A flexible cattle pen

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of cattle pen technology, disclosing a flexible cattle pen, including a pen base, several neck tubes, and several partitions. Each partition includes a post, an upper baffle tube, and a slanted baffle tube. One end of the upper baffle tube is connected to the post, and the other end is suspended. One end of the slanted baffle tube is connected to the post, and the other end is suspended. The two ends of the neck tubes are respectively installed on the upper baffle tubes of adjacent partitions. The neck tubes, upper baffle tubes, and slanted baffle tubes are all elastic plastic or rubber tubes. The post is a rigid support column. By suspending one end of the upper baffle tube and the slanted baffle tube, allowing their ends to swing freely, the impact force can be effectively absorbed when cattle accidentally collide, significantly reducing the force on the cattle and minimizing the risk of injury. This solves the problems of traditional rigid cattle pens, which easily cause injury to cattle, restrict freedom of movement, create a feeling of oppression, and have high maintenance costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cattle pen technology, and in particular to a flexible cattle pen. Background Technology

[0002] Cattle pens, also known as cattle resting pens or cattle bedding, are indispensable key facilities in modern dairy or beef cattle free-range feeding systems. Their main function is to provide cattle with a clean, dry, and comfortable resting environment, which has a direct and far-reaching impact on ensuring the cattle's health, maintaining high milk production, improving hoof health, and optimizing reproductive performance. A well-designed cattle pen can significantly improve cattle welfare, thereby increasing the overall production efficiency of the farm.

[0003] However, existing conventional cattle pens are typically made of bent metal, and their structural design is mostly fixed, lacking necessary flexibility. Existing conventional cattle pens have the following significant problems and drawbacks: First, due to their rigid structure, the cattle's movement space within the pen is limited, and collisions with the metal pen during entry, exit, or lying down can easily cause abrasions, bruises, and other injuries, affecting the cattle's comfort and health. Second, metal materials are prone to fatigue fracture during long-term use, especially under repeated impacts from cattle or extreme weather conditions, increasing the risk of injury to cattle and potentially leading to pen structural failure. Finally, these problems result in high maintenance frequency and costs, placing an additional economic burden on ranch operations.

[0004] Although some attempts have been made to improve the situation, such as the Chinese patent CN222236122U which discloses a new type of reliable flexible plastic cow bedding device, it is still insufficient in solving the problems of the prior art by simply replacing the guardrail material with softer plastic, and fails to provide a comprehensive solution to optimize the comfort and safety of cattle.

[0005] In light of this, there is an increasingly urgent need within the industry to develop a safe and durable cattle pen. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the purpose of this invention is to propose a flexible cattle pen that solves the problems of traditional rigid cattle pens causing injury to dairy cows, restricting their freedom of movement, causing a sense of oppression, and the lack of flexibility of existing flexible cattle pens.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A flexible cattle pen includes a pen base, several neck tubes, and several partitions. The pen base is arranged along an XZ plane, and the partitions are spaced apart along the Z direction on the pen base. Each partition includes a post, an upper baffle tube, and an inclined baffle tube. The upper baffle tube is arranged along the X direction, the post is arranged along the Y direction, and the inclined baffle tube is arranged in the XY plane. The inclined baffle tube and the upper baffle tube are located on the same side of the post and do not intersect each other. One end of the upper baffle tube is connected to the post and is located away from the pen base, while the other end of the upper baffle tube is suspended. One end of the inclined baffle tube is connected to the post and is located close to the pen base, while the other end of the inclined baffle tube is suspended and is located away from the pen base. The neck tubes are arranged along the Z direction, and both ends of the neck tubes are respectively installed on the upper baffle tubes of adjacent partitions. The neck tubes, upper baffle tubes, and inclined baffle tubes are all elastic plastic or rubber tubes, and the post is a rigid column for support.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a limiting hoop, which is installed in the middle section of the upper stop tube. The limiting hoop has a strip hole inside, and the length direction of the strip hole is set in the vertical direction. The neck tube is installed on the upper stop tube in a limited manner through the strip hole. The neck tube passes through the strip hole and can move in the strip hole along the length direction of the strip hole.

[0009] Preferably, the limiting hoop includes a mounting base, which is sleeved on the upper retaining tube and locked to the upper retaining tube by a fixing member. The distance between the limiting hoop and the edge of the railing foundation along the X direction is 1650~1750mm.

[0010] Preferably, the angle α between the inclined baffle and the column is 65~75°, and the length of the inclined baffle is 1.3~1.4 times that of the upper baffle.

[0011] Preferably, two rigid mounting tubes are provided on one side of the column. The two mounting tubes are respectively arranged along the length direction of the upper baffle tube and the inclined baffle tube. The length of the mounting tube is 1 / 4 to 1 / 7 of the upper baffle tube and the inclined baffle tube. The upper baffle tube and the inclined baffle tube are both hollow tubes and are sleeved on the outside of the mounting tube.

[0012] Preferably, the upper baffle, the inclined baffle, and the neck tube are arranged symmetrically in pairs on both sides of the column.

[0013] Preferably, several of the neck tubes are spliced ​​together along their axial direction to form a long rod, and the long rod is simultaneously inserted through several partitions.

[0014] Preferably, limit blocks are provided on the outer periphery of both ends of the long rod, and the limit blocks are used to restrict the axial movement of the long rod.

[0015] Preferably, the neck tube, the upper baffle tube, and the inclined baffle tube are ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tubes with an outer diameter of 72 mm and a thickness of 12 mm.

[0016] Preferably, the column is a hot-dip galvanized square steel pipe and the limiting hoop is a hot-dip galvanized steel component.

[0017] The technical solution provided by the utility model may include the following beneficial effects: 1. By suspending one end of the upper and slanted guardrails, allowing them to swing freely, the design effectively absorbs impact when cattle accidentally collide, significantly reducing the force on the cattle and minimizing the risk of injury. The entire pen structure, including the neck tube, upper guardrail, and slanted guardrail, uses flexible tubing, providing excellent flexibility and an extremely comfortable and injury-free lying environment for the cattle. This design not only ensures the safety of the cattle but also allows larger cattle to move freely, eliminating the oppressive feeling that traditional pens can provide. Cattle can lie down and get up more freely, significantly increasing rest time, which is beneficial to their health and milk production performance. In addition, the toughness, elasticity, and deformability of the flexible tubing ensure the pen's durability and comfort, while effectively reducing long-term maintenance costs.

[0018] 2. By installing a limiting hoop with a vertical strip hole in the middle section of the upper guard tube, and allowing the neck tube to pass through it and move along its length within the strip hole, the problem of fixed neck guards in traditional cattle pening systems, which may cause inconvenience for cattle when getting up or down and neck pressure, is solved. When the movable neck tube is bumped upwards, it can freely adjust vertically within a certain range, greatly improving the freedom and comfort of cattle when getting up or down, effectively reducing friction or pressure on the neck, while not affecting the neck tube's function of guiding cattle to excrete.

[0019] 3. By using mounting brackets and fasteners to adjustably lock the limiting hoop to the upper retaining tube, the position of the limiting hoop along the length of the upper retaining tube can be easily adjusted. This allows operators to precisely adjust the horizontal distance between the neck tube and the edge of the pen foundation according to the average body size of the herd, the breed characteristics of the cattle, or the actual conditions of the pen foundation. This flexible adjustment capability significantly improves the versatility and adaptability of the pen, extends the service life of the equipment, and reduces maintenance needs caused by size mismatch. An optimal distance range of 1650~1750mm ensures that cattle receive the pen space most suitable for their body size, maximizing pen comfort and further optimizing waste management.

[0020] 4. The inclined and extended design of the sloping guardrails provides gentler guidance and support as cattle enter, exit, or lie down. When cattle accidentally collide with the sloping guardrails, their longer length and angle better disperse and absorb the impact force, significantly reducing the stress on the cattle and further minimizing the risk of injury, thus improving the overall safety of the pen. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure at point A in the middle.

[0023] The components include: 1. Horizontal railing foundation; 2. Neck tube; 3. Partition; 31. Upright; 32. Upper baffle tube; 33. Inclined baffle tube; 4. Limiting hoop; 41. Strip hole; 42. Mounting base. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of these features, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or emphasis.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] A flexible cattle pen includes a pen base 1, several neck tubes 2, and several partitions 3. The pen base 1 is arranged along an XZ plane, and the partitions 3 are spaced apart along the Z direction on the pen base 1. Each partition 3 includes a post 31, an upper baffle tube 32, and an inclined baffle tube 33. The upper baffle tube 32 is arranged along the X direction, the post 31 is arranged along the Y direction, and the inclined baffle tube 33 is arranged in the XY plane. The inclined baffle tube 33 and the upper baffle tube 32 are located on the same side of the post 31 and do not intersect each other. One end of the upper baffle tube 32 is connected to the post 31, and the... The upper baffle tube 32 is positioned away from the bed rail foundation 1, with the other end of the upper baffle tube 32 suspended in the air. One end of the inclined baffle tube 33 is connected to the upright post 31 and is positioned close to the bed rail foundation 1. The other end of the inclined baffle tube 33 is suspended in the air and is positioned away from the bed rail foundation 1. The neck tube 2 is positioned along the Z direction, with both ends of the neck tube 2 respectively installed on the upper baffle tube 32 of the adjacent partition 3. The neck tube 2, the upper baffle tube 32, and the inclined baffle tube 33 are all elastic plastic tubes or rubber tubes. The upright post 31 is a rigid post for support.

[0030] This utility model aims to solve the problems of traditional rigid cattle pens, which easily cause injuries to cattle, restrict their freedom of movement, lead to feelings of oppression, and have high maintenance costs. Figure 1 As shown, by suspending one end of the upper guard tube 32 and the inclined guard tube 33, allowing their ends to swing freely, the impact force can be effectively absorbed when cattle accidentally collide, significantly reducing the force on the cattle and thus minimizing the risk of injury. The overall pen structure, including the neck tube 2, the upper guard tube 32, and the inclined guard tube 33, all use elastic tubing, giving it good flexibility and providing an extremely comfortable and injury-free lying environment for the cattle. This design not only ensures the safety of the cattle but also allows larger cattle to move freely, eliminating the sense of confinement that may be caused by traditional pens. Cattle can lie down and get up more freely, significantly increasing rest time, which is beneficial to their health and milk production performance. In addition, the toughness, elasticity, and deformability of the elastic tubing ensure the pen's durability and comfort, while effectively reducing long-term maintenance costs.

[0031] Preferably, it also includes a limiting clamp 4, which is installed in the middle section of the upper stop tube 32. The limiting clamp 4 has a strip hole 41 inside, and the length direction of the strip hole 41 is arranged in the vertical direction. The neck tube 2 is installed on the upper stop tube 32 in a limited manner through the strip hole 41. The neck tube 2 passes through the strip hole 41 and can move in the strip hole 41 along the length direction of the strip hole 41.

[0032] The neck tube 2 is used to minimize excrement contamination of the cattle bedding, maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and reduce disease risk and cleaning costs. For example... Figure 2 As shown, by setting a limiting hoop 4 with a vertical strip hole 41 in the middle section of the upper guard tube 32, and allowing the neck tube 2 to pass through it and move along its length within the strip hole 41, the problem of fixed neck guards in traditional cattle pen, which may cause inconvenience for cattle to get up and down and neck pressure, is solved. When the movable neck tube 2 is bumped upwards, it can freely adjust vertically within a certain range, greatly improving the freedom and comfort of cattle when getting up and down, effectively reducing friction or pressure on the neck, while not affecting the function of the neck tube 2 in guiding cattle to defecate.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, the neck tube 2 is a round tube, the length of the strip hole 41 is 2 to 3 times the diameter of the neck tube 2, and the width of the strip hole 41 is 1.05 to 1.1 times the diameter of the neck tube 2.

[0034] Preferably, the limiting clamp 4 includes a mounting base 42, which is sleeved on the upper stop tube 32 and locked to the upper stop tube 32 by a fixing member. The distance between the limiting clamp 4 and the edge of the railing foundation 1 along the X direction is 1650~1750mm.

[0035] Even if the neck tube 2 itself can move vertically, if the horizontal position of the limiting hoop 4 on the pen foundation 1 is fixed, it is still difficult to make fine adjustments according to the overall size difference of the herd or the specific layout of the pasture, which may lead to some cattle being uncomfortable or improper use of space.

[0036] By using mounting base 42 and fasteners to adjustably lock the limiting hoop 4 to the upper retaining tube 32, the position of the limiting hoop 4 along the length of the upper retaining tube 32 can be easily adjusted. This allows operators to precisely adjust the horizontal distance between the neck tube 2 and the edge of the pen base 1 according to the average body size of the herd, the breed characteristics of the cattle, or the actual conditions of the pen base 1. This flexible adjustment capability significantly improves the versatility and adaptability of the pen, extends the service life of the equipment, and reduces maintenance needs caused by size mismatch. An optimal distance range of 1650~1750mm ensures that cattle receive the pen space most suitable for their body size, maximizing pen comfort and further optimizing excrement management.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, the fasteners are a ring clamp and a matching nut, and the mounting base 42 is locked to the upper retaining tube 32 by tightening the nut.

[0038] Preferably, the angle α between the inclined baffle tube 33 and the column 31 is 65~75°, and the length of the inclined baffle tube 33 is 1.3~1.4 times that of the upper baffle tube 32.

[0039] By tilting and lengthening the oblique baffle, the oblique baffle 33 can provide gentler guidance and support when cattle enter, exit, or lie down. When cattle accidentally collide with the oblique baffle 33, its longer length and tilt angle can better disperse and absorb the impact force, significantly reducing the force on the cattle, thereby further reducing the risk of injury and improving the overall safety of the pen.

[0040] Preferably, two rigid mounting tubes are provided on one side of the column 31. The two mounting tubes are respectively arranged along the length direction of the upper baffle tube 32 and the inclined baffle tube 33. The length of the mounting tube is 1 / 4 to 1 / 7 of the upper baffle tube 32 and the inclined baffle tube 33. The upper baffle tube 32 and the inclined baffle tube 33 are both hollow tubes. The upper baffle tube 32 and the inclined baffle tube 33 are sleeved on the outside of the mounting tube.

[0041] This socket-type connection method provides a robust and stable structural connection between the flexible tubing and the uprights 31, ensuring the overall strength of the railing. It also allows the flexible tubing to effectively utilize its elastic properties from the end of the installation pipe, avoiding stress concentration at the connection point, extending the service life of the tubing, and simplifying the assembly and maintenance of the railing.

[0042] Preferably, the upper baffle tube 32, the inclined baffle tube 33, and the neck tube 2 are arranged symmetrically in pairs on both sides of the column 31.

[0043] In another embodiment, two mounting pipes are provided on both sides of the column 31.

[0044] This structure allows a single column 31 to simultaneously support both sides of the barn unit, greatly improving the space utilization of the cattle shed and enabling a double-sided barn layout. This symmetrical structure not only ensures the balanced stress distribution of the barns and enhances overall stability, but also simplifies the installation process, reduces the material and construction costs per barn, and provides a highly efficient and economical solution for ranches.

[0045] Preferably, several of the neck tubes 2 are spliced ​​together along their axial direction to form a long rod, and the long rod is simultaneously inserted through several partitions 3.

[0046] By splicing the neck tubes 2 into long poles, the integrity and stability of the neck tubes 2 are significantly improved, effectively preventing the problem of individual neck tubes 2 falling off during cattle movement. At the same time, the installation in the form of long poles greatly simplifies the construction process, improves installation efficiency, ensures the consistency of the neck tube 2 position of all partitions 3, and further enhances the sturdiness and reliability of the pen.

[0047] Preferably, limit blocks are provided on the outer periphery of both ends of the long rod, and the limit blocks are used to restrict the axial movement of the long rod.

[0048] In one embodiment, a limiting block is used in conjunction with a limiting hoop 4 to prevent the long rod from axially dislodging from the limiting hoop 4. When the limiting block abuts against the limiting hoop 4, the limiting hoop 4 can restrict further axial movement of the long rod. This structure completely solves the problem that the long rod may slide axially or dislodge from the limiting hoop 4, ensuring that the neck tube 2 always remains within its preset range of motion during long-term use, further improving the stability and safety of the railing.

[0049] Preferably, the neck tube 2, the upper baffle tube 32, and the inclined baffle tube 33 are ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tubes with an outer diameter of 72 mm and a thickness of 12 mm.

[0050] Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) possesses excellent abrasion resistance, extremely high impact resistance, good self-lubricating properties, and non-absorbent characteristics, ensuring that pipes made from it maintain a long service life and extremely low failure rate even in harsh pasture environments. Its non-toxic and safe properties provide optimal protection for cattle health, effectively avoiding the coldness and potential harm associated with traditional metal materials. In the long run, the use of this high-performance material significantly reduces maintenance and replacement costs, resulting in superior overall economic benefits.

[0051] Preferably, the column 31 is a hot-dip galvanized square steel pipe and the limiting hoop 4 is a hot-dip galvanized steel component.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, the installation pipe is a DN40 hot-dip galvanized round steel pipe with a length of 350mm and a thickness of 2.5mm.

[0053] Hot-dip galvanizing provides steel with excellent corrosion resistance, enabling it to maintain structural integrity and strength for a long time in humid environments containing corrosive substances such as ammonia. This greatly extends the service life of the barn frame and reduces maintenance or replacement costs caused by corrosion.

[0054] Preferably, the length of the upper baffle 32 is 1.5 to 1.7 meters, the length of the inclined baffle 33 is 2 to 2.3 meters, and the spacing between adjacent columns 31 is 1.1 to 1.3 meters.

[0055] The specific dimensions, such as the length of the upper baffle tube 32, the length of the inclined baffle tube 33, and the spacing between adjacent uprights 31, are carefully designed and verified to provide cattle with the most suitable space for activity and lying down, ensuring the comfort of the cattle and optimizing the space utilization efficiency of the cattle shed, thereby further enhancing the practical value and economic benefits of this flexible cattle pen.

[0056] Other configurations and operations according to the embodiments of this utility model are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0057] In this specification, the terms "embodiment," "example," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible cattle pen, characterized in that: The device includes a bed frame base, several neck tubes, and several partitions. The bed frame base is arranged along the XZ plane. The partitions are spaced apart along the Z direction on the bed frame base. Each partition includes a post, an upper baffle tube, and an inclined baffle tube. The upper baffle tube is arranged along the X direction, the post is arranged along the Y direction, and the inclined baffle tube is arranged in the XY plane. The inclined baffle tube and the upper baffle tube are located on the same side of the post and do not intersect each other. One end of the upper baffle tube is connected to the post and is located away from the bed frame base. The other end of the upper baffle tube is suspended. One end of the inclined baffle tube is connected to the post and is located close to the bed frame base. The other end of the inclined baffle tube is suspended and is located away from the bed frame base. The neck tubes are arranged along the Z direction, and both ends of the neck tubes are respectively installed on the upper baffle tubes of adjacent partitions. The neck tubes, upper baffle tubes, and inclined baffle tubes are all elastic plastic or rubber tubes. The post is a rigid column for support.

2. The flexible cattle pen according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a limiting clamp, which is installed in the middle section of the upper baffle tube. The limiting clamp has a strip hole inside, and the length direction of the strip hole is set in the vertical direction. The neck tube is installed on the upper baffle tube in a limited manner through the strip hole. The neck tube passes through the strip hole and can move in the strip hole along the length direction of the strip hole.

3. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting hoop includes a mounting base, which is sleeved on the upper retaining tube. The mounting base is locked to the upper retaining tube by a fixing member. The distance between the limiting hoop and the edge of the railing foundation along the X direction is 1650~1750mm.

4. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle α between the inclined baffle and the column is 65~75°, and the length of the inclined baffle is 1.3~1.4 times that of the upper baffle.

5. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two rigid mounting tubes are provided on one side of the column. The two mounting tubes are respectively arranged along the length direction of the upper baffle tube and the inclined baffle tube. The length of the mounting tube is 1 / 4 to 1 / 7 of the upper baffle tube and the inclined baffle tube. The upper baffle tube and the inclined baffle tube are both hollow tubes and are sleeved on the outside of the mounting tube.

6. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper baffle, the inclined baffle, and the neck tube are symmetrically arranged in pairs on both sides of the column.

7. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several of the neck tubes are spliced ​​together along their axial direction to form a long rod, which is simultaneously inserted through several partitions.

8. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 7, characterized in that: Limiting blocks are provided on the outer periphery of both ends of the long rod, and the limiting blocks are used to restrict the axial movement of the long rod.

9. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The neck tube, the upper baffle tube, and the inclined baffle tube are all made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with an outer diameter of 72 mm and a thickness of 12 mm.

10. A flexible cattle pen according to claim 2, characterized in that: The column is a hot-dip galvanized square steel pipe, and the limiting hoop is a hot-dip galvanized steel component.

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