AU2013201336A1 - Housing for Animal Feedstuff and a Barrier Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing (1) for animal feedstuff including a base (2), a roof (3) extending over the base (2), uprights (4) spaced apart from one another and extending between the base (2) and the roof (3), and a container (5) locatable between the uprights (4) for containing feedstuff. Livestock, such as cattle, access feedstuff within the container (5) by way of spaces between the uprights (4). In one embodiment, the uprights (4) are telescopic and the roof (3) can be pivoted between raised and lowered positions relative to the uprights (4).

Description

1 HOUSING FOR ANIMAL FEEDSTUFF AND A BARRIER ASSEMBLY RELATED APPLICATIONS [00011 This application is a divisional of Australian Patent Application No. 2012201356 filed 7 March 2012. The subject matter of this application is related to the applicant's International Patent Applications, No. PCT/AU2004/000545, filed 28 April 2004 and No. PCT/AU2006/000787, filed 7 June 2006, as well as Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2005902939, filed 7 June 2005, Australian Patent Application No. 2006241336, filed 23 November 2006, Australian Innovation Patent No. 2011100889 filed 18 July 2011, and United States Application No. 12/972,784 filed 20 December 2010, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by cross-reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] One aspect of this invention relates to a housing for animal feedstuff. In particular, the invention concerns a housing which protects feedstuff from wet weather. [0003] Another aspect of this invention relates to a barrier assembly for controlling the access of animals to animal feedstuff contained within the assembly. In particular, the invention concerns a barrier assembly that enables only animals of a select size to access feedstuff contained within the assembly. [0004] The invention has been developed primarily for use with livestock (e.g. horses, cattle, goats and sheep) and will therefore be described in this context. It is to be appreciated, however, that the invention can be readily adapted for use with other types of animals. BACKGROUND ART [0005] A problem with some types of livestock-feeding containers, troughs and stations is that the feedstuff may not be adequately protected from wet weather. When feedstuff becomes wet, it usually spoils. In particular, when feedstuff containing urea is wetted, the urea converts to uric acid, and the feedstuff becomes toxic to livestock. [0006] Another problem with some types of livestock-feeding containers, troughs and stations is that the feedstuff contained therein may be readily accessed by all animals within their vicinity. This may be a problem when, say, two or more different types of animals (eg.

2 sheep and cows) co-inhabit the same territory but it is not desired that all types of animals be able to access the feedstuff. Likewise, it may be a problem when the feedstuff is of limited supply and larger animals could deny smaller or younger animals access to the feedstuff. Consequently, smaller or younger animals could starve. [0007] It is an object of the present invention to minimise or overcome a problem referred to above, or provide the public with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for animal feedstuff, said housing comprising a base; a roof extending over the base; uprights spaced apart from one another and extending between the base and the roof; and a container locatable between the uprights for containing feedstuff, wherein an animal accesses feedstuff within the container by way of spaces between the uprights. [0009] Preferably, the housing is suited for housing feedstuff for livestock such as horses, cattle, goats or sheep. [00101 The roof can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Preferably, the roof is in the form of a Chinaman's hat, being cone shaped and overhanging the base. The roof can have a pitch between about 15-40 degrees, but preferably about 30 degrees. The roof can be reinforced, for example, with radially extending ribs. [0011] The housing can include an annular roof support member that extends beneath the roof. The annular roof support member can be circular pipe and can be connected to the roof in any suitable way. For instance, U-shaped bolts can be used to connect the roof to the annular roof support member. [0012] The uprights can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Each upright preferably comprises one or more pipes. The uprights can extend at any suitable angle relative to one another and to the base. The uprights can extend linearly and/or non-linearly from the base. The uprights can extend perpendicularly, inwardly and/or outwardly relative to the base. [0013] The housing can have an annular upright support member connected to an upper end of each said upright. The annular upright support member can be a circular pipe.

3 [0014] The uprights can be of fixed length or of adjustable length. Preferably, the uprights are of adjustable length such that the roof can be raised or lowered relative to the base. Any means for adjusting the length of the uprights can be used. Preferably, each said upright comprises upper and lower telescopic halves, said upper telescopic half having a substantially vertically extending region and an arcuate region extending outwardly from an end of the vertically extending region to the annular upright support member, said lower telescopic half having a substantially vertically extending region and an arcuate region extending outwardly from an end of the vertically extending region to the base, and one said vertically extending region is slideable within the other said vertically extending region. Preferably, the upper and lower telescopic halves each comprise a pipe having a linear portion and an arcuate portion. [0015] The housing can have locking means for locking the upper and lower telescopic halves together such that the uprights are of the desired length. Any suitable locking means can be used. For instance, a latch bolt can be extended through aligned openings in the substantially vertically extending regions of the upper and lower telescopic halves. If desired, a sprung latch bolt can be used. [0016] The roof can be detachably connected to the uprights or to the annular upright support member. The roof can be detachably connected in any suitable way. For instance, the roof can be connected to the annular upright support member with U-shaped bolts. [0017] The roof can be pivoted between raised and lowered positions relative to the uprights. The roof can be pivoted in any suitable way. Preferably, the annular roof support member is pivotally connected to the annular upright support member for pivotal movement relative thereto. The roof can be pivoted to a raised position such that the container can be charged with feedstuff through the top of the housing between the annular members. [0018] The base can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The base can comprise, for instance, a ground-contacting annular member, such as a circular pipe. Preferably, there are four uprights that are spaced equidistantly around the base. [0019] The housing can have a crosspiece extending between the uprights for supporting a base of the container. The crosspiece can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Preferably, the crosspiece is X-shaped, having ends detachably connected to the uprights. The crosspiece can be detachably connected in any suitable way, e.g. using a clamp.

4 [0020] The housing can have a container guard extending between the uprights and adjacent to an upper edge of the container. The guard can prevent the upper edge of the container from being deformed or destroyed by an animal. The guard can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The guard is preferably annular and is a circular pipe. The guard can be connected to the uprights in any suitable way. Preferably, the guard is detachably connected by way of J-shaped bolts. [00211 The housing can have a container support extending between the uprights and beneath a rim of the container. The container support can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Preferably the container support is annular and is a circular pipe. The container support can be connected to the uprights in any suitable way. Preferably the container support is detachably connected by way of J-shaped bolts. [00221 The container can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The container can be used to contain liquid and/or solid feedstuff. Preferably, the container has a sloping sidewall such that it is nestable/stackable within a like container. [00231 In one embodiment, the container has a base, a circular sloping sidewall extending from the base, and a rim extending around an upper edge of the sidewall. Such a container is suitable for containing feedstuff for horses and cattle. [0024] In another embodiment, the container is in the form of a pot plant container and saucer, whereby feedstuff within the pot plant container flows into and fills the saucer. Such a container is suitable for containing feedstuff for goats. In this embodiment, an upper part of the container comprises a circular sloping sidewall and a rim extending from an upper edge of the sidewall, and a lower part of the container is spaced from the upper part of the container and comprises a base having a raised peripheral edge and a raised central portion that is either hemispherical or conical in shape. [0025] The housing can have one or more skids connected to the base for moving the housing from one location to another. The skids can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The housing can have metal skids shaped much like a pair of skis. [00261 The housing can have means for being anchored to the ground, and the anchoring means can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Preferably, the anchoring means comprises a chain extending around the base, and a ground peg for securing the chain to the 5 ground. This embodiment of the anchoring means allows for some movement of the housing, such that the base does not become embedded within the ground and begin to rust. [0027] As mentioned, the housing can be made of any suitable material, such as galvanised metal. The roof can be made of any suitable material, such as galvanised sheet metal or plastics material (e.g. polyethylene). [0028] Different parts of the housing can be welded together or detachably connected together. Preferably, the housing can be disassembled or partly disassembled for transport or storage in a compact form. Preferably, pieces of the housing are stackable with like pieces of other housings, such that multiple housings can be transported or stored in a compact form. For instance, a piece comprising the base together with one half of each upright can be stacked with a like piece of another housing. Another piece comprising the annular upright support member together with the other half of each upright can be stacked with a like piece of another housing and with the base piece. The container can be nested within a like container. The roof can be nested within a like roof of another housing. The container/s can be placed between the uprights, the roofs can be inverted and placed on the uprights. [0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier assembly that enables only animals of a select size to access feedstuff contained within the assembly, said assembly comprising a housing for animal feedstuff; a barrier extending around the housing and providing at least one opening through which an animal of a select size can move in order to access the feedstuff; and a spacer arrangement extending between the housing and the barrier for maintaining the housing at a predetermined distance from the barrier such that an animal not of the select size cannot access the feedstuff. [00301 The housing can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The housing can be made of any suitable material or materials. The housing can suitably contain, hold or support feedstuff or be charged with feedstuff, depending on the form of the feedstuff, eg. bale, loose feed, block or liquid. The housing can be, for example, in the form of a container, tray, pad, floor, holding spike, frame, enclosure, surrounding wall, rack, dispenser and/or roofed structure. The feedstuff can be supported above the ground or the feedstuff can rest on the ground. The housing can contain, hold or support any suitable quantity of feedstuff, even a large quantity of feedstuff (eg. hundreds of kilograms, up to about a tonne).

6 [00311 Preferably, the housing contains or supports the feedstuff in such a manner that the feedstuff will move with the housing should the assembly be moved from one location to another, eg. by a person or by an oversized animal pushing on the barrier whilst trying to access the feedstuff in the housing. In this way, an animal not of the select size cannot access the feedstuff merely by pushing the barrier immediately adjacent the feedstuff. [0032] The barrier can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The barrier can be made of any suitable material or materials. The barrier can be, for example, round, oval, triangular, elongate or rectangular when viewed in plan. Preferably the barrier is round. [00331 Preferably, the barrier provides a plurality of openings through which animals of a select size can move in order to access the feedstuff. The size of the openings chosen will ultimately depend on the sizes of the animals in the vicinity of the barrier assembly and the needs to be met. [0034] In one embodiment, the barrier can comprise a solid wall having one or more openings or a plurality of solid wall sections connected together. In another embodiment, the barrier can comprise a framework or a mesh, and spaces between frame members of the framework or openings in the mesh can provide the openings through which the animals of select size can pass. [0035] Preferably, the barrier comprises a framework comprising at least one encircling frame member extending around the housing and a plurality of uprights extending from the encircling frame member. The uprights can extend upwardly or downwardly from the encircling frame member. The uprights can extend at any angle relative to one another and to the encircling frame member. The uprights can extend, for instance, perpendicularly, inwardly or outwardly relative to the encircling frame member. In one embodiment, the uprights are bars or pipes and are circumferentially spaced from one another at a distance of about 0.2-1.0 m. In another embodiment, the uprights are U-shaped and are circumferentially spaced from one another at a distance of about 0.2-1.0 m. [0036] Preferably the barrier includes a framework comprising a pair of spaced apart encircling frame members and uprights extending vertically between those frame members. If desired, the aforementioned framework can be in sections or pieces and the sections or pieces can be detachably connected together.

7 [0037] Preferably, the barrier has a diameter of about 2-6 m and has a clearance from the ground of up to about 0.5 m. [0038] In one embodiment, the uprights are moveable relative to one another and relative to the encircling frame member/s, such that the opening sizes can be adjusted as required. The uprights can be releasably locked to the encircling frame member/s. This may be achieved in any suitable way. [0039] The spacer arrangement can be of any suitable size, shape and construction and can be made of any suitable material or materials. The spacer arrangement can, for instance, comprise one or more stays that extend radially between the housing and the barrier. Preferably, a first group of stays extends radially between a lower region of the housing and a lower encircling frame member and a second group of stays extends radially between an upper region of the housing and an upper encircling frame member. [0040] The barrier assembly can have one or more skids connected to the housing or barrier, for moving the assembly from one location to another. The skids can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. The assembly can have metal skids extending beneath the housing which are shaped much like a pair of skis. [00411 The barrier assembly can further include fixtures, such as hooks, for lifting or towing by tractors, hoists or cranes. [0042] If desired, the barrier can support one or more applicators for applying, for instance, chemicals such as insecticides to animals as they pass through the openings in the barrier. An applicator can be connected to the encircling frame member or upright. [0043] In a preferred form of the invention, the barrier assembly includes the housing for animal feedstuff according to the first aspect of the invention. That is, in one form of the invention, the barrier is an add-on for the housing according to the first aspect of the invention. However, the container of the housing is optional - it need not be present. [00441 Preferably the barrier assembly predominantly comprises galvanized pipes. Different pieces of the barrier assembly can be welded together or detachably connected together by way of clamps, for example. Preferably the barrier assembly can be disassembled or 8 partly disassembled for transport or storage in a compact form. Preferably, sections or pieces of the barrier assembly are stackable with like sections or pieces of other barrier assemblies, such that multiple barrier assemblies can be transported or stored in a compact form. [00451 Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00461 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing for animal feedstuff, according to an embodiment of the invention. [00471 Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a housing for animal feedstuff, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing for animal feedstuff, according to an embodiment of the invention. [00491 Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the housing of Figure 3. [00501 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a number of housings according to an embodiment of the invention, stacked for transport or storage. [0051] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a number of housings according to an embodiment of the invention, stacked for transport or storage. [0052] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a barrier assembly for animal feedstuff, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0053] Figure 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a barrier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0054] In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like features. [00551 Figure 1 shows a housing 1 for animal feedstuff configured to feed animals such as cattle, according to a first aspect of the present invention. The housing 1 includes a base 2, a roof 3, four uprights 4 and a container 5 for containing feedstuff.

9 [00561 The roof 3 is in the form of a Chinaman's hat that overhangs the base 2. The roof 3 has radially extending ribs 6 (only some of which have been labelled) and a pitch of about 30 degrees. The roof is made of polyethylene. [00571 The base 2 is a circular galvanised pipe. Although not shown in Figure 1, an annular upright support member consisting of a circular galvanised pipe is connected (welded) to an upper end of each upright 4. The roof 3 is detachably connected to the annular upright support ring by way of U-shaped bolts. [00581 The uprights 4 are of adjustable length such that the roof 3 can be raised or lowered relative to the base 2. Each upright 4 comprises upper 7 and lower 8 telescopic halves. Each upper telescopic half 7 has a vertically extending region and an arcuate region extending outwardly from an end of the vertically extending region to the annular upright support member. Each lower telescopic half 8 has a vertically extending region and an arcuate region extending outwardly from an end of the vertically extending region to the base 2. The uprights 4 are welded to base 2. The upper 7 and lower 8 telescopic halves each consist of a galvanised pipe having a linear portion and an arcuate portion. Each upper telescopic half 7 is slidable within each lower telescopic half 8. Although not shown in Figure 1, a latch bolt locks the upper and lower telescopic halves 7, 8 together such that the uprights 4 are of the desired length. The latch bolt is extended through aligned openings in the vertically extending regions of the telescopic halves 7, 8. [00591 The container 5 has a base 9, a circular sloping sidewall 10 extending from the base 9, and a rim 11 extending from the sidewall 10. The container is made is of polyethylene. [0060] The housing 1 also includes an X-shaped crosspiece 12 that supports the base 9 of the container 5 above the ground. Each end of crosspiece 12 is detachably connected to an upright 4 by way of a clamp (downee fitting). The container 5 can be raised or lowered relative to the roof 3 by repositioning crosspiece 12 relative to the uprights 4. The crosspiece 12 consists of galvanised metal pipes joined together at one end. [0061] The housing 1 also includes an annular container guard 13 extending between the uprights 4 and adjacent to the rim 11 of the container 5. The guard 13 consists of a circular galvanised pipe. J-shaped bolts (not shown) connect the guard 13 to each upright 4 such that the guard 13 is detachably connected. The guard 13 can prevent the rim II of the container 5 10 from being deformed or destroyed by an animal. [0062] In use, the container 5 is charged with feedstuff by way of spaces between adjacent uprights 4. These spaces also allow cattle to access feed within the container 5. The height of the container 5 and the height of the roof 3 can be adjusted for different sized animals and for optimal protection of the feedstuff from wet weather. [00631 Figure 2 shows a housing 20 for animal feedstuff configured to feed animals such as horses. The housing 20 is almost identical to housing 1 in that it includes a base 22, a roof 23, four telescopic uprights 24, a container 25 and a crosspiece 26. The figure further shows an annular upright support member 27, downee fittings 29 and latch bolts 28 for locking telescopic halves 71, 72 of the uprights 24 together (details which were not shown in Figure 1). [0064] The housing 20 is configured to feed horses in that the crosspiece 26 and roof 23 are raised relative to housing 1, and housing 20 does not have a guard like guard 13 of housing 1. [0065] Figures 3 and 4 show a housing 30 for animal feedstuff configured to feed animals such as goats. The housing 30 is very similar to housings 1 and 20. The housing 30 includes a base 32, a roof 33, four telescopic uprights 34, a container 35, a crosspiece 36, and an annular upright support member 37. [0066] The housing 30 further includes an annular roof support member 38 extending beneath the roof 33. The annular roof support member 38 consists of a circular pipe and is connected to the roof 33 by way of U-shaped bolts. [0067] The roof 33 can be pivoted between raised and lowered positions relative to the annular upright support member 37. A pair of metal rings 40 extend from annular roof support member 38 around the annular upright support member 37 to provide the pivoting action. [0068] A prop 41, having a pair of jaws 42 at each end, enables the roof 33 to be held in the raised position, as seen in Figure 3. One of the jaws 42 engages the annular upright support member 37 and the other jaw 42 engages the annular roof support member 38. [0069] Container 35 differs from containers 5 and 25 in that it is in the form of a pot plant container and saucer, whereby feedstuff within the pot plant container flows into and fills the saucer. An upper part 45 of the container 35 comprises a circular sloping sidewall 46 and a rim 47 extending therefrom. A lower part 48 of the container 35 is spaced from the upper part 45 11 and comprises a base 49 having a raised peripheral edge 50 and a conical-shaped central portion 51, as seen in Figure 4. [0070] The housing 30 further includes an annular container support 16 extending between the uprights 34 and beneath the rim 47. The container support 16 holds upper part 45 above lower part 48 such that feedstuff within upper part 45 can flow under gravity into lower part 48. [00711 In use, the roof 33 is raised and held in place with the prop 41, and the container upper part 45 is charged with feedstuff by way of the space between the roof 33 and the annular upright support member 37. [0072] If desired, housings 1 and 20 can be readily modified such that they also have a pivotable roof, such that their containers 5, 25 can be filled from above in a similar manner. [0073] An advantage of the first aspect of the present invention is that pieces of each housing 1, 20, 30 can be stacked with like pieces of other housings, such that multiple housings can be transported or stored in a compact form. With regard to housing 20, a piece comprising the annular upright support member 27 and half of each upright 7 can be stacked together with like pieces of other housings (after first detaching the roof 23). Another piece comprising the base 22, the crosspiece 26 and the other half 72 of each upright can be stacked together with like pieces of other housings. Moreover, the annular upright support member 27 piece can be inverted and stacked together with the base 22 piece. Like containers 25 can be nested and placed between the uprights 24. The roof 23 can be stacked together with like roofs. The stacked roofs can be inverted and placed on top of the upright halves 72, 71. [00741 With regard to housing 30, a piece comprising the annular upright support member 37, the annular container support 60 and half of each upright can be stacked together with like pieces of other housings (after first detaching annular roof support member 38). Another piece comprising the base 32, the crosspiece 36 and the other half of each upright can be stacked together with like pieces of other housings. Moreover, the annular upright support member 37 piece can be inverted and stacked together with the base 32 piece. The container 35 can be nested with like containers. This can be achieved by nesting the upper part 45 with other like container upper parts, and by nesting the lower part 48 with other like container lower parts. The upper parts 45 can then be placed on the lower parts 48 and the lower parts 48 can be placed between the uprights 34. The roof 33 and annular roof support member 38 can be 12 stacked together with like roofs and members. The stacked roofs and members can be inverted and placed on top of the upright 34 halves. [0075] Figures 5 and 6 showing housings according to embodiments of the invention stacked in a compact form for transport or storage. In Figure 5, like first pieces comprising a base 52, lower telescopic half of the uprights 72 and annular container support 60 are stacked together. Like containers 55 are nested and placed on the stacked annular container supports 60. Like second pieces comprising an annular upright support member 57 and upper telescopic half of the uprights 71 are stacked and inverted to stack on the stacked bases 52, except for one piece 57A. Like roofs 53 are stacked together, then inverted and placed on top of the annular upright support member 57A. [00761 In an alternative manner of stacking pieces of the housings, the stacked first and second pieces and stacked containers 55 can be placed on top of the stacked roofs 53A (shown in broken lines). [0077] In Figure 6, like first pieces comprising a base 62, lower telescopic half of the uprights 72 and crosspiece 66 are stacked together. Like containers 65 are nested and placed on the stacked crosspieces 66. Like second pieces comprising an annular upright support member 67 and upper telescopic half of the uprights 71 are stacked and inverted to stack on the stacked bases 62, except for one piece 67A. Like roofs 63 are stacked together, then inverted and placed on top of the annular upright support member 67A. [00781 In an alternative manner of stacking pieces of the housings, the stacked first and second pieces and stacked containers 65 can be placed on top of the stacked roofs 63A (shown in broken lines). [00791 Figure 7 shows a barrier assembly 150 according to the second aspect of the present invention. The assembly 150 is configured to feed smallish animals such as calves, goats or sheep. [0080] The assembly 150 includes a housing 151 for animal feedstuff (not shown), a barrier 152 extending around the housing 151 and a spacer arrangement 81, 82 extending between the housing 151 and the barrier 152. [0081] The housing 151 is as described according to the first aspect of the present invention 13 and includes a base 200, a roof 300, four uprights 400 (only two of which have been labelled), an annular upright support member 700, and a container 500 for containing feedstuff. [0082] The base 200 consists of a circular galvanised pipe. [00831 The roof 300 is in the form of a Chinaman's hat that overhangs the base 200. The roof 300 has radially extending ribs 600 (only some of which have been labelled) and a pitch of about 30 degrees. The roof 300 is made of polyethylene. [0084] An annular roof support member 113 extends beneath the roof 300. The annular roof support member 113 consists of a circular pipe and is connected to the roof 300 by way of U-shaped bolts (not shown). A crosspiece 170 (galvanised pipe) extends from one side of the member 113 to the other. [0085] The annular upright support member 700 consists of a circular galvanised pipe. The member 700 is connected (welded) to an upper end of each upright 400. The annular roof support member 113 is connected to the annular upright support member 700 by way of U shaped bolts 800 such that member 113 can be pivoted relative to member 700. [00861 The uprights 400 are of adjustable length such that the roof 300 can be raised or lowered relative to the base 200. Each upright 400 comprises upper and lower telescopic halves (not labelled). The upper and lower telescopic halves each consist of a galvanised pipe having a linear portion and an arcuate portion. Each upper telescopic half is slidable within each lower telescopic half. A latch bolt (not shown) locks the upper and lower telescopic halves together such that the uprights 400 are of the desired length. The upper and lower telescopic halves are welded to the base 200 and annular upright support member 700. [0087] The container 500 is in the form of a pot plant container and saucer, whereby feedstuff within the pot plant container flows into and fills the saucer. An upper part 119 of the container 500 comprises a circular sloping sidewall and a rim 120 extending laterally thereof. A lower part 121 of the container 500 is spaced from the upper part 119 and comprises a base having a raised peripheral edge 123 and a conical-shaped central portion (not shown). The container 500 is made of polyethylene. [0088] The housing 151 further includes an annular container support 125 extending between the uprights 400 and beneath the rim 120. The container support 125 holds upper part 14 119 above lower part 121 such that feedstuff within upper part 119 can flow under gravity into the lower part 121. [0089] The housing 151 also includes an X-shaped crosspiece (not shown) that supports the base of the lower part 121 of the container 500 above the ground. Each end of the crosspiece is detachably connected to an upright 400 by way of a clamp (downee fitting). The container 500 can be raised or lowered relative to the roof 300 by repositioning the crosspiece relative to the uprights 400. The crosspiece consists of four galvanised metal pipes joined together at one end. [0090] The housing 151 also includes a pair of struts 175 for holding the roof 300 in the raised position as shown in Figure 7. Each strut 175 extends between an upright 400 and support member 113. [00911 The barrier 152 includes four framework panels 155 connected end-to-end by way of connectors 156 (only some of which have been labelled). The barrier 152 is situated approximately 350 mm above the ground and has a diameter of about 3 m. [00921 Each framework panel 155 includes upper 157 and lower 158 frame members (only some of which have been labelled) that are spaced from one another and extend substantially horizontally. Each framework panel 155 also includes six uprights 159 (only some of which have been labelled) extending parallel with one another between the frame members 157, 158. Members 157 and 158 and uprights 159 consist of galvanised pipes. Openings 160 (only some of which have been labelled) in the framework panels 155 determine what size animals can access the housing 151. The uprights 159 of each panel 155 are spaced from one another at a distance of about 250 mm. The openings 160 allow calves, sheep or goats to access the container 500, but do not allow access by larger animals. [0093] Upper and lower connectors 156 extend between adjacent framework panels 155. Each connector 156 is a galvanised pipe. Each connector 156 is connected to the panels 155 by way of (downee fitting) clamps (not labelled). [0094] The spacer arrangement includes first 81 and second 82 groups of galvanized pipes that extend between the housing 151 and the barrier 152. The first group of pipes 81 extends between annular upright support member 700 and the upper connectors 156. The second group of pipes 82 extends between the base 200 and the lower connectors 156. Each pipe 81, 82 is connected by way of (downee fitting) clamps (not labelled).

15 [0095] Figure 8 shows another type of barrier assembly 130. Assembly 130 also has a housing similar to housing 151 but differs from assembly 150 in that it has a different type of barrier, a different type of spacer arrangement and a pair of skid plates 214. [0096] The skid plates 214 are made of metal and extend from the base 202. [00971 The barrier includes an annular frame member 231 and a plurality of U-shaped uprights 232 extending downwardly therefrom. Member 231 and uprights 232 consist of galvanized pipes. Each upright 232 is welded to member 231. The member 231 comprises four arcuate pieces that can be bolted together end-to-end. The member 231 is situated approximately 1.2 m above the base 202 and the diameter of the member 231 is about 3 m. [00981 The uprights 232 are circumferentially spaced from one another at a distance of about 250 mm. The arms of each U-shaped upright 232 are spaced from one another by a distance of about 250 mm. The bottom of each upright 232 is located at a distance of about 350 mm above the base 202. Openings 270 between the arms of each U-shaped upright 232 and between adjacent U-shaped uprights 232 allow calves, sheep or goats to access the container 205, but do not allow access by larger animals. [0099] The spacer assembly includes non-linear galvanised pipe spacers 239 extending between the annular upright support member 207 and the annular frame member 231. One end of each spacer 239 is welded to member 231 and the other end is clamped to member 207 by way of a (downee fitting) clamp. Other features include uprights 271, an X-shaped crosspiece 272, a roof 273, an annular roof support member 274, and container 205 base 275. [00100] In use, the barrier assembly 130, 150 is assembled and towed to a location of interest. The container 500, 205 is then charged with feedstuff. The barrier assembly 130, 150 can be configured so that only calves can move through the openings 160, 270. [00101] An advantage of the second aspect of the present invention is that the barrier assembly 130, 150 can be readily disassembled for transportation or storage in a compact form. For instance, the frame work panels can be stacked on top of one another. Another advantage is that the barrier assembly 130, 150 can be readily towed from one location to another. Yet another advantage is that should the assembly 130, 150 be knocked or moved by large animals, the feedstuff will remain located within the housing at a centre of the assembly 130, 150 and thus will remain inaccessible to those animals.

16 [00102] Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations may be made thereto by persons skilled in the art without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. [001031 The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required. [00104] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00105] Still further embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A housing for animal feedstuff, said housing comprising a base; a roof extending over the base; uprights spaced apart from one another and extending between the base and the roof; and a container locatable between the uprights for containing feedstuff, wherein an animal accesses feedstuff within the container by way of spaces between the uprights.

2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the uprights are of adjustable length, such that the roof can be raised and lowered relative to the base.

3. The housing of claim 1, wherein the roof is pivotable between raised and lowered positions relative to the uprights.

4. The housing of claim 1 further having a crosspiece extending between the uprights for supporting a base of the container.

5. The housing of claim 3 further having an annular roof support member extending beneath the roof.

6. The housing of claim 5 further having an annual upright support member connected to an upper end of each said upright, and the annular roof support member is pivotally connected to the annular upright support member for pivotal movement relative thereto.

7. The housing of claim 1 further having an annular container support connected to each said upright and extending beneath an upper edge of the container.

8. The housing of claim 7, wherein the container has an upper part comprising a circular sloping sidewall and a rim extending from the sidewall, and a lower part comprising a base having a raised peripheral edge and a raised central portion that is conical in shape, whereby said annular container support extends beneath the rim and supports the upper part at a distance from the lower part such that feedstuff within the upper part fills the lower part.

9. The housing of claim 1, wherein said housing can be disassembled and stacked in a compact form.

10. The housing of claim 1, wherein said housing can be disassembled and stacked with like disassembled housings. 18

11. A barrier assembly that enables only animals of a select size to access feedstuff contained within the assembly, said assembly comprising a housing for animal feedstuff, said housing comprising a base; a roof extending over the base; uprights spaced apart from one another and extending between the base and the roof; and optionally, a container locatable between the uprights for containing feedstuff, wherein an animal accesses feedstuff within the container by way of spaces between the uprights; a barrier extending around the housing and providing at least one opening through which an animal of a select size can move in order to access the feedstuff; and a spacer arrangement extending between the housing and the barrier for maintaining the housing at a predetermined distance from the barrier such that an animal not of the select size cannot access the feedstuff.

12. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the housing contains or supports the feedstuff in such a manner that the feedstuff will move with the housing should the assembly be moved from one location to another.

13. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the barrier provides a plurality of openings through which the animal of the select size can move.

14. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the animal of the select size is a calf, goat or sheep.

15. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the barrier comprises a framework having frame members, and spaces between the frame members provide the openings through which the animal of the select size can move.

16. The barrier assembly of claim 15, wherein the framework comprises at least one encircling frame member extending around the housing and a plurality of upright members extending from the encircling frame member.

17. The barrier assembly of claim 15, wherein the framework comprises a pair of spaced apart encircling frame members and uprights extending vertically between the frame members.

18. The barrier assembly of claim 17, wherein the uprights are circumferentially spaced from one another at a distance of about 0.2-1.0 m.

19. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the barrier has a diameter of approximately 2 6 m. 19

20. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the spacer arrangement comprises one or more stays extending radially between the housing and the barrier.

21. The barrier assembly of claim 11, wherein the barrier assembly is adapted to be readily disassembled or partly disassembled for transport or storage in a compact form. Date: 5 March 2013