FR2790189A1 - Enclosure for bovines has frame with cross bars and uprights forming stalls with pivot bars to retain animals locked by upper bar - Google Patents

Abstract

The enclosure for bovines has a frame with cross bars (11,12) and uprights 913,15,17) defining stalls with pivot bars (20) to define the individual enclosures. The pivot bars are locked by an upper horizontal bar (24) which can turn around its axis to actuate locks (30) each with cams (31,32) selectively cooperating with a fork (21) of the respective pivot bar.

Description

The present invention relates to a headlock for

  horned animals, in particular for cattle.

  There are a large number of such feeders, but most of them are of the type comprising two horizontal crosspieces connected together by vertical uprights defining a series of frames each of which has a space through which the animal must pass its head to access the food, said space being delimited laterally by a straight upright and by a pendulum mounted to pivot in the vertical plane of the frame between two extreme positions, the upper cross member being further surmounted by a horizontal bar which can rotate around its axis, said bar carrying, above each frame, locking means cooperating directly or indirectly with a fork

  extending the pendulum concerned above.

  Depending on the case, the oscillating balance of such head locks can pivot either between a diagonal position where the upper part of the passage space is clear and a substantially vertical position, or between two diagonal positions passing through an intermediate position

substantially vertical.

  For the headlock of the first type, we can

  see documents FR-A-2 350 052, FR-A-2 685 164, FR-

  A-2 762 754, US-A-4 185 592, and EP-A-0 620 968. In this

  case, the horizontal bar carrying the locking means

  the beam is angularly movable between two positions, one of which corresponds to the locking of the balance in its substantially vertical position, that is to say a position for restraining the animals insofar as the neck of the latter is retained between the vertical upright concerned and the pendulum, and the other of which corresponds to the unlocking of the pendulum, the latter then being able to freely oscillate between its two positions, that is to say for the arrival and the

departure of animals.

  It should be noted that the means of ver-

  rusting illustrated in the above documents are of

  very varied types. One thus finds the systems with tongue-

  your articulated around an axis disposed in the upper part of the balance, the free edge of each tongue cooperating with a stop or a ramp ending in a vertical stop edge, the ramps being rigidly secured to the horizontal bar. There are also systems in which a horizontal pin can freely slide in an elongated slot arranged in each branch of the fork, extending the balance concerned above. There are also systems with freely pivoting cleats, each cleat having the shape of an inverted U coming to overlap the horizontal bar on which it is directly articulated

  (see for example document FR-A-2 762 754).

  More interesting are the three-position head locks, the pendulum of which can pivot between two diagonal positions passing through a substantially vertical intermediate position. These headlocks thus make it possible, in addition to the locking position in the vertical position, to have two positions of free oscillation,

  one of which allows the pendulum to pivot freely between its two diagonal positions, and the other of which allows the pendulum to pivot freely between a diagonal position25 and the substantially vertical intermediate position. We can thus refer to document US-A-4,930,452, DE-U-

  295 16 477, DE-U-295 07 278, FR-A-2 750 292, and NL-A-

9000107.

  Again, the locking means illustrated in these documents are of several types: there are cleat systems or levers with free pivoting around an axis orthogonal to the axis of the horizontal bar (documents US-A-4,930,452 , DE-U-295 16 477, DE-U-295 07278), or systems with inclined ramps (see documents FR-A-2 750 292 and NL-A-90 00107). The attachment means carried by the pivoting pendulum is then constituted by a journal sliding in the clevis of the pendulum, or by a double tongue articulated in the upper part of said clevis.5 The present invention aims to design a headlock of the second type cited above, that is to say each

  balance can pivot between two diagonal positions passing through a substantially vertical intermediate position, the locking means of which are both simple in structure and highly reliable.

  Another object of the invention is to allow axial adjustment of the locking means on the horizontal bar, such adjustment not being possible with the systems of the aforementioned documents whose inclined ramps are welded to the horizontal bar or whose tabs with free pivoting are articulated on a through axis

said horizontal bar.

  This technical problem is solved in accordance with the invention thanks to a feed fence for horned animals, in particular for cattle, comprising two horizontal crosspieces connected together by vertical uprights defining a series of frames each of which has a space through which the animal must pass its head to access food, said space being delimited laterally by a straight upright and by a pendulum mounted to pivot in the vertical plane of the frame between two diagonal positions passing through a position

  substantially vertical intermediate, the upper cross

  being further surmounted by a horizontal bar which can rotate about its axis, said bar carrying, above each frame, locking means cooperating with a fork extending the upper

  pendulum concerned, the locking means which overhangs

  bent each frame comprising two tabs mounted on the horizontal bar to pivot freely around the axis thereof between a low locking position by cooperation with the balance fork and a raised position of the free passage of said fork, and two members associated maneuver mounted in the vicinity of said tabs on the horizontal bar being integral in rotation thereof, the horizontal bar can be brought into three different angular positions, including a first position in which the two tabs are in position

  low, said first position corresponding to a ver-

  rusting of the balance in its intermediate position, a second position in which one cleat is in the raised position and the other is in the low position, said second position corresponding to free pivoting of the balance between its diagonal position o the upper part of the space passage is cleared and its intermediate position, and a third position in which the two tabs are in the raised position, said third position corresponding to a free pivoting of the balance between its two diagonal positions. Preferably, each cleat has a sleeve freely rotating on the horizontal bar and a profile

  folded integral with the associated sleeve and ending lower

  rement by a return ensuring the locking function of the balance in the position concerned. In particular, the two folded profiles are identical and have a general shape of C. Advantageously then, the return of each folded profile has an inclined ramp directed towards the vertical median plane of the frame and ending in the vicinity of said plane by an edge. stop right, and the two profiles are arranged on the same side of the horizontal bar. It is also interesting that the sleeves of the cleats are juxtaposed, with possible interposition

an intermediate washer.

  This structure of the freely pivoting cleats is both simple and extremely reliable, and moreover it adapts perfectly to the triple angular position of the horizontal bar.5 Preferably, each operating member is

  consisting of an axial finger carried by a sleeve solida-

  laughed at the horizontal bar, the axial position of each sleeve on said bar being adjustable. Advantageously then, the sleeves of the cleats are framed by the sleeves of the operating members. The mounting of the freely pivoting cleats and the actuating members on an independent sleeve allows an axial adjustment of the cleats, and also an adjustment of the respective spacing for each pair of cleats by a judicious choice of the washer

intermediate.

  More preferably, each maneuvering sleeve carries a second axial finger angularly offset with respect to the first, to limit the angle of lifting of the

cleat concerned.

  In particular, the two axial fingers of each maneuvering sleeve are angularly offset by approximately 90. It may finally be provided, by way of example, that the passage from one position to the other of the horizontal bar takes place by a rotation of about 45 around its axis.

  Other features and advantages of the

  vention will appear more clearly in light of the

  description which follows and attached drawings, concerning a

  particular embodiment, with reference to Figures o: - Figure 1 is a partial elevational view of a headlock according to the invention, which can be distinguished a frame and an end corresponding to the operating part of the rotating horizontal bar , which is in a first position; - Figure 2 is a detail view of the previous figure, on a larger scale, of the area of the freely pivoting cleats, to better distinguish the mounting of their folded profile on axial sleeves;

  - Figure 3 is a partial perspective view

  tive locking means of Figures 1 and 2;

  - Figures 4 and 5 are respective sections-

  ment along the planes V and H of Figure 2 to better understand the cooperation between the lugs and the fork of the pendulum; - Figure 6 is a partial elevational view corresponding to a second position of the carrier bar, after pivoting 450 relative to the first position illustrated in the preceding figures; - Figures 7 and 8 are sections similar to those of Figures 4 and 5 for the position of Figure 6; - Figure 9 is a partial elevational view showing the headlock in a third position of the carrier bar, after a new pivoting of 45 relative to the position illustrated in Figures 6 to 8; - Figures 10 and 11 are sections similar to those of Figures 4 and 5, or 7 and 8, for the position of

Figure 9.

  Figures 1 to 5 show a headlock according to the invention, more particularly designed for animals such as cattle. The head lock, having the general reference 10, comprises two horizontal crosspieces 11, 12 (or side members) connected to each other by vertical uprights 13, 15, 17 defining a series of frames each of which has a space denoted E through which

  the animal must pass its head to access the food.

  The space E is delimited laterally on one side by a straight upright 13 which is here fixed by associated collars 14 to the crosspieces 11, 12 and on the other side by a pendulum

  mounted to pivot in the vertical plane of the frame

  is lying. It is naturally possible to provide a welded connection, as for the uprights 15 and 17, but the use of such collars 14 optionally allows adjustment in the axial position, and consequently an adjustment of the width of the space E when the balance 20 is in its substantially vertical position illustrated in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. A curved tubular part 16 is fixed to the upright 15 and to the lower cross member 11, with a

  substantially triangular shape to allow a debate-

  angular ment corresponding to the two diagonal positions for the pendulum 20. For this purpose, two plates 18 are welded to the structure 16, and carry an axis 19 on

  which articulates the bar forming the pendulum 20.

  In the upper part of the balance 20, a fork or fork 21 is provided, the two branches of which pass on each side of

the upper cross member 12.

  The pendulum 20 can thus pivot in the vertical plane of the frame between two diagonal positions denoted I and II (illustrated in phantom in Figure 1), passing through an intermediate position denoted III substantially vertical (illustrated in solid line on the figure 1). Finally, it will be observed that the balance 20 is equipped, on the side thereof corresponding to the tubular structure 16, with a tubular assembly denoted 23 which makes it possible to block access to the intermediate spaces on this side of the

  pendulum for animals arriving in front of the lock.

  Thus, whatever the position of the pendulum 20, the animal can pass its head only between the upright 13 and the pendulum 20, that is to say in the space E provided for this purpose. The tubular assembly 23 is preferably designed to form a slight counterweight ensuring that the diagonal position denoted I is a position of natural equilibrium. The upper cross member 12 is surmounted by a horizontal bar 24 which can rotate about its axis, said bar carrying, above each frame, locking means 30 cooperating with the fork 21 which extends the balance concerned above. 'species, the horizontal bar 24 is supported at its ends by end sleeves 25 fixed by a bracket 26 to the upper cross member 12. At one end of the bar 24, there is an actuating lever 27 which allows to make turn the bar 24 around its axis so that it occupies one or other of the three positions which

  will be described in more detail.

  We can naturally provide means (not shown here) for locking the bar

  carrier 24 in any of its noted positions

  quables. The three angular positions of the bar 24 have been noted 1, 2, 3, the position 1 corresponding to the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the position 2 corresponding to the position illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, and the position 3

  corresponding to the position illustrated in Figures 9 to 11.

  In the present case, each of these three positions is deduced from the previous one by a rotation of 45 (this angle does not however

  as an example value in the context of the invention).

  In accordance with a characteristic of the invention

  tion, the locking means 30 overhanging each frame comprise two tabs 31, 32 mounted on the horizontal bar 24 to pivot freely around the axis X thereof between a low locking position by cooperation with the fork 21 of the pendulum 20 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5), and a raised position of free passage of said fork (as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 for a free passage limited to half of the range of travel, and in FIGS. 9 to 11 for free passage

  over the entire angular travel of the balance wheel).

  It can be seen that each cleat 31, 32 has a

  sleeve 31.2, 32.2 freely rotating on the horizontal bar-

  plate 24 and a folded section 31.1, 32.1 secured to the associated sleeve. In this case, each folded section 31.1, 32.1 has a general shape of C, and comprises an upper branch 31.3, 32.3 serving for connection to the associated sleeve, then a branch orthogonal to the first 31.4, 32.4, which ends lowerly with a return 31.5, 32.5 ensuring the locking function of the balance 20 in the position concerned. As best seen on the

  Figure 3, the two folded sections 31.1, 32.1 are identified

  ques, which simplifies the manufacture and lowers the cost of the headlock. It should be noted that the return 31.5, 32.5 of each folded profile 31.1, 32.1 has an inclined ramp

  directed towards the vertical vertical plane noted P in the box-

  ment and ending in the vicinity of said plane by a straight abutment edge. This triangular shape of the return of the two folded profiles is particularly visible on the

Figures 3 and 5.

  In this case, the sleeves 31.2, 32.2 of the cleats 31, 32 are juxtaposed, with possible interposition of an intermediate washer 33. Indeed, as will be seen later, each of the cleats 31, 32 must be able

  freely pivot on the horizontal bar 24 independently

  ment of each other, so that excessive friction between the sleeves concerned should be avoided, which would affect the independence of the pivoting thereof around the axis X. The locking means 30 overhanging each frame further comprises two associated operating members 31.8, 32.8 mounted in the vicinity of the cleats 31, 32 on the horizontal bar 24, being integral in

rotation of it.

  In this case, each operating member is constituted by an axial finger 31.8, 32.8 carried by a

  sleeve 31.6, 32.6 which is secured to the horizon bar-

  tab 24 by an associated clamping screw 31.7, 32.7. The axial position of each sleeve 31.6, 32.6 on the horizontal bar 24 is thus adjustable. The angular position of each sleeve around the X axis is also adjustable, which is important in this case in so far as, as will be seen later, the axial fingers 31.8, 32.8 are used to rotate the cleats 31 , 32 successively, in the context of the rotation of the horizontal bar 24 about its axis X. In this case, the sleeves of the lugs 31.2, 32.2 are framed by the sleeves 31.6, 32.6 of the operating members. All of the sleeves threaded onto the horizontal bar 24 are thus perfectly adjustable in the axial position, which makes it possible to guarantee the verticality of the balance 20 in its position III. By a judicious choice of the intermediate washer 33, it is also possible to adjust the relative spacing between the two tabs 31, 32 when the bar 24 is in its position 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In fact, this relative spacing allows to block on each side the pendulum which

  comes from its position I or its position II.

  It will also be noted in FIGS. 2 and 3 that each operating sleeve 31.6, 32.6 carries a second axial finger 31.9, 32.9, also fixed on the sleeve concerned 31.6, 32.6, but offset angularly with respect to the first axial finger 31.8, 32.8, for limit the angle of

  lifting the folded profile of the cleat concerned 31, 32.

  In this case, the two axial fingers 31.8, 31.9 on the one hand and 32.8, 32.9 on the other hand of each operating sleeve are angularly offset by about 90. In addition, the passage from one position to the other of the horizontal bar 24 is effected by a rotation of about 45 around its axis X. The values of the above angles are of course only an indication, l invention not being

  in no way limited to a particular angular value.

  The support bar 24 can thus be brought into three different angular positions, including first of all a first position (FIGS. 1 to 5) in which the two tabs 31, 32 are in the low position, said first position corresponding to a locking of the balance wheel. 20 in its intermediate position III, then a second position (FIGS. 6 to 8) in which the cleat 31 is in the raised position while the other 32 is in the low position, said position corresponding to free pivoting of the balance 20 between its position diagonal I o the upper part of the passage space E is released, and its intermediate position III, and finally a third position (Figures 9 to 11) in which the two tabs 31, 32 sound in the raised position, said third position corresponding free swinging of the pendulum 20 between its two

diagonal positions I and II.

  In FIGS. 1 to 5, it can be seen that in the first position of the horizontal bar 24, the returns 31.5, 32.5 of the folded profiles of the cleats 31, 32 are substantially horizontal, with their point resting on the upper cross member 12. The branches 31.4 , 32.4 are substantially vertical. Thanks to the presence of the inclined ramps provided on the returns 31.5, 32.5, whether the balance 20 comes from its diagonal position I or from its diagonal position II, the associated fork 21 comes into contact with the corresponding cleat along the ramp

  inclined associated, and then raises by its branch concer-

  born said cleat, that is to say that it prints therein a slight pivoting in the counterclockwise direction, until it exceeds it axially to allow the return by simple gravity of the cleat to its initial position. The balance is then locked by its fork in its substantially vertical position III. The position of Figures 1 to 5 corresponds to a position of restraint or restraint of

  the animal eating its food.

  In the second position of the horizontal bar 24, which corresponds to the illustration of FIGS. 6 to 8, the horizontal bar 24 and the operating members of the locking means 30 have been turned 45 around the axis X of said bar from the previous position. As a result of this rotation, the first cleat 31 is brought into the raised position thanks to the cooperation between the finger

  axial 31.8 and branch 31.3 of the associated folded profile.

  However, this rotation is insufficient for the other axial finger 32.8 to cooperate with the homologous branch 32.3 of the other folded profile. As a result, the cleat 31 is brought into the raised position, while the cleat 32 remains in its low position. In this second position, the pendulum 20 can freely oscillate between the first

  diagonal position I and the sensitive intermediate position-

  vertical III. In this position of the horizontal bar, the cleat 31 which is raised does not fulfill any role, the lifting being sufficient so that the point of its return 31.5 is not contacted by the branch concerned with the fork 21 of the pendulum 20. This is on the other hand, the cleat 32 which performs the stop function by the right edge of its return 32.5. The position illustrated in Figure 6 is particularly interesting, because it allows, with a headlock whose locking means are constituted by freely pivoting cleats, to have a standard self-service position, in which each balance can oscillate between the position maximum upper opening diagonal and substantially vertical position. This standard self-service position allows the animal to engage its head from the top of the pendulum and to disengage

  easily alone by raising your head.

  A further rotation of 45 brings the supporting bar 24 to its third position illustrated on the

Figures 9 to 11.

  Due to this new rotation, and this at each frame, the axial finger 32.8 has cooperated with the branch 32.3 of the folded profile 32.1 of the cleat 32, this

  which brought said cleat in the raised position. The cooperation

  tion between the axial finger 31.8 and the branch 31.3 of the folded profile 31.1 of the first cleat 31 continues for its part, so that this folded profile continues its rotation about the X axis, but this plays no active role in cooperation with the fork 21 of the pendulum 1, insofar as this cleat 31 was already released from the passage of the fork 21 in the previous position. The two cleats 31, 32 are therefore perfectly erased from the vertical plane of passage of the branch concerned of the fork 21 of the pendulum 20. This position in FIGS. 9 to 11 corresponds to a position called total self-service, that is to say that is, it allows an animal to clear its head

  from the bottom as well as from the top of the pendulum.

  It will be noted that during the rotations of 45 printed on the horizontal bar 24, if the movement carried out by the operator is a little too rapid or brutal, any risk of reversal of a cleat bringing the folded profile thereof the other side of the bar 24 is separated by the presence of the axial fingers 31.9, 32.9 which limit the range of rotation of said sections relative

  to the sleeve carrying the actuating fingers concerned.

  The structure which has just been illustrated for the cleats 31, 32 could naturally be modified, either by changing the shape of their folded profile, or by providing a structure reminiscent of that of the door hinges, with a cylindrical part forming a hinge which is threaded on the

  bar 24, and a folded part forming the profile of the cleat.

  We can also provide another variant for the rotational driving of the lugs 31, 32,

  providing a protuberance on the sleeve 31.2, 32.2 thereof

  rancid forming stop with which an axial operating finger cooperates to move a cleat from its low position O to its raised position. We can also equip each frame with an individual locking means to keep an animal blocked at a post while the position for other posts is a self-service position (total or standard). To this end, a notch or a hole may be provided in the two branches of the fork, and a collar connecting the upper upright to the horizontal bar, said collar also being notched: thus,

  when the balance concerned is in its vertical position

  intermediate wedge, the operator can insert a pin which blocks the fork of said balance wheel, which does not prevent it from rotating the horizontal bar to bring the

  cleats in self-service position (total or standard).

  The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, but on the contrary encompasses any variant incorporating, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics set out

upper.

Claims (11)

  1. Head locks for horned animals, in particular for cattle, comprising two horizontal crosspieces (11, 12) connected together by vertical uprights (13, 15, 17) defining a series of frames (100) each of which has a space (E) through which the animal must pass its head to access the food, said space being delimited laterally by a straight upright (13) and by a pendulum (20) mounted to pivot in the vertical plane of the frame between two positions   diagonals (I, II) passing through an intermediate position   diary (III) substantially vertical, the upper crosspiece (12) being further surmounted by a horizontal bar (24) which can rotate about its axis, said bar carrying, above each frame, locking means   (30) cooperating with a fork (21) extending above   rement the balance concerned (20), characterized in that   the locking means (30) overhanging each frame-   ment comprise two tabs (31, 32) mounted on the horizontal bar (24) to pivot freely around the axis (X) thereof between a low locking position by cooperation with the fork (21) of the balance (20 ) and a raised position of the free passage of said fork, and two associated operating members (31.8, 32.8) mounted in the vicinity of said tabs on the horizontal bar (24) in   being integral in rotation thereof, the horizon bar-   plate (24) which can be brought into three angular positions   different res, including a first position (1) in which the two tabs (31, 32) are in the low position, said first position corresponding to a locking of the balance (20) in its intermediate position (III), a second position (2 ) in which one cleat (31) is in the raised position and the other (32) is in the low position,   said second position corresponding to a free pivots-   ment of the balance (20) between its diagonal position (I) where the upper part of the passage space is cleared and its intermediate position (III), and a third position (3) in which the two tabs (31, 32) are in the raised position, said third position corresponding to free pivoting of the balance (20) between its two positions diagonals (I, II).   2. Head lock according to claim 1, characterized in that each cleat (31, 32) comprises a sleeve (31.2; 32.2) freely rotating on the horizontal bar (24) and a folded profile (31.1; 32.1) integral with the associated sleeve and ending at the bottom with a return (31.5; 32.5) ensuring the locking function of the balance (20) in the position concerned.   3. Head lock according to claim 2, characterized in that the two folded sections (31.1, 32.1) are identical and have a general shape of C. 4. Head lock according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the return (31.5; 32.5) of each folded profile (31. 1; 32.1) has an inclined ramp directed towards the median vertical plane (P) of the framing and ending in the vicinity of said plane by a straight stop edge.   5. Head locks according to one of claims 2 to 4,   characterized in that the two folded sections (31.1, 32.1)   are arranged on the same side of the horizontal bar (24).   6. Head locks according to one of claims 2 to 5,   characterized in that the sleeves (31.2; 32.2) of the cleats (31; 32) are juxtaposed, with possible interposition an intermediate washer (33).   7. Head locks according to one of claims 1 to 6,   characterized in that each operating member is constituted by an axial finger (31.8; 32.8) carried by a sleeve (31.6; 32.6) secured to the horizontal bar (24), the axial position of each sleeve on said bar being adjustable.   8. Head locks according to claims 2 and 7,   characterized in that the sleeves (31.2, 32.2) of the cleats are framed by the sleeves (31.6, 32.6) of the operating members. 9. Head lock according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that each operating sleeve (31.6; 32.6) carries a second axial finger (31.9; 32.9) offset angularly relative to the first, for   limit the angle of lifting of the cleat concerned (31; 32).   10. Head locks according to claim 9, character-   laughed in that the two axial fingers (31.8, 31.9; 32.8,   32.9) of each operating sleeve are angularly offset approximately 90.   11. Head locks according to one of claims 1 to   10, characterized in that the passage from one position to the other of the horizontal bar (24) is effected by a   rotation of about 45 around its axis (X).