US2584054A - Hen's nest - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 29, 1952 L. R. SHAFFER 2,584 054 HEN S NEST Filed June 16, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 3nventor:

Jan. 29, 1952 SHAFFER 2,584,054

HENS NEST Filed June 16, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Gttornegi Jan. 2%, 1952 L. R. SHAFFER 2,584,054

HENS NEST Filed June 16, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet s Jan. 29, 1952 R, SHAFFER 2,584,054

HENS NEST Filed June 16, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Zinnentor:

Patented Jan. 29, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HENS NEST Larkin R. Shaffer, Garland, Utah Application June 16, 1949 {Serial No. 99,392

20 Claims. 1

This invention relates to hens nests, and parti'cularly to those designed to automatically re move freshly laid eggs from the nest proper as the hen leaves the nest.

In my United States Letters Patent No. 1,817,588, granted August 4, 1931, and similarly entitled, I disclose a hens nest having a traylike nest proper of Wire mesh pivotally disposed above a similar tray-like egg receptacle. An eggtransfer trough is pivotally arranged between the nest proper and the egg receptacle for receiving a freshly laid egg from the nest proper "as the hen leaves the nest, and for transferring such egg to the egg receptacle as another hen subsequently enters the nest for laying purposes. An imperforate tray interposed between the nest proper and the egg receptacle serves to catch all droppings and other filth, thereby protecting the eggs from becoming soiled prior to being collected. An entry and exit tread of plate formation serves as the actuating mechanism for the nest, and operates to close the nest to entry by other hens when occupied.

The present invention constitutes an improvement on the nest of my stated Patent No. 1,817,588, while retaining various advantageous features thereof.

In my patented nest, the egg-transfer trough is pivoted directly to the framework supporting the entry and exit tread, and such framework is rigid with respect to both the tread which it carries and the nest proper which it also carries. Thus, as the hen depresses the tread in leaving the nest, the nest proper tilts toward the trough, and the trough tilts on its pivot axis away from the lower end of the nest proper to receive the egg, which rolls down thereinto along the inclined surface of the nestproper.

The egg-receiving opening thus formed between the back of the trough and the lower end of the nest proper is rigidly predetermined in size, and does not accommodate itself to differing egg sizes. Consequently, in practice, I have found that, often, --largersized eggs are caught within this egg-receiving opening, and are crushed when the trough returns to its nest-closing position upon the subsequent entry into the nest of another hen.

Furthermore, the imperforate filth-catching tray of my said patented nest is pivoted in position above the egg receptacle on a center in common with the pivot axis of the nest proper, so that tilting of the nest proper toward the trough also causes a certain tilting of such tray toward the trough. This I have found to be a disadvan- 2 tage, since there is a tendency for filth to slide toward the trough and contaminate the lower end of the nest proper over which the egg rolls in passing into the trough. Also, since cleaning of this filth-catching tray is ordinarily carried-out from the end of the nest opposite that at which the egg-receiving trough is positioned, such sloping of the tray toward the trough-end or the nest. at the time the nest proper is elevated with respect to the tray, renders the cleaning operation considerably more difficult than it should be.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to so alter the construction 0'! my former nest as to eliminate the disadvantages noted above, without sacrificing those structural and operative features thereof which have been found to be very advantageous in practice.

A further object is to accomplish this change of construction in such manner that construction costs are not increased materially, if at all.

An outstanding feature of my improved nest resides in the flexible suspending, relative to the nest proper, of an egg-transfer carrier whlchcorresponds to the former egg-transfer trough, so

' that :such carrier may yieldably move, as required, to accommodate the passage thereinto and therefrom of any sized egg, thereby preventing any breaking and crushing of eggs.

The egg-transfer carrier is preferably suspended directly from the entry and exit treadplate so 'as to be directly activated thereby, while the tread-plate itself is pivotally mounted as a treadle on a frame rigid with 'the nest proper, whereby there is achieved a treadle action which is independent of, though correlated with, the tilting of the nest properunder the weight of the hen entering or leaving the nest. In this way, the operative parts of the nest are capable of a more flexible arrangement than heretofore possible. Furthermore, this construction permits the eggtransfer carrier to be constantly open, even when the nest is occupied.

The 'imperforate, filth-receiving tray is "preferably pivoted to the egg receptacle, but in such a manner that movement thereof is independent of and substantially uninfluen'ced by the tilting action of the nest proper, whereby the filth remains substantially immobile during automatic operation of the nest, and cleaning of the tray is greatly facilitated. Such tray remains in protective position over the egg 'receptacleuntil manually moved by a person collecting eggs.

In accordance with the present invention, the egg-transfer carrier may be an elongate basket of wireme'sh corresponding generally to the trans of such latching means embodies a latch plate hanging pendant from the forward margin of the tread-plate for latching engagement with a keeper portion of the nest proper when the nest is occupied. This arrangement is particularly desirable where young pullets are being trained in use of the nest, for the weight of the latch&

operable position.

n All forms of the invention may be equipped with a swinging support for the nest proper, whereby the nest may be propped open at its forward end soeg'gsmay be removed from the egg receptacleby the use of only one hand. A nest so equipped may be effectively closed against entry at night by merely leaving the swinging support in. prop position. Further objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings byway of example.

In'the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a top plan view of the nest of the inventiomwhereiri a wire mesh basket is employed as the egg-transfer carrier;

Fig. 2, a left side elevation considered with respect to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, a front elevation;

Fig.4, a rear elevation;

Fig. 5, a longitudinal vertical section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig.1, but illustrating the positions-of the several parts when a hen isv nesting;

. Fig. 6, a view corresponding to that of Fig. 5, but illustrating the positions of the several parts and of the egg as the hen depresses the treadplate in leaving the nest;

Fig. '7, a similar view, but illustrating the positionsof the several parts and of the egg as the several parts of the nest resume their normal positions following departure of the hen;

Fig. 8, a view corresponding to that of Fig. 5, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention, wherein the egg-transfer carrier is a sheet of fabric suitably anchored;

Fig '9, a view corresponding to that of Fig. 6, but with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 8; I Fig. 10, ,a view corresponding to that of Fig. 7, but with respect to'the embodiment of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11, a front elevation of a third, embodiment'of the invention similar to that of Figs. 8, 9,'and 10, but incorporating additional features adapted especially for young pullets, the position showncorresponding to that of Fig. 9 and being onefwhere the nest is adjusted for use by fully 1 grownlaying hens, rather than pullets;

Fig. 12, a fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section taken on the line [2-42 of Fig. 11, but showing the nest in a latched position assumed when the nest proper is occupied by a fully grown hen;

Fig. 13, a similar view showing the position of the nest when unoccupied;

Fig. 14, a View corresponding to that of Fig. 12, but showing the nest unlatched as it would be when adjusted for and occupied by a pullet;

Fig. 15, a view corresponding to that of Fig. 13,

"but showing the' adjusted nest with treadplate down in the position normally assumed when unoccupied and inviting entry of young pullets; and

Fig. 16, a complete longitudinal vertical section taken similarly to the foregoing, but showing a position where the latched nest of Fig. 13 has its nest proper temporarily propped open for removal of eggs from the forward end of the nest, and its latching plate positively locked in latching position to preclude entry to the nest.

Referring to the drawings: the nest of Figs. 1

to '7 comprises a tray-like egg receptacle it, having, in the illustrated instance, rigid walls ii rising from a flexible bottom l2, which is advantageously wire mesh, as illustrated, see Figs. 5, 6, and 7. The walls I! may be formed from a strip of sheet metal bent to proper configuration. The bottom l2 advantageously has an upwardly offset portion i2a extending transversely there across adjacent the front end, forming a step for a purpose hereinafter made clear. I An imperforate' filth-catching tray l3, preferably formed of sheet metal, is pivotally attached to the rear ends of opposite side walls ll of the eg receptacle ill by means of elongate links M, the tray forming a protective cover for the major portion of the receptacle. The connecting links 54 are pivotally secured at one set of ends thereof to the rear end of receptacle id, as by means of rivets I5, and are pivotally secured at the opposite set of ends thereof to the front end of tray 53 as by means of rivets 56. Thus, the tray l3 may be lifted from the egg receptacle it for collection of eggs, and thereafter replaced thereupon, as a cover, without disconnection of the parts.

' Pivotally mounted at the front of the filthcatching tray [3 is a tray-like nest proper l'l, the pivotal axis thereof being advantageously in common withthe pivotal connections E6 of the respective links M with the tray. The egg receptacle It is thus positioned under the nest proper, and the' tray'l3 is interposed between the two.

The nest proper l1 has its front" end open above the forward end of the egg-receptacle not covered by the tray, and has forwardly and rigidly extending brackets l8 at-opposite' sides thereof. Its bottom Ila is flexible and perforate, being'preferably of wiremesh sufliciently open to allow droppings and other filth to fall onto the tray below.

The side and rear walls of the nest proper are preferably formed by a strip of sheet metal bent to proper configuration, and the brackets l8 are advantageously forward continuations of such strip, all as illustrated. For the sake of rigidity, the forward edges of the brackets is are joined by a cross strip H). To provide for pivotally mounting the nest proper as hereinbefore described, ears 20, which are advantageously integral with the wall-forming strip of sheet metal, depend y from opposite side walls of the nest proper, therivets l6 passing through such ears 5. and opposite side walls |3a of the filth-catching tray I3.

As so mounted, the next proper i'l teeters upon the egg receptacle l and upon the cover tray l3, its normal position when unoccupied by a hen being elevated at the rear and sloping downwardly toward the front, see Fig. 7. For the purpose of establishing a predetermined forward slope for the nest proper, the lower ends of brackets H? are formed as respective feet |8a which engage the bottom of the egg receptacle as limit stops.

Extending transversely of the nest, at the forward end thereof, is a tread-plate 2| upon which a hen steps when entering and leaving the nest proper. It is a feature of the present invention that such tread-plate is pivoted to the nest proper for treadle action, and that the egg-transfer carrier about to be described is suspended from the tread-plate.

In the illustrated instance the tread-plate 2i is pivoted to the upper ends of the respective brackets ill on a longitudinal axis which is disposed somewhat off-center rearwardly, so that a longer lever-arm for the treadle action is disposed at the front of the nest. The ends of the tread-plate are turned downwardly, as at 2|a, and an elongate pivot rod 22 passes through such depending ends 2|a and the upper ends of the respective brackets I8, thereby mounting the tread-plate for treadle action, see particularly Fig. 3.

Articulatively suspended from the rearward longitudinal margin of the tread-plate 2|, as by means of respective lengths 23 of link chain, is an egg-transfer carrier 24, which, in this instance, is a wire mesh basket of generally step formation. The chain suspension links 23 are flexible, and the basket 24 is free to swing forwardly and backwardly. The open portion of the basket faces the open forward end of the nest proper so that an egg can roll directly onto the step-tread 24a of the basket when the rear end of the nest proper is elevated. 'Ihe step-riser 24b acts as a back-stop for the egg, it being kept in mind that the entire basket 24 is yieldable under impact, both because of the Wire mesh material from which it is made and of its suspension mounting. A depending buffer plate 25, yieldably fastened to the rearward longitudinal margin of the tread-plate 2 I, as by means of Wire rings 26 placed at opposite ends thereof, extends across the open front of the nest proper, partially closing the same when a hen is occupying the nest. As the hen leaves the nest and the rearward portion of the tread-plate is elevated, the buffer plate serves to gently interfere with the rolling descent of the egg along the slopin nest proper sufficiently to prevent any great impact against the basket 24.

The weight of the egg-transfer basket 24 is sufficient to normally maintain the tread-plate 2| raised in the limit position of Figs. 5 and 7,

wherein the rearward portion thereof engages the rearward edges |8b of the upper portions of the brackets I8. Such weight is ordinarily more than sufficient to counterbalance the longer forward arm of the lever formed by the tread-plate.

The position of the tray I3 is desirabl somewhat sloping toward the rear of the nest, to facilitate cleaning. For this purpose, limit stop members 21 are provided intermediate the lengths of the respective links I4, such members being here shown as pins which engage the upper edges of the side walls of the egg receptacle H1.

The positions of the several parts of the nest are as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 7 when the nest is unoccupied, the tread-plate 2| being in its limit position with respect to the brackets I8, but being lowered with respect to the egg receptacle l0 and the floor 28, or other support upon which the nest is placed, it being noted that the rear end of the nest proper H is elevated. Thus, a hen may enter the nest without difficulty.

The positions of the several parts of the nest when a hen occupies the nest proper H are as illustrated in Fig. 5. The forward end of the nest proper, which carries the tread-plate 2|, is elevated, inasmuch as the weight of the hen d'epresses the rear end of the nest proper, oscillation of such nest proper occurring about the pivot axes IS. The tread-plate 2| is still maintained in its limit position by the suspended weight of egg-transfer basket 24, and, since the entire tread-plate is now elevated with respect to the egg receptacle I0 and the floor 28, it forms an effective barrier against entry of another hen to the already occupied nest. As a positive lock for the tread-plate in this position, standards 30, positioned at opposite sides of the nest and having hooked upper ends 30a, may be provided. The hooked ends 30a of these standards engage the upwardly-turned rear margin 2 |b of the tread-plate in this position.

As the hen leaves the nest following the laying of an egg 3|, the positions of the several parts of the nest and of the egg are as illustrated in Fig. 6. The weight of the hen rests momentarily upon the forward lever arm 2|-|, Figs. 5 and 6, of the tread-plate 2|, depressing such tread-plate with respect to its supporting brackets t8 and to the nest proper IT. The resulting treadle action raises egg-transfer basket 24 with respect to the nest proper l1, bringing its open rear and its step-tread 24a into egg-receiving position with respect to the open front of the nest proper, approximately as illustrated. Since the weight of the hen on the tread-plate 2| is also effective to operate the lever formed by the nest proper i'i, so that the front of such nest proper is depressed and the rear elevated about the fulcrum axis Hi, the egg 3| automatically rolls down the now forwardly-sloping bottom |Ta of the nest proper toward and into the egg-transfer basket 24, receiving a gentle decelerating action by the buffer plate 25 en route. The egg-transfer basket 24, it should be noted, is so arranged on its suspension means 23, that the spacing between step-tread 24a thereof and the bottom l'ia of the nest proper is insufiicient to permit passage therethrough of an egg. Accordingly, the egg is retained by the basket 24.

When the hen steps off the tread-plate 2| and permits the parts of the nest to resume their normal positions of Fig. '7, the egg-transfer basket 24 descends, carrying the egg with it. It is de sirable that the points of suspension of the basket 24 be offset somewhat rearwardly of the central longitudinal axis thereof, as illustrated at 32, so that the discharge lip 24c thereof has a tendency to rise somewhat during descent of the basket, thereby positively retaining the egg during the descent. The jar of the basket occasioned by its sudden stop when the tread-plate 2| engages the rearward edges |8b of the brackets l8, serves to propel the egg forwardly and out of the basket into the egg receptacle ID, in somewhat the manner illustrated in Fig. 7. The nest is now ready for the entry of another hen thereinto.

7 It should be noted thatthe raised step [2a in the bottom of egg receptacle not only reduces the distance of drop of the egg from egg-transfer carrier to egg receptacle, but also establishes a slight slope toward the rear end of the receptacle,

down which the egg has a tendency to roll. a C01- lection of eggs from the egg receptacle is accomplished by merely lifting the rear end of the tray I3.

The filth-catching tray l3 may be easily cleaned, either from the position of the parts shown in Fig. 7, or by increasing the space between it and the nest proper I! by merely lifting the rear end of such nest proper. The links 14 afford advantageous separation of these parts without detachment thereof from the nest.

It should be particularly noted that at no time during operation of this nest is there any chance of crushing an egg, regardless of size. The floating action of the egg-transfer basket precludes any jaw action between egg-transfer carrier and nest proper.

The embodiment of this invention which appears in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 involves much the same structural and functional characteristics as those of the foregoing embodiment. Certain differences, however, make for economy in construction without loss of operating efficiency.

As illustrated, the egg-receptacle 44 is shortened, its forward end terminating approximately directly under the open forward end of the nest proper 4i, and being itself open.

The forwardly-extending brackets 42, rigid with the nest proper, are similar to the brackets l8, and the tread-plate 43 and its pivot mounting on the upper ends of the brackets 42 correspond to similar structure of the foregoing embodiment. Likewise, filth-catching tray 44 and its mounting links 45 correspond to the tray 13 and links [4 of the prior embodiment.

Instead of utilizing a wire mesh basket of step formation for the egg transfer carrier, however, a flexible sheet 46 of fabric or the like is employed. such sheet 46 is securely anchored along its upper longitudinal edge to the rearward 1ongitudinal margin of the tread-plate 43, as by means of fastening elements 41, and is similarly securely anchored along its lower longitudinal edge to a cross-bar 48 which is secured at its ends to, and spans the distance between, the lower feet portions 42a of brackets 42. As so anchored, such carrier sheet is flexibly suspended from the tread-plate 43.

The carrier sheet'46 is so dimensioned as to be substantially taut when the tread-plate 43 is depressed relative to the brackets 42 under the Weight of a hen, see Fig. 9, thereby preventing an egg, here indicated 49, from rolling beyond the discharge lip 41a of the nest proper until the hen steps off the tread-plate in leavingthe nest, whereupon a certain curvature, which may be spoken of as a trough formation, is assumed by the carrier sheet 46 under the weight and rolling action of the egg, see Fig. 10. This directs the egg into the open front of the egg receptacle 40, where it rolls over the raised step portion 40a toward the rear of the receptacle.

It should be noted that, in this instance, the flexible carrier sheet 46 acts as its own buffer, elfectively-yielding under impact of the egg and bringing about a gentle deceleration thereof in its transfer to the egg receptacle 46 below.

In either of the above-described embodiments, an open framework 50, Figs. 8, 9, and 10, having generally the configuration of the egg receptacle,

may have a paper bag or the like, 5 I, fitted there over, with its opening at the front, so as to receive the eggs as they. are deposited in the receptacle. I Thus, in collecting the eggs, it is only necessary to remove the bag from the framework to retrieve all the eggs at once, ready-deposited V This third form of my invention is generally similar to that illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, and 10, embodying a flexible sheet fabric or the like for its egg-transfer carrier. It comprises, an egg receptacle 60, a nest proper 6| having forwardlyextending brackets 62, a tread-plate 63, filthcatching tray 64, pivotal link mounting 65, and flexible sheet egg-transfer carrier 66, all in general conformity with such previously described embodiment.

The brackets 62 vary somewhat from those illustrated in previous figures, in that the feet thereof are formed with respective limit shoulders 62a for positive engagement with the raised forward edge 60a of the bottom of the egg receptacle, and the upper portions thereof are somewhat diiferently configurated. These are minor and relatively unimportant variations so far as the additional features are concerned, though it should be noted that the lower attachment bar 61 for the sheet egg-transfer carrier 66 is placed lower and more forwardly than the corresponding bar 48 of the embodiment of Fig. 8, and that such placement is preferable for the presently described embodiment where very small pullets eggs are to be handled.

The present embodiment differs from those previously described principally in the provision of a latch-plate which'hangs pendant from the tread-plate along the forward longitudinal margin thereof, and, further, in the provision of an adjustable guard to prevent latching action when desired. The latch-plate takes the place of the hooked standards 30 of the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 7, and may be utilized in substitution therefor in that embodiment.

As illustrated, the latch-plate 68 is pivotally secured, at opposite ends thereof, to depending end flanges 63a of the tread-plate, as, for example, by means of respectivepivot pins 69. Thus, it extends across the front of the nest. Its lower edge is turned backwardly and somewhat upwardly, as at 68a, between opposite end portions 68b. The turned, intermediate portion 68a. serves as a catch, cooperating with the upper edge of cross-strip 10 as a keeper. The depending end portions 68b serve as stops for determining the latched position of the plate, see Figs. 12 and 16.

In operation, the latch-plate B8 automatically assumes latching position as a hen steps into the nest proper 6| from the tread-plate 63, see Fig. 12. Accordingly, the nest is latched against entry by another hen much as is the case in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 7. Due to the upward slope of the catch 68a, unlatching is automatic as the hen steps out of the nest, see Fig. 13.

In order to adapt the nest for use by young pullets, an adjustable guard in the form of a clip II, pivoted at 12, is provided at the upper margin of cross or keeper strip 10. -When the nest is to be used by fully grown hens, as described above, such clip H is turned downwardly, as shown by full lines in Fig. 11. Thus, it is rendered inoperative as a guard to. prevent latch ing action. However, when the nest is to be used by young pullets, the clip H is turned upwardly to the dotted line" position of Fig. 11, where it is operative to prevent latching action. Accordingly, the weight of latch-plate 68 constantly maintains tread-plate 63 down in the approximately horizontal positions of Figs. 14 and 15, whether the nest. proper is occupied or not. Such open position of the tread-plate invites entry to the nest of young p'ullets, and makes such entry easy.

This embodiment also includes a swinging support, serving as an automatically positioned prop for the nest proper when it is desired to provide access to the egg receptacle from the front of the nest, as, for example, when only one hand of the attendant is free.

As illustrated, such swinging support here takes the form of a wire bail l3, pivotally mounted in the lower foot portions of the respective brackets 62 as by means of projecting pin portions 13a, Fig. 11, and having its terminal portions '13?) extending as legs at respectively opposite sides of the nest, as shown. Thus, as the front portion of the nest is lifted upwardly to the position shown in Fig. 16, the legs 13b automatically swing into the prop position illustrated. With the nest maintained in this position, an attendant may reach into the egg receptacle 6t from the front of the nest, and remove the collected eggs therefrom by the use of only one hand. Furthermore, with the nest maintained in this position at night, it is effectively closed to all entry, it being realized that the nest is customarily positioned in a small cubicle forming a housing therearound which is normally closed except at the front.

Fig,l6 not only illustrates the nest propped open by means of the swinging support or bail 13, but also shows the latch-plate 68 locked in latching position by means of the catch or clip II. This provides even further assurance against entry of the nest at such times as it is desired that the nest remains unoccupied.

Obviously, the swinging support may be utilized in connection with the previously described embodiments of the invention, regardless of whether the latch-plate type of latching means, or any latching means, he also employed.

While this invention is here specifically illustrated and described with respect to certain presently preferred forms thereof, it should be understood that various changes may be made therein and various other forms may be constructed on the basis of the teaching hereof, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the protective scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A hens nest, comprising a tray-like nest proper; a tray-like egg receptacle disposed under said nest proper; bracket means rigid with said nest proper; a tread-plate adjacent one end of said nest; means pivotally mounting said tread-plate in said bracket means so as to form a treadle; means pivotally mounting the nest proper adjacent the said one end of the nest; and an egg-transfer carrier articulatively suspended from the tread-plate.

2. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein a filth-receiving tray is articulatively mounted between the nest proper and the receptacle, the

nest proper being pivotally mounted on the said tray.

3. The combination recited in claim 2, wherein the tray is linked to the end of the receptacle opposite the egg-transfer carrier by means of elongate links which are respectively pivoted at one set of corresponding ends to the said end of the receptacle, and at the opposite set of corresponding ends to the tray.

4. The combination recited in claim 3, where: in the said opposite set of corresponding ends are pivoted to the tray in common with the nest proper.

5. The combination recited in claim 4, wherein the elongate links have respective stop members intermediate their lengths arranged to engage and rest upon the receptacle.

6. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein the tread-plate is pivotally mounted on an axis extending longitudinally and substantially centrally thereof, the carrier being articulatively suspended adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of the tread-plate.

'7. The combination recited in claim 6, wherein standards extend from the receptacle adjacent said inner longitudinal edge of the tread-plate, said standards terminating in looking hooks adapted to engage and lock said inner longitudinal edge of the tread-plate when the nest proper is in depressed position under the weight of a nesting hen.

8. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein the bracket means have upwardly extending portions which serve to mount the tread-plate, and downwardly extending portions serving as feet for the nest proper which determine the extent of elevation of the nest proper.

9. The combination recited in claim 3, wherein the bracket means are extensions of the side walls of the nest proper.

10. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein the egg-transfer carrier is an elon ate wire mesh basket extending along the width of the nest, and wherein links at opposite ends of said basket flexibly suspend the basket from the treadplate.

11. The combination recited in claim 10., wherein said basket is of substantially step formation, and said links engage the basket intermediate the depth of the tread portion of said step, so said step is held in substantially equilibrium at all positions of movement thereof.

12. The combination recited in claim 11, wherein the tread-plate is pivotally mounted on an axis extending longitudinally and substantially centrally thereof, the carrier being linked to the tread-plate adjacent the inner longitudinal edges thereof.

13. The combination recited in claim 12, wherein the bottom of the receptacle is upwardly stepped. adjacent the discharge lip of the basket considered in its lowered egg-discharging position.

14. The combination recited in claim 1. wherein the egg-transfer carrier is an elongate flexible sheet extending along the width of the nest and having opposite longitudinal edges thereof secured to the tread-plate and to the said bracket means, respectively. 1

15. The combination recited in claim 14, wherein the bracket means comprise extensions of the side walls of the nest proper and a bar extending between and fastened to said extensions, the lower edge of the flexible sheet being attached to said bar.

16. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein an open framework having substantially the configuration of the receptacle is removably p0- sitioned within said receptacle, said framework being adapted to hold a removable and replaceable egg-receiving bag in egg-receiving position within said receptacle.

1'7. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein latching means are provided for latching engagement when the nest proper is occupied.

18. The combination recited in claim 1'7, wherein the latching means comprise a latchplate hanging pendant from and along the forward longitudinal edge of the tread-plate, and a keeper secured to the nest proper, said latchplate having weight sufiicient to normally maintain the tread-plate in down position.

' 19. The combination recited in claim 18, wherein an adjustable guard is mounted in I proximity'to the latch-plate for adjustment into and out of position preventing latching of said latch-plate relative to the keeper.

12 20. The combination recited in claim 1, wherein a swinging support is associated with the for- Ward end of the nest proper as an automatically positioned prop when the forward end of the nest proper is raised to a predetermined height.

LARKIN R. SHAFFER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,199,944 Tuttle Oct. 3, 1916 1,542,156 McLendon June 16, 1925 1,595,561 Merrill Aug. 10, 1926 1,817,588 Shafier Aug. 4, 1931 1,891,161 Johnston Dec. 13, 1932 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 57,750 Denmark July 1, 1940

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