AU2015100942A4 - Method and apparatus for animal feed dispensing - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for the dispensing of feed for animal consumption is disclosed, relating in particular to discharging hay from a moving vehicle or trailer. The apparatus includes a motorised moving support surface such as a conveyor belt that carries a bale of hay to an edge of the trailer or vehicle and advances it incrementally so that it overhangs the edge. When enough of the bale overhangs the edge, a portion will flake off under gravity and fall to the ground. The operator then moves the vehicle or trailer to the next deposit or discharge point and repeats the process, leaving behind discrete portions of feed, such as hay, thus improving access and availability for livestock. *30 " 'S 36 4 36a

Description

1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANIMAL FEED DISPENSING Field of invention [001] This invention relates to the dispensing of feed for animal consumption. The invention relates in particular to a method and apparatus for discharging hay from a moving vehicle or trailer. Background to the invention [002] A significant operating cost borne by stock farming operations relates to the efficient use of labour resources and reliably supplying fresh feed to cattle as required. To enable efficient feeding of a herd, it is desirable to provide feed in a multitude of locations rather than in a large bale at a single location. [003] Patent application publication US20020122713 by Muller describes a trailer (or truck-) mounted double-decker conveyor system. Each conveyor may be independently operated to bring bales to a precipice at the end of the belt and allow the overhanging part of the bale to disintegrate under gravity and drop in discrete chunks to the ground. The bales are supported on shelves, each of which has a central lengthwise slot and a drive chain beneath. Each chain is fitted with outwardly projecting spikes that snag the bales and pull them towards the rear of the trailer for dropping off. To drive the conveyors, Muller proposes various options, including a power take-off shaft from the transporting vehicle or an independent power plant on the trailer. A disadvantage of this system is that in the snagging and dragging operation, friction between some bales and the shelf tracks supporting them was liable to cause the occasional bale to veer off track and even fall off the trailer. The inventor therefore sought to solve this by providing low side barriers to keep the bales on track. [004] Patent publication US2008/0213066 proposes push arms that force a bale sideways towards a side edge of a trailer. Cutter blades are then employed to encourage the bale to disintegrate piece by piece. A conveyor may be employed to move the bales into the pushing and cutting zone, but the conveyor does not do the actual dispensing. It teaches that the hay bale "push plate" could be "replaced with a moving conveyor belt so 2 that the lateral conveyance of the hay bale toward the flaker wheels involves moving a surface beneath a stationary hay bale rather than sliding the hay bale across the stationary bed. Thus there is relative movement between the bale and the surface." [005] In international patent publication W02000047443, a vehicle-mounted distributor moves a bale to a flaking zone at the edge of the vehicle bed, where cleaving takes place using a dividing instrument in the nature of a paddle wheel that strikes the bale, causing flaking. The mechanism slides the bale along rails to an inclined ramp, the upper end edge of which causes a line of stress to form in the bale as it advances over the edge. [006] US published application 2001/0029897 discloses a rotary feeder that uses an endless chain/belt with projecting claws that help grab and drag the bale to the flaking station. [007] US patent 5099755 discloses a conveyor belt being used for moving a bale to a dividing mechanism. Objects of the invention [008] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide efficient means of distributing animal feed. [009] Another object is to provide feed dispensing means that is operable from the cab of a vehicle transporting the feed to a feeding site. [0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a method and means of dispensing discrete quantities of feed at different locations. [0011] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

3 [0012] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense - that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not being limited to" - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense - that is to say meaning "including this and nothing else". Summary of invention [0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of dispensing feed in discrete amounts from a bale, the method comprising steps of providing an endless belt defining a movable support surface; placing a bale on the surface; causing the surface to advance, carrying the bale with it, to a precipice, removing the surface from a supporting orientation in relation to the bale so as to allow an increasing portion of the bale to overhang the precipice until a portion separates under gravity and falls over the precipice. [0014] Preferably, the method includes providing an endless belt defining the moveable support surface, said surface having first and second ends and being capable of supporting a bale. [0015] A further step comprises locating the belt so that the second end is adjacent a precipice. [0016] The method further includes loading a bale on to the surface before causing said surface to be advanced incrementally toward said precipice to the extent that a portion of said bale overhangs said precipice and allowing said overhanging portion to flake away from said bale. [0017] In a preferred form of the invention, the method includes providing motorised drive means and connecting it in power transmission relationship with the belt for causing advancement of the belt. [0018] In a preferred embodiment the method includes mounting the apparatus to carriage means. Preferably, the carriage means is selected from trailers and self- 4 propelled vehicles. The apparatus is positioned so that the belt surface is advanceable toward a rear end of the vehicle or trailer where the precipice is defined. [0019] Generally, the belt surface is substantially horizontal. However, it may optionally be inclined gently by raising at either end. This step may be preferred according to the nature of terrain being traversed during feed discharge. [0020] In a preferred form of the invention to accomplish inclining the surface, the method includes the step of mounting the apparatus on support means comprising a hinged leg mechanism. [0021] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided animal feed dispensing apparatus adapted for mounting on carriage means defining a discharge edge, the apparatus comprising a removable support surface capable of supporting a bale of feed and a motor mechanically linked to the surface for advancing the surface in supportive orientation towards said edge to a position in which sufficient of a bale being supported overhangs said edge to allow an overhanging portion to separate under gravity and fall. [0022] Said removable support surface comprises an endless belt having first and second ends between which the support surface is defined, said surface being oriented for supporting on it a bale of animal feed, and being located to overlook a precipice adjacent the carriage edge. [0023] In a preferred form of the invention, the apparatus has located at said second end, belt driving means connected to said belt to cause it to advance the surface to said second end, carrying the bale towards the precipice, so that flakes of feed separate from the bale under gravity when moved to overhang the precipice. [0024] In a preferred form of the invention, the apparatus comprises movement control means capable of causing discrete movement of the belt when being advanced.

5 [0025] In a further preferred form of the invention, the movement control means is configured to synchronise advancement of the belt with distance of travel of a carriage means on which the apparatus is mounted. [0026] Further according to the invention, the apparatus optionally includes means for adjusting inclination of the support surface in relation to the horizontal. Preferably, the inclination is adjustable to up to 10 degrees from the horizontal. Adjustment may assist in preventing a bale from being lost overboard in particularly rough or sloping terrain. [0027] In an embodiment, the inclination adjustment means comprises jacking means on which the belt is supportable. In an alternative embodiment, the inclination adjustment is achieved by having a hinged leg mechanism supportingly attached to the apparatus between it and the carriage means. Brief description of drawings [0028] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus: Figure 1 shows in schematic perspective view a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of the invention mounted on the bed of a truck. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the use of the apparatus in distributing feed in a pasture. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention [0029] Animal feed provided in the form of bales such as hay bales tends to flake away from the periphery of the bale when subjected to sufficient force. Thus under gravitational force, an overhanging portion of a bale will tend to flake away from the remaining body of the bale. This results in discrete portions of hay being separable from a bale sequentially as a bale is caused to be advanced incrementally over an edge adjacent a precipice.

6 [0030] Referring to figure 1, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, the feed dispensing apparatus of the invention is generally denoted by the number 10. The apparatus has a movable surface in the form of an endless belt 12 made of metallized canvas or similar suitable belt material. It is tensioned to pass over and below end rollers 16, 18, which are connected to a supporting frame. The end roller 18, is driven by means of a drive chain 20 attached to the drive shaft 22 of an electric motor 24. The motor is powered from a 12V source via a cable which is connectable via a male plug 26 to the electrical system on a vehicle (not shown) to which the apparatus is mountable, using brackets 28 or similar. The motor is of a kind used in truck winches because of its torque and relatively slow revving capabilities. However, other suitable examples may be substituted within the scope of the invention. [0031] This arrangement, when operated, causes the upper support surface 14 of belt 12 to move from roller 16 to roller 18, belt 12 being supported and guided in its motion by rollers 30. The end rollers (16 and 18) are tapered slightly on each of their outer ends to assist in ensuring accurate tracking of the belt when driven. The belt is evenly tensioned on both sides to further ensure correct, straight tracking. [0032] The apparatus has eyelets 32 for receiving attachment of a chain to facilitate lifting to and from a trailer or flat bed of a truck (including a utility vehicle). [0033] With reference to figure 2, a bale 36, to be dispensed in portions to waiting animals (not shown), is loaded on to a belt upper surface 14 of the apparatus 10, which is shown loaded on the flatbed 40 of a truck 38 having a driver's cab 42 at its forward end. Depending on the length of belt 12 and surface 14, as well as the dimensions of bale 36, two or more such bales may be loaded for distribution, using means well known in the art, for example a forklift or other loading device. [0034] A driver or passenger in truck 38 operates the drive motor 24 to cause movement of the belt as shown by directional arrow D in figure 2. The bale is transported on the belt towards a precipice 44 at the rear edge of truck bed 40 and belt 12. Operation of the motor may be effected by means of an on/off switch located on the 7 motor, or preferably by a switch located in the cab, or more preferably by a remote control unit which may be wired or wirelessly connected to motor 24. [0035] When actuated, the motor causes the belt 12 to advance in direction 42 toward the precipice 44 until a portion 48 of bale 36, now shown at position 36a, starts to overhang the surface 46 of the ground below. Further incremental movement in direction 42 carries eventuates in portion 48, under gravitational forces, to break off, or flake from the bale and fall from the vehicle to the ground. The movement increments are desirably in the range from 10cm to 35cm and preferably 12cm to 25cm. [0036] In this embodiment, a wireless remote control unit is made available to the driver, enabling the system also to be operated from outside the cab by an assistant or offsider, if desired. In a variation of this embodiment, the motor is controllable by means of a smartphone application being run on the mobile telephone of the driver or other personnel member. [0037] It will be appreciated that instead of having the motor directly under the control of the driver or other human operator, it may be programmed to operate intermittently, taking into account the ground distance covered by the vehicle, so that flakes of the bale are dispensed at regular distances intervals. [0038] An additional feature of the invention is the string detention tube 60. A row of these is shown secured to the supporting frame below rear roller 18, ideally providing one tube per length of string or twine anticipated to be binding the bale. The lengths of string or twine need to be cut and slotted before distribution of the hay in the bale begins. [0039] As shown in the enlarged view bounded by the broken line, a slot 62 is formed in the wall of the tube. The tubes are cut from steel square tubing, in this case in 50mm lengths, and are left open at both ends with a slot cut into the rear-facing side. When an operator partially removes the binding twine 64 holding a bale together, an end of the twine is secured in the slot so that the twine will trail behind the vehicle as the 8 flakes fall from the bale and can easily be retrieved and pushed into the box while the flakes from the next bale (if any) are dispensed. [0040] With reference to figure 3, an example of the result of an utility vehicle 50 traversing a pasture 52 is shown. The vehicle, carrying plurality of bales 36, enters through a gate 54 and traverses along a path generally indicated by dashed line arrows, dropping off a series of flakes 48 at intervals, as described above with reference to figure 2. These form discrete piles of feed on the ground, increasing availability for greater stock numbers simultaneously. [0041] The invention enables a vehicle operator to dispense one of more bales without leaving the cab of the vehicle. [0042] In a further example of the implementation of the invention, the apparatus optionally includes an inclination adjustment mechanism to support the belt surfacer of the apparatus at a desired angle in relation to the carriage-supporting bed. By raising or lowering the level of framework supporting the belt, the risk of losing a bale overboard can be mitigated, especially when traversing rough or sloping terrain. In a preferred embodiment, the inclination is adjustable to up to 10 degrees from the horizontal. By way of example, the adjusting mechanism comprises a hinged leg of feeder width positioned for supporting the frame at each end. Alternatively, a jack or other lifting device may be used. [0043] These embodiments merely illustrate particular examples of the method and apparatus of the invention providing for animal feed dispensing. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

Claims (5)

1. A method of dispensing feed in discrete amounts from a bale, the method comprising providing an endless belt defining a movable support surface; placing a bale on the surface; causing the surface to advance, carrying the bale with it, to a precipice, removing the surface from a supporting orientation in relation to the bale so as to allow an increasing portion of the bale to overhang the precipice until a portion separates under gravity and falls over the precipice.

2. The method of claim 1 including relocating the apparatus and causing the surface to advance until a further portion of the bale overhangs the precipice, separates and falls.

3. Feed dispensing apparatus, adapted for mounting on carriage means defining a discharge edge, the apparatus comprising a removable support surface capable of supporting a bale of feed and a motor mechanically linked to the surface for advancing the surface in supportive orientation towards said edge to a position in which sufficient of a bale being supported overhangs said edge for an overhanging portion to break off under gravity and fall.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the removable support surface is defined by an endless belt configured to be controllably advanced in discrete movements.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 having connected retainer means for retaining twine or string used for binding the bale to be dispensed.