GB2044325A

GB2044325A - Improvements in or Relating to Cattle Grids

Info

Publication number: GB2044325A
Application number: GB8006881A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1979-03-01
Filing date: 1980-02-29
Publication date: 1980-10-15
Also published as: GB2044325B

Abstract

A portable cattle grid 1 for use in a gateway not fitted with a permanent grid is provided with means such as lugs 19 and end-pivoted lift bar 9- 13-17 for attaching it to a transport vehicle, so that it is held clear of the ground when attached. The grid may carry field gates 31, 33 and may incorporate electrified wires (Fig.4 not shown) In Fig. 5 (not shown) rocker arms on one of the transverse grid tubes (71) carry a pair of transverse bars (75, 77) so that an animal treading on bar (75) is startled as bar (77) lifts. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements In or Relating To Cattle Grids This invention relates to cattle-grids.

The use of cattle grids to prevent cattle or other domestic animals from passing through an open gateway is well known. However, such grids are normally permanent structures mounted over a shallow pit in the gateway whereby the animal is discouraged from treading on the grid.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cattle grid which can be temporarily located in a gateway where the circumstances do not justify the construction of a permanent cattle grid.

According to the present invention, therefore, there is provided a portable cattle grid for use in a gateway not fitted with a permanent grid. To enable the portable grid of the present invention to be transported to the gateway where it is to be used, the grid is provided with means for attaching it to a transport vehicle, such as a tractor, so that it is held clear of the ground when attached.

Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, one end or side portion of the cattle grid carries connector means for attaching it directly to the vehicle and the opposite end or side portions of the grid carries a linkage spanning the grid for attaching the opposite end or side portion to the vehicle at a higher level than that at which the connector means is attached whereby the grid may be held clear of the ground when attached to the vehicle. In this embodiment, the end or side portion carrying the connector means may be provided with a guide member for the linkage.

Preferably, the connector means provides two attachment points spaced apart horizontally for improved stability.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the cattle grid is provided with a gate or gates for closing, when desired, the gateway in which the cattle grid is placed.

The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like parts and in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cattle grid in accordance with the present invention with part of the means for attaching it to a transport vehicle removed; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of part of the embodiment of the cattle grid illustrated in Fig. 1 and showing the means for attaching the grid to a transport vehicle, and Fig. 3 is a view of the embodiment of the cattle grid illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and showing the grid attached to the rear of a tractor and in the transporting position, Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of a modification of the cattle grid illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3; and Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of a further modification of the cattle grid illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a cattle grid 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The grid 1 is shown in "in use" position and with part of the means for attaching it to a transport vehicle removed.

The cattle grid 1 comprises a first end member 3 and a second end member 5, both of which have a right-angle cross-section. Intermediate the first end member 3 and the second end member 5, and welded thereto, are a plurality of parallel, hollow tubes 7. A further hollow tube 9, which is parallel to tubes 7, is pivotally connected, by pivot means 11 , to the second end member 5. The free end 13 of tube 9 has welded thereto a loop 1 5 which carries a chain 1 7. Loop 1 5 may help in supporting the free end 13 of tube 9 when the grid is being used by resting on the upper edge of the first end member 3.

In the embodiment of the cattle grid depicted in Figs. 1 to 3, a further support for supporting and maintaining in position the free end 13 of tube 9 is also provided but is not shown. This further support is welded to the same side of first end member 3 as are tubes 7.

Connection means 1 and 21 are welded to the first end member 3 at 23, 25, 27 and 29.

The cattle grid illustrated in Fig. 1 has two gates 31 and 33 pivotally mounted on first end member 3 and second end member 5, respectively. When the grid is in position in a gateway, the gates 31 and 33 may be fastened in the open position by means of handles 35 and 37 fitting in catches 39 and 41, respectively.

Similarly, gates 31 and 33 may be fastened in the closed position by means of handles 35 and 37 fitting in suitable catches (not shown) attached to the tube 7 nearest to the pivot points of the gates.

When the cattle grid 1 is in position in a gateway and the gates are fastened in their open position, the gates ensure that any animals, in order to cross the grid, would have to pass over all of the hollow tubes 7 and 9 and avoid the possibility of an animal by-passing the grid by crossing it at one of the corners 43 or 45.

Fig. 2 illustrate the means for connecting the cattle grid 1 to a transport vehicle. Pivotally connected to connection means 19 and 21 is a frame 47 having connector means 49 and 51 for attaching the grid 1 directly to a transport vehicle.

The hollow tube 9 is shown in a raised position, i.e. its position when the grid is to be transported, with chain 17 passing through a guide 53.

Pins 55 and 57, passing through connector means 49 and 51, respectively, prevent the grid from becoming detached from the transport vehicle to which it is attached when it is to be transported.

When the grid 1 is in position in a gateway, the frame 47 may either be pivoted at connection means 19 and 21 such that it rests on the ground or can be removed (as shown in Fig. 1).

If desired, connection means similar to the connection means 1 9 and 21 may be provided on second end member 5, either as a replacement for or in addition to connection means 19 and 21.

Further, means may also be provided enabling the gates to be pivotally mounted at corners 59 and 61 (Fig. of the grid 1 rather than at corners 43 and 45 of the grid.

Fig. 3 illustrates the grid depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 attached to the rear of a tractor 63 and in the transporting position. The connector means 55 and 57 (Fig. 2) are connected to the lower attachment means 65 on the rear of the tractor 63 and the chain 1 7 is connected to the upper portion of the attachment means on the rear of the tractor.

To transport the grid, the gates, if present, are locked together in the closed position, the frame 47 is attached, if not already attached, and is folded upwards.

The transport vehicle linkage, for example a tractor linkage, is then attached and the tube 9 of the grid lifted up and the chain placed in the guide 53. The chain is then connected to the transport vehicle, for example the upper link of a tractor linkage, and the grid raised clear of the ground.

The tube 9 and chain 1 7 serve to lift the end of the grid remote from the transport vehicle away from the ground.

In a modification of the cattle grid illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, electrified wires are located between the hollow tubes situated intermediate the end members 3 and 5. The number of electrified wires present may be varied as desired. For example, one or more electrified wires may be located between each of hollow tubes 7 and 9. However, in a preferred arrangement, one electrified wire is located between each of the first four hollow tubes from the front of the grid and also between each of the first four hollow tubes from the back of the grid. The electrified wires are preferably substantially parallel to the hollow tubes and are preferably situated below, e.g. about 2.5 cms below, the upper edge of the hollow tubes.

When electrified wires are used in the cattle grid of the present invention, it is necessary that they be electrically insulated from the remainder of the grid. Fig. 4 illustrates one means for electrically insulating the wires from the remainder of the cattle grid while maintaining the wires tensioned.

Referring to Fig. 4, an electrified wire 67 is situated between and substantially parallel to hollow tubes 7. At each end of wire 67 (only one end shown) is located an electrical insulator 69 which insulates wire 67 from end members 3 and 5. A disc 71 is attached to each end of wire 67 and a spring 73 is located between each disc 71 and its respective insulator 67. This disc, spring and insulator arrangement maintains wire 67 in tension. As an alternative to having a spring 73 located at each end of each wire 67, the wires 67 may be tensioned by having a spring 73 located at only one end of each wire 67.

The wires 67 may be connected to any suitable power scurce, for example, a conventional electric fencing unit.

The presence of electrified wires between the hollow tubes intermediate end members 3 and 5 will deter an animal from crossing the grid since it will receive an electric shock when it steps between the hollow tubes and touches one of the electrified wires.

In a further modification of the cattle grid illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, a press bar, pivot and lift bar arrangement is provided. This arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Fig. 5 there is shown press bar 75 and lift bar 77 pivotally mounted on one of the hollow tubes 7. Press bar 75 is pivotally mounted on hollow tube 7 by means of a rotatable collar 79 and connecting rod 81 located at each end of press bar 75 (only one collar and connecting rod shown). Lift bar 77 is attached to each of the collars 79 by means of a connecting rod 83 (only one shown). Preferably the lift bar 77 is coloured, e.g. white, so that it is readily seen by an animal attempting to cross the grid.

When an animal attempts to cross the grid and steps on press bar 75, lift bar 77 is raised and startles the animal. Also, as the animal steps quickly off the press bar 75, a loud bang is heard due to connecting rods 83 contacting the hollow tube 7 on which they normally rest.

Press bar 75 is normally situated below the upper edge of each of hollow tubes 7 and 9 so that the wheels of any vehicles passing over the cattle grid will not cause the lift bar 77 to be raised. For example, the press bar may be situated approximately 3.8 cms below the upper edge of the hollow tubes 7 and 9.

If desired more than one of the above press bar,pivotend iiftbar arrangements may be incorporated in the cattle grid of the present invention.

It is preferred for the cattle grid according to the present invention to be constructed of steel, e.g. mild steel. Further, the grid may have a protective coating thereon, for example to prevent corrosion. Suitable protective coatings include paint and, in the case of the grid being constructed from steel, galvanizing.

It will, of course, be understood that the dimensions of the grid and its various components can be varied considerably but should be such that the animals, to be prevented from passing through a gateway having the grid therein, are discouraged from passing over the grid. For example, in the embodiment depicted in Figs. 1 to 3, the tubes 7 and 9 may be light section tubing having a bore of approximately 5.7 mm and the distance between the central axes of adjacent tubes (pitch) may be approximately 1 90 mms.

As indicated, the cattle grid in accordance with the present invention may be made in various sizes to accommodate different sizes of gateway or use with different animals. In addition, the grid may be provided with an extension member to increase the length of the grid in the direction that the animals would have to travel in order to cross the grid. Such extension member may be pivotally connected to the grid.

The purpose of the cattle grid according to the present invention is to be able to quickly and easily move the grid to a new position, as required, e.g. when carting silage, root crops, etc., from beyond a field containing cattle or other domestic animals such as sheep, so making the opening and closing of gates unnecessary and thereby saving a great deal of time and labour.

When the grid according to the present invention is provided with gates, they can be closed, for example at night, to provide a secure barrier so preventing loss of stock and access to the field via the grid.

When the cattle grid according to the present invention is used on soft ground, it may be desirable to place a suitable support, for example timber or metal strips, under the grid to prevent it from sinking into the ground. This is particularly important if the cattle grid contains electrified wires since, if the grid were to sink into the ground or mud or soft soil was pressed up through the grid, the electrified wires may short circuit.

Claims

1. A portable cattle grid which comprises a first side member and a second side member, a plurality of substantially parallel members intermediate said first and second side members, and means for attaching said cattle grid to a transport vehicle such that the cattle grid is held clear of the ground when it is attached to the vehicle.

2. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 1, in which said substantially parallel members intermediate said first and second side members are hollow metallic tubes.

3. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which said first side member carries connector means for attaching it directly to a transport vehicle and said second side member carries a linkage spanning the cattle grid for attaching said second side member to the transport vehicle at a higher level than that at which said connector means is attached.

4. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 3, in which said connector means provides two attachment points spaced apart horizontally.

5. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, in which said linkage comprises a member, one end of which is pivotally mounted on said second side member and the other end of which carries attachment means for attachment to a transport vehicle.

6. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 5, in which said attachment means carried on said pivotally mounted member comprises a loop, attached to said pivotally mounted member, and a chain one end of which is attached to said loop.

7. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, in which said pivotally mounted member is a hollow metallic tube.

8. A portable cattle grid as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, in which, when the cattle grid is in use, said substantially parallel members, intermediate said first and second side members, and said pivotally mounted member are in substantially the same plane.

9 A portable cattle grid as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8, in which, when the cattle grid is in use, said pivotally mounted member is substantially parallel to said members intermediate said first and second side members.

10. A portable cattle grid as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 which also comprises at least one gate.

11. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 10, in which means are provided for securing said gate(s) in an open or closed position.

12. A portable cattle grid as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 which also comprises at least one electrically conducting wire between, and substantially parallel to, said substantially parallel members intermediate said first and second side members, said electrically conducting wire being electrically insulated from the remainder of the cattle grid.

13. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 12, in which the or each electrically conducting wire is located below the upper edge of the substantially parallel members intermediate said first and second side members.

14. A portable cattle grid as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 which also comprises at least one pivotally mounted press bar and lift bar arrangement.

1 5. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 14, in which the or each press bar and lift bar arrangement is pivotally mounted on a respective one of said substantially parallel members intermediate said first and second side members.

16. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, in which the or each press bar is located below the upper edge of the substantially parallel members intermediate said first and second side members.

17. A portable cattle grid as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 or Figs. 1 to 3 as modified by Fig. 4 or Fig. 5.