Abstract:
A castor assembly comprising a base plate, a wheel assembly extending from base plate, a vertical support member plate, a vertical retaining member, a retaining bolt, and a horizontal retaining member. The vertical support member has a pair of vertically spaced slots. The horizontal retaining member extends from the retaining bolt and is movable along the retaining bolt in a way that the horizontal retaining member is positionable between an open position, a first closed position wherein the horizontal retaining member is disposed in the first slot to retain an object having a first size in the object receiving space, and a second closed position wherein the horizontal retaining is disposed in the second slot to retain another object having a second size that is different from the first size in the object receiving space.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/939,415, filed Jul. 11, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,755, filed Nov. 9, 2010, now abandoned, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/259,319, filed Nov. 9, 2009. The entire contents of each are each hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The inventive concept(s) disclosed herein relates generally to an apparatus and method for forming a cart, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an apparatus and method for forming a cart by combining and utilizing dollies and livestock fan cage assemblies, extensions, chutes, and the like. 
         [0004]    2. Brief Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    In the livestock industry, and in particularly, in the competitive field of livestock breeding and showing, a wide variety of equipment is necessary for proper maintenance and showing of the animals. Breeders and owners show their livestock at various competitions and functions, and usually transport into each location the equipment for showing and maintenance of the animals. Numerous items are used for the livestock competitions and functions, and the equipment is often large and bulky. 
         [0006]    During a competition, the needed equipment needs to be unloaded at the event location. This typically requires the breeder to back a trailer or truck up to the location doors and manually unload and transport the equipment into the location. The equipment must be transferred to a specific site for display and maintenance of the livestock during the event. This manual process requires a person to carry the equipment to the event site for the showing and maintenance of the animals during the event. Due to the quantity and size of the equipment, this unloading process usually takes several trips. While unloading, several other breeders and owners are typically waiting their turn to unload their equipment. This manual equipment transfer process presents problems of flow into and out of the event area and causes undesirable delay for the numerous breeders and owners waiting to unload their equipment. 
         [0007]    Thus, there is a need for a device to minimize the time and effort required to unload and transport the necessary equipment at livestock shows. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a means to conveniently, quickly and easily transport all the necessary equipment from the truck or trailer and into the event location. 
         [0008]    It is not believed that the prior art provides a satisfactory apparatus or means for transporting the necessary equipment for livestock showing and maintenance in various livestock competitions and functions. The equipment typically includes large fan cage assemblies, fans, chutes, feed, grooming supplies, and other various supplies. Although dollies are available to move many items, it is not believed that prior art dollies are available which provide the apparatus and means to simultaneously move the required equipment for livestock showing and maintenance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art fan cage. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a prior art stall divider used in the fan cage of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a prior art L bar used in the fan cage of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cart constructed in accordance with the present disclosure and utilizing the fan cage of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first dolly shown connected to one stall divider and the straight ends of two L bars. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the embodiment of a first dolly shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a first dolly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second dolly shown connected to one stall divider and the corner of two L bars. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the embodiment of a second dolly shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a first dolly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a prior art livestock chute. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cart constructed in accordance with the present disclosure and utilizing the chute of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a castor assembly shown attached to the cart of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the castor assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a castor assembly according to the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a castor assembly according to the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIG. 1 , shown therein is a fan cage  100  for displaying and maintaining livestock at competitions and other various functions. The fan cage  100  is typically brought to an event in a disassembled condition via a truck or trailer, transported by hand to a specified location for the showing and maintenance of the livestock, and then reassembled as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The livestock can then be tethered to the fan cage  100  for showing and maintenance during the event. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the fan cage  100  generally includes two stall dividers  102 . Each stall divider  102  is substantially identical in construction; therefore, only one of the stall dividers  102  will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . A stall divider  102  can be used for separation of livestock at an event. The stall divider  102  typically includes two vertical support members  104  and  106 . The vertical support members  104  and  106  may be fabricated with top openings  104   a  and  106   a,  respectively, as well as bottom openings  104   b  and  106   b,  respectively. The stall divider  102  can also include several horizontal members  108  and a mesh covering  110  located between portions of the horizontal members  108  and attached to the vertical support members  104  and  106 . The fan cage  100  can function to separate the livestock and to contain bedding and other material at an event location. Although an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein may include the stall divider  102  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , there are many configurations of stall dividers known in the industry, which may be used with the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. 
         [0027]    The fan cage  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  can also include two L bars  112 , such as the L bars  112  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Each L bar  112  preferably has a first straight member  114  and a second straight member  116  joined together to form a right angled corner  118 . The first straight member  114 , the second straight member  116 , and the right angled corner  118  can include open ends  114   a,    116   a  and  118   a,  respectively. Although an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include an L bar  112  of  FIG. 3 , there are other L bars available in the industry which may also be used with the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. 
         [0028]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the fan cage  100  can be assembled by inserting the second straight members  116  of two L bars  112  into the top openings  104   a  of the stall dividers  102 . Furthermore, a first straight member  114  of an L bar  112  can connect to a second straight member  114  of a second L bar  112  by inserting the end of the first straight member  114  into the open end  114   a  of the opposing second straight member  114  for example. Other ways to connect the first straight member  114  to the second straight member  114  may include telescoping members, or clamps, latch pins, and bolts, for example. The fan cage  100  may also be configured with additional L bars  112  inserted into the top openings  104   a  of the two stall dividers  102 . Furthermore, the fan cage  100  may also include fans  120  (see  FIG. 3 ). Although an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein may include the fan cage  100  of  FIG. 1 , there are many configurations of fan cages known in the industry, which may be used in the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary embodiment of a cart  122  constructed in accordance with the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein is illustrated. The cart  122  provides breeders and owners with improved means for transporting the equipment for showing and maintaining livestock at an event. Thus, the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein preferably allows a breeder or owner to easily form the cart  122  from the equipment used at a livestock event, such as a disassembled fan cage  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    After formation, the cart  122  can also be loaded with additional equipment and supplies, such as rakes, feed, fans, and the like. The cart  122  can then be wheeled into an event, reducing the time required to unload the equipment and eliminating manual carrying of heavy and bulky items. Furthermore, once the cart  122  reaches the designated location, the breeder or owner is then able to quickly unload materials from the cart  122 , disassemble the cart  122 , and reassemble the necessary equipment, such as the fan cage  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein provides another improvement over known devices, such as conventional dollies, to carry in the necessary equipment, because once the cart  122  is disassembled, preferably little remains for a breeder or owner to store. 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the cart  122  can include the two stall dividers  102 , at least one L bar  112 , a first dolly  124 , and a second dolly  126 . The two stall dividers  102  can form the sides of the cart  122 , and the L bar  112  can be positioned between the first dolly  124 , and the second dolly  126  to form a bottom of the cart  122 . An exemplary embodiment includes two L bars  112  forming a bottom of the cart  122 ; however, the cart  122  could be formed to accommodate any number of L bars  112 . Also, the cart  122  can be formed without using any L bars  112 . Furthermore, additional types of stall dividers exist in the prior art and could be used to form the sides of the cart  122 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , the first dolly  124  is illustrated including swivel wheels  128  attached to a first horizontal bar  130 . Although  FIGS. 5-6  illustrate the use of swivel wheels, other types of wheels, such as fixed wheels, may be used with the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. The first horizontal bar  130  includes a pair of tabs  132   a  and  132   b,  each of which can cooperate to function as guides or stops for holding the first straight member  114  or the second straight members  116  of the L bars  112 . Other means of fastening, such as clamps, bolts, and the like, may be used for attaching the first straight member  114  or the second straight member  116  of the L bars  112  to the first horizontal bar  130 . 
         [0033]    The first dolly  124  further includes a pair of outer support members  132  attached to the first horizontal bar  130  preferably near each of the outer ends thereof, such that the outer support members  132  extend in a substantially vertical orientation. The outer support members  132  can be configured to be received in the bottom opening  104   b  or  106   b  of the vertical support members  104  or  106  of the stall divider  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The outer support members  132  and the vertical support members  104  and  104  may have corresponding apertures formed therethrough to allow a latch pin  134  to be inserted through the apertures in order to secure the vertical support members  104  and  106  to the outer support members  132 . The latch pin  134  may be secured to the first dolly  124  via a cable, or by any other suitable means known in the art. Other means of attaching the vertical support members  104  and  106  of the stall divider  102  to the first horizontal bar  130  may be used, including clamps, bolts, and the like, for example. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of a first dolly  136  constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The first dolly  136  can include swivel wheels  138  attached to a first horizontal bar  140 . Although  FIG. 7  illustrates the use of swivel wheels, other types of wheels, such as fixed wheels, can be used with the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. The first horizontal bar  140  is preferably substantially square shaped and includes a pair of inner retaining members  142   a  and  142   b,  each of which may function as a guide or stop for holding the first straight member  114  or the second straight members  116  of the L bars  112 . The inner retaining members  142   a  and  142   b  each have three vertically extending walls which are substantially perpendicular to each other, and cooperate to define a U-shaped space for retaining the first straight member  114  or the second straight member  116  of the L bars  112 . It will be appreciated that the inner retaining members  142   a  and  142   b  may also be oriented such that the U-shape is vertically inverted. 
         [0035]    The first dolly  136  further includes a pair of outer support members  144  attached to the first horizontal bar  140  near each of the outer ends thereof such that the outer support members  144  extend in a substantially vertical orientation. The outer support members  144  are configured to be received in the bottom opening  104   a  or  106   a  of the vertical support members  104  or  106  of the stall divider  102  in a manner similar to that of  FIG. 5 . The first dolly  136  further comprises a pair of retaining members  146 . The retaining members  146  can be disposed in a substantially parallel orientation to the outer support members  144 , and may each have an aperture  152  adapted to receive a retaining bolt or set screws  150  therethrough. The retaining bolt  150  is preferably disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the retaining vertical members  146  and the outer support members  144 . When the outer support members  144  are received in the vertical support members  104  and  106  of the stall divider  102 , the vertical support members  104  and  106  are preferably disposed between the outer support members  144  and the retaining vertical members  148 . The retaining bolt  150  can operate to secure the vertical support member  104  or  106  of the stall divider  102  to the first horizontal bar  140  by compressing the vertical support member  104  or  106  of the stall divider  102  against the outer support member  144 . Other means for securing the vertical support member  104  or  106  to the retaining vertical members  148  may include clamps, bolts, and latch pins, for example. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , the second dolly  126  is illustrated to include two swivel wheels  156  attached to a second horizontal bar  158 . Like the first dolly  124 , the second dolly  126  preferably has two outer support members  160  extending vertically from the second horizontal bar  158  near the ends thereof. The outer support members  160  can be configured to be received in the bottom opening  104   b  or  106   b  of the vertical support members  104  or  106  of the stall divider  102 . The outer support members  160  preferably have apertures  162  (see  FIG. 9 ) formed therein, adapted to correspond to apertures in the vertical support members  104  and  106  to secure the vertical support members  104  and  106  to the second dolly  126  with a latch pin  163  (see  FIG. 8 ). Other means of attaching the stall divider  102  to the second horizontal bar  158  may be used, including clamps, and bolts, for example. 
         [0037]    The second dolly  126  can further have a pair of inner support members  164  attached to and extending substantially vertically from the second horizontal bar  158  between the outer support members  160 . The inner support members  164  can be configured to be received by the corner opening  114   a  of the first straight member  114  of the L bar  112 . 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of a second dolly  166  of the present disclosure is illustrated. The second dolly  166  is shown to include two swivel wheels  168  attached to a second horizontal bar  170  having a substantially square shape. The second dolly  166  preferably has two outer support members  172  extending vertically from the second horizontal bar  170  near the ends thereof. The outer support members  172  can be configured to be received in the bottom opening  104   b  or  106   b  of the vertical support members  104  or  106  of the stall divider  102 . The outer support members  172  preferably have apertures  174  formed therein, adapted to correspond to apertures in the vertical support members  104  and  106  to secure the vertical support members  104  and  106  to the second horizontal bar  170  with a bolt or set screw (not shown). 
         [0039]    The second dolly  166  further has a pair of inner support members  175  attached to and extending substantially vertically from the second horizontal bar  170  between the outer support members  172 . The inner support members  175  can be configured to be received by the corner opening  114   a  of the first straight member  114  of the L bar  112 . Other means of attaching the stall divider  102  to the second horizontal bar  170  may be used, including clamps, and bolts, for example. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a livestock chute  176  is illustrated. Chutes, such as the chute  176  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , can be used by breeders and owners to display and hold their livestock at competitions and other various functions. Chutes, similar to fan cages, are bulky equipment and typically are be hand carried into the event. 
         [0041]    The chute  176  preferably includes a bottom section  178  having two bottom horizontal bars  180  and  182  connected in a parallel configuration. The chute  176  also preferably includes a top section  184  having two top horizontal bars  188  and  190  connected in a similar parallel configuration. Additionally, the bottom horizontal bars  180  and  182  can be parallel to the top horizontal bars  188  and  190 . The chute  176  may have a pair of rear vertical support members  192  and a head gate  194  attached at opposite ends of the bottom horizontal bars  180 ,  182 , to support the top section  184  in an elevated relationship to the bottom section  178 . The head gate  194  preferably has a bottom bar  196 , a top bar  198 , two vertical bars  199 , a vertical bar  200 , and an adjustable bar  202  to allow for the insertion of an animal&#39;s head through the vertical bars  199 ,  200 , and adjustable bar  202  of the head gate  194 . The chute  176  may incorporate other horizontal and vertical bars for added support and rigidity. Although an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes the chute  176  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , there are many configurations of chutes known in the industry, which may be used in the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , another embodiment of a cart  204  constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The cart  204  is similar to the previous cart  122 , in that it may allow easier transportation of chutes and other equipment into an event. The cart  204  is easily assembled, loaded with necessary equipment, and transported into an event. The cart  204  is then unloaded, disassembled and can be stored. 
         [0043]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the cart  204  preferably includes the chute  176  of  FIG. 11 . The chute  176  can be configured with the top section  184  directly attached to the bottom section  178  and the pair of rear vertical support members  192  and head gate  194  in a prone position between the bottom horizontal bars  180  and  182  of the bottom section  178 . Additionally, the cart  204  includes a plurality of castor assemblies  206 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The castor assemblies  206  are preferably attached to the bottom horizontal bars  180  and  182  of the chute  176 . The cart  204  is illustrated as having four castor assemblies  206 , but it will be appreciated that any number of castor assemblies may be used. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13-14 , the castor assembly  206  includes a base plate  208 , a wheel assembly  210 , a stem  212 , and a vertical support plate  214 . The wheel assembly  210  is connected to the base plate  208  in any suitable manner and may be fixed or rotatable relative to the base plate  208 . The stem  212  extends upwardly from the base plate  208  and can be configured to be received in an opening  216  preferably provided through the bottom horizontal bars  180  and  182  of the chute  176 . With the stem  212  inserted through the opening  216 , the castor assembly  206  can be secured to the chute  176  with a latch pin  218  or other suitable fastener for example. The latch pin  218  can be inserted through openings  220  provided near the upper end of the stem  212 . The vertical support plate  214  is preferably spaced from the stem  212  such that the vertical support plate  214  engages one side of the bottom horizontal bar  180  or  182  to provide support to the castor assembly  206 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , another embodiment of a castor assembly  222  includes a base plate  224 , a wheel assembly  226 , a vertical support plate  228 , a vertical retaining member  230 , a horizontal retaining member  232 , a retaining bolt  234 , and a retaining nut  236 . The wheel assembly  226  may be connected to the base plate  224  in any suitable manner and may be fixed or rotatable relative to the base plate  224 . The vertical support plate  228 , the vertical retaining member  230 , and the retaining bolt  234  extend upwardly from the base plate  224  and can be in a spaced apart and substantially parallel orientation, such that the vertical retaining member  230  is disposed between the vertical support plate  228  and the retaining bolt  234 . 
         [0046]    The horizontal retaining member  232  has a flat first end  238  and a flat second end  240  having an aperture (not shown) adapted to receive the retaining bolt  234  therethrough. The vertical support plate  228  has a slot  244  intersecting one side thereof and adapted to receive and engage the first end  238  of the horizontal retaining member  232 . When the first end  238  of the horizontal retaining member  232  is disposed in the slot  244 , the retaining bolt  234  is inserted into the aperture (not shown), and the retaining nut  236  is tightened. The vertical support plate  228 , the vertical retaining member  230 , and the horizontal retaining member  232  cooperate to define a substantially rectangular space  246  adapted to receive and retain the bottom horizontal bars  180  and  182  of the chute  176 . An optional washer  242  may be inserted onto the retaining bolt  234  prior to inserting the retaining nut  236 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , shown therein is another embodiment of a castor assembly  248 . The castor assembly  248  includes a base plate  250 , a wheel assembly  252 , a vertical support plate  254 , a vertical retaining member  256 , a horizontal retaining member  258 , a retaining bolt  260 , and a retaining nut  262 . The wheel assembly  252  is connected to the base plate  250  in any suitable manner and may be fixed or rotatable relative to the base plate  250 . The vertical support plate  254 , the vertical retaining member  256 , and the retaining bolt  260  extend upwardly from the base plate  250  and are in a spaced apart and substantially parallel orientation relative to each other, such that the vertical retaining member  256  is disposed between the vertical support plate  254  and the retaining bolt  260 . The horizontal retaining member  258  has a flat first end  264 , and a second end  266  having an aperture (not shown) adapted to receive the retaining bolt  260  therethrough. The vertical support plate  254  has a first slot  270  and a laterally and horizontally offset second slot  272  formed therein and adapted to receive the first end  264  of the horizontal retaining member  258 . 
         [0048]    When the first end  264  of the horizontal retaining member  258  is inserted into the first slot  270  or the second slot  272 , the retaining bolt  260  is inserted through the aperture (not shown), and the retaining nut  262  is tightened, the vertical support plate  254 , the vertical retaining member  256 , and the horizontal retaining member  258  cooperate to define a substantially rectangular space  274  adapted to receive and retain the bottom horizontal bars  180  and/or  182  of the cart  204 . The first slot  270  and the second slot  272  of the vertical support plate  254  allow for the alternative insertion and retention of a bottom horizontal bar  180  and/or  182  with a first size, and a second size, respectively. An optional washer  268  may be disposed between the horizontal retaining member  258  and the retaining nut  262 . 
         [0049]    From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. While presently preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein and defined by the appended claims.