Patent Publication Number: US-10765068-B2

Title: Bale wrap mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/466,874, filed Mar. 3, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an agricultural baler having a wrap mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During the baling process, crop material is collected from a support surface or field and compressed into an extrusion of compressed crop material and divided into discrete bales. Once divided, the individual bales may be wrapped by a wrapping mechanism before being discharged from the baler. The wrapping helps maintain the integrity of the bales after they have left the confines of the baler itself. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one implementation, a bale wrap mechanism for use with a roll of wrap material, the bale wrap mechanism including a frame including a wrap chute formed from one or more perimeter walls, where the wrap chute defines a wrap axis extending longitudinally therethrough, and wherein the one or more perimeter walls at least partially define a passageway, a wrap arm coupled to the frame, the wrap arm having a mounting point movable with respect to the frame, and a shaft coupled to the mounting point and configured to support the roll of wrap material thereon, where the shaft is configured to travel along a wrap path during a wrapping process, where the wrap path surrounds the passageway, and wherein the wrap path is non-circular in shape. 
     In another implementation, a bale wrap mechanism for use with a roll of wrap material, the bale wrap mechanism including a frame including a wrap chute formed from one or more perimeter walls, where the wrap chute includes a wrap axis extending longitudinally therethrough, and where the one or more perimeter walls at least partially define a passageway, a first wrapping arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end, a slider slidably coupled to the first wrapping arm and defining a mounting point, wherein the slider is movable with respect to the first wrapping arm between the first end and the second end of the first wrapping arm, and a shaft coupled to the mounting point, where the shaft is configured to rotatably support the roll of wrap material thereon, where the shaft is configured to travel along a wrap path during a wrapping process, where the wrap path surrounds the passageway, and wherein the wrap path is non-circular in shape. 
     Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-4  are a perspective view of a machine, such as a baler, having a wrap assembly in accordance with one implementation of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5 a -5 c    illustrate various wrap paths of the wrap assembly. 
         FIGS. 6 a -6 d    illustrate a first implementation of the wrap assembly in various positions of the wrapping process. 
         FIGS. 7 a -7 d    illustrate a second implementation of the wrap assembly in various positions of the wrapping process. 
         FIGS. 8 a -8 d    illustrate a third implementation of the wrap assembly in various positions of the wrapping process. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates various tension profiles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any implementations of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the formation and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other implementations and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
     The disclosure relates to a bale wrapping mechanism and more particularly to a bale wrapping mechanism able to apply wrapping material to a finished bale under tension to maintain the density level of the bale material. In particular, forming bales at particularly high density levels (i.e., upwards of 30 lb/ft 3 ) changes the underlying crop material&#39;s rheological properties causing the stems of the crop material to become smashed and crushed to the point where the crop material has virtually no tubular structure and loses its ability to support a load. As such, the highly compressed crop material cannot rebound or expand after it has been compressed. Due to these properties, highly compressed bales must be constantly maintained in a compressed state to maintain the bale&#39;s integrity, shape, and density. The illustrated bale wrapping mechanism applies the wrap material under tension to the finished bale to maximize the bale&#39;s integrity and density. Still further, the net wrapping mechanism is configured so that the mechanism can accommodate bales of different sizes and shapes. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a baler  10  includes a frame  14 , a set of wheels  18  mounted on the frame  14 , a feed system  22  coupled to the frame  14 , a compression system  26  to receive and compress crop material provided by the feed system  22 , a wrap assembly  38  to wrap the finished bale  42  in wrap material  46 , and a controller (not shown) to monitor and direct the baling operation. In the illustrated implementation, the baler  10  is a square baler for creating finished bales  42  of a crop, such as hay, straw, or other biomasses. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the frame  14  of the baler  10  includes a tow bar (not shown) extending from the frame  14  and connectable to a towing vehicle (not shown), such as an agricultural tractor or other driven vehicle. The baler  10  also includes a power takeoff shaft (not shown) connectable to the towing vehicle to transmit a rotating drive force from the towing vehicle to various components of the baler  10 . In other implementations, the baler  10  may have a dedicated power supply and/or prime mover (not shown), such as an engine, motor, battery, fuel cell, etc., for driving the wheels  18  and for driving and/or powering the various components of the baler  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the feed system  22  is configured to pick up windrowed crop material  34  from a support surface  58  (e.g., from a field) and convey the crop material  34  to the compression system  26  for subsequent processing. In the illustrated implementation, the feed system  22  includes a pickup assembly  62  for collecting the crop material  34  from the support surface  58 , a pre-cutter  66  to re-size the crop material  34  into smaller, more manageable pieces, and an accelerator roll  70  to direct the crop material  34  into the compression system  26 . 
     The compression system  26  of the baler  10  includes an auger style compression system  26  utilizing one or more augers  74  which rotate with respect to the frame  14  to compress the crop material  34  received from the feed system  22 . During baling operations, the augers  74  rotate producing a continuous output of highly compressed bale material in the form of an extrusion  82 . 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the wrap mechanism  38  of the baler  10  includes a frame  94  defining a volume  98  therein, a resistance assembly  102  in operable communication with the volume  98 , an ejection assembly  106  in operable communication with the volume  98 , a cutting assembly  110  positioned opposite the resistance assembly  102 , a wrap chute  114  positioned opposite the ejection assembly  106 , and a wrap assembly  118  coupled to the frame  94  proximate the wrap chute  114 . During use, the wrap mechanism  38  is configured to receive and process the extrusion  82  of compressed bale material from the compression system  26  to create a finished bale shape  42 , re-position the finished bale shape  42  within the wrap chute  114  for wrapping, apply wrapping material  46  to the outside of the bale  42 , and eject the wrapped bale  42  for subsequent pickup. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the frame  94  of the wrap mechanism  38  is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a top wall  122 , and a bottom wall  126  spaced a distance from the top wall  122  to at least partially define the volume  98  therebetween. Together, the top wall  122  and the bottom wall  126  also define a first side or inlet  130  through which the extrusion  82  enters the volume  98 . The top wall  122  and bottom wall  126  also define a second end  134  opposite the inlet  130 , a third end  138  extending between the first side  130  and the second side  134 , and a fourth end  142  opposite the third side  138 . The frame  94  also defines a first axis  146  extending through the volume  98  between the first and second sides  130 ,  134 , and a second axis  150  transverse or perpendicular to the first axis  146  that extends through the volume  98  between the third and fourth sides  138 ,  142 . 
     In the illustrated implementation, the distance between the top wall  122  and the bottom wall  126  is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the desired height of the completed bale  42  so that the top and bottom walls  122 ,  126  may provide a compressive force on the top and bottom surfaces of the extrusion  82  and finished bale  42 . While not illustrated, the distance between the top and bottom walls  122 ,  126  may also be adjustable to allow the wrap mechanism  38  to adjust the compressive forces applied to the extrusion  82  and finished bale  42 . Furthermore, the distance between the top and bottom walls  122 ,  126  may be adjusted to accommodate bales  42  of different sizes and shapes (e.g., different heights). Still further, the distance between the top and bottom walls  122 ,  126  may also be used to vary the resistance applied of the extruded bale material  82  to resist the motion of the extrusion  82  toward the second end  134  of the volume  98 . 
     While not illustrated, the frame  94  may also include rollers, rails, shuttles, and the like to aid the movement of the extrusion  82  and finished bale  42  within the volume  98 . 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the resistance assembly  102  of the wrap mechanism  38  includes an actuator  154  coupled to the frame  94  opposite the inlet  130  (e.g., proximate the second end  133 ), and a resistance plate  158  coupled to the actuator  154  and movable with respect thereto. The resistance plate  158  is at least partially positioned within the volume  98  of the frame  94  and is movable with respect thereto along the first axis  146  between a first position (see  FIG. 1 ), where the resistance plate  158  is positioned proximate the inlet  130 , and a second position (see  FIG. 3 ), where the resistance plate  158  is positioned away from the inlet  130  (e.g., proximate the second end  133  of the volume  98 ). 
     During the baling process, the resistance plate  158  is configured to contact the leading surface  160  of the extrusion  82  and resist the extrusion&#39;s movement toward the second end  133 . More specifically, the resistance plate  158  is initially positioned proximate the inlet  130  (i.e., in the first position) and in contact with the leading surface  160  of the extrusion  82 . Therefore, as the leading surface  160  of the extrusion  82  moves toward the second end  134  of the volume  98  (e.g., as the extrusion  82  grows due to continued baling operations), the resistance plate  158  begins to move toward the second position. In response, the actuator  154  resists the motion of the resistance plate  158  producing a resistance force that is applied to the leading surface  160  of the extrusion  82  compressing the protrusion. Depending on the desired characteristics of the finished bale  42 , the level of resistance provided by the actuator  154  may be varied to at least partially determine the resulting density of the bale  42 . For example, higher resistance levels will result in higher density bales  42 , while lower resistance levels will result in lower density bales  42 . 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the cutting assembly  110  of the wrap mechanism  38  includes an actuator  202  coupled to the frame  94  proximate the inlet  130 , and a cutting plate  206  coupled to the actuator  202  and movable with respect thereto. More specifically, the cutting plate  206  is actively driven by the actuator  202  with respect to the frame  94  in a direction transverse or substantially perpendicular the first axis  146  (e.g., across the inlet  130 ) between a retracted position (see  FIG. 1 ), where the cutting plate  206  is positioned outside the volume  98 , and an actuated position (see  FIG. 3 ), where the cutting plate  206  is at least partially positioned within the volume  98  and the volume  98  is isolated from the compression system  26 . In the illustrated construction, the cutting plate  206  of the cutting assembly  110  includes a sharpened leading edge  208  able to pass through and cut the extrusion of crop material  82  when moving from the retracted to actuated positions. 
     During use, the cutting assembly  110  of the wrap mechanism  38  is configured to cut off a portion of the extrusion  82  to form the finished bale  42 . More specifically, once a desired length of the extrusion  82  is positioned within the volume  98  of the wrap mechanism  38  (i.e., the length of the extrusion  82  positioned within the volume  98  is equal to the desired length of the final bale  42 ), the actuator  202  of the cutting assembly  110  biases the cutting plate  206  toward the actuated position. As the cutting plate  206  moves from the retracted position to the actuated position, the leading edge  208  of the cutting plate  206  cuts through the extrusion  82  isolating the portion of the extrusion  82  positioned within the volume  98  from the remainder of the extrusion  82  thereby creating the final bale  42 . Once the cutting plate  206  is in the actuated position, the cutting plate  206  acts as a resistance member maintaining resistive forces against the newly formed leading surface  160  of the extrusion  82 . 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the ejection assembly  106  of the wrap mechanism  38  includes an actuator  178  coupled to the frame  94  proximate the third side  138 , and an ejection plate  182  coupled to the actuator  178  and movable with respect thereto. The ejection plate  182  is at least partially positioned within the volume  98  of the frame  94  and is movable with respect to the frame  94  along the second axis  150  between a first position (see  FIG. 1 ), where the ejection plate  182  is positioned proximate the third side  138  of the volume  98 , and a second position (see  FIG. 4 ), where the ejection plate  182  is positioned proximate the fourth side  142  of the volume  98 . 
     During use, the ejection assembly  106  is configured to bias the finished bale  42  positioned within the volume  98  along the second axis  150  and into the wrap chute  114 . More specifically, after the finished bale  42  has been isolated from the compression system  26  by the cutting plate  206 , moving the ejection plate  182  from the first position toward the second position causes the completed bale  42  to move into the passageway  226  of the wrap chute  114  for subsequent wrapping (described below). 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the wrap chute  114  of the wrap mechanism  38  includes a base wall  218  at least partially forming the third side  138  of the volume  98 , and a perimeter wall  222  extending outwardly from the base wall  218  to define a passageway  226  in communication with the volume  98  therein. During use, the wrap chute  114  is configured to at least partially receive the final bale  42  within the passageway  226  such that the perimeter wall  222  contacts and maintains the bale  42  under compression. Once the bale  42  is positioned within the wrap chute  114 , wrapping material  230  may be wrapped around the exterior surface  234  of the perimeter wall  222  thereby encompassing the bale  42  contained therein (e.g., with the perimeter wall  222  positioned between the bale  42  and the wrap material  46 ). 
     The passageway  226  of the wrap chute  114  is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape and includes a chute axis  238  extending longitudinally therethrough. More specifically, the illustrated passageway  226  defines a cross-sectional size and shape substantially corresponding with the height and length of the finished bale  42 . In the illustrated implementation, the passageway  226  is substantially constant in cross-sectional shape along its entire axial length, however, in other implementations the cross-sectional shape and size of the passageway  226  may vary along its axial length. For example, the passageway  226  may reduce in cross-sectional size (i.e., neck inward) as it extends away from the base wall  218  to help compress the sides of the bale  42  as it enters the chute  114 . 
     The perimeter wall  222  of the wrap chute  114  extends outwardly from the base wall  218  and along at least a portion of the perimeter of the passageway  226 . More specifically, the perimeter wall  222  extends from the base wall  218  a distance substantially corresponding to the width of the finished bale  42  so that the entire finished bale  42  may be positioned within the passageway  226  at any one time. In the illustrated implementation, the perimeter wall  222  includes four substantially planar portions  242   a ,  242   b ,  242   c ,  242   d  connected by four rounded corner portions  246 . Together, the portions  242  and corners  246  produce a substantially continuous perimeter wall  222  extending along the entire periphery of the passageway  226 . In alternative implementations, the perimeter wall  222  may be formed from multiple, individual walls (not shown) extending along portions of the perimeter of the passageway  226 . In still other implementations, the size, location, and orientation of the perimeter wall  222  may be adjustable to accommodate finished bales  42  of different sizes and shapes. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the perimeter wall  222  defines a plurality of apertures or notches  250  open to the passageway  226  and configured to permit the wrap material  46  wrapped around the exterior surface  234  of the perimeter wall  222  to contact the bale  42  positioned in the passageway  226 . More specifically, each corner portion  246  of the wrap chute  114  includes a notch  250  exposing the corners of a bale  42  positioned within the passageway  226  and permitting the wrap material  46  to directly engage the corner edge of the finished bale  42 . The direct engagement between the wrap material  46  and the bale  42  allows the two elements to move together as a unit when the bale  42  is moved with respect to the perimeter wall  222  within the wrap chute  114 . Furthermore, the interaction between the bale  42  and the wrap material  46  is such that the wrap material  46  effectively becomes coupled to the bale  42  in the areas where the two are in direct engagement with one another. In contrast, the wrap material  46  tends to slide relative to the perimeter wall  222 . Thus, the wrap material  46  will not fall off the bale  42  when being ejected from the wrap chute  114 . 
     While the illustrated notches  250  are formed into a respective corner portion  246  of the perimeter wall  222 , in alternative implementation, more or fewer notches  250  may be present or positioned in alternative positions on the perimeter wall  222  such as the planar portions  242  and the like. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -6 d   , the wrap assembly  118  of the wrap mechanism  38  includes a wrap arm  258  mounted to the frame  94  and having a mounting point  262  movable with respect to the wrap chute  114 , a shaft  266  coupled to the mounting point  262  of the wrap arm  258 , a roll  272  of wrap material  46  rotatably mounted to the shaft  266 , and a brake assembly  276  operatively coupled to the shaft  266  and configured to at least partially limit the rotation of the roll  272 . During use, the wrap arm  258  is configured to direct the shaft  266  (and the roll  272  attached thereto) along a wrap path  280  (see  FIGS. 5 a -5 c   ) to apply the wrap material  46  to the exterior of a bale  42  positioned within the passageway  226  of the wrap chute  114 . In some implementations, the wrap arm  258  is configured such that the wrap path  280  may be adjusted to accommodate bales  42  of different sizes, shapes, and densities. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 5 a -5 c   , the wrap path  280  of the wrap assembly  118  partially or completely encircles the perimeter wall  222  and is generally non-circular in shape. More specifically, the wrap path  280  is generally shaped to correspond with the cross-sectional shape of the passageway  226 . In some implementations, the wrap path  280  may include a substantially rectangular shape including any shape having two sets of parallel sides. In other implementations, the wrap path  280  may include a scaled contour of the cross-sectional shape of the passageway  226 . For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the passageway  226  includes a rectangle sized 2 units high H 1  by 4 units wide W 1 , the wrap path  280  may include a scaled contour that includes a rectangle that is 3 units high H 2  by 6 units wide W 2  (e.g., scaled up by 1.5×; see  FIG. 5 b   ). In other implementations, the wrap path  280  may be configured such that the wrap path  280  maintains substantially a constant distance from the perimeter wall  222  for at least one complete rotation about the passageway  226  (see  FIG. 5 a   ). 
     In still other implementations, the wrap path  280  may only maintain a substantially constant distance from each planar portion  242   a ,  242   b ,  242   c ,  242   d  of the perimeter wall  222  (see  FIG. 5 c   ). In still other implementations, the wrap path  280  may include a plurality of path portions  281   a ,  281   b ,  281   c ,  281   d  each extending parallel to a corresponding one of the substantially planar wall portions  242   a ,  242   b ,  242   c ,  242   d , of the perimeter wall  222  (see  FIG. 5 c   ). In such implementations, each path portion  281   a ,  281   b ,  281   c ,  281   d  of the wrap path  280  may be substantially parallel a corresponding wall portion  242   a ,  242   b ,  242   c ,  242   d  but extend a distance greater than the corresponding wall portion  242   a ,  242   b ,  242   c ,  242   d  (see  FIG. 5 c   ). 
     In still other implementations, the shape of the wrap path  280  may be dictated by the resulting tension in the wrap material  46 . In such implementations, the wrap path  280  may be shaped such that the wrap material  46  is unwound from the roll  272  at a substantially constant tension for at least one complete rotation about the passageway  222 . 
     In still other implementations, the wrap path  280  may be subdivided into one or more segments (not shown) each of which are separated by a notch  250  formed into the perimeter wall  222 . For example, applying wrap material  46  to the perimeter wall  222  between a first notch  250   a  and a second notch  250   b  (e.g., along the first planar wall portion  242   a ) constitutes a first segment of the wrap path  280 , while applying wrap material  46  between the second notch  250   b  and a third notch  250   c  (e.g., along the second planar wall portion  242   b ) constitutes a second segment of the wrap path  280 , while applying wrap material  46  between the third notch  250   c  and a fourth notch  250   d  (e.g., along the third planar portion  242   c ) constitutes a third segment of the wrap path  280 , and applying wrap material between the fourth notch  250   d  and the first notch  250   a  (e.g., along the fourth planar portion  242   d ) constitutes a fourth segment of the wrap path  280  (see  FIG. 6A ). In such implementations, each segment is separated by a notch  250  which allows the wrap material  46  to directly engage the bale  42  and “lock in” the tension in the wrap material  46  over the previous segment. Thus, the magnitude of the tension applied to each segment can be adjusted independently. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -6 d   , the roll  272  of wrap material  254  is configured to be positioned on the spindle  316  of the shaft  266  and rotate therewith (described below). The roll  272  also includes a length of wrap material  46  wound about the roll  272 . The wrap material  254  may include any type of wrap material as is known in the bale wrapping art such as, but not limited to, traditional net wrap, solid plastic wrap, plastic wrap with apertures, and breathable wrap. During use, the wrap material  46  is unwound from the roll  272  during the wrapping process. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -6 d   , the wrap arm  258  of the wrap assembly  118  includes a support  274  fixedly coupled to the base wall  218 , a first member or first wrapping arm  278  pivotably coupled to support  274 , and a second member or second wrapping arm  282  pivotably coupled to the first member  278  and including the mounting point  262 . During use, the first member  278  pivots with respect to the support  274  and the second member  282  pivots with respect to the first member  278  to dictate the relative location of the mounting point  262  with respect to the wrap chute  114  (e.g., along the wrap path  280 ). 
     The first member  278  of the wrap arm  258  is substantially elongated in shape having a first end  286  pivotably coupled to the support  274 , and a second end  290  opposite the first end  286 . The first member  278  also includes a first actuator  292  positioned proximate the first end  286  and in operable communication with the support  274 . During use, the first actuator  294  is configured to generate torque causing the first member  278  to pivot with respect to the support  274  about a first axis  296 . In the illustrated implementation, the first actuator  294  includes a servo motor, however in alternative implementations, hydraulic actuators, linear actuators, and the like may be used. 
     The second member  282  of the wrap arm  258  is substantially elongated in shape having a first end  300  pivotably coupled to the second end  290  of the first member  278 , and the mounting point  262  positioned opposite the first end  300 . The second member  282  also includes a second actuator  304  positioned proximate the first end  300  and in operable communication with the first member  278 . During use, the second actuator  304  is configured to generate torque causing the second member  282  to pivot with respect to the first member  278  about a second axis  308 . In the illustrated implementation, the second actuator  304  includes a servo motor, however in alternative implementations, hydraulic actuators, linear actuators, and the like may be used. 
     In the illustrated construction, both the first axis  296  and the second axis  308  are substantially parallel to the chute axis  238  of the wrap chute  114 . As such, the mounting point  262  may be moved with two degrees of freedom within a plane that is oriented normal to the chute axis  238 . In alternative implementations, more of fewer members and actuators may be utilized (not shown) to provide additional degrees of freedom as necessary to produce the desired motion of the mounting point  262 . 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -6 d   , the shaft  266  of the wrap assembly  118  is coupled to the mounting point  262  of the wrap arm  258   a  and configured to rotatably support the roll  272  of wrap material  46  thereon. More specifically, the shaft  266  includes a base  312  fixedly coupled to the mounting point  262  of the wrap arm  258 , and a spindle  316  mounted to the base  312  for rotation about a shaft axis  320 . In the illustrated construction, the shaft axis  320  is substantially parallel to the chute axis  238  so that the wrap material  46  is able to lay flat against the outer surface  160  of the perimeter wall  222 . 
     The spindle  316  of the shaft  266  is substantially elongated in shape and configured to be detachably coupled to the roll  272  of wrap material  46 . More specifically, the spindle  316  may include one or more protrusions, keyways, splines, and the like (not shown) configured to engage with corresponding geometry of the roll  272  so that when a roll  272  is positioned on the spindle  316 , the roll  272  and spindle  316  rotate together as a unit. Furthermore, the spindle  316  may include some form of locking assembly (not shown) to secure the roll  272  on the spindle  316  during operation. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a -6 d   , the brake assembly  276  of the wrap assembly  118  includes a brake disk  324  fixedly coupled to one of the spindle  316  and the base  312  of the shaft  266 , and a caliper  328  selectively engaging the brake disk  324  and fixedly coupled to the other of the spindle  316  and the base  312  of the shaft  266 . During use, the brake assembly  276  is configured to selectively resist the relative rotation of the spindle  316  (and the roll  272  positioned thereon) with respect to the base  312  about the shaft axis  320 . By doing so, the brake assembly  276  is able to at least partially dictate the tension contained within the wrap material  46  being applied to the bale  42  (e.g., a tension profile) independent of the current diameter of the roll  272 . While the brake assembly  276  of the illustrated implementation includes a disk brake system, it is to be understood that any system able to selectively restrict the rotation of the spindle  316  may be used, such as a drum brake, a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, and the like. 
     The unroll tension profile of the wrap assembly  118  includes the level of tension imparted on the wrap material  46  as it is being unrolled from the roll  272  as the shaft  320  travels around the corresponding wrap path  280 . In some implementations, the unroll tension profile may include maintaining a substantially constant level of tension in the wrap material  46  for at least one complete circuit about the passageway  226 . In still other implementations, the unroll tension profile may vary from wrap material layer to wrap material layer. For example, the unroll tension profile may include a first tension level for the first layer of wrap material  46 , and a second tension level for the second layer of wrap material  46  different from the first tension level. In still other implementations, the unroll tension profile may vary over the distance of the wrap path  280 . 
     In other implementations, the applied tension profile includes the level of tension in the wrap material  46  after it has been applied to the bale  42 . In some implementation, the applied tension profile may include having a constant level of tension  241  for a complete circuit about the passageway  226  or wrap path  280  (see  FIG. 9 ). In other implementations, the applied tension profile may include having the tension level vary over the length of the wrap path  280 . For example, the wrap material  46  may be applied at a first tension level  243  across the first planar wall portion  242   a , a second tension level  245  different from the first tension level across the second planar wall portion  242   b , and so on (see  FIG. 9 ). In still other implementations, the tension profile may vary from wrap material layer to wrap material layer. For example, the tension profile may include a first tension level for the first layer of wrap material  46 , and a second tension level for the second layer of wrap material  46  different from the first tension level. 
     In still other implementations, the tension level of the wrap material  46  may vary for each segments of the wrap path (described above). In such implementations, the profile map illustrates a substantially instantaneous change in tension levels between different segments. This change in tension is possible due to the fact that the various segments are separated by a notch  250 . As such, the wrap material  46  engages and becomes substantially fixed relative to the bale  46  at the notches  250  (e.g., the exposed corner regions of the bale  46 ; described above). As such, the brake assembly  276  and wrap arm  258  are able to apply and adjust the tension of each segment of the wrap path  280  independently of one another. 
     During the baling operation, the wrap mechanism  38  receives a steady flow of compressed crop material from of the compression system  26  in the form of a continuously growing extrusion  82 . More specifically, the lead surface  160  of the extrusion  82  moves through the inlet  130 , into the volume  98 , and toward the second end  134 . As described above, the resistance plate  158  of the resistance assembly  102  contacts the lead surface  160  of the extrusion  82  providing a resisting force against the movement of the extrusion  82  toward the second end  134  thereby maintaining the extrusion  82  under compression. As the extrusion  82  continues to grow during the baling operation, the resistance plate  158  moves from the first position ( FIG. 1 ) toward the second position ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Once the extrusion  82  has expanded such that the length of the compressed extrusion material positioned beyond the inlet  130  substantially corresponds with the desired final bale length (e.g., the resistance plate  158  is in the second position; see  FIG. 3 ), the cutting assembly  110  begins the cutting procedure. 
     During the cutting procedure, the cutting plate  206  moves from the retracted position ( FIG. 1 ) toward the deployed position ( FIG. 3 ) causing the leading edge  208  of the cutting plate  206  to cut the extrusion  82  thereby forming the a first bale  42   a  within the volume  98  and creating a new lead surface  160   b  for the extrusion  82 . The cutting plate  206  also covers the inlet  130  of the volume  98  so that the new lead surface  160  cannot enter the volume  98 . 
     With the first bale  42   a  formed, the ejection assembly  106  begins the ejection procedure. During the ejection procedure the ejection plate  138  moves from the first position ( FIG. 3 ) toward the second position ( FIG. 4 ). By doing so, the ejection plate  182  biases the first bale  42   a  out of the volume  98  and into the passageway  226  of the wrap chute  114 . The ejection plate  182  continues to bias the bale  42   a  until the entire bale  42   a  is positioned within the passageway  226 . 
     With the bale  42  positioned within the passageway  226 , the wrapping procedure begins. During the wrapping procedure, the wrapping arm  258  begins moving the shaft  266  along the first segment of the desired wrap path  280  (described above) causing a length of wrapping material  46  to unroll from the roll  272  and be applied to the exterior surface  234  of the perimeter wall  222  and the first bale  42  (e.g., via contact through the notches  250  formed in the wall  222 ). Furthermore, the brake assembly  276  selectively resists the rotation of the roll  272  with respect to the base  312  creating tension within the applied wrap material  46 . 
     As the wrapping arm  258  travels along the first segment and toward the first notch  250   a , the brake assembly  276  adjusts the tension within the wrap material  46 . More specifically, the brake assembly  276  is configured to generate the desired tension at the moment when the wrap material  46  is applied to the first notch  250   a  of the wall  222 . By doing so, the brake assembly  276  assures the tension is at the proper value when the wrap material  46  engages the bale  42  and “locks in” the tension over the first segment (described above). The wrapping arm  258  then travels along the second segment of the wrap path  280  and toward the second notch  250   b . Again, the brake assembly  276  is configured to assure that the tension in the wrap material  46  is at the proper level when the wrap material  46  is applied to the second notch  250   b  and the tension for the second segment is “locked in.” To note, the engagement of the wrap material  46  with the bale  42  at the corresponding notches  250  allows the tension over each segment to be different without effecting the tension of the previous segment. The wrapping arm  258  and brake assembly  276  then continue this process for each subsequent segment until a complete cycle of the wrap path  280  is complete. 
     The wrapping arm  258  continues to direct the shaft  266  along the wrap route  280  until the desired number of revolutions (e.g., layers of wrap material  46 ) has been applied. Once complete, a cutter  288  (see  FIG. 6 a   ) as is well known in the art severs the applied wrap material  46  from the roll  272 . 
     While the current implementation utilizes the same wrap route  280  and tension profile for each revolution about the passageway  226 , it is to be understood that in alternative implementations each revolution about the passageway  226  may include a unique wrap route  280  and/or tension profile. 
     Concurrent with the wrapping procedure, a reset procedure also begins. During the reset procedure the ejection plate  182  returns to the first position ( FIG. 1 ) proximate the third end  138  of the frame  94  and the resistance plate  158  returns to the first position ( FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, the cutting plate  206  returns to the retracted position ( FIG. 1 ) allowing the new lead surface  160   b  of the extrusion  82  to contact the resistance plate  158 . Once the new lead surface  160   b  contacts the resistance plate  158 , the extrusion  82  begins biasing the resistance plate  158  toward the second position, as described above, until sufficient extrusion material has entered the volume  82  for the cutting procedure to begin, as described above, to create a second bale  42   b  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Once the wrapping procedure and cutting procedure are both completed, the ejection plate  182  begins the ejection procedure. In this instance, however, in addition to moving the second bale  42   b  into the wrap chute  114  as describe above, the first bale  42   a  is biased by the second bale  42   a  causing the first bale  42  to be ejected from the wrap chute  114  for subsequent collection (see  FIG. 4 ). Once the second bale  42   b  is positioned within the wrap chute  114 , the process can begin anew. 
       FIGS. 7 a -7 d    illustrate a second implementation of a wrap arm  500 . The wrap arm  500  includes a first pair of rails  504  extending substantially parallel one another and fixed relative to the base wall  508 , a first shuttle  512  movable with respect to the first set of rails  504 , and a second shuttle  516  movable with respect to the first shuttle  512  and including the mounting point  262 . In the illustrated construction, the first pair of rails  504  are substantially parallel to the base wall  508 . 
     The first shuttle  512  of the wrap arm  500  includes a pair of end blocks  520  and a second pair of rails  524  extending between the end blocks  520 . When assembled, each end block  520  is slidably coupled to a corresponding one of the first pair of rails  504  for movement along the length thereof. Furthermore, each rail of the second pair of rails  524  is oriented transverse or substantially perpendicular to the first pair of rails  504 . The first shuttle  512  also includes one or more actuators  528  coupled to a corresponding one of the end blocks  520  and configured to provide a force for driving the first shuttle  512  along the length of the first pair of rails  504 . In the illustrated construction, each actuator  528  includes a servo motor having a drive wheel  532  configured to engage a corresponding one of the first set of rails  504 . However in alternative implementations, actuator  528  may include a linear actuator, hydraulic actuator, and the like. 
     The second shuttle  516  of the wrap arm  500  includes a body  534  slidably coupled to the second pair of rails  524  for movement along the length thereof. The second shuttle  516  also includes the mounting point  262  to which the shaft  266  may be coupled. The second shuttle  516  further includes an actuator  536  coupled to the body  532  and configured to provide a force for driving the second shuttle  516  along the length of the second pair of rails  524 . In the illustrated construction, the actuator  536  includes a servo motor having a drive wheel  540  configured to engage one of the second set of rails  524 . However in alternative implementations, the actuator  536  may include a linear actuator, hydraulic actuator, and the like. 
     During use, movement of the first and second shuttles  512 ,  516  causes the mounting point  262 , and the corresponding shaft  266  to move with respect to the bale chute  114  (e.g., along a wrap path  280 ). Furthermore, the orientation of the first and second pair of rails  504 ,  524  allow the mounting point  262  to be moved with two degrees of freedom within a plan that is oriented normal to the chute axis  238 . In alternative implementations, more or fewer shuttles may be used to provide additional degrees of freedom as necessary to produce the desired motion of the mounting point  262 . 
       FIGS. 8 a -8 d    illustrate a third implementation of the wrap arm  600 . The wrap arm  600  includes a support  604  fixedly coupled to the base wall  218  of the bale chute  114 , a first member or first wrapping arm  608  pivotably coupled to the support  604 , and a slider  612  slidably coupled to the first member  608  and defining the mounting point  262 . 
     The first member  608  of the wrap arm  600  is substantially elongated in shape having a first end  616  pivotably coupled to the support  604 , and a second end  620  opposite the first end  616 . The first member  608  also includes a first actuator  624  positioned proximate the first end  616  and in operable communication with the support  604 . During use, the first actuator  624  is configured to generate torque causing the first member  608  to pivot with respect to the support  604  about a first axis  628 . In the illustrated implementation, the first actuator  624  includes a servo motor, but in alternative implementations, hydraulic actuators, linear actuators, and the like may be used. 
     The slider  612  of the wrap arm  600  includes a body  632  slidably coupled to the first member  608  and movable along the length thereof between the first end  616  and the second end  620 . The slider  612  also includes the mounting point  262  and a second actuator  636  configured to provide a force for driving the slider  612  along the length of the first member  608 . In the illustrated implementation, the actuator  636  includes a servo motor having a drive wheel  640  configured to engage the first member  608 . However in alternative implementations, actuator  636  may include a linear actuator, hydraulic actuator, and the like. 
     During use, the pivotal movement of the first member  608  with respect to the support  604  and the translational motion of the slider  612  with respect to the first member  608  allow the mounting point  262  to be moved with two degrees of freedom within a plane that is oriented substantially normal to the chute axis  238 . In alternative implementations, members or sliders may be used to provide additional degrees of freedom as necessary to produce the desired motion of the mounting point  262 . 
     Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.