. It should be noted that the invention is contemplated for use with harvesters and other machinery for harvesting and/or picking up any of a wide variety of plant material and biomass, and therefore is not limited to cotton. 
     Compacting chamber  30  is part of a bale forming structure  32  of apparatus  26 , and is defined on the bottom by a floor  34 ; at the forward end by an upstanding forward wall  36 ; at the rear end by an upstanding rear door (not shown) enclosing an unloading opening  38 ; on the opposite sides by upstanding side walls  40 ; and on top by a roof  42 . Bale forming apparatus  26  includes compacting apparatus  44  which can be of conventional, well-known construction, disposed in an upper region of chamber  30  and movable upwardly and downwardly therein, for compacting the cotton against floor  34  for forming a unitary compacted module or bale  46  in chamber  30 , which will be unloaded through opening  38 , all in the well-known manner. Bale forming structure is supported on a frame  48  of harvester  24 , which also carries an operator cabin, an engine and a drivetrain (not shown) connected in driving relation to wheels  50  that support harvester  24  for movement over the ground and other surfaces, also all in the well-known manner. As representative, but non-limiting values, a bale  46  produced by bale forming apparatus  26  will have a length of about 16 feet, a width of about 8 feet and a height also of about 8 feet, or 500×250×250 cm. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4 and 5 , harvester  24  includes a bale wrapping system  52  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the invention for wrapping a bale with a wrapper  54  as the bale is discharged or unloaded through unloading opening  38  of bale forming structure  32 , as denoted by partially wrapped bale  46 A. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B , wrapper  54  will be contained in a wrap dispensing structure  56  located rearwardly of the rear door of structure  32  and preferably comprising a rectangular box extending about and defining an opening extending about a path along which bales  46  will travel as they are discharged from bale forming apparatus  26 . 
     A wrap  54  being dispensed will have an enclosed rear end  58 , such that as a bale  46 A is discharged, a rear end  60  of bale  46 A will enter rear end  58  of wrap  54  and gradually pull it rearwardly from wrap dispensing structure  56  and about the bale. To facilitate this, wrap dispensing structure  56  is located just rearwardly of unloading opening  38  of bale forming structure  32 , and forms a rectangular cavity  62  extending about the unloading path, and wraps  54  are each of a rectangular shaped tubular construction, such that a bottom section of the wraps will be contained in a bottom portion of cavity  62  below the path, sides of the wraps will be located in side portions of cavity  62  beside opposite sides of the path, and upper sections of the wraps will be located in an upper portion of the cavity ( FIG. 1A ). 
     Preferably a plurality of wraps  54  will be contained in wrap dispensing structure  56  for dispensing in succession about a succession of bales, and to facilitate this, structure  56  is configured to be large enough to carry at least several wraps  54 . Also to facilitate this, wraps  54  are preferably configured to be compressible, here, folded in succession in the manner of an accordion or bellows, so as to be dispensed as pulled rearwardly by a bale  46 , as denoted by arrow R in  FIG. 1A . Wraps  54  can be suitably retained until pulled out by a bale, using a detent element  64 , comprising a biasing element or elements, e.g., a leaf spring or springs, or the like. Structure  56  can also include apparatus around the passage, such as one or more actuators along the inner periphery of cavity  62 , that will expand or stretch wraps  54  sidewardly and/or vertically, for better receiving a bale. Smooth surfaces at the locations of contact with the wraps can be used to prevent tearing or other damage as the wraps are dispensed. 
     In  FIG. 1B , harvester  24  is illustrated as including a folding unloading door  66  constructed and operable in the well known manner, rearwardly of wrap dispensing structure  56 . Door  66  when unfolded as shown is operable in cooperation with tilting of bale forming structure  32 , for unloading bales such as bale  46 A, onto the ground or another surface, and wrap dispensing structure  56  is configured and operable for automatically dispensing a wrapper  54  about a bale  46 A as it moves rearwardly over door  66 . To facilitate the rearward movement, door  66  can include moving chains, belts and/or a low friction upper surface. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it is desired that several of the wrappers  54  be carried by wrap dispensing structure  56 , so as to be capable of wrapping a corresponding number of bales automatically, without reloading or replenishing the wrappers. To facilitate this, multiple wraps  54  are joined together in end to end continuous tubular relation. Additionally, for some applications, it may be desired to have some portion of the wraps  54  be air permeable, and this can be achieved by providing portions  68  of an air permeable net or mesh material, preferably of cotton or other natural fiber, while other portions are of a solid sheet material such as a fabric of a natural fabric such as cotton, or a film material such as a synthetic plastics material such as a polyethylene. Here, the tubular wrappers  54  are configured such that mesh portions  68  will form the ends of wrappers  54  to be gathered and cinched about ends of the bales  46 A according to the invention, as described next. The solid sheet material portions of wrappers  54  will each have a length L 1  which will correspond to the length of a bale  46 A, and mesh portions  68  will have lengths L 2  of lengths L 3  and L 4  sufficient to stretch about and cover the ends of a bale when the wrapper  54  is cinched thereabout, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     In  FIG. 4  a bale  46 A is shown on unloading door  66 , completely unloaded from bale forming apparatus  26 , but not yet unloaded onto the ground. Once the bale is clear of apparatus  26 , the rear door of that apparatus can be closed so that apparatus can resume operation for forming the next bale. At this time, before unloading onto the ground, it is desired to close the end of wrap  54  facing harvester  24 , and to also prepare the next wrapper  54  for receiving the next bale to be formed. This is accomplished using wrap closing apparatus  70  of the invention. Wrap closing apparatus  70  is disposed just rearwardly of wrap dispensing structure  56  on a platform  72  which is an extension of floor  34  to unloading door  66 , such that bales  46 A will travel over platform  72  between floor  34  and the door. Floor  34  and/or door  66  can include elements for unloading and controlling movements of the bales, such as drag chains, belts, or the like. Wrap closing apparatus  70  is configured and operable for gathering the tube of wrapping material at the forward end of a partially wrapped bale  46 A on door  66 , cinching the gathered material closely adjacent to the end of the bale, and placing a band or clamp thereabout, for closing the wrapping material about the end of the bale. The finished bale is now ready to be completely unloaded from harvester  24 . At the same time that the clamp is clamped about the cinched material, or just after, the clamp is cut to form two clamps, the second one cinching and clamping a rear end  58  of another wrapper  54 , so as to be ready for receiving the next bale, denoted  46 B in  FIG. 5 . To facilitate this, the clamping and cutting is performed close to the end of bale forming apparatus  26 , so that only a limited amount of free wrapper will be dispensed. Bale  46 B will be unloaded from bale forming apparatus  26  in the same manner as bale  46 A, and will be received in the next wrapper  54  dispensed by wrap dispensing structure  56  of system  52  in the same manner. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , harvester  24  is shown towing a bale caddy  74  for receiving bales from bale forming structure  32 . Caddy  74  is a trailer towed by harvester  24  just rearwardly of platform  72 . Caddy  74  includes an upper surface  76  located rearwardly of platform  72  and alignable therewith when harvester  24  and caddy  74  are on a level surface, for smooth unloading of bales to the caddy. System  52  of the invention is operable in the above described manner, that is, a wrapper  54  will be dispensed by wrap dispensing structure  56  as the bale emerges from bale forming structure  32 , and the end of that wrapper, as well as the end of the next wrapper, will be gathered, cinched, clamped, and cut, to close both wrappers and separate them. Use of caddy  74  allows saving time because bale forming structure  32  does not have to be tilted for unloading, and can continue operation as wrapper  54  is cinched, clamped and cut. When it is desired to unload a bale from caddy  74 , it can be suitably tilted ( FIG. 7 ), e.g., using a mechanism for that purpose, such as a fluid cylinder mechanism  78  operable in the manner shown for lowering the rear end of the caddy. Alternatively, either bale forming structure  32  or caddy  74  can be unloaded horizontally onto a truck or trailer. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 8 through 19 , steps of operation of a preferred embodiment of wrap closing apparatus  70 , are illustrated, to show one manner of gathering, cinching, clamping, and cutting the wrapping material of a wrapper  54  for enclosing the end thereof for receiving a typical bale, simultaneously with the closing of a wrapper about a finished bale. Essentially, apparatus  70  here comprises a rotary mechanism, including an element configured and operable for closing about the wrapping material in a generally circular manner to progressively gather the tubular wrapping material toward the center of the tube and cinch it, so as to close the wrapper  54  about the end of the finished bale, while simultaneously tightly clamping a clamp about the cinched wrapping material for holding it. At the same time, on the other side of the clamp the end of the next wrapper is closed, so as to be ready for receiving the next bale. 
     To illustrate, in  FIG. 8 , wrap closing apparatus  70  is shown in a standby position, generally parallel to one side wall  40  of bale forming structure  32  beside the path of travel of a bale from bale forming apparatus  26  and wrap dispensing structure  56 . In this view, the observer is looking forward, and the tubular wrapping material is illustrated in section by a continuous edge  80  of the end of a wrap  54  being closed for receiving the next bale to pass from apparatus  26  and structure  56 . It can be observed that edge  80  of wrapper  54  maintains a generally rectangular shape. 
     In  FIG. 9 , apparatus  70  is shown moved to a deployed or operational position, engaging and pushing the adjacent side of wrapper  54  inward to the center thereof. This can be accomplished using any suitable mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a linear or rotary actuator, such as, but not limited to, the fluid cylinder shown. As this movement occurs edge portions  80 A and  80 B of the wrapper are flattened by apparatus  70 . More particularly, portion  80 A is flattened by an elongate support arm  82  of apparatus  70 , and portion  80 B is flattened against an elongate gathering arm  84  of the apparatus. These two components are joined together by a mechanical jaw  86  of apparatus  70  located on a distal end of support arm  82  and shown in an initial open state. Jaw  86  thus supports gathering arm  84  in cantilever relation. A clamp  88  is shown in an initial straight open state held in jaw  86 . As a next step in operation, jaw  86  will be operated to gradually close in a clockwise circular manner denoted by arrow C, which will cause gathering arm  84  to sweep in a clockwise circular manner for gathering the wrapping material, as denoted by arrow G. This gathering action is designed to push the wrapping material toward jaw  86 , so as to be closed in clamp  88 , as the jaw closes. 
     In  FIG. 10 , gathering arm  84  (shown in dotted lines) is initially moved downwardly relative to support arm  82 , by initial closing of jaw  86  denoted by arrow C. This pulls an upper region of the wrapping material downwardly, as denoted by the position of edge portion  80 B. In  FIG. 11 , jaw  86  has closed further as denoted by arrow C, sweeping gathering arm  84  farther downwardly as denoted by arrow G. This brings edge portion  80 B downwardly more toward edge portion  80 A. Clamp  88  is also beginning to form into more of an open C shape. Turning to  FIG. 12  arm  84  has moved clockwise further as jaw  86  has closed, further gathering the wrapping material as denoted by the relative positions and orientations of edge portions  80 A and  80 B. In  FIG. 13 , gathering arm  84  is brought nearly parallel with support arm  82  by the further closing of jaw  86 , such that edge portion  80 A of the wrapping material is brought nearly parallel with edge portion  80 A, and clamp  88  is still open but has more of a C shape. In  FIG. 14 , and subsequent FIGURES, with further closing of jaw  86  gathering arm  84  has rotated further to cross behind support arm such that apparatus  70  now closes about the wrapping material and begins to cinch it, and drive it upwardly, as denoted by cinched edge portion  80 , into clamp  88 . Turning to  FIG. 15 , jaw  86  further cinches the material and closes clamp  88  a little more about the cinched material. In  FIG. 16  the material is essentially completely received in clamp  88  and clamp  88  is now completely closed and gathering arm  84  is near its initial position. Also at this time, a rotary knife  90  disposed in connection with clamp  88  is used to cut clamp  88  and the material clamped thereby, in half, in the front to rear direction, to separate the finished wrapper disposed about a bale, e.g., see  FIG. 3 , and the next wrapper to be used. 
       FIGS. 17, 18 and 19  illustrate construction of one preferred embodiment of jaw  86  of apparatus  70  and its operation. Essentially, jaw  86  is connected at one end to a distal end of support arm  82 , and at the opposite end to gathering arm  84 . Jaw  86  includes several powered actuators  92 , in connection with knuckle joints  94 , respectively, joining together a plurality of jaw segments  96 . Actuators  92  can be hydraulically or electrically operable for articulating a corresponding number of knuckle joints  94  connecting jaw segments  96 , under control of a suitable controller such as a microprocessor based controller that can be located on harvester  24  or at another suitable location and connected to actuators  92  via suitable conductive paths such as wires of a wiring harness, a local network, or the like. Operation can be incorporated with the bale unloading operation, such that apparatus  70  is deployed and the two wrappers are clamped and cut apart when the unloaded bale is properly positioned in relation to apparatus  70 . Power can be provided to actuators  92 , and also to the cylinder or other actuator for moving apparatus  70  to the operating position shown, by the electrical or hydraulic system of harvester  24 . 
     It can be observed by comparing the referenced FIGURES that actuators  92  are preferably independently actuated, to effect the desired gathering and closing motions. This is achieved in the above-described manner of operation, by the initial actuation of actuator  92  closest to gathering arm  84  for making its initial motions indicated variously by arrows G, followed by actuation of the other actuators for making the subsequent motions of arm  84  and closing of jaw  86  about clamp  88  and the gathered material, as denoted variously by the arrows C. The endmost actuator can also be activated in a manner for operation of knife  90  when the clamping action is complete or nearly complete, for severing the clamp to separate it into the two sections along with the wrapping material. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 , apparatus  70  includes clamp jaws  98  in connection with appropriate elements of jaw  86  at spaced locations for cooperatively receiving and holding a clamp  88  for clamping around the cinched material as the jaw is closed. Apparatus  70  additionally includes an automatic clamp dispenser  100  that can be carried adjacent to the distal end of support arm  82 , and operable in conjunction with clamp jaws  98  for dispensing clamps  88  thereto when jaw  86  is in its fully open configuration. As an alternative, dispenser  100  can be located on the side of the wrap dispensing structure for dispensing a clamp when apparatus  70  is in its standby position. In either instance, when a clamp is received, jaw  86  can initiate a slight closing movement for retaining and positioning the clamp for use. Dispenser  100  is configured and operable for carrying a quantity of clamps  88  in a roll, and includes a feed roller or gear mechanism  102  for incrementally feeding clamps  88  individually to clamp jaws  98 . When a clamp  88  is retained in jaws  98 , the closing action of jaw  86  will act to tear the clamped clamp from dispenser  100 , and the adjacent clamps  88  can be scored or precut at appropriate locations for this as illustrated. Each clamp  88  will be clamped into essentially a circular configuration, and is configured to have a sufficient length and interlocking opposite ends to facilitate this. In  FIG. 21 , a circular arrow accompanies the single clamp shown to illustrate the direction of clamping. It can also be observed that each of the clamps has a rectangular hole therethrough, located for interaction with cleats or teeth of mechanism  102  for feeding the clamps. 
     In light of all the foregoing, it should thus be apparent to those skilled in the art that there has been shown and described a system and method for wrapping large bales. However, it should also be apparent that, within the principles and scope of the invention, many changes are possible and contemplated, including in the details, materials, and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention. Thus, while the foregoing description and discussion addresses certain preferred embodiments or elements of the invention, it should further be understood that concepts of the invention, as based upon the foregoing description and discussion, may be readily incorporated into or employed in other embodiments and constructions without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown, and all 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.