AU2010202241B2 - Weighing platform - Google Patents

Abstract

A support base for a weighing platform characterised in that the support base is configured to receive a number of modules fitted together. 22927521 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 co CD co

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant (s) GALLAGHER GROUP LIMITED Invention Title: Weighing platform The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 WEIGHING PLATFORM TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a weighing platform. Reference through out the present specification should be 5 made to the use of weighing platforms in the agricultural industry. In particular, it is envisaged that the present invention will have particular application to weighing platforms that are required to support the weight of an animal walking onto the platform. It should be 10 appreciated however that the principles of the present invention can apply to weighing platforms used for other purposes and this should not be seen as limiting. BACKGROUND ART Reference through this specification shall be made to the 15 present invention as being used in relation to dairy cows. However, as discussed above, the present invention can apply to other situations and this is merely illustrated of one possible use of the present invention. It is well recognised that for good herd management, it is 20 important that cows are weighed on a regular basis. As can be seen from below, the data is useful on a total herd statistical basis as well as for the management and understanding of individual animals. For example, herd statistics can provide you with the 25 following information: - Number of animals weighed in a milking session - this is useful to determine if any animals have been missed, as well as an indication of milking patterns for automatic milking systems. 30 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 -3 " Total weight of herd in milking session - this provides an approximation of the overall condition of a herd. - this can also be used to pay graziers on a basis 5 directly linked to weight gain performance. " Monitoring weight loss in autumn, gain prior to calving along with spring weaning weights. Often to obtain individual readings cows have their ear tags automatically read while on the scales. 10 The weight of each animal can be useful in achieving the following = Tracking the weight of heifers so that the farmer knows when the heifer reaches its target mating weight a Likewise, determining if a heifer needs fattening to 15 ensure target calving weight for maximum milk production. " Indicating to a farmer likely dosage of veterinary product required - some weigh scales even have a direct link to the 20 dosage mechanism on a drench gun = Determining the breeding value of a cow - for example, the weight that the cow needs to maintain may not be proportionate to the volume of milk produced. 25 " Identifying if weight loss is sufficient to indicate a health problem. Thus the information that can be obtained through having the weight of a herd and individual animals analysed can 22927521 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 -4 be highly useful. Therefore it is important that the scales are reliable in accuracy and in durability. To achieve the requisite accuracy and durability, weighing platforms for dairy weigh scales need to have a number of 5 important qualities. The material from which the platform is made must be impervious to damage from the cows' hooves. Further, the material must be capable of being readily cleaned in a milking shed environment. 10 The platform must be of sufficient size that it can take at least the full length of a cow thereon. Given the weight of the cow, the platform must be made is such a way that it does not flex and give inaccurate readings. 15 Steel or aluminium is generally used as they are strong, relatively low cost and reasonably easy to integrate with load cells which provide the weighing readings for the animal on the platform. Steel and aluminium are also easy to fabricate by welding into the required shape for a 20 platform. Steel can be readily galvanised to provide corrosion resistance. Aluminium can also be anodised to provide corrosion resistance. A, typical weighing platform may be made from a single piece of heavy gauge steel. Such a platform can be seen 25 on http://www.gallagher.com.au/weigh.component.aspx?mktprodid =4577. Unfortunately, there are problems associated with such platforms. 30 A major problem is that the steel platforms are very heavy and difficult to transport on account of their bulk. Aluminium platforms although less heavy are more expensive 22927521 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 - 5 and still difficult to transport on account of their bulk. The steel platforms can also be difficult to install particularly when the farmer is retro-fitting the platform into existing races. 5 Another problem with metal platforms is the impact of the cows' hooves on the metal can be very noisy, thereby creating an unpleasant working environment and can create stress for the animals which makes handling them more difficult. 10 Other disadvantages with steel include that its slippery when wet, and is prone to corrosion once the galvanising has worn off. Further, while mats are placed on the top surface to reduce the noise and slipperiness, these mats wear out 15 after a short time. In addition most handling yards are made of concrete so that when an animal walking up to the platform steps onto the platform the transition to a different surface material is unsettling for them, especially when it is 20 slippery and noisy. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the 25 references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does 30 not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. 3851943_1 (GHMalter) P84285.AU 23/11112 -6 Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or 5 steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. 10 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a support base to be used as an animal weighing platform, wherein in use, the support base is configured to transfer a weight of the animal or animals standing 15 thereon to a weighing device to determine the weight of the animal or animals, the weighing device being positioned beneath the support base to connect the support base to a ground surface, 20 the support base including a pair of support rails, wherein the support base includes an indexing system configured to receive a number of modules fitted together, and wherein the support base includes a plurality of support rungs extending across the support rails to 25 support the edges of the modules, and wherein the support rungs include a vertical upright. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a module for a support base as described above. 3851943 1 (GHMalters) P84285.AU 23111,12 - 6A In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the modules for the support base are in the form of slabs of material. Preferably, the slabs are substantially identical in shape to each other. This enables the slabs 5 to be interchangeable without the requirement to remove the whole weighing platform from its position, if there is damage to just one part of the platform. Preferably, the slabs are of a size and weight that they can be readily carried and positioned by only one or two 10 people, thus allowing for ready installation. In one embodiment, the typical weight of the modules is 25 38519431 (GHMatters) P84285.AU 23/11/12 -7 kilograms which can readily be carried and positioned by one person. Typical dimensions of the modules can be 574mm x 370 mm x 60 mm though both the weight and geometry may be varied 5 according to the particular requirements of the platform. These dimensions however are highly suitable for a dairy cow weighing platform. Therefore, in a typical weighing platform of 2.5 metres in length, there may be between two and twenty modules 10 depending on the weight and size of the modules/slabs. This number may also vary depending on the dimensions of the platform. It is important that once the slabs are in position, they remain relatively rigid with respect to each other so as 15 to provide a stable platform for the animals and the scales reading the weight of the animals standing thereon. The weight of the animals on the slabs is preferably transferred to a support frame and then to load cells supporting the support frame. 20 Ideally a support frame is adapted to accept the modules so that when placed in position the modules are confined so that any weight applied to the module is transferred to the support frame. Therefore, in preferred embodiments there is provided a 25 support rail which extends around the outer perimeter of the slabs once fitted into the support base. The support rail in combination with the slabs forms the support base for the weighing platform, which supports the animal's body weight. 30 The provision of modules means that it is possible for there to be provided support bases of differing lengths (or even width) if required. This may be achieved by having the support rail also in modular form. For example, the length of each support rail module may be the 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 -8 same as the outer edges of each slab. To further assist in holding the slabs with respect to the support rail, there may be provided an indexing system whereby the slabs key into the support rail. For example, 5 this may be achieved by the slabs having protrusions which lock into apertures within the rail or vice versa. Another embodiment of the present invention may have a flange that extends out from the support rail into the centre of the support platform, wherein the flange is 10 capable of supporting the edges of the slabs. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible for the slabs to be merely rectangular in shape with no protrusions - as such protrusions could readily break. A further embodiment of the present invention may also 15 include additional support. For example, there may be provided support "rungs" which extend from one side of the platform to the other to support the edges of the slab positioned across the middle of the support platform. These rungs may come in a number of forms. In one 20 embodiment, the support rung may merely have a substantially horizontal member that the slabs rest on. In another embodiment of the present invention the rungs may also include a vertical member which acts to give greater structural strength to the rungs and to maintain 25 the position of the slab relative to the support rung when all the slabs are in place. The rungs may be attached to the support frame by a number of means. In one embodiment, the rungs may be riveted or welded thereto. 30 In a preferred embodiment, the rung can have upper flanges which can rest on top of the support rail. This arrangement may not even require additional fixing means as the weight of the slab on the rung can cause the rung 22927521 (GHiMatteru) 31/05/10 - 9 to stay fixed in position with respect to the support rail. It is envisaged that in most embodiments, the longest side of the slab would be that positioned across the support 5 platform, rather then aligned with the sides of the support rail. Therefore, a support rung which supports the long edges of the slab provides grater structure strength reduces the bending moment on the slab. In one embodiment however, the support rail may be in the 10 form of a channel into which the whole edge of the slab fits. In further preferred embodiments the support frame is an RHS with angle brackets to support the modules or slabs. In most preferred embodiments, the support rail is not in 15 modular form, but is substantially continuous as this provides greater rigidity and support for the weighing platform as a whole. Preferably, the support frame contains and supports the modules or slabs and transfers the load to the load cells 20 that are bolted or attached by other means to the support frame. The load cells are supported by the ground surface by feet of some kind. The support frame may be a continuous channel or other section with end stops of some kind to prevent the end modules from extending or moving 25 beyond the end of the support frame or alternatively the support frame may have a receiving arrangement confining all four sides or three of four sides of each module. The continuous channel or alternative section with end stops is the preferred form of the support frame as it is 30 easier to fabricate and may allow simpler assembly of the modules as with sufficient clearance only the location of three sides rather than four will be required for all but the last module to be installed. 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 - 10 The support frame may be supplied in parts and bolted together or welded at the installation site or it may be entirely welded or a combination of both. Alternatively the support frame may be supplied in parts 5 for ease of transportation but may interlock at the corners when assembled and locked in place by the addition of the modules or slabs. According to a further aspect of the present invention there are provided modules or slabs for a support base for 10 a weighing platform characterised in that the modules or slabs are made substantially from cementitious material. Cementitious material refers to materials having the 15 characteristics of cement including most preferably concrete. In preferred embodiments, the weighing platform has a support base including modules being substantially comprised of cementitious material. Reference shall now 20 be made to the present invention as including slabs made from concrete - again although this should not be considered limiting. In some embodiments the modules may be made from a plastics material. The choice of concrete over the traditional steel has a 25 number of advantages - which surprisingly has not been realised by the industry, despite weighing platforms having been on the market for decades. Concrete is a material that can be readily moulded to form slabs. This is in contrast to steel or aluminium which is 30 required to be fabricated. Concrete is well known to be rugged, low cost and therefore is easily replaceable. 2292752_1 (GHMattera) 31/05/10 - 11 Another advantage of concrete is that unlike metal, the impact of cow's hooves on the concrete does not produce much noise. Other platforms have been cast concrete in situ but this invention pertains to a modular unit that is 5 transported in parts and assembled on site - and can be relocated. Metal can be relatively slippery, particularly in a milking shed environment where there is considerable liquid in the form of animal waste and water. Therefore, 10 in some traditional platforms the top of the weighing platform is pressed to form ridges or perforations or a mat added. This is not needed with a concrete slab, as concrete is naturally non-slip. However it should be appreciated, 15 that it is possible with the present invention to place in the slab moulds embossing which could form a surface which has even more non-slip properties. Alternatively the concrete modules may be finished with a non slip or silencing surface. 20 The slabs or modules may be reinforced, may be contained in a tray, may have fibre fillers for reinforcing in the concrete. Thus it can be seen that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art including 25 e a weighing platform that is readily portable and allows for easy installation as a consequence of having modules or slabs fitted in a support frame to form a support base, * low maintenance as any damaged parts of the support 30 base can be readily interchanged, * low cost, * rugged, 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 - 12 " low slip, and * low noise. " Individual parts of the support base may be handled by one or two people 5 e Easy installation BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying 10 drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a support base in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an RHS for use 15 with one embodiment of the present invention showing the location of the load cells, and Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate support base with a support rung for supporting slabs or modules, and 20 Figure 4 illustrates a support rung. Figure 5 illustrates an RHS support rail including angle bracket to provide a support to the edge of the modules shown in figure 1. Figure 6 illustrates the floor mounting bracket with 25 fixing points concealed Figure 7 illustrates the floor mounting bracket with fixing points exposed while modules or slabs are not installed Figure 8 illustrates modules or slabs moulded in such a 30 shape that they are mounted and located directly 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 - 13 on the longitudinal RHS rails of the support frame. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a support base generally indicated by 5 arrow 1 for a weighing platform. The support base (1) has six modules (2) in the form of concrete slabs (2). The concrete slabs (2) had been moulded such that large tabs (7) of the slab can extend outwards and be held by a 10 RHS rail (3) which includes a support rail (8) shown on figure 5 . The edges of the slab are supported by tabs or metal angle attached to the long sides of the support frame or by the long sides of the support frame themselves. 15 It can be seen that in this embodiment each support slab is identical in shape to each other. This allows for ready replacement if a slab is broken (or for some other reason) as well as simplification and economy of production. The slabs may be shaped so as to nest into 20 each other to minimise space while being transported. The slabs do not however have to be identical in shape. The support rail (3) is in the form of a steel RHS which extends along the sides of the slabs (2). At the end of the support bases (1) are end beams (4) 25 which hold together the support rail (3), and as a consequence the slabs (2) . These elements could be welded together to form the support frame in other embodiments. Figure 2 illustrates an end rail (4) in greater detail which as discussed holds together the support rails (3). 30 The end rail (4) is attached to the support rail (3) through bolts passing through a flange (5). Load cells (6) extend downwards from the end beams (4) and 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 - 14 key in to the rest of the weighing platform (not shown). The load cells form feet for the weighing platform and are located within holes in a metal bracket (7) Figure 7 which is secured to the concrete floor of the handling yard 5 which prevents lateral or longitudinal movement of the weighing platform. A further advantage of the modular weighing platform can be seen by the in the diagram which shows the fixing points to the concrete floor of metal mounting bracket being located underneath the end slabs so 10 that the bracket fixing points (8) Figure 7 are readily accessible during installation and then concealed after the slabs or modules are placed in the support frame (9) Figure 6. Access to both the load cell location plates and the load cells themselves may be readily established by 15 removal of the slabs or modules and or removal of the end beam for access to the load cell. The replacement of an end beam or of a load cell may be readily performed with very little down time. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of another 20 embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there is illustrated a support base generally indicated by arrow (10) having three out of six modules in the form of concrete slabs (11) in position. In this embodiment, there is provided a number of support 25 rungs (12) - more clearly shown in Figure 4. The support rungs (12) have a horizontal support member (13) separated by a divider (14) in the form of a substantially vertical upright. When in position, the divider (14) locate the slabs (11) and provide further structural strength to the 30 horizontal support member (13). At the ends of the rung (12) are flanges (15) which fit over the top surface of the support rail (13) and placed in position. 22927521 (GMatters) 31/05/10 - 15 To accommodate the slight protrusion of the end uprights (16) into the centre of the base (10), recesses (17) have been formed into the slabs (11). As you can see, the preferred embodiment of the present 5 invention involves quite simple construction. Assembly would be done in the following order. 1 The end sections (4) complete with load cell assemblies and cables are bolted to the long sides which form the support frame. 10 2 The support frame would be placed in its required position in the animal race. 3 The load cell location plates are placed on the concrete in the correct position to maintain the support frame and load cells in their correct 15 location 4 The load cell location plates are drilled and bolted to the concrete floor (the load cell location plates may be predrilled). 5 If the support frame was removed for securing the 20 load cell location plates then the support frame and loadcells are refitted into place. 6 The concrete slabs or modules are fitted into the support frame. In a further embodiment the modules may be moulded to 25 incorporate an interlocking support shape (1) Figure 8 so that the module may rest directly on the longitudinal rail. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that 30 modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10 - 16 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 5 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication 10 is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 2292752_1 (GHMatters) 31/05/10

Claims (14)

1. A support base to be used as an animal weighing platform, wherein in use, the support base is configured to transfer a weight of the animal or animals standing 5 thereon to a weighing device to determine the weight of the animal or animals, the weighing device being positioned beneath the support base to connect the support base to a ground surface, 10 the support base including a pair of support rails, wherein the support base includes an indexing system configured to receive a number of modules fitted together, and wherein the support base includes a plurality of support rungs extending across the support rails to 15 support the edges of the modules, and wherein the support rungs include a vertical upright.

2. A support base as claimed in claim 1 wherein the indexing system of the support base is configured to extend around the outer perimeter of the modules once 20 fitted into the support base.

3. A support base as claimed in claim 2 wherein the support rail is in a modular form.

4. A support base as claimed in either claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the support rail includes apertures configured 25 to engage with at least part of the modules.

5. A support base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the support rails are in the form of a channel configured to receive the modules.

6. A support base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30 5 wherein the support rungs include upper flanges configured to fit over the top of the support rails. 3851943_1 (GHMatters) P84285.AU 23/11112 - 18

7. A module for a support base, the support base to be used as an animal weighing platform, wherein in use, the support base is configured to transfer a weight of the animal or animals standing 5 thereon to a weighing device to determine the weight of the animal or animals, wherein the weighing device is positioned beneath the support base to connect the support base to a ground surface, the support base including an indexing system configured to receive a number of modules 10 fitted together, and wherein the support base includes a pair of support rails, the support base also including a plurality of support rungs extending across the support rails to support the edges of the modules, wherein the support rungs include a vertical upright, 15 wherein the module includes an indexing system which is configured to engage with the indexing system of the support base such that the module is able to be supported by the support base.

8. A module as claimed in claim 7 wherein the module is 20 in the form of a slab.

9. A module as claimed in either claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the indexing system of the module includes a protrusion configured to engage with the indexing system of the support base. 25

10. A module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the module is made of cementitious material.

11. A module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the module is made of plastics material.

12. A module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 30 which includes a non-slip surface. 3851943_1 (GHMotters) P84285 AU 23/11/12 - 19

13. A support base substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the figures 1 to 8.

14. A module substantially as herein described with 5 reference to and as illustrated by the figures 1 to 8. 3851943_1 (GHMetters) PB4285.AU 23/11/12