NZ759192A - Animal feeding assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An animal feeding assembly 10 being a mobile assembly, mounted to a wheeled trailer 18. The feeding assembly 10 comprises a hopper body 12 for containing animal feed and a gate assembly 14 for controlling access to the animal feed dispensed by the hopper body 12. The gate assembly 14 comprises a series of horizontally spaced gate panels 30. Each gate panel 30 extends vertically. The first side 31 of each gate panel 30 is hingedly connected to the hopper body 12 at the respective support bars 21. Two gate panels 30 define access to each feed station 17. The gate panels 30 are pivotably movable together from a first position at which the gate panels 30 are substantially adjacent the trailer 18 and close the feed stations 17, to a second position at which the gate panels 30 extend outwardly and are substantially perpendicular to the trailer 18 and all intermediate positions between the first position and the second position to control the size of the gap therebetween and allow access to the feed stations by different size animals. eries of horizontally spaced gate panels 30. Each gate panel 30 extends vertically. The first side 31 of each gate panel 30 is hingedly connected to the hopper body 12 at the respective support bars 21. Two gate panels 30 define access to each feed station 17. The gate panels 30 are pivotably movable together from a first position at which the gate panels 30 are substantially adjacent the trailer 18 and close the feed stations 17, to a second position at which the gate panels 30 extend outwardly and are substantially perpendicular to the trailer 18 and all intermediate positions between the first position and the second position to control the size of the gap therebetween and allow access to the feed stations by different size animals.

Description

ANIMAL FEEDING ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an animal feeding assembly.

Background of the Invention Feeding animals is a time-consuming process, particularly on large properties. It takes substantial time to get the feed to be loaded and transported to location. Further, feeding troughs lead to wastage and there is no guarantee that all animals are fed as needed.

The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an animal feeding assembly comprising: a hopper body for containing animal feed, the hopper body defining one or more feeding stations and operable to dispense feed to the one or more feeding stations, and a gate assembly for controlling access to the one or more feeding stations, the gate assembly operable for closing the one or more feeding stations and for defining a raceway of a selected width from a predetermined range of widths for animal access to a respective feeding station.

In one embodiment, the feeding assembly is a mobile assembly mounted to a wheeled trailer or adapted to be portable.

In another embodiment, the hopper body comprises a bottom wall with a central opening through which animal feed is dispensed, and wherein the hopper body further comprises a feed control mechanism to control the amount of feed allowed to exit the central opening.

In another embodiment, the feed control mechanism is an auger disposed above the central opening and blocking animal feed from falling through the central opening, wherein rotation of the auger by a predetermined amount in use allows a predetermined amount of animal feed to fall through the central opening.

In another embodiment, the hopper body is supported by a frame to a wheeled trailer.

In another embodiment, the gate assembly comprises a series of horizontally spaced gate panels, each gate panel extending vertically and having a first side thereof hingedly connected to the hopper body.

In another embodiment, the gate panels are pivotably movable together from a first position at which the gate panels are substantially adjacent the hopper body to a second position at which the gate panels extend outwardly and are substantially perpendicular to the hopper body, and all intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

In another embodiment, the gate panels are independently movable.

In another embodiment, each gate panel comprises an extension rod connected to a connector bar such that movement of the connector bar pivots the gate panels.

In another embodiment, in the first position, the gate panels close off and prevent animal access to the feed stations and adjacent gate panels at least partially overlap.

In another embodiment, when the gate panels are moved from the first position toward the second position, adjacent gate panels start moving away from each other forming a gap therebetween, wherein the gap defines the width of the raceway for accessing the feed stations.

In another embodiment, the size of the gap increases as the gate panels are moved to the second position.

In another embodiment, the gate assembly is moved manually.

In another embodiment, the gate assembly is moved via an electronic controller controlled actuator which is remotely controlled.

In another embodiment, the animal feeding assembly is controlled via an application software on a mobile device.

In another embodiment, the mobile device communicates wirelessly with the animal feeding assembly.

In another embodiment, the feeding assembly comprises means for scanning and identifying the animals entering the feeding stations.

In another embodiment, the feeding assembly comprises a camera for real-time monitoring of feeding of animals and a GPS unit to provide location.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an animal feeding assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the gate panels in the closed position; Figure 2 shows (a) side view and (b) end view of the hopper body for the animal feeding assembly; Figure 3 shows an upper portion of the animal feeding assembly; Figure 4 shows the gate panels of the animal feeding assembly in the partially open position; and Figure 5 shows the gate panels of the animal feeding assembly in the fully open position.

Description of Embodiments It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Figures 1 to 5 show an animal feeding assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The feeding assembly 10 in the embodiment is a mobile assembly, being mounted to a wheeled trailer 18. The feeding assembly 10 can alternatively be a portable (e.g. loaded onto a platform truck and moved to a location) or a permanent structure.

The feeding assembly 10 comprises a hopper body 12 for containing animal feed and a gate assembly 14 for controlling access to the animal feed dispensed by the hopper body The hopper body 12 is a container with a generally conical bottom wall 24, side walls , and a top wall 26, which together define an internal space 27. The top wall 26 defines an upper opening 28 for loading animal feed into the internal space 27. The bottom wall 24 defines an elongated central opening 29 through which animal feed is dispensed in use. The bottom wall 24 is shaped to have walls downwardly converging toward the central opening 29 for focused gravity feeding of the animal feed via the central opening 29. The hopper body 12 further comprises a feed control mechanism to control the amount of feed allowed to exit the central opening 29. A blower feed pipe to the upper opening 28 can be provided for filling feed supplied via compressed air from a truck.

The feed control mechanism in one embodiment is an auger disposed above the central opening 29 and blocking animal feed from falling through the central opening 29.

Rotation of the auger by a predetermined amount in use then allows a predetermined amount of animal feed to fall through the central opening 29. This is further described below. It is to be noted that the feed control mechanism can be embodied in other forms such as mechanical gate valves or similar.

The hopper body 12 is supported by a frame 16 to the wheeled trailer 18. The frame 16 defines a series of feed stations 17 along each side of the hopper body 12. The frame 16 in the example includes support bars 21 which act as separation bars to define the feed stations 17, being three feed stations 17 in the example shown. Animal feed can drop to the ground in use or can drop to a tray or trough mounted to the trailer 18.

The gate assembly 14 comprises a series of horizontally spaced gate panels 30. Each gate panel 30 extends vertically and is generally a rectangular mesh panel surrounded by a frame having a first side 31, an opposite second side 32, a top edge 33 and a bottom edge 34. The first side 31 of each gate panel 30 is hingedly connected to the hopper body 12 at the respective support bars 21. In the example embodiment shown, four gate panels 30 are attached to each side of the hopper body 12 for separating and defining access to each of the three feed stations 17. Two gate panels 30 thus further define access to each feed station 17.

The gate panels 30 are pivotably movable together from a first position at which the gate panels 30 are substantially adjacent the trailer 18 (Figure 1) to a second position at which the gate panels 30 extend outwardly and are substantially perpendicular to the trailer 18 (Figure 5), and all intermediate positions between the first position and the second position (Figure 4 shows an example). As shown in Figure 3, each gate panel 30 comprises an extension rod 36 extending upwardly from the second edge 32, with the extension rods 36 connected to a respective connector bar 38 at each side of the hopper body 12. Movement of each connector bar 38 pivots the respective set of gate panels 30 at each side of the assembly 10.

In the first position, the gate panels 30 close off and prevent animal access to the feed stations 17. Adjacent gate panels 30 also at least partially overlap in the first position, which provides additional closing of the feed stations 17. This defines the closed position of the gate panels 30.

When the gate panels 30 are moved from the first position toward the second position, adjacent gate panels 30 start moving away from each other, forming a gap 40 therebetween.

The gap 40 defines the width of a raceway or channel 41 for accessing the feed stations 17.

The size of the gap 40 increases as the gate panels 30 are moved to the second position.

The maximum size of the gap 40 is typically at the second position, where the gate panels 30 are perpendicular to the hopper body 12. The gap 40 between adjacent gate panels 30 at the second position is substantially equal to the distance between the first sides 31 of the adjacent gate panels 30. This defines the fully open position of the gate panels 30.

Controlling the width of the gaps 40 via the connector bars 38 thus controls the size of the animal which is able to enter a raceway 41 and access the feed stations 17. If a farmer wishes to feed smaller animals first for example, the gate panels 30 are moved from the first position to an angle to provide an appropriate smaller width of the gap 40. Larger widths of the gap 40 will allow feeding of larger animals.

In one embodiment, the connector bars 38 are moved manually, for example via a telescopic rod 37 with a number of spaced locking points built therein defining a number of desired angles of the gate panels relative to the hopper body, such as 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°. In another preferred embodiment, the connector bars 38 are moved via an electronic controller controlled actuator, which is remotely controlled as described below.

The embodiment thus provides a mobile grain feeder 10 which is a towable box 12 on a wheeled trailer 18 that allows individual animals to be fed their own grain ration. On the sides of the feeder 10 are a series of individual feed stations 17. Each feed station 17 consists of gate panels 30 that allow an animal to enter the feed station 17 and a feed trough. A series of up to five gate panels 30 or more are attached to each side of the mobile grain feeder 10. This allows for up to four or more animals per side to simultaneously and individually be fed their ration. The feed gate panels 30 are hinged and arranged in parallel to allow animals to freely enter and leave the feed station at any time.

The group of animals being fed should ideally be of the same size. The gate panels 30 will be set up so that the width of the raceway 41 of the feed station 17 suits the size of the animal.

The gate panels 30 are hinged at one side 31 and are tied together at their extremities so that all gate panels 30 move together. When the gate panels 30 are moved the ends (second sides) 32 of the gate panels 30 form an arc. The result is that the width of the gap 40 between the gate panels 30 changes as the arc changes. The width becomes wider when moving towards the second position and narrower when moving towards the first position. The angle of the gate panels 30 is used to set the width of the raceway 41 for the desired group of animals to be fed. A connecting bar 38 with locking pin is used to fix the angle of the gate panels 30.

There is an option to set the gate panels 30 wider than the widest parallel position. A knuckle in the connecting bar 38 that connects the extension rods 36 of the gate panels 30 allows for partial swinging movement of the gate panels 30. Also, the connection point 43 of the extension rods 36 can be adjustable along the connecting bar 38.

The gate panels 30 allow animals from the size of young calves to large beef animals to be accommodated. The gate panels 30 can be closed off so that no feeding can occur. This is also the travelling position.

In a second aspect, the animal feeding assembly 10 is controlled via an application software (app) on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet or software on a computer, with the mobile device or computer located in the animal feeding assembly 10 or within close proximity. The mobile device can communicate via Bluetooth for example with an electronic control unit housed in the animal feeding assembly 10.

Alternatively, the mobile device or computer can control the animal feeding assembly from a remote location. The electronic control unit is connectable wirelessly to a router.

The manner of wireless connection may be a cellular/mobile connection such as 3G, 4G and the like, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, or other means suitable. Accordingly, the electronic control unit is provided with integrated or externally connectable network adapters such as a SIM reader, 3G/4G communications modules, Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth™ modules, and the like, as well as appropriate antennas. The router provides the electronic control unit with access to a Wide Area Network (WAN), for example the Internet.

The control unit allows electronic operation of the connecting bar 38 to set the width of the raceways 41 and control animal access to the feeding stations 17. The control unit can then be operated remotely as needed.

In another aspect, when an animal enters a feed station 17, it is identified, and the information is passed through to the mobile device app or computer software. An identification system identifies the animal in the feed station and feeds grain according to its feed regime.

Identification can be by suitable means such as RFID ear tags. The app/software then passes back information to the animal feeding assembly 10 on how much feed the animal is allowed to consume. The feed control mechanism such as an auger delivers the grain feed in small increments of about 20 grams in one example, i.e. the animal is “drip fed”. The purpose of this is to avoid other animals the possibility of consuming the previous animal’s “leftovers”.

Sensors detect if the feed has been consumed and the mobile app determines if more feed is allowed to be dropped. Animals can be fed in groups according to a feed regime or an animal can have its own feed regime.

It is also possible for the hopper 12 to have more than one type of feed and for the feed control mechanism to control which feed is to be dispersed for the specific animal.

The control unit passes through information about the animal identification, sensor input, and feed output. This allows the functionality and any future modifications to be updated via an app software download. Power for all control components can be via a solar panel and battery, but can also be supplied via a mains power supply.

The mobile device should ideally be able to connect to the internet to allow remote monitoring. It can run independently of an internet connection and will sync when within mobile range. All records including history are stored on the mobile phone and transferred periodically to a server if possible.

The farmer can have the same app on his mobile phone but with certain parts switched off. The farmer can sync with the server to monitor the feeding and can adjust any settings if required. Feeding system problems can be sent via SMS. A feeding report in spreadsheet format can be emailed.

The embodiment in another aspect thus provides a mobile phone app which wirelessly controls all aspects of the mobile grain feeder with animal ID, grain feeder functionality and modifications are controlled via an app software, powered via solar panel or mains power, small incremental feeding reduces the possibility of animals consuming “leftovers”, group or individual feeding regime is possible, historical records stored on mobile phone and server, farmer can monitor and adjust feeding unit remotely, feeding system problems and reports are able to be sent to the farmer, cameras can be provided to the animal feeding assembly to take photos and record video and can provide real-time monitoring of feeding of animals, GPS monitoring of the location of the trailer.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiment shown.

For example, the gate panels can be individually movable via respective actuators.

This will allow the width of each of the gaps between the gate panels to be controlled and adjusted separately. This will also allow access to an individual feed station to be closed.

The connection point of the extension posts to the connector bar can also be adjustable, which will vary the maximum width of the gap between adjacent gate panels.

The animal feeding assembly can also include means for moving the animal away from the feed station once the particular animal is fed, to allow other animals to feed.

Automatic and timed feeding and feed monitoring of animals is thus possible.

Claims

Claims (18)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An animal feeding assembly comprising: a hopper body for containing animal feed, the hopper body defining one or more feeding stations and operable to dispense feed to the one or more feeding stations, and a gate assembly for controlling access to the one or more feeding stations, the gate assembly operable for closing the one or more feeding stations and for defining a raceway of a selected width from a predetermined range of widths for animal access to a respective feeding station.

2. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the feeding assembly is a mobile assembly mounted to a wheeled trailer or adapted to be portable.

3. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the hopper body comprises a bottom wall with a central opening through which animal feed is dispensed, and wherein the hopper body further comprises a feed control mechanism to control the amount of feed allowed to exit the central opening.

4. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the feed control mechanism is an auger disposed above the central opening and blocking animal feed from falling through the central opening, wherein rotation of the auger by a predetermined amount in use allows a predetermined amount of animal feed to fall through the central opening.

5. The feeding assembly of claim 2 wherein the hopper body is supported by a frame to a wheeled trailer.

6. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the gate assembly comprises a series of horizontally spaced gate panels, each gate panel extending vertically and having a first side thereof hingedly connected to the hopper body.

7. The feeding assembly of claim 6 wherein the gate panels are pivotably movable together from a first position at which the gate panels are substantially adjacent the hopper body to a second position at which the gate panels extend outwardly and are substantially perpendicular to the hopper body, and all intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

8. The feeding assembly of claim 6 wherein the gate panels are independently movable.

9. The feeding assembly of claim 7 wherein each gate panel comprises an extension rod connected to a connector bar such that movement of the connector bar pivots the gate panels.

10. The feeding assembly of claim 7 wherein in the first position, the gate panels close off and prevent animal access to the feed stations and adjacent gate panels at least partially overlap.

11. The feeding assembly of claim 7 wherein when the gate panels are moved from the first position toward the second position, adjacent gate panels start moving away from each other forming a gap therebetween, wherein the gap defines the width of the raceway for accessing the feed stations.

12. The feeding assembly of claim 11 wherein the size of the gap increases as the gate panels are moved to the second position.

13. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the gate assembly is moved manually.

14. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the gate assembly is moved via an electronic controller controlled actuator which is remotely controlled.

15. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the animal feeding assembly is controlled via an application software on a mobile device.

16. The feeding assembly of claim 15 wherein the mobile device communicates wirelessly with the animal feeding assembly.

17. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the feeding assembly comprises means for scanning and identifying the animals entering the feeding stations.

18. The feeding assembly of claim 1 wherein the feeding assembly comprises a camera for real-time monitoring of feeding of animals and a GPS unit to provide location.