Net segment for round balers

Abstract

A segment (30) of a net (1) for round balers, comprises a plurality of first chains (2) each defined by at least one first thread and developing along a longitudinal direction (X-X), a plurality of wefts (3) each defined by at least one second thread and arranged between two first chains (2), wherein the segment (30) extends for a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (X-X) and has a front edge (31) arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (X-X), an end edge (32) opposite the front edge (31), a first (8) and a second lateral edge (9) arranged between the front (31) and end (32) edges substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (X-X), the segment (30) is configured to feed a round baler by advancing the front edge (31) along the longitudinal direction (X-X); a strip (33) superimposed at least in part on one or more first chains (2) and extending from the end edge (32) at least along the longitudinal direction (X-X) for a predetermined length, and adapted to identify an end portion of the segment (30).

Description

[0001] Title: "Net segment for round balers".

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a net segment for round balers. The net is used in round baler machines to collect and compress agricultural products such as fodder and straw.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Nets for round balers are known in the state of the art. A net of known type comprises a plurality of first chains, parallel to each other and oriented in the winding direction of the net. The net further comprises second chains (wefts), connected to the first chains.

[0007] The nets of known type are provided wound in coils. To signal the approach of the end of the coil, in the last portion of net of each coil, a group of first chains or wefts is added or replaced by an end group having the same structure but a different colour. As a result, the user is able to detect a coloured strip on a bale of material packaged by the round baler, and is informed of the need to replace the net.

[0008] Object of the invention

[0009] Disadvantageously, the creation of the known type of nets is rather laborious. In fact, since the nets are made with a continuous machining and subsequently subdivided, it is necessary to periodically add or replace the group of chains with the terminal versions having different colours. Furthermore, the execution of this step must be planned and executed with some precision, to ensure that the terminal versions of the chains are actually positioned in the correct area. At the end of each segment, the group of chains of different colours must be removed, restoring the initial structure for round balers.

[0010] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a segment of a net for balers which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0011] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a segment of a net for round balers able to simplify and speed up the production process.

[0012] The mentioned technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a segment of a net for balers, comprising the technical specifications set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0013] Advantages of the invention

[0014] Such a net segment for round balers solves the technical problem in that it comprises a strip superimposed at least in part on one or more first chains. The strip, made separately, is applied at the end edge of the segment, for a length equal to the last predefined portion of the net, carrying out the same function as the group of end chains already known in the state of the art. However, unlike the known art, it is not necessary to stop and modify or change the chains, with yarn of different colour, during the production process of the net, but it is possible, very advantageously, to apply the strips at a later step or in a later process when the net has already been braided / woven.

[0015] Brief disclosure of the figures

[0016] For a better understanding of the following detailed disclosure, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a net for round balers,

[0017] - Figure 2 shows a top view of a segment of a net for round balers according to the present invention;

[0018] - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a coil comprising the segment of Figure 2;

[0019] - Figure 4 shows a sectional side view of the segment of Figure 2 along the plane A- A; and

[0020] - Figure 5 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a segment of a net for round balers according to the present invention.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] With reference to the appended figures, the number 1 generally indicates a net for round balers in accordance with the present invention. A single segment 30 will be disclosed below, but it is understood that multiple segments can be concatenated with each other since the net 1 is generally produced with continuous machining.

[0023] The net 1 comprises a plurality of chains. In particular, the net 1 comprises a plurality of first chains 2 and wefts 3. It should be noted that the first chains 2 develop substantially along a longitudinal direction X-X.

[0024] Each of the wefts 3 is arranged between two first chains 2. Furthermore, each weft 3 is configured to connect two adjacent first chains 2. It should be noted that each weft 3 is defined by a plurality of segments 4 and that each segment 4 connects two adjacent first chains 2. In greater detail, each segment 4 comprises a first 11 and a second end 12 and each end 11, 12 is connected to the respective first chain 2 of the two adjacent first chains 2. Preferably, each first 11 and second end 12 is connected to the respective first chain 2 by braiding.

[0025] Each first chain 2 can be defined by a single first thread. Furthermore, each weft 3 can be defined by a single second thread. Optionally, the first and second threads can be the same. Alternatively, the first chains 2 may be defined by two or more first threads. Analogously, the wefts 3 can be defined by two second threads. Optionally, in the alternative embodiment, the first and second threads are equal.

[0026] Each first and second thread is preferably made from a mixture of high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), additives and stabilizers. Preferably, the high density polyethylene is polyethylene for textile applications. Preferably, the amount of additives and stabilizers is chosen as a function of the geographical area in which the net 1 will be employed. It should be noted that the mixture for the first and second threads is made so as to obtain a degree of toughness and resistance to UV rays of the threads so that the net 1 for round balers is capable of maintaining the compactness of the fodder preferably for one year.

[0027] Referring now to the aforementioned segment 30, it should be noted that it extends for a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction X-X. The segment 30 has a front edge 31 arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction X-X. An end edge 32, also transversal with respect to the longitudinal direction X-X is opposite the front edge 31. The segment 30 is configured to feed a round baler by advancing the front edge 31 along the longitudinal direction X-X.

[0028] A first 8 and a second 9 lateral edge are defined between the front 31 and end 32 edges, substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X. It should be noted that the first 8 and second 9 lateral edge are each defined by a respective first chain 2. Furthermore, the first 8 and the second 9 lateral edge are spaced along a transverse direction Y-Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X, by a distance comprised between 60 and 200 centimetres.

[0029] In accordance with the present invention, the segment 30 comprises a strip 33 adapted to identify an end portion of the segment 30. Such a strip 33 is superimposed at least in part on one or more first chains 2. In more detail, the strip 33 extends away from the end edge 32 or an area in proximity thereto at least along the longitudinal direction X-X for a predetermined length. In a further embodiment of the invention, shown for example in Figure 5, the strip 33 can be defined by a plurality of preferably parallel tapes 33 a.

[0030] It should further be noted that the strip 33 can have any position within the lateral edges 8 and 9. Furthermore, it can be continuous, or alternatively, it can have interruptions of predefined length.

[0031] Preferably, the strip 33 has a thickness comprised between 10 micrometres and 2 mm. Furthermore, the strip 33 can have a width between the beginning and the end of the continuous (or interrupted) section comprised between 10 mm and 200 m.

[0032] It should be noted that, according to the invention, the strip 33 is physically distinct from the net, in particular from the first chains 2 and the wefts 3. Consequently, the strip 33 is applied to the first chains 2 or to the wefts 3 through an adhesive layer (not illustrated).

[0033] In more detail, the strip 33 is fixed to a support 34 arranged on the side opposite the first chains 2. The aforementioned adhesive layer can be applied on the strip 33, on the support 34 or on both.

[0034] Alternatively, the strip 33 can be welded to the net, in particular to the first chains 2 and / or to the weft 3.

[0035] In more detail, the strip 33 has a colouring contrasting with the forage. Advantageously, this allows to provide an immediately visible indication.

[0036] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the strip 33 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X. In this case the strip 33 can be placed in proximity to the first lateral edge 8, the second lateral edge 9 or in any intermediate position with any inclination.

[0037] In a second particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, shown for example in Figure 3, the strip 33 further extends transversally to the longitudinal direction X-X from the first 8 to the second lateral edge 9. It should be noted that the strip 33 may not be perfectly adjacent to the edges 8, 9 to avoid interference with the machines which prepare the net 1 but, in this embodiment, it is still applied as close as possible to the edges 8, 9. Thereby the strip 33 is placed in proximity to the first lateral edge 8 at the end edge 32, and in proximity to the second lateral edge 9 at its end, i.e., at the predetermined length of net starting from the end edge 32.

[0038] More in general, in alternative and non-illustrated embodiments of the present invention the beginning and the end of the strip 33 can be placed in any position within the segment 30.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention, the net 1 is wound in the form of a coil 40 on a support 41, which has its own main development direction. In use, the main development direction of the support is arranged parallel to the transverse direction Y-Y of the net.

[0040] A further object of the present invention is a method for the realization of the segment 30 disclosed above. In particular, the method comprises a step of weaving the net for round balers by weaving a plurality of first chains 2 and wefts 3.

[0041] The net is then subdivided into a plurality of segments 30. To each segment 30 a respective strip 33 is fixed before, during or after the subdivision, which is superimposed at least in part on one or more first chains 2, so that the strip 33 extends from the end edge 32 at least along the longitudinal direction X-X for a predetermined length.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Segment of a net (1) for round balers, comprising:- a plurality of first chains (2) each defined by at least one first thread and developing along a longitudinal direction (X-X),- a plurality of wefts (3) each defined by at least one second thread and arranged between two first chains (2), wherein the segment (30) extends for a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (X-X) and has a front edge (31) arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (X-X), an end edge (32) opposite the front edge (31), a first (8) and a second lateral edge (9) arranged between the front (31) and end (32) edges substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (X-X), the segment (30) being configured to feed a round baler by advancing the front edge (31) along the longitudinal direction (X-X); characterized in that it comprises at least one strip (33) superimposed at least in part on one or more first chains (2) and extending from an area in proximity to the end edge (32) at least along the longitudinal direction (X-X) for a predetermined length, and adapted to identify an end portion of the segment (30).

2. Segment (30) according to the preceding claim, wherein the strip (33) is fixed by means of adhesive to a support (34) arranged on the side opposite to the first chains (2).

3. Segment (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip (33)has a colouring contrasting with that of the first chains (2) and / or of the wefts (3) and / or of the fodder.

4. Segment (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip (33) further extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (X-X) from the first (8) to the second lateral edge (9), the strip (33) further being in proximity to the first lateral edge (8) in proximity to the end edge (32) and in proximity to the second lateral edge (9) at the predetermined length.

5. Segment (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip (33) has a thickness between 10 pm and 2 mm.

6. Segment (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip (33) has a width between 10 mm and 200 mm.

7. Segment (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip (33) comprises a plurality of tapes (33a) preferably parallel to each other.

8. Coil (40) for round balers, comprising a support (41) and a segment (30) according to any one of the preceding claims which is wound on the support (41), the end edge (32) being directly constrained to the support (41).

9. Method for the realization of a segment (30) of a net for round balers according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises the steps of weaving a netfor round balers starting from a plurality of first chains (2) and wefts (3); subdividing it into a plurality of segments (30) each having a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction (X-X), each segment (30) having a front edge (31) arranged transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (X-X), an end edge (32) opposite to the front edge (31); fixing to the segment (30) a strip (33) by superimposing it at least in part on one or more first chains (2), so that the strip (33) extends from the end edge (31) at least along the longitudinal direction (X-X) for a predetermined length.

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