Chili-infused protective cape or chili-infused protective cuff for pets and herd animals

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective cape (100a) or cuff (100b) for an animal (200), in particular a domestic or farm animal, for deterring and / or scaring away attacking animals, in particular attacking predators, comprising a fabric structure (101, 105) for encasing or attaching to the animal (200) and receiving chambers (110) or other receiving cavities in the fabric structure (101, 105) for receiving an irritant. The irritant is present in the receiving chambers (110) or other receiving cavities as an irritant powder, in particular as a chili powder (121), and / or as an irritant liquid present at ambient pressure.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective cape or cuff for an animal, in particular a pet or farm animal, for deterring and / or scaring away attacking animals, in particular attacking predators, comprising a fabric structure for covering the animal or attaching to the animal and receiving chambers or other receiving cavities in the fabric structure for receiving an irritant.

[0002] Many dog ​​owners fear attacks on their dogs by other dangerous and aggressive dogs. Similarly, livestock owners, such as sheep farmers, must expect attacks on their animals by predators, such as wolves. The invention relates to a device for protecting pets and livestock from such attacks by other animals.

[0003] A well-known method of animal defense is deterrence. Deterrence involves subjecting attacking animals to an immediate aggravating stimulus to disrupt the attack and drive the attacking animal away. In the long term, immediate aggravating stimuli, especially repeated ones, can, through successful negative conditioning, lead to a change in the behavior of attacking animals. Attacking animals will then permanently avoid visibly protected pets or farm animals.

[0004] A well-known animal repellent is chili peppers or extracts thereof (capsaicin). A product for repelling predators made from diatomaceous earth, capsaicin, and lavender oil is known, for example, from German patent DE 20 2018 104 204 U1. Chili peppers or extracts thereof are also dissolved in alcohol and then released by propellants such as nitrogen, propane, or butane. The release is then achieved by spraying or firing. In Africa, for example, elephants are driven away from fields and agricultural land by alcohol-chili mixtures fired at distances of 10-15 meters.

[0005] To protect pets or farm animals from sudden attacks, the repellent should be readily available, i.e., on or near the animal. One option is to attach it to the animal as a cuff. A cuff is generally a covering used to protect an object or body part, in this case, a pet or herd animal.

[0006] A collar for protecting domestic or farm animals from throat or neck bites is known from the prior art, specifically DE 10 2020 002 518 A1. The collar comprises a tube filled with an irritant, e.g., chili extract OC, which is pressurized. It is attached to the animal's neck as a cuff using Velcro. If damaged by an attack, the propellant escapes as a gas along with the irritant, causing a pressure drop. A disadvantage of this solution is the maintenance required, as the pressure gradually decreases on its own even without animal attacks, and the user must constantly re-pressurize the collar to maintain the required pressure.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to create a cost-effective, in particular maintenance-free, protective cape or cuff which can be worn on the body.

[0008] The problem is solved by a protective cape or cuff according to claim 1. Optional and advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] A protective cape according to the invention of the type described in more detail above is characterized in that the irritant is present in the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities as, preferably dry, irritant powder, in particular as chili powder, and / or as an irritant liquid present at ambient pressure.

[0010] The use of dry irritant powder significantly reduces the maintenance required for the protective capes. A powder is generally a free-flowing, crushed, ground, and / or milled material. The protective cape can be operated virtually without pressure, thus eliminating the risk of it becoming unusable due to gas leakage and pressure drop. Assuming no damage occurs, the lifespan of the protective cape is determined solely by the irritant effect of the powder. The powder is released as soon as the cape, or a part of it, is damaged by an attack, for example, by a tooth or claw. The dry powder is dispersed in the surrounding area by the agitation and movement resulting from the struggle between the animal and the attacker, creating the necessary deterrent effect to repel the attacker.The irritant powder can either be chili powder directly, produced by grinding dried chilies as a base material. Alternatively, another powdery material can be used, which is soaked in an alcohol-chili mixture and then dried again. The alcohol acts as a preservative. To keep the powder dry and free-flowing, or in a volatile state, it is first sealed in a waterproof casing before the casing is placed within the fabric structure. If this casing is damaged, for example by an animal bite, the irritant powder is released as dust and dispersed into the surrounding area by the movement of the person fighting. Alternatively and / or additionally to a dry irritant powder, an irritant liquid at ambient pressure can also be used. "At ambient pressure" means that both pressurization and the use of propellants to assist the release of the irritant liquid, e.g.,The use of a chili liquid is omitted. Furthermore, the use of the irritant liquid is the same as that of an irritant powder, so the invention will be described in more detail below using an irritant powder.

[0011] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities are designed as a plurality of pouches or bags or tubes that are integrated into the fabric structure.

[0012] A fabric is generally a textile structure that is sewn or otherwise processed to form a woven fabric, creating corresponding receiving chambers and cavities. The use of pouches, bags, or tubes integrated into the fabric structure offers several advantages. Firstly, the irritant powder can be filled into the pouches, bags, or tubes in portions or in equal or varying quantities, and these can then be applied evenly or in a targeted manner to the animal. This simplifies the manufacturing process. Pouches, bags, or textile tubes are well-known devices in the textile industry and are therefore particularly easy to implement for receiving irritant powder and integrating them into a woven structure.Pouches, bags or tubes can be arranged over the entire animal to distribute the chili powder in portions, thereby providing broad protection against attacking animals.

[0013] Preferably, the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities are rectangular, in particular diamond-shaped.

[0014] To ensure the most comprehensive protection of the attacked animal with irritant powder, geometric shapes that can be seamlessly or flushly aligned are advantageous. Equilateral rectangles, such as diamonds or squares, allow for complete protection along a fabric structure. It is also advantageous that diamond or square geometries can be achieved with straight, continuous seams.

[0015] It is advantageous if the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities are diamond-shaped and arranged in a checkerboard pattern in the tissue.

[0016] Such a design and arrangement of the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities enables complete and seamless preparation, particularly of a flat tissue structure, with irritant powder. Each fully realized receiving chamber or other receiving cavity contains a portion of irritant powder, with the portions being essentially the same size.

[0017] Preferably, the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities are elongated, in particular tubular or flat-tubular in shape.

[0018] Flat tubes can be easily filled with irritant powder and sealed at the ends. Flat tubes can also be used by appropriately complementary design of the intake chambers.

[0019] For sufficient durability and weather resistance, the irritant powder or the irritant liquid present at ambient pressure is arranged in waterproof bags and / or waterproof flat tubes.

[0020] Preferably, the irritant powder or the irritant liquid present at ambient pressure is packaged in portions in waterproof pouches and / or waterproof flat tubes, and the pouches and / or waterproof flat tubes are inserted into the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities of the tissue structure. The material of the tubes or pouches is resistant to blunt impacts, but easily damaged by sharp-edged devices, e.g., teeth or claws.

[0021] In other words, the irritant powder is sealed in waterproof pouches and / or flat tubes, and / or hermetically sealed. Flat tubes are generally tubes with a non-circular cross-section, such as rectangular or oval. Flat tubes are easier to handle and more space-saving than tubes with a circular diameter. The waterproof seal protects the irritant powder from the elements, thus preserving both its irritant effect and its free-flowing properties. The protective cape and cuff are washable. The chili is only released when the pouches or tubes are damaged.

[0022] Preferably, the irritant is arranged in waterproof pouches or tubes, and the pouches are inserted into or placed within the receiving chambers or other cavities of the fabric structure. The chili is essentially a dry powder in a small plastic bag or a tubular bag with sealed ends, sewn into the fabric.

[0023] To form a protective cloak or mantle, the tissue structure has a flat tissue for encasing the animal or for attaching to the animal as a protective cloak.

[0024] Preferably, the planar tissue comprises two or more layers of tissue, wherein the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities are arranged between the at least two layers of tissue.

[0025] To create the receiving chambers or cavities, two layers of suitable fabric can be placed on top of each other and permanently joined by connecting areas, such as seams, staples, or adhesive. The receiving chambers or cavities are formed between these connecting areas, bounded on the top and bottom by the fabric layers. The fabric layers and the connecting areas must be designed and arranged so that the fabric layers form a three-dimensional shape with preferably essentially equal-sized receiving chambers or cavities between the fabric layers. This makes it possible to produce the fabric as a roll or by the meter with the irritant powder already integrated and then cut the fabric into a protective cape. Of course, when cutting the protective capes from the rolls, the irritant powder must be carefully removed from the cut areas.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the planar fabric comprises a quilted fabric with at least one upper fabric as the first fabric layer, one lower fabric as the second fabric layer and a quilting seam, wherein the receiving chambers or other receiving cavities are separated from each other by the quilting seam.

[0027] The quilted corner areas contain the chili. Quilted fabrics are generally two- or three-layer textiles consisting of at least one outer fabric, one inner fabric, and a quilted seam. Between the outer and inner fabrics, the quilted seam creates essentially equal-sized receiving chambers or other cavities between the fabric layers. These receiving chambers or other cavities are formed by subdividing this space with the quilted seam. Quilted fabrics are known in the prior art for the manufacture of warm winter jackets, where an insulating lining is arranged in the receiving chambers. According to the invention, a powdered irritant is provided instead of, or in addition to, the lining.

[0028] In an optional advanced training course, the protective cloak is designed as a protective coat for the animal, whereby the protective coat encloses the torso and can be closed at the belly and / or front of the animal, in particular by means of Velcro.

[0029] By being designed as a protective cloak, it can also be used as weather protection for pets during walks. To improve the cloak, existing features can be incorporated to increase the animal's comfort and thus ensure reliable protection against attacks. In particular, the cloak includes an overhang to cover the neck, throat, and nape, protecting against lethal bites. Mass production of such cloaks would allow, for example, the cost-effective equipping of livestock kept in herds. This would eliminate the need for guard dogs to protect the animals.

[0030] In an embodiment that is particularly advantageous for herd animals or farm animals, the tissue structure has one or more tissue tubes for attachment to the animal.

[0031] One or more fabric tubes can be positioned around the livestock like a cuff to protect it. This prevents predators from attacking the animal without damaging the protective tubes and releasing the irritant powder contained within. Such a cuff functions similarly to a protective coat made of a flat fabric. However, it is less expensive to manufacture and therefore suitable for larger herds.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the cuff, the fabric structure has several fabric tubes, wherein the fabric tubes are connected to one or more tube retaining straps to form a cuff, preferably detachably.

[0033] The hose-holding straps can be fastened, for example, on the underside or front of the animal using hook-and-loop fasteners or similar fastening devices, ensuring a secure hold of the fabric hoses. Preferably, the connection between the fabric hoses and the hose-holding straps is also detachable, preferably using hook-and-loop fasteners. The detachable hook-and-loop connection of the hose-holding straps on the one hand, and the detachable hook-and-loop connection between the hose-holding straps and the fabric hoses on the other, allows the cuff to be adjusted in size or locked in place. This makes the cuff well-suited for fitting different animals, especially growing animals.

[0034] In an optional advanced training, the fabric tubes and the tube retaining straps form strands of a grid structure or net structure, wherein the cuff having the grid structure or net structure can be closed on the abdomen and / or on the front of the animal, in particular by means of Velcro.

[0035] In other words, the cuff features a grid structure with filled flat tubes that can be closed with Velcro at the front and belly of the animal. The cuff is essentially a mesh coat. Because it uses fabric tubes instead of solid fabric, the animal's fur remains accessible for grooming and temperature regulation through the gaps in the grid structure. Individual broken strands can be replaced.

[0036] The protective cape or cuff is even better suited for warding off attacking animals if it has a holder for an additional container, especially a spray bottle containing a chili-based substance, for storage on the animal.

[0037] The spray bottle also serves as a defense against attacking animals. The holder can be designed, for example, as a strap that is stretched around the animal's torso or neck and fastened at the belly or throat. Velcro is also suitable for fastening the strap. The holder can be designed as a pouch on the side of the animal, into which a spray bottle containing a chili-based substance, preferably chili and alcohol (i.e., "chili alcohol"), is inserted. The owner can use the spray bottle if they need to intervene to defend themselves against the attacking animal. The holder on the animal keeps the spray bottle readily accessible. Optionally, the spray bottle can also be helpful against attacks on humans. The spray bottle releases the irritant along with the carrier substance, such as alcohol, as a long, thin stream. The use of alcohol instead of water serves as a preservative.Preferably, the spray bottle is refillable and can be sold as a set together with the protective cover.

[0038] Further details, features, feature (sub)combinations, advantages and effects based on the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment {or examples} of the invention and the drawings. These show in Fig. 1 a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a protective cape according to the invention, in Fig. 2 a sectional view along a plane AA, in Fig. 3 a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a protective cape according to the invention, in Fig. 4 a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the invention, in Fig. 5 a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the invention and in Fig. 6 a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a protective sleeve according to the invention.

[0039] The figures are merely illustrative and serve only to explain the invention. The same elements are identified by the same reference symbols.

[0040] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a protective cape 100a according to the invention for an animal 200, illustrated here using a dog as an example. The flat fabric 101 is designed as a coat for enveloping the animal 200. The protective cape 100a is a garment or can be used and worn like a garment. The protective cape 100a is placed around the dog's torso and fastened at the belly 201 and the front 202 of the animal 200 by means of a hook-and-loop fastener 130. The flat fabric 101 is made of a weatherproof and robust material. The flat fabric 101 is designed as a quilted fabric with a diamond pattern, wherein the diamonds lie flush against each other and form a full-surface composite that extends over the entire fabric 101, preferably with the exception of the fabric edges. The diamond-shaped receiving chambers 110 in the planar tissue 101 contain the irritant powder as dry chili powder 121 (in Fig. 1 (indicated by a chili pictogram), wherein the chili powder 121 is portioned and packaged in waterproof bags before insertion and / or before closing the intake chambers 110. Optionally, the protective cape 100a has a holding pocket 140 for an additional spray bottle 300 containing a chili-based substance, for storage on the animal 200. The holding pocket 140 is connected to a holding strap 141, the holding strap 141 being placed around the torso of the animal 200 on the outside of the fabric 101 and closed in the abdominal area 201 by means of a hook and loop fastener 142.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary, highly simplified cross-sectional view through the flat fabric 101 of the quilted material. In the cross-sectional view, the receiving chambers 110 are defined by the selection of the section line AA in Fig. 1 shown in different sizes. Preferably the recording chambers 110, the chili powders 121 (in Fig. 2 (indicated by chili pictogram) are of equal size and contain the same amount of chili powder 121. The flat fabric 101, as a typical quilted fabric, has an upper fabric 102, a lower fabric 103, and a quilting seam 104, wherein the receiving chambers 110 or other receiving cavities are separated from each other by the quilting seam 104. The receiving chambers 110 thus have, unlike in the Fig. Figure 2 shows a curved, concave cross-section that tapers to a point at the quilted seams 104. The chili powder 121 is arranged in waterproof bags 120, in particular plastic bags, the volume of the bags 120 being less than or equal to the volume of the receiving chambers 110.

[0042] The embodiments of Fig. Figures 4-6 show a cuff 100b with elongated tubular or flat tubular receiving chambers 110 (see Fig. 2) The irritant powder 121 itself (or optionally the irritant liquid) is arranged in watertight flat tubes, the flat tubes lying in the flat-tube-like receiving chambers and substantially filling them. The receiving chambers are arranged inside fabric tubes 105, the inner walls of the fabric tubes 105 bearing against the outer wall of the watertight flat tubes. In the illustrated embodiments, the fabric tubes 105 of the cuff 100b run substantially horizontally when the cuff 100b is arranged on the animal 200. For example, a fabric tube 105 runs along the upper surface 203 of the animal 200.

[0043] The fabric tubes 105 of the cuff 100b lie against the animal 200, beginning at the front 202 of the animal 200, running along the torso, and ending at the posterior 204 of the animal 200. To mount the fabric tubes 105, tube retaining straps 143-146 are provided, running transversely to the fabric tubes 105. These straps are placed around the upper side 203 and / or the posterior 204 of the animal 200 and can be fastened and unfastened at the front 202, the abdomen 201, and / or the posterior 204 of the animal 200. The essentially horizontal fabric tubes 105 and the transversely running tube retaining straps 143-146 cross over each other, forming strands of a grid or net structure. This grid structure or net structure forms the cuff 100b, which acts like a protective cloak 100a (see Fig.3) can be fastened at the abdomen 201, the front 202 and / or the rear 204 of the animal 200 using hook and loop fastener 130. For example, a tubular restraint strap 143 is provided for the neck, which is placed around the upper body 203 of the animal 200 and fastened at the front 202 using hook and loop fastener 130. Furthermore, for example, a tubular restraint strap 144 is provided for the front torso, which is placed around the upper body 203 of the animal 200 and fastened at the abdomen 201 using hook and loop fastener 130. Furthermore, for example, a tubular restraint strap 145 is provided for the rear torso, which is placed around the upper body 203 of the animal 200 and fastened at the abdomen 201 using hook and loop fastener 130. Finally, for example, a hose retaining strap 145 is provided at the buttocks, which is placed around the upper side 203 of the animal 200 and is closed at the rear end 204 by means of a Velcro fastener 130.

[0044] The fabric tubes 105 and the tube retaining straps 143-146 are detachably connected to each other to form the grid or net structure, for example, also by means of hook-and-loop fasteners. This allows defective tubes or straps to be removed and replaced. For example, the ends of the tube retaining straps 143-146 can have the elements of a hook-and-loop fastener connection, whereby the hook-and-loop fastener connection is created by folding over the ends of the tube retaining straps 143-146 or the fabric tubes 105. This allows, in particular, the size of the cuff 100b to be adjusted to the respective animal 200. The spaces 106 of the grid or net structure of the cuff 100b ensure access to the fur of the animal 200.At the same time, the body of the animal to be protected is covered like a net, so that in the event of an attack, damage to the tissue structure 105 of the cuff 100b is nevertheless initiated, thus triggering a release of the irritant powder 121. Reference symbol list 100a Protective cloak 100b cuff 101 flat tissue 102 upper tissue layer or superficial tissue 103 lower tissue layer or subtissue 104 Quilting stitch 105 Fabric hose 106 Hook and loop fastener connection fabric hose / hose retaining straps 110 receiving chambers or other receiving cavities 120 bags, especially waterproof plastic bags 121 Irritant, especially chili powder 130 Velcro fasteners for protective cape or cuff for attaching to the belly and front of the animal 140 Mounting bracket, especially holding case 141 Restraint strap 142 Velcro fasteners for retaining straps 143 Neck support strap 144 Chest support strap 145 Hose retaining strap for the fuselage 146 Hose retaining strap 200 animals 201 Abdomen of the animal 202 Front of the animal 203 Top of the animal 204 Rear end of the animal 300 spray bottles AA section plane QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2018 104 204 U1

[0004] DE 10 2020 002 518 A1

[0006]

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