Transportable animal care station

A transportable animal care station includes an enclosure and a pair of opposite transport couplers. The enclosure includes a frame and defines a treatment space. The enclosure presents an opening that permits ingress and egress relative to the treatment space. The transport couplers are fixed relative to the frame, with each of the couplers being removably connectable to a corresponding one of the lifting components.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a mobile enclosure with a doorway. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a transportable animal care station that can be lifted and transported by a vehicle.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

People have long sought to observe and/or treat animals, whether tame or wild, in the animal's customary environment. This is particularly true of ranchers or farmers who raise livestock. Large varieties of livestock, such as cattle or horses, are ubiquitous on North American farms and require periodic care. However, such animals often present a bodily threat to the care provided, particularly if an animal acts defensively and/or aggressively. A newborn bovine calf typically requires treatment, observation, and/or transportation by the owner soon after birth. However, the bovine mother will instinctively protect the calf from any intruder, including a human, and can potentially injure a human in close proximity to the calf. Movable pens and trailers are used by care providers to catch and observe cattle in remote locations.

Prior art trailers, mobile pens, and other vehicles are deficient at supporting the in situ treatment of animals by a care provider and suffer from certain undesirable limitations. For instance, care providers often must catch and treat newborn calves without the assistance of another person. When in the presence of an aggressive and/or defensive cow, it is difficult for the care provider to catch and hold the calf while avoiding contact with the cow, even when a prior art vehicle or pen is available. Prior art trailers and mobile pens are also time consuming and difficult to deploy at a treatment location using a vehicle, particularly where the location has limited space for the vehicle to maneuver.

SUMMARY

The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a transportable animal care station that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art enclosures set forth above.

A first aspect of the present invention concerns a transportable animal care station operable to be lifted and transported by a vehicle having a pair of opposite lifting components. The transportable animal care station broadly includes an enclosure and a pair of opposite transport couplers. The enclosure includes a frame and defines a treatment space. The enclosure presents an opening that permits ingress and egress relative to the treatment space. The transport couplers are fixed relative to the frame, with each of the couplers being removably connectable to a corresponding one of the lifting components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning initially toFIGS. 1-4, a transportable animal care station20provides a mobile enclosure for observation, transport, and/or medical treatment of an animal. The illustrated station20is preferably configured for in situ, neonatal care of bovine animals. The station20has been found to be particularly useful as an enclosed care station for newborn calves because the enclosure permits efficient ingress and egress by the care provider and, at the same time, protects the newborn calf and care provider from harm or intrusion by other members of a herd, including the calf's mother. However, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the station20is used for veterinary purposes in connection with other animals. Station20broadly includes, among other things, an enclosure22, an adjustable door assembly24, and opposite transport modules26.

Turning toFIGS. 5-9, the station20is selectively transportable by a vehicle V. The vehicle V preferably includes a truck with a powered lift mechanism28in the form of a round bale pickup. The lift mechanism28includes a bed30, a pivotal lift base32, a pair of lift arms34swingably attached to the lift base32, hydraulic cylinders36,38, and prongs40.

In the usual manner, the lift base32is pivotally attached to the bed30to pivot about a lateral lift axis F (seeFIG. 7). The hydraulic cylinder36interconnects the bed30and the lift base32to control the position of the lift base32relative to the bed30. As a result, the hydraulic cylinder36can drive the lift base32through a range of positions between a fully retracted lift position (not shown) where the lift arms34extend along the bed30, and a fully extended lift position (not shown) where the lift arms34project rearwardly behind the bed30. Certain intermediate lift arm positions between the retracted and extended positions are depicted inFIGS. 6-9.

The lift arms34are pivotally attached to the lift base32at pivot joints41and are each pivotal about an arm pivot axis R transverse to the lateral lift axis F (seeFIGS. 7-9). The hydraulic cylinders38interconnect a corresponding one of the lift arms34to the lift base32to control the position of the lift arm34relative to the lift base32. Each hydraulic cylinder38can drive the respective lift arm34through a range of positions between a fully inboard arm position (not shown) and a fully outboard arm position (not shown). In one intermediate arm position between the inboard and outboard positions, the lift arms34are positionable so that the prongs40engage the enclosure (seeFIGS. 6, 11, and 12). In another intermediate arm position, the lift arms34are shifted outboard so that the prongs40are adjacent but disengaged from the enclosure (seeFIG. 5).

Turning toFIGS. 1-7, the enclosure22presents an enclosed treatment space S above the treatment location L. As will be discussed further, the enclosure22also includes various features to house equipment for animal treatment (e.g., veterinary procedures).

The illustrated enclosure22includes, among other things, a frame assembly42, a covering44secured along the sides of frame assembly42, and a translucent roof panel46. The frame assembly42, covering44, and roof panel46cooperatively provide front and rear walls48,50, left and right side walls52,54, and a roof56that are integrally fixed to one another so that the frame assembly42is substantially rigid (seeFIGS. 1-7). The walls48,50,52,54and roof56each preferably include a plurality of tubular members made of carbon steel and welded to one another, although the walls and roof could include other types of structural components and/or components made of other materials (e.g., to provide suitable structural rigidity).

Preferably, the roof panel46includes a translucent material so that the roof56allows ambient light to pass into the treatment space S. More preferably, the roof panel46is made of BULITEX® translucent roof panel material, which is manufactured by U.S. Liner Company, of Ambridge, Pa. Thus, the roof56covers the treatment space S to shield the user from weather elements while allowing light into the enclosure22.

The illustrated enclosure22presents a left side opening58, a rear access opening60, and a rear compartment opening62that permit ingress and egress relative to the enclosure22(seeFIGS. 1-6). The enclosure22further presents an open bottom64that extends along a bottom margin of the enclosure22(seeFIGS. 3 and 4). As will be explained, this open-bottom enclosure configuration provides a convenient structure for in situ animal treatment. The side opening58is configured to receive the adjustable door assembly24to provide an adjustable-width doorway66(seeFIGS. 1-7).

With the open-bottom arrangement, the enclosure22is preferably devoid of structure directly below the doorway66so that the doorway66extends continuously from an upper end adjacent the roof56to the ground G along treatment location L without interruption. In this manner, the care provider (and, when appropriate, the newborn calf) can pass into and out of the enclosure while remaining supported by the ground G. That is, enclosure ingress and egress is preferably permitted without the care provider having to step or climb onto (or off of) structure of the station20. However, the illustrated station20could have an alternative doorway configuration with respect to some aspects of the present invention.

The enclosure22includes a door70pivotally mounted in the rear access opening60and a gate72pivotally mounted in rear compartment opening62(seeFIG. 2). The door70is urged into a closed position by a spring mechanism (not shown) and permits enclosure ingress and egress by the care provider.

Turning toFIGS. 3-6, the enclosure22further includes interior walls76fixed to the right side wall54and rear wall50, a compartment bottom78, and an interior compartment door80mounted to the rear wall50. The interior walls76, door80, and gate72cooperatively define a rear compartment82(seeFIGS. 3 and 4). The rear compartment82is configured to receive a calf (not shown). Furthermore, the compartment82can be accessed from inside or outside the enclosure22. The door80is pivotally attached to the rear wall50and pivots between open and closed door positions to allow access to the compartment82from within the enclosure22. The gate72pivots between open and closed gate positions to permit selective access to the compartment from outside the enclosure22. The gate72also presents openings so that the calf can be viewed from outside the enclosure. This arrangement permits the cow to remain adjacent to and in communication (e.g., through visual or aural communication) with the calf during treatment, observation, transportation (or combinations thereof) of the calf by the care provider while restricting access to the treatment space S by the cow. For instance, if the calf requires further treatment at an offsite facility (e.g., barn or shed), the illustrated construction allows communication between the cow and calf as the station20is used to transport the calf (e.g., so that the cow will follow the station20).

The enclosure22also includes a cabinet assembly86attached to the right side wall54and including a frame and a door mounted to the frame (seeFIG. 5). The enclosure22further includes a front platform88mounted to the front wall48within the treatment space S (seeFIGS. 3-5). As will be discussed, the platform88receives a calf-warming box.

The station20preferably includes other equipment to support animal treatment procedures. For instance, the illustrated station20includes a sling assembly96to hold an animal in a position exterior to the enclosure22(seeFIG. 14). The sling assembly96includes a bracket98, a beam100adjustably supported by the bracket98, and a sling102removably supported by the beam100. Additional features of the sling assembly96are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,443,759, issued May 21, 2013, entitled MOBILE CALF CARE STATION, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

The beam100is adjustably mounted at one end thereof to the bracket98and extends outwardly from the bracket98. The enclosure22preferably includes a plurality of tubular mounts104attached to the rear wall50and side wall52. The mounts104are each configured to receive the tubular male end of the bracket98. Thus, the care provider can selectively position the sling assembly96in different positions along the rear end40of the enclosure22. It is also within the scope of the present invention where the sling assembly96is positioned and supported at other locations along the enclosure22. Similar to the calf compartment, the sling permits the cow to remain adjacent to and in communication with the calf during treatment, observation, and/or transportation of the calf by the care provider while restricting access to the treatment space S by the cow.

The illustrated station20further includes a calf-warming box106mounted on the front platform94(seeFIGS. 3-5). The calf-warming box106is conventional and includes a heating element (not shown) located within the housing to maintain an elevated temperature in the housing. Additional details of the preferred calf-warming box106are disclosed in the above-incorporated '759 patent.

While not included as part of the illustrated embodiment, the station20can also include a conventional generator (not shown). In the usual manner, the generator can provide electrical power for the warming box106and other electrical devices to be used by the care provider.

As mentioned, the side opening58is configured to receive the adjustable door assembly24to provide the doorway66. In the illustrated embodiment, the doorway66is positioned so that an alley108extends laterally at a location spaced between fore and aft ends of the enclosure22(seeFIGS. 6 and 7).

The illustrated alley108extends laterally between the fore and aft ends of the enclosure22. However, it is also within the ambit of the present invention where the doorway66and alley108are alternatively positioned. Furthermore, rather than have a single doorway66, the station20could also be configured to include multiple doorways66(e.g., where the enclosure22presents doorways66on opposite sides of the enclosure22) to further enable access to the treatment space S.

Turning toFIGS. 6-9, the door assembly24provides a restriction to enclosure ingress and egress. When a care provider treats a calf in situ, particularly newborn calves, the calf's mother or other members of the herd can act defensively to protect the calf and, in some instances, can be dangerously aggressive toward the care provider. Such actions can present a minor distraction to the care provider or a serious physical threat. The illustrated door assembly24is preferably designed to allow ingress and egress by the care provider while restricting animals from entering the enclosure22, as will be discussed below.

The door assembly24preferably includes single and dual panel assemblies110,112(seeFIGS. 1-7). The illustrated panel assemblies110,112preferably present adjustable side margins114,116that define a doorway width dimension W (seeFIGS. 1 and 7), and the panel assemblies are preferably adjustable to change the doorway width dimension W. However, concerning some aspects of the present invention, the station20may have structure alternative to the door assembly24to define the doorway width. Preferred features of the single and dual panel assemblies110,112are disclosed in the above-incorporated '759 patent.

Turning toFIGS. 3-12, the transport modules26permit the station20to be selectively moved by the lift mechanism28between a rest position (seeFIG. 7) and an elevated position (seeFIG. 9). Each transport module26preferably includes a transport coupler118, mounting bracket120, and a bar122.

Turning toFIGS. 11 and 12, each of the transport couplers118is fixed relative to the frame assembly42and is operable to be removably connectable to a corresponding one of the prongs40. Preferably, each transport coupler118has a unitary construction and includes a base124, a funnel126, and a relief tube128. The transport coupler118forms a coupler socket130that surrounds and defines a coupler opening132. The socket130extends along a socket axis A1between opposite ends of the transport coupler118.

The illustrated funnel126preferably includes a plurality of funnel sections134that are positioned about the coupler opening132, with each funnel section134forming a generally planar cam surface136(seeFIGS. 1-4, 11, and 12). The funnel sections134cooperatively provide the funnel-shaped socket130, with the socket130at least partly presenting the cam surfaces136. While the illustrated planar cam surfaces136are preferred, it is within the scope of the present invention where the cam surfaces136are alternatively shaped and/or positioned. For instance, the funnel126could include a conical cam surface that extends endlessly about the coupler opening132.

The transport couplers118are preferably located along the enclosure22so that the socket axes A1are positioned forwardly of a center of gravity CG of the station20(seeFIG. 7). However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the socket axes A1are alternatively positioned. For instance, the socket axes A1could be located rearwardly of the center of gravity CG. Also, the socket axes A1could be substantially longitudinally aligned with the center of gravity CG.

The transport coupler118preferably provides a female receptacle to receive a male connector (e.g., the prong40of the lift mechanism28). However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the transport coupler118comprises a male connector and the lift mechanism28includes a female receptacle to receive the transport coupler118. The cam surfaces136preferably taper toward one another in an inboard direction to guide a respective prong40into connecting engagement with the transport coupler118.

The illustrated enclosure22includes a pair of angular brackets138that cooperatively form a window140(seeFIGS. 9, 11, and 12). Each window140receives and supports a corresponding one of the transport couplers118, with each transport coupler118being fixed to respective brackets138. Preferably, the transport coupler118is mounted so that the socket axis A1extends laterally. More preferably, the transport coupler118is mounted so that the socket axis A1is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis A2of the station10(seeFIG. 1). However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the transport coupler118is alternatively positioned and/or attached relative to the enclosure22.

Turning toFIGS. 11 and 12, the vehicle V includes prongs40. Each prong40preferably includes a flange142, a pair of gussets144, a shaft146, and a sleeve148integrally attached to one another to form a unitary structure. The shaft146is elongated and presents inboard and outboard ends146a,band a prong axis A3extending between the ends146a,b. The shaft146also presents a transverse opening operable to removably receive a pin150.

The illustrated flange142comprises a flat rectangular plate that presents an opening (not shown) to receive the shaft146. The flange142extends transversely to the length of the shaft146and is spaced between the ends146a,b. The gussets144are attached to opposite sides of the shaft146and extend away from each other in opposite directions. The gussets144are also attached to the flange142to rigidly interconnect the flange142and shaft146to one another. The sleeve148is attached to the flange142and shaft146and projects in an outboard direction from the flange142.

When secured to the lift arm34, the shaft146of the prong40is rotatably received in a corresponding arm opening154(seeFIGS. 11 and 12), with the inboard end146abeing spaced inboard of the lift arm34. Thus, the prong40can spin freely relative to the lift arm34about the prong axis A3.

Turning toFIGS. 5 and 6, the lift arms34and prongs40can be shifted laterally to control the lateral position of the prongs40. For instance, the hydraulic cylinders38can each drive a respective lift arm34so that the lift arm34and prong40pivot along an outboard direction or an inboard direction. Again, the lift arm34and prong40are shiftable through a range of positions between the fully inboard position (not shown) and the fully outboard position. As is customary, the lift arms34can move simultaneously toward one another (i.e., in the inboard direction) or simultaneously away from one another (i.e., in the outboard direction).

Again, the lift arms34are pivotal about the pivot axis R between inboard and outboard positions (not shown). In one intermediate arm position between the inboard and outboard positions, the lift arms34are positioned so that the prongs40engage the transport couplers118in an engaged position (seeFIGS. 6, 11, and 12). In another intermediate arm position, the lift arms34are shifted outboard so that the prongs40are adjacent but disengaged from the transport couplers118in a disengaged position (seeFIG. 5).

While the illustrated prong40provides a preferred male connection mechanism to engage the station20, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the prong40has an alternative construction. For instance, the prong40could have an alternative male structure to be received by the transport coupler118. Furthermore, the prong40could have a female structure that presents an opening to receive the coupler118(i.e., where the coupler118has a male structure).

Turning toFIGS. 5, 6, 11, and 12, the illustrated prong40is preferably removably attachable to a corresponding one of the transport couplers118. In the illustrated embodiment, the prong40is laterally shiftable into and out of the engaged position (seeFIGS. 6, 11, and 12) where the gussets144of the prong40engage the socket130. To engage the prong40with the socket130of the transport coupler118, the prong40is first preferably aligned with the socket130so that the socket axis A1and the prong axis A3are substantially coaxially aligned with one another (seeFIGS. 11 and 12). Such alignment can be achieved, for instance, by moving the vehicle V longitudinally relative to the lift mechanism28and/or by pivoting the lift base32relative to the bed30. Each hydraulic cylinder38is then preferably operated to shift the lift arm34and prong40in the inboard direction until the prong40is received by and engages the socket130.

However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the prong40is alternatively brought into engagement with the socket130of the transport coupler118. For instance, prior to being received by the socket130, the prong40could be positioned adjacent but off-axis relative to the socket130so that the inboard end146aof the shaft146is positioned within the longitudinal and vertical extent of the socket130. That is, the prong40could be positioned off-axis relative to the socket130but longitudinally and vertically within the outermost margin of the socket130. In such an off-axis position, the inboard end146aof the prong40can be brought into engagement with at least one of the cam surfaces136as the lift arm34and prong40are moved inboard. Further inboard movement of the lift arm34and prong40preferably causes at least one of the cam surfaces136to automatically shift the prong40longitudinally and/or vertically into engagement with the socket130, and preferably shifts the prong40into coaxial alignment with the socket130. However, for some aspects of the present invention, the prong40and the socket130could be engaged with one another without being coaxially aligned.

To disengage the prong40from the transport coupler118, the hydraulic cylinder38is operated to shift the lift arm34and prong40in the outboard direction. Once located in the disengaged position (seeFIG. 5), the prong40and the transport coupler118permit the prong40and lift arm34be shifted longitudinally and/or vertically relative to the transport coupler118.

Of course, it will be appreciated that the lift arms34and prongs40can be moved simultaneously toward one another (i.e., in the inboard direction) to simultaneously engage the respective transport couplers118. Also, the lift arms34and prongs40can be moved simultaneously away from one another (i.e., in the outboard direction) to be simultaneously disengaged from the transport couplers118. However, while such simultaneous engagement and disengagement is possible, the lift arms34and prongs40can be shifted into and out of engagement with the transport couplers118at different times relative to one another.

Turning toFIGS. 9-13, each mounting bracket120serves to support a respective bar122and thereby restrict movement of the station20relative to the lift mechanism28. Each mounting bracket120preferably is unitary and includes an outer frame156, a plate body158, tubular sections160, and reinforcing ribs162. The plate body158is elongated and presents spaced apart plate openings164(seeFIG. 10) to receive the tubular sections160.

The plate body158preferably spans and is fixed to the outer frame156. The tubular sections160are preferably received in corresponding plate openings164and fixed to the plate body158. The illustrated tubular sections160preferably present mounting sockets166that provide attachment locations168(seeFIG. 10). The ribs162are fixed to the plate body158and to corresponding tubular sections160to rigidify the mounting bracket120.

The illustrated mounting bracket120is positioned in a window of the enclosure22, with the tubular sections160being spaced vertically relative to one another. The mounting bracket120is preferably fixed to the frame assembly42of the enclosure22. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the bracket120is alternatively positioned and/or attached relative to the enclosure22. Yet further, as will be shown in a subsequent embodiment, the mounting bracket120could be alternative constructed to support the bar122.

Preferably, the mounting brackets120are oriented and located in a mirrored arrangement relative to one another on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis A2of the enclosure22. In other words, the illustrated mounting brackets120are both preferably arranged vertically, are located at substantially the same height as one another, and are located at substantially the same longitudinal position along the longitudinal axis A2of the enclosure22. Additionally, the mounting brackets120preferably face in opposite directions relative to one another. As will be discussed, this arrangement permits a pair of bars122to be positioned substantially coaxially with one another.

Turning toFIGS. 10 and 13, each bar122is configured to be attached to a respective mounting bracket120and operate as a stop. Specifically, each bar122can engage the lift mechanism28(normally when the lift mechanism28is connected with the transport coupler118) to restrict rotation of the enclosure22about a transverse axis. Preferably, the bar122comprises a unitary tube that is elongated and presents inboard and outboard tube ends122a,b. The bar122further includes a ring170that is spaced between the ends122a,band projects radially outwardly from the outer surface of the tube.

Each bar122is selectively removably attachable to the mounting bracket120at any one of the attachment locations168. In particular, the bar122can be selectively inserted into one of the sockets166presented by the tubular sections160. With the bar122inserted so that the ring170engages the tubular section160, a pin172can be mounted adjacent the inboard end122aof the bar122to secure the bar122to the mounting bracket120and restrict removal therefrom (seeFIGS. 10 and 13).

Similarly, each bar122can be selectively detached from the mounting bracket120(e.g., to reposition the bar122at another one of the attachment locations168). Specifically, the bar122is removed by initially removing the pin172from the bar122. The bar122can then be moved outboard away from the enclosure22so as to be shifted out of engagement with the tubular section160.

When the bar122is secured to the mounting bracket120at one of the attachment locations168, the bar122is operable to be brought into and out of engagement with a corresponding one of the lift arms34. As will be discussed, such engagement serves to restrict movement of the enclosure22, particularly when the prongs are engaged with the transport couplers118.

Preferably, the illustrated bars122can be secured to the mounting brackets120so as to be positioned substantially coaxially with one another. For instance, the bars122can be secured to lowermost ones of the sockets166(seeFIGS. 1 and 2). When the bars122are secured in coaxial alignment with one another, each bar122can be brought into and out of engagement with a corresponding one of the lift arms34. In this manner, the bars122cooperatively engage the lift arms34to restrict movement of the enclosure22. Engagement between the bars122and the lift arms34serves to restrict movement of the enclosure22, particularly when the prongs40attached to the lift arms34are engaged with the transport couplers118.

Turning toFIGS. 7-9, the station20is operable to be selectively lifted above the ground G by the lift mechanism28. Initially, when the station20is supported on the ground G in a rest position (seeFIG. 7), the station20is supported by forward feet174and aft feet176of the frame assembly42. The lift mechanism28is operated to bring both prongs40into connecting engagement with the respective transport couplers118. As discussed above, this is done by shifting each prong40inboard until the prong40is received by and engages the socket130.

Both of the bars122are preferably secured at an aligned pair of attachment locations, such as the lowermost pair attachment locations (seeFIGS. 1 and 2). The bars122are preferably secured prior to lifting the station20, although securement of one or both of the bars122could be done at some point after lifting of the station20has begun.

With the prongs40and transport couplers118in engagement, the hydraulic cylinder36of the lift mechanism28can be moved to pivot the lift base32, lift arms34, and prongs40in a generally upward direction to an intermediate position (seeFIG. 8). Because the socket axes A1are located forwardly of the center of gravity CG, lifting of the prongs40causes the station20to swing about the prong axes A3. In particular, the station20swings so that the forward feet174of the station20are lifted above the ground G while the aft feet176remain in contact with the ground G. The aft feet176remain on the ground G up to the point where the lift arms34come into engagement with the bars122in the intermediate position.

As the lift mechanism28pivots the lift base32, lift arms34, and prongs40to lift the prongs40beyond the intermediate position, the bars122engage the lift arms34to restrict swinging movement of the station20relative to the lift mechanism28. Thus, as the lift mechanism28lifts the station20beyond the intermediate position, the aft feet176are lifted above the ground G. In other words, lifting of the station20beyond the intermediate position causes the station20to be pivoted with the lift base32and lift arms34. The lift mechanism28can be operated to lift the station20into an elevated position where the forward and aft feet174,176are spaced the substantially the same distance above the ground G (seeFIG. 9). In this manner, the station20is generally parallel to the ground G. In the elevated position, the station20can be selectively transported to and from the treatment location L. Additionally, the operator can occupy and use the station20in the elevated position.

In operation, the lift mechanism28of the vehicle V can be operated to selectively grasp and lift the station20. With the prongs40being located adjacent to the transport couplers118, the lift arms34can be shifted in the inboard direction so that the prongs40engage the transport couplers118. Once engaged with the station20, the lift mechanism28can be operated to lift the station20above the ground G. The station20is preferably lifted so that the bars122engage the lift arms34and the feet174,176are both spaced above the ground G. The station20is also preferably lifted into the elevated position where the station20is oriented to be generally parallel to the ground G (seeFIG. 9).

In the elevated position, the user can occupy the station20(e.g., for treating an animal). The user can also transport the station20in the elevated position from one location to another location. When desired, the user can also operate the lift mechanism28to selectively lower the station20into the rest position (seeFIG. 7). In the rest position, the user can further operate the lift mechanism28to selectively disengage the prongs40of the lift mechanism28from engagement with the transport couplers118.

Turning toFIGS. 15 and 16, an alternative station200is constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, the remaining description will focus primarily on the differences of this embodiment from the preferred embodiment described above.

The station200includes, among other things, an enclosure202and alternative transport modules204. Each transport module204preferably includes a transport coupler206, an alternative mounting bracket208, and an adjustable stop structure210. The mounting bracket208preferably includes a frame212, a plate body214, a tubular section216, and a rib218.

The stop structure210preferably includes an elongated leg220, a tubular projection222, and an adjustable bar224. The leg220presents upper and lower ends and a pairs of holes226between the ends. The tubular projection222is fixed to the leg220adjacent the upper end thereof. The tubular projection222projects laterally from the leg220to be received by a socket228formed by the tubular section216.

The adjustable bar224is unitary and preferably includes a tube230, an attachment tab232, and a gusset234. The tab232presents holes236that can be selectively aligned with any one of the pairs of holes226. Thus, the bar224can be selectively positioned and secured to the leg220by inserting pins238through holes226,236.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the stop structure210can be selectively secured to the mounting bracket208by slidably inserting the tubular projection222into the socket228. The projection222is then secured to the mounting bracket208with a pin (not shown). When secured, the stop structure210can pivot relative to the mounting bracket208about the axis of the socket228.

Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description.