WO2006069227A2

WO2006069227A2 - Bagging machines having an adjustable tunnel

Info

Publication number: WO2006069227A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/046554
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven R. Cullen
Original assignee: Src Innovations, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-12-22
Filing date: 2005-12-21
Publication date: 2006-06-29
Also published as: WO2006069227A3

Abstract

A bagging machine (10) for bagging agricultural or compost material includes a tunnel (22) adapted to be configured in at least tw positions. The tunnel may be configured in an open position and in a closed position. The tunnel may also be configured in two or more open positions having different widths. The tunnel may include a first and a second tunnel members (30,32) joined by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may allow the first and second tunnel members to move between the two or more positions. A third tunnel member (34) may be provided to cover any separation between the first and second tunnel members.

Description

BAGGING MACHINES HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE TUNNEL

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. , filed on December 19, 2005, naming Steven R. Cullen as inventor and entitled "Bagging Machines Having a Collapsible Tunnel," (Attorney Docket No. SRC323CIP2CIP) which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/022,043, filed on December 22, 2004, and entitled "Bagging Machine with an Adjustable Tunnel, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/264,161 , filed on October 3, 2002, entitled "Bagging Machine Having A Collapsible Tunnel," which is now U.S. Patent No. 6,907,714, and of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/350,680, filed on January 23, 2003, bearing the same title, which is now U.S. Patent No. 6,834,479. The present application is also a continuation-part-application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/022,043, filed on December 22, 2004, and entitled "Bagging Machine with an Adjustable Tunnel" and of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/020,646, filed December 22, 2004, and entitled "Bagging Machine with a Tunnel at least Partially Formed of Flexible Material," both of which are continuation-in-part applications of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/264,161 , filed on October 3, 2002, entitled "Bagging Machine Having A Collapsible Tunnel," which is now U.S. Patent No. 6,907,714, and of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/350,680, filed on January 23, 2003, bearing the same title, which is now U.S. Patent No. 6,834,479. The entire disclosure of these applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

This application relates to bagging machines for bagging organic and other materials such as silage, compost, grain, sawdust, dirt, sand, etc., in which the tunnel of the bagging machine is adjustable.

BACKGROUND

Agricultural feed bagging machines have been employed for several years to pack or bag silage or the like into elongated plastic bags. In recent years, the bagging machines have also been used to pack or bag compost material and grain into the elongated plastic bags. Two of the earliest bagging machines are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,687,061 and 4,046,068, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In these bagging machines, silage or the like is supplied to the forward or intake end of the bagging machine and is fed to a rotor or other compression means, which conveys the silage into a tunnel on which the bag is positioned so that the bag is filled. As the material is packed into the closed bag and because the closed end of the bag is stationary, the back pressure created by the feed pressure of the rotor causes the machine to move forward and to release or deploy an additional length of the bag. The packing density of the material packed in the bag is determined and controlled by a number of factors including the rate at which the bagging machine moves forward and the rate at which the silage material is packed into the bag.

Over the past several years, bagging machines and their associated tunnels have dramatically increased in size to accommodate the end-users' desire to use larger diameter bags. Tunnels for use with the bagging machines are available in a variety of widths, some of which are sufficiently large to accommodate bags having a diameter of 12 feet, 14 feet, or more. The large width of the tunnel presents a problem when the bagging machine is being transported on public roads, which normally limit those widths to approximately 102 inches (8.5 feet). Such width restrictions greatly reduce the mobility of machines with larger tunnels. The large width of the tunnel also presents a problem when the machines and tunnels are being shipped from the manufacturer to the retailer, distributor, or end-user. Many conventional bagging machines can only be used with bags of a single diameter, such as 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, or a predetermined diameter therebetween. Bagging machines, whether used to bag feed, compost, or other material, can be used in a variety of circumstances and to serve multiple end-users. A particular farm may need to bag different types of silage in different size bags. The same farmer may also want to compost material in yet another size bag. Using conventional bagging technology, a separate machine, or at least separate tunnels, would be required for each such use increasing the costs to the end-user.

Collapsible tunnels being adjustable between an operating position and a collapsed position are shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,907,714 and 6,834,479, the complete disclosures of which were previously incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Some embodiments of collapsible tunnels include two or more tunnel members that are movable with relation to each other. In some configurations of such collapsible tunnels, the movement of the tunnel members introduces openings between the tunnel members. The openings in the tunnel may negatively affect the bagging operation in a number of ways.

SUMMARY

Tunnels for use with a bagging machine are disclosed in the present application. The tunnels may include a first tunnel member having forward and rearward ends and a second tunnel member having forward and rearward ends. The forward ends of the first and second tunnel members may be operatively coupled in a fixed, spaced-apart relationship. The rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members may be selectively movable toward one another and away from one another. The tunnels further may include a third tunnel member operatively associated with the first and second tunnel members. The third tunnel member may be adapted to at least substantially close one or more openings between the first and second tunnel members.

The first and second tunnel members may have inner and outer regions. The inner regions of the first and second tunnel members may be operatively coupled to be selectively movable towards one another and away from one another. The tunnel may be configurable in two or more positions having different diameters. A third tunnel member may extend at least between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members. The third tunnel member may be adapted to span a separation between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members when the inner regions are moved away from one another.

The tunnels may further include at least some flexible material. The flexible material may be incorporated in the first and second tunnel members. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible material may be incorporated in the third tunnel member. The flexible material may be used to form a flexible sleeve or semicircular tunnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bagging machine having a first and a second tunnel member according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a tunnel according to the present disclosure illustrating the first and second tunnel members drawn together.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tunnel of Fig. 2 illustrating the first and second tunnel members moved apart. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a tunnel according to the present disclosure illustrating the first and second tunnel members drawn together and including at least one auxiliary tunnel member.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the tunnel of Fig. 4 illustrating the first and second tunnel members moved apart. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tunnel of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the tunnel of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an auxiliary tunnel member according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a perspective top view of the tunnel of Fig. 5. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a tunnel according to the present disclosure illustrating the first and second tunnel members and an auxiliary tunnel member.

Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of a bagging machine having a first and second tunnel member according to the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a rear view of the bagging machine of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a frontal view of the tunnel illustrated in Fig. 11 showing a coupling assembly according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 is a rear perspective view of a bagging machine having a first and second tunnel member according to the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a rear view of the bagging machine of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a rear perspective view of a bagging machine having illustrative guide tracks on the tunnel according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 is a frontal view of tunnel illustrated in Fig. 14 showing a coupling assembly according to the present disclosure. Fig. 18 is a bottom view of a tunnel according to the present disclosure showing an illustrative coupling assembly.

Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of a bagging machine according to the present disclosure showing an illustrative sleeve tunnel including a shaping assembly, a density control assembly, and a length adjusting system. Fig. 20 is a rear perspective view of a bagging machine according to the present disclosure showing a sleeve tunnel having an adjustably open bottom.

Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view of a bagging machine according to the present disclosure showing an illustrative sleeve tunnel and shaping assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In Fig. 1 , a bagging machine is identified generally with the numeral 10.

Bagging machine 10 is adapted to bag organic and other material such as silage, grain, sawdust, compost, garbage, sand, etc. within a bag. Bagging machine 10 may be configured for use with a conventional pre-folded bag, a bag that is folded as it is installed on the bagging machine such as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/350,973, or a bag that is formed from a roll of plastic material disposed on the bagging machine such as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/334,484. The entire disclosures of the above-mentioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Machine 10 is illustrated as including a mobile frame 12. Mobile frame 12 may include wheels to facilitate movement and control and may also include an operator's cab, an engine, and other associated component parts. In some configurations, one or more of the illustrated components may be omitted or replaced. For example, the engine and operator's cab may be omitted and the mobile frame may be provided with a hitch to be pulled by a tractor or other equipment. Additionally or alternatively, the wheels and/or hitch may be omitted. Additionally, bagging machine 10 and associated frame 12 may be truck-mounted, such as seen in U.S. Patent No. 5,784,865, or may be self-propelled, such as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,799,472. The complete disclosures of both of these patents are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The mobile frame 12 of the bagging machine 10 may include a number of suitable component parts to facilitate the operation of the bagging machine under a variety of conditions.

For purposes of description, bagging machine 10 will be described as having a forward end 14 and a rearward end 16. Machine 10 is provided with a material receiving assembly 18 at its forward end which may be in the form of: (1 ) a feed table such as seen in U.S. Patent No. 5,297,377; (2) a hopper such as seen in U.S. Patent No. 5,398,736; (3) a feed mechanism such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,396,753; (4) a feed mechanism such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,367,860; (5) a hopper such as seen in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,140,802; 5,419,102; and 5,724,793; (6) a combination of one or more of the above; and/or (7) other suitable material receiving assemblies. The complete disclosures of the above-mentioned patents are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Material receiving assembly 18 is configured to receive the loose material to be bagged and to deliver the same to a material packing assembly 20, which may be positioned at the rearward end of the mobile frame 12. Material packing assembly 20 may include: (1) a rotor such as shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,396,753; 5,297,377; 5,799,472; or 5,295,554; (2) a screw conveyor such as shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,140,802 or 5,419,102; (3) a plunger such as shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,724,793; (4) the packing fingers shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 3,687,061 ; (5) a combination of one or more of the above; and/or (6) other suitable packing assemblies. The complete disclosures of the above-mentioned patents are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

While not required, bagging machines 10 according to the present disclosure also may include a density control assembly. A density control assembly as used herein refers to structures or devices that are coupled to the bagging machine and adapted to control or adjust the packing density of the material being packed into the bag. A variety of density control assemblies and methods may be implemented with the bagging machine of the present disclosure, some examples of which include backstop control systems, internal control systems, and drag resistance control systems. In some bagging machines, a backstop structure engages the closed end of the bag and is yieldably coupled to the bagging machine to resist the movement of the bagging machine away from the filled end of the bag as silage is forced into the bag. These machines include a pair of drums rotatably mounted on the bagging machine with a brake associated therewith for braking or resisting the rotation of the drum with a selected brake force. A cable is wrapped around the drum and is connected to the backstop. Examples of such bagging machines are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,687,061 and 4,046,068, previously incorporated by reference. In other bagging machines, an internal density control assembly is positioned in the flow of the agricultural material being bagged. In some internal density control assemblies, one or more cables or chains may be disposed in the flow of the material being bagged. In some embodiments, one or more cables are employed in an arched, U-shaped, V-shaped, or other suitable configuration and the dimensions of the arch, such as the width between the legs thereof or the distance to which it extends behind the frame, are adjusted to vary the packing density. Additionally or alternatively, one or more cables are used with an anchor attached to the rearward portions thereof with the anchor being adjustable and/or the length of the cable being adjustable to control the packing density. Examples of these and other alternative configurations of internal density control assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,297,377; 5,425,220; 5,463,849; 5,464,049; 5,517,806; 5,671 ,594; 5,775,069; 5,671 ,594; 5,857,313; 6,443,194; 6,655,116; 6,694,711 ; and RE38.020, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Additionally or alternatively, drag resistance density control assemblies using belts or straps disposed between the bagged material and the ground may be used. In these embodiments, a drag member, such as one or more belts or straps, is attached to the bagging machine or the tunnel and extends rearwardly behind the bagging machine. The drag member is positioned between the bagged material and the ground and may be disposed inside the bag or outside the bag. The weight of the bagged material on the drag member slows the advance of the bagging machine and increases the packing density of the agricultural material in the bag. The packing density of the material in the bag may be established prior to beginning the bagging operation or may be adjusted as the bag is being filled. The packing density is established or adjusted, at least in part, by controlling the amount of drag member surface area disposed under the weight of the bagged material. Density control assemblies for agricultural bagging machines that include drag members are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,748,724 and U.S. Patent Application No. 10/867,593. The complete disclosures of the above-identified patent and patent application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

With continuing reference to Fig. 1 , the bagging machine 10 includes a tunnel 22 coupled to the rearward end of the mobile frame 12. The tunnel 22 may be semi-circular, as shown in Fig. 1 , or it may be square, rectangular, circular, oblong, or other suitable configurations. The tunnel 22 may be open at the bottom, as shown in Fig. 1 , or may be at least partially closed at the bottom. As used herein, the term "tunnel" should be understood to signify a horizontal passageway at least partially open at both the forward end thereof and the rearward end thereof. The size of the tunnel, measured by either longitudinal length or cross-sectional area, at any particular time may be dependent on a number of factors including the diameter of the bag being filled, the type of material being bagged, the configuration of the tunnel such as semi-circular or circular, and whether bagging machine 10 is configured to be transported on a highway where machine width is a limiting factor. Various suitable tunnels and aspects of suitable tunnels are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,899,247; 5,396,753; 5,297,377; 5,799,472; 5,398,736; 5,355,659; 5,295,554; 5,140,802; 5,419,102; 5,421 ,142; 5,724,793; 5,894,713; and the other patents referenced above, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Tunnels within the scope of the present disclosure may also be referred to herein as a material forming enclosure 24 when it includes two or more tunnel members.

A face plate 26 (best shown in Fig. 6) may be operatively secured to the frame of the machine 10 and to the tunnel 22. In some embodiments of the bagging machine, face plate 26 may be permanently mounted on the frame with tunnel 22 being removably coupled to the face plate. In other embodiments, face plate 26 may be part of tunnel 22 and the face plate may be removably coupled to frame 12. In other embodiments, face plate 26 may be omitted and tunnel 22 may be operatively coupled to frame 12, either permanently or removably. Face plate 26 may include an opening 28 through which the material passes from the material packing assembly 20 to the interior of tunnel 22. Throughout this disclosure, reference to tunnel 22 or tunnel members being coupled to frame 12 or to bagging machine 10 should be understood to refer to the tunnel or tunnel members being operatively coupled, removably or otherwise, to the faceplate, the frame, or another component of the bagging machine such that during operation of the bagging machine the tunnel is coupled to the frame for forward movement therewith.

As depicted in Fig. 1 , tunnel 22 includes a first tunnel member 30, a second tunnel member 32, and a third tunnel member 34. The third tunnel member 34 will be described in greater detail below. First and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be curved as shown to form a semi-circular tunnel but may have other shapes to form tunnels of different configurations, as discussed above. While not necessary, the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be symmetrical and may be described as having inner regions 36a, 36b, outer regions 38a, 38b, forward ends 40a, 40b, and rearward ends 42a, 42b.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the tunnel 22 can be seen to have at least two functional configurations. Tunnel members 30, 32 may be selectively movable between a closed position, illustrated in Fig. 2, and an open position, illustrated in Fig. 3. As shown, forward ends 40a, 40b are hingedly coupled together, such that the movement of the rearward ends 42a, 42b is rotational movement about a single axis of rotation 46. One or more hinges 44a, 44b arranged vertically with a common axis of rotation may couple first and second tunnel members 30, 32. Alternatively, forward ends 40a, 40b may be coupled by two or more hinges having different axes of rotation to couple the forward ends. Whether there are one or more axes of rotation, the forward ends 40 are maintained in a fixed, spaced-apart relationship while one or more of the rearward ends 42 are movable relative to each other. The first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be moved between the open and closed positions manually. In the open configuration illustrated in Fig. 3, the forward ends 40a, 40b of the tunnel members engage the rearward side of faceplate 26, or the frame 12 when the faceplate is omitted. During operation of the bagging machine, the pressure of the packed material within the tunnel 22 presses the rearward ends 42a, 42b outwardly, which, in turn, may cause the forward ends 40a, 40b to press against face plate 26 or frame 12 to close the sides of tunnel 22. To configure tunnel 22 in the closed position, the rearward ends 42a, 42b may be manually drawn together and held in place through conventional means, such as straps, latches, or other coupling devices.

Additionally or alternatively, the bagging machine may be provided with a mechanical actuating assembly. An actuating assembly may be provided to selectively move the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members toward one another and away from one another. The actuating assembly may include conventional devices for causing movement, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a gear rack, etc. For example, a hydraulic cylinder may be disposed between faceplate 26 and forward ends 40a, 40b, or some other part of the tunnel members, to cause the tunnel members to move between the open and closed position.

Bagging machine 10 also may include a coupling assembly to couple the first and second tunnel members in the desired open or closed configuration. The coupling assembly may include telescoping members, straps, cables or other structures configured to hold the tunnel members in the desired open or closed configuration. In some embodiments, the coupling assembly and the actuating assembly may be operatively associated with each other to cause the movement of the first and second tunnel members between the open and closed configurations. One example of operatively associated actuating assemblies and coupling assemblies is a hydraulic cylinder associated with two or more telescoping members.

When tunnel 22 is in the closed position, the width of bagging machine 10 and tunnel 22 is reduced to facilitate or enable transportation over the roadways and to facilitate shipping. The narrower width of tunnel 22 in its closed configuration may also facilitate installation of the bag to be filled. First and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be formed of a rigid material such as steel or aluminum. In some embodiments, the first and second tunnel members may be manufactured from a single piece of material formed in the desired shape of the tunnel member. In other embodiments, the first and second tunnel members may include one or more perimeter members configured to define the perimeter of the first and second tunnel members. Additionally, the first and second tunnel members may include one or more support members in association with the one or more perimeter members. The support members may be configured to provide additional strength and integrity to the tunnel member shape defined by the perimeter members. Additionally, the support members may be configured to support a shell that may be used to form the tunnel members defined by the perimeter members.

When tunnel 22 includes a shell in cooperation with the perimeter members, the shell may be a single piece of material. Additionally or alternatively, the tunnel member may define multiple surfaces and the shell may include multiple pieces of material welded or otherwise joined together to form the tunnel member.

The materials of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may include rigid materials such as metals, plastics, and composite materials. Alternatively or additionally, the shells may include lightweight, flexible materials such as high-strength fabrics, reinforced fabrics, plastics, and the like. A high-strength fabric or other flexible material, whether used in shells of the first and second tunnel members or used in the third tunnel member, should be understood to refer to materials that are flexible but yet strong enough to not be permanently deformed or torn under the pressures that are typically applied to the tunnel members during a bagging operation. The configuration of the perimeter members and support members and the shell material may be selected such that the deformation of tunnel 22 is minimized during operation of the bagging machine. As noted above, tunnel 22 may include a third tunnel member 34.

Third tunnel member 34 may be provided in a number of configurations, one of which is illustrated in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 , third tunnel member 34 includes a cover 48 extending from the forward end of the tunnel 22 to the rearward end of the tunnel. Cover 48 extends at least between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 to close the space therebetween when the first and second tunnel members are separated. Similar third tunnel members having greater widths and being operatively coupled to the tunnel 22 in a variety of manners may also be implemented, such as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/022,043, previously incorporated by reference, and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/020,646, filed on December 22, 2004, naming Steven R. Cullen as the inventor, and entitled "Bagging Machine with a Tunnel at least Partially Formed of a Flexible Material," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Turning now to Figs. 2-7, an exemplary tunnel 22 is illustrated in a number of views and configurations. Fig. 2 illustrates tunnel 22 with the rearward ends 42 of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 drawn together. Such a configuration may be considered to be a collapsed or closed configuration and may be a preferred configuration for transporting the tunnel and/or the bagging machine and may also be a preferred configuration for mounting a bag on the tunnel. Some tunnels within the scope of the present disclosure may be adapted to have a width less than about nine feet when in the collapsed configuration to facilitate transport and/or shipping. Fig. 3 illustrates the tunnel 22 with the rearward ends 42 moved apart, such as may be suitable during bagging operations. Some exemplary tunnels may be adapted to have a width of at least about twelve feet when in the open configuration with the rearward ends moved apart.

Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate the tunnel 22 including the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 but omitting the third tunnel member of Fig. 1. Accordingly, Figs. 2 and 3 reveal several places where the joint or coupling between the first and the second tunnel members 30, 32 may create at least one opening 50 in the tunnel 22. For example, there may be a vertical opening 52 at the forward end 40 of the tunnel 22 between the spaced apart forward ends of the first and second tunnel members. Additionally or alternatively, there may be a horizontal opening 54 between the inner regions 36 of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32.

The openings 50 disposed between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 provide an exit path for the material being bagged and may be closed or covered to ensure that at least a substantial portion of the material entering the tunnel is directed rearwardly into the bag. Considering the open or operating configuration of Fig. 3, if material was allowed to exit through the vertical opening 52 or the horizontal opening 54, the material would not press against the packed material, would not propel the machine forward, and would not be packed into the bag.

Fig. 3 also illustrates forward tunnel supports 62, which will be described in more detail below.

Figs. 4-7 illustrate the tunnel 22 of Figs. 2 and 3 including an auxiliary tunnel member 64. The auxiliary tunnel member 64 is another example of a third tunnel member 34 that may be used to cover an opening created by the separation between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32. As used herein, auxiliary tunnel member refers to a structure or combination of structures adapted to at least partially close an opening between the first and second tunnel members and to be disposed in at least two positions corresponding to the open configuration of the tunnel and the closed configuration of the tunnel 22. Accordingly, Fig. 4 illustrates auxiliary tunnel members 64 of at least three configurations: as a floor cover member 60, as a flexible member 66, and as a tongue member 68, each of which will be described below. Additionally or alternatively, auxiliary tunnel members of other configurations may be provided to operatively associate with the first and/or second tunnel members to at least substantially close a portion of the opening between the first and second tunnel members.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3 and with continued reference to Figs. 4 and 5, a floor assembly 56 may be provided in some bagging machines to guide the material as it exits the material packing assembly and enters the tunnel and bag. In some configurations of the tunnel 22, the floor assembly 56 may be provided as part of the tunnel or coupled to the tunnel. When the tunnel is provided by two or more tunnel members, the two or more tunnel members may include at least part of the floor assembly, such as first and second floor assembly portions 56a, 56b. In some configurations, the juncture between the floor assembly portions 56a, 56b may create additional openings 50, such as floor assembly opening 58 seen in Fig. 3. Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate one example of an auxiliary tunnel member 64 adapted to cover the floor assembly opening 58 during bagging operations. As illustrated, a rearwardly extending floor cover member 60 is operatively coupled at the forward end of the tunnel 22 to the face plate 26 or the rearward end of the mobile frame 12. Floor cover member 60 may be formed of any suitable material and may be dimensioned to cover the floor assembly opening 58. The floor cover member 60 may be adapted to rest on the floor assembly 56 at the rearward end of the floor cover assembly. The floor cover member 60 may be adjustably coupled to the face plate or mobile frame, such as being hingedly coupled to rotate upward when the tunnel is collapsed. Additionally or alternatively, the floor cover member 60 may be fixedly coupled to the bagging machine so as to be disposed in a single position capable of covering the floor assembly opening 58 when the tunnel is in the open configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the floor assembly opening 58 may be covered by floor cover members operatively coupled to the first and second tunnel members to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, each tunnel member 30, 32 may include a generally rearwardly extending floor cover member overlapping/underlapping the floor cover member of the other tunnel member. The distance to which the floor cover members extend rearwardly, their configuration, their positions relative to the floor assembly and the material packing assembly may each be varied to provide sufficient support to the floor assembly and floor cover members and to sufficiently close the floor assembly opening. The tunnels according to the present disclosure may be provided with other structures or modifications to cover, reduce, or eliminate the floor assembly opening.

With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, an auxiliary tunnel member 64 in the form of a flexible member 66 is shown in a relaxed condition (Fig. 4) and in a taught condition (Fig. 5). While a single flexible member 64 is illustrated, one or more flexible members may be utilized in adjoining, overlapping, or other suitable relationship to at least substantially cover some or all of the openings 50 between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32. With reference to Fig. 6 and with continuing reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the at least one flexible member may include a forward end 70 and a rearward end 72 as well as opposing side edges 74. Each of the side edges 74a, 74b may be operatively coupled to the corresponding first and second tunnel members adjacent to the inner regions 36a, 36b thereof in any suitable manner. For example, the side edges 74a, 74b may be coupled to the inner regions via bolts, screws, clamps, adhesives, or other joining methods. While the flexible member 66 may be coupled directly to the first and second tunnel members 30, 32, it may additionally or alternatively be coupled to other members disposed between the flexible member and the tunnel member, such as other forms of an auxiliary tunnel member or other coupling members. The one or more flexible members 66 may include any suitable materials to provide it with the flexibility to not impede the movement of the first and second tunnel members together while additionally providing sufficient strength to resist breakage during bagging operations. In some configurations, one or more of the flexible members 66 may be adapted to stretch or elongate during bagging operations, such as to protect against breakage or to allow the tunnel 22 to attain its desired open configuration. The one or more flexible members 66 may be shaped or contoured in any suitable manner to allow proper coupling with the first and second tunnel members and to sufficiently cover the portion of the opening it is intended to cover. Moreover, reinforcing or strengthening members may be added to an otherwise less durable or weaker flexible material to impart the desired properties of flexibility and strength.

The forces on the tunnel members during bagging operations are high and the rearward ends 42 of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 are pushed apart by these forces. In some configurations, the flexible members 66 may be sufficiently strong to couple the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 together during bagging operations. In other examples, a coupling assembly 76 may be provided between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32, as described briefly above. As best illustrated in Fig. 5, an exemplary coupling assembly 76 may include a cable 78, which may extend between the rearward ends 42 of the first and second tunnel members, such as between the inner regions 36 thereof. The cable 78 may be coupled to the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 in any suitable manner. For example, the ends of the cable 78 may be welded, bolted, clamped, or otherwise coupled to the tunnel members. When both ends of the cable 78 are fixedly coupled adjacent to the inner regions of the tunnel members 30, 32, the cable 78 may be sufficiently flexible to enable the tunnel 22 to pivot and collapse as described herein.

Additionally or alternatively, the ends of the cable 78 may be adapted to extend within a tube disposed at the rearward end of the tunnel members 30, 32, such as within a tube adapted to provide a grader edge 80. In such configurations, the ends of the cable 78 may be provided with enlarged regions (not shown) adapted to slide within the grader edge 80 tubing but to be retained within the grader edge due to the smaller hole through which the cable exits the grader edge 80. The enlarged regions at the ends of the cable 78 may be provided in a number of suitable manners, such as by welding, bolting, clamping, or otherwise joining nuts, washers, lugs, or other suitable structures to the ends of the cables. Additionally or alternatively, the ends of the cable 78 may be operatively associated with coupling structures external to the grader edges 80 that allow sliding motion of one or more of the cable ends relative to the tunnel members 30, 32. For example, one end of the cable 78 may be fixedly coupled adjacent the inner region of the first tunnel member 30 while the other end may be slidingly associated with the inner region of the second tunnel member 32, either inside or outside the grader edge 80. With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, centering lugs 82 are illustrated in substantially the middle of the cable 78 that spans the separation between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32. The optional centering lugs 82 may be joined or coupled to the cable 78 in the manner described above regarding the enlarged regions at the ends of the cable or in other suitable manners. The centering lugs 82 may be adapted to encourage an equal amount of the cable 78 to be retracted or drawn into the grader edges of each of the tunnel members 30, 32, such as by being larger than the holes through which the cable enters the grader edge. Additionally or alternatively, the grader edge 80 may be provided with an interior wall or brace past which the cable cannot extend, which would also provide a means for centering the cable between the two tunnel members 30, 32 in the collapsed configuration. While a number of suitable configurations may be implemented to center the cable 78 during bagging operations or when the tunnel is in a collapsed configuration, the cable 78 also may be allowed to freely slide relative to the tunnel members when moving to the collapsed configuration, such that more or less of the cable may be retracted into or adjacent to one tunnel member or the other.

Figs. 4 and 5 also illustrate a tongue member 68 disposed adjacent the forward end 40 of the tunnel 22. The tongue member 68 is yet another example of an auxiliary tunnel member 64 according to the present disclosure. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3 and with continued reference to Figs. 4 and 5, it can be seen that tongue member 68 is adapted to cover at least the vertical opening 52, described above, between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32. The tongue member 68 may be a single member or may include multiple members operatively coupled together to at least substantially cover or close a portion or all of the openings 50 between the first and second tunnel members. The tongue member 68 may be shaped in any suitable form to cover or at least substantially cover at least a portion of the openings 50 between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32.

An exemplary tongue member 68 is more clearly illustrated in Figs. 5-8. The tongue member 68 includes an elongate seal member 84 and a seal plate 86. As illustrated, the seal plate 86 is hingedly coupled to the seal member 84 adjacent to the top 85 of the elongate seal member 84; other suitable couplings may be utilized. Additionally or alternatively, the seal plate 86 may be fixedly coupled to the seal member 84 or may be coupled to the seal member 84 via one or more pieces of flexible materials, such as belting material. Similar to the tongue member 68, the exemplary component parts of the tongue member may be shaped in any suitable configuration. For example, the elliptical seal plate 86 may be circular, rectangular, square, or another suitable configuration. While a tongue member 68 including a seal member 84 and a seal plate 86, such as illustrated in Figs. 5-8, adequately cover the forward vertical opening 52, other tongue members may be configured differently to cover or at least substantially cover the same or different openings. As one example, the tongue member may include two or more members operatively associated in telescoping relationship to widen and narrow as the tunnel members 30, 32 move apart and together. Another exemplary configuration where the tongue member is adapted to cover both the vertical opening 52 and the horizontal opening 54 is shown in Fig. 10 and described below. Continuing with the exemplary configuration of the tongue member 68 including a seal member 84 and a seal plate 86, Fig. 6 illustrates a cross- sectional view of the tunnel 22 shown in Fig. 4, wherein the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 are drawn together. Fig. 6 illustrates that the tongue member 68 may be adapted to be lowered into the tunnel 22 as the tunnel members 30, 32 are drawn together. As discussed above, the tongue member 68 may be configured in any suitable manner to move from one position during operation of the bagging machine to another position when the tunnel is collapsed, wherein the second position does not interfere with the collapsing of the tunnel. The configuration shown in Fig. 6 is one illustrative configuration; other suitable configurations are possible.

As illustrated, the tongue member 68 is coupled to the second tunnel member 32 (and the first tunnel member 30, as well) via two chains 88 or other suitable coupling member 90. The coupling members 90 may be operatively coupled at one end to the tongue member 68 and at the other end to a suitable component of the tunnel member. As illustrated in Fig. 8, one end of coupling members 90 are coupled to the tongue member 68 along a center ridge 92 thereof. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the other end of the coupling members 90 are coupled to the forward tunnel supports 62. The number of coupling members used, the nature of the coupling members (chains, cables, ropes, etc.), the locations and parts to which the coupling members are attached, and the other relationships between the tunnel members and the tongue member may be varied to enable the auxiliary tunnel member to be moved out of the way when the first and the second tunnel members are moved together. For example, the tongue member may include multiple ridges, such as one for the coupling to the first tunnel member and one for the coupling to the second tunnel member. Other features and aspects of the tongue member may be varied as described herein.

As discussed above, the tongue member 68 is operatively coupled to the first and second tunnel members to be disposed in at least two positions. The coupling between the tongue member 68 and the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be adapted to move the tongue member between the two positions as the rearward ends of the tunnel members are moved apart and together. For example, the coupling members may be attached to portions of the first and second tunnel members that are moved apart from each other as the rearward ends of the tunnel members are moved apart, such that the coupling members pull the tongue member 68 upward as the tunnel members are moved apart. In the configuration illustrated in Figs. 4-7, the coupling members are coupled to the forward tunnel supports 62. In other configurations, the coupling members may be attached to other parts of the tunnel members.

As seen in Fig. 6, some configurations of the tunnel 22 may define an interior tunnel surface 94 that is different from the exterior tunnel configuration. For example, the exterior of the forward end of the tunnel 22 may be substantially planar and vertical to mate with and operatively associate with the mobile frame. The interior surface 94 of the forward end of the tunnel 22 may curve or slope rearwardly. The forward tunnel supports 62 provide a structural framework to support the rearwardly extending forward interior surface 64 while also providing a mating surface with the mobile frame 12. Moreover, the forward tunnel supports 62 may also cooperate with the one or more hinges 44 to enable the hinges to rotate about a single axis of rotation while the interior surface of the forward end of the tunnel extends rearwardly, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Additionally, the rearwardly extending forward support members 62 provide a surface to which the coupling members 90 may be operatively joined. Due to the rearwardly extending nature of the forward support members, the more rearward portions move apart from each other as the tunnel members are moved apart. The separation between the forward support members may be adapted to move the tongue member between a first and a second position as the tunnel members are moved apart. In exemplary configurations, the coupling members 90, the tunnel members 30, 32, and the tongue member 68 may be adapted to move the tongue member into a position to at least substantially close one or more openings between the first and second tunnel members simply by the movement of the rearward ends of the tunnel members apart from each other. In some embodiments, the tongue member 68 may be moved completely into the position illustrated in Fig. 7 wherein the tongue member 68 completely covers the separation between the tunnel members and is in contact with the interior surface 94 of the tunnel 22 to form a material forming enclosure 24 suitable for packing material into a bag. In other embodiments, the movement of the tunnel members may move the tongue member to a position that substantially covers the separation but is not in contact with the interior surface of the tunnel. In some embodiments, being moved close to the interior surface may be sufficient where the material being packed into the tunnel will push the tongue member 68 the remaining distance to contact the interior surface of the tunnel and close the opening between the first and second tunnel member. In other embodiments, the tongue member 68 may be moved close to the interior surface of the tunnel and may be further moved into position to seal the opening by an operator.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4-7, the action of the coupling members between the tunnel members and the tongue member may be all that is necessary to hold the tongue member in position during bagging operations. In other embodiments, catches, braces, latches, or other mechanisms may be used to retain the tongue member in a desired position once the tunnel members are moved apart. Additionally or alternatively, braces, supports, catches, or other suitable mechanisms may be operatively, and optionally removably, coupled to the tunnel to support the tongue member in a desired position when the first and second tunnel members are moved together.

Figs. 5 and 6 further illustrate that the tongue member 68 may be coupled to the tunnel 22 at the lower end of the tongue member. Fig. 6 illustrates that the lower end 96 of the tongue member is hingedly or adjustably coupled to the forward end 40 of the tunnel 22. The coupling at the lower end 96 may include a hinge or a flexible material forming a hinge or may be a loose connection to allow adjustability in the orientation and position of the tongue member 68. Additionally or alternatively, the lower end 96 may be coupled to the tunnel 22 in the manner of the remainder of the tongue member 68, such as by coupling members 90.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the tongue member disposed in contact with the interior surface of the tunnel as described above. As illustrated, the tongue member 68 is curved to follow the contour of the interior surface 94 of the tunnel 22. Additionally or alternatively, tongue member 68 may not follow the contour of the tunnel member exactly but may include flange members 98 adapted to extend from the major surface 100 of the tongue member 68 to the interior surface 94 of the tunnel 22. Flange members 98 are also illustrated in Fig. 8. Additionally or alternatively, the major surface 100 may be adapted to press directly against the interior surface of the tunnel to substantially seal the opening between the tunnel members and the tongue member.

Fig. 7 further illustrates a tunnel configured with two auxiliary tunnel members 64, namely a flexible member 66 and a tongue member 68. In some embodiments, the tongue member 68 may be adapted to cooperate with the flexible member 66 to completely cover or close the openings 50 between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32. In other embodiments, there may be a gap remaining between the tongue member 68 and the flexible member 66. As illustrated, the remaining gap is between the flexible member 66 and the seal member 84. As discussed above and illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, tongue member 68 may include a seal plate 86 in addition to the seal member 84. The seal plate may be adapted to cover the gap or transition between the seal member and the flexible member. The seal plate 86 may be an extension of the seal member 84 at a different orientation or of a slightly different configuration to aid the transition between the seal member 84 and the flexible member 66. As illustrated, the seal plate is hingedly coupled to the seal member 84. The seal plate 86 in such a configuration is not drawn against the flexible material by the movement of the tunnel members. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal plate 86 is operatively coupled to the seal member 84 such that the material packed into the tunnel moves the seal plate against the flexible member, closing the remaining opening in the gap or transition between the seal member and the flexible member. Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of the tunnel 22 shown in Fig. 5 showing the relationship between the auxiliary tunnel members 64 and the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 when the tunnel is in its open configuration. Fig. 9 illustrates the coupling members 90, which are illustrated as chains 88, tensioned between the tongue member 68 and the forward tunnel supports 62 to hold the tongue member in position. As discussed above, the coupling members 90 may be varied to suitably couple the tongue member to the tunnel members. Fig. 9 further illustrates an exterior view of the flexible member 66 coupled to the first and second tunnel members and the coupling assembly 76 extending between the first and second tunnel members. Figs. 4-9 illustrate an exemplary configuration of a tunnel 22 that may be coupled to a bagging machine. While exemplary configurations of, and relationships between, the first and second tunnel members and the third tunnel members and/or auxiliary tunnel members have been described at length, one or more of the above components or features may be varied within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, several variations were described throughout including a tongue member of variable width rather than a tongue member that moves up and down within the tunnel. Moreover, tongue member 68 may include a number of flexible members interspersed between rigid members. For example, rigid members may be used to follow the contours of the tunnel around curves or sharp contours whereas flexible materials may be used in regions where the tunnel contour is substantially straight. Any suitable combination of members, whether they be tongue members, seal members, seal plates, or flexible members, may be incorporated into auxiliary tunnel members of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 illustrates another exemplary configuration of the tunnel 22 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the tunnel 22 includes a third tunnel member 34 in the form of an auxiliary tunnel member 64 adapted to move between at least two positions when the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members are moved apart and together. Fig. 10 illustrates one of the several variations of the tongue member 68 within the scope of the present disclosure wherein the auxiliary tunnel member 64 includes an extended tongue member 102.

The extended tongue member 102 may be similar to the tongue member 68 described above in that it includes a seal member 84 configured to cover or seal the opening between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 at the forward end of the tunnel 22. Additionally, the extended tongue member 102 includes a top seal member 104 adapted to close or cover the opening at the top of the tunnel 22 between the first and the second tunnel members 30, 32. Top seal member 104 may be operatively coupled to the seal member 84 in any suitable manner. For example, the seal member 84 and the top seal member 104 may be flexibly coupled together via a flexible material or via a hinge or other suitable coupling. Additionally or alternatively, the seal member 84 and the top seal member 104 may be rigidly coupled together. As illustrated, the extended tongue member 102 may be coupled to the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 in a manner similar to the tongue member 68. Chains, cables, braces, or other coupling members 90 may be attached to the extended tongue member 102 and the first and second tunnel members 30, 32. At the forward end 106 of the extended tongue member 102, the coupling members may be attached to the forward tunnel supports (not shown). At the rearward end 108 of the extended tongue member 102, the coupling members 90 may be attached to the exterior side 110 of the extended tongue member 102 and to the exterior side 112 of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling members may be attached to the interior side 114 of the extended tongue member 102 and to the interior side 94 of the first and second tunnel members (not shown). The coupling between the extended tongue member 102 and the first and second tunnel members may be adapted to move the extended tongue member as described above. For example, the coupling members may be dimensioned to pull the extended tongue member 102 into position to at least substantially close the opening or separation between the first and second tunnel members. The number of coupling members 90 and their points of attachment to the extended tongue member 102 and the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be varied and selected to achieve the desired positions of the extended tongue member 102 when the tunnel 22 is in the open configuration and the collapsed configuration.

Fig. 10 further illustrates that extended tongue member 102 includes a grader edge 116 disposed at the rearward end 108 thereof. The grader edge 116 may be adapted to be disposed adjacent the grader edge 80 of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 and together the grader edge 116 and the grader edge 80 may form a substantially continuous grader edge. Other features may be incorporated into the extended tongue member 102, the tongue member 68, or the other configurations of an auxiliary tunnel member within the scope of the present disclosure.

Figs. 11-13 illustrate additional features that may be incorporated into bagging machines according to the present disclosure. The present application includes illustrations of numerous tunnel embodiments and configurations. While some configurations may include features not shown in other configurations and omit other features, the various features and elements of the several tunnel configurations described and illustrated herein may be mixed and combined in any suitable combination to provide many more tunnel configurations than can be described in this application. Accordingly, tunnels including any suitable combinations of one or more of the features and/or elements described herein are within the scope of the present disclosure. Where possible, consistent reference numbers are used to indicate similar or like components among the various configurations illustrated.

With reference to Figs. 11-13, tunnel 22 includes a first tunnel member 30 and a second tunnel member 32 operatively associated or joined by a coupling assembly 76. Coupling assembly 76 may include one or more hinges 44. Hinges 44 may be configured to couple first tunnel member 30 to second tunnel member 32. For example, hinges 44 may be configured as shown with a single vertical axis of rotation. While two hinges 44a, 44b are illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, greater or fewer hinges may be used. Alternatively, hinges 44 may be configured to separately couple first tunnel member 30 and second tunnel member 32 to frame 12 or another component of bagging machine 10. For example, hinges 44 of coupling assembly 76 may be horizontally spaced-apart with one or more hinge coupling first tunnel member 30 to bagging machine 10 and one or more additional hinge coupling second tunnel member 32 to bagging machine 10.

As more clearly seen in Fig. 13, coupling assembly 76 also may include a first hinged extension 122a and a second hinged extension 122b. First and second hinged extensions 122a, 122b may be coupled to hinges 44 and operatively coupled to first and second tunnel members 30, 32, respectively. Coupling assembly 76, and specifically hinges 44, allow first and second tunnel members 30, 32 to be moved between an open position and a closed position, as described above in connection with Figs. 1-10. Additionally, coupling assembly 76, and specifically hinged extensions 122, allow first and second tunnel members to be positioned in more than one open configuration. As illustrated in Fig. 13, first and second tunnel members 30, 32 are disposed in an open position to form a wide tunnel, sufficient to accommodate larger diameter bags. First and second tunnel members 30, 32 may also be moved inwardly in the direction of arrows 124 to be configured in additional open positions to accommodate bags of different diameters. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be moved outward in the direction opposite the arrows 124 to accommodate larger diameter bags. As used herein, the term hinged extension refers to any member, or combination of members that is operatively coupled to hinges 44 and to first and second tunnel members 30, 32 to allow the first and second tunnel members to move between at least two open configurations. Hinged extension 122 may include one or more rods, beams, telescoping members, or other conventional structures.

The coupling between hinged extensions 122 and first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may take on any suitable form. For example, telescoping members may be provided to the hinged extensions and the tunnel members to allow a sliding relationship between hinged extensions 122 and first and second tunnel members 30, 32. The adjustable coupling of first and second tunnel members 30, 32 to the hinged extensions may allow for adjustment of the first and second tunnel members to predetermined positions corresponding to specific diameter bags, such as 8 foot bags, 10 foot bags, 12 foot bags, etc. Such configuration of the coupling may be provided through the use of registers or indexes in the telescoping members or through other suitable positioning devices designed to secure the first and second tunnel members in place.

Alternatively, hinged extensions 122 and first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be adjustably coupled to allow for positioning of the first and second tunnel members at any point among a range of dimensions to accommodate bags of various diameters, such as ranging from 6 foot diameter bags up to 16 foot diameter bags. Any suitable device may be used to hold the first and second tunnel members in the user-selected position. For example, clamps, levers, locking mechanisms and the like may be provided on the hinged extensions or tunnel members to hold them in place. Alternatively, adjustable length straps, cables, or telescoping beams, may be provided that span between the first and second tunnel members to maintain the desired position. While most bags are provided in certain defined dimensions, the actual dimensions of the bags in use can vary by six inches or more. By not providing pre-determined positions for the first and second tunnel members, tunnel 22 may be adapted to accommodate such variations in bag dimensions.

As with the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 1-10, tunnel 22 of Figs. 11-13 may be manually movable between the closed position and the several open positions. Bagging machine 10 also may include actuating assemblies and/or additional coupling assemblies. The actuating assembly may be similar to those described above, and may cooperate with coupling assembly 76 or with the additional coupling assemblies that may be used to hold the first and second tunnel members in the desired position. In one exemplary actuating assembly, hydraulic cylinders may be disposed in association with the telescoping members illustrated in Fig. 13. The actuating assemblies operatively associated with the tunnels of the present disclosure may be controlled and operated by the user in any conventional manner.

As noted above and as illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, tunnel 22 may include third tunnel member 34. Third tunnel member 34 may be configured as a shroud 126 spanning between inner regions 36a, 36b of first and second tunnel members 30, 32 and extending from the forward ends 40 of the tunnel members to the rearward ends 42 of the tunnel members. Shroud 126 may be formed of flexible material to allow for movement of first and second tunnel members 30, 32 between the closed position and one or more open positions. In some configurations of tunnel 22, shroud 126 may extend down the sides of the first and second tunnel members as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 to allow for expansion of the tunnel to greater diameters as described above. Shroud 126 may be sized to completely cover the region between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members even when the first and second tunnel members are in their outermost positions. Shroud 126 may be operatively coupled to first and second tunnel members 30, 32 in a number of ways. A securing assembly 128 may be provided to hold the third tunnel member 34 in the desired, user-selected position during operation of the bagging machine. Depending on the configuration selected, securing assembly 128 may also function to cooperate with the coupling assembly to hold first and second tunnel members 30, 32 in the desired open or closed positions.

One example of a suitable securing assembly 128 is shown in Figs. 11 and 12 as straps 130 and associated tie-rod 132. The pressure from the material being packed in the bag will exert a large amount of upward force on third tunnel member 34 in the area where the third tunnel member spans between first and second tunnel members 30, 32. Accordingly, securing assembly 128, and straps 130 when used, should be configured to withstand such pressures. Straps 130 may be made of flexible fabric, such as heavy- duty belt material, or any other material suitable for the conditions under which it will be used, such as cables, cords, chains, etc. In some embodiments, the material used to form the straps may be selected so. as to reduce wear on the third tunnel member 34. Straps 130 also may be made of more than one material type. For example, each strap may include a heavy- duty fabric material where the strap contacts the third tunnel member 34 and may include chains or other materials at the ends of the straps. In the example shown in Figs. 11 and 12, straps 130 are coupled to a tie-rod 132 disposed on both the first and second tunnel member 30, 32. Tie- rod 132 is one example of the many conventional ways the straps may be coupled to the first and second tunnel members. Additionally or alternatively, buckles, clamps, levers, locks, and other conventional devices also may be used to maintain the straps and other components of the securing members in their desired configuration. In some embodiments, weights may be coupled to the side edges of the third tunnel member to hold it in place. Other methods of securing the third tunnel member are described in connection with the other figures described herein.

With reference to Fig. 14, bagging machine 10 is illustrated with another example of tunnel 22 within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, tunnel 22 includes first and second tunnel members 30, 32 and third tunnel member 34, each of which may be in accordance with any of the embodiments described above. As described above, first and second tunnel members 30, 32 are configured to be selectively movable towards one another and away from one another and may be coupled together by a coupling assembly 76.

With continued reference to Fig. 14 and with reference to Figs. 15-17, coupling assembly 76 may omit hinge 44, as described above, and may be adapted to allow tunnel 22 to be configured in multiple open positions to accommodate bags of varying diameters. Coupling assembly 76 may be configured to allow tunnel 22 to adjust in a number of ways, including adjusting the spacing between the inner regions 36a, 36b of the first and second tunnel members, adjusting the spacing between the outer regions 38a, between the inner regions 36a, 36b and between the outer regions 38a, 38b of the first and second tunnel members. In the example shown in Figs. 14-17, first and second tunnel members 30, 32 are configured such that the inner regions and the outer regions are selectively movable towards one another or away from one another in tandem.

Third tunnel member 34 is illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 as a wrap 134. Third tunnel member 34 may also be configured according to the descriptions provided above, such as the shroud of Figs. 11 and 12. Wrap 134 may be configured to extend from side edge 136a to side edge 136b at least from the outer region 38a of the first tunnel member to at least the outer region 38b of the second tunnel member, spanning between the inner regions 36a, 36b of the first and second tunnel members. As can be seen in Fig. 14, wrap 134 also may be configured to extend from the forward ends 40 to the rearward ends 42 of the first and second tunnel members to completely cover the separation that may be created between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members. The extended length of wrap 134 compared to shroud 126 may allow for greater variations in the diameter of tunnel 22. In wider configurations of tunnel 22, side edges 136 of wrap 134 may be drawn above the outer regions of tunnel members 30, 32.

As noted above, third tunnel member 34 may alternatively be formed of a rigid material such as steel or aluminum. If this is the case, the curvature of the third tunnel member should complement the curvature of each of the first and second tunnel members to form a substantially semicircular tunnel. Alternatively, the third tunnel member may be shorter and more like the cover

38 shown in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/350,680, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Third tunnel member 34 may be coupled to first and second tunnel members 30, 32 in accordance with the description provided above. For example, securing assembly 128 in the form of straps 130 may be provided to hold the third tunnel member in position. Straps 130 may be coupled to tie- rods 132 as described above when third tunnel member 34 is a shroud. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, straps 130 may be configured to extend around tunnel 22 forming a closed loop with each end of the strap provided with conventional length adjusting mechanisms to allow the user to tighten the straps to the desired length when the tunnel members are in the desired position. Straps 130, whether coupled to tie-rods, to the first and second tunnel members, or wrapped around the tunnel may assist in coupling the first and second tunnel members and/or in holding the first and second tunnel members in the desired open position.

While not necessary, first and second tunnel members may be provided with guide tracks along the rearward and/or forward ends to help maintain third tunnel member 34 in the desired position, such as to prevent the third tunnel member from sliding off the rearward end. Such guide tracks are not necessary as securing assembly 128 may provide sufficient retaining force. The guide tracks may be upwardly projecting flanges provided to the forward and rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members or may be similar to the grader edge provided on many conventional tunnels.

With reference to Fig. 16, the guide tracks 138 may be configured to cooperate with the securing assembly 128. In this example of securing assembly 128, a rigid securing bar 140a, 140b may be coupled to third tunnel member 34. First and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be provided with a guide track 138a, 138b along the forward and rearward edges. When a shroud is used as third tunnel member 34, the securing bars 140 may be coupled to the side edges of the shroud and the shroud may be sized such that the side edges and associated securing bars are configured to travel within the guide tracks. When a wrap is used as the third tunnel member, securing bars 140 may be incorporated into the wrap material at two or more points along its length configured to align with guide tracks 138. Each securing bar 140 and the associated third tunnel member 34 may be adapted to move within the guide tracks 138 as first and second tunnel members are moved together and apart. As tunnel members 30, 32 are adjusted toward each other, securing bars 140a, 140b may be configured to move down in tracks 138a, 138b to keep the third tunnel member taut. Guide tracks 138 and securing bars 140 may be provided with selectively interlocking features to enable the securing bars to be locked in place during use and conveniently adjustable within the tracks when tunnel 22 is resized. In some embodiments, the movement of the securing bars and the third tunnel member within the guide tracks may be motorized to provide for easier operation. In some embodiments, the motorized movement of the third tunnel member within the guide tracks may be configured to be in harmony with a motorized actuating assembly that controls the adjustment of the first and second tunnel members to prevent the securing bars from hanging up during the movement of the first and second tunnel members. With continued reference to Figs. 14-16 and with reference to Fig. 17, a coupling assembly 76 for use with tunnel 22 is illustrated. Fig. 17 illustrates the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 in an open position having a given width. The width of the open position may correspond to the diameter of a bag or container into which grain, silage, compost, or other agricultural material is packed. For example, the open position of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may provide a tunnel having a width ranging from at least about 4 feet to as large as 20 feet. Widths smaller or larger than this are also possible, depending on the material being bagged and the circumstances in which the bagging machine is being used. As described above, coupling assembly 76 may be configured to allow tunnel 22 to be positioned in a number of predetermined widths, such as 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, etc. Alternatively, coupling assembly 76 may be configured to allow tunnel 22 to be positioned at any width in the range from minimum to maximum widths, such as from 6 foot to 18 foot widths. Coupling assembly 76 may include levers, lock-outs, positioning clamps, or other mechanisms to hold the tunnel members in the desired positions.

In some embodiments, the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 are coupled by a coupling assembly 76, as described above. Additionally or alternatively, coupling assembly 76 may include one or more transverse members 142 extending between the first and second tunnel members, as shown in Fig. 13. Examples of such transverse members include telescoping members, such as rods or beams, cables, cords, chains, etc. The coupling assembly 76 may be disposed at the forward ends of the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 and may be configured as part of the face plate, as a mounting frame disposed between the mobile bagging machine frame and the tunnel 22, or as part of the tunnel 22 to be coupled to the bagging machine.

Additionally, coupling assembly 76 may include transverse members 142 disposed rearwardly of the forward end of tunnel 22, such as in the midsection or adjacent the rearward end of tunnel 22. In some configurations, transverse members 142 may be configured to extend from first tunnel member 30 adjacent the forward end thereof to a position on second tunnel member 32 rearward of the forward end thereof, in a diagonal configuration, as will be described in more detail below. Transverse members 142 may extend between the first and second tunnel members 30, 32 adjacent the inner regions 36 thereof, adjacent the outer regions 38 thereof, or both.

With reference to Fig. 17, coupling assembly 76 may include transverse members 142. Transverse members 142 may include two or more telescoping members 144. In some embodiments, transverse members 142 may include a cover member 146 disposed over the intersection between the telescoping members 144. Transverse members 142 may include more than two telescoping members 144. For example, there may be three telescoping members with the first member adapted to telescope into the second member and the second member adapted to telescope into the third member. The use of additional telescoping members may allow greater variability in the size of the tunnel. Additional configurations may be implemented to allow more or less variability, such as multiple pairs of telescoping members, hinged members, or combinations of hinged and telescoping members.

Coupling assembly 76, including transverse members 142, are not limited to rigid beams or rods. Transverse members 142 may include cables, ropes, chains, straps, or other flexible coupling members extending between the first and second tunnel members. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the securing assembly that retains third tunnel member 34 in position also may be adapted to couple the first and second tunnel members in the desired position.

Fig. 18 illustrates a bottom view of tunnel 22 including a coupling assembly 76. As shown in Fig. 18, coupling assembly 76 includes diagonally disposed transverse members 142. As discussed briefly above, the connection point of transverse member 142 to the first tunnel member and the connection point of transverse member 142 to the second tunnel may be offset from each other such that one is disposed forwardly of the other, resulting in a diagonally disposed transverse member 142. Transverse members 142, as shown in Fig. 18, may include telescoping members or may include flexible coupling members, as discussed above. Additionally, cover members 146 may be included to protect the interface between telescoping members, when present, or to protect other parts of the transverse members.

In some embodiments, transverse members 142 may be hingedly coupled to first and second tunnel members 30, 32 such that the angle α between the transverse member and the tunnel member can change as the tunnel members are moved to place tunnel 22 in different configurations. As illustrated in Fig. 18, the angle α may decrease as the tunnel members are moved apart and may increase as the tunnel members are moved together. In other embodiments, one or more of the ends of transverse members 142 may be adjustably, or slidingly, coupled to the first and/or second tunnel members. Other relationships between the transverse members 142 of coupling assembly 76 and first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be implemented to allow adjustment of the tunnel width.

As has been discussed, tunnel 22 is adapted to be configured in at least two different positions. In some embodiments, first and second tunnel members 30, 32 may be moved between positions manually. That is, a user may push or pull on the tunnel members to put them in the proper spaced- apart relationship and then secure them in place through use of a coupling assembly, as described above. In other embodiments, an actuating assembly may be used to facilitate the adjustment of the first and second tunnel members.

As described above, an actuating assembly may be configured to mechanize the movement of first and second tunnel members 30, 32 between the two or more configurations. The actuating assembly may include a variety of suitable mechanisms such as gears, pulley, levers, hydraulic cylinders, and the like. In some embodiments, the actuating assembly may be configured to be operatively associated with the coupling assembly. For example, one or more hydraulic cylinders may be disposed within the transverse members of the coupling assembly. The actuating assembly and the coupling assembly may be operatively associated in other ways, such as the actuating assembly having fixed stop points that correspond with fixed stop points of the coupling assembly.

Bagging machines 10, as described above, include tunnels 22 having first and second tunnel members 30, 32. In each of these configurations described thus far, bagging machine 10 and/or tunnel 22 can be understood to include a first tunnel member 30, a second tunnel member 32, and a coupling means for operatively associating the first and second tunnel members. The coupling means may be adapted to allow the first and second tunnel members to be positioned in at least a first and a second position. In some embodiments, the first position is a closed, inoperative position and the second position is an open, operative position. In other embodiments, the coupling means may be configured to allow a closed position and one or more open positions. In still other embodiments, the coupling means may be adapted to allow a plurality of open, operative positions and no positions that are inoperative. Additionally, actuating means may be provided to facilitate or cause the movement of the first and second tunnel members between the first and second positions. The actuating means may be incorporated into the coupling means, may be adapted to be operatively associated with the coupling means, or may be adapted to operate separate from the coupling means. In some embodiments of bagging machine 10, such as illustrated in

Figs. 19-21 , tunnel 22 includes a sleeve 152. Sleeve 152 has a forward end 154 and a rearward end 156. Sleeve 152 also has a perimeter 158 that may be defined at least partially by flexible material. Sleeve 152 may be adapted to be coupled to bagging machine 10, to mobile frame 12, or to a faceplate 26 disposed between mobile frame 12 and tunnel 22. Flexible sleeve 152 may be operatively associated with the rearward end of mobile frame 12 and adapted to receive material from the material packing assembly of the bagging machine.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, faceplate 26 is mounted on mobile frame 12 and tunnel 22 may be removably or adjustably coupled to the faceplate. In other embodiments, faceplate 26 is adjustably coupled to tunnel 22 and the faceplate may be removably coupled to mobile frame 12. In still other embodiments, faceplate 26 may be omitted and tunnel 22 may be adjustably or removably coupled to mobile frame 12 or other component of bagging machine 10.

In some embodiments including tunnel 22 according to any one of the figures of the present application, the tunnel may be configured to couple to the bagging machine such that air is not allowed to enter the tunnel through the coupling. That is to say, the coupling between the tunnel and the bagging machine, in some embodiments, may be at least substantially impervious to air. In other embodiments, the coupling between tunnel 22 and bagging machine 10 may be configured to encourage air flow into the tunnel. The configuration of the coupling between the tunnel and the bagging machine may be selected based on the type of material being bagged or the purpose for which the material is being bagged. In some embodiments of bagging machine 10, the configuration of this coupling may be user-selectable such that, for a given bagging machine-tunnel combination, a user is able to configure the coupling between them to either allow or prevent airflow into the tunnel via the coupling. Sleeve 152 may be at least partially formed of flexible material. Sleeve

152 incorporating flexible material allows tunnel 22 to be more conveniently stored or transported. Additionally, when tunnel 22 includes flexible material, tunnel 22 may be lighter than when constructed of steel or other rigid materials. Examples of flexible material that may be suitable for sleeve 152 include fabric materials, plastic materials, composite materials, or other materials or combinations of materials that allow sleeve 152 to be stored in a collapsed condition and used in an open condition.

The use of flexible material to form some or all of tunnel 22 has been discussed in connection with several of the figures in the present application. As has been discussed above, depending on the materials being bagged and the purpose for which it is being bagged, it may be desirable to limit the amount of air that can enter into the bag. Accordingly, the materials used to construct tunnel 22 may be selected to allow or limit air flow through the walls of the tunnel. For example, materials that are substantially impervious to airflow may be used to construct tunnel 22. Alternatively, substantially impervious materials may be used to seal joints or surfaces that otherwise would allow undesirable airflow into the tunnel. In other embodiments, a substantially impervious liner may be implemented in cooperation with tunnel 22 to further limit airflow into the tunnel. Additionally or alternatively, the tunnels 22 of the present disclosure may be configured without regard to airflow but with attention to ensuring proper flow of the material being bagged. For example and as described above, tongue members, flexible members, or other auxiliary tunnel members may be used to close openings between the first and second tunnel members. As illustrated in Fig. 19, tunnel 22 includes a sleeve 152 that has a perimeter 158 defining a substantially circular passageway. Sleeve 152 may have a perimeter defining other cross-sectional geometries as well. When a fabric material is used to form sleeve 152 for example, the sleeve may include bonding patterns, structured stitching, paneling, or other means to configure sleeve 152 in predetermined cross-sectional geometries including curved surfaces, linear surfaces, or a combination of linear and curved surfaces.

Rearward end 156 of sleeve 152 may be provided with a reinforced region 164. Reinforced region 164 may be simply a region where the flexible material is folded back on itself one or more times to strengthen the rearward end 156. Additionally, reinforced region 164 may be adapted to serve as a grader edge to help smooth the bag material as it passes over the tunnel. In some embodiments, reinforced region 164 may include a rope, a cord, a cable, or other flexible material disposed at the rearward end and operatively associated with sleeve 152 to be held in place. In some embodiments, the sleeve material may be folded back to form a channel in which the cord, rope, or other material may be disposed.

With reference to Fig. 19, sleeve 152 may include a shaping assembly 166. Shaping assembly 166, when included, may be configured to cooperate with the flexible material of sleeve 152 to define the cross-sectional geometry of tunnel 22. For example, shaping assembly 166 may be configured to maintain sleeve 152 in a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, shaping assembly 166 may include straps adapted to be wrapped around sleeve 152. In other embodiments, shaping assembly 166 may be incorporated into sleeve 152 such as by providing reinforced regions in the sleeve or permanently coupling straps or other reinforcing material to sleeve 152 to help the sleeve maintain its desired geometry.

In some embodiments, sleeve 152 may be adapted to have a fixed total length and to have a user-selectable operational length. A length adjusting system (not shown) may be operatively associated with sleeve 152. The length adjusting system may include one or more rearwardly extending members extending from adjacent the forward end of the sleeve to a rearward point on the sleeve. In some embodiments, the length adjusting system extends from a forward point where it is coupled to the bagging machine to a rearward point where it is coupled to the rearward end of the sleeve. In other embodiments, the length adjusting system may extend between a forward coupling with the shaping assembly to a rearward coupling with the shaping assembly. The length adjusting system may extend between any two locations that allow control over the length of the sleeve. The rearwardly extending members of the length adjusting system may be configured to pull a rearward portion of the sleeve forward to shorten the operational length of sleeve 152. The length adjusting system also may include a folding mechanism disposed in operative association with the rearwardly extending members. The folding mechanism may be configured to fold or otherwise collect the portion of the sleeve that is pulled forward to shorten the operational length of the sleeve.

The length adjusting system may be configured to allow a user to selectively increase or decrease the distance to which sleeve 152 extends rearwardly from bagging machine 10. In some embodiments, the length adjusting system may be configured to allow the user to set the length of the sleeve prior to beginning a given bagging operation and to use a constant length sleeve during the given bagging operation. In other embodiments, the length adjusting system may allow the user to control the length of the sleeve 152 during a given bagging operation such that the length can vary over time according to the user's preferences. By increasing the length of the sleeve, the total friction between the material being packed and the perimeter walls 158 may increase, which may increase the packing density in the bag. Shortening the length of the sleeve may produce the opposite result providing a lower density packed bag. Adjusting the length of sleeve 152 is one of many ways that the packing density may be controlled. As discussed above, bagging machine 10 may include a density control assembly for setting or adjusting the packing density of the material being packed into the bag. While not necessary, sleeve 152 may include a lower portion 160 that is adapted to function as a drag member 162 for density control as described above and as described in previously incorporated patents and patent applications. Drag member 162 may include reinforcing layers of flexible material coupled to the lower portion 160 of sleeve 152. Alternatively, drag member 162 may be a separate component coupled at its side edges to the side edges of sleeve 152 to provide a continuous perimeter sleeve. Drag member 162 may be coupled at its forward end to mobile frame 12, faceplate 26, or other component of bagging machine 10. In some embodiments, drag member 162 may be coupled to bagging machine 10 in the same manner as sleeve 152. In other embodiments, the coupling between drag member 162 and bagging machine 10 may be configured to provide increased strength. Drag member 162 may include protrusions, ridges, bumps, or other structures 168 in patterns or randomly positioned on the drag member surfaces. The protrusions 168 may be disposed on the under side of the drag member, on the upper side of the drag member, or on both the upper and lower sides of the drag member. Drag member 162 may be incorporated into sleeves 152 including a length adjusting system. In such embodiments, the length of drag member 162 may be configured to be adjusted or varied in cooperation with the operational length of sleeve 152. Increasing the length of drag member 162 is one way of increasing the surface area of the drag member disposed between the bagged material and the ground. As described above, increasing the surface area of the drag member disposed between the bagged material and the ground may increase the packing density of the material being bagged. In other embodiments, including embodiments with length adjustable sleeves, drag member 162 may be adapted to have a variable width. In such embodiments, the width of drag member 162 may be adjusted by providing one or more longitudinal folds in the drag member. The longitudinal folds may be configured to allow more or less of the drag member material to be folded onto itself to decrease the operational width of drag member 162. Sleeve 152 may be configured to provide a tunnel having a predetermined diameter. Because sleeve 152 is flexible and allows for convenient storage and lightweight assembly, a user may own more than one sleeve with the sleeves having different diameters. For example, a user may own an 8 foot diameter sleeve, a 10 foot diameter sleeve, and/or a 12 foot diameter sleeve. Diameters smaller or larger may be used, depending on the operation and the size of the bag to be packed. Use of different sleeves having different diameters may allow a single bagging machine to be used with bags of different diameters reducing the equipment expenses of the user.

In other embodiments, sleeve 152 may be adapted to be configurable to have a user-selectable diameter. For example, a single sleeve may be configurable to have an 8 foot diameter, a 10 foot diameter, and/or a 12 foot diameter. In some embodiments sleeve 152 may be configurable to have smaller or larger diameters to coordinate with smaller or larger bags. Shaping assembly 166 may be adapted to allow a user to adjust the shape of sleeve 152. More specifically, shaping assembly 166 may be configured to allow the user to change the diameter of the sleeve to enable a single sleeve to be used with bags of different diameters. For example, shaping assembly 166 may include straps or other members disposed outside of sleeve 152. The length of the straps or other members may be adjustable through any conventional systems. In some embodiments, the shaping assembly may be adapted to allow the user to manually set the diameter of the sleeve, such as by manually shortening the length of the straps or other members. In other embodiments, the shaping assembly may be mechanically adjustable to facilitate the adjustment of the sleeve diameter. With reference now to Fig. 20, sleeve 152 may not provide a continuous perimeter 158. As shown in Fig. 20, sleeve 152 may be formed by a length of flexible material having a forward end 154, a rearward end 156, and opposing side edges 170a, 170b. Sleeve 152 having opposing side edges 170 may be used with a shaping assembly 166 as illustrated in Fig. 20. Shaping assembly 166 may be adapted to draw opposing side edges 170 together to decrease the diameter of sleeve 152 or to separate the opposing side edges 170 to increase the diameter of sleeve 152. In some embodiments, opposing side edges 170 may overlap in narrower configurations of sleeve 152. In some embodiments, shaping assembly 166 may include straps that wrap around sleeve 152. The straps may have an adjustable length to allow the shaping assembly to adjust the diameter of the sleeve.

When sleeve 152 is configured with opposing side edges 170, tunnel 22 further may include a length adjusting system to allow the user to control the packing density of material packed in the bag. In some embodiments, a drag member may be provided to the bagging machine as an additional or alternative form of density control. The drag member (not shown) may be coupled to the bagging machine to extend rearwardly under sleeve 152. One or more drag members may be provided. In some embodiments, the one or more drag members may be configured to be selectively extendable. For example, the length of the one or more drag members may be adjustable. In embodiments with more than one drag member, the length of each drag member may be separately adjustable.

Fig. 21 illustrates another example of sleeve 152 including a shaping assembly 166. In Fig. 21 , shaping assembly 166 includes crossing members that extend in opposing directions. In some configurations, shaping assembly 166 may be configured as a net 172. In some embodiments, the crossing members extending in opposing directions may extend in the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction. In other embodiments, the members forming net 172 may extend in other directions. In some embodiments, net 172 may be formed of members that extend in more than two directions.

Net 172 may be configured to provide both a shaping assembly and a length adjusting system. Net 172 may provide reinforcing structure to maintain the flexible sleeve in the desired cross-section geometry. Additionally, net 172 may be adapted to allow a user to gather portions of the net together to shorten the length of the sleeve or to reduce the diameter of the sleeve. Similarly, portions of net 172 may be let out to lengthen the sleeve or to increase the diameter of the sleeve. Suitable clamps, latches, or other devices may be provided to allow the adjustable net to be secured in the user-selectable configuration.

In some embodiments of sleeve 152, shaping assembly 166 may be configured to provide the structural definition and strength of the sleeve to reduce the demands on the flexible material forming the sleeve perimeter 108. In such embodiments, such as when shaping assembly 166 includes a net- like structure 172, the flexible material that forms the sleeve perimeter may be short segments of the bag material. More specifically, sleeve 152 may be formed of net 172, which a user configures to have the desired diameter and length. The interior of net 172 may be configured to be removably coupled to flexible material that forms the perimeter of the sleeve. The flexible material forming the sleeve perimeter may be selected from any suitable materials, such as those discussed above. In some embodiments, the flexible material may be a segment of bag material having the length of the tunnel. In many agricultural bagging operations, lengths of bag material are leftover when a bag has been completed. These lengths of bag are then unusable and wasted. In some embodiments, these leftover segments of bag material can be coupled to the shaping assembly to provide the perimeter of sleeve 152.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct methods and/or apparatus with independent utility. While each of these methods and apparatus has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific examples thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the disclosures includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that correspond to disclosed examples and are novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to different combinations or directed to the same combinations, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

I claim:

1. A tunnel for use with a bagging machine, the tunnel comprising: a first tunnel member having inner and outer regions; a second tunnel member having inner and outer regions, wherein at least a portion the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members are operatively coupled to be selectively movable toward and away from one another; a third tunnel member extending at least between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members and adapted to span a separation between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members when the inner ends are moved away from one another; and coupling assembly operatively associated with the first and second tunnel members, wherein the coupling assembly includes at least one substantially vertical hinge disposed between the first and second tunnel members; and wherein the coupling assembly further includes a first hinged extension and a second hinged extension coupled to the at least one substantially vertical hinge, wherein the first tunnel member is operatively coupled to the first hinged extension, and wherein the second tunnel member is operatively coupled to the second hinged extension.

2. The tunnel of claim 1 wherein the first and second tunnel members have a forward end and a rearward end and wherein the third tunnel member extends from adjacent the forward end to adjacent the rearward end.

3. The tunnel of claim 1 wherein the outer regions of the first and second tunnel members are operatively coupled to be selectively movable toward and away from one another.

4. The tunnel of claim 1 further comprising at least one actuating assembly.

5. The tunnel of claim 4 wherein the at least one actuating assembly is adapted to move the inner regions and the outer regions of the first and second tunnel members in tandem.

6. The tunnel of claim 1 , further comprising an actuating assembly and wherein the coupling assembly is operatively associated with the actuating assembly and the first and second tunnel members to move the inner regions and the outer regions of the first and second tunnel members in tandem.

7. The tunnel of claim 1 wherein the third tunnel member includes first and second side edges, wherein the first side edge is operatively coupled to the inner region of the first tunnel member, and wherein the second side edge is operatively coupled to the inner region of the second tunnel member.

8. The tunnel of claim 1 wherein the third tunnel member extends from at least an outer region of the first tunnel member past the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members to at least an outer region of the second tunnel member.

9. The tunnel of claim 1 further comprising one or more securing members operatively associated with the first and second tunnel members and with the third tunnel member to maintain the third tunnel member in a user-selectable position during operation of the bagging machine.

10. A bagging machine for packing material into bags, the bagging machine comprising: a mobile frame having forward and rearward ends; a material packing assembly coupled to the mobile frame and adapted to move a material to the rearward end of the mobile frame; a first tunnel member operatively coupled to the rearward end of the mobile frame; a second tunnel member operatively coupled to the rearward end of the mobile frame; and a coupling assembly for coupling the first and the second tunnel members in a first tunnel configuration having a first width and at least one additional tunnel configuration having a different width.

11. The bagging machine of claim 10 wherein the coupling assembly includes one or more hinged extensions.

12. A bagging machine of claim 10, wherein the coupling assembly includes at least two telescoping members operatively associated with the first and second tunnel members.

13. The bagging machine of claim 10 further comprising an actuating means for moving at least one of the first and second tunnel members relative to the other.

14. The bagging machine of claim 13 wherein the actuating means is operatively associated with the coupling assembly.

15. The bagging machine of claim 14 wherein the coupling assembly includes at least two telescoping members, and wherein the actuating means includes at least one hydraulic cylinder disposed in operative association with the telescoping members.

16. A bagging machine for packing material into bags, the bagging machine comprising: a mobile frame having forward and rearward ends; a material packing assembly coupled to the mobile frame and adapted to move the material to the rearward end of the mobile frame; and a first flexible sleeve having a perimeter defined by a flexible material, wherein the flexible sleeve is adapted to be operatively coupled to the mobile frame and is adapted to receive material from the material packing assembly.

17. The bagging machine of claim 16 wherein the first flexible sleeve is adapted to define a substantially cylindrical passageway when the bagging machine is in use.

18. The bagging machine of claim 16 wherein the first flexible sleeve includes a grader edge disposed adjacent a rearward end thereof.

19. The bagging machine of claim 16 further including one or more straps operatively associated with the perimeter of the first flexible sleeve.

20. The bagging machine of claim 16 further comprising a shaping assembly adapted to maintain the first flexible sleeve in a predetermined configuration when the bagging machine is in use.

21. The bagging machine of claim 20 wherein the shaping assembly is adapted to be user-adjustable to selectively shape the first flexible sleeve into at least two substantially cylindrical configurations having different cross-

sectional areas.

22. The tunnel of claim 21 wherein the shaping assembly is adapted to shape the passageway in cylindrical configurations having diameters ranging from as small as approximately four feet to as large as approximately twenty feet.

23. The tunnel of claim 22 wherein the shaping assembly is adapted to shape the passageway in cylindrical configurations having diameters ranging from as small as approximately eight feet to as large as approximately sixteen feet.

24. The tunnel of claim 23 wherein the shaping assembly is adapted to shape the passageway in cylindrical configurations having diameters ranging from as small as approximately ten feet to as large as approximately fourteen feet.

25. The tunnel of claim 21 wherein the shaping assembly further comprises a folding assembly to selectively store portions of the flexible sleeve when the bagging machine is in use.

26. The bagging machine of claim 17 wherein the first flexible sleeve has a substantially uniform diameter from the forward end to the rearward end.

27. The bagging machine of claim 26 wherein the first flexible sleeve has a diameter ranging from as small as approximately 8 feet to as large as approximately 16 feet.

28. The bagging machine of claim 27 wherein the first flexible sleeve has a diameter ranging from as small as approximately 10 feet to as large as approximately 14 feet.

29. The bagging machine of claim 16 wherein the first flexible sleeve is collapsible.

30. The bagging machine of claim 16 wherein the first flexible sleeve has an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the lower portion includes a drag member.

31. The tunnel of claim 17 wherein the flexible sleeve has opposing side edges and wherein the shaping assembly is adapted to configure the flexible sleeve to have a substantially circular cross-section having a variable diameter.

32. The tunnel of claim 31 wherein the shaping assembly is adapted to draw the side edges of the flexible sleeve together to reduce the diameter of the sleeve and to pull the side edges apart to increase the diameter of the sleeve.

33. The bagging machine of claim 16 wherein the first flexible sleeve has a predetermined total length and an adjustable operational length.

34. The bagging machine of claim 33 further comprising a length adjusting system whereby the operational length of the first flexible sleeve may be adjusted.

35. The bagging machine of claim 26 wherein the first flexible sleeve is adapted to be selectively coupled to the mobile frame and further comprising at least one additional flexible sleeve having a perimeter defined by a flexible material, wherein the additional flexible sleeve is adapted to be selectively and operatively coupled to the mobile frame and is adapted to receive material from the material packing assembly, and wherein the at least one additional flexible sleeve has a diameter different from the diameter of the first flexible sleeve.

36. A tunnel for use with a bagging machine, the tunnel comprising: a first tunnel member having inner and outer regions, the first tunnel member including at least one perimeter member defining a perimeter of the first tunnel member and defining a side panel area, and at least one panel of flexible material coupled to the at least one perimeter member, wherein the flexible material is adapted to cover the side panel area; a second tunnel member having inner and outer regions, the second tunnel member including at least one perimeter member defining a perimeter of the second tunnel member and defining a side panel area, and at least one panel of flexible material coupled to the at least one perimeter member, wherein the flexible material is adapted to cover the side panel area; and a coupling assembly adapted to couple the first and second tunnel members in operative association to form a tunnel.

37. The tunnel of claim 36 wherein the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members are operatively coupled to be selectively movable toward and away from one another; and further comprising a third tunnel member extending at least between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members and adapted to span a separation between the inner regions of the first and second tunnel members when the inner regions are moved away from one another.

38. The tunnel of claim 37 further comprising at least one actuating assembly.

39. The tunnel of claim 38 wherein the at least one actuating assembly is adapted to move the inner regions and the outer regions of the first and second tunnel members in tandem.

40. A tunnel for use with a bagging machine for bagging agricultural, compost, or other material for storage or composting, the tunnel comprising: a first tunnel member having forward and rearward ends; a second tunnel member having forward and rearward ends; and at least one selectively positionable auxiliary tunnel member; wherein the forward ends of the first and second tunnel members are operatively coupled in a fixed, spaced-apart relationship; wherein the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members is selectively movable toward and away from the other and wherein at least the first tunnel member, the second tunnel member, and the at least one auxiliary tunnel member form a material forming enclosure when the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members is moved away from the other.

41. The tunnel of claim 40, wherein the at least one auxiliary tunnel member is operatively coupled to the first and second tunnel members to at least substantially close at least one opening between the first and second tunnel members when the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members is moved away from the other.

42. The tunnel of claim 41 , wherein the at least one selectively positionable auxiliary tunnel member is adapted to be moved at least substantially into position to close the opening in the material forming enclosure by the movement of the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members away from the other.

43. The tunnel of claim 41 , wherein the at least one auxiliary tunnel member includes at least one flexible member and at least one tongue member.

44. The tunnel of claim 43, further comprising a coupling assembly disposed between the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members.

45. The tunnel of claim 44, wherein the coupling assembly is adapted to allow the rearward ends to be brought together and to moved apart and is adapted to maintain a predetermined maximum separation between the rearward ends during bagging operations.

46. The tunnel of claim 44, wherein the coupling assembly and at least a portion of the at least one flexible member are adapted to form a grader edge adjacent the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members.

47. The tunnel of claim 43, wherein the at least one flexible member is disposed adjacent the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members and extends forwardly not entirely to the forward end of the first and second tunnel members leaving a portion of the opening unclosed.

48. The tunnel of claim 47, wherein the at least one tongue member is adapted to at least substantially close the portion of the opening left unclosed by the at least one flexible member.

49. The tunnel of claim 48, wherein the at least one tongue member includes at least one seal member and at least one seal plate operatively coupled to at least one seal member, wherein the at least one seal plate is adapted to at least substantially close any portions of the opening left unclosed by the at least one flexible member and the at least one seal member during bagging operations.

50. A bagging machine for bagging agricultural, compost, or other material for storage or composting, the bagging machine comprising: a rotary packing apparatus adapted to move loose material into a material forming enclosure; a hopper adapted to receive loose material and direct the loose material to the rotary packing apparatus; a first tunnel member having forward and rearward ends; a second tunnel member having forward and rearward ends; and at least one auxiliary tunnel member operatively coupled to the first and second tunnel members and disposed therebetween; wherein the forward ends of the first and second tunnel members are operatively coupled in a fixed, spaced-apart relationship; wherein the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members is selectively movable toward and away from the other; and wherein the first tunnel member, the second tunnel member, and the at least one auxiliary tunnel member form the material forming enclosure when the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members is moved away from the other.

51. The tunnel of claim 50, wherein the at least one auxiliary tunnel member is operatively coupled to the first and second tunnel members to at least substantially close at least one opening between the first and second tunnel members when the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members is moved away from the other.

52. The tunnel of claim 51, wherein the at least one auxiliary tunnel member is adapted to be moved at least substantially into position to close the opening in the material forming enclosure by the movement of the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members away from the other.

53. The tunnel of claim 51 , wherein the at least one auxiliary tunnel member includes at least one flexible member and at least one tongue member.

54. The tunnel of claim 53, wherein the at least one flexible member is disposed adjacent the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members and extends forwardly for a distance less than a distance between the forward ends and the rearward ends of the first and second tunnel members leaving a portion of the opening unclosed.

55. The tunnel of claim 54, wherein the at least one tongue member is adapted to at least substantially close the portion of the opening left unclosed by the at least one flexible member.

56. The tunnel of claim 55, wherein the at least one tongue member includes at least one seal member and at least one seal plate operatively coupled to at least one seal member, wherein the at least one seal plate is adapted to at least substantially close any portions of the opening left unclosed by the at least one flexible member and the at least one seal member during bagging operations.

57. A method of bagging agricultural, compost, or other material for storage or composting, the method comprising: providing a bagging machine having a collapsible material forming enclosure in a collapsed configuration, wherein the material forming enclosure includes a first tunnel member having forward and rearward ends, a second tunnel member having forward and rearward ends, and at least one auxiliary tunnel member, wherein the forward ends of the first and second tunnel members are operatively coupled in a fixed, spaced-apart relationship, wherein the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members is selectively movable toward and away from the other between a collapsed configuration and an open configuration; moving the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members away from the other to position the material forming enclosure in the open configuration, wherein the movement of the rearward end of at least one of the first and second tunnel members away from the other positions the at least one auxiliary tunnel member between the first and second tunnel members to at least substantially close an opening formed therebetween; positioning a bag forming material on the material forming enclosure into which a loose material will be packed; and feeding the loose material into a rotary packing apparatus adapted to move loose material into the material forming enclosure and into a bag formed by the bag forming material.

58. A bagging machine for bagging agricultural, compost, or other material for storage or composting, the bagging machine comprising: a rotary packing apparatus adapted to move loose material into a material forming enclosure; a hopper adapted to receive loose material and direct the loose material to the rotary packing apparatus; and a material forming enclosure adapted to be selectively positioned in a collapsed configuration having a width less than about nine feet and in an open configuration having a width of at least about twelve feet.