Abstract:
The present invention provides a novel collapsible pen that is used in combination with a widely available modular unit used in the shipping industry. The present invention is economical to use by virtue of the fact that the pen may be stored inexpensively in a minimum of space in a disassembled state, may be assembled quickly, and may be easily and readily disassembled to permit alternate uses of the modular freight unit. The present invention consists of a collapsible pen erected on a standardized rectangular platform which has at least one side open to the air. The pen is made up of modular panels. The panels are attached to the rectangular platform, and can be used alone or in combination with any side or end walls present on the rectangular platform to create an enclosure.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    This invention relates to shipping livestock. Specifically, this invention relates to the specific field of using modular units to ship livestock overseas. The present invention consists of a standard rectangular platform used in container shipping that has been modified to hold livestock. In the preferred form of the invention, the standard rectangular platform to be modified is a platform-based container with incomplete superstructure and fixed ends. One common or general descriptor, used in the trade which encompasses such a rectangular platform, is the term “flatrack”. Platform-based containers can be stacked like cargo containers, and they can be transported over land by rail or by truck as well. The modifications made to the rectangular platform do not interfere with these characteristics. The modifications consist of modular panels erected around or near the perimeter of the standard rectangular platform, creating an enclosure, that can be assembled or disassembled wherever and whenever it is convenient.  
           [0002]    The prior art teaches a number of methods for shipping livestock overseas in modular units.  
           [0003]    If only one or only a few animals are to be shipped, the prior art teaches using special conveyances adapted to fit in the belly of a commercial plane. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,404 granted to Giles A. Instone and Jeremy A. Instone, entitled: Animal Conveyance Capable of Conversion into an Air Freight Container (Instone ′404). Instone ′404 teaches that it is desirable that a conveyance for shipping livestock be capable of multi-functional use. This means that the conveyance need not be transferred empty from one location to another, wasting valuable cargo space. Like Instone ′404, the present invention is a conveyance designed for the transportation of livestock which is also capable of being converted with minimal effort into a conveyance for other freight.  
           [0004]    Another approach, suitable when more than just a few animals are to be shipped, has been to modify general purpose containers so that livestock can be shipped on container ships. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,330 granted Jul. 29, 1997 to Larry Hayward Jewett, entitled: Shipping Container for Shipping Livestock. Using a modified general purpose container creates a number of efficiencies. First, a standardized general purpose container can be loaded onto a tractor-trailer rig, a train car or an ocean or lake freighter. This minimizes time lost in transferring a load from one mode of transportation to the next. Secondly, by using modular containers the load carrying ability of the vehicle or vessel involved is maximized. A shipper can take only a few units or a large number of units and fill excess space with other types of goods.  
           [0005]    However, modified general purpose containers present a problem if animals are to be shipped in only one direction. Since modified general purpose containers are usually not suitable for carrying other types of cargo, they often travel the return journey empty, wasting money and space. The present invention avoids this problem by adding components to a standard platform-based container that can be easily removed, rather than making permanent changes to the platform-based container.  
           [0006]    Another approach is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,490, granted to Mark DeRoche, entitled Collapsible Livestock Transport Stable (DeRoche ′490). DeRoche ′490 uses collapsible modular stables to ship livestock. The stables of DeRoche ′490 are easily disassembled and assembled. While the modular stables of DeRoche ′490 are not designed to travel on container ships, where the efficiencies of shipping mixed cargo are maximized, the stables of DeRoche ′490 are designed to be easily collapsed and stored in a minimum of space. This means that if animals are to be shipped only one way, the stables can make the return journey in a collapsed state taking up less room and therefore saving on transportation costs. The present invention is like DeRoche ′490 in that is provides a conveyance for shipping livestock that can quickly and easily be disassembled wherever it is convenient. Further, like DeRoche ′490, the panels of the present invention can be shipped in a disassembled state in a minimum of space. The present invention improves upon DeRoche ′490 by using a standard platform-based container as its base. This means not only that the present invention can be used on container ships, but further that its largest component can be utilized to carry other cargo rather than travel unused on return trips when no livestock are shipped.  
           [0007]    The present invention provides a novel collapsible pen that is used in combination with a widely available modular unit used in the shipping industry. The present invention is economical to use by virtue of the fact that the pen may be stored inexpensively in a minimum of space in a disassembled state, may be assembled quickly, and may be easily and readily disassembled to permit alternate uses of the modular freight unit.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention consists of a collapsible pen erected on a standardized rectangular platform which has at least one side open to the air. The pen is used for shipping livestock. The pen is made up of modular panels. The panels are attached to the rectangular platform, and can be used alone or in combination with any side or end walls present on the rectangular platform to create an enclosure. The present invention provides a means of transport that provides adequate ventilation for the health and safety of the livestock, while also adequately containing the animals&#39; fecal waste. The present invention further takes advantage of the efficiencies available in container shipping.  
           [0009]    It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved conveyance for shipping livestock.  
           [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a conveyance that is suitable for transporting livestock by truck, rail and ship.  
           [0011]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pen or corral suitable for use on a platform-based container, that can quickly and easily be disassembled so that the platform-based container on which it is erected can be used for carrying other cargo.  
           [0012]    The panels of the present invention are designed so that they can be stacked in a minimum of space such that the components for multiple conveyances can fit on one platform-based container for return journeys when they are not used.  
           [0013]    A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved livestock carrier unit which can be converted completely into a general cargo container leaving no trace of its use as a livestock carrier.  
           [0014]    A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved portable livestock pen which is efficient in operation, sturdy in use, and economical to manufacture.  
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a simplified, sectional, perspective view of a partially completed portion of the portable livestock pen of the present invention. Cattle are shown contained inside the pen. The posts of the platform based container open sided are shown without corner fittings which can be added.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the portable livestock pen of the present invention. The winch and hook assemblies are not shown in detail.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable livestock pen of the present invention taken along line  3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 is a side view of the portable livestock pen of the present invention taken along line  4  of the FIG. 2.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the portable livestock pen of the present invention showing the mid panel of the present invention, taken along line  5 .  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 is an end view of the portable livestock pen of the present invention taken along line  6  of FIG. 1. The other end view of the portable livestock pen is similar.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of an end panel of the portable livestock pen. A portion of a first top truss is shown.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8 is a detail of the winch assembly. The front portion of the mounting flange is not shown so that the connection between the winch and the mounting flange can be shown.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 is transverse cross section of the portable livestock pen of the present invention, showing the winch assembly and the hook assembly in detail.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 is a detail of the hook assembly.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 11 is a detail of a gate in a side panel of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a side panel taken along line  12  of FIG. 13.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 13 is a front view of a side panel of the present invention. The studs shown in phantom represent alternate positions for studs depending on whether a gate is installed in the side panel.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14  of FIG. 15.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 15 is a front view of the middle panel of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  16  of FIG. 15.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  17  of FIG. 18.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 18 is a front view of an end panel of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 19 is a side view of an end panel of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a one of the trusses of the top frame of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 21 is a detail plan view of a corner portion of the livestock pen of the present invention showing the corner bracket.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 22 is a plan view of an alternate form of the livestock pen of the present invention erected on a rectangular platform based container open sided with incomplete superstructure and fixed ends and end walls disposed between the corner posts.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0037]    The present invention consists of a livestock pen  1  for transporting livestock by rail, truck or on a container ship with other standardized freight containers. The pen has a base. The base consists of a rectangular platform  2  having a top  3  and a bottom  4 , and a perimeter extending around the top of the rectangular platform  2 , defined by two side edges  5  and  6  and two end edges  7  and  8 . The two side edges  5  and  6  and two end edges  7  and  8  meet at four corners. Four posts  9  of equal height are attached to the rectangular platform. The four posts  9  are located at the four corners and extend from the top  3  of the rectangular platform  2 . The posts  9  together with the two side edges  5  and  6  and the two end edges  7  and  8  define four perimeter planar areas which extend perpendicular to the rectangular platform  2  and from the top  3  of the rectangular platform  2  at its perimeter. During transit of the rectangular platform  2 , at least one of the perimeter planar areas is open to the air, having no wall, panel or other fixed closure means which is part of the rectangular platform  2 . Further the rectangular platform  2  is of standardized dimensions, formation and configuration such that the rectangular platform  2  is suitable for transport on a container ship stacked with other standardized freight containers. The pen  1  further has a plurality of panels erected on and connected to the rectangular platform  2 , creating an enclosed area on the rectangular platform for containing livestock.  
         [0038]    The International Organization of Standardization (ISO) provides definitions of freight containers that are useful in defining the rectangular platform  2  of the present invention. These definitions are found in a publication called ISO 830 Freight containers-Terminology, First Edition, 198-11-15, hereinafter called ISO 830:1981.  
         [0039]    ISO 830:1981 first identifies a subgroup of freight containers called general cargo containers. At section 4.1.1 of ISO 830:1981 the term “general cargo container” is defined as follows: “This is a general term applicable to any type of container which is not intended for use in air mode transport and which is not primarily intended for the carriage of a particular category of cargo such as a cargo requiring temperature control, a liquid or gas cargo, dry solids in bulk or cargoes such as automobiles (cars) or livestock.” The rectangular platform  2  that serves as the base of the present invention is a sub-group of general cargo containers as defined.  
         [0040]    ISO 830:1991 then goes on to distinguish general purpose containers from specific purpose containers. At ISO 830:1991 section 4.1.1.1 a “general purpose container” is defined as a “[f]reight container, totally enclosed and weather-proof, having a rigid roof, rigid side walls, rigid end walls and a floor, having at least one of its end walls equipped with doors and intended to be suitable for the transport of cargo of the greatest possible variety.” The rectangular platform  2  of the present invention is not a general purpose container as defined.  
         [0041]    A “specific purpose container” is considered a “general term applicable to all general cargo containers having constructional features either for the “specific purpose” of facilitating packing and emptying other than by means of doors at one end of the container, or for other specific purposes such as ventilation.” ISO 830:1991 section 4.1.1.2. The rectangular platform  2  of the present invention is a sub-group of specific purpose containers as defined.  
         [0042]    The term “rectangular platform” as used in the claims is considered to encompass the term “platform based container open sided” as defined in ISO 830:1991 at section 4.1.1.2.3, except any limitations as to series designations should be omitted from the definition of “rectangular platform”. The term “platform based container open sided” is “applied to any general cargo container which does not have rigid side walls or equivalent structures capable of withstanding all of the loads that may be withstood or transmitted by a side wall of a general purpose container and which, for this reason has a base structure similar to that of a platform (container). (See 4.1.1.2.4).” ISO 830:1991, section 4.1.1.2.3.  
         [0043]    ISO 830:1991 at section 4.1.1.2.4 defines a “platform (container)” as a “[l]oadable platform having no superstructure whatever but having the same length and width as the base of a container of the same series and equipped with top and bottom corner fittings, located in the plan view as on containers of series  1 , so that some of the same securing and lifting devices can be used.”  
         [0044]    ISO 830:1991 discusses three main sub-types of platform based container open sided. The first is “the platform based container open sided with complete superstructure” which is defined as a “[p]latform-based container, having a permanently fixed longitudinal load-carrying structure between ends at the top.” ISO 830:1991, section 4.1.1.2.3.1. This sub-type is further divided into “those having a rigid roof and rigid end walls (open sided); . . . those having an open top and rigid end walls; . . . [and] those having an open top and open ends (skeletal).” ISO 830:1991, section 4.1.1.2.3.1. The second sub-type are “platform based containers with incomplete superstructure and fixed ends” which are defined as a “[p]latform based container without any permanently fixed longitudinal load-carrying structure between ends other than at the base.” ISO 830:1991, section 4.1.1.2.3.2. The third sub-type defined is a “platform based container with incomplete superstructure and folding ends.” This sub-type is defined at ISO 830:1991, section 4.1.1.2.3.3, as a “[p]latform based container with incomplete superstructure (as envisaged in 4.1.1.2.3.2) but having folding end-frames with a complete transverse structural connection between corner posts.”  
         [0045]    A description follows of the construction and attachment of the modular panels to a 40′ by 8′ by 8′ rectangular platform  2  of standardized dimensions, formation and configuration such that the rectangular platform  2  is suitable for transport on a container ship stacked with other standardized freight containers. Such a construction constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is shown in FIG. 2. In the preferred embodiment, the rectangular platform  2  is a platform based container with an incomplete superstructure and fixed ends, wherein the fixed ends consist of fixed free-standing posts  9 .  
         [0046]    The platform based container open sided with an incomplete superstructure and fixed ends consisting of free-standing posts  9  of the preferred embodiment is built in conformance with the following International Organization of Standardization publications, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference:  
         [0047]    ISO 668 Series 1 freight containers-Classification, dimensions and ratings, Fifth Edition, Dec. 15, 1995;  
         [0048]    ISO 830 Freight Containers Terminology, First Edition, Nov. 15, 1981;  
         [0049]    ISO 1161 Series 1 freight containers-Corner Fittings-Specification, Fourth Edition, Dec. 15, 1984;  
         [0050]    ISO 1496-5 Series 1 freight containers-Specification and testing-Part 5: Platform and platform-based containers, Second Edition, Dec. 15, 1991;  
         [0051]    ISO 1496-5 Series 1 freight containers-Specification and testing-Part 5: Platform and platform-based containers-Amendment 1, Second Edition, Mar. 1, 1993;  
         [0052]    ISO 1496-5 Series 1 freight containers-Specification and testing-Part 5: Platform and platform-based containers-Amendment 2, Second Edition, Sep. 1, 1994;  
         [0053]    ISO 6346 Freight Containers-Coding, identification and marking, Third Edition, Dec. 1, 1995.  
         [0054]    These publications are made available to the general public in the United States by the American National Standards Institute, located at 11 West 42nd Street, New York, N.Y., 10038. These publications detail ISO construction standards for all platform based containers open sided.  
         [0055]    As shown in FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, two side panels  10  are used to span the distance between the corner posts  9  of the rectangular platform  2  along its elongated side edges  5  and  6 . On a 40′ rectangular platform, a total of four side panels  10  are used. See FIG. 2. The four side panels  10  are similar in construction. Variations in construction are determined by whether a side panel  10  will be fitted with a gate  11 , whether it will be fitted with a water trough  12  or other accessories, and whether it will be fitted with a winch assembly  13  or a hook assembly  14 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 13 shows a preferred side panel  10  prior to being fitted with either a winch assembly  13  or a hook assembly  14 . Phantom lines are meant to represent the alternate sites for the attachment of studs  15  depending on whether a gate  11  or gates  11  are built into the side panel  10 . If a gate  11  is to be positioned near an end of a side panel  10 , the first two studs  15  near that particular end of the panel shown in phantom are not used, and only the third and next stud  15  shown in phantom lines is used. If no gate  11  is to be positioned near a particular end of a side panel  10 , then studs  15  are placed at the first two sites demarcated in phantom lines near that particular end, and the next site shown in phantom lines is not used.  
         [0057]    The side panel  10  is framed with a top rail  16  and a kick plate  17  along the top and bottom edges of the side panel  10  respectively. The top rail  16  and the kick plate  1   7  are disposed generally parallel to each other. See FIG. 13.  
         [0058]    A plurality of vertically disposed studs  15  connect the top rail  16  to the kick plate  17 . The number of vertically disposed studs  15  used will depend on the desired spacing between the studs  15  and whether the side panel  10  will be formed with a gate  11 . The studs  15  should be spaced close enough to adequately support the paneling  18  against being pushed too far out by the animals and to provide sufficient rigidity to the side panel  10 . In the preferred embodiment, where cattle are to be transported, the studs  15  are generally spaced 16.5625″ apart. The studs  15  are welded to the top rail  16  and the kick plate  17 . Preferably, the tops of the studs  15  are cut to form a saddle in which the top rail  16  can rest.  
         [0059]    The top rail  16  and studs  15  are made of hollow 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The top rail  16  tubing has a diameter of 2″. The studs  15  have a diameter of approximately 1.5″. The kick plate  17  is also made from 6161-T6 aluminum, and is approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0060]    The kick plate  17  is formed with a generally elongated planar main body  19 , having a top edge  20 , and with an outwardly extending lower flange  21  disposed at a right angle to the main body  19  of the kick plate  17 . See FIGS. 13 and 9. This lower flange  21  rests on the rectangular platform  2 . Because, in the preferred form, the impermeable membrane  22  for containing the livestock waste is tied to the kick plate  17  near its top edge  20 , the kick plate  17  needs to be tall enough to anchor the impermeable membrane  22  above the level of waste in the enclosure. See FIG. 9. As is shown in FIG. 13, openings  23  are provided in the kick plate  17  near its top edge  20  for anchoring the impermeable membrane  22 .  
         [0061]    As is shown in FIG. 13, notches  24  are made in the kick plate  17  at intervals along its length. The notches remove material from the lower flange  21  and portions of the main body  19 . These notches  24  are designed to receive straps  25  that will connect opposed side panels  10  when the enclosure is erected. On either side of each notch  24 , panel gussets  26  are welded to the kick plate  17 . See FIGS. 8, 9 and  10 . The generally triangular panel gussets  26  connect to the main body  19  of the kick plate  17  and the lower flange  21  of the kick plate  17  along two sides. The panel gussets  26  are formed with openings for receiving first attachment fasteners  27 . The panel gussets  26  are used to connect either winch assemblies  13  or hook assemblies  14  to the kick plate  17  of the side panel  10  by means of the first attachment fasteners  27 . See FIGS. 8, 9 and  10 .  
         [0062]    As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the winch assemblies  13  and the hook assemblies  14  are each formed with two side plates  28  and a outwardly extending flange hook  29  that comprises the base for the assembly. These members can be welded together. The flange hooks  29  of the winch and hook assemblies  13  and  14  receive the side flanges  30  on the rectangular platform  2  and anchor the side panels  10  to the rectangular platform  2 . Openings are formed in the side plates  28  of the winch and hook assemblies  13  and  14 . These openings align with the openings in the panel gussets  26  when the winch and hook assemblies  13  and  14  are installed properly. First attachment fasteners  27  pass through the openings in the side plates  10  and through the openings in the panel gussets  26 . The first attachment fasteners  27  are preferably machine bolts with threaded nuts.  
         [0063]    As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the winch assemblies  13  are further formed with a mounting flange  31  disposed between the side plates  28  near the top of the side plates  28 . A winch  32  is mounted on the mounting flange  31  for tensioning the strap  25  that connects opposed side panels  10 . The winch  32  can be welded to the mounting flange  31 . The strap  25  as a tensioning member braces the side panels  10  against forces that would push them outward.  
         [0064]    In the preferred form, the hook assemblies  14  are formed with a pin  33  that can receive a hook  34  attached to the strap  25  that braces the lower ends of the side panels  10 . See FIG. 9. The pin  33  can be welded to the flange hook  29  of the hook assembly  14 . When the enclosure is erected on a rectangular platform  2 , an elongated strap  25  with a hook  34  is attached to the pin  33  of the hook assembly  14  and the free end of the strap  25  is run through the notch  24  in the side panel  10  to which the hook assembly  14  is adjacent. As shown in FIG. 9, the strap  25  runs across the rectangular platform  2  to its other side and through a corresponding notch  24  in the kick plate  17  of the opposed side panel  10 . The free end of the strap  25  is threaded into the winch  32  and a lever is used to turn the winch  32  until the strap  25  is wound tightly onto the winch  32  and placed in tension such that it can brace the opposed side panels  10  against outward displacement forces.  
         [0065]    As mentioned earlier, preferably, some of the side panels  10  are formed with gates  11  for the ingress and egress of the animals and handlers. FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of a gate  11  formed in a side panel  10 . The gate  11  is framed with a top strut  35 , a bottom strut  36 , two vertically disposed end struts  37  and an intermediate vertical strut  38 . The struts  35 ,  36 ,  37  and  38  are welded to each other. Hinges  39  for the gate  11  are mounted on one of the end struts  37  of the gate  11 . The hinges  39  receive one of the studs  15  of the side panel  10 . Annular rings  40  are welded onto the stud  15  received by the hinges  39  to appropriately position the hinges  39 . The other end strut  37  of the gate  11  is formed with a latching mechanism  41 . The latching mechanism  41  rotates on the end strut  37  and is manipulated with a handle  42 . Tabs  43  on the latching mechanism  41  receive the other stud  15  of the side panel  10  that frames the gate  11  when the gate  11  is in its latched position. The latching mechanism  41  is provided with a locking mechanism  44  that prevents the latching mechanism  41  from rotating on the end strut  37  unless the latching mechanism  41  is raised above the locking mechanism  44 .  
         [0066]    As shown in FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, the kick plate  17  of each side panel  10  at a selected end is further provided with a mid-panel connector gusset  45 . This mid-panel connector gusset  45  is similar to the panel gussets  26  welded to the kick plate  17 . The mid-panel connector gusset  45  is also welded to the kick plate  17 . The mid-panel connector gusset  45  is formed with openings for receiving second attachment fasteners  46 . The second attachment fasteners  46  connect the mid-panel connector gusset  45  to a gusset on the middle panel  47  and to the corresponding mid-panel connector gusset  45  on the adjacent side panel  10 . The second attachment fasteners  46  are also preferably machine bolts with threaded nuts.  
         [0067]    In the preferred embodiment, the kick plate  17  of each side panel  10  at a second selected end is formed with end panel attachment openings  48  for receiving third attachment fasteners  49 . See FIGS. 3 and 13. Positions for these openings  48  are shown in phantom in FIG. 13. The third attachment fasteners  49  connect the kick plate  17  of the side panel  10  to the adjacent end panel  50 . The third attachment fasteners  49  are also preferably machine bolts with threaded nuts.  
         [0068]    In the preferred embodiment, the top rail  16  of the side panel  10  is provided with a plurality of connection tabs. See FIG. 12. The connection tabs attach the top rail  16  to the other components of the enclosure. The first set of connection tabs are the side panel end tabs  51  which are located at the ends of the top rail  16 . The side panel end tabs  51  are each formed with an opening  52  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 . The fourth attachment fasteners  53  are also preferably machine bolts with threaded nuts. Preferably, the ends of the top rails  16  are notched and the side panel end tabs  51  are inserted into the notches and welded in place. The side panel end tabs  51  are generally planar and rectangular in configuration, and extend parallel to the rectangular platform. The side panel end tabs  51  are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and are approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0069]    The second set of connection tabs on the side panel top rail  16  are the side panel intermediate tabs  54 . See FIG. 12. In the preferred embodiment, there are three such side panel intermediate tabs  54  spaced at regular intervals along the top rail  16 . The side panel intermediate tabs  54  are also formed as generally rectangular planar members. Each is formed with an opening  55  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 . The side panel intermediate tabs  54  extend generally perpendicular to the studs  15  and generally parallel to the rectangular platform  2  when the enclosure is erected. The side panel intermediate tabs  54  are welded to the top rail  16 . The side panel intermediate tabs  54  are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and are approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0070]    As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the side panels  10  can be fitted with additional accessories. As shown in FIG. 2, two of the side panels  10  are fitted with water troughs  12 . As shown in FIG. 3, each of the side panels shown is fitted with a strut  56  disposed between two of the studs  15  for mounting a water trough  12 . Next to each strut is a hose bib  57  for providing water to the trough  12 . Preferably, the trough  12  is fitted with an automatic shut-off valve that is triggered when the level of the water in the trough  12  reaches a certain height.  
         [0071]    To provide rigidity to the preferred embodiment built on a 40′ rectangular platform  2 , a middle panel  47  is also used. The middle panel  47  traverses the rectangular platform  2  and is connected to all four side panels  10 . See FIG. 2.  
         [0072]    As is shown in FIG. 15, the middle panel  47  is framed with a top rail  58  and a bottom rail  59  along the top and bottom edges of the middle panel  47  respectively. The top rail  58  and the bottom rail  59  are disposed generally parallel to each other.  
         [0073]    A plurality of vertically disposed studs  60  connect the top rail  58  to the bottom rail  59 . The number of vertically disposed studs  60  used will depend on the desired spacing between the studs  60 . The studs  60  should be spaced close enough to adequately support the paneling  18  against being pushed by the animals and to provide sufficient rigidity to the middle panel  47 . In the preferred embodiment, where cattle are to be transported, the studs  60  are generally spaced 15″ apart. The studs  60  are welded to the top rail  58  and the bottom rail  59 . Preferably, the tops and bottoms of the studs  60  are cut to form a saddle in which the top rail  58  and the bottom rail  59  can rest.  
         [0074]    The top rail  58 , bottom rail  59  and studs  60  are made of hollow 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The tubing for the top and bottom rails  58  and  59  has a diameter of 2.5″. The studs  60  also have a diameter of approximately 2.5″.  
         [0075]    As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, side panel connector gussets  61  are welded to the two outermost studs  60  of the middle panel  47 . These gussets  61  are generally planar and triangular and lie in line with the bottom rail  59 . They are connected on the outside of the outermost studs  60  along one edge, preferably by welding. The generally triangular side panel connector gussets  61  are formed with openings  62  for receiving second attachment fasteners  46 . The side panel connector gusset  61  is similar to the mid-panel connector gussets  45  welded to the kick plates  17  of the adjacent side panels  10 . When the pen  1  is erected, the side panel connector gusset  61  of the middle panel  47  will lie between the two adjacent mid-panel connector gussets  45  with the openings in the three gussets  61  and  45  in alignment. See FIG. 2. The second attachment fasteners  46  are inserted through the aligned openings and tightened so that the gussets  61  and  45  are held firmly together.  
         [0076]    As shown in FIG. 14, in the preferred embodiment, the top rail  58  of the middle panel  47  is provided with a plurality of connection tabs. The connecting tabs attach the top rail  58  to the other components of the enclosure. The first set of connection tabs are the mid-panel end tabs  63  which are located at the ends of the top rail  58 . The mid-panel end tabs  63  are each formed with two openings  64  for receiving fourth attachment fasteners  53 . Preferably, the ends of the top rail  58  are notched and the mid-panel end tabs  63  are inserted into the notches and welded in place. The mid-panel end tabs  63  are generally planar in configuration, and extend parallel to the rectangular platform. The mid-panel end tabs  63  are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and are approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0077]    The mid-panel end tabs  63  will overlap adjacent side panel end tabs  51  when the pen  1  is erected, such that the openings  64  and  52  in the overlapping mid-panel and side-panel end tabs  63  and  51  will be alignment to receive fourth attachment fasteners  53 . The fourth attachment fasteners  53  are tightened such that the mid-panel and side panel end tabs  63  and  51  are clamped together.  
         [0078]    The second set of connection tabs on the middle panel top rail  58  are the mid-panel intermediate tabs  65 . See FIG. 14. In the preferred embodiment, there are two such mid-panel intermediate tabs  65  disposed on either side of the top rail  58  at its middle point. The mid-panel intermediate tabs  65  are also formed as generally planar members. Each is formed with an opening  66  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 . The mid-panel intermediate tabs  65  extend generally perpendicular to the studs  60  and generally parallel to the rectangular platform when the enclosure is erected. The mid-panel intermediate tabs  65  are welded to the top rail  58 . The mid-panel intermediate tabs  65  are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and are approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0079]    In the preferred embodiment, two end panels  50  are also provided that are similar to the middle panel  47  in size, but have kick plates  67  instead of bottom rails. See FIGS. 17, 18 and  19 .  
         [0080]    Each end panel  50  is framed with a top rail  68  and a kick plate  67  along the top and bottom edges of the end panel  50  respectively. See FIG. 18. The top rail  68  and the kick plate  67  are disposed generally parallel to each other.  
         [0081]    A plurality of vertically disposed studs  69  connect the top rail  68  to the kick plate  67 . The number of vertically disposed studs  69  used will depend on the desired spacing between the studs  69 . In the preferred embodiment, where cattle are to be transported, the studs  69  are generally spaced 15″ apart. The studs  69  are welded to the top rail  68  and the kick plate  67 . Preferably, the tops of the studs  69  are cut to form a saddle in which the top rail  68  can rest.  
         [0082]    The top rail  68  and studs  69  are made of hollow 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The top rail  68  tubing has a diameter of 2.5″. The studs  69  have a diameter of approximately 2.5″ as well. The kick plate  67  is also made from 6161-T6 aluminum, and is approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0083]    The kick plates  67  of the end panels  50  are formed in a similar fashion as the side panel kick plates  17 , however, there is no need in the preferred embodiment to provide the end panel kick plate  67  with either winch or hook assemblies. The kick plate  67  is formed with a generally elongated planar main body  70 , having a top edge  71 , and with an outwardly extending lower flange  72  disposed at a right angle to the main body  70  of the kick plate  67 . See FIG. 19. This lower flange  72  rests on the rectangular platform  2 . Because, in the preferred form, the impermeable membrane  22  for containing the livestock waste is tied to the kick plate  67  near its top edge  71 , the kick plate  67  needs to be tall enough to anchor the impermeable membrane  22  above the level of waste in the enclosure. See FIG. 9 and FIG. 18. As is shown in FIG. 18, openings  73  are provided in the kick plate  67  near its top edge  71  for anchoring the impermeable membrane  22 .  
         [0084]    As shown in FIG. 19, attached to the kick plates  67  of the end panels  50  at their outer edges are side panel connector gussets  74 . The side panel connector gussets  74  are welded to the kick plate  67 . These gussets  74  are generally planar and rectangular and lie perpendicular to the kick plate  67 . These gussets  74  are formed with openings  75  for receiving third attachment fasteners  49 . When the pen  1  is erected, the side panel connector gusset  74  of the end panels  50  will lie adjacent to selected ends of the kick plates  17  of the side panels  10 . The openings  75  formed in the side panel connector gusset  74  will align with the end panel attachment openings  48  in the selected ends of the side panel kick plates  17 . With the openings  75  and  48  in alignment third attachment fasteners  49  can be inserted therethrough to rigidly connect the end panel  50  to the side panel  10 . If the side panel connector gusset  74  of the end panel  50  does not register with the kick plate  17  of the side panel  10 , a spacer can be placed between them to make the connection more rigid.  
         [0085]    See FIG. 17, in the preferred embodiment, the top rail  68  of each end panel  50  is provided with a plurality of connection tabs. The connecting tabs attach the top rail  68  to the other components of the enclosure. The first set of connection tabs are the end panel end tabs  76  which are located at the ends of the top rail  68 . The end panel end tabs  76  are each formed with an opening  77  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 . Preferably, the ends of the top rails  68  are notched and the end panel end tabs  76  are inserted into the notches and welded in place. The end panel end tabs  76  are generally planar and rectangular in configuration, and extend parallel to the rectangular platform  2 . The end panel end tabs  76  are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and are approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0086]    The end panel end tabs  76  and the side panel end tabs  51  connect to an intermediate member called a corner bracket  78 . See FIGS. 2 and 21. The corner bracket  78  is formed as a generally L-shaped member, with an opening in each of the legs. The interior angle of the L-shaped member is meant to receive the two interior sides of the corner post  9  of the rectangular platform  2 . Abutment plates may be provided on the two interior angle edges of the L-shaped corner bracket  78  to provide strength. The abutment plates would be welded to the L-shaped corner bracket  78  and disposed perpendicular to it.  
         [0087]    When the pen  1  is erected, the corner brackets  78  are attached to adjacent end tabs  76  and  51  of the end panels  50  and side panels  10  with fourth attachment fasteners  53  inserted through the aligned openings and in the corner brackets  78  and the end tabs  76  and  51 .  
         [0088]    The other connection tab on the end panel top rail  68  is the end panel intermediate tab  79 . In the preferred embodiment, the end panel intermediate tab  79  is disposed at the middle point of the top rail  68 . See FIG. 17. The end panel intermediate tab  79  is also formed as a generally planar member with an opening  80  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 . The end panel intermediate tab  79  extends generally perpendicular to the studs  69  and generally parallel to the rectangular platform  2  when the enclosure is erected. The end panel intermediate tab  79  is welded to the top rail  68 . The end panel intermediate tab  79  is made from 6061-T6 aluminum and is approximately ¼″ thick.  
         [0089]    On all of the panels, rigid polyethylene paneling  18  is mounted by means of brackets  81 . See FIGS. 3, 4,  5  and  6 . The polyethylene paneling  18  is mounted in abutment, such the animals for the most part will not be able to see outside of the enclosure. The polyethylene paneling  18  also helps to contain waste.  
         [0090]    To give the enclosure further rigidity, a top frame is provided. The top frame serves, in part, as a bracing member. In the preferred embodiment, this top frame consists of two identical trusses  82 . Each truss  82  connects two opposed side panels  10  as well as the middle panel  47  and an end panel  50 . See FIG. 2.  
         [0091]    The trusses  82  connect to the intermediate tabs  54 ,  79  and  65  of the side panels  10 , the end panels  50  and the middle panel  47  with fourth attachment fasteners  53 .  
         [0092]    As shown in FIG. 20, in the preferred embodiment, a truss  82  is constructed in the following manner. A truss end tab is  83  provided that is substantially planar and is formed with an opening  84  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 .  
         [0093]    Two first tube braces  85  of substantially equal length are connected to the first truss end tab  83 . Preferably, notches are formed in the ends of the fist tube braces  85  that will connect to the truss end tab  83 . The truss end tab  83  is received in those notches and welded to the first tube braces  85 . The first tube braces  85  extend away from the truss end tab  83  forming an interior angle between them that is less than 180 degrees.  
         [0094]    Each of the free ends of the first tube braces  85  is attached to a separate truss corner tab  86 . The truss corner tab  86  is also substantially planar and is formed with an opening  87  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 . Like the connection between the truss end tab  83  and the first tube braces  85 , each truss corner tab  86  is preferably inserted into a notch in a first tube brace  85  and then welded to it.  
         [0095]    A second tube brace  88  spans between the truss corner tabs  86 , connecting them and forming a triangular frame with the first tube braces  85 . The connection between the second tube brace  88  and the two truss corner tab  86  is also made by notching the ends of the second tube brace  88  and fitting the truss corner tabs  86  into the notches and welding.  
         [0096]    Third tube braces  89  of substantially equal length are connected to each of the truss corner tabs  86 . These third tube braces  89  extend from the truss corner connectors  86  on intersecting paths to create a similar triangular frame disposed opposite the first triangular frame created by the first tube braces  85  and the second tube brace  88 .  
         [0097]    The third tube braces  89  are connected by a truss center tab  90  that is received in notches in the free ends of the third tube braces  89  and welded to them.  
         [0098]    Also extending from each of the truss corner tabs  86  is a fourth tube brace  91 . These fourth tube braces  91  are of substantially equal length and extend generally parallel to each other and away from the first tube braces  85 . The fourth tube braces  91  are each connected to a truss corner tab  86  in a similar fashion as described above and each is also connected to a truss middle tab  92  in a similar fashion as described above.  
         [0099]    The truss middle tab  92  is also a generally planar member with an opening  93  for receiving a fourth attachment fastener  53 .  
         [0100]    Each of the truss middle tabs  92  is connected to the truss center tab  90  by fifth tube braces  94 . The two fifth tube braces  94  are substantially equal in length and are disposed in a line. Each fifth tube brace  94  together with an adjacent fourth tube brace  91  and an adjacent third tube brace  89  creates a triangular frame.  
         [0101]    The fifth tube braces  94  connect to the truss middle tabs  92  and to the truss center tab  90  in the manner as described above for similar connections.  
         [0102]    The remaining portion of the truss  82  is constructed in a similar manner and is a mirror image of the first portion of the truss  82  already described. Two additional third tube braces  89  are connected to the truss center tab  90 , and extend away from the truss center tab  90 , each in line with a third tube brace  89  connected to the truss center tab  90 . Two additional fourth tube braces  91  extend away from the truss middle tabs  92 , each in line with a fourth tube brace  91 . Each additional third tube brace  89  connects to an intersecting, additional fourth tube brace  91  by means of a truss corner tab  86 . The two additional truss corner tabs  86  are connected by an additional second tube brace  88 , creating another triangular framing element between the two additional third tube braces  89  and the additional second tube brace  88 . Finally, two additional first tube braces  85  are connected to each of the additional two truss corner tabs  86  and intersect at an additional truss end tab  83 .  
         [0103]    The components of the truss are also preferably made out of 6061-T6 aluminum with the tube braces being approximately 1.25′ to 1.5″ inches in diameter.  
         [0104]    The truss  82  is designed so that when the pen  1  is erected, one of the truss end tabs  83  will overlap with an end panel intermediate tab  79 , such that the openings  80  and  84  in the tabs  79  and  83  align and can receive a common fourth attachment fastener  53 . The other truss end tab  83  will overlap a middle panel intermediate tab  65  and the openings  66  and  84  in the tabs  65  and  83  will align to receive a fourth attachment fastener  53 . Further, when the truss  82  is attached to the side panels  10 , the fourth tube braces  91  will parallel the top rails  16  of the side panels  10 . Each of the truss corner tabs  86  will connect to a side panel intermediate tab  54  by means of a fourth attachment fastener  53 . Each of the truss middle tabs  92  will also connect to separate side panel intermediate tab  54  by means of a fourth attachment fastener  53 .  
         [0105]    After the side panels  10 , the end panels  50 , and the middle panel  47  have been connected to each other, impermeable membranes  22  are installed in each of the enclosures formed. In the preferred embodiment, the impermeable membrane  22  is a tarp with grommets spaced around its edges. The tarp is made from vinyl-coated nylon. The tarp is large enough to cover one-half of the rectangular platform  2  as well as extend up to the top edges  20  and  71  of the kick plates  17  and  67  of the side and end panels  10  and  50  and to a similar height on the middle panel  47 . The tarp is rectangular in shape and folded over itself at the corner intersections of the side panels  10  with the end panel  50  and the middle panel  47 . Ties are looped through the grommets in the tarp and through the openings  23  and  27  in the kick plates  17  and  67 . The middle panel  47  is provided with intermediate cross bars  95  for securing the tarp. See FIG. 5.  
         [0106]    After the tarp is laid down and secured, stall mats  96  are placed over the tarp to protect it. See FIG. 9.  
         [0107]    If the voyage will be of a long duration, a feeding trough  97  can be placed in each of the enclosures created by the middle panel  47  that divides the pen  1  into two enclosures. See FIG. 2. The feeding troughs  97  can be secured to the middle pane  47 .I  
         [0108]    The pen  1  can also be provided with mesh or tarp spread over the top frame to provide shade to the animals. It is preferred during most voyages that the rectangular platforms  2  with animals be shipped near deck level so that handlers can reach the animals. Since container ships usually stack many levels of containers in each column, the rectangular platforms will generally have containers stacked above them that can provide shade to the animals during the voyage.  
         [0109]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention involves erecting panels on a rectangular platform  2  having corner posts  9 . The corner posts  9  provide longitudinal resistance to movement of the panels, as well as aiding the straps  22  and flange hooks  29  in providing lateral or transverse resistance. Additional anchoring points and lashing points on the rectangular platform  2  can be used to anchor the panels against longitudinal and lateral or transverse forces with methods generally known in the art.  
         [0110]    As is shown in FIG. 22, panels may be eliminated from the pen  1  and the enclosure still maintained. FIG. 22 shows a rectangular platform  2 ′ with incomplete superstructure and fixed ends, wherein the fixed ends consist of a complete end structure (end walls  98 ). Because end walls  98  are present on the rectangular platform  2 ′, end panels  50  are not needed to complete the enclosure. FIG. 22 shows a cross bar  99  connecting two opposed corner brackets  78  to provide further stability to the structure.  
         [0111]    As shown in the drawings, the rectangular platforms  2  and  2 ′ are provided with corner fittings  100  to allow stacking of the rectangular platforms  2  and  2 ′ with other standardized freight containers, and to allow easy attachment of the rectangular platforms  2  and  2 ′ to trucks and rail cars designed to carry standardized freight containers.