Abstract:
A cattle squeeze chute and head gate that operates with articulated neck bars. Each neck bar is composed of two pieces, which are joined together with a joint or hinge. When the neck bars are pressed upward, they are pulled into a closed position around the neck of an animal. When the neck bars are pressed downward, they spread apart at the joint and release the animal. One side of the chute is hinged from the bottom edge so that the top edge can rotate towards the stationary wall of the chute, capture a cow, and hold it immobile. The head gate includes a control arm, in which hydraulic controls are positioned, which can be positioned by the user for his convenience.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention generally relates to livestock squeeze chutes and head gates, and more particularly relates to livestock squeeze chutes combined with head gates.  
         [0003]     2. Background Information  
         [0004]     In a livestock operation, it is sometimes necessary to hold an animal still so that an operation can be performed. This could include treatments done by a veterinarian, examinations of the skin, pest control treatment on the skin and hair, and other typical procedures and treatments. A large animal can weigh more than two thousand (2,000) pounds, and is very strong. Therefore, a chute to immobilize such an animal must be quite sturdy, and be able to lock the animal&#39;s head in place securely without injuring it.  
         [0005]     One feature which such a device should have, is a closing mechanism that closes on an animal&#39;s neck very fast. When an animal is forced to pass through such a chute, they may try to run through to escape out the other end. To stop them from escaping, and to immobilize them within the chute, the sides and the head gate must be able to close very quickly. This will also hold them in the proper position. It is also desirable for such a gate to close in a way that does not frighten the animal. It also needs to close on the animal&#39;s neck in a way that is very secure, but does not press so hard on the animal as to cause injury.  
         [0006]     A desirable feature of such a chute would be a chute that a person, such as a veterinarian or cattleman, could reach through the side to perform the work on the animal from a position of safety. When one person is performing the work on the animal as well as operating the chute and gate, controls for closing and releasing the gate in the chute need to be easily accessible and positioned for the comfort and ease of the operator.  
         [0007]     Another feature that would be desirable in a cattle chute and head gate, is for the hydraulics of the system to be powered by the hydraulic system of a tractor. This source of power is almost always available, even in a small-scale operation. Another feature which is desirable, is a chute and head gate that is reversible so that a user can operate it from either side, depending on the need at the time.  
         [0008]     Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     These and other objects are accomplished by the head gate of the invention. The invention is a livestock squeeze chute, and an associated head gate. The head gate can be sold separately from the chute, or be attached to the chute. The chute includes an entry end frame, an exit end frame, a left and right sidewall which connect the two frames, and a chute floor. The chute floor is attached to the chute frame and is positioned for the livestock to stand on and walk on.  
         [0010]     A head gate is preferably attached to the exit end frame, but can be a separate unit. The head gate includes a left and right neck bar. The neck bars have a first end, which is attached to the base of the exit end frame, and a second end, which is attached to the top of the exit end frame. The first end of the neck bars are attached at the base of the exit end frame in a connection that allows them to rotate. The second end of the neck bars attach to the top of the exit end frame in a connection that allows them to move up and down.  
         [0011]     Each of the neck bars are made of a lower section and an upper section, which are pivotally joined to each other at a pivot. When the second end of the neck bars are pressed upward, the pivot points of each neck bar are pulled together. This causes the neck bars to close around the neck of an animal. When the connection to the neck bars is pressed downward, the pivot points of the neck bars move away from each other, which cause the neck bars to move apart and release the animal. The invention includes a mechanism for closing the neck bar by raising and lowering the connection of the neck bars to the upper side of the exit end frame. The device also includes sidewalls, with at least one of the sidewalls being configured to rotate toward the second sidewall. This allows the squeeze chute to hold livestock and prevent them from moving through the chute frame.  
         [0012]     One configuration of the device is to use a hydraulic cylinder as the closing mechanism for opening and closing the neck bars of the head gate. Hydraulics can also be utilized to move one of the sidewalls in and out. Although hydraulic operation is preferred, it is also possible for the design of the head gate to operate using a mechanically operated device, such as a simple hand lever. Using the hydraulic system of a tractor is a desirable feature of the invention.  
         [0013]     One embodiment of the invention includes a tail gate attached to the entry end frame. This would be mounted on the opposite end of the frame as the head gate. Such a tail gate could be articulated in the same way that the head gate is, and could be identical in construction and hydraulically or manually operated, as is the head gate. This configuration allows the head gate to be reversible. The need for reversibility comes, for instance, when a veterinarian may need to access a certain side of a cow. This could be the right or left side. The veterinarian will prefer to access the cow from this side of the squeeze chute that is ridged and non-moveable. This safeguards the veterinarian from the cow forcing the moveable wall out, which could injure the vet. Depending on the side of the cow to be accessed, and whether the vet wants to use it in a left-handed or a right-handed manner, the chute could be positioned so that either the head gate or the tail gate is the end at which the cow enters.  
         [0014]     Another possible embodiment is for the first sidewall to by hydraulically operated. In this way, when it is pressed towards the second sidewall, it will hold the livestock immobile. Such a configuration might have the first sidewall hinged at some part or at all of the bottom edge of the sidewall. The top edge would be free to rotate, powered by the hydraulic mechanism. The second sidewall may be rigidly mounted between the two end frames.  
         [0015]     Another desirable feature of the livestock chute and head gate of the invention is the use of a control arm, on which are mounted the hydraulic controls. The control arm mounts on a moveable arm so that the controls can be placed in a position favorable to the user. This could mean that the control arm is positioned at a point so that the hydraulic controls are below the heart of the user. This would help the user keep his arms from becoming fatigued because he would not have to reach above his heart to operate the controls. Having the controls in a low position like that is sometimes not desirable. If the head gate is set up in an area where livestock are present, and the controls are set in a low position, the cattle can lean against them, use them to scratch themselves, or press against them by accident and do damage to the controls. In this situation, it would be desirable for the controls to be able to be raised to a high position. It is also desirable for the control arm to be able to move left and right along one of the sidewalls of the chute so that the user can position them at a convenient location for the task he is performing. This becomes especially important when one person is controlling the head gate as well as performing some operation on the livestock. The control arm would also include controls for the head gate, the first sidewall, and the tail gate (if one is present).  
         [0016]     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measure by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.  
         [0017]     Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description wherein I have shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is a prospective view of the head gate of the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a prospective view of the invention in a closed position.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional end view of the device showing the controls on alternate sides.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3B  is a side view of controls in a raised position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional end view of the device showing controls on either side. .  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the head gate of the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.  
         [0025]     A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-5 .  FIG. 1  shows the head gate in an open position. The squeeze chute includes a chute frame  12 . The chute frame  12  is made up of an entry end frame  14 , an exit end frame  16 , a first sidewall  18 , a second sidewall  20 , and a chute floor  22 . Attached to the exit end frame  16  is a head gate  24 . It includes a left neck bar  26  and a right neck bar  28 , with each neck bar made up of a lower section  30  and an upper section  32 . The lower section  30  and the upper section  32  are joined together at a joint  34  on the left neck bar, and a corresponding joint  46  on the right neck bar. The left neck bar  26  has a first end  36  and a second end  38 . The first end  36  is attached in a moveable hinge configuration  82  to the chute frame  12 . The second end  38  of the left neck bar is attached to a bracket  40  and is also able to rotate around a connection  84 . The right neck bar  28  is similarly configured, it is also attached to the bracket  40 . The bracket  40  is held in a frame in which it may slide up and down. Below the bracket  40  is a hydraulic cylinder  42 , from which extends a hydraulic piston  44 . The neck bars are configured so that when the hydraulic piston  44  presses upward and pushes bracket  40  away from the chute frame  12 , the left neck bar  26  and the right neck bar  28  are also pushed upward. This causes the joint  34  to move towards the joint  46 . As the bracket  40  continues to be raised, the head gate  24  moves to the configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , which is the closed position.  
         [0026]     The frame includes an entry end base  48  and an exit end base  50 .  
         [0027]     The general design of the livestock head gate can be modified according to the particular type of livestock it is being utilized with. The design shown is generally configured for working with cattle. Other designs, which are sized for other types of livestock, could also be used. In the design shown, the end frames  14  and  16  are generally formed in the shape of a trapezoid, with the base portion extending out from the bottom of the trapezoid. The top of the trapezoid is larger than the bottom. In the preferred embodiment for use with cattle, the end frames are made of 3 in by ¼ inch square steel tubing. Other sizes of tubing, round tubing, bar stock, angle iron or other materials could also be utilized. Other elements of the chute frame  12  include the bases  48  and  50 , which are preferably 3 in by ¼ inch square steel tubing. The floor  22 , shown in  FIG. 5 , is preferably ⅜ inch thick steel plate. The first sidewall  18  and the second sidewall  20  can take a number of configurations, but having a solid lower and upper wall with tubular bars works well. In this configuration, the tubular bars are 2.5 inch in diameter, {fraction (3/16)} thick, and hinged at their lower end. The lower part of the sidewalls are made of ⅛-inch thick sheet metal, and also are hinged at the bottom to allow access to the interior of the chute.  
         [0028]     The chute floor  22  is attached to the chute frame  12 . The chute floor  22  being attached to the chute frame  12  is important because by having the animal stand on the chute floor  22 , the animal&#39;s weight adds to the stability of the cattle squeeze chute  10 . If a heavy and strong animal were to stand on the ground between the sidewalls, the animal could tip the squeeze chute over, cause it to move, or pick it up and carry it.  
         [0029]     The entry end frame  14  and the exit end frame  16  are connected to each other by steel frame members  86 , which are preferably 3 in by ¼ inch angle iron.  
         [0030]     Attached to the lower sections  30  and upper sections  32  are side shields  52 . These are preferably ⅛ inch thick steel. They are present to close any openings in the head gate  24 , preventing an animal from accidentally extending any body part past the left neck bar  26  or right neck bar  28 .  
         [0031]     As shown in the drawings, one preferred embodiment of the device utilizes a tail gate  54 , which is attached to the entry end frame  14 , and can be identical to the head gate  24 .  
         [0032]     The head gate  24  includes risers  56  and  58 , which are attached to the top of the exit frame  16 . The risers  56  and  58  surround the hydraulic cylinder  42  and encloses the bracket  40  in slideable engagement. Bracket  40  is free to move between riser  56  and riser  58 .  
         [0033]     Joint  34  and joint  46  are preferably 3 inch knuckle joints. These joints are formed of a flat section, attached to a tubular section. Two such pieces are put together, with the tubular sections aligned so a pin can go through them. Connection points  84  are preferably formed by a pin, which passes through the second end of the neck bar  38  and the bracket  40 . This pin can be held in place by welding, with split rings, nuts, bolts, or other common fasteners. The lower section  30  pieces are attached to the exit end base  50  using a connection  82  that allows the lower sections  30  to rotate. This is preferably a sleeve and pin configuration, but obviously other means of mechanically connecting these pieces could be utilized.  
         [0034]      FIG. 3A  shows a cross sectional view of the squeeze chute, with the first sidewall  18  in an opened position. Also shown, is sidewall hydraulic cylinder  60  and hydraulic piston  62 . This drawing also shows second sidewall  20 , which is preferably immoveable and rigidly attached to the chute frame  12 .  FIG. 3B  show the controls in a raised position.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 4  show that first sidewall  18  can move from an open position to a closed position. This movement is caused by the hydraulic cylinder  60  being activated to push the hydraulic cylinder  62  out. As hydraulic cylinder  62  extends, the first sidewall  18  is pressed towards the second sidewall  20 .  
         [0036]     Also shown in  FIG. 3 , is the hydraulic control arm  64 . The hydraulic control arm includes a frame coupling  66 , an arm  68 , a tube  70 , and a control platform  72 . Mounted on the control platform  72  are the hydraulic controls  74 . The hydraulic controls  74  include control levers  76  and hydraulic hoses  78 . The hydraulic hoses  78  go from the hydraulic controls  74  to the hydraulic cylinders used in the device. This can include one or more hydraulic cylinders on the head gate and tail gate, and one or more hydraulic cylinders on the first sidewall  18 . The frame coupling  66  attaches to the frame at attachment stub  78 . Preferably, there is an attachment stub  78  on both sides of the squeeze chute  10 . This would allow the hydraulic control arm  64  to be dismounted from one side, carried to the other side, and remounted on the other side.  FIG. 3  shows the hydraulic control arm  64  mounted on the left side of the chute frame  12 , and the tube  70  moved to a raised position. It also shows that the hydraulic control arm  64  can be mounted on the right side, and the tube  70  moved to a lowered position.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows the hydraulic control arm  64  mounted on the right side of the chute frame  12  and the tube  70  moved to a lowered position. The lower position would be preferable for ease of operation for the user. In this position the controls are available to the user at a height that is easy to reach and reduces fatigue to a user. However, this position is undesirable when cattle are in the area, such as when the device is stored in a corral. In such a case, the tube  70  can be moved to the raised position shown in  FIG. 3 , so that it is up and out of the way and not likely to be damaged by nearby cattle.  
         [0038]     An important feature of the hydraulic system is that it can be powered by a hydraulic system of a tractor. Even small operations usually have a tractor nearby, and the hydraulic connection to a tractor is simple.  
         [0039]     One feature of the cattle head gate that is important is that the mechanical structure of the head gate, powered by a hydraulic cylinder, causes the head gate to move from a closed position to an opened position very rapidly. A skilled operator can close the head gate while simultaneously moving the first sidewall  18  to a closed position. A further advantage of this design is that as the head gate begins to close, the closing is not particularly apparent to a cow. It does not react as if it is being trapped, as cows tend to do with other types of head gates. This may be because there is less gross movement from the neck bars since they are fixed at the ends and articulated in the center.  
         [0040]     The preferred embodiment of the cattle head gate of the invention utilizes a tail gate  54  on the opposite end from the head gate  24 . This allows the unit to be completely reversible. The preferred side for a veterinarian to work from is behind the second sidewall  20 . This is because that sidewall is stationary, and the veterinarian can stand behind it in safety. Depending on the operation to be preformed, the cattle head gate  10  of the invention may preferably have the second sidewall  20  on the animals left or right side. With a head gate and a tail gate, this reversing option is available.  
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the cattle head gate of the invention. It shows the first sidewall  18 , the second sidewall  20 , the floor  22 , the entry end frame  14 , the exit end frame  16 , the hydraulic control arm  64 , the control levers  74 , and the hydraulic lines  78 . This view shows that the control arm  64 , in addition to being able to be raised up and down as shown in FIGS.  3  and  4 , can also move out laterally, pivoting on the frame coupling  66  and the attachment stub  80 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , there is an attachment stub  80  on both sides of the frame  12 , and the control arm  64  can be moved to either side as preferred by the user.  
         [0042]     While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.