Turning device for sheep or goats

Abstract

A device for restraining and turning an animal, particularly sheep or goats, comprising a base (1), a tilting frame (2) rotatably mounted on the base about a tilting axis (Y1), two left and right thoracic restraint elements (12) rotatably mounted on the tilting frame and configured to press against the animal's thoracic area, a pivoting rear arm (10) rotatably mounted on the tilting frame, the pivoting rear arm being configured to press against the animal's rump, in which an adjustable clamping mechanism is provided for each of the first and second thoracic restraint elements and for the pivoting rear arm, the tilting frame being movable between a loading position and a working position (P2) angularly separated by at least 90° from the loading position. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Turning device for sheep or goats

[0001] The present invention relates to devices or apparatus for turning livestock. More specifically, it relates to restraint and turning devices for sheep and goats.

[0002] These restraint devices make it possible to partially or totally immobilize an animal (e.g. sheep or goat) in a particular posture with its ventral part exposed, for example at least partially upwards, in order to examine it, to provide it with treatment, to shear its wool fleece, to treat its hooves, etc.

[0003] An example of such a device is known from document US4350121. However, it is noted that its suitability for different animal morphologies leaves something to be desired. Furthermore, the single side brace pushes laterally on one side of the intermediate area of ​​the animal's trunk and tends to misalign the trunk, thus placing the animal in an awkward posture.

[0004] It is also noted that according to US4350121, a significant force must be developed to rotate the tilting chassis when an animal is loaded, and this requires a control arm with a long lever arm, and therefore too large a footprint.

[0005] There remains a need to propose a restraint and turning device that can adapt to a wide variety of animal morphologies and that has good compactness.

[0006] To this end, a device for restraining and turning an animal, particularly of the sheep or goat type, is proposed, comprising: - a base, - a tilting frame, mounted for rotation on the base around a tilting axis, - a first thoracic restraint device, mounted for rotation on the tilting frame around a first clamping axis, and configured to press against the left thoracic area of ​​the animal, - a second thoracic restraint device, mounted for rotation on the tilting frame around a second clamping axis, and configured to press against the right thoracic area of ​​the animal, - a pivoting rear arm, mounted for rotation on the tilting frame around a third clamping axis, the pivoting rear arm being configured to press against the animal's rump and at least partially envelop it, in which an adjustable clamping mechanism is provided for the first and second thoracic support organs and for the pivoting rear arm, the tilting chassis being movable between a loading position and a working position angularly spaced at least 90° from the loading position.

[0007] Thanks to these arrangements, the animal is held on one side by its rump and on the other side symmetrically on both sides of its thorax, the adjustable tightening allowing the animal to be held sufficiently without being excessively tight. The stress imposed on the animal is thus moderated.

[0008] Advantageously, in the working position, it is possible to have very comfortable access to the animal's ventral area as well as its four legs. It is then possible to provide various treatments to the animal without it being too stressed by the situation.

[0009] It is noted that the first clamping axis and the second clamping axis are perpendicular to the third clamping axis.

[0010] Advantageously, it is provided that, in the loading position, the thoracic restraints and the pivoting rear arm do not in any way impede the entry of an animal into the central space of the device. The animal does not have to step over a floor element or pass between protruding side elements; it moves towards the loading position without any hindrance or apprehension.

[0011] We will see later that one or even two adjustable clamping mechanisms can be provided for the rear arm and for the thoracic support organs.

[0012] The construction of the retaining elements, based on a pivoting joint for each of these elements, is particularly simple and robust.

[0013] The pivoting of the animal between the loading position and the working position takes place in a longitudinal plane, that is to say in the anteroposterior median plane of the animal.

[0014] According to one embodiment, at least one operating handle is provided for rotating the tilting chassis, a first locking latch for the tilting chassis in the working position, and preferably also a second locking latch for the tilting chassis in the loading position.

[0015] Whereby the tilting chassis can be pivoted by an operator between two extreme positions, namely the loading position and the rest / loading position, each position being able to be secured by an angular position lock. To move from an extreme position, the latch must be released manually in order to pivot the chassis to the other position.

[0016] It is noted that the latch can be mounted on the tilting chassis. However, in a relevant alternative embodiment, there may be a latch attached to the base for lock the loading position and another latch in another location on the base to lock the working position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the adjustable clamping mechanism includes a ratchet system.

[0018] Thus, the ratchet system allows for a pre-tightening of the animal's thoracic and posterior area, with autonomous holding by ratchet system, and if necessary additional tightening can be easily applied by moving to an additional ratchet notch.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a ratchet system is provided for the rear pivoting arm and another ratchet system for the two thoracic support organs (common to the first and second thoracic support organs).

[0020] According to one embodiment, each ratchet system comprises at least one toothed wheel and at least one engagement finger, the finger being pushed towards the toothed wheel by a spring. The toothed wheel is fixed (non-rotating) mounted on the tilting frame; the toothed wheel does not rotate relative to the tilting frame, but it accompanies the tilting frame in its tilting movement.

[0021] The engagement finger can slide on one face of the teeth in one direction of rotation, and conversely the engagement finger is locked on the other face of the teeth in the other direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment, one of the relevant ratchet systems allows the left and right thoracic support organs to be tightened symmetrically, for example via a linkage transmission which will be discussed later.

[0023] According to one embodiment, for each of the ratchet systems, the control lever has a double direction of control, a first direction S1 contributing to tightening by ratcheting and a second direction S2 causing the release of the engagement finger and the possible return of the arm to the maximum open position.

[0024] An oblong hole is provided to secure the passive locking, the rod linked to the engagement finger being able to move back to pass over the tops of the teeth, there is thus a safety stroke to be made to cause the finger to be withdrawn from the teeth of the toothed wheel and then to be able to turn the arm in the opposite direction of the tightening.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one, preferably two, balancing springs are provided, working in tension between two attachment ends with at least one attachment end being able to be placed on an attachment position chosen from several available attachment positions.

[0026] Wherefore, a function is thus provided to compensate for the weight induced by gravity.

[0027] Depending on the chosen attachment position, an equilibrium point is then defined at an intermediate angular position in the configuration of the non-tilting chassis When loaded with an animal, the tilting operation requires less effort. This configuration offers good ergonomics, eliminating the need for large levers as in traditional methods. An operator with moderate strength can use the tilting device without excessive effort, and can even perform the tilting maneuver with a loaded animal.

[0028] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second thoracic restraint structures comprises a lateral arm and a support pad. The support pad is located at a distance from the axis of rotation. Advantageously, in the loading configuration, the pad is fully retracted, in the fully open position, to provide a wide passage for the animal when it enters the restraint device.

[0029] The support pad has a generous surface area so as to press against the animal's rib cage just behind the animal's front legs without risk of injury. For example, the support pad has a flat plate with a surface area of ​​at least 10 cm².

[0030] According to one embodiment, the position of the lateral arm is adjustable along the longitudinal axis X. It is thus possible to adjust the distance between the rump support and the thoracic supports according to the morphology of the animals to be treated in the device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the position of the support pad is adjustable along the extension direction of the lateral arm.

[0032] The lever arm of the support pad can thus be adjusted to adapt to a rib cage of a greater or lesser width of the animals to be treated.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the tilting frame comprises a cradle-shaped body and a head support. The cradle-shaped body is designed to receive the animal's back, and the head support is designed to receive the animal's head. The cradle-shaped body may include side rails and a continuous flexible layer designed to receive the animal's back. The continuous layer forms padding to receive the animal's back. The continuous layer may be a thick sheet of synthetic material.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the tilting chassis may include two tilting hinge flanges, which connect the cradle-forming body to the tilting hinge bearings.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the two thoracic support organs are controlled simultaneously by a single thoracic control lever.

[0036] This clever solution allows the two thoracic support organs to be controlled in one place, in a very simple and easy way.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the single thoracic control lever is connected to the thoracic support organs by a linkage comprising at least two rods and a return shaft. The single chest control lever is preferably placed above the tilting frame; advantageously, a transmission with rods and angle drives is provided to transmit the control movement from the upper area of ​​the tilting frame to the sides of the tilting frame.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a rear control lever is provided, arranged on the upper area of ​​the chassis.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the two aforementioned control levers are arranged on the upper area of ​​the chassis, thus providing easy access. Therefore, an operator of modest height can operate the control levers in a normal posture.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the base can be equipped with wheels. With this option, the device can be moved very easily, like a wheelbarrow, or it can be towed like a trailer.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a front gate. This perforated front gate, single or double, is useful for the smooth admission of an animal into the restraint device.

[0042] 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 a generic example of a restraint and turning device for sheep or goats, in a loading position with a sheep to be treated; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates in top view the example of a generic restraint and turning device for sheep or goats, without an animal inside; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates in rear view the example of a generic restraint and turning device for sheep or goats, ready for tipping; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an elevation view of a generic example of a restraint and turning device for sheep or goats, in a working position with a sheep being treated; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a perspective view of an example of a restraint and turning device for sheep or goats; - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in perspective view a tilting chassis; - [Fig.7] shows in top view the area of ​​the ratchet system for the pivoting rear arm; - [Fig.8] shows in top view the area of ​​the ratchet system for the ratchet control of the thoracic support organs; - [Fig.9] shows a perspective view for the ratchet control of the thoracic support organs and the associated transmission and linkage mechanism; - [Fig. 10] shows an explanatory diagram of the spring attachment points balancing and possible attachment positions; - [Fig. 11] shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a retaining organ thoracic illustrating its angular course; - [Fig. 12] shows a detailed perspective view of an example system with ratchet, associated lever and its two-way operation; - [Fig. 13] shows a detailed side view of an example system ratchet and associated mechanism and lever.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a restraint and turning device for handling livestock. We are interested here in sheep and goats; Figures 1, 3 and 4 show an example of a sheep M.

[0045] The animals to be treated with the turning device arrive in a holding corridor on the side marked 'IN' in Figures 1 and 5. After the action performed on the animal, it exits through the front on the side marked 'OUT' in Figures 1 and 5.

[0046] For positioning in three-dimensional space, the longitudinal direction (direction of movement of the animal) is designated by the X frame, the transverse direction by the Y frame and the vertical direction by the Z frame.

[0047] The turning device includes a base 1, forming a load-bearing structure for the tilting chassis 2 which will be detailed later.

[0048] The supporting structure consists of a welded assembly made of metal tubes and metal plates. The base includes a horizontal platform, designated IP, which forms a floor without steps or significant irregularities, allowing the animal to walk and move without encountering any obstacles. The platform floor may, however, be perforated and non-slip.

[0049] The welded assembly includes longitudinal members 16,17 and uprights 15.

[0050] The welded assembly can be completed by covering plates not shown in the figures.

[0051] Once the restraint and turning device is in place for the treatment of animals, the base remains stationary.

[0052] However, it should be noted that the base can be moved, for example, for storage or to be moved to another animal processing site. For this purpose, a axle with a wheel 92 on each side of the base as well as rods 93 on the front (on each side).

[0053] The assembly can thus be moved like a wheelbarrow. It should be noted that the rods can be retractable, for example by means of a system of a movable rod sliding in another rod attached to the side walls 1G,1D of the base of the device.

[0054] It is also noted that the turning device proposed here has a weight between 100 kilos and 175 kilos.

[0055] The base is laterally delimited by a left lateral wall IG and a right lateral wall 1D.

[0056] The base 1 can be equipped with a front gate. In the illustrated example, this is a double-leaf gate 90. When handling an animal, the animal is allowed to enter with the front gate closed, and after handling the animal, the front gate 90 is opened, allowing the animal to be released by exiting through the front. An operating handle 75 is provided (see [Fig. 5]), as well as a connecting rod 76 to transmit the opening movement from the right gate to the left gate.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, a single-leaf door or even a guillotine door may be provided.

[0058] The interaction of the device with the animal is achieved by means of a tilting chassis 2 comprising multiple functions which will be detailed below

[0059] The tilting chassis is mounted to rotate on the base 1 around a tilting axis denoted Yl.

[0060] The tilting chassis is movable in rotation around Yl between two particular positions of interest which are here the extreme positions of the angular stroke of the tilting chassis relative to the base.

[0061] The normal position of the tilting chassis when an animal is admitted into the device is called the loading position PI; this position also prevails when the device is not in use. This loading position PI is shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, and 6.

[0062] The opposite extreme position is shown in [Fig.4], this is the position called 'working position' P2. The working position P2 is angularly spaced from the loading position by at least 90°.

[0063] Generally, the angular travel between the loading position and the working position can be chosen to be between 100° and 160°. Thus, the animal, which is immobilized on the tilting frame, presents its ventral area at least partially upwards.

[0064] In the illustrated example, a bearing is provided on each side for the pivoting joint between the tilting chassis and the base.

[0065] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 5, 6, 9, the tilting chassis is equipped with an operating handle 70 to rotate the tilting chassis 2. Optionally, as shown, another operating handle arranged symmetrically on the other side is provided, identified by the reference 73. The operating handles are at a distance from the tilting axis Y1, which allows for a fairly substantial lever arm.

[0066] Furthermore, a first locking latch 82 is provided to lock the tilting chassis in the working position P2.

[0067] Furthermore, a second locking latch 81 is also provided to lock the tilting chassis in the loading position PI.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the latches are located on base 1 and interact with an element belonging to the tilting chassis. Of course, a solution with a latch mounted on the tilting chassis could also work.

[0069] In the illustrated example, the second locking latch 81 is attached to an intersection area between the right side rail 22 and the front arch 21 via a support tube 94 which forms a guide and possibly a stop to receive a drilled finger linked to the tilting chassis.

[0070] The tilting chassis comprises a cradle-forming body 5 and a head support 28.

[0071] The cradle-forming body 5 comprises a front hoop 21 and a rear hoop 20. The front arch 21 and the rear arch 20 are connected to each other by a plurality of tubular longitudinal members 22.

[0072] The tilting chassis 2 possibly includes two tilting hinge flanges 23 (see [Fig. 1]). Alternatively, the axis shaft Y1 can be directly connected on one side to a longitudinal member of the tilting chassis and on the other side to a post of the base.

[0073] The cradle-forming body 5 comprises, against the side rails 22, a continuous flexible layer, not shown in the figures, intended to receive the animal's back. This continuous layer forms padding to receive the animal's back and may be in the form of a thick sheet of synthetic material.

[0074] In addition, a balancing mechanism is provided which makes it possible to compensate for the weight of the animal and partially of the device and to make the maneuver easy; this balancing mechanism is discussed further below.

[0075] The tilting chassis 2 comprises three movable elements for interaction with the animal to be treated.

[0076] The tilting chassis 2 includes a pivoting rear arm 10, a first thoracic support member 11 and a second thoracic support member 12.

[0077] Chest support

[0078] The first thoracic support member 11 is rotatably mounted on the tilting frame around a first clamping axis A1. The first thoracic support member 11 is configured to press against the left thoracic area of ​​the animal.

[0079] The second thoracic support member 12 is rotatably mounted on the tilting frame around a second clamping axis A2. The second thoracic support member 12 is configured to press against the right thoracic area of ​​the animal.

[0080] Each of the first and second thoracic support organs 11,12 includes a lateral arm 3 and a support pad 4.

[0081] The position of the lateral arm 3 is adjustable along X. More precisely, as in the example illustrated in [Fig. 12], the arm is attached to a square sleeve 62 which slides on a square tube 63 attached to the return shaft 65.

[0082] Fig. 9 illustrates in solid line one position of the lateral arm 3, and in dotted line another position of the lateral arm, after a forward slide along X. It is sufficient to loosen the screw marked 36 to make it possible to slide forward or backward of the arm, after which the screw 36 is tightened.

[0083] Furthermore, the position of the support pad 4 is adjustable along the extension direction of the lateral arm. Long openings 40 are provided for this purpose, in which the position of a wing nut bolt 39 can be adjusted. As shown in [Fig. 9], the long openings 40 (e.g., long oblong holes) extend along the extension direction of the lateral arm.

[0084] This double geometry adjustment allows the restraint device to be adapted to a wide variety of animal types, for example lambs, ewes, rams, kids, goats, bucks, without this list being formally limiting.

[0085] The support pad 4 has a generous surface area so as to press against the animal's rib cage just behind the animal's front legs without risk of injury. For example, the support pad 4 has a flat plate, in the shape of a disc or an elliptical plate, with a surface area of ​​at least 10 cm².

[0086] The angular travel of the lateral arm is also adaptable to the animal on the apparatus. The resting position corresponds substantially to the lateral arm in the vertical position as shown in solid lines in Figures 3 and 11. An intermediate position is illustrated with an angular deviation, denoted α1, relative to the resting position. This working angular position α1 is related to the ratchet system, which will be described in detail later.

[0087] In [Fig.2], the thoracic support organs are represented in dotted lines in working position, and in loading position in solid lines.

[0088] The maximum angular position of the lateral arms is separated from the vertical position a=0 by an angle a2. In the embodiment examples, the angle a2 can be between 50° and 75°. It should be noted that, depending on the depth / curvature of the cradle 5, a2 could be larger or smaller.

[0089] The two thoracic support organs 11,12 are controlled simultaneously by a single thoracic control lever 71. The lever 71 cooperates with a main lever arm noted 19 mounted to rotate about an axis A5.

[0090] More specifically, the main lever arm is double, a tube on either side of the median plane.

[0091] The single thoracic control lever 71 is connected to the thoracic support organs by a linkage comprising a return shaft 65 and two rods 34. The rods are moved generally up and down by means of a single beam 83 of the main lever arm 19.

[0092] A high crankpin 33 is provided at the end of the beam 83 and a low crankpin 66 at the end of the return shaft 65. The connecting rod is attached on one side to the high crankpin 33 and on the other side to the low crankpin 66.

[0093] The return shaft 65 is mounted to rotate about the axis A3 relative to lugs 64 attached to a lateral longitudinal member of the tilting chassis.

[0094] The description in the preceding paragraphs relates to the right part of the mechanism, but of course the left part is similar, and is defined mutatis mutandis by symmetry with respect to a longitudinal median plane (axes X and Zl, cf [Fig.3]).

[0095] Posterior support

[0096] The pivoting rear arm 10 is formed as a structure comprising a left arm 10g and a right arm lOd, connected together by one or more crossbars 10c. The distal part lOz of the right and left arms is curved to at least partially wrap around the animal's rump.

[0097] The pivoting rear arm 10 is mounted for rotation on the tilting chassis around a third clamping axis A3. As illustrated in [Fig.3], the pivoting rear arm is configured to press against the animal's rump and at least partially envelop it.

[0098] Figure 1 illustrates, in solid lines, a raised position of the rear arm, which prevails for the situation of loading the animal inside the device, and in dashed lines, a lowered position of the rear arm. In Figures 5 and 6, the rear arm 10 is in the raised position.

[0099] Here too we note a wide available angular range, greater than 120° in practice in a typical example.

[0100] The working position is such that the pivoting rear arm comes sufficiently into contact with the rump. This position is in fact kinematically related to the ratchet system 7 which will now be described.

[0101] The pivoting rear arm further comprises a front extension 10a on the side opposite the axis of rotation. According to the illustrated example, each of the left and right arms comprises a front extension 10a.

[0102] As illustrated in figures 7 and 12, a control lever 72 is provided installed in a free end area of ​​the front extensions 10a.

[0103] More specifically, the control lever 72 is mounted to rotate about an axis A6, via a shaft 29 received on either side in the respective free ends of the front extensions 10a.

[0104] The other control lever 71 is mounted to rotate about an axis A7, via a shaft 29 received on both sides in the main lever arms 19.

[0105] The ratchet system 7 forms an adjustable clamping mechanism, which allows tightening with automatic holding of the tightened position without continuous action by the operator. The two ratchet systems are essentially similar, and therefore the following description generally applies to both ratchet systems.

[0106] The ratchet system includes at least one toothed wheel 13 (here two toothed wheels) and at least one engagement finger 14.

[0107] The engagement finger 14 is pushed towards the toothed wheel by a spring 47. The control lever is connected to the engagement finger via an actuating rod 45.

[0108] The actuating rod 45 can selectively push the engagement finger towards the toothed wheel or pull the engagement finger in the opposite direction. A U-shaped piece, labeled 97, is provided at the end of the rod to receive the finger and allow the engagement finger some freedom to move up or down, as required by its mounting on connecting rods (see [Fig. 13]).

[0109] A connecting bolt 87 is provided between the control lever and the actuating rod. The connecting bolt 87 is mounted in an oblong hole 18 formed in a pair of lugs 88 fixed to the control lever 72.

[0110] The actuating rod 45 is guided in translation along its elongation axis by a first bridge 85 and a second bridge 86 mounted astride the front extensions 10a of the arm.

[0111] The engagement finger 14 can slide on one face 37 of the teeth in one direction of rotation, and conversely the engagement finger is locked on the other face 38 of the teeth in the other direction.

[0112] By turning towards [Fig. 13], the engagement finger 14 is mounted for rotation relative to the pivoting rear arm by means of two small connecting rods 25 in the form of ovoid plate. The shaft 24 is mounted on the flanges 26 fixed to the front extensions 10a for the pivoting function around the axis A8.

[0113] The toothed wheel 13 is fixedly mounted on the rear hoop 20 of the tilting chassis 2.

[0114] The spring 47 in the illustrated example is a compression spring which rests on a at its ends on a bridge 85 mounted astride the forward extensions 10a of the arm and at the other end on a washer 44 backed against a pin 42 passing through the rod 45.

[0115] Clevises 53 form a bearing function for the axle A3 and a fixing function for the wheels 13.

[0116] For each of the two ratchet systems 7, the control lever 71, 72 is bidirectional. As shown in [Fig. 12], a first direction SI contributes to tightening by ratcheting action. In direction SI, the pair of lugs 88 attached to the control lever 72 abuts against the first bridge 85 (contact area marked 98) to transmit the tightening torque to the respective arms 10a, 19.

[0117] A second direction S2 causes the release of the engagement finger and the possible return of the arm to the fully open position. In direction S2, once the bolt 87 abuts at the bottom of the oblong hole 18, the rod 45 is pulled, causing the finger to retract from the teeth of the gear and then allowing the arm to be rotated in the opposite direction of tightening.

[0118] Cleverly, thanks to the presence of the oblong hole, in the SI direction, the rod 45 and its bolt 87 can move back to allow the finger 14 to pass over the top of the teeth by ramp effect on the face 37.

[0119] With reference to [Fig.8] and concerning the ratchet system for chest tightening, the small connecting rods 25 rotate relative to the axis A9 around the axis shaft 24. The axis shaft 24 is mounted on two bearings arranged on two flanges 26 fixed on the main lever arm 19 (or respectively the front extension 10a).

[0120] Reinforcing brackets 89 connect the main lever arm 19 to the beam 83.

[0121] Balancing

[0122] In order to minimize the effort required to cause the tilting chassis to tilt, two balancing springs 6g, 6d are provided.

[0123] The tilting chassis is equipped with two force arms 8 which extend rearward from the tilting axis Y1 as a solid extension of the cradle structure to the rear of the device.

[0124] The two balancing springs work in tension between two attachment points El, E2. A first attachment point El is fixed to the support arm 8, and therefore is movable with the rotation of the tilting chassis. A second attachment point E2 is fixed to the frame, i.e., to the base 1; this second attachment point is fixed.

[0125] At least one attachment end can be placed on an attachment position chosen from several available attachment positions.

[0126] As illustrated, each of the attachment ends can be placed in a particular position. For this purpose, a notched slot 80 is provided in each of the support arms 8.

[0127] Figure 10 illustrates a slot with notches 80 with 6 possible positions K1, K2, K3, up to K6.

[0128] Furthermore, a slot with 80' notches is also provided on the base, with in the illustrated example 5 possible positions Cl, C2, C3, C4 and C5.

[0129] Angle 01 corresponds to an equilibrium point at an intermediate angular position in the configuration of the tilting chassis not loaded with an animal.

[0130] The angle 0m corresponds to the maximum angular stroke which is delimited by a stop and lockable by a locking latch already mentioned above.

[0131] It is noted that, depending on the position of the spring attachment points, the length of the spring in the loading position is more or less long and of course it shortens as the tilting chassis rotates towards the working position.

[0132] It is thus possible to cleverly compensate to a large extent for the effects of gravity on the tilting chassis itself as well as on the weight of the animal carried on the tilting chassis.

[0133] Other features

[0134] The device's compact size is noteworthy. The height of the base, denoted H, excluding wheels 92 and the lowered rear arm 10, can typically be between 90 cm and 130 cm. The width of the base, denoted W, excluding wheels 92, can typically be between 70 cm and 110 cm.

[0135] The length of the base noted L, with the front gate 90 closed, can typically be between 120 cm and 150 cm.

[0136] The turning device thus has good compactness, and we note in passing the absence of protruding elements on the sides, which allows one to walk along the device and move easily around the device without hindrance.

[0137] The rear arm can be folded down for storage of the device when not in use.

[0138] Protective covers 78, 79 are provided to prevent foreign bodies from interfering with the operation of the ratchet system and also to prevent any possible injury that could be caused by the protruding teeth of the gears.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for restraining and turning an animal, particularly of the sheep or goat type, comprising: - a base (1), - a tilting frame (2), rotatably mounted on the base around a tilting axis (Y1), - a first thoracic restraint element (11), rotatably mounted on the tilting frame around a first clamping axis (A1), and configured to press against the left thoracic area of ​​the animal, - a second thoracic restraint element (12), rotatably mounted on the tilting frame around a second clamping axis (A2), and configured to press against the right thoracic area of ​​the animal, - a pivoting rear arm (10), rotatably mounted on the tilting frame around a third clamping axis (A3), the pivoting rear arm being configured to press against the animal's rump and at least partially envelop it,in which an adjustable clamping mechanism is provided for the first and second thoracic support organs and for the pivoting rear arm, the tilting chassis being movable between a loading position (PI) and a working position (P2) angularly separated by at least 90° from the loading position.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein there is provided at least one operating handle (70) for rotating the tilting chassis, a first locking latch (82) of the tilting chassis in the working position, and preferably further a second locking latch (81) of the tilting chassis in the loading position (PI).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the adjustable clamping mechanism includes a ratchet system (7).

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one, preferably two, balancing springs are provided, working in tension between two attachment ends (E1, E2) with at least one attachment end being able to be placed on a attachment position (K1-K6, C1-C5) chosen from several available attachment positions.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the first and second thoracic support organ comprises a lateral arm (3) and a support pad (4).

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the position of the lateral arm (3) is adjustable along X and the position of the support pad (4) is adjustable along the extension direction of the lateral arm.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tilting chassis comprises a cradle-forming body (5), a head support (28), and possibly two tilting hinge flanges (23).

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the two thoracic support organs (11,12) are controlled simultaneously by a single thoracic control lever (71).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the single thoracic control lever is connected to the thoracic support organs by a linkage comprising at least two rods (34) and a return shaft (65).

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein a rear control lever (72) is provided arranged on the upper area of ​​the chassis, and preferably both levers are arranged on the upper area of ​​the chassis.

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