Importance

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Abstract

A device and method for lifting and transporting a conventional hay bale feeder in association with the directed movement of a round hay bale and for facilitating the placement of the feeder around the bale. The device can be removably attached to the feeder and consists of a lift arm assembly, a lift arm support assembly, and an anti-slide stabilizing assembly. The lift arm assembly includes a lift arm that is angled away from the top of the feeder to provide feeder lift. The lift arm support assembly acts as a brace to support the lift arm. The anti-slide stabilizing assembly limits rearward and side to side rocking movement of the feeder when lifted and transported, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the device is integrated into circular and multi-sided feeders during manufacture, forming single stand-alone units. The method of using the device includes moving the bale toward the lift arm using a tractor or other vehicle, tilting of the feeder in an upward direction as the lift arm contacts and slides up the bale, terminating the bale movement when the lift arm rests on top of the bale, moving the hay bale in the opposite direction causing the lift arm to penetrate into the bale and pull the feeder in unison with the bale, terminating the bale movement at the feeding location, and pushing the feeder down over the bale or pushing the bale into the feeder until the feeder falls to the ground with the bale inside. Moreover, the design of the device allows the lift arm to be pivoted toward and secured to the feeder for manual rolling of the feeder in the traditional manner.

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First Claim