Abstract:
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for exercising livestock animals to increase their muscle mass and decrease fat content. In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which provides a resistance over which a livestock animal must overcome to feed. In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which allows for adjustable resistance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/710,105, filed on Aug. 22, 2005, is hereby claimed. 
   U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/710,105, filed on Aug. 22, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable 
   REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND 
   It can be beneficial to provide regimen of exercise for livestock animals which is expected to increase muscle mass. Livestock animals can include, but are not limited to, cattle, sheep, goats, etc. 
   Increasing the muscle mass of livestock animals can assist in winning livestock competitions, such as 4-H competitions. Previously, livestock animals have been allowed to exercise where they graze free. However, Applicant is aware of no exercise machines which force animals to exercise on a consistent basis. Additionally, currently there is no practical way to provide personalized exercise regimes for individual livestock animals (based on the status of an animal&#39;s muscle mass or status of development) which can be increased or decreased over time in accordance with the needs of specific livestock animals. 
   Increasing a livestock animal&#39;s muscle mass can increase the eye appeal of the animal. Additionally, increasing the muscle mass tends to decrease the animal&#39;s fat content (e.g., normal fat percentage) resulting in a leaner and higher value cut of meat for the consumer and is believed to considered to be an advantage in increasing the value of the animal&#39;s carcass for ultimate sale. Additionally, increasing a livestock animal&#39;s muscle mass is believed to be an advantage to an exhibitor as the animal looks better. 
   While certain novel features which are shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
   BRIEF SUMMARY 
   In one embodiment what is provided is a method and apparatus for exercising livestock animals to increase their muscle mass. 
   In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which provides a resistance over which a livestock animal must overcome to feed. 
   In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which allows for adjustable resistance. 
   In one embodiment a resistance is provided to a headgate/harness apparatus. 
   In one embodiment the resistance provided to a headgate/hamess apparatus can be varied. 
   In one embodiment a headgate/hamess apparatus can be pivotally connected to a frame. 
   In one embodiment a headgate/hamess apparatus can slide in relation to a frame. 
   In one embodiment a headgate/harness apparatus can be adjustable to accommodate livestock animals of differing sizes and configurations. 
   In one embodiment the headgate/harness apparatus can be automatically adjustable. 
   In one embodiment a plurality of headgate/hamess apparatuses can be provided to exercise a plurality of livestock animals. 
   In one embodiment one or more problems confronted in the art are solved in a simple and straightforward manner. 
   The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an animal exerciser; 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate the method of a livestock animal feeding in the exerciser of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an animal exerciser; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the method of a livestock animal feeding in the exerciser of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the animal exerciser of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of an adjustment system for a biasing means for an animal exerciser; 
       FIG. 6A  is an enlarged view of an alternative adjustment system for a biasing means for an animal exerciser; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a multi-compartment animal exerciser which may be used in a feed stock system; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an animal exerciser where the longitudinal position of headgate/shoulder harness is adjustable. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner. 
   One embodiment includes a structure  10  including a floor  12  which is connected to an upright box-like frame  20  used as a base and foundation of the working mechanism  30  for exercising a livestock animal  5 . The frame  20  can also serve as a divider between multiple adjacent reciprocating headgate/shoulder harnesses  30 ,  30 ′,  30 ″, etc. 
     FIGS. 1 ,  2 A, and  2 B show one embodiment of an exerciser  10  which can include rectangular frame  20  with sufficient height, width, and length to comfortably encompass and allow for voluntary entry into one specified end opening  28  by a domestic meat animal  5  (e.g., cow/bovine, pig/swine, goat, sheep). Exerciser  10  also include a headgate/shoulder harness  30  that serves as a partial barrier between the animal  5  and its feed (in feeder or bucket  50 ). 
   Headgate/shoulder harness  30  serves as at least a partial barrier between the animal  5  and its feed (in feeder or bucket  50 ). Headgate/shoulder harness  30  can have a prescribed amount of load on it (e.g., by resistance means  35 , 36 ) so that the animal  5  must overcome to access its feed. Feed container or trough  50  can be placed at the end of stroke or point of most resistance of headgate/shoulder harness  30 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates the point at which the animal  5  has just contacted the headgate/shoulder harness  30 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates the point at which the animal  5  has pushed headgate/shoulder harness  30  in the direction of arrow  300  (headgate/shoulder harness  30  swinging in the direction of arrow  310 ) to where animal  5  can feed from feeder or trough  50  as indicated by food  60 . From  FIG. 2A  to  FIG. 2B  resistance means  35 , 36  are stretched in the direction of arrow  320  which provides resistance which animal  5  must overcome. Overcoming this resistance is a form of exercise which is expected to increase the muscle mass of animal  5 . 
   Headgate/shoulder harness  30  can pivot from an overhead horizontal axis  39  which can also be perpendicular to the plane of the sides of the supporting structure  20 . The pivot action (arrow  33  in  FIG. 1 ) is toward or away from the feed trough  50 . A rebound limiter (e.g., chains  37 A, 38 A) can be provided for adjusting the resting position of headgate/shoulder harness  30 . Impact absorption means  37 B, 38 B (e.g., springs, flexible cords, shock absorbers, bungee cords, etc.) can be used to prevent hammering of headgate/shoulder harness  30  when rebounding from forward movement. Headgate/shoulder harness  30  can swing from and underneath overhead horizontal axis  39  which can be perpendicular to the plane of the sides of the supporting structure  20  all of which directs headgate/shoulder harness  30  to travel toward or away from feed trough  50 . 
   Headgate/shoulder harness  30  can include a prescribed amount of load on it (by resistance means  35 , 36 ) requiring the animal  5  to overcome to access its feed (in bucket  50 ). Headgate/shoulder harness  30  may be loaded to provide a resistance to the animal by a variety of methods including but not limited to: extension springs, compression springs, torsion springs, inflatable bladders, deadweights, cantilever systems, etc. The amount of resistance on headgate/shoulder harness can be varied by numerous means. Two such means include (a) biasing means of differing resistance (e.g., stronger or weaker springs) and (b) multiple adjustment points for the biasing means.  FIGS. 6 and 6A  show two types of multiple adjustment points. 
   Headgate/shoulder harness  30  can have adjustable vertical members  31 , 32  for adjusting the width of opening (between  31 , 32 ) to allow passage of the animal&#39;s head and properly fitted to the animal&#39;s shoulders for comfortable pushing. Adjustable vertical members  31 , 32  may be set to allow passage of the animal&#39;s head and properly fitted for the animal&#39;s shoulders for comfortable pushing against the loaded headgate/shoulder harness  30 . 
   Secured hind hoof grips  40  to prevent slippage while animal is pushing with rear legs. 
     FIGS. 4 through 7  show a second embodiment usable for feed lots. Exerciser/feeder  100  is shown with two feeding areas  1010 , 1020  (although more feeding areas can be provided). Each feeding area can be similarly constructed with a feeding trough and a headgate/shoulder harness  130 . To access feeder  150  the animal must push headgate/shoulder harness  130  is biased against movement (such as by biasing means  135 , 136 ). In this embodiment a sliding shoulder/headgate  130  is shown (although a pivoting one can also be used). Dividing walls  180  can be used to prevent different animals from accessing a trough other than the one entered. 
   Rectangular enclosure  125  with sufficient height, width, and length to comfortably encompass and allow for voluntary entry into one specified end opening by a certain domestic meat animal (cow/bovine, pig/swine, goat, sheep). 
   Headgate/shoulder harness  130  resting on horizontal slide rails  126 , 127  which facilitate movement of headgate/shoulder harness  130  toward or away from feed trough  150 . Headgate/shoulder harness  130  has adjustable vertical members  131 , 132  that may be set to allow passage of the animal&#39;s head and properly fitted forward of the shoulders for pushing against loaded headgate/shoulder harness  130 . Headgate/shoulder harness  130  serves as a resisting barrier between the animal and its feed (in feed bucket  150 ). Headgate/shoulder harness  130  can have a prescribed amount of load on it that the animal must overcome to access its feed. 
   Hind hoof grips  140  can prevent slippage while animal is pushing with rear legs. 
   Feed container or trough  150  normally placed sufficient distance from headgate/shoulder harness  130  to require animal to exert physical force to access feed (in feed bucket  150 ). 
   Alternatives can have rails  126 , 127  (and biasing means  135 , 136 ) outside of wall  180  relative to areas  110 , 120 . This would require a slot in wall  180  and a space between feeding areas  110 , 120 . However, it would reduce the risk that the animal would get pinched or caught in the biasing mechanism. 
   In one embodiment headgate/shoulder harness  30  or  130  can have automatically adjusting vertical members  31 , 32  or  131 , 132 . One way to accomplish this would be to have a biasing members operatively connected to the vertical members which tend to pull the vertical members together (although the vertical members would be stopped at some minimal distance away from each other). As livestock animal  5  placed its head though the gap between the vertical members these vertical members would move away from each other allowing the head to pass through the gap in the vertical members. The vertical members would then contact the shoulders of livestock animal and provide resistance against movement towards trough or feeder  50  or  150 . When livestock animal  5  finishes feeding it will back up and pull its head out of headgate/shoulder harness. The vertical members will then be pulled by the biasing member back to the minimal distance. Biasing the vertical members allows the headgate/shoulder harness to accommodate animals of differing sizes and configurations. As long as the animals&#39; shoulders are larger than the minimum space between the vertical members the vertical members should be able to slide outward to allow the head to pass through. 
   It is anticipated that livestock animals will be required to go through a period of time to become acclimated to exerciser  10 , 100 . To facilitate acclimation to the exercisers the headgate/shoulder harness can be positioned very close to the feeder or trough. In this way the animal may at first merely have to place its mouth through the headgate/shoulder harness. As the animal becomes acclimated to feeding in the exerciser and through the headgate/shoulder harness, the headgate/shoulder harness can be moved farther away from the feeder or trough. Additionally, as the animal becomes further acclimated, the amount of resistance against the headgate/shoulder harness can be gradually increased thereby increasing the exercise regime for the livestock animal. 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment  2000  of an animal exerciser where the longitudinal position of headgate/shoulder harness  2030  is adjustable which can also adjust the horizontal distance  2350  for which animal  5  must move headgate/shoulder harness  2030  to reach feeder  50 . Horizontal distance  2350  will be a function of the maximum and minimum vertical height  2300  of headgate/shoulder harness  2030  during the movement of headgate/shoulder harness  2030  in the direction of arrow  2033 . The maximum for vertical height  2300  should not be so great that animal  5  will be uncomfortable during operation. In this embodiment, overhead horizontal axis  2050  is supported by frame  2060 . Frame  2060  can be slidably located on upper frame members  2022 ,  2024 , such as through sleeves  2070 ,  2090 ,  2110 ,  2130 . In turn sleeves  2070 ,  2090 ,  2110 ,  2130  can be locked in place on upper frame members  2022 ,  2024  by set screws  2080 ,  2100 ,  2120 ,  2140 . The longitudinal position of frame  2060  (along with horizontal axis  2050  and headgate/shoulder harness  2030 ) can be adjusted in the direction of arrow  2150  by loosening the set screws and sliding frame  2060  relative to upper frame members  2022 ,  2024 . As frame  2050  is moved away from feeder  50 , animal  5  will be required to travel a greater horizontal distance  2350  to reach feeder  50  thereby increasing the amount of exercise. Different lengths (and/or strengths) of resistance means  2035  and  2036  can be used. When being adjusted in the direction of arrow  2150  resistance means can be connected to new adjustment points in plurality of adjustment points  2250  and  2260 . Alternatively the longitudinal position of feeder means can be adjusted relative to headgate/shoulder harness  2030 . 
   In an alternative embodiment, frame  2060  can be omitted, and horizontal axis  2050  can be directly and slidingly connected to upper frame members  2022 , 2024  at the top of frame  2020 , such as by a plurality of sleeves with set screws. Alternatively, others means of securing horizontal axis  2050  can be used such as detachable fasteners, magnets, adhesives, pins, Velcro, rope, nails, rivets or other means for locking horizontal axis in a selected position. 
   The following is a list of reference numerals: 
   
     
       
             
           
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS 
             
           
        
         
             
               (Reference No.) 
               (Description) 
             
             
                 
             
             
                 5 
               livestock animal 
             
             
                10 
               exerciser 
             
             
                20 
               frame 
             
             
                28 
               end opening 
             
             
                30 
               headgate/shoulder harness 
             
             
                31 
               adjustable vertical member 
             
             
                32 
               adjustable vertical member 
             
             
                33 
               arrow 
             
             
                35 
               resistance means 
             
             
                36 
               resistance means 
             
             
                37A 
               chain 
             
             
                37B 
               absorption means for chain 
             
             
                38A 
               chain 
             
             
                38B 
               absorption means for chain 
             
             
                39 
               overhead horizontal axis 
             
             
                40 
               hoof grips 
             
             
                50 
               feed container or trough (which can include hay 
             
             
                 
               rack and lower feed bucket) 
             
             
                60 
               food 
             
             
                110 
               feeding area 
             
             
                120 
               feeding area 
             
             
                125 
               rectangular enclosure 
             
             
                126 
               horizontal slide rail 
             
             
                127 
               horizontal slide rail 
             
             
                130 
               headgate/shoulder harness 
             
             
                131 
               adjustable vertical member 
             
             
                132 
               adjustable vertical member 
             
             
                135 
               biasing means 
             
             
                136 
               biasing means 
             
             
                137A 
               chain 
             
             
                137B 
               absorption means for chain 
             
             
                138A 
               chain 
             
             
                138B 
               absorption means for chain 
             
             
                140 
               hoof grips 
             
             
                150 
               feed container or trough 
             
             
                180 
               dividing wall 
             
             
                200 
               sleeve 
             
             
                210 
               set screw 
             
             
                220 
               sleeve 
             
             
                230 
               set screw 
             
             
                240 
               arrow 
             
             
                250 
               plurality of adjustment points 
             
             
                260 
               plurality of adjustment points 
             
             
                270 
               sleeve 
             
             
                280 
               set screw 
             
             
                290 
               arrow 
             
             
                300 
               arrow 
             
             
                310 
               arrow 
             
             
                320 
               arrow 
             
             
                350 
               arrow 
             
             
                360 
               arrow 
             
             
                370 
               arrow 
             
             
                372 
               arrow 
             
             
                374 
               arrow 
             
             
                376 
               arrow 
             
             
                400 
               slide 
             
             
                410 
               slide 
             
             
               1000 
               divider 
             
             
               1010 
               divider 
             
             
               1020 
               divider 
             
             
               1130 
               headgate/shoulder harness 
             
             
               1140 
               hoof grips 
             
             
               2000 
               exerciser 
             
             
               2020 
               frame 
             
             
               2022 
               upper frame member 
             
             
               2024 
               upper frame member 
             
             
               2028 
               arrow 
             
             
               2030 
               headgate/shoulder harness 
             
             
               2033 
               arrow 
             
             
               2035 
               resistance means 
             
             
               2036 
               resistance means 
             
             
               2037A 
               chain 
             
             
               2037B 
               absorption means for chain 
             
             
               2038A 
               chain 
             
             
               2038B 
               absorption means for chain 
             
             
               2040 
               hoof grips 
             
             
               2050 
               overhead horizontal axis 
             
             
               2060 
               frame for horizontal axis 
             
             
               2070 
               sleeve 
             
             
               2080 
               set screw 
             
             
               2090 
               sleeve 
             
             
               2100 
               set screw 
             
             
               2110 
               sleeve 
             
             
               2120 
               set screw 
             
             
               2130 
               sleeve 
             
             
               2140 
               set screw 
             
             
               2150 
               arrow 
             
             
               2250 
               plurality of adjustment points 
             
             
               2260 
               plurality of adjustment points 
             
             
               2300 
               vertical height 
             
             
               2350 
               horizontal distance 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
   It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.