Guiding and retaining mechanism for a bale wrapper

Abstract

A machine is provided for wrapping film around a bale of agricultural product. The wrapping machine comprises of a table for receiving the bale and rotating the same about a horizontal axis. The design includes a dispenser unit for holding a roll of film and dispensing to the bale. There is a mechanism for rotating the dispenser unit relative to the bale about a second axis. An arm assembly is movable between a first position and a second position in which the arm assembly is capable of holding an end of the film. The arm assembly comprises a roller extending lengthwise. The stationary guide member prevents that film, which is screwed outwardly along the roller during the downward movement of the arm assembly, reaches the end of the same and hooks therebehind, such that the film is not torn before the next wrapping cycle is started.

1 . A machine for wrapping sheet material around a bale of agricultural product, said machine comprising: 
 a table for receiving said bale and rotating the same about a first axis;    a dispenser unit for holding a roll of said sheet material and dispensing said sheet material to said bale;    mechanism for rotating said dispenser unit relative to said bale about a second axis, substantially perpendicular to said first axis; and    an arm assembly movable between a first position in which said arm assembly extends between said bale and the trajectory of said dispenser unit, and a second position in which said arm assembly is capable of holding an end of said sheet material,    said arm assembly comprising a roller extending lengthwise of said arm assembly and capable of rotating around its axis,    characterised in that said arm assembly further comprises a stationary guide member, extending outwardly from said roller and positioned to receive a border of said sheet material during the movement of said arm assembly.    
     
     
         2 . A machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that said stationary guide member comprises a cylindrical member, having substantially the same outer diameter as said rotatable roller.  
     
     
         3 . A machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that said stationary guide member comprises a cylindrical member, having an outer diameter slightly smaller than said rotatable roller.  
     
     
         4 . A machine according to  claim 3 , characterised in that said cylindrical member is held stationary by a clamp installed between said cylindrical member and a mechanism installed on said arm assembly for cutting said sheet material.  
     
     
         5 . A machine according to  claim 4 , characterised in that said arm assembly is mounted for pivotment about a substantially horizontal axis.  
     
     
         6 . A machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that said first position is an upright or inclined position and said second position is a horizontal position.  
     
     
         7 . A machine according to  claim 1 , characterised in that, in said second position, said arm assembly is positioned adjacent a cutting mechanism.  
     
     
         8 . A machine according to  claim 6 , characterised in that, in said second position, said arm assembly is positioned adjacent a cutting mechanism.  
     
     
         9 . A machine according to  claim 8 , characterised in that the machine is mounted to the rear end of a baler unit.  
     
     
         10 . A machine according to  claim 9 , characterised in that said mechanism for rotating said dispenser unit comprise a satellite arm which is mounted for rotation about an upright axis and motor mechanism for rotating said satellite arm.