GB2470425A

GB2470425A - Animal positioning rail

Info

Publication number: GB2470425A
Application number: GB0909002A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Paul Whitely; Stuart Gledhill; Paul Andrew Pine
Original assignee: LIBERTY COW PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: LIBERTY COW PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-23
Filing date: 2009-05-23
Publication date: 2010-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-23
Also published as: GB0909002D0; GB2470425A8; GB2470425B

Abstract

An apparatus 102a for, and a method of, maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation in an animal receiving area, is described. The apparatus comprises a bar 201 for defining an animal barrier, and a securing arrangement 202 for securing the elongate member to a support surface. The apparatus further comprises at least one resilient portion (303b, figure 4), which may be a spring, piston or shim. Alternatively the resilience may be a material property of the elongate member. When said apparatus is in use, the bar is movable from a default position into a deflected position in response to the application of force (1202, figure 12). The bar may be non-straight in shape, without defining any closed loops and may be formed of steel or plastics material.

Description

Maintaining an Animal in a Preferred Orientation

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application represents the first application for a patent directed toward the invention and the subject matter.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus for use in an animal receiving area so as to maintain an animal facing in a preferred orientation, and a method of maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation in an animal enclosure.

Background of the Invention

It is known to provide partitions for separating separate adjacent cubicles in which cattle are housed. A problem with known partitions is that it is possible for the cattle to trap a part of their body, typically their head, by the partition. For example the head may become trapped if the cattle has pushed it through an aperture in the partition, or a space between the partition and a surface, such as a floor or wall. It is then possible for the animal to become injured in its attempts to free itself Another problem with some partitions is that the gap between the bottom of the partition and the floor is so great that the cattle can position itself under the partition when lying down. When the cattle then stands up, it may hit its back on the partition.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for use in an animal receiving area so as to maintain an animal facing in a preferred orientation, comprising: an elongate member for defming an animal barrier; and a securing arrangement for use in securing said elongate member to a support surface, wherein said securing arrangement comprises: a support surface mounting portion for mounting to a support surface, an elongate member attaching portion to which said elongate member is attachable, and said apparatus comprises a resilient portion such that, when said apparatus is in use, said elongate member is movable from a default position into a deflected position in response to the application of force upon said elongate member and said elongate member moves from a deflected position towards said default position in response to the removal of force applied upon said elongate member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation in an animal enclosure, comprising the steps of: providing apparatus for maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation, said apparatus comprising a restraining arm arranged to be held in an orientation substantially in line with an animal and a substantially flexible portion configured to provide a degree of flexibility in response to said animal applying force upon said restraining arm; and fitting said apparatus in said animal enclosure.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows an animal-receiving area 101 containing apparatus 102 embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows a more detailed view of the apparatus 102a, previously shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of the securing arrangement 202 and end 206 of elongate member 201; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the securing arrangement 202 and end 206 of elongate member 201; Figures 5A and 5B show the support-surface mounting portion 301 separate from the remaining components of the securing arrangement 202; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the securing arrangement 202 and end 206 of elongate member 201 after deflection of the elongate member 201; Figure 7 shows an alternative apparatus 701 embodying the present invention; Figure 8 shows the apparatus 701 with several other similar apparatuses 801 in an animal receiving area 802; Figure 9 shows a further alternative apparatus 901 embodying the present invention; Figure 10 shows a further alternative apparatus 1001 embodying the present invention; Figure 11 shows a further alternative apparatus 1101 embodying the present invention; and Figure 12 shows features of the elongate member 1102 of the apparatus 1101 of Figure 11.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 An animal-receiving area 101 containing apparatus 102 embodying the present invention is shown in Figure 1. In the present example the animal-receiving area 101 is located within an agricultural building 103 that is used to house cattle, such as cows 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d.

The floor of the animal-receiving area 101 comprises a substantially flat floor surface 105, which is slightly higher than, and is adjacent to, a gutter surface 106 extending along one side of the floor surface 105. At the opposite side of the floor surface 105 to the gutter 106 is a wall 107.

It is required that the cattle 104 generally reside on the floor surface 105 with their heads facing the wall 107 and their hindquarters facing the gutter 106. This ensures that excrement produced by the cows 104 does not fall onto their bed on surface 105. For this reason, the floor surface 105 is partitioned into smaller areas, each of which is dimensioned to receive an animal, such as cow 1 04a, so that once the animal enters its area, it cannot turn around, arid it must always face forwards, for example towards wall 107.

Apparatus 102, comprising similar apparatuses 1 02a, 1 02b, 1 02c and I 02d, is provided within the animal-receiving area to partition the surface 105, as required.

Because the apparatuses 102a, 102b, 102c and lO2d are all essentially the same, only one of them will now be described with respect to Figure 2.

Figure 2 The apparatus 1 02a, previously shown in Figure 1, is shown in the more detailed view of Figure 2. The apparatus 102a comprises an elongate member 201, which in use defines a barrier to the cattle, and a securing arrangement 202 that is used to secure the elongate member 201 to the floor surface 105. Typically, the floor surface is formed of concrete and the securing arrangement is attached to the floor surface by suitable bolts 210.

In the present embodiment, the elongate member 201 is formed from tube steel formed into a shape having a relatively short straight portion 203 separated from a relatively long straight portion 204 by a bend 205. The elongate member 201 has a first end 206, at the end of the shorter straight portion 203, fixed to the securing arrangement 202, and a free end 207, at the end of the longer straight portion 204.

The shorter straight portion 203 extends from the floor surface 105 at an angle of approximately 350 and the bend 205 extends around approximately 160°.

Consequently the longer straight portion 204 extends at approximately 15° to the floor surface 105. Thus, the elongate member 201 extends from a maximum height of approximately 1039 centimetres, at a high location 208, down to its free end 207, at a height of approximately 512 centimetres.

As the elongate member 201 extends over a range of heights as it extends along the boundary of the partitioned area, it provides a sufficiently high barrier to the animal when the animal is standing, and also prevents the animal from positioning itself under the barrier when lying down. The prevention of movement under the barrier when lying down is important, otherwise the animal may injure itself on the barrier when standing up.

The bend 205 has a radius of curvature chosen to be large when compared to the dimensions of the animal for which the barriers use is intended. Specifically, the radius of curvature of the bend 205 is sufficiently large so that the animal cannot possibly get its head stuck in the bend. In the present example the radius of curvature is approximately 30 centimetres.

As will be described in more detail below, the securing arrangement comprises a resilient portion. Consequently, the elongate member 201 may be moved from a default position (as shown in the Figures 1 and 2) to other positions under the application of a force applied to the elongate member, and by the action of the resilient portion it will return to the default position. Furthermore the resilient portion allows the free end 207 of the elongate member 201 to be moved both up and down and left and right. As a result of this allowed movement, an animal may push against the elongate member 201 with less chance of causing injury to itself or causing damage to the apparatus 1 02a or the floor surface 105 where the securing arrangement is anchored. In addition, if an animal should somehow find a part of itself under the elongate member 201, the resilient portion allows the animal or a person to push or pull the elongate member away and release the animal.

The present example has been specifically designed for use with larger animals such as large cattle. However, it will be understood that for smaller animals the dimensions of the apparatus 1 02a may be scaled down and/or the angles between the floor and straight portions of the elongate member 201 may be reduced. Similarly the radius of curvature of bend 205 may be made smaller when the apparatus is to be used with smaller animals.

In the present embodiment the apparatus is configured so that the securing arrangement is secured to the floor. However, in an alternative embodiment, the elongate member is configured to extend along the boundary between partitioned areas when the securing arrangement is secured to a wall, such as wall 107.

In the present embodiment the elongate member is formed of steel tubing, but in an alternative embodiment the elongate member is formed of a plastics material. In this case, the elongate member attaching portion is provided with a socket for receiving the end of the elongate member and a fastener for securing the end of the elongate member in the socket. It is also envisaged that the plastics material be impregnated with an anti-microbial agent.

Figures 3,4, 54 and SB The securing arrangement 202 and end 206 of elongate member 201 is shown in an enlarged perspective view in Figure 3 and a cross-sectional view in Figure 4.

The securing arrangement 202 comprises a support-surface mounting portion 301, an elongate member attaching portion 302 and four resilient elements 303a, 303b, 303c and 303d extending between the support-surface mounting portion 301 and the elongate member attaching portion 302. In the present embodiment each resilient member comprises a helical spring.

The elongate member attaching portion 302 in the present embodiment comprises a flat steel plate to which the elongate member 201 is attached by welding (304). The plate is drilled to provide four apertures 305, two each side of elongate member 201. Four circular rings 307 of steel are welded to the plate, each concentric with one of the four apertures. The rings 307 provide a seat for one end of the helical springs 303.

The support-surface mounting portion 301 is shown separate from the remaining components of the securing arrangement 202 in Figures 5A and 5B. The support-surface mounting portion 301 comprises a base portion 501 configured to be secured to a support surface, such as floor surface 105, and a resilient element receiving portion 502 configured to receive ends of the helical springs 303a, 303b, 303c and 303d. In the present embodiment the base portion 501 and the resilient element receiving portion 502 are formed of a single piece of steel plate bent so as to arrange the resilient element receiving portion 502 at an angle of approximately 35° to the base portion 501.

The base portion 501 is drilled through to provide four holes 503 to allow the base plate to be bolted to a support surface. Steel plates 504 are welded to both the resilient element receiving portion 502 and the base portion 501 to enhance the rigidity of the support-surface mounting portion 301.

The resilient element receiving portion 502 is drilled to provide four apertures 308. These are dimensioned and spaced apart to match the apertures 305 in the elongate member attaching portion 302. Four steel rings 505 are welded to the resilient element receiving portion 502 such that each ring is concentric with one of the four holes 308.

The rings 505, like rings 307 provide a seat for the helical springs 303a-303d.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the elongate member attaching portion 302 is attached to the support-surface mounting portion 301 by four bolts 306 and associated nuts 309.

Each bolt 306 extends through one of the apertures (305, 308 respectively) in the elongate member attaching portion 302 and the resilient element receiving portion 502.

The helical springs 303a-303d are seated within the rings 307 and 505 and consequently the bolts 306 each extend though one of the four springs.

The helical springs 303a-303d may be placed in compression by tightening the bolts 306. Consequently the force required to deflect the elongate member through a given angle with respect to the support-surface mounting portion 301 depends upon the compression provided to the springs by tightening the bolts 306. Thus the bolts effectively provide a rigidifying means allowing adjustment of the deflection of the elongate member under a given force. Thus, where the apparatus is to be used for large strong animals the bolts may be tightened more to provide a more rigid barrier, and where weaker animals are concerned the bolts may be loosened to allow the barrier to flex more easily.

The present embodiment has four resilient elements but it will be understood that more or less than four may be used. Also, the present embodiment uses helical springs but other resilient elements may be used such as plastic composite shims that are capable of being compressed and a gas or fluid piston.

Figure 6 The securing arrangement 202 and end 206 of elongate member 201 is shown in a cross-sectional view in Figure 6 after deflection of the elongate member 201. The deflection of the elongate member is such that the free end 207 of the elongate member has been pushed downwards. Consequently, the spring 303b has been compressed and the bolt 306b is loose. In contrast the spring 303a is only slightly distorted and the bolt 306a is still quite tight, as the plate (elongate member attaching portion) 302 has pivoted about the edge of the head of the bolt 306a.

The coils of the helical spring 303b are shown in Figure 6 with only very small gaps between them and further compression will only occur until the gaps are fully closed. Attempted further deflection of the elongate member will then not be facilitated by the resilient members (the springs) and so deflection will become more solidly resisted. Thus, this limit of compression of the springs provides a means of limiting the angle through which the elongate member may be deflected. It will also be appreciated that if the bolts are tightened, so that their initial state is more compressed, then the angle through which the elongate member may be deflected will also be reduced. Thus the bolts provide a means of adjusting the limit of the deflection of the elongate element.

Figure 7 An alternative apparatus 701 embodying the present invention is shown in Figure 7. The apparatus 701 is generally the same as apparatus 102a described above.

However, whereas the apparatus I 02a had an elongate member 201 formed of a substantially rigid length of material, the apparatus 701 has an elongate member 702 formed in two parts 703 and 704 that are joined by a hinge mechanism 705. The first part 703 of the elongate member 702 is attached to the securing arrangement 706, and the second part 704 is connected to the end of the first part by the hinge mechanism 705 having a hinging axis that is substantially horizontal. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, the second part 704 may be raised from an operational angle to an elevated angle.

In one embodiment the apparatus 701 is provided with a latching mechanism that locks the second part 702 in the lowered position. Thus the animals cannot accidentally raise the second part 702. The latching mechanism may then be manually released to allow the second part to be raised to the elevated position of Figi.ire 7.

Figure 8 The apparatus 701 is shown with several other similar apparatuses 801 in an animal receiving area 802 in Figure 8. The second parts 704 of each of the apparatuses 701, 801 have been raised to their elevated orientation and consequently the floor surface 805 is generally free from obstruction so that it may be more easily cleaned.

After cleaning the floor, the second parts 704 may be returned to their lowered operational position, such that the elongate member 702 has a shape that is substantially the same as the elongate member of apparatus I 02a.

Figure 9 A further alternative apparatus 901 embodying the present invention is shown in Figure 9. The apparatus 901 is generally the same as apparatus 102a described above. However, apparatus 901 further comprises a piston 904 located between the relatively short straight portion 903, of elongate member 902, and the base portion 906 of support surface mounting portion 905. Base portion 906 of support surface mounting portion extends along support surface 907 in order to accommodate piston 904 upon it.

It is envisaged that piston 904 is attached to base portion 906 via plate 908 using a nut and bolt. It is also envisaged that piston 904 is attached to elongate member 902 via attachment means 909. It should be appreciated that piston 904 may be a fluid piston or a gas piston.

Figure 10 A further alternative apparatus 1001 embodying the present invention is shown in Figure 10. The apparatus 1001 is generally the same as apparatus 102a described above. However, base portion 1003 of support surface mounting portion 1002 comprises any other suitable shape such as the shape illustrated in Figure 10, to accommodate a smaller or larger number of bolts illustrated in apparatus 1 02a.

Figure 11 Figure 11 shows an animal-receiving area 101 containing apparatus 1101 embodying the present invention. The apparatus 1101 comprises an elongate member 1102. In Figure 11, the elongate member 1102 is shown in the default position 1103.

As previously described, apparatus embodying the present invention comprises a resilient portion such that, when the apparatus is in use, the elongate member is movable from a default position into a deflected position in response to the application of force upon the elongate member. According to this illustrated embodiment, elongate member 1102 provides a resilient portion. Elongate member 1102 is fabricated from a sufficiently resilient material, for example such as may be provided by a plastics material or a suitable resin material. Thus, the resilient portion of the apparatus may be the elongate member.

Figure 12 As shown in Figure 12, elongate member 1102 of the apparatus 1101 of Figure 11 is movable from default position 1103 into a deflected position 1201 in response to the application of force upon the elongate member 1102. As a result of the resilient portion of the apparatus embodying the present invention, the elongate member moves from a deflected position towards a default position in response to the removal of force applied upon the elongate member. Thus, in response to removal of the force applied to elongate member 1102 to move it from default position 1103 into deflected position 1201, the elongate member 1102 moves from deflected position 1201 back towards default position 1202. Thus, as indicated by arrow 1202, the elongate member 1102 is movable between a default position 1102 and deflected position 1201. It is to be appreciated that, and as previously described, the resilient portion of the apparatus described herein can allow the elongate member 1102 to be movable between a default position and a plurality of deflected positions.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for use in an animal receiving area so as to maintain an animal facing in a preferred orientation, comprising: an elongate member for defining an animal barrier; and a securing arrangement for use in securing said elongate member to a support surface, wherein said securing arrangement comprises: a support surface mounting portion for mounting to a support surface, an elongate member attaching portion to which said elongate member is attachable, and said apparatus comprises a resilient portion such that, when said apparatus is in use, said elongate member is movable from a default position into a deflected position in response to the application of force upon said elongate member and said elongate member moves from a deflected position towards said default position in response to the removal of force applied upon said elongate member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said resilient portion is provided by at least one resilient element configured to extend between said support surface mounting portion and said elongate member attaching portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said resilient portion is provided by said elongate member.
4. The apparatus of claim I, wherein said elongate member has a non-straight shape so that in use the elongate member extends over a range of heights.
5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said elongate member does not define any closed loops.
6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said elongate member extends from said elongate member attaching portion to a free end portion.
7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said support surface mounting portion comprises a base portion configured to be secured to said support surface, and a resilient element receiving portion configured to receive said at least one resilient element.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an acute angle is defined between said base portion and said resilient element receiving portion.
9. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 8, wherein said elongate member forms a rod configured to extend in a first direction away from said securing arrangement, and curves to extend in a second direction that is substantially opposite to said first direction.
10. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient element comprises at least one spring.
11. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient element comprises a gas or a fluid piston.
12. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient element comprises a plurality of shims.
13. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient element comprises a plurality of resilient elements.
14. The apparatus according any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said apparatus comprises a limiting means for lipiiting the movement between said elongate member and said support surface mounting portion.
15. The apparatus according any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said apparatus comprises a rigidifying means allowing adjustment of the deflection of said elongate member under a given force.
16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongate member is formed of steel.
17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongate member is formed of a plastics material.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said plastics material is impregnated with an anti-microbial agent.
19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, located within an animal receiving area with said support surface mounting portion mounted to a support surface.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said animal receiving area is within an agricultural building.
21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the support surface mounting portion is attached to a floor surface.
22. The apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the support surface mounting portion is attached to a wall surface.
23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein a first part of said elongate member that is closer to said elongate member attaching portion is positioned higher than a second part of said elongate member that is further from said elongate member attaching portion.
24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein said elongate member in combination with said support surface does not define any closed loops.
25. A method of maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation in an animal enclosure, comprising the steps of: providing apparatus for maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation, said apparatus comprising an elongate member for defining an animal barrier; and a securing arrangement for use in securing said elongate member to a support surface configured such that, when in use, said elongate member is movable from a default position into a deflected position in response to the application of force upon said elongate member; and fitting said apparatus in said animal enclosure.
26. The method according to claim 25, wherein said animal is a cow.
27. Apparatus for use in an animal enclosure so as to maintain an animal in a preferred orientation substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.
28. A method of maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation in an animal enclosure substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. Apparatus for an animal receiving area to maintain an animal facing in a preferred orientation, comprising: an elongate member for defining an animal barrier; and a securing arrangement securing said elongate member to a support surface, wherein said securing arrangement comprises: a support surface mounting portion mounted to a support surface, an elongate member attaching portion to which said elongate member is attached, and said apparatus comprises a resilient portion such that said elongate member is movable from a default position into a deflected position in response to the application of force upon said elongate member and said elongate member moves from a deflected position towards said default position in response to the removal of force applied upon said elongate member, wherein said elongate member extends from said securing arrangement to a free end, and said elongate member has a non-straight shape such that the elongate * member extends from said securing arrangement up to a location at a first height and *S***.* 20 down to said free end at a second height lower than said first height. * ** * S S * *** * 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said resilient portion is provided by at least one resilient element configured to extend between said support surface mounting **....* portion and said elongate member attaching portion.*..S,S * 25 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said resilient portion is provided by said elongate member.4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elongate member does not define any closed loops.5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said support surface mounting portion comprises a base portion secured to said support surface, and a resilient element receiving portion which receives said at least one resilient element.6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an acute angle is defined between said base portion and said resilient element receiving portion.7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said elongate member forms a rod which extends in a first direction away from said securing arrangement and curves to extend in a second direction that is substantially opposite to said first direction.8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient element comprises at least one spring.9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient element comprises a gas or a fluid piston. * S* :* : :* 10. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient * * element comprises a plurality of shims. * *S.�* 11. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient *55*5* * 25 element comprises a plurality of resilient elements.12. The apparatus according any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said apparatus comprises a limiting means limiting the movement between said elongate member and said support surface mounting portion.13. The apparatus according any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said apparatus comprises a rigidifying means allowing adjustment of the deflection of said elongate member under a force.14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongate member is formed of steel.15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongate member is formed of a plastics material.16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said plastics material is impregnated with an anti-microbial agent.17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, located within an animal receiving area with said support surface mounting portion mounted to a support surface.18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said animal receiving area S...is within an agricultural building. * S* * 19. The apparatus according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the support * * surface mounting portion is attached to a floor surface. * *.**** 20. The apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the support *..*.S * 25 surface mounting portion is attached to a wall surface.21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein a first part of said elongate member that is closer to said elongate member attaching portion is positioned higher than a second part of said elongate member that is further from said elongate member attaching portion.22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein said elongate member in combination with said support surface does not define any closed loops.23. A method of maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation in an animal enclosure, comprising the steps of: providing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 for maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation, said apparatus comprising an elongate member having a non-straight shape, and a securing arrangement; securing said elongate member to a support surface in an animal enclosure so that: the elongate member extends from said securing arrangement up to a location at a first height and down to a free end at a second height lower than said first height; and said elongate member is movable from a default position into a deflected position in response to the application of force upon said elongate member.* *** 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said animal is a cow. ****** 20 25. Apparatus for use in an animal enclosure so as to maintain an animal in a * * preferred orientation substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown * * in, the accompanying Figures.I* 26. A method of maintaining an animal in a preferred orientation in an S.....* 25 animal enclosure substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.