WO2017220830A1

WO2017220830A1 - Self-supporting modular barn

Info

Publication number: WO2017220830A1
Application number: PCT/ES2017/070433
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fernando Julián MARTÍN MORENO
Original assignee: I&D Ferjojusa, S.L.; ESTEBAN MARTÍN, María José; MISIS ANDRÉS, Julio; ROLDÁN DE PRADOS, Sonia
Priority date: 2016-06-23
Filing date: 2017-06-15
Publication date: 2017-12-28
Also published as: ES2651297B1; ES2651297A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-supporting modular barn formed by longitudinal elements (2) that are secured to posts (3, 4) in order to form an enclosure closed along its perimeter, using reversible mechanical attachments in order to define a modular enclosure. The invention comprises straight posts (3) that receive aligned longitudinal elements (2), corner posts (4) that receive angle-forming longitudinal elements (2), an electric fence (12) secured to the inside perimeter of the barn, and at least two pairs of wheels (5) for moving the barn, at least one wheel (5) being connected to a motor in order to move the barn.

Description

MODULAR SELF-PORTABLE STAB DESCRIPTION OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stable that has the particularity of being able to be moved at the will of a user. It also has the peculiarity of being modular, with which it can be designed with initial dimensions and subsequently be enlarged or reduced.

Find special application in the field of rural activities industry dedicated to housing for livestock raising.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the current state of the art, places destined to raise animals for human consumption if they are not entirely inappropriate, at least they are quite improvable. The animals spend the life of breeding enclosed in these enclosures, never leaving the stable. They are overcrowded, almost completely lacking mobility. The space in which they are located is reduced and is usually quite uncomfortable for animals compared to what would be a natural experience. Thus, in any of the current enclosures, the animals do not have an appropriate soil in terms of hardness or humidity or where to walk, unable to step on a firm foot, or simply lie down.

Taking into account that the welfare of the animal directly results in the quality of the product obtained from it, it seems obvious that an improvement in the living conditions of the animals has a direct impact on the business economy, as the improvement in terms of Product quality marketed will increase and the quality of a consumer product is easily detectable by users. In fact, there are products on the market that are marketed expressly mentioning that they come from animals raised in freedom, this characteristic being an added value that the consumer is willing to pay.

In this sense, in the state of the art is document ES-0176789_U, which describes an invention about a stable for livestock breeding focused on improvements introduced based on the reduction of production costs, mainly due to labor and the hygienic conditions in which animals live. The invention focuses on the mechanization of manger supply operations and the cleaning of the stables. The invention consists in carrying out a stable equipped with mobile grid platforms, on which the compartments where the animals live are arranged. The compartments are located on both sides of a central aisle and the platforms can be moved, one by one, towards the central aisle, so that space is left for the passage of a machine that performs the cleaning of the pavement of the stable located under the grid platform. The corridor is hindered by the stables on one of the sides while, in their normal position, they leave it free for the passage of a machine that supplies the mangers.

However, the improvements introduced in this invention are focused on the improvement in the economic exploitation of the stable, taking into little consideration the situation in terms of habitability of the animal.

The present invention focuses the improvements of the stable to the space of the animals, presenting a self-transporting stable that allows a continuous cleaning of the area inhabited by the animals and eliminates the dead and unnecessary spaces for the animals, such as the access corridors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As mentioned, the present invention describes a self-portable modular stable. Being modular implies that, structurally, it is formed by longitudinal elements that are fixed on pillars by means of mechanical fasteners and reversibly to constitute a peripherally enclosed enclosure that can be enlarged or dimensionally reduced by incorporating or removing components. The enclosure is rectangular, including that which can also be square, for practical reasons, and can also be of any other geometric shape.

The pillars can be rectilinear, which host aligned longitudinal elements, and corner, which receive longitudinal elements oriented at 90 degrees. The fact that the stable is self-portable implies, on the one hand, that it incorporates at least two pairs of wheels to be moved, where at least one wheel is connected to an engine and, on the other hand, that it includes an electric shepherd fixed to the interior perimeter of the stable, so that the movement of the stable is not impeded by immobilized animals inside.

The stable can include a hydraulic mechanism that moves the stable vertically and leaves it resting on the wheels.

In order to control the displacement, it also includes anchoring elements, such as anchoring arms, intended to be fixed in some holes in the ground, or vertical pikes, for fixing the stable to the ground. The anchors can be activated mechanically or electrically.

Motors that activate the wheels and anchors can be activated by timers or remotely through a receiver.

The stable can incorporate curved tubes that join pillars located on opposite walls and equidistant from the transverse walls. The tubes are intended to form a structure in which, on the one hand, a gangway can be incorporated for the movement of personnel inside the stable without having to incorporate corridors or useless areas for the use of animals. In the catwalk, in addition, a movable mechanism can be incorporated to be able to lift and deposit weights such as, for example, a hoist. In this way, animals that have to be taken care of or even evacuated, and also accessories that want to be incorporated, such as drinking fountains or mangers, can be mobilized in the stable. Access to the catwalk is done, for example, by a portable ladder. For access to the interior, the stable can also incorporate a door, which can be sliding or folding. On the other hand, the structure of curved tubes is also intended to facilitate the assembly of tarpaulins for the enclosure of the upper area of the stable. The tarps can cover the stable up to the height of the pillars or reach lower, even to the ground on both sides. The enclosure can be completed by incorporating canvases for the transverse walls. In this case, at least one canvas of the transverse walls incorporates an opening to facilitate access to the gangway or not to interfere with the door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To complete the invention being described and in order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of realization of the same, a set of drawings is accompanied in which, with illustrative and non-limiting character, the following figures have been represented:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a self-portable stable.

Figure 2 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of a self-portable stable.

Figure 3 represents a view of a rectilinear pillar used in the structure of the stable.

Figure 4 represents a view of a corner pillar used in the structure of the stable.

Figure 5 represents a side view of an anchor arm located in the structure of the stable showing the rotational movement to engage in a ground anchor hole.

Figure 6 represents a plan view of the auto-portable stable shown in Figure 2 showing the movement capacity between two positions.

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a self-portable stable in another embodiment.

Figure 8 represents a plan view of the auto-portable stable in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 showing the movement capacity.

The following is a list of the references used in the figures:

1. Curved tube.

2. Longitudinal element.

3. Rectilinear pillar.

4. Corner pillar.

5. Wheel.

6. Anchor arm.

7. Anchor hole.

8. Concrete slab.

9. Drinker.

10. Gateway.

1 1. Pica.

12. Electric shepherd. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stable, preferably rectangular in surface, capable of being custom designed by modules formed by standard components and capable of being self-portable, so that it can be moved from one place to another.

The modular structure of the stable is achieved by a construction based on longitudinal elements (2) of closure and pillars (3, 4) as elements where the longitudinal elements (2) are fixed. In this way, a peripheral and custom enclosed enclosure can be created, creating a fence by positioning several lines of longitudinal elements (2) superimposed vertically. The fencing created can be created by complete closures, where the view inside is prevented, or with openings, simulating a traditional stable. A preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 1, where a stable formed by a structure based on longitudinal elements (2) joined by pillars (3, 4) to form a perimeter closed enclosure is shown. This construction allows a perfect modularity to be able to build stables of dimensions that are defined by the longitudinal dimension of the longitudinal elements (2). The height of the fence that forms the stable is defined by the height of the pillars (3, 4), calculated according to market preferences.

In any case, the height of the pillars (3, 4) can be increased by the axial union of two pillars (3, 4) to the desired height and can also be reduced by cutting them to the desired height or simply leaving them free without filling longitudinal elements (2). If increased, the axial union is carried out by means of connection such as, for example, elements that are inserted at each end of two pillars (3, 4) to be joined, which are subsequently secured by pins . The joining can also be carried out by incorporating joining elements known in the state of the art or by proceeding with the mechanical attachment of the pillars (3, 4), either by screws, bolts or even welding.

To provide the necessary structural rigidity to the fence, the longitudinal elements (2) are secured to the pillars (3, 4) by means of mechanical fasteners, such as nails, screws, bolts with nuts, or the like. In this embodiment, the pillars (3, 4) are defined in two different ways, depending on whether they join longitudinal elements (2) positioned in line or in a corner. In this way, on the one hand there are rectilinear pillars (3), which are formed by a structural beam located between two parallel plates that form two aligned and opposite "U" cavities, as shown in Figure 3, where the longitudinal elements (2). On the other hand, there are corner pillars (4), formed by a structural beam and plates that form two "U" cavities at 90 degrees, as shown in Figure 4, to fit the longitudinal elements (2) forming a corner . The pillars (3, 4) can incorporate a base to strengthen the stability of the fence.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the longitudinal elements (2) can be planks. The width of the boards can be sized as a submultiple of the height of the pillars (3, 4), so that the union of several boards defines a flush enclosure with the pillars (3, 4). On the other hand, the fence can be more open if it is not interesting that it is completely closed in height, as indicated above, by fixing the planks to the beams (3, 4) at the desired height.

In another embodiment, the longitudinal elements (2) can be longitudinal tubes having holes in the ends. In this case, the pillars (3, 4), in addition to the described form, can also have a configuration with lugs formed by bolts where the holes of the longitudinal tubes are introduced to create a joint. This union, later settles by means of a security nut. In any of the two embodiments described, the pillars (3, 4) have a configuration by which they can be coupled in height or coupled by means of intermediate elements in order to define the fencing of the stable with the desired height. For greater safety, these joints are preferably secured by mechanical means such as pins, bolts with nuts or the like.

The stable can be closed superiorly by incorporating curved tubes (1) that create a structure along the surface of the stable.

For this, the curved tubes (1) have the rectilinear ends to be fitted in holes made in the upper base of the pillars (3, 4). This union must incorporate some type of reinforcement to prevent unintentionally decoupling, such as a safety hitch by pins, a mechanical joint or even a joint by welding. On this structure of curved tubes (1) tarpaulins are implemented that are sized for a length that, at least, is that of the curved tubes (1) and which can become the sum of the length of the curved tube (1) more the two heights of the pillars (3, 4), so that the closure with the canvas is to the ground on all sides. The width of the canvas is defined by the distance between two curved tubes (1), that is, slightly greater than the length of the longitudinal elements (2). The hooking of the canvas to the structure can be carried out through holes made in the canvas through which clamps are introduced that surround the curved tubes (1), being able to fall free through the area covered by the longitudinal elements (2) as a skirt . The holes in the canvas are used so that two adjacent canvases join together, providing rigidity to the complete enclosure. The transverse walls of the stable are closed by canvases with the corresponding geometry that join the curved tubes (1) of beginning and end that configure these walls and also to the adjacent canvases. In this way, it can be verified as described that the canvases are also adapted to the modularity concept of the invention.

To enable people to access the stable without having to occupy spaces that would later become unusable for the use of animals, the stable incorporates a walkway (10) in height subject to the curved tubes (1), as shown in figures 2 and 6. On the catwalk (10) a hoist or lifting mechanism can be incorporated to carry out animal transfers or incorporation of heavy elements into the stable. The access to the gangway (10) is carried out by means of a portable ladder and the corresponding opening in at least one of the canvases of the transverse walls.

To facilitate access to the stable, you can also incorporate an access door located in one of the spaces between two of the pillars (3, 4). For this, in addition, an opening is made in the corresponding canvas so that it does not interfere with the opening of the door.

In one embodiment, the door is formed by longitudinal elements (2) of the appropriate length attached, at one end, to a hinged pillar and, at the other end, to a closure element that incorporates a wheel. The wheel provides rigidity to the door structure.

Thus, on one of the pillars (3, 4) between which the door is positioned, the hinged pillar is fixed. On the other pillar (3, 4), where the door is supported when folding, the outermost sheet of the "U" shape is removed, where the longitudinal elements (2) would enter, so that the door, in a closed position, it is located in the same position as if there were longitudinal elements (2). The closing of the door is any of those known in the state of the art, such as a folding latch or a bolt.

In another embodiment, the door is sliding, needing only to locate guides to fix the movement of the door when opening.

The stable also has the possibility of incorporating drinking fountains (9) and cribs in the structure.

In addition to being modular, the stable of the invention has the characteristic of being self-portable. To carry out the displacement, in one embodiment, two opposite sides of the stable, preferably the smaller ones, incorporate two hydraulic mechanisms incorporating a pair of wheels (5), as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the position of resting, the stable rests on the pillars (3, 4). When the movement of the stable is activated, the hydraulic mechanisms raise the stable to rest on the two pairs of wheels (5) that will allow the stable to move. The movement of the wheels (5) is activated by a motor that can be connected to each of the pairs of wheels (5) or, also, by a single motor connected to only one of the pairs of wheels. Another embodiment provides that the wheels (5) are attached to the base of the pillars (3, 4) with the possibility of movement in any direction, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, not all the pillars ( 3, 4) have to incorporate wheels (5), but only as considered. In fact, it is necessary that the corner pillars (4) incorporate wheels (5), due to structural needs. The rectilinear pillars (3), however, will incorporate wheels (5) as deemed necessary to rest on the ground for reasons of rigidity. In this embodiment, at least two wheels (5) will be tractors, so that the direction in which the stable is to be moved can be chosen.

In any of the embodiments that include the wheels (5), the speed of movement of the stable is very reduced, so that it bothers or interferes as little as possible in the life of the animals that houses the stable without reaching, even , to perceive the movement of the stable.

One of the applications of the stable is to implement it on a rigid surface, such as a concrete slab (8), of dimensions large enough so that the stable can move between two parallel positions that do not overlap. For this, the wheels (5) are positioned to move in a single, fixed direction that can be, for example, the one defined by the smaller sides of the stable. In this case, the wheels (5) are preferably moved by a single motor to avoid losing the parallel displacement that is sought, for example, because the speed of the two motors is not exactly the same and can cause turns.

To affect the comfort of the animals, each of the two areas of the concrete slab (8) in which the stable is positioned is partially covered with grass or straw, so that the animals can rest on it. On the other hand, to avoid temperature changes depending on the time of year, a closed circuit of pipes connected to a thermal source can be incorporated in each area of the concrete slab (8) to operate as a radiant floor. In this way, heat or cold can be brought to the ground according to interest, without more than causing the thermal source to emit heat or cold respectively.

The movement of the stable is perfectly defined between two positions at a certain speed and only varying the direction of travel. In this way, you have access to the animals' area to be able to proceed with a thorough cleaning of the slab (8) and replace the grass or straw.

For this application, the stable incorporates, on two opposite sides of the structure, an anchoring arm (6), as shown in Figure 6, or more than one if more security is needed, in order to secure the stable to the ground. The anchor arms (6) are rotated to insert a hook-shaped end into anchor holes (7) made in the concrete slab (8), as shown in Figure 5. The arm of Anchor (6) can incorporate a motor, so that it is activated automatically when the barn is stopped or can be activated manually by an operator. The arms can be incorporated in the walls of the stable parallel to the direction of movement or perpendicular, as interested in the approach of the coupling mechanism.

Another of the stable's applications is to implement it directly in the field. In this case, a fundamental difference with respect to the other application described is that the wheels (5) have the capacity to move in any direction. For this application, because it is not possible to control the slopes through which the barn moves, it is interesting to implement an anchoring system by means of pikes (1 1) that are activated, once the stall has been established, to anchor to the ground and rise to give order to start the movement.

For the two applications described, it is important that, once the stable begins to move, if there are animals lying or immobilized, they do not impede the movement of the stable. For this, an electric shepherd (12) is used, consisting of a cable located on the inner periphery of the stable and solidly fixed to the structure of the stable, with which it moves in a solidary manner. The electric shepherd (12) is connected to an electric generator so that, if it comes into contact with an animal, it produces an electric shock that invites the animal to move.

The invention also contemplates the possibility of being automated, so that the motors, both of the wheels (5) and of the anchoring elements (6, 1 1), are activated by means of a timer or through a receiver capable of capturing A remote signal

Finally, it should be clarified that the present invention should not be limited to the embodiment described herein. Other configurations can be made by those skilled in the art in view of the present description. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. - Modular self-portable stable formed by longitudinal elements (2) that are fixed in pillars (3, 4) to constitute a peripherally enclosed area, characterized in that it comprises:

- rectilinear pillars (3) that host longitudinal elements (2) aligned,

- corner pillars (4) that receive longitudinal elements (2) at an angle,

- an electric shepherd (12) fixed to the interior perimeter of the stable, and

- at least two pairs of wheels (5) for the movement of the stable,

where:

- the longitudinal elements (2) and the pillars (3, 4) are joined by mechanical fixations reversibly to define a modular enclosure, and

- at least one wheel (5) is connected to a motor for the movement of the stable.

2. - Self-portable modular stable, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a hydraulic mechanism for the vertical movement of the stable that enables the support on the wheels (5) in a reversible manner.

3. Modular self-portable stable, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the corner pillars (4) receive longitudinal elements (2) forming an angle of 90 degrees.

4. - Modular self-portable stable, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two anchoring elements (6, 1 1), which are activated by means to be selected between electrical and mechanical, for fixing the stable to the ground.

5. - Self-portable modular stable, according to claim 4, characterized in that the anchoring element (6, 1 1) is an anchoring arm (6) intended to be fixed in an anchoring hole (7) located in the ground .

6. - Self-portable modular stable, according to claim 4, characterized in that the anchoring element (6, 1 1) is a pin (11) with vertical displacement capability.

7. Self-portable modular stable, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises curved tubes (1) that join pillars (3, 4) located on opposite walls and equidistant from the transverse walls.

8. Modular auto-portable stable, according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a gangway (10) fixed to the curved tubes (1) for the movement of personnel inside the stable.

9. - Self-portable modular stable, according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a movable mechanism along the gangway (10) with the capacity to lift and deposit weights.

10. - Self-portable modular stable, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a tarp for the enclosure of the stable that is fixed between two curved tubes (1).

1 1. - Self-portable modular stable, according to claim 10, characterized in that the length of the canvas is greater than that of the curved tubes (1), so that the ends of the canvas cover the pillars (3, 4 ).

12. - Self-portable modular stable, according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises canvases for closing the transverse walls of the stable.

13. - Self-portable modular stable, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a timer for the activation of the motors.

14. - Self-portable modular stable, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a receiver for activating the motors remotely.

15. - Modular self-portable stable, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a door to be selected between folding and sliding located between two pillars (3, 4).