GB2252543A

GB2252543A - Lifting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2252543A
Application number: GB9204721A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bryan Thomas Lewis Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-04-17
Filing date: 1992-03-05
Publication date: 1992-08-12
Also published as: GB9108251D0; GB9204721D0

Abstract

A lifting device (1) for lifting a collapsed cow comprises a four-legged frame (2) having a plurality of manual lifting winches (4). The legs (5a and 5b) have wheels and associated stabilising feet (38) which are movable into and out of engagement with the ground. The device is wheeled up to a fallen cow, a net placed under the cow and attached to the lifting winches, and the winches operated manually so as to lift the cow upright. The cow may be supported entirely or partially. Pref. the device has a detachable, steerable, towing hitch (7) for connection to a tractor etc. <IMAGE>

Description

LIFTING APPARATUS This invention relates to lifting apparatus primarily, but not necessarily exclusively, for lifting animals from a collapsed position on the ground.

A problem which dairy farmers experience is that after calving a cow may have a weakened pelvic structure and can slip and collapse to the ground with its rear legs splayed - it can do the "splits" damaging its pelvis and associated muscles. The cow has to be forcibly lifted to a raised position with its legs extending in a natural, downward position and held there for many days whilst its pelvis and muscles heal. Unless it is moved from its collapsed condition the animal may have to be destroyed if it loses confidence and loses its appetite resulting in weight loss and health problems. Since a cow can cost several hundreds of pounds this to be avoided. Cows, and indeed other animals, may slip and hurt themselves in this way at other times, but they are most prone to it after giving birth.

At present a splayed cow is lifted by rolling it onto a net, attaching the edges of the net to the bucket or lifting arm of a tractor, and raising the lifting arm. This process requires a tractor operator and about three strong men to roll the cow onto the net, to attach the net, and to hold the head of the cow (to prevent it thrashing around) during lifting.

Furthermore, having the cow suspended off the ground by the tractor ties up a valuable tractor for a week or more. Sometimes the net is attached to a pole in situ and the pole lifted by the lifting forks of the tractor.

An air bag lifting device has been proposed, but the cow can roll off the bag and it has not been found to be satisfactory.

The aim of the invention is to provide a suitable lifting device to improve the handling of fallen animals. It will of course be appreciated that the device could lift things other than animals.

According to a first aspect the invention consists in lifting apparatus adapted to lift a fallen animal, or other load, comprising a lifting frame having lifting means adapted to lift the load and ground-engaging wheels or other transport means facilitating bodily movement of the lifting frame.

Thus a fallen cow can be lifted where it fell (often indoors) and then wheeled to a more convenient or comfortable recuperation station.

Preferably the lifting frame straddles the load in use.

The transport means may be steerable and/or may include a lock to prevent their motion relative to the frame.

The apparatus also preferably includes attachment means adapted to connect the frame to a powered vehicle, such as a tractor, for towing or pushing. The attachment means is preferably demountable from the frame and may include a steerage link to the wheels.

According to a second aspect the invention consists in lifting apparatus adapted to lift a fallen animal, or other load, having a plurality of separate lifting means each of which is independently operable.

This allows much greater control of the attitude and orientation of the load during lifting.

Preferably the separate lifting means are connected or connectable to a common lifting sling.

Preferably the sling is provided with a reinforcing web. The lifting means are preferably operated manually.

Stabilising means may be provided to hold the lifting frame steady during a lifting operation. The stabilising means may comprise one or more feet movable into and out of engagement with the ground. The stabilising means may lift one or more of the wheels off the ground during a lifting operation, or at least partially relieve the force transferred to the ground through the wheels.

The lifting means are preferably arranged such that the the load can be lowered a little way at a time.

When the load is a cow with a damaged pelvis this can allow the cow to have its hooves just touching the floor (to give it confidence). The weight borne by the cow's legs can be gradually increased by gradually lowering the cow.

According to a third aspect of the invention the lifting apparatus may comprise an upper lifting frame, or bed, which is removable from and remountable on a support frame.

The first, second, and third aspects of the invention are capable of being used in the same apparatus. Lifting apparatus will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a lifting device; Figure 2 shows the device disposed over a cow prior to lifting the cow; Figure 3 shows the cow just after it has been lifted by the device; Figure 4 shows a connector adapted to couple the device to a tractor; Figure 5 shows a detail of the connection of the connector to the device; Figure 6 shows details of the lifting means of the device; Figure 7 shows schematically how straps or bands of a lifting net pass either side of the cow' s legs; Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the device after it has lifted a cow; Figure 9 shows a lifting device with a removable upper frame; and Figure 10 shows schematically a method of rescuing a cow using a removable upper frame.

A self-contained mobile lifting device 1 suitable for lifting a collapsed cow is shown in Figures 1 to 3 and comprises a frame 2 having a lifting bed or top frame 3 carrying six winches 4, and a support frame having front and back legs 5a and 5b at each corner supporting the top frame 3; front and rear pairs of wheels 6a and 6b mounted at the feet of the legs 5; a connection draw bar 7; and a lifting net 8' (best shown in Figures 2 and 3).

The top frame 3 has a winch 4 at each corner and central front and rear projections 8 and 9 which support additional front and rear winches 4. The bottoms of the pairs of longitudinally spaced legs 5 are connected by a pair of longitudinally extending stiffening bars 10. Vertically movable stabilising feet 11 are connected to the stiffening bars 10, and further stabilising feet 11 are connected to the rear legs 5. Restraining chains 12 are releasably connected to pins 13 provided on the legs 5.

The connection draw bar 7 is best shown in Figure 4 and comprises a main tow bar 14 pivotally connected to a main cross bar 15 by pivot 16, and a steering mechanism 17.

The front two wheels 6a are steerable and are mounted for rotation about separate short axles 18 (shown in Figure 5) and pivotally mounted for steering by their co-operation with the steering mechanism 17.

Each axle 18 of a wheel 6a is welded to an upwardly extending steering rod or tube rod 19 mounted in a bearing fixed to the feet of the front legs 5a.

The steering mechanism comprises a pair of connection rods 20 each of which has a relatively long inner portion 21 pivoted to a plate 22 mounted on the main tow bar 14 and pivotally connected to one end of a respective relatively short outer portion 23, the other end of the outer portion 23 carrying a keying member 24. The keying member 24 co-operates in use with the steering rod or tube 19 and turns it (and its wheel 6a) in response to lateral pivoting of the main tow bar 14 relative to the main cross bar 15. Stops 25 are provided on the legs 5a to prevent the wheels 6a from turning too far. The main cross bar 15 is releasably connectable to mounting lugs 26 provided on the front legs 5a by quick-release couplings 27 which may comprise a simple locking pin and retaining split pin. The height of the swivel point of connection bar 17 may be adjustable.

A wheel lock is provided on the frame 2 and comprises an operating lever or handle 28 at the top of frame 3 which is manually operable to push a locking pin into a locking recess of one of the wheels 6a or its axle 18 to prevent rotation of the wheel.

The net 8' has eight web strap portions 36 which comprise a front pair 36a, four portions 36b, and a rear pair 36c (see Figure 7).

Each winch 4 comprises a winding wheel 30 which drives a first, relatively small, gear 31 mounted on a journalled shaft 32 held to the top frame 3, and a winding drum 33 also rotably mounted on the top frame and driven by a second, relatively large, gear 34 which co-operates with the gear 31. The drum 33 has attachment means 35 by means of which an appropriate strap portion 36 of the net 8' can be secured to the drum.

Each stabilising foot 11 comprises a hand-operated jacking handle 37 which moves a foot 38 into and out of engagement with the ground.

When a cow 40 falls or slips into a collapsed position the net 8' is laid out on the ground next to it and the cow rolled or otherwise manoeuvred into position upon it so that when the cow is lifted using the device 1 the strap portions 36a pass in front of its front legs 41 and up to the front winch 4 mounted on the front projection 8; a pair of straps 36b pass behind its front legs 41 and up to respect corner winches 4 at the front of the frame 2; a pair of straps 36b pass in front of its rear legs 42 and up to respective corner winches 4 at the rear of the frame 2; and webs 36c pass between its rear legs 42 and udder and are fixed to the winch 4 mounted on the rear projection 9.

The frame 2 is wheeled up to the cow to straddle it and the strap portions 36a to 36c secured to the appropriate winch 4. The stabilising feet 11 are lowered slightly raising the wheels 6 from the ground and the winches 4 are then turned manually to raise the cow to the position shown in Figure 3 in which it is raised from the ground. The restraining chains 12 are then put in place, the connection draw bar 7 secured to the lugs 26 and the keying member 24 operatively engaged with the steering rod or tube 19. The stabilising feet 11 are retracted and the main tow bar 14 connected to a tractor which tows the device 1 and the suspended cow to a convenient rehabilitation station (alternatively any towing vehicle could be used, or the device could even be moved manually).

The tractor and connection draw bar are detached from the frame 2 and the wheel lock lever 28 operated to lock one of the front wheels to prevent the device from moving. The cow can now be left in peace in a quiet corner to recuperate.

The cow may be lowered so that its hooves just touch the ground. This makes it more confident and can aid recovery. If the wheel lock is released the cow may even be able to walk the device around, for example to reach food.

The cow may be lowered periodically (for example day by day) slightly lower so that it gradually bears more of its own weight. This too can aid confidence and recovery.

The lifting device is able to lift a cow more comfortably (for the cow) than simply attaching a net to a tractor's lifting arm since the attitude and orientation of the cow can be more carefully controlled by the six independent winches. I have tried the device with only four winches attached to straps 36b and whilst it still worked there was not such good control of the cow and it became more distressed than when a device with six winches was used.

The device can be operated by fewer men than is usual, releases a valuable tractor for other work, and is a self-contained cow support unit which can be left at any suitable unprepared site and can be readily moved to another should it be necessary or desirable.

Another embodiment, is shown in Figure 8. Many of the structures of the embodiment of Figure 8 are similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 7 and similar reference numerals have been given to similar components. The winches 4' are aligned across the width of the upper frame 3', with the winding wheels 30' accessible from the sides of the lifting device 1'.

Access to the winding wheels 30' is aided by the provision of footboards 43, extending along either side of the frame. Four winding wheels are provided along one side of the frame, with three along the other side.

The rearmost winch on either side of the frame is used to lift the rear of the animal, each winch being attached to a strap 44a. The next two winches on either side are attached to straps 44b to lift the body, with the foremost winch being attached to both of straps 44a and used to lift the neck portion of the animal.

The animal is lifted in a canvas sling 45 made from a breathable material and provided with reinforcing webs 46 to which the straps 44 are attached. The arrangement of straps used is the same as that already depicted in Figure 7.

During lifting the device can be locked in position by means of one or more separately manually applied parking brakes 47 applied to the wheels 6'.

The frame may also be strengthened and stabilised further by a bar 48, provided between the bottom of the front legs.

A releasable draw bar 7', and steering mechanism 17' (not shown), may also be attached to the frame legs by means of lugs 26' as detailed in the first embodiment.

In a further embodiment, shown in Figure 9 a top lifting frame 3" carrying four winches 4" is detachable from a wheeled lower support body having legs 5", which together with framework 10" form a supporting frame for the top frame, or deck, 3". In addition to the winches 4" and ratchets provided as above (but with handles 49 for turning rather than winching wheels), the top frame 3" is provided with two cross bars, 50 extending from one side of the frame to the other, and a lifting bar 51 joining the two cross bars 50 at their mid point. The cross bars 50 and lifting bars 51 are arranged such that when lifted the upper frame 3" remains substantially horizontal whether under load or not.The lifting bar 51 is also provided with a series of regularly spaced protuberances 52 on its lower surface to provide a key between an external lifting means and the upper frame 3" to prevent undesirable relative movement. The lifting bar 51 comprises transport means facilitating bodily movement of the lifting frame 3".

The lower portion of the frame on which the upper frame 3" is usually supported includes an upper extension 53 on each leg 5", above the level of the horizontal frame 54. Each extension 53 co-operates with a socket 55 on the upper frame 3" to locate the upper frame 3" on the lower frame during normal use. Each socket 55 is further provided with a clamping bolt 56 adapted to fix the upper frame 3" in position by engaging the lower frame. The legs 5" are connected, towards their bottom by the horizontal framework 10".

The framework comprises permanent members 57 on both sides and at the front, and a removable bar 58 which may be adjusted using a turnbuckle at the rear. Castor wheels 59 are provided on each leg 5" to provide mobility and easy steering of the frame during its use by a cow and/or during transport by towing using the removable drawbar 17".

In a further embodiment (not shown) the detachable upper frame may simply be placed on suitably placed legs without wheels or other transport means.

The embodiment of Figure 9 having a detachable upper frame offers considerable advantages over the "fixed" frame of the embodiment of Figure 1, in terms of the situations in which it may be used. The fixed frame needs to be wheeled to a position near to or straddling the downed cow. This, however, will not always be practical, for example, where a cow has fallen in a ditch, deep mud or in other situations with which the full frame cannot cope. In such a case, as illustrated in Figure 10, the frame may be towed to a suitable location in the vicinity of the cow, 60. The sling 45" may then be manoeuvred under the cow 60 so that the straps 44" are in a position suitable for lifting. A tractor 61 provided with a lifting arm 62 or other suitable means then acts as the external lifting means.The tractor 61 lifts the upper frame 3" off the lower frame and manoeuvres the upper frame 3" over the cow in the ditch, as in Figure 10a. The straps 44" may then be attached to the winches 4" on the upper frame 3" and the cow may gently be manoeuvred and lifted using the winches 4" on the upper frame 3", in a relatively comfortable manner. The tractor 61 can then carry the cow suspended from the frame to a position near the frame, Figure lOb, and maintain the cow 60 at a suitable elevation whilst the lower frame is positioned under the cow. The upper frame 3" may then be lowered onto and secured to the lower frame. The height of the cow can then be adjusted to the required level using the winches 4". In an alternative mode of lifting the cow using the upper frame suspended from a lifting arm of a tractor, the lifting of the cow from the ground may be achieved by movement of the lifting arm, rather than operation of the winches.

If desired the cow may be moved to another location by towing the frame, as illustrated in Figure lOc. Alternatively, the tractor with the upper frame plus suspended cow could drive to a stationary lower frame, which may even comprise posts stuck in the ground.

It will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to devices for lifting other animals such as horses, pigs and the like. It may be useful for suspending, or partially suspending, animals for other purposes (for example inspection). The invention may also be applicable to lifting other loads which require careful lifting, prolonged support, and/or movement after lifting.

Claims

1. Lifting apparatus adapted to lift a fallen animal, comprising a lifting frame having lifting means adapted to lift the load and ground-engaging wheels or other transport means facilitating bodily movement of the lifting frame.

2. Lifting apparatus according to claim 1 in which the lifting frame straddles the load in use.

3. Lifting apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the transport means is steerable.

4. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the transport means includes locking means to prevent their motion relative to the frame.

5. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim which includes attachment means adapted to connect the frame to a powered vehicle, such as a tractor, for towing or pushing.

6. Lifting apparatus according to claim 5 in which the attachment means is demountable from the frame.

7. Lifting apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which the transport means is steerable and a steerage link is provided between the attachment means and the steerable transport means.

8. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim which has a plurality of separate lifting means each of which is independently operable.

9. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the or each lifting means is connected to a common lifting flexible weight bearing member, or sling.

10. Lifting apparatus according to claim 9 in which the sling is provided with a reinforcing web.

11. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the frame has a leg at each corner.

12. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim in which at least two lifting mechanisms are provided along each of two sides of the frame.

13. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim in which step means are provided so as to enable a user to stand on them to operate the lifting means.

14. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim in which stabilising means are provided to hold the lifting frame steady during a lifting operation.

15. Lifting apparatus according to claim 14 in which the stabilising means comprises one or more feet movable into and out of engagement with the ground.

16. Lifting apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the lifting frame comprises a bed removable from and re-mountable on a support frame.

17. Lifting apparatus adapted to lift a fallen animal, or other load, having a plurality of separate lifting means each of which is independantly operable.

18. Lifting apparatus according to claim 17 which further comprises a flexible support member adapted to support the load in use, the separate lifting means being connected to the member at different regions of the member so as to enable said regions to be raised/lowered to different extents.

19. Lifting apparatus adapted to support an animal or other load, the apparatus comprising an upper lifting frame, or bed, removable from and re-mountable on a support frame.

20. Lifting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

21. Lifting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A method of supporting an animal comprising providing a flexible weight bearing member and lifting apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, introducing the flexible weight bearing member under the animal, and operating the lifting apparatus so as to lift the animal from the ground and support it in an upright, normal, position.

23. A method of supporting an animal by apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim in which the support provided by the apparatus is periodically decreased.

24. A method of supporting an animal substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.