AU2009212954B2

AU2009212954B2 - Stock lift race

Info

Publication number: AU2009212954B2
Application number: AU2009212954A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rod Holland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-04
Filing date: 2009-09-04
Publication date: 2011-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-04
Also published as: AU2009212954C1; AU2009212954A1

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Rod HOLLAND INVENTION TITLE: STOCK LIFT RACE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - 2 STOCK LIFT RACE 5 Field of the Invention This invention relates to animal handling devices, and in particular, to a stock race lift which provides a means of moving stock for individual handling with limited disruption and discomfort to the animal. 10 Whilst the invention may be applied to the handling of any suitable animal or stock such as cattle, goats or the like, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a stock lift race for the handling of lambs. Background to the Invention 15 Stock races are commonly used on stock yards for holding animals and as a passageway to guide the animals to a suitable location for individual handling. The standard races generally comprise a barrier that is fixed to the ground which the animals can be moved in between. Once the animals are moved to a suitable location for handling they must generally be carried from the barrier onto the 20 ground or a platform for individual handling which can be back-breaking work for a handler and uncomfortable and distressing for an animal. In order to alleviate some of the physical burden on animal handlers, modular clamping lift races have been developed which are designed to mechanically lift 25 the animals from the ground to an elevated position. These current clamping lifts operate by moving two side tine racks inwardly to push the animals together and consequently, raise them in an upward direction. However, these lifts result in discomfort for the animals by pushing the animals and removing their stability as their legs no longer contact a floor surface when lifted. 30 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a stock race lift which 3 provides a means of moving stock for individual handling with limited disruption and discomfort to the animal. Summary of the Invention 5 The present invention provides a stock lift race including: a body portion; a cradle member; and a lifting assembly whereby the stock race lift provides a means of moving stock for individual handling with limited disruption and discomfort to the animal. 10 In a particular form the present invention provides a stock lift race comprising an elongated body portion having floor and walls and a gated entrance at one end and further comprising a cradle member extending along a side wall and a lifting assembly for raising at least the floor relative to the cradle member to raise stock 15 in the elongated body portion to a height that allows easy movement to the cradle member. It is preferred that the body portion of the stock lift race is preferably defined by a rectangular frame assembly. 20 It is preferred that the race preferably has provided at least one, preferably two, side walls. It is preferred that the body portion preferably has provided a floor portion. The 25 floor portion may preferably be solid or grated to suit the stock being handled and/or application for the stock lift race. It is preferred that the stock lift race preferably has provided at least one gate member. 30 4 It is preferred that the cradle member is preferably adapted to be secured to a side wall of the race via a suitable securing means such as a mounting bracket. It is preferred that the lifting assembly preferably has provided at least one support 5 member to which the body portion of the stock lift race can be attached. It is preferred that the lifting assembly preferably has provided a means for controlling movement of the stock lift race. 10 It is further preferred that the means for controlling movement is preferably at least one pneumatic or hydraulic ram which is adapted to be connected to the support members and/or body portion of the race. The invention further provides a method of moving stock comprising the steps of 15 providing an entrance to an enclosure; activating a lift assembly in an upward direction to a desired height; providing a means to transfer stock from an enclosure to a narrow area in which to allow individual stock handling; providing means to transfer stock from a narrow area in which to allow individual stock handling, to an enclosure; activating a lift assembly in a downward direction and 20 providing an exit from an enclosure.

5 A stock lift race for providing support to at least one animal to an raised position; the stock lift race includes: a body portion having a first end and an opposed second end and including a race platform and two space apart side walls which extend from 5 the race platform and which define a passage which extends from the first end of the body to the second end of the body, a cradle member configured to provide support at least one selected animal at a working height, and a lifting assembly which is configured to move the floor portion 10 between a lower position and an raised position at which the at least one animal is at the working height; wherein the floor portion is grated and open with bars and operates between the lower and upper positions inside the passage thereby allowing the at least one animal to walk into the passage over the race platform 15 when the floor portion is in the lower position; wherein the openness with bars construction of the floor portion causes the at least one animal to be suspended by the floor portion thereby to support the at least animal at the raised position on a body of the at least one animal thereby allowing the transfer of a selected animal of the at least 20 one animal from the suspended position onto the cradle by a handler; and whereby the stock race lift provides a means of incapacitating the at least one animal with limited disruption and discomfort to the at least one animal. 25 In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof. Description of Drawings In order that the invention can be more readily understood an embodiment will be 30 described by way of non-limiting examples by reference to the drawings wherein: 6 Figure 1 is a photographic view of the stock race lift in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a photographic view of the stock race lift from an overhead perspective illustrating such features as the elongated body portion, including the 5 side walls, floor portion, gate member and cradle member wherein the floor portion is open with bars in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a photographic view of the stock race lift illustrating from an overhead perspective the cradle member in use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 10 Figure 4 is a photographic side view of the stock race lift illustrating the features of the stock race lift including a single ram the in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention 15 In this preferred embodiment, the invention provides a stock race 10 lift which provides a means of moving stock for individual handling with limited disruption and discomfort to the animal. The stock race lift shall be described herein for the individual handling of lambs. However, it should be acknowledged that the invention may also be applied to the handling of other animals including, cattle, 20 goats or the like. It is envisaged that the shape, style, dimensions and/or features of the invention may be varied as required to suit different animals and/or other applications. The stock lift race is made of a metal material. However, it is envisaged that any 25 other suitable material may also be adopted so long as it is strong, durable, weather-resistant and meets the requirements of the invention. The stock lift race has provided a body portion 20. The body portion 20 of the stock lift race is preferably defined by a rectangular frame assembly. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable shape may also be employed. The race has provided at least 30 one, preferably two, side walls 22. The side walls 22 are welded to the frame of the body portion 20. However, it is envisaged that the side wall 22 may also be 7 secured to the frame assembly via any other suitable securing means. The side walls 22 may be at least partly solid to assist in firmly holding the stock within the race and prevent the stock from getting caught within any open railings. However, it is envisaged that the side walls 22 may also be partially or fully created as a 5 frame assembly having at least one vertical support and at least one horizontal railing which is adapted to be spaced apart from an adjacent railing by a prescribed distance to provide breathing space and access to the animals. It is envisaged that the side wall(s) 22 on the sides where the stock are not being handled will be higher to ensure that the stock remain within the race. 10 The stock life race has provided a floor portion 24. The floor portion 24 has bars spaced apart from each other to suit the stock being handled and/or application for the stock lift race. The floor portion 24 is preferably welded to the frame of the body portion 20. However, it is envisaged that the floor portion may also be 15 secured to the frame assembly via any other suitable securing means. The stock lift race has provided at least one gate member 26. The gate member 26 is adapted to be located at the front and/or back end of the stock lift race. Where there is no gate provided at a particular end of the race it is envisaged that 20 a solid back or front end will be provided. The gate member 26 has provided a locking mechanism which is adapted to keep the door secured in a closed position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism may preferably include a latch or lever or the like. A first end of the latch/lever may be pivotally secured to the adjacent frame and/or support member whilst the second 25 end can be brought down in front of the gate member 26 to keep it in a closed position against the frame and/or support member. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable locking mechanism may also be employed. In an alternate embodiment, it is envisaged that the adjacent frame or support member may have provided an elongated aperture or slit portion which is adapted to receive a rod or 30 the like which is preferably attached to the gate and moveable within the aperture 8 or slit for raising or lowering the gate as required to move stock in and out of the lift race. The stock lift race has provided at least one cradle member 30 or trough for 5 enabling an animal to be handled. The cradle member 30 is preferably adapted to be secured to a side wall of the race via a suitable securing means. In a preferred embodiment, the securing means is a mounting bracket which is adapted to be secured to the bottom of the cradle member 30. A support arm may be integrally formed with or attached to the side wall and/or mounting bracket. The support 10 arms are preferably mounted at an angle which will be dependent on the size of the cradle member 30 in order to keep the cradle member 30 substantially horizontal relative to the side wall 22. The stock lift race has provided a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly is 15 preferably adapted to raise the floor portion 24 of the stock lift race to a suitable height for transferring animal from within the race onto the cradle member 30 or trough for handling. The lifting assembly has provided at least one support member to which the body portion 20 of the stock lift race can be attached. In a preferred embodiment, the invention has provided vertical supports located at 20 either side of the race and/or horizontal supports for the base and/or top of the body portion 20. The lifting assembly has provided a means for controlling movement of the stock lift race. The means for controlling movement is preferably at least one pneumatic or hydraulic ram which is adapted to be connected to the support members and/or body portion 20 of the race. At least one line is provided 25 to connect the ram to a hydraulic or other suitable source. The stock lift race preferably has provided at least one switch or the like which is adapted to activate the ram in order to raise or lower the floor portion 24 of the stock lift race as required. It is envisaged that any other suitable means for raising the floor portion 24 and/or body portion 20 of the stock lift race may also be employed. It is 30 envisaged that the switch and/or ram may be connected to an external power source for the operation of the lifting assembly.

9 The invention further provides a method of moving stock as, in practice, the gate member 26 at one or both ends of the stock lift race is opened and the stock 5 are led into the race. The gate member(s) 26 is/are then closed and the switch is 5 turned on to raise the floor of the race and stock 5 to a working height. Once at a working height, the stock can be transferred to the cradle member 30 or trough for individual handling for various activities such as tagging or marking. In use the stock race 10 is used to process a number of animals simultaneously. 10 The race includes an entrance door and an exit door which, when closed, seals off a passage which is defined between the side walls 22 of the body portion 20. Thus, once the number of animals is fed into the passage, pivotal movement of the entrance and exit doors to closed positions shown respectively in Figures 1 and 4 substantially prevents the number of animals from exiting the passage. Thereafter 15 the lifting arrangement, shown in Figure 4 as a hydraulic cylinder, is actuate to move the floor portion 24 of the race platform from a lower position, shown in Figure 2, to an upper position at which the animals are positioned at a comfortable, operating height (shown in Figure 3). Referring in particular to Figure 2, the floor portion 24 includes a number of rods which extends perpendicularly 20 between the two side walls 22 inside the passage. As result, when the floor portion is moved to the upper position, legs of the number of animals can stick through the race platform so that the animals are supported on their underbellies on the race platform. This has the particular benefit of allowing the number of animals to be lifted to an operating position shown in Figure 3 while reducing the 25 likelihood of causing stress to the animals do to feet of the animals not contacting or touching the ground. Once the animals are lifted to the operating position shown in Figure 3, the user of the stock race 10 can either work on the animals while being suspended inside the 30 passage or may decide to transfer a selected animal from the passage to the cradle member 30. Thus, the user can perform work on the animals while being 10 suspended in the passage, for example giving an injection, dehoming calves, or tagging of ears, or move a selected animal to the cradle member to inspect an underbelly of the animal or to perform work on a portion of the animal which is not exposed or readily accessible while the animal is suspended inside the passage 5 (as is shown in Figure 3). While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a stock lift race, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. 10 However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1. A stock lift race for providing support to at least one animal to an raised position; the stock lift race includes: 5 a body portion having a first end and an opposed second end and including a race platform and two space apart side walls which extend from the race platform and which define a passage which extends from the first end of the body to the second end of the body, a cradle member configured to provide support at least one selected 10 animal at a working height, and a lifting assembly which is configured to move the floor portion between a lower position and an raised position at which the at least one animal is at the working height; wherein the floor portion is grated and open with bars and operates 15 between the lower and upper positions inside the passage thereby allowing the at least one animal to walk into the passage over the race platform when the floor portion is in the lower position; wherein the openness with bars construction of the floor portion causes the at least one animal to be suspended by the floor portion thereby 20 to support the at least animal at the raised position on a body of the at least one animal thereby allowing the transfer of a selected animal of the at least one animal from the suspended position onto the cradle by a handler; and whereby the stock race lift provides a means of incapacitating the at least one animal with limited disruption and discomfort to the at least one 25 animal.

2. A stock lift race according to claim 1 wherein the body portion includes a gate member at each of the first and second ends; and wherein each of the gate members is pivotally movable to and from a closed position at which 30 each end of the passage is closed by a respective gate member thereby in use holding the at least one animal captive inside the passage. 12

3. A sock lift race according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the floor portion extends substantially an entire length of the passage. 5

4. A stock lift race according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the lifting assembly has at least one support member to which the race platform is attached.

5. A stock lift race according to claim 4 wherein the lifting assembly has a means for controlling movement of the race platform between the lower and 10 upper positions.

6. A stock lift race according to claim 5 wherein the means for controlling movement is at least one pneumatic or hydraulic ram which is adapted to be connected to support members and the body portion. 15

7. A stock lift race according to any one of claims 1 to 6 which includes a cradle member into which the at least one animal in use is loaded to allow work to be performed on the at least one animal. 20

8. A stock lift race according to claim 7 wherein the lifting assembly raises the floor portion, at least the floor relative to the cradle member, to raise stock in the elongated body portion to a height that allows easy movement to the cradle member. 25

9. A stock lift race according to claim 8 wherein the cradle member is adapted to be secured to one of the two spaced apart side wall of the body portion with a securing means.

10.A stock lift race according to claim 9 wherein the securing means is a 30 mounting bracket.

11. A method of working stock comprising the steps of: i. Blocking off a exit from a passage; 13 ii. Filling the passage with a number of animals; and iii. Activating a lift assembly thereby causing a floor portion of a race platform to move in an upward direction to a working height; iv. Supporting the number of animals on their bodies through the floor 5 portion which has a grated construction being open with bars thereby allowing the animals to be suspended by the floor portion in a raised position at which the animals are at the working height for transfer from the floor portion to a cradle by a handler. 10

12.A stock lift race substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

13. A method of using a stock lift race substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. 15