WO2018098533A1 - A muzzle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a muzzle for animals, and livestock animals in particular. In one aspect, there is provided a muzzle assembly comprising a headpiece for securement to a head of the animal, and a muzzle portion which depends from the headpiece in such a way as to be movable with respect to the headpiece, and between a muzzled and an unmuzzled position relative to the animal, responsive to a movement of the head.

Description

A MUZZLE

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016904941 titled "A MUZZLE" and filed on 1 December 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a muzzle for animals, and livestock animals in particular. BACKGROUND

[0003] For the purpose of explanation, the present disclosure will be described in relation to grazing sheep in vineyards, however its application is not so limited. It may find application with other animals (particularly other livestock animals), and in other spaces, such as orchards.

[0004] Allowing livestock such as sheep to graze in vineyards has benefits including improved weed control, improved plant biodiversity through reduced herbicide use, improved nutrient recycling through reduced herbicide use, and reduced machinery and fuel use through less slashing, spraying and cultivating.

[0005] However, preventing the livestock from eating the vines poses a significant problem.

[0006] One solution for this problem has been to train the animals to have a 'food aversion' . One method for achieving this involves feeding the animals lithium chloride after eating, which causes a temporary stomach illness that the animals then associate with whatever food they have just eaten.

[0007] A significant problem with this aversion training is the possibility for overdosing and killing the animals.

[0008] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0009] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. SUMMARY

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a muzzle assembly for an animal, the muzzle assembly comprising a headpiece for securement to a head of the animal, and a muzzle portion which depends from the headpiece in such a way as to be movable with respect to the headpiece, and between a muzzled and an unmuzzled position relative to the animal, responsive to a movement of the head.

[0011] In one form, the muzzle portion comprises a body which prevents the animal from eating when the muzzle is in its muzzled position.

[0012] In one form, the muzzle portion moves into the muzzled position as the head is raised, and into the unmuzzled position as the head is lowered.

[0013] In this way, the animal is permitted to eat when its head is lowered, but prevented from doing so when its head is raised.

[0014] In one form, in an alternative, the muzzle portion moves into its muzzled position as the head is lowered, and into its unmuzzled position as the head is raised.

[0015] In this way, the animal is permitted to eat when its head is raised, but prevented from doing so when its head is lowered.

[0016] In one form, the muzzle portion is pivotably secured with respect to the headpiece at a pivot point.

[0017] In one form, the muzzle portion swings through a substantially vertical arc.

[0018] In one form, in an alternative, the muzzle portion is comprised of a pair of muzzle halves, each of which swings through a substantially horizontal arc between open and closed positions responsive to head movement.

[0019] In one form, the muzzle portion comprises a pendulum which moves the muzzle portion responsive to head movement.

[0020] In one form, the pendulum comprises a weight positioned at a distance from the pivot point. [0021] In one form, the pendulum is integral with the muzzle portion. [0022] In one form, as the animal lowers its head then the pendulum swings the muzzle portion up and out of the way of the mouth, but if the animal raises their head, the pendulum swings the muzzle portion down into a position where the mouth is obstructed by the muzzle.

[0023] According to a further aspect, there is provided a muzzle assembly for an animal, the muzzle assembly comprising a headpiece, and a muzzle portion which is pivotably secured with respect to the headpiece, the muzzle portion comprising a pendulum, wherein in use, if the animal lowers its head then the pendulum swings the muzzle portion up and out of the way of a mouth of the animal, but if the animal raises their head, the pendulum swings the muzzle portion down into a position where mouth is obstructed by the muzzle.

[0024] In one form, the muzzle portion comprises a body comprising a top, a front and a pair of sides, so that in use, the body extends over, in front of, and to either side of a snout of the animal.

[0025] In one form, the headpiece comprises one or more straps.

[0026] In one form, the headpiece comprises one or more buckles or clasps.

[0027] In one form, the headpiece is size adjustable.

[0028] In an alternative, movement of the muzzle portion might be effected by a biasing member such as a spring, or a strap of elastic material. In this case, the biasing member would bias the muzzle portion towards its muzzled position.

[0029] In yet a further alternative, movement of the muzzle portion might be effected by a small electronic actuator responsive to a small tilt switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a sheep wearing a muzzle assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the head of the sheep is raised and muzzled;

[0032] Figure 2 illustrate the sheep and muzzle assembly of Figure 1, in which the head of the sheep is lowered and unmuzzled; [0033] Figure 3 and 4 illustrate a muzzle portion from a muzzle assembly according to a further embodiment;

[0034] Figures 5 and 6 illustrates a headpiece for the muzzle portion of Figures 3 and 4;

[0035] Figure 7 is a detail view of a junction or cross-over from the headpiece of Figure 5 and 6; and

[0036] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a sheep wearing the muzzle assembly of Figures 3 through 7.

[0037]

[0038] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, where there is shown a muzzle assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, fitted to a head of a sheep 200 (hereinafter 'the animal').

[0040] The muzzle assembly 1 comprises a headpiece 10 for securement to the head 220 of the animal 200, and a muzzle portion 20 which depends from the headpiece 10 in such a way as to be movable with respect to the headpiece 10, and between a muzzled position (see Figures 1 and 3) and an unmuzzled position (see Figures 2 and 4) relative to the animal 200, responsive to a movement of the head 220.

[0041] The headpiece 10 comprises a hoop 12 of flexible moulded plastic material, which comprises an integrally moulded attachment point 14 for the muzzle portion 20, at a forward, central position thereon.

[0042] The headpiece 10 further comprises an arrangement of straps 16 which extend from the hoop 12, and a buckle 18 via which the straps 16 can be opened for fitment to the animal, and closed around the head 220 for securement. The buckle 18 also cooperates with a plurality of holes in one of the straps 16 to facilitate size adjustment of the headpiece 10.

[0043] The muzzle portion 20 comprises a body 22 comprising a top 24, a front 26 and a pair of sides 28, so that in use, the body 22 extends over, in front of, and to either side of a snout of the animal, but not underneath a lower jaw of the animal.

[0044] In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the muzzle portion 20 is moulded from a plastic material, and it comprises an integrally moulded clevis shaped attachment portion 30 at an uppermost central position thereon, via which it can be pivotably attached to the attachment point 14 on the headpiece 10 via a pivot pin at a pivot point P. It will be appreciated however that this pivot arrangement could be reversed, so that the clevis 30 is formed with the hoop 12 on the headpiece 10.

[0045] The muzzle portion 20 further comprises a pair of pendulums, each taking the form of a lead weight 32 which has been moulded into an outside of one of the sides 28 of the body 22, at a position at or near a corner of a lowermost edge and a rearmost edge thereof, so as to be a distance d from the pivot point P.

[0046] In use, the muzzle assembly 1 is fitted by inserting the snout of the animal 200 through the hoop 12, and then securing the straps 16 around a back of the head 220 of the animal 200 using the buckle 18.

[0047] With reference to Figure 2, it can be seen how when the animal 200 lowers its head 220, then the weights 32 of the pendulums will remain vertically lowermost, causing the muzzle portion 20 to swing up and out of the way of a mouth of the animal (i.e. swing into the unmuzzled position), thereby permitting the animal to graze.

[0048] With reference to Figure 1 it can be seen how if the animal 200 raises its head, then the weights 32 of the pendulums will remain vertically lowermost on the body 22 of the muzzle portion 20, causing the muzzle portion 20 to swing down into a position where mouth is obstructed by the muzzle portion 20 (i.e. swing into the muzzled position), thereby preventing the animal from eating when its head is raised.

[0049] Referring now to Figures 3 through 9, where there is illustrated a muzzle assembly 100 according to a further embodiment. Those parts of the muzzle assembly 100 which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in the muzzle assembly 1 of Figures 1 through 4, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0050] In this embodiment, the muzzle portion 20 comprises a slot 150 for receiving a mounting strap from a headpiece 1 10, which will be looped through the slot 150 to create the pivotal connection (ie pivot point P) between the muzzle portion 20 and the headpiece 100.

[0051] Muzzle portion 20 further comprises a lip 160 extending forward from a forepart thereof, which turns upwardly as it extends forward. In use, this lip 160 will help deflect the muzzle portion 20 upward when the animal attempts to eat from the ground.

[0052] The forepart of the muzzle portion 20 further comprises an additional weight 133. This weight 133 is moulded into a web 162 which intersects with the lip 160, so that the web 162 and the lip 160 are mutually supportive. In use, weight 133 will help bias the muzzle portion 20 downward to obstruct the mouth of the animal, when the animal raises its head. [0053] With reference to Figure 6, where headpiece 1 10 is illustrated laid flat, it can be seen that headpiece 1 10 comprises a pair of straps which intersect at right angles at a junction J. In this embodiment, both of these straps are moulded from a plastic material.

[0054] With reference to Figure 7, it can be seen that a first of the straps 120 passes beneath a bridge 131 in a second of the straps 130. The first of the straps 120 locally widens as it approaches the bridge 131 from either side, and comprises a notch 121 in opposing edges thereof, where each of these notches 121 receives an end of the bridge 131, so as that the two straps 120 and 130 are keyed together at this junction J.

[0055] The first strap 120 comprises a first length 120a extending to a first side of the junction J, and a second length 120b extending to a second side of the junction J.

[0056] At or toward a first end thereof, the first strap 120 comprises a gear rack 122 extending therealong, the gear rack 122 comprising a plurality of teeth; at or toward a second end thereof, the first strap 120 comprises a small open case 124 comprising a ratchet 126 for engaging with the teeth of the gear rack 122 in a similar manner to a cable tie.

[0057] The second strap 130 comprises a first length 130a extending to a first side of the junction J, and a second length 130b extending to a second side of the junction J.

[0058] The first length 130a of the second strap 130 comprises a gear rack 132 at or toward a first, free end, and a case 134 and ratchet 136 near to the junction J. The second length 130b of the second strap 130 comprises a gear rack 138 at or toward a first, free end, and a case 140 and ratchet 142 approximately midway to the junction J.

[0059] In use, the junction J is positioned between the eyes of the animal, and the first length 130a of the second strap 130 is looped through the slot 150 in the muzzle portion 20 from beneath, and the gear rack 132 secured in the ratchet 136 to secure the muzzle portion 20 to the headpiece 1 10. That is to say, this first length 130a of the second strap 130 is the mounting strap for the headpiece 1 10.

[0060] The two lengths of the first strap 120 are first looped around and beneath a snout of the animal where they are crossed over, and then looped around behind the head of the animal to form a collar, where they are secured (by gear rack 122 in ratchet 126, like a cable tie) having formed a 'Figure 8', and its length adjusted to suit the animal.

[0061] The second length 130b of the second strap 130 is looped from beneath and around the first strap 120 and the gear rack 138 secured in the ratchet 140, and its length adjusted to suit the animal. [0062] Headpiece 1 10 is quickly and easily fitted, is quick and easy to adjust to animals of different sizes, and is releasable by pushing on the small handle (see 135 in Figure 9) which is upstanding from each of the ratchets.

[0063] It will be apparent from the above then, that the muzzle assembly permits the animal to graze at ground level, but will prevent them from eating from vines and the like.

[0064] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the muzzle portion can be open from above, and closed and pivoted from below, so that the animal is prevented from grazing at ground level, but free to eat from vines and trees etc.

[0065] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0066] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0067] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A muzzle assembly for an animal, the muzzle assembly comprising a headpiece for securement to a head of the animal, and a muzzle portion which depends from the headpiece in such a way as to be movable with respect to the headpiece, and between a muzzled and an unmuzzled position relative to the animal, responsive to a movement of the head.

2. The muzzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the muzzle portion is pivotably secured with respect to the headpiece at a pivot point, and the muzzle portion comprises a pendulum which moves the muzzle portion responsive to head movement.

3. The muzzle assembly of claim 2, wherein the muzzle portion swings through a substantially vertical arc.

4. The muzzle assembly as in either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the pendulum comprises a weight positioned at a distance from the pivot point.

5. The muzzle assembly as in any one of claims 2 through 4, wherein the pendulum is integral with the muzzle portion.

6. The muzzle assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the muzzle portion comprises a body comprising a top, a front and a pair of sides, so that in use, the body extends over, in front of, and to either side of a snout of the animal.

7. The muzzle assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the muzzle portion moves into the muzzled position as the head is raised, and into the unmuzzled position as the head is lowered.

8. The muzzle assembly as in any one of claims 2 through 7, wherein in use, as the animal lowers its head then the pendulum swings the muzzle portion up into the unmuzzled position, but if the animal raises their head, the pendulum swings the muzzle down into the muzzled position.

9. The muzzle assembly as in any one of claim 1 through 5, wherein the muzzle portion moves into its muzzled position as the head is lowered, and into its unmuzzled position as the head is raised

10. A muzzle assembly for an animal, the muzzle assembly comprising a headpiece, and a muzzle portion which is pivotably secured with respect to the headpiece, the muzzle portion comprising a pendulum, wherein in use, if the animal lowers its head then the pendulum swings the muzzle portion up and out of the way of a mouth of the animal, but if the animal raises their head, the pendulum swings the muzzle portion down into a position where mouth is obstructed by the muzzle.

11. The muzzle assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the headpiece comprises one or more straps.

12. The muzzle assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the headpiece comprises one or more buckles or clasps.

13. The muzzle assembly as in claim 1 1, wherein each of the straps is molded from a plastic material.

14. The muzzle assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the straps comprises at least one gear rack comprising a plurality of teeth, and at least one ratchet for engaging with the gear rack to secure the looped strap.

15. The muzzle assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the headpiece is size adjustable.