AU2014204551B2

AU2014204551B2 - Improvements in the Removal of Animal Pelts

Info

Publication number: AU2014204551B2
Application number: AU2014204551A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nico Vos
Original assignee: Scott Tech Nz Ltd
Current assignee: Scott Technology Nz Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-22
Filing date: 2014-07-22
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-22
Also published as: AU2014204551A1

Abstract

James & Wells 134475AU/47 This invention relates to a clamping member for a clamping mechanism, the clamping member includes: a body having a longitudinal axis, and a clamping surface provided with serrations to form a plurality of teeth, characterised in thatthe clamping surface is configured with at least two clamping sections, wherein each section is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. Figure 1b 4a 3g 3a 4e 3c3e4 3e 4c

Description

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PELTS TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in the processing of slaughtered animals. The invention has particular application to a clamping mechanism used for the removal of a pelt from an animal carcass.

BACKGROUND ART

The slaughtering of sheep and the subsequent processing of the resulting carcasses is a significant industry in New Zealand which employs thousands of workers.

Prior to the separation of the carcass into cuts of meat, it must be prepared for processing by removing low value and potentially contaminated tissues such as the hocks, guts, tail and head. This preparation process is referred to as “dressing".

One of the initial stages of dressing the carcass is the removal of the pelt of the carcass. The pelt can have considerable commercial value, depending on the animal being processed. For example, the hide of a cow may be used for leather goods.

Therefore, it is important that the pelt be removed without damaging the pelt itself or damaging the carcass.

The pelt can be difficult to remove from certain portions of the carcass, particularly the brisket (the sternum of the animal). The connective tissue between the brisket and pelt is particularly robust and can require application of a considerable amount of force to overcome. Assistance is often needed to allow a processor to remove the pelt.

In the prior art, there are several apparatus available to assist the processor in removing the pelt from the carcass. One such apparatus is that disclosed in New 1

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22M2014

Zealand Patent No. 581870. This describes a clamping mechanism in the form of a pair of cylindrical members arranged along their longitudinal axes and configured to move towards and away from each other. When the members move together, their ends meet, trapping the pelt of the carcass between them. The members are then rotated about their longitudinal axes, pulling the pelt away from the carcass.

The clamping mechanism is intended for use as part of an automated or semi-automated carcass processing facility in which carcasses are suspended from an overhead conveyor line. For ease of installation and production, the clamping mechanism is configured such that the clamping surface is substantially vertical.

However, in some situations the clamping mechanism is not always effective. This is particularly the case when the carcass, or a portion of the carcass, is not presented to the mechanism in a substantially vertical orientation. For example, the limbs of the carcass are often splayed.

For maximum effectiveness when removing the pelt, it is preferable to have the pelt gripped consistently across the clamping surface. This is difficult to do when the limbs are at an angle, as only a portion of the pelt will then be in contact with the clamping surface.

Therefore, when the clamping mechanism is actuated, it can grip the pelt of the limb at an angle relative to the carcass. This results in uneven removal of the pelt, as the mechanism will favour one side of the carcass. It can also result in damage to the pelt.

In some instances, the pelt may come into contact with, and be carried on, one of the clamping members before meeting the other member (the clamping point). This can result in an inconsistent grip and there is the possibility that as the pelt is carried towards the other member, a portion of it may slip or otherwise change position. This 2

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014 can also impact on the grip that the clamping mechanism is able to apply to the pelt.

It is possible to compensate for these problems by altering the position of the clamping mechanism to better align the clamping surface with the limb of the carcass.

However, this requires additional robotic and automatic functionality, which adds to the production costs of the overall processing facility. It also takes up additional processing time, affecting the throughput of the processing facility.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. 3

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping mechanism for use with an apparatus for removing an animal pelt from a carcass, the clamping mechanism including: a pair of clamping members, wherein each member has a body having a longitudinal axis and includes a clamping surface configured with a plurality of serrations to form teeth, characterised in that the clamping surface is configured with at least two clamping sections, wherein each section is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping member for a clamping mechanism for use with an apparatus for removing an animal pelt from a carcass, the clamping member including: a body having a longitudinal axis, and a clamping surface provided with serrations to form a plurality of teeth, characterised in that the clamping surface is configured with at least two clamping sections, wherein each section is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using an apparatus to remove an animal pelt from a carcass, the apparatus including a clamping mechanism having a pair of clamping members, wherein each member 4

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Μ 2014 has a body having a longitudinal axis and includes a clamping surface configured with a plurality of serrations to form teeth, wherein the clamping surface is configured with at least two clamping sections, wherein each section is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the body, the method including the steps of: a) placing the clamping mechanism proximate to a carcass; and b) actuating the clamping mechanism to grip the pelt of the carcass between the clamping surfaces of the pair of clamping members.

The present invention relates to a clamping mechanism in the form of a pair of cylinders in which the opposing ends form the jaw of the clamping mechanism. At least a portion of the clamping surfaces of the clamping mechanism are angled relative to the remaining portion of the mating surfaces. A clamping mechanism should be understood to mean a mechanism which clamps an object between at least a pair of clamping members.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the object being clamped is the pelt of an animal carcass.

The pelt should be understood to mean the skin or hide of the animal carcass. The pelt may include wool, fur or hair. The pelt may have commercial value to the processor of the carcass.

It should be understood that the removal of the pelt from the trunk and limbs of the animal carcass is a step in the “dressing” of the carcass and is usually performed prior to separation of the carcass into specific cuts of meat. The term “dressing” and its derivatives are used throughout this specification to refer to the processing of the 5

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014 animal carcass.

The animal carcass being dressed may be a caprine (goat) or bovine (cow) carcass, but preferably is an ovine (sheep) carcass.

However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and may be used with any type of carcass which is processed for its meat and/or byproducts. For example, the present invention may be used with cervine (deer) carcasses.

The clamping members should be understood to be a pair of elongate members having a longitudinal axis, i.e. an axis running the elongate dimension of the member. It should be noted that, in use, the preferred orientation of the clamping members is such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal. The clamping members are arranged end on end, and thus their respective longitudinal axes are in alignment.

Each clamping member has a body which has a first end and a second end.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clamping members are hollow tubes or cylinders. The clamping members shall now be referred to as cylinders throughout the remainder of this specification.

Preferably, the cylinders are formed from stainless steel or a similar hardwearing, but easy to clean, metal alloy. However, this choice of material is not meant to be limiting.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide number of possible configurations for the clamping members are envisaged, depending on the animal being dressed, and the commercial value of the pelt being removed.

The cross-section of the cylinders may vary; for example, they may be substantially 6

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Μ 2014 triangular or square. However, cylinders with a circular cross-section is preferred, as they have no edges or corners which may inadvertently damage the pelt as it is removed.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-section of the cylinders may vary along their length. For example, the first ends of the cylinders may be dimensioned such that their cross-sectional area is greater than the second ends of the cylinders. This may be preferred for manufacturing reasons and to enhance the available surface area for clamping.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cylinders are substantially hollow.

Alternatively, depending on the configuration of the mechanism that acts to move the cylinders towards and away from each other, the cylinders of other embodiments of the present invention may be provided with a passage at their centres, the passage running the longitudinal length of each cylinder. Another possibility is that the cylinders are substantially solid although it will be appreciated that this may add substantially to the weight of the overall clamping mechanism.

However, this is not meant to be limiting, and the clamping members may be in a variety of configurations.

It should be understood from the preceding discussion that the cylinders are arranged along their longitudinal axis. When not actuated, the cylinders are spatially separated along the axis. The space between the cylinders may be regarded as the jaws of the clamping mechanism.

The first ends of the cylinders, that is to say the ends of the cylinders which face each other, should be understood to be the clamping surfaces of the clamping members. 7

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014

In some embodiments of the invention, in which the clamping members have a substantially consistent diameter along its length, the cylinders are substantially hollow. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the clamping surfaces are essentially the walls of the cylinders, and therefore the clamping surface is dependent on the wall thickness of each cylinder.

When actuated, the cylinders are moved towards each other along their longitudinal axis in an attempt to make contact. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that when actuated, the contact surfaces of the cylinders trap the pelt (or whatever is located in the jaws of the clamping mechanism) between them.

The clamping mechanism should be understood to include an actuator which, when activated, causes the movement of the cylinders along their longitudinal axis.

For example, the cylinders may be mounted to a horizontal axle passing through the interior of both cylinders. Alternatively, the second ends of each cylinder may be mounted to a robotic arm or the like. These examples are not meant to be limiting and persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the movement of the cylinders may be achieved in a number of ways.

The clamping mechanism should be understood to include a driving means which, when actuated, causes rotation of the cylinders about their longitudinal axis.

For example, the driving means may be an electric motor linked to the cylinders via a belt or chain. It will be appreciated that the second end of the cylinders may be configured with a track or guide for the belt. This example is not meant to be limiting and persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the rotation of the cylinders may be achieved in a number of ways.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, each cylinder is configured as a 8

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014 two-part assembly; a main body including the second end and a clamping portion which includes the first end.

Preferably in this embodiment of the invention, the clamping portion has a larger diameter than the main body. A two-part assembly which has the clamping portion having a larger diameter than that of the main body offers a number of advantages, including effectively increasing the clamping surface by replacing the clamping portion without having to upscale the entire clamping mechanism. A larger clamping surface may help to ensure a good grip on the pelt when in use. A two-part assembly also allows the clamping mechanism to be used with animal carcasses of different species, and therefore sizes, simply by replacing the clamping portion. It also allows for the use of the invention with different areas of the carcass. For example, when removing pelt from the brisket area of the carcass, a larger clamping surface is helpful in getting sufficient grip to overcome the strength of the connective tissue in this area of the carcass. A smaller clamping surface may be preferred when removing the pelt from the legs of the carcass as the available surface area of the pelt to be gripped can be reduced.

The two separate parts may be connected to each other in a number of ways readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

For example, the clamping portion may include a neck portion which is inserted into the hollow portion of the main body and fixed using fastening mechanisms such as nuts and bolts passing through apertures in the main body and clamping portion. Alternatively, the mating surfaces between the main body and clamping portion, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, may be provided with apertures into which fastening mechanisms may be secured. However, it will be appreciated 9

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014 that these examples are not meant to be limiting.

It will be understood the first end (or clamping portion) includes the clamping surface.

The clamping surface may take a variety of forms. For example, the cross-section of the clamping surface may be such that it is a continuous disc or plate-like surface.

In preferred embodiments, the clamping surface is the perimeter of the first end of each cylinder (or the clamping portion). Thus the clamping surface is ring-like. The perimeter need not be circular; it may be elliptical or even triangular, depending of the cross-section of the clamping member.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clamping surfaces are provided with serrations to form a plurality of teeth. It will be understood that the teeth are not sharp, as this may damage the pelt, but they positively engage with the pelt.

However, this clamping surface configuration is not meant to be limiting, and other configurations that provide a convolute path in which the pelt is trapped are envisaged.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that some form of serrated clamping surface for the clamping members is preferred, as such a surface, having greater surface area, provides for a more secure grip when the clamping members are actuated and trapping the pelt between the clamping members.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the serrations of the clamping surface of one clamping member are complementary to the clamping surface of the other clamping surface.

It will be appreciated in this preferred embodiment of the present invention that the 10

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014 serrated ends of the cylinders interlock, providing for a more continuous and secure grip on the pelt when the cylinders are actuated. The pelt is clamped between the clamping surfaces where they meet, i.e. the clamping contact.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the teeth may be profiled such that rather than continuous contact with the opposing teeth, only certain points come into contact.

For example, the top of the teeth of one clamping surface may only contact the bottom of the valleys of the opposing clamping surface. There is no clamping contact between the sides of the teeth.

This may be applied to the entire clamping surface or only to a portion of the clamping surface. This means that the pelt may be gripped in different ways using the same clamping mechanism.

For example, when removing the pelt from the brisket of the carcass, the clamping contact may be between the top and the valleys as well as the sides of the opposing teeth. Alternatively, for example, when removing pelt from the legs of the carcass, the clamping contact may just be between the top and the valleys of the opposing teeth.

The number and dimensions of the serrations may vary according to the requirements of the user. It may also depend on the nature of the pelt being removed; for example, the pelt of an ovine species may vary in its hair coverage and type and the teeth may be configured accordingly.

At least a portion of the clamping surfaces of each cylinder is angled. This should be understood to mean that at least a portion of the clamping surface is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of each cylinder.

The clamping surfaces of each cylinder may be configured with distinct clamping 11

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014 sections or areas.

The preferred embodiments of the invention have two distinct clamping sections. However, this is not meant to be limiting and in some embodiments, the clamping surface may have three or more distinct clamping sections.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention, each clamping section will bear a number of serrations.

Preferably, the first clamping section should be understood to be substantially perpendicular or at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the clamping member. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this means that when in use, during which the cylinders are deployed horizontally, the first clamping section of the clamping surface is substantially vertical and therefore is in line with the carcass trunk or limb hanging vertically.

The second clamping section should be understood to be at an angle to the first clamping section.

The angle may vary according to the requirements of the user and the carcasses being processed. In preferred embodiments, the second clamping section is angled 15° to 45° away from the vertical. However strict compliance with this range is not intended. Ultimately, the preferred angle may depend on the extent to which the limbs of the carcass may angle away from the trunk of the carcass. This may be species or age dependent.

The proportion of the clamping surface that is the first section relative to the second section may vary according to the requirements of the user.

In preferred embodiments, the first section forms approximately half of the overall clamping surface. However, in some embodiments, particularly those in which a third 12

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Μ 2014 clamping section is present, the first section may form approximately a third of the overall clamping surface.

It will be appreciated that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art, including: • a firmer grip on the pelt when removing it from the carcass; • improved efficiency when removing pelt from a carcass or a portion of a carcass that is not substantially in a vertical orientation; • ability to customise the clamping mechanism to allow for processing of animal carcasses of different species, size and other variables; • at the very least, it offers the public a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1a shows a front view of a clamping mechanism incorporating one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1b is a closer view of the clamping mechanism of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1a

Figure 1c shows a second front view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 a;

Figures 2a. 2b and 2c show a perspective view of the clamping portion of another embodiment of the invention. 13

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention (generally indicated by arrow 1) is illustrated in Figure 1a.

The invention includes a clamping mechanism (2) in the form of a pair of clamping members (3, 4), each having a first end which defines a clamping surface (3a, 4a) and a second end (3b, 4b), rotatably mounted to a horizontal axle (not shown) extending from an arm (5a, 5b). A motor (6a, 6b) drives a belt or chain (not shown) to cause rotation of the axle, and therefore each clamping member.

Each member (3, 4) is substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder arranged along its longitudinal axis. In use, the members move towards and away from each other along their respective longitudinal axes.

In the illustrated embodiment, it will be noted that each member has two lengthwise sections having differing diameters, the body (3c, 4c) and the clamping portion (3d, 4d). However, this is not strictly essential to the functioning of the invention, and in some embodiments, the member may have a constant cross-section along its length.

It will be appreciated that the clamping surface (3a, 4a) of each member (3, 4) faces the clamping surface of the other member. Between these are the jaws of the clamping mechanism.

Turning now to Figure 1b, a section (3e, 4e) of the clamping surface (3a, 4a) of each member (3, 4) is substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A second section (3f, not visible on member 4) of the clamping surface is at an angle.

The clamping surfaces are serrated to form teeth (3g, 4g). It will be noted that one (4) of the clamping members is slightly offset axially such that its teeth (4g) complement the teeth (3g) of the other member (3). This is important as it maximises 14

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Μ 2014 the gripping area for the clamping mechanism (2).

In use, prior to engagement of the clamping mechanism (2), the position of the two clamping members (3, 4) is as shown in Figure 1a.

When the carcass is offered up to the clamping mechanism (2), it is actuated thereby bringing the clamping members (3, 4) together such that their teeth meet, as shown in Figure 1c.

This traps and securely holding the pelt (not shown) between the clamping members (3, 4). The clamping mechanism (2) is then rotated to wind the pelt about the mechanism. Because of the angled second section (not visible in this view) of the clamping mechanism, this allows for a better grip on the pelt covering the limbs of the carcass (not shown).

An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b. This shows a separate clamping portion (7) which, in use, would be bolted to a clamping member (not shown) to form a two-part assembly (not shown).

It will be seen that the clamping portion is a rounded triangle, the perimeter (8) of which is provided with a plurality of teeth; some teeth (9a) being wider and shallower than others (9b).

Turning now to Figure 2c, it will also be seen that a section (10b) of the clamping surface is angled relative to a second section (10a) which, in use, would be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping member (not shown).

Returning now to Figures 2a and 2b, the centre portion (11) of the clamping portion (7) is provided with apertures (11a). This can be used fastening mechanisms (not shown) to secure the clamping portion to the clamping member (not shown). 15

James & Wells 134475AU/47 2014204551 22 Jul2014

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 16

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A clamping member for a clamping mechanism when used in an apparatus for removing an animal pelt from a carcass, the clamping member includes: a body having a longitudinal axis, and a clamping surface configured with at least a first clamping section and a second clamping section which are adjacent to each other, wherein each of the first and second clamping sections include serrations to form a plurality of teeth, characterised in that the first clamping section is substantially perpendicular or at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body and the second clamping section is at an angle to the first clamping section.
2. The clamping member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping member is configured as a two-part assembly, wherein the first part is the body and the second part is a clamping portion which includes the clamping surface.
3. The clamping member as claimed in claim 2, wherein the clamping portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the body portion.
4. The clamping member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clamping portion of the clamping member is a cylinder with an open end.
5. The clamping member as claimed in claim 4, wherein the clamping surface is the perimeter of the open end of the clamping member.
6. The clamping member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second clamping section is angled between 15° to 45° relative to the first clamping section.
7. The clamping member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first clamping section forms approximately half of the overall clamping surface.
8. A clamping mechanism for use with an apparatus for removing an animal pelt from a carcass, wherein the clamping mechanism includes at least two clamping members, each clamping member as claimed in claim 1.
9. A method of using an apparatus to remove an animal pelt from a carcass, the apparatus including a clamping mechanism having a pair of tubular clamping members, each clamping member as claimed in claim 1, the method including the steps of: a) placing the clamping mechanism proximate to a carcass; and b) actuating the clamping mechanism to grip the pelt of the carcass between the clamping surfaces of the first ends of the pair of clamping members.