APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING A CART
A cart for transporting livestock equipment having a first and a second stall dividers and two dollies. The first dolly includes a horizontal member, a pair of wheels, and a pair of outer support members. The second dolly includes a horizontal member, a pair of wheels, and a pair of outer support members. To form a cart, an outer support member of the first dolly is received in one of the vertical members of the first stall divider, and the other outer support member of the first dolly is received in the opening of one of the vertical members of the second stall divider. An outer support member of the second dolly is received in the first stall divider and the outer support member of the second dolly is received in the opening of the second stall divider.
The present application claims priority to the provisional patent application identified by U.S. Ser. No. 61/259,319, filed on Nov. 9, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The inventive concept(s) disclosed herein relates generally to an apparatus and method for forming a cart, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an apparatus and method for forming a cart by combining and utilizing dollies and livestock fan cage assemblies, extensions, chutes, and the like.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
In the livestock industry, and in particularly, in the competitive field of livestock breeding and showing, a wide variety of equipment is necessary for proper maintenance and showing of the animals. Breeders and owners show their livestock at various competitions and functions, and usually transport into each location the equipment for showing and maintenance of the animals. Numerous items are used for the livestock competitions and functions, and the equipment is often large and bulky.
During a competition, the needed equipment needs to be unloaded at the event location. This typically requires the breeder to back a trailer or truck up to the location doors and manually unload and transport the equipment into the location. The equipment must be transferred to a specific site for display and maintenance of the livestock during the event. This manual process requires a person to carry the equipment to the event site for the showing and maintenance of the animals during the event. Due to the quantity and size of the equipment, this unloading process usually takes several trips. While unloading, several other breeders and owners are typically waiting their turn to unload their equipment. This manual equipment transfer process presents problems of flow into and out of the event area and causes undesirable delay for the numerous breeders and owners waiting to unload their equipment.
Thus, there is a need for a device to minimize the time and effort required to unload and transport the necessary equipment at livestock shows. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a means to conveniently, quickly and easily transport all the necessary equipment from the truck or trailer and into the event location.
It is not believed that the prior art provides a satisfactory apparatus or means for transporting the necessary equipment for livestock showing and maintenance in various livestock competitions and functions. The equipment typically includes large fan cage assemblies, fans, chutes, feed, grooming supplies, and other various supplies. Although dollies are available to move many items, it is not believed that prior art dollies are available which provide the apparatus and means to simultaneously move the required equipment for livestock showing and maintenance.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to
Referring now to
The fan cage 100 illustrated in
Referring again to
Referring now to
After formation, the cart 122 can also be loaded with additional equipment and supplies, such as rakes, feed, fans, and the like. The cart 122 can then be wheeled into an event, reducing the time required to unload the equipment and eliminating manual carrying of heavy and bulky items. Furthermore, once the cart 122 reaches the designated location, the breeder or owner is then able to quickly unload materials from the cart 122, disassemble the cart 122, and reassemble the necessary equipment, such as the fan cage 100 illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring to
The first dolly 124 further includes a pair of outer support members 132 attached to the first horizontal bar 130 preferably near each of the outer ends thereof, such that the outer support members 132 extend in a substantially vertical orientation. The outer support members 132 can be configured to be received in the bottom opening 104b or 106b of the vertical support members 104 or 106 of the stall divider 102, as illustrated in
Referring now to
The first dolly 136 further includes a pair of outer support members 144 attached to the first horizontal bar 140 near each of the outer ends thereof such that the outer support members 144 extend in a substantially vertical orientation. The outer support members 144 are configured to be received in the bottom opening 104a or 106a of the vertical support members 104 or 106 of the stall divider 102 in a manner similar to that of
Referring to
The second dolly 126 can further have a pair of inner support members 164 attached to and extending substantially vertically from the second horizontal bar 158 between the outer support members 160. The inner support members 164 can be configured to be received by the corner opening 114a of the first straight member 114 of the L bar 112.
Referring now to
The second dolly 166 further has a pair of inner support members 175 attached to and extending substantially vertically from the second horizontal bar 170 between the outer support members 172. The inner support members 175 can be configured to be received by the corner opening 114a of the first straight member 114 of the L bar 112. Other means of attaching the stall divider 102 to the second horizontal bar 170 may be used, including clamps, and bolts, for example.
Referring now to
The chute 176 preferably includes a bottom section 178 having two bottom horizontal bars 180 and 182 connected in a parallel configuration. The chute 176 also preferably includes a top section 184 having two top horizontal bars 188 and 190 connected in a similar parallel configuration. Additionally, the bottom horizontal bars 180 and 182 can be parallel to the top horizontal bars 188 and 190. The chute 176 may have a pair of rear vertical support members 192 and a head gate 194 attached at opposite ends of the bottom horizontal bars 180, 182, to support the top section 184 in an elevated relationship to the bottom section 178. The head gate 194 preferably has a bottom bar 196, a top bar 198, two vertical bars 199, a vertical bar 200, and an adjustable bar 202 to allow for the insertion of an animal's head through the vertical bars 199, 200, and adjustable bar 202 of the head gate 194. The chute 176 may incorporate other horizontal and vertical bars for added support and rigidity. Although an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes the chute 176 as illustrated in
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Referring now to
Referring now to
The horizontal retaining member 232 has a flat first end 238 and a flat second end 240 having an aperture (not shown) adapted to receive the retaining bolt 234 therethrough. The vertical support plate 228 has a slot 244 intersecting one side thereof and adapted to receive and engage the first end 238 of the horizontal retaining member 232. When the first end 238 of the horizontal retaining member 232 is disposed in the slot 244, the retaining bolt 234 is inserted into the aperture (not shown), and the retaining nut 236 is tightened. The vertical support plate 228, the vertical retaining member 230, and the horizontal retaining member 232 cooperate to define a substantially rectangular space 246 adapted to receive and retain the bottom horizontal bars 180 and 182 of the chute 176. An optional washer 242 may be inserted onto the retaining bolt 234 prior to inserting the retaining nut 236.
Referring now to
When the first end 264 of the horizontal retaining member 258 is inserted into the first slot 270 or the second slot 272, the retaining bolt 260 is inserted through the aperture (not shown), and the retaining nut 262 is tightened, the vertical support plate 254, the vertical retaining member 256, and the horizontal retaining member 258 cooperate to define a substantially rectangular space 274 adapted to receive and retain the bottom horizontal bars 180 and/or 182 of the cart 204. The first slot 270 and the second slot 272 of the vertical support plate 254 allow for the alternative insertion and retention of a bottom horizontal bar 180 and/or 182 with a first size, and a second size, respectively. An optional washer 268 may be disposed between the horizontal retaining member 258 and the retaining nut 262.
From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. While presently preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein and defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A cart for transporting equipment for showing livestock, comprising:
- a first stall divider having at least two vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members interconnecting the vertical members with one another, the vertical members having an opening in at least one end thereof; and
- a second stall divider having at least two vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members connecting the vertical members with one another, the vertical members of the second stall divider having an opening in at least one end thereof;
- wherein the first and second stall dividers are positionable in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to define at least a portion of a livestock holding pen;
- a first dolly including a horizontal member, a pair of wheels extending from a bottom side of the horizontal member, and a pair of outer support members extending upwardly from the horizontal member; and
- a second dolly including a horizontal member, a pair of wheels extending from a bottom side of the horizontal member, and a pair of outer support members extending upwardly from the horizontal members,
- wherein one of the outer support members of the first dolly is slidingly received in the opening of one of the vertical members of the first stall divider and the other outer support member of the first dolly is slidingly received in the opening of one of the vertical members of the second stall divider; and wherein one of the outer support members of the second dolly is slidingly received in the opening of the other vertical member of the first stall divider and the other outer support member of the second dolly is slidingly received in the opening of the other vertical member of the second stall divider, such that the first and second stall dividers are rollingly supported by the first and second dollies in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship to define an equipment storage space therebetween.
2. The cart of claim 1 wherein the vertical members of each of the first and second stall dividers have an opening in each end thereof, and wherein the cart further comprises:
- a first L-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg, a distal end of the first leg being receivable in the opening of the upper end of the vertical member of the first stall divider; and
- a second L-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg, a distal end of the second leg being receivable in the opening of the upper end of one of the vertical members of the second stall divider and a distal end of the second leg of the second L-shaped member being connectable to a distal end of the second leg of the first L-shaped bar,
- wherein one of the first and second legs of the first L-shaped member extends from the first dolly to the second dolly and wherein one of the first and second legs of the second L-shaped member extends from the first dolly to the second dolly.
3. The cart of claim 2 wherein one of the first and second legs of the first L-shaped member extends upwardly from one of the first and second dollies and wherein one of the first and second legs of the second L-shaped member extends upwardly from one of the first and second dollies.
4. The cart of claim 2 wherein the first dolly further comprises:
- a first retaining member connected to the upper side of the horizontal member, one of the first and second leg members of the first L-shaped member being received in the first retaining member; and
- a second retaining member connected to the upper side of the horizontal member, one of the first and second leg members of the second L-shaped member being received in the second retaining member.
5. The cart of claim 2 wherein each of the first and second L-shaped members has an opening at a proximal end of one of the first and second legs, and wherein the second dolly further comprises a pair of inner support members extending upwardly from the horizontal member and positioned between the outer support members, one of the inner support members of the second dolly being slidingly received in the opening at the proximal end of one of the first and second leg members of the first L-shaped member and the other inner support member of the second dolly being slidingly received in the opening at the proximal end of one of the first and second leg members of the second L-shaped member.
6. A kit for forming a cart for transporting equipment for showing livestock, the equipment comprising:
- a first stall divider having at least two vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members interconnecting the vertical members with one another, the vertical members having an opening in at least one end thereof; and
- a second stall divider having at least two vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members connecting the vertical members with one another, the vertical members of the second stall divider having an opening in at least one end thereof, wherein the first and second stall dividers are positionable in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to define at least a portion of a livestock holding pen, the kit comprising: a first dolly including a horizontal member, a pair of wheels extending from a bottom side of the horizontal member, and a pair of outer support members extending upwardly from the horizontal member; a second dolly including a horizontal member, a pair of wheels extending from a bottom side of the horizontal member, and a pair of outer support members extending upwardly from the horizontal members, wherein one of the outer support members of the first dolly is slidingly receivable in the opening of one of the vertical members of the first stall divider and the other outer support member of the first dolly is slidingly receivable in the opening of one of the vertical members of the second stall divider; and wherein one of the outer support members of the second dolly is slidingly receivable in the opening of the other vertical member of the first stall divider and the other outer support member of the second dolly is slidingly receivable in the opening of the other vertical member of the second stall divider, such that the first and second stall dividers are rollingly supportable by the first and second dollies in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship to define an equipment storage space therebetween.
7. The kit of claim 6 wherein the vertical members of each of the first and second stall dividers have an opening in each end thereof, and wherein the kit further comprises:
- a first L-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg, a distal end of the first leg being receivable in the opening of the upper end of the vertical member of the first stall divider; and
- a second L-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg, a distal end of the second leg being receivable in the opening of the upper end of one of the vertical members of the second stall divider and a distal end of the second leg of the second L-shaped member being connectable to a distal end of the second leg of the first L-shaped bar,
- wherein one of the first and second legs of the first L-shaped member are extendable from the first dolly to the second dolly and wherein one of the first and second legs of the second L-shaped member are extendable from the first dolly to the second dolly.
8. The kit of claim 7 wherein one of the first and second legs of the first L-shaped member is extendable extend upwardly from one of the first and second dollies and wherein one of the first and second legs of the second L-shaped member is extendable upwardly from one of the first and second dollies.
9. The kit of claim 7 wherein the first dolly further comprises:
- a first retaining member connectable to the upper side of the horizontal member, one of the first and second leg members of the first L-shaped member being receivable in the first retaining member; and
- a second retaining member connectable to the upper side of the horizontal member, one of the first and second leg members of the second L-shaped member being receivable in the second retaining member.
10. The kit of claim 7 wherein each of the first and second L-shaped members has an opening at a proximal end of one of the first and second legs, and wherein the second dolly further comprises a pair of inner support members extending upwardly from the horizontal member and positioned between the outer support members, one of the inner support members of the second dolly being slidingly receivable in the opening at the proximal end of one of the first and second leg members of the first L-shaped member and the other inner support member of the second dolly being slidingly receivable in the opening at the proximal end of one of the first and second leg members.
11. A cart for transporting equipment for showing livestock, comprising:
- a livestock chute comprising: a bottom section having a rear end and a forward end, the bottom section having two or more bottom horizontal bars; a top section having a rear end and a forward end, the top section having two or more horizontal bars; at least two rear vertical support members extending between the rear end of the bottom section and the rear end of the top section in a spaced apart relationship relative to one another to define a livestock receiving opening; and a head gate extending between the forward end of the bottom section and the forward end of the top section to support such that the bottom section, the top section, the rear vertical support members, and the head gate cooperate to define an equipment storage space; and
- a plurality of castor assemblies detachably attached to the bottom horizontal bars of the bottom section such that the livestock chute is rollingly supported by the castor assemblies.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 9, 2010
Publication Date: Nov 10, 2011
Inventor: Randal L. Chandler (Lindsay, OK)
Application Number: 12/942,755
International Classification: A01K 1/00 (20060101);