Training dummy for manual cervical dislocation of birds

Abstract

Training dummy (1) for manual cervical dislocation of a bird comprising: a neck defining element (4) and a head defining element (5) connected to each other by a separable fastening means (6), comprising at least a first element (61) integral with the head (5) and at least a second element (62) integral with the neck (4), said elements (61, 62) being arranged so as to reversibly connect said neck (4) to said head (5), said elements (61, 62) of the separable fastening means (6) are arranged so as to allow the movement of the head (5) towards the rear face of the training dummy (1), and the first and second elements (61, 62) of the separable fastening means (6) being adapted to separate when a predetermined force is applied to the head parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck (4). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Training dummy for manual cervical dislocation of birds

[0001] The invention relates to the field of veterinary practice training mannequins. More particularly, the mannequin of the invention allows training in euthanasia of birds by manual cervical dislocation. The invention also relates to a training method using the mannequin of the invention. Prior art

[0002] Euthanasia is an essential part of agricultural or experimental animal husbandry and veterinary care. Animal welfare is a value of increasing importance for Western societies, particularly at the time of slaughter or killing. This has become a matter of public interest that influences consumer attitudes towards farm livestock. Furthermore, strengthening the protection of animals at the time of slaughter contributes to improving meat quality and, indirectly, generates positive effects on occupational safety in slaughterhouses (REGULATION (EC) No 1099 / 2009 of 24 September 2009). In livestock farming, correctly and timely euthanasia reduces the suffering of a sick or injured animal, and limits unnecessary suffering.

[0003] Any method of euthanasia must therefore be applied with respect and inflict a death free from pain and distress. The technique used must result in certain and instantaneous death of the animal and be reliable (reproducible).

[0004] Regarding birds, different euthanasia methods exist. The grinding of chicks is strongly questioned in many countries. Similarly, throat-slitting or decapitation are less and less accepted, and pose additional health and operator safety problems. CO2 inhalation requires a high investment and is generally applied to group euthanasia. Percussion requires restraint of the animal and can also pose safety problems for personnel.

[0005] Cervical dislocation allows for rapid death of the animal at low cost. It can be performed using tools such as forceps into which the animal's neck is inserted. However, it is necessary that the tool is correctly positioned and that sufficient force is applied to ensure effective dislocation, without causing decapitation. The tool does not allow the operator to feel the correct location of the forceps jaws and the force applied. Finally, the tool must be adapted to the size and type of bird being euthanized.

[0006] Euthanasia by manual cervical dislocation does not require any tools. particular, no investment, it is effective, fast, applied with discernment and avoids group euthanasia. Nevertheless, the gesture is technical and must be perfectly carried out with concern for the animal's well-being (without unnecessary suffering and sacrifice of animals for the sole purpose of training) and also that of the operator having to repeat this act. Well executed, this technique results in the separation of the skull from the first vertebra, injury to the brain stem and instant death. However, if the technique is poorly executed, only the bony structures are injured, and the animal is not euthanized immediately; this results in suffering for the animal that is unacceptable according to current standards.

[0007] Respect for life makes it impossible to train this action on living animals, and training on the corpses of animals that would have died in other circumstances is difficult to implement. However, training in conditions as close as possible to reality is necessary, because simply visualizing the action is not enough and it is important that the operator trains himself to perform this action and integrates as much as possible sensations close to those felt, in particular the resistance of the joint as felt by the manipulator and the dosage of force necessary to apply to perform a dislocation adequately.

[0008] The mannequin according to the invention meets this need by allowing this repeated training and also a feeling of dislocation close to the real act. [Technical problem]

[0009] The invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the device of the invention reproduces the sensation of the operator during the dislocation gesture, in particular the sudden rupture (after an initial resistance) of the spinal column at the level of the animal's head. The device of the invention not only allows the manipulator to acquire the technical gesture but also to learn to dose the force to be applied according to his feelings, to achieve an effective dislocation, without decapitation. The mannequin according to the invention also makes it possible to verify the dislocation and therefore that the gesture has been carried out and, thereby, the validation of the gesture.

[0010] The device according to the invention therefore allows the operator to be trained, while respecting the animal condition (avoiding the sacrifice and unnecessary suffering of animals) and also, by optimizing the operator's gesture, a reduction in errors and therefore a reduction in animal suffering and also in psychological consequences for the operator and operator fatigue. The whole constitutes a virtuous circle and promotes reasoned euthanasia, while avoiding grouped euthanasia.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cervical dislocation training method allowing the acquisition of this technical gesture by the operator. [Brief description of the invention]

[0012] The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0013] The invention relates in particular to a training dummy for manual cervical dislocation of a bird comprising: - a gripping element defining the bird's legs attached to an element defining the bird's body, - the body comprising a rear face defining the back and a front face defining the breastbone of the bird, on which is fixed an elongated connecting element defining the neck of the bird, - a gripping element defining the head of the bird, characterized in that - said neck and said head are connected to each other by a separable fixing means comprising at least a first element secured to the head and at least a second element secured to the neck, said first and second elements being arranged so as to reversibly connect said neck to said head, - said at least first and second elements of the separable fixing means are arranged so as to allow the movement of the head towards the rear face of the training dummy, and - the first and second elements of the separable fastening means being adapted to separate when a predetermined force is applied to the head parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck. Such a mannequin allows the acquisition of the gesture specific to cervical dislocation in accordance with the rules of animal respect mentioned above, and with the appropriate force, allowing the repetition of this gesture by the operator until mastery is achieved.

[0014] According to other optional features of the training dummy according to the invention, the latter may optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: • the first and / or second element of the separable fixing means comprises a permanent magnet with axial magnetization. Indeed, the magnetic forces reproduce particularly faithfully the sensations felt by the manipulator in real conditions. • the first and second elements of the separable fixing means each comprise at least one permanent magnet with axial magnetization, said at least one magnet being arranged so as to attract each other. • the first element secured to the head of the separable fixing means comprises a support comprising two faces each having a magnetized face of at least one permanent magnet with axial magnetization, the second element integral with the neck of the separable fixing means comprises two arms defining a space, between the arms, capable of receiving the support, each of the arms comprising a permanent magnet with axial magnetization, the magnet of each of the arms being arranged so as to attract the magnetized face of the at least one magnet of the support which faces it when the support is placed between the arms. This configuration reproduces in a particularly reliable manner the sensations perceived during the cervical dislocation of a bird. • each of the permanent magnets has a shear force of between 1.23 N and 24.52 N, preferably 11.77 N. • the separable fixing means comprises a means preventing the dissociation of the first and second elements if the angle between the head and the axis of the neck, towards the rear of the training dummy, is not between 80° and 100°. By requiring the manipulator of the dummy to perform this gesture, this contributes to improving the learning of the cervical dislocation gesture which requires such manipulation in real conditions. • It further comprises at least one means for maintaining the cohesion of the head with the training dummy once the first and second elements have been separated. • Such a means makes it possible to have a mannequin allowing the learning of a gesture more in accordance with the reality of cervical dislocation which must not result in decapitation of the animal. In addition, it avoids a loss of the element of the mannequin defining the head and facilitates the reestablishment of the connection between the elements 61, 62 of the separable fixing means, and therefore the repetition of the exercise by the manipulator. • the at least one means which makes it possible to maintain the cohesion of the head with the training dummy comprises a cable fixed, on the one hand, to the body or the neck and, on the other hand, to the head. • the at least one means which makes it possible to maintain the cohesion of the head with the training dummy comprises at least one spring fixed or connected, at one of its ends, to the body or the neck and, at the other of its ends, to the head. At least one spring allows the operator to feel a slight suspension and therefore has the effect of attenuating the mechanical sensation felt when the elements 61, 62 are separated from the separable fixing element. It also reproduces the sensation of elasticity and the sensation of resistance of the animal's tissues felt during cervical dislocation. It thus completes the experience of the operator who trains with the dummy of the invention. • the at least one first element and / or the at least one second element comprises a witness indicating the separation of the head and the neck, such as a visual indicator only visible when the said elements are separated. This indicator allows the action to be validated by easily allowing the separation of the elements 61,62 of the separable fixing element to be seen.

[0015] According to a second object, the invention relates to a method for training in manual cervical dislocation of a bird comprising at least one test comprising the following steps: - Supply of a training dummy according to the invention, - Hold the legs of the training dummy in one hand and the head of the training dummy in the other hand, with the thumb and index finger or index and middle finger of the hand positioned on the head of the dummy being positioned on the head on either side of the neck, the training dummy being held along the vertical axis, head down and legs up and so that the back of the training dummy is positioned towards the hand holding the head of the training dummy, - Bend the neck of the training dummy 90° towards the back of the training dummy, - Pull the head of the training dummy downwards while maintaining the bend of the neck of the training dummy at 90° until the separable attachment means separates at the junction between the head and the neck, - Check for a depression in the neck at the base of the head, - Optionally: check the visibility of the visual indicator, - Optionally: reattach the connection of the head to the neck via the separable fixing means, in which, in the absence of a depression at the base of the head, the test is invalidated.

[0016] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the appended Figures which represent:

[0017] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents a training dummy for cervical dislocation of a bird according to a particular embodiment.

[0018] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a cervical dislocation training dummy of a bird according to a particular embodiment, the head of the mannequin being positioned towards the rear of the mannequin.

[0019] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] shows the element 62 of the separate separable fastening means 6 according to one embodiment. [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] shows the element 61 of the separable fastening means 6 according to the same embodiment and showing an example of a means 7 for preventing the dissociation of the fastening element 6 in this embodiment of the separate fastening means 6.

[0020] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents the element defining the head in a configuration according to which the element defining the head 5 is positioned at 90° relative to the element defining the neck: The support 611 is removed from the space formed by the arms 621, 622 exposing the magnetic faces 612, 613. The element defining the head is in a cervical dislocation configuration.

[0021] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows the detail of a separable fixing means according to a embodiment of the invention, the elements 61 and 62 of the separable fixing means are shown dissociated and the element designating the head of the mannequin is in the configuration corresponding to the cervical dislocation. The support 611 is removed from the space formed by the arms 621, 622 exposing the magnetized faces 612, 613 and a depression (here a lower thickness) between the element defining the head 5 and the element defining the neck 4. In the embodiment illustrated here, the support 611 comprises at its end one or more magnets 9 arranged to remain connected (i.e. to attract each other) with the magnets of the arms 621, 622.

[0022] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents the detail of an element defining the head of a bird according to one embodiment of the invention. The support 611 comprises at its end one or more magnets 9 arranged to remain connected (i.e. to attract each other) with the magnets of the arms 621, 622. A hole is provided to allow the passage of the cable thus fixed on the one hand to the element defining the head and on the other hand to the element defining the body 3.

[0023] [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] [Fig.7A] and 7B represent the detail of an element defining the head of a bird according to an embodiment of the invention, as represented in [Fig.2]. On a cable are threaded articulated elements constituting the connecting element defining the neck 4. The support 611 comprises at its end one or more magnets 9 arranged to remain connected (i.e. to attract each other) with the magnets of the arms 621, 622. The cable is fixed on the one hand to the element defining the head and on the other hand to the element defining the body 3. A spring is located at the end of the cable located in the element defining the body 3 of the bird and arranged in such a way that said spring is compressed during the dislocation (separation) of the elements 61, 62 of the separable fixing means 6 and therefore during the traction on the cable, which is fixed at its other end to an element of the element defining the head such as the support 611. [Fig.7A] Device in non-dislocated configuration; [Fig.7B] device in dislocated configuration, the element representing the head is positioned at 90° towards the rear of the device.

[0024] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents the steps of a test in a learning process of the act of euthanizing a bird by manual cervical dislocation. [Description of the invention]

[0025] Definitions

[0026] By "bird", for the purposes of the invention, is meant any animal of the taxonomic class of Aves. This refers, more particularly, to birds whose size and morphology make it possible to restrain them manually, preferably any bird with a mass less than or equal to 5 kg. This may be any wild bird, from production, sport or ornamental poultry farming. Even more particularly, bird for the purposes of the invention may be understood to mean poultry such as a goose, turkey, duck, hen, guinea fowl, quail, pigeon, pheasant and their young or any other bird of a corresponding size and morphology.

[0027] Thus, a "training dummy", according to the present invention, means a figure reproducing the size and morphology of a bird as defined above, and more particularly comprising elements representing (defining or materializing) legs, preferably two, a body, a neck and a head of a bird. Thus, in the dummy device of the invention, the terms body, neck, head, legs or any other anatomical part refer to elements of said dummy which represent, for the purposes of the cervical dislocation exercise, the different corresponding parts of the animal's body.

[0028] The terms “manipulator” or “operator” are used interchangeably. They refer to the person manipulating the device according to the invention or to the person in charge of euthanizing a bird.

[0029] "Cervical dislocation" refers to the dislocation of the skull and first vertebra resulting in the separation of the spinal cord and brainstem. "Cervical dislocation" also refers to a method of euthanasia, aimed at producing the above-mentioned lesion in the animal and which, when properly performed, results in rapid loss of consciousness and a humane death. Manual cervical dislocation is performed without tools. Manual cervical dislocation of a bird performed according to guidelines and resulting in instant death while respecting the animal's condition includes the following steps: i) Immobilization of the bird by holding the bird by the legs at the tarsi with one hand and, between the index and middle fingers or the thumb and index finger of the other hand, the bird's head near the ears and restraining it against the operator's body, ii) positioning the bird's head perpendicular to the bird's back iii) applying, in one go, a vertical force downwards and parallel to the axis of the neck until the separation of the bird's skull and spine is felt.

[0030] "Shear force" or displacement force, when referring to a magnet, means the force applied parallel or obliquely, preferably parallel, to the contact surface of the magnet. Adhesive force means the force exerted perpendicular to the contact surface. It is generally accepted that the shear force corresponds to between 15% and 25% of the adhesive force of a magnet.

[0031] The "predetermined force" corresponds to the force corresponding to the necessary and sufficient force to be applied to achieve an adequate cervical dislocation, that is to say without decapitation but beyond simple elongation. It is a function of the size or species of the animal and is easily determined by those skilled in the art.

[0032] As mentioned, manual cervical dislocation is a humane and hygienic method of euthanasia. In addition, it helps to avoid group euthanasia, in which animals are euthanized indiscriminately, and to promote reasoned euthanasia, more in line with current standards of respect for animal life. However, to be performed properly, it requires training of the operator. Indeed, if performed poorly, it can result in unacceptable suffering for the animal, as in the case of crushing or elongation of the spine for example, or decapitation posing health problems and causing trauma to the handler. In addition, the failure of respectful euthanasia also has psychological consequences for the operator.Simple instructions, photographs or films, if they identify the gesture, do not allow the operator to be placed in proprioception conditions close to reality and even less to understand the dosage of force necessary and sufficient to apply with regard to the resistance of the tissues and the tactile sensations associated with an adequate dislocation.

[0033] The invention proposes a reusable device which allows the operator to acquire the technical gesture of cervical dislocation of a bird, in conditions reproducing or approaching real conditions, and in particular reproducing the proprioception and tactile sensations of the operator in real conditions, allowing him, in particular, to acquire the necessary force to apply to obtain an adequate dislocation.

[0034] Unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional features of each of the implementations described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but rather as mere juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional features of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

[0035] Training dummy for manual cervical dislocation of a bird

[0036] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a training dummy 1 for manual cervical dislocation of a bird, this dummy reproducing the different parts of a bird which are necessary for carrying out the technical gesture of cervical dislocation carried out to obtain a rapid loss of consciousness and a non-humane death by resulting in the separation of the spinal cord and the brainstem. This dummy therefore comprises: - a gripping element defining the legs 2 of the bird fixed to an element defining the body 3 of the bird, - the body 3 comprising a rear face defining the back 31 and a front face defining the breastbone 32 of the bird, on which is fixed an elongated connection element defining the neck 4 of the bird, - a gripping element defining the head 5 of the bird.

[0037] It is understood that the mannequin according to the invention may comprise varying levels of abstraction in the representation of a bird and the various elements mentioned above, as long as these elements are present and allow the performance of the gesture corresponding to manual cervical dislocation as it must be performed to result in immediate and painless death of the animal. Ideally, these elements have sizes, in the mannequin 1 according to the invention, in relative proportions consistent with that of a bird in nature and contribute to the immersive nature of the exercise performed using the mannequin according to the invention.

[0038] Thus, for example, the gripping element defining the legs 2 of the bird may consist of a single element which corresponds to both legs of the bird. Alternatively, the gripping element defining legs 2 consists of the two individualized elements each defining one of the two legs of the bird, each fixed independently to the element defining the body 3 of the bird. Ideally, these elements defining legs have an arrangement and a size allowing them to be grasped by a hand of the manipulator. This allows the correct position of the operator's body and arm and improves the effectiveness of learning with the training dummy 1.In another example, and advantageously, the element defining the head of the bird may have markers materializing the entrances to the bird's auditory canals, which are reference points usually used for the correct placement of the fingers in the cervical dislocation gesture.

[0039] Conventionally, the element defining the body 3 is an oblong-shaped volume, for which a front face of the bird's body can be defined, which is defined as the part of the body comprising the breastbone and a rear face. Indeed, it is important to be able to define the front face and the rear face of the bird to implement a restraint of the bird and the dislocation gesture in an adequate manner.

[0040] The mannequin 1 according to the invention comprises another gripping element defining a head 5 of the bird. The gripping element defining a head 5 of the bird is connected to the element defining the body 3 by an elongated connecting element, i.e. longer than it is wide, defining the neck 4 of the bird. For example, the neck may be made of a single piece, preferably flexible. It may alternatively be made of different articulated elements which allow the head of the mannequin 1 according to the invention a mobility close to that of the bird. This allows advantageously the manipulator to learn on which part of the neck the force must be applied. These elements can be articulated elements of the link type (as in the dummy illustrated in [Fig. 1]), universal joints or 180° ball joints, which, advantageously, mimic the flexibility of the neck of a bird thus contributing to the effectiveness of the training. An example of articulated elements of the link type is shown in the embodiment shown in [Fig.l] which shows a dummy where the elements constituting the neck are visible. The element defining the neck, when it comprises articulated elements as mentioned above, can comprise between 2 and 10 elements, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 elements.

[0041] In the mannequin according to the invention, as presented in particular in connection with figures 1 or 2, the neck 4 and the head 5 are connected to each other by a separable fixing means 6 comprising at least one first element 61 secured to the head 5 and at least one second element 62 secured to the neck 4, said first and second elements 61, 62 being arranged so as to reversibly connect said neck 4 to said head 5.

[0042] By separable attachment means is meant any attachment means which comprises two distinct elements 61, 62 which allow the connection, when they interact together, of two distinct and separate parts of an object with which they are respectively associated, in this case the gripping element representing the head 5 on the one hand and the end of the connecting element representing the neck 4 not connected to the body on the other hand. Thus, when the elements 61, 62 are separated or disconnected, the dummy imitates the configuration in which the bird's head is dislocated, i.e. separated from the spinal column. When the elements 61, 62 interact, or in other words, are connected, the dummy imitates a configuration in which the bird's head is associated with the brainstem, and therefore in which there is no cerebral dislocation.

[0043] A reversible connection via the separable fixing means means a connection intended to be implemented and interrupted successively a large number of times without damaging the elements of the separable fixing means which interact. This repeatability allows the learning of the cervical dislocation gesture.

[0044] Preferably, the separable fixing means does not require any particular tooling to change from the configuration in which the elements 61, 62 are separated to the configuration in which they interact. In other words, no tooling is necessary to connect or reconnect the neck 4 to the head 5 of the dummy once they have been separated, which facilitates the repeatability and effectiveness of the training.

[0045] Types of reversible fastening means are, for example, hook-and-loop type assembly means (velcro® type) or fastening means consisting of complementary elements which interact mechanically by simple pressure of one against the other, or, for example, by fitting / unfitting. Another separable attachment means suitable for the dummy according to the invention can use magnetic force to connect the two elements which are magnetically complementary.

[0046] In a particularly advantageous manner, when the at least one first element 61 secured to the head 5 and the at least one second element 62 secured to the neck 4 are disconnected, that is to say when the mannequin 1 is in a configuration in which the head is dislocated, then a witness indicating the separation of the head 5 and the neck 4 is detectable. For example, such a witness may be a visual indicator carried by said elements 61, 62 but only visible when they are separated. Also, the indicator witness may be a tactile witness materialized by, upon touch by the operator, the detection of a space, or of a reduction in the thickness of the junction between the element defining the head 5 and the element defining the neck 4; said space, or said reduction in thickness being not present when the neck 4 and the head 5 are not in a configuration in which the head is dislocated.This tactile indicator is particularly preferred.

[0047] It is understood that said at least first and second elements 61, 62 of the separable fixing means 6 are arranged so as to allow the movement of the head 5 towards the rear face of the training dummy 1, because this movement is part of the cervical dislocation procedure. Indeed, as mentioned above, the cervical dislocation cannot be carried out adequately, that is to say without suffering to the animal and without crushing the cervical vertebrae, without positioning the head towards the rear.

[0048] Finally, it is understood that the first and second elements 61, 62 of the separable fixing means 6 are adapted to separate when a predetermined force is applied to the head parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck 4 (or shear force). Preferably, the predetermined force is between 4.9 N and 98.1 N, between 19.6 N and 58.4 N, between 25.0 N and 53.0 N, preferably between 31.0 N and 47.0 N, preferably the predetermined force is 39 N.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the first and / or second element 61, 62 of the separable fixing means 6 comprises an axially magnetized permanent magnet which interacts with its counterpart in said first or second element, and which requires, in order to be separated from its counterpart, the application of a shear force as mentioned above. Thus, more particularly, said magnet has a shear force of between 4.9 N and 98.1 N, between 19.6 N and 58.4 N, preferably between 25.0 N and 53.0 N, even more preferably between 31.38 N and 47.07 N, preferably, in a particularly preferred manner, the predetermined force is 39 N. Indeed, the magnetic forces reproduce in a particularly eminently faithful to the sensations felt by the manipulator during cervical dislocation performed on a real animal which includes significant resistance before a sudden break in the cohesion of the parts linked by the magnetic force.

[0050] Any type of permanent magnet can be used in the separable fixing means of the invention, such as ferrite magnets or magnets comprising neodymium. However, these magnets must have their largest dimension compatible with the dimensioning, in a real animal, of the neck and the articulation between the base of the skull and the cervical vertebra which is connected to it. Thus, the magnet is, in its largest dimension, of a size of at most 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, less than 20 mm, preferably less than or equal to 15 mm. Magnets comprising neodymium are generally composed of an iron-neodymium alloy (such as Nd2Fei4B) and are commonly available commercially. These magnets are particularly powerful. They therefore make it possible to obtain, for small magnet sizes (and as a corollary, shear forces), particularly high adhesive forces.This is particularly advantageous when it comes to mimicking the size and morphology of the junction of the vertebral column with the base of the skull of a bird. These magnets comprising neodymium therefore make it easier to obtain, in the mannequin 1 according to the invention, a separable fixing means in accordance with the dimensioning in a real animal of the articulation between the base of the skull of a bird and the cervical vertebra which is connected to it.

[0051] The counterpart of the magnet (i.e., in the device of the invention, the element 61 or 62) may be a metal part or another magnet. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second elements 61, 62 of the separable fixing means 6 therefore comprise permanent magnets with axial magnetization arranged so as to attract each other. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these magnets attract each other by surfaces of identical and / or complementary size and shape. A particularly preferred shape for such a surface is the disc, this shape is particularly suitable for the pivoting of the element representing the head along the axis of this disc. Those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the shape of the fixing means 61, 62, so as to receive the magnet and its counterpart so as to allow this pivoting.

[0052] In a particular embodiment, the separable fixing means 6 is as illustrated in an implementation such as in [Fig.3A] and in [Fig.3B]: - the first element 61 secured to the head 5 of the separable fixing means 6 comprises a support 611 comprising two faces each having a magnetized face 612, 613 of a permanent magnet with axial magnetization, - the second element 62 secured to the neck 4 of the separable fixing means 6 comprises two arms 621, 622 defining a space, between the arms, capable of receive the support 611, each of the arms 621, 622 comprising a permanent magnet 631, 632 with axial magnetization, the magnet 631, 632 of each of the arms 621, 622, being arranged so as to attract each other respectively with a magnetized face 612, 613 of the axially magnetized permanent magnet of the support 611 which faces it when the support 611 is placed between the arms 621, 622. This embodiment is particularly preferred because it reproduces in a particularly reliable manner the sensations perceived during the cervical dislocation of a bird.

[0053] According to a particular implementation, in this preferred embodiment, the magnetized faces 612, 613 are the two faces (and are therefore of opposite polarity), of the same magnet inserted into and passing through the support 611.

[0054] According to an alternative implementation, in the separable fixing means 6: - the first element 61 secured to the head 5 of the separable fixing means 6 comprises a support 611 comprising two faces each having a permanent magnet 612, 613 with axial magnetization, - the second element 62 secured to the neck 4 of the separable fixing means 6 comprises two arms 621, 622 defining a space, between the arms, capable of receiving the support 611, each of the arms 621, 622 comprising a permanent magnet with axial magnetization, the magnet of each of the arms 621, 622 being arranged so as to attract one of the magnets of the support 611 which faces it when the support 611 is placed between the arms 621, 622.

[0055] In these two embodiments, the shear forces chosen for these magnets are such that the sum of the shear forces which characterize them corresponds to the predetermined force as stipulated above. Thus in the embodiment of the figure in which the magnetized faces 612, 613 would be the two faces (and therefore of opposite polarity), of the same magnet inserted in and passing through the support 611, shear forces for each of the magnets 631; 632 and that of the support 611 could be identical and included, for example, between 1.23 N and 24.52 N, between 4.9 N and 14.71 N, preferably between 6.37 N and 13.24 N, even more preferably between 7.85 N and 11.77 N. In a particularly preferred manner, in this embodiment, each of the magnets has a shear force of 9.81 N.Alternatively, the different magnets may have different specific shear forces, the essential thing being that the force to be applied by the operator, which is defined as the sum of the forces to be applied to separate the element representing the head 5 from the element representing the neck 4 corresponds to the predetermined force.

[0056] In these two embodiments, the indicator indicating the separation of the head 5 and the neck 4 can be a visual indicator materialized by, for example, a color by particular at least one of the magnetic faces 611,612, which are visible only when the device is in a configuration in which the head 5 is dislocated from the neck 4.

[0057] In the mannequin 1 according to the invention, advantageously, the element representing the head 5 can freely move from the front to the rear of the device and vice versa, this allows the operator to find the appropriate position of the head himself to carry out an adequate dislocation. Thus, more particularly, in the embodiment according to [Fig.3A] and 3B, the element representing the head can move from the front to the rear or vice versa by performing a rotation along the axis of the magnets of the first and second elements when they interact together.

[0058] The angle to be applied to achieve adequate dislocation is defined in the procedures as being 90° towards the rear of the animal, relative to the axis of the neck. Advantageously, in the device of the invention, the separable fixing means 6 comprises a means 7 preventing the dissociation of the first and second elements 61, 62 if the angle between the element representing the head 5 and the axis of the element representing the neck 4, is not between 80° and 100° towards the rear of the training dummy 1, preferably is not 90°C towards the rear of the training dummy 1. Preventing the dissociation of the first and second elements 61, 62 if the head of the dummy is not in the adequate position allows the operator to easily acquire an automatism as to the correct position of the animal's head to successfully achieve cervical dislocation.

[0059] In a particular embodiment in which the separable fixing means 6 is as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the support 611 and the arms 621 and 622 are complementary and profiled in such a way that the support 611 can only be inserted between the arms of the element 62 or be separated from the arms of the element 62 when the element representing the head 5 and the axis of the element representing the neck 4 is between 80° and 100°, preferably 90°, towards the rear of the training dummy 1. Thus, an example of a means 7 preventing the dissociation of the first and second elements 61, 62 if the angle between the element representing the head 5 and the axis of the element representing the neck 4 is not between 80° and 100° towards the rear of the training dummy 1, or is not 90°C towards the rear of the training dummy 1 is provided in [Fig.3A]: the means preventing the dissociation of the elements 61, 62 is a beveled shape in excess thickness of the support 611 which prevents the support 611 from being inserted or removed between the arms 621 and 622 when the angle between the element representing the head 5 and the axis of the element representing the neck 4 does not form an angle of between 80° and 100° towards the rear of the training dummy 1, or even, preferably, is not 90°C. The beveled shape in excess thickness partially surrounds the magnets of the arms 621 and 622 and thus prevents dissociation when the angle of the element representing the head with that . representing the neck is not between 80° and 100°, or preferably 90° towards the rear of the mannequin. When the angle imposed between the element representing the head and that representing the neck is not between 80° and 100°, preferably 90° towards the rear of the mannequin, the support 611 cannot be dislodged from the space between the arms 621 and 622 as illustrated [Fig.4].

[0060] Advantageously, the training dummy 1 according to the invention further comprises at least one means 8 for maintaining the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 once the first and second elements 61, 62 have been separated. In other words, despite the separation of the elements 61, 62 from the separable fixing means, the means 8 allows the head 5 to continue to be part of the training dummy 1. This has the advantage of not having any separation of the element representing the head 5 from the rest of the body, despite the separation of the element representing the head from the element representing the neck. This is more in line with the reality of cervical dislocation which must not result in decapitation of the animal for the aforementioned reasons, and also has the advantage of avoiding any loss of an element from the dummy.Finally, this facilitates the reestablishment of the connection between the elements 61, 62 respectively secured to the head 5 and secured to the neck 4 of the separable fixing means.

[0061] The means 8 for maintaining the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 may comprise a tube surrounding the neck 4 and fixed, at one of its ends, to the body 3 and, at the other of its ends, to the head 5, the element 61 or 62. This tube may be made of a flexible material such as fabric, rubber or any other flexible polymer. This tube has the additional advantage of masking the element(s) constituting the neck and thus reinforcing the resemblance of the dummy to a bird and therefore the immersive nature of the exercises carried out with the dummy.

[0062] The means 8 which makes it possible to maintain the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 may comprise a metal cable fixed, on the one hand, to the body 3 or to the neck 4 and, on the other hand, to the head 5.

[0063] The means 8 which makes it possible to maintain the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 may further comprise at least one spring fixed or connected, at one of its ends, to the body 3 or to the neck 4 and, at the other of its ends, to the head 5.

[0064] An example of such an embodiment is presented in connection with [Fig. 1]: two compression springs arranged on either side of links constituting the neck are connected via a metal cable to the element 61 secured to the element representing the head 5. Preferably, the springs are arranged to be compressed when the elements of the separable fixing means 6 are separated (which corresponds to cervical dislocation). The metal wire serves to attach the neck 4 to an element of the element defining the head 5 such as, for example, the support 611, which may comprise a clamp cable.

[0065] In another embodiment, the means 8 for maintaining the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 consists of a metal cable fixed, at one end, to the element defining the body 3 of the bird and, at the other end, to the element 61 integral with the element representing the head 5, onto which are threaded articulated elements constituting the connection element defining the neck 4. The cable is then surrounded by a sheath, such as for example, a bicycle brake sheath, which advantageously protects the articulated elements of the neck 4 and / or the cable from any wear. Advantageously, the sheath can be fixed to at least the first articulated element and the last articulated element of the neck 4 so as to maintain all of the articulated elements of the neck 4 integral.In this embodiment, the end of the cable of the means 8, making it possible to maintain the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1, and which is fixed at the level of the element defining the body 3 of the bird, is terminated by a compression spring and a cable clamp, arranged in such a way that said spring is compressed during the dislocation (separation) of the elements 61, 62 of the separable fixing means 6 and therefore during the traction on the cable, which is fixed at its other end to an element of the element defining the head such as for example, the support 611, which may, in addition, comprise a cable clamp. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, [Fig.7A] showing the device in the non-dislocated configuration, [Fig.7B] representing the device in the “dislocated” configuration.

[0066] The spring(s) allow the operator to feel a slight suspension and therefore has the effect of attenuating the mechanical sensation felt when the elements 61, 62 are separated from the separable fixing element 6. In addition, it substantially reproduces the feeling of elasticity and the feeling of resistance of the animal's tissues felt during cervical dislocation. In other words, in the above embodiments the spring of the means 8 for maintaining the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 also contributes to improving the operator's experience when using the dummy according to the invention. In a particularly advantageous manner, the means 8 for maintaining the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 can also allow easier reconnection of the element 61 with the element 62.

[0067] The spring(s) is (are) advantageously chosen so that the difference in length between the compressed spring and the released spring (also called "travel") corresponds to the separation distance expected for adequate dislocation, i.e. without decapitation, while being adapted to the size of the parts and the size of the modeled animal. The size of the spring is advantageously chosen so as to produce a travel of a length greater than that necessary for dislocation (the separation) of the elements 61, 62 of the upper separable fixing means 6, which improves the physical sensation of the operator. However, preferably, this travel length is sufficiently short to facilitate the reconnection of the element 61 with the element 62. For example, the travel is greater than or equal to 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm. For example, also, the spring measures from 30 mm to 90 mm long, preferably from 40 mm to 80 mm, more preferably from 60 to 70 mm. In a particularly preferred manner, the spring measures, when released, 60 mm long, 0.44 mm in internal diameter and 0.8 mm in thickness, and measures, compressed, 35 mm (i.e. a travel of 25 mm).A spring of this type is particularly suitable for the means 8 for maintaining the cohesion of the head 5 with the training dummy 1 consisting of a cable onto which are threaded articulated elements constituting the connection element defining the neck 4 as described above. Any material suitable for use in the comprehension springs can be used in the device according to the invention. Preferably, the spring(s) is / are made of steel.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the mannequin 1 according to the invention may comprise at least one magnet secured to the head 5 on the one hand and at least one magnet secured to the neck 4 on the other hand, said magnets being arranged to attract each other when the elements 61 and 62 are disconnected, that is to say when the head 5 of the mannequin is in a configuration corresponding to a cervical dislocation. This has the effect of maintaining the element secured to the head 61 and the element secured to the neck 62 in a position suitable for their reconnection, that is to say suitable for facilitating the restoration of the mannequin in a configuration corresponding to a non-dislocated head. This contributes to increasing the repeatability rate of the training and therefore the correct acquisition by the operator of the cervical dislocation gesture.

[0069] For example, in the particular embodiment according to figures 5 or 6 in which: - the first element 61 secured to the head 5 of the separable fixing means 6 comprises a support 611 comprising two faces each having a magnetized face 612, 613 of a permanent magnet with axial magnetization, - the second element 62 secured to the neck 4 of the separable fixing means 6 comprises two arms 621, 622 defining a space, between the arms, capable of receiving the support 611, each of the arms 621, 622 comprising a permanent magnet with axial magnetization, the support 611 comprises at its end one or more magnets 9 arranged to remain connected (i.e. to attract each other) with the magnets of the arms 621, 622, when the mannequin is in a configuration in which the head is dislocated (i.e. the elements 61, 62 are disconnected). Thus in the embodiment illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the support 611 is adapted so that the magnet(s) 9 remain in connection with the magnets of the arms 621, 622 when the element representing the head is in a configuration corresponding to a dislocation (i.e. when the elements 61 and 62 are disconnected), as shown [Fig.4].

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment, the elements 61, 62 of the separable fastening means 6 are arranged in such a way that when these are disconnected, a depression characterized by a reduction in the size of the section of the neck at the base of the head 5 at the level of the separable fastening element 6 can be detected by touch. This is particularly advantageous because under real conditions such a difference can be detected.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment, the dummy according to the invention comprises a means preventing rotation of the element representing the neck along its longitudinal axis. By contributing to the correct respective orientation of the elements representing the head and the body, this contributes to the operator grasping the animal adequately and, therefore, the correct assimilation of the gesture.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, as discussed below, in the dummy 1 according to the invention the gripping element defining the legs 2 comprises two individualized elements each defining one of the two legs of the bird, each fixed independently to the element defining the body 3 of the bird. In one embodiment, said individualized elements are fixed directly to the element defining the body. In this embodiment, the gripping elements defining the legs are therefore not mobile. Although fully operational, this embodiment is not a preferred mode because it has the disadvantages i) of generating pressure zones at the junction of the elements which constitute a zone of fragility of the device, ii) of not reproducing the mobility of the natural animal.Also, even more advantageously, each of the individualized elements comprises at its base a means allowing the articulation of said element with the element defining the body. In an even more particular embodiment, the two elements are connected to each other by a cable passing inside the element representing the body, which thus makes it possible to avoid direct attachment to the element representing the body and therefore to avoid creating a zone of fragility of the device which is moreover already subjected to forces.

[0073] As mentioned, the mannequin according to the invention is a tool which allows the acquisition of the gesture of euthanasia by manual cervical dislocation of birds. In this procedure, the operator's feeling is crucial and allows the dosage of a sufficient force necessary for effective cervical dislocation, that is to say resulting in the immediate death of the animal without suffering and without decapitation. However, only the experience and memorization of the gesture and the sensations felt by the operator during dislocation allow to achieve an acceptable success rate to implement the method in real conditions. The mannequin developed by the inventors particularly meets this need. It also allows repeatability of the act until perfect mastery of the gesture, which does not allow, for obvious reasons, training on animals, living or even dead.

[0074] Thus this mannequin is a tool particularly suited to learning the gesture of euthanasia by manual dislocation of birds, in the fields of poultry farming, or veterinary care.

[0075] Method for training manual cervical dislocation of a bird

[0076] Thus, according to a second aspect, the invention therefore relates to the use of the mannequin 1 according to the invention in a method of training in manual cervical dislocation of birds.

[0077] More particularly, as presented in connection with [Fig.8], the invention relates to a method 100 for training the manual cervical dislocation of a bird, comprising at least one test comprising the following steps: - Provision 110 of a training dummy 1 according to any one of the preceding claims, - Hold 120 the legs 2 of the training dummy 1 in one hand and the head 5 of the training dummy 1 in the other hand, the thumb and index finger or the index finger and middle finger of the hand positioned on the head 5 of the dummy being positioned on the head 5 on either side of the neck, the training dummy 1 being held along the vertical axis, the head 5 at the bottom and the legs 2 at the top and so that the back of the training dummy 1 is positioned towards the hand which holds the head 5 of the training dummy 1, - Bend 130 the neck 4 of the training dummy 1 at 90° towards the back of the training dummy 1, - Exert a traction 140 of the head 5 of the training dummy 1 downwards while maintaining the bend of the neck 4 of the training dummy 1 at 90° until the separation of the separable fixing means 6 at the junction between the head 5 and the neck 4, - Check for a depression 150 in the neck 4 at the base of the head 5, - Optionally: check the visibility of the visual indicator 160, - Optionally: replace the connection 170 of the head 5 with the neck 4 via the separable fixing means 6, in which, in the absence of a depression at the base of the head 5, the test is invalidated.

[0078] The depression, the presence of which is verified by the operator after the step of pulling the head, corresponds to a reduction in the size of the section of the neck at the base of the head 5 at the level of the separable fixing element 6. In certain embodiments, the depression can also correspond to a space between the element representing the neck and that representing the head. Advantageously, the visibility of a visual indicator as mentioned can also allow the test to be validated.

[0079] In a particular embodiment of the training method 100 according to the invention, to be closer to the real conditions of the gesture and thus reinforce the immersive aspect of the exercise, an additional step consisting of stretching the neck of the training dummy I can be added, before bending 130 the neck 4 of the training dummy 1 at 90° towards the rear of the training dummy 1 after the holding step 120.

[0080] Such a test can be carried out as many times as necessary until a failure rate acceptable for practice is reached. This method is therefore particularly suitable for effective learning of cervical dislocation gestures while respecting procedures and the animal condition and will allow the handler, in real conditions, to perform this gesture with complete confidence and without stress, which makes it possible to limit the psychological impact of this gesture and contributes to its proper execution.

[0081] The dummy according to the invention may be the subject of numerous variants and applications other than those described above. In particular, those skilled in the art will understand that depending on the size or species of bird considered, in particular, the separable fixing element may be adapted in particular as to the predetermined force to be applied to obtain a satisfactory dislocation. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional characteristics of each of the implementations described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but on the contrary as simple juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

Claims

Claims

1. A training dummy (1) for manual cervical dislocation of a bird comprising: - a gripping element defining the legs (2) of the bird attached to an element defining the body (3) of the bird, - the body (3) comprising a rear face defining the back (31) and a front face defining the breastbone (32) of the bird, on which is attached an elongate connecting element defining the neck (4) of the bird, - a gripping element defining the head (5) of the bird, characterized in that - said neck (4) and said head (5) are connected to each other by a separable attachment means (6) comprising at least a first element (61) secured to the head (5) and at least a second element (62) secured to the neck (4), said first and second elements (61, 62) being arranged so as to reversibly connect said neck (4) to said head (5), - said at least first and second elements (61,62) of the separable fixing means (6) are arranged so as to allow the movement of the head (5) towards the rear face of the training dummy (1), and - the first and second elements (61, 62) of the separable fixing means (6) being adapted to detach when a predetermined force is applied to the head parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck (4).,

2. Training dummy (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and / or second element (61, 62) of the separable fixing means (6) comprises an axially magnetized permanent magnet.

3. Training dummy (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second elements (61, 62) of the separable fixing means (6) each comprise at least one permanent magnet with axial magnetization, said at least one magnet being arranged so as to attract each other.

4. Training dummy (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that - the first element (61) secured to the head (5) of the separable fixing means (6) comprises a support (611) comprising two faces each having a magnetized face (612, 613) of at least one permanent magnet with axial magnetization, - the second element (62) secured to the neck (4) of the separable fixing means (6) comprises two arms (621, 622) defining a space, between the arms, capable of receiving the support (611), each of the arms (621, 622) comprising a permanent magnet (631, 632) with axial magnetization, the magnet of each of the arms (621, 622), being arranged so as to attract the magnetized face of the at least one magnet of the support (611) which faces it when the support (611) is placed between the arms (621, 622).

5. Training dummy (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that each of the permanent magnets has a shear force of between 1.23 N and 24.52 N, preferably 11.77 N.

6. A training dummy (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the separable attachment means (6) comprises means (7) preventing the first and second elements (61, 62) from becoming dissociated if the angle between the head (5) and the axis of the neck (4), towards the rear of the training dummy (1) is not between 80° and 100°.

7. A training dummy (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one means (8) for maintaining the cohesion of the head (5) with the training dummy (1) once the first and second elements (61, 62) have been separated.

8. Training dummy (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one means (8) which makes it possible to maintain the cohesion of the head (5) with the training dummy (1) comprises a cable fixed, on the one hand, to the body (3) or to the neck (4) and, on the other hand, to the head (5).

9. Training dummy (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one means (8) which makes it possible to maintain the cohesion of the head (5) with the training dummy (1) comprises at least one spring fixed or connected, at one of its ends, to the body (3) or to the neck (4) and, at the other of its ends, to the head (5).

10. Training dummy (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first element (61) and / or the at least one second element (62) comprises a witness indicating the separation of the head (5) and the neck (4), such as a visual indicator only visible at the separation of said elements.

11. A method of training (100) a bird for manual cervical dislocation comprising at least one test comprising the following steps: - Supply (110) of a training dummy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, - Hold (120) the legs (2) of the training dummy (1) in one hand and the head (5) of the training dummy (1) in the other hand, the thumb and index finger or the index finger and middle finger of the hand positioned on the head (5) of the dummy being positioned on the head (5) on either side of the neck, the training dummy (1) being held along the vertical axis, the head (5) at the bottom and the legs (2) at the top and so that the back of the training dummy (1) is positioned towards the hand holding the head (5) of the training dummy (1), - Bend (130) the neck (4) of the training dummy (1) 90° towards the rear of the training dummy (1), - Exerting traction (140) on the head (5) of the training dummy (1) downwards while maintaining the bend of the neck (4) of the training dummy (1) at 90° until the separation of the separable fixing means (6) at the junction between the head (5) and the neck (4), - Check for the presence of a depression (150) in the neck (4) at the base of the head (5), - Optionally: check the visibility of the visual indicator (160), - Optionally: reattach the connection (170) of the head (5) with the neck (4) via the separable fixing means (6), in which, in the absence of a depression at the base of the head (5), the test is invalidated.

Images