AU2011211403B2 - A livestock handling device - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a livestock handling device 10 comprising a first frame member 12. The first frame member 12 is configured to define a space into which one or more animals are to be received on a floor surface 14. A second 5 frame member 20 is mounted to the first frame member 12 and is movable between a first position and a second position. The second frame member 20 has a base portion 24 configured to be positioned substantially on or adjacent to the floor surface 14 when the second frame member 20 is in the first position. The base portion 24 is further configured to be positioned remote from the floor 1o surface 14 when the second frame member 20 is in the second position. The base portion 24 is configured such that when the second frame member 20 is in the second position, the one or more animals received on the floor surface 14 are elevated above the floor surface 14 by the base portion 24. The base portion 24 comprises at least two rail members 25 and a plurality of cross-bar members 28 1s connected to each rail member by a flexible link 27.

Description

A Livestock Handling Device 2011211403 12 Aug 201

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for handling livestock for animal husbandry purposes.

5 BACKGROUND ART

Devices for the handling of livestock are an important tool for most primary producers. The ability of a primary producer to control and monitor the health of their livestock is important in supplying animal products for human consumption. As most primary producers are responsible for the management and handling of io large volumes of livestock, devices that assist in this mass handling of animals offer many advantages in efficient farming practices.

In this regard, a number of devices exist for collecting and holding animals for animal husbandry purposes. Stock races, holding pens and the like are typically employed for this purpose and are designed to receive animals and hold the is animal for manipulation by a handler. The handler may inspect the animal and apply medication to the animal in accordance with an animal maintenance regime, or may merely collect the animal for further processing, such as shearing, crutching and the like.

Often, where large volumes of livestock must be treated or otherwise processed, 20 the efficient handling of the large volume of animals is a difficult process. The animals must be directed to a processing station in an orderly manner that ensures that all animals are assessed and treated. This may require a worker to physically handle the animal which can be difficulty where an animal is untethered and often agitated, as is often the case when an animal is held in unaccustomed 25 surrounds. A variety of devices have been proposed to assist in animal handling in such circumstances. There exist crushes and the like which isolate individual animals for processing, however such devices are typically used on larger animals and for performing significant tasks that require full immobilisation and isolation of the 30 animal.

For handling sheep and other similar animals, lift races have been proposed that are designed to lift the animals from the ground to an elevated position, where the animal can be accessed. Most existing devices either require devices that force or bunch the animals together into a group after which they are raised off the ground by a hoist device for processing. Such devices typically cause discomfort and distress to the animals as they are forced together and the devices are constructed such that there is limited access to the animals about the device, as a s side of the device is typically movable, resulting in handlers having minimum access to the animals present therein. 2011211403 12 Aug 2011 A stock lift race of this type, whereby a grated floor is lifted to suspend sheep in an elevated position, is described in Australian Patent No. 2009212954. Whilst this device provides a means for immobilising animals in a confined space, the 10 device requires a cradle member for receiving an animal from the race that impedes access to the device by workers. Further, the device presents a rigid grated structure on the floor that has the potential to capture the limbs of the animal during the lowering and raising step. This can then cause significant damage to any animal having a limb trapped between the grated structure and the 15 floor, thus presenting a significant problem to the welfare of the animals.

Thus, there is a need to provide a livestock handling device that is able to receive and immobilise the animals in a safe and efficient manner, whilst providing maximum access of handlers to the animals contained therein.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not 20 intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but 25 one part.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a livestock handling device comprising: a first frame member configured to define a space into which one or more 30 animals are to be received on a floor surface; a second frame member mounted to said first frame member and movable between a first position and a second position, the second frame member having a base portion configured to be positioned substantially on or adjacent to the floor surface when the second frame member is in the first 2 position, and configured to be positioned remote from the floor surface when the second frame member is in the second position, the base portion is configured such that when the second frame member is in the second position, the one or more animals received on the floor surface are 5 elevated above the floor surface by the base portion; and 2011211403 12 Aug 2011 wherein the base portion comprises at least two rail members and a plurality of cross-bar members connected to each rail member by a flexible link.

In an embodiment of this aspect if the invention, the cross-bar member is io configured to engage with an underside of the animal when the second frame member is in the second position so as to support the animal in the elevated position. Adjacent cross-bars may be spaced apart to define a space therebetween into which an animal’s legs may be received as the second frame member moves between said first position and said second position. The cross-15 bars may be connected to the rail members at their opposing ends. In one form, the cross-bars may be connected to the rail members by way of a chain member. In an alternative form, the cross-bars may be connected to the rail members by way of a cable.

In an alternative embodiment, each cross bar may be connected to an adjacent 20 cross bar by way of one or more flexible linkage members. The flexible linkage member may extend substantially parallel to one or both of the rail members along a length of the base portion. The flexible linkage member may be a chain that passes over each of the cross-bars. The cross bars may be configured such that when the second frame member is in the second position, each cross bar 25 member may be suspended from the base portion by way of the flexible link.

In another embodiment, the floor surface may be the ground surface upon which the first frame member is received. Alternatively, the floor surface may be a floor formed in the first frame member. A movement mechanism may be provided to facilitate movement of the second 30 frame member between the first position and the second position. The movement mechanism may be mounted in a roof portion of the first frame member. The movement mechanism may comprise one or more cables connected to the second frame member such that it is actuated to apply a lifting force to elevate the second frame member. The one or more cables may be actuated by any one of a 35 hydraulic ram, a pneumatic ram or a winch, to apply said lifting force to the second frame member. 3

The first frame member may comprise a pair of side walls that define a passage into which the animals may be received. The side walls may each define an entry and an exit through which the animals can pass. One or more gate members may be provided on the entry or exit to facilitate controlled entry and exit of the 5 animals through the passage. The one or more gates may be remotely activated by a user. Alternatively, the one or more gates may be manually activated by a user. 2011211403 12 Aug 2011

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting io description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a livestock handling device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with the device in an entry position or lowered position, for receiving animals;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the livestock handling device of 15 Figure 1 with the device in an capture position or raised position for accessing animals;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the external frame member of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the external frame member of the 20 device of Figure 1 with a side wall removed;

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the internal frame member of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 6A is an enlarged view of Figure 5 showing the manner in which the cross bars attach to the rails of the internal frame member; 25 Figure 6B is an enlarged view of Figure 5 showing the manner in which the cross bars of the internal frame member are interconnected;

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of Figure 5 showing an end frame of the internal frame member;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the device of Figure 1 showing a manner 30 in which an end frame of the internal frame member is connected to a movement mechanism; and 4

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the device of Figure 1 showing a manner in which the other end frame of the internal frame member is connected to a movement mechanism. 2011211403 12 Aug 2011

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 5 Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is depicted a livestock handling device 10 in io accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 will be described below in relation to its application for use in handling sheep. However, it will be appreciated that the device 10 could be employed to handle a variety of different animals as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The device 10 generally comprises an external frame member 12 that forms and is defines the external structure of the device 10. The external frame member 12 comprises a plurality of substantially elongate support members 11, welded or otherwise formed together to define an external structure. The support members are typically tubular steel members having a substantially rectangular cross section; however, other shapes and materials are also envisaged for constructing 20 the device 10. An internal frame member 20 is mounted within the external frame member 12 so as to be movable in relation thereto in a manner as will be described in more detail below.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the external frame member 12 is shown in isolation. As discussed above, the external frame member 12 is formed to define a 25 substantially rectangular cuboid or box having a base or floor 14, a pair of side walls 16 that extend substantially vertically from the base or floor 14, and a roof portion 15, spaced from the floor 14 at a predetermined height. Whilst the device has a built-in floor 14 shown in the figures, it will be appreciated that the device may have an open underside which utilises the ground surface as the floor of the 30 device.

In a preferred form the length of the device is approximately 6 metres, the width is approximately 900mm, and the height is approximately 2400mm, although other dimensions may be employed depending of the application of the device. The side walls 16 of the external frame member 12 define a path extending 35 between a pair of open ends 13 into which the animals are received. Each end 13 5 has a gate member 17 mounted thereto which defines an entry point and an exit point from the device 10. The gates 17 may be hingedly mounted to the frame member 12 and actuated under pneumatic or hydraulic control so as to control the flow of animals through the device. However, other gate arrangements 5 employing sliding, rotating mechanisms and the like, are also envisaged. 2011211403 12 Aug 2011

In a preferred embodiment, the lower regions of the side walls 16 are enclosed. The side walls 16 may be enclosed by applying a substantially planar layer or sheet of material along inner surfaces thereof. The sheet of material may preferably be a sheet of metal, such as steel. The provision of an enclosed wall io portion 16 acts to provide a smooth surface against which the animals contact as they pass through the device 10. By providing a smooth and enclosed surface in the lower region of the side walls 16, there is a reduced likelihood of animals becoming stuck or having a limb or body part captured in the structure of the side walls 16, which could significantly impact the flow of animals through the device is as well as cause injury to the animals. It will be appreciated that the upper regions of the side walls 16 may be open, in the manner as shown, to enable workers to lean through the walls 16 to access the animals in the device 10. The height to which the enclosed portion of the walls 16 extends may be selected in accordance with the size of the animals intended to be used with the device 10. 2o Whilst not shown, it will be appreciated that the side walls 16 may be angularly disposed with respect to the floor 14. In such an arrangement, the side walls may present a narrower path adjacent the floor 14 and a wider region adjacent the open upper region of the walls 16 for accessing the animals present therein. Similarly, the walls 16 may be angularly adjustable with respect to the floor 14. 25 As is shown in Figures 1 and 2, a walkway or platform 19 extends horizontally from the lower region of each of the side walls 16. The walkway or platform 19 provides a surface upon which a worker may be supported when accessing the animals present in the device 10. The walkway or platform 19 is raised from the ground surface and may be pivotally mounted to the side walls 16 or external 30 frame member 12 so as to be foldable to facilitate transport of the device 10.

Referring to Figure 4, the floor 14 of the external frame member 12 comprises a substantially planar surface, typically made from a sheet metal. The floor 14 extends substantially the length of the device 10, between the ends 13 thereof, and is sufficiently robust so as to support the animals thereon as they enter and/or 35 exit the device 10. It will be appreciated that the surface of the floor 14 may be textured or otherwise treated to facilitate gripping of the animals feet as they travel over the surface, so as to reduce the likelihood of the animals slipping and 6 becoming injured, as well as increasing the flow of animals through the device 10 2011211403 12 Aug 2011

The roof 15 of the external frame member 12 extends the length of the floor 14 and is a substantially open structure. As will be discussed in more detail below, the roof 15 is configured to receive and support a movement mechanism 18 in a 5 suspended position above the floor 14. The movement mechanism 18 is typically in the form of a hydraulic ram mounted on the roof 15, but other mechanisms, such as pneumatic rams and electric motors may also be employed as will become more apparent below.

The internal frame member 20 is shown in isolation in Figure 5. The internal io frame member is configured to fit within the external frame member 12, and comprises a base 24 that extends between a pair of end frames 22. The end frames 22 are in the form of open rectangular frames that extend substantially vertically from the base 24.

The base 24 comprises a pair of elongate side rails 25 that extend the length of is the internal frame member 20 between the end frames 22. Each rail 25 may be formed from one or more tubular metal rods, preferably steel or aluminium. When the internal frame member 20 is located within the external frame member 12, in the manner as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rails 25 extend along the lower inside surface of the side walls 16 and are separated a distance 20 substantially equivalent to the distance of separation of the side walls 16. As such, when the animals are permitted into the device 10, they pass over the base 24 of the internal frame member 20.

As shown in Figure 5, a plurality of cross bars 28 extend between the opposing rails 25 of the base 24 at regular intervals along the length thereof. Each cross 25 bar 28 is in the form of a steel tube having a circular hollow section (CHS), although other cross-sectional shapes are also envisaged. The cross bars 28 are connected to the rails 25 at the ends thereof by way of a flexible link 27. In a preferred form the flexible link 27 is in the form of a length of chain, as is shown in Figure 6A. However, it will be appreciated that the flexible link 27 may take a 30 variety of different forms, such as a length of cable or the like, that facilitates a degree of movement between theend of the bars 28 and the rails 25 and still fall within the spirit of the invention.

As is shown in Figure 6A, the flexible link 27 allows the cross bars 28 to be suspended below the rails 25, when the base 24 is raised above the floor 14. In a 35 preferred arrangement, the cross bars are arranged such that they can be suspended approximately 150mm below the rails 25, in a raised position. Such a 7 flexible connection between the cross bars 28 and the rails 25 provides a degree of flexibility in the base, as will become more apparent below. 2011211403 12 Aug 2011

The cross bars 28 are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the base 24 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the length of the base 24. In a 5 preferred embodiment for handling sheep, the cross bars 28 are arranged such that their central axes are spaced approximately 200mm apart, although other spacings may be used, especially where the type and size of animals to be handled by the device vary. In this regard, the spacing between bars 28 may be smaller for lambs as opposed to full sized sheep. In order to retain a consistent io spacing between cross bars 28, one or more chains 29 is provided to extend the length of the base 24, in the manner as shown in Figure 5. The chains 29 may be each welded, or otherwise connected, at a point to the cross bars 28. It will be appreciated that the combination of the flexible links 27 and the chains 29 act to provide a degree of flexibility between the cross bars 28 and the rails 25. 15 In an alternative form, in order to provide for a reduced or altered spacing between the cross bars 28, a mat (not shown) or the like may be positioned over the cross bars 28 of the base 24. The mat may be made from a rubber or plastic material and may have a series of elongated slots formed therein with reduced spacing there between. In such an arrangement, the mat can provide reduced 20 spacings between the slots so as to accommodate smaller animals without requiring a new base 24.

The end frame 22 of the internal frame member 20 is shown in detail in Figure 7. Each of the rails 25 are attached to the base of the end frame 22 at respective ends thereof. The end frame 22 is in the form of an open rectangular structure 25 having an upper and lower bar separated by a pair of substantially parallel upright members 21. Whilst the figures show a lower bar, it will be appreciated that the lower bar may be removed to avoid any potential damage to the animal during use of the device 10, as may occur when the internal frame member is raised and or lowered in the presence of animals. Each upright member 21 has 30 an eyelet 23 provided on an inner surface thereof. The eyelet 23 is in the form of a lug that projects from an inner surface of the upright member and which has an opening or recess formed therein. Each eyelet 23 is located towards an upper portion of the upright member 21, preferably adjacent the upper bar.

Referring to Figure 1, the device 10 is formed with the internal frame member 20 35 located within the external frame member 12 such that the cross bars 28 of the base 24 of the internal frame member 20 are positioned on or adjacent the floor 8 14 of the external frame member 12 or the ground surface below the device. In the arrangement of Figure 1, when the gate 17 is in the open position, animals are permitted to enter the device 10 and walk over the floor 14 (or ground surface below the device 10) and the crossbars 28 to pass through or along the device 10. 2011211403 12 Aug 2011 5 By selectively closing the gates 17 at the ends of the device, a group of animals will be captured in the device 10 for animal husbandry purposes. With regard to use of the device 10 for the management of sheep, the type of processing may include drenching, crutching or any other regular function required in the care and maintenance of livestock. io Upon capturing one or more animals within the device 10 and closing the gates 17 at either end of the device, the movement mechanism 18 housed in the roof 15 of the external frame member 12 (as shown in Figure 1) is activated. In a preferred form, the movement mechanism 18 is a hydraulic ram and activation of the hydraulic ram causes a piston arm 30 to retract into the housing of the is mechanism 18. The end of the piston arm 30 is connected to a series of four cables 32 which are each connected to an eyelet 23 of the end frames 22. In Figure 8, there is shown an arrangement where the cables 32 are connected to the eyelets 23 of the end frame 22 positioned adjacent the piston arm 30. Figure 9 shows an arrangement where the cables 32 are connected to the eyelets of the end 20 frame 22 positioned remote from the piston arm. As is shown, in each of the arrangements one or more pulleys 31 are provided to direct the cables and to assist in the transformation of forces to the end frames 22.

As each end frame 22 is connected to the piston arm 30 at two points (via the eyelets 23), activation of the piston arm 30 into a retracted position results in the 25 internal frame member being lifted or raised such that the base 24 thereof is raised above the floor 14 of the external frame member 12, as is shown in Figure 2. In this position, sheep present in the device 10 are lifted by the cross bars 28 acting on their undersides, as the internal frame member 20 is elevated. As the cross bars 28 are spaced apart from each other, the sheep’s legs are able to pass 30 therebetween as the internal frame member 20 rises, such that the sheep becomes suspended above the floor 14 of the external frame member 12. As the sheep is suspended, it becomes immobilised thus enabling a worker to access the animal for husbandry purposes. The lifting of the sheep from the floor 14 of the device also brings the sheep up to a more accessible height, for the worker thus reducing 35 stresses on the worker’s back and the like, which is an accepted problem when a worker is bending over to access an animal at a lower height.

Once the animals have been processed in the device 10, the movement 9 mechanism 18 is activated to lower the internal frame member 20 such that the sheep become supported on the floor 14 by their own legs. The exit gate 17 can then be opened to enable the sheep to exit the device 10. As the cross bars 28 are connected by way of a flexible link 27 to the rails 25 of the internal frame 5 member 20, when the internal frame member 20 is lowered such that the bars 28 contact the surface of the floor 14, the degree of flexibility in the system reduces the likelihood of an animal becoming trapped between the moving parts of the device and breaking a leg or becoming injured. 2011211403 12 Aug 2011

It will be appreciated that the design of the device offers a number of benefits io over existing devices proposed for similar purposes. The provision of the movement mechanism 18 incorporated into the roof 15 of the external frame member 12 provides operators with free access along both sides of the device 10. Such unrestricted access to the animals within the device 10 ensures a safe work environment as well as an efficient means for applying animal husbandry. 15 Further, the provision of flexible linkage between the bars 28 of the internal frame member 20 and the floor of the device reduces the potential of animals becoming trapped between the moving parts of the device and the floor of the device and or the ground surface below the device.

Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives 20 are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is 25 expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, 30 horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the device uppermost. 10

Claims (15)

1. The Claims defining the Invention are as follows:

   1. A livestock handling device comprising: a first frame member configured to define a space into which one or more animals are to be received on a floor surface; a second frame member mounted to said first frame member and movable between a first position and a second position, the second frame member having a base portion configured to be positioned substantially on or adjacent to the floor surface when the second frame member is in the first position, and configured to be positioned remote from the floor surface when the second frame member is in the second position, the base portion is configured such that when the second frame member is in the second position, the one or more animals received on the floor surface are elevated above the floor surface by the base portion; and wherein the base portion comprises at least two rail members and a plurality of cross-bar members extending therebetween, each crossbar member is connected at each end thereof to one of the at least two rail members by a flexible link such that each cross-bar member is suspended from the at least two rail members and is free to move with respect to the at least two rail members.
2. 2. A livestock handling device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-bar member is configured to engage with an underside of the animal when the second frame member is in the second position so as to support the animal in the elevated position.
3. 3. A livestock handling device according to claim 2, wherein adjacent crossbars are spaced apart to define a space therebetween into which an animal's legs are received as the second frame member moves between said first position and said second position.
4. 4. A livestock handling device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible link is a chain member.
5. 5. A livestock handling device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible link is a cable.
6. 6. A livestock handling device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each cross bar is connected to an adjacent cross bar by way of one or more flexible linkage members.
7. 7. A livestock handling device according to claim 6, wherein the flexible linkage member extends substantially parallel to one or both of the rail members along a length of the base portion.
8. 8. A livestock handling device according to claim 7, wherein the flexible linkage member is a chain that passes over each of the cross-bars.
9. 9. A livestock handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the second frame member is in the second position, each cross bar member is suspended below the base portion by way of the flexible link.
10. 10. A livestock handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor surface is the ground surface upon which the first frame member is received.
11. 11. A livestock handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the floor surface is a floor in the first frame member.
12. 12. A livestock handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a movement mechanism is provided to facilitate movement of the second frame member between the first position and the second position.
13. 13. A livestock handling device according to claim 12, wherein the movement mechanism is mounted in a roof portion of the first frame member.
14. 14. A livestock handling device according to claim 13, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a one or more cables connected to the second frame member and actuated to apply a lifting force to elevate the second frame member.
15. 15. A livestock handling device according to claim 14 wherein the one or more cables are actuated by any one of a hydraulic ram, a pneumatic ram or a winch, to apply said lifting force to the second frame member.