A flooring system designed to be fixed over a slatted floor in an animal housing enclosure.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flooring system for a slatted floor in an animal housing enclosure, the system comprising a flooring and fastening devices (5). According to the invention, the fastening devices comprise a head (56) including fastening means (560) that attach to the flooring and a body (51) including locking means (510) that can be moved between two positions: - an unlocked position, adapted to allow translation of said body relative to said drainage channel, and - a locked position, adapted to prevent translation of said fastening device within said drainage channel. The head includes operating means (561) adapted for moving said locking means between these two positions. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: A coating system adapted to be fixed over a slatted floor in an animal housing enclosure Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of flooring for animal enclosures, for example, cattle enclosures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a flooring system adapted to be fixed over a slatted floor in an animal enclosure. State of the art

[0002] Animal comfort is a determining factor in the performance of a livestock operation, which notably influences the health, feed intake, fertility and longevity of the animals.

[0003] In a stable, this comfort notably implies a rapid and efficient removal of the excrement generated by the animals.

[0004] This management of excrement should in fact make it possible to reduce gas emissions and the proliferation of bacteria in the breeding facility, and consequently to improve environmental conditions and sanitary performance.

[0005] More generally, excessively wet flooring is likely to cause health problems in the feet of animals, including lameness, which constitutes a major health problem in livestock farming.

[0006] One solution is to equip animal traffic areas (waiting areas, exercise corridors, etc.) with slatted flooring (generally made of prefabricated concrete slabs), and then cover this with a surface on which the animals' feet rest. This surface improves animal comfort and also helps reduce floor moisture.

[0007] Maintaining the coating, in relation to the grating floor, is an essential issue.

[0008] Indeed, it is necessary to lock the position of the coating in relation to the grating floor, in order to allow good drainage of fluids.

[0009] The restraining means must also avoid coming into contact with the animals' hooves, in order to limit excessive wear and / or prevent injury. Presentation of the invention

[0010] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention proposes a coating system in which the coating is associated with fixing devices which are attached to the level of drainage ducts defined in the grating floor and the coating, so as to anchor the coating in a fixed position relative to this grating floor.

[0011] More specifically, the invention proposes a coating system adapted to be fixed over a slatted floor equipping an enclosure for animal rearing, the coating system comprising:

[0012] - a covering intended to cover the slatted floor, advantageously a carpet made from an elastomeric material, and

[0013] - a plurality of fastening devices, intended to ensure the securing of the flooring with a slatted floor; which coating comprises:

[0014] - a lower surface, intended to rest on the grating floor, and

[0015] - an upper, opposite surface, which coating includes several through slots, intended to come into fluidic communication with at least one opening made in the grating floor, to define together an evacuation conduit adapted to the evacuation of liquids from the upper surface of the coating.

[0016] And, according to the invention, at least one of the fastening devices comprises:

[0017] - a body adapted to be introduced in translation into the evacuation conduit, from the upper surface of the coating, and

[0018] - a head, comprising fastening means adapted for fixing to the surface superior coating,

[0019] which body includes locking means capable of being maneuvered between two positions:

[0020] - an unlocking position, adapted to allow translation of the body relative to the drain pipe, and

[0021] - a locking position, adapted to prevent translation of the fastening device brought into the evacuation conduit, which head includes means of operation, adapted to the operation of the locking means between the two positions.

[0022] Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to fix a coating on a grating floor.

[0023] The fastening devices provided for this purpose hold the coating in a fixed position relative to the ground, gratings prevent the coating from moving.

[0024] The placement of the fixing device within the evacuation conduit also ensures a good match between the slots in the coating and the openings in the grating floor, guaranteeing good evacuation of fluids.

[0025] In addition, this arrangement of the fastening devices advantageously reduces possible contact with the animals' hooves.

[0026] In addition, the fastening device is easily maneuverable by an operator between the unlocking position and the locking position since the means of operation are accessible from the upper surface of the coating.

[0027] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: - The upper surface of the coating having several longitudinal grooves adapted to receive the liquids flowing on said upper surface, which longitudinal grooves are cut by said slots, which head fixing means are adapted to be housed in said grooves, advantageously without protruding from said upper surface, preferably, the width dimension of said fixing means is less than the width dimension of said longitudinal groove, and preferably, the longitudinal grooves extend perpendicularly with respect to said slots; - The means for fixing the head include two tabs extending on either side of said body and adapted to anchor themselves at the level of said upper surface of the coating, on either side of the slot, where appropriate in the longitudinal groove, which tabs advantageously include at least one hook suitable for penetrating the coating; - The head of the fastening device has a recess in which the means of operation are accessible; - The means of operation include a screw comprising a screw head which is accessible from the head of the fastening device, and a screw body which cooperates with said locking means; - The locking means consist of expanding locking means, which locking means are maneuverable between two positions: the unlocking position, defining a first width dimension allowing its movement in translation relative to the evacuation duct, and the locking position, defining a second width dimension, greater than the first width dimension, adapted to prevent its movement in translation relative to the evacuation duct; - The expanding locking means comprise a deformable part including two elastically deformable wings, extending apart, which extend on either side of a longitudinal axis and define a housing opening opposite said head; preferably, which housing receives a deformable element which is operative within the housing to adjust the spacing of the two wings; preferably, the wings and / or the deforming element have a flared shape, which deforming element is maneuverable in translation along the housing to define the positions;

[0028] The present invention further relates to a fastening device, as such, for a coating system according to the invention.

[0029] This fastening device comprises: - a body adapted to be introduced in translation into said drainage duct, from the upper surface of said lining, and - a head, including fastening means adapted for fixing to the upper surface of said coating, which body includes locking means capable of being operated between two positions: - a release position, adapted to allow the translation of said body relative to the exhaust duct, and - a locking position, adapted to prevent the body from moving relative to the exhaust duct, which head includes means of operation, adapted to the operation of said locking means between said two positions.

[0030] The present invention further relates to an enclosure for raising animals comprising a slatted floor receiving a coating system according to the invention.

[0031] Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for installing a coating system according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps: - a step of laying the coating so as to cover the grating floor and such that the slots of said coating are in fluidic communication with at least one opening in the grating floor to form a drainage channel, - a step of inserting the fastening device into the drainage channel, with its locking means in the unlocked position, so as to sandwich the coating between the head and the grating floor, and - a step of maneuvering the locking means of the fastening device from said unlocking position to the locking position.

[0032] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0034] [Fig-1] is a general and perspective view of an enclosure adapted for raising animals according to the invention, having a slatted floor covered with a coating system comprising a coating held in place by means of fixing devices;

[0035] [Fig.2] is an isolated and perspective view of one of the fastening devices, in a unlocking position;

[0036] [Fig.3] is an isolated and perspective view of one of the fastening devices of the [Fig.1], in an unlocked position (A) and in a locked position (B);

[0037] [Fig.4] is a partial top view of the coating and the fastening device of the [Fig.l];

[0038] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the coating system of [Fig.1];

[0039] [Fig.6] is a view along a cross-section of the grating floor covered with the coating of the [Fig.1], with the fixing device in the unlocked position;

[0040] [Fig.7] is a view along a cross-section of the grating floor covered with the coating of the [Fig.1], with the fixing device in the locking position.

[0041] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0042] Fig. 1 schematically represents an enclosure 1 adapted for raising animals.

[0043] By "animals" we mean for example cattle (in particular dairy cows, or beef cattle), pigs, or any other farm animal (sheep, poultry, rabbits, horses, etc.)

[0044] This enclosure 1, partially shown in [Fig. 1], advantageously consists of a building delimited by a structure (not shown), adapted to the desired livestock farming. For example, in the case of cattle farming, it is a stable.

[0045] This enclosure 1 includes a slatted floor 2, for example installed in a circulation area. The circulation area includes, for example, a waiting area, an exercise corridor, a circulation corridor, etc. In this first example, the slatted floor 2 is installed at the level of circulation corridors, used by the animals when they move between the different functional spaces of the enclosure 1 (for example, stalls, milking parlors, etc.).

[0046] In order to facilitate the drainage of liquids to the pit below, but also to improve the comfort of the animals by limiting the risk of slips and / or injuries, the present invention proposes a technical solution for covering the slatted floor 2 with a coating system 3.

[0047] In general, this coating system 3 according to the invention comprises:

[0048] - a coating 4 intended to cover the grating floor 2, and

[0049] - a plurality of fastening devices 5, intended to secure the coating 4 with 2. Grating floor. Grating floor

[0050] This grating floor 2 refers in particular to a floor having openings 20 which lead, for example, to a pit (not shown here).

[0051] The dimensions of the openings 20 allow a compromise between the flow of liquids and the stability of the animals. Here, by liquid, it is understood in particular the liquid excrement produced by the farm animals, in particular, their urine.

[0052] This grating floor 2 thus forms an openwork floor arranged above a pit, which advantageously facilitates the flow and evacuation of liquids.

[0053] The slatted floor 2 advantageously comprises two opposing surfaces ([Fig. 1]):

[0054] - an upper surface 21 oriented towards the animals, and

[0055] - a lower surface 22, opposite and oriented towards the pit.

[0056] The openings 20 in the grating floor 2 are through-holes and open through the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 22.

[0057] These openings 20, preferably rectilinear, are delimited on the upper surface by a contour. This contour is preferably rectangular or oblong.

[0058] Preferably, each opening 20 has:

[0059] - a longitudinal axis 23, along which the contour extends lengthwise, and

[0060] - a transverse axis 24 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 23 and parallel to the upper surface.

[0061] Thus, each opening 20 is delimited by:

[0062] - two long sides 25, the spacing of which defines a dimension in width of the opening 20, and

[0063] - two small sides 26, the spacing of which defines a dimension in length.

[0064] The two long sides 25 advantageously extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 23. Advantageously, the two long sides 25 extend parallel to each other.

[0065] For example, the openings 20 advantageously have a width dimension of 25 to 42 mm and a length dimension of 2000 to 5000 mm.

[0066] Preferably, the openings 20 are regularly distributed across the grating floor 2, forming a periodic pattern. In particular, the openings 20 are arranged in lines in which the long sides 25 of the openings 20 are continuous with one another. The grating floor 2 thus has openings 20 arranged in regularly spaced and parallel lines. Within the same line, the openings 20 are, for example, regularly spaced from one another.

[0067] In this way, the longitudinal axes 23 of the different openings 20 of the grating floor 2 are parallel to each other.

[0068] Each opening 20 has a depth measured along a vertical axis (not shown). This vertical axis is defined perpendicular to the upper surface 21 of the grating floor 2. Since each opening 20 is through-hole, the depth of the opening 20 is given by the thickness of the grating floor 2, measured along this vertical axis.

[0069] In practice, the grating floor 2 is advantageously made up of several grating plates, made for example of concrete.

[0070] These grating plates advantageously have a square or rectangular outline, for example:

[0071] - a width of 500 to 1200 mm, and

[0072] - a length of 2,000 to 5,000 mm.

[0073] These floor grating plates 2 are advantageously juxtaposed, in the width and / or length direction.

[0074] In [Fig. 1], the grating floor 2 advantageously constitutes the floor of a circulation corridor which is delimited by two longitudinal edges, defining its width. Covering

[0075] Coating 4 comprises:

[0076] - an upper surface 41, on which the animals come to rest and

[0077] - a lower surface 42, opposite the upper surface 41.

[0078] This lower surface 42 rests on the upper surface 21 of the grating floor 2.

[0079] This covering 4 is advantageously a mat made of an elastomeric material. The covering 4 is thus adapted to undergo elastic deformation by indentation when the foot of an animal or a person presses against it. Indentation is understood to mean a decrease in thickness between the upper and lower surfaces of the covering 4, due to the two surfaces being brought closer together when a vertical force is applied.

[0080] For example, the coating 4 is made of natural rubber, of "synthetic natural" rubber (or synthetic polyisoprene), or of polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene.

[0081] Alternatively, the coating 4 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, namely PVB (Polyvinyl butyral), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) / SBR (styrene butadiene), PP (polypropylene) / EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPU (polyurethane TPE).

[0082] The upper surface 41 of the coating 4 advantageously comprises grooves 43 which are intended to receive liquids flowing over the upper surface (figures 4 and 5). In a possible variant (not shown), the upper surface 41 of the coating is said to be "flat", that is to say, it does not have the aforementioned grooves 43.

[0083] For example, the grooves 43 are straight and parallel. Preferably, the grooves 43 are equidistant from each other on the upper surface 41 of the coating 4. Each groove 43 advantageously defines a longitudinal axis 430.

[0084] Each groove 43 advantageously has a generally U-shaped cross-section, with a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 430, delimited by: - two sides 431, facing each other, for example vertical, and - a background 432, for example horizontal.

[0085] A distance between the two sides 431 defines a width of the groove 43.

[0086] The distance from the bottom 432, relative to the upper surface 41 of the coating 4, defined the depth of groove 43.

[0087] For example, each groove 43 has a width ranging from 20 to 30 mm, and a depth of 10 to 50 mm.

[0088] Regions between two adjacent grooves 43 are called support strips 44, and advantageously have a width ranging from 100 to 200 mm.

[0089] Ideally, these support strips 44 have patterns adapted to facilitate the flow of liquids towards the pit and / or to give anti-slip properties to the coating 4.

[0090] To allow the evacuation of fluids from the coating 4 to the pit located below, this coating 4 has slots 45. These slots 45 are through slots and open through the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42 of the coating 4. These slots 45 are adapted to the passage of liquids flowing on the upper surface 41 of the coating 4. Thus, these slots 45 advantageously coincide at least partially with the openings 20 of the grating floor 2 on which the coating 4 is placed.

[0091] The combination of a slot 45 and an aligned opening 20 forms a drainage channel through which the liquid from the upper surface 41 of the coating 4 is evacuated. Thus, at least a portion of the slots 45 is in fluidic communication with at least a portion of the openings 20.

[0092] These slots 45 are obtained for example by cutting with a water jet in the coating 4.

[0093] According to a preferred embodiment, each slot 45 advantageously comprises a longitudinal axis 450, along which the slot 45 extends in length.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in figures 4 and 5, the longitudinal axes 450 of the slots 45 are advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 430 of the grooves 43.

[0095] In practice, each of the slots 45 is then provided so as to extend over: - at least part of the width of at least one support strip 44, and - at least part of the width of at least one of the adjacent grooves 43.

[0096] In this case, at least one of the slots 45 is provided so as to extend over:

[0097] - the width of a first support strip 44, and

[0098] - at least part of the width of the two adjacent grooves 43 of the first support strip 44, preferably over the entire width of the two adjoining grooves 43.

[0099] For example, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the slots 45 of the coating 4 each intercept two grooves 43.

[0100] This slot 45 can still extend over part of the width of the two adjacent (or juxtaposed) support strips 44 of the first support strip.

[0101] This slot 45 extends for example over approximately 10 to 30% of the width of the adjacent support strip 44.

[0102] For example, in this embodiment, the slots 45 are arranged on the coating 4 in a regular pattern. In particular, the pattern formed by the slots 45 on the coating 4 is designed so that at least part of the slots 45 coincide at least partially with an opening 20 in the grating floor 2.

[0103] For example, the longitudinal axis 450 of a given slot 45 coincides with the longitudinal axis 23 of the opening 20 with which it forms an evacuation conduit.

[0104] The slot 45 and the opening 20 extend lengthwise in the same direction.

[0105] Moreover, preferably, the slots 45 each have a contour similar to the outline of openings 20 of the floor grating 2.

[0106] For example, these contours may be similar in shape. Advantageously, the dimensions of the slots 45 are chosen to reduce the passage through the openings 20 of the grating floor 2. For example, a section of the slots 45, in width and / or in length, is smaller than the section of the openings 20 in width and / or in length.

[0107] This advantageously generates less gas emissions and is less traumatic for the hooves, thanks to an increase in the bearing surface, and therefore, a decrease in pressure per cm2.

[0108] Preferably, a dimension in length of the slots 45 is less than the dimension in length of the openings 20 of the grating floor 2. A dimension in width of the slots 45 is also less than the dimension width of the openings 20 of the grating floor 2.

[0109] In particular, preferably, the slots 45 are provided to be straight, preferably with a rectangular or oblong contour.

[0110] This slot contour 45 has two large sides 451 and two small sides 452.

[0111] The two long sides 451 define the width dimension of the slot 45. Ideally, these long sides 451 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 450 of the slot 45, and therefore parallel to each other.

[0112] The short sides 452, for their part, define the length dimension of the slot 45.

[0113] For example, slots 45 have the following dimensions:

[0114] - a width ranging from 20 to 40 mm, and

[0115] - a length ranging from 150 to 250 mm.

[0116] The depth of the slots 45 (corresponding to the distance between the upper surface 41 and the lower surface 42) is equal to a coating thickness 4L

[0117] As mentioned previously, the slots 45 are regularly distributed across the coating 4, forming a periodic pattern within the coating 4. Advantageously, this pattern is similar to the pattern formed by the openings 20 in the grating floor 2 placed under the coating 4 to facilitate the drainage of liquids. In particular, the slots 45 are arranged in lines. Within a line, the long sides 451 of the various slots 45 are aligned.

[0118] These lines are, for example, regularly spaced and parallel. Within the same line, the slots 45 are, for example, regularly spaced from each other. Advantageously, the lines formed by the slots 45 of the coating 4 coincide with the lines formed by the openings 20 of the grating floor 2.

[0119] In this way, the longitudinal axes 450 of the different slots 45 of the coating 4 are parallel to each other. fastening device

[0120] In order to ensure the evacuation of fluids, it is advantageous to maintain the slots 45 opposite the openings 20 of the grating floor 2. For this, the positioning of the coating 4 must be optimal and its movements relative to the grating floor 2 must be limited.

[0121] It is proposed within the framework of the invention to maintain the coating 4, over the grating floor 2, by means of the fixing devices 5. These fixing devices 5 ensure the bonding of the coating 4 with the grating floor 2.

[0122] These fixing devices 5 are arranged within the coating 4 and the grating floor 2 (figures 4 to 8)

[0123] According to the invention, the fastening devices 5 each comprise:

[0124] - a body 51, intended to be inserted into the exhaust duct and to hold the fixing device 5 attached to the floor grating 2, and

[0125] - a head 56, coming into contact with the coating 4.

[0126] In general, the body 51 includes locking means 510 capable of being maneuvered between two positions:

[0127] - a first position (Figure 3A), which corresponds to an unlocking position, in in which the body 51 is free to translate along the depth of the evacuation duct, and

[0128] - a second position (Figure 3B), which corresponds to a blocking position in which the body 51 is locked in translation along the depth of the evacuation conduit.

[0129] Head 56, for its part, comprises:

[0130] - fastening means 560, adapted to grip onto the upper surface 41 of the coating 4, and

[0131] - operating means 561, adapted to the operation of the locking means 510 mentioned above.

[0132] More particularly, the body 51 of the fastening device 5 is advantageously parallelepiped in shape.

[0133] For example, the body 51 is made of an elastically deformable material, in particular chosen from plastic materials.

[0134] For example, the locking means 510 consist of expanding locking means 510, which can be moved between the first position and the second position.

[0135] Preferably, the locking means 510 are operable between the following two positions;

[0136] - the unlocking position, defining a first width dimension El of the body 51 of the fastening device 5 which allows its movement in translation relative to the exhaust duct, and

[0137] - the locking position, defining a second width dimension E2 of the body 51 of the fixing device 5, greater than the first width dimension El, adapted to prevent its movement in translation relative to the evacuation conduit.

[0138] For this purpose, preferably, the locking means 510 advantageously include:

[0139] - a deformation element 511, advantageously defining the width dimension adjustable, and

[0140] - a deforming element 512, intended to adjust the width dimension of the element deformation 511.

[0141] Preferably, the deformation element 511 comprises two wings 513 fixed to a base 514. Thus, the deformation element 511 has a U-shaped cross-section, notably visible in [Fig.3].

[0142] The base 514 cooperates with the head 56 of the fastening device 5. This base 514 advantageously includes a through orifice adapted for the passage of the operating means 561 described later.

[0143] For example, the two wings 513 are parallel to each other when no constraint is imposed on them.

[0144] And the wings 513 are advantageously adapted to be elastically deformable in spacing, when a deformation force is applied to them, along the direction defined by a first transverse axis 53. This first transverse axis 53 further defines the direction of deformation for the wings 513.

[0145] Each of the wings 513 advantageously comprises an inner face 516 oriented towards the other wing 513, and an outer face 517 opposite to the inner face 516.

[0146] A housing is defined by a free space between the inner faces 516 of the two wings 513. This housing thus opens opposite the base 514 and the head 56 of the fixing device 5.

[0147] A width dimension of the housing is given by a distance between the two internal faces 516 of the two wings 513 along the first transverse axis 53. This housing is configured to accommodate the deforming element 512 described later.

[0148] The first transverse axis 53 of the fastening device 5, passing through these opposite faces, is here perpendicular to the wings 513 (figures 2 and 3).

[0149] Each wing 513 has a thickness, defined by a dimension between the inner face 516 and the outer face 517.

[0150] The distance between the external faces 517 of the wings 513 delimits the width dimension of the body 51 of the fastening device 5 along the first transverse axis 53.

[0151] The wings 513 extend lengthwise along a longitudinal axis 54. For example, a wing length 513 (or wing length dimension 513) is measured along the longitudinal axis 54 between the base 514 and a lower end 518 of the wing 513.

[0152] In particular, the length of the wing 513 is advantageously provided so that the length dimension of the body 51 is greater than the depth of the discharge conduit (i.e. greater than the sum of the depth of the slot 45 and the opening 20).

[0153] A length dimension of the housing is measured between the base 514 and the lower extremities 518 of the wings 513.

[0154] The lower end 518 of the wings 513, opposite the base 514 and at the level of the inner face 516, here presents a chamfer.

[0155] Thus on the inner face, each internal face 516 presents here a first surface parallel to the longitudinal axis 54, extended by a lower chamfer, inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 54 and moving away in the direction of the external face 517.

[0156] Finally, the wings 513 further define a second transverse axis 55, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54 and to the first transverse axis 53.

[0157] Moreover, advantageously, the external faces 517 of the wings 513 have grooves 519.

[0158] The external faces 517 thus present a combination of grooves: - deep grooves, extending along the entire length of wing 513, and - shallow grooves, extending from the lower end 518 of wings 513 to a midpoint of the length of wings 513.

[0159] Thanks to this system of grooves, the fastening device 5 is adapted to allow the proper flow of fluids from the upper surface of the coating 4, acting like channels. Due to the grooves 519, the wings 513 of the fastening device 5 are also adapted to be elastically deformed under the action of a force.

[0160] The deforming element 512, also called "wedge", advantageously presents a trapezoidal cross-section along the first transverse axis 53.

[0161] This corner has a first end 522 and a second end 523, connected by side walls 524.

[0162] The lateral walls 524 are divergent, along the longitudinal axis 53. In other words, these lateral walls move away from each other.

[0163] These side walls 524 each have a profile comprising a first surface slightly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 54, followed by a second surface more strongly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 54.

[0164] The deforming element 512 advantageously has the following dimensions: - a first width measurement, taken at the first end 522, - a second width measurement, taken at the second end 523,

[0165] The side walls 524 include grooves 526. Advantageously, these grooves 526 are adapted to be aligned in the extension of the deep grooves 519 of the wings 513 of the deformation element 511.

[0166] A height of the corner, along the longitudinal axis 54, is less than the height dimension of the housing.

[0167] The deforming element 512 is traversed by a tapped hole (not shown). In particular, the through hole in the base 514 and the tapped hole in the deforming element 512 are aligned and adapted to cooperate with the same screw.

[0168] The corner is held together with the rest of the fastening device 5 by a screw 565, which also forms part of the operating means 561.

[0169] This screw 565 is inserted through the through hole in the base 514, and a body of the screw 556 is disposed in the housing between the two wings 513.

[0170] One lower end of the screw 565 is screwed into the tapped hole by the first end 522 of the wedge.

[0171] The head 56 of the fastening device 5 is placed at the top of the body 51, for example, at the level of its base 514.

[0172] The head 56 consists for example of an added part, made for example of a metallic material (for example stainless steel) or a plastic material or any other hard and rot-proof material.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the head 56 (including the fixing means 560, and in particular the legs 563) is made as a single piece with the body 51.

[0174] Thus, the through hole provided on the base 514 also passes through the head 56 of the fastening device 5.

[0175] Advantageously, the head 56 has a reinforcement 562 which fits into the base 514.

[0176] This reinforcement 562 is adapted to receive the head of the screw 565, in order to limit contact between the animals' hooves and the metal parts. In practice, the head 56 of the screw 565 is countersunk in the recess 562.

[0177] This screw head can be operated from the head 56 of the fastening device 5, using a suitable tool.

[0178] The head 56 also includes fastening means 560. These take the form of two arms or two legs 563, placed on either side of the base 514. Viewed from the cross-section, the fastening means 560 and the body 51 take the form of a T, of which the body 51 forms the shaft and the two legs 563, the bar.

[0179] In particular, the legs 563 are arranged here in the extension of the recess 562. The legs 563 of the fastening means 560 extend lengthwise along the first transverse axis 53. In other words, these legs 563 are orthogonal with respect to the wings 513 of the body 51.

[0180] Each of the legs 563 has a dimension in length measured from the base 514 to one end of the leg 563 (opposite the base 514).

[0181] A width of the legs 563 is measured along the second transverse axis 55.

[0182] The end of each leg 563 has two hooks 564, adapted to attach in the coating 4. These 564 hooks take the form of two triangular points.

[0183] Each leg 563 advantageously has a slope, descending towards its end and along the first transverse axis 53.

[0184] The legs 563 thus advantageously define an inverted V, opening towards the body 51, to promote their anchoring in the coating 4 by elastic deformation. Operation of the fastening device

[0185] As previously stated, the fixing devices 5 are intended to grip the coating 4 by means of the fixing means 560 in their head 56, and to lock a position of the coating 4 relative to the grating floor 2, by remaining attached to the evacuation conduit.

[0186] For this purpose, each fastening device 5 is designed to adopt two positions, or two configurations.

[0187] A first position, namely the unlocking position, is shown in [Fig.2] and Figure 3A.

[0188] In this first position, the corner is located at a distance from the base 514.

[0189] In the unlocked position, the deforming element 512 is here within the housing between the wings 513. In particular, the first end 522 of the wedge is inserted into the housing at the lower ends 518 of the wings. The first width dimension of the wedge is thus advantageously less than the width of the housing. In the unlocked position, the side walls 524 of the deforming element 512 rest against the inner faces 516 of the walls 515 of each wing 513, without exerting any stress on the wings 513.

[0190] The first dimension in total width El of the body 51 is measured along the first transverse axis 53, between the external faces 517 of the wings 513. In the first position, the wings are advantageously parallel to each other.

[0191] The second position of the fastening device 5 is shown in Figure 3B. This is the locking position of the locking means 510. The transition from one position to the other is made using the operating means 561, that is to say, as it stands, by screwing or unscrewing the screw 565 located on the head 56 of the fastening device 5.

[0192] Indeed, the operation of this screw 565, at least partially screwed into the corner, will translate the deforming element 512 in height and relative to the base 514, between the first position and the second position.

[0193] During this translation of the deforming element 512 within the housing, the lateral walls 524 of the corner exert a deformation force on the internal faces 516 of the wings 513.

[0194] These wings 513, under the action of this deformation force, move apart from each other.

[0195] In particular, this translational movement of the deforming element 512 along the housing towards the base 514 generates a variation in the width dimension of the body 51. In other words, the width dimension separating the lower ends 518 from the wings 513 increases.

[0196] In the second position, i.e. the blocking position, the distance between the first end 522 of the deforming element 512 and the bottom 520 of the housing is reduced.

[0197] The second width dimension E2 of the body 51 of the fastening device 5 increases in the second position, due to an increase in the spread of the wings. Method

[0198] The installation of the coating system 3 as described above is carried out according to a process comprising the following steps:

[0199] - a step of laying the coating 4 so as to cover the grating floor 2 and so that the slots 45 of the coating 4 are in fluidic communication with at least one opening 20 of the grating floor 2 to form at least one drainage conduit, - a step of inserting the fastening device 5 into the drainage conduit, with its locking means 510 in the unlocked position, so as to sandwich the coating 4 between the head 56 and the grating floor 2, and - a maneuvering step of the locking means 510 of the fastening device 5 from the unlocking position to the locking position.

[0200] In particular, the installation step consists of aligning the slots 45 with the openings 20, so as to form drainage channels for the flow of liquids towards the pit.

[0201] During the insertion step of the fastening devices 5 ([Fig.6]), each fastening device 5 is advantageously arranged so that its longitudinal axis 54 is oriented vertically.

[0202] For example, it is planned to insert a pair of fastening devices 5 on at least part of the slots 45 of the coating 4.

[0203] In particular, for example, a pair of fixing devices 5 are provided for each slot 45 cut into the coating 4.

[0204] Alternatively, it may be decided that within each line, a pair of fastening devices 5 is placed every two slots 45, or every three slots 45, etc.

[0205] During this insertion step, the locking means 510 of the fastening device 5 are in the unlocking position.

[0206] In this unlocked position, the body 51 of the fixing device 5 has a first width dimension El adapted to its insertion according to the depth of the evacuation conduit, advantageously without using excessive force and / or tool.

[0207] In practice, the wings 513 are inserted within the slot 45, marking an entrance to the exhaust duct.

[0208] In particular, during this insertion, the external faces 517 of the wings 513 are oriented towards the long sides 25 of the openings 20 and the long sides 451 of the slots 45.

[0209] Furthermore, the head 56 of the fastening devices 5 according to the invention is designed not to protrude from the support strips 44 of the coating 4, once the body 51 is inserted into a slot 45 (Figures 4, 6 and 7).

[0210] Advantageously, the fixing means 560 of the head 56 have dimensions in width and height adapted to be housed in the grooves 43 of the coating 4, without protruding from the support strips 44.

[0211] For example, it is provided here that the legs 563 have a width less than a width of the groove 43. Similarly, it is provided for example that the legs 563 have a height less than the depth of the grooves 43.

[0212] The maneuvering step of the locking means 510 allows the fastening devices 5 to be tilted into the locking position ([Fig.7]).

[0213] Advantageously, the operation of the maneuvering means 561 is facilitated by several aspects of the device presented.

[0214] Firstly, the operating means 561, here the screw 565, are easily accessible from the upper surface 41 of the coating 4.

[0215] In addition, the tabs 563 extending across the slot 45, allow the fixing device 5 to be held on the upper surface 41 of the coating 4.

[0216] Finally, the tightening and loosening motion is facilitated for an operator, without risk of the fastening device 5 rotating. Indeed, the lugs 563 installed in the grooves 43, and the parallelepiped shape of the body 51 inserted into the slot 45 (matching its dimensions), prevent the device from rotating when a tightening or loosening motion is applied to the operating means.

[0217] Furthermore, recessing the head 56 of the fastening device 5 into a groove 43 advantageously prevents rotation of the fastening device 5 during its use. The legs 563, advantageously made of metal to ensure the strength of the fastening, are thus set back from the support strips 44. This is advantageous for limiting the risk of injury to the animals.

[0218] The screw 565 allows the deforming element 512 to be translated within the housing, so as to progressively separate the wings 513 from each other, as the deforming element 512 approaches the head 56 of the device.

[0219] Thus, in the second position, the body 51 of the fastening device 5 advantageously has a second width dimension E2 greater than the width dimension of the slot 45, and by extension, of the discharge conduit. The fastening device 5 is then mechanically locked within the slot 45.

[0220] As shown in [Fig. 7], in the second position, the outer faces 517 of the wings 513, pushed by the deforming element 512, move apart from each other because they are subjected to a deformation force. This separation of the wings 513 exerts a vertical force on the coating 4.

[0221] In particular, the external faces 517 rest on a lower edge of the opening 20, advantageously at the level of the two long sides 25, so as to exert the vertical force directed towards the pit. This vertical force also drives the hooks 564 of the fastening means 560 into the bottom of the grooves 43 of the lining 4. The fastening means 560 thus engage with the lining 4.

[0222] Thus, once the fixing device 5 is in its second position, the coating 4 is sandwiched, i.e. rigidly held between the tabs 563 of the fixing device 5 and the grating floor 2.

[0223] Conversely, the fastening devices 5 according to the invention also have the advantage of being able to be disassembled, for example in the event of replacement of the coating 4.

[0224] The operator simply needs to maneuver the maneuvering means 561 in the opposite direction.

[0225] Here again, the operating means 561 are easily accessible from the upper surface 41 of the coating 4. In addition, since the deformation of the tabs 563 is elastic, the fixing devices 5 can be extracted relative to the evacuation conduits.

[0226] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A covering system (3) adapted to be fixed over a slatted floor (2) equipping an enclosure (1) for raising animals, which covering system (3) comprises: - a covering (4) intended to cover said slatted floor (2), advantageously a mat made of an elastomeric material, and - a plurality of fixing devices (5), intended to secure said covering (4) to said slatted floor (2), which covering (4) comprises: - a lower surface (42), intended to bear against said slatted floor (2), and - an opposite upper surface (41), which covering (4) comprises several through slots (45), intended to communicate fluidically with at least one opening (20) provided in said slatted floor (2), to define together a drainage channel adapted for the evacuation of liquids from said upper surface of said covering (4),The system being characterized in that at least one of said fastening devices (5) comprises: - a body (51) adapted to be inserted in translation into said drainage duct, from the upper surface (41) of said coating (4), and - a head (56), comprising fastening means (560) adapted for attachment to the upper surface (41) of said coating (4), which body (51) comprises locking means (510) capable of being operated between two positions: - an unlocking position, adapted to allow the translation of said body (51) relative to said drainage duct, and - a locking position, adapted to prevent the translation of said fastening device (5) inserted into said drainage duct, which head (56) comprises operating means (561), adapted for operating said locking means (510) between said two positions.

2. A coating system (3) according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the coating (4) has several grooves (43) longitudinal grooves adapted to receive the liquids flowing over said upper surface (41), which longitudinal grooves (43) are cut by said slots (45), which fastening means (560) of the head (56) are adapted to be housed in said grooves (43), advantageously without protruding from said upper surface (41), preferably, the width dimension of said fastening means (560) is less than the width dimension of said longitudinal groove (43), and preferably, the longitudinal grooves (43) extend perpendicularly with respect to said slots (45).

3. Coating system (3) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fixing means (560) of the head (56) comprise two tabs (563) extending on either side of said body (51) and adapted to anchor themselves at said upper surface of the coating (4), on either side of the slot (45), optionally in said longitudinal groove (43), which tabs (563) advantageously comprise at least one hook (564) adapted to penetrate into the coating (4).

4. Coating system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the head (56) of the fastening device (5) has a recess (562) in which the operating means (561) of the fastening device (5) are accessible.

5. Coating system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating means (561) comprise: - a screw head (565) which is accessible from the head (56) of the fastening device (5), and - a screw body (565) which cooperates with said locking means (510).

6. A liner system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said locking means (510) consist of expanding locking means (510), which locking means (510) are operative between said two positions: - said unlocking position, defining a first width dimension (El) allowing its translational movement relative to said discharge conduit, and - said blocking position, defining a second width dimension (E2), greater than said first width dimension (El), adapted to prevent its movement in translation relative to said evacuation conduit.

7. Coating system (3) according to claim 6, wherein the expanding locking means (510) comprise a deformation element (511) comprising two elastically deformable, spreading wings (513) extending on either side of a longitudinal axis (55) and defining a housing opening opposite said head (56), which housing receives a deformation element (512) which is operative within said housing to adjust the spacing of said two wings (513) of the deformation element (511).

8. Coating system (3) according to claim 7, wherein the wing (513) and / or the deforming element (512) have a flared shape, which deforming element (512) is maneuverable in translation along said housing to define said positions.

9. A fastening device (5) for a coating system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: - a body (51) adapted to be inserted in translation into said drainage conduit, from the upper surface (41) of said coating (4), and - a head (56), comprising fastening means (560) adapted for fastening on the upper surface (41) of said coating (4), which body (51) comprises locking means (510) capable of being operated between two positions: - an unlocking position, adapted to allow the translation of said body (51) relative to said drainage conduit, and - a locking position, adapted to prevent the translation of said body (51) relative to said drainage conduit, which head (56) comprises operating means (561), adapted for operating said locking means (510) between said two positions.

10. Animal housing enclosure (1) comprising a slatted floor (2) receiving a coating system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A method for installing a coating system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which method comprises the following steps: - a step of laying the coating (4) so ​​as to cover the grating floor (2) and such that the slots (45) of said coating (4) are in fluidic communication with at least one opening (20) of said grating floor (2) to form a drainage conduit, - a step of inserting said fastening device (5) into said drainage conduit, with its locking means (510) in the unlocked position, so as to sandwich said coating (4) between the head (56) and the grating floor (2), and - a step of operating said locking means (510) of the fastening device (5) from said unlocked position to said locked position.

Images