Sheep and Goat Containment Cage (Sheep Cage)

Abstract

A rectangular shaped animal trapping cage with one side of the cage configured in two segments that can be swung toward the inside of the cage and locked to facilitate the immobilization of sheep and goat sized animals.

Claims

1. The Sheep and Goat Confinement Cage is a steel cage with the main structure being of the form of a three dimensional rectangle suited for temporarily confining sheep or goat sized animals for the purposes of administering medicines, deworming, sorting, or providing birthing assistance; a) Said cage having an open bottom so that the confined animal stands on the ground in which the said cage is placed; b) Said cage being built from steel square tubing with space between each square tubing to afford clearance so the operator can access the animal's body between the square tubing placements but with same clearance limited so the animal cannot exit through said square tubing placement; c) Said cage having removable wheels and axel; d) Said cage having a stow location for removable wheels and axel to be placed inside the cage after the cage is placed in the location in which it will be used; e) Said cage having a vertical opening entry gate that can be opened and closed using a rope from a remote location; f) Said cage having three different horizontal swinging exit gates; g) Said cage having an operator controlled head gate consisting of pivoting head gate, operator lever, and latch chain; h) Said cage having a two segmented confining gate, both segments of which swing horizontally toward the inside of the rectangular form of the main structure with one segment also having the ability to also swing outside the rectangular form of the main structure to serve as an additional exit gate; i) Said cage having gravity operated pins and pin receivers to facilitate the opening and latching of all horizontal swing gates; j) Said cage having slide/pin receivers to enable various movements of the segmented confining gate parallel to the main rectangular structure.

2. The said cage according to claim 1 containing the 1.sup.st exit door, located on the perimeter of the rectangular main structure opposite from the vertical entry gate, such gate hinged to the corner of the rectangular main structure which is opened and closed by the operator to release animals.

3. The said 1.sup.st exit door according to claim 2 having a user operated head gate integral within the exit gate; such integral head gate is opened and closed by moving a lever protruding above the top of the rectangular main structure with such movement enabling the securement of an animal within the front of the main rectangular structure while providing restriction of horizontal movement of the neck of the animal of interest.

4. Said head gate according to claim 3 having a face gate integral within the head gate that enables additional restriction to be applied to the neck of the animal so that the animal's face can be isolated from moving through the vertical position.

5. The said cage according to claim 1 having an additional horizontally hinged gate that latches at the front corner of the rectangular main structure on the same side of the rectangular main structure that exit gate #1 is hinged to, such additional hinged gate having the ability to be swung away from the rectangular main structure and serve as exit gate #3 and also to provide access to the animal's body after full immobilization of the animal is accomplished.

6. The said cage according to claim 1 includes a two segmented confining gate (segment 1 and segment 2) with segment 2 being hinged to the rectangular main structure at the corner of the main structure on the same wall where the 1.sup.st exit gate is hinged, with both segment 1 and segment 2 being additionally hinged together between each segment forming one complete side of the rectangular main structure.

7. The said two segmented confining gate according to claim 6 has the capability to be latched to the rectangular main structure and thus form one of the rigid walls of the rectangular main structure; the two segmented confining gate also has the capability to be un-latched, each segment unlatched separately or both unlatched, and swung toward the inside of the rectangular main structure to reduce the open space of the rectangular main structure; once the two segmented confining gate is swung toward the inside of the rectangular main structure to the desired position, a confining bar and confining bar clamp is used preserve the desired position of the segmented confining gate.

8. The first segment of the said two segmented confining gate according to claim 6, when unlatched from its normal latched position in the provided pin/slide assembly while leaving the second segment of the confining gate latched in its normal pin/received assembly, has the capability to be swung outside of the rectangular main structure and thus serves as exit gate #2.

9. The second segment of the two segmented confining gate according to claim 7, when unlatched from its normal latched position in the provided pin/receiver while leaving segment 1 latched in its normal pin/slide assembly enables a limited manipulation of the orientation of both segments of the two segmented confining gate while pushing the animal toward one side of the rectangular main structure; once the desired animal constraint is accomplished, the confining bar and confining bar clamp is used preserve the desired position of the segmented confining gate; although this maneuver does not offer the maximum degree of immobilization, it does offer a fast process for crowding animals when less restraint is acceptable.

10. The first segment of the two segmented confining gate according to claim 7, when unlatched, has the ability to be swung all the way to the opposite corner of the rectangular main structure where there is an alternate pin/slide assembly; after segment 1 is swung to the opposite corner and latched in the provided alternate pin/slide assembly, segment 2 of the two segment confining gate is also unlatched from its pin/assembly; the resulting configuration enables the hinged union between segment 2 and segment 1 to be moved toward the opposite side of the rectangular main structure; with this configuration, segment 1 is able to accommodate movement only in a direction parallel to the opposite side of the main structure while segment 2 can travel to any position across the rectangular main structure; this feature enables almost unlimited manipulation of the orientation of both segments of the two segmented confining gate while pushing the animal standing inside the confined area toward the head gate according to claim 3; once the desired animal constraint is accomplished, the confining bar and confining bar clamp is used preserve the desired position of the segmented confining gate; because of the limited movement of segment 1, this maneuver facilitates the customization of the inside shape of the rectangular main structure to accommodate the complete crowding of almost any size of animal.

11. The said two segmented confining gate according to claim 7 has the ability to constrain oversized sheep by using only segment 1 of the two segment confining gate to crowd the animal; once segment 1 of the two segment confining gate is unlatched, it can be swung toward the opposite site of the rectangular main structure and stopped where contact is made with the oversize animal at which time the confining bar and confining bar clamp is used to maintain the desired position of segment 1 of the two segmented confining gate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The device is depicted in 8 drawings. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 address the various profile views of the device and depict the more complex door configurations in both open and closed positions. FIG. 8 is a view from above the device with the head gate side facing the top of the page and depicts the operation of the two segmented confining gate in all cycles of operation (FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The operation of the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage is summarized as follows, with the operator positioning himself against the side of the regular exit/access door near the head gate, across from the confining gate. Using the rope and pulley, the operator raises the guillotine entry gate and then lowers it after an animal enters. From this location, the head gate window in opened and the animal is encouraged to place its head through the head gate window, then the head gate window is closed against the animal's neck and secured with latch chain. The operator then reaches across the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage and lifts the latch pin from the end of the first segment of the confining gate (near the guillotine entry gate) and swings the end of the first segment of the confining gate toward the operator. Using the same latch pin, the operator pins the end of the first segment of the confining gate into a special pin/slide assembly. This maneuver immediately changes the inside shape of the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage from a rectangle to smaller rectangle and a triangle, partially confining the animal. The operator then reaches across the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage and lifts the latch pin from the end of the second segment of the confining gate (approximately 20 inches from the head gate, where hinges are strategically located) and pulls both segments of the confining gates towards him until the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage shape is further reduced into a trapezoid and an even smaller triangle, depending on the size of the animal. The confining bar is then raised over the top of the either segment of the confining gate (regardless of where it is) to hold the confining gate in the desired position, then the face gate bar is moved from the vertical to horizontal position. At this point, the animal is completely immobilized, not being able to move from side to side or backup due to the confining gate position; and, not being able to move forward due to the animal's position in the head gate window and the position of the face gate bar. After the animal is in this position, the operator has full and unfettered access to the animal's mouth, eyes, and ears by standing or sitting in front of the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage. Additionally, the regular exit/access door can now be opened to gain access to the animal's front shoulders and abdomen. Finally, the rear of the animal can be accessed through the 5 inch gaps between the steel bars of the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage's rectangular main structure. All of the above access to the animals various body locations can be made without fear of the animal being able to move and injure himself or the operator.

[0008] After the animal has been treated/inspected, the confining bar is released and swung out of the way, both segments of the confining gate are moved back to their initial positions and pinned, the face gate bar its returned to its vertical position and the head gate window is opened so that the animal can back out of the head gate window. At this point, the operator makes a determination as to how the animal should be grouped, then releases him out of the one of the three different exit gates; (1) regular exit/access door, (2) first segment of the confining gate, or (3) head gate. This multiple exit door, concept provides additional functionality for the Sheep and Goat Containment Cage in that once the animal enters, regardless of the treatment accomplished, the animal can be sorted into various management groups (sell, maintain in separate area for additional treatment, return to pasture, etc).

Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1—Right Side (includes Exit Gate #3) [0010] The regular exit door 1 is attached to column 1 by hinge 4. Regular exit door 1 is opened by raising drop pin 2 so that it clears drop pin receiver 3 then regular exit 1 door is swung out from under top bar 6 away from main structure. Drop pin 2 is lowered back into receiver 3 while regular exit door 1 is held open. Regular exit door 1 is closed by raising drop pin 2 so that it clears receiver 3 and regular exit door 1 is swung to return under top bar 6 then drop pin 2 is lowered into receiver 3 to secure regular exit door in the closed position.

[0011] FIG. 2—Left Side (includes Two Segmented Confining Gate/Exit Gate #2) [0012] The confining gate serves as a confining gate when allowed to swing inside the main structure and also an exit gate when allowed to swing outside of the main structure. The first segment confining gate 13 is attached to second segment confining gate 11 with hinge 4 between column 14 and column 15. To operate as an exit door, first segment confining gate 13 is opened by raising drop pin 18 so that it clears receiver 19 then first segment confining gate 13 is swung out from under top bar 6 away from main structure. Drop pin 18 is lowered back into receiver 19 while first segment confining gate 13 is held open. First segment confining gate 13 is closed by raising drop pin 18 so that it clears receiver 19 and first segment confining gate 13 is swung to return under top bar 6 then drop pin 18 is lowered into receiver 19 to secure first segment confining gate 13 in the closed position. To operate both first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 in the complete confining gate function, see FIG. 8 and the associated description.

[0013] FIG. 3—Back Side (includes entry gate shown in open position) [0014] The entry door 23 travels vertically between column 24 and column 25. Entry door 23 is opened by pulling on rope 22 which is threaded through pulley 21. Force is applied to rope 22 until entry door 23 is raised to contact top frame 26. [0015] Once entry door 23 makes contact with top frame 26, tension is maintained on rope 22 until animal enters main structure. After animal is inside main structure, entry door 23 is closed by reducing tension of rope 22 and allowing gravity to overcome entry gate 23 position in contact with top frame 26 so that entry gate 23 travels down to closed position.

[0016] FIG. 4—Back Side (includes entry gate shown in closed position)

[0017] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6—Front Side [Exit Gate #1] (includes head gate door, with head gate window shown closed in FIG. 5 and head gate widow open in FIG. 6) [0018] Head gate door 27 is attached to column 9 with hinges 4. Head gate door 27 is opened by raising drop pin 28 so that it clears receiver 29 then head gate door 27 is swung out from under top bar 6 away from main structure. Drop pin 28 is lowered back into receiver 29 while head gate door 27 is held open. Head gate door 27 is closed by raising drop pin 28 so that it clears receiver 29 and head gate door 27 is swung to return under top bar 6 then drop pin 28 is lowered into receiver 29 to secure head gate door 27 in the closed position. [0019] Head gate window 30 rotates at Head gate Window pin 31. Head gate window 30 is opened by raising chain 32 from chain latch 33 and head gate window lever 34 is moved away from center of main structure. Animal's head and neck are directed between head gate post 27 and head gate window 30. Head gate window 30 is closed by moving head gate window lever 34 toward main structure until head gate window 30 contacts animals neck. Head gate window 30 is secured in closed position by engaging chain 32 into chain latch 33.

[0020] FIG. 7—Front Side [Exit Gate #1] (includes head gate door, with head gate window shown closed and face bar shown closed) [0021] Head gate window 30 is shown in closed position. Face bar 41 rotates at Face bar pin 43. Face bar 41 is closed by pushing Face bar Handle 42 to the left down to the horizontal position then pivoting Face bar handle 42 toward Head gate window 30 which latches face bar 41 in the horizontal position.

[0022] FIG. 8—Top Side (includes views of each cycle/position of the Two Segmented Confining Gate)

[0023] The various cycles of the confining gate segments are depicted in FIG. 6. FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D depict the first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 as they move through various positions to accomplish the immobilization of sheep and goat sized animals. FIGS. 6E and 6F depict alternate positions of first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 that can be used for faster but less immobilization of animals (6E) and confining unusually large specimens (6F). Finally, FIG. 6G depicts the use of the first segment confining gate 13 as an alternate exit gate, which is more completely described in the description associated with FIG. 2. [0024] FIG. 8A. (Stage 0 position) Animal contained in main structure. First segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 in closed position. [0025] FIG. 8B. (Stage 1 position) Front of animal has been secured with head gate window 30. First segment confining gate 13 is used to reduce the area inside main structure by raising latch pin 18 from receiver 19 and swinging first segment confining gate 13 across main structure and placing latch pin 18 through first segment confining slide 37 and back into receiver 19. [0026] FIG. 8C. (Stage 2 position) Front of animal has been secured with head gate window 30. First segment confining gate 13 is used to reduce the area inside main structure by raising latch pin 18 from receiver 19 and swinging first segment confining gate 13 across main structure and placing latch pin 18 through first segment confining slide 37 and back into receiver 19. Latch pin 16 is raised from receiver 17 and stowed in receiver 40, then second segment confining gate 11 is swung toward the inside of the main structure. As first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 move toward inside of main structure, first segment confining slide 37 allows first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 to accommodate almost any angle of movement between first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11, providing the ability to further reduce the area inside main structure. Confining bar 35 is placed in first confining bar receiver 8 and confining bar clamp 36 is adjusted to hold first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 in desired position. [0027] FIG. 8D. (Extreme Stage 2 position). Same as described in FIG. 6C but demonstrates the ability to completely immobilize animal by adjusting confining bar clamp 36 on confining bar 35 until first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 contact the animals body. [0028] FIG. 8E. (Speed Stage 2 position). Front of animal has been secured with head gate window 30. Latch pin 16 is raised from receiver 17 and stowed in receiver 40, then first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 are swung toward the inside of the main structure. As first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 move toward inside of main structure, confining slide 38 allows first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11 to accommodate almost any angle of movement between first segment confining gate 13 and second segment confining gate 11, providing a quick side to side confinement of the animal. [0029] FIG. 8F. (Oversize Stage 2 position). Front of animal has been secured with head gate window 30. First segment confining gate 13 is used to reduce the area inside main structure by raising latch pin 18 from receiver 19 and swinging first segment confining gate 13 across main structure until contact is made with the animal's body. Confining bar 35 is placed in confining bar receiver 7 and confining bar clamp 36 is adjusted to hold first segment confining gate 13 in desired position [0030] FIG. 8G (Exit Position). Depiction of first segment confining gate 13 used as an exit gate, described is FIG. 2.