GB2567883A

GB2567883A - Improvements in and relating to animal drying and radiant energy therapy apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2567883A
Application number: GB1717863.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Akshair Paula
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-10-30
Filing date: 2017-10-30
Publication date: 2019-05-01
Also published as: GB201717863D0

Abstract

An animal worming and drying apparatus comprising: a hollow body portion 1 having an airflow passage 17 therein, and to which there is attached at least one diffuser element 4,5; the body portion 1 including an air inlet port 3 in fluid connection with the or each diffuser element 4,5; and means 11 adapted to convey air through the inlet port 3 to be expelled through the at least one diffuser element 4,5. There may be a pair of diffuser elements 4,5 each independently pivotally moveable between deployed in-use position (figure 1a) and a folded storage position (figure 1b), wherein when in the deployed position the diffuser elements 4,5 are spaced from one another and direct airflow into the space between the two diffuser elements 4,5. The diffuser elements 4,5 may be connected to the main body 1 by a telescopically extendable arm. There may be a radiant energy therapy means incorporated into one or both of the diffuser elements 4,5.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ANIMAL DRYING AND RADIANT ENERGY THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an animal drying apparatus and more particularly to a blow drying and radiant energy apparatus and a method of use thereof. The apparatus and method of the invention is directed specifically to the care of animals and prevention of damage to or dirtying of an animal’s surroundings or its bedding, for example, however, no such limitations to its use should be taken or inferred. The apparatus and method may additionally be used for gently warming a traumatised animal and/or applying therapeutic radiant energy thereto without risk of thermal shock. Reference hereinbelow to drying apply to the warming of an animal also and references to radiant energy relate predominantly to the application of infra-red radiation but include red (visible) light for therapeutic use.

Background to the Invention

It is a well-appreciated fact that wet animals not only create difficulties in handling and housing but also start to smell after a short period (unless they have recently been bathed). More seriously, wet animals can get chills or suffer from significant drops in body temperature which, in extreme cases, can be fatal.

In different areas of animal husbandry, wildlife conservation and pet care, it is important to ensure that animals suffering from prolonged exposure to low temperatures are gently but swiftly returned to nominal temperatures (without inducing any kind of thermal shock). The most familiar scenario for the farmer is where a lamb becomes separated from or abandoned by its mother or falls into a wet hole from which it cannot escape. Without rapid intervention, the body temperature will never recover sufficiently for the lamb to survive and this is mainly caused by the inability of its fleece to retain heat until it is dry. Similarly, when seabirds are affected by pollutants, it is often the inability of the plumage to trap small pockets of air to control the body temperature which leads to the bird’s demise. Therefore, before the bird ingests too much of the pollutant (whilst attempting to groom), it is essential to remove the pollutant, most often using a solvent that has the unfortunate consequence of stripping the plumage of its natural oils which are used to trap the above referenced pockets of air for temperature regulation. The cleaned bird must then be dried and kept warm in a manner that produces the least amount of additional stress.

In the world of pet care, there are many instances where it is advantageous to rapidly dry an animal. As will be very familiar to dog owners, their pets seem irresistibly attracted to the wettest, muddiest pool within an unfeasibly large radius after which they become remarkably affectionate. Challenges arise when the dog is to enter a house or a vehicle. It will also be appreciated that the same issues arise when a pet is being bathed and groomed. The sooner the animal can be dried, the quicker normal conditions can resume.

In the field of competitive animal showing, it is often necessary to wash and groom the animal before entering the competition ring.

Thus, it will be seen that it would be advantageous to provide an apparatus facilitating the relatively rapid drying of an animal in a variety of situations.

One solution employed is the utilisation of a standard hair dryer, however, there are a number of well-appreciated problems with this solution. Firstly, the standard hairdryer is designed for use with human head hair and, as it is most often held by the user, the user can adjust the proximity of the dryer thereby controlling the incident air temperature. An animal cannot provide verbal feedback and therefore incident air can be excessively hot for the animal and for its fur leading to damage and possibly causing discomfort for the animal. Most hair dryers are exceptionally noisy and when run at high power may produce frequencies in a range causing yet further discomfort to the animal. There are further consideration relating to the animal’s welfare that are understood in the profession which need not be repeated here, suffice to say that a hairdryer does not provide an optimal solution.

One exemplary attempt to solve the appreciated problems using hairdryers is disclosed in United States Patent No. 6,401,354 to Johnson, in which there is provided an attachment for a hairdryer providing a diffuser comprising a pouch having a plurality of holes therein for passage of heated air and a means for attaching the assembly to a stationary object to allow the pet to self dry.

A more common approach is that exemplified by the disclosure of European Patent Application Publication No 1 652 425 to Ghersetti which comprises a platform onto which the animal is placed and a mobile substantially dome-shaped diffuser through which warm air is directed.

None of the known prior art provides a solution addressing all of the primary concerns in respect of the drying or warming of, for example, animal fur, reptile skin or bird plumage.

The invention further relates to the use of radiant energy for therapeutic effect. It is well-appreciated that the use of red light in the range of 600 to lOOOnm and particularly in the region of 830nm (near infra-red) can be utilised to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, improved circulation (through vasodilation) and reduce symptoms associated with osteoarthritic conditions. The same effects can also be achieved using infra-red radiation having wavelengths in the range of 0.78 to 1.4pm (IR-A radiation) and its use to improve local circulation, leading to better cell oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide and other metabolites, is known, together with gentle heating to improve flexibility and function.

Infra-red healing is often contra-indicated in cases of acute trauma, bleeding or recently broken bones due to vasodilation causing new or renewed bleeding.

Radiant energy therapies are often associated with bulky equipment and specialised application, however, the convenience of a portable apparatus providing radiant energy for therapeutic effect will be readily apparent to those involved in animal rescue, veterinary care and long-term remedial animal husbandry.

For convenience, the apparatus of the invention is generally described herein as an animal warming and drying apparatus, however, it will be understood that this is not intended to exclude apparatus incorporating radiant energy components or the therapeutic use thereof.

In the majority of cases, the convenience of a portable animal warming and drying apparatus does not seem to be appreciated, as it is often when one is in a remote region that the utility of a dryer is appreciated most. In respect of drying a dog before getting back into a car and providing warmth to a rescued animal, the advantages will be readily apparent.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to attenuate the disadvantages associated with the prior art and to provide an animal warming and drying apparatus which is portable and convenient to use.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an animal warming and drying apparatus which is easy to use and provides rapid and convenient drying of animal fur or plumage with minimal discomfort to the animal.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of warming or drying an animal which utilises the apparatus of the invention to provide convenient and substantially stress-free warming or drying within a minimal period.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for applying radiant energy to an animal for warming and therapeutic effect. The radiant energy may be in the form of red light or infra-red radiation.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides an animal warming and drying apparatus comprising:

a hollow body portion having an air flow passage therein and to which there is attached at least one diffuser element;

the body portion including an air inlet port in fluid connection with the or each diffuser element; and means adapted to convey air through the air inlet port to be expelled through the or each diffuser element.

Advantageously, a pair of diffuser elements are provided, each independently pivotally movable between deployed in-use position and a folded storage position, whereby when deployed the diffuser elements are disposed in spaced apart relationship, so that air is directed from each diffuser into the void therebetween.

Preferably, each diffuser element comprises a diffuser head attached to the main body by a telescopically extendible arm.

The or each diffuser element optionally comprises a diffuser head having a radiant energy source provided thereon. The radiant energy source is selected from a heating coil, a ceramic plate heater, an incandescent infra-red bulb and an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of a preferred or selected wavelength.

Conveniently, the or each diffuser head is interchangeable.

Ideally, the or each diffuser element lies substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body portion in the storage position and generally perpendicular thereto in the deployed position.

In a modified in-use configuration, one diffuser element is positioned in a deployed in-use position and the other remains in a folded storage position.

The or each diffuser element includes a pivot coupling through which air flows through to a diffuser head in the deployed position and which cuts off air flow to the head in the folded storage position.

The hollow body portion is substantially tubular and defines, at one end, the air inlet port and includes an attachment means about which a lower diffuser element is pivotally movable, and at the other end includes a second attachment means about which an upper diffuser element is pivotally movable.

Preferably, said means adapted to convey air through the air inlet port comprises an intake fan is disposed within the hollow body adjacent the air inlet and is integrally formed with a thermally controllable heating element.

The intake fan is adapted to blow air across the heating element to produce a flow of air at a consistent temperature at the or each diffuser element.

Ideally, the temperature of the air blown from the diffusers is in the range of 35° to 45° Centigrade.

In one construction, the air flow path to each diffuser is configured to regulate air flow to the diffuser elements, such that a reduced volume of warmed air is directed to the lower diffuser element resulting in lower temperature air being directed outwardly therefrom with respect to the upper diffuser element.

Advantageously, the hollow body portion is adapted to accommodate a rechargeable battery pack and includes an electrical connection for either bypassing the battery pack or for recharging said pack.

In one construction, the hollow body portion includes a handle having a free end adapted to accommodate an electrical connector or power lead. Power may be provided to the connector via a mains converter or via a vehicle power outlet (standard 12V ‘cigarette’ outlet) adapter.

The present invention further provides a method of warming or drying an animal or applying radiant energy therapy thereto using an animal warming and drying apparatus of the type described hereinabove, the method comprising:

extending at least one diffuser element from a folded storage position to a deployed in-use position;

directing heated air through the or each diffuser; and applying a reciprocating movement to the apparatus so as to facilitate drying of the fur, skin or plumage of the subject animal.

Advantageously, a radiant energy source associate with the or each diffuser is enabled to provide visible red light and/or infra-red radiation to the subject animal or part thereof for therapeutic effect.

Preferably, a pair of diffuser elements, each independently pivotally movable between a folded storage position and a deployed in-use position are provided such that when deployed the diffuser elements are disposed in spaced apart relationship, so that warmed air and/or radiant energy is directed from each diffuser into the void therebetween.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, two embodiments of animal warming and drying apparatus in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:

Figure la is a perspective elevation of a first embodiment of animal warming and drying apparatus in an operational mode in which each of a pair of diffuser elements are in a deployed position;

Figure lb is a perspective elevation of the first embodiment of animal warming and drying apparatus in a storage mode in which the diffuser elements are folded against a body portion;

Figures 2a and 2b are a side elevation and a corresponding sectional side elevation of the animal drying apparatus of Figure la;

Figures 3a to 3d are a side elevation, an end elevation, a top plan view and a perspective front elevation of one of a pair of corresponding halves of the inlet port and main body of the first embodiment of animal drying apparatus showing air communication paths therein;

Figure 4a to 4d are a side elevation, an end elevation, a top plan view and a perspective front elevation of one of a pair of corresponding halves of a diffuser associated with said first embodiment;

Figure 5a is a perspective elevation of a second embodiment of animal warming and drying apparatus in an operational mode in which each of a pair of diffuser elements are in deployed position with the lower diffuser being in a telescopically extended configuration;

Figures 5b and 5c are perspective front and rear elevations of the second embodiment of animal drying apparatus in a storage mode in which the diffuser elements are folded against a body portion;

Figure 6 is a detailed view of a diffuser element head associated with the second embodiment (but adaptable for use with the first embodiment) in which an air outlet diffuser and radiant energy source are illustrated; and

Figure 7 is a perspective front elevation, similar to that of Figure 5a, showing the apparatus in use in a single diffuser head configuration in which a diffuser head arm is in a telescopically extended position.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures la and lb, a first embodiment of animal warming and drying apparatus comprises a hand-held device comprising a main body 1 to which there is attached a handle 2, the body including an air inlet port 3 in fluid connection with an upper diffuser element 4 and a lower diffuser element 5. Each diffuser element 4,5 is pivotally connected to the main body 1 via axially extending spindle members 7,8 (illustrated in Figure 2a) which engage corresponding receiver apertures 9 allowing the diffusers to be moved independently from deployed position to a folded storage position, as shown in Figure lb.

The main body has formed therein air flow paths communicating warmed air from the air inlet port 3 to the diffusers 4,5. In the illustrated embodiment, a combined air blower and heating unit 11 draws air from the inlet port 3 and introduces it to a chamber 13 from where it is directed via an upper port 15 into a hollow portion of the upper diffuser 4 and through an air flow path 17 within the main body 1 via a lower port 19 to the lower diffuser 5.

In an alternative construction, the combined air blower and heating unit 11 is obviated by the use of an existing warm air feed which is coupled to the air inlet port 3. Although it is not preferred, the warming and drying apparatus may be used in conjunction with a traditional hair dryer, however, caution must be exercised so that excessively warm or hot air is not directed to sensitive areas, such as the underside or stomach region of the animal.

The present apparatus addresses this problem by presenting air flow paths which are configured to provide regulated air flow to the diffusers 4,5 such that a reduced volume of air is directed to the lower diffuser element resulting in lower temperature air being directed to the sensitive underside of an animal.

In its simplest configuration the warming and drying apparatus may be presented as a static attachment to a warm air feed.

As illustrated in Figures 3a to 3d, the main body 1 is constructed using two complementary mouldings, allowing for easy fitting of the combined air blower and heater unit 11 and a switch and cabling for the unit 11 via a handle duct 21 and for easy assembly of the body. Once the body is formed, two complementary halves of the diffusers, as shown in Figures 4a to 4d, are mounted onto the main body spindles and locked together so as to assemble a complete diffuser. Ideally, the upper and lower diffuser assemblies are identical.

In an unillustrated embodiment, the main body includes a receiver for a battery pack which is ideally rechargeable. In this arrangement, the main body is profiled to provide an ergonomic hand grip (thereby obviating the handle 2 of the illustrated embodiment). A trigger switch may also be provided which includes a controller for the rate of flow of warmed air into the void between the diffusers. A power connector is provided to allow for directly powering the drying apparatus or recharging the battery pack via a mains powered converter or a vehicle power outlet (“cigarette lighter” outlet) adapter.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower diffuser 5 is shown shorter than the upper diffuser, however, the diffusers may be of equal length or alternatively the lower diffuser may be longer. The skilled addressee will appreciate the minor changes to the main body that may consequently be required to ensure the diffusers are foldable.

In alternative constructions, the diffusers may be static, that is, they do not fold against the main body, however, the convenience of an easily stowable animal dryer will be readily appreciated.

Referring now to Figures 5a to 7, a second embodiment of animal warming and drying apparatus, incorporating a radiant energy source, comprises a hand-held device 30 having a main body 31 to which there is attached a handle 32, the body including an air inlet port 33 in fluid connection with an upper diffuser element 34 and a lower diffuser element 35. Each diffuser element 34,35 is pivotally connected to the main body 31 and includes telescopically extendible arms 37,38 (illustrated in Figures 5a and 7) which engage corresponding moulded receivers in the body 31, allowing the diffusers independently to be moved from a deployed (and optionally telescopically extended) in-use position to a folded storage position, as shown in Figures 5b and 5c.

The main body has formed therein air flow paths communicating air, warmed within the body 31, from the air inlet port 33 to the diffusers 34,35. Similarly to the first embodiment, an optionally provided combined air blower and heating unit draws air from the inlet port 33 and introduces it to a body chamber from where it is directed along air flow paths within the main body 31 to the upper 34 and lower 35 diffusers.

As shown in detail in Figure 6, a diffuser element 34,35 comprises a head portion 40 which includes a receiver portion 42 for attachment to the main body 31 via a telescopically extendible arm 37,38. The head portion 40 most notably has an air outlet diffuser 44 adjacent to which is provided a radiant energy source 45. In the illustrated embodiment, the source 45 is represented by a serpentine channel in which is provided a heating coil which when activated radiates both visible red light and infra-red radiation. In alternative arrangements (which optionally includes interchangeable head portions), the source 45 may be selected from a ceramic plate heater, an incandescent infra-red bulb and an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of a preferred or selected wavelength.

As with the first embodiment, the main body 31 accommodates an air blower and an air heating unit, together with an operating switch and the appropriate cabling. Where power is required to the diffuser heads, wiring may be accommodated within the telescopic arms 37,38 without affecting the flow of warm air to the diffusers. Alternatively, conductive tracks may be used.

Ideally, a 12 Volt connector is provided allowing the apparatus to be powered from a mains source via a step-down transformer or from a direct 12V source, as most commonly associated with vehicle electrics, and may be coupled via a “cigarette lighter” style adapter. Additionally or alternatively, the handle 32 comprises or accommodates a removable rechargeable battery having push button or “click-connect” couplings to attach/detach it from the main body 31 and provide power via electrical connectors thereon. Power to each diffuser head is cut off when they are in the folded storage position.

In an additional aspect to the invention, there is provided a method of drying or warming an animal utilising the features of animal warming and drying apparatus of the invention. The preferred method comprises:

extending the first and second diffusers from a folded storage position to an in-use position;

directing heated air through the respective diffusers;

positioning an animal or part thereof into the void between the diffusers; and applying a reciprocating movement to the apparatus so as to facilitate drying of the fur, skin or plumage or elevating the body temperature of the subject animal.

When attending to a traumatised animal it is important that the process of drying its fur, skin or plumage or elevating its body temperature is conducted in a manner that minimises further trauma to the animal. In this regard, it is highly advantageous that the apparatus is not noisy and does not emit a whine at a frequency or amplitude that disturbs the animal. With the construction of apparatus described and its method of use, the impact to the animal can be attenuated. The same principles apply to warming, drying or otherwise caring for highly nervous or skittish animals and pampered pets.

To provide radiant energy therapy to a subject animal, the radiant energy source associate with the or each diffuser is enabled to provide visible red light and/or infra-red radiation, the source is then brought into close proximity to the subject animal or affect part thereof for therapeutic effect.

Each of the embodiments described herein provides for individual deployment of each one of a pair of diffusers. The scope of the invention is intended to cover embodiments of an apparatus having multiple diffusers or a single diffuser only.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An animal warming and drying apparatus comprising:

2. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, in which there is provided a pair of diffuser elements, each independently pivotally movable between deployed in-use position and a folded storage position, whereby when deployed the diffuser elements are disposed in spaced apart relationship, so that air is directed from each diffuser into the void therebetween.

3. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which each diffuser element comprises a diffuser head attached to the main body by a telescopically extendible arm.

4. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the or each diffuser element comprises a diffuser head having a radiant energy source provided thereon.

5. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, in which the radiant energy source is selected from a heating coil, a ceramic plate heater, an incandescent infra-red bulb and an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of a preferred or selected wavelength.

6. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 5, in which the or each diffuser head is interchangeable.

7. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each diffuser element lies substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body portion in the storage position and generally perpendicular thereto in the deployed position.

8. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 7, in which, in a modified in-use configuration, one diffuser element is positioned in a deployed in-use position and the other remains in a folded storage position.

9. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each diffuser element includes a pivot coupling through which air flows through to a diffuser head in the deployed position and which cuts off air flow to the head in the folded storage position.

10. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the hollow body portion is substantially tubular and defines, at one end, the air inlet port and includes an attachment means about which a lower diffuser element is pivotally movable, and at the other end includes a second attachment means about which an upper diffuser element is pivotally movable.

11. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which said means adapted to convey air through the air inlet port comprises an intake fan is disposed within the hollow body adjacent the air inlet and is integrally formed with a thermally controllable heating element.

12. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, in which the intake fan is adapted to blow air across the heating element to produce a flow of air at a consistent temperature at the or each diffuser element.

13. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, in which the temperature of the air blown from the diffusers is in the range of 35° to 45° Centigrade.

14. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 13, in which the air flow path to each diffuser is configured to regulate air flow to the diffuser elements, such that a reduced volume of warmed air is directed to the lower diffuser element resulting in lower temperature air being directed outwardly therefrom with respect to the upper diffuser element.

15. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the hollow body portion is adapted to accommodate a rechargeable battery pack and includes an electrical connection for either bypassing the battery pack or for recharging said pack.

16. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the hollow body portion includes a handle.

17. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which the handle comprises an ergonomically profiled arcuate portion extending from one end of the body portion.

18. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 or Claim 17, in which the handle has a free end adapted to accommodate an electrical connector or power lead.

19. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of Claimsl6 to 19, in which the handle comprises or accommodates a rechargeable battery pack.

20. An animal warming and drying apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 19, in which power may be provided to the connector in the handle via a mains converter or via a vehicle power outlet (standard 12V ‘cigarette’ outlet) adapter.

21. A method of warming or drying an animal or applying radiant energy therapy thereto using an animal warming and drying apparatus of the type claimed in Claim 1, the method comprising:

directing heated air through the or each diffuser; and applying a reciprocating movement to the apparatus so as to facilitate 5 drying of the fur, skin or plumage of the subject animal.

22. A method of warming or drying an animal or applying radiant energy therapy thereto as claimed in Claim 21, in which a radiant energy source associate with the or each diffuser is enabled to provide visible red light and/or infra-red radiation to the subject animal or part thereof for therapeutic effect.

10

23. A method of warming or drying an animal or applying radiant energy therapy thereto as claimed in Claim 21 or Claims 22, in which a pair of diffuser elements, each independently pivotally movable between a folded storage position and a deployed in-use position are provided such that when deployed the diffuser elements are disposed in spaced apart relationship, so that warmed air and/or

15 radiant energy is directed from each diffuser into the void therebetween.

Intellectual Property Office