Safety barrier for intervention on cattle

Abstract

A step-type barrier device (10) for securing an operator's intervention on the hindquarters of a cow standing in a barn stall, the step-type barrier comprising a protective barrier (5) including a lower rail (4) and an upper rail (3) and crossbars (32) connecting said rails, the protective barrier including a first end (E1) connected in a fixed, removable, or movable manner to a first support post (61) and a second end (E2) connected in a fixed, removable, or movable manner to a second support post (62), characterized in that it includes a step-type device comprising a trolley (1) mounted to slide along the rails and a step (2) mounted on the trolley, either fixed or pivoting. 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 kick) 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 perform an artificial insemination operation. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] As is known, in livestock barns, spaces are provided to allow cows to settle in, either standing or lying down. The spaces are arranged side by side. One space is provided to house one cow, hence the name sometimes used, 'stall'.

[0004] Each space is equipped, on the one hand, with a crossbar forming the front boundary of the space, and on the other hand, with a left and a right side panel forming the lateral boundaries of the space. There is no obstruction on the fourth side, namely the rear side of the space.

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

[0006] In another barn configuration, which is compatible and complementary to the cubicle configuration described above, a selective headgate system with an immobilization function, known in the trade as a "comadis," may be provided. This system is used primarily for the selective feeding of cattle, with the possibility of immobilizing them by the head for animal inspection or treatment. In this so-called comadis barrier configuration, there is no physical lateral separation between the different locations corresponding to the headgates.

[0007] To perform 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 professional technician, when performing an insemination operation, positions himself directly behind the cow and inserts a cannula-type instrument into the cow's vaginal cavity. It should be noted that the ground behind the Cows are often a bit 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 during the operation. Under these conditions, operators may try to avoid being kicked, either in real time or by adopting a preemptive dodging posture that is not very ergonomic and is conducive to slipping or even falling.

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

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

[0012] To this end, a barrier device with a step is proposed to secure an operator's intervention on the rear part of a cow (female bovine) standing in a stable position,

[0013] the step barrier comprising a protective barrier (5) comprising a lower longitudinal member (4) and an upper longitudinal member (3) and crossbars connecting them, the protective barrier comprising a first end connected in a fixed, removable or mobile manner with respect to a first supporting post, and a second end connected in a fixed, removable or mobile manner with respect to a second supporting post,

[0014] characterized in that it provides a step device comprising a trolley (1) mounted to slide along the longitudinal members and a step (2) mounted on the trolley.

[0015] Thanks to these arrangements, the protective barrier, particularly the lower side rail, prevents the animal from kicking backward toward the operator. More precisely, the lower side rail is positioned between the animal's legs and the operator's legs. The operator can thus move about without any fear of being kicked by the animal. It should also be noted that the trolley contributes to the protection, as it is made of sheet metal and is also generally positioned between the animal's legs and the operator's legs.

[0016] Advantageously, the operator can stand on the step of the footboard, which is less slippery than the underlying ground. Furthermore, the step is designed to be at a height conducive to working, which facilitates access, particularly for shorter operators.

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

[0018] In the position for use for intervention, the lower and upper longitudinal 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 can have a substantial length allowing it to cover several adjacent locations, for example at least 4 adjacent locations.

[0020] It should be understood that the step-gate device is installed in its operating position temporarily, and the rest of the time, the passage behind the pens must be left clear so that the cows can enter and exit the pens without hindrance. As will be seen later, several variations are provided allowing the protective barrier to be moved to free up the passage behind the pens.

[0021] The stringers are tubular profiles, with a round or square cross-section.

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

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

[0024] According to one embodiment, the step is mounted movable relative to the trolley between a deployed position conducive to intervention by the operator and a retracted position conducive to storing the barrier.

[0025] Retracting the step into the retracted position allows for a very low barrier thickness of a few centimeters, which makes it possible to store the protective barrier, after pivoting, against a wall or another barrier, or even after completely dismantling the protective barrier so that it can be stored compactly.

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

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

[0028] This makes it easy to move the trolley and consequently 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 positioning the trolley in the correct longitudinal position along the The operator can immobilize the trolley by activating the trolley brake. The brake can be engaged or disengaged. Each of these two positions can be mechanically stable.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the protective barrier can be easily mounted and detached from the first and second support posts. In this configuration, the support posts are fixed to the ground. The protective barrier can be mounted on the support posts, for example, using dowels.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the protective barrier can be mounted pivoting on one side, the barrier is then opened 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 support posts, which are fixed to the ground. In other words, the protective barrier can retract upwards to allow passage for animals. The protective barrier then functions like a guillotine gate.

[0033] The system in question can also provide fine height adjustment according to 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 barrier. A bolted safety device can be provided for the raised position, as a redundancy to the winch safety device. A weight balancing system can also be provided to facilitate lifting.

[0035] Guiding the ends of the protective barrier on the posts can be done using a fork mounting which frames the profile of the post and which can move vertically while ensuring that the protective barrier is held in a vertical position.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the protective barrier is mounted on a liftable frame comprising the first and second load-bearing posts.

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

[0038] The frame can be mounted to rotate around a base or brackets located on the front part of the position above the head areas. It is therefore a frame hinged to 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 to provide redundancy for the winch's safety. Here too, a system for balancing the weight of the chassis with the cantilevered protective barrier can be provided.

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

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

[0042] According to one embodiment, the step is made of wire mesh. This optimizes good grip for boot soles.

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

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

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

[0046] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a profile view of a configuration in which a cow undergoes an intervention by a specialist technician, the specialist 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 shown in [Fig.1] with several cows side by side;

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

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

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

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

[0052] [Fig.7] shows in profile view another example of embodiment of the device barrier with a step and a liftable frame that incorporates the supporting posts;

[0053] [Fig.8] shows in profile view another example of embodiment of the step-barrier device with a vertically retractable 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 barrier on a square post;

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

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

[0058] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not necessarily shown to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0060] This could be an insemination procedure. It could be a genital tract examination. It could be an ultrasound examination.

[0061] The specialized technician professional may be an insemination technician or a veterinarian, and may be a woman or a man. In the remainder of this document, they will be referred to generically as the OP operator.

[0062] The cow V is positioned standing on the ground 90, in a location as shown 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 manure. However, such a gutter may also be absent.

[0063] In [Fig. 1], the operator OP took his place on the step-barrier device to work on the rear part of the cow V. The step-barrier device 10 will be described in detail later.

[0064] An orthogonal spatial frame 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 referenced protective barrier 5 which extends along Y from a first end denoted El 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, at the rear of the locations, for animals.

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

[0068] According to a first embodiment, the first support post 61 and the second support post 62 are fixed to the ground. To this end, each post has a base at its lower end which is fixed to the ground by any known means, e.g., lag screw and anchor, 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 The practical height is at least 3.5 meters and can extend up to 6 meters. Here, the posts are round, but they could also be square. Clamps are fitted tightly around the posts to form end caps for the E1 and E2 sections of the safety barrier. The support posts are metal; a cross-section can be chosen to suit the required rigidity, for example, between 50 mm and 100 mm for the square version and between 60 mm and 102 mm for the round section.

[0069] The first end, designated El, is removably assembled using dowels. As is known, it can be mounted with dowels and a plurality of corresponding holes, thus providing several discreet positions at different heights (height adjustment according to the operator's stature). The second end, E2, can be equipped with an identical or similar mounting.

[0070] One end can be mounted with a vertical axis pivoting system Z3, so that the barrier 5 can be pivoted at that point after the other end has been released. To clear the passage, the barrier can therefore either be pivoted or completely removed by disassembling both ends. Only the support posts remain in place when the protective barrier is moved to its storage position.

[0071] The protective barrier 5 comprises a lower longitudinal member 4 and an upper longitudinal member 3. The lower and upper longitudinal members are connected by cross members 32, which in the illustrated example are vertical but could be oblique. The assembly forms a welded frame sufficiently rigid to resist bending or torsional stresses caused by a person standing on the step.

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

[0073] The stringers are metallic, and a cross-section size between 50 mm and 80 mm can be chosen. The stringers (3,4) can be round or square in cross-section. In the square configuration as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the diagonal of the square is vertical.

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

[0075] The protective barrier 5 includes a step device which includes a trolley 1 mounted to slide along the upper and lower stringers and a step 2 mounted on the trolley.

[0076] In the illustrated examples, the step 2 is mounted pivotally relative to the carriage 1, but it is not excluded to have a configuration where the step is mounted fixed 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 ho- position rizontale.

[0077] It is noted that step 2 is located at a certain height above the ground, represented by the distance H9 in [Fig. 1]. Moreover, this height can be adjusted as needed, making the ergonomics particularly advantageous.

[0078] The carriage 1 is equipped with two rollers 12 adapted to roll on the upper side member. In the illustrated example, two rollers 13, referred to as lower rollers, are also provided, adapted to roll against the lower side member, but these could simply be pads for the lower section. Indeed, the majority of the load is borne 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 denoted X2.

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

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

[0082] The cart 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 that extends over the area enclosed by the frame 15. The frame and the body, together with the lower side rail 4, contribute to protection against the animal's paws.

[0083] In the upper area of ​​the frame 15, there is provided, on each side, an ear 77 (see [Fig.4]). Each ear 77 projects backwards and acts as a gripping handle, to allow the carriage 1 to slide along the spars, and, depending on the option of uncoupling the carriage from the longitudinal member, to easily handle the carriage.

[0084] As seen in [Fig.5], the carriage 1 includes a carriage brake system 7. It is provided with a lever pivoting around the axis Y7 with a friction pad which rubs against the upper longitudinal member 3.

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

[0086] As shown in [Fig. 9], the handrail tube 52 is positioned at a height H2 of approximately 100 cm relative to the lower stringer. Furthermore, the center-to-center distance between the two stringers is denoted HL. In practice, H1 can be between 40 cm and 60 cm.

[0087] Regarding the surface area available for 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 provides a wide and secure base for the operator, who can reposition their feet if necessary, or adjust their posture during the operation.

[0088] Regarding the retraction of the step, a pin 48 is provided, linked to the carriage, and a notch 28 is located near the axis on the retractable step, which allows the indexing of the step in raised position. To remove the step from the raised position, it must be lifted to release the pin, then rotated downwards.

[0089] Figure 5 illustrates a variant for maintaining the step in a horizontal position. It uses a chain 86 attached on one side to a pin 84 at mid-height on the carriage body and on the other side to a pin 85 located away from the axis on the step. In Figure 5, the step 2 is shown with dashed lines at mid-lift with the chain flexed.

[0090] Turning to [Fig.6], the step 2 comprises a metal frame with lateral flanges 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] Figure 7 illustrates a second embodiment in which the load-bearing posts are not permanently fixed to the ground. The posts 61,62 rest on the ground 90 in the configuration of use, but when the protective barrier is raised, the supporting posts are in the air.

[0092] The chassis 60 pivots around a fixed pivot axis Y0 relative to the ground and located at a height level with the front limit of the location. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the protective barrier 5 can be fixedly mounted on the supporting posts 61, 62.

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

[0094] Figure 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 support posts. The vertical lifting mechanism comprises a steel cable 66, attached to a ring on the protective barrier 5, a winch 64, and 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 have a considerable height here, 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 horizontal roller 36 is provided to precisely guide the barrier and prevent it from jamming or becoming misaligned. A two-armed fork 31 is provided to frame the square-section tubular profile of the supporting post 61.

[0097] The complete raising provides 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] Figure 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment with a quick-release function of the carriage. The lower rollers 13 are mounted on a lower cross member which is mounted via vertically sliding bushings in the main frame of the carriage.

[0099] The spring 37 forces the lower cross member upwards so that the lower rollers 13 are in contact with the lower longitudinal member 4. In this position, the carriage's support and guidance on the longitudinal members has no degree of freedom. To disassemble the carriage, the lower cross member can be moved against the spring's action to lower it so that the rollers disengage from the lower longitudinal member 4, and the carriage frame can then be pulled to extract the carriage. This movement is illustrated by the arrow FD at the bottom right in [Fig. 1 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 stringers.

[0101] A support 55 connecting the tubes forms the interface with the supporting post; assembly brackets 56 are provided, secured with pegs 57, which connect the end of the protective barrier to the corresponding supporting post. Any other extension system could be suitable.

Claims

Demands

1. A step-barrier device (10) for securing an operator's intervention on the rear part of a cow standing in a stable location, the step-barrier comprising a protective barrier (5) including a lower stringer (4) and an upper stringer (3) and crossbars (32) which connect said stringers, the protective barrier including a first end (E1) connected in a fixed, removable or mobile manner with respect to a first supporting post (61) and a second end (E2) connected in a fixed, removable or mobile manner with respect to a second supporting post (62), characterized in that it provides a step-barrier device including a trolley (1) mounted to slide along the stringers and a step (2) mounted on the trolley.

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

3. A step-barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the trolley is equipped with at least two rolling rollers (12) capable of rolling at least on the upper longitudinal member.

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

5. A step-barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective barrier is mounted in a manner that is easily detachable from the first and second supporting posts.

6. Step-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 liftable frame (60) comprising the first and second supporting posts.

8. A step-barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an extension mechanism is provided 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 stringers 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 upper stringer.

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