Animal husbandry – Animal controlling or handling – Suspending
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-30
2001-03-13
Carone, Michael J. (Department: 3643)
Animal husbandry
Animal controlling or handling
Suspending
C119S733000, C119S752000, C119S749000, C452S054000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199514
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of restraining an animal within an animal squeeze, and an animal squeeze constructed in accordance with the teachings of the method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to animal squeezes generally, but more particularly, animal squeezes that are intended for use with deer. Deer are high strung animals that tend to become stressed and frantic to escape when confined within an animal squeeze. Frequently, deer become injured, as they struggle to escape.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a better method of restraining a deer within an animal squeeze, and an animal squeeze constructed in accordance with the teachings of the method.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an animal squeeze which includes a chute having a first end, a second end, sidewalls, a floor and a generally “V” shaped passage that extends from the first end to the second end. Means are provided for causing relative movement of the sidewalls and the floor to suspend an animal in the “V” shaped passage. A pressure member is movably secured to the chute. The pressure member has an operative position exerting a substantially vertical downward force upon a back of an animal positioned within the chute.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of restraining a deer within an animal squeeze. An animal squeeze is provided having a pressure member, as described above. An animal is directed into and confined within the chute. The animal is suspended in the “V” shaped passage by causing relative movement of the sidewalls and the floor. The pressure member is positioned in the operative position engaging a back of the animal and a restraining force exerted upon the animal in the chute.
A deer suspended in a “V” shaped passage, will continue to struggle. However, when a pressure is exerted upon the back of the deer, the deer ceases to struggle. This makes the deer much easier to work with and virtually eliminates the danger that the deer, by continuing to struggle, will hurt itself. Once the teachings of this method are understood there a various refinements that can be added to further improve the operation of the apparatus.
The first prototype has a pressure member that was pivotally mounted to one of the sidewalls. This pressure member pivoted a substantially horizontal pivot axis and onto the back of the deer. Although that configuration was workable, the back restraint is much more effective when the chute is constructed with an upper support structure that overlies the passage, such as a ceiling. The pressure member is mounted to the upper support structure and has a substantially vertical operative position. The pressure member is telescopically expandable with means provided for locking the pressure member in a selected telescopic position.
The preferred configuration of chute has a pair of parallel sidewalls with opposed wedge members extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end to make the passage generally “V” shaped. A drop floor is provided that is selectively movable between a supporting position supporting an animal and dropped position leaving the animal edged between the wedge members in the generally “V” shaped passage.
Human access to the rear of the animal is the best way to conduct some procedures, such as artificial insemination. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the chute has a side entry service door large enough for a human to enter through at least one of the sidewalls at the first end of the chute. It is preferred that a kick guard be positioned within the chute at an intermediate position adjacent the side entry service door and toward the second end. The kick guard has an operative position in a vertical orientation extending transversely across the chute. Beneficial results have been obtained when the kick guard is a pivotally mounted section of the floor. Access to elsewhere on the animal can be obtained by having with shuttered upper and lower access doors in the sidewalls.
Deer are extremely quick. It is, therefore, preferred that a pair of opposed shoulders be provided that extend into the passage and block passage of an animal at the second end of the chute. It is also preferred that a sensor be provided that will drop the floor automatically to suspend the deer when the deer reaches a certain point along the chute. The use of shoulders, an automatic trigger to the drop floor or both enables the head of the animal to be positioned as close as possible to the second end of the chute. This is desirable in order to provide access to the head for trimming antlers and doing other work on the animal. A combination of both makes possible having the animals head actually protruding from the second end of the chute. This would be very difficult without shoulder pads and relying solely upon human reflexes to trigger the drop floor.
The preferred manner of releasing the animal, is have all or a portion of one of the sidewalls hinged to pivot in a position widening the passage. This drops the animal to the ground and leaves sufficient clearance between the shoulders to exit from the second end of the chute.
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Jubinville Giselle
Jubinville Leonard Arthur
Bergin James S.
Carone Michael J.
Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
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