WO2018112522A1

WO2018112522A1 - Applicator device

Info

Publication number: WO2018112522A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/051415
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Aisthorpe
Original assignee: Duel Investment Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-19
Filing date: 2017-12-19
Publication date: 2018-06-28
Also published as: AU2017379415A1

Abstract

An applicator device (1) for topically applying liquid to an animal, such as insecticidal oil to animals such as horses and cattle. The applicator device (1) includes a replaceable container (2) containing the liquid of interest, a liquid delivery system (3) and an applicator (4) for applying the liquid to the animal by way of rubbing or brushing against a body of the animal. The liquid delivery system (3) has control valves and flow regulators for controlling or regulating the flow of liquid to the applicator (4).

Description

TITLE

Applicator Device TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator device for topically applying liquid to an animal. In a preferred embodiment the invention concerns an applicator device for applying insecticide to livestock such as cattle and horses.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Applicator devices for topically applying liquid to a body of an animal are known. Such applicator devices typically comprise an absorbent applicator saturated with liquid that is positioned to rub along the top of the back, neck and head of the animal. Such applicator devices are general incapable of applying liquid to the absorbent applicator in a regulated manner. Such applicator devices are also usually incapable of applying liquid to the sides of an animal.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to an applicator device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0004] With the foregoing in view the present invention, in a first form, resides broadly in an applicator device for topically applying liquid to an animal, said applicator device comprising: optionally, a container containing liquid that is to be applied to the animal; an applicator for topically applying the liquid to the animal by way of rubbing against the animal; and a liquid delivery system operatively connected to, or connectable to, the container and the applicator for delivering in a regulated manner the liquid from the container to the applicator.

[0005] The applicator device can comprise the container. Any suitable type of container can be used. The container can be of any suitable size, shape, volume and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. The container can be a liquid reservoir. For example, the container can be made of plastics material, glass or metal, preferably translucent or transparent plastics material, such that the liquid inside can be seen.

[0006] The container can have a container body and an opening extending from the container body. The opening can be threaded, such as internally or externally threaded. The container can comprise a closure for sealing the liquid within the container body. The closure can extend over the container opening. Any suitable type of closure can be used. In some embodiments the closure is a pierceable film. In some embodiments the closure is a pierceable film of plastic, rubber or metal extending over the opening. For example, the film can be metal foil, such as aluminium foil, extending sealingly over the opening.

[0007] The container can be of any suitable volume but is preferably an about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9. 9.5 or 10 litre container, Preferably the container is an about 1 L plastic bottle having a transparent or translucent container body, an externally threaded opening extending from the container body, and a closure in the form of a pierceable film extending sealingly over the opening.

[0008] The container can have an inlet for air or a breather valve that allows for the introduction of air when liquid drains from the container.

[0009] The container can be used to contain any liquid of interest. The liquid can be, for example, an insecticide, insect repellent, fragrance or other liquid used in respect of animals. Preferably the liquid is an oil or mixture of oils, or a different type of viscous liquid. The oil can be a mineral oil or vegetable oil, for example.

[0010] The animal can be: livestock such as a cow, horse, pig, sheep, goat, rabbit, chicken, duck or goose or other farm animal; a companion animal such as a dog, cat or bird; or a laboratory animal such as a mouse, rat or hamster.

[0011] The applicator can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials, provided that it is suitable for rubbing or brushing against a body of the animal. In some embodiments the applicator is flexible or pliable such that it can briefly adopt a contour of the animal's body or part of the animal's body, and in this way apply the liquid of interest to a greater surface area of the animal's body, as opposed to an applicator that is completely rigid in its construction.

[0012] In some embodiments the applicator can comprise a chain, such as a galvanised chain. The chain can be of any suitable thickness and length. Examples of suitable chain lengths include approximately 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 m (including all 0.1 m increments between 0.5 and 10) or even longer or shorter chain lengths. The thickness and length will depend on the size and shape of the animal. In some embodiments the applicator can comprise two chains hanging generally downwardly and spaced apart from each other, such that an animal can move between the two chains and rub or brush against them. In some embodiments the applicator can comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12 or more chains spaced apart from each other. The liquid delivery system can convey the liquid of interest from the container to each of those chains in a regulated manner.

[0013] In preferred embodiments the applicator is a length of galvanised chain or two lengths of spaced apart galvanised chain for use with animals such as cattle or horses - each being about 10 mm thick and about 2.4 m in length, although it is appreciated that chains of different thicknesses and lengths may be used when the applicator is used for differently sized and shaped animals.

[0014] In some embodiments the applicator can comprise absorbent material. In some embodiments the applicator can comprise absorbent material or materials, such as a fabric or a sponge, so that the applicator can hold the liquid of interest but release it to the body of the animal. The fabric or sponge can be of any suitable thickness and length. The thickness and length will depend on the size and shape of the animal. In some embodiments the applicator can comprise two lengths of fabric or sponge extending generally downwardly and spaced apart from each other, such that an animal can move between the two and rub or brush against them. In some embodiments the applicator can comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12 or more lengths of fabric or sponge spaced apart from each other. The liquid delivery system can convey the liquid of interest from the container to each of those lengths of fabric or sponge in a regulated manner.

[0015] The applicator device can comprise an applicator mount, such as an eyelet or mounting bracket, for mounting the chain or chains or absorbent material or materials to a structure or fixture such that the chain/s or absorbent material/s can hang or otherwise extend in the required manner.

[0016] The liquid delivery system can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials, provided that it can be operatively connected to the container and the applicator and deliver the liquid of interest in a regulated manner.

[0017] The liquid delivery system can comprise a container holder or container connector for holding or connecting to the container in a secure manner. The holder or connector can have a body and the body can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The body can be made of plastics material, rubber or metal, for example.

[0018] The container can be held by the holder or connector body in any suitable way. For example, the container can be held by the holder or connector body by way of gravity, within a recess or compartment of the holder or connector body, by friction fit, a fastening device, or a screw thread or other coupling mechanism.

[0019] In some embodiments an upper region of the holder body can have a recess or compartment for snugly receiving and cradling an end of the container body. An upper part of the recess or compartment can be, for example, concave and support an end of the container body adjacent the opening of the container. A lower part of the recess or compartment can be, for example, threaded and can be screwed to the threaded opening of the container.

[0020] The container holder or container connector can be mountable to a structure or fixture, and this can be achieved in any suitable way - eg. by way of a mounting bracket, clamp, bolt, eyelet or other type of fastening mechanism or mechanical fastener.

[0021] The liquid delivery system can comprise at least one pipe, tube, hose or conduit or pipe, tube, hose or conduit manifold extending in a sealing manner from the container opening or container holder or container connector for delivering liquid from the container to the applicator. The pipe, tube, hose or conduit or manifold can be of any suitable construction. The pipe, tube, hose or conduit or manifold can be branched if needing to deliver liquid to each chain or absorbent material of the applicator. Preferably the pipe, tube, hose or conduit or manifold is made of transparent or translucent plastics material or rubber.

[0022] The liquid delivery system can comprise a piercer or penetrator for piercing or rupturing the closure of the container. The piercer or penetrator can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The piercer of penetrator can be located at or adjacent an end of the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold. In some embodiments the piercer or penetrator can be in the form of a sharp hollow spigot or spike for piercing the closure of the container.

[0023] In some embodiments the container holder or container connector can support the container and provide clearance for another part of the liquid delivery system to sealingly connect with the container opening. For example, a pipe, tube, hose or conduit of the delivery system can connect with the container opening. The pipe, tube, hose or conduit can, for example, be threaded and screw to the threaded container opening in a fluid tight manner.

[0024] The liquid delivery system can comprise at least one pipe fitting extending from adjacent the container opening to a location external of the container holder. The pipe fitting can be of any suitable size, shape and construction and can be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, the pipe fitting can be made of plastics material or metal (eg. brass).

[0025] In some embodiments the pipe fitting can comprise a pipe having a first end or arm and a second end or arm. A lower region of the container holder can comprise a passage for receiving an arm or end of the pipe. The pipe fitting can comprise one or more locking nuts or other features such as a barbed end or a sharp hollow spigot.

[0026] In some embodiments one end or arm of the pipe can comprise a sharp hollow spigot for piercing the closure of the container. Another end or arm of the pipe can be barbed so as to allow the connection of a plastic or rubber tube or hose.

[0027] In some embodiments the pipe fitting can comprise a Y-shaped or T-shaped pipe. In some embodiments the pipe fitting can comprise a pipe having a first end or arm, a second end or arm, and a third end or arm. The first arm or end can be in the form of a sharp hollow spigot extending within the container holder to a location adjacent the container closure. The second and/or third arm or end of the Y-shaped or T-shaped pipe can extend below the container holder.

[0028] The liquid delivery system can comprise one or more control valves and/or one or more regulator valves and/or one or more flow regulators for controlling or regulating the flow of liquid to the applicator. In some embodiments, these can be in the form of valves and valve seats and/or adjustable ring clamps. In some embodiments these can be operated manually by hand using fingers or tools, such as a screwdriver. In other embodiments these can be connected to motors or solenoids and operated electrically. In some embodiments, these can be programmed to operate automatically such that liquid is delivered to the applicator in a regulated manner.

[0029] Preferably liquid is gravity fed from the container to the applicator, although this need not be the case. In some embodiments the liquid can be gravity fed in a sense similar to an intravenous drip set up used in hospitals.

[0030] In some embodiments the liquid delivery system can comprise at least one pump or flow regulator for moving the liquid against gravitational force.

[0031] In some embodiments the liquid delivery system can comprise at least one pump, flowmeter, flow regulator, sensor and/or monitoring device for regulating and/or monitoring the amount of liquid draining from the container and/or reaching the applicator. In some embodiments the liquid delivery system can be computer controlled. In some embodiments the liquid delivery system allows for controlling and/or monitoring remotely /wireles sly using, for example, Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, Satellite communication, RF communication, infrared communication, or Bluetooth™.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one control valve can be associated with the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold. The control valve can be in the form of a tap. In some embodiments, a control valve can be associated with the pipe of the pipe fitting. For example, a control valve in the form of a tap can be used to control the flow of liquid within the pipe or from a pipe arm or end. In an open position the tap can allow the flow of liquid from the pipe arm. In a closed position the tap can stop the flow of liquid from the pipe arm.

[0033] If the pipe fitting comprises a Y-shaped or T-shaped pipe, then a first control valve can be associated with the second pipe arm or end and a second control valve can be associated with the third pipe arm or end. Each control valve can be in the form of a tap and each tap can be opened and closed independently of the other.

[0034] The liquid delivery system can comprise one or more sealing elements or gaskets, such as one or more O-rings, for rendering connections fluid tight. For example, in some embodiments an O-ring can be located adjacent the lower part of the recess of the container body and render the connection between the container opening, pipe and container holder substantially fluid tight.

[0035] The liquid delivery system can comprise a tube or hose extending from the pipe fitting towards the applicator. If the pipe fitting comprises a pipe having more than one end, then a respective tube or hose can extend from each pipe arm or end towards the applicator. The tube(s)/hose(s) can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. Preferably the tube or hose is made of transparent or translucent plastics material or rubber.

[0036] Preferably an end of the tube or hose is connectable to a barbed end of the pipe of the pipe fitting.

[0037] The liquid delivery system can also comprise ring clamps and other sealing components for connecting delivery system pieces together in a fluid tight or secure manner.

[0038] The liquid delivery system can comprise a wick extending from within the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold to the applicator. The wick can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material materials. The wick can be a string, cord or rope made of absorbent material. In some embodiments the wick is made of absorbent material such as cotton, preferably braided cotton strands or fibres. In some embodiments the wick can extend from within the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold and extend along and or within the applicator. If the applicator comprises a chain, the wick can be interwoven with links of the chain. In this way, in use, most of the chain can be coated with the liquid of interest.

[0039] In some embodiments each wick can be woven through links of the chain from top to bottom to top again and then tied off (eg. using a wire) such that it cannot be easily removed by the animal.

[0040] The wick can be secured within the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold in any suitable manner. This can be achieved, for example, using one or more ring clamps. In some embodiments the wick extends within the tube or hose and an end of the wick is spaced approximately 1 to 2 inches from an end of a pipe arm so that a void volume is created for the liquid of interest between the end of the wick and end of the pipe arm.

[0041] If the applicator device has two pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold, then the applicator device can have two wicks - one extending within each pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold. The wick can be pulled into the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold using a guide wire that is connected to an end of the wick.

[0042] If required, the liquid delivery system can comprise one or more flow regulators for regulating the flow of liquid through the pipe, tube, hose, conduit, manifold and/or wick. The flow regulator can be in the form of an adjustable ring clamp that can be tightened to restrict the flow of liquid through the pipe, tube, hose, conduit, manifold and/or wick, or loosened so as to not impede the flow of liquid through the pipe, tube, hose, conduit, manifold and/or wick. In some embodiments the flow regulator is in the form of an adjustable ring clamp operable using fingers or a tool such as a screwdriver. The flow regulator can extend around the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold containing the wick and can be tightened to restrict the flow of liquid there through. Preferably a flow regulator is associated with each pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold and/or wick.

[0043] The applicator device can comprise one or more filters for filtering out impurities from the liquid so that impurities do not clog up the liquid delivery system or applicator. Any suitable type of filter can be used. The filter can be located, for example, within or adjacent the container opening, or within the liquid delivery system adjacent the container opening.

[0044] According to a second form of the invention, there is provided a method of topically applying liquid to an animal, said method comprising the step of bringing the animal into contact with the applicator of the applicator device as defined according to the first form of the invention.

[0045] The method can comprise the step of forming a hole in the container to as to allow equalisation of air pressure within the container. This can help with flow of liquid from the container.

[0046] In some embodiments an animal may need to pass/walk between the chains in order to reach its destination, in which case liquid would be applied to the sides of the animal.

[0047] In some embodiments an animal may need to extend its head and neck between the chains in order to access feed, in which case liquid would be applied to the sides of its head and neck.

[0048] The liquid can be, for example, an insecticide, insect repellent, fragrance or other liquid used in respect of animals. Preferably the liquid is an oil or mixture of oils, or a different type of viscous liquid. Preferably the liquid is an insecticidal oil, preferably for coating horses or cattle.

[0049] According to a third form of the invention, there is provided a container, an applicator or a liquid delivery system when used for the first form or second form of the invention.

[0050] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0051] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of an applicator device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 is a close up view of part of the applicator device shown in figure 1; [0055] Figure 3 is an exploded view of that shown in figure 2; [0056] Figure 4 is a front view of that shown in figure 2; [0057] Figure 5 is a side view of that shown in figure 2;

[0058] Figure 6 is a front view of part of the applicator device shown in figure 4; and [0059] Figure 7 is a sectional view of part of the applicator device shown in figure 6. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0060] In the figures like reference numerals refer to like features.

[0061] The figures show an applicator device 1 for topically applying liquid (not shown) to an animal (not shown) - such as insecticidal oil to animals such as horses and cattle. The applicator device 1 includes a container 2 containing the liquid of interest, a liquid delivery system 3 and an applicator 4 for applying the liquid to the animal by way of rubbing or brushing against a body of the animal. [0062] The container 2 is a 1 L plastic bottle having a transparent or translucent container body 20, an externally threaded opening 21 extending from the container body 20, and a closure 22 in the form of a pierceable film extending sealingly over the opening 21 (best seen in figure 7).

[0063] The liquid delivery system 3 includes a holder 30 for holding the container 2, a pipe fitting 50, two taps 70a, 70b (control valves) associated with the pipe fitting 50, two tubes/hoses 80 (only one of which is illustrated), two wicks 90 (only one of which is illustrated), and two flow regulators 100 (only one of which is illustrated).

[0064] The holder 30 has a body 31 made of plastics material. As best seen in figures 3 and 7, an upper region of the holder body 31 has a recess 32 for snugly receiving and holding an end of the container body 20. An upper part 33 of the recess 32 is concave and supports an end of the container body 20 adjacent the threaded opening 21. A lower part 34 of the recess is threaded and can be screwed to the threaded opening 21 of the container 2.

[0065] A lower region of the holder body 31 has a passage 35 for receiving a part of the pipe fitting 50.

[0066] The holder 30 is secured to a structure or fixture using a U-shaped bolt and nuts (not shown), although this need not be the case.

[0067] As best seen in figures 6 and 7, the pipe fitting 50 includes a Y-shaped pipe 51 and a tightening nut 52 for securing the Y-shaped pipe 51 to the holder 30. The Y-shaped pipe 51 and nut 52 are made of metal. A first arm 53 of the Y-shaped pipe 51 extends through the passage 35 in the holder body 31 and is held in place using the tightening nut 52. The first arm 53 end is in the form of a sharp hollow spigot 54 and the spigot 54 extends sealingly through an O-ring 55 of the delivery system 3 (figure 7).

[0068] A first tap 70a is associated with a second arm 56 of the Y-shaped pipe 51 and can be moved between open and closed positions. In the open position liquid is able to flow through and from the second pipe arm 56. In the closed position liquid is unable to flow through and from the second pipe arm 56. An end of the second pipe arm 56 is barbed 58 so that it is attachable to the tube 80 (see figure 7). A ring clamp 60 of the delivery system 3 secures an end of the tube 80 to the barbed end 58, as seen in figures 1 to 3 and 5.

[0069] A second tap 70b is associated with a third arm 57 of the Y-shaped pipe 51 and can be moved between open and closed positions (see figures 6 and 7). In the open position liquid is able to flow through and from the third pipe arm 57. In the closed position liquid is unable to flow through and from the third pipe arm 57. An end of the pipe arm 57 is barbed 59 (see figures 6 and 7) so that it is attachable to the tube (not shown). A ring clamp (not shown) of the delivery system secures an end of the tube (not shown) to the barbed end 59.

[0070] Each tube 80 is made of clear plastics material and is approximately 8 inches long.

[0071] Each wick 90 is a cord made of absorbent material (such as cotton, preferably braided cotton strands or fibres) that extends part way through a respective tube 80 and is secured within the tube 80 by way of two ring clamps 61, 62. This is best seen in figures 2-5. The ring clamps 61, 62 help prevent an animal from pulling the wick 90 out from within the tube 80.

[0072] Each wick 90 extends within each tube 80 such that an end of the wick 90 is spaced approximately 1 to 2 inches from an end of the pipe arm 56 so that a void volume is created for the liquid of interest between the end of the wick 90 and end of the pipe arm 56. The wick's end is labelled "90end" in figure 4 and the wick 90 portion extending within the tube 80 is represented by way of broken lines.

[0073] Each flow regulator 100 (only one of which is shown) is a finger- adjustable ring clamp 100 that extends around the tube 80 and can regulate the amount of liquid flow through the tube 80 and wick 90. Tightening the ring clamps 100 causes reduced flow of liquid through the tube 80 and wick 90. Untightening the ring clamp 100 causes increased flow of liquid through the tube 80 and wick 90.

[0074] The applicator 4 includes two 2.4 meter lengths of galvanised chain 40a, 40b (10 mm). Each wick 90 is woven through links of a respective chain 40 from top to bottom to top again and then tied off using wire such that it cannot be easily removed by the animal. The figures only show one wick 90 woven part way down the length of one chain 40a, but normally the wick 90 would be woven through the entire length of the chain 40.

[0075] The applicator 4 also includes a centrally located eyelet/mounting bracket 41 for mounting the chains 40a, 40b to a structure or fixture such that the chains 40a, 40b can hang/dangle in the required manner.

[0076] In use, a container 2 is prefilled with liquid of interest, such as insecticidal oil or fragrance, and sealed. The container holder 30 is mounted to a structure or fixture of interest. The container 2 is inverted and screwed into engagement with the internal thread 34 of the container holder 30. The sharp hollow spigot 54 then pierces the foil closure 22 of the container 2 and liquid begins to flow through the spigot 54 into the Y-shaped pipe 51 and towards the tubes 80. In order to encourage liquid flow, the operator may pierce the container body 20 at an upper location so as to allow air pressure equalisation.

[0077] In the closed position, the taps 70a, 70b prevent liquid flow to the tubes 80 and wicks 90. In the open position, the taps 70a, 70b allow liquid flow to the tubes 80 and wicks 90. If open, the liquid flows through the second 56 and third 57 arms of the pipe 51 and to the wicks 90 located within the tubes 80. If unimpeded, the liquid continues to flow to the chain 40a, 40b applicators. Since each wick 90 is woven through links of each chain 40, each chain 40 becomes coated with the liquid such that the liquid can be transferred to the body of the animal in contact with the chains 40.

[0078] The flow regulators 100 can be adjusted to reduce the flow rate of liquid within the tube 80 to the chains 40. That is, the taps 70 and flow regulators 100 can be adjusted in accordance with one another to regulate the delivery of liquid to the chains 40.

[0079] As the animal rubs against the chains 40 or brushes the chains 40 with its body, liquid is transferred to those body contact points. For example, an animal may need to pass/walk between the chains 40 to its intended destination, in which case liquid would be applied to the sides of the animal. For example, an animal may need to extend its head and neck between the chains 40 in order to access feed, in which case liquid would be applied to the sides of its head and neck.

[0080] Advantages of the present invention as exemplified include that:

[0081] 1. Liquid of interest can be delivered to the applicator in a regulated manner;

[0082] 2. The applicator device can be readily replenished with liquid of interest by way of replacing the container;

[0083] 3. The applicator device can be mounted at any suitable location for any suitable purpose;

[0084] 4. The applicator device allows for visual inspection of liquid level and flow throughout the device.

[0085] 5. Animals such as cattle or horses may enjoy rubbing or brushing against the chains, thereby encouraging application of the liquid; and

[0086] 6. The applicator device lends itself to automation by way of using control valves and/or fluid regulators electrically connected to motors.

[0087] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0088] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0089] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An applicator device for topically applying liquid to an animal, said applicator device comprising: optionally, a container containing liquid that is to be applied to the animal; an applicator for topically applying the liquid to the animal by way of rubbing against the animal; and a liquid delivery system operatively connected to, or connectable to, the container and the applicator for delivering in a regulated manner the liquid from the container to the applicator.

2. The applicator device of claim 1, further comprising the container.

3. The applicator device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container comprises a container body and an opening extending from the container body.

4. The applicator device of claim 3, wherein the container comprises a closure for sealing the opening and the closure is a pierceable film.

5. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is translucent or transparent.

6. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises an inlet for air or a breather valve that allows for the introduction of air when liquid drains from the container.

7. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is an insecticide, insect repellent, fragrance or other liquid used in respect of animals.

8. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is an oil or mixture of oils.

9. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the animal is a cow, horse, pig, sheep, goat, rabbit, chicken, duck, goose, dog, cat, bird, mouse, rat or hamster.

10. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is flexible or pliable such that it can briefly adopt a contour of the animal's body or part of the animal's body.

11. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator comprises at least one chain.

12. The applicator device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the applicator comprises an absorbent material so that the applicator can hold the liquid of interest but release it to the body of the animal.

13. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an applicator mount for mounting the applicator to a structure or fixture such that the applicator can hang or otherwise extend in the required manner.

14. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid delivery system comprises a container holder or container connector for holding or connecting to the container in a secure manner.

15. The applicator device of claim 14, wherein the container holder or container connector is mountable to or adapted to be mounted to a structure or fixture.

16. The applicator device of claim 15, wherein the liquid delivery system comprises at least one pipe, tube, hose or conduit or pipe, tube, hose or conduit manifold extending in a sealing manner from the container opening or container holder or container connector for delivering liquid from the container to the applicator.

17. The applicator device of claim 16, wherein the liquid delivery system comprises a piercer or penetrator for piercing or rupturing the closure of the container.

18. The applicator device of claim 17, wherein the piercer of penetrator is located at an end or adjacent an end of the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold.

19. The applicator device of claim 17 or 18, wherein the piercer of penetrator is in the form of a sharp hollow spigot located within the container holder or container connector adjacent the container opening.

20. The applicator device of claim 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the liquid delivery system comprises a wick extending from within the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold to the applicator.

21. The applicator device of claim 20, wherein the wick extends from within the pipe, tube, hose, conduit or manifold along and or within the applicator.

22. The applicator device of claim 21, wherein the applicator comprises a chain and the wick is interwoven with links of the chain.

23. The applicator device of claim 11, wherein the applicator comprises two chains hanging generally downwardly and spaced apart from each other, such that an animal can move between the two chains and rub or brush against them.

24. The applicator device of claim 12, wherein the applicator comprises two lengths of fabric or sponge extending generally downwardly and spaced apart from each other, such that an animal can move between the two and rub or brush against them.

25. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid delivery system comprises one or more control valves and/or one or more regulator valves or flow regulators for controlling or regulating the flow of liquid to the applicator.

26. The applicator device of claim 25, wherein the control valve is in the form of a tap.

27. The applicator device of claim 25, wherein the flow regulator is in the form of an adjustable ring clamp.

28. The applicator device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is gravity fed from the container to the applicator.

29. The applicator device of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the liquid delivery device comprises at least one pump, flowmeter, flow regulator, sensor and/or monitoring device for regulating and/or monitoring the amount of liquid draining from the container and/or reaching the applicator.

30. A method of topically applying liquid to an animal, said method comprising the step of bringing the animal into contact with the applicator of the applicator device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 29.