WO1999004641A1

WO1999004641A1 - A boning table

Info

Publication number: WO1999004641A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1998/000110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jaap Frank Authier; Keith Blenkinsopp; David Andrew Trow; Murray Andrew Turner
Original assignee: The Meat Industry Research Institute Of New Zealand (Incorporated)
Priority date: 1997-07-25
Filing date: 1998-07-22
Publication date: 1999-02-04
Also published as: AU8652998A

Abstract

A boning table (10) for the boning of a part of an animal carcass such as a loin. The boning table (10) has an orientation element (13) which presents a mounting surface (12) against which a part of the carcass part (L) can be engaged by a pair of clamps. The orientation element (13) is movable to locate the carcass part (L) in different orientations. The table (10) can include a turntable (18) located with a fixed table part which provides a surround (19) and a trimming area (22).

Description

A BONING TABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a boning table.

The present invention more particularly relates to a boning table for beef boning though the invention is not restricted to this end use. Therefore, while the present specification refers to the boning table being particularly suited for beef boning, this is by way of example only.

In the beef boning room of a meat processing plant it is relatively common for the striploin to be manually removed from the bone-in loin by a worker using a knife and a boning table. The boning table generally has a smooth flat top with no special features to assist with the task of removing the striploin. Consequently the worker must use his non-knife hand (most often the left hand) and forearm to control the bone-in loin and prevent it from sliding on the table top. It is therefore difficult for the worker to also use the non- knife hand to assist with the meat removal eg. pulling meat away from the bones. Some workers also find it necessary to use their lower body to restrain the bone-in loin from sliding off the edge of the table.

A further difficulty can arise if the beef carcass has not been split exactly on centre. The resulting bone-in loin is consequently referred to as "soft sided". The spinous process and part of the chine bones may be absent. The loin thus is more flexible and even more difficult to hold in place on the table.

Further factors can come into play, eg. the boning table not being at the optimum height for the worker. Consequently the worker may have to lean over slightly and this can contribute to fatigue, back pain etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a boning table whereby a bone-in loin can be firmly held in a correct orientation and position for the worker to work on the loin.

Broadly in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a boning table which includes clamping means with which a bone-in loin of an animal carcass can be engaged whereby the loin can be readily orientated and held for the worker to carry out boning work.

In the preferred form of the invention a turntable incorporates the clamping means whereby the loin can be clamped to be movable with the turntable. In the more preferred form of the invention there is also included orientation means whereby a loin may be located in different orientations .

According to one form of the invention the height of the table can be adjustable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the boning table according to one embodiment of the present invention in a typical in-use situation,

Figure 2 is a perspective underside view of a bone-in loin with the tenderloin already removed from the underside,

Figure 3 is a pictorial view of a bone-in loin clamped to the turntable of the boning table,

Figure 4 is a further view similar to Figure 3 but with the loin in a different orientation,

Figure 5 is a detail perspective view of a clamp mechanism for clamping a loin to the boning table, Figures 6 and 7 are views similar to Figure 5 showing the clamp mechanism in different operative configurations, and

Figure 8 is a side elevation view showing the geometry of a compression spring of the mounting plate of the boning table.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A bone-in loin will typically include one or several ribs at the front end of the loin. The loin may be either "short- rib" or "long-rib" (the latter being illustrated in Figure 2). On long-rib loins the ribs are full length while the rib ends are sawn off to form a short-rib loin.

According to a known process a first cut (see Figure 2) is made to separate the meat from the spinous process. In some processing plants this cut is made prior to the loin entering the boning room. However, when the cut is made in the boning room it is carried out with the spinous process orientated vertically. Short-rib loins will readily sit on the table in this orientation but with long-rib loins the ribs will hang over the edge of the table in the manner shown in Figures 1 The loin is then turned so that the central plane of the spine (where the carcass has been split) is against the table and the ribs point upwardly at an angle. The meat is then separated from the ribs and the transverse processes, then finally from over the knuckles.

With this in mind the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the preferred form of the invention the boning table is constructed so that the height of the table ie. the working surface of the table can be readily adjusted to suit the stature of the worker. The movement is controlled by a hand- operated pneumatic valve. Lifting an operating lever causes the table to rise whereby depressing the same lever will cause it to lower. This pneumatic valve is connected to a pneumatic cylinder inside the column 11 which supports the table 10. Such an arrangement is in accordance with normal rise and fall mechanisms and will therefore not be described further herein as it is well within the scope of a skilled person to provide such an arrangement.

According to the present invention there is provided a loin mounting plate 12. This loin mounting plate 12 is able to be rotated through 90° about an axis at one edge of the plate which preferably is in the plane of the top of the table. However, practical constraints (provision of the pivot with bushes, without protruding above the table surface) mean that in reality it is below the plane of the top of the table. Thus the plate 12 can be orientated in either a vertical position relative to the working surface of the table 10 or in a horizontal position where it lies substantially in the plane of the table 10 and therefore flush with the work surface of the table.

As can be seen in the accompanying drawings the central plane of the spine of the loin L (where the carcass has been split) is placed against the loin mounting plate 12. Due to the rotatable mounting via pivots 26 of the mounting plate 12 the loin is able to be rotated (by hand) so that the spinous process is either horizontal or vertical. These two positions correspond with the positions described above which are required to enable the different cuts necessary to remove the meat from the bones.

A small pneumatic cylinder or over-centre spring mechanism 23 (see Figure 8) can be used to ensure that the loin mounting plate 12 sits in either the horizontal or the vertical position. This mechanism is located below the surface of the table 10 and once again is a straight forward mechanism with a construction and operation which will be readily apparent to the skilled person. In the preferred form the mechanism is such that if the mounting plate 12 is released at an intermediate position it will turn to either the horizontal or vertical. As shown in Figure 8 the compression spring 23 is located between a fixed pivot 24 and a lug 25 of the mounting plate 12.

Where a small pneumatic cylinder is used it is preferred that the cylinder has air pressure permanently applied to one end so that it behaves in a similar manner to a spring. This is considered to be an easier and cleaner arrangement than say a compression spring.

Preferably the reverse side 13 of the mounting plate 12 is formed with a curved surface which as illustrated, corresponds to one quarter of a cylinder the axis of which is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation of the mounting plate 12. This curved surface 13 prevents a worker's hand from becoming trapped when the mounting plate 12 is lowered to the horizontal position.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other specific arrangements can be used for controlling movement of a mounting plate between horizontal and vertical positions.

Clamping means in the form of two clamps 14 are mounted on the mounting plate 12. As shown in Figure 3 clamps 14 have spikes 15 at their distal ends. These spikes are designed to engage with the chine bones of the loin L thereby clamping the loin against the loin mounting plate 12. Each clamp 14 is operated by a pneumatic cylinder 27 or some other moving means. The clamp 14 located towards the anterior end of the loin will normally close further than the other clamp 14 at the posterior end due to the changing shape and size of the chine bones along the length of the loin. Nevertheless the clamps 14 are substantially identical since this allows a loin from either the left or right hand side of a carcass to be clamped with equal effectiveness. By using pneumatic control means the clamps 14 will move as necessary to assume the full clamping position irrespective of the relative thickness of the chine bone being clamped by the clamp.

The two clamps 14 are controlled by a control mechanism so that they are either both closed or both open. Once again a hand-operated valve is provided for the worker to operate the clamps. In accordance with the preferred form of the invention and recognised safety procedures, two hand-operated valves requiring simultaneous operation may be provided to ensure that neither of the operator's hands are near the clamps when they close.

Yet again the operation of the clamps using pneumatic linear actuators are in accordance with typical control mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art. The arrangement is such that the clamps when in the closed position and when no loin is present will be located such that the back surface 16 of the clamp 14 is flush with the loin mounting plate 12. To achieve this the loin mounting plate 12 is provided with recesses 17 to accommodate the clamps when in the fully closed position (see more particularly Figure 6). This arrangement results in an overall flat surface of the table 10 when the loin mounting plate 12 is in the horizontal position. Consequently the table can be used as a conventional boning table.

With the mounting plate 12 in the horizontal position and the clamps 14 in the fully open position (Figure 5), the clamps are raised above the level of the table 10. Preferably, however, the linkage between each clamp 14 and it's associated pneumatic cylinder 27 includes a spring mechanism so arranged that the clamp can be temporarily closed (flush with the table) by a light force on it even though the pneumatic cylinder is in the "open" position. This allows a loin to be slid over the clamps (from one direction) without it being necessary for the worker to lift the loin over the projecting clamps. However, once the loin clears the clamps the clamps will immediately re-open under the spring bias ready for the chine bones to be positioned for clamping by the clamps. As shown in Figure 5, the piston rod 28 of the pneumatic ram 27 is coupled at its distal end to a U-shaped bracket 29. A pin 30 extends through the ends of the legs of the U-shaped bracket 9, this pin 30 passing through an arcuate slot 31 formed in the body of the clamp 14. An axle 32 fixed with the body of the clamp 14 is rotatably mounted by bearing webs 33 (only one of which is shown in Figure 5). A lug 34 welded or otherwise attached to axle 32 is engaged with a spring 35 which is anchored from anchor lug 36 fixed to the inside surface of the curved part 13 of the mounting plate 12.

Thus, as mentioned above, a force applied to the back 16 of the clamp 14 pushes the clamp 14 down into the recess or slot 17 against the bias of spring 35, this movement being possible due to the rotational mounting of the axle 32 and pin 30 slidingly locating in the arcuate slot 31. Thus, once the force applied to the back 16 of the clamp 14 is removed the spring 35 moves the clamp back to the open position as shown in Figure 5.

It will be appreciated that in Figure 5 the cylinder 27 is in the extended position, the clamp 14 being placed in the open position by the action of spring 35. In Figure 7, however, the cylinder 27 is shown in the retracted position which, due to the interaction of pin 30 and the end of slot 31, causes the clamp 14 to be moved into the closed position, ie retracted into recess or slot 17. If, however, a loin or part of a loin is placed between the clamp 14 and mounting plate 12 the pneumatic cylinder 27 retracts to a point where the spike 15 engages with the loin and clamps the loin onto the mounting plate 12.

In the event that the mounting plate 12 is vertical and the clamps are open, each clamp 14 will be located back in the corresponding recess 17 formed in the table 10 and thereby below the level of the table. This enables a loin, with the spinous process orientated vertically, (eg. as shown in Figure 4) to be pushed against the mounting plate 12 without the worker having to lift the loin over the clamps. When the clamps are then closed they will rotate above the level of the table and engage the chine bones (not readily apparent in Figure 4) .

A loin can therefore be clamped in three different ways:-

* With the mounting plate horizontal (Figure 3) and the spinous process of the loin horizontal, the loin then being positioned with the chine bones pushing against the clamp followed by the clamps being closed to clamp the loin as shown in Figure 3.

* As above, except that if the loin is on the "wrong side" of the clamps it can be slid over the top of the clamps (which will move down against the spring bias mentioned above) whereupon the clamps are positioned with the chine bones and then closed to clamp the chine bones in place.

* With the loin mounting plate 12 vertical and the spinous process vertical (Figures 1 and 4), the loin is positioned with the spinous process against the loin mounting plate 12 whereupon the clamps are closed to engage with the chine bones and clamp the loin in position.

The boning table includes a turntable 18 which is rotatable (preferably by hand) about a vertical axis. The extent of the rotation is unrestricted. This is achieved by providing a rotary union to supply air to the actuators on the turntable ie. the clamp cylinders and if fitted the small pneumatic cylinder for the over centre mechanism. That is the table can be rotated continuously in the same direction if desired. The mounting plate 12, clamps 14 and the horizontal pivot of the mounting plate are all mounted with the turntable 18.

In a more complex arrangement the turntable could be provided with a drive mechanism whereupon by operating a control lever or pedal (though preferably the latter) the operator can selectively rotate the table 18. The turntable 18 is preferably mounted within a flat surface surround 19 with the surface of the turntable 18 being flush with this surround 19. The overall flat surface allows the loin to be slid towards or away from the mounting plate 12 without the worker being required to lift the loin.

In the preferred form of the invention a pneumatically operated brake situated below the level of the table surface is provided to lock the turntable in position and thereby prevent rotation. In the preferred form the brake is released by depressing a foot pedal 21. Accordingly the worker can rotate the turntable and loin to any position for the boning operation to be carried out without the worker being required to move around the table. However, when in the required position the turntable can be simply locked in position by releasing the foot pedal 21.

As can be seen in the drawings the greater part of the peripheral edge of turntable 18 is located close to the peripheral edge of the surround 19. Thus the ribs of a long- rib loin can be hung over the sides of the turntable once the turntable has been rotated to a suitable position (see Figures 1 and 4 ) .

Part of the surround 19 provides a trimming area 22. As mentioned previously this area 22 provides a flat surface for sliding the bone-in loins, meat and bones to and from the mounting plate 12 without lifting required. The trimming area 22 can also be used to temporarily hold a bone-in loin if it arrives to the boning table while the previous loin is still being processed. Furthermore as the name indicates, the trimming area 22 provides an area for trimming the striploin to specification following the boning process.

It is not necessary that the surround 19 extend entirely about the peripheral edge of the turntable. For example the surround 19 could be formed substantially entirely by the trimming area. In the preferred arrangement the surround is about the whole of the peripheral edge of the turntable as this makes it more difficult for the worker's hand to become caught between moving and stationary parts.

The trimming area top sits on top of a stainless steel frame which goes right around the table top. The turntable top sits slightly above this frame, supported by a rotatable structure. If a lot of weight is put on the turntable surface then it will deflect and also be supported by the stainless steel frame around the table top.

At the point where edge of the trimming area tangentially approaches the turntable, the stainless frame is fitted with a small triangular wedge on its top edge. This is to prevent fingers getting caught when the turntable is rotated. To more fully describe the invention reference will now be made to a method of operation though it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exact sequence of operation can usually vary depending on the layout of the boning room, the type of loin being processed and whether the meat has already been separated from the spinous processes. Other factors will be the starting positions of the mounting plate 12, the turntable 18 and the techniques preferred by the worker.

The tenderloin must be removed from the underside of the bone-in loin before clamping the loin to the table. The tenderloin is normally removed at a previous stage in the boning process.

In a typical arrangement, however, the worker will remove a bone-in loin from a conveyor that passes the end of the table opposite to the turntable 18 ie. adjacent the trimming area 22. The worker will then slide the loin across the trimming area 22 and mount it against the loin mounting plate 12 via one of the techniques described above. The worker will then rotate the mounting plate 12 and/or the turntable 18, if necessary, to a position suitable for separating the meat from the spinous processes. After making this cut the worker will lower the mounting plate 12 to the horizontal position (Figure 3) and proceed to separate the meat from the ribs and the transverse processes. During this operation the worker will likely rotate the turntable 180° to work from both ends of the loin.

Movement of the mounting plate 12 and the turntable 18 is normally affected by the worker using one or both hands to rotate the loin rather than using their hands directly on the table components.

Following removal of the striploin from the bones the worker will remove the small pieces of intercostal meat from in between the ribs and the transverse processes. This can be done while the bones are still clamped in place and with the mounting plate 12 in the horizontal position.

Following the separation of the striploin from the bones the clamps 14 will be released from the bones. The meat and bones will then be slid across the trimming area 22 before being placed on conveyors.

In it's most basic form the boning table can consist of a horizontal mounting plate and clamps only with no rotation about any axis being provided. The assembly will furthermore be mounted on a fixed-height column and with no other horizontal surfaces (eg. trimming surface 22) being provided. This would result in the bone-in loin needing to be carried to the table for clamping with the mounting plate and the striploin will need to be caught when separating from the bones. The meat would also need to be separated from the spinous processes prior to the boning table being used.

It is, however, envisaged that the boning table is more likely to be used in the arrangement as shown in the drawings where the mounting plate is able to be moved to a vertical position, is part of a turntable arrangement and the height of the table can be adjusted.

As mentioned previously, the boning table may also be used for loins from species other than beef though generally this would result in changes in the dimensions of the table. Furthermore the boning table or a modified form thereof may also be used to assist with boning meat cuts other than loins.

The boning table as described and illustrated is open to modification within the scope of the invention as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

For example the trimming area 22 and top of the table 10 (but not the mounting plate 12) can be constructed from a polyethylene plastic (preferably white) of a type typically used for food processing surfaces such as cutting boards. These sections can be mounted for removal so that they can be easily lifted off for cleaning. Also this can provide ready access to parts underneath the table top surface for cleaning or servicing.

In an alternative arrangement the removable plastic sections can be of stainless steel.

According to another modification the external clevis 29 (see Figure 5) can be removed in the interests of cleanliness. An internal "clevis" mechanism can therefore be used allowing curved slots 31 to be covered in. The piston rod 28 by being longer can enter the body of the clamp 14 through a slot in the underside. The pin 30 in such an arrangement can then be mounted through the end of the piston rod 28 and movable along a curved groove or slot (or pairs thereof) in the clamp body.

Yet a further embodiment of the boning table can dispense with the spring or pneumatic cylinder to orientate the mounting plate 12. Instead the weight of the mounting plate assembly (including clamps 14 and their pneumatic cylinders 27) is used to keep the mounting plate in a horizontal orientation. A weight can be added inside the assembly (eg. in the corner where the mounting plate 12 joins the curved surface 13) in order to assist with this.

When there is no meat present the mounting plate assembly will always return to the horizontal position. When a bone- in striploin is clamped in place then its weight will cause the assembly to stay in either the horizontal or the vertical position, whichever it is moved to by the boner.

When this simplified arrangement is used the third loading method referred to earlier cannot be used as the mounting plate will not stay in the vertical position prior to clamping of the meat.

The boning table does not need to be a stand alone item as shown in Figure 1. For example in an alternative arrangement the turntable 18 (with mounting plate assembly etc) could be simply mounted in an existing (usually stainless steel) table flush with its top surface. The turntable would be positioned so that it is located adjacent an edge of the table.

It is envisaged that benefits arising from the boning table according to the present invention will include less damage (secondary knife cuts) to the striploin, better yield of meat (less left on the bones), improved comfort for the worker and less likelihood of cuts and strain injuries.

Claims

1. A boning table which includes clamping means with which a bone-in loin of an animal carcass can be engaged whereby the loin can be readily orientated and held for the worker to carry out boning work.

2. A boning table as claimed in claim 1 further including orientation means whereby a loin when clamped by said clamping means can be located in different orientations.

3. A boning table as claimed in claim 2 wherein the orientation means includes a mounting surface with which a part of the loin can engage and be clamped thereto by said clamping means.

4. A boning table as claimed in claim 3 wherein the orientation means is mounted to be movable between at least a first position where said mounting surface is substantially in or parallel to the plane of a table surface and a second position at an angle to said table surface.

5. A boning table as claimed in claim 4 wherein the angle is substantially normal to the table surface.

6. A boning table as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the clamping means includes at least one clamp element pivotally mounted with said orientation means and an opening in said mounting surface from which the clamp element can project when in a clamping position, said clamp element being movable by moving means.

7. A boning table as claimed in claim 6 wherein the moving means is a linear actuator coupled to the clamp element.

8. A boning table as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein the clamp element is movable independent of the moving means .

9. A boning table as claimed in claim 8 wherein the clamp element is biased by biasing means.

10. A boning table as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the moving means is mounted with the orientation means.

11. A boning table as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein a distal end of the clamp element includes at least one pointed projection.

12. A boning table as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein there are two clamp elements the moving means for each being a pneumatic linear actuator.

13. A boning table as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 further including a turntable rotatable about an axis, said clamping means and orientation means being movable with said turntable.

14. A boning table as claimed in claim 13 further including brake or locking means to retain said turntable in a selected position about the axis.

15. A boning table as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the turntable is located with a fixed table part which surrounds at least in part the turntable.

16. A boning table as claimed in claim 15 wherein the fixed table part forms a trimming area.

17. A boning table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including height adjustment means for adjusting the height of a work surface of the table.

18. A boning table as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17 wherein at least part of the work surface of the table which is adjacent the orientation means is removable.