DISC FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE UDDER OF A COW

Abstract: The disc (2) is made of a flexible material with a hole (100) in the center which makes it possible to attach it to the hind leg of a cow near the hoof. The disc decreases in diameter from the central hole towards the outer rim, thus giving it a wedge-like shape. The flexibility of the material and the diameter of the disc are chosen in such a way that the disc will bend as soon as it comes into contact with the ground. As soon as the hind legs move, the disc will smoothly slide under the udder or nipples of the cow. The disc can be delivered in one piece or with one cut (5) in radial direction. Close to the edge of the cut ends a series of holes (15-20) has been punched. These holes can be connected in various combinations by means of bolts (21).

Description: DISC FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE UDDER OF A COW. This invention consists of an annular disc, developed to prevent injuries on the udder and especially the nipples of a cow. The injuries are caused by the hind leg of the cow. The disc is made of a flexible material with a central hole. It can be fitted and attached to the cow ankle close to the hoof. A similar disc has already been developed under the American patent specification nr. 4,062,323. The disc prevents injuries which occur when a cow gets up from her laying position. While standing up, the cow first moves her hind legs backwards and then pushes herself up. However, while moving her hind legs backwards and pushing herself off the ground, the udder, which is still lying on the ground , or even worse - the nipples are often injured by the hooves of her hind legs. The protective function of the disc is based on the principle that, while the cow's hind legs move backwards, the disc , which is attached close to the hoof, will move the udder or nipples away before they can be stamped on by the hooves. The protection disc known in America does not protect the udder sufficiently, because it is too thick and rigid. This results in the fact that the udder is only partly pushed away. The other part of the udder remains under the disc. Also, the disc can move across the upper part of the nipple or udder, causing them to get pinched between the * ground and the hoof. The purpose of this invention is to invent a disc which does not have the disadvantages mentioned above but in contrast has some additional advantages. The new disc, according to the invention and seen in a perspective view has a diameter which decreases from the central hole towards the outer rim thus giving it a wedge like shape. The flexibility of the material and the diameter of the disc are chosen in such a way that the disc is sufficiently flexible to bend as soon as it touches the As soon as the hind legs move, the disc smoothly slides under the udder or nipples. When a cow, fitted with this new kind of disc moves her hind legs backwards the bent part of the flexible disc will move along the ground and slide under the udder. It will lift it off the ground and out of the reach of the hooves. Another advantage of the flexible disc is the fact that it will adjust itself to the body and hind legs of the cow while she has lain down. This way , the flexible disc with its central hole and soft outer rim " does not apply any pressure on the ankles of the cow. The disc can be delivered in two ways: either as an undivided disc or, seen its construction, divided in one or two places, the undivided disc can be equipped with radial incisions running from the central hole 'towards the outer rim. This makes it easy to adjust the disc on the hind legs of the cow. In case the disc is cut, it is possible to have the cut ends overlap each other. They can be equipped with holes for bolts, pins or other items in order to adjust its size according to the width of the hind leg it has to be fitted to. The invention will be further explained on the basis of the following drawings. The diagrams consist of: Figure 1 : schematic perspective view of a disc attached to the hind leg of a cow according to the invention; Figure 2: the same disc enlarged - front view. Figure 3: sectional view taken along line III-III of figure 2 Figure 4: front view illustrating a variation of the protection disc according to the present inventio Figure 5: front view along arrow V of figure 4 Figure 6: schematic side view illustrating the back of a cow with a disc attached to her hind leg according to the invention and showing the disc in action. Figure 1 indicates the protection disc (2) being attached to the hind leg (1) of a cow between hoof and calcar (4) . Here, an undivided disc has been used. Figure 2 illustrates in front view the protection disc with the central hole(100) and the number H 5" indicating two radial incisions. Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of disc 2, clearly indicating the decreasing diameter of the disc. At the outer rim, the disc can have a diameter of about 3 to 5 mm. In order to guarantee maximum efficiency, a disc with an outer radius of about three times as much as the radius of the central hole can be chosen. Figure 4 and 5 illustrate a divided disc (12^. The cut ends are overlapping (13,14). If necessary, these parts can be thinner than the rest of the disc. A number of holes (15,16,17,18,19,20) has been punched into the material close to the radial cut. These holes can be connected with nuts and bolts(21) . Depending on the hind leg of a particular cow, different sets of holes can be connected in order to increase or decrease the central opening (100) . Figure 6 shows the back of a cow who has lain down. The hind legs are fitted with a protection disc (2) . When the cow stands up, the bent part of the disc (22) will move along the ground and slide under the udder (23) . It will lift the udder of the ground and out of the reach of the hooves (3) of the cow. OMPI 4 In addition,it is visible how the upper half of the disc(2) adjusts itself to the cow's body without pres'sing against the ankle (26) of the hindleg. The invention is in no way restricted to the models shown and described in the diagrams above. The disc can also be delivered consisting of two identical halves. This model can be manufactured by means of spray moulding. Furthermore, groove holes can be used for adjustment purpose instead of holes. The nuts and bolts can also be replaced by press-fastenings and other materials. OMPI

Claims: C L A I M S 1. Disc protecting the udder aniin particular the nipples of a cow against injuries inflicted by her hind legs and hooves. The disc is made of a flexible material. It has a hole in the center which makes it possible to attach it to the hind leg of a cow near her hoof. Its special feature consists of the fact that the disc- in perspective view - decreases in diameter from the central hole towards the outer rim, thus giving it a wedge-like shape. The flexibility of the material and the diameter of the disc are chosen in such a way that the disc, because of its flexibility, will bend as soon as it comes into contact with the ground. As soon as the hind legs move, the disc will smoothly slide under the udder or nipples. 2. Protection disc as described in conclusion 1, with as special feature that it is undivided (in one piece) and equipped with incisions running from the center hole towards the outer rim. 3. Protection disc as described in conclusion 1, with as special feature that it has at least one cut in radial direction. The open cut ends overlap each other. Close to the edge of the cut ends a series of holes has been punched. These holes can be closed in .various combinations by means of bolts in such a way that the radius of the central opening can be either increased or decreased. 4.Protection disc as described in conclusion 1, with as special feature that the outside radius of the disc is at least three times larger than the radius of the central opening. OMPI >

Inventors: BAAS GERARDUS CHRISTIANUS
Applicants: BAAS GERARDUS C, BAAS GERARDUS CHRISTIANUS
Application year: 1982
Main classification: A01K13
IPC codes: A01K13, A61D9