Animal restraint device with side access gate

Abstract

Animal containment barrier, consisting of a side panel with a frame comprising longitudinal members (20, 23) and at least one upright (22), the barrier comprising an access gate mounted via a hinged system on the frame, the hinged system providing two possible axes of pivot, namely a first pivot with a horizontal axis (X1) parallel to the side panel and a second pivot with a vertical axis (Z1), the hinged system comprising an intermediate shaft, mounted to pivot with a horizontal axis on the frame, in a vertical position when the access gate is closed, wherein the frame is equipped with a bearing configured to receive a latch rod or a trunnion, connected to the access gate, at a distance from the intermediate shaft, and wherein the access gate is mounted to pivot relative to the intermediate shaft. Figure 8

Description

Title of the invention: Animal restraint device with side access gate

[0001] The present invention relates to animal restraint devices, in particular for cattle.

[0002] Restraint devices, restraint barriers or restraint cages allow an animal to be partially or totally immobilized in order to examine it, provide it with treatment, weigh it, apply an identification tag, etc. A restraint cage can also be used to perform a surgical procedure, such as a birthing operation ('parting') by cesarean section.

[0003] Restraint cages include at least one side panel equipped with an inspection door. In the known art, the inspection door opens by pivoting about a vertical axis or by pivoting about a horizontal axis, only one possibility existing for a given restraint cage. The restraint barriers of interest here also include such a door.

[0004] It would be desirable not to have to choose between a horizontal axis opening and a vertical axis opening. This is what the inventors focused on when they sought to propose a configuration of inspection gate (also called access gate) that can be opened according to the needs of the circumstance with a vertical axis pivot or with a horizontal axis pivot, both possibilities being available on the restraint barrier equipped with the present invention and the restraint cage equipped with the present invention.

[0005] To this end, an animal containment barrier is proposed, presented as a side panel with a frame comprising at least one longitudinal member and at least one upright, the barrier comprising at least one access gate, mounted via an articulated system on the frame, the articulated system providing two possible axes of pivoting, namely a first pivoting with a horizontal axis parallel to the side panel and a second pivoting with a vertical axis,

[0006] the articulated system comprising an intermediate shaft, mounted to pivot on a horizontal axis on the frame, in a vertical position when the access gate is in the closed position,

[0007] in which the frame is equipped with a bearing configured to receive a latch rod or a trunnion, connected to the access gate, at a distance from the intermediate shaft.

[0008] and in which the access gate is mounted pivotally relative to the intermediate shaft.

[0009] Thanks to these arrangements, it is possible to open the access gate either with a vertical axis pivot or with a horizontal axis pivot, both possibilities being offered on the containment barrier equipped with the invention.

[0010] This barrier can be integrated onto a side structure of a complete restraint cage. This barrier can be used in combination with a headlock system, the barrier then being positioned perpendicular to the headlock structure.

[0011] The second pivoting is obtained after axial withdrawal of the latch rod from the bearing or radial exit of the bearing journal.

[0012] To access the horizontal axis pivoting, it is sufficient to tilt the access gate around the horizontal axis, after releasing, if necessary, a lock which will be seen later.

[0013] Advantageously, this double pivoting arrangement provides multiple possibilities, particularly when it is necessary to perform a cesarean-type surgical intervention.

[0014] By the expression 'a latch rod or a trunnion, connected to the access gate', it must be understood that the connection in question may be fixed (case of the trunnion) or that the connection in question may include a movable element, i.e. the latch rod.

[0015] It is noted that the latch rod acts as a pivot when the latch is closed.

[0016] In the expression 'lateral panel', the adjective 'lateral' is used in reference to the animal that one wishes to examine. Thus, the lateral panel is parallel to the flank of the animal.

[0017] In this document, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are understood in relation to a distance from an axis of rotation, particularly for pivoting about a horizontal axis.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first horizontal axis pivot is based on one side on a permanent pivot joint between a proximal portion of the intermediate shaft and the frame (for example the lower longitudinal member), and on the other side on a non-permanent pivot joint formed by the semi-cylindrical bearing receiving the latch rod or trunnion.

[0019] It is noted that the two joints are aligned, i.e. the permanent pivot joint and the non-permanent pivot joint are both aligned on the horizontal axis.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the access gate comprises a sleeve mounted pivotally relative to the intermediate shaft, the sleeve surrounding the intermediate shaft. In other words, the intermediate shaft is housed inside the sleeve.

[0021] Such an assembly proves to be particularly compact and reduces the risks of soiling or retention of foreign bodies.

[0022] It is noted that the sleeve is a tubular piece of sufficient length, its length preferably being substantially equal to the height of the access gate.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the bearing is semi-cylindrical and the sleeve is also movable along the intermediate shaft, over an offset stroke which allows the trunnion to escape radially from the semi-cylindrical bearing to allow the second pivoting.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the frame comprises a lower spar and an upper spar, a proximal upright (Zl axis side) and a distal upright (opposite the Zl axis).

[0025] According to one embodiment, the horizontal axis is located at the height of the lower spar, on the outside of the restraint cage, offset from the vertical axis by a predetermined distance.

[0026] In other words, the pivot axes are not concurrent. This allows for a clever combination of the two pivoting movements. This also allows for optimization of the possible movement ranges.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the pivot axes XI and Zl can be concurrent. In this configuration, the thickness of the containment barrier can be minimized, despite the presence of the possible double-pivot joint.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the permanent pivot joint is formed by a pin with axis XI attached to the lower longitudinal member or to the frame upright and received in a hole in a lug with a hole mounted on the intermediate shaft.

[0029] According to an alternative embodiment, the permanent pivot joint is formed by a pin with axis XI attached to the intermediate shaft and received in a hole in a lug fixed to the lower longitudinal member.

[0030] Any other solution for achieving a single-axis pivot function may be suitable for the permanent pivot joint.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the semi-cylindrical bearing is open upwards, the trunnion being held in the semi-cylindrical bearing by the self-weight of the gate.

[0032] It is noted that the opening can be directed vertically upwards, but the opening of the semi-cylindrical bearing can, according to a variant embodiment, be inclined slightly or substantially towards the inside of the containment cage.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a locking system is provided configured to lock the intermediate shaft in a vertical upward position.

[0034] In this position, the access gate is substantially aligned with the rest of the side panel; this is the normal resting position, outside of intervention or visit.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the locking system is mounted on the access gate. Advantageously, in this configuration, only one hole is required in the upper rail of the side panel.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the locking system comprises, at the upper end of the intermediate shaft (in distal position), a bolt, a return spring, and an operating member linked to the bolt, the bolt being received, in the closed gate position, in a hole in the upper stringer.

[0037] The return spring pulls the bolt towards the extended position, thus providing automatic locking by ramp effect. This is a passive locking mechanism; simply pushing the access gate is enough to lock it.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the second vertical axis pivot is formed by the sleeve pivotally mounted around the intermediate shaft, and a gate position closed according to the second pivot is obtained by indexing the trunnion housed in the semi-cylindrical bearing, or by indexing the latch rod in the opposite hole which acts as a bearing.

[0039] During the vertical axis pivoting, the intermediate shaft is held in a vertical upward position, by the aforementioned locking system, in a locked state and indexed in the side panel.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first horizontal pivot has an angular stroke of 180°. This provides total access, and the complete downward opening allows one to go around the restraint cage from the rear without any obstruction (as opposed to the case where the gate is opened by vertical pivoting, in which case it causes obstruction to movement around the cage).

[0041] According to one embodiment, a specific mid-position is provided for the horizontal axis pivoting, preferably with a system for maintaining this mid-position using, for example, a chain, a rod, or a support. This provides a horizontal shelf function after a 90° rotation. This shelf function allows the newborn delivered by cesarean section to be received.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the restraint device further comprises another additional access gate mounted on the side panel via another additional hinged system similar to the first hinged system.

[0043] The two access gates and their hinged system are arranged as mirror images of each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the horizontal axis XL

[0044] According to one embodiment, the side panel can be pivotally mounted on the main frame and further includes another locking system separate from the locking system described above.

[0045] The invention also relates to a restraint cage comprising at least one restraint barrier as described above. The restraint barrier may be located on the right side of the cage, on the left side of the cage, or on both sides.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an animal restraint cage, comprising a main frame and at least one side panel with at least one access gate, mounted via a hinged system on the side panel, the hinged system providing two possible axes of pivoting, namely a first pivoting with a horizontal axis parallel to the side panel and a second pivoting with a vertical axis, the side panel comprising a lower rail and an upper rail,

[0047] the articulated system comprising an intermediate shaft, mounted to pivot on a horizontal axis on the lower longitudinal member, in a vertical position when the access gate is in the closed position,

[0048] wherein the lower longitudinal member is equipped with a semi-cylindrical bearing configured to receive a trunnion fixed to the access gate, at a distance from the intermediate shaft,

[0049] and in which the access gate includes a sleeve pivotally mounted around the intermediate shaft, the sleeve being further movable along the intermediate shaft, over an offset stroke which allows the trunnion to escape from the semi-cylindrical bearing to permit the second pivoting.

[0050] To access the vertical axis pivoting, it is necessary to raise the access gate a few centimeters so that the trunnion escapes from the semi-cylindrical bearing, after which the access gate pivots and descends to find itself at the starting height level and the pivoting stroke around the intermediate axis along the vertical axis is then available.

[0051] To access the horizontal axis pivot, as already indicated, it is sufficient to tilt the access gate around the horizontal axis XI, after releasing a lock if necessary.

[0052] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an elevation view of an example of a cattle restraint cage; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in top view, an example of a cage of restraint of a bovine; - [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates an elevation view of an example of side panel; - [Fig.4] shows the schematic example of the side panel of [Fig.3] with the access gate opened by pivoting on a vertical axis; [Fig.5] shows the schematic example of the side panel of [Fig.3] with the access gate opened by pivoting on a horizontal axis; [Fig.6] shows in profile view the schematic example of side panel of [Fig.3] with different positions of access gate moved by pivoting on horizontal axis; [Fig.7] shows an elevation view of another example of a side panel with two access gates with a dual pivoting function according to the invention; [Fig.8] shows a perspective view of the example side panel with two dual-function pivoting access gates of [Fig.7], the two access gates being arranged in mirror image of each other; [Fig.9] shows an exploded perspective view of an access gate and the articulated system that connects it to the side panel; [Fig. 10] shows a detailed view of a cross-section at the level of the trunnion received in the semi-cylindrical bearing forming a non-permanent pivot joint; [Fig. 11] shows a detailed view of an axial section of the locking system, with the compressed return spring on the left and the relaxed return spring on the right; [Fig. 12] shows another detailed view of an axial section of the locking system; [Fig. 13] schematically shows the 90° horizontal axis pivoting position for the tablet function; [Fig. 14] is analogous to [Fig. 10] and shows a variant of the non-permanent pivot joint; [Fig. 15] is analogous to [Fig. 10] and shows another variant of the non-permanent pivot joint; [Fig. 16] shows a detailed view of a cross-section of the intermediate shaft and tubular sleeve; [Fig. 17] shows an example of a restraint barrier, which can be used in combination with a so-called comadis system configured to restrain the animal's head; [Fig. 18] shows a detailed view of the containment barrier of the [Fig. 17] animal; [Fig. 19] shows a general arrangement diagram of the restraint barrier of the [Fig. 17] used in combination with a headgate.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Figures 1 to 16 relate to a first embodiment in the form of a complete restraint cage, while Figures 17 to 19 relate to a second embodiment in the form of a restraint barrier which can be used in combination with other restraint elements, for example, in a particular but not exclusive way, a comadis system.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a restraint device 10 for an animal V, also known as a restraint cage. The restraint cage includes a main frame 1, consisting of a welded assembly based on metal tubes.

[0056] The main frame is generally parallelepiped in shape, it includes a base IB, a front structure 1F equipped with a door, a rear structure IR equipped with a door, a left side structure IG, a right side structure 1D and a top structure 1S.

[0057] The left lateral structure IG, includes a side panel marked 2.

[0058] The side panel covers most of the left-hand side structure in the illustrated example. Side panel 2 can open outwards as shown in [Fig. 2]. The side panel is pivotally mounted about axis Z0, with axis Z0 being vertical. Side panel 2 will be described in detail later. Animal V enters through the rear door and is then confined inside the restraint cage. It can be partially or totally immobilized by various accessories and devices known per se. The animal then exits through the front door.

[0059] For positioning in three-dimensional space, the longitudinal direction (direction of travel of the animal) is designated by the X frame, the transverse direction by the Y frame and the vertical direction by the Z frame.

[0060] It should be noted that, although not shown, the right-hand side structure 1D may also include an opening side panel, which complements or is an alternative to the side panel on the left side.

[0061] As shown in [Fig. 3], the side panel 2 comprises a welded structure. The side panel 2 includes a first access gate, designated 3, located on the rear half of the side panel, and a second access gate, 4, located on the front half of the side panel 2. Of course, there could be only one access gate. The first access gate, 3, is the one that will be described in detail later in this document. It provides access to the rear half of the animal; we will focus in particular on the scenario where a surgical procedure such as a cesarean section is to be performed on the animal V.

[0062] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, the side panel 2 comprises a front upright 21 and a rear upright 22. Furthermore, the side panel 2 includes a plurality of longitudinal members that connect the front upright to the rear upright. Through the assembly of such uprights and longitudinal members, the side panel 2 thus forms a very robust welded frame, preferably made of galvanized steel.

[0063] Among the stringers, we are particularly interested here in two stringers which frame the access gates of interest, i.e. a stringer called lower 20 and a stringer called upper 23.

[0064] In other words, each of the access gates is interposed between the lower stringer 20 and the upper stringer 23. Of course, the side panel may include other stringers than those mentioned above, in particular a base stringer marked 2B (see [Fig.7]).

[0065] According to another view, the side panel 2 includes a frame, which includes a lower stringer 20 and an upper stringer 23, a proximal post 22.

[0066] In the illustrated example, the stringers are square-section steel tubes, but their section could be rectangular or round.

[0067] As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the access gate 3 is provided with two possible pivot axes. More specifically, a first pivot is provided, with a horizontal axis XI, XI being parallel to the side panel, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In addition, a second pivot is provided, with a vertical axis Zl, as shown in [Fig. 4]. Zl is perpendicular to XI.

[0068] The angular travel of the horizontal axis pivot can be close to 180°, meaning that the access gate can be pressed against the side panel downwards. The angular travel of the vertical axis pivot can also be substantial, for example, 150°. Such generous ranges of motion allow for very comfortable access for working on the animal V.

[0069] The other access gate 4 can be equipped with a simple pivoting movement, or can be equipped with a double pivoting function like the first access gate 3.

[0070] The dual pivoting function (horizontal axis pivoting and vertical axis pivoting) uses an articulated system which will now be described.

[0071] The articulated system comprising an intermediate shaft 5, pivotally mounted on the lower longitudinal member 20 around a horizontal axis.

[0072] The intermediate shaft 5 is in a vertical position when the access gate (lower longitudinal member) is in the closed position.

[0073] The intermediate shaft 5 extends from a proximal portion 5p (on the side of the horizontal axis) to a distal portion 5d. The intermediate shaft 5 can be a solid or hollow profile as will be seen later.

[0074] The first horizontal axis pivot XI is based on the one hand on a permanent pivot joint noted LP1 between a proximal portion of the intermediate shaft 5 and the lower spar 20, and on the other hand on a non-permanent pivot joint noted LP2 discussed below.

[0075] The lower longitudinal member 20 is equipped with a semi-cylindrical bearing 28 configured to receive a trunnion 38 fixed to the access gate, at a distance from the intermediate shaft. A bushing made of alloy or synthetic material may be provided around the trunnion to prevent metal-on-metal contact and potential noise.

[0076] The semi-cylindrical bearing 28 is open upwards, the trunnion 38 being held in the semi-cylindrical bearing 28 by the self-weight of the gate.

[0077] The direction of the opening upwards can be strictly vertical as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0078] In the variant shown in [Fig.14], the opening direction of the semi-cylindrical bearing is inclined towards the inside of the retaining cage, at an angle noted 01. Such an orientation makes it possible to avoid an untimely exit of the trunnion 38 in the event of an undesired purely vertical movement.

[0079] The gate 3 comprises, in addition to the sleeve 6, a post 36 parallel to the sleeve and positioned at a distance L3 from the sleeve, this distance L3 corresponding to the width of the gate. Cross members 32, 33, 34 are fixed on one side to the sleeve and on the other side to the post 36. The gate 3 thus forms a solid welded frame. The cross members 32, 33, 34 are of round or square cross-section.

[0080] The access gate includes a sleeve 6 pivotally mounted around the intermediate shaft 5. According to one embodiment, the intermediate shaft 5 has a round cross-section.

[0081] Figure 16 illustrates a cross-section, with the tubular sleeve 6 mounted outside the intermediate shaft 5

[0082] The sleeve 6 is a tubular piece of sufficient length to form a long bearing. The length of the tubular sleeve is preferably substantially equal to the height H3 of the access gate.

[0083] The height H3 can be between 50 cm and 75 cm, and the length L3 can be between 60 cm and 100 cm, without these values ​​being formally limiting.

[0084] Bearing rings may be provided which prevent metal-on-metal contact between the tubular sleeve 6 and the intermediate shaft 5. The bearing rings are, for example, made of abrasion-resistant synthetic material.

[0085] More specifically, a ring is planned at the bottom 66 and a ring at the top 67.

[0086] It is noted that the lower ring 66 comes to a stop against an upper shoulder 56 planned on leg 51 (cf. [Fig.9]) which will be seen below.

[0087] Furthermore, the sleeve 6 is movable along the intermediate shaft, over a stroke referred to as the offset stroke C2. The offset stroke C2 allows the journal 38 to move upwards away from the semi-cylindrical bearing to permit the second pivoting. When the access gate is lifted, it is in the position marked 3' in [Fig. 8].

[0088] According to the illustrated example, the permanent pivot joint is formed by a pin 26 with axis XI fixed to a lug 27, itself fixed to the lower longitudinal member 20. The pin 26 is received in a hole 52 of a lug 51 mounted on the intermediate shaft 5. According to the illustrated example, the lug 51 is a thick metal plate, with one edge face welded to the base of the intermediate shaft 5 and pierced by a hole 52 with axis XI. The axis of the hole is located at a distance from the axis of the intermediate shaft 5, this distance being close to the predetermined distance E4 discussed below.

[0089] The lug 27 attached to the lower spar can be shaped like a right angle with one face 27a welded to the lower spar and a hole drilled in the other face to receive the dowel, or the dowel can be welded directly at this point. The axis of the dowel is aligned with the axis XI and is located at a distance E3 from the outer face of the lower spar.

[0090] According to an alternative embodiment, the permanent pivot joint is formed by a pin with axis XI attached to the intermediate shaft 5 and received in a hole in a lug with a hole mounted fixed to the lower longitudinal member 20.

[0091] It is noted that the horizontal axis XI is located at the height of the lower spar, on the outside of the restraint cage, offset from the vertical axis ZI by an offset distance noted E4 (see Figures 10 and 16).

[0092] It is noted that the permanent pivot joint LP1 and the non-permanent pivot joint LP2 are both aligned on the horizontal axis XI. In other words, the axis of the pin 26 is aligned with the axis of the trunnion 38.

[0093] The trunnion 38 is mounted on a leg 31. The leg 31 is welded to the base 36a of the upright 36 of the gate structure.

[0094] Advantageously, a locking system 7 is provided configured to lock the intermediate shaft 5 in a vertical upward position.

[0095] In this position, the access gate is substantially aligned with the rest of the side panel; this is the normal resting position outside of intervention and outside of visit.

[0096] The locking system 7 comprises, at the upper end of the intermediate shaft (in the distal position), a bolt 70, a return spring 75, and an operating member 71 linked to the bolt. The operating mechanism 71 is here an operating ball that is easy to grasp from a wide range of hand positions.

[0097] The operating ball is rigidly connected to the bolts for example by a threaded stud received on one side in a threaded hole of the bolt 70 and on the other side in a threaded hole of the operating ball 71.

[0098] The bolt, in the closed gate position, is received in a hole 57 in the upper frame member. The spring 75 pulls the bolt towards the extended position to be housed in the hole 57 of the upper frame member 23. This is therefore a passive locking mechanism; simply pushing the access gate 3 is sufficient to lock it. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the gate is pushed towards the closed position, the bolt 70 slides along the inclined tab 77 by ramp effect, and consequently the return spring is compressed (shown on the left side of Figure 11). The end of the bolt 58 then enters the hole 57.

[0099] The bolt body is received in the tube 50 of the intermediate shaft 5. Furthermore, the bolt is guided in the intermediate shaft 5 by at least one guide ring 53.

[0100] It should be noted that the locking system 7 is mounted on the access gate, but this could be otherwise; the movable bolt could be fixed to the side panel and not to the access gate. In this case, the intermediate shaft 5 could be a solid tube.

[0101] The operating stroke for the operating ball 71 is noted Cl. In practice this stroke can be from 2 to 4 cm to be comfortable and not be subject to unwanted commands.

[0102] According to the optional feature of a side panel mounted pivoting relative to the cage frame around the axis noted Z0, a locking system 17 similar to but distinct from that shown above is provided to lock the position of the side panel.

[0103] As seen in [Fig.8], this additional locking system comprises a bolt 17b mounted to slide along the axis marked X2 in a specific sleeve 17c and an operating ball 17a. A return spring is provided in the sleeve to force the bolt outwards, against an action by an operator on the operating ball.

[0104] As already mentioned, the second or access portion 4 can also be equipped with a locking system, similar to that already described for the first gate 3.

[0105] The two access gates 3,4 and their articulated system are arranged in mirror image of each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the horizontal axis XI.

[0106] The intermediate shaft of this second gate, denoted 105, is received in a sleeve 106 similar to that already described for the first gate. The sleeve is pivotally mounted on the intermediate shaft 105 about the axis denoted Z2. A system is provided lock 107 similar to that already described above, with a working ball marked 171.

[0107] Various optional features are described below.

[0108] According to an optional feature, under the lower stringer 20, stop cleats 82 are provided which can be used to place a bar transversely to the cage, in order to prevent the animal from backing up in the cage, as known per se.

[0109] As illustrated in [Fig. 13], a specific mid-stroke position can be provided in the horizontal pivoting movement. Furthermore, a holding system is preferably provided for this specific mid-stroke position. According to the illustrated example, the holding system uses one or two chains 48. Alternatively, the holding system could use, for example, a rod or a support leg. According to the illustrated example, the tablet function is at an angular position of 90°.

[0110] With reference to [Fig. 10], the movement to access the vertical axis pivoting movement requires a lift MV1 of stroke C2, a horizontal shift MV2 and a return to the initial height.

[0111] With reference to [Fig. 14], the beginning of the lifting movement is inclined towards the inside of the cage. For this purpose, the bearing 28 has a return edge 28a extending towards the inside of the cage; the offset relative to the lower side member 20 can be slightly greater in this configuration.

[0112] It is noted that the stroke C2 can in practice be slightly greater than the diameter D38 of the trunnion.

[0113] Depending on the type of animal to be received and the expected robustness of the cage D38 can range from 30 mm to 50 mm.

[0114] With reference to [Fig. 15], a solution for securing the position of the trunnion inside the semi-cylindrical bearing is shown. According to this solution, a spring tab 9 is provided, the rest position of which is shown as a solid line. This spring tab 9 must be moved towards the lower side member (position 9') to free the passage so that the trunnion 38 can be lifted.

[0115] With reference to [Fig. 16L the offset between the horizontal axis and the vertical axis is represented by the predefined distance E4. The crossbars 32,34 of the gate are welded to the tubular sleeve 6 by means of welds 88.

[0116] Depending on the type of animal to be received and the robustness expected for the cage, the outside diameter D5 of the intermediate shaft can range from 30 mm to 45 mm, and the outside diameter D6 of the tubular sleeve can range from 40 mm to 60 mm, the material thicknesses being chosen accordingly.

[0117] It should be noted that the double pivoting gate system shown above is compatible with the possibility of having the side panel integrated on a movable structure along the Y direction which allows adjustment of the available width inside the restraint cage, so as to laterally tighten the animal in the desired manner.

[0118] Second embodiment

[0119] It should be noted that what is not explicitly described concerning the second embodiment is to be considered identical or similar, mutatis mutandis, to what has been described for the first embodiment

[0120] In [Fig. 17], a containment barrier is shown, which is presented as a side panel 102. As can be seen in [Fig. 19], this barrier is intended to be used, for example, in combination with a comadis 300 system, the barrier then being arranged perpendicularly in top view relative to the comadis 300 structure. The barrier in question comprises a frame and an access gate 103.

[0121] The frame comprises a lower spar 20 and an upper spar 23, a proximal upright 22 and a distal upright 24. Each upright extending vertically from one end of the lower spar to one end of the upper spar.

[0122] The access gate 103 comprises a lower rail 126, a upper lower rail 125, connected on one side of axis Z3 by a proximal post 200, and on the other side on the opposite side by a distal post 127. Between the rails, a sheet 124 is provided.

[0123] An articulated system is provided to connect the access gate to the frame. As before, the articulated system allows a tilting movement around a horizontal axis XI' and a pivoting movement around a vertical axis Z3.

[0124] The access gate 103 is mounted pivotally relative to the intermediate shaft by means of a lower bearing and an upper bearing, the bearings being aligned on Z3.

[0125] The articulated system includes an intermediate shaft 205 pivotally mounted about axis XI' on the base of the upright 22. The intermediate shaft 205 is a tubular part about axis Z5. It should be noted that axis Z3 pivots with the intermediate shaft 205 and the access gate 103 during the first pivot about the horizontal axis XI'.

[0126] A short shaft 210 is provided with an axis aligned with XI', the short shaft 210 is fixed to the base of the upright 22. The intermediate shaft 205 includes a lug with a hole through which the short shaft 210 passes.

[0127] In the upper part of the intermediate shaft 205, a locking system 207 is provided, similar or identical to that already described for the first embodiment. The locking system comprises a bolt 208 with axis Z4 and an operating ball 271. The bolt is returned upwards by a spring.

[0128] A latch is also provided, arranged on the lower rail of the gate, opposite the axis Z3. The latch comprises a bushing 134 fixed rigidly to the lower rail of the gate and a rod 138 mounted to slide relative to the latch bushing 134. The The latch rod 138 plays the role of the trunnion in the first embodiment; the rod is received in the hole 128 which forms a bearing.

[0129] The latch rod is operated by a handle 275, the closed position is shown in solid line while the open position (after axial retraction of the rod 138 in the sleeve 134) is shown in dotted lines.

[0130] According to this configuration, the pivot axes XI' and Z3 are perpendicular but concurrent or very close.

[0131] As for the first embodiment, the first horizontal axis pivoting XI' is based on the one hand on a permanent pivot joint LP1 between a proximal portion of the intermediate shaft 205 and the frame (here the upright 22), and on the other hand on a non-permanent pivot joint LP2 formed by the bearing 28 receiving the latch rod 138.

Claims

Demands

1. An animal restraint barrier, in the form of a side panel (2,102) with a frame comprising at least one longitudinal member (20) and at least one upright (22), the barrier comprising at least one access gate (3,103) mounted via a hinged system (100) on the frame, the hinged system providing two possible axes of pivot, namely a first pivot with a horizontal axis (X1,X1') parallel to the side panel and a second pivot with a vertical axis (Z1), the hinged system comprising an intermediate shaft (5,205) mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis on the frame, in a vertical position when the access gate is in the closed position, wherein the frame is equipped with a bearing (28,128) configured to receive a latch rod (138) or a trunnion (38), connected to the access gate, at a distance from the intermediate shaft, and wherein the access gate is mounted to pivot about the shaft intermediate.

2. Restraint barrier according to claim 1, wherein the first horizontal axis pivot (X1,X1') is based on one side on a permanent pivot joint (LP1) between a proximal portion of the intermediate shaft (5) and the frame, and on the other side on a non-permanent pivot joint (LP2) formed by the bearing (28) receiving the latch rod (138) or the trunnion (38).

3. Containment barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the access gate includes a sleeve (6) mounted pivotally relative to the intermediate shaft, the sleeve surrounding the intermediate shaft.

4. Containment barrier according to claim 3, wherein the bearing is semi-cylindrical and the sleeve is further movable along the intermediate shaft, over an offset stroke (C2) which allows the trunnion to escape radially from the semi-cylindrical bearing to permit the second pivoting.

5. Containment barrier according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the semi-cylindrical bearing (28) is open upwards, the trunnion (38) being held in the semi-cylindrical bearing (28) by the self-weight of the gate.

6. A restraint barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a locking system (7,207) is provided, configured for lock the intermediate shaft (5,205) in a vertical upward position, and in which preferably the locking system is mounted on the access gate.

7. Containment barrier according to claim 6, wherein the locking system (7,207) comprises, in an upper end area of ​​the intermediate shaft (in distal position), a bolt (70,270), a return spring (75), and an operating member (71,271) linked to the bolt, the bolt being received in the closed gate position in a hole in the upper stringer (23).

8. Containment barrier according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second vertical axis pivot (Zl) is formed by the sleeve (6) pivotally mounted around the intermediate shaft, and a gate position closed according to the second pivot is obtained by indexing the trunnion (38) received in the semi-cylindrical bearing (28).

9. Restraint barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first horizontal pivot (X1,X1') has an angular stroke of 180°, and a particular position is provided at mid-stroke, preferably with a system for maintaining the particular position at mid-angular stroke using, for example, a chain, a rod or a crutch.

10. Restraint cage comprising at least one restraint barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 9.