Animal entertainment device

Abstract

Animal entertainment device Animal entertainment device (1) comprising a tubular body (2), a support (3) which passes through the tubular body (2) through its hollow portion for attaching the device (1) to surfaces, and at least one retaining member (4) which attaches the tubular body (2) to the support (3), wherein the material of the tubular body (2) is a natural resin. [FIG. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Animal entertainment device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to animal entertainment devices which promote stimulation and environmental enrichment, in particular the animal entertainment devices are especially indicated for animals in stables. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] European animal welfare regulations establish a series of standards and requirements designed to ensure the welfare and protection of animals in various areas, such as breeding, transport, slaughter and use for experimental purposes. These regulations are based on the recognition of animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering and pleasure, and seek to ensure that they are treated respectfully and to minimize any form of unnecessary suffering.

[0003] In the context of materials used in the animal welfare industry, such as in the construction of infrastructure for housing animals or in the manufacture of equipment for their care, European regulations establish certain criteria regarding the safety and quality of these materials. This includes, for example, that the materials used do not represent a risk to the health of the animals and also do not cause unnecessary injury or suffering.

[0004] In this regard, some devices used in the past may be considered unsuitable according to current animal welfare standards. This may be due to various reasons, such as the use of materials that may be toxic to animals, may cause injury due to their design or composition, or may be unsanitary or unhygienic, which may negatively affect the welfare and health of the animals, or which do not generate long-term interest in the animals.

[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to have animal entertainment devices that comply with European animal welfare standards. Preferably, it should be possible to have animal entertainment devices useful for any animal in a stable, to which other components could be added, as an option, further improving their applicability and effects for use on farms.

[0006] The present invention provides a solution to this problem. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention relates to animal entertainment devices comprising a tubular body (2), a support (3) which passes through the tubular body (2) by its hollow part allowing the device (1) to be fixed to surfaces or elements, and at least one retention element (4) which fixes the tubular body (2) to the support (3), where the material of the tubular body (2) is a natural resin.

[0008] The arrangement of the various elements that make up the animal entertainment device provides a comprehensive solution that goes beyond simply providing entertainment. This design results in a device that not only stimulates the animals, but also enriches their natural environment, thereby promoting more active and healthy behavior. In addition, by providing a variety of stimuli and opportunities for interaction, the device promotes the physical and mental well-being of the animals, contributing to their overall quality of life.

[0009] It is important to emphasize that the benefits of the device are not limited solely to stimulation and environmental enrichment. It is particularly beneficial in stall environments, where animals may experience limitations in their movement and access to natural stimuli. In these settings, the device provides a valuable form of enrichment, helping to combat boredom, stress and other welfare issues associated with stalling. Furthermore, by providing additional physical and mental activity, it can help improve the health and behavior of animals, creating a more satisfying and healthy environment for their development, reproducing their animal instincts and decreasing their aggressiveness. The device of the invention is particularly indicated for use in pigs.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the animal entertainment device which is the subject of the present invention will be evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] [Fig. 1] shows the animal entertainment device of the invention where the tubular body (2), a chain-like support (3) and a retaining member (4) are shown. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0012] In view of the figures mentioned and, in accordance with the numbering adopted, one can observe therein an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements which are indicated and described in detail below.

[0013] In [Fig. 1] is shown the animal entertainment device (1) of the invention comprising a tubular body (2), a chain (3) which passes through the tubular body (2) by its hollow part, and at least one retaining element (4) which fixes the tubular body (2) to the chain (3), where the material of the tubular body (2) is a natural resin.

[0014] The design of the tubular body (2) offers various configurations to adapt to specific needs, including options such as a cylindrical tube, a prismatic tube or an ovoid tube, among other possibilities. The selection of the material for the tubular body (2) is a crucial aspect and is carried out carefully, favoring materials that are safe and suitable for use with animals. In this regard, materials such as natural resins are opted for, which comply with safety standards and are suitable for animals, thus ensuring the integrity and health of the animals interacting with the device. By way of example, the natural resins used are selected from the group of natural rubber, gutta-percha, rosin, terpene resins or mixtures thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the natural resin is natural rubber.However, similar natural resins with the same properties as those mentioned above can be used.

[0015] Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the material used for the tubular body (2) may include flavorings intended for animal feed and / or specific food supplements to meet the nutritional needs of the animals. These flavorings and food supplements are designed to improve the animal's interaction with the device, resulting in greater receptivity on their part. By incorporating these elements, it is sought not only to attract the animals' attention to the device, but also to promote their interest and active participation in the activities it offers. This approach not only enriches the animals' environment, but can also promote healthy behaviors and contribute to their general well-being.

[0016] Flavors for animal feed are selected from fruity flavors, citrus flavors, lactic flavors, vanilla flavors, other food flavors, or blends thereof. Fruity flavors offer a variety of sweet and refreshing flavors that can arouse the interest and appetite of animals. Citrus flavors, on the other hand, are known for their stimulating and revitalizing properties, while lactic flavors evoke the familiarity and comfort associated with milk. Vanilla flavors, with their sweet and comforting fragrance, can also be used to improve feed acceptance and promote a balanced diet. In addition to these individual options, customized blends of flavors can be created to satisfy specific animal preferences and optimize their feeding experience.

[0017] There are several types of dietary supplements that can be used, these include probiotics and prebiotics to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, digestive enzymes to improve the digestibility of the diet, vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure complete nutrition, essential fatty acids to promote cardiovascular health and meat quality, amino acids for muscle growth, and antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative damage. In addition to these individual options, it is possible to create blends of dietary supplements that can be used in the tubular body material (2).

[0018] The tubular body (2) of the invention may be manufactured by various industrial processes, such as extrusion or mold forming. After its manufacture, the tubular body (2) may be subjected to various curing processes to give it the desired properties. The design of the tubular body (2) must balance two important considerations: first, it must have a diameter small enough to allow animals to interact with it by biting it, which promotes their stimulation and environmental enrichment.

[0019] The support (3) plays a fundamental role in securing the tubular body (2) to a specific surface or structure. Its main function is to ensure that the tubular body (2) remains accessible to the animals, while securing the device to the desired surface, which may also allow for some movement. This movement helps to stimulate the interest and participation of the animals, thus promoting their environmental enrichment and well-being. It is essential that the support (3) is sufficiently robust and strong to withstand frequent use by the animals, thus ensuring the durability and safety of the device in its environment. In summary, this component plays a crucial role in facilitating the interaction of the animals with the device, while providing a secure and reliable attachment.

[0020] The at least one retention element (4) plays a crucial role in securing the tubular body (2) to the support (3), thus ensuring its stability and functionality. This component acts as a stop for the tubular body (2), allowing its movement without the risk of detachment. For example, in the case of a carabiner or other similar device, the retention element (4) ensures that the tubular body (2) remains properly secured to the desired structure via the support (3). The support (3) is selected from a chain, a rope, a metal tube or a metal profile. This configuration allows the tubular body (2) to swing or move freely, which can increase the interest and participation of the animals.In summary, the retention element (4) plays a fundamental role in the effective operation of the device (1), ensuring that the tubular body (2) remains secure and stable while allowing its adequate movement for the entertainment and stimulation of the animals.

[0021] The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements employed in the animal entertainment device of the invention may be suitably replaced by others which do not depart from the scope defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. An animal entertainment device (1) comprising a tubular body (2), a support (3) which passes through the tubular body (2) through its hollow portion allowing the device (1) to be fixed to surfaces, and at least one retaining element (4) which fixes the tubular body (2) to the support (3), wherein the material of the tubular body (2) is a natural resin.

2. An animal entertainment device according to the preceding claim, wherein the natural resin of the material of the tubular body (2) is selected from natural rubber, gutta-percha, rosin, terpene resins or mixtures thereof.

3. An animal entertainment device according to the preceding claim, wherein the natural resin of the material of the tubular body (2) is natural rubber.

4. An animal entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the material of the tubular body (2) comprises animal feed flavorings and / or animal feed supplements.

5. An animal entertainment device according to the preceding claim, wherein the animal feed flavors are selected from fruit flavors, citrus flavors, lactic flavors, vanilla flavors or mixtures thereof.

6. An animal entertainment device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular body (2) is a cylindrical tube, a prismatic tube or an ovoid tube.

7. An animal entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the support (3) is selected from a chain, a rope, a metal tube or a metal profile.

Images