Abstract:
A free stall divider which eliminates the need for structural elements in front of each free stall, thereby increasing the space in front of each animal and minimizes the structural elements at the side of each animal thoroughly allowing each animal to position its head comfortably to either side while lying in the stall. The free stall divider comprises a base, at least one mounting member, and at least one dividing element. All of the structural elements required to retain the dividing element upright are mounted to the base. When an animal is in a stall, therefore, all of the mounting members are located to the side of the animal. Therefore, no obstructions prevent the animal from moving in a forward direction.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to devices used to separate animals and, more particularly, to a free stall divider that eliminates various obstructions in each stall, thereby increasing the space available for each animal.  
           [0002]    Free stalls, or stalls which allow animals to move freely within a limited area, are well known in the art. While effective in some circumstances, prior art free stall dividers suffer from several disadvantages. First, traditional free stall dividers must be mounted to barn structural elements such as walls, building columns, or center posts, all of which restrict animal movement in the forward direction. These restrictions make it difficult for animals, and particularly cows, to move in a natural way. When cows lie down or rise from a lying position, they naturally move forward or “lunge,” and can be injured when they strike these obstructions. Second, when cows lie in a stall, they are most comfortable with their heads positioned to one side. The aforementioned structural restrictions can prevent cows from resting their heads in the most comfortable positions. This is particularly important because it has been shown that cows that live in comfortable quarters produce more milk than other cows. Third, because many of these devices depend on structural elements in the barn for mounting, the placement of the stalls is limited by the existing position of these elements in a barn. Other free stall dividers require the permanent installation of mounting members such as center posts or sockets which are cemented directly to the barn floor. Consequently, once these stalls are positioned in the barn, they are difficult or impossible to move, remove or replace. Third, these prior art free stall dividers require numerous parts, which are heavy, expensive to ship, and difficult to install. In addition, prior art free stall designs often require that two leas be cemented to the floor at opposite ends of the stall to provide structure and stabilization. Once these legs are installed, it is difficult to clean under the stalls, especially when using automatic cleaning equipment.  
           [0003]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which increases the “lunge” room available to animals.  
           [0004]    It is another object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which allows a cow to comfortably position its head.  
           [0005]    It is another object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which is independent of barn structural elements for mounting.  
           [0006]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which can be readily moved within or removed from a barn.  
           [0007]    It is still another object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider in which parts can be easily replaced.  
           [0008]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which is easy to install.  
           [0009]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which requires fewer parts.  
           [0010]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which is simple in construction and less costly to ship.  
           [0011]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved free stall divider which can be adapted for use in single and double row installations.  
           [0012]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved free stall which is easy to clean.  
           [0013]    The present invention provides a free stall divider comprising a substantially horizontally extending base, at least one mounting member coupled substantially vertically to the base, and at least one dividing element including a substantially vertically extending mounting portion coupled to said one mounting member. The base provides a platform for mounting the dividing elements, thereby eliminating the necessity to mount structural elements directly to the barn floor, walls, or columns. All of the structure necessary to retain the dividing elements upright is provided by the mounting members, which are located on the base. The dividing elements act essentially like walls, and are positioned to the side of the animals in a stall. Therefore, all of the mounting members are positioned to the side of the animal, rather than in front of the animal. The space in front and to the side of the animals is therefore free of obstructions, thereby increasing the “lunge” room and providing additional room for the animals to place their heads at the side of the stall. Moreover, the majority of the free stall divider is elevated above the floor level so that it is easier to clean under than traditional free stall systems.  
           [0014]    Furthermore, because the free stall divider of the present invention is installed independent of the barn structure, it can be readily moved or replaced. In addition, the free stall divider of the present invention can be easily disassembled and is easier to ship than previous devices. The free stall divider of the present invention can also be adapted for use in both single and double rows of stalls, thereby decreasing the number of different parts which must be acquired when assembling a free stall system.  
           [0015]    Other advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a side view of a double free stall divider constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a series of double free stalls provided in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the base shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a side view of the base shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is an end view of the base shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view of a portion of the dividing element shown in FIG. 1 shown coupled to the mounting member shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is a side view of the dividing element shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side view of two dividing elements shown in FIG. 1 coupled to a tubular coupling element.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a single free stall constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 10A illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a double free stall provided in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10B illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a double free stall provided in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a double free stall provided in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a double free stall provided in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a double free stall provided in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a double free stall provided in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the base shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of a rail mount free stall system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 17 is a side view of the base of FIG. 16.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 18 is a side view of the coupling rail of FIG. 16. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]    Referring to the Figures, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a free stall divider constructed in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated at  10 . A free stall divider is a device for dividing an open area into separate “free” stalls for animals wherein the animals are free to move, and are not locked to a stanchion. Single free stalls provide living space for a single animal, while double free stalls provide living space for two animals facing each other head-to-head. Typically, a plurality of free stalls are arranged in a substantially parallel space relationship to one another forming a free stall system which provides living space for a plurality of animals, as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0036]    In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, each free stall divider  10  comprises five primary parts: a base  12 ; a pair of mounting members  14  and  16 ; and a pair of dividing elements  18  and  20 . When assembled, the mounting members  14  and  16  are coupled preferably substantially vertically to the substantially horizontally extending base  12 . The dividing elements  18  and  20  are coupled preferably substantially vertically to the mounting members  14  and  16 , respectively. Together, these five primary components form a double free stall divider for separating animals wherein the dividing elements  18  and  20  act essentially like a wall between two adjacent stalls. When in the stall, the animals stand parallel to the dividing elements  18  and  20 , and can face each other head-to-head. Because the dividing elements  18  and  20  are mounted only to the base  12 , and require no additional mounting devices, the area  21  directly in front of the animal is not obstructed.  
         [0037]    Referring now to FIGS.  3 - 5 , the base  12  is preferably rectangular in shape, comprising ends  22  and  24 , sides  26  and  28 , and bends  30  and  32 . The base  12  is designed to be placed on the floor of a barn or other location, and to lie essentially parallel to the ground, preferably on a stall platform  34 . The length of the base  12  from one end  22  to the other end  24  is sufficient to cover the center lunge room of the stall platform  34 , as can be seen in FIG. 2.  
         [0038]    Referring to FIG. 1, the ends  22  and  24  of the base  12  are adapted to accommodate the installation of parallel brisket boards  36 . To this end, the ends  22  and  24  are bent, formed or welded upward at an angle to form the bends  30  and  32 . One or more holes  38  are drilled near each end  22  and  24  to receive screws or other coupling devices for retaining the brisket boards  36  in place. The base  12  in combination with the brisket boards  36  defines a cavity  40  for receiving concrete or other moldable materials for forming a brisket. Forming the concrete brisket in the cavity  40  obviates the need for a permanent concrete brisket poured on the barn floor, and eliminates the time-consuming task of building concrete forms.  
         [0039]    The mounting members  14  and  16  are preferably hollow tubular members having an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the dividing element  18  and  20 , such that the mounting ends of the dividing elements  18  and  20  can be inserted into the mounting members  14  and  16  (FIG. 1). However, the mounting members  14  and  16  can be of any shape which will accommodate the dividing elements  18  and  20  of any desired shape. The mounting member  14  is positioned on the base  12  near the end  22 , and the mounting member  16  is positioned on the base  12  near the opposite end  24 , as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Both mounting members  14  and  16  are positioned on the base at a location substantially centered between the sides  26  and  28 . The mounting members  14  and  16  preferably extend in a direction perpendicular to the base  12 , but can extend in any direction which is substantially vertical, or at an angle, as can be seen in FIG. 14. The direction in which the mounting members extend is limited only by their ability to support the dividing elements  18  and  20  in a generally upright orientation. The mounting members  14  and  16  can be formed as part of the base  12 , welded to the base  12 , or secured by screws, bolts, or other securing devices. In addition, one or more holes  41  can be drilled in the mounting members  14  and  16  to aid in the installation of screws or other securing devices for retaining the dividing elements  18  and  20  upright. Although two mounting members  14  and  16  are shown, a plurality of pairs of mounting members can be positioned on a single base  12 , thereby providing a free stall system mounted on a single base. Furthermore, a single mounting member  14  can also be used to support a divider.  
         [0040]    The dividing elements  18  and  20  are identical in construction, and will be described with reference to dividing element  18 , shown in FIG. 7. Generally, the dividing element  18  comprises two ends,  42  and  44 , wherein the end  44  comprises a substantially vertical mounting portion  46 , and the end  42  provides a location for coupling a second dividing element. A joining portion  48  joins the end  42  to the mounting portion  46 . Preferably, the joining portion  48  comprises horizontal and arcuate sections, but can comprise any shape which joins the ends  42  and  44  together. The dividing element  18  preferably comprises tubular metal, but can comprise other materials such as plastic rubber, or wood.  
         [0041]    When assembled, the end  42  is positioned above the approximate center of the base  12 . The end  44  is received by the mounting element  14 . Preferably, the mounting portion  46  of the dividing element  18  is secured to the mounting member  14  with self-tapping screws  50  and, in some embodiments, neoprene gaskets  52 , as is shown in FIG. 6. The self-tapping screws  50  simplify installation by eliminating the necessity to align holes located in both the mounting member  14  and the dividing element  18 . However, the dividing element  18  can be welded to the mounting member  14 , or secured to the mounting member with any type of screw, bolt, or other securing device or method. The joining portion  48  extends a distance horizontally from the end  42  past the first end of the base  22 , while remaining vertically elevated above the ground, thereby forming an arch before joining the end  42  to the mounting portion  46 .  
         [0042]    As mentioned above, the dividing element  20  is constructed in an identical manner to the dividing element  18 . When assembled, the dividing element  20  forms the mirror image of the dividing element  18 , extending in an identical manner in the opposite direction horizontally from the center of the base  12 . The dividing elements  18  and  20  preferably meet at a location that is substantially above the center of the base  12 . When assembled, therefore, the two dividing elements form a loop which extends horizontally beyond both ends  22  and  24  of the base  12 . The dividing elements  18  and  20  are preferably coupled together by means of a tubular coupling element  54 , self-tapping screws  56 , and, in some embodiments, neoprene gaskets  58 , as is shown in FIG. 8. One or more holes  59  can be drilled in the coupling element  54  to simplify the insertion of coupling devices. However, the dividing elements  18  and  20  can be welded or fastened by bolts, screws, or other coupling devices, or can form one continuous piece.  
         [0043]    In one preferred embodiment of a free stall divider that is especially sized for cows, the joining portion  48  further comprises a substantially horizontal section  60  and an arcuate section  62  which joins the substantially horizontal section  60  to the substantially vertical mounting portion  46 . One end  42  of the dividing element  18 ′ is positioned approximately forty-four inches vertically above the center of the base. From this position, the horizontal section  60  extends horizontally from the center of the base  12  to the horizontal endpoint  64  at a location approximately seventy-eight inches horizontally and forty-two inches vertically from the center of the base  12 . The mounting portion  46  is coupled to the mounting member  14 , which is in turn coupled to the base  12  at a location approximately fourteen inches horizontally from the center of the base and is centered between the sides  26  and  28  of the base  12 . Starting from the base  12  the mounting portion  46  extends substantially vertically to a vertical endpoint  66  at a height of approximately forty-two to forty-eight inches. The arcuate section  62  extends from the vertical endpoint  66  of the mounting portion  46  to the horizontal endpoint  64 , making a 180° turn and forming an arch. Again, the dividing element  20  provides a mirror image of the dividing element  18 , extending horizontally in the opposite direction. The dividing elements  18  and  20  are coupled together at a height of forty-two inches above the approximate center of the base.  
         [0044]    In this preferred embodiment, the bends  30  and  32  in the base  12  are located approximately twenty-five inches in each direction horizontally from the center of the base  12 . The horizontal section  60 , however, extends to a location approximately seventy-eight inches horizontally from the center of the base  12 . Therefore, approximately two-thirds of the dividing element  18  extends past the end of the base  12  while it is elevated above ground level. An open space  68  that is positioned between the arcuate section  62  and the ground simplifies cleaning, because cleaning equipment can be easily moved through the open space  68 . This is particularly beneficial when automated cleaning equipment is used.  
         [0045]    Referring again to FIG. 2, a typical free stall system comprising a plurality of free stall dividers  10  positioned in a parallel relationship to each other is shown. The free stall dividers  10 ,  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C are spaced apart a sufficient distance to form free stalls  70 ,  70 A, and  70 B. Each stall  70 ,  70 A, and  70 B provides living space for two cows facing each other head-to-head. The center portion  21  of each stall is free from structural elements, thereby providing increased lunge room over traditional free stall systems. Furthermore, because the free stall dividers  10  are substantially loop-shaped, the side of each stall  70 ,  70 A, and  70 B is substantially free from structural elements. The open area within each loop provides a head rest area  23  for the cow to rest its head when in a lying position. The increased lunge room of the invention coupled with the loop&#39;s open area can allow the cow to stand up from the lying position with its head to the side. In this embodiment, cross bars  72  and  73  extend substantially perpendicular to the dividing elements  18  and  20  and interconnect the horizontal sections  60  of adjacent free stall dividers  10  to provide additional stability to the free stall system. The height of cross bars  72  and  73  is sufficient to allow the cow to lunge forward without touching cross bars  72  and  73 .  
         [0046]    In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 13, a center dividing element  19  is coupled to an additional mounting member  15  which is generally centered on the base  12 . The center dividing element  19  extends substantially vertically from the mounting member  15  and is coupled to the dividing members  18  and  20  at a location substantially centered above the base  12 . The center dividing element  19  can be coupled to either member  18  or  20  or to the tubular coupling element  54 . While this embodiment does not afford the lunge and head room advantages of the embodiment of FIG. 1, this embodiment provides all of the same advantages with respect to ease of installation and cleaning. In addition, the center dividing member  19  provides an advantage in that it prevents animals from becoming entangled under the free stall divider. While in FIG. 13, the center dividing element  19  is shown extending from the mounting member  15  to the tubular coupling element  54 , it is understood that the center dividing element  19  can extend only a portion of the distance between the mounting member  15  and the tubular coupling element  54 . Furthermore, the center dividing element  19  can extend downward from the tubular coupling element  54  toward the base, or form an integral part of the dividing element  18  or  20 .  
         [0047]    In another preferred embodiment, the dividing element  20  is replaced by a structural element which extends horizontally to a position above the mounting member  16 , and then makes approximately a 90° turn. The structural element, therefore, does not extend horizontally beyond the base  12  to function as a dividing element between animals, but rather serves as a structural element to maintain the dividing element  18  upright. In this embodiment, therefore, a single stall is formed.  
         [0048]    In another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the free stall of the present invention is configured to provide a single stall which can be mounted to a center post or wall, in the manner of traditional free stalls, but which is constructed using one or more of the dividing elements  18  and  20  that are used to form the double free stall. In this embodiment, the free stall comprises a base  74 , a single mounting member  14 , and a dividing element  18 . The base  74  is preferably rectangular, comprising two ends  76  and  78 . The mounting member  14  is coupled to the base in a position near one end  76 . The end  76  of the base  74  is preferably adapted to receive a brisket board  75 . The other end  78  preferably abuts a wall or column  80  of the barn. The base, in conjunction with the brisket board  75  and the wall or column  80 , defines a cavity  81  in which concrete or other moldable material can be received for forming a brisket. A dividing element  18 , is coupled to the mounting member  14 . A square tube  82  and tubular coupling device  84  is preferably mounted to the wall or barn column  80  to removably receive the end  42  of the dividing element  18 . However, the end  42  can be welded to the coupling device  84 , or fastened with bolts, screws or other fastening devices.  
         [0049]    Two alternative embodiments, shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, comprise basically the same primary parts as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. However, in the alternative embodiments, the dividing elements  18  and  20  are coupled to the mounting member  90  in a different way. In the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1, the dividing elements  18  and  20  include a first end,  42 , a second end  44 , and a joining portion  48  which joins the first end  42  to the second end  44 . In these embodiments, however, a substantially horizontal mounting portion  86  is substituted for the substantially vertical mounting portion  46  on each of the dividing elements  18  and  20 . The substantially horizontal mounting portions  86  of the two dividing elements meet at a location substantially above the center of the base  12 , and are coupled together by a second tubular coupling element  88 . The tubular coupling element  88  is then coupled to the mounting member  90 , as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The tubular coupling element  88  can form a continuous substantially T-shaped bracket, as is seen in FIG. 10B. Alternatively, the tubular coupling element  88  can be welded or otherwise connected, as is shown in FIG. 10A. The substantially horizontal mounting portions  86  are removably coupled to the tubular coupling element by self-tapping screws  50  and, in some cases, neoprene gaskets  52 , as described above. Alternatively, the mounting portions  86  can be welded to the tubular coupling element  88  or coupled in other known ways.  
         [0050]    Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the free stall divider comprises a base  12 , mounting elements  14  and  16 , dividing elements  18  and  20 , first, second, and third tubular coupling elements  100 ,  102 ,  104 , and a divider joining member  106  which completes the loop between the first dividing element  18  and second dividing element  20 . In this embodiment, the first ends  42  of each dividing element meet in a position substantially above the center of the base  12  and are coupled together with the first tubular coupling element  100 , one or more self-tapping screw,  50 , and, in some applications, neoprene gaskets  52 .  
         [0051]    The mounting members  14  and  16  are positioned on the base  12  in positions substantially equidistant from the center of the base  12 . The second end  44  of each dividing element  18  and  20  is inserted into a tubular coupling element  102  and  104 , respectively. The divider joining member  106  is inserted into the opposite end of each coupling element  102  and  104 , and extends in a substantially horizontal direction above the base  12 . The mounting members  14  and  16  are coupled to the tubular coupling elements by self-tapping screws  50  and neoprene gaskets  52 , as described above, or can be welded or coupled in other known ways. In some applications, the tubular coupling elements  102  and  104  can be substantially T-shaped, as is shown in FIG. 10B.  
         [0052]    Another preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the dividing elements  18  and  20  and associated tubular coupling element are replaced by a continuous tubular loop  92 . Two mounting members  14  and  16  extend from the lower horizontally extending portion  94  of the loop  92 . These mounting members  14  and  16  are coupled to the continuous tubular loop  92  through welds or other known coupling methods. The mounting members  14  and  16  can extend in a substantially perpendicular direction to the horizontally extending portion  94  of the loop  92  or can extend at an angle as shown in FIG. 12. In other cases, the continuous loop  92  and mounting members  14  and  16  can form one continuous loop. While the continuous loop  92  is shown coupled directly to mounting members, it is apparent that the continuous loop can be coupled to mounting members with tubular coupling elements or other devices. Furthermore, it is also apparent that the mounting members can be coupled to a base  12  as described above.  
         [0053]    An alternative embodiment of the free stall  10 , particularly useful for easily installing a series of parallel free stalls  10  in a single location, includes a base  200  for mounting a plurality of free stalls in a parallel space relationship. A base  200  for this alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 15. The base  200  comprises a plurality of mounting members  14  coupled to a generally rectangular base plate  202 , the length  204  of which extends the width of a plurality of free stalls  10 . The mounting members  14  are coupled to the base in opposed pairs, across the width of the base  206 . Preferably, the ends  214  and  216  of the base plate  202  are bent upward at an angle to form bends  208  and  210 . Threaded studs  212  are coupled near the ends  214  and  216  and along the entire length  204  of the base plate  202 . The threaded studs  212  accommodate the installation of brisket boards  218 . Preferably, holes dimensioned to receive the threaded studs are drilled into the brisket boards  218 . Each brisket board  218  is then positioned over the threaded studs  212  and locked into place by a matching washer and nut or other coupling device  220 . While the base plate  202  is shown to comprise a single piece with bends at opposing ends, the ends  214  and  216  could comprise an additional piece coupled or welded to the base plate. Furthermore, it will be apparent that a similar result could be achieved by welding or otherwise coupling a series of bases  12  to a single base plate  202 .  
         [0054]    Another embodiment, particularly useful for providing an easy-to-install free stall divider system  301  in which the width of each independent free stall can be easily varied to accommodate different sizes and types of cows is shown in FIGS.  16 - 18 . To provide double free stalls, as shown, the free stall system  301  comprises at least two rail mounting systems  303 , shown in FIG. 18, along with a plurality of dividing elements  307 , as shown in FIG. 16. Each rail mounting system comprises at least one coupling rail  311  and a plurality of base units  309 . The plurality of dividing elements  307  are removably coupled to the coupling rails  311  to separate an open area into stalls.  
         [0055]    Each base unit  309  comprises a base plate  300  and a mounting member  306 . The base plates  300  are generally rectangular, and one end  302  of each base plate  300  is bent, formed or welded upward to accommodate the installation of a brisket board  304 , as shown in FIG. 17. The mounting member  306  is coupled to each base plate  300  near the end  308  directly opposite the end  302 . Preferably, the mounting member  306  is welded to the base plate  300 , but the mounting member may be coupled in other conventional ways. One or more holes may be drilled near the end  302  to receive screws or coupling devices for retaining the brisket boards, as described with reference to base  12  above.  
         [0056]    To form the free stall system  301 , a plurality of base units  309  are arranged in a parallel space relationship with the ends  302  aligned on one side, and the ends  308  aligned on the opposite side. The coupling rail  311 , which is preferably tubular in shape, is coupled to each mounting member  306 , at a height slightly greater than the height of the installed brisket board  304 , thereby forming a rail mounting system  303 . The outer diameter of one end  310  of the coupling rail  311  is preferably of a reduced diameter relative to the opposite end  312 . This difference in outside diameters allows the end  310  from one rail mounting system  303  to be slid onto the end  312  of a second rail mounting system  303 , thereby simplifying multiple installations.  
         [0057]    To form the free stall system  301 , first and second rail mounting systems  303  are positioned substantially parallel to each other, with the ends  302  of the two rail mounting systems pointing away from each other, and the ends  306  pointing toward each other. Preferably, the base units  300  are positioned at opposite ends of a plate comprising rebar  316  or other materials, such that a cavity is formed for concrete  318  between the two ends  302  as shown in FIG. 17 and corresponding brisket boards  304 . The dividing members  307  are substantially similar in shape to the dividing members  18  and  20  described above, but are removably coupled to the coupling rail  311  with a clamp  314 . Preferably, the clamp  314  is a U-shaped clamp, but any suitable clamp can be used. The dividing members  307 , therefore, can be clamped into position anywhere along the coupling rail  311 . This is particularly important because different types of cows can require particular spacing. For example, most Jersey cows require a stall of only about forty inches in width, while Holsteins can require as much as forty-eight inches. In some embodiments, the clamp  314  can also be used to raise or lower the height of the dividing member  307 .  
         [0058]    While the free stall system  301  is shown as a double free stall, it is apparent that a single free stall could also be provided in a similar way. Furthermore, it is apparent that single base units including two mounting members and two ends adapted to receive brisket boards can be used in place of the single base units  309 . Although many of the embodiments are shown only in side views, in the most preferred embodiments, the dividing elements are in a planar space relationship similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. However, in some cases, portions of the dividing elements can be bent toward one another if desired. Furthermore, it will be apparent that any of the bases, mounting members and dividing elements shown can be interchanged with any other bases, mounting members or dividing elements shown to provide a variety of free stalls.  
         [0059]    While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Various features of the invention are defined in the following claims.