Overview
Filed in July 2017 and granted in December 2018, this patented sled system addresses a persistent agricultural problem: moving multiple heavy round bales across soft, uneven ground without causing field damage or getting bogged down. Developed by inventors based in Weatherford, TX and pursued with thorough prosecution, the disclosure describes a sled that slides on articulated side runners with tapered rail caps, cradle-mounted cross beams for secure bale support, and selectively deployable wheel assemblies for road transit. The hitch incorporates a rotating loop, cable-and-sleeve arrangement, and spring clamps to absorb shock during starts and stops, while ratcheting wheel mechanisms allow the sled to transition between sliding on soft soil and rolling on paved surfaces. The design's multiple lower runner interfaces spread heavy loads to minimize soil compaction and reduce the chance of wheels dropping into animal-dug holes — enabling the transport of multiple bales in fewer trips.
Our firm's drafting captures both the mechanical nuance and practical agricultural benefits in claims and figures, reflecting careful claim drafting and technical depth intended to protect multiple configurations, from wheel engagement systems to trainable sled assemblies.
Key Features
- Shock-absorbing hitch with cable, sleeve, and spring clamps
- W-shaped side runners with rail caps to prevent digging
- Selectively engageable ratchet wheel assemblies for road use
- Cradled cross beams accommodating multiple round bales
By combining load-spreading sled geometry with controlled wheel deployment and a robust hitch, this invention improves field efficiency and preserves soil integrity—advantages that resonate across agricultural transport and equipment design.
Granted: 2018-12-25
