Farrowing crates
US5111769A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K1/0218
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In order to confine a sow in such a manner as to allow only limited movement of the sow, the crate has two side members (2, 3) each of which is pivoted at a corresponding end about a respective vertical axis and between which the sow is positioned in use. Each of the side members (2, 3) comprising a rigid frame incorporating at least two horizontal rails. A linkage system (11) couples together the side members (2, 3) such that pivoting of one of the side members in one direction about the associated vertical axis causes corresponding pivoting of the other side member in the opposite direction about the associated vertical axis. Furthermore a damper (17) is incorporated in the linkage system (11) so as to control pivotal movement of the side members (2, 3) in such a manner that, when the sow applies her weight to one of the side members on lying down within the crate, the side member gives way gradually under the sow's weight in order to lower the sow controllably to the ground. A particularly efficient farrowing crate is provided by this arrangement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.