GB2428646A

GB2428646A - Animal trailer with loading ramp in floor

Info

Publication number: GB2428646A
Application number: GB0615069A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daryn Lloyd Murray
Original assignee: LITE A LOAD PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: LITE A LOAD PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-29
Filing date: 2006-07-28
Publication date: 2007-02-07
Also published as: NZ541563A; AU2006203243A1; GB0615069D0

Abstract

An animal loading device (100) for use with a trailer (1), wherein the trailer (1) has a load carrying platform (2), at least a pair of spaced apart wheels (3) supporting the load carrying platform (2), and upstanding sides (4/6'7'18') substantially surrounding the load carrying platform (2). The animal loading device (100) comprises a moveable barrier (13') through a portion of a said side (8') of the trailer (1) operable between a first, open, position wherein an animal or a person can enter onto or exit from the load carrying platform (2) of the trailer (1) and a second, closed, position, A ramp (12') located adjacent the said moveable barrier (13'), said ramp means (12') is moveable between a first, operable position wherein a first end (103) of the said ramp means (12') is at the level of the load carrying platform (2) of the trailer (1) and a second end (104) of the ramp means (12') is substantially at ground level, and a second, inoperable position wherein the second end (104) of the ramp means (12') is at substantially the same level as the first end (103). A releasable latch is operable to retain the ramp means (12') in either its first or the second position.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO TRAILERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to trailers, and more particularly to trailers used for moving sheep, pigs, goats, cattle, or other livestock from one place to another.

BACKGROUND ART

Trailers are commonly used for moving livestock such as sheep which are injured or sick, or which need to be moved a reasonable distance in a reasonably prompt manner. Typically such trailers are used in conjunction with a farm vehicles such as a three or four wheeled all terrain vehicle ("AN"), a truck, or a utility vehicle.

Generally these trailers are of standard construction, but having a cage to prevent the animal from jumping off.

Fully grown livestock, such as sheep or pigs, or even immature animals such as calves, can be very heavy. Getting such an animal from ground level onto the deck of a trailer generally requires a farmer to physically lift the animal, which can a very difficult, potentially dangerous and backbreaking task, particularly as the animal may dislike, and therefore actively resist, such close quarter contact.

Given the apparent difficulties and dangers associated with the present methods of animal movement using a trailer there is a clear need for an improved trailer for use in this application, and it is an object of the present invention to provide such an improved trailer to overcome, or at least reduce, these difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its broadest aspect this invention provides an animal loading device for use with a trailer, wherein the trailer has a load carrying platform, at least a pair of spaced apart wheels supporting the load carrying platform, and upstanding sides substantially surrounding the load carrying platform, the animal loading device comprising: a. a moveable barrier through a portion of a said side of the trailer operable between a first, open, position wherein an animal or a person can enter onto or exit from the load carrying platform of the trailer and a second, closed, position wherein entry onto or exit from the load carrying platform of the trailer is prevented, b. a ramp means located adjacent the said moveable barrier, said ramp means being moveable between a first, operable position wherein a first end of the said ramp is at the level of the load carrying platform of the trailer and a second end of the ramp is substantially at ground level, and a second, inoperable position wherein the second end of the ramp means is at substantially the same level as the first end, and c. releasable latch means operable to retain the ramp means in either its first or the second position.

It is acknowledged that the term comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning.

For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components which it directly references, but also to other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term comprised' or comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Preferably the ramp means comprises a ramp platform and spaced apart sides.

Desirably the spaced apart sides of the ramp means include at least in part a portion of the side walls of the trailer, and are detached from the ramp platform.

Conveniently the ramp platform can form part of the load platform.

Optionally the ramp platform is biased into the second, inoperable position.

Preferably the moveable barrier is pivotably operable between the open position and the closed position, and desirably the barrier is mounted at the second end of the ramp platform, following the second end of the ramp platform as the ramp means moves between the operable and inoperable positions.

Optionally a panel can be pivotally mounted at the first end of the ramp platform from one of the spaced apart sides, said panel being pivotable between a first, closed position at which it substantially blocks passage along the ramp platform, and a second, open position at which it extends substantially parallel to the space apart sides of the ramp, allowing passage from the ramp into the trailer.

Desirably the panel is biased towards the closed position, and can only pivot between the closed position and an open position wherein the panel is pivoted towards the front of the trailer.

In a second broad aspect the invention provides a trailer incorporating the animal loading device of the first broad aspect above.

Preferably the side walls of the trailer are formed from mesh material retained in position and form by a frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described by way of example with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention by way of example only and are not intending to limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a trailer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the ramp means and door both in the closed position; Figure 2: shows a perspective view of the trailer of figure 1 with both the ramp means and door in the open position; Figure 3: shows a rear elevation of the preferred embodiment in the orientation shown in figure 2; Figure 4: shows a partially cut away side elevation of the preferred embodiment in the orientation shown in figure 2; Figure 5: shows a perspective view of an animal loading device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention mounted on a trailer, with the ramp means and door both in the open position; Figure 6: shows a side elevation of the animal loading device and trailer of figure 5; and Figure 7: shows a plan view of the animal loading device and trailer of figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Refemng to the drawings, wherein like elements are described using like reference numerals, a trailer according to the present invention is illustrated generally at 1. In its preferred form the trailer 1 is configured and arranged to be towed behind a farm vehicle such as a four wheeled ATV or the like, and is sized accordingly. However, it will be appreciated that the size of the trailer 1 can accord with the towing capacity of the towing vehicle and the number and type of animals to be transported using it.

The trailer 1 has a load carrying platform 2 supported by a pair of spaced apart wheels 3. Surrounding the edge of the platform 2 is a cage 4. The trailer 1 is otherwise configured as will be known to the skilled address, having a draw bar and towing hitch of standard configuration to facilitate attachment to a towing vehicle.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 4 the cage 4 has an upstanding front 5, sides 6/7, and back portion 8. The back portion 8 of the cage 4 extending part way from one said side 6 towards the other said side 7, but leaving a gap 9 between the end of the back portion 8 and the side 7. The cage 4 has a vertical height sufficient to prevent an animal to be transported from easily escaping from the trailer 1.

A section 10 of the load carrying platform 2 adjacent the side 7 is separate from the remainder of the platform 2. Desirably the section 10 occupies approximately a quarter of the area of the platform 2, having one end 11 adjacent the gap 9 in the cage 4, with its other end 12 being hingedly attached to the rest of the platform 2 so as to be able to pivot up or down about is length from the end 12.

The surface of the section 10 preferably includes various grooves or other footing enhancing means such that when the section 10 is pivoted downwardly and the end 11 is in contact with the ground the section 10 forms a ramp or runway up with an animal or person can safely walk.

A door 13 can be hingedly mounted at the end 11 of the section 10 such that when the section 10 is co-planner with the rest of the platform 2 the door substantially occupies the area of the gap 9 and thereby completes the enclosure around the platform 2 provided by the cage 4. Alternatively, the door 13 could be hingedly mounted from the end of the wall 7 adjacent the gap 9 so that in the closed position the gap 9 is closed.

To encourage an animal to properly follow the ramp created by the section 10 when its end 11 is in engagement with the ground ramp sides are desirable. In that regard the door 13 and cages side 7 form a side to the ramp along one edge of the section 10. Along the other longitudinal edge a side barrier 14 can be provided. Optimally this barrier 14 runs from the end of the back portion 8 adjacent most the gap 9, supported by the platform 2 adjacent the longitudinal edge of the section 10.

When the trailer I is in motion the section 10 should remain co-planer with the remainder of the platform 2, and in that regard a hand or foot operated latch means (not shown) operable from the side 7 is provided to latch or otherwise lock the section 10 from pivoting up or down. This latch may be of any known design and, for example, may simply comprise a sliding bolt arrangement which will be familiar to persons skilled in the art.

To assist lifting the section 10 into a coplanar position the section 10 may be spring loaded to that position, so that pivoting the section 10 to bring the end 11 into ground engagement may require weight to be applied to that end 11, and for it to then be latched into that pivoted position.

In use a farmer or farm worker (hereafter 1operator") would hitch the trailer 1 to an ATV in the usual fashion. He or she would then drive the trailer 1 to the animal or animals to be collected. Once parked the operator would open the door 13 and drop the end 11 of the section 10 to engage the ground, thereby forming a ramp.

The operator would then either shepherd, drag or carry the animal up the ramp. Once the animal or animals were loaded onto the trailer 1 the operator would close the door 13 and lift the section 10 to a position coplanar with the remainder of the platform 2. They would then lock the section 10 into that position, following which they would drive the trailer I to its next destination.

Turning now to the embodiment illustrated in figures 5 to 7, as with the first embodiment described, the trailer I is of the type or kind having a load carrying platform 2 surrounded by a cage 4, with an upstanding front 5, and sides 617. The animal loading device 100 is mountable off the rear of the trailer I in place of the tailgate and back segment of the cage 4, and therefore is suitable for use in circumstances where a farmer may not wish to have a dedicated trailer that can be used to only handle stock.

The animal loading device 100 includes a front edge 101, a rear edge 102, and side extensions 6/7', each of which side extension is connectable to the rear edge of the corresponding side 6/7 of the trailer 1, extending rearwardly therefrom.

In line with the rear edge 102 there is provided an upstanding back portion 8', which extends part way from one said side extension 6' towards the other said side extension 7', but leaving a gap 9' between the end of the back portion 8' and the side 7'.

The vertical height of the side extensions 6/7' and the back portion 8' substantially corresponds to the height of the cage 4, and is sufficient to prevent an animal to be transported from easily escaping from the trailer 1.

The animal loading device 100 further includes a load carrying platform section 10' which, in use, serves as a rear extension to the load carrying platform 2 of the trailer 1. The section 10' is divided into two portions lengthwise with respect to the load carrying platform 2 of the trailer 1.

A first portion 11' is fixed in position, relative to the platform 2, adjacent the back portion 8', and extends between the back portion 8'and the rear edge of the platform 2/front edge 101 of the animal loading device 100.

A second portion 12' having a front end 103 and a rear end 104 is hingedly mounted from its front end 103 at the front edge 101 of the animal loading device 100 so as to be able to pivot up or down about is length from that front end 103. The surface of the section 12' preferably includes various grooves or other footing enhancing means such that when the section 12' is pivoted downwardly and the end 104 is in contact with the ground the section 12' forms a ramp or runway up with an animal or person can safely walk.

A door 13' is hingedly mounted at the end 104 of the section 12' such that when the section 12' is co-planner with the first section 11' and the load carrying platform 2 of the trailer 1 the door 13' substantially occupies the area of the gap 9' and thereby completes the cage enclosure around the platform 2 and extension 10'. Alternatively, the door 13' could be hingedly mounted from the end of the side extension 7' adjacent the gap 9' so that in the closed position the gap 9' is closed.

To encourage an animal to property follow the ramp created by the section 12' when its end 104 is in engagement with the ground ramp sides are desirable. In that regard the door 13' and side extension 7' form a side to the ramp along one edge of the section 12'. Along the other longitudinal edge a side barrier 14' can be provided. Optimally this barrier 14' runs the length of the portion 11', adjacent the portion 12', from the back portion 6' to the front edge 101 of the animal loading device 100.

When the trailer I is in motion the section 12' should remain co-planer with the remainder of the plafform 2, and in that regard a hand or foot operated latch means (not shown) operable from the side extension 7' is provided to latch or otherwise lock the section 12' from pivoting up or down. This latch may be of any known design and, for example, may simply comprise a sliding bolt arrangement which will be familiar to persons skilled in the art.

To assist lifting the section 12' into a coplanar position the section 12' may be spring loaded to that position, so that pivoting the section 12' to bring the end 104 into ground engagement may require weight to be applied to that end 104, and for it to then be latched into that pivoted position.

When the trailer I is to be used for transportation of a number of animals it is desirable for the ramp 12' to include a non-return panel 105 at its top end. This allows the operator to focus on shepherding a further animal onto the trailer 1 without having to be concerned about the possibility of animals already on the trailer 1 trying to escape back down the ramp 12'.

The panel 105 is of standard design and construction known in the art, such as are utilised in animal sorting yards. Essentially the panel 105 is pivotally mounted from the barrier wall 14' adjacent the front edge 101 of the animal loading device 100. The panel 105 is pivotable between a first, closed position at which it substantially blocks passage along the ramp 12', and a second, open position at which it extends substantially parallel to the space apart sides of the ramp 12' and towards the front of the trailer 1, allowing passage from the ramp 12' onto the load carrying platform 2 of the trailer 1.

To allow animals to exit the trailer I either the back portion 8' can further include a gate arrangement (not shown), or the panel 105 can be held in the open position - either manually, or using a latch mechanism (not shown).

Operation of the animal loading device 100 when mounted on a trailer 1 is generally as described above as regards the embodiment depicted in figures 1 to4.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated.

Accordingly it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiment of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein. For example, where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Further, optional features, such as having more than one pair of wheels 3, having the section 10 not fonriing part of the platform 2 but rather being a wholly separate part pivoted off the back of the platform 2 with integrated ramp sides, and having additional doors within the cage 4 to form one or more separate areas within which to pen animals are all within the contemplation of the invention.

Finally it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

What we claim is: 1. An animal loading device for use with a trailer,

wherein the trailer has a load carrying platform, at least a pair of spaced apart wheels supporting the load carrying platform, and upstanding sides substantially surrounding the load carrying platform, the animal loading device comprising: a. a moveable barrier through a portion of a said side of the trailer operable between a first, open, position wherein an animal or a person can enter onto or exit from the load carrying platform of the trailer and a second, closed, position wherein entry onto or exit from the load carrying platform of the trailer is prevented, b. a ramp means located adjacent the said moveable barrier, said ramp means being moveable between a first, operable position wherein a first end of the said ramp means is at the level of the load carrying platform of the trailer and a second end of the ramp means is substantially at ground level, and a second, inoperable position wherein the second end of the ramp means is at substantially the same level as the first end, and c. releasable latch means operable to retain the ramp means in either its first or the second position.
2. An animal loading device according to claim 1 wherein the ramp means comprises a ramp platform and spaced apart sides.
3. An animal loading device according to claim 2 wherein the spaced apart sides of the ramp means include at least in part a portion of the side walls of the trailer, and are detached from the ramp platform.
4. An animal loading device according claim 2 or 3 wherein the ramp platform can form part of the load platform.
5. An animal loading device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the ramp platform is biased into the second, inoperable position.
6. An animal loading device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the moveable barrier is pivotably operable between the open position and the closed position.
7. An animal loading device according to claim 6 wherein the moveable barrier is mounted at the second end of the ramp platform, following the second end of the ramp platform as the ramp means moves between the operable and inoperable positions.
8. An animal loading device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein a panel can be pivotally mounted at the first end of the ramp platform from one of the spaced apart sides, said panel being pivotable between a first, closed position at which it substantially blocks passage along the ramp platform, and a second, open position at which it extends substantially parallel to the space apart sides of the ramp, allowing passage from the ramp into the trailer.
9. An animal loading device according to claim 8 wherein the panel is biased towards the closed position, and can only pivot between the closed position and an open position wherein the panel is pivoted towards the front of the trailer.
10. An animal loading device according to any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the ramp platform includes footing enhancement means to provide sure footing for animals or persons traversing the ramp platform.
11 A trailer incorporating the animal loading device according to any one of claims Ito 10.

12. A trailer according to claim II wherein the side walls of the trailer are formed from mesh material retained in position and form by a frame.
12. An animal loading device according to claim I substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
13. A trailer according to claim 11 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.