GB2437598A

GB2437598A - Animal escape device

Info

Publication number: GB2437598A
Application number: GB0608225A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Hallam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-26
Filing date: 2006-04-26
Publication date: 2007-10-31
Also published as: GB0608225D0

Abstract

An escape device 23 for facilitating an animal's escape from a drain or like hollow structure. The device comprising an elongate element providing a climbing structure, one end of the climbing structure having an exit platform 21 and/or fixing means to hold the climbing structure in an upright attitude. The device can be helical (fig 5) and can be coated with material or textured to assist the animals ascent. The device is particularly suited to toads and other amphibians.

Description

Creature Escape Device

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an escape device for facilitating escape of animals from hollow structures, more particularly but not exclusively to facilitating escape of toads and newts from drainage systems.

Background of Invention

1J S S S...

It is not uncommon for animals to be trapped. in hollow structures such as those -. : of drainage systems or cattle grids. Once trapped it may not be possible for the animal to escape from the hollow structure without assistance. A trapped animal * may injure itself attempting to escape and as a consequence the animal may die. . :1: 15.

Alternatively the trapped animal may be unable to escape and die from lack of sustenance. This is of special concern when the animal involved is a rare or endangered species.

Furthermore the presence of animals in hollow structures such as drainage systems may hamper the effectiveness of the drainage system.

it is an object of the present invention to provide a device to assist an animal to climb out of a hollow structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross section through a guiJey pot as is known to be provided in conventional drainage systems; Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of an escape device according to first embodiment of the present invention in the gulley pot of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of an escape device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4a shows a close up view of an escape device according to a third embodimentofthe present invention; CI.. I...

Figure 4b shows a close up view of an escape device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; * *e. * * S S. S

Figure 4c shows a close up view of an escape device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; S.. ** * S * S. *

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the gulley pot of Figure 1 containing an escape device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the gulley pot of Figure 1 containing an escape device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7a shows a cross sectional view of a fixing mechanism according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7b shows a cross sectional view of an alternative fixing mechanism according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7c shows a plan view of the fixing mechanism of Figure 7a.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments of the Present Invention Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a gulley pot 11 as is known to be provided in conventional drainage systems. The gulley pot 11 is sunk into the ground such that the uppermost edge of the gulley pot 11 is substantially at the same elevation as that of the surface level 13 of the surrounding ground. The gulley pot 11 comprises a water pipe 14, near the base, which allows water to be drained away through the drainage system. The gulley pot 11 comprises S..

substantially vertical sides, the sides may be smooth, furthermore the depth of:: the gulley pot maybe much greater than the size of the trapped animal making escape from the gulley pot 11 difficult for the animal trapped inside.

A cover grille 12 or grating is located at the upper periphery 15 of the gulley pot 11. The cover grille 12 comprises a framework of spaced apart bars which allow water to drain through gaps 17 located between the bars, a portion of the cover grille 12 is illustrated in plan in Figure 7c. The cover grille 12 prevents objects and animals larger than the spacing of the gaps 17 from falling into the gulley pot 11. The upper periphery 15 of the gulley pot 11 comprises a rebated portion which forms a ledge upon which the cover grille 12 rests. The cover grille 12 is flush with the upper periphery of the gulley pot 11. The cover grille 12 may be removable in order to gain access to the gulley pot 11 for cleaning or other maintenance tasks.

It is not uncommon for water and or debris to collect in the base of the gulley pot 11; this creates a further hazard to trapped animals and may attract an animal to enter the gulley pot 11 unaware of the hazard of doing so.

Figure 2 shows an escape device according to a first enibodiment of the present invention. The escape device comprises an elongate element 23 which extends from the cover grille 12 to the base of the gulley pot 11.

A portion of the elongate member 23 forms a horizontal entry platform 22 in the base of the guiley pot 11 to increase the ease with which an animal may access the escape device.

The upper end of the escape device is secured to the cover grille 12 such that a portion of the elongate member 23 forms a substantially horizontal exit platform *:: : : 21 from which an animal may escape the confines of the gulley pot 11. It. is. : envisaged that the escape device may be secured to the cover grille 12 using cable ties or other suitable securing means 24 known in the art. The horizontal * exit platform 21 is substantially coplanar with the upper surface 20 of the cover: grille 12. It can be seen that the elongate member 23 is secured to the cover grille 12 in the vicinity of an outer edge of the gulley pot 11 in order to reduce the: : ::: risk of an escaping animal falling back into the gulley pot 11.

In one embodiment the elongate member 23 may be formed from a flexible rope like material. Depending upon requirements, the elongate element 23 may be bio-degradable over time, thus preventing harm to the environment, or the elongate element 23 may be constructed from a material resistant to degradation in order to increase the life span of the escape device and the need for repair and replacement.

Figure 3 illustrates an escape device according to a third embodiment of the present invention in which the escape device 26 is capable of standing freely upon a lowermost inner surface 25 of the gulley pot 11. It can be seen that the escape device is structured such that it comprises a base portion having a footprint which extends substantially over the full width of the gulley pot 11. The base is constructed to form a loop shaped structure. In alternative embodiments the base may be of a different configuration for example it may be a plate or tripod or other suitable arrangement. Optionally the base may comprise a stake or spike which can be inserted into material at the base of the hollow structure.

The upper end of the escape device 26 again forms a horizontal exit platform whereas the loop shaped structure forms the entry platform. The exit platform is located substantiafly over the centre of the footprint of the base in order to prevent the escape device toppling over to one side of the gulley pot 11 and potentially unseating any animal attempting to escape. It can be seen that the elongate element extends substantially from the base of the gulley pot 11 to the upper periphery of the gulley pot II. *:: ::* S ** Optionally the escape device may comprise means for securing the escape device 26 to the cover grille 12. The upper terminus of the escape device is located in a gap 17 in the cover grille 12 further improving stability. In an alternative embodiment the base of the escape device 26 may be constructed so as to have sufficient mass to provide a counterbalancing weight to increase the stability of the escape device 26. It will be understood that the mass of the counterbalancing weight may be altered so as to accommodate animals of different sizes. The choice of counterbalancing weight used in the escape device being dependent upon the predominate animal species it is intended to assist.

Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c show close up views of fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention in which the elongate element 23 comprises an enhancement to the surface which is designed to increase the ease with which an animal may climb the escape device.

In Figure 4a the elongate element 23 comprises hair-like protrusions 30 extending from the surface.

In Figure 4b the elongate element 23 comprises regular surface features such as ridges, grooves or treads; again these features are designed to provide a surface against which an animal may achieve increased grip when climbing the escape device.

In Figure 4c the elongate element 23 comprises hair like protrusions which have bulbous ends. Alternatively the elongate element 23 may have loops or hook shaped protrusions on its surface which assist an animal to climb the elongate element 23.

The bulbous ends are designed to facilitate ease of climbing for an animal using the escape device. Additionally the surface features may promote growth of organic material upon the elongate element 23 which may further encourage animals to utilise the escape device. Alternatively the surface of the elongate member 23 may be structured, coated or otherwise prepared in such a way, to: encourage plant growth upon it. Optionally the elongate element 23 may be impregnated which a substance or material which facilitate growth of organic material on or in the elongate element 23, for example the elongate element may: :: : be impregnated with nutrients and/or plant seeds or other organic material to propagate plant growth.

Figure 5 shows an escape device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The elongate element 23 is formed into a helical structure 45 extending between upper and lower extremities of the gulley pot 11.

In providing a helical structure 45 it is possible to reduce the inclination of the elongate member 23 at any given point thereby increasing the ease with which an animal may climb the elongate element 23.

The elongate element 23 shown in Figure 5 is formed from a pair of rigid members spaced apart from one another and substantially parallel to one another having support elements joining the two rigid members whereby maintaining the spacing between them. In alternative embodiments (not shown) it is envisaged that the elongate element 23 may be constructed from a band of material formed into a helix creating a spiral shaped ramp up which an animal may climb.

The elongate element 23 again comprises a substantially horizontal exit platform 46 at its upper terminus. It is envisaged that this wifi be secured to a cover grille 12, however the helical structure 45 may be structured and arranged such that it is free standing, in a similar manner to the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

Figure 6 illustrates an escape device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The elongate element 23 is substantially rigid and is formed: : from a band of material orientated at an inclination to the base of the gulley pot 11. * S.. S. S

In this way the elongate element 23 forms a ramp 50 up which an animal may climb. Alternatively larger animals may climb up the helical structure either internally or externally utilising successive coils of the helix as steps.

The upper terminus of the elongate member comprises a substantially C-shaped structure 52 which may be hooked around a portion of the cover grille 12 to secure the escape device in situ. The elongate element 23 again comprises a substantially horizontal exit platform at the upper terminus of the ramp 50.

In an alternative embodiment a pair of ramps 50 may be positioned in a side by side and diagonally opposed relationship. A coupling member 51 may be used to secure the ramps 50 in said side by side diagonally opposed relationship, thereby increasing stability of the escape device. An escape device constructed in this way may facilitate use of the escape device by heavier animals.

Figure 7a illustrates a cross sectional view of an exit platform 55 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The exit platform 55 is sized to be greater in dimension than the spacing of the gaps' 17 in' the cover grille 12 preventing the exit platform 55 falling inside the gulley pot 11. A portion of the exit platform 55 overlays, portions of the cover grille 12 disposed either side of the gap 17, in which the elongate element 23 is located. The exit platform 55 is in contact with an upper surface 20 of cover grille 12.

A pair of retaining clips 56 extend downwardly into the gap 17 in the cover grille 12. A portion of each retaining clip 56 may extend beneath the lowermost surface of portions of the cover grille 12 on opposed sides of the elongate element 23. The elongate member 23 may be secured to the exit platform 55 by adhesive or other securing means known in the art. It is envisaged that the, retaining clips 56 will be resiliently biased by use of a living spring or other similar means known in the art. :::..

Figure 7b shows an alternative fixing mechanism according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The fixing means comprises a single retaining clip 61 which is secured to an upper surface of the terminus of the elongate element 23. The retaining clip 61 extends over a portion of the cover grille 12 and downwardly in to an adjacent gap 17 in the cover grille 12 the retaining clip 61 terminates underneath the lowermost surface of said portion of the cover grille 12 adjacent the elongate element 23. It can be seen that in this embodiment the terminus of the elongate element 23 is square in cross section and provides an integral exit platform 60; in' this way the integral exit platform provides flat surface which can be placed flat face contact with a portion of the cover grille 12 such that the flat surface cooperates with the retaining clip 61 in securing the escape device to the cover grille 12.

Figure 7c shows a plan view of the fixing mechanism shown in Figure 7a illustrating that the elongate element 23 is positioned in a gap 17 located in the cover grille 12.

It can be appreciated thatvanous changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the escape device may be adjusted to accommodate animals or hollow structure of differing sizes or shapes. The entry and/or exit platform may be shaped according to a variety of user requirements. Other variations may also be made within the scope of the invention.

It is envisaged that the escape device may find use in a variety of hollow structures and is not limited to drainage systems; for example cattle grids or SS*S underground airducts. ... 5..

In addition to providing a stable exit platform it is envisaged that the exit platform I..

may be utilised for marketing or product description purposes. * : ::: It is envisaged that the free standing embodiments of the present invention will * .** be sized such that they extend between the lowermost and uppermost extent of: : the hollow structure in which they are placed, however in some embodiments the escape device may be compressible or extendable such that a single device may be manufactured which is suitable be placed in hollow structures of varying size, thereby making the escape device variable in height.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", outer", "upper", and "lower", do not limit the respective features to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these features from one another.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An escape device for facilitating an animal's escape from a drain or like hollow structure, the device comprising an elongate element providing a climbing structure, one end of the climbing structure having an exit platform and/or fixing means to hold the clirribirig structure in an upright attitude.

2. An escape device according to claim 1 wherein the escape means is a substantially rigid structure comprising a base such that it is capable of standing freely upon a lowermost surface of the hollow structure. SS*

S S.

3. An escape device according to any preceding claim wherein the escape *S5 device is constructed from, impregnated with, or coated in, a material which facilitates growth of organic material upon it. : S...

4. An escape device according to any preceding claim wherein the device further comprises a substantially horizontal surface which forms an entry platform to facilitate access to the elongate element.

5. An escape device wherein the elongate element is formed into a helical structure.

6. An escape device according to claim I -5 wherein the exit platform comprises at least one flexible retaining clip for engagement with a grating or cover grille placed over the hollow structure.

7. An escape device according to claim 6 comprising a second flexible retaining clip wherein the first and second retaining clips spaced apart are suitable for placement between a pair of grating elements.

8. An escape device according to claim 1 wherein the elongate member comprises a first rigid ramp.

9. An escape device according to claim 8 wherein there further comprises a second rigid ramp diagonally opposed to the first rigid ramp and wherein the first and second rigid ramps are coupled together for increased stability.

10. An escape device according to any preceding claim wherein the exit platform further comprises a substantially horizontal surface which forms to facilitates exit from the hollow structure. *: : : :* S...

11. An escape device according to any preceding claim wherein the escape device is sized and dimensioned to extend between an upper extremity of the hollow structure and a lower extremity of the hollow structure. 15.e. S...

12. An escape device according to any preceding claim wherein the surface of the escape device is textured to facilitate an animal to climb the escape device and wherein the texture of the surface may be designed to assist an animal of a specific species of which the escape device is intended to assist.

13. An escape device as described herein and having reference to the accompanying drawings.