Patent Description:
Livestock containers, such as those forming a part of livestock trailers and livestock railcars, are widely used for the transport of livestock, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and horses, on roads, highways, and railroads.

As with all cargo containers, it is desirable to configure livestock containers to maximize the amount of transportable livestock, but also to minimize the overall weight and optimize the aerodynamic profile of the container in order to minimize fuel consumption. As compared to other types of cargo, livestock trailers are also desirably configured to maximize the safety and health of the livestock to be transported, whether during transport, loading, or unloading. Moreover, many jurisdictions impose regulations on livestock containers to ensure the safety and well-being of the transported livestock.

Livestock containers are conventionally formed from rigid materials such as sheet metal and other metal members. They are typically formed with openings in one or more locations of the sidewalls or end walls to provide ventilation and permit entry of ambient light.

The <CIT> relates to a livestock and poultry carrier cage which comprises a cage body and a lifting tail plate which can be vertically lifted along the rear end part of the cage body, and the mechanism of the lifting tail plate for vertical lifting along the rear end part of the cage body is a hydraulic lifting device comprising a tail plate lifting hydraulic cylinder, a steel wire rope and a fixed pulley block, wherein the tail plate lifting hydraulic cylinder is horizontally fixed on the upper edge of one side of the tail part of the cage body, passes by the fixed pulley block through the steel wire rope and is connected with the lifting tail plate; a piston rod horizontally stretches to drive the lifting tail plate to lift and descend.

<CIT> discloses a vehicle for livestock transportation has a self-supporting structure that forms a load compartment delimited by two opposite lateral walls, a front frame, a rear frame, a lower base, a roof, and a lift platform with a load base joined to guide pillars by mobile pieces that slide alongside the guide pillars.

<CIT> relates to a multifunctional closed livestock and poultry transport vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of livestock and poultry transport vehicles. The multifunctional closed livestock and poultry transport vehicle comprises a headstock, a carriage body and a hydraulic lifting platform device which are sequentially connected.

<CIT> discloses a multi-layer livestock transportation carriage and a transport cart with the same. The multi-layer livestock transportation carriage comprises a carriage body, a carriage body bottom layer plate and compartment plates, wherein the compartment plates comprise a middle-layer plate and an upper-layer plate.

There remains an ongoing need for improvements in livestock containers for use in livestock trailers and railcars, including improvements which improve the capacity, fuel economy, and construction costs and conditions, while also facilitating use and maximizing the health and well-being of the transported livestock.

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures.

Throughout the drawings, sometimes only one or fewer than all of the instances of an element visible in the view are designated by a lead line and reference character, for the sake only of simplicity and to avoid clutter. It will be understood, however, that in such cases, in accordance with the corresponding description, that all other instances are likewise designated and encompassed by the corresponding description.

Embodiments of an inventive livestock container, livestock trailer, and livestock railcar are disclosed herein.

<FIG> shows a livestock trailer <NUM> having a container <NUM> with sidewalls <NUM>, a front wall <NUM>, a floor <NUM>, a roof <NUM>, and a rear opening <NUM> selectively closeable by a tailgate <NUM>. The tailgate <NUM> may form a ramp <NUM>, which may be an extensible ramp, and may have sideguards <NUM> for guiding livestock as they move on the ramp <NUM>. The container <NUM> is mounted to and carried by a chassis <NUM> which in turn is mounted to and carried by a wheeled suspension <NUM> including wheels <NUM> configured for rollably driving the trailer <NUM> on a supporting surface such as the ground. The trailer <NUM> may also have landing gear <NUM> and a truck coupler (not shown) such as a fifth wheel.

The trailer <NUM> is characterized by a longitudinal axis L which extends parallel to the sidewalls <NUM>, and perpendicular to the front wall <NUM>, and a transverse axis T which extends generally parallel to the front wall <NUM> and generally perpendicular to the sidewalls <NUM> and longitude. Thus, when used relative to the container <NUM> or trailer <NUM>, the adjectives "longitudinal" and "transverse" correspond to the above-defined longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T , respectively. Thus, when used relative to the container <NUM> or trailer <NUM>, "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof mean along or parallel to the longitudinal axis L, and 'transverse'' and derivatives thereof means along or parallel to the transverse axis T. When used relative to the container <NUM> or trailer <NUM>, the terms "front", "forward", and derivatives thereof mean proximal to or in a direction toward the front wall <NUM>. When used relative to the container <NUM> or trailer <NUM>, the terms "rear", "rearward", and derivatives thereof mean proximal to or in a direction toward the rear opening <NUM>. When used relative to the container <NUM> or trailer <NUM>, the terms "bottom", "downward", "lower", and the like are intended to indicate a position relatively proximal to a ground supporting the wheels <NUM> of the trailer <NUM>, or a direction proceeding generally from the roof <NUM> of the trailer <NUM> to the ground. Similarly, when used relative to the container <NUM> or trailer <NUM>, the terms "top", "upward", "upper", and the like are intended to indicate a position relatively distal from the ground, or a direction proceeding generally from the ground to the roof of the trailer. When used relative to the container <NUM> or trailer <NUM>, the terms "inward", "inwardly", "inner", and the like are intended to indicate a position or direction relatively proximal to or toward a transverse center of the trailer <NUM>, while terms such as "outward", "outwardly", "outer", and the like are intended to indicate a position or direction relatively distal or away from the transverse center of the trailer <NUM>.

In different embodiments, one or more of the sidewalls <NUM>, front wall <NUM>, floor <NUM>, roof <NUM>, and tailgate <NUM> are constructed of extruded panels, which may be hollow-core extruded panels, which may be formed from a durable, rigid material, such as metal, such as steel or aluminum, though it will be appreciated that alternative materials and fabrication methods are possible.

In particular, one or more, or each, of the extruded panels forming the container <NUM> or parts thereof may be longitudinal, oblong extruded panels <NUM>. Each panel may have an outer skin, an inner skin, and a plurality of webs spanning the outer skin and the inner skin. The panels may be formed of any suitable material, which may be a metal, which may be steel or aluminum. The outer skin, the inner skin, and the webs may have any respective dimensions. The following are non-limiting examples. The outer skin may have a thickness of at least <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The inner skin may have a thickness of at least <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The webs may each have a thickness of at least <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The outer skin and the inner skin may be spaced by a gap of at least <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The webs may be provided in any desired number, which may be at least <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The webs may be spaced by a gap of at least <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>. Other configurations are possible.

Each panel <NUM> may be extruded with a tongue at a first longitudinal edge and a groove at a second, transversely opposite longitudinal edge at an opposite end of the arc. The tongues and grooves of the different panels may be configured with respective sizes and shapes to couple fittingly. In this way, a plurality of the panels <NUM> may be joined at abutting edges by mating the tongue of one panel <NUM> with the groove of an abutting panel <NUM> to form a joint, and multiple panels may be so joined in sequence to form the container <NUM> or part thereof. Each of the joints so formed may be cemented or affixed by any suitable means, which may include fasteners or welds. The panels <NUM> may be of any desired length, which may include a length which bridges the front wall <NUM> and rear opening <NUM> - in other words, the entire length of the container <NUM>. All of the panels <NUM> may have the same length, or first ones of the panels <NUM> may have a first length different from a second length of second ones of the panels <NUM>. Further combinations are possible.

The longitudinal panels <NUM> so provided, assembled, joined, and affixed, to form the container <NUM>, may be configured to function as structural members, and provide each panel <NUM>, and the assembled container <NUM> as a whole, with structural strength and rigidity both along and transverse the longitudinal axes of the container. As such, no further reinforcing means may be required as is typically required by conventional containers. Moreover, due to the lack of any need for such additional structural members, both the inside and the outside surfaces of the container <NUM> may be made as smooth as possible or with minimal projections. With respect to the outside surface of the container <NUM>, this provides the container with an optimal aerodynamic profile. With respect to the inside surface of the container <NUM>, this completely or maximally reduces the catching, or snagging, or other such impediment to movement of livestock within the container <NUM> along the inside surface, thereby facilitating loading and unloading of livestock from the container <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> may be provided with one or more openings to serve various functions. These may include one or more ventilation slots <NUM> to provide ventilation and entry of natural light. The container <NUM> may also include one or more ventilation fans <NUM> in which case the container <NUM> may be provided with one or more ventilation fan openings for mounting corresponding ventilation fans <NUM>. In some embodiments one or more of the sidewalls <NUM> may be formed from a plurality of longitudinal panels <NUM> including at least one ventilation panel <NUM> having one or more ventilation slots and/or ventilation fan openings, and at least one spacer panel <NUM> having no openings. As shown, one or more of the sidewalls <NUM> may be formed from a plurality of ventilation panels <NUM> and a plurality of spacer panels <NUM> in staggered arrangement, such that each ventilation panel <NUM> is vertical separated from a closest ventilation panel <NUM> by at least one spacer panel <NUM>. Any suitable selection and arrangement of ventilation panels <NUM> and spacer panels <NUM> is possible.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> one or more of the ventilation panels <NUM> may be provided with a profile having varying thickness. For example, at the transversely opposite longitudinal edges of the ventilation panel <NUM> - for example, upper edge <NUM> and lower edge <NUM> shown in <FIG> - the thickness may be the same as that of respectively adjoining spacer panels <NUM>, thereby providing a smooth transition between the respective panels. Toward a transverse center thereof, however, the ventilation panel <NUM> may have a greater thickness. At such thicker portion, the ventilation panel <NUM> may be provided with a ventilation fan opening <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) having a depth sufficient to accommodate a corresponding ventilation fan <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the ventilation panel <NUM> profile may project inwardly, i.e. toward a transverse center of the container <NUM>, as opposed to outwardly, thereby enabling construction of a substantially flat outside surface of the sidewall <NUM>. In so doing, however, and by providing the thicker portion, the ventilation fan opening <NUM> may be made deeper, enabling accommodation of a correspondingly thicker ventilation fan <NUM>, which would otherwise project outwardly beyond the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM>.

As shown in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>, when the panels <NUM>, including the ventilation panels <NUM> and spacer panels <NUM>, are characterized by an extrusion axis which extends longitudinally relative to the container <NUM>, they form a plurality of longitudinal channels <NUM> which extend at least some distance longitudinally, which may include an entire length of the corresponding panel <NUM>, which may include an entire length of the container <NUM> if the panel <NUM> likewise extends an entire length of the container <NUM>. Advantageously, one or more such channels <NUM> may be sized, shaped, and configured to contain and permit passage of any number of different facilities useful for operation of the trailer <NUM>. For example, the channels <NUM> may be used for passage of electrical cables or pipes for the transport of fluids. For example, one or more channels <NUM> may accommodate electrical cables for electrical connection of one or more ventilation fans <NUM> to a power source, or of any other equipment such as one or more light fixtures provided at an inside surface of one or more of the sidewalls <NUM>. The roof <NUM> may likewise be formed of substantially similar roof panels <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), likewise forming and providing channels <NUM>, configured, sized and shaped to accommodate electrical cables, which may be for connecting one or more light fixtures provided at an inside surface of the roof <NUM>. As noted above, the channels <NUM> may similarly accommodate pipes to carry fluid for any desired purpose, including to communicate suitable fluid to animal drinking stations, misting nozzles, wash nozzles, or disinfection equipment mounted inside the container <NUM>. The channels <NUM> may accommodate both electrical cables and pipes, thereby enabling functionality requiring both, including for example electrically actuated control of pipe-fed mister, wash, and disinfection systems. The floor <NUM> may likewise be formed of substantially similar floor panels <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), likewise forming and providing channels <NUM>, configured, sized and shaped to accommodate electrical cables or pipes or to communicate fluid directly. In particular, the channels <NUM> provided in the floor <NUM> may be connected to a source of hot fluid, such as steam, to thaw materials collected on the floor <NUM> which have frozen due to cold weather conditions, and more generally to facilitate cleaning the floor <NUM>. Advantageously, the floor <NUM> may be extruded with an extrusion profile or otherwise provided with an anti-slip floor texture <NUM> or pattern configured to reduce slippage and to improve traction for the movement of persons or animals on the floor <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the panels <NUM> may be formed with an extrusion profile providing one or more additional channels <NUM>, as shown in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>, for example as shown in connection with ventilation panel <NUM>, to provide for substantially similar functions and options.

As shown in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM> & <NUM>, particularly in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>, one or more of the sidewalls <NUM> may be provided with one or more cover slide tracks <NUM> mounted or formed at an outside surface of the sidewall <NUM>. For example, the cover slide tracks <NUM> may be welded, bolted, or riveted to the sidewall <NUM>. Two adjacent cover slide tracks <NUM> may be so provided to bracket one or more sets of ventilation slots <NUM> and/or one or more ventilation fan openings <NUM>, and thus ventilation fans <NUM>. As shown particularly in <FIG>, each such opposing cover slide track <NUM> may be provided with a cover slot, such that the cover slot of one cover slide track <NUM> opposes the cover slot of the other cover slide track <NUM>. These opposing cover slots may be sized and shaped to slidingly accommodate corresponding opposite edges of a moveable cover <NUM>, sized and shaped to be raised or lowered within the covers slots to selectively cover (as shown particularly in <FIG>) or expose (as shown particularly in <FIG>) the ventilation slots <NUM> and/or ventilation fans <NUM>, as the case may be. The cover <NUM>, one or more of the cover slide track <NUM>, or other part of the sidewall <NUM> may be provided with a cover retainer device to retain the cover <NUM> in an open or closed position. The cover may thus be slidingly moved to selectively open or close the ventilation slots <NUM> and/or ventilation fans <NUM>.

The container <NUM> may be provided with or formed selectively to provide multiple levels. When the livestock to be transported are sufficiently small, such as pigs or sheep, a height of the interior of the container <NUM> may be multiples of a height necessary to accommodate the livestock. By providing multiple levels, the container <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a corresponding multiple number of livestock. In general, this is accomplished by providing for each such additional level and additional floor, termed a "platform" herein to distinguish the bottommost such surface, for which the term "floor" is reserved. Each such platform is thus provided in a position some vertical distance above the floor, thereby defining a corresponding upper level, whereas the level having the floor may be termed the "bottom level". A level having such a platform as its bottom surface and an underside of the roof <NUM> may be term the "top level". If the container has more than two levels, then at least one will be intermediate the top and bottom levels, and it will have as its upper surface an underside of the platform of the next higher level and as its lower surface an upper surface of a platform corresponding to that level.

In some embodiments, the container <NUM> may be formed with one or more fixed platforms provided intermediate the floor <NUM> and roof <NUM>, thereby defining a corresponding number of additional levels, e.g. if one such fixed platform is provided, the container <NUM> is thereby divided into two levels. While providing multiple levels with fixed platforms enables carriage of a corresponding multiple of livestock, when the container <NUM> is long, and thus the platforms are likewise long, and extend from the front wall <NUM> and rear opening <NUM> of the container <NUM>, and when a height of one or more of the levels is insufficient for entry of persons without crouching, the loading and unloading of livestock from such levels is thereby made at least somewhat inconvenient and dangerous.

It is therefore advantageous to provide convertible platforms which may be selectively placed in stored or deployed positions. When in the deployed position, the platform functions as a floor, or bottom surface, for the corresponding level. When in the stored position, obstruction to movement within lower levels of the container of persons or livestock caused by the platform may be eliminated, reduced, or minimized.

FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>, on the one hand, and FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>, on the other hand, respectively show two different trailers <NUM>, <NUM> which are instances of trailer <NUM>, as described above, with different corresponding containers <NUM>, <NUM>, each of which is identical to container <NUM> except as described herein, except with different respectively different convertible platforms <NUM>, <NUM>.

Thus, a trailer <NUM> with container <NUM> having one or more convertible platforms <NUM> is shown in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>. The FIG's <NUM>-<NUM> are shown for comparative purposes. As shown particularly in FIG's. <NUM>-<NUM>, the convertible platform <NUM> has a fixed portion <NUM> and a foldable portion <NUM>. The fixed portion <NUM> is rigidly mounted at an inner surface of the sidewall <NUM> by any suitable structure or fasteners, which may include welds. As shown, the fixed portion <NUM> may extend substantially perpendicularly from sidewall <NUM> so as to be maintained substantially parallel to the floor <NUM>. One or more brackets may be provided and affixed at an underside of the fixed portion <NUM> and at an adjacent surface of the sidewall <NUM> to support to fixed portion <NUM>. The foldable portion <NUM> may be hingedly connected to the fixed portion <NUM>, for example by one or more hinges <NUM>. One or more central posts <NUM> may be mounted at or proximal a transverse center of the container <NUM>, and when more than one central post <NUM> is provided, they may be distributed equally or unequally along the longitudinal axis of the container <NUM>. For each corresponding convertible platform <NUM> one or more of the central posts <NUM> has a platform support ledge <NUM> to contactingly support a free edge <NUM> of the foldable portion <NUM> distal the hinges <NUM> when the foldable portion <NUM> is folded into the deployed position.

In the deployed position, the foldable portion <NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM> may be substantially co-planar, and both substantially parallel to the floor <NUM>. Complementary convertible platforms <NUM> as described above may be provided on opposing transverse sides of the container <NUM> at substantially the same height above the floor <NUM>, and thus when both such complementary convertible platforms <NUM> are deployed at the same time, they may together form a single, monolithic platform thereby providing a floor (that is, a platform as used herein) for a corresponding level, as described above. In particular, the foldable portion <NUM> may be provided or formed with an indentation where the free edge <NUM> of the foldable portion <NUM> opposes the central post <NUM>, such that a portion of the foldable portion <NUM> extends further to a transverse centerline of the container <NUM>. When the complementary convertible platform <NUM> is likewise configured, and then both are deployed, the respective free edges <NUM> of the two complementary convertible platforms <NUM> may meet fittingly at the transverse centerline such that the full, monolithic platform is free of any gap at the transverse centerline, or at least any such gap is reduced. Moreover, one of these free edges <NUM> may be formed or provided with a tongue, and the other with a groove, such that when they meet at the centerline, the tongue and groove mate fittingly thus further closing any gap and providing structural reinforcement at the joint thereby formed.

Similar to the floor <NUM> and its anti-slip floor texture <NUM>, respective upper surfaces of the platforms <NUM>, including one or both of the fixed portion <NUM> and the foldable portion <NUM>, may be formed or otherwise provided with an anti-slip floor texture or pattern for the same or substantially similar purpose, i.e. to reduce slippage and to improve traction for the movement of persons or animals on the platform <NUM>. The container <NUM> may also have one or more compartment gates <NUM> selectively closeable to form compartments along the length of the container <NUM>. As shown, for one or more of the levels, one or more pairs of transversely opposing compartment gates <NUM> may be provided which are selectively closeable to divide the level into compartments. The use and advantage of the compartment gates <NUM> is described below.

Another trailer <NUM> with container <NUM> having one or more convertible platforms <NUM> is shown in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>. <FIG> shows the convertible platforms <NUM> all deployed and compartment gates <NUM> all closed, illustrating the multiple levels and multiple compartments thereby provided. <FIG> shows the convertible platforms <NUM> all stored and the compartment gates <NUM> all open.

As shown particularly in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>, the convertible platform <NUM> has an outer portion <NUM> (distal the transverse center of the container <NUM>) and an inner portion <NUM> (proximal the transverse center of the container <NUM>) which are both foldable. The outer portion <NUM> is hingedly mounted at an inner surface of the sidewall <NUM> by hinges <NUM> or any other suitable structure which permits foldable movement of the outer portion <NUM> relative to the sidewall <NUM>. For this purpose, the sidewall panel <NUM> to which the outer portion <NUM> is mounted may have an extrusion profile including a hinge profile with a sidewall knuckle <NUM> mate-able with a complementary platform knuckle <NUM> formed in the outer portion <NUM> of the convertible platform <NUM> to form the hinge <NUM> when the mated knuckles are secured with a pin. Alternatively, a knuckle may be affixed, which may be by welds, to the inner surface of the sidewall <NUM> for mating to the platform knuckle <NUM> formed in the outer portion <NUM> of the convertible platform <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> may likewise be hingedly mounted to the outer portion <NUM> with one or more hinges <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the platform <NUM> is thereby configured to be retractable and extensible between a stored portion <NUM> and a deployed position <NUM>, in a bi-fold manner. In particular, the hinges <NUM> joining the outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> may be configured to prevent or resist further hinged folding beyond the deployed position, i.e. once the outer portion <NUM> and inner portion <NUM> together form a flat surface, i.e. are oriented in a common plane, while freely permitted the reverse hinged motion, i.e. reverse motion to the stored position.

Opposing pairs of platforms <NUM> may be provided along the length of the container <NUM>. When the pair of platforms <NUM> are both deployed, respective opposing free edges <NUM> of the inner portions <NUM> of two complementary convertible platforms <NUM> may meet fittingly at the transverse centerline such that the full, monolithic platform is free of any gap at the transverse centerline, or at least any such gap is reduced. Moreover, one of these free edges <NUM> may be formed or provided with a tongue, and the other with a groove, such that when they meet at the centerline, the tongue and groove mate fittingly thus further closing any gap and providing structural reinforcement at the joint thereby formed. Alternatively, the platforms <NUM> may be sized and shaped such that a preconfigured gap is provided between the free edges <NUM>.

Similar to the floor <NUM> and its anti-slip floor texture <NUM>, respective upper surfaces of the platforms <NUM>, including one or both of the outer portion <NUM> and the inner portion <NUM>, may be formed or otherwise provided with an anti-slip floor texture or pattern for the same or substantially similar purpose, i.e. to reduce slippage and to improve traction for the movement of persons or animals on the platform <NUM>.

The container <NUM> may also have one or more compartment gates <NUM> selectively closeable to form compartments along the length of the container <NUM>, as shown particularly in <FIG>. As shown, for one or more of the levels, one or more pairs of transversely opposing compartment gates <NUM> may be provided which are selectively closeable to divide the level into compartments. As shown particularly in FIG's <NUM>-<NUM>, for one or more of the convertible platforms <NUM>, a corresponding compartment gate <NUM> disposed beneath the platform <NUM> may provide support to the platform by contacting a lower surface of the platform <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> of the convertible platform <NUM> may have a foot <NUM> mounted at an underside <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM> at or proximal the free edge <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM>. The foot <NUM> and the compartment gate <NUM> provided beneath the convertible platform <NUM> may be relatively sized, shaped, and positioned such that when the compartment gate <NUM> is opened to an open position substantially perpendicular to the sidewall <NUM>, and the convertible platform <NUM> is unfolded to the deployed position, the foot <NUM> may contact and rest upon an upper edge <NUM> of the compartment gate <NUM>. The compartment gate <NUM> may further have one or more support brackets <NUM> provided at or near the upper edge <NUM> of the compartment gate <NUM>, and extending perpendicularly from a surface of the compartment gate, i.e. toward the front wall <NUM> or rear opening <NUM> when the compartment gate <NUM> is in the fully open position, to provide a surface for supporting contact of a foot <NUM> of an adjacent convertible platform <NUM> when the foot <NUM> is otherwise than vertically above the upper edge <NUM> of the compartment gate <NUM> when that convertible platform <NUM> is in the deployed position. In other words, by providing the support bracket <NUM>, the compartment gate <NUM> is configured to support from below both a first convertible platform <NUM> having a foot <NUM> resting on the upper edge <NUM> of the compartment gate as well as a second convertible platform <NUM> having a foot <NUM> resting on the upper surface of the support bracket <NUM>. When the second convertible platform <NUM> is also supported in the same manner as the first convertible platform <NUM> by a second compartment gate <NUM>, then it is supported by both of two compartment gates <NUM> respectively at or adjacent corresponding forward and rearward edges of the convertible platform <NUM>. One or more of the support brackets <NUM> may also be sized and shaped so as to be operable conveniently as a handle for opening and closing the corresponding compartment gate <NUM>.

One or more compartment gates <NUM> may be provided beneath a given convertible platform <NUM> and placed in similar arrangement. In such arrangement, the deployed convertible platform <NUM> is supported by the one or more compartment gates <NUM> from beneath where one or more feet <NUM> contact and rest upon the one or more corresponding compartment gates <NUM>, as well as the one or more hinges <NUM> by which the outer portion <NUM> is mounted to the sidewall <NUM>. As shown particularly in <FIG>, each of the compartment gates <NUM> may likewise have a foot <NUM> sized, shaped, and configured to contact the floor <NUM> of the container <NUM>, in the case of the compartment gates <NUM> at the bottom level, or the next lower convertible platform <NUM> when in the deployed position, and thus forming a floor for the level, in the case of compartment gates <NUM> at the upper levels. The foot <NUM> may include a removable, wearable pad, which may be formed of any suitable material, which may be a plastic, such as a thermoplastic. The wear pad may be mounted to the foot using any suitable fasteners, such as screws or bolts.

A gate retention mechanism may be provided to maintain the compartment gate <NUM> in the closed position. In particular, a retention bar <NUM> may be slidably mounted at an inner vertical edge <NUM> of the compartment gate <NUM>, and mounted so as substantially freely to move downwardly by force of gravity. For each such retention bar <NUM>, a retention foot <NUM> may be provided in the floor <NUM> or convertible platform <NUM> below, as the case may be, having a tapered slope <NUM> and a retention slot <NUM>. As the compartment gate <NUM> is moved from the open position to the closed position, a lower end of the retention bar <NUM> may contact a leading edge of the tapered slope <NUM>, and as the compartment gate <NUM> is further moved toward the closed position, the retention bar <NUM> may be lifted by wedge action between the lower end of the retention bar <NUM> and the tapered slope <NUM>. Once the compartment gate <NUM> is moved to the fully closed position, the lower end of the retention bar <NUM> may be positioned over the retention slot <NUM> and the retention bar <NUM> may move downwardly by force of gravity. In such position, with the lower end of the retention bar <NUM> in the retention slot <NUM>, the retention bar <NUM> and retention foot <NUM> may cooperate to prevent forward or backward motion of the retention bar <NUM>, and thus maintain the compartment gate <NUM> in the fully closed position, while allowing at least some lateral motion of the lower end of the retention bar <NUM> within the retention slot <NUM>. The retention bar <NUM> may have mounted at an upper end, or at any other suitable place, a lifting knob <NUM> sized and shaped to be grasped by a human hand to lift the retention bar <NUM> so as to raise the lower end of the retention bar <NUM> above the retention slot <NUM> thereby enabling motion of the compartment gate <NUM> toward the open position.

Alternatives with respect to the gate retention mechanism are possible. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the retention foot may be omitted, and instead a simple hole or other recess may be provided in the upper surface of the floor <NUM> or platform <NUM> opposing the retention foot <NUM> sized and shaped to receive and engage the retention foot <NUM> when moved above it, whereby it functions substantially similarly as the retention foot. Alternatives to the retention bar knob <NUM> are possible, including any sort of handle or other graspable structure to lift the retention bar <NUM> and its lower end out of engagement with the retention foot <NUM> or alterative recess, as the case may be. The gate retention mechanism may alternatively or additional be provided with a spring or other urging structure to urge the retention bar <NUM> downwards for more secure engagement between the foot <NUM> and retention <NUM>, and/or locking means to maintain such engagement.

Although container <NUM> possesses many advantages over known livestock containers, the container <NUM> with convertible platforms <NUM> possesses a number of additional advantages. For example, the container <NUM> may be free of central posts <NUM>, thereby eliminating any associated obstacle to the free movement of livestock, persons, or cargo. When in the stored position, the convertible platforms <NUM> may extend inwardly substantially less than the convertible platforms <NUM> with fixed portion <NUM>, again eliminating or at least reducing obstacles to the free movement of livestock, persons, or cargo generally. As such, when the convertible platforms <NUM> of one or more levels is in the stored position, the container <NUM> may be useful for the transport of larger livestock, such as horses or cattle, which are too large to be accommodated safely in a single one of the levels. Thus, the container <NUM> is easily configurable for livestock of varying sizes. As shown particularly in FIG's <NUM> & <NUM>, the convertible platforms <NUM> and the ventilation panels <NUM> may be respectively sized and shaped, and relatively positioned, such that when the one or more convertible platforms <NUM> are in the stored position they do not block or cover the ventilation panels <NUM> and thus the ventilation slots <NUM> or ventilation fans <NUM> may remain unblocked. Thus, even with the convertible platforms <NUM> in the stored position, the container <NUM> may be configured to provide optimal ventilation to livestock including such noted larger livestock like horses and cattle. Moreover, when all convertible platforms <NUM> are in the stored position, and the compartment gates <NUM> are in the open position, they may provide minimal inward obstacles into the interior of the container <NUM>, and with all covers <NUM> closed the container <NUM> may be fully enclosed and impervious to environmental factors. In such configuration, the container <NUM> may thus function and be useful substantially as an ordinary cargo container, i.e. for the storage and transport of general cargo other than livestock.

A number of additional advantages are obtained by containers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> over known livestock containers. One ongoing requirement and problem with livestock containers concerns how to maximize cleanliness and thereby maximize hygiene and health of transported livestock, while at the same time minimizing the cost of time and materials required to sanitize the container. One factor presenting an impediment in this regard is the existence of any interior structure which serves to trap and accumulate materials such as animal waste or other contaminants and also frustrate removal by cleaning operations. The containers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disclosed herein possess a number of innovations which greatly improve sanitation results. Firstly, the sidewalls <NUM> and floor <NUM> may be formed from panels <NUM> as described herein which are joined by welding, including by single, continuous welds, along an entire length of abutted panels <NUM>, thereby resulting in an optimally continuous and smooth joint, thereby eliminating or minimizing any gap or other structure capable of trapping and retaining waste. As described above, by forming the sidewalls <NUM> and floor <NUM> of extruded panels <NUM> forming longitudinal channels <NUM>, optionally with additional channels <NUM>, at least some, or all, of the structure required to provide electrical or plumbing connections that would be conventionally mounted at an outer or inner surface of the sidewall may instead be contained and secreted within such channels <NUM>, thereby minimizing or eliminating any effect that external mounting would cause. In the case of mounting in the container interior, such structures could also serve to trap and retain waste, and thus eliminating them as discussed represents a yet further improvement in hygiene and sanitation.

The trailer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be loaded with livestock in any appropriate manner which may depend on the type of livestock. For example, for larger livestock, such as horses or cattle, it may be desirable to configure the trailer <NUM>, <NUM> with a single level, as shown, for example, in FIG's <NUM> & <NUM>. In such case, all convertible platforms <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved into the stored position, and all compartment gates <NUM>, <NUM> may be opened. A first group of livestock may be herded up the ramp <NUM> into the container and toward the forward-most compartment. The forward-most compartment gates <NUM>, <NUM> may then be closed. A second group of livestock may then be herded up the ramp <NUM> into the container and toward the next-to-forward-most compartment. The next-to-forward-most compartment gates <NUM>, <NUM> may then be closed. In this way, all compartments of the bottom level may be filled with livestock sequentially. The tailgate <NUM> may then be closed. As noted, for larger livestock, all convertible platforms <NUM>, <NUM> may be retained in the stored position to provide the livestock with adequate headroom.

For smaller livestock, such as sheep or pigs, it may be desirable to use multiple levels to thereby transport a corresponding multiple number of livestock. For each level, the multiple compartments of that level may be loaded sequentially, beginning with the forward-most compartment and ending with the rearward-most compartment, substantially as described above. The bottom level may be filled first in the above manner, followed by the second, next-to-bottom level, and so on, ending with the topmost level. Prior to filling the bottom level, all convertible platforms <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved into the stored position, and all compartment gates <NUM>, <NUM> may be opened. The bottom level may be filled as described above, closing the compartment gates <NUM>, <NUM> sequentially as each compartment is filled. Additionally, as each compartment is filled, the convertible platforms <NUM>, <NUM> above that compartment and forming its upper surface may also be closed. In this way, as each compartment of the level is filled, the next-higher level is partly prepared for filling.

As shown particularly in FIG's <NUM> & <NUM>, such sequential loading may be facilitated by the provision of a tailgate <NUM> mounted to the container <NUM>, <NUM>, and configured and operative to be moved to different positions for loading of different ones of the levels. (While FIG's <NUM> & <NUM> show the following features as applied to container <NUM>, it will be understood that they are equally applicable to container <NUM>. ) In a first position of the tailgate <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, an upper end of the ramp <NUM> opens into the first, bottommost level, and an opposite end of the ramp <NUM> rests of the ground, thereby enabling loading of the first level. In a second position of the tailgate <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, the upper end of the ramp <NUM> opens into the second level, and the opposite end of the ramp <NUM> rests on the ground. The ramp <NUM> may include an extendable portion <NUM> moveable between a retracted position (shown, for example, in <FIG>) and an extended position (shown, for example, in <FIG>), and any degree of extension in between (shown, for example, in <FIG>). In any case, the extendable portion <NUM> may be extended to a variable degree necessary or convenient for secure resting of the end of the ramp <NUM> on the ground. Thus, the second position of the tailgate <NUM> shown in <FIG> enables loading of the second level. The tailgate <NUM> may be further raised to a third position in this fashion for loading of the third level. Alternatively, a ramp portion <NUM> one or more of the convertible platforms <NUM>, <NUM> (shown only in connection with platforms <NUM>, but equally applicable to platforms <NUM>) adjacent the rear opening <NUM> may be movable between a raised, horizontal position, shown in <FIG>, and a lowered, sloped position, as shown in <FIG>, as illustrated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>. In this way, the tailgate <NUM> and ramp <NUM> may be maintained in the second position to load the second level as described above, with the ramp portion <NUM>, <NUM> in the raised position, and then the ramp portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be lowered to the sloped position to enable loading of the third level without requiring further movement of the tailgate <NUM> or ramp <NUM>.

For either trailer <NUM>, <NUM> and corresponding container <NUM>, <NUM>, the roof <NUM> may be sized, shaped, and mounted for movement between a lowered position thereby closing a top opening <NUM> of the container <NUM>, <NUM>, and a raised position thereby opening the top opening <NUM> of the container <NUM>, <NUM>. The lowered position is shown, for example, in FIG's <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> & <NUM>, while the raised position is shown, for example, in FIG's <NUM>, <NUM> & <NUM>. While in the raised position, materials may be entered or removed through the top opening <NUM>. In addition, when the roof <NUM> is in the lowered, closed position, there may be sufficient headroom for movement of humans in all levels, or in all but the top level. The latter may be an intentional arrangement of the trailer <NUM>, <NUM> when it is intended to fill the top level with smaller animals, such as pigs or sheep, whose height is substantially less than that of humans, and dimensioning the trailer to provide adequate headroom for humans in the top level would be unnecessary during transport. In such case, it may be desirable to provide adequate headroom for humans on the top level only while the top level is being filled or empty of livestock. Thus, the roof <NUM> may be mounted and configured for movement into a raised, open position to provide headroom for humans, and alternatively a lowered, closed position which closes the container <NUM>, <NUM> while still providing adequate headroom for the livestock.

As shown particularly in FIG's <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> & <NUM>-<NUM> for comparative purposes, the roof <NUM> of container <NUM> may be movably, particularly rotatably, mounted to the central posts <NUM> by one or more roof arms mounted rotatably at one end to the roof <NUM> and mounted rotatably at an opposite end to the central post <NUM>. Alternatively, as shown in <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> & <NUM>, the roof <NUM> of container <NUM> may be moveable mounted at or proximal transversely opposite sidewalls <NUM> of the container <NUM> by providing at or proximal the longitudinal, transversely-opposite roof edges <NUM> of the roof <NUM> a plurality of roof arms <NUM> each rotatably mounted at a first end of the roof arm <NUM> to the roof <NUM> at or proximal the roof edge <NUM> and also rotatably mounted at a second end of the roof arm <NUM> to a corresponding sidewall <NUM> at or proximal a sidewall top edge <NUM>. The roof <NUM> may be mounted to the sidewalls <NUM> by multiple roof arms <NUM> in this way, such that when the roof <NUM> is raised the multiple roof arms <NUM> move in tandem to maintain the roof <NUM> substantially parallel to the floor <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The roof arms <NUM> may be mounted to the roof <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM> in such positions that when the roof <NUM> is raised to the open position, it also moves toward the front end of the container <NUM>, or alternatively moves toward the back end of the container <NUM>, so as to overhang either the front end of the container or the back end of the container, respectively. One or more electric or hydraulic motors may be provided, mounted, and coupled to one or more of the roof arms <NUM>, which are operative to selectively raise and lower the roof <NUM>. A roof prop may be mounted to the roof <NUM> or one or both of the sidewalls <NUM> to prop the roof <NUM> in the raised, open position. A roof lock may be provided to maintain the roof <NUM> is the lowered, closed position. The roof arms <NUM> may be sized and shaped, and in particular provided with a preconfigured length, such that when in the raised, open position, so as to provide optimal headroom for humans between the deployed platforms <NUM>, <NUM> of the top level and the roof <NUM>.

The livestock container described herein may form and be used to construct a livestock trailer or a livestock railcar, by assembly with any desired additional components, as discussed hereinabove and as known in the art. In particular, while in the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings the wheeled suspension is shown as being suitable for a semi-trailer to be driven on automobile roads, in other embodiments the wheeled suspension may be suitable for railcars to be driver on railroads.

The invention discloses a livestock container comprising: a floor; a roof; sidewalls spanning the floor and the roof; a front wall spanning the floor and the roof; a tailgate operative selectively to close a rear opening defined by the sidewalls, the floor, and the roof; at least one pair of convertible platforms mounted pairwise to respectively corresponding sidewalls and moveable selectively between a stored position and a deployed position to form an elevated level floor spanning the sidewalls; and a plurality of compartment gates mounted to the sidewalls moveable selectively between an open position and a closed position to form compartments, wherein at least one of the convertible platforms is a bi-fold platform positioned to be supported from below when in the deployed position by a corresponding compartment gate when in the closed position, and wherein the bi-fold platform comprises an outer portion hingedly mounted proximal an outer edge of the outer portion at an inner surface of the corresponding sidewall, and an inner portion hingedly mounted to the outer portion proximal an inner edge of the outer portion and an adjacent outer edge of the inner portion.

In one comparative embodiment not according to the invention the bi-fold platform has a foot proximal a lower edge of the bi-fold platform, and the foot is positioned to rest on an upper surface of the corresponding compartment gate to support the bi-fold platform when the bi-fold platform is in the deployed position and the corresponding compartment gate is in the closed position.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the foot is positioned to rest on an upper edge of the corresponding compartment gate to support the bi-fold platform when the bi-fold platform is in the deployed position and the corresponding compartment gate is in the closed position.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention a support bracket is mounted proximal a top edge of the corresponding compartment gate and extends forwardly or backwardly from the top edge of the corresponding compartment gate, and the foot is positioned to rest on an upper surface of the support bracket to support the bi-fold platform when the bi-fold platform is in the deployed position and the corresponding compartment gate is in the closed position.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the outer portion is hingedly mounted to the outer portion by a hinge configured to prevent or resist hinged folding beyond the deployed position.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the compartment gates are flat against the corresponding sidewalls when in the open position.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the outer portion of the bi-fold platform is flat against an adjacent compartment gate when the compartment gate is in the open position and the bi-fold platform is in the stored position, such that the compartment gate is sandwiched between the bi-fold platform and the corresponding sidewall.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the livestock container is substantially free of vertical posts proximal a transverse center of the container.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the sidewalls are formed of longitudinally extruded sidewall panels joined pairwise at respectively abutting longitudinal edges.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention each extruded panel comprises an outer skin, and inner skin, and a plurality of webs spanning the outer skin and the inner skin.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the sidewall panels are joined by welds.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the sidewalls each comprise a plurality of ventilation slots or ventilation fan openings sized and shaped to receive respective ventilation fans.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the convertible platforms are sized, shaped, and positioned such that in the stored position the ventilation slots or ventilation fan openings are unobstructed by the convertible platforms.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the compartment gates are sized, shaped, and positioned such that in the open position the ventilation slots or ventilation fan openings are unobstructed by the compartment gates.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention at least one of the sidewall panels is a ventilation panel having at least one of a ventilation slot or a ventilation fan opening sized and shaped to receive a ventilation fan.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention at least one of the sidewall panels defines a longitudinal channel sized and shaped for passage of a fluid pipe or an electrical wire.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the ventilation panel has the ventilation fan opening housing the ventilation fan, and at least one of the sidewall panels defines a longitudinal channel sized and shaped for passage of an electrical wire connected to the ventilation fan to power the ventilation fan.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the floor is formed of longitudinally extruded floor panels joined pairwise at respectively abutting longitudinal edges forming floor joints.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the floor panels are joined by welds at the floor joints.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the livestock container further comprises a plurality of pairs of roof arms respectively mounted rotatably at transversely opposite longitudinal roof edges of the roof, wherein each roof arm is rotatably mounted at a first end of the roof arm to the roof at or proximal the corresponding roof edge and is rotatably mounted a second end of the roof arm to the corresponding sidewall at or proximal a sidewall top edge of the sidewall.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the roof is movable to a raised position wherein the plurality of roof arms move in tandem to maintain the roof substantially parallel to the floor.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the roof is moved to the raised position the roof moves in a forward direction so as to overhang the front wall of the container.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the roof is moved to the raised position the roof moves in a rearward direction so as to overhang the rear opening of the container.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention a livestock trailer comprises the container mounted on a chassis supported by wheeled suspension.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention the chassis comprises a longitudinal beam having an upper surface, and at least one of the floor joints is vertically above the upper surface of the longitudinal beam.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention each extruded floor panel has an inner skin and an outer skin spanned by webs, wherein at least one of the webs is a perpendicular web perpendicularly spanning the inner skin and the outer skin, and the perpendicular web is vertically above the upper surface of the longitudinal beam.

In another comparative embodiment not according to the invention each extruded floor panel further comprises oblique webs obliquely spanning the inner skin and outer skin, wherein the perpendicular webs and oblique webs together define a repeating shape resembling an I superimposed on an M, as follows: M.

So that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, certain terms are defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain. While many methods and materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the embodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.

All terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this invention are presented in a range format. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges, fractions, and individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from <NUM> to <NUM> should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and decimals and fractions, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, 1½, and 4¾.

Claim 1:
A livestock container (<NUM>) comprising:
a floor (<NUM>);
a roof (<NUM>);
sidewalls (<NUM>) spanning the floor (<NUM>) and the roof (<NUM>);
a front wall (<NUM>) spanning the floor (<NUM>) and the roof (<NUM>);
at least one pair of convertible platforms (<NUM>) mounted pairwise to respectively corresponding sidewalls (<NUM>) and moveable selectively between a stored position (<NUM>) and a deployed position (<NUM>) to form an elevated level floor spanning the sidewalls (<NUM>); and
a plurality of compartment gates (<NUM>) mounted to the sidewalls (<NUM>) moveable selectively between an open position and a closed position to form compartments,
wherein at least one of the convertible platforms (<NUM>) is a bi-fold platform (<NUM>) positioned to be supported from below when in the deployed position (<NUM>) by a corresponding compartment gate (<NUM>) when in the closed position, characterized in that
the container comprises a tailgate (<NUM>) operative selectively to close a rear opening (<NUM>) defined by the sidewalls (<NUM>), the floor (<NUM>), and the roof (<NUM>); and
that the bi-fold platform (<NUM>) comprises an outer portion (<NUM>) hingedly mounted proximal an outer edge of the outer portion (<NUM>) at an inner surface of the corresponding sidewall (<NUM>), and an inner portion (<NUM>) hingedly mounted to the outer portion (<NUM>) proximal an inner edge of the outer portion (<NUM>) and an adjacent outer edge of the inner portion (<NUM>).