AU668992B2 - Upsi daisy cow lifter - Google Patents

Description

V1 COW LIFTING AID Field of the Invention The invention pertains to lifting devices or aids and more particularly to a device which can aid in the lifting of a distressed cow.

Background of the Invention A cow which has become distressed after calving will sometimes find it impossible to get to her feet under her own power. The chances for survival for such a cow are greatly improved if she can be brought to her feet.

Objects and Summary of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a device for assisting in the lifting of a cow to her feet.

The primary component of the apparatus is a metal framework. The framework comprises a transverse forward portion having two free ends and a rearwardly extending support portion joined to and located between the two free ends.

In a preferred embodiment, the front portion is ar-uate and the support portion comprises two converging metal rods.

In another embodiment of the invention the support portion further comprises an upright located at a narrowing.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an additional harness which is adapted to aid in the lifting of the front legs of the cow.

In a further embodiment, the lifting apparatus of the present invention comprises the aforementioned framework and harness.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cow being lifted by one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the metal framework which forms one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a harness and self locking clip which may be utilised with the device depicted in Figure 2.

Best Mode and Other Embodiments of the Invention As shown in Figure 1, a cow lifting aid according to the teachings of the present invention comprises a metal framework 10 such as might be fabricated from tubular steel, for example 25ml heavy gauge pipe, welded at the joints. The configuration of the framework is particularly adapted to aid or assist in the lifting of a cow, as illustrated.

The framework is affixed by two forward webbing straps 11 and a rear webbing strap 12 to the jib or front end loader bar of a tractor or to a pulley, so that the framework 10 can iNLMM 1 :LMM N\LIBMM0015 LM i i be raised off the ground. In many instances, the framework 10 may be used on its own for the purpose of lifting a cow onto its hind feet. Some cows in this position are capable of lifting their own front legs. In other instances it may be necessary to use an additional harness 13 which may be attached by its own webbing strap 14 to whatever device is lifting the framework As shown in Figure 2A the framework 10 preferably comprises a curved or arcuate support 16 which has two free ends 17. The curvature may be a section of a circle or any other curve which accommodates a cow. The free ends may be provided with loops 18 or other fixtures to further facilitate the attachment of the lifting straps 11. A support portion 19 comprises two members or lengths, preferably straight lengths which are each affixed to the arcuate support 16 and which taper toward the rear of the device, converging at a narrowing 20 which will generally extend behind the cow being lifted.

For stability and convenience, this narrow portion 20 turns upward at approximately behind the cow to form a point of attachment 21 for the rear strap 12. In this particular example, the attachment portion 21 forms a loop.

To facilitate installing the device, a strap puller 22 is provided. The strap puller comprises a long shaft 23 having a handle 24 at one end and a hook 25 at the other. One of the framework's front straps 11 can be pulled under the cow using the puller 22 until it appears behind the cow at the hip area. The pulled strap is then attached with the other front strap 11 and rear strap 12 to the lifting device such as tractor jib or pulley.

The triangular space 30 defined between the supports 16, 19 allows the cow's udder to be placed through and hang when she is raised. The cow's hind legs 31 fall outside of this triangular area 30. When the device 10 is raised, the straps 11, 12 tighten and the weight of the cow's hind end rolls her into position for standing. As the device reaches its full height, her legs fall into standing position. As her hind end rises she will usually unfold her front legs and stand up.

If the cow is too weak to raise her front legs an additional harness is provided and depicted in Figures 1 and 3. This additional harness 40 further comprises a neck supporting front strap 41 and a rear strap 42 which is adapted to run behind the cow's front legs. The strap puller 22 may be used pull the rear strap 42 under the cow's chest, behind the front legs. The breast bone or brisket of the cow is fitted through the rectangular opening 43, as shown in Figure 1. The ends of the neck and rear strap 41, 42 are then joined to a self-locking clip above the cow's shoulders and can be attached to a front end loader bucket, pulley or other device for lifting.

It will be observed that depending upon which side the cow is lying on, the front lifting straps of the framework 11 are interchangeable whereas they are not interchangeable with the rear lifting strap 12.

(N:\LIBMM100159:LMM i i i 3 While the present invention has been described with reference to particular details and means of construction, these should be interpreted as having been provided by example and not as limitations to the scope or spirit of the invention.

IN:\LIBMM00159:LMM

Claims (9)

1. An apparatus for aiding in the lifting of a cow comprising: a framework having a transverse forward portion and a support, the forward portion having two free ends; the support comprising two spaced apart members which join with the forward portion at one end and converge toward a narrowing, the forward portion and the two members defining a triangle for receiving the udder of a cow; whereby the two free ends and an apex of the triangle art connectable to a lifting device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support turns upwardly approximately 900 adjacent the narrowing to form a strap receiving location.

3. The apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the free ends o o of the forward portion are adapted to receive straps.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims I to 3, further comprising a 15 harness, the harness adapted to fit around a cow's front legs and extend to a point of attachment located above the cow's shoulders.

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the harness further comprises: a neck supporting strap and a rear strap generally parallel to the neck supporting strap; the neck supporting strap and rear strap spaced sufficiently to a.a allow a cow's front legs to pass therebetween, a breastbone support located between said straps.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a a a strap puller comprising a shaft having a handle at one end and a hook at the :25 other.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the transverse forward portion is arcuate.

8. The apparatus of claims 1-6, wherein the transverse forward portion is a section of a circle.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the framework is rigid. An apparatus for lifting a cow, substantially as shown in any one of Figures 1 or 2. 6" r 1 y If 1