WO1999031973A1

WO1999031973A1 - Animal exerciser

Info

Publication number: WO1999031973A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/001048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Johnson
Original assignee: Martin Johnson
Priority date: 1997-12-18
Filing date: 1998-12-18
Publication date: 1999-07-01
Also published as: AUPP099297A0

Abstract

An animal exercising device comprising a vertical mast (13) secured in the ground (63) at its base (15). The mast (13) is resilient and flexible, and has a non-stretchable line (35) depending from a swivel means (65) located at its tip, the line (35) optionally having an object (87) secured at its remote end. The swivel means (65) is provided with a smooth surface, and also holds the line (35) so it depends away from the mast (13), both features assisting to help prevent entanglement of the line (35). In use an animal will grasp the object (87), and pull it against the force urged by the mast (13). When the animal releases the object (87), the resilience of the mast (13) will result in the object (87) being flung, as the mast (13) returns to the upright position, whereupon the animal will give chase to the object (87). In this manner, the animal exercising device will provide entertainment and exercise for extended periods of time.

Description

TITLE

Animal Exerciser

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercising/amusement device for pets and in particular for exercising dogs.

The exercising/amusement device according to the invention is capable of providing amusement for dogs, and also possibly for cats. In the process, particularly for dogs, the device will provide exercise, which is especially beneficial for dogs confined in small yards or dogs that otherwise would not otherwise have sufficient exercise.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", 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.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercising device for animals comprising a resiliently flexible mast having a base by which it is secured to ground engaging means, and a tip from which a flexible line depends, the exercising device including a swivel means to allow the locus of attachment of said flexible line to be freely rotatable about said tip, to minimise or avoid the flexible line from becoming wound about said mast; the flexible line optionally having at its remote end, an object to be grasped by the animal. Depending upon the type of line chosen, it may be possible for the animal to grasp the line in its mouth, or it may be necessary to tie a knot or make a hitch in the line for the animal to grasp, or it may be necessary to attach an object to the line for the animal to grasp.

Preferably the swivel means allows for rotating of the locus of attachment about an axis having the same axial extent as the mast.

Preferably the swivel means also allows for pivoting at the locus of attachment.

The ground engaging means of the exercising device may include a tubular receptacle into which the base of the mast is received. The use of a tubular receptacle provides firm support to the mast, in the ground, and allows the mast to be removed when required (for example to use a lawn in which it is located for other purposes).

Preferably the tubular receptacle is arranged in said ground engaging means to be located below the surface of the ground.

Preferably said mast is progressively flexible. By the term "progressively, flexible" it is meant that the further the mast is deflected, the greater becomes the force imparted thereby.

Preferably said mast is of tapered construction. In this manner the mast will exhibit properties of being more flexible toward the tip and less flexible toward the base. This will help to prevent the mast from fracturing when used with the tubular receptacle. This also assists in optimising the performance of the mast, in terms of its resilience.

Preferably the tubular receptacle includes anchoring means to assist in preventing movement of the tubular receptacle in the ground, brought about by forces imparted by the flexing of the mast. The anchoring means may comprise axial or radial fins about which soil is packed. Alternatively, the anchoring means may be set in a small concrete pad.

Preferably the mast is composed of a fibre reinforced flexible material. Preferably the exercising device includes a spool for storing flexible line and locking means to lock the amount of flexible line depending from said tip.

Preferably said swivel means comprises a body mounted rotatably at or proximal to said tip.

Preferably said body has an arm extending away therefrom to hold said depending flexible line away from said body. This will help to prevent entanglement of the line with the mast.

Preferably said spool is located within said body for rotation with said body.

Preferably said body has located axially therewith upper and lower end caps having a surface contiguous with the surface of said body, and tapering to their central axis. With the surfaces being contiguous, entanglement of the flexible line will largely be avoided, since the line may readily ride across the surfaces.

Alternatively said flexible line is of pre-set length, and said body includes upper and lower body portions including therebetween a track in which a portion of said flexible line may locate and be retained therein.

In this arrangement, preferably said upper and lower body portions have a contiguous external surface. This allows the line to ride across the surface, minimising the chance of entanglement of the line about the tip and the body.

Preferably said body and said tip include therebetween a ball and socket joint, about which said body may freely rotate and pivot.

Preferably said base is secured to said ground engaging means by a connection which includes a secondary spring means, to obviate excessive bending stress at the base. By use of the term "secondary" the intent is to distinguish from the mast which could conceptually be considered to be a primary spring. The use of the secondary spring is intended to extend the life of the mast in some applications which might result in breakage at the point of greatest stress where the mast is attached to the ground engaging means.

Preferably the force required to deflect the secondary spring is greater than or equal to the force required to deflect the mast at or adjacent to its base.

Preferably the force required to deflect the secondary spring is twice the force required to deflect the mast at or adjacent to its base.

Preferably the force required to deflect the secondary spring is three times the force required to deflect the mast at or adjacent to its base.

Preferably the secondary spring comprises a length of spring steel rod.

Preferably said spring steel rod is attached to said ground engaging means at one end thereof, and is attached to a tube at the other end thereof, said tube being provided to receive said base.

Alternatively said secondary spring may comprise a coil compression spring, part of which receives said base of said mast, and the other part of which is attached to said ground engaging means.

Preferably the object is elongate. This is believed to result in a turning moment being imparted when the object is released by the animal, depending upon the axial alignment of the object relative to the axial alignment of the line. This appears to result in the object travelling in a path deviating from a straight line to the mast, since the elongate object tends to take a path which can unpredictably travel in a circular path around the mast. This lack of predictability adds to the usefulness of the animal exerciser, in being able to retain the attention of the animal.

In a most preferred form, the elongate object comprises a length rod like material of width and mass greater than that of the line, either rigid, resiliently flexible, or entirely flexible. A length of at least 200mm is preferred, with up to 1000mm being useful.

It is also preferred that the object has a surface which is difficult for the animal to retain a grip of for an extended period.

The most preferred elongate object comprises a 600mm length of sisal comprising three woven plys of 8mm strands to give a total diameter in the order of around 20mm. The length is attached at one end to the flexible line. The use of sisal provides a natural fabric which has a slippery texture that a dog cannot retain a grip for an extended period. This results in loss of grip, so the dog gives chase. Any other fabric such as jute rope or hemp rope could also prove suitable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in the following description of three specific preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of an exercising device for a dog according to the first embodiment, showing the upper part in full, and showing the lower part in part cross-section;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of the ground engaging means of the first embodiment; Figure 3 is an exploded view of part of the ground engaging means of the first embodiment of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a part cut away side elevation of the body and mast tip of the first embodiment;

Figure 5 is a cut away plan view of part of the body shown in figure 4; Figure 6 is a plan view from above of the ground engaging means of the first embodiment;

Figure 7 is a side view of an exercising device for a dog, according to the second embodiment; Figure 8 is a side view of an exercising device for a dog according to the third embodiment showing it in use;

Figure 9 is a view showing internal detail of part of the exercising device of either the second or third embodiment; Figure 10 is a plan view of part of the exercising device of either the second or third embodiment;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of part of the exercising device of either the second or third embodiment; and

Figure 12 is a cut-away view showing the ground engaging means of the exercising device of either the second or third embodiment.

The animal exercisers of all of the embodiments described here, operate on the following principle. A vertical mast is secured to or in the ground at its base. The mast is resilient and flexible, and has a non-stretchable line depending from its tip, the line optionally having an object secured at its remote end. In use an animal will grasp the end of the line or the object, and pull it away, against the force urged by the mast. When the animal releases the end of the line or the object, the resilience of the mast will result in the end of the line or the object being flung, as the mast returns to the upright position, whereupon the animal will give chase. In this manner, the animal exerciser will provide entertainment and exercise for extended periods of time.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to in Figure 1 , the most preferred embodiment is an exercising device 11 for a dog. The exercising device 11 has a tapered mast 13 of reinforced fibreglass rod. The mast has a base 15 which is received in a tubular receptacle 17 having a solid base 19, the tubular receptacle 17 and solid base 19 being of unitary construction and formed of a high carbon steel. The tubular receptacle 17 receives through an aperture in its solid base 19, an upper portion of a secondary spring in the form of a spring steel rod 21. The upper portion of the spring steel rod 21 has a thread formed thereon for receiving nuts 23, to secure the spring steel rod 21 to the tubular receptacle 17. The mast 13 has a tip 25 which includes a male portion 27 of a ball joint on which is mounted a swivel means 33 from which a flexible line 35 depends. The swivel means 33 comprises a body having an upper body portion 37 and a lower body portion 39. The body is of disk-like configuration and holds the flexible line 35 away from the mast 13, to help prevent entanglement of the flexible line 35 with the mast 13.

Referring now to Figure 4, the swivel means 33 is shown in more detail. The upper body portion 37 and lower body portion 39 have a socket 41 formed therein, for receiving the male portion 27, thus forming the ball joint. The male portion 27 includes a ball race 43 to assist with free rotation and swivelling of the body. The upper body portion 37 and lower body portion 39 have a recess 45, which as can be seen in figure 5 extends in a circle within the upper body portion 37 and lower body portion 39, the recess also extending to the exterior of the body. The flexible line 35 has a spliced loop 47 which is laid in the recess, before the upper body portion 37 and lower body portion 39 are closed around the spliced loop 47, and secured together by screws 49 (being so secured together while placed over the male portion 27).

The lower portion of the spring steel rod 21 is surrounded by a hard rubber bush

50 and received in a further tubular portion 51 which is welded to a plate 53 (seen best in figure 3). The plate 53 is received in interlocking manner with a plate 55 to provide radial blades as shown in figure 2, which together with a cover plate 57 (see figure 6) form a ground engaging portion, which is placed in the ground to provide an anchor for the mast 13, with the further tubular portion

51 located with its axis upright. Both plates 53, 55 have upwardly depending tabs 59 which are received through slots in the cover plate 57, and knocked over as shown in figure 6, to secure the cover plate 57 to the plates 53 and 55. Finally, a rubber boot 61 is located between the cover plate 57 and the lower periphery of the tubular receptacle 17, in order to prevent injury to persons or animals who might project body parts underneath the tubular receptacle 17, when the exercising device 11 is in use. The height of the mast 13 may ideally be in the order of 2.5 to 3 metres, with sufficient flexible line 25 provided to almost reach the ground. The mast 13 is tapered, and may have a diameter at its tip of between 3.5 mm and 8 mm, but ideally around 6 mm. The diameter at the base is dependent on the height of the mast 13. For a mast of 2.5 m to 3 m, the base diameter may be 20 mm. For a mast of 2 m to 2.5 m, the base diameter may be around 14 mm. . For a mast of 1.5 m to 2 m, the base diameter may be 10 mm. The flexible line is 8mm diameter cotton sash cord, with an end splice or a knot at the end for the dog to grasp with its mouth.

In an alternative arrangement, the flexible line 35 has located at its remote end, an object (not shown), which is shaped to allow it to be readily grasped by an animal. The object may be in accordance with the object described hereunder in either the second or third embodiments.

The assembly comprising the mast 13 together with the tubular receptacle 17, the rubber boot 61 , and spring steel rod 21 , may be separated from the bush 50 and associated ground engaging portion, to allow the lawn in which the animal exerciser is placed to be put to other uses, and to be mown, as required.

The second embodiment, shown generally in Figure 7 is an exercising device 11 for a dog or a cat, although more particularly for a dog. The exercising device 11 also has a tapered mast 13 of reinforced fibreglass rod. The mast has a base 15 which is received in a tubular receptacle 17, which is located buried in the ground 63.

The mast 13 has a tip on which is mounted a combined swivel means and line dispenser 65 from which a flexible line 35 depends, via a flexible arm 67 which is of hollow construction so as to pass the flexible line therethrough. The flexible arm 67 holds the flexible line 35 away from the mast 13, to help prevent entanglement of the flexible line 35 with the mast 13. Referring now to Figures 9 to 11 , the swivel means and line dispenser 65 is shown in more detail. The swivel means and line dispenser 65 is contained within a central body 69 which is of hollow construction for receiving a bobbin 71 containing the line 35. Referring to Figure 10, it can be seen that the spool 71 is locked against rotation relative to the central body 69 by virtue of splines 72 located in the central body 69, with which the spool 71 locks.

The swivel means and line dispenser 65 includes a lower end cap 73 which is press fitted over the tip of the mast 13. A ball bearing unit 75 has its inner race press-fit over the tip of the mast 13, and its outer race is press fitted into the central body 69, as shown in Figure 9. As can be seen in Figure 9, the lower end cap 73 tapers downwardly toward its central axis, to minimise entanglement of the flexible line 35.

The tip of the mast 13 has a threaded portion 77 at its extreme end, over which is received an upper end cap 79. The upper end cap 79 has an embedded nut 81 onto which the threaded portion 77 of the tip of the mast 13 is threadingly engaged. To secure the upper end cap 79 against inadvertently unscrewing, it is provided with a blind hole 83 above the location of the embedded nut 81 , of a diameter which interferes with the thread of the threaded portion 77, providing resistance against the rotation of the upper end cap 79 relative to the threaded portion 77.

The upper end cap 79 is of generally tapered construction towards its central axis, and rounded at the top, so as to allow any line which might become entangled, to ride over the upper end cap 79, and also so that it minimises the risk of injury, should it strike a person or animal.

Referring now to Figure 7, the flexible line 35 has located at its remote end, an object 84, which is shaped to allow it to be readily grasped by an animal.

Referring now to Figure 12, the tubular receptacle 17 is shown, with the base 15 of the mast, received therein. Three O-rings 85 help secure the base 15 within the tubular receptacle 17. The tubular receptacle is generally buried in the ground, or more preferably concreted into the ground. Radial or axial fins may be provided to assist with anchoring the tubular receptacle 17 in the ground or concrete.

As with the first embodiment, the height of the mast 13 may ideally be in the order of 2.5 to 3 metres, with sufficient flexible line 35 provided to almost reach the ground. The mast 13 is tapered, and may have a diameter at its tip of between 3.5 mm and 8 mm, but ideally around 6 mm. The diameter at the base is dependent on the height of the mast 13. For a mast of 2.5 m to 3 m, the base diameter may be 20 mm. For a mast of 2 m to 2.5 m, the base diameter may be around 14 mm. . For a mast of 1.5 m to 2 m, the base diameter may be 10 mm. The flexible line can be 120 kg breaking strain nylon. With the flexible line 35 almost reaching the ground, the spool 71 should contain no flexible line in reserve. As the puppy grows, it will be necessary to take up excess line, to raise the height of the object at the remote end of the line, above the ground (but within reach of the dog). The spool 71 should be capable of containing approximately 500 mm of flexible line 35, for this purpose. To take up line on the spool 71 , the upper end cap 79 must be unscrewed from the tip of the mast 13, and the spool 71 lifted upward on the splines 72, so that the line may be wound around the spool 71 , before the spool is replaced over the splines 72, and the upper end cap 79 is screwed back into place.

In the third embodiment shown in figure 8, the object 84 shown in figure 1 is replaced by a 600mm length of sisal 87 comprising three woven plys of 8mm strands to give a total diameter in the order of around 20mm. The length of sisal 87 is attached at one end to the flexible line. The use of sisal provides a natural fabric which has a slippery texture that a dog cannot retain a grip for an extended period. This results in loss of grip, so the dog gives chase. In addition, with the sisal being elongate, and perhaps also due to its flexibility, it has a tendency to arc through the air, after being released, resulting in the path it takes being unpredictable. Thus the object can take a path around the tip of the mast 13. This seems to increase the attention span of the dog, increasing the usefulness of the exercising device.

The object secured to the end of the line 35 of the animal exerciser 11 of the first embodiment may be either the object 84 used with the second embodiment, or the length of sisal 87 used with the third embodiment. Indeed the choice may be dictated by the preference of the pet concerned. The first embodiment differs from the second and third embodiments in two important respects. Firstly, the ball joint in the first embodiment provides less restriction to movement of the line, when it is released by the animal, resulting in a more lively response in the animal exerciser. Secondly, the secondary spring is provided to minimise the risk of breakage of the mast near its base, which may occur in the second and third embodiments when used by more powerfully built dogs.

The exercising device of the embodiments provides a good plaything for a dog. It may be introduced when the dog is a puppy, for best effect. The exercising devices provide a good form of exercise and amusement for a dog, and in particular for a dog that is left alone during the day, as is often the case with dogs living in the city whose owners work during the day.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein. It will be apparent that changes can be made to adapt the exercising and amusement device for cats, or for other animals.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. An exercising device for animals comprising a resiliently flexible mast having a base by which it is secured to ground engaging means, and a tip from which a flexible line depends, the exercising device including a swivel means to allow the locus of attachment of said flexible line to be freely rotatable about said tip, to minimise or avoid the flexible line from becoming wound about said mast; the flexible line optionally having at its remote end, an object to be grasped by the animal.

2. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 1 wherein the swivel means allows for rotating of the locus of attachment about an axis having the same axial extent as the mast.

3. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 2 wherein the swivel means also allows for pivoting at the locus of attachment.

4. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said mast is progressively flexible.

5. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said mast is of tapered construction.

6. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mast is composed of a fibre reinforced flexible material.

7. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ground engaging means of the exercising device includes a tubular receptacle, into which the base of the mast is received.

8. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 7 wherein the tubular receptacle is arranged in said ground engaging means to be located below the surface of the ground.

9. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein the tubular receptacle includes anchoring means to assist in preventing movement of the tubular receptacle in the ground, brought about by forces imparted by the flexing of the mast.

10. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 9 wherein the anchoring means comprises axial or radial fins.

11. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a spool for storing flexible line and locking means to lock the amount of flexible line depending from said tip.

12. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said swivel means comprises a body mounted rotatably at or proximal to said tip.

13. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 12 wherein said body has an arm extending away therefrom to hold said depending flexible line away from said body.

14. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein said spool is located within said body for rotation with said body.

15. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein said body has located axially therewith upper and lower end caps having a surface contiguous with the surface of said body, and tapering to their central axis.

16. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 or claim 12 wherein said flexible line is of pre-set length, and said body includes upper and lower body portions including therebetween a track in which a portion of said flexible line may locate and be retained therein.

17. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 16 wherein said upper and lower body portions have a contiguous external surface to allow the line to ride across the surface, minimising the chance of entanglement of the line about the tip and the body.

18. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein said body and said tip include therebetween a ball and socket joint, about which said body may freely rotate and pivot.

19. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 or 11 to 18 wherein said base is secured to said ground engaging means by a connection which includes a secondary spring means, to obviate excessive bending stress at the base.

20. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 19 wherein the force required to deflect the secondary spring is greater than or equal to the force required to deflect the mast at or adjacent to its base.

21. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 20 wherein the force required to deflect the secondary spring is up to twice the force required to deflect the mast at or adjacent to its base.

22. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 20 wherein the force required to deflect the secondary spring is up to three times the force required to deflect the mast at or adjacent to its base.

23. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the secondary spring comprises a length of spring steel rod.

24. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 23 wherein said spring steel rod is attached to said ground engaging means at one end thereof, and is attached to a tube at the other end thereof, said tube being provided to receive said base.

25. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein said secondary spring may comprise a coil compression spring, part of which receives said base of said mast, and the other part of which is attached to said ground engaging means.

26. An exercising device for animals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the object is elongate.

27. An exercising device for animals as claimed in claim 26 wherein the elongate object comprises a length rod like material of width and mass greater than that of the line, either rigid, resiliently flexible, or entirely flexible.

28. An exercising device for animals substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.