Bale accumulator

Abstract

A hay bale accumulator is disclosed. This accumulator is made up of a bale platform on pivotal wheels. This platform is attached to a solid hitch at the back of a baler. The attachment point of the platform to the hitch contains a hydraulicly operated system that allows the platform to move from side to side in reference to the hitch. This hydraulic system is also used to lower and raise the platform. The platform is designed to hold two large rectangular bales at a distance off of the ground. The accumulator works by catching a large rectangular bale as it is ejected out of a baler. A sensor on the platform will then activate the hydraulics causing the platform to shift to the side. This shifting places an open space on the platform behind the baler. When a second bale is ejected it will be placed on the platform by the first and a second sensor will be activated. This sensor will cause the hydraulic system to lower the platform and allow the bales to drag on the ground. This action effectively drags the bales off of the platform. Upon unloading, the platform will return the raised position ready to begin the process over.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.