AU705722B2 - Dairy bail and milking assembly - Google Patents

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Dairy Bail And Milking Assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION: This invention relates firstly to a dairy bail operable by a cow to trigger other dairy bails in a series to open and secondly to a milking system which comprises such dairy bails.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: There are numerous methods to ensure cows take up their respective positions in the dairy and remain stationary during the milking process.

Most systems to put these methods into operation are technically complex and expensive to manufacture and install. Some systems require extensive alterations to structures such as buildings before they can be installed.

Other systems are less expensive but require regular intervention by an operator to position the cows, thus slowing down the milking process.

oseoo BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: This invention provides a dairy bail operable by a cow to cause an adjunct dairy bail in a series of such bails to open, which bail comprises a cow restraint framework comprising two sides and an end; a trip bar member mounted to and within the framework and adapted to move upon selected pressure from the cow to activate a release member adapted to allow a bail gate on the next bail in the series to open, wherein the dairy bails in the series are successively available to cows to be Sentered by a cow, each bail other than the last operating in a manner as defined hereinbefore.

S..

•o K:\WP51\SPEC\CHRIS-PCT wls 10Feb99 WO 96/36215 PCT/AU96/00297 2 This invention further provides a milking assembly which comprises: an elongated framework adapted to fit into a dairy building; a series of dairy bails as defined above, supported by the framework; and a gate member at each end of the elongated framework to allow cows into and out of the milking system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: One embodiment of the invention is described in Figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an end-view of a milking assembly with an entry gate open; 0 Figure 2 is a plan view of the assembly showing dairy bails in various positions; Figure 3 is an enlarged detail of area in Figure 2 showing a release member; Figure 4 is equivalent to Figure 3 showing the release member in the release position; 9 Figure 5 is a front view on line on Figure 3; 0 Figure 6 refers to section on Figure 2 showing a lock mechanism for a trip bar; Figure 7 is an end-view of the milking assembly with the entry gate closed; Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing entiy gate open; trip bar members and support members up; bail gates up; and exit gate closed; Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8 except that entry gate closed; nip bar members retracted and up; WO 96/36215 PCT/AU96/00297 S bail gates down; and S exit gate closed; and Figure 10 is similar to Figures 8 and 9 except that S entry gate closed; S trip bar members down; S bail gates down; and S exit gate open.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate several modifications of the invention. Thus: S Figure 11 is an end view of an entrance to a milking assembly; Figure 12 is an end view of an exit from a milking assembly; and Figure 13 is a plan view of a dairy bail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: The cow restraint framework is preferably attached to a common rotational bar member, adjacent other restraint frameworks in a series of such restraint frameworks.

The trip bar member is preferably an elongated bar or rod pivoted close to an internal corner of a cow restraint framework. The bar member is preferably pivoted so that it can move horizontally and vertically. If necessary, the trip bar member may be restrained from unwanted movement by a rail or catch.

The release member is preferably a slideable device which penetrates one side of the cow restraint framework to enter an adjacent bail gate, for example, a trip pin which may be nudged or otherwise moved to one side by the trip bar. Alternatively, a trigger member may be used which rotates so as to allow the bail gate to fall under gravity.

The bail gate is preferably rotatably mounted on a longitudinal connecting axle connecting the dairy bails in a series. Each dairy bail preferably comprises at least one WO 96/36215 PCT/AU96/00297 4 transverse side member and one longitudinal rear member. Preferably each dairy bail also comprises a second side member, desirably slanted inwards towards the rear of the gate.

The longitudinal connecting axle is preferably adapted to rotate around its own axis such as in an arc so that the series of dairy bails may be rotated downwards into a "clear" position or returned upwards to an "operative" position.

The elongated framework may be closed or opened by means of either a sliding gate or a swinging gate the swinging gate may be hinged from either its top or one of its vertical sides. In some cases it is preferred that the gates at each end of the structure are operable together. Alternatively the gates may be operated separately. The gates may be operable by different means.

Turning to the accompanying drawings, numeral 10 indicates an end-view of the milking assembly. A sloping upper support 11 connects to an upright 12. A further centrally positioned upright 13 is also connected to upper support 11. Numeral 14 indicates an entrance to the milking'assembly. A sliding gate 15 may be moved across to the left on rollers 16A, 16B (and back). Gate 15 is held in position by suspension members 17A and 17B. The gate is also prevented from moving by hinged catch 69 located traversely in the bottom region of the gate and a trip pin such as number 51 in Figure 4. Number 18 indicates the end member of a series of dairy bails. An elongated trough 19 is shown adjacent the rear of that dairy bail. A dotted line 191 indicates a bent arm mechanism used to nudge a cow away firom trough 19. Note that both bails may be supplied with a chin bar (not shown) to urge the cow away from the feeding trough at the end of milking, the chin bar moving with the bail structure.

WO 96/36215 PCT/AU96/00297 With regard to Figure 2, the structure of the dairy bails is shown in some detail. A rotatable bail gate 30 forms part of the penultimate dairy bail. This bail gate comprises a forward protector bar 301, supported by a first rearwardly extending support bar 302 and a second rearwardly extending support bar 303 sloping inwardly towards the rear.

Bail gate 30 may rotate to a limited extent around sleeve 31 which is positioned on longitudinal connecting axle 311. Both sides of the dairy bail are defined by arms, the left hand side arm being indicated by 32. This arm comprises an upper longitudinal rail 33 and a deflector member 34 extending outwardly into the adjacent dairy bail. A trip bar member 35 extends diagonally across the dairy bail being pivotally mounted to right hand arm 41 adjacent connecting axle 311. A release member 36 is operated when trip bar member 35 is pushed in towards connecting axle 311, releasing bail gate 42 to rotate downwards with sleeve 43.

Figure 6 refers to the region indicated by lines 6 on Figure 2. A catch member is indicated generally by numeral 37 which cooperates with a rotation member 39 to retain trip bar member 38 in a locked position. A rotation member 39 received to support bar 302 itself supports a retainer member 40. The rotation member and the retainer member also serve to retain trip bar member 38 in position.

Turning now to Figures 3, 4 and 5, these drawings refer generally to the region indicated by 3 in Figure 2. Trip bar 35 is provided with a transverse crosspiece 52 welded to its lower region. Release member 36 comprises a keyhole member having an internal, elongated channel, the keyhole member being attached to pin 51.

This pin is adapted to penetrate transversely right hand arm 41 and then block movement to bail gate 42. Pin 51 is adapted to travel within guide 53 attached to right hand arm 41. Trip bar member 35 is adapted to rotate around bush 54 attached to right hand arm 41. Cross-piece 52 rides up or drops down within keyhole member 50 and pin 51 is pulled out of or pushed into engagement with bail gate 42.

WO 96/36215 PCT/AU96/00297 6 Regarding Figure 7, this mechanism is essentially the same as that of Figure 1.

Numeral 60 indicates an end-view of a milking assembly, in which a sloping upper support 61 is supported by an upright 62. A centrally positioned upright is also shown supporting upper support 61. Numeral 64 indicates an entry which may be opened by upwardly rotating lever 671. The gate may be received by hinged catch 69 and a trip pin similar to pin 51 in Figure 4.

Turning to Figures 8, 9 and 10, numeral 100 refers to a milking assembly as a whole.

The assembly terminates at one end in a sliding gate 101 and at the other end in an upwardly swinging gate 102. A connecting axle 103 runs between the two gates but is not operably connected to them. A series of horizontally disposed bail gates 104 to 108 inclusive is shown in Figure 8. These bail gates are shown swung vertically downwards in Figures 9 and Numerals 109 and 110 refer to trip bar numbers in adjacent dairy bails. In Figure 8, these trip bar members are in an initial "ready" position. In Figure 9, these trip bar members are shown pushed back but still horizontal, as are corresponding deflector members 111 and 112. In Figure 10, these deflector bar members are shown swung vertically downwards, as are the corresponding deflector members. finally, numeral 113 relates to a rotational lever mechanism for the connecting axle 103.

Referring to Figure 11, numeral 200 refers to an entrance assembly as a whole. A frame 201 comprises an upper, slightly sloping support 202 and vertical uprights 203 and 204. (The other elements of the frame are not numbered). This frame supports a sliding gate 205. which comprises a number of horizontal bars, one of which is numbered 206. An entry gate reset lever arm 208 is provided on the left side of gate 205 (see later). This lever arm is connected to an end bail panel 210 at point 209. An WO 96/36215 PCT/AU96/00297 7 entry gate reset locating pin 211 is provided on bail panel 210 to interact with latch plate 207. Upright arm 212 on gate 205 bears latch plate 213 to engage reset lever arm 208.

Thus the gate may be opened and closed and the positions of the bail gate controlled by the use of latch plates 207 and 213 respectively.

Turning to Figure 12, end assembly 300 comprises frame 301 which itself comprises a horizontal upper support 302. An upwardly and downwardly swinging gate 303 depends from support 302. One vertical arm of gate 303 is indicated by numeral 304 and a main horizontal arm by numeral 305. A connecting linkage arm 306 joins to a torque arm 307 which in turn connects to an end panel 308. A hydraulic cylinder 309 is connected to gate 303 (the connections are not shown). Panel 308, and the other panels in sequence, may be lifted to the horizontal or lowered to the vertical positions.

With regard to Figure 13, the upper portion of a dairy bail is indicated by numeral 400.

A longitudinal supporting axle 401 supports a panel 402 which is welded to sleeve 403 around axle 401. A subsidiary panel 404 is also supported by axle 401. Trip bar member 405 ends in latch 401.

Claims (16)

1. A dairy bail operable by a cow to cause an adjunct dairy bail in a series of such bails to open, which bail comprises a cow restraint framework comprising two sides and an end; a trip bar member mounted to and within the framework and adapted to move upon selected pressure from the cow to activate a release member adapted to allow a bail gate on the next bail in the series to open, wherein the dairy bails in the series are successively available to cows to be entered by a cow, each bail other than the last operating in a manner as defined hereinbefore.

2. A dairy bail as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cow restraint framework is attached to a common rotational bar member, adjacent other restraint frameworks in a series of such restraint frameworks.

3. A dairy bail as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the trip bar member is an elongated bar or rod pivoted close to an internal corner of a cow restraint "•framework. OSOS o

4. A dairy bail as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the trip bar member is preferably pivoted so that it can move horizontally and vertically.

5. A dairy bail as claimed in claim 4, wherein the trip bar member is restrained from unwanted movement by a rail or catch. .4 oo:6. A dairy bail as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the release member is a slideable device which penetrates one side of the cow restraint framework to enter an adjacent bail gate or a trigger member which rotates so as to allow the bail gate .o to fall under gravity.

7. A dairy bail as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sliding device is a trip pin which may be nudged or otherwise moved to one side by the trip bar. K:\WP51\SPEC\CHRIS-PCT wls 10Feb99

8. A dairy bail as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bail gate is rotatably mounted on a longitudinal connecting axle connecting the dairy bails in a series.

9. A dairy bail as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each dairy bail comprises at least one transverse side member and one longitudinal rear member.

10. A dairy ball as claimed in claim 9, wherein each dairy bail also comprises a second .=.oo Sside member, desirably slanted inwards towards the rear of the gate. *g "11. A daily bail as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the longitudinal 0 connecting axle is adapted to rotate around its own axis such as in an arc so that the 0series of dairy bails may be rotated downwards into a "clear" position or returned upwards to an "operative" position.

12. A milking assembly which comprises: S an elongated framework adapted to fit into a dairy building; a series of dairy bails as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, supported by the framework; and a gate member at each end of the elongated framework to allow cows into o and out of the milking system. OOOQO

13. A milking assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elongated framework is closed or opened by means of either a sliding gate or a swinging gate.

14. A milking assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the swinging gate is hinged from either its top or one of its vertical sides. A milking assembly as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the gates at each end of the structure are operable together. K:\WP51\SPEC\CHRIS-PCT wls 10Feb99

16. A milking assembly as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein alternatively the gates are operated separately.

17. A milking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the gates are operable by different means.

18. A diary bail operable by a cow, substantially as hereinbefore described with S..reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A milking assembly, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the *accompanying drawings. DATED this 12th day of February, 1999 WILHELMUS THEODORUS CHRISTOPHER and ROSE CHRISTOPHER *9 By Their Patent Attorneys A. TATLOCK ASSOCIATES o K:\WP51\SPEC\CHRIS-PCT wls 10Feb99