Patent ID: 8561576

Claim:
A chute for immobilizing an animal mounted on a supporting surface comprising: three-sided structure including a top portion connected to two laterally spaced apart side walls, each of said side walls extending downwardly from said top portion; an entrance gate pivotably connected to one end of said structure, said entrance gate being movable between an open position for allowing entry into said structure and a closed position for blocking exit from said structure; a retainer member pivotably connected to said entrance gate, said retainer member being selectively movable for engaging an animal positioned within said structure adjacent a rear portion of the animal, said retainer member being maintained under pressure against the rear portion of the animal; an exit gate pivotably connected to the other end of said structure, said exit gate being movable between an open position allowing exit from said structure and a closed position blocking exit from said structure, said exit gate defining an opening wherein the head of an animal passes therethrough when the animal is position within said structure; a first fluid-operated cylinder assembly adapted for pivotally rotating said structure; and an arm assembly operatively connected to said structure for connection to said first fluid-operated cylinder assembly for pivotally rotating said structure between a horizontal position on the supporting surface and an upright vertical position adjacent the supporting surface, said structure being supported by said arm assembly in its upright vertical position above the ground in a free-standing position wherein no portion of the structure touches the ground.