NZ718145A - A relocatable loading platform - Google Patents

Abstract

Described herein is a relocatable loading platform to assist movement of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation. The platform uses a steel frame structure with separate step panels. The platform has the advantage of being lighter weight and does not need to be permanently fixed to the ground hence can be relocated. Further, the platform may in some embodiments be modular so as to allow the platform to be transported in a semi flat form and quickly assembled on site (or dissembled and moved if necessary).

Description

A RELOCATABLE LOADING PLATFORM RELATED APPLICATIONS This application derives priority from New Zealand patent application number 707189 incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD Described herein is a relocatable loading platform. More specifically, a relocatable loading platform is described for use in moving cows or cattle n different elevations such as n a ground e and a truck bed surface.

BACKGROUND ART Loading platforms are used to move livestock between different height levels, for example from a ground level into a transport truck or vice versa or instead from a ground surface to a milking shed or vice versa.

Art loading platforms tend to be fixed in place to the ground and not able to be moved. For example by being dug into the ground using posts such as in a wooden platform and/or being moulded with the ground in the context of a concrete g rm. While these platforms may be useful, they are fixed in place and cannot be relocated on a property. They also cannot be relocated to a new property hence such platforms form part of the ls of a property and are left when property is bought or sold.

Concrete loading platforms are a common option however, besides being moulded in place, they are heavy which also prohibits relocation even if the concrete platform is not moulded to the supporting ground.

It may be useful to provide a relocatable platform so that the rm can be moved on a property or moved from a property or to at least provide the public with a choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the relocatable loading rm will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY bed herein is a relocatable loading platform to assist movement of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation. The platform uses a steel frame ure with separate step panels. The platform has the advantage of being lighter weight and does not need to be permanently fixed to the ground hence can be relocated. Further, the platform may in some embodiments be modular so as to allow the platform to be transported in a semi flat form and quickly assembled on site (or dissambled and moved if necessary).

In a first aspect there is provided a relocatable loading platform assisting movement of cows or cattle between a first lower ion and a second higher elevation, the loading platform comprising: a structural metal base frame comprising sides traversing at least part of the distance from the first to the second elevation and at least one step frame section located between the sides, the step frame section defining the ery of at least one step; metal wall frame sections on either side of the ural metal base frame extending from the base frame section that define a passageway there between; and at least one separate step panel that aligns with the at least part of the step frame section or ns, the step panel or panels providing a substantially horizontal step surface on which the cows or cattle may stand.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of assisting nt of cows or cattle between a first lower ion and a second higher elevation by the steps of: a. positioning a relocatable loading platform substantially as described above between the first lower elevation and second higher elevation; and b. moving cows or cattle via the rm: i. from the first lower elevation to the second higher elevation; or ii. from the second higher elevation to the first lower elevation.

Advantages of the above platform and method include the y to relocate the platform as may be needed. In addition and as will be noted further below, the platform may also be configured in parts allowing the platform to be split into parts to assist with relocation and minimise volume requirements during transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the relocatable loading platform will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a perspective view of the relocatable loading platform in an assembled form; Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the platform in an assembled form; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the platform in a flat pack arrangement for transporting; Figure 4 rates a front view of the platform in a flat pack arrangement for transporting; Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the separate stpe panels in flat pack arrangement; and Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the separate step panels in flat pack arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As noted above, described herein is a relocatable loading platform to assist movement of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation. The platform uses a steel frame structure with separate step . The platform has the advantage of being lighter weight and does not need to be permanently fixed to the ground hence can be relocated. Further, the platform may in some embodiments be modular so as to allow the rm to be transported in a semi flat form and quickly assembled on site (or dissambled and moved if ary).

For the purposes of this specification, the term ’ or ‘approximately’ and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference ty, level, degree, value, number, ncy, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

The term ‘substantially’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term 'comprise' and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed ents it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

The term ‘relocatable’ or grammatical variations f refers to the platform not being permanently fixed to a surface and having a weight of less than 900kg.

In a first aspect there is provided a relocatable loading rm ing movement of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation, the loading platform comprising: a structural metal base frame comprising sides sing at least part of the distance from the first to the second elevation and at least one step frame section located between the sides, the step frame section defining the periphery of at least one step; metal wall frame sections on either side of the structural metal base frame extending from the base frame section that define a passageway there between; and at least one separate step panel that aligns with the at least part of the step frame n or sections, the step panel or panels providing a substantially horizontal step surface on which the cows or cattle may stand.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of assisting movement of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation by the steps of: a. positioning a table loading platform substantially as described above between the first lower elevation and second higher elevation; and b. moving cows or cattle via the platform: i. from the first lower elevation to the second higher ion; or ii. from the second higher elevation to the first lower elevation.

The inventor has produced a loading platform that is strong enough has a single structure that it does not have to be permanantly integrated with the ground or another item. This allows the platform to be relocatable thereby making the rm more versatile.

The base frame and wall frame sections may be permanently fixed together. Permanent fixing may be achieved through use of one or several integral parts for example moulded together to form the whole unit. The parts may instead be antly fixed together via welding or use of fasteners.

In an alternative ment, the rm may be modular, the parts sing: (a) the structural metal base frame; (b) two metal wall frame sections; (c) at least one step panel; and (d) at least one fastener used to releasably couple at least the structural metal base frame and two metal wall frame sections together.

A modular platform may be ageous where the platform needs to be transported. Reductions in shipping volumes may significantly reduce shipping costs and allow a manufacturer to transport more platforms for a given volume.

In one embodiment, the te parts of the modular platform may be uncoupled and stacked together in a ‘flat-pack’ form. The term ‘flat pack’ refers to an arrangement of parts that are laid flat, the various parts laid on top of each other with the end arrangement of parts having a d volume relative to the assembled form.

In the modular assembly noted above, the base frame and the wall frame sections may comprise at least one pre-drilled hole to receive at least one fastener that links the parts together. Fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, nails and the like may be used. Pre-drilled holes may speed the assembly process and standardise the ly for mass production.

The base frame and the wall frame sections may be ctured from steel, aluminium, or a combination of steel and aluminium. These materials may be useful to give a combination of th, rigidity and light weight. As may be appreciated, through appropriate design, steel or aluminium may have considerable strength, rigidity, durability and robustness, comparable or even superior to art concrete or wood platforms. The overall weight however from steel or aluminium may be far lower than is the case for comparable concrete or wood designs.

The at least one step panel may be manufactured from a cow or cattle friendly material selected from: concrete, wood, , or combinations thereof. The term ‘cow or cattle friendly material’ refers to materials that do not harm or potentially cause harm to cows or cattle. The term also encompasses materials that cows or cattle are comfortable standing on and which to do not cause glare or light dazzling effects to the animal. Light glare or dazzling can frighten an animal or at least discourage cow or cattle movement. Choice of cow or cattle friendly materials encourages the animal to use the loading platform and may se the labour required from a farmer or other worker to encourage animal nt onto, through and off the loading platform.

The step panel or panels may nest into and may be retained by the step frame section or sections. In this embodiment, the step panel or panels may be formed as oblong flat panels with the perimeter of a panel aligning with the step frame section. Alignment may be about the whole perimeter of the step frame or may instead be about selected parts e.g. the panel corners. The step frame n or sections may include members to assist with retaining the panel or panels in place, for example upstands or notches that mate with the panel/s. The step panel or panels may be fastened to the step frame section or sections. Suitable fasteners may e bolts, screws, rivets and the like. Clips may also be used to fasten the step panels to the step frame sections.

The platform may se at least one handrail n that s with at least part of the upper edge of the at least one wall frame section. Hand rails may be useful to elevate the side walls and may be useful to retain for larger animals. Hand rails may also be useful to meet user health and safety requirements.

The relocatable loading platform may comprises at least one gate, the gate blocking or opening cow or cattle access to or from the platform.

The height differential between the first and second elevation may be at least 500mm. The height differential may be over 1 metre.

The angle of incline between the first and second elevation relative to a horizontal surface may be less than 30, or 29, or 28, or 27, or 26, or 25, or 24, or 23, or 22, or 21, or 20 degrees. This may be important to meet animal welfare requirements such as to ease movement of pregnant cows and avoid tripping or falling s.

The platform, in use, may be placed on a surface (the first lower elevation) and releasably fixed to the surface. Fixing may be via ers such as bolts, screws or pins. The platform may instead remain uncoupled from the surface.

The step frame section or sections may have a depth of approximately 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500mm. E ach step may have a height of approximately 100, or 120, or 140, or 160, or 180, or 200, or 220, or 240, or 260, or 280, or 300mm. The dimensions noted may be varied depending on animal size and user preference. Steps may be useful compared to art ramps without steps. Ramps tend to be harder to e on for cows and cattle due to the angled surface on which the hoof may be placed. In addition, for a given height se, ramps tend to be longer and take up more space compared to steps.

The platform described above may weigh less than approximately 900, or 850, or 800, or 750, or 700kg.

In one embodiment, the platform may weigh approximately 650 to 750 kg where the rm may also e wheels, an axle and a winch. In another embodiment, the platform may weigh imately 450 to 550kg where items like wheels, axles and a winch are not present. As should be appreciated, the above weights are within the limits of lifting possible from a moderate sized tractor or crane as may be used on a farm thereby avoiding the need for specialist lifting equipment making the platform relocatable. By contrast, art concrete loading platforms weight 1000 to 2000 kg – to a point beyond that which may be moved using typical on farm equipment.

Advantages of the above platform and method include the ability to relocate the platform as may be needed. In addition and as will be noted further below, the platform may also be configured in parts allowing the platform to be split into parts to assist with relocation and minimise volume requirements during transport.

The ments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the ication of the ation, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as of individually set forth.

G EXAMPLES The above described relocatable loading rm is now described by reference to specific examples.

EXAMPLE1 Figures 1 to 6 illustrate one embodiment of a loading platform generally indicated by arrow 1. The rm is relocatable – that is, it is ably attached to a surface e.g. with dynabolts (not shown) and it is light enough to be moved using non-specialist heavy lifting equipment.

The platform 1 assists movement between a first lower elevation generally indicated by arrow 2 and a second higher elevation generally indicated by arrow 3.

The platform 1 ses a structural metal base frame 4 comprising sides 5 traversing at least part of the distance from the first 2 to the second 3 elevation and multiple step frame sections 6 located between the sides 5. The step frame sections 6 define the periphery of a step.

The sides 5 on either side of the metal base frame 4 extend from the base frame 4 and define a passageway generally indicated by arrow 7. The rm 1 may include two passageways, one for an animal 7 and another alongside 8 for an animal handler person (not shown) to also use the platform 1.

Separate step panels 9 align with the step frame section or sections 6. The step panels 9 provide a substantially horizontal step e on which the cows or cattle (not shown) may stand.

The rm 1 may be permanently fixed together or d may be modular so that it can be flat packed as shown in Figures 3-6. .

In a modular arrangement, the different parts may be formed from: (a) the structural metal base frame 4; (b) two metal wall frame sections or sides 5; (c) at least one step panel 9; and (d) at least one fastener (not shown) used to releasably couple at least the structural metal base frame 4 and the sides 5 together.

Figures 3-4 show the platform 1 base frame 4 and sides 5 laid flat for transporting. s 5 and 6 show how the step panels 9 may also be stacked for flat pack transport.

The base frame 4 and the side walls 5 may comprise at least one pre-drilled hole (not shown) to receive at least one fastener (not shown) that links the parts together.

In the embodiment illustrated, the base frame 4 and the sides 5 are manufactured from steel, aluminium, or a combination of steel and aluminium. The step panels 9 are manufactured from concrete, wood, rubber, or combinations thereof.

The step panels 9 nest into and are retained by the step frame ns 6. The step panels 9 may also be fastened (not shown) to the step frame sections 6.

The platform 1 may also comprise at least one handrail n 10 that couples with at least part of the upper edge of the sides 5.

The platform 1 may also incorporate a gate or gates (not shown), the gate blocking or opening cow or cattle access to or from the rm 1.

The height differential between the first 2 and second 3 elevation is at least 500mm. The angle of incline between the first 2 and second 3 elevation relative to a horizontal surface is less than 30 degrees, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, being around 20 degrees.

The step frame sections 9 in the embodiment shown have a depth of approximately 400mm while each step has a height of around 180mm. These dimensions may be however be varied.

The rm may weigh less than approximately 500kg in the embodiment shown in the drawings.

Optionally, the platform 1 may also include wheels, an axle or axles and a winch (not shown) in which case the weight may be closer to 700kg.

Moving cows or cattle between the first 2 and second 3 elevation may be achieved by: a. positioning the platform 1 between the first lower 2 elevation and second higher 3 elevations; and b. moving cows or cattle via the platform 1: i. from the first lower elevation 2 to the second higher elevation 3; or ii. from the second higher elevation 3 to the first lower elevation 1.

Aspects of the relocatable loading platform have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made o without ing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims (18)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A relocatable loading rm suitable for assisting nt of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher ion, the loading platform comprising: a ural metal base frame comprising sides traversing at least part of the distance from the 5 first to the second elevation and at least one step frame section located between the sides, the step frame section defining the periphery of at least one step; metal wall frame sections on either side of the structural metal base frame extending from the base frame section that define a passageway there between; and at least one te step panel manufactured from: concrete, wood, rubber, or combinations 10 thereof, wherein the step panel or panels nest into and are retained by a step frame section or sections, the step panel or panels providing a substantially horizontal step surface on which the cows or cattle may stand.

2. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base frame and wall frame 15 sections are permanently fixed together.

3. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform is modular, the parts comprising: (a) the structural metal base frame; 20 (b) two metal wall frame sections; (c) at least one step panel; and (d) at least one fastener used to releasably couple at least the structural metal base frame and two metal wall frame sections er. 25

4. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in claim 3 wherein the separate parts can be uncoupled and stacked together in a flat-pack form.

5. The relocatable loading rm as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the base frame and the wall frame sections comprise at least one pre-drilled hole to receive at least one fastener that links 30 the parts together.

6. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the base frame and the wall frame ns are manufactured from steel, ium, or a combination of steel and aluminium.

7. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the step panel or panels are fastened to the step frame section or sections. 5

8. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the platform comprises at least one handrail section that couples with at least part of the upper edge of the at least one wall frame n.

9. The relocatable g platform as claimed in any one of the above claims n the relocatable 10 g platform comprises at least one gate, the gate blocking or g cow or cattle access to or from the platform.

10. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the height differential between the first and second elevation is at least 500mm.

11. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the platform comprises multiple steps and wherein the angle of incline n the leading edge of a first and a second step at different elevations relative to a horizontal surface is less than 30 s. 20

12. The table loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the platform, in use, is placed on a surface, yet remains uncoupled from surface, the surface forming a first lower elevation.

13. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the step frame 25 section or sections have a depth of approximately 200mm to 500mm.

14. The relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein each step has a height of approximately 100 to 300mm. 30

15. The relocatable loading platform as d in any one of the above claims wherein the platform weighs less than approximately 900kg.

16. A method of assisting nt of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher ion by the steps of: a. positioning a relocatable loading platform as claimed in any one of the above claims between the first lower elevation and second higher elevation; and 5 b. moving cows or cattle via the platform: i. from the first lower elevation to the second higher elevation; or ii. from the second higher elevation to the first lower elevation.

17. A relocatable platform as hereinbefore described with reference to Example 1 and s 1 to 6.

18. A method of assisting movement of cows or cattle between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation as hereinbefore described with reference to Example 1 and