FR2707571A1 - Horse box assembly designed for transporting and/or accommodating horses - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a horse box assembly, of which the cabin, devoid of its fittings, is of frustoconical shape with trapezoidal cross-sections so as to allow it to fit onto another cabin of identical shape and size. This cabin is equipped with a suspended orientable and removable vertical partition (2) consisting of a flexible panel stretched between dismantleable supports (A.B.C) on the ceiling so as to facilitate the loading and unloading of animals. The removable devices for laterally holding the animals allow the cabin to be fixed to the chassis floor.

Description

VAN-BOX SET AGENCY FOR TRANSPORT AND / OR ACCOMMODATION
HORSES
The present invention relates to a VAN-BOX assembly whose bare cabin used in the box allows it to be built into another cabin. Means of separation and lateral holding of the animals are removable and designed to facilitate their loading and unloading.

It is known that on the one hand the embarkation and disembarkation of horses and that on the other hand their transport in vans present many difficulties in keeping these animals in good shape especially when they have to participate in competitions. In addition, the spreading over one or more days of riding competitions requires accommodation on the premises or nearby.

Generally the vans have a chassis floor provided with wheels with one or two axles, a cabin fixed on this floor and various internal arrangements for separating the animals when the van is designed for at least two horses, maintaining them laterally and longitudinally.

To facilitate boarding and avoid backing down, many vans have an inclined plane and an access door at the rear and exit to the bottom.

An original solution is provided by the BOISARD patent (FR.A. 2,394,414) protecting a box or cabin mounted mobile in rotation about a vertical axis on the chassis and comprising two doors so that disembarking is done at before transport can be done in one direction or the other.

This system is likely to facilitate access and exit of animals transported by two or three, at the cost of a complex mechanical device if only because of the loads transported.

To avoid inclined planes and access ramps, various devices have been created. In this area we can cite the SCHMIDT patent (FR.A. 2,327,890) relating to a system making it possible to tilt the loading surface. To do this, a motor movable along its length loads the axles in opposite directions of rotation. Two axles support the wheels by means of arms. Although the structure allowing this tilting of the chassis is compact and mounted between the two axles, it includes delicate and expensive electrical or hydraulic systems capable of significantly increasing the selling price of this type of van.

It is during embarkation or disembarkation that the horse risks being stupidly injured while the transport conditions can be significantly improved by devices fitted in the cabin. To overcome these drawbacks, it is possible to harness the animal and thus protect its sensitive and vulnerable points such as the nape of the neck, tourniquet, shoulder, hock, leg, LEICHNAM patent (FR.A 2.460.228) and provide access by inclined plane using sliding side panels. This harness system is probably effective but it very significantly affects the comfort of the animal during transport so that on arrival if it has avoided all kinds of small accidents it may be physically reduced at the time to participate in a competition.

In order to maintain the animal laterally and avoid that in turns, in particular because of the high position of its center of gravity, it is unbalanced and projected against a wall a device, patent PETIT (FR.A 2.484.959), comprising an inflatable tube is mounted on a wall. When boarding the deflated device releases access, inflated it adjusts to the animal to maintain it.

This inflatable device can be replaced by another mechanical system for taking up play.

The advantage of having a vehicle not only suitable for transporting animals but capable of carrying out additional transport quickly appeared. The BOLLINI patent (FR.A 2,536,360) protects a convertible vehicle for multiple uses. To do this, the chassis-floor is equipped with a longitudinal rail whose profile is complementary to that of the rails fixed under the floor of the cabin. Means lock in position the cabin on the chassis. Thus a single chassis with wheels makes it possible to fix at will various boxes of type tipper or cabin of type van. Although this kind of chassis allows a more general use than the classic van chassis their interest is limited despite the possible savings made if only because of the necessary manipulations.

To meet the need, upon arrival at the competition site, to have a box ensuring good comfort for the horses transported. The PINAUD patent (FR.A 2.636.736) protects a van-stable system that can be used both for transportation and accommodation. According to this invention, the boxes and their partitions are articulated on the lateral external walls of the vehicle fitted out in a van.

Similarly, the EQUESTRIAN TRANSPORT LTD (EP.

0.034.435) concerns a transformable vehicle allowing horses to be transported and accommodating people, animals, stationary equipment.

On arrival the boxes and their partitions are deployed and usable by the horses transported in the van.

Thus grouped together the means of transport and the habitat constitute an original solution increasing the comfort of the horses and making them more easily able to carry out their missions during competitions.

However, the cost of such systems is approximately of the same order of magnitude as the cost of the van increased by the cost of a box, without rendering quite the same services, none being usable in separate places which may be regrettable.

The object of the present invention is precisely to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and to produce an assembly capable of being arranged as a van for transporting animals and as a box for their accommodation. In the context of this invention, the means for separating and holding the horses sideways are removable allowing use as a box. In addition, the shapes of the box cabin allow them to be embedded, which facilitates their transport.

This VAN-BOX set designed for the transport and / or accommodation of horses consists of a chassis-floor mounted on wheels on which is fixed a cabin comprising at least one embarkation-disembarkation opening, separation and lateral support for animals is characterized in that the bare cabin, forming a box, is of shapes and dimensions allowing it to be embedded in another cabin-box of identical shapes and dimensions, said cabin equipped with a suspended, orientable and removable separation device facilitating the boarding and disembarking of the animals is maintained on the floor-frame using the lateral animal holding devices.

Preferably the bare cabin forming a box is of frustoconical shape with substantially trapezoidal sections decreasing from the rear to the bottom, the large base of the trapezium resting on the chassis-floor.

This cabin is equipped at the rear with a removable panel of substantially trapezoidal section serving as support for the access door, so that this panel dismantled the embedding of said bare cabin on another bare cabin of identical shapes and dimensions. is possible.

Thus the bare cabs, unequipped with their internal fittings and rear panels are nestable on each other.

This solution makes it possible to have boxes on arrival either simply by separating each cabin from the floorboard and fixing it to the ground, or to transport individual built-in boxes made in the same way as the cabins.

In addition, the design of these cabins not only makes it possible to make deliveries with reduced dimensions, therefore in large numbers, the floor frames stacked one on the other, the cabins nested one inside the other, but also to increase the seat. of the cabin placed on the floor chassis or on the ground.

According to a preferred embodiment, the suspended, orientable and removable separation device for animals consists of a vertical panel supported by means disposed on the ceiling of the cabin.

Preferably this vertical panel is made in two parts, an upper consisting of a U-shaped metal frame open upwards on which a flexible canvas is stretched, the other lower consisting of a flexible rubber flap of approximately dimensions identical to those of the upper part at the bottom of which it is articulated.

Advantageously, the means disposed on the ceiling of the cabin supporting the vertical panel consist of three removable supports, two fixed substantially in the axis of the cabin, one at the rear the other at the bottom, the third mobile substantially in the middle from the cabin.

According to a preferred embodiment the movable removable support substantially in the middle of the cabin consists of a transverse rail on which slides a slide longitudinally connected to the upper ends of the wings of the metal frame so that the vertical panel can pivot around one of the supports fixed when the other support separated from the vertical panel allows the latter to increase the passage section either when boarding or when disembarking.

Preferably the movable removable support consisting of a transverse rail comprises at each of its ends a curved part on which the longitudinal slide rests so as to achieve an extremely stable position.

The advantages of a vertical partition fixed to the ceiling are twofold. This separation is generally fixed to both the floor and the ceiling. Despite the robustness of these fasteners in the long run, they are poorly resistant to battering due to the mass of animals displaced, especially when cornering. The fact that according to the invention it is both flexible and articulated on the ceiling overcomes these drawbacks avoiding the presence of metal parts in the lower part. The second advantage lies in the fact that the attachment points to the ceiling are removable.

All kinds of devices can be used to facilitate the disassembly of removable supports. In addition, the connection of the slide to the upper ends of the wings of the metal frame can be a connection obtained by welding or a removable coupling produced by bolts. This latter arrangement frees the vertical panel either by dismantling the mobile support or by dismantling the slide.

Thus when boarding a horse the vertical wall pivots at the bottom on the axial support, at the rear it is moved from one side or the other, in the center the longitudinal slide slides on the transverse rail and moves so that the panel thus suspended at two points, in the center and at the bottom, makes it possible to increase the opening for boarding.

It is possible to proceed in the same way for disembarking.

It then suffices to pivot the panel at the rear on the axial support so that the exit door is perfectly clear. The vertical panel suspended at two points, pivoting around a rear support or at the bottom can be oriented in different positions thanks to the slide-rail system. The extreme positions constituting stable positions are obtained by simple curved parts produced on the rail and on which the slide rests.

Preferably, the lateral support devices for the animals are constituted on each side, by a removable self-supporting structure having a bulge serving as a cushion, stiffened by longitudinal ribs, the profile of which is intended to increase the angle of incidence and thus remove the said angle. structure of the side wall of the cabin on which it is fixed so as to strengthen it and protect it by forming boot guard.

Advantageously, the removable self-supporting structure rests on the chassis-floor which has on its lateral parts a vertical edge which is embedded between the wall of the cabin and the lower part of the removable self-supporting structure allows a removable rigid fixing of the whole structure- châssiscabine.

Thus the lateral support of the animals is provided relatively rigidly by the bulge serving as a cushion. It is important to note, however, that the trapezoidal section of the cabin adds to the comfort. Indeed, the animal is kept in the high position and has a larger space at the level of the limbs facilitating its stabilization during transport by increasing its support polygon obtained quite naturally by spreading the limbs, and preventing support hooves on the inclined walls. The profile of the self-supporting structure increases the angle of incidence of the trapezoidal section thus accentuating the possibilities of movement of the limbs of the animal. The longitudinal ribs produced on the structure stiffen it and reduce the contact surface with the animal, thus limiting its sweat.

In addition, this self-supporting structure secures the cabin to the chassis-floor. In this way the cabin is held in position before fixing and the side panel of the cabin covering the vertical edge of the floor ensures a perfect seal in case of rain.

The disassembly of this support is essential to build in one cabin on the other.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description which follows of an embodiment of the present invention given by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which - FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the built-in box cabins according to the invention, - Figures 2 are schematic views of the arrangement of the vertical separation, - Figure 3 is a schematic view of the lateral holding device.

Some approximate dimensions will be given for illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 1 shows the embedding of box cabins.

According to a schematic view in perspective showing the embedding of three box 1 cabins the rear panels of these cabins being dismantled, only the rear panel of the first cabin with the access door is shown. For a length of around 3 meters, each cabin has dimensions of 2.40 X 2.00 m for the rear face and 2.30 X 1.90 for the bottom. Thus the slightly frustoconical shape from the back to the bottom, allows this embedding. In addition the trapezoidal sections decreasing from the rear to the bottom and the rounded shapes at the bottom and ceiling facilitate this embedding. The tapered shape is accentuated at the bottom to provide two side exit doors.

The manufacture of these booths can be obtained from various materials such as painted steel sheet, light alloy sheet, composite materials of polyester type.

Figures 2 show the embodiment and arrangement of the vertical partition 2 according to the invention.

FIG. 2a shows a diagrammatic perspective view of this separation 2.

This separation 2 consists of a tubular metal frame 4 with a diameter of 30 mm in the shape of a U open towards the top on which are fixed in the upper part a flexible fabric 2a and in the lower part a flap 2b in vulcanized rubber.

The flexible canvas is stretched on this frame in the upper part by a
Sandow 14 (registered trademark) threaded into a folded edge of the fabric and on each of the wings of the U of the metal frame. Another folded edge in the lower part accommodates a metal rod of diameter 20 mm flattened at its ends and fixed in the lower part of the wings of the U by bolts. Thus the canvas can be dismantled. It can also be replaced by a rigid partition made of wood for example or any other material.

The flap 2b is fixed to the base of the U of the metal frame by rivets.

FIG. 2b shows an embodiment of the removable fixed supports A and B.

The end of each of the U-shaped wings of the metal frame 4 is provided with a flange 16. This flange is threaded in a section of slideway 17. A rod system 18 held by a spring 19 sliding in the wing of the U and opening onto the upper face of the slide 17 makes it possible to fix the metal frame to the ceiling.

To make the partition 2 pivoting along a longitudinal axis, the slide 17 is articulated around the axes 20 supported by angles 21 fixed to the ceiling.

According to the use of this separation 2 the slide 17 can be fixed directly to the ceiling without the intermediary of the joint 20-21. Similarly, the metal frame 4, after the animals have entered the van, can be attached to the recoil and chest bars not shown.

This embodiment of the support allows the partition 2 to pivot about the flange assembly 16-18. During the entry or exit of an animal one of the supports being fixed, the other will be removed simply by pulling on the rod 18, crushing the spring 19 so that it is possible to disengage the wing from the frame 4 of the slide 17.

In Figure 2c, there is shown an embodiment of the movable removable support C.

The longitudinal slide 6 consisting of a metal tube with a diameter of about 25 mm welded to the ends of the wings of the metal frame 4 slides on a transverse rail 7.

Although in this embodiment the longitudinal slide 6 is welded to the metal frame, it is possible to provide a removable connection so that the release of the vertical panel 2 can be obtained either by dismantling the movable support C or by dismantling this longitudinal slide 6.

This transverse rail consisting of a metal tube with a diameter of about 25 mm is fixed at each end to the ceiling of the cabin by means of a yoke 5 produced in a tube with a diameter of about 30 mm welded to a base. An axis 22 braked by a pin 23 secures the rail 7 of the yoke 5. At each of the ends, the rail 7 has a curved part so as to achieve an extremely stable position for the longitudinal slide which moves on the rail 7.

FIG. 2d shows an alternative embodiment of this movable support C. The slide 6 is suspended from the rail 7 by means of an axis 24. The slide and the rail have identical profiles. The assembly is held by an angle 25 fixed to the ceiling, a pin 26 limits the extreme positions of the slide 6.

There is shown in Figure 2e a schematic plan view showing the positions of the adjustable partition 2 so as to facilitate the loading and unloading of animals.

In position A1B the boarding of an animal through the rear door takes place in the left part II, in position A2B in the right part I the axial position AB of the separation is the position for transporting the animals.

In position AB1 the landing of an animal from the bottom or laterally in the left part II, in position AB2 in the right part I.

There is shown in Figure 3 a partial schematic sectional view of the lateral holding device 3 of the animals.

A foam cushion 8 covers the bulged part 3b with a self-supporting structure 3a made of material identical to that of the cabin, polyester fibers.

This self-supporting structure is supported internally on the floor frame 11 and against the vertical edge 12 of this floor.

The side wall 10 of the cabin bears on the outside against this vertical edge 12 so that this edge is sandwiched between the structure 3a and the vertical wall 10 so as to achieve an excellent seal between the cabin and the chassis floor.

The self-supporting structure 3a is fixed at least at two points against the side wall 10 by means of removable fasteners 13 such as tight bolts so as to separate the cabin from the floor chassis and allow the cabins to be fitted together.

Longitudinal ribs 3c stiffen this self-supporting structure 3a and limit the surface in contact with the animal thus preventing it from sweating, which is generally the case when the surface is large and waterproof. In addition, the profile of this structure increases the angle of incidence of the side wall 10 so that the animal thus removed from the wall, its support polygon is increased and therefore its stability during transport. Also the inner end of the structure 3a strengthens the side wall 10 of the cabin and protects it from the animal's hooves by forming parebots 9.

In addition, the bulged part 3b of the structure 3a forming a cushion is spread over a height varying from 80 to 130 cm so that the lateral support is adapted to different sizes of animals without it being necessary to change it.

Thus the VAN-BOX assembly arranged according to the invention facilitates the embarkation and disembarkation of animals ensures their transport in good safety conditions and allows comfortable accommodation on site. It responds well to the goals set.

Claims (1)

l) .VAN-BOX set designed for the transport and / or accommodation of horses consisting of a chassis-floor mounted on wheels on which is fixed a cabin comprising at least one embarkation-disembarkation opening, separation means and lateral support for animals, characterized in that the bare cabin (1), forming a box, is of shapes and dimensions allowing it to be embedded in another cabin-box of identical shapes and dimensions, said cabin (1), equipped with a suspended, orientable and removable separation device (2) facilitating the embarkation and disembarkation of animals, is held on the floor frame by means of lateral support devices (3) for animals. 2). VAN-BOX assembly arranged for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 1 characterized in that the bare cabin (1) forming box is of frustoconical shape with substantially trapezoidal sections decreasing from the rear (the) towards the bottom (lb), the large base of the trapezoid resting on the chassis-floor. 3) .Ensemble VAN-BOX arranged for the transport and / or the accommodation of horses according to claim 2 characterized in that the bare cabin (1) forming box is equipped at the rear with a removable panel (la) of substantially trapezoidal section serving as support for the access door, so that this panel dismantled the embedding of said bare cabin on another bare cabin of identical shapes and dimensions is possible. 4) .VAN-BOX set designed for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 1 characterized in that the suspended adjustable and removable separation device (2) of animals consists of a vertical panel supported by means (ABC) arranged at the ceiling of the cabin. 5) .VAN-BOX set designed for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 4 characterized in that the vertical panel (2) is made in two parts, an upper (2a) consisting of a metal frame (4) U-shaped open upwards on which a flexible canvas is stretched, the other lower consisting of a flap (2b) in flexible rubber of dimensions approximately identical to those of the upper part at the bottom of which it is articulated. 6). VAN-BOX assembly arranged for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 4 characterized in that the means (ABC) arranged at the ceiling of the cabin supporting the vertical panel (2) consist of three removable supports, two fixed substantially in the axis of the cabin, one at the rear (A) the other at the bottom (B), the third mobile (C) substantially in the middle of the cabin. 7). VAN-BOX assembly arranged for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 6 characterized in that the movable removable support (C) substantially in the middle of the cabin consists of a transverse rail (7) on which slides a slide (6) longitudinally linked to the upper ends of the wings of the metal frame (4) so that the vertical panel (2) can pivot around one of the fixed supports (A or B) when the other support (B or A ) separated from the vertical panel (2) allows the latter to increase the passage section either when boarding or when disembarking. 8). VAN-BOX assembly arranged for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 7 characterized in that the movable removable support (C) consisting of a transverse rail (7) comprises at each of its ends a curved portion on which rests the longitudinal slide (6) so as to achieve an extreme stable position. 9) .VAN-BOX set designed for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 1 characterized in that the lateral holding devices (3) of the animals are constituted on each side, by a self-supporting structure (3a) removable having a bulge (3b) serving as a cushion, stiffened by longitudinal ribs (3c), the profile of which is intended to increase the angle of incidence and thus separate said structure (3a) from the side wall (10) of the cabin on which it is fixed so as to reinforce and protect it by forming boot shields (9). 10). VAN-BOX assembly arranged for the transport and / or accommodation of horses according to claim 9 characterized in that the removable self-supporting structure (3a) rests on the floor-frame (11) which has an edge on its lateral parts vertical (12) which is embedded between the wall (10) of the cabin and the lower part of the removable self-supporting structure (3a) allows a removable rigid fixing of the structure-chassis-cabin assembly (3-10-11).