Hay Net Filling Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus which is used during the filling of hay nets, and in particular to a device which holds a hay net open during the filling process.

Background of the Invention

Hay nets are used by many horse owners as a means of feeding hay or haylage to horses. Hay nets are used because they reduce the amount of forage wasted, as compared to floor or trough feeding of hay. Further, the rate of consumption of forage can be controlled by using a hay net, the mesh size of the net limiting the rate at which the animal may pull the forage from the net.

Hay nets also perform a useful role during transportation of animals. Typically, when a horse is being transported, it will be provided with a filled hay net.

A hay net comprises a net having a drawstring around the perimeter thereof. When a person fills a hay net he must first open the drawstring, and then hold the net open with one hand, whilst stuffing hay into the open net with his other hand. The hay net itself is substantially circular. However, the hay which is used to fill the net is often taken from hay bales having a rectangular cross-section. This is one of the reasons why stuffing hay into a hay net is not straight forward. Once the net is full, the person must then pull the drawstring tight. Whilst this may seem to be a simple task, it is not necessarily so for people of small stature or who are not particularly strong. This is because to fill the hay net the opening must be as wide as possible, but when the hay net is full and to be hung up, it is desirable that the drawstring be pulled tight so that the opening is closed. Hence, substantially the full length of the drawstring must be pulled out by the person filling the hay net, which can result in the person attempting to pull on the drawstring with a fully out stretched arm. A

person cannot exert a great deal of force on an object with an outstretched arm. Further, attempting to exert a substantial force with an outstretched arm could lead to injury.

Other problems associated with the filling of hay nets are that small particles of hay and grass seeds are deposited on the person filling the hay net or his clothes. These particles tend to cling onto clothes. Further, dust and small particles contained in hay can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Such dust and small particles are released when hay is disturbed. The filling of hay nets in the traditional manner necessarily results in the disturbance of the hay and hence the release of dust and small particles.

In order to overcome the problems associated with the filling of hay nets a number of devices have been proposed.

DE202006006328 describes a funnel having a conical shape which is inserted into the top of the hay net. The hay net is suspended on the funnel at two spaced apart locations, from the handle and a hook.

GB 2409622 describes a device for filling a hay net which comprises an insert in the form of a semi-rigid plastic sheet, which is rolled up into a cylinder and held in this configuration with a catch. The rolled up cylinder is inserted into the hay net. Releasing the catch allows the semi-rigid plastic sheet to expand, thereby opening the hay net. Hay is then place inside the hay net, within the semi-rigid sheet, which must be removed before the hay net is given to the horse.

GB 2373761 describes a hay net trolley comprising four corner posts. A hay net is held open by looping the net strings over each of the corner posts.

GB 2239152 describes a tool to facilitate the filling of a hay net. The tool is provided with tines which are inserted into a hay bale. The tool further provides a pair of spaced apart hooks, to

which the hay net is attached. The user must use one hand to pull open the hay net, pulling away from the hooks, using his other hand to stuff the hay net with hay.

GB 2049603 describes a device for holding a hay net. Again, four corner posts are provided and strings of the hay net are attached to the four corner posts, thereby holding the hay net open.

None of the above-mentioned hay net holders have been widely adopted.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a hay net filling apparatus which overcomes or at least mitigates some of the problems associated with the above-mentioned devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a hay net filling apparatus as specified in Claim l.

Preferred features of the invention are set out in the claims which are dependent on Claim 1 and in the detailed description of the invention which follows.

The hay net filling apparatus provides a number of advantages over the prior art. Attaching the hay net to the apparatus is very simple. AU that is required is to hook strings of the hay net over the rods of the support shafts. Different sizes of hay net can be held open by the device. All that is required is for the user to hook strings of the hay net over a sufficient number of rods to hold open the hay net. The provision of a position in which the shafts are rotated outward allows for the rods of the support shafts to be positioned such that they are unlikely to interfere with the hay being put in the hay net. The shape of the open hay net presented by the apparatus is substantially rectangular. Most hay is baled in rectangular bales having cross-section of 16" by 18". The opening provided by the apparatus of the invention allows sections of the bale to be dropped into the open hay net.

Further, the filled hay net is very easily detached from the apparatus simply by rotating the shafts. Finally, pulling tight the drawstring, which for some people is difficult, is done by the apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of a hay net filling apparatus according to the invention, and are by way of example:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a hay net filling apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1;

Figures 3a and 3b are end views of the spindle element of the apparatus illustrated in Figures l and 2;

Figure 4a is a schematic representation of a part of a locking mechanism of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention viewed from the front;

Figure 4b is a schematic representation of the part of the locking mechanism of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 4a viewed from the rear;

Figure 4c is a schematic representation viewed from the front of an alternative embodiment of the part of the locking mechanism illustrated in Figure 4a;

Figure 4d is a schematic representation of the part of the locking mechanism illustrated in Figure 4c viewed from the rear;

Figure 4e is a cross-section on X-X through the block illustrated in Figure 4d;

Figure 4f is a cross- section on Y-Y through the block illustrated in Figure 4d;

Figure 5a is a side view of the locking mechanism of the apparatus of the invention in an unlocked configuration;

Figure 5b is a side view of the locking mechanism illustrated in Figure 4a in a locked configuration;

Figure 5c is an end view of the locking mechanism illustrated in Figure 5b;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a hay net filling apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view along the x-plane of the spindle element of the apparatus;

Figure 9a is a detailed view of the locking mechanism employed in the apparatus illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 in one locked configuration; and

Figure 9b is a detailed view of the locking mechanism employed in the apparatus illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 in a further locked configuration.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a hay net filling apparatus 1 comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members 2 to each end of which is attached a leg assembly 3 comprising a pair of spaced apart uprights 4 joined together by cross-members 5. The leg assemblies 3 may be releasably attached to the frame members 2 and/or attached in a manner which provides for the leg assemblies 3 to fold with respect to the frame members 2. Extending between the spaced apart frame members 2 are shafts 6 which are rotatably mounted in the frame members 2. A plurality of rods 7 extend from the each shaft 6. In the present example, the rods 7 extend in a substantially

radial direction from the shaft 6. Each shaft 6 is provided with a handle element 6'. By gripping the handle element 6' and rotating the shaft 6 the apparatus 1 may be moved between its various configurations. Figure 1 illustrates two configurations. The right hand shaft 6 is shown in a configuration suitable for attachment of a hay net to the apparatus, whereas the left hand shaft is shown in a configuration which holds the hay net open for filling. The third configuration, which is not illustrated, is the hay net release configuration, in which the shafts 6 are rotated inward so that the hay net falls from the rods 7.

Whilst the apparatus illustrated is supported on legs, the apparatus may be supported on a bracket which is attached to a solid structure, such as a wall or a fence.

Each frame member 2 is provided with a drawstring hook 8. When a hay net is attached to the apparatus 1 the drawstrings of the hay net are hooked on to the respective hooks 8 of the frame members 2. This provides for the automatic pulling tight of the hay net drawstring upon release of the hay net from the rods 7.

Referring now specifically to Figure 2, the apparatus 1 is provided with a locking arrangement 10 which is provided to prevent the shafts 6 from rotating under the weight of hay placed into the net. The locking arrangement 10 comprises a plate 11 attached to the shaft 6 and a block attached to the frame member 2. The shaft 6 is mounted in the frame members 2 such that the shaft may slide in its axial direction, as indicated by the arrow X. The extent of movement of the handle 6' towards the frame member 2 is limited by the end face 6" of the shaft 6 engaging with the face of the frame member 2. The extent of movement of the handle 6' away from the frame member 2 is limited by the plate 11 coming into engagement with the rear face of the frame member 2.

The three positions which can be held by the shafts 6 are illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, that is the rods 7 in a substantially vertically upward orientation, the rods 7 is a substantially vertically downward orientation and the rods 7 in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the manner of operation and elements of the locking arrangement 10.

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a rebated block 20 having a chamfered front face 21, a rebated portion 22 and a rear face 23. The rear face 23 of the block 20 is attached to a face of the frame member 2 by suitable attachment means, for example if the apparatus is constructed of metal, the block may be attached to the frame member 2 by welding. The rebated portion 22 forms a wall 24 against which an element of the locking arrangement may engage.

Figures 4c to 4f illustrate a modified rebated block 20, which in addition to including chamfered front face 21, a rebated portion 22 and a rear face 23 further includes a portion 24 where the chamfered front face 21 has been removed so as to present a level surface 25 and remove the wall 24, thereby providing a position in which an element of the locking arrangement may pass over the block 20.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate one embodiment of the locking arrangement 10 where the block 20 is of the shape and configuration as illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b. The locking arrangement includes a plate 30 having a chamfered front edge 31. The shaft 6 is mounted in the frame member 2 in a manner that facilitates movement of the shaft 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow Y, for example the shaft 6 may be mounted in a slot in the frame member 2. When the handle 6' is pulled towards the frame member 2 the chamfered surfaces 21 and 31 of the block 20 and plate 30 respectively engage with each other and the plate 30 and hence the shaft 6 are forced to rise upward, the plate 30 passing over the block 20 until the plate 30 is aligned with the rebate 22. The shaft 6 may only be unlocked by lifting the handle members 6' upward and pushing forward until the plate 30 is clear of the block 20. The plate 30 is of the same configuration as is illustrated in 5c described in greater detail below and hence engagement of the flat surfaces 32 thereof and the flat surface of the rebate 22 prevent rotation of the shaft 6.

In Figure 5c the locking arrangement includes a plate 30 having chamfered edges 31 which are also faceted 32. In this embodiment, lower edge of the plate 30 may be brought into engagement with the flat surface of the rebate 22 either by following the same actions as described with reference to Figures 5a and 5b above, or by rotating the shaft 6 to a position where the corner 33 of the plate 30 is brought towards the flat surface 25 of the block, bringing the shaft 6 into the required axial position, i.e. with the plate 30 lying between the wall 24 and the frame member 2 and then rotating the shaft 6 until the corner 34 of the plate 30 is aligned with the wall 24 of the block 20. Unlocking simply requires the user to rotate the shaft 6 outward until the lower edge of the plate is clear of the block and push the shaft 6 forward, in which configuration the shaft 6 may rotate freely. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 5c can function when the shaft 6 is mounted in a manner which provides for movement of the shaft 6 in the Y direction. However, such mounting is not a requirement.

In an alternative locking arrangement, which is not illustrated, a number of holes are provided in the shaft, the holes being spaced apart radially on the shaft to provide substantially the three orientations illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b. A hole is provided in a stationary part of the apparatus 1 and pin is further provided. The shaft 6 is brought into its desired orientation, and the holes corresponding to that orientation are aligned and a pin inserted therethrough, thereby preventing movement of the shaft 6 relative to the apparatus 1.

The apparatus 1 is used as follows:

i) the user rotates the shafts 6 until the rods 7 point upwards and locks the shafts in this position; ϋ) the user takes a hay net, opens it and places the net onto the apparatus, hooking strings of the net over a sufficient number of the rods 7 to hold the hay net open, and the drawstring thereof on to the drawstring hooks 8;

iϋ) the user rotates the shafts 6 outward and locks the shafts in this orientation; iv) the user fills the hay net with fodder; v) the user releases the shafts 6 from their locked configurations and moves them axially to a position where the shaft 6 may rotate freely, whereupon the weight of the hay in the net causes the hay net to fall downward free of the rods 7, and the drawstring to pull tight; vi) the user releases the drawstring from the hooks 8 and removes the hay net from beneath the apparatus

Figures 6 to 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the apparatus, employing an alternative locking arrangement. Identical features are referred to using identical reference numerals. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a hay net filling apparatus 40 comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members 2 to each end of which is attached a leg assembly identical to that described with reference to Figure 1. Extending between the spaced apart frame members 2 are shafts 6 which are rotatably mounted in the frame members 2. A plurality of rods 7 extend from each shaft 6. In the present example, the rods 7 extend in a substantially radial direction from the shaft 6. Each shaft is provided with a handle element 6'. By gripping the handle element 6' and rotating the shaft 6 the apparatus 40 may be moved between its various configurations. Figure 6 illustrates two configurations. The right hand shaft 6 is shown in a configuration suitable for attachment of a hay net to the apparatus, whereas the left hand shaft 6 is shown in a configuration which holds the hay net open for filling. The third configuration, which is not illustration, is the hay net release configuration, in which the shafts 6 are rotated inward so that the hay net falls from the rods 7.

Each frame member 2 is provided with a drawstring hook 8. When a hay net is attached to the apparatus 40 the drawstrings of the hay net are hooked on to the respective hooks 8 of the frame members 2. This provides for the automatic pulling tight of the hay net drawstring upon release of the hay net from the rods 7.

Whilst the apparatus illustrated is supported on legs, the apparatus may be supported on a bracket which is attached to a solid structure, such as a wall or a fence. If the apparatus is wall or fence-mounted then the drawstring hook 8 closest to the wall may be mounted on the wall or fence rather than on the frame itself. If one of the hooks 8 is mounted on the wall or fence it is preferably mounted slightly higher than the frame itself.

The apparatus 40 is provided with a locking arrangement 41 which is provided to prevent the shafts 6 from rotation under the weight of hay placed into the net. The locking arrangement comprises a block 42a, 42b attached to one of the frame members 2, and a pin 43 attached at one end of each shaft 6. Each block 42a and 42b has a central bore to allow the shaft 6 to pass through, and two recesses 44 and 45. The recesses 44 and 45 are shaped so as to receive the pin 43. Block

42a is a mirror image of block 42b. The blocks 42a and 42b may be any shape provided that recesses 44 and 45 are provided in the illustrated orientation. The shaft 6 is mounted in the frame members 2 such that the shaft 6 may slide in its axial direction, as indicated by the arrow X. As shown in Figure 8, the extent of movement of the shaft 6 towards the frame member 2 is limited by block 46. Block 46 is mounted on the outside face of the opposing frame member 2. The block 46 has a hollow 47 within, shaped so as to receive the end of the shaft 6. A spring 48 is also present in the hollow 47. Block 46 and spring 48 limit the axial movement of the shaft 6 towards the frame member 2.

The two locked positions which can be held by the shafts 6 are illustrated in figures 9a and 9b. In Figure 9a the pin 43 is positioned to locate in recess 44 in block 42b with the rods 7 in a substantially vertically upward orientation. In Figure 9b the pin 43 is located in recess 45 in block 42b with the rods 7 in a substantially horizontal orientation.

The apparatus 40 is used as follows:

(i) The user pushes each shaft 6 forwards onto the spring 48 and then rotates the shafts

6 until the rods 7 point upwards;

(ϋ) the user releases the shafts 6 causing each pin 43 to locate in each substantially vertical recess 44, locking the shafts in position; (iii) the user takes a hay net, opens it and places the net onto the apparatus, hooking strings of the net over a sufficient number of the rods7 to hold the hay net open, and the drawstring thereof onto the drawstring hooks 8;

(iv) the user pushes each shaft 6 forwards onto the springs 48 and then rotates the shafts 6 outwards until the rods 7 point in a substantially horizontal direction; (v) the user releases the shafts 6, causing each pin 43 to locate in each substantially horizontal recess 45, locking the shafts in this orientation; (vi) the user fills the hay net with fodder;

(vii) the user pushes each shaft 6 forward onto springs 48 and then rotates the shafts 6 inwards until the rods 7 point inwards; (viii) the user releases the shafts 6 and the shafts rotate freely since each pin 43 can no longer locate in either recess 44 or 45, whereupon the weight of the hay in the net causes the hay net to fall downward fee of the rods 7, and the drawstring to pull tight; (ix) the user releases the drawstring from the hooks 8 and removes the hay net from beneath the apparatus