IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTERS

Abstract: Airflow means in the form of fans (80) are provided in the bulkhead (11) at the front of a transporter. These fans (80) supplement the natural airflow since they direct the airflow in the transporter in the same direction as that produced naturally by movement of the trailer. The transporter may have a plurality of levels to support livestock on different levels to increase the efficiency of transporting livestock. Each level may have a pair of fans (80) in order to provide the airflow along the level. The present invention may be incorporated within a transporter comprising an integral trailer and cab and also within a trailer which can be separated from and secured to a cab unit. The airflow means take air from within the transporter and emits the air into the external atmosphere.

Description: Improvements in and Relating to Livestock Transporters Field of the Invention The present invention relates to livestock transporters, a method of transporting livestock and especially, but not limited to, a livestock transporter having improved airflow therethrough. Background to the Invention Livestock transporters, whether they be of an integrated cab plus transport area type or comprise a trailer forming a livestock transport area to be towed behind a lorry, must have sufficient airflow therein in order for the livestock to arrive at their destination in a good condition and not distressed. The. term livestock includes all animals suitable for transporting, for example chickens, pigs, sheep and cattle. The airflow must provide both cool air and fresh air. In addition, the trailer must make efficient use of the space in order for the transportation to be economic. At present, there are known livestock transporters 10 which may comprise a trailer 12 having one, two, three, four or more levels. In the example of Figure 1, three levels 14, 16 and 18 are shown. Each level 14,16,18 has an elongated grill section 20 to enable air to flow into the trailer. However, during transportation the airflow through the grill section may be low. Accordingly, a plurality of electric fans 22 are provided along the length of the trailer 12 and secured within the grill sections. However, the operation of these electric fans 22 is not efficient and a portion of the airflow simply passes through the fan and re-enters the trailer through the grill and then back through the fan. Accordingly, these electric fans do not effectively and economically improve the conditions for the livestock. In order to satisfy rules and regulations, the livestock transporters must be frequently cleaned. This may be twice or more everyday depending upon the journey to be made. In prior art transporters, as shown in Figure 1, the electric fans and their components are exposed and, during cleaning, are frequently damaged. Each fan must have a 24V battery associated therewith in order to power the fan. Accordingly, each transporter must also accommodate numerous batteries and must also have spare batteries on board. It would be expensive to provide numerous waterproof fans which would still be at risk from damage. The cleaning of the fans cannot be performed very carefully due to the time involved. Accordingly, the use of electric fans in the prior art transporter is inefficient and does not produce effective airflow. Furthermore, as a result of the frequent failure of these fans, rules and regulations may require the livestock transporter to have spare fans in the event of a failure. It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a transporter for transporting livestock, the transporter comprising airflow means wherein the airflow means produces airflow generally in the direction of travel of the transporter. Preferably, the transporter comprises a livestock transport area which preferably has a rear end and a front end. The transporter may comprise a trailer arranged in use to be moved by a cab unit, or may comprise a cab unit integral with a trailer. Preferably, the airflow means is located adjacent to the end of the livestock transport area which is arranged, in use, to be forwardmost during travel. Preferably, the airflow means is located in a bulkhead. Preferably the bulkhead is arranged, in use, to be located at a front end of the transporter. Preferably, the bulkhead comprises access means to provide access to the air flow means. The access means may comprise a door. Preferably the transporter comprises a livestock transport area which may comprise a plurality of levels. The livestock transport area may comprise a single level or two levels or three levels. The height of each level may be the same. The height of each level may be different . The height of the or each level may be adjusted. The livestock transport area may have two airflow means provided for the or each level. Preferably, the airflow means are located laterally spaced apart on the or each level . Preferably, the airflow means comprises a fan. Preferably, the fan comprises an elongate cylindrical rotor. Preferably, the elongate cylindrical rotor is vertically orientated. Preferably, the rotor rotates in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate cylindrical rotor. Preferably, the fan has a housing comprising an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. The inlet aperture may be arranged at an angle to the outlet aperture and may be substantially perpendicular to the outlet aperture. Preferably, the air flow means or the or each fan draws air from inside the livestock transport area and projects it to the external atmosphere . Preferably, the fans located adjacent to a first lateral side are mounted on a single drive shaft. Preferably the fans located adjacent to a second lateral side are mounted on a single drive shaft. The fans located adjacent to a first lateral side may be mounted on separate drive shafts. The fans located adjacent to a second lateral side may be mounted on separate drive shafts. The fans located adjacent to a first lateral side may be powered by a common or separate drive means . The fans located adjacent to a second lateral side may be powered by a common or separate drive means . The fans located on the first and second lateral sides may be powered by common drive means . Preferably the air flow means is powered by drive means . Preferably, the or each drive means is located within a compartment. Preferably, the or each compartment is substantially waterproof. Preferably the or each compartment is located adjacent to the top or bottom of the transport area. Preferably, the drive means comprises an electric motor. The drive means may comprise wind, air or hydraulic powered means. The drive means may be the drive means for powering movement of the livestock transporter. Preferably, the drive means is spaced from the airflow means . Preferably, the transporter is for use by road travel. The transporter may be a railway carriage for use by train or a container for use by boat travel or other travel. The lateral sides of the transport area may be substantially enclosed. Preferably, the rear end of the transport area has air inlet means defined therein. Preferably, the transport area has light means located therein. The light means may be adjusted to provide a selected luminescence. Preferably, the transport area has control means for adjusting the airflow within it. Preferably, sensing means are provided for sensing the airflow in the transport area. Preferably, the transport area has sensing means for sensing the temperature. Preferably, the transport area has recording means for recording the airflow and/or the temperature . According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of transporting livestock in a transporter the method including providing air flow means for inducing airflow within the transporter in the direction of travel of the transporter. Preferably, the method comprises providing a plurality of levels within a livestock transport area of the transporter for supporting livestock. The method may comprise adjusting the height of the or each level within the transporter. Preferably, the method comprises providing separate means for inducing airflow on each level. Preferably, the method comprises inducing airflow through substantially the full height of the or each level. Preferably, the airflow inducing means comprises a fan. Preferably, the fan comprises an elongate cylindrical rotor. Preferably, the method comprises mounting the fan in a substantially vertical orientation. Preferably, the method comprises rotating the rotor in a substantially horizontal plane. Preferably, the method comprises providing means for inducing airflow located adjacent to a first lateral side of the livestock area. Preferably, the method comprises providing means for inducing airflow located adjacent to a second lateral side. The method may comprise providing a common drive means for the means for inducing airflow located adjacent to the first lateral side. The method may comprise providing a common drive means for the means for inducing airflow located adjacent to the second lateral side. The method may comprise providing separate drive means for each means for inducing airflow located adjacent to the first and/or the second lateral side. The method may comprise providing a single drive means for all the means for inducing airflow. Preferably the method comprises providing drive means for driving the air flow means . The method may comprise containing the drive means within a chamber and preferably in a substantially waterproof chamber. The method may comprise rotating the rotors by an electric motor or by air powered means or by the means for powering the vehicle associated within the livestock transport area . Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings which follow, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a prior art livestock transporter. Figure 2 is a plan schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a livestock transporter. Figure 3 is a front cross-section through a livestock transporter. Figure 4 is a plan cross-section through a part of a livestock transporter. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fan. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of a fan rotor. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the airflow through a fan. Figure 8 is a plan schematic diagram showing the airflow caused by natural ventilation through a livestock transporter. Figure 9 is a plan schematic diagram showing the forced airflow of a preferred embodiment of a livestock transporter. Figure 10 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a bulkhead of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a bulkhead of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a front view of a bulkhead of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a bulkhead of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a bulkhead of another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a front view of a bulkhead of another embodiment of the present invention. Description of the Preferred Embodiment During transit, livestock must have sufficient available air in order to arrive at the destination in a good condition. The temperature of the livestock transporter is also critical for the condition of the livestock. In a livestock container travelling in direction 26 in Figure 2, the natural airflow travels from the back of the trailer 12 forming a livestock transport area towards the cab 24 in the direction of the arrow 28. The direction of the airflow in the trailer 12 is, therefore, in the same direction as the direction of travel, which is contrary to that generally expected. Accordingly, with a grill or other aperture located at the rear of the trailer, natural airflow is generated within the trailer during transit. If grills are also provided in the sides of the trailer then above a certain critical speed, there may be sufficient airflow in the trailer during transit. However, below the critical speed or whilst stationery, there will not be sufficient air available to the livestock and the temperature in the trailer will also rise. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide means for providing airflow in the trailer. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, airflow means in the form of fans 30 are provided at the front of the trailer 12. These fans 30 supplement the natural airflow since they direct the airflow in the same direction as that produced naturally by movement of the trailer. Prior art methods as previously described provided a plurality of electric fans along the length of the trailer and these thereby did not supplement the natural airflow in the trailer and are, therefore, not efficient . A more detailed schematic diagram of the natural ventilation of a trailer or a transporter during transit is provided by Figure 8. Air inlets towards the rear of the trailer enable air to enter into the trailer and to flow in a forward direction 28 in the direction of travel 26 of the transporter. Air outlets at the front of the transporter enable the air to flow out of the transporter and rejoins the external atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a bulkhead 11 is provided at the front of- the trailer 12. The bulkhead includes airflow means in order to induce or supplement airflow within the trailer. A detailed schematic diagram of the forced ventilation through the trailer during transit is provided by Figure 9. The airflow means in the bulkhead 11 force the air, flow and ventilation and promotes volume, airflow direction and quality of air in harmony with the natural airflow cycle within the trailer during transit. The airflow means forces the air out of the bulkhead 11 as shown by arrow 29, and into the external atmosphere. As shown in Figure 3 a trailer 12 has three levels 34,36,38 to support three levels of livestock. The number and height of the levels provided in the trailer are dependent upon the type of livestock being transported. For example, the height required for cattle will be greater than required for pigs or sheep or even chickens . The trailer may be adapted to transport different livestock at the same time by providing different heights at the different levels by adjusting the floors of the levels. As the floors need to be moved up or down or even removed, the airflow through the trailer must also be adaptable. However, with prior art methods the fans are located on fixed grills and, cannot, therefore be moved. Furthermore, the mechanism for raising and lowering the floors frequently interferes with the conventional fans which are located on the sidewalls of the trailer. In the present invention, the fans are located at the front of the trailer and are spaced from the inside of the trailer by a grill or air inlet portion. Accordingly, the present invention enables the floors of the different levels of the trailer to be easily adjusted. In addition, the air inlets of the frame may also be easily adjusted to adapt to the preferred configuration of the levels within the trailer. Each level 34,36,38 has a pair of fans 40,41,42,43,44,45 in order to provide the airflow along the level. The first level 34 has two fans 40,41, the second level has two fans 42,43 and the third level has two fans 44,45. The fans are located adjacent to the front face of the trailer 12 and also adjacent to the side faces of the trailer 12 and are, thereby, located in the front corners of the trailer. The fans 40,41,42,43,44,45 produce airflow over substantially the full height of the respective level. In prior art methods, airflow primarily occurred along the top of the level . Accordingly, the airflow around the livestock was not sufficient or efficient since the airflow is predominantly above the livestock. The fans are arranged in two sets of three with three fans 40,42,44 located adjacent to one lateral side and three fans 41,43,45 located adjacent to the other lateral side of the trailer. Each set of fans are located on a common drive shaft 46,48. The first drive shaft 46 is driven by a motor 50 and the second drive shaft is driven by a second motor 52. Preferably, the motors are industrial motors or electric motors. Alternatively, a single motor (not shown) may be arranged to drive both drive shafts . In a further embodiment each fan may be driven by separate drive shafts and/or motors. In a further preferred embodiment, the drive means for the fans may be provided by wind power or may be provided direct from the engine of the livestock transporter vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the motors 50,52 are located within motor compartments situated at the front and at the top of the trailer 12. As previously mentioned, livestock transporters need to be frequently cleaned and, therefore, the drive motors 50,52 are shielded from the exposure to pressurised water or cleaning fluids . Accordingly, this is advantageous over prior art methods whereby the motors and their components are exposed to and are damaged by the pressurised water and cleaning fluids. The present invention may be incorporated within a livestock transporter comprising an integral trailer and cab and also within a trailer or transporter which can be separated from and secured to a separate cab unit . The front corners of the trailer 12 incorporating the fans may be angled to improve the streamlining of the trailer, as shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, a fan 60 for use in the present invention comprises an elongate cylindrical rotor 62 within a housing 64. The housing has a first aperture 66 for allowing air to flow therein in the direction 68, as shown in Figure 5. The housing also has a second aperture 70 to enable air to flow out of the housing in a direction 72 which may be substantially perpendicular to the direction 68 of the flow of air into the housing 64 - this is preferred so as to avoid expelling the air directly in opposition to the direction of motion of the transporter. Alternatively, the direction of air flowing into the housing may be substantially the same as the direction of the air flowing out of the housing and the fan may further be provided with a shroud and/or ducting (not shown) to avoid such air-mass interference. The cylindrical rotor 62 of the motor comprises a plurality of air deflecting panel 74 located around the periphery thereof, as shown in Figure 6. The air deflecting panels 74 extend in the longitudinal direction on the periphery of the cylindrical rotor for substantially the full longitudinal length of the cylindrical rotor 62. The rotor 62 is rotated by a drive shaft 76. As the rotor 62 rotates the air deflecting panels 74 create an airflow through the fan housing 64. As previously mentioned, the airflow through the fan housing may be substantially perpendicular, as shown in Figure 7. In the present invention, it may be possible to incorporate fully enclosed lateral sides for the trailer since the present invention can provide all the necessary airflow within the trailer. With fully enclosed sides the light within the trailer can be fully controlled. During transportation, the livestock can be stressed and during daylight the livestock may be naturally lively and, therefore, agitated whilst travelling. In a fully enclosed trailer, the light could be controlled and could be dim in order to naturally sedate the livestock in order for them to be docile and hence reduce the stress of the livestock. The livestock transporter is preferably provided with control and recordal means for controlling and recording the temperature and/or airflow within the trailer. At present, it is the driver of the livestock transporter who must manually set the fans for the trailer and the airflow and temperature of the trailer is not monitored. Accordingly, in the present invention the airflow and temperature within the trailer is automatically monitored and recorded. This is advantageous in that on arrival the purchaser will be able to review the environment in which the livestock has been transported in order to ascertain the condition of the livestock. This could also be used as proof for any regulatory bodies who may impose rules and regulations in relation to the transport of livestock. In addition, this enables the driver to concentrate on driving the livestock transporter rather than on the condition within the trailer. Furthermore, the company transporting the livestock can also prove to potential customers the condition which they can transport the livestock. A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 10, 11 and 12. The air flow means in the bulkhead 11 comprises a number of fans 80. Each fan 80 has an associated air inlet 82 to direct air from inside the trailer into the housing 84 of each fan. The air inlet 82 may comprise a shaped duct. Each air inlet 82 has an entrance which is provided on an internal face of the trailer. The internal face may be shaped in order to promote air flow into the air flow means. The fans 80 are arranged in two sets of three fans with the first set being provided on the right hand side of the bulkhead 11 and the second set of fans being provided on the left hand side of the bulkhead. The entrances for the air inlets of the right hand side set of fans may be arranged to be directed towards the centre line or left hand side of the trailer. Similarly, the entrances for the air inlets of the left hand side set of fans may be arranged to be redirected towards the centre line or the right hand side of the trailer. Each fan has an air outlet 86 associated therewith. Each air outlet 86 directs the air flow towards the lateral sides of the bulkhead 11. The bulkhead 11 comprises air outlets in order for air to flow from inside the bulkhead 11 to the external atmosphere. The air outlets may comprise a grill 88 or side vents which extend vertically down each lateral side of the bulkhead. The external front surface 90 of the bulkhead 11 may be shaped for streamlining purposes. The bulkhead 11 is provided with doors on the front face . The doors provide easy access to the air flow means or fans and associated motors and parts. The air flow from inside the trailer, into the bulkhead and into the external atmosphere is shown by arrows 92. In use, air flows through the container or trailer and into the duct or inlet in the bulkhead and down through the impeller fans . The air then exits the container or trailer, through the outlets or side vents and into the air stream. The left hand set of fans may be mounted on a common drive shaft 94 and driven by a single motor 96 as shown in Figure 12. Similarly, the right hand side of fans may be mounted on a common drive shaft 94 and driven by a single motor 96 . Each motor may comprise a DC motor fitted with speed controllers which drive the impeller shafts through flexible drive couplings. In the example shown in Figure 10, 11 and 12, two fans are provided for each level in the trailer or the transporter. Each level having a left hand fan and a right hand fan being spaced laterally in the bulkhead 11. Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15. Again the bulkhead 11 is located at the front end of the trailer and is arranged to induce and promote the natural air flow in the trailer. The air flow means in the bulkhead 11 comprises a number of fans 100. The fans 100 are conventional fans. Each level of the trailer may be provided with four fans. The fans for each level are arranged such that a first pair is provided on the left hand side and a second pair is provided on the right hand side. Each fan is provided with an inlet 102 comprising a shaped passageway which directs air from inside the trailer into the fans. The fans force the air to the lateral sides of the bulkhead. The bulkhead comprises air outlets in the form of grids 104 which enable the air to flow from inside the bulkhead to the external atmosphere. Each fan is mounted on a separate drive shaft . The flow of air is shown by arrow 106. In use, air flow through the trailer or container and through the ducts or inlets and into the bulkhead. The air then flows through the ducts and out through the fans and exits the container or trailer through the outlets or side vents and into the air stream. Again, the bulkhead 11 is provided with doors to enable easy access to the air flow means located inside the bulkhead. The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A transporter for transporting livestock, the transporter comprising airflow means wherein the airflow means produces airflow generally in the direction of travel of the transporter. 2. A transporter according to claim 1 in which the transporter comprises a trailer arranged in use to be moved by a cab unit . 3. A transporter according to claim 1 in which the transporter comprises a cab unit integral with a trailer. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the airflow means is located adjacent to the end of the livestock transport area which is arranged, in use, to be forwardmost during travel. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the airflow means is located in a bulk head. 6. A transporter according to claim 5 in which the bulkhead is arranged, in use, to be located at a front end of the transporter. 7. A transporter according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which-, the bulkhead comprises access means to provide access to the airflow means. 8. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the transporter comprises a livestock transport area which comprises a plurality of levels . 9. A transporter according to claim 8 in which the height of each level may be the same. 10. A transporter according to claim 8 in which the height of each level may be different. 11. A transporter according to any one of claims 8 to 10 in which the height of the or each level may be adjusted. 12. A transporter according to any one of claims 8 to 11 in which the livestock transport area has two airflow means provided for the or each level . 13. A transporter according to claim 12 in which the airflow means are located laterally spaced apart on the or each level. 14. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the airflow means comprises a fan. 15. A transporter according to claim 14 in which the fan comprises an elongate cylindrical rotor. 16. A transporter according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which the fan has a housing comprising an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. 17. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the airflow means draws air from inside the livestock transport area and projects it to the external atmosphere . 18. A transporter according to any one of claims 14 to 17 when dependent upon claim 13 in which the fans located adjacent to a first lateral side are mounted on a single drive shaft. 19. A transporter according to claim 18 in which the fans located adjacent to a second lateral side are mounted on a single drive shaft. 20. A transporter according to claim 13 or any one of claims 14 to 17 when dependent upon claim 13 in which the fans located adjacent to a first lateral side are mounted on separate drive shafts. 21. A transporter according to according to claim 20 in which the fans located adjacent to a second lateral side are mounted on separate drive shafts. 22. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the airflow means is powered by drive means. 23. A transporter according to claim 22 in which the or each drive means is located within a compartment . 24. A transporter according to claim 23 in which the or each compartment is substantially waterproof. 25. A transporter according to any one of claims 22 to 24 in which the drive means comprises an electric motor. 26. A transporter according to any one of claims 22 to 25 in which the drive means is spaced from the airflow means . 27. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the transporter is for use by road travel. 28. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the lateral sides of the transport area are substantially enclosed. 29. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the rear end of the transport area has air inlet means defined therein. 30. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which the transport area has control means for adjusting the airflow within it. 31. A transporter according to any preceding claim in which sensor means are provided for sensing the airflow in the transport area. 32. A method of transporting livestock in a transporter the method including providing airflow means for inducing airflow within the transporter in the direction of travel of the transporter. 33. A method according to claim 32 comprising providing a plurality of levels within a livestock transport area of the transporter for supporting livestock. 34. A method according to claim 33 comprising adjusting the height of the or each level within the transporter. 35. A method according to claim 33 or claim 34 comprising providing separate means for inducing airflow on each level. 36. A method according to any one of claims 33 to 35 comprising inducing airflow through substantially the full height of the or each level . 37. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 36 in which the airflow inducing means comprises a fan. 38. A transporter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in any of Figures 2 to 15. 39. A method of transporting livestock in a transporter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in any of Figures 2 to 15.

Inventors: HOUGHTON JOHN MICHAEL, HOUGHTON, JOHN, MICHAEL
Applicants: HOUGHTON JOHN MICHAEL, PARKHOUSE COUNTRY ESTATES LTD, HOUGHTON, JOHN, MICHAEL, PARKHOUSE COUNTRY ESTATES LIMITED
Application year: 2001
Main classification: B60P3
IPC codes: B60P3