AU2007200943A1 - Bale handling apparatus - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: BALE HANDLING APPARATUS Applicant: Stephen Michael Males and Kayleen Sharree Males The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: BALE HANDLING APPARATUS Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a bale handling apparatus. The invention can be used as a trailer for loading, handling, transporting and/or holding a bale of hay and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application but can be used to manipulate and transport any similar large object.

Background of the Invention The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Hay bales are supplied in two main sizes. A small sized rectangular hay bale is typically purchased by small scale farmers as these bails are relatively light weight and can be easily handled by a single person. A larger sized cylindrical or rectangular hay bale is typically purchased by professional farmers, as these hay bales contain a significantly greater amount of hay, and therefore enable the farmer to more efficiently distribute a large amount of hay to their livestock.

The smaller rectangular hay bales are typically more expensive per weight hay than the larger cylindrical hay bales. It is therefore more economic to purchase the larger hay bales. However, the large size and weight of the large hay bales make these hay bales relatively difficult to handle. For example, in Australia, hay can be bound into a cylindrical hay bale having a diameter of between 2 to 3 meters and weighing around 350 kg each. These size bales usually require large scale specialised handling equipment, such as a XEMCPaPperd Spoeofiu'SmsPmvisi tfWVBawe haIdlMl aprtus =nplee.e c tractor, to manipulate, load and/or transport each cylindrical hay bale from one location (for example a storage shed) to another location (for example proximate to livestock). However, it can be uneconomical for a small scale or hobby farm to purchase such large scale specialised equipment.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an alternate apparatus which can facilitate the loading, handling and transportation of large cylindrical hay bales.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a bale handling apparatus for manipulating a bale including: a bale support platform onto which the bale can be loaded and supported, the platform having a rear side and a front side; a first pivot provided by a portion of the rear side of the support platform; at least one ground engaging means mounted to the platform between the rear side and the front side of the platform, the ground engaging means providing a second pivot; and a bale attachment means for releasably securing the bale to a portion of the front side of the platform; wherein, the apparatus pivots about and consecutively between the first pivot and the second pivot when moving between a loading position in which the length of the support platform is aligned substantially perpendicular to the ground and a support position in which the length of the support platform is substantially longitudinally aligned with the ground.

Accordingly, the apparatus of the present invention provides a movable platform which can be moved between a loading position and support position about two pivots. Moreover, the provision and relative location of the second pivot point relative to the first pivot point necessitates that the apparatus must be moved between the loading position and support position in two stages. In this respect, when raising the apparatus to the loading position, the apparatus is firstly moved about the second pivot up to a certain position, and thereafter is X:%ECP\Pmter SpecficaunortXPrvn %y trile,8ale hwdfing pparatus completedoc moved from the second pivot to and then about the first pivot to further raise the apparatus. When lowering the apparatus to the support position, the reverse situation occurs. The provision of these two stages allows a user to more safely and easily move the platform between the loading position and the support position.

The two stage movement process preferably results in the platform moving through an intermediary position between the loading position and support position. It is preferable that the support platform is supported on the ground engaging means and the first pivot in the intermediary position. More preferably, the apparatus is capable of freely standing in the intermediary position without any additional support from an operator or user.

As can be appreciated, the ease of movement of the apparatus between the loading and support positions is dependent on the relative location of each of the first and second pivots on the apparatus. The first pivot is located at the rear side of the platform and the second pivot is longitudinally spaced apart from this location along the length of the support platform. For greater ease of movement, it is more preferable for the second pivot to be mounted between the lengthwise centre of the support platform and the first pivot. More preferably, the location of the second pivot is arranged to position the general centre of mass of a bale between the first pivot and the second pivot when the apparatus is in the intermediary position. In this form, once the bale is positioned proximate to the support platform in the loading position, the mass of the bale can be used to assist in tipping the apparatus from the loading position to the intermediary position. This positioning enables the apparatus to freely stand in the intermediary position because the location of the general centre of mass of the bale is directed between the first pivot and the second pivot.

Preferably, the location of the second pivot is arranged to position allow the general centre of mass of a bale to move over the second pivot at a point between the intermediary position and support position, and thereby assist in lowering the apparatus.

X:ECPIped Speof onsXPmvtsonakay iraeiS haMe r arig tes* wetiele oc In one embodiment, the first pivot comprises a rounded edge of the rear side of the support platform. In another embodiment, the first pivot comprises a cylindrical rod attached to the rear side of the platform.

The apparatus of the present invention can further include a hitch assembly attached to the front side of the platform which allows the apparatus to be releasably secured to a towing vehicle. The apparatus can therefore be hitched to a towing vehicle and similar to a trailer, be towed from a first location, such as a storage site to a second location, such as a feed site where livestock or the like are fed.

The apparatus of the present invention can also be used to transport and support feed bales, such as hay bales, in situ at a fed location. In this embodiment, it is preferable for the hitch assembly to be releasably securable to the support platform. In this respect, the hitch assembly can be used to hitch the apparatus to a tow vehicle for towing, and removed once at the feed location to prevent the tow bar from injuring livestock when accessing the feed bale on the apparatus.

In some cases, it may be desirable to link two or more bale handling apparatus together to form a train like arrangement for towing two or more apparatus behind a single towing vehicle. In this case, the apparatus can further include a tow assembly for releasably hitching a second bale handling apparatus to the bale handling apparatus.

Some forms of the apparatus further include one or more side barriers arranged extend along one or more sides of the support platform. Preferably, one or more portions of the side barriers engage one or more sides of the bale when the bale is supported on the support platform. The side barriers can therefore form a barrier structure around the bale, providing additional restraining means for retaining the bale on the platform. For example, in the case of the support platform being configured in a rectangular shape, the apparatus would include four barriers, each barrier substantially extending along a respective side of the platform. In the case of the support platform X:EClnef SpedfictOn3%PMvrS.Ofl3M trleftpe h"aIng Wpam r owmle.e0c being configured in a generally half circle shape, the apparatus would include two barriers, being a curved barrier substantially extending around the curved side of the platform and a planar barrier extending around the flat base of the platform. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a removable rear barrier which extends along the rear side of the support platform.

The shape of the side barrier(s) can be configured in any useful or desirable shape to suit a particular apparatus configuration. In some embodiments, the side barriers comprise generally planar fences, sheets, structures or the like. In other embodiments, the shape of the side barriers is configured to have the same general shape as the sides of the bale. For example, in the case of a cylindrical bale, the shape of the side barriers would be curved or arcuate, so as to provide a tighter and more conformed fit for the bale within the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention can be used to support feed stock for livestock. In some scenarios, the apparatus is placed in a field, and livestock is allowed to feed from the apparatus. To facilitate such an application, the barriers can be formed of a framework of spaced apart members, the spacing between two or more members being sufficient to allow livestock access to the bale supported in the apparatus. Preferably, each member in the framework is sufficiently spaced apart from an adjacent member to allow livestock access between the members to the bale supported in the apparatus.

The platform of the apparatus can be constructed from any suitable material and configuration for supporting a bale thereon. For example, in some embodiments, the platform comprises a planar plate. In other embodiments, the platform comprises a textured or rippled surface. In one preferred embodiment, the platform substantially comprises a mesh or grid configuration having a plurality of apertures through which water can pass. This particular embodiment is advantageous when used for hay bales, as the mesh or grid allows water from rain or the like to pass through the bale and drain under the X:%ECPPzem Spef .o.TPw s.oilcmiM trerABale hanfin gpatmu complee do platform. This reduces or substantially alleviates moisture retention in the bale and thereby reduces the occurrence of rot in the hay bale.

The apparatus according to the present invention can be moved between the storage position and loading position using a number of means. Typically, an operator manually moves the apparatus by gripping a portion of the apparatus and appropriately, lifting, pushing or pulling the apparatus from this portion. It is therefore preferable that the apparatus further includes a manipulation means which aids an operator to move the apparatus. In one embodiment, the manipulation means comprises a flexible cord attached to the front side, or hitching assembly of the apparatus. In another embodiment, the manipulation means comprises a handle. Preferably, the handle is located on the hitch assembly.

The ground engaging means can comprise any means which can support the platform above the ground in the support position and provide the second pivot for the apparatus. Additionally, it is preferable that the ground engaging means allows the apparatus to be transported from a first location to a second location.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ground engagement means includes one or more skis.

In another embodiment of the invention, the ground engaging means includes a wheel assembly. It is preferable that the wheel assembly includes at least one wheel. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the wheel assembly includes two spaced apart wheels mounted about an axle providing the second pivot and a third wheel positioned proximate to the front side of the support platform.

In operation, it is preferable that the bale attachment means is used to secure a bale to a front portion of the apparatus. Preferably, the bale attachment means is secured to an upper portion of the bale. In the embodiment of the invention in which a side barrier extends along the front side XAECP\Pmem Sp rca rum\%nisionOcay tr~eMBie harnhng 2poarvus a.iiei dXc of the support platform, it is preferable for the attachment means to be attached Sto an upper portion of that front barrier. This enables an operator to attach the bale securing means to an adjacent or proximate upper portion of the bale.

C 5 The bale attachment means can be any suitable device which can connect and secure a portion of the bale to the apparatus. In one embodiment, q the bale attachment means comprises one or more spikes which can be inserted into the body of the bale. In another embodiment, the bale attachment means comprises a rope which is tied to or around the bale. In yet another embodiment, the bale attachment means includes a fastener mounted on a Sflexible member for releasably securing to a portion of a securing rope, twine or cord fastened around the bale. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener comprises a hook.

The present invention is preferably used to load a bale, such as a bale of hay, onto the loading platform of the apparatus. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of loading a bale onto a bale handling apparatus which includes a bale support platform onto which the bale can be loaded and supported, the platform having a rear side which includes a first pivot and a front side, at least one ground engaging means mounted to the platform between the rear side and the front side of the platform, the ground engaging means providing a second pivot, and a bale attachment means for releasably securing the bale to a portion of the front side of the platform, the method including the steps of: placing the apparatus into a loading position in which the length of the support platform is aligned substantially perpendicular to the ground; securing the bale to the apparatus using the securing means; moving the apparatus about the first pivot to an intermediary position in which the support platform is supported on the ground upon the ground engaging means and the first pivot; and moving the apparatus about the second pivot to a support position in which the length of the support platform is substantially longitudinally aligned with the ground.

X: ECPPatefl Spec at wiPnsAna aFy tr ermae hwndlm apparatus ownrple.doc Similarly, the bale can be unloaded from the apparatus by reversing the series of steps.

However, in the case of the bale comprising feedstock such as for example a large cylindrical bale of hay for livestock, the loading platform can be transported to a feed location, such as a field, and left in the field for the livestock to feed directly from the apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein: Figure 1 is perspective view of a trailer incorporating one form of the bay handling apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the trailer shown in Figure 1 with a hay bale loaded on to the support platform.

Figure 3 is a series of perspective views illustrating a hay bale being loaded onto the trailer of Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Figure 4 is perspective view of another trailer incorporating a further form of the bay handling apparatus of the present invention which includes an attachable rear barrier.

Detailed Description Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a trailer 10 which embodies one form of the bale handling apparatus according to the present invention.

X ECpRPaiem Spedf C3WPrtsmrvOnvLay trOeW82e handlimn 3pparatus Clf~I.e.OC The trailer 10 has a frame or chassis 12 supported on wheel assemblies 14 and 15. The chassis 12 includes a longitudinally arranged support or base platform 25 which is configured to support a hay bale 18 or other like object, as best seen in Figure 2. The trailer 10 can be hitched to a towing vehicle such as a four wheel motorcycle, truck, tractor or the like through removable hitching bar The removable hitching bar 20 is releasably securable to the front of the chassis 12 using two retaining bolts 21A and 21B.

The chassis 12 is of a skeletal construction, made up of frame members, including metal sections, welded, bolted or otherwise rigidly connected together.

The base platform 25 of the chassis is formed in a rectangular shape comprising an outer rectangular framework of frame members 26, strengthened with two spaced apart transverse cross members 28. A metal mesh 30 is located and secured to the outer rectangular framework of frame members 26 and cross-members 28. The mesh 30 includes a plurality of apertures 31 sized to allow the base platform 25 to support a hay bale 18 and also allow water to pass through each aperture 31.

Secured to and extending around the front and longitudinal sides 33 of the chassis 12 is a continuous side barrier 24. The side barrier 24 is used to constrain the lateral movement of the bale 18 relative to the length of the base 24 when supported in the trailer 10. Referring to Figure 1 and 2, the side barrier 24 is formed of a skeletal construction, made up of interconnected metal tube frame members, welded, bolted or otherwise rigidly connected together forming a fence consisting of a series of vertically orientated posts 35 spaced around and attached to the perimeter of the base platform 25 laterally interconnected by a top rail 34 and intermediary rail 36. The top rail 34 extends around the top perimeter of the side barrier 24. The intermediary rail 36 is vertically spaced between the top rail 34 and the base 24. A rear extension 40 of each of the longitudinal sides 33 of the side barrier 24 extends rearwardly of the rear side 42 of the base platform 25. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a lower portion of the rear extension 40 of the side barrier 24 has a curved profile 44. The curved profile 44 forms a first pivot about which the trailer 10 can be moved when X:IECP\PateM Speorcaton.sV flvisionhay trleile IWufir appWaXuS IlOdOC1040C raising and lowering the trailer 10 as will be subsequently described in more detail.

The chassis 12 further includes two rear wheels 46 laterally attached on wheel assembly 14 to each side of chassis 12. The illustrated rear wheel assembly 14 is configured to be capable of supporting up to 265kg on each of the two wheels 46. This weight limit is designed to adequately support a large cylindrical hay bale, which can weigh approximately 350kg. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wheels 46 is attached to the chassis through wheel axle 46A. Wheel axle 46A is directly attached to the chassis using retaining bolts, clamping means, welding or the like. It can be appreciated however that the wheel assembly 14 could alternatively include a suspension system such as a spring based suspension system or the like between the chassis 12 and the wheels 46. The axle 46A provides a second pivot 47 about which the trailer can be moved when raising and lowering the trailer as will be subsequently described in more detail.

A further central front wheel 48 is provided on a front wheel assembly attached to the front of the trailer 10. The wheel assembly 15 extends from a central front post 35A. The illustrated wheel assembly 15 consists of a vertical pivot axis 50 around which the front wheel 48 can rotate. The front of the trailer can therefore be turned in any desired direction in order to steer or direct the trailer 10 in a selected direction.

The removable hitching bar 20 consists of elongate tubular bar 52 having at one end a mounting bracket 54 including two mounting bolts 21A and 21B for attachment to corresponding bolt holes 55A and 55B in the central front post and a hitching device 56 at the other end. The illustrated hitching device 56 comprises a hitch fastener having a recess capable of receiving and adjustably securing a standard towing ball. The elongate tubular bar 52 also includes a handle 58, consisting of a bowed length of pipe welded or otherwise attached to the base of the elongate tubular bar 52. The handle 58 is can be gripped by an operator when raising and lowering the trailer 10 as will be described in more detail below.

X:%ECPkPaxef Speofiwt:;PrY seonaly trIetBale harInQ apparatus wcrne.do= O The trailer 10 further includes a fastening assembly 60 centrally attached to the top rail 34 of the front portion of the side barrier 24. As best illustrated in C Figure 2, the fastening assembly 60 comprises a flexible cord or rope 62 connected at one end to the top rail 34 of the front portion of the side barrier 24 and having a hook fastener 64 attached to the other end. The hook 64 is used Sto secure the hay bale 18 to the front portion of the side barrier 24 as shown in o Figure 2. In this respect, the hook 64 is simply fastened within and around a Stwine binding 66 which is typically wrapped around the circumference of the bale 18. For strength, it is preferable that the hook 64 is secured around a 0 portion of the twine binding 66 having a number of adjacent twine cords, such as the uppermost twine binding 67 as illustrated in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 4, the trailer 10 can further include a removable rear barrier or gate 72 which extends along the rear side of the support platform The provision of such a rear barrier 72 totally encloses the bale 18 within the trailer 10. The illustrated barrier 72 can be releasably secured to the side barriers 24 using any suitable fastener (not illustrated). For example, the barrier 72 could be bolted in place, include a clamp fastener arrangement or simply be tied in place using a rope, twine or wire.

Figure 3 provides a schematic representation of the sequence of events involved in loading a large cylindrical hay bale 18 onto the trailer As shown in Figure the removable hitching bar 20 is first secured to the front of the trailer 10 using the mounting bolts 21A and 21B. With the hitching bar 20 in place, the trailer 10 can be lifted from an unloaded support position, as shown in Figure to the loading position, shown in Figure 3(b).

Firstly, the operator (not illustrated) positions the trailer 10 proximate to a hay bale 18 situated on the ground. The operator then grips the hitching bar 20 and lifts the bar 20 upwardly about the second pivot 47 until the curved rear section 44 of the side barriers 24 contacts the ground 70, in a similar manner as shown in Figure The operator then further lifts the hitching bar 20, pivoting the trailer 10 upwardly about the first pivot defined by the curved rear section 44 M:IECPolem SpedilrwztouviiaMJwy trafle.Bade hndlina appnus compcedoc 13 until the trailer 10 rests in a vertical position on the rear poles 40 of the side barriers 24 as shown in Figure In this loading position, the rear wheels 46 are lifted off the ground and the longitudinal length of the base platform 25 of the trailer 10 is orientated perpendicularly to the ground When in the loading position shown in Fig the optimal positioning of the hay bale 18 relative to the trailer 10 is with the hay bale 18 positioned within the upright trailer 10 between the side rails 24, and with the base of the hay bale 18 adjacent to, and more preferably in contact with the base platform 25 of the chassis 12. Once the hay bale 18 is in this position, the operator secures the hook 64 of the fastening assembly 60 into the uppermost loops 67 of the binding twine 66. This connects the front of the hay bale 18 to the front section of the side rail 24.

To move the trailer 10 from the loading position (Figure to the support position (Figure an operator grips the handle 58 of the hitching bar 20 and levers the trailer 10 downwardly about the first pivot located by the curved rear section 44 of the side barrier 24. This moves the trailer downwardly to the intermediate position in which both the curved rear section 44 of the side barriers 24 and the rear wheels 46 contact the ground 70, as shown in Figure As can be appreciated, the connection between the top of the bale 18 and the front of the side barrier 24 created by the fastening assembly 60 forces the top of the bale 18 to move with the trailer 10. The bale 18 is therefore also tipped with the movement of the trailer 10 about the first pivot point 44.

The trailer 10 is then moved from the intermediary position (Figure 3(c)) to the support position (Figure by the operator gripping the handle 58 of the hitching bar 20 and levering the trailer 10 downwardly about the second pivot 47 of the trailer 10 until the base platform 25 is longitudinally aligned with the ground 70 and the front wheel 48 is in contact with the ground The relative locations of each of the first pivot 44 and second pivot 47 contribute to the ease of lowering the bale 18 in the trailer 10 from the loading position x:%ECPPaier Spedf~caosmvsnatoay traterale hUng pp m Mmele boc (Figure to the loaded support position (Figure As can be seen in Figure the centre of mass C of the hay bale 18 is initially near the centre of the bale 18. The operator must therefore expend some effort to initially tip the trailer 10 with bale attached. As the trailer 10 is further tipped, as shown in Figure 3(c) for example, the centre of mass C of the bale 18 moves between the first pivot 44 and second pivot 47, aiding the operator in tipping the bale 18. In this respect, while the location of the centre of mass C in this location aids the operator tipping the bale 18 about the first pivot 44. As the centre of mass C has not yet passed the second pivot 47, the operator still has a reasonable amount of control when lowering the trailer 10. However, once the operator levers the trailer 10 about the second pivot 47 to move the trailer 10 from the intermediary position (Figure 3(c) to the loaded support position (Figure there will reach a point where the centre of mass C of the bale 18 will pass the second pivot 47. However, due to the location of the second pivot 47, between the centre of the trailer 10 and the first pivot point 44, this only occurs when the base platform 25 of the trailer 10 is near the horizontal position, allowing the user to safely drop the trailer 10. A rear gate 72, such as shown in Figure 4, is preferably installed to enclose the hay. This substantially prevents the livestock from mounting the trailer 10 and/or removing the bail 18 from the trailer Once the trailer 10 is loaded with the hay bale 18, the trailer 10 can be transported to a second location where the hale bale 18 can be used. Typically, this would entail the operator to hitch the trailer 10 to a towing vehicle (not illustrated) using the hitching bar 20 and towing the trailer 10 to the second location.

When the hay bale 18 is used as feed for livestock, the hay bale 18 could either be unloaded from the trailer 10 at the second location for the animals to eat, or alternatively the trailer 10 with loaded hay bale 18 could be left at the second location for the livestock to directly feed from. As noted previously, the poles 35 and rails 34 and 36 making up the side barrier 24 are sufficiently spaced apart to allow livestock access to the hay bale 18 supported in the trailer X:ECPPatem Speofi OnPmOrN~ay traAefBale IlInlg apparatus. -aplefe.oc When the trailer 10 is left in a field, pasture or the like for livestock to feed from, it is preferable that the hitch bar 20 is removed once the trailer 10 is placed in a suitable location to ensure the safety of the animals feeding from the trailer 10. If the hitch bar 20 was left in an extended position, it is possible that an animal may trip or otherwise injure themselves when they came into contact with the bar Use of the trailer 10 as a feed station provides the advantages of raising the hay bale 18 off the ground, thereby preventing uptake of moisture from the ground. Additionally, the mesh 30 of the base platform 25 allows water, such as from rain, to drain through the hay bale 18, thereby reducing the occurrence of rot within the hay bale 18.

Advantageously, the trailer 10 also allows an operator to reposition the hay bale 18 at the second location. For example, if the operator finds after a period of time that the hay bale 18 is not being eaten by the livestock, say the location has been made temporarily inaccessible by a storm or the like, the operator can simply move the trailer 10 and supported bale 18 to a more accessible location. This could not be as easily accomplished if the hay bale 18 was resting on the ground.

As can be appreciated, additional components can be added to the trailer illustrated in the accompanying figures in order to better adapt the trailer to particular environments and conditions.

For example, in countries where it is necessary to transport hay bales 18 over snow, the wheels 46, 48 of the trailer 10 could be retrofitted with skis or similar members to allow the trailer 10 to be more easily transported over snow.

Additionally, if it was expected that the hay bale 18 would be situated in a location exposed to a lot of rain, the trailer 10 could further include a removable roof that can be secured over a bale of hay once loaded in the trailer 10. For example, the roof could simply comprise a tarpaulin cover or the like. In other embodiments, the roof could comprise a metallic roof structure.

X:\ECP\Pter4 Sp ofC, PmorsmoJ1y trie?.Anes h2irvq SppaMus Onoete dOc In one alternate embodiment, the trailer 10 includes a removable towing assembly which includes a tow ball onto which the hitch fastener 56 of a second trailer can be secured. This would allow a train of trailers 10 to be towed behind a single towing vehicle.

Furthermore, in other embodiments of the invention, the hitching bar could be configured to be pivotable, foldable or otherwise movable between a first extended position to a compacted position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of this application.

Throughout the description and claims of the specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

X:ECPIPatero Speaflcatzon Pr .sion2Uhy traeAflae nandbri apw3reus mwVe.dm

Claims (24)

1. A bale handling apparatus for manipulating a bale including: a bale support platform onto which the bale can be loaded and supported, the platform having a rear side and a front side; a first pivot provided by a portion of the rear side of the support platform; at least one ground engaging means mounted to the platform between the rear side and the front side of the platform, the ground engaging means providing a second pivot; and a bale attachment means for releasably securing the bale to a portion of the front side of the platform; wherein, the apparatus pivots about and consecutively between the first pivot and the second pivot when moving between a loading position in which the length of the support platform is aligned substantially perpendicular to the ground and a support position in which the length of the support platform is substantially longitudinally aligned with the ground.

2. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second pivot is mounted between the lengthwise centre of the support platform and the first pivot.

3. A bale handling apparatus according to 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus moves through an intermediary position between the loading position and the support position in which the support platform is supported on the ground upon the ground engaging means and the first pivot.

4. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the location of the second pivot is arranged to position the general centre of mass of the bale between the first pivot and the second pivot when the apparatus is in the intermediary position.

A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pivot comprises a rounded edge of the rear side of the support platform. x% ECPawera Specifica osiaImiL3y ,tUrae81se handling apwatrn mplete.Oc 18

6. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, further including a hitch assembly attached to the front side of the platform which allows the apparatus to be releasably secured to a towing vehicle.

7. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the hitch assembly is releasably securable to the support platform.

8. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further includes a tow assembly which allows a second bale handling apparatus to be releasably hitched to the bale handling apparatus.

9. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further includes one or more side barriers extending along one or more sides of the support platform.

A bale handling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the support platform is of a generally rectangular shape and includes four barriers, each barrier substantially extending along a respective side of the platform.

11. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the support platform is of a half circle shape and includes a barrier substantially extending around each respective side of the platform.

12. A bale handling apparatus according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the barriers comprise a framework of spaced apart members, the spacing between two or more members being sufficient to allow livestock access to the bale supported in the apparatus.

13. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform substantially comprises a mesh or grid configuration having a plurality of apertures through which water can pass. X! ECPiPatefl SpeCricauDns Proviwn h y traileABte handloVg apwaom compte.oc 7. 19

14. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, further including a handle which can be used by an operator to move the apparatus between the loading position and support position.

15. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 14 when appended to claim 6, wherein the handle is located on the hitch assembly.

16. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the ground engaging means includes a wheel assembly.

17. A bale handling apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the wheel assembly includes two spaced apart wheels mounted about an axle providing the second pivot and a third wheel positioned proximate to the front side of the support platform.

18. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the ground engagement means includes one or more skis.

19. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the bale attachment means includes a fastener mounted on a flexible member for releasably securing a portion of a securing rope, twine or cord fastened around the bale.

A bale handling apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the fastener comprises a hook.

21. A bale handling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the bale is a bale of hay.

22. A method of loading a bale onto a bale handling apparatus which includes a bale support platform onto which the bale can be loaded and supported, the platform having a rear side which includes a first pivot and a front side, at least one ground engaging means mounted to the platform between the rear side and the front side of the platform, the ground engaging X:ECP\pcm SpedrwbwuPrvI3aln2fy traleAftt hRlirn Bpp=flh plRele dC C means providing a second pivot, and a bale attachment means for releasably securing the bale to a portion of the front side of the platform, the method including the steps of: placing the apparatus into a loading position in which the length of the support platform is aligned substantially perpendicular to the ground; securing the bale to the apparatus using the securing means; moving the apparatus about the first pivot to an intermediary position in which the support platform is supported on the ground upon the ground engaging means and the first pivot; and moving the apparatus about the second pivot to a support position in which the length of the support platform is substantially longitudinally aligned with the ground.

23. A bale handling apparatus substantially as herein described in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of loading a bale onto a bale handling apparatus substantially as herein described in accordance with the accompanying drawings. 1 X %ECM\Pamem SpeaicawsPmonSPvWY hViY1ae hafr" V2PPaW*Us MMPn e OOC