Safety barrier for intervention on cattle

Abstract

Step barrier device (10) for securing an intervention by an operator on a rear part of a cow parked in a standing position in a stable location, the step barrier comprising a protective barrier (5) comprising a lower beam (4) and an upper beam (3) and crosspieces (32) which connect said beams, the protective barrier comprising a first end (E1) connected in a fixed, removable or movable manner relative to a first support post (61) a second end (E2) connected in a fixed, removable or movable manner relative to a second support post (62), characterized in that a step device is provided comprising a carriage (1) slidably mounted along the beams and a step (2) mounted on the carriage, in a fixed or pivotable manner. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Safety barrier for intervention on cattle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety barrier for securing an intervention by a human operator on a bovine, the barrier in question making it possible to protect the operator from a gesture made by the animal (e.g. a paw strike) and also to reduce the risk of the operator slipping or falling.

[0002] More specifically, we are particularly interested in interventions on cows, for example to carry out an artificial insemination operation. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] As is well known, in livestock barns, there are spaces provided for cows to settle there, either standing or lying down. The spaces are arranged next to each other. One space is provided to house one cow, hence the name 'cubicle' sometimes used.

[0004] Each location is provided on the one hand with a crossbar in the format of the front limit of the location, and on the other hand with a left sidewall and a right sidewall forming the lateral limits of the location. There is no obstacle on the 4th side, namely the rear side of the location.

[0005] A sheep animal can enter and exit the location from the rear side. Furthermore, food distribution can be provided from the front side of the location.

[0006] In another stable configuration, which is compatible and complementary to the cubicle configuration presented above, a selective head passage system with an immobilization function, known in the art as "comadis", may be provided, this system being used mainly for the selective feeding of cattle, with the possibility of immobilizing them by the head for the purposes of animal inspection or for providing animal care. In this so-called comadis barrier configuration, there is no physical lateral separation between the different locations corresponding respectively to the head passages.

[0007] To carry out an artificial insemination operation, a human operator (professional, specialized technician or veterinarian) must generally be able to access the cow's genital system and in particular the vaginal cavity.

[0008] In known practice, the specialized professional technician, when carrying out an insemination operation, stands just behind the cow and introduces a cannula-type instrument into the vaginal cavity of the cow. It should be noted that the ground behind the Cow's surface is often a little slippery due to the presence of urine, dung or solid excrement.

[0009] Furthermore, it turns out that in practice, the cow sometimes kicks the operator backwards while the operation is being carried out. Under these conditions, operators may try to avoid receiving a blow, either in real time or by adopting a preventive dodging posture which is not very ergonomic and which is conducive to slipping or even falling.

[0010] Furthermore, an increase in the rate of incidents and even accidents has been observed, and an increase in the rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among professionals specializing in artificial insemination on cattle.

[0011] The inventors sought to improve the situation, in particular by proposing a solution to enable artificial insemination operators to intervene in complete safety. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] For this purpose, a step barrier device is proposed for securing an intervention by an operator on a posterior part of a cow (female bovine) parked in a standing position in a stable location,

[0013] the step barrier comprising a protective barrier (5) comprising a lower beam (4) and an upper beam (3) and crosspieces which connect them, the protective barrier comprising a first end connected in a fixed, removable or movable manner relative to a first supporting post, and a second end connected in a fixed, removable or movable manner relative to a second supporting post,

[0014] characterized in that a step device is provided comprising a carriage (1) mounted to slide along the side members and a step (2) mounted on the carriage.

[0015] Thanks to these provisions, the protective barrier, in particular the lower rail, prevents the animal from kicking backwards towards the operator. Indeed, more precisely, the lower rail is interposed between the animal's legs and the operator's legs. The operator can thus move around without any fear of a paw-type gesture from the animal. It is also noted that the trolley contributes to the protection, because it is sheet metal and is also generally interposed between the animal's legs and the operator's legs.

[0016] Advantageously, the operator can stand on the step of the step, which is less slippery than the underlying ground. In addition, it is provided that the step is located at a height suitable for intervention, which facilitates intervention in particular for operators who are not tall.

[0017] In certain configurations, the location is bordered on the rear by an excrement collection gutter, or gratings, and in the proposed configuration, The step of the step stool can be located above the gutter and thus forms a secure base for the operator to place his feet on.

[0018] In the position of use for intervention, the lower and upper side members are in a horizontal position, the support posts are substantially vertical, the body of the trolley is substantially vertical and the deployed step is substantially horizontal.

[0019] The protective barrier may have a significant length allowing it to cover several adjacent locations, for example at least 4 adjacent locations.

[0020] It should be understood that the step barrier device is installed in its position of use temporarily, and the rest of the time, the passage at the rear of the locations must be left free, so that the cows can enter and leave the locations without constraints. As will be seen later, several variants are provided allowing the protective barrier to be moved to free the passage at the rear of the locations.

[0021] The side members are tubular profiles, with a round or square section.

[0022] The supporting posts are tubular profiles, with a round or square section.

[0023] It should be noted that the term "location" means a location with head restraint or a location with frontal and lateral limits for the animal therein.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the step is mounted to move relative to the carriage between a deployed position suitable for intervention by the operator and a retracted position suitable for storing the barrier.

[0025] The retraction of the step in the retracted position makes it possible to have a very low barrier thickness of the order of a few centimeters, which makes it possible to store the protective barrier, after pivoting, against a wall or another barrier, or even after complete dismantling of the protective barrier to be able to store it compactly.

[0026] More precisely, the step is articulated on the carriage by means of a hinge extending horizontally. This forms a simple and reliable assembly. A stroke of approximately 90° can be provided, between the raised position and the low position with a downward stroke stop, and a notch for holding in the vertical position.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the carriage is equipped with at least two rolling rollers capable of rolling at least on the upper side member. In other words, the carriage is mounted by a rolling slide system on the horizontal side members of the protective barrier.

[0028] This makes it possible to easily move the trolley and therefore to move with it the step on which the operator will sit.

[0029] According to an optional function, the trolley can be equipped with a trolley brake. Thus after having positioned the trolley in the correct longitudinal position along the side members, the operator can immobilize the trolley by activating the trolley brake. The brake can be applied or released. Either of these two positions can be mechanically stable.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the protective barrier can be mounted in a manner that is simply removable from the first and second supporting posts. In this configuration, the supporting posts are fixed to the ground. The mounting of the protective barrier on the supporting posts can be, for example, a dowel mounting.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the protective barrier can be pivotally mounted on one side, the barrier then opens like a conventional door.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the protective barrier can be mounted on a vertical lifting mechanism arranged on the first and second supporting posts which are fixed to the ground. In other words, the protective barrier can move upwards to allow the animals to pass through. The protective barrier then operates in the manner of a guillotine door.

[0033] The system in question can also provide fine height adjustment depending on the stature of the operator who will be working on the cows.

[0034] In a typical embodiment, one or two winches are used to raise the protective barrier. Gravity selectively lowers the protective barrier. A pegged safety device may be provided for the high position, as redundancy to the winch safety device. A weight balancing system may be provided to facilitate lifting.

[0035] Guiding the ends of the protective barrier on the posts may use a fork assembly which frames the profile of the post and which can move vertically while ensuring that the protective barrier is kept in a vertical position.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the protective barrier is mounted on a lifting frame comprising the first and second supporting posts.

[0037] In this configuration, the supporting posts are not fixed to the ground, they rest on the ground in the usage configuration, but they are raised with the lifting frame when the protective barrier is not in use.

[0038] The chassis can be mounted to rotate around a base or yokes located on the front part of the location above the head areas. It is therefore a chassis articulated on the front of the stalls.

[0039] In a typical embodiment, one or two winches are used to raise the chassis. Here too, a mechanical safety device can be provided which duplicates the safety of the winch. Here too, a system for balancing the weight of the chassis with the on-board cantilevered protective barrier can be provided.

[0040] According to one embodiment, an extension mechanism is provided for adjusting the length of the protective barrier.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the length of the side members is at least 3 meters. The system thus covers several locations, and the technician or operator can treat several cows consecutively just by moving the trolley laterally.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the step is meshed. This optimizes good grip for the soles of the boots.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a handrail tube is provided above the upper side member. The handrail is located, for example, 100 cm above the lower side member. The operator can thus hold onto this handrail and secure himself in a very simple and reliable manner.

[0044] Optionally, a carriage release mechanism is provided. This allows the carriage to be removed without having to slide it to one end of the side members. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

[0046] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a side view of a configuration in which a cow undergoes intervention by a specialized technician, the specialized technician benefiting from a secure installation on a step barrier device according to an example of the present invention;

[0047] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates in top view the configuration presented in [Fig.l] with several cows side by side;

[0048] [Fig.3] shows in perspective view a first example of the step barrier device mounted on supporting posts fixed to the ground;

[0049] [Fig.4] illustrates in profile view in more detail the step device;

[0050] [Fig.5] illustrates in profile view in more detail the step device;

[0051] [Fig.6] illustrates in perspective view in more detail the retractable step

[0052] [Fig.7] shows in profile view another example of embodiment of the device of step barrier with a lifting frame which carries the load-bearing posts;

[0053] [Fig.8] shows in profile view another example of embodiment of the step barrier device with a vertically lifting protective barrier;

[0054] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates in profile view an operator posture benefiting from a handrail option;

[0055] [Fig. 10] illustrates in horizontal section the vertical guidance of one end of a barrier on a square post;

[0056] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates in vertical section a variant of trolley;

[0057] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates the system of horizontal extension of the barrier of protection.

[0058] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For reasons of clarity of the description, certain elements are not necessarily represented to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] In Figures 1 and 2, an intervention configuration of a specialized professional technician noted OP on a cow noted V is illustrated.

[0060] It may be an insemination operation. It may be a genital search operation. It may be an ultrasound examination.

[0061] The specialized technical professional can be an insemination technician or a veterinarian, can be a woman or a man. In the rest of the document, he will be referred to generically as an OP operator.

[0062] The cow V is parked in a standing position, on the ground 90, in a location as presented in the introductory part of this document. In the illustrated example, there is a gutter 91 behind the portion of ground 90, which collects the droppings. But such a gutter may also be absent.

[0063] In [Fig. 1], the operator OP has taken a position on the step barrier device to intervene on the posterior part of the cow V. The step barrier device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0064] An orthogonal spatial reference is used such that the Z direction is the local vertical, the Y direction corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the protective barrier and the X direction corresponds to an anteroposterior direction of the animal.

[0065] As illustrated in Figures 3 and following, the step barrier device 10 comprises a protective barrier referenced 5 which extends along Y from a first end denoted E1 to a second end denoted E2. In use, the first end is connected to a first supporting post 61 and the second end is connected to a second supporting post 62.

[0066] As will be seen below, several solutions are proposed for moving the protective barrier 5 from a position of use to a position where it leaves free passage, behind the locations, for the animals.

[0067] Similarly, as will be seen, several solutions are proposed for the actual step solution.

[0068] According to a first embodiment, the first supporting post 61 and the second supporting post 62 are fixed to the ground. For this purpose, the posts each have at their lower end a base which is fixed to the ground by any known means, e.g. lag screw and dowel, or other. The first post 61 is vertical with axis Z1. The second post 62 is vertical with axis Z2. The axes of the posts are separated by the distance L5 which in the practical is at least 3.50m and can go up to 6m. Here the posts are round section but they could be square section. Tight flanges are provided around the posts to form receiving caps for the ends E1, E2 of the protective barrier. The supporting posts are metallic, one can choose a cross section adapted to the rigidity requirements, for example for the square version between 50 mm and 100 mm and for the round section between 60 mm and 102 mm (millimeters).

[0069] The first end denoted E1 is removably assembled by dowels. As known per se, a mounting with a dowel and a plurality of holes may be provided in return, thus providing several discrete positions at several different heights (height adjustment depending on the operator's stature). The second end E2 may be equipped with an identical or similar mounting.

[0070] One of the ends can be mounted with a vertical axis Z3 rotation articulation system, so as to be able to pivot the barrier 5 at this location after having released the other end. To free the passage, the barrier can therefore either be pivoted or completely removed by having disassembled the two ends. Only the supporting posts remain in place when the protective barrier is moved to its storage position.

[0071] The protective barrier 5 comprises a lower side member 4 and an upper side member 3. The lower and upper side members are connected to each other by cross members 32 which in the example illustrated are vertical but which could be oblique. The assembly forms a mechanically welded frame which is sufficiently rigid not to flex under bending or torsion forces linked to the presence of a person on the step.

[0072] The upper and lower side members have a length L3 of at least 3 meters.

[0073] The side members are metallic, a cross-section of size between 50 mm and 80 can be chosen. The side members (3, 4) can be of round or square section. In the square configuration as illustrated in [Fig.l], the diagonal of the square is vertical.

[0074] An extension system is provided which will be described in detail later, so as to be able to precisely adjust the length of the barrier in the Y direction in order to be able to fix it to the supporting posts.

[0075] The protective barrier 5 comprises a step device which comprises a carriage 1 mounted to slide along the upper and lower side members and a step 2 mounted on the carriage.

[0076] In the examples illustrated, the step 2 is pivotally mounted relative to the carriage 1, but it is not excluded to have a configuration where the step is mounted in a fixed manner orthogonally relative to the body of the carriage, the body of the carriage being in a vertical position in use and the step being in a horizontal position. rural.

[0077] It is noted that step 2 is located at a certain height relative to the ground, materialized by the distance H9 in [Fig.l]. In addition, this height can be adjusted according to the need, the ergonomics are thus particularly advantageous.

[0078] The carriage 1 is provided with two rolling rollers 12 capable of rolling on the upper side member. In the example illustrated, two rolling rollers 13, called lower rollers, are also provided, capable of rolling against the lower side member, but these could be simple pads for the bottom. In fact, most of the force is carried by the upper rollers 12.

[0079] The upper rollers each pivot on a roller axis XI, the lower rollers each pivot on a roller axis noted X2.

[0080] Each roller is for example V-grooved as illustrated, but they could be arched concave grooved.

[0081] In other words, the carriage 1 is mounted by a Y-shaped sliding system with rolling bearings on the horizontal side members of the protective barrier.

[0082] The trolley 1 comprises a frame 15 and a body 16. The frame 15 is rectangular and made of metal profiles. The body 16 is formed as a sheet metal plate which extends over the area surrounded by the frame 15. The frame and the body participate, with the lower side member 4, in the protection against the animal's paws.

[0083] In the upper zone of the frame 15, an ear 77 is provided on each side (see [Fig.4]). Each ear 77 projects towards the rear and acts as a gripping handle, on the one hand to slide the carriage 1 along the dancers, and on the other hand, depending on the option of uncoupling the carriage from the side member, to easily handle the carriage.

[0084] As visible in [Fig.5], the carriage 1 comprises a carriage brake system 7. A lever pivoting around the axis Y7 is provided with a friction pad which rubs on the upper side member 3.

[0085] According to an option, a handrail tube 52 may be provided, fixed to the upper side member 3 and over almost the entire length of the side member.

[0086] As visible in [Fig.9], the handrail tube 52 is positioned at a height H2 of approximately 100 cm relative to the lower side member. Furthermore, the center distance between the 2 side members is noted HL. In practice, H1 can be between 40 cm and 60 cm.

[0087] Regarding the surface area available for installing the operator's feet, the available width W8 is between 65 cm and 80 cm. The available depth L8 is between 50 cm and 60 cm. This forms a wide and secure base for the operator, who can reposition his feet if necessary, or adapt his posture during the intervention.

[0088] Concerning the retraction of the step, a pin 48 linked to the carriage and a notch 28 are provided near the axis on the lifting step, which makes it possible to index the step in the raised position. To remove the step from the raised position, lift it to release the pin, then pivot it downwards.

[0089] In [Fig.5] a variant for maintaining the step in a horizontal position is illustrated. A chain 86 is used which is attached on the one hand to a pin 84 at mid-height on the body of the carriage and to another pin 85 distant from the axis on the step. In [Fig.5], the step 2 is shown in dotted lines at mid-lift stroke with the chain bent.

[0090] Turning to [Fig.6], the step 2 comprises a metal frame with side plates 23, 24, a proximal tube 22 of the axis and a distal tube 21. In addition, the step 2 comprises axis bearings 27, squaring diagonals 25 and a lattice 20.

[0091] [Fig.7] illustrates a second embodiment in which the load-bearing posts are not permanently fixed to the ground. The posts 61,62 come to rest on the ground 90 in the use configuration, but when the protective barrier is raised, the load-bearing posts are in the air.

[0092] The frame 60 pivots around a hinge axis Y0 fixed relative to the ground and located at a height at the front limit of the location. It is noted that in this embodiment, the protective barrier 5 can be assembled in a fixed manner on the supporting posts 61, 62.

[0093] The complete pivoting releases a height H3 between the ground and the lowest point of the structure as raised. H3 is for example at least equal to 220 cm. A spring return system 69 may be provided to partially compensate for the weight of the chassis.

[0094] [Fig.8] illustrates a third embodiment in which the load-bearing posts are fixed to the ground and the protective barrier 5 is mounted to slide vertically relative to the supporting posts. The vertical lifting mechanism comprises a steel cable 66, attached to a ring of the protective barrier 5, a winch 64, a return pulley 65 over which the cable 66 passes. Any other lifting mechanism may be suitable.

[0095] It should be noted that the supporting posts 61, 62 here have a substantial height, for example 280 cm or 300 cm.

[0096] [Fig. 10] illustrates an example of end mounting of the protective barrier 5. At each of the four interfaces between the barrier and the post, a roller 36 with a horizontal axis is provided which allows the barrier to be guided precisely and prevents it from getting stuck or skewed. A two-armed fork 31 is provided which frames the square-section tubular profile of the supporting post 61.

[0097] The complete raising frees a height H4 between the ground and the lowest point of the protective barrier as raised. H4 is for example at least equal to 220 cm.

[0098] [Fig. 11] illustrates an alternative embodiment with a quick disassembly function of the carriage. The lower rollers 13 are mounted on a lower cross member which is mounted via vertically translating bushings in the main frame of the carriage.

[0099] The spring 37 biases the lower cross member upwards so that the lower rollers 13 are in contact with the lower side member 4. In this position, the holding and guiding of the carriage on the side members has no degree of freedom. To disassemble the carriage, it is possible to maneuver the lower cross member against the action of the spring to lower it so that the rollers escape the lower side member 4 and the frame of the carriage can then be pulled to extract the carriage. This movement is illustrated by the arrow FD at the bottom right in [Fig.l 1].

[0100] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates a system for extending the protective barrier 5. On one side, or on both sides, a slide is provided with tubes 54 which are received with minimal play inside the main tubes of the side members.

[0101] An upright 55 connecting the tubes forms the interface with the supporting post, assembly legs 56 are provided, pinned with dowels 57 which connect the end of the protective barrier and the corresponding supporting post. Any other extension system could be suitable.

Claims

Claims

1. Step barrier device (10) for securing an intervention by an operator on a rear part of a cow parked in a standing position in a stable location, the step barrier comprising a protective barrier (5) comprising a lower beam (4) and an upper beam (3) and crosspieces (32) which connect said beams, the protective barrier comprising a first end (El) connected in a fixed, removable or movable manner relative to a first supporting post (61) a second end (E2) connected in a fixed, removable or movable manner relative to a second supporting post (62), characterized in that a step device is provided comprising a carriage (1) slidably mounted along the beams and a step (2) mounted on the carriage.

2. A step barrier device according to claim 1, wherein the step (2) is mounted to move relative to the carriage between a deployed position suitable for operator intervention and a retracted position suitable for storing the barrier.

3. Step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which the carriage is equipped with at least two rolling rollers (12) capable of rolling at least on the upper side member.

4. A step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carriage is equipped with a carriage brake (7).

5. A step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective barrier is mounted in a simply removable manner relative to the first and second supporting posts.

6. A step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protective barrier is mounted on a vertical lifting mechanism (64,65,66) arranged on the first and second supporting posts which are fixed to the ground.

7. A step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protective barrier is mounted on a raisable frame (60) comprising the first and second support posts.

8. A step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein there is provided an extension mechanism for adjust the length of the protective barrier.

9. A step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the length (L3) of the side members is at least 3 meters.

10. A step barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a handrail tube (52) is provided above the top rail.

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