Abstract:
A restraining pen for livestock is provided for humane, safe and efficient handling of livestock. A restraining or knocking pen is provided that has features for securely receiving an animal such that the animal may be subject to knocking or veterinary operations and subsequently released from the pen without danger to the animal or human operators. A novel design provides for a compact footprint of the pen and an economical use of space.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/010,875, filed Jun. 11, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to confining and restraining cattle and other animals. More specifically, the present invention contemplates a method and system of restraining animals to facilitate handling of the animal, as may be necessary during slaughter or veterinary operations such as inoculations, castrations and the like. 
         [0003]    The effective restraint and handling of livestock during various operations has always presented a problem for farmers, ranchers and veterinarians. An animal must be securely restrained for the protection of the person or persons administering the procedure, hereinafter called the operator. At the same time, the restraining device must be constructed and used in a fashion that does not injure the animal. 
         [0004]    Known restraining devices have included simple chutes, clamping head gates, vise-like body clamps, and various combinations of these features. These devices have presented many problems. 
         [0005]    Prior efforts to combine the above features into a single system have resulted in cumbersome devices which are not easily transportable, which include a considerable array of control levers and the like, often inconveniently located on several sides of the device, typically occupy a significant amount of valuable space, and which can require multiple operators for their effective use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    There has been a long-felt and unmet need to provide a restraining device or knocking pen that is useful for a number of different animals that minimizes the amount of space required of the pen, and which is safe and effective for both operators and animals alike. Embodiments of the present invention provide a restraining apparatus for effectively loading, restraining and releasing an animal to facilitate slaughter operations or the like. Such animals include, but are not limited to, cattle, bison, swine, and others. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,547,520 to Pancero et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a knocking pen with increased capacity for use with various sized animals. Various features of Pancero, including gate features for containment of various sized animals and related ratchet devices are contemplated for use in various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,646,934 to Schmidt, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a knocking pen that contemplates automatic discharge of a knocked animal from the pen. Various features of Schmidt, including gate members for releasing a knocked animal are contemplated for use with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,724.027 to Zuber, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a knocking pen with automatic head restraint features and a drop-away floor and releasable side panel for releasing an animal from the pen. Various devices and features of Zuber are contemplated for use with knocking pens according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,294 to Taylor et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses methods and systems of slaughtering animals. Various features of Taylor, including various means for handling and restraining animals are contemplated for use in various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,572 to Meier, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses an apparatus for confining and restraining an animal to facilitate veterinary operations. Various features of Meier, including head restraint devices and operation levers are contemplated for use in various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,923 to Mollhagen, which is hereby incorporated by, reference in its entirety, discloses a portable squeeze chute apparatus for animals. Various features of Mollhagen, including exit gates, noise reduction, and weight detection means are contemplated for use with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,363 to Mollhagen, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses an adjustable livestock alleyway with pivotable panels. Various features of Mollhagen, including the ability to adjust at least a width of the alleyway are contemplated by various embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0014]    One object of the present invention is to provide an improved animal restraining apparatus for effectively confining and restraining an animal during slaughter or veterinary operations or the like. A further object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus which includes remotely operated entrance and egress features to facilitate entry and unloading of an animal. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus with a hinged loading ramp to facilitate the animal&#39;s entry to the device. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus with devices and features, such as a head gate or similar features to restrain the head and neck of an animal. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus with controls to permit a single operator to load, restrain, perform the operation, and release the animal without risk of injury (in the case where animals are treated and released) to the animal or the operator. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which comprises an economical use of space such that the device and the related operations may be employed in a number of locations and facilities, including those where space is limited. Various embodiments of the present invention contemplate providing a pen that is suitable for receiving and securing various animals, including but not limited to bovine, swine, bison, lamb, elk, deer, antelope, and numerous other animals that may be suitable for slaughter. 
         [0015]    In one aspect of the present invention, a portion of a head catch or head restraining device is provided in hinged communication and interconnected with a moveable sidewall. In certain embodiments, a moveable sidewall may be translated after knocking operations are complete such that both the sidewall and a portion of the head catch no longer operate to restrain and/or contain the animal. The animal is thus free to roll out or be ejected from the pen. 
         [0016]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, a restraining pen for humane slaughter of livestock animals is provided, the pen comprising a first vertical sidewall and a second vertical sidewall, the first vertical sidewall and second vertical sidewall spaced apart and at least partially defining an interior volume adapted to receive at least one of a plurality of animals. The first vertical sidewall comprises a first hinged restraining member, the first hinged restraining member hinged about a longitudinal axis of the pen and moveable between at least a first position and a second position. The second vertical sidewall comprises a second hinged restraining member, the second hinged restraining member hinged about a longitudinal axis of the pen and moveable between at least a first position and a second position. At least one of the first hinged restraining member and the second hinged restraining member comprises a user interface for moving the hinged restraining member between the first position and the second position, and at least one of the first vertical sidewall and second vertical sidewall is moveable in a vertical direction such that the sidewall and associated hinged restraining member are displaceable in a manner that allow for egress of an animal. 
         [0018]    In additional to or in lieu or conventional knocking features and methods, such as may be performed with a bolt gun, embodiments of the present invention also contemplate various stunning techniques and electrocution methods. For example, various features as shown in described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,540 to Grandin, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, are contemplated for use in embodiments of the present invention. Grandin discloses an electronic animal stunning system wherein animals may be continuously stunned, such as by electrode paddles while being moved through a passageway. Such features may be provided in combination with features and devices as shown herein. 
         [0019]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a detailed view of a component of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a detailed view of a component of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  is a detailed view of a component of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  is a side elevation view of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  is a side elevation view of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a knocking pen according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    As used herein, the term “knocking component” refers to any device, feature, method, or system which may be used to slaughter a livestock animal, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a bolt gun or a stunner. Other examples and types of knocking components will be well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0030]    As used herein, the terms “vertical” and “substantially vertical” each describe any feature that forms an angle of between about 60 and about 120 degrees, and preferably about 90 degrees, with a horizontal axis or plane, such as a floor or a ground surface. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of a knocking pen  2 . The knocking pen  2  comprises a containment feature for receiving and containing an animal such that the animal is restrained in a manner that is suitable for slaughter or veterinary operations while minimizing risk to the animal and human operators. The knocking pen  2  comprises a first end  4 , the first end  4  comprising a gate  6  or door member. In the depicted embodiment, the gate  6  is hinged about a frame member  8  of the pen  2 . In various embodiments, first end  4  and second end  5  both comprise a gate member  6 . The frame member  8  comprises vertical  10  and horizontal  12  support members, the support members provided to contain an animal and provide structural support for various features of the pen  2  as shown and described herein. The gate  6  may be manually or automatically opened and closed to secure an animal within an interior volume  14  of the pen  2 . The gate  6 , in various embodiments comprises locking members to prevent unwanted egress from an animal from at least the gate portion  6  of the pen  2 . A floor member  16  is provided within the interior volume  14 . in alternative embodiments, however, the pen  2  does not comprise a floor member or feature but rather utilizes an existing ground or floor surface of the environment in which the pen  2  is disposed. The floor member  16  of  FIG. 1  comprises a diamond plate type floor. Alternatively, however, it is contemplated that the floor member  16  comprises a grate type structure to allow for ease of cleaning and pass-through of fluids and materials, as well as reducing the overall weight of the pen  2 . In embodiments wherein the floor member  16  is provided as a substantially flat or planar member, it is preferably sloped to one or more sides or ends of the pen  2  to facilitate cleaning and allow fluid to flow toward a single location and generally away from the center of the pen  2 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an interior of a pen  2  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the pen  2  comprises a pair of sidewalk  18   a,    18   b  for containing an animal. At least one of the sidewalls  18   a,    18   b  is movable as shown and described herein to allow for egress of a knocked animal. In the depicted embodiment, a head restraint  20  is provided proximal a forward end of the frame  8  of the pen  2 . The head restraint  20  comprises a pair of hinged members  22   a,    22   b.  In the depicted embodiment, hinged members  22   a,    22   b  comprise substantially vertical members with an angle or bend provided therein. Alternatively, however, it is contemplated that hinged members  22   a    22   b  may comprise any one or more of a number of geometric shapes, including curved and rectangular members. A first hinged member  22   a  is provided on and hingedly connected to a first sidewall  18   a.  A second hinged member  22   b  is provided on and hingedly connected to a second sidewall  18   b.  The first hinged member  22   a  is connected to at least one vertical member  10  of the frame  8  via first and second triangular linkages  24   a,    24   b.  It will be expressly recognized, however, that any hinged connectors are suitable for connecting the first hinged member  22   a  with the frame  8  and/or first sidewall  18   a.  In various embodiments, the first hinged member  22   a  comprises a passive member in that the hinges are not powered or directly-driven by a motor or the like. The first hinged member  22   a  is actuatable by a cantilever member  26  extending from the second hinged member  22   b.  The cantilever member  26  comprises a rigid extension of the second hinged member  22   b  and is adapted to contact a cantilever interface  28  provided on the first hinged member  22   a.  Thus, when a force is applied to actuate and/or rotate the second hinged member  22   b,  such force is transferred to the first hinged member  22   a  and both members are moved and rotated about their respective hinges.  FIG. 2  depicts the hinged members  22   a,    22   b  in a lowered and open position, wherein the pen  2  and hinged members  22   a,    22   b  are provided in a position to receive at least the head of an animal. 
         [0033]    In various embodiments, an aperture  29  is provided in the cantilever interface  28 . A roller bearing is insertable into the aperture  29  to allow for the cantilever interface member  28  to slide smoothly along the cantilever  26  and thereby allow ease of movement of the head catch assembly, including the hinged members  22   a,    22   b.    
         [0034]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the hinged members  22   a,    22   b  may be raised and/or contracted to a closed state suitable for restraining the head of an animal. Specifically, hinged members  22   a,    22   b  are adapted to be moved from an open position to a closed position wherein the closed position comprises providing the hinged members  22   a,    22   b  proximal either sides of an animal&#39;s neck and wherein a tolerance fit is provided with the animal&#39;s head and/or withers such that the animal is substantially restrained. Second hinged member  22   b  may be provided in hinged communication with the frame  8  via triangular linkages, similar to the triangular linkages  24   a,    24   b  that connect the first hinged member  22   a  to the frame  8 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  provides a detailed perspective view of a user interface associated with second hinged member  22   b  for applying a lifting and/or closing force to the system  2 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the user interface comprises a lever arm  32 . In alternative embodiments, however, the user interface comprises any one or more of a number of components and features suitable for lifting the second hinged member  22   b,  including digital or graphical user interfaces suitable for controlling a motor to actuate the second hinged member  22   b.  It is contemplated that the weight of the second hinged member  22   b  and/or the combined weight of the hinged members  22   a,    22   b  is significant. Accordingly, the lever arm  32  is interconnected to a ratchet  34  and pawl  36  for securing the position of the second hinged member  22   b  at various rotational and vertical positions. When the hinged members  22   a,    22   b  are provided at a closed position, it is contemplated that an animal to be treated or knocked is secured, and the position of the animal generally fixed. Accordingly, the animal provided in the pen is prepared for various operations, including slaughter. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a position of the lever arm  32  and, thus, of the second hinged member  22   b  is secured by the interaction of the ratchet  34  with the pawl  36  to facilitate closing of the head restraint  20 . The second hinged member  22   b  is lowered or opened by a release member  38 , which is depicted as a foot pedal in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Thus, in order to return the second hinged member  22   b  to an open or lowered position, the release member  38  may be activated and the lever arm  32  positioned appropriately. 
         [0037]    Various embodiments of the present invention contemplate the provision and incorporation of additional components adapted for knocking animals, including but not limited to stunners or bolt guns. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a knocking pen  2  according to one embodiment of the present invention and wherein a first sidewall  18   a  is translatable to allow egress or ejection of an animal. The first sidewall  18   a  and associated first hinged member  22   b  are translatable in a vertical direction between the closed position of  FIG. 2  and the open position of  FIG. 4 . In various embodiments, the first sidewall  18   a  is translatable by a motor in communication with a cable and/or winch, such that simple operation of a push-button or similar feature is capable of raising the sidewall  18   a.  It will be recognized that an animal will typically be knocked while the pen  2  and hinged members  22   a,    22   b  are in a closed position. Subsequently, to release the animal and open a sidewall  18   a,  the sidewall will be raised from the closed position. When the sidewall  18   a  is raised, the hinged member  22   a  is raised along with the sidewall, and the cantilever interface  28  is lifted off of the cantilever member  26 . The sidewall  18   a  and hinged member  22   a  are thus raised collectively to the position shown in  FIG. 4  and such that an animal or carcass may be easily removed from the pen  2 . The vertical movement of the sidewall  18   a  and associated components reduces the size of the footprint required for the pen  2 , especially when compared to known devices wherein gates or sidewalls are required to swing outwardly. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of the present invention comprises a pen  2  with a sidewall lifting apparatus. In the depicted embodiment, a first sidewall  18   a  is vertically displaceable by a motor  54  and winch  56  system disposed vertically above at least an interior volume  14  of the pen  2 . For example, the motor  54  and winch  56  are provided on a track  52  or support beam upheld by at least one vertical support  50 . A cable  46  extends from the winch  56  or motor  54  to a portion of the sidewall  18   a,  the cable  46  is adapted to transmit a force from the motor to the sidewall  18   a  and lift the sidewall  18   a  in a substantially vertical manner. A control unit  58  is provided to selectively operate the lifting features of the pen  2 . The control unit  58  is depicted as a simple manual switch in  FIG. 4 , but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any number of devices suitable for controlling the motor  54  and winch  56  are suitable for use with the present invention. The first hinged restraining member  22   a  is secured to the first sidewall  18   a  by the triangular hinge members  24   a,    24   b.  Thus, when the sidewall  18   a  is displaced vertically, the first hinged restraining member is displaced along with the sidewall, and lifted off of and away from the second hinged restraining member  22   b  such that an animal is no longer restrained and free to exit a side of the pen  2 . 
         [0040]    In embodiments of the present invention, the first sidewall  18   a  is provided in a raised position, and the second sidewall  18   b  comprises a fixed or non-translatable wall. In alternative embodiments, more than one sidewall is translatable as shown and described herein. in a preferred embodiment, however, the second sidewall  18   b  comprises a fixed wall with an associated hinged member  22   b  comprises a powered member as shown and described herein, and the first sidewall  18   a  comprises a movable or translatable wall with a hinged member  22   a  that is actuated by the cantilever member  26  associated with the second hinged member  22   b,  and wherein the second hinged member  22   b  is capable of being lifted off the cantilever member  26  when the second sidewall  18   b  is to be raised. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 5A-5B  depict a pen  2  according to one embodiment of the present invention with a sidewall latch  40  provided in a closed and open position, respectively. As shown, the first sidewall  18   a  comprises a rotatable latch  40 , the latch  40  rotatable about an axis  41 , the axis  41  comprising a bolt or pin connection. The latch  40  is inserted into a slot  42  provided on a lower horizontal frame member  44  of the frame  8  as shown in  FIG. 5A . In the closed position of  FIG. 5A , the sidewall  18   a  is prevent from being opened or upwardly translated. Thus, the pen  2  is provided in a secured state to prevent unwanted opening of the sidewall  18   a.    FIG. 5B  depicts the latch  40  in an open position, wherein a cable  46  is operable to provide a rotational force on the latch  40  and rotate the latch  40  to an open position. In the position of  FIG. 5B , the latch  40  does not obstruct lifting of the first sidewall  18   a.  In certain embodiments, the cable  46  associated with the latch  40  is also operable to lift the sidewall  18   a.  in alternative embodiments, the cable  46  is provided only in association with the latch  40  for releasing the latch  40 , and a separate cable is provided to lift or actuate the sidewall  18   a.    
         [0042]    In various embodiments, and as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the pen  2  comprises an angled wall or portion  50  that serves as an ejection feature. For example, in embodiments wherein the first sidewall  18   a  comprises moveable sidewall, the second sidewall  18   b  comprises a substantially fixed wall and comprises an angle or angled portion  50 . In such embodiments, a knocked animal will fall or roll out of the pen  2  due to the force of gravity and provision of the angled portion  50 . As further shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , various embodiments of the present invention comprise a pen  2  with a hinged exit door  52 .  FIG. 6A  shows the hinged exit door  52  in a closed position, and  FIG. 6B  shows the door  52  in an open position to allow for ejection or release of an animal. The hinged door  52  may be provided in addition to or in lieu or movable sidewall  18   a  as shown and described herein. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  depicts one embodiment of a knocking pen  2  wherein a floor member  16  is provided at angle. As shown, the floor member  16  is angled toward a first side of the pen to allow for an animal, and particularly a knocked animal, to roll out of the pen. It will be recognized that certain animal to be knocked with various embodiments of the present invention may comprise large and heavy animals that are difficult to maneuver. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention contemplate various features including but not limited to the angled floor member  16  to facilitate operations. 
         [0044]    It is to be understood that while certain in forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.