Improvements in Hurdles, and in Feeding, Sheltering, and Folding Sheep and other Animals.
Year: 1888

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hurdles, and in Feeding, Sheltering, and Folding
Sheep and other Animals.
I, MATTHEW BEAUMONT PARRINGTON, Holborough Cottage, Rochester, Gentleman,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement
The improved hurdle is made in two parts or leaves hinged together near the ground
so that when opened out they form a feeding rack, one or both of them being con-
structed of suitably spaced bars. If straw or other material is shut in between the
two leaves the hurdle forms a shelter for the animals.
.
In order that my said invention may be fully understood and readily carried into
effect I will proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 is a front elevation and Figure 2 is an end elevation of a folding hurdle
constructed in accordance with my invention.
It consists of two parts jointed together. One part is composed of a light open
rectangular iron frame a a provided with hurdle feet a a¹ and the opening in the frame
is filled with vertical rods a² a² riveted in both top and bottom bars.
The other part of the hurdle is a similar rectangular frame b without fect. This
frame is filled in with vertical rods. The lower bar of the frame has lugs
welded on to it at 2 2 2 and these are bent round so as to encircle the bottom bar of
the frame a. This bar where it receives the lugs 2 is reduced from the rectangular
to the circular frame. ccare chains connected to eyes fixed to the frame a and
engaging with hooks 363 on the frame b. When fodder or other material has been
placed between the frames a and b these can be shut together to nip it tightly and
secured by engaging the hook 63 with the link of the chain which will retain it in the
desired position.
In the use of these feeding, sheltering and folding hurdles the economy of feeding is
very great as the two leaves or sides can be so closely drawn together, and there
fixed, that sheep or other animals cannot pull out more than they require for a mouth-
ful at one time, thus differing from other racks or feeders where hay or other food is
dragged out in large quantities and trampled under foot.
For lambing yards they are invaluable as the whole or any part of the yard can be
fenced with them, when the sheep or other animals can be fed and sheltered at any
point according to direction of wind.
For large open runs they are equally valuable as they are easily carried and can be
fixed with the foot.
When only shelter is required any rough litter should be used that sheep will
not eat,

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is --
1. Hurdles for feeding sheltering and folding sheep and other animals consisting of
two frames closing together to hold fodder or other materials between them; one of
the frames being provided with hurdle feet substantially as described.
2. Hurdles for feeding sheltering and folding sheep and other animals substantially
as described.