GB2519074A

GB2519074A - Animal-keeping accessory

Info

Publication number: GB2519074A
Application number: GB1317729.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sandra Kaye Walker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-08
Filing date: 2013-10-08
Publication date: 2015-04-15
Also published as: GB201317729D0

Abstract

A device that transmits an electrical shock from an electric fence to an animals skin even when the animal is wearing a protective rug, blanket or other clothe. The device 2 is attached around or onto the front part of the protective clothe 3 and forms a conductive path for the electricity. The device is made from conductive material and preferably attaches to a horse rug.

Description

Animal-keeping Accessory This invention relates to an accessory, particularly though not exclusively for use in relation to equine animals.

Horses and other animals are often kept andior left to graze in fields. It is desirable to ensure that the animal or animals cannot escape from the field, and to this end, substantial hedging and fencing is required. An alternative means is the electric' fence -an insubstantial device that transmits a small electnc shock should an animal touch it. This electric shock causes the animal to back away from the fence. Furthermore, the animal will learn' that the fence will transmit an electric shock to them and will keep away from the fence in future.

As well as cost, a great advantage of the electric fence is its portability. It can be readily and easily moved to different areas of a field, thus ensuring even grazing.

It can also be used to keep animals apart from each other.

An electric fence typically consists of a wire or tape, with exposed electrical conductors, supported at intervals by thin posts. The height of the fence is typically between 0.7 metres and 1.3 metres from the ground.

A particular problem exists with the use of electric fences in fields with horses or other animak is when the animal is required to wear a rug, coat, blanket or similar protective clothe (this may typically be for reasons of indement weather, to keep the animal clean and/or for protection from flies and other insects). Typically, though not exclusively, these protective clothes are made from strong, durable materials and rest on the back of the animal and are fastened with straps and buckles. The material of the protective clothe may overlap below the neck of the animal and above the forelegs, or the clothe may be made with a hole suitable for passing over the head of the animal.

Whichever method of construction is used for the protective dothe, it can be seen that if the animal is wearing a protective clothe as described above, it is likely that, in the event of contact with an electric fence, the protective clothe will form an insulating layer between the fence and the animal, and the animal will not feel the electric shock.

This means that the animal is much more likely to escape' from the field or area of field bounded by the electric fence. Also, as the electric fence is likdy to be insubstantial, it is liable to be damaged by the animal.

According to the invention there is provided a device, substantially of conductive material, which is fitted around the front part of the protective clothe (between the neck and forelegs of the animal). It will be appreciated that, with such a device in place, any electric shock from an electric fence coming into contact with the looped device will be transmitted to the skin of the animal.

In a preferred embodiment, the device consists of a length of conductive material which is non-allergic, flexible and resistant to weather conditions; for example, a fine stainless-steel mesh. The width of the device is typically between 50 and 100mm. The long edges of the looped device may be finished with an edging material such as nylon webbing, or folded over to prevent sharp edges. The ends of the device are provided with a fastening system, preferably adjustable to allow, typically. engths from 500mm to 1000mm to enable the device to be fitted to the protective clothe and form a continuous loop. Such fastening systems could typically but not exclusively include buttons, buckles, snap fasteners, hook & loop fasteners.

In a preferred embodiment, snap fasteners are used to connect the two ends of the device to form a continuous loop. Male fasteners are attached to one end of the device (typically inserted through punched holes and retained by a rolled-over edge) and several rows of female fasteners are attached to the other end of the device to provide adjustability in length.

In another embodiment, the device may be secured directly to the protective clothe using hook and loop fasteners or similar. This obviates the need for adjustability and the need to connect the two ends of the device to secure it (a simple fold in the middle of the device will suffice) to reduce production costs.

h another embodiment, arrangement is made (for example with buckles and straps) to allow the device to be shortened to suit the animal and protective clothe it is to be deployed on.

In a preferred embodiment, snap fasteners with a pre-determined breakaway' force are used, to ensure that, in the event of the device becoming entangled in (for example) a hedge, it can detach itself from the animal without damage.

In another embodiment, the conductive material is woven into the fabric itself, allowing for simpler edging and attaching of fastening systems.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the looped device may be used with many different rugs, coats, blankets and other similar clothes. As well as being available in different weights and other characteristics to suit weather etc., animal clothes are routinely damaged by contact with hedges, fences, trees and other animals, resulting in rips, tears and damage to fasteners. This invention can simply be moved to another clothe when required.

Fig. I illustrates a horse wearing a typical protective rug; showing horse I, an embodiment animal-keeping accessory (device) 2; and protective clothe (rug, blanket, coat etc.) 3.

Fig. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of device 2; with conductive material 4, anti-chafe protective edging 5 and 6, and press-stud fasteners 7.

Fig. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of looped device with ends joined by fasteners, parts labelled as fig. 2.

Claims

Claims I. A device, constructed with electrically conductive material, to be fitted onto or around a protective clothe for a horse or other animal, to conduct any electrical shock from an electric fence to the skin of the animal.
2. A device, as in 1) above, with an arrangement of fasteners to join the two ends of the device and hence secure it over a protective coat or similar.
3. A device, as in I) above, where a means is provided (for example by hook & loop fasteners) to secure the device to a protective rug, coat, blanket or other protective dothe.
4. A device, as in 1) and 2) above, where the fasteners or the device itself are/is adjustable in length to ensure a good fit.
5. A device, as in i) and 2) above, where the fasteners are suitably arranged to ensure that the device can safely detach itself from the animal and/or the protective clothe on the animal in the event of becoming entangled or snagged on a fence, hedge, tree or similar.