FR3087625A1 - CATTLE CONTAINMENT SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cattle restraint system comprising at least one gantry (13, 17, 17) comprising a first and a second post (19, 21); a first side wall (25) and a second side wall (27) mounted on the at least one gantry (13, 15, 17) and being spaced apart by a width (11), the at least one gantry (13, 15, 17) and the first and second side walls (25, 27) forming a passageway (16) for the cattle; a guide system (33) of at least the first side wall (25) allowing the sliding of the first side wall (25) relative to the at least one gantry (13, 15, 17) so as to increase or decreasing the width (11), at least the first side wall (25) being suspended from the guide system (33); at least one of the first and second side walls (25, 27) comprising a frame (81) and an opening (83), the opening (83) being mounted on the frame (81) and being adapted to be opened for release a side exit opening from the frame (81).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

This presentation relates to a restraint system for cattle.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

It is known restraint systems for cattle forming a passageway for cattle.

This passageway generally has a predetermined width adapted to the size of the animals having to use this passage, so that the animals traverse it one after the other.

However, the use of such a restraint system is not suitable for animals having a different build, for example animals of another breed or else young animals which have not reached their adult size.

Adjustable width restraint systems have been designed to be able to adapt to several types of animals.

However, these restraint systems are generally bulky and do not sufficiently ensure the safety of the animals.

PRESENTATION

The objective of this presentation is to resolve all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above.

To this end, the present disclosure relates to a restraint system for cattle comprising: at least one gantry comprising a first and a second upright; a first side wall and a second side wall mounted on the at least one gantry and being spaced apart by a width, the at least one gantry and the first and second side walls forming a passageway for the cattle; - a guide system of at least the first side wall allowing the sliding of the first side wall relative to the at least one gantry so as to increase or decrease the width, at least the first side wall being suspended from the system guidance; at least one of the first and second side walls comprising a frame and an opening, the opening being mounted on the frame and being adapted to be opened to provide a lateral exit opening of the frame.

At least the first side wall is suspended, which means that it does not include a guide or support element in a lower portion thereof, that is to say that the first side wall hangs. 10

A lower portion corresponds for example to the lower quarter of the side wall in the direction of gravity when the restraint system is installed on the ground.

It is understood that at least the first side wall is mounted on the gantry via the guide system. 15

It is understood that at least the first side wall is movable relative to the gantry in the direction of the width.

It is understood that at least the first side wall is configured to undergo a translation in the direction of the width.

It is understood that the first and second side walls 20 face each other.

[0012] Thanks to these characteristics, the restraint system can be adapted to several sizes of animals, for example to several breeds or to several ages.

Furthermore, thanks to these arrangements, as the at least one first wall is suspended from the guide system, the passageway does not have any obstacle across this passageway, and thus the safety of the animals is. improved.

Finally, thanks to the opening present in at least one of the first and second side walls, the user can easily remove the animals from the passageway, in the event of a risk to their safety.

Subsequently, the expression "the first side wall" will be used instead of the expression "at least the first side wall" for more fluidity.

However, when this shortened term is used hereinafter, it is understood to be "at least the first side wall". 3

[0014] For example, the guidance system can be integrated into the gantry or be formed by an independent element, fixed to the gantry.

For example, the gantry comprises an upper cross member 5 connecting the uprights at an end portion thereof.

[0016] For example, the gantry comprises an extra-flat lower cross member, connecting the uprights at ground level.

The term "extra-flat" here means that the thickness of the lower cross member should not be greater than 50 mm.

Preferably, the thickness of the lower cross member should not be greater than 40 mm.

In some embodiments, the restraint system is devoid of the element of the guide system across the passageway. 15

It is understood that, as at least the first side wall is suspended from the guide system, the guide system does not include an element across the passageway that can make it difficult for animals to pass through the passageway. 20

Thanks to these characteristics, the risk of animals falling, for example tripping over an obstacle which would be placed across the passage, is limited and the safety of the animals is improved.

[0020] In some embodiments, the restraint system is installed on a floor, and is devoid of any element of the guidance system at ground level.

[0021] Thus, the risks of the animals falling are limited.

In addition, the clogging of the guidance system is limited and maintenance operations can be less frequent.

In some embodiments, the guide system comprises a rail fixed to the gantry defining an upper limit of the passageway, at least the first side wall being suspended from the rail and able to slide on the rail so as to increase or decrease the width of the passageway.

It is understood that the rail extends in the direction of the width. 4

It is understood that the rail is not located across the passage but that the rail defines an upper limit of the passage.

Thanks to these characteristics, the first side wall can be moved so as to increase or decrease the width 5 between the first and second side walls while avoiding obstacles across the passageway.

Thus, the risk of the animals falling is limited, and their safety is improved.

In some embodiments, the guide system comprises at least one retaining member mounted on the first post, and cooperating with a cooperation element mounted on the first side wall so as to define the length of a stroke. of displacement of at least the first side wall.

The cooperation between the cooperation member and the holding member makes it possible to limit the tilting movements of the first suspended side wall, which makes it possible to avoid injuring the animals traversing the passageway.

[0028] In some embodiments, one of the elements among the holding member and the cooperation member comprises a structure, for example a plate, in which is formed an oblong slot, defining the length of the stroke. displacement of the first side wall.

[0029] In some embodiments, the other element among the holding member and the cooperation member comprises a rod intended to be inserted into the oblong slot and thus to limit the displacement stroke of the first side wall. .

In some embodiments, the rod is configured to abut against one or the other of the ends of the oblong slot, so as to limit the displacement stroke of the first side wall. 30

In some embodiments, the at least one retaining member cooperating with the cooperation element is arranged at a central and / or upper portion of the first upright.

[0032] Thus, the fouling of the guide system is limited and maintenance operations can be less frequent. 35

In some embodiments, the guide system comprises a first locking member mounted on the first post, and a second locking member mounted on the first side wall, the first and second locking members being configured to hold the position of the first side wall according to the width. 5

Thus, at least the first side wall is maintained in a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined width.

In some embodiments, one of the first and second locking members comprises indexing elements 10 of the position of the first side wall on the gantry.

Thus, the first side wall can occupy a plurality of predetermined positions, corresponding to the position of an indexing element among the indexing elements.

In certain embodiments, the indexing elements are formed by a structure, for example a plate, in which holes are formed.

For example, the plate of one of the first and second locking members is formed with the plate of the holding member or of the cooperation member. 20

[0039] For example, each of the holes corresponds to a predetermined position of the first side wall according to the width of the passage.

[0040] In some embodiments, the other of the first and second locking members comprises a locking element, for example a finger, configured to cooperate with the indexing elements so as to hold the first side wall in one. determined position.

[0041] For example, the finger is configured to fit into one of the holes so as to maintain the first side wall in a determined position.

In some embodiments, the locking element is mounted movably relative to the first upright or to the first side wall between a locking position, in which it cooperates with one of the indexing elements so as to maintaining the first side wall in a predetermined position, and an unlocked position, in which it is spaced from the indexing elements so as to release the movement of the first side wall.

In certain embodiments, the opening is adapted to pivot relative to the frame about an axis, extending in particular vertically.

In some embodiments, the opening is mounted on the frame via a first pivot connection on a first side and via a second pivot connection on a second side, opposite to the first side, the first and second pivot connections allowing the opening to pivot relative to the frame about a first and a second axis respectively, the first and second axes being parallel and extending in the same direction, such as the vertical direction, the first and second pivot links being configured such that either of the first and second pivot links can be selectively disengaged so as to clear the side exit opening of the frame.

Thus, the first side wall is able to open from one or the other of the sides of the frame.

The restraint system can thus be better adapted to the user's needs. 20

Thus, in a first configuration where the opening is closed, the first and second pivot connections are engaged, and in a second configuration in which the opening is open, the first or the second pivot connection is disengaged.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the opening is mounted on the frame via at least two pivot links on each of the first and second sides, distributed along the first and second sides, for example the vertical sides.

Thus, the forces are distributed along at least one side of the frame. 30

In some embodiments, the opening is mounted on the frame via at least one hinge, and preferably at least two hinges, on one side and at least one closing element, preferably two closing elements, on the other side.

In this case, the sash can only open on one side.

For example, the hinges and closure elements are distributed along at least one side of the frame. 7

In some embodiments, the first side wall comprises the frame and the opening.

It is understood that the first side wall is movable along the width and includes the opening.

Thus, if the user is on the side of the first side wall after having adjusted his position, he can intervene quickly if necessary to open the sash and clear the outlet opening.

In some embodiments, the restraint system comprises at least one additional gantry, the gantry and the at least one additional gantry being disposed on either side of the first and second side walls, in the extension of these.

Thus, the first and second side walls are supported at each of their sides. 15

In some embodiments, the restraint system comprises a succession of gantries and pairs of side walls, each pair of side walls being supported by two gantries.

It is understood that the restraint system can also include a guide system for the second side wall allowing the sliding of the second side wall relative to the at least one gantry so as to increase or decrease the width, the second side wall being suspended from the guide system. 25

In this case, the second side wall is similar to the first side wall and has identical operation.

Thus, in this case, the description of the operation of the containment corridor relating to the first side wall applies to the second side wall.

30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description given below of various embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples.

This description refers to the appended pages of figures, in which: - Figure 1 shows an overall perspective view of the restraint system according to the present disclosure; - Figure 2 shows an elevational view of the interior of the passageway, in particular a close-up view of the guide rail; 5 - Figures 3A and 3B show close-up perspective views of part of the guide system; - Figures 4A to 4C show a front view of the restraint system, in which the width between the first and second side walls is different; FIGS. 5A to 5C show a top view of the restraint system, in which the width between the first and second side walls is different; - Figure 6 shows the restraint system in a configuration in which the opening of the first side wall 15 is open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a restraint system 11 20 for cattle.

The restraint system 11 comprises a passageway 16 in which the animals are made to move one after the other in a direction of movement DP.

The restraint system 11 is intended to be installed on a ground 12, natural or artificial, of a farm. 25

In order to form the passageway 16, the restraint system 11 here comprises a succession of a first, a second and a third gantry 13, 15, 17 respectively, aligned in the direction of movement DP .

In the description which follows, the terms lower 30 and upper are used with reference to the restraint system 11, once installed, that is to say with reference to the direction of gravity.

Each of the first, second and third portals 13, 15, 17 comprises a first and a second upright 19, 21, and an upper cross member 23.

The upper cross member 23 connects the first and second uprights 19, 21, at their upper ends, that is to say their ends furthest from the ground 12. 9

As shown, the first, second and third gantries 13, 15, 17 can also include an extra-flat lower cross member 24, arranged on the ground 12.

The lower cross member 24 connects the first and second uprights 19, 21 at their lower end, intended to be in contact with the ground 12.

By extra-flat cross member is meant a cross member having a thickness less than 50 mm and preferably between 30 mm and 40 mm.

The lower cross member 24 allows better stability of the gantries 13, 15, 17.

According to a variant, the first and second uprights 19, 21 of the gantries 13, 10 15, 17 could be anchored in the ground.

The restraint system 11 comprises, between the first and second portals 13, 15, a first side wall 25 and a second side wall 27.

The first and second side walls 25, 27 are mounted on the gantries 13, 15.

The first side wall 15 25 is mounted substantially in the extension of the first uprights 19 of the first and second gantries 13, 15 in the direction of movement DP, and the second side wall 27 is mounted substantially in the extension of the second uprights 21 of the first and second gantry 13, 15 in the direction of movement 20 DP.

The first and second side walls 25, 27 are spaced apart by a first width 11.

The first and second portals 13, 15 and the first and second side walls thus form the passageway 16 for the cattle extending in the direction of travel DP.

At least the first side wall 25, and preferably the first and second side walls 25, 27 as shown here, are movable along the width of the passageway 16, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the direction displacement 30 DP, so as to increase or decrease the width 11 according to the size of the animals having to use the passageway 16.

Likewise, the restraint system 11 comprises, between the second and third gantries, 15, 17, a third side wall 29 and a fourth side wall 31 mounted on the gates 15, 17.

The third side wall 29 is mounted substantially in the extension of the first uprights 19 of the second and third gantries 15, 17 in the direction of movement DP, and the fourth side wall 31 is mounted substantially in the extension of the second uprights 21 of the second and third gantries 15, 17 in the direction of movement DP. 5

The third and fourth side walls 29, 31 are spaced apart by a second width 12.

The second and third portals 15, 17 and the third and fourth side walls 29, 31 thus form the passageway 16 for the cattle extending in the direction of movement DP. 10

At least the third side wall 29 and preferably the third and fourth side walls 29, 31 as shown here, are movable along the width, so as to increase or decrease the width 12 depending on the size of the animals to borrow the passageway 16. 15

Generally, the widths 11 and 12 are adjusted so that they are substantially identical, so that the passageway 16 has the same width over its entire length.

However, it could be envisaged that the widths 11 and 12 are different, for example so as to form a funnel. 20

In the example shown, the widths 11 and 12 cannot exceed the distance between the first and second uprights of the gantries.

The restraint system 11 will be described more precisely below, more particularly with reference to the assembly 25 comprising the first side wall 25 and the first and second portals 13, 15.

Of course, this description will also be applicable to the second, third and fourth side walls 27, 29, 31 and to the gantries on which these side walls are mounted.

The first side wall 25 is mounted, at one of its ends in the direction of movement DP, on the first gantry 13 and at the other of its ends in the direction of travel DP, on the second gantry 15.

The first side wall 25 is mounted on the first and second gantries via a guide system 33.

Each gantry has, for each of the side walls which it supports, a guide system.

The guidance systems are similar.

The guiding system 33 of the second gantry 15 for the first side wall 25 will be described below.

This description is applicable to other guidance systems.

The guide system 33 comprises a rail 35, here 5 fixed to the cross member 23 of the second gantry 15.

The rail 35 defines an upper limit of the passageway 16.

The rail 35 extends, in the example shown, over the entire width of the first gantry 15.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first side wall 25 is suspended from the rail 35 and is therefore supported by the rail 10 35 of the second gantry 15 and by the corresponding rail 35 of the first gantry 13.

The first side wall 25 is connected to the rail 35 by a sliding member 43 configured to slide on the rail 35.

[0077] For example, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the rail 35 comprises a hollow section having a lower opening.

In other words, the rail 35 comprises a T-shaped groove opening out towards the ground 12.

As shown in Figures 2, 3a and 3b, the rail is fixed to the upper cross member 23 by means of fixing means 20 comprising, for example, a bracket 37 fixed on the one hand to the upper cross member 23 and elsewhere to rail 35.

For example, the fixing means may further comprise an intermediate part 41 between the bracket 37 and the rail 3.

For example, the intermediate piece 41 is U-shaped, and is arranged around the rail 35.

In the example shown, the intermediate part 41 has the same shape as the rail 35, that is to say that the intermediate part 41 comprises a T-shaped groove, also opening towards the ground 12.

However, the rail 35 could be fixed to the top cross member 23 by any other means, for example the rail could be welded directly to the top cross member 23. 30

The rail 35 is configured to receive, in its T-shaped groove, the sliding member 43.

The sliding member 43 is connected to the first side wall 25 by means of fixing means, comprising for example a rod 45 passing through the lower opening of the rail 35, and being connected to the first side wall 25.

For example, the fixing means may comprise other elements such as here a bracket 47, for fixing the rod 45 to the first side wall 12 25.

The sliding member 43 could be fixed to the first side wall 25 by any other means.

[0080] The sliding member 43 can move along the T-shaped groove of the rail 35 and thus allows the sliding of the first side wall 25 relative to the second gantry 15.

The sliding member 43 can include any type of element allowing it to slide in the rail 35, such as a slide, a roller or a roller.

In this case, the sliding member 43 comprises several rollers, for example two rollers or else four rollers. 10

The second side wall 27 is suspended from the same rails 35 as the first side wall 25 at the level of the first and second portals 13, 15, as shown in Figure 3b and in Figures 5a to 5c.

In this exemplary embodiment, the guide system 33 of the first side wall 25 at the level of the second gantry 15 comprises two retaining members 51, 53, distributed along the first upright 19, and configured to cooperate with cooperation members 55, 57 respectively, fixed to the first side wall 25, opposite the holding members 51, 53. 20

The holding members 51, 53 and cooperation 55, 57 are for example fixed approximately at 1/3 and 2/3 of the height of the first upright 19.

It is preferable that the holding members 51, 53 and cooperation 55, 57 are arranged in a portion corresponding to the upper 3/4 of the first upright 19. 25

In the embodiment shown, the guide system 33 comprises two holding members 51, 53 each cooperating with a cooperation member 55, 57 respectively, but in other examples, the guide system 33 could not understand that a single maintenance body cooperating with a cooperation body.

According to a variant, the guide system 33 could comprise more than two holding members each cooperating with a cooperation member.

The retaining members 51, 53 can support the first side wall 25 with the rail 35.

In other words, the first side wall 25 can also be suspended from the retaining members 51, 53.

Preferably, the first side wall 25 is fully supported 13 by the rails 35 arranged at the level of the first and second gantries 13, 15.

The retaining members 51, 53 and cooperation 55, 57 mainly make it possible to retain the first side wall 25 5 in a plane substantially normal to the direction of the width, perpendicular to the direction of movement DP, and thus to limit its tilting.

For this, each holding member 51, 53 comprises a rod 59, parallel to the first upright 19.

The rod 59 is connected to the first post 19 by fasteners.

In the example shown, the rod 59 extends substantially vertically.

The fixing elements may comprise, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, two substantially horizontal plates 60, 62 fixed on either side of the rod 59.

The plates 60, 62 are attached to the first post 19.

Each cooperation member 55, 57 comprises an oblong slot 63 each formed in a plate 61 fixed to the first side wall 25.

The rod 59 is configured to be inserted through the oblong lumen 63.

The oblong slot 63 and the rod 59 20 make it possible to limit the travel path of the first side wall 25, between the two ends of the oblong slot 63.

The guide system 33 further comprises at least a first and at least a second locking member 52, 54.

In the example shown, the guide system 33 comprises two first locking members and two second locking members located substantially in the same positions, along the first upright 19, as the holding members 51, 53 and the cooperation members. 55, 57.

Similarly to the holding and cooperation members 51, 53, 55, 57, according to variants, the guide system 33 could only include a first locking member and a second locking member, or even more. two first and second locking members.

The first and second locking members 52, 54 make it possible to maintain the first side wall 25 in a position corresponding to a first desired width 11.

In the example shown, the first and second locking members 52, 1454 and the holding and cooperation members 51, 53, 55, 57 can be formed by the same elements.

For example, each of the second locking members 52, 54 comprises holes 65 formed in the plate 61 corresponding to different predetermined positions of the first side wall 25, and therefore to different first predetermined widths 11.

The holes 65 here form indexing elements 66 of the position of the first side wall 25 relative to the first upright 19.

Each of the first locking members 10 comprises a finger 67 configured to fit into one of the holes 65 in order to maintain the first side wall 25 in the desired position.

The finger 67 is movably mounted on the first upright 19, here in translation in the vertical direction, between a locking position, in which it is inserted into one of the holes 65, and an unlocking position, in which it is not 'is not inserted in one of the holes 65.

Holes are also made in the plates 60, 62 so as to allow the finger 67 to pass through so that it can reach the holes 65.

In addition, the insertion of the finger 67 in the holes of the plates 60, 62 makes it possible to improve the solidity of the connection between the first and second locking members 52, 54.

In the example shown, in order to facilitate the locking and unlocking operations, the fingers 67 of the first locking members 52 are fixed to a bar 69 movable in the vertical direction.

The bar 69 includes a handle 71 disposed at its upper end.

In order to allow movement of the bar 69, the plates 60, 62 include recesses.

Thus, when the user pulls the handle upwards, the fingers 67 come out of the holes 65 where they were located.

The first side wall 25 is thus unlocked and can move, at most 30 to one end or the other of each of the oblong slots 63.

When the user wishes to lock the position of the first side wall 25, he moves the first side wall 25 so that one of the holes 65 of each second locking member 54 is in front of each of the fingers 67, then, he lowers the handle 71 so that the fingers 67 fit into the holes 65.

The position of the first side wall 25 is thus maintained and locked.

Of course, the user must perform the same actions on the guide system 33 of the first gantry 13 for the first side wall 25 in order to be able to move and lock the position of the first side wall 25.

As visible in Figures 3a and 3b, the plate 61 5 comprises three holes 65.

The hole 65a, in which the finger 67 is inserted in FIG. 3a, corresponds to a first extreme position of the first side wall 25, in which the first side wall 25 is located at the level of the first post 19 along the width, at most remote from the second side wall 27.

The hole 65b corresponds to an intermediate position 10 of the first side wall 25.

The hole 65c, in which the finger 67 is inserted in FIG. 3b, corresponds to a second extreme position of the first side wall 25, as close as possible to the second side wall 27 along the width.

Here, the first and second extreme positions also correspond to the ends of the oblong lumen 15 63, limiting the displacement of the first side wall 25.

In the example shown, the second locking members 54 only comprise three holes each and therefore only one intermediate position.

Of course, the second locking members 54 could include more holes and thus the first side wall 25 could occupy more than 20 intermediate positions.

Maintaining the position of the first side wall 25 could be achieved by any other means, indexed or continuous.

In order to facilitate the unlocking of the first side wall 25 on the side of the first gantry 13 and on the side of the second gantry 15 simultaneously, the first locking members 52 on the side of the first gantry 13 and on the side of the second gantry 15 can include a central opening system.

For example, the handles 71 can be interconnected by a link, such as a rope.

By actuating the link, for example by pulling on it, the user simultaneously unlocks both sides of the first side wall 25.

This saves time for the user.

Thus, thanks to the guide system, the user can vary the widths 11 and 12 between two extreme positions, defined by the oblong slots 63, by pushing or pulling the side walls 25, 35 27, 29, 31 according to the width. 16

In the example shown, the user can move the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31 manually.

In a variant, the movement of the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31 could be motorized.

Figures 4a and 5a show the retention system 11 in which the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31 are arranged in the first extreme position.

In this position, the widths 11 and 12 have their greatest value, for example around 790 mm.

The widths 11 and 12 then correspond substantially to the width between the first and second uprights 19, 21 of the gantries 13, 15, 17. 10

[0100] Figures 4a and 4b show the retention system 11 in which the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31 are in the intermediate position.

In this position, the lengths 11 and 12 have an intermediate value, for example around 640 mm.

[0101] Figures 4c and 5c show the restraint system 11 in which the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31 are arranged in the second extreme position.

In this position, the widths 11 and 12 have their smallest value, for example around 490 mm.

[0102] In Figures 4a to 4c and 5a to 5c, the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31 are moved together and disposed in the same position.

Of course, the guide system 33 of each side wall 25, 27, 29, 31 being independent, it is possible to move only the first and third side walls 25, 29 in the second extreme position for example, to obtain the intermediate value widths 11 and 12, ie here 640 mm. 25

As can be seen in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 4a to 4c, the guide systems 33 of the restraint system 11 do not include any element across the passageway 16 and in particular no obstacle at ground level.

The animals therefore do not have to cross any obstacle during their passage through the passageway 16 and the risks of animals falling or of fouling of the guide system 33 are limited.

[0104] However, in the event that an animal falls or is agitated, the restraint system 11 allows the animal to leave the passageway 16.

Indeed, as shown in Figure 6, it is possible to release an outlet opening of the passageway in at least one of the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31, here in all 17 side walls 25 , 27, 29, 31.

The following description is made with reference to the first side wall 25 but is applicable to all of the side walls 25, 27, 29, 31.

The first side wall 25 comprises a frame 81 5 and an opening 83.

The leaf 83 is mounted on the frame 81, pivoting about a vertical axis A, formed by pivot links 82, or hinges, connected to a first vertical side 85 of the frame 81.

The opening 83 is thus able to pivot relative to the frame 81 so as to open to release a lateral exit opening from the frame 81.

A second side 87 of the frame 81, opposite to the first side 85, comprises two locking elements 89 of the opening 83, distributed along the second side 87 of the frame 81.

The locking elements 89 comprise at least two tongues 91a, 91b defining between them a space for receiving a retaining ring 93 fixed to the opening 83.

The tabs 91a, 91b each include a hole, the holes being aligned with the hole in the retaining ring 93 when the sash 83 is closed.

The locking elements 89 comprise a rod 95, arranged to fit into the holes of the tongues 91a, 91b and of the retaining ring 93 in order to lock the opening 83 in the closed position.

The opening 83 could be locked by any other suitable means. 20

In this example, once the rods 95 have been inserted into the holes of the tabs 91a, 91b, the locking elements 89 form pivot connections 90 and can therefore form hinges, allowing the opening to pivot around a axis B, parallel to axis A and extending in the same direction, here the vertical direction. 25

In this example, the pivot links 82 on the first side 85 are equipped with the same elements as the locking elements 89, and can therefore also have the function of a locking element, when the pivot links 90 are used as hinges.

Thus, the opening 83 can be opened from either of the first 30 and second sides 85, 87 of the frame 81.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined. by the claims.

In particular, individual characteristics of the different illustrated / mentioned embodiments can be combined in additional embodiments.

Therefore,

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. A restraint system (11) for cattle comprising: at least one gantry (13, 17, 17) comprising a first and a second post (19, 21); - a first side wall (25) and a second side wall (27) mounted on the at least one gantry (13, 15, 17) and being spaced apart by a width (11), the at least one gantry (13 , 15, 17) and the first and second side walls (25, 27) forming a passageway (16) for the cattle; - a guide system (33) of at least the first side wall (25) allowing the sliding of the first side wall (25) relative to the at least one gantry (13, 15, 17) so as to increase or decrease the width (II), at least the first side wall (25) being suspended from the guide system (33); at least one of the first and second side walls (25, 27) comprising a frame (81) and an opening (83), the opening (83) being mounted on the frame (81) and being adapted to be opened for release a side exit opening from the frame (81). 2. Restraint system (11) according to claim 1, being devoid of element of the guide system (33) through the passageway (16). 3. Restraint system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, installed on a ground, and being devoid of elements of the guide system (33) at ground level. 4. Restraint system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide system (33) comprises a rail (35) fixed to the gantry (13, 15, 17) defining an upper limit of the passageway (16), at least the first side wall (25) being suspended from the rail (35) and able to slide on the rail (35) so as to increase or decrease the width (11) of the passageway (16). 20 5. Restraint system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide system (33) comprises at least one retaining member (51, 53) mounted on the first 5 upright (19), and cooperating with a cooperation member (55, 57) mounted on the first side wall (25) so as to define the length of a displacement stroke of at least the first side wall (25). 10 6. Restraint system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide system comprises a first locking member (52) mounted on the first post (19), and a second locking member (54) mounted on the first side wall (25), the first and second locking members (52, 54) being configured to maintain the position of the first side wall (25) across the width. 7. A restraint system (11) according to claim 6, wherein one of the first and second locking members (52, 54) comprises indexing elements (66) of the position of the first side wall (25). ) on the gantry (13, 15, 17). 8. Restraint system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (83) is mounted on the frame (81) via a first pivot connection (82) on a first side (85) and via a second pivot connection (90) on a second side (87), opposite to the first side (85), the first and second pivot connections (82, 90) allowing the opening (83) to pivot relative to the frame (81) around a first and a second axis (A, B), respectively, the first and second axes (A, B) being parallel and extending in the same direction, such as the vertical direction, the first and second pivot links (82, 90) being configured such that either of the first and second pivot links (82, 90) can be selectively disengaged so as to clear the side outlet opening of the frame (81). 21 9. A restraint system according to claim 8, wherein the opening (83) is mounted on the frame (81) via at least two pivot links (82, 90) on each of the first and second sides (85, 87), for example the vertical sides. 5 10. The restraint system (11) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one additional gantry (15, 17), the gantry (13) and at least one additional gantry (15, 17) being arranged on both sides. and the other of the first and second side walls (25, 27), in the extension thereof.