Patent Description:
Traditionally, wrap material is dispensed into the baling chamber from a roll. The wrap material roll often has considerable size and can be difficult to load onto the baler. Therefore, improvements in managing wrap material rolls are needed.

<CIT> refers to a device for loading bale wrapping rolls. A round baler for baling harvested crops has a loading device which receives a roll of wrapping material which can be transferred to an unwind station. From the unwind station a web of material is pulled off the roll for wrapping the bale. The loading device is pivotably installed on the baler's sidewall. The loading device is pivotal from a storage position to a transfer position, so that the roll of wrapping material can be pushed from the loading device into the unwind station.

<CIT> refers to a baler. The baler has pickup and conveying devices for collecting and transporting the harvested goods to a pressing channel where bales are formed. The bales are tied by tying material supplied from a storage container arranged on the baler and moveable from an operating position into a servicing position allowing access to machine components of the baler covered by the storage container in the operating position. The storage container is moveable into a loading position for inserting or removing rolls of the tying material. The loading position and the servicing position are identical. In the loading and servicing position the storage container has, in comparison to the operating position, a greater spacing relative to a longitudinal center plane of the baler and a reduced spacing relative to the ground.

The present invention relates to a baling machine as defined in claim <NUM>. The baling machine includes a frame and a baling chamber for creating a bale. The baling machine includes a wrap material bay for storing wrap material to be fed into the baling chamber. The baling machine includes a bale wrap material transfer device. The bale wrap material transfer device includes an arm having a first end and a second end. The arm comprises a first member and a second member, the first member being pivotally attached to the second member. The bale wrap material transfer device includes a pivot positioned at the first end of the arm. The pivot is secured to the baling machine. The bale wrap material transfer device includes a lifting device positioned on the arm. The lifting device is configured to be attached to a bale wrap material supply roll. The bale wrap material transfer device is configured to lift, lower, and transfer a bale wrap material supply roll.

Optional and preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a schematic side view of a round baler <NUM>. The baler <NUM> can be towed behind a vehicle via wheels <NUM> or can be operated as a standalone machine. In one example, the round baler <NUM> uses an expandable baling chamber <NUM> which operates by utilizing at least one bale forming belt <NUM> routed around a series of rollers <NUM>. The baler <NUM> includes a driving means <NUM>, a pick-up device <NUM>, a single or a plurality of belt tighteners <NUM>, and a lift gate <NUM>.

As material is picked up by the pick-up device <NUM> and deposited in the baling chamber <NUM> at an inlet <NUM>, the material is compressed by the bale forming belt <NUM>. Tension is maintained in the bale forming belt <NUM> by the series of belt tighteners <NUM> to ensure a properly compressed bale. Once a full bale <NUM> is formed, as shown in <FIG>, material inflow ceased and a wrapping operation is commenced by a wrapping device <NUM>. The wrapping device <NUM> is configured to apply a layer of wrap material <NUM> to the outer circumference of the completed bale <NUM>. In some examples, the wrap material <NUM> is dispensed from a wrap material roll <NUM>. In some examples, the wrap material roll <NUM> can have a diameter between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches. In some examples, full wrapping rolls have a weight ranging between <NUM> to <NUM> pounds.

As schematically depicted, the baler <NUM> also includes a wrap material transfer device <NUM> that is configured to aid in transferring the wrap material roll <NUM> into, within, and out of the wrapping device <NUM>. In some examples, the transfer device <NUM> is positioned within a wrap material bay <NUM> of the wrapping device <NUM>. In some examples, the wrap material bay <NUM> is at least partially protected from the environment via a cover <NUM>.

The wrap material <NUM> can be a variety of materials suitable for retaining the shape of the bale, protecting the bale, and for limiting exposure of the bale to moisture. Rope-like twine, knitted netwrap, plastic or fabric sheets, or film-type sheets are just some examples that are commonly used in the industry as wrap material <NUM>. In some examples, the wrap material <NUM> is not twine (e.g., may be knitted netwrap, plastic or fabric sheets, or film-type sheets). Once the wrapping operation is completed, the operator ejects the full bale <NUM> from the baling chamber <NUM> by opening the lift gate <NUM>. Further details relating to the baling operation within the baling chamber <NUM> can be found in <CIT>, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

<FIG> show the wrapping device <NUM> mounted to a baler frame <NUM>. In some examples, the wrapping device <NUM> is mounted to the lift gate <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. In other examples, the wrapping device <NUM> is mounted to the baler frame <NUM> at an opposite end of the baler <NUM>, for example, a front of the baler <NUM> near the driving means <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

The wrapping device <NUM> is configured to provide a supply of wrap material <NUM> from a wrap material roll <NUM> to the baling chamber <NUM>. Specifically, the wrapping device <NUM> includes a wrap material bay <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, the cover <NUM>, a storage shelf <NUM>, a wrap material spindle <NUM>, and a wrap roll support post <NUM>. As depicted, the transfer device <NUM> is mounted to the baler frame <NUM> and positioned within the wrap material bay <NUM>. In some examples, the transfer device <NUM> is mounted to the baler frame <NUM> outside of the wrap material bay <NUM>. The wrap material device is configured to receive a plurality of wrap material rolls <NUM>.

The wrap material bay <NUM> is configured to store the components of the wrap material device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can be mounted to the baler <NUM>. In some examples, the housing <NUM> is mounted to the lift gate <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is pivotable about the frame <NUM> to selectively give the operator access to the wrap material bay <NUM> of the wrapping device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can further define the storage shelf <NUM> for storing additional rolls <NUM> of the wrap material <NUM>.

The wrap material spindle <NUM> is an extension that is configured to interface with, and selectively attach to, the wrap material roll <NUM> for dispensing wrap material <NUM> into the baling chamber <NUM>. The wrap material spindle <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the wrap material roll <NUM>.

The roll support post <NUM> is positioned opposite the spindle <NUM>. The roll support post <NUM> is configured to be aligned with the spindle <NUM> and configured to support an opposite side of the wrap material roll <NUM> than the spindle <NUM>.

The transfer device <NUM> allows the user to lift, lower, and transfer a bale wrap material roll <NUM> to, from, and within the wrap material bay <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> a pivot <NUM>, and a lifting device <NUM>.

The transfer device <NUM> is shown in a stored positioned within the wrap material bay <NUM> in <FIG>. In some examples, when in the stored position the transfer device <NUM> configured to be positioned above the shelf <NUM> and above the spindle <NUM> within the wrap material bay <NUM>. However, it could be contemplated that the transfer device <NUM> can be positioned in a variety of other locations either within the wrap material bay <NUM> or outside of the wrap material bay <NUM>. For example, the transfer device <NUM> can be mounted at any location on the baler <NUM> (e.g. on a front, a side, or a top of the baler) that allows the user to use the transfer device <NUM> to transfer wrap material rolls <NUM> to and from the wrapping device <NUM>, regardless of the location of the wrapping device <NUM> on the baler <NUM>.

The arm <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. At the first end <NUM>, the arm <NUM> is connected at the pivot <NUM> to the frame <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. The lifting device <NUM> is also mounted to the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting device <NUM> is mounted at the second end <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting device <NUM> is positioned between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. In other examples, the lifting device <NUM> is movably mounted to the arm <NUM> to allow the lifting device <NUM> to move between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the arm <NUM>.

The pivot <NUM> is connected to the frame <NUM> and housing <NUM> of the wrapping device <NUM> to allow the arm <NUM> to be pivoted about the baler frame <NUM> and housing <NUM>. In some examples, the pivot <NUM> is indirectly connected to the frame <NUM> (i.e. via an extension, mounting plate, or the like). Such pivoting allows the transfer device <NUM> to swing out away from the baler <NUM> to facilitate the transferring of wrap material rolls <NUM>. In some examples, the pivot <NUM> allows the arm <NUM> to be swung to a side of the baler <NUM>. In some examples, the pivot <NUM> allows the arm <NUM> to be pivoted about a single axis. In other examples, the pivot <NUM> allows the arm <NUM> to be pivoted and moved about multiple axes. In such examples, the pivot <NUM> can include a locking mechanism to lock the arm in a particular position with respect to the pivot <NUM>. In other examples still, the arm <NUM> can be remotely moved about the pivot <NUM>.

The lifting device <NUM> is configured to be coupled with a wrap material roll <NUM> to both lower and lift a wrap material roll <NUM>. For example, the lifting device <NUM> can be attached to a wrap material roll <NUM> that is positioned at an external location to the baler <NUM> (e.g. in a truck bed, in a utility vehicle, on the ground etc.). The lifting device <NUM> can then be operated to lift the wrap material roll <NUM> from the external location to allow the user to position the roll <NUM> within the wrap material bay <NUM>. For example, the user may use the lifting device <NUM> to lift a wrap material roll <NUM> to the storage shelf <NUM> or directly to the spindle <NUM>. Alternatively, the user can use the lifting device <NUM> to lower a roll <NUM> from the shelf <NUM> to the spindle <NUM> or out of the wrap material bay <NUM>.

In some examples, the lifting device <NUM> is electrically powered. In some examples, the lifting device <NUM> is a hoist. In some examples, the lifting device <NUM> includes an internal motor <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting device <NUM> is a manually powered device such as a hand crank system, pulley system, block and tackle system, or the like.

<FIG> show the transfer device <NUM> in a variety of different operational positions. In the depicted examples, the transfer device <NUM> is shown pivoted away from the frame <NUM> and the wrapping device <NUM> via the pivot <NUM>.

In the depicted example, the arm <NUM> includes multiple pieces. In some examples, the arm <NUM> can include a first member <NUM> and second member <NUM> pivotally attached to one another at an arm member pivot <NUM>. In some examples, the first and second members <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be positioned in a stacked arrangement in the stored position so that the members <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned longitudinally adjacent to one another to allow the arm <NUM> to have a compact stored length. In an operational position, the second member <NUM> can be rotated about an arm member pivot <NUM> to allow the second member <NUM> to be extended from the first member <NUM>. Such pivoting about the arm member pivot <NUM> allows the arm <NUM> to have a range of extended operational lengths. In other examples, the arm <NUM> can have a telescopic construction.

In some examples, the pivot <NUM> allows the arm <NUM> about <NUM> degrees of pivoting freedom. In other examples, depending on the mounting configuration of the pivot <NUM>, the pivot <NUM> can allow the arm <NUM> up to <NUM> degrees of pivoting freedom.

The transfer device <NUM> can also include a roll adapter <NUM> connected to the lifting device <NUM>. In some examples, the roll adapter <NUM> is configured to interface with the wrap material roll <NUM> to stabilize the wrap material roll <NUM> when the roll <NUM> is being lifted or lowered. In some examples, the roll adapter <NUM> is a hook and/or fastening device. In other examples, the roll adapter <NUM> is a gambrel. In other example still, the roll adapter <NUM> is a sling.

During operation, the user can pivot the arm <NUM> from the stored position to an operational position. Accordingly, the user can pivot the arm <NUM> over an external location (a truck bed, in a utility vehicle, etc.), lower the roll adapter <NUM> from the arm <NUM> via the lifting device <NUM>, attach the roll adapter <NUM> to a wrap material roll <NUM>, lift the wrap material roll <NUM> via the lifting device <NUM> and roll adapter <NUM>, and pivot the arm <NUM> in a way to allow the user to position the wrap material roll <NUM> that is suspended by the transfer device <NUM> into the wrap material bay <NUM>.

<FIG> show a baler <NUM> with the transfer device <NUM>. Like the baler <NUM> described above, the baler <NUM> can be towed behind a vehicle via wheels <NUM>. The baler <NUM> has a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. The baler <NUM> includes a driving means <NUM> at the front end <NUM> and a lift gate <NUM> at the rear end.

As shown, the transfer device <NUM> is positioned adjacent a wrapping device <NUM> positioned at the front end <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. In some examples, a cover (similar to cover <NUM>) can be positioned to at least partially protect a wrapping bay <NUM> of the wrapping device <NUM>. In some examples, the transfer device <NUM> is under the cover.

The transfer device <NUM> allows the user to lift, lower, and transfer a bale wrap material roll <NUM> to, from, and within the wrap material bay <NUM> at the front end <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> includes the arm <NUM>, the pivot <NUM>, the lifting device <NUM>, and the roll adapter <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the transfer device <NUM> in a stored position, adjacent the wrap material bay <NUM>. <FIG> show the transfer device <NUM> in an operational position, pivoted away from the baler <NUM> about the pivot <NUM>, with the roll adapter <NUM> lowered from the arm <NUM> via a cable <NUM>. As shown, the transfer device <NUM> is pivoted to a side <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. However, it is considered within the scope of the present disclosure that the transfer device <NUM> can also be positioned on the baler <NUM> to allow the transfer device <NUM> to be pivoted to an opposite side <NUM>, or to the front or rear ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the arm <NUM> can pivot about <NUM> degrees. In other examples, depending on the mounting configuration of the pivot <NUM>, the pivot <NUM> can allow the arm <NUM> up to <NUM> degrees of pivoting freedom.

Like above, when mounted to the front side <NUM> during operation, the user can pivot the arm <NUM> from the stored position to an operational position. Accordingly, the user can pivot the arm <NUM> over an external location (a truck bed, in a utility vehicle, etc.), lower the roll adapter <NUM> from the arm <NUM> via the lifting device <NUM>, attach the roll adapter <NUM> to a wrap material roll <NUM>, lift the wrap material roll <NUM> via the lifting device <NUM> and roll adapter <NUM>, and pivot the arm <NUM> in a way to allow the user to position the wrap material roll <NUM> that is suspended by the transfer device <NUM> into the wrap material bay <NUM>.

<FIG> show a baler <NUM> with a transfer device <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> is substantially similar to the transfer device <NUM>, described above. The transfer device <NUM> allows the user to lift, lower, and transfer a bale wrap material roll <NUM> to, from, and within the wrap material bay <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> a pair of pivots <NUM>, <NUM>, a lifting actuator <NUM>, and a roll adapter <NUM>.

The transfer device <NUM> is shown in a stored positioned within the wrap material bay <NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> show the transfer device <NUM> in a variety of different operational positions. In the depicted examples, the transfer device <NUM> is shown pivoted away from the frame <NUM> and the wrapping device <NUM> via the pivots <NUM>, <NUM> when in an operational position. The transfer device <NUM> can pivot both horizontally and vertically about the frame <NUM> of the baler <NUM> to facilitate a wide range of motion. Such movement is made possible by the pivots <NUM>, <NUM> and the lifting actuator <NUM>.

As shown, because the transfer device <NUM> can be pivoted vertically with respect to the baler <NUM>, the transfer device <NUM> can be operated without the need for a lifting device that extends from the arm <NUM> (e.g., a hoist or similar device). As shown, a lifting device <NUM> of the transfer device <NUM> includes the roll adapter <NUM> attached to the arm <NUM> via a pivot <NUM>. In some examples, the transfer device <NUM> can pivot to be configured to pick up a wrap material roll <NUM> from a ground surface or a secondary surface, such as a truck bed. In some examples, the transfer device <NUM> can include a lifting device (substantially similar to the lifting device <NUM>, above) that extends from the arm <NUM> (i.e., a hoist).

The arm <NUM> can be substantially similar to arm <NUM>, described above. In some examples, the arm <NUM> can include multiple members 333a, 333b, each being moveable with respect to one another. Further, in some examples, the arm members 333a, 333b can be configured so that, when the transfer device <NUM> is in the stored position, the arm <NUM> stores in a compact manor. In some examples, the arm members 333a, 333b can nest with one another when in the stored position.

The pivot <NUM> is connected to the arm <NUM> via a joint <NUM> and also connected to the frame <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. In some examples, the joint <NUM> can have multiple pivot axes. In some examples, as shown in <FIG>, the arm <NUM> moves about the pivot <NUM> around a vertical axis V1. In the depicted example, the arm <NUM> can also move about the pivot <NUM> about a horizontal axis H1. The horizontal pivot axis H1 is generally transverse to the vertical pivot axis V1.

The pivot <NUM> is connected the lifting actuator <NUM> and to the frame <NUM> of the baler <NUM>. In some examples, the pivot <NUM> can be substantially similar to the pivot <NUM>. Similar to pivot <NUM>, pivot <NUM> allows the lifting actuator <NUM> to move about a vertical axis V2 and a horizontal axis H2. In some examples, the horizontal axis H2 is aligned with the horizontal axis H1 of the pivot <NUM>. The horizontal pivot axis H2 is generally transverse to the vertical pivot axis V2.

The roll adapter <NUM> is substantially similar to the roll adapter <NUM> disclosed above. The roll adapter <NUM> is configured to be attached to a wrap material roll <NUM> so that the transfer device <NUM> can move the wrap material roll <NUM>. In some examples, the roll adapter <NUM> is attached to the arm <NUM> via the pivot <NUM> to allow the roll adapter <NUM> to pivot about the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the roll adapter <NUM> cannot extend away from the arm <NUM>.

The lifting actuator <NUM> is pivotally connected to the pivot <NUM> and the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting actuator <NUM> is connected to the arm <NUM> at an arm joint <NUM> and to the pivot <NUM> at a lifting actuator joint <NUM>. In some examples, the joints <NUM>, <NUM> allow for multi-axis pivotal movement of the lifting actuator <NUM> with respect to the pivot <NUM> and the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting actuator <NUM> is a hydraulic cylinder. In other examples, the lifting actuator <NUM> is a pneumatic cylinder (e.g., gas piston, air filled, etc.). In other examples still, the lifting actuator <NUM> can be a mechanical actuator including a spring. The lifting actuator <NUM> assists in the lifting the arm <NUM> when the arm <NUM> is pivoted about the horizontal axis H1 with respect to the baler <NUM>. The lifting actuator can reduce the amount of input force required by an operator on the arm <NUM> to lift the arm <NUM> from a lowered, second position (shown in <FIG>) to a first, raised position (shown in <FIG>). In some examples, the lifting actuator <NUM> can be powered. In some examples, the lifting actuator <NUM> can be a hydraulic cylinder powered by a pump, either in communication with the baler hydraulic system or a standalone system. In other examples, the lifting actuator <NUM> can be a pneumatic cylinder powered by a compressor. It is contemplated that, and considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure, the lifting actuator <NUM> can have a variety of different configurations to achieve assisted lifting of the arm <NUM>.

As shown, the lifting actuator <NUM> has a rod <NUM> and a cylinder <NUM>. As the arm <NUM> and lifting actuator <NUM> are pivoted about the vertical axes V1 and V2, the lifting actuator <NUM> can be configured to hold the arm <NUM> in the first, raised position until a vertical force is exerted on the arm <NUM>. In some examples, this first, raised position can be a horizontal position that the arm <NUM> is in when stored, as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, sans a vertical enacted force on the arm <NUM>, as the arm <NUM> is pivoted away from the baler <NUM>, the arm <NUM> stays in the same general position, by way of the lifting actuator <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the arm <NUM> is pivoted downward toward a pick-up surface <NUM>, the arm <NUM> pivots about the horizontal axis H1 via the joint <NUM> on the pivot <NUM>. As the arm <NUM> is moved, the lifting actuator <NUM> compresses and the rod <NUM> travels into the cylinder <NUM>. Further, the lifting actuator <NUM> pivots about the arm <NUM> via the arm joint <NUM> and moves about the horizontal axis H2 via the pivot <NUM>.

In some examples, a wrap material roll <NUM> may be located on the pick-up surface <NUM>, and the transfer device <NUM> can be moved and pivoted so that the roll adapter <NUM> can be coupled with the wrap material roll <NUM>. Once coupled, the operator can lift the arm <NUM>, assisted by the lifting actuator <NUM> so that the rod <NUM> extends from the cylinder <NUM>, to raise the wrap material roll <NUM> from the pick-up surface <NUM>. The operator can then manipulate the arm <NUM> to positon the wrap material roll <NUM> within the wrap material bay <NUM>.

<FIG> show perspective views of the transfer device <NUM> in the stored position.

As shown, the second member <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is positioned at least partially around the first member <NUM> when in the stored position. In some examples, the second member <NUM> is positioned next too, but not around the first member <NUM>.

The pivot <NUM> is shown to include a mounting flange <NUM> that is configured to be connected to the baler frame <NUM>, either directly or indirectly. Further, the pivot <NUM> includes a pivot bar <NUM>, of which the first member <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is positioned around.

The lifting device <NUM> is shown to include a housing <NUM> that at least partially surrounds a main body <NUM> of the lifting device <NUM>. In some examples, the main body <NUM> of the lifting device <NUM> is a hoist motor and a hoist spool. The housing <NUM> also includes a lifting device control <NUM> and a maneuvering handle <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting device control <NUM> toggles the lifting device <NUM> on and off. The maneuvering handle <NUM> provides the user a grasping location on the transfer device <NUM> to facilitate pivoting and positioning the transfer device <NUM> during operation.

<FIG> show the transfer device <NUM> in an operational position. The second member <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is shown to include a channel <NUM> that is sized and shaped to receive the first member <NUM> when the transfer device <NUM> is in the stored position. In some examples, the channel <NUM> can have a c-shaped transverse cross-section.

As shown, the roll adapter <NUM> is attached to the lifting device <NUM>. Specifically, the roll adapter <NUM> is attached to the cable <NUM> that is routed through a cable guide <NUM>. The cable guide can be attached to the arm <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> of the lifting device <NUM>. The guide <NUM> includes rounded surfaces <NUM> to minimize strain on the cable <NUM>.

The roll adapter <NUM> includes pair of hooks <NUM> that are configured to interface with loop devices (not shown) that are positioned around a wrap material roll <NUM>. The roll adapter <NUM> is configured to have a rigid main body <NUM> of which the hooks <NUM> are attached. The roll adapter <NUM> can be configured in a variety of ways. For examples, the roll adapter <NUM> can include straps, clamps, prongs, or other like feature that allows the roll adapter <NUM> to be coupled to a wrap material roll <NUM>.

<FIG> show the transfer device <NUM> in an operational position that maximizes its overall length. The second member <NUM> is pivoted about the first member <NUM> via the arm member pivot <NUM> to align the first and second members <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> shows the bale adapter <NUM> lowered from the lifting device <NUM> via the cable <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting device <NUM> can include enough cable length to reach the ground with the bale adapter <NUM> when it is extended from the lifting device <NUM>.

<FIG> show a transfer device <NUM>, not according to the claims. The transfer device <NUM> includes an arm <NUM>, a pivot <NUM>, and lifting device <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> is substantially similar to the lifting device <NUM> described above and can be mounted to any location on the baler <NUM>. However, the lifting device <NUM> is movable along a length of the arm <NUM> via a trolley <NUM>. During operation, the arm <NUM> can be pivoted about the pivot <NUM> and the trolley <NUM> can be moved along the arm <NUM> to aid in transferring a wrap material roll <NUM> into, out of, and around the wrap material bay <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the trolley <NUM> positioned at a first location on the arm <NUM>. <FIG> shows the trolley <NUM> positioned at a second location on the arm <NUM>.

As depicted, the trolley <NUM> substantially surrounds the arm <NUM> and the lifting device <NUM> can be mounted to the trolley <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the trolley <NUM> can include at least one roller <NUM> that aids in the movement of the trolley <NUM> along the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the trolley <NUM> can also include a cable guide <NUM> for guiding a cable <NUM> of the lifting device <NUM>.

A roll adapter <NUM> is shown to be attached to the lifting device <NUM>. Like the roll adapter <NUM> described above, the roll adapter <NUM> includes a pair of hooks <NUM> on a main body <NUM> that are configured to interface with a wrap material roll <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the transfer device <NUM>, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the members 333a, 333b are movable with respect to one another. Further the arm <NUM>, specifically the member 333a, is connected to the pivot <NUM> and the lifting actuator <NUM>. The member 333a is connected to the pivot <NUM> via the joint <NUM> and connected to the lifting actuator <NUM> via the arm joint <NUM>. In some examples, the joints <NUM>, <NUM> allow for multi-axis pivotal movement of the arm <NUM> with respect to the pivot <NUM>.

The lifting actuator <NUM>, which includes the rod <NUM> and the cylinder <NUM>, is attached to the arm <NUM> at the arm joint <NUM> and to the pivot <NUM> at a lifting actuator <NUM> joint <NUM>. The joints <NUM>, <NUM> allow for pivotal movement of the lifting actor <NUM> via the pivot <NUM> and arm <NUM>. In some examples, the joints <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can include spherical, or ball joints/bearings to allow multiple axis relative movement of the lifting actuator <NUM> and/or arm <NUM>.

The lifting device <NUM> is shown to include the roll adapter <NUM> attached to the arm <NUM>, specifically member 333b, via the pivot <NUM>. In some examples, the roll adapter <NUM> can be rigidly attached to the arm <NUM> to prevent relative movement therebetween.

<FIG> shows a transfer device <NUM>, not according to the claims. Like the other transfer devices described above, the transfer device <NUM> allows the user to lift and transfer a bale wrap material roll <NUM> to, from, and within the wrap material bay <NUM>. The transfer device <NUM> includes a pair of collapsible arms <NUM>, <NUM> that are pivotally connected to the baler <NUM>, specifically to opposing sides of the baler frame <NUM>. In some examples, the transfer device <NUM> can include a lifting actuator <NUM>, substantially similar to the lifting actuator <NUM> above, to aid in lifting the material roll <NUM> into the material bay <NUM>. In some examples, the lifting actuator <NUM> can be remotely operated. In some examples, the arms <NUM>, <NUM> include joints that allow for multi-axis pivotal movement of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the transfer device <NUM> in the collapsed, stored position.

<FIG> shows the transfer device <NUM>, specifically the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, in the extended and lowered operational position engaging with the material roll <NUM>. In some examples, the arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the transfer device <NUM> engage with an inner core <NUM> of the material roll <NUM>. In some examples, the arms <NUM>, <NUM> include a lifting device <NUM>, such as hooks, straps, loops, or the like to engage with the material roll <NUM>. It is considered within the scope of the present disclosure that a variety of different lifting devices can be utilized by the transfer device <NUM> to engage with the material roll <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the transfer device <NUM> partially collapsed and in an operational position. The material roll <NUM> is shown partially raised and moved closer to the material bay <NUM> by the transfer device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A baling machine (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a baling chamber (<NUM>) for creating a bale;
a wrap material bay (<NUM>) for storing wrap material to be fed into the baling chamber (<NUM>); and
a transfer device (<NUM>; <NUM>) for transferring a bale wrap material supply roll (<NUM>) to the wrap material bay (<NUM>), the transfer device (<NUM>) comprising:
an arm (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), the arm (<NUM>) comprising a first member (<NUM>) and a second member (<NUM>), the first member (<NUM>) being pivotally attached to the second member (<NUM>);
characterized in that it further comprises a pivot (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) positioned at the first end (<NUM>) of the arm (<NUM>; <NUM>), the pivot (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) being secured to the baling machine (<NUM>); and
a lifting device (<NUM>) positioned on the arm (<NUM>), wherein the lifting device (<NUM>) is configured to be attached to a bale wrap material supply roll (<NUM>).