NZ533318A - Animal bit - Google Patents

Abstract

An animal bit is provided for administration of animal remedies. The bit includes a straight portion which is held transversely across the animals mouth and which includes an aperture. The aperture is adapted to accommodate and guide an application device such as a syringe so that the remedy is directed onto a central rear portion of the animals tongue.

Description

5333 1 8 Patents Form No. 5 Our Ref: MH504888 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 Complete After Provisional No. 533318 and No. 537148 Filed: 3 June 2004 and 8 December 2004 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ANIMAL BIT We, DARK BAY LIMITED, a New Zealand company of 292 Glenmore Road, RD3, Albany, Auckland 1311, New Zealand hereby declare the invention, for which We pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: i PT054386408 ! 300416872_1 300417086_1 MH504888-142 lA ANIMAL BIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the administering of animal remedies. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an animal bit which enables the administering of an animal remedy, such as a drench, to an animal, such as a horse.

To the present time, various proposals have been put forward to enable animal remedies to be administered, including the use of medicated feed, nasal-gastric tubes fed into the stomach of the animal (this requiring veterinary assistance usually), and direct administration into the animal's mouth. Syringes are usually used for direct administration by mouth, and these come in a variety of different sizes.

All of the administration methods have various disadvantages, especially in dealing with a large and possibly sensitive animal, such as a horse, which can have serious consequences for the person administering the remedy and for the animal.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an animal bit and/or method of administering an animal remedy, which will overcome or at least ameliorate problems or disadvantages with apparatus, or methods available to the present time, or which at least will provide the public with a useful choice.

Further objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an animal bit, including a substantially straight member adapted to be inserted within and held transversely across and within an animal's mouth, the member including an aperture extending angularly across the member and adapted to, when in use, accommodate and guide a means for feeding an animal remedy into the animal's mouth, the disposition of the aperture being such that the feeding means will in use direct the animal remedy towards a rear central portion of the animal's tongue. 300549593 1 .DOC MH504888-142 Preferably the aperture is provided adjacent to an end of the member.

Alternatively the aperture is provided substantially centrally of the member.

In a preferred embodiment the aperture is defined by an interior wall of a housing provided on the member.

The interior wall may be substantially tubular, being adapted in use to receive therethrough an applicator for the animal remedy.

The housing is preferably an integral part of the member.

In a preferred embodiment the aperture provides an angle of entry into the animal's mouth of between 40°and 90° relative to the member. In another embodiment the aperture provides an angle of entry into the animal's mouth of between 45° and 65° relative to the member.

Preferably support means are provided to extend, at least partially, on either side of the animal's head.

Preferably the apparatus includes an adaptor for location in the aperture, the adaptor having a body portion to provide a close fit within the aperture and including a plurality of flexible fingers to form a tapered inner wall whereby the feeding means can be accommodated within the tapered inner wall.

Preferably there is provided an animal bit adaptor adapted in use to be received within the housing of the animal bit, said adapter having a first end portion including a plurality of flexible fingers to form a tapered inner wall, a body portion to provide a substantially close fit with an interior wall of the said housing and an opposite end portion into which an applicator in use can be inserted to be accommodated within said tapered inner wall provided by the said flexible fingers within the housing.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of administering an animal remedy into an animal's mouth, said method including the steps of: 300549593_1.DOC MH504888-142 J Providing a bit for insertion into and to be held transversely across an animal's mouth; Providing for said bit, adjacent an end portion thereof, an aperture extending angularly across the bit and adapted to receive therein and guide into the animal's mouth a 5 means for feeding the animal remedy to the animal; The aperture being positioned relative to the bit so that the animal remedy, in use, will be directed towards a rear central portion of the animal's tongue.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an animal bit and/or method of 10 administering an animal remedy are substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1: shows a front perspective view of an animal bit according to one possible embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: shows an end view of the bit of Figure 1; Figure 3: shows a rear view of the bit of Figure 1; 300417086 1 MH504888-142 4 Figure 4: shows a rear perspective view of the bit of Figure 1; Figure 5: shows a plan view of the bit of Figure 1; Figure 6: shows an underneath view of the bit of Figure 1; Figure 7: shows a diagrammatically the bit of Figure 1 with an applicator about to be inserted therein; Figure 8: shows the bit of Figure 7 with the applicator in position; Figure 9: shows the bit of Figure 8 with the plunger of the applicator depressed.

Figure 10: diagrammatically shows the present invention in use with the applicator about to be inserted; Figure 11: shows diagrammatically the applicator in position relative to an animal; Figure 12: shows diagrammatically the applicator in position with the plunger depressed and with its end relative to the inside of the animal's mouth and the animal's tongue.

Figure 13: shows a perspective view of an animal bit according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 13A: shows a front perspective view of the animal bit of Figure 13A located over an animal's tongue; Figure 14: shows the bit of Figures 13 and 13A with an applicator in position in the bit; Figure 15: shows an underneath exploded view of an animal bit with an adaptor according to another possible embodiment of the invention; Figure 16: shows a side exploded view of the bit and adaptor of Figure 15; Figure 17: shows a perspective view of the adaptor of Figures 15 and 16; 300417086 1 MH504888-142 Figure 18: shows a cross sectional view through the adapter of Figures 15 to 17; Figure 19: shows a cross sectional view through the adaptor of Figures 15 to 18 when disposed in the animal bit of Figures 1 to 12; Figure 20: shows the bit of Figures 1 to 12 with the adaptor of Figures 15 to 18 and an applicator in position; Figure 21: shows a first perspective view of the assembled apparatus of Figure 20 with the plunger of the applicator depressed; Figure 22: shows a second perspective view of the assembled apparatus of Figure 20 with the plunger of the applicator depressed.

DESCRIPTION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS Referring to the accompanying drawings, an animal bit will be described, particularly in respect of its use as a drench bit for horses. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the veterinarian and animal remedies areas particularly, that the present invention could find application for all types of animals and for administering any suitable animal remedies or indeed other substances or solutions into the animal's mouth.

As mentioned previously, there are various problems associated with the effective administering of animal remedies, including where if the animal remedy is dispensed at the front of the animal's mouth, or at its cheeks, it is likely to be spat out either by itself or with whatever may have been in the animal's mouth at the time making the treatment ineffective. Also some methods use applicators which are not recognised by the animal and which make the animal nervous and excitable.

The present invention illustrates one possible embodiment of the invention where a bit is referenced generally by arrow 1. It is shown in this particular example as a single discrete construction, which may be suitably a plastic moulding or spun or cast of a suitable material such as stainless steel. The bit 1 is shown being a substantially straight member 2 and so replicating as far as the animal is concerned a normal bit. The bit 1 will therefore, as with a normal bit, extend transversely across the animal's mouth and feel like a conventional bit to the 300417086_1 MH504888-142 6 animal. Extending up from either side of the member 2 are shown support members 3 which, in use, see for example Figure 10, can receive straps 4 engaged within apertures 5, so that the bit 1 is supported by the straps 4 passing around the animal's head 6. The straps 4 will ensure that once the bit 1 is in position it will be held against rotation within the animal's mouth. The design of the member 2 may be of any suitable shape and/or size to suit a particular animal, which can be a relatively small animal (sometimes referred to as a "companion" animal) such as a cat or dog, for example, or even a very large animal such as a horse. For convenience reference is frequently made in the following description to use of the apparatus to administer a remedy to a horse, however it will be appreciated that the description is also applicable to other animals.

At or adjacent at least one end of the member 2 is shown an angled housing 9 providing an aperture extending angularly across the member 2 having ends 10 and 11. Those skilled in the arts to which the invention relates will appreciate that the aperture could simply be provided through member 2, without requiring housing 9. The aperture is defined by an inner wall of the housing 9, which in a preferred form is substantially tubular as shown in the drawing Figures. It is envisaged that a housing 9 could be provided at either or both ends of the member 2. The housing 9 extends from an open end 10, which in use, will be outside the horse's mouth, to an inner end 11. The angle of the housing 9 is such that an applicator of any suitable type, such as applicator 13 shown diagrammatically in Figure 7, will be positioned at an angle of A°, see Figures 3 and 12. This angle may be between 30° and 90° (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 14). In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 12 the angle of the housing 9 is between 30° and 60° and preferably between 35° and 50°, relative to the bar 2. For a horse the angle may typically be in the range of 55°-60°. The housing 9 may suitably, as shown, be tubular and with longitudinal splits 16 being shown which will facilitate the expansion of the entry 10 of the tube 9 as an applicator 13 is inserted. This can also facilitate the appropriate support of the applicator 13 once it has been inserted; see Figures 7, 8 and 9 particularly. The end 17 of the applicator 13 is shown in Figure 12 positioned, at the discharge of the animal remedy, over the rear central portion of the animal's tongue 8 when the plunger 18 is operated.

In Figures 8 and 9, for example, the finger grip 20 of the applicator 13 is shown abutting the perimeter of the opening 10 and providing a proper positioning of the applicator end 17 within the horse's mouth before the plunger 18 is operated.

It is envisaged that protrusions, such as protrusions or fingers 21 or the like (which are also shown in Figure 2), may also be provided for the opening 10 so as to contribute to the 300417086 1 MH504888-142 7 holding of the body of the applicator 13 once it has been inserted through the housing 9.

Despite the use of the longitudinal splits 16 the housing 9 and its opening 10 may not readily accommodate a plurality of sizes of applicator 13. For this purpose, an adaptor referenced generally by arrow 22 is shown in Figures 15 to 18 with a plurality of flexible fingers 23 at one end extending from a body portion 24 and with an aperture 25 at the opposite end.

The body portion 24 may suitably be substantially cylindrical and be a substantially close fit with an interior wall of the housing 9. The body portion 24 may suitably have a pair of ribs 28 which can be slidably accommodated within the longitudinal slits 16.

As seen particularly in Figures 16 and 17, the adaptor 22 may have four spaced apart flexible fingers 23, although more or less fingers can be provided as may be required.

Preferably the adaptor 22 may be formed of a material such as plastics by moulding or other suitable technique and whereby the fingers 23 have an inherent flexibility. The fingers 23 are shown converging together so that after insertion within the housing 9 they will provide an inwardly tapering wall 29 (see Figure 18) which will thereby be able to accommodate therein applicators of variable diameter, and whereby the applicator is firmly held while the animal remedy is dispensed into the animal's mouth.

The fingers 23 may be preferably sufficiently flexible so that they may move from a very tapered grip up to substantially the internal size of the body portion 24, the fingers 23 being able to move within the gap between the fingers 23 and the internal wall of the housing 9. Therefore, the adaptor will accept and support a variety of different sized syringes or similar applicators. Also, it is envisaged that various sizes of adaptor 22 may be provided if required to suit different types/sizes of applicator. Protrusion 21 may be used to facilitate retention of the adaptor 22 in the housing 9, as shown in Figure 19.

Figure 19 illustrates engagement of the adaptor 22 with the animal bit shown in Figures 1 to 12. Figures 20, 21 and 22 illustrate use of the adaptor 22 with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 12 to support an applicator 13. The adaptor 22 may be used with other embodiments, such as that described with reference to Figures 13 and 14 below.

Turning now to Figures 13 to 14, a further embodiment is disclosed in which housing 9 provides an aperture which extends substantially perpendicularly to the cross member 2, so 300417086_1 MH504888-142 8 that the applicator 13 received in the housing is introduced to the animal's mouth in a substantially central position. Again as with the embodiment discussed in the preceding Figures, the animal remedy or other substance is dispensed onto the animal's tongue 8 toward a central rear portion of the animal's tongue. The adaptor 22 referred to above may also be used in conjunction with this embodiment to allow various sizes of applicator to be used.

The straps 4 are retained on the ends of the bit 1 in the embodiment of Figures 13, 13A and 14 by projections 30 at either end of member 2 over which apertures 31 in the ends of straps 4 are placed. The other ends of straps 4 may be provided with fastening apparatus, for example complementary hook and loop material (such as that sold under the trade mark VELCRO) 32 to attach the ends to each other about the head, snout or neck of the animal. In particular, the straps may be applied about the snout of selected animals, such as cats or dogs for example to advantageously muzzle the animal while at the same time effectively retaining the apparatus in the animal's mouth so that the remedy can be easily dispensed.

The embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 14 may be used with companion animals such as dogs or cats. The member 2 sits comfortably on the premolars behind the canine teeth in a similar fashion to an object such as a stick that the animal may be accustomed to carrying in its mouth. When in this position external end 10 of the housing is located externally of the animal's mouth and the internal end is disposed on a rear portion of the animal's tongue.

In use therefore, the bit 1 will be positioned within the animal's mouth and the insertion of the applicator 13 into the tubular portion 9 will then enable the animal remedy or other substance of solution to be directed so that it reaches, or is at least directed toward, the central and rear portion of the animal's tongue 8, away from the animal's cheeks and the front of the animal's tongue, where in either case the animal remedy may be lost by being spat out. Additionally, the positioning of the application end 17 relative to the animal's tongue 8 is such that there is no danger of the animal remedy being misdirected. The bit 1 of the present invention may be used with the housing 9 on either side of the animal's mouth, or in the centre of the mouth. It is also envisaged that the present invention could find other uses such as the connection of tubes required during an operation on an animal.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12 has the advantage that the apparatus is like a regular bit for a large animal such as a horse, and is therefore a relatively familiar object. The member 2 sits on the "bars" of a horse's mouth behind the incisors and in front of the premolars. Furthermore, the location of the housing toward the side of the mouth is such that it 300417086_1 MH504888-142 9 passes behind the animals incisors (as can be seen in Figure 12), allowing the animal to close its mouth in such a way that the animal's lips substantially form a seal about the housing which helps to ensure that the remedy is not lost from the animal's mouth upon delivery.

Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 300417086_1 MH504888-142

Claims (14)

1. An animal bit, including a substantially straight member adapted to be inserted within and held transversely across and within an animal's mouth, the member including an aperture extending angularly across the member and adapted to, when in use, accommodate and guide a means for feeding an animal remedy into the animal's mouth, the disposition of the aperture being such that the feeding means will in use direct the animal remedy towards a rear central portion of the animal's tongue.

2. An animal bit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the aperture is provided adjacent to an end of the member.

3. An animal bit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the aperture is provided substantially centrally of the member.

4. An animal bit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is defined by an interior wall of a housing provided on the member.

5. An animal bit as claimed in claim 4 wherein the interior wall is substantially tubular, being adapted in use to receive therethrough an applicator for the animal remedy.

6. An animal bit as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the housing is an integral part of the member.

7. An animal bit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture provides an angle of entry into the animal's mouth of between 40°and 90° relative to the member.

8. An animal bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the aperture provides an angle of entry into the animal's mouth of between 45° and 65° relative to the member.

9. An animal bit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein support means are provided to extend, at least partially, on either side of the animal's head.

10. An animal bit as claimed in claim 1 including an adaptor for location in the aperture, the adaptor having a body portion to provide a close fit within the aperture and including a plurality of flexible fingers to form a tapered inner wall whereby the feeding means can be 300549604_1.DOC MH504888-142 11 accommodated within the tapered inner wall.

11. An animal bit as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 or claims 7 to 9 when dependant on any one of claims 3 to 6 and further including an animal bit adaptor adapted in use to be received within said housing, said adapter having a first end portion including a plurality of flexible fingers to form a tapered inner wall, a body portion to provide a substantially close fit with an interior wall of the said housing and an opposite end portion into which said feeding means in use can be inserted to be accommodated within said tapered inner wall provided by the said flexible fingers within the housing.

12. A method administering an animal remedy into an animal's mouth, said method including the steps of: Providing a bit for insertion into and to be held transversely across an animal's mouth; Providing for said bit, adjacent an end portion thereof, an aperture extending angularly across the bit and adapted to receive therein and guide into the animal's mouth a means for feeding the animal remedy to the animal;

The aperture being positioned relative to the bit so that the animal remedy, in use, will be directed towards a rear central portion of the animal's tongue.

14. An animal bit and/or method of administering an animal remedy substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.