NZ532796A - A holster including a pocket, a dispenser pack of animal health product and a strap coupled at the holster - Google Patents

Abstract

A holster (10) includes a pocket (11) having an opening through which, in use, a dispenser pack of animal health product (P) can be inserted into the pocket, an aperture spaced from the opening and in which, in use a neck of the dispenser pack can be engaged, and a strap (13) coupled at one end to a part of the holster which is above the opening and coupled at a second end to a part of the holster which is below the opening and spaced from a side of the holster at or adjacent which the one end is coupled.

Description

532796 No: 532796 Date:10 May 2004 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A HOLSTER I, LINCOLN MATTHEW GRANT, a New Zealand citizen of RD 2 Makairo Road, Pahiatua, New Zealand do hereby declare this invention, for which I pray that a Patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement Spec1640 ,! , L i of n:- 2 0 JUL Jii)y 2004 R I: C - ? V R IJ 2 TITLE OF THE INVENTION A HOLSTER BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION This invention relates to a holster, particularly for dispenser packs of animal health product.

A farmer will, as part of their daily duties, monitor the condition of the health of their livestock, and take precautions to ensure that the livestock remain healthy and in good condition.

To guard against illness, it is common practice in the farming industry to administer animal health products to individual animals via either a hand held vaccine gun or drench gun.

The vaccine gun uses an intravenous needle which administers the vaccine below the animal's skin. Therefore, needles must be frequently changed as they become blunt through repeated use and/or damaged, which can cause potential harm to an animal undergoing vaccination.

Spec 1640 July 2004 3 The vaccine/drench gun administers a single dose of product to an animal, thus to treat a number of animals in quick succession, a bulk store of vaccine/drench is connected, via a supply hose, to the gun used.

The vaccine/drench is typically sold in disposable plastic dispenser packs, to which a supply hose from the gun is connected. Ideally the plastic pack is worn on the body of the user.

Each pack is supplied with a length of cotton, wool, or fine plastic material, from which a makeshift strap may be fashioned. The strap is fastened to holes provided in the top portion of each pack. Typically, the user will hang the strap around their neck.

As each pack is emptied, the container is merely discarded, including the strap. For each new pack used, the user must fashion another strap for connection to the pack.

As the strap is makeshift in nature, it can be uncomfortable for the user to wear around their neck region.

Spec 1640 July 2004 4 Traditional disposable vaccine/drench packs have a number of disadvantages. One disadvantage is that each pack is sold with a string, from which the user fashions a makeshift strap. During use this strap has the potential to be uncomfortable when worn.

Also because the pack is free hanging, it tends to swing about in use. For example, as the user leans forward, which in practical situations is common, the pack swings forward. Thus, the pack can not only get in the way but can reduce the clear vision of the user, especially in the region where the user may be handling an animal in the administration of the health product.

Another disadvantage is that, for each new pack used, a new strap is required to be made by the user, which is time consuming.

Yet another disadvantage is that during the fashioning of a strap, inadequate knots may be tied, resulting in the strap failing and the pack falling to the ground. This may result simply in inconvenience to the user, but could cause injury to the animal and/or the user, especially during the time an animal is being treated.

Spec 1640 July 2004 A further disadvantage is that the material provided for fashioning a strap is inherently uncomfortable when worn, due to the type and diameter of the material supplied.

Yet a further disadvantage is that the material provided for fashioning a strap has the potential to break if it becomes snagged etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a holster which a user can wear which may contain a vaccine/drench pack, which overcomes one or more disadvantages of known methods of attaching the aforementioned packs to the user's body, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Broadly according to one aspect of the invention there is provided a holster including a pocket having an opening through which, in use, a dispenser pack of animal health product can be inserted into the pocket, an aperture spaced from said opening and in which, in use, a neck of the dispenser pack can be engaged, and a strap coupled at one end to a part of the holster which is above the opening and coupled at a second end to a part of the holster which is below the opening and spaced from a side Spec 1640 July 2004 6 of the holster at or adjacent which said one end is coupled.

Preferably the strap includes a strap length adjustment means.

Preferably the holster is in part formed by material through which, at least, part of the dispenser pack, when in the pocket, is visible thus the pocket can in one form of the invention be in part formed by an area of see through material e.g. transparent plastic, mesh or the like.

In a preferred form of the invention the holster further includes a second but smaller pocket. In a preferred form of the invention the second pocket has an opening which is spaced from and below the opening into the first mentioned pocket.

The holster can be formed of front and rear panels at least one of which is made of a transparent material. The material can be a tough wear resistant plastic sheet material.

Broadly according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a holster, which includes an open Spec 1640 July 2004 7 topped main pocket formed of front and rear panels joined together at side edges thereof, an opening formed in a bottom portion of said pocket, a storage pocket formed of a panel joined at side and bottom edges thereof to said front panel, and a strap coupled at one end to a point in the length of a side of said holster and at a second end to a point at the top of the holster but at or adjacent the other side of the holster. Preferably the strap includes strap length adjustment means.

Preferably the holster panels are of a transparent or translucent synthetic material such as a tough, wear resistant, plastic material.

Preferably the side edges of the panels, and all other edges in the panel material, are reinforced with a tape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following more detailed description of the invention according to preferred embodiments, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a person wearing the holster with a vaccine/drench pack contained within, and Spec 1640 July 2004 8 Figure 2 is a front elevation of the holster of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided a holster for the containment of a single vaccine/drench pack and preferably storage means for a vaccine gun needle pack. The holster has an adjustable strap allowing the holster to be comfortably worn in a stable position against the chest of the user, and which allows the user to quickly and easily replace an empty pack during use.

As is disclosed herein, the holster is described as being in the orientation as if the apparatus is worn by the user.

It will be apparent to the skilled addressee that the holster may be manufactured dimensionally larger to accommodate vaccine/drench packs of greater capacity.

The holster 10, according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figure 1, in an orientation as being worn Spec 1640 July 2004 9 by the user, with a vaccine/drench pack P inside the holster 10.

The holster 10 is generally rectangular in shape, and includes a main pocket 11, a storage pocket 12, and a strap 13.

Preferably the holster panels are of a transparent or translucent synthetic material such as a tough plastic sheet type material. This allows the user to monitor the level of product within the vaccine/drench pack in use. In an alternative arrangement the panel, which in use, is the front panel can be of see through material either in whole or in part. For example, the front panel could be formed from mesh.

It will be apparent to the skilled addressee that there are different methods of joining the panels forming the holster, such as by sewing, heat bonding, adhesive or any other suitable method.

To provide a hard wearing surface to the panel edges, and reinforcement of the edges of the joined panels, a sturdy tape is bonded or sewn to these edges, as indicated by numeral 14 on the drawings. This tape may be a synthetic Spec 1640 July 2004 binding tape (of the same type of material as strap 13) which is sewn onto the panels.

Pocket 11 includes front and rear panels 15 and 16 which are joined together at their peripheral edges. The front panel 15 is of lesser height than rear panel 16. Front panel 15 thus terminates at edge 15a. Pocket 11 is formed by the conjoined panels 15 and 16. Because edge 15a is not joined to rear panel 16 the pocket 11 is open at its upper edge for the insertion of pack P.

To front panel 15 is formed storage pocket 12, as is shown in Figure 2. This pocket 12 is formed by a panel 17 joined at its side edges and along its bottom edge to front panel 15. The upper side of pocket 12 is thus open.

To the base of pocket 11, in both front and rear panels 15 and 16, is a semi-circular cut-out portion 18, which is open, thereby forming an aperture to allow the dispensing end of pack P to project therethrough.

One end of strap 13 is coupled to one side of holster 10 about midway in the length of the side. Thus it is coupled below the opening into the pocket. The other end of strap 13 is preferably coupled to a strap adjuster 19. The adjuster 19 of strap 20 is coupled by a short length Spec 1640 July 2004 11 to the top of holster 10. As is illustrated in Figure 2 the short length of strap 20 is coupled at or adjacent the top corner of the holster 10 at the side opposite to that to which strap 13 is anchored.

In use a drench/vaccine pack P is inserted into the open end of pocket 11 of holster 10. The supply pipe S from the gun G is connected to the dispensing outlet of pack P, as is illustrated in Figure 1.

To wear holster 10 on his/her body, the user passes his/her right arm and head through the strap 13 so that the strap 13 is located over the left shoulder, around his/her back, and under the right arm. Strap 13 is then tightened through adjuster 19, tensioning strap 13 so that holster 10 is held securely against the chest of the user in a stable fashion. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

If the user is treating livestock with a vaccine type gun, additional packets of needles may be stored in pocket 12 of holster 10.

The user may proceed to vaccinate/drench livestock. When the vaccine gun requires a new needle, a new one can be Spec 1640 July 2004 12 removed from pocket 12 and installed in the gun G, whilst the used needle may be stored in the pocket 12.

The user may view the contents of pack P within holster 10, due to the translucent material holster 10 is constructed of. Therefore, the contents of pack P may be monitored during use.

Once a pack P is empty, the supply pipe S may be disconnected from pack P, pack P removed from the holster, and a new pack P inserted into pocket 11. Upon reconnection of the supply pipe S, drenching/vaccination may continue.

The holster 10 is open to modifications as will be apparent to the skilled addressee.

For example, the strap 13 could have an easy release snap connector, so that one length of the strap can be passed about the user's body and then snap connected into the connector. The strap can then be tensioned via adjuster 20.

The present invention provides a holster that is comfortable for the user to wear, and which can be held firmly, and in close proximity, to the body of the user.

Spec 1640 July 2004 13 This reduces the possibility of the holster moving about as well as becoming snagged on objects as the user is working.

The holster allows the user to quickly replace an empty vaccine/drench pack. The pack P simply slides in and out of pocket 11. In its preferred form the holster will be suitable for 500ml and smaller vaccine packs.

There is also the facility for storage of spare parts for the equipment used in the storage pocket provided. This ensures that parts are easy in easy reach of the user ensuring quick and easy access.

The adjustable strap ensures that the holster is comfortable to wear, and can be held firmly against the chest of the user.

Spec J 640 July 2004

Claims (18)

14 WHAT I CLAIM IS:-

1. A holster including a pocket having an opening through which, in use, a dispenser pack of animal health product can be inserted into the pocket, an aperture spaced from said opening and in which, in use, a neck of the dispenser pack can be engaged, and a strap coupled at one end to a part of the holster which is above the opening and coupled at a second end to a part of the holster which is below the opening and spaced from a side of the holster at or adjacent which said one end is coupled.

2. A holster as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap includes strap length adjustment means.

3. A holster as claimed holster is in part which, at least, part pocket, is visible.

4. A holster as claimed is in part formed material. in claim 1 or 2 wherein the formed by material through of the dispenser, when in the in claim 3 wherein the pocket by an area of see through Spec 1640 July 2004 15

5. A holster as claimed in claim 3 wherein the holster is formed of a front panel of transparent material and a rear panel, edges of the respective panels being joined to form the pocket and said aperture.

6. A holster as claimed in claim 5 wherein the rear panel is formed of transparent material.

7. A holster as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein the transparent material is tough wear resistant plastic sheet.

8. A holster as claimed in claim 4 wherein the pocket is, at least, in part formed by a mesh material.

9. A holster as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein the edges of the panels are reinforced with a tape engaged about the edges.

10. A holster as claimed in claim 9 wherein the tape is of a synthetic material.

11. A holster as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims further including a second but smaller pocket. Spec 1640 July 2004 16

12. A holster as claimed in claim 11 wherein the second pocket has an opening spaced from the opening in the first mentioned pocket.

13. A holster which includes an open top main pocket formed of front and rear panels joined together at side edges thereof, an opening formed in a bottom portion of said pocket, a storage pocket formed of the panel joined at its side and bottom edges thereof to said front panel, and a strap coupled at one end to a point in the length of a side of said holster and at a second end to appoint at the top of the holster bit at or adjacent the other side of the holster.

14. A holster as claimed in claim 13 wherein the strap includes strap length adjustment means.

15. A holster as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the holster panels are of a transparent or translucent synthetic material.

16. A holster as claimed in claim 15 wherein the synthetic material is a tough, wear resistant, plastic material. Spec 1640 July 2004 17

17 .

18 . A holster as claimed in claim 16 wherein the side edges of the panels and all other edges of the panel material are reinforced with a tape. A holster substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. END OF CLAMS LINCOLN MATTHEW GRANT By his attorney DON HOPKINS & ASSOCIATES Per 2 . , Spec 1640 July 2004