Hay rack with hinged grid

Abstract

The object of the present invention is a hay rack for holding fodder to feed horses or other herbivores. This hay rack is designed with a suspended grid (2) at its front, which the horse can push open with its nose to access the fodder, which is held at the bottom of the compartment. At the bottom, the panel (3) of the hay rack is hinged and can fold against the grid (2) and lower at an angle of approximately 45° to direct the fodder towards the grid (2). The grid (2) is movable towards the rear of the device and its pivoting is limited by the sloping panel (3) of the device, which acts as a stop to prevent a horse's leg from passing behind the grid (2) if it bumps against it. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Hay rack with hinged grid

[0001] The distribution of forage for horses in their stalls is done daily in a hay rack which can be made of synthetic material, wood, or metal. The aim is to provide a sufficient ration without excess to avoid waste, and with access that limits overly rapid consumption. The use of netting helps to slow down consumption but presents a danger if the horse's hooves get caught.

[0002] Metal hay racks must be designed with spacing that prevents a horse's foot from getting caught between two bars, but allows the horse to reach in with its nose to grasp the hay. The problem is that the hay becomes inaccessible when it is too far from the bars.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome the difficulty of access by avoiding the risk of a horse putting a limb in the hay rack and injuring itself.

[0004] The device is now described in detail according to one embodiment and its variants.

[0005] These descriptions are based on the attached drawings, in which the figures represent:

[0006] [Fig-1] Perspective view of the device according to one embodiment and its variants.

[0007] [Fig.2] Side view of the hinged grille

[0008] [Fig. 3] rear perspective view

[0009] [Fig.4] Rear view of the device showing the hinged panel folded upwards

[0010] [Fig.5] View of the device associated with a rectangular forage reserve

[0011] [Fig. 1] The device consists of a metal frame (1) around the perimeter and a suspended grid (2) made of welded bars, spaced approximately 7 cm apart to prevent the horse's hooves from getting caught while allowing access to the hay with the tip of its nose and mouth. When the hay is blocked at the bottom of the hay rack, the horse cannot access it if the bars are fixed. But if the grid (2) is suspended, it can push it with its nose and gradually grasp the strands of hay.

[0012] We can also observe on the lower and rear part of the device a panel (3) forming the bottom of the hay rack. This panel (3) is positioned at an angle to create a slope that directs the forage towards the grid as it is consumed. The combination of this sloping panel (3) and the hinged grid (2) ensures complete consumption of the forage.

[0013] The hay rack contains 20 to 30 kg of fodder, which allows the horse to feed for two to three days. The two to three daily feedings are eliminated and working time is reduced.

[0014] The device can be associated with rectangular ([Fig.5]) or triangular ([Fig.1]) storage compartments in the corner of a box.

[0015] [Fig. 2] The profile view shows the device to highlight the movement of the suspended grid (2), which is only possible in one direction, towards the forage. Movement in the other direction is prevented by a stop (4) to ensure that the forage is held in the hay rack.

[0016] The grid locking mechanism is designed so that no protruding parts remain when the horse is feeding and pushing the grid (2) in front of it. It consists of a plate (4) fixed on each side and in front of the frame (1) of the device, below the axis of rotation.

[0017] [Fig.3] We also observe on the lower part of the frame (1) of the device a panel (3) articulated on hinges fixed between the frame (1) and the articulated panel (3) of the device.

[0018] [Fig.4] We observe the panel (3) folding vertically against the grid (2), it allows access to the rear of the grid (2) and easier storage of the device when not in use.

[0019] The shape of the panel (3) forming the front of the device depends on its location. If installed against a wall, the hay rack will be rectangular ([Fig. 5]), and if installed in a corner, it will be triangular ([Fig. 1]). The hinged panel (3) is approximately 60 cm long so that, when open, it forms an angle of approximately 45° when resting against the wall. This sloping panel (3) directs the fodder towards the grid (2).

[0020] The grid (2) is movable towards the rear of the device and has a pivoting limited by the sloping panel (3) of the device which creates a stop in order to prevent a limb of the horse from passing behind the grid (2) if it hits.

Claims

Demands

1. Hay rack for horses or other herbivores designed to allow the consumption of fodder at will, slow and secure, characterized in that a grid (2) blocking the fodder is suspended in a frame (1) and movable only in the direction of the fodder.

2. Hay rack for horses or other herbivores designed to allow the consumption of fodder at will but slowly and safely according to claim 1 characterized in that the frame (1) of the device is connected to an articulated panel (3) which folds vertically or lowers at an angle of approximately 45° in order to create a slope which directs the fodder towards the grid.

3. Hay rack for horses or other herbivores designed to allow the consumption of fodder at will but slowly and safely according to claim 2 characterized according to claim 1 the grid (2) movable towards the rear of the device has a pivoting limited by the sloping panel (3) of the device which creates a stop in order to prevent a limb of the horse from passing behind the grid (2) if it hits.

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