Animal entertainment device

Abstract

Animal entertainment device (1) comprising a tubular body (2), a support (3) which passes through the tubular body (2) via its hollow portion allowing the device (1) to be fixed to surfaces, and at least one retention element (4) which fixes 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 that promote stimulation and environmental enrichment; in particular, animal entertainment devices are especially suitable for animals kept in stables. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] European regulations on animal welfare establish a series of standards and requirements designed to guarantee the welfare and protection of animals in various areas, such as farming, transport, slaughter, and use for experimental purposes. These regulations are based on the recognition of animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain 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 concerning the safety and quality of these materials. This includes, for example, that the materials used do not pose a risk to the health of animals and 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, that may cause injury due to their design or composition, or that may be unsanitary or unhygienic, which may negatively affect the welfare and health of animals, or which do not generate long-term interest in 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 that are useful for any animal kept in a stable, to which other components could be added as options to further improve their applicability and effectiveness 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) via 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 integrating the animal entertainment device offers 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, thus promoting more active and healthy behavior. Furthermore, by offering a variety of stimuli and opportunities for interaction, the device promotes the physical and mental well-being of the animals, which contributes 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 housing environments, where animals may experience limitations in their movement and access to natural stimuli. In these contexts, the device provides a valuable form of enrichment, helping to combat boredom, stress, and other welfare problems associated with confinement. Furthermore, by offering additional physical and mental activity, it can contribute to improving the health and behavior of the animals, creating a more satisfying and healthy environment for their development, reproducing their animal instincts, and reducing their aggression. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for use with 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 accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Figure 1 shows the animal entertainment device of the invention, including the tubular body (2), a chain-shaped support (3), and a retention element (4). DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

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

[0013] Figure 1 shows 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 retention 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 suit 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 safe materials suitable for use with animals. In this regard, materials such as natural resins are chosen, which meet safety standards and are suitable for animals, thus guaranteeing 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 nutritional supplements to meet the animals' nutritional needs. These flavorings and nutritional supplements are designed to enhance the animal's interaction with the device, resulting in greater receptiveness. By incorporating these elements, the aim is not only to attract the animals' attention to the device but also to promote their interest in 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 overall well-being.

[0016] Flavorings for animal feed are selected from fruity, citrus, milky, vanilla, other food flavorings, or mixtures thereof. Fruity flavorings offer a variety of sweet and refreshing tastes that can stimulate animals' interest and appetite. Citrus flavorings, on the other hand, are known for their stimulating and revitalizing properties, while milky flavorings evoke the familiarity and comfort associated with milk. Vanilla flavorings, 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 flavor blends can be created to satisfy specific animal preferences and optimize their feeding experience.

[0017] There are several types of food 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, and 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 can be manufactured by various industrial processes, such as extrusion or mold forming. After its manufacture, the tubular body (2) can be subjected to various hardening 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, thereby promoting 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 also securing the device to the desired surface and allowing for some movement. This movement helps to stimulate the animals' interest and participation, thereby promoting their environmental enrichment and well-being. It is essential that the support (3) be sufficiently robust and durable 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 animals' interaction with the device, while providing a secure and reliable attachment.

[0020] 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 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 securely attached to the desired structure via the support (3). The support (3) is selected from a chain, rope, metal tube, or metal profile. This configuration allows the tubular body (2) to swing or move freely, which can increase the animals' interest and participation.In summary, the retention element (4) plays a fundamental role in the efficient operation of the device (1), ensuring that the tubular body (2) remains safe and stable while allowing its adequate movement for the entertainment and stimulation of the animals.

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

Claims

Demands

1. Animal entertainment device (1) 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, and at least one retention 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. Animal entertainment device according to the preceding claim, wherein the natural resin of the tubular body material (2) is selected from natural rubber, gutta-percha, rosin, terpene resins or mixtures thereof.

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

4. Animal entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body material (2) comprises flavors for animal feed and / or dietary supplements for animal feed.

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

6. Animal entertainment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular body (2) is a cylindrical tube, a prismatic tube or an ovoid tube.

7. 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.

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