CA1324929C - Hay bale feeder - Google Patents
Hay bale feederInfo
- Publication number
- CA1324929C CA1324929C CA 604290 CA604290A CA1324929C CA 1324929 C CA1324929 C CA 1324929C CA 604290 CA604290 CA 604290 CA 604290 A CA604290 A CA 604290A CA 1324929 C CA1324929 C CA 1324929C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rail means
- livestock
- struts
- generally
- feeder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 claims abstract description 129
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 abstract description 21
- 239000004460 silage Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 abstract description 9
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 210000003739 neck Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 244000309466 calf Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 102100027256 Melanoma-associated antigen H1 Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 108010038764 cytoplasmic linker protein 170 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/10—Feed racks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
- A01K5/01—Feed troughs; Feed pails
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Birds (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Feeding And Watering For Cattle Raising And Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Feed For Specific Animals (AREA)
- Fodder In General (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This invention is a livestock feeder, particularly to feed cylindrical bales to cattle. The basic form has an upper circular rail to receive a bale and a lower larger circular rail which may rest on the ground, connected by an array of inclined struts to form animal feeding spaces. The animals do not tend to catch their heads with the upper rail, as in prior art devices, and move the feeder.
Similarly there is less ground contact, than in prior art devices, so the feeder can be moved without breaking when the ground is frozen. Two optional features are a sheet metal base surround, which enables the feeder to be used for cut feed and silage, as well as bales, and a top guide or throat to receive and support the bale. The top guide can be heightened so that the feeder can contain two bales at a time.
This invention is a livestock feeder, particularly to feed cylindrical bales to cattle. The basic form has an upper circular rail to receive a bale and a lower larger circular rail which may rest on the ground, connected by an array of inclined struts to form animal feeding spaces. The animals do not tend to catch their heads with the upper rail, as in prior art devices, and move the feeder.
Similarly there is less ground contact, than in prior art devices, so the feeder can be moved without breaking when the ground is frozen. Two optional features are a sheet metal base surround, which enables the feeder to be used for cut feed and silage, as well as bales, and a top guide or throat to receive and support the bale. The top guide can be heightened so that the feeder can contain two bales at a time.
Description
This invention is directed to livestock feeders, particularly livestock feeders adapted to hold bales of fodder, particularly hay.
Allowing cattle to eat feed left in an enclosure usually causes significant wastage, which constitutes an additional expense to the cattle feeder. This is especially lo the case with a cylindrical bale, althou~h it is also observed when the feed is silage, or cut feed. There are consequently a number of such bale feeders on the market of various types, designed to reduce the waste of feed~. A
general type of feeder is a cylindrical frame designed to receive the bale, this has a frame work of bars which allows the animal to thrust its head, but not its body, through the frame work and eat the bale. Even so there are still losses, partly caused by the animal withdrawing its head, and causing feed to fall outside the feeder, where it is trampled. Nearly all animals appear to like taking a mouthful of feed and then withdrawing their heads, this loosen~ feed from the bale, which drops partly inside and partly outside the feeder.
D~SCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
A recent development in this field is that described in Canadian Patent 1,219,501 issued March 24, 198~, to Delichte. This device has an outer cylindrical frame surrounding an inner cylindrical frame designed to hold the bale. The outer frame allows the animal to thrust its head, but not its body through the outer frame, and reach the bale in the inner frame, a ~heet metal ~urround at the base of the outer ~rame keeps spilt feed inside the outer frame.
When the device is moved by the cattle, by contacting the top of the outer frame with their necks, cut feed and silage tend to be moved outside the feeder, and is trampled and wasted. The inner cylindrical frame has struts connecting 1~2~92~
it to the outer frame above ground level, and optionally it has similar ground level struts.
The version with inner, and outer frames and struts contacting the yround, tends to freeze to the ground in cold weather. This is especially so when hay, cut feed or silage is dropped by the animal to cover the ground level struts and snow falls on top of the fodder, which will then freeze down solid to the ground. The fodder in effect weaves the lo struts to the ground. The feeder tends to break as a result, when attempts are made to move it, usually with a tractor or front end loader. As noted above cattle tend to drop feed inside and outside the feeder, when they withdraw their head for a chew.
In an attempt to overcome these drawbacks, a similar device has been created by present applicant, which has a circular ba~e formed by a circular sheet metal surround and upper inner and outer concentric frames formed by rectangles of tubing forming outer and inner vertical bars connected by upper and lower radial struts, an inner circular sheet metal connector, and outer top circular rail maintained the rectangles in position. The bale rested on the ground and when eaten down another bale could be dropped into the inner frame.
This version had the advantage that the cattle could pull less fodder from the bale when eating from the upper part of the bale, and thus drop less food on the ground between the bale and the outside of the feeder. The vertioal inner bars restrict the amount of fodder that an animal can pull from the bale. In the Delichte feeder, the animal has unrestricted access to the top portion of the bale, and thus can pull more fodder from the bale and drop it on the ground inside the feeder. A further advantage was that because of the much lesser contact with the ground, it was easier to move in cold weather, with less chance of ~reaklng. A small number of these feeders were built, which ~2~
were considered superior to the ~elichte feeder, by users.
It is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved livestock feeder. Other and further objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification, claims and drawings.
DESCRIP~ION OF THE INVENTION
10 In one broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a hei~ht sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts havin~ lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided. This basic form provides a set back upper rail, which does not allow the animals to thrust their head and neck under the upper rail to catch their necks in the device, they thus move the feeder less, which puts much less stress on the feeder.
Movement of the feeder by animals is a major cause of feed waste. Similarly the single lower rail contacting the ~round has less tendency to freeze to the ground, which makes the feeder easier to ~ove by tractor or front end loader without breakin~. The angled sides tend to keep the animal's feet back, so that when the animal withdraws its head to chew a mouthful, the feed loosened falls down inside the feeder bottom.
1~2~929 In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and base generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the base rail means being below and having a diameter approximately the same as the lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided. This version additionally provides a surrounding base panel or skirt, which allows cut feed or silage to be used as well as bales, the cut feed or silage is kept within the base panel, even when the feeder is moved by the animals waste is reduced.
It also keeps the animals forefeet at a distance from the bale, so that when the animals back away to chew a mouthful, the loosened feed falls into the feeder.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top ~enerally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends J, , ~32~2~
being connectecl to the lower rail means, th~ upper ends bein~ approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween. whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means for a cylindrical fodder bale. This version additionally provides a guide means to receive the bale and extra support for the bale. The guide means prevents or tends to prevent larger animals eating the top of the bale over the upper rail of the cone and pulling feed away outside the bars.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top ~enerally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, cylindrical panel means extending downward of the lower rail means, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided. Preferably the rail means and struts are metal tubing, welded at the upper ends to the top rail means and welded at the lower ends to the ~`1 ' 1~2~29 lower rail means, and the cylindrical panel means is sheet metal, welded to the lower rail means. More preferably the struts are generally radial of the top and lower rail means, wherehy the upper end of each strut is radially inward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to the rail means.
Alternatively the struts may be generally angled to the top and lower rail means, whereby the upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to the rail means.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends . .
~: being approximately equispaced along the top rail mea~s, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufPicient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means, the cylindrical guide means having sufficient height to contain a cylindrical fodder bale, whereby the livestock feeder can contain two cylindrical fodder bales, one restin~ on the other. This version provides room and support for a second ~ale in the ~uide.
- ~324~29 In another broad aspect the inventiorl is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top ~enerally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, base generally eircular rail means and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximateiy equispaced along the lower rail means, the base rail means bein~ below and approximately the same diameter as the lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail : means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means for a cylindrical fodder bale. This version additionally provides a surrounding base panel or skirt, which allows cut feed or silage to be used as well as bales, the cut feed or silage is kept within the base panel, even when the feeder is moved : by the animals waste is reduced. It further provides a 3Q guide means to receive the bale and extra support for the bale.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable ~enerally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means~ lower generally circular rail means, base ~enerally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means havin~ a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and 132 ~2~
a height sufficient to support the bale~ the lower circular rail means bein~ greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the base rail means being below and having a diameter approximately the same as the lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means, the cylindrical guide means having sufficient height to contain a cylindrical fodder bale, whereby the livestock feeder can contain two cylindrical fodder bales, one resting on the other. This version additionally pro-vides a surrounding base panel or skirt, which allows cut feed or silage to be used as well as bales, the cut feed or silage is kept within the base panel, even when the feeder is moved by the animals waste is reduced. This version also provides room and support for a second bale in the guide.
In a further broad aspect the invention is a movable livestock feeder comprising upper fodder bale support means, lower base means adapted to rest on a substrate, and members operatively associated with the upper bale support means and the base means, the support means being of sufficient size to receive a cylindrical fodder bale, the support means bein~ spaced apart from the base at a height sufficient to support the bale, the base means being outward and downward of the support means, the members projecting outward and downward of the support means to the base means, the members ~ ~";
1 324~2~
having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feedin8 spaces is provided. In a preferred form the lower base means comprises cylindrical panel means. The members are suitably metal tubing extending from the upper support means to the lower base means. These members may be generally radial of the upper support means and the lower base means, each member having an upper end radially inward and above a lower end of the member, when the livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to the upper support means. In another version the members are generally angled with respect to the upper support means and the lower base means, each member having an upper end displaced sideways and above a lower end of the member, when the livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to the upper support means. The members may have an upper end extending into the upper support means.
Generally the rail means, members and struts are metal tubing, as may be the bars connecting the top and throat rail means, when present, and may be either square or circular, and are usually steel, for reasons of economy, as those skilled in the art would be aware other metals and materials can be substituted therefor. Metal struts may be welded at the upper ends to the top rail means and welded at the lower ends to the lower rail means, similarly the bars may be welded to the top rail means and the throat rail means. When present the cylindrical panel means may be 3~ sheet metal, again usually steel, for reasons of economy, as those skilled in the art would be aware other metals and materials can be substituted therefor. The preferred sheet metal panel can be conveniently weld0d to the lower and base rail means. Vertical struts can be present connecting the lower and base rail means, to provide support for the panel means, although this is not necessary if the panel means is strong enou~h. When present these strllts can be metal tubing as used for the rail means and struts, and may be ~`
.
`~2~2~
conveniently welded to the lower and base rail means. There are two general strut rail means relationships in one the struts are generally radial of the top and lower rail means, whereby the upper end of each strut is radially inward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to the rail means. In the other form the struts are generally angled to the top and lower rail means, whereby the upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to the rail means.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferred embodiments are indicated in the drawings where:
Fig. 1 shows a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 shows an elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows an elevational view of a second preferred embodiment;
Fig. 4 shows an elevational view of a third preferred embodiment;
Fig. 5 shows an elevational view of a fourth preferred embodiment.
The general description of the invention is now expan~ed by reference tc the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the lnvention. The numeral 10 generally indicates the feeder, containing hay bale 12, being eaten by cow 14, the feeder as shown in the first embod~ment, has inner top circular rail means 16, and outer lower circular rail means 18, joined by outwardly and downwardly inclined struts 20, welded to upper and lower rail means 16 and 18, in this case twenty two such struts 20 are employed providing twenty two feeding spaces for animals. This form a simple conical feeder, which can be ~ .
:~ 3 ~
used for bales. In this embodiment rail means 18 can rest on the ground 22. In a second embodiment shown ln Fig. 3, the base portion is modified to have a circular sheet metal panel 24 welded at its top to lower rail means 18, and at its bottom to base rail means 26, this embodiment allows the use of silage and cut feed. The sheet metal panel keeps the feed, when silage or cut feed inside the feeder, better than the first embodiment. In a third embodiment, a bale guide is provided above rail means 16, taking the form of cylindrical throat 28 formed by throat rail means 30, and upright tubes 32 welded to throat rail means 30 and rail means 16. This embodiment shows the lower sheet metal panel suitable for feedin~ calves, as opposed to the higher sheet metal panel shown in the second embodiment used with adult cows. The fourth embodiment has an extended bale guide or holder above throat rail means 30, taking the form of a cylindrical upper throat 34, formed by upper throat rail means 36 and upright tubes 38 welded to rail means 36 and 30, this allows and extra bale 40 to be placed in the feeder.
The preferred tubing used in the feeder is 1 inch (2.5 cm) tubing with 100 wall (0.1 inch or 0.25 cm thick), which may be square or circular, and is welded to form the frame, when present the preferred sheet metal is 16 ~auge (0.65 inch or 1.65 cm thick) and is strong enough to weld to the base and lower rail means, without supporting struts. If desired upright struts can be used to connect the lower and base rail means, but this is unnecessary provided that the sheet metal i5 strong enough.
The feeders are generally of the order of 9.5 feet (2.9 m) in diameter at the base, and the top rail means is of the order of 4 feet (1.2 m) above ground level, and of the order of ~ feet (2.1 m) in diameter. When there are twenty two feeding spaces, this gives the upper breadth of each feeding pace as about 12 inches (30 cm), and the lower breadth of each feeding space as about 16 inches ~41 cm), which is .
~` ~3~29 found satisfactory. When the sheet metal panel is present, in the calf form the sheet metal panel is about 18 inches (46 cm) high, with the lower rail means the same height and the top rail means at about 4 feet (1. 2 In) ~ in the cow form, the sheet metal panel is about 24 inches (61 cm) high with the lower rail means at the same height, the top rail means i~ about 50 inches (1.27 m) above ground. This easily accommodates the usual hay bale which varies between 5 feet to 6.5 to 7 feet in diameter (1.5 m to 2 to 2.1 m), and 4 to 5 feet in height (1.2 to 1.5 m). Variation of dimension is possible provided that the feeder accommodates standard bale sizes, and that individual feeding spaces are adequate in size for the animals.
When a bale guide or throat i5 provided, in the shorter form it i9 of the order of 9 to 11 inches high (23 to 28 cm), in the longer form it can extend up to 4 feet (1.2 m) above the throat rail means or 5 feet (1.5 m) above the top rail means to give a total height of up to 10 or 11 feet (3 to 3.4 ~.).
The above-noted dimensions are not restrictive and are intended as illustrative of the preferred embodiments and as a general guide to those skilled in the art, who would appreciate substantial dimensio~al variation is possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the preferred embodiments.
As those skilled in the art would realise these preferred illustrated dimensions, details and components can be subjected to substantial variation, modification, change, alteration, and substitution without affecting or modifying the function of the illustrated embodiments. Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described 1nvention.
. ~
J~-
Allowing cattle to eat feed left in an enclosure usually causes significant wastage, which constitutes an additional expense to the cattle feeder. This is especially lo the case with a cylindrical bale, althou~h it is also observed when the feed is silage, or cut feed. There are consequently a number of such bale feeders on the market of various types, designed to reduce the waste of feed~. A
general type of feeder is a cylindrical frame designed to receive the bale, this has a frame work of bars which allows the animal to thrust its head, but not its body, through the frame work and eat the bale. Even so there are still losses, partly caused by the animal withdrawing its head, and causing feed to fall outside the feeder, where it is trampled. Nearly all animals appear to like taking a mouthful of feed and then withdrawing their heads, this loosen~ feed from the bale, which drops partly inside and partly outside the feeder.
D~SCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
A recent development in this field is that described in Canadian Patent 1,219,501 issued March 24, 198~, to Delichte. This device has an outer cylindrical frame surrounding an inner cylindrical frame designed to hold the bale. The outer frame allows the animal to thrust its head, but not its body through the outer frame, and reach the bale in the inner frame, a ~heet metal ~urround at the base of the outer ~rame keeps spilt feed inside the outer frame.
When the device is moved by the cattle, by contacting the top of the outer frame with their necks, cut feed and silage tend to be moved outside the feeder, and is trampled and wasted. The inner cylindrical frame has struts connecting 1~2~92~
it to the outer frame above ground level, and optionally it has similar ground level struts.
The version with inner, and outer frames and struts contacting the yround, tends to freeze to the ground in cold weather. This is especially so when hay, cut feed or silage is dropped by the animal to cover the ground level struts and snow falls on top of the fodder, which will then freeze down solid to the ground. The fodder in effect weaves the lo struts to the ground. The feeder tends to break as a result, when attempts are made to move it, usually with a tractor or front end loader. As noted above cattle tend to drop feed inside and outside the feeder, when they withdraw their head for a chew.
In an attempt to overcome these drawbacks, a similar device has been created by present applicant, which has a circular ba~e formed by a circular sheet metal surround and upper inner and outer concentric frames formed by rectangles of tubing forming outer and inner vertical bars connected by upper and lower radial struts, an inner circular sheet metal connector, and outer top circular rail maintained the rectangles in position. The bale rested on the ground and when eaten down another bale could be dropped into the inner frame.
This version had the advantage that the cattle could pull less fodder from the bale when eating from the upper part of the bale, and thus drop less food on the ground between the bale and the outside of the feeder. The vertioal inner bars restrict the amount of fodder that an animal can pull from the bale. In the Delichte feeder, the animal has unrestricted access to the top portion of the bale, and thus can pull more fodder from the bale and drop it on the ground inside the feeder. A further advantage was that because of the much lesser contact with the ground, it was easier to move in cold weather, with less chance of ~reaklng. A small number of these feeders were built, which ~2~
were considered superior to the ~elichte feeder, by users.
It is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved livestock feeder. Other and further objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification, claims and drawings.
DESCRIP~ION OF THE INVENTION
10 In one broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a hei~ht sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts havin~ lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided. This basic form provides a set back upper rail, which does not allow the animals to thrust their head and neck under the upper rail to catch their necks in the device, they thus move the feeder less, which puts much less stress on the feeder.
Movement of the feeder by animals is a major cause of feed waste. Similarly the single lower rail contacting the ~round has less tendency to freeze to the ground, which makes the feeder easier to ~ove by tractor or front end loader without breakin~. The angled sides tend to keep the animal's feet back, so that when the animal withdraws its head to chew a mouthful, the feed loosened falls down inside the feeder bottom.
1~2~929 In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and base generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the base rail means being below and having a diameter approximately the same as the lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided. This version additionally provides a surrounding base panel or skirt, which allows cut feed or silage to be used as well as bales, the cut feed or silage is kept within the base panel, even when the feeder is moved by the animals waste is reduced.
It also keeps the animals forefeet at a distance from the bale, so that when the animals back away to chew a mouthful, the loosened feed falls into the feeder.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top ~enerally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends J, , ~32~2~
being connectecl to the lower rail means, th~ upper ends bein~ approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween. whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means for a cylindrical fodder bale. This version additionally provides a guide means to receive the bale and extra support for the bale. The guide means prevents or tends to prevent larger animals eating the top of the bale over the upper rail of the cone and pulling feed away outside the bars.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top ~enerally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, cylindrical panel means extending downward of the lower rail means, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided. Preferably the rail means and struts are metal tubing, welded at the upper ends to the top rail means and welded at the lower ends to the ~`1 ' 1~2~29 lower rail means, and the cylindrical panel means is sheet metal, welded to the lower rail means. More preferably the struts are generally radial of the top and lower rail means, wherehy the upper end of each strut is radially inward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to the rail means.
Alternatively the struts may be generally angled to the top and lower rail means, whereby the upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to the rail means.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends . .
~: being approximately equispaced along the top rail mea~s, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufPicient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means, the cylindrical guide means having sufficient height to contain a cylindrical fodder bale, whereby the livestock feeder can contain two cylindrical fodder bales, one restin~ on the other. This version provides room and support for a second ~ale in the ~uide.
- ~324~29 In another broad aspect the inventiorl is directed to a movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top ~enerally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, base generally eircular rail means and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support the bale, the lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximateiy equispaced along the lower rail means, the base rail means bein~ below and approximately the same diameter as the lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail : means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means for a cylindrical fodder bale. This version additionally provides a surrounding base panel or skirt, which allows cut feed or silage to be used as well as bales, the cut feed or silage is kept within the base panel, even when the feeder is moved : by the animals waste is reduced. It further provides a 3Q guide means to receive the bale and extra support for the bale.
In another broad aspect the invention is directed to a movable ~enerally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means~ lower generally circular rail means, base ~enerally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, the top rail means havin~ a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and 132 ~2~
a height sufficient to support the bale~ the lower circular rail means bein~ greater in diametric size than the top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, the upper ends being connected to the top rail means, the lower ends being connected to the lower rail means, the upper ends being approximately equispaced along the top rail means, the lower ends being approximately equispaced along the lower rail means, the base rail means being below and having a diameter approximately the same as the lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, the throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as the top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, the struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, the throat rail means and the top rail means and the bars forming cylindrical guide means, the cylindrical guide means having sufficient height to contain a cylindrical fodder bale, whereby the livestock feeder can contain two cylindrical fodder bales, one resting on the other. This version additionally pro-vides a surrounding base panel or skirt, which allows cut feed or silage to be used as well as bales, the cut feed or silage is kept within the base panel, even when the feeder is moved by the animals waste is reduced. This version also provides room and support for a second bale in the guide.
In a further broad aspect the invention is a movable livestock feeder comprising upper fodder bale support means, lower base means adapted to rest on a substrate, and members operatively associated with the upper bale support means and the base means, the support means being of sufficient size to receive a cylindrical fodder bale, the support means bein~ spaced apart from the base at a height sufficient to support the bale, the base means being outward and downward of the support means, the members projecting outward and downward of the support means to the base means, the members ~ ~";
1 324~2~
having a separation sufficient to allow the head of the livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of the livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feedin8 spaces is provided. In a preferred form the lower base means comprises cylindrical panel means. The members are suitably metal tubing extending from the upper support means to the lower base means. These members may be generally radial of the upper support means and the lower base means, each member having an upper end radially inward and above a lower end of the member, when the livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to the upper support means. In another version the members are generally angled with respect to the upper support means and the lower base means, each member having an upper end displaced sideways and above a lower end of the member, when the livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to the upper support means. The members may have an upper end extending into the upper support means.
Generally the rail means, members and struts are metal tubing, as may be the bars connecting the top and throat rail means, when present, and may be either square or circular, and are usually steel, for reasons of economy, as those skilled in the art would be aware other metals and materials can be substituted therefor. Metal struts may be welded at the upper ends to the top rail means and welded at the lower ends to the lower rail means, similarly the bars may be welded to the top rail means and the throat rail means. When present the cylindrical panel means may be 3~ sheet metal, again usually steel, for reasons of economy, as those skilled in the art would be aware other metals and materials can be substituted therefor. The preferred sheet metal panel can be conveniently weld0d to the lower and base rail means. Vertical struts can be present connecting the lower and base rail means, to provide support for the panel means, although this is not necessary if the panel means is strong enou~h. When present these strllts can be metal tubing as used for the rail means and struts, and may be ~`
.
`~2~2~
conveniently welded to the lower and base rail means. There are two general strut rail means relationships in one the struts are generally radial of the top and lower rail means, whereby the upper end of each strut is radially inward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to the rail means. In the other form the struts are generally angled to the top and lower rail means, whereby the upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above the lower end of the strut, and the livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to the rail means.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferred embodiments are indicated in the drawings where:
Fig. 1 shows a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 shows an elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows an elevational view of a second preferred embodiment;
Fig. 4 shows an elevational view of a third preferred embodiment;
Fig. 5 shows an elevational view of a fourth preferred embodiment.
The general description of the invention is now expan~ed by reference tc the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the lnvention. The numeral 10 generally indicates the feeder, containing hay bale 12, being eaten by cow 14, the feeder as shown in the first embod~ment, has inner top circular rail means 16, and outer lower circular rail means 18, joined by outwardly and downwardly inclined struts 20, welded to upper and lower rail means 16 and 18, in this case twenty two such struts 20 are employed providing twenty two feeding spaces for animals. This form a simple conical feeder, which can be ~ .
:~ 3 ~
used for bales. In this embodiment rail means 18 can rest on the ground 22. In a second embodiment shown ln Fig. 3, the base portion is modified to have a circular sheet metal panel 24 welded at its top to lower rail means 18, and at its bottom to base rail means 26, this embodiment allows the use of silage and cut feed. The sheet metal panel keeps the feed, when silage or cut feed inside the feeder, better than the first embodiment. In a third embodiment, a bale guide is provided above rail means 16, taking the form of cylindrical throat 28 formed by throat rail means 30, and upright tubes 32 welded to throat rail means 30 and rail means 16. This embodiment shows the lower sheet metal panel suitable for feedin~ calves, as opposed to the higher sheet metal panel shown in the second embodiment used with adult cows. The fourth embodiment has an extended bale guide or holder above throat rail means 30, taking the form of a cylindrical upper throat 34, formed by upper throat rail means 36 and upright tubes 38 welded to rail means 36 and 30, this allows and extra bale 40 to be placed in the feeder.
The preferred tubing used in the feeder is 1 inch (2.5 cm) tubing with 100 wall (0.1 inch or 0.25 cm thick), which may be square or circular, and is welded to form the frame, when present the preferred sheet metal is 16 ~auge (0.65 inch or 1.65 cm thick) and is strong enough to weld to the base and lower rail means, without supporting struts. If desired upright struts can be used to connect the lower and base rail means, but this is unnecessary provided that the sheet metal i5 strong enough.
The feeders are generally of the order of 9.5 feet (2.9 m) in diameter at the base, and the top rail means is of the order of 4 feet (1.2 m) above ground level, and of the order of ~ feet (2.1 m) in diameter. When there are twenty two feeding spaces, this gives the upper breadth of each feeding pace as about 12 inches (30 cm), and the lower breadth of each feeding space as about 16 inches ~41 cm), which is .
~` ~3~29 found satisfactory. When the sheet metal panel is present, in the calf form the sheet metal panel is about 18 inches (46 cm) high, with the lower rail means the same height and the top rail means at about 4 feet (1. 2 In) ~ in the cow form, the sheet metal panel is about 24 inches (61 cm) high with the lower rail means at the same height, the top rail means i~ about 50 inches (1.27 m) above ground. This easily accommodates the usual hay bale which varies between 5 feet to 6.5 to 7 feet in diameter (1.5 m to 2 to 2.1 m), and 4 to 5 feet in height (1.2 to 1.5 m). Variation of dimension is possible provided that the feeder accommodates standard bale sizes, and that individual feeding spaces are adequate in size for the animals.
When a bale guide or throat i5 provided, in the shorter form it i9 of the order of 9 to 11 inches high (23 to 28 cm), in the longer form it can extend up to 4 feet (1.2 m) above the throat rail means or 5 feet (1.5 m) above the top rail means to give a total height of up to 10 or 11 feet (3 to 3.4 ~.).
The above-noted dimensions are not restrictive and are intended as illustrative of the preferred embodiments and as a general guide to those skilled in the art, who would appreciate substantial dimensio~al variation is possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the preferred embodiments.
As those skilled in the art would realise these preferred illustrated dimensions, details and components can be subjected to substantial variation, modification, change, alteration, and substitution without affecting or modifying the function of the illustrated embodiments. Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described 1nvention.
. ~
J~-
Claims (38)
1. A movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, said top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support said bale, said lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than said top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, said upper ends being connected to said top rail means, said lower ends being connected to said lower rail means, said upper ends being approximately equispaced along said top rail means, said lower ends being approximately equispaced along said lower rail means, said struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided.
2. The livestock feeder of claim 1, wherein said rail means and struts are metal tubing, and said struts are welded at said upper ends to said top rail means and welded at said lower ends to said lower rail means.
3. The livestock feeder of claim 2, wherein said struts are generally radial of said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is radially inward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said rail means.
4. The livestock feeder of claim 2, wherein said struts are generally angled to said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said rail means.
5. A movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and base generally circular rail means, said top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support said bale, said lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than said top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, said upper ends being connected to said top rail means, said lower ends being connected to said lower rail means, said upper ends being approximately equispaced along said top rail means, said lower ends being approximately equispaced along said lower rail means, said base rail means being below and having a diameter approximately the same as said lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, said struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided.
6. The livestock feeder of claim 5, wherein said rail means and struts are metal tubing, said struts are welded at said upper ends to said top rail means and welded at said lower ends to said lower rail means, and said cylindrical panel means is sheet metal and is welded to said lower and base rail means.
7. The livestock feeder of claim 6, wherein said struts are generally radial of said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is radially inward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said rail means.
8. The livestock feeder of claim 6, wherein said struts are generally angled to said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said rail means.
9. A movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, said top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support said bale, said lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than said top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, said upper ends being connected to said top rail means, said lower ends being connected to said lower rail means, said upper ends being approximately equispaced along said top rail means, said lower ends being approximately equispaced along said lower rail means, said throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as said top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, said struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, said throat rail means and said top rail means and said bars forming cylindrical guide means for a cylindrical fodder bale.
10. The livestock feeder of claim 9, wherein said rail means and struts and bars are metal tubing, said struts are welded at said upper ends to said top rail means and welded at said lower ends to said lower rail means, and said bars are welded to said top rail means and said throat rail means.
11. The livestock feeder of claim 10, wherein said struts are generally radial of said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is radially inward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said rail means.
12. The livestock feeder of claim 10, wherein said struts are generally angled to said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above said lower end of said strut. and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said rail means.
13. A movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, said top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support said bale, said lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than said top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, said upper ends being connected to said top rail means, said lower ends being connected to said lower rail means, said upper ends being approximately equispaced along said top rail means, said lower ends being approximately equispaced along said lower rail means, said throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as said top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, said struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, said throat rail means and said top rail means and said bars forming cylindrical guide means, said cylindrical guide means having sufficient height to contain a cylindrical fodder bale, whereby said livestock feeder can contain two cylindrical fodder bales, one resting on the other.
14. The livestock feeder of claim 13, wherein said rail means and struts and bars are metal tubing, said struts are welded at said upper ends to said top rail means and welded at said lower ends to said lower rail means, and said bars are welded to said top rail means and said throat rail means.
15. The livestock feeder of claim 14, wherein said struts are generally radial of said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is radially inward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said rail means.
16. The livestock feeder of claim 14, wherein said struts are generally angled to said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said rail means.
17. A movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, base generally circular rail means and throat generally circular rail means, said top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support said bale, said lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than said top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, said upper ends being connected to said top rail means, said lower ends being connected to said lower rail means, said upper ends being approximately equispaced along said top rail means, said lower ends being approximately equispaced along said lower rail means, said base rail means being below and approximately the same diameter as said lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, said throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as said top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, said struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, said throat rail means and said top rail means and said bars forming cylindrical guide means for a cylindrical fodder bale.
18. The livestock feeder of claim 17, wherein said rail means and struts and bars are metal tubing, said struts are welded at said upper ends to said top rail means and welded at said lower ends to said lower rail means, said bars are welded to said top rail means and said throat rail means, and said cylindrical panel means is sheet metal and is welded to said lower and base rail means.
19. The livestock feeder of claim 18, wherein said struts are generally radial of said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is radially inward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said rail means.
20. The livestock feeder of claim 18, wherein said struts are generally angled to said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said rail means.
21. A movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, base generally circular rail means, and throat generally circular rail means, said top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support said bale, said lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than said top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, said upper ends being connected to said top rail means, said lower ends being connected to said lower rail means, said upper ends being approximately equispaced along said top rail means, said lower ends being approximately equispaced along said lower rail means, said base rail means being below and having a diameter approximately the same as said lower rail means and connected thereto by cylindrical panel means, said throat rail means being above and having a diameter approximately the same as said top rail means, and connected thereto by bars, said struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided, said throat rail means and said top rail means and said bars forming cylindrical guide means, said cylindrical guide means having sufficient height to contain a cylindrical fodder bale, whereby said livestock feeder can contain two cylindrical fodder bales. one resting on the other.
22. The livestock feeder of claim 21, wherein said rail means and struts and bars are metal tubing, said struts are welded at said upper ends to said top rail means and welded at said lower ends to said lower rail means, said bars are welded to said top rail means and said throat rail means, and said cylindrical panel means is sheet metal and is welded to said lower and base rail means.
23. The livestock feeder of claim 22, wherein said struts are generally radial of said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is radially inward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said rail means.
24. The livestock feeder of claim 22, wherein said struts are generally angled to said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said rail means.
25. A movable generally conical livestock feeder comprising top generally circular rail means, lower generally circular rail means, said top rail means having a diameter sufficient to receive a cylindrical fodder bale and a height sufficient to support said bale, said lower circular rail means being greater in diametric size than said top generally circular rail means, a plurality of struts having lower and upper ends, said upper ends being connected to said top rail means, said lower ends being connected to said lower rail means, said upper ends being approximately equispaced along said top rail means, said lower ends being approximately equispaced along said lower rail means, cylindrical panel means extending downward of said lower rail means, said struts having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided
26. The livestock feeder of claim 25, wherein said rail means and struts are metal tubing, said struts are welded at said upper ends to said top rail means and welded at said lower ends to said lower rail means, and said cylindrical panel means is sheet metal and is welded to said lower rail means.
27. The livestock feeder of claim 26, wherein said struts are generally radial of said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is radially inward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said rail means.
28. The livestock feeder of claim 26, wherein said struts are generally angled to said top and lower rail means, whereby said upper end of each strut is displaced sideward and above said lower end of said strut, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said rail means.
29. A movable livestock feeder comprising upper fodder bale support means, lower base means adapted to rest on a substrate, and members operatively associated with said upper bale support means and said base means, said support means being of sufficient size to receive a cylindrical fodder bale, said support means being spaced apart from said base at a height sufficient to support said bale, said base means being outward and downward of said support means, said members projecting outward and downward of said support means to said base means, said members having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided.
30. The livestock feeder of claim 29, wherein said members are metal tubing, and said members extend from said upper support means to said lower base means.
31. The livestock feeder of claim 30, wherein said members are generally radial of said upper support means and said lower base means, each member having an upper end radially inward and above a lower end of said member, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said upper support means.
32. The livestock feeder of claim 30, wherein said members are generally angled with respect to said upper support means and said lower base means, each member having an upper end displaced sideways and above a lower end of said member, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said upper support means.
33. A movable livestock feeder comprising upper fodder bale support means, lower base means adapted to rest on a substrate, and members operatively associated with said upper bale support means and said base means, said support means being of sufficient size to receive a cylindrical fodder bale, said support means being spaced apart from said base at a height sufficient to support said bale, said base means being outward and downward of said support means, said members projecting outward and downward of said support means to said base means, said base means comprising cylindrical panel means, said members having a separation sufficient to allow the head of said livestock to pass therebetween, and insufficient to allow the body of said livestock to pass therebetween, whereby a plurality of livestock feeding spaces is provided.
34. The livestock feeder of claim 33, wherein said members are metal tubing, and said members extend from said upper support means to said lower base means.
35. The livestock feeder of claim 34, wherein said members are generally radial of said upper support means and said lower base means, each member having an upper end radially inward and above a lower end of said member, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally radial to said upper support means.
36. The livestock feeder of claim 34, wherein said members are generally angled with respect to said upper support means and said lower base means, each member having an upper end displaced sideways and above a lower end of said member, and said livestock feeding spaces are generally angular to said upper support means.
37. The livestock feeder of claim 29, wherein said members each have an upper end extending into said upper support means.
38. The livestock feeder of claim 33, wherein said members each have an upper end extending into said upper support means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 604290 CA1324929C (en) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-06-28 | Hay bale feeder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 604290 CA1324929C (en) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-06-28 | Hay bale feeder |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1324929C true CA1324929C (en) | 1993-12-07 |
Family
ID=4140277
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 604290 Expired - Lifetime CA1324929C (en) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-06-28 | Hay bale feeder |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1324929C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT14271U1 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2015-07-15 | Johann Gangl | food stand |
| CN110122351A (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2019-08-16 | 任明乐 | A kind of automatic sow feeding management system |
-
1989
- 1989-06-28 CA CA 604290 patent/CA1324929C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT14271U1 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2015-07-15 | Johann Gangl | food stand |
| CN110122351A (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2019-08-16 | 任明乐 | A kind of automatic sow feeding management system |
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| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20101207 |