AU2021206836A1 - Animal washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is animal washing apparatus 10 which generally comprises a flexible cover 16 defining a head opening 25 surrounded by an adjustable head fastener 29 and a tail opening 27 surrounded by an adjustable tail fastener 31 at an opposite side thereof, wherein at least a portion of a body of an animal 22 is coverable by said cover 16 so that a head and a tail passes through the head and tail openings, respectively, said fasteners 29 and 31 fastenable to retain said cover 16 on the animal 22, the cover 16 defining at least one sealable access opening 21 between said fasteners via which the animal 22 is washable by hand access. 1/7 0D I Lf L - - - - - - - NNN "" -, NN

Description

1/7 0D

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L- - - - - - - NNN "" -, NN ANIMAL WASHING APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to washing of animals, such as dogs, and more particularly to animal washing apparatus and an associated method of washing an animal.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Animals, such as dogs, are typically washed by hand, with a person manually applying water, shampoos, and other cleaning products to wash the animal. For example, to bath a pet dog at home or a veterinary hospital, the dog is generally placed in a bathtub and then washed and cleaned by hand. This task can be quite inconvenient and time-consuming. Hand washing is a labour-intensive process and often results in the animal shaking off water, wetting the person bathing it as well as the surrounding area.

[0004] To attempt and ameliorate these problems, prior art devices exist which are used to restrain an animal within an enclosure to allow washing of the animal. After practical trials of such practices, the Applicant has identified a shortcoming in restraining an animal within an enclosure, as restricting an animal via such enclosure may lead to stress and anxiety, making a washing experience difficult and stressful for both animals and owners. Also, conventional devices are often cumbersome, making them difficult to transport and store. In addition, known devices can be complicated to assemble and use. Examples of such conventional devices are shown in US3749064A to Weinstein et al.,

US52792507A to Temby, and US4930453A to Laliberte.

[0005] The current invention was conceived with the goal in

mind of ameliorating animal washing apparatus that's easy to

use, store and transport without causing unnecessary stress to

an animal that is washed with such apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there

is provided animal washing apparatus comprising a flexible

cover defining a head opening surrounded by an adjustable head

fastener and a tail opening surrounded by an adjustable tail

fastener at an opposite side thereof, wherein at least a

portion of a body of an animal is coverable by said cover so

that a head and a tail passes through the head and tail

openings, respectively, said fasteners fastenable to retain

said cover on the animal, the cover defining at least one

sealable access opening between said fasteners via which the

animal is washable by hand access.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cover is manufactured from a

polymer material, such as a plastic, rubber, or the like, which

is pliant and flexible to be collapsible and foldable while

also being watertight.

[0008] In an embodiment, the cover is shaped and dimensioned

to cover the body of the animal whilst leaving feet or legs of

the animal exposed.

[0009] In an embodiment, the cover is configured to be

continuous about the body of the animal, i.e. uninterrupted.

[0010] Alternatively, the cover is configured to be

interrupted and folded about the body of the animal, such

interruption typically occurring at the head or tail fastener.

[0011] Typically, the head fastener comprises a drawstring

or collar-like fastener.

[0012] Typically, the tail fastener comprises a drawstring

or collar-like fastener.

[0013] Typically, sealable access includes an aperture with

a clasp or zip locker.

[0014] In an embodiment, the cover defines the sealable

access along a back of the animal when the cover is retained

on the animal.

[0015] In an embodiment, the cover defines the sealable

access along a side of the animal when the cover is retained

on the animal.

[0016] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a base on

which the animal is supportable.

[0017] Typically, the base comprises a resiliently flexible

mat, such as a rubber mat.

[0018] In one embodiment, the base is manufactured from

rubber, foam rubber or a similar polymer which is watertight

while being pliant so that the base is rollable into a roll

for storage, or the like.

[0019] In an embodiment, the cover is releasably securable

onto the base to form a watertight enclosure for the animal

when said cover is secured on the base.

[0020] In an embodiment, the cover defines two sealable

apertures, being an inlet towards a top of the enclosure and

an outlet towards a bottom of said enclosure, for respective

entry and exit of washing fluid, as required.

[0021] In an embodiment, the inlet includes a hose connector

for connecting a hose thereto in order to facilitate entry of

washing fluid via the hose into the enclosure.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cover defines at least one

integral glove, wherein the base and cover together form a

substantially watertight collapsible glovebox-like enclosure.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cover defines a plurality of

gloves on different sides of said cover to allow easy access

to an animal operatively enclosed within the enclosure.

[0024] In an embodiment, the at least one glove includes a

brush or brush-like portion to facilitate in washing the

animal.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention there

is provided animal washing kit comprising: animal washing apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and at least one washing glove for washing an animal with.

[0026] In an embodiment, the at least one glove includes a

brush or brush-like portion to facilitate in washing the

animal.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the invention there

is provided a method of washing an animal, said method

comprising the steps of:

providing animal washing apparatus in accordance with the

first aspect of the invention;

covering or enclosing an animal with said apparatus; and

washing said animal.

[0028] According to a yet further aspect of the present

invention there is provided animal washing apparatus, an animal

washing kit, and a method of washing an animal, substantially

as herein described and/or illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying

drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of

one embodiment of animal washing apparatus, in accordance with

an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective-view

representation of the animal washing apparatus of Figure 1 in

kit form;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of a further embodiment of animal washing

apparatus, in accordance with an aspect of the present

invention;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of

the animal washing apparatus of Figure 3, exemplifying the

adjustable opening in an open position for receiving an animal;

Figure 5 is diagrammatic side-view representation the

animal washing apparatus of Figure 4, with an animal enclosed

within the enclosure while washing fluid is added;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side-view representation the

animal washing apparatus of Figure 5, showing the animal being

washed via the integral gloves; and

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic side-view representation the

animal washing apparatus of Figure 6, wherein the washing fluid

is drained from the enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Further features of the present invention are more

fully described in the following description of several non

limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included

solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention

to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a

restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of

the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated

to illustrate features of the example embodiment or

embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout. Additionally, features, mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0030] With reference now to the accompanying drawings,

there is shown different embodiments of animal washing

apparatus 10, which finds particular application for washing

an animal 14. While apparatus 10 may be used with a variety of

animals as per requirements, it is envisaged that apparatus 10

will generally be used with pet animals, such as dogs, cats,

or the like. However, the skilled addressee will appreciate

that other animals may be washed via apparatus 10.

[0031] One broad embodiment of such animal washing

apparatus 10 generally comprises a flexible cover 16 which

defines a head opening 25 surrounded by an adjustable head

fastener 29, as well as a tail opening 27 surrounded by an

adjustable tail fastener 29 at an opposite side of said cover

16, as shown. Typically, the head fastener 29 and tail fastener

31 comprise a drawstring or a collar-like fastener, as shown.

[0032] The cover 12 is generally manufactured from a polymer

material, such as a plastic, rubber, or the like, which is

pliant and flexible to be collapsible and foldable while also

being watertight. In one embodiment, the cover 16 is shaped

and dimensioned to cover the body of the animal 22 whilst

leaving feet or legs of the animal exposed, as shown in Figure

1.

[0033] In this manner, at least a portion of a body of an

animal 22 is coverable by said cover 16 so that a head and a

tail pass through the head and tail openings 25 and 27, respectively, the fasteners 29 and 31 fastenable to retain said cover 16 on the animal 22. The cover 16 also generally defines at least one sealable access opening 21 between said fasteners 29 and 31 via which the animal is washable by hand access.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cover 16 is configured to be

continuous about the body of the animal 22, i.e. uninterrupted.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the cover 16 may be

configured to be interrupted and folded about the body of the

animal 22, such interruption typically occurring at the head

or tail fastener 29 or 31.

[0035] The sealable access 21 typically includes an

aperture with a clasp or zip locker. In an embodiment, the

cover 16 defines the sealable access 21 along a back of the

animal when the cover is retained on the animal. The cover 16

may also define the sealable access 21 along a side of the

animal when the cover is retained on the animal.

[0036] In a further embodiment, animal washing apparatus 10

may also comprise a base 12 on which the animal 14 is

supportable. In a typical example, the base 12 comprises a

resiliently flexible mat, such as a rubber, foam rubber or

plastic mat. The base 12 is typically watertight while also

being pliant or flexible so that the base 12 is rollable into

a roll or foldable for storage purposes.

[0037] The cover 16 may be secured onto or around edges of

the base 12, about the base, or the like, in a generally

watertight manner. In an embodiment, the cover 16 may also be

releasably secured onto the base 12 to allow removal of said cover 16 from the base 12 for cleaning and/or storage purposes, or the like.

[0038] In such an embodiment, the cover 16 generally defines

an adjustable opening 26 via which the animal 14 is able to

enter apparatus 10 and be received within enclosure 20.

Typically, the adjustable opening 26 comprises a hemmed opening

with a drawstring 36 to allow adjustability of a size of said

opening 26, as required. However, in another embodiment, the

adjustable opening 26 may comprise a clasp locker, an

interference fit attachment, or the like in order to allow

adjustability of a size of the opening. For example, the

adjustable opening 26 may include a collar or collar-like

portion to facilitate in sealing the opening about the animal's

neck to impede washing fluid from exiting the enclosure 20, in

use, or the like.

[0039] In such an embodiment, the cover 16 may further

define at least one integral glove 18, as shown, so that

enclosure 20 forms a glovebox-like enclosure. In this manner,

the base 12 and cover 16 together may form a substantially

watertight collapsible glovebox-like enclosure 20, wherein a

body 22 of an animal 14 is receivable into said enclosure 20

via the opening 26 and said opening 26 adjustable to form a

collar 28 around a neck 24 of said animal 14, wherein the glove

18 allows washing of said animal 14 (or at least the body 22

of the animal 14) within the enclosure 20 without washing fluid

34 being readily able to escape. In an embodiment, the at least

one glove may include a brush or brush-like portion (not shown)

to facilitate in washing the animal, or the like.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cover 16 is generally

manufactured from a polymer material, such as a plastic, rubber, or the like, which is pliant and flexible to be collapsible while also being watertight. It is to be appreciated that the integral glove 18 is typically made from the same material as the cover to be of unitary construction.

As exemplified, the cover 16 generally defines a plurality of

gloves 18 on different sides of said cover 16 to allow easy

access to an animal 14 operatively enclosed within the

enclosure 20.

[0041] In an example, the cover 16 also defines at least

one sealable aperture for entry and/or exit of washing fluid,

such as water, soap, pest treatments, etc. In the exemplified

embodiment, the cover 16 defines two sealable apertures, being

an inlet 30 towards a top of the enclosure 20 and an outlet 32

towards a bottom of said enclosure 20, said inlets 30 and 32

for respective entry and exit of washing fluid 34, as required.

In an embodiment, the inlet 30 may include a hose connector

(not shown) for connecting a hose 38 thereto in order to

facilitate entry of washing fluid 34 via the hose 38 into the

enclosure 20.

[0042] The skilled addressee will further appreciate that

the present invention also includes an associated method of

washing an animal 14. Such a method generally comprises the

steps of providing animal washing apparatus 10 as described

herein, covering or placing an animal 14 within the enclosure

, and washing the animal generally via use of the gloves 18.

[0043] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that

the present invention provides for apparatus 10 for washing an

animal 14. Apparatus 10 minimises mess, as the animal 14 can

shake water off whilst being covered or enclosed. Importantly, animal 14 can be covered without entirely enclosing the animal, which may lead to stress and anxiety.

[0044] Where a base 12 is used, apparatus 10 further allows

complete submersion of the animal 14 in washing fluid, which

allows improved pest treatment, such as for ticks and fleas,

as the treatment can be evenly applied and pest can be

completely submerged in order to suffocate them, or the like.

[0045] Apparatus 10 is also readily storable, as both the

base 12 and the cover 16 are generally plaint and/or foldable

to reduce dimensions thereof to facilitate storage out of the

way. Apparatus 10 also reduces stress on the animal 14, as the

animal's head can be kept dry while the animal's movement is

unrestrained when covered or within the confines of the

enclosure 20.

[0046] Optional embodiments of the present invention may

also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and

features referred to or indicated herein, individually or

collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the

parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are

mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to

which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed

to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the

example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device

structures, and well-known technologies are not described in

detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled

addressee.

[0047] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or

similar referents in the context of describing various

embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having,

" "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open

ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")

unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or"

includes any and all combinations of one or more of the

associated listed items. No language in the specification

should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject

matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject

matter.

[0048] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"

"beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like,

may be used herein for ease of description to describe one

element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or

feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative

terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of

the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation

depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the

figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or

"beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term

"below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at

other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors

used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0049] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one

example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary

language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive

sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and

useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0050] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain

aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified

in a different example. These examples are intended to assist

the skilled person in performing the invention and are not

intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any

way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations

(e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more

embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of

ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The

inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations

as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed

subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically

described herein.

[0051] Any method steps, processes, and operations

described herein are not to be construed as necessarily

requiring their performance in the particular order discussed

or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of

performance. It is also to be understood that additional or

alternative steps may be employed.

Claims (20)

1. Animal washing apparatus comprising a flexible cover

defining a head opening surrounded by an adjustable head

fastener and a tail opening surrounded by an adjustable tail

fastener at an opposite side thereof, wherein at least a

portion of a body of an animal is coverable by said cover so

that a head and a tail passes through the head and tail

openings, respectively, said fasteners fastenable to retain

said cover on the animal, the cover defining at least one

sealable access opening between said fasteners via which the

animal is washable by hand access.

2. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is manufactured

from a polymer material, such as a plastic, rubber, or the

like, which is pliant and flexible to be easily collapsible

and foldable while also being watertight.

3. Apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cover

is shaped and dimensioned to cover the body of the animal

whilst leaving feet or legs of the animal exposed.

4. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover is

configured to be continuous about the body of the animal, i.e.

uninterrupted.

5. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover is

configured to be interrupted and folded about the body of the

animal, such interruption typically occurring at the head or

tail fastener.

6. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the head

fastener comprises a drawstring or collar-like fastener.

7. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tail

fastener comprises a drawstring or collar-like fastener.

8. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein sealable access

includes an aperture with a clasp or zip locker.

9. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover

defines the sealable access along a back of the animal when

the cover is retained on the animal.

10. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover

defines the sealable access along a side of the animal when

the cover is retained on the animal.

11. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, which includes a base

on which the animal is supportable.

12. Apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a

resiliently flexible mat, such as a rubber mat or a similar

polymer which is watertight while being pliant so that the

base is rollable into a roll for storage.

13. Apparatus of either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the cover

is releasably securable onto the base to form a watertight

enclosure for the animal when said cover is secured on the

base.

14. Apparatus of claim 13, wherein the cover defines two

sealable apertures, being an inlet towards a top of the

enclosure and an outlet towards a bottom of said enclosure,

for respective entry and exit of washing fluid, as required.

15. Apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inlet includes a hose

connector for connecting a hose thereto in order to facilitate

entry of washing fluid via the hose into the enclosure.

16. Apparatus of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the cover

defines at least one integral glove, wherein the base and cover

together form a substantially watertight collapsible glovebox

like enclosure.

17. Apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cover defines a

plurality of gloves on different sides of said cover to allow

easy access to an animal operatively enclosed within the

enclosure.

18. Apparatus of either of claims 16 or 17, wherein the at

least one glove includes a brush or brush-like portion to

facilitate in washing the animal.

19. An animal washing kit comprising:

animal washing apparatus in accordance with anu of claim

1 to 18; and

at least one washing glove for washing an animal with.

20. A method of washing an animal, said method comprising

the steps of:

providing animal washing apparatus in accordance with any

of claims 1 to 18 or a kit in accordance with claim 19;

covering or enclosing an animal with said apparatus; and

washing said animal.

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