Apparatus and a method for protecting a human or an animal from an attacking animal

Abstract

Apparatus (50) for protecting a person or a dog against an attack by an attacking animal comprising a container (51) for containing powdered pepper (12) releasably securable to a telescoping carrier member (54) by a support member (55). The container (51) comprises a base (5) and a substantially cylindrical side wall (7) defining a hollow interior region (52) for containing the powdered pepper (12), A closure cap 10 (19) comprising eight circumferentially spaced apart apertures (25) closes the container (51). A distributor disc (27) comprising eight groups (34) of perforations (35) extending therethrough corresponding to the apertures (25) in the closure cap (19) is rotatable about a central rotational axis (63) operable from a closed state with the groups (34) of perforations (35) located between the apertures (25) to close the hollow interior region (52), to an open state with the groups (34) of the perforations (35) aligned with the 15 apertures (25) of the closure cap (19) for dispensing powdered pepper from the container (51) to produce a powdered pepper cloud adjacent the eyes and snout of the attacking animal to temporarily incapacitate the attacking animal. Figs. 12 and 27 to accompany the abstract.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR PROTECTING A HUMAN OR AN ANIMAL FROM AN ATTACKING ANIMAL

[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus for protecting a human or an animal from an attacking animal, and the invention also relates to a method for protecting a human or an animal from an attacking animal.

[0003] It is not uncommon for a person or an animal such as a dog or a cat in the charge of a person, to be attacked by another animal, or to be approached by another animal, such as a dog, where an attack by that other animal is imminent. In general, the only practical way of dealing with such an attacking animal is either to attempt to fend off the attacking animal with a bite rod or other suitable elongated member, or to beat the attacking animal. In general, fending off such an attacking animal only delays the attack since the attacking animal will eventually evade the bite rod or other elongated member. Beating an attacking animal is, in general, undesirable, since it can lead to serious injuries being inflicted on the attacking animal. Additionally, on farms and in rural settings, there is a risk of a person or an animal being attacked by a larger animal, for example, a bull, a cow, a goat, a stag and other such animals. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus which addresses at least some of these problems.

[0004] The present invention is directed towards providing such a method and apparatus.

[0005] According to the invention there is provided apparatus for protecting a human or an animal from an attacking animal, the apparatus comprising a container defining a hollow interior region adapted to contain an irritant, a first membrane closing the hollow interior region of the container, the first membrane having a plurality of perforations extending therethrough for accommodating the irritant therethrough from the hollow interior region, the container being adapted for mounting on a carrier member for facilitating urging the container towards the attacking animal.

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention the hollow interior region of the container is adapted for containing the irritant in powder or particulate form. Preferably, the irritant is located in the hollow interior region of the container.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises an eye irritant.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention the irritant comprise? a respiratory tract irritant. Preferably, the irritant is located in the hollow interior region of the container in powder form or particulate form.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises pepper, and preferably, black pepper, and in an alternative embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises white pepper.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises citronella.

[0011] Preferably, the irritant is ground into powder form.

[0012] Preferably, the perforations extending through the first membrane are of a size to meter the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container to form a particle cloud or a powder cloud of the irritant.

[0013] Advantageously, the perforations extending through the first membrane are of size to meter the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container to form a particle cloud or a powder cloud of the irritant by shaking the container.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention each perforation through the first membrane is of diameter in the range of 0.5mm to 2mm. Preferably, each perforation through the first membrane is of diameter in the range of 1mm to 1.5mm. Advantageously, each perforation extending through the first membrane is of diameter of approximately 1 ,25mm.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention the container comprises a second membrane having at least one aperture extending therethrough, and the perforations extending through the first membrane are formed in at least one group of perforations.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second membranes cooperate with each other, and one of the first and second membranes is selectively operable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes from a first state with the at least one group of the perforations extending through the first membrane aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one aperture extending through the second membrane for accommodating the irritant through the first and second membranes from the hollow interior region of the container, to a second state with the at least one group of the perforations extending through the first membrane misaligned with a corresponding one of the at least one aperture extending through the second membrane closing the hollow interior region of the container for preventing distribution of the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container.

[0017] Preferably, the one of the first membrane or the second membrane that is selectively operable relative to the other one of the first membrane or the second membrane from the first state to the second state is moveable relative to the other one of the first membrane or the second membrane for selectively urging the moveable one of the first and second membranes between the first and second states thereof.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes about a rotational axis.

[0019] Preferably, the first membrane is operable relative to the second membrane between the first and second states thereof.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention a plurality of the apertures are provided extending through the second membrane and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of groups of the perforations extending through the first membrane are provided spaced apart from each other, each group of perforations extending through the first membrane corresponding to a corresponding one of the apertures extending through the second membrane and alignable therewith when the first and second membrane are in the first state thereof.

[0021] Preferably, the apertures extending through the second membrane are spaced apart circumferentially around the rotational axis about which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes.

[0022] Advantageously, the groups of perforations extending through the first membrane are spaced apart circumferentially around the rotational axis about which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes.

[0023] Preferably, the groups of the perforations are equi-spaced apart circumferentially about the rotational axis on the first membrane, and the apertures are equi-spaced apart circumferentially about the rotational axis on the second membrane. Preferably, each group of the perforations extending through the first membrane communicates with the hollow interior region through the corresponding one of the apertures extending through the second membrane when the first and second membranes are in the first state relative to each other.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention a limit means is provided for limiting movement of the operable one of the first and second membranes relative to the other one of the first and second membranes between the first state and the second state. Preferably, the limit means comprises a limit member extending from one of the first membrane or one of the second membrane or the container engageable with a limit slot formed in the other one of the first membrane or the one of the second membrane or the container.

[0025] Preferably, the container comprises a base, and a side wall extending from and around the base, the base and the side wall defining the hollow interior region, and the side wall defining an open mouth to the hollow interior region spaced apart from the base.

[0026] Advantageously, the side wall extends upwardly from the base and terminates at its upper end in the open mouth.

[0027] Preferably, the side wall comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall.

[0028] Advantageously, the first membrane and the second membrane are located in the open mouth.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises the carrier member with the container secured to the carrier member.

[0030] Preferably, the container is releasably secured to the carrier member.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention the carrier member comprises an elongated carrier member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end terminating in a handgrip portion.

[0032] Preferably, the container is secured to the distal end of the carrier member by a mounting means. Advantageously, the mounting means is releasably engageable with the container. In one embodiment of the invention the mounting means comprises a support member for supporting the container, and a retaining means extending from the support member for retaining the container in the support member.

[0033] Preferably, the retaining means is adapted for releasably retaining the container in the support member.

[0034] In another embodiment of the invention the support member comprises an engagement means for engaging the carrier member. Preferably, the engagement means is adapted for releasably engaging the carrier member.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention the carrier member comprises a telescoping member, the telescoping member comprising at least two telescoping elements, each pair of adjacent telescoping elements being adapted for telescoping from an extended state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements extending from the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in the extended state thereof, to a retracted state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements located within the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in a retracted state thereof.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention a means is provided for operating the telescoping elements of the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state for extending the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state thereof.

[0037] Preferably, the means for operating the telescoping elements from the retracted state to the extended state is operable in response to operation of a release means for releasing the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a transmitter for transmitting an irritant signal continuously or intermittently at a frequency adapted to act as an irritant to an aural sensory organ of an animal.

[0039] Preferably, the transmitter is located in one of the carrier member or the container.

[0040] Advantageously, the transmitter is responsive to a signal produced by a manually operated switch for transmitting the irritant signal. Preferably, the manually operated switch for operating the transmitter to transmit the irritant signal is located in the carrier member.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a sounder for producing an aurally perceptible alarm sound, the sounder being operable in response to a signal produced by a manually operated switch.

[0042] Preferably, the sounder is located in one of the carrier member or the container.

[0043] Advantageously, the manually operated switch is located in the carrier member adjacent the handgrip portion.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention the transmitter and the sounder are operable by the same manually operated switch.

[0045] Preferably, the manually operated switch comprises a button operated switch.

[0046] In another embodiment of the invention the carrier member comprises a bite rod.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention the carrier member comprises a ball throwing implement.

[0048] Preferably, the container is releasably engageable with the ball throwing implement.

[0049] Advantageously, the container is engageable with a ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement.

[0050] Preferably, the container is releasably engageable in the ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement.

[0051] Advantageously, the container is engageable in the ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement adjacent a distal end thereof. Additionally, the invention provides a method for protecting a person or an animal from an attacking animal, the method comprising distributing an irritant in the vicinity of the attacking animal.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention the irritant is distributed in the vicinity of the snout of the attacking animal.

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention the irritant is distributed in the vicinity of the nose and / or the mouth and / or the eyes of the attacking animal.

[0054] In another embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises an eye irritant.

[0055] In another embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises a respirator tract irritant.

[0056] Preferably, the irritant is provided in the form of particulate matter.

[0057] Advantageously, the irritant is provided in the form of a powder.

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises pepper, and preferably, black pepper, and in an alternative embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises white pepper.

[0059] In another embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises citronella.

[0060] Preferably, the irritant is ground into a powder.

[0061] Preferably, the irritant is contained in a container defining a hollow interior region with the irritant located in the hollow interior region.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention the container comprises a first membrane having a plurality of perforations extending therethrough for accommodating the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container.

[0063] Preferably, the perforations extending through the first membrane are of a size to meter the irritant from the container to form a particle cloud or a powder cloud. Advantageously, the perforations extending through the first membrane are of size to meter the irritant from the container to form the particle cloud or the powder cloud on shaking of the container.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention the carrier member comprises an extendable member extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, and the method comprises extending the extendable member from the retracted state to the extended state.

[0065] Preferably, the carrier member comprises a telescoping member, the telescoping member comprising at least two telescoping elements, each pair of adjacent telescoping elements being adapted for telescoping from an extended state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements extending from the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in the extended state thereof, to a retracted state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements located within the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in the retracted state thereof.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention the method comprises producing an aural sensory perceptible signal of frequency adapted to act as an irritant to an aural sensory organ of an animal, continuously or intermittently in response to an attack or a potential attack from an attacking animal.

[0067] Preferably, the container is shaken by shaking the carrier member for dispensing the irritant as a powder cloud or a particle cloud.

[0068] Advantageously, the container is shaken by waving the carrier member with the container adjacent the snout of an attacking animal, and preferably, adjacent the nose and / or the mouth and / or the eyes of the attacking animal.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention the animal being protected comprises any one or more of a dog, a cat, a sheep or a lamb.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the invention the attacking animal comprises any one or more of a dog, a bull, a cow, a goat or a stag.

[0071] The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that the apparatus according to the invention, while it temporarily incapacitates an attacking animal, be it a dog or other animal, the incapacitation of the attacking animal is a temporary incapacitation only, and once the effect of the irritant powder wears off, the attacking animal is left with no long term effects or side effects. A further advantage of the invention is that the container is of size which may be carried in the pocket of a person or individual or in a handbag. In cases where the container is provided with a carrier member, the carrier member with the container, in general, is sufficiently small to be carried in a pocket of a coat or a jacket of a person or in a handbag. Further, in cases where the container is releasably mounted on a carrier member, the carrier member and the container may be carried separately until they are required to be used. A further advantage of the invention is that the container of the apparatus is particularly suitable for mounting on a ball throwing implement, which allows the ball throwing implement to have two functions, firstly, to enable a person to throw a ball to be fetched by a dog and secondly, to allow the ball throwing implement to be used as a defensive implement to defend a person or an animal against attack by an attacking animal.

[0072] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof which are given solely by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention for protecting a person or an animal from an attacking animal,

[0074] Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the apparatus in a different state to that of Fig. 1 ,

[0075] Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in the state of Fig. 1,

[0076] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in the state of Fig. 2,

[0077] Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

[0078] Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 on the line VI-VI of Fig. 5, Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,

[0079] Fig. 8 is another exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,

[0080] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrated mounted on a carrier member,

[0081] Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the ball throwing implement of Fig. 1 mounted on the carrier member with the apparatus in the state illustrated in Fig. 1,

[0082] Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 with the apparatus of Fig. 1 in the state of Fig. 2,

[0083] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0084] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 12 illustrated in a different state to that of Fig. 12,

[0085] Fig. 14 is a partly exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 12,

[0086] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a container also according to the invention of the apparatus of Fig. 12,

[0087] Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the container of Fig. 15,

[0088] Fig. 17 is a top plan view of the container of Fig. 15,

[0089] Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the container of Fig. 15 with a part of the container in a different state to that of Fig. 17,

[0090] Fig. 19 is an end elevational view of the container of Fig. 15,

[0091] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional side elevational view on the line XX-XX of Fig. 19,

[0092] Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the container of Fig. 15, Fig. 22 is another exploded perspective view of the container of Fig. 15,

[0093] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a combination of the container of Fig. 15 located in a support member,

[0094] Fig. 24 is another perspective view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0095] Fig. 25 is a top plan view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0096] Fig. 26 is an end elevational view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0097] Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23 on the line XXVII-XXVI I of Fig. 26,

[0098] Fig. 28 is a cutaway perspective view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0099] Fig. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0100] Fig. 30 is another exploded perspective view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0101] Fig. 31 is an exploded end elevational view of the combination of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0102] Fig. 32 is an exploded cutaway perspective view of the container and the support member of Fig. 23,

[0103] Fig. 33 is a side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 12, and Fig. 34 is a block representation of an electronic circuit of the apparatus of Fig. 12.

[0104] Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 11 thereof, there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for protecting a human or an animal from an attacking animal. The attacking animal typically, would be a dog, although the attacking animal may be any animal, for example, a bull, a cow, a goat, a stag or any other animal, which is typically larger than the animal being attacked, and in the case of a person being attacked, the attacking animal may be a dog, a bull, a cow, a goat, a stag or any other animal capable of attacking a person. The animal to be protected from the attacking animal may be any animal, for example, another dog, a cat, a sheep, a lamb or any other animal being attacked by or about to be attacked by an attacking animal. The person would be a human person. The apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for and is adapted for releasably mounting on a distal end of a carrier member such as a bite rod or a ball throwing implement, for example, a ball throwing implement 3 of the type disclosed in PCT Specification No. WO 2019 / 159158 of the present applicant.

[0105] The apparatus 1 comprises a container 4 of a suitable plastics material comprising a base 5 defining a circular peripheral edge 6 and a circular side wall 7, which is substantially cylindrical extending upwardly from the peripheral edge 6 of the base 5 to an upper edge 9. The base 5 and the side wall 7 define a hollow interior region 10 for containing an irritant, in this embodiment of the invention an eye and a respiratory tract irritant, in particulate or powder form. In this embodiment of the invention the irritant comprises black pepper 12 ground into powder form. The upper peripheral edge 9 of the side wall 7 defines an open mouth 14 to the hollow interior region 10. The open mouth 14 is closed by a first membrane 15 and a second membrane 17.

[0106] The second membrane 17 comprises a closure cap 19 of a suitable plastics material comprising a circular plate member 20 defining a circular peripheral edge 21, and a short side wall 23 extending downwardly from the plate member 20 adjacent the circular peripheral edge 21 thereof. The side wall 23 is configured to securely but releasably engage a recess 24 formed in the side wall 7 of the container 4 adjacent the upper peripheral edge 9 thereof for securing the closure cap 19 to the container 4. The side wall 23 of the closure cap 19 may comprise screw threads (not shown) for engaging corresponding screw threads (not shown) formed in the recess 24 for securing the closure cap 19 in the open mouth 14 of the container 4 or, the side wall 23 may be configured to engage the recess 24 with a snap-fit action in order to secure the closure cap 19 in the open mouth 14 of the container. The first membrane 15 comprises a distributor disc 27 of a suitable plastics material rotatably mounted on the closure cap 19 about a central rotational axis 30, A spigot 26 extending centrally downwardly from the distributor disc 27 and defining the central rotational axis 30 rotatably engages a central bore 28 extending through the closure cap 19 for rotatably mounting the distributor disc 27 on the closure cap 19 about the central rotational axis 30. The distributor disc 27 is retained captive in the closure cap 19 by an upwardly and inwardly extending retention lip 29 extending upwardly from and around the peripheral edge 21 of the closure cap 19. A finger grip element 32 extends upwardly from the distributor disc 27 for rotating the distributor disc 27 in the closure cap 19.

[0107] At least one, and in this embodiment of the invention eight apertures 25 of similar shape and area extend through the closure cap 19 and are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the central rotational axis 30 for accommodating the powdered pepper 12 therethrough from the hollow interior region 10 of the container 4. A plurality of perforations 35 extend through the distributor disc 27 for accommodating the powdered pepper 12 therethrough received from the hollow interior region 10 of the container 4 through the apertures 25. The perforations 35 are arranged in at least one group, in this embodiment of the invention, in eight groups 34 on the distributor disc 27. The eight groups 34 of the perforations 35 on the distributor disc 27 correspond to the eight apertures 25 in the closure cap 19 and are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the central rotational axis 30 in a similar manner as the apertures 25 are equi- spaced apart about the central rotational axis 30. The shape and area defined by each group 34 of the perforations 35 is substantially similar to the shape and area of the apertures 25 extending through the closure cap 19.

[0108] The distributor disc 27 is rotatable about the central rotational axis 30 relative to the closure cap 19 between a first state, namely, an open state illustrated in Fig. 1 with the groups 34 of the perforations 35 aligned with corresponding ones of the apertures 25 of the closure cap 19 for accommodating the powdered pepper 12 therethrough from the hollow interior region 10 of the container 4 through the apertures 25, and a second state, namely, a closed state illustrated in Fig 2 with the groups 34 of the perforations 35 misaligned with the apertures 25 of the closure cap 19 for closing the container 4 and preventing the passage of the powdered pepper 12 from the container 4.

[0109] The angular spacing ot between the apertures 25 extending through the closure cap 19 about the central rotational axis 30 is at least equal to the angular width Q of each group 34 of perforations 35, so that when the distributor disc 27 is in the closed state, the groups 34 of the perforations 35 are aligned with the portions of the closure cap 19 between adjacent ones of the apertures 25, for in turn closing the perforations 35 of the groups 34 thereof extending through the distributor disc 27.

[0110] The perforations 35 are sized such that the powdered pepper 12 in the hollow interior region 10 of the container 4 is dispersed through the perforations 35 to form a cloud of the pepper powder when the distributor disc 27 is in the open state and the container 4 is shaken. When the container 4 is shaken adjacent the snout of an animal, for example, a dog, the powder pepper cloud irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract of the animal. In this embodiment of the invention the perforations 35 extending through the distributor disc 27 are formed by circular bores of diameter of approximately 1 mm to 1 ,5mm, and may be 1 ,25mm. Although, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the diameter of the bores forming the perforations 35 will be dependent on the particle size of the irritant contained in the hollow interior region 10 of the container 4.

[0111] The container 4, the closure cap 19 and the distributor disc 27 are each formed by injection moulding of the suitable plastics material.

[0112] Referring now to Figs. 9 to 11 the container 4 of the apparatus 1 is illustrated releasably secured in the ball throwing implement 3. The ball throwing implement 3 is substantially similar to the ball throwing implement disclosed in PCT Patent Application Specification No. WO 2019 / 159158, and only those parts of the ball throwing implement relevant to the invention will now be described. The ball throwing implement 3 comprises an elongated carrier member, namely, an elongated shaft 37 extending from a proximal end 39 to a distal end 40, and having a handgrip portion 42 adjacent the proximal end 39. The distal end 40 of the shaft 37 terminates in a ball accommodating channel 44 which is pivotally coupled to the shaft 37 adjacent the distal end 40 so that the ball accommodating channel 44 may be folded relative to the shaft 37 from a folded state with the shaft 37 extending through the ball accommodating channel 44 for carrying the ball throwing implement 3 when not in use, to an operable state with the ball accommodating channel 44 extending distally from the shaft 37 for throwing a ball therefrom. The container 4 of the apparatus 1 is releasably engaged in the ball accommodating channel 44 adjacent a distal end 45 thereof with the closure cap 19 and the distributor disc 27 facing outwardly from the distal end 45 of the ball accommodating channel 44. The container 4 of the apparatus 1 is releasably retained captive in the ball accommodating channel 44 by a pair of clips 47 extending inwardly into the ball accommodating channel 44 adjacent the distal end 45 thereof. In use, with the container 4 charged with the powdered pepper 12 and with the closure cap 19 secured to the container 4, and the distributor disc 27 in the closed state relative to the closure cap 19, the container 4 is ready for use. In the event that the person in possession of the container 4 or a dog being walked by that person believes that he or she or the dog is likely to be attacked by an approaching animal, such as an approaching dog, the ball accommodating channel .44 of the ball throwing implement 3 is operated into the operable state with the ball accommodating channel 44 extending distally from the shaft 37, and the container 4 is engaged in the ball accommodating channel 44 adjacent the distal end 45 with the closure cap 19 and the distributor disc 27 facing distally from the distal end 45 of the ball accommodating channel 44. With the container 4 of the apparatus 1 releasably secured in the ball accommodating channel 44, the ball throwing implement 3 and the container 4 are ready for use.

[0113] Should the approaching animal approach the person or the dog further and be about to attack either the person or the dog, the distributor disc 27 is operated by the finger grip element 32 from the closed state to the open state, and while gripping the shaft 37 of the ball throwing implement 3 by the handgrip portion 42 adjacent the proximal end 39 thereof, the person urges the container 4 by the ball throwing implement 3 into the snout of the attacking animal, and waves the ball throwing implement 3 with the container 4 in front of the snout of the attacking animal to thereby disperse the powdered pepper 12 from the container 4 to form a powdered pepper cloud in front of the snout of the attacking animal, which in turn irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract of the attacking animal, thereby temporarily impairing the vision of and temporarily choking the attacking animal. With the attacking animal temporarily incapacitated, the person and the animal which had been under attack may escape from the attacking animal.

[0114] Referring now to Figs. 12 to 34 there is illustrated apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 50 for protecting a human or animal from an attacking animal. For example, the apparatus 50 is particularly suitable for protecting a person from an attacking animal, such as an attacking dog, and attacking bull, an attacking cow, an attacking goat, an attacking stag or any other attacking animal. The apparatus 50 is also particularly suitable for protecting an animal, such as a dog or a cat, a sheep or a lamb from another attacking animal, such as a dog, a bull, a cow, a goat, a stag or any other attacking animal.

[0115] The apparatus 50 comprises a container 51 defining a hollow interior region 52 adapted for containing an irritant, in this case, pepper 12 in powder form. The container 51 is substantially similar to the container 4 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numeral. The container 51 is adapted for mounting on a carrier member, in this embodiment of the invention an elongated telescoping carrier member 54 by a mounting means comprising a support member 55. The support member 55 is adapted to releasably receive the container 51, and is also adapted to releasably engage the carrier member 54. Since the container 51 is substantially similar to the container 4, only those parts of the container 51 which are different to the container 4 will be described.

[0116] In this embodiment of the invention the container 51 is also of a suitable plastics material and comprises a base 5 similar to the base 5 of the container 4 and a substantially circular side wall 7 extending around the peripheral edge 6 of the base 5. However, in this embodiment of the invention the side wall 7 diverges slightly upwardly outwardly from the base 5. The closure cap 19 of a suitable plastics material comprises a circular plate 20 and a side wall 23 extending downwardly therefrom, which is engageable with a recess 24 extending around the side wall 7 adjacent the upper edge 9 thereof. In this embodiment of the invention the outer surface of the side wall 23 is provided with screw threads 57 engageable with corresponding screw threads 58 formed in the recess 24 for securing the closure cap 19 in the container 4 to close the open mouth 14 of the hollow interior region 52.

[0117] A spigot 60 extends centrally downwardly from the distributor disc 27 and is rotatably engaged in a central bore 62 formed centrally in the closure cap 19 and defines a central rotational axis 63 about which the distributor disc 27 is rotatable relative to the closure cap 19. In this embodiment of the invention the spigot 60 is of a resilient plastics material and is formed by a split spigot, split transversely and longitudinally along the central rotational axis 63 and defining two halves 64 of the spigot 60 with a transversely and longitudinally extending gap 65 formed between the two halves 64. Each half 64 of the spigot 60 terminates at its distal end 66 in an outwardly extending flange 67. The halves 64 of the spigot 60 are urgeable together in order to accommodate the flange 67 through the central bore 62 in the closure cap 19, so that on the flanges 67 being urged through the central bore 62 in the closure cap 19, the halves 64 of the spigot 60 are resiliently urged apart so that the spigot 60 is retained captive in the central bore 28 of the closure cap 19 by the flanges 67 to in turn retain the distributor disc 27 in rotatable engagement with the closure cap 19. In this embodiment of the invention the peripheral lip 29 has no retaining function for retaining the circular disc 20 in engagement with the closure cap 19.

[0118] Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention the container 51 is provided with a limit means for limiting rotation of the disc 60 relative to the closure cap 19. The limit means comprises a pair of limit pins 69 extending upwardly from the closure cap 19 adjacent the peripheral lip 29 extending upwardly from the closure cap 19. The limit pins 69 are spaced apart from each other 180° around the central rotational axis 63, and are engageable with corresponding circumferentially extending limit slots 70 extending inwardly and along a peripheral edge 72 of the distributor disc 27. Each limit slot 70 terminates in respective end stop edges 73 for engaging the corresponding limit pin 69 for limiting rotational movement of the distributor disc 27 between the open state with the groups 34 of the perforations 35 of the distributor disc 27 aligned with the corresponding apertures 25 of the closure cap 19, for dispensing the powdered pepper 12 therethrough, and the closed state with the groups 34 of the perforations 35 located between corresponding adjacent pairs of the apertures 25 for preventing dispensing of powdered pepper 12 from the hollow interior region 52 of the container 51.

[0119] Otherwise, the container 51 , the closure cap 19 and the distributor disc 27 are similar to the container 4, the closure cap 19 and the distributor disc 27, respectively, of Figs. 1 to 11 , and each are formed by injection moulding from suitable plastics materials.

[0120] Turning now to the telescoping carrier member 54 in this embodiment of the invention the telescoping carrier member 54 comprises four elongated telescoping elements 75a to 75d. The telescoping elements 75a to 75c telescope into each other, and in turn, telescope into the telescoping element 75d. A handgrip sleeve 76 extends around a part of the telescoping element 75d to facilitate gripping of the telescoping carrier member 54. The telescoping element 75a terminates in an end cap 78 from which a threaded spigot 79 extends for engaging and securing the telescoping carrier member 54 to the support member 55.

[0121] The support member 55 comprises a base 80 having a central opening 81 extending therethrough. A peripheral side wall 82 extends around and upwardly from the base 80. The base 80 and the peripheral side wall 82 are adapted for engaging the base 5 of the container 51 and a lower portion of the side wall 7 thereof.

[0122] A retaining means comprising three retaining members 84 equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the peripheral side wall 82 extend upwardly therefrom for retaining the container 51 captive in the support member 55. Each retaining member 84 terminates at an upper end in an inwardly directed retaining lip 85 for gripping and engaging the upper peripheral lip 29 extending upwardly from and circumferentially around the closure cap 19. The retaining members 84 are of a resilient plastics material and are adapted so that the retaining lips 85 grip the peripheral lip 29 extending upwardly from the closure cap 19 with a releasable snap-fit action.

[0123] An engagement means comprising a connector 87 extends from the base 80 and the peripheral side wall 82 of the support member 55 and is provided with an internally threaded socket 88 for engaging the threaded spigot 79 extending from the end cap 78 of the telescoping element 75a of the telescoping carrier member 54 for releasably securing the support member 55 to the telescoping carrier member 54 with the container 51 releasably retained in the support member 55.

[0124] Returning again to the telescoping carrier member 54, and referring now to Figs. 33 and 34, the handgrip sleeve 76 comprises a plastics material and terminates in a dome shaped end cap 89. The dome shaped end cap 89 defines with an end cap 90 of the telescoping element 75d and a portion 86 of the hand grip sleeve 76, a compartment 91, within which an electronic circuit 92 is located together with a miniaturised battery 93. The electronic circuit 92 comprises a signal generator 94 adapted for generating an irritant signal adapted to act as an irritant to an aural sensory organ of a dog, in other words, to the hearing of a dog. The irritant signal is of a frequency within an ultrasonic frequency range which acts as an irritant to the hearing of a dog. A transmitter 95 located in the electronic circuit 92 and coupled to the signal generator 94 transmits the ultrasonic irritant signal.

[0125] An alarm sounder, in this embodiment of the invention a piezoelectric sounder 96 in the electronic circuit 92 is located in the compartment 91 for producing an alarm sound audible to those in the vicinity alerting to an attack or an imminent attack by an attacking animat or on the person or a dog being walked by the person. A switch means in this embodiment of the invention a manually operated button operated switch 97 is located in the compartment 91, and a button 98 of the switch 97 extends from the compartment 91 through the dome shaped end cap 89. The button 89 is depressible towards the dome shaped end cap 89 for operating the switch 97 into a closed circuit state for powering the electronic circuit 92 and for operating the signal generator 94 and the transmitter 95 to generate and transmit the ultrasonic irritant signal, and to activate the alarm sounder to produce the audible alert signal.

[0126] In some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that a separate housing may be mounted on the handgrip sleeve 76 and may extend proud thereof intermediate the dome shaped end cap 89 and a distal end 99 to house the electronic circuit 92, the battery 93, the signal generator 94, the transmitter 95, the alarm sounder 96 and the button operated switch 97. In use, with the hollow interior region 52 of the container 51 charged with the powdered pepper 12 and with the closure cap 19 secured to the container 51, the distributor disc 27 in the closed state, the container 51 secured in the support member 55 and the telescoping carrier member 54 secured in the support member 55, the apparatus 50 according to this embodiment of the invention is ready for use. In general, it is envisaged that the apparatus 1 will be carried by a person with the telescoping member 54 in the retracted state as illustrated in Fig. 13. On an attack by an attacking animal being imminent, the person carrying the apparatus 50 immediately depresses the button 98 of the button operated switch 97 to generate and transmit the ultrasonic irritant signal and to activate the alarm sounder to generate the audible alert signal. The distributor disc 27 is then operated by the finger grip element 32 from the closed state to the open state ready to dispense the powdered pepper 12 from the container 51, and the telescoping carrier member 54 is extended into the fully extended state. If the attacking animal approaches the person carrying the apparatus 50 further or the dog of that person, the person carrying the apparatus 50, with the container 51 inverted or partly inverted with the distributor disc 27 facing partly or generally downwardly, urges the container 51 into the snout of the attacking animal, and shakes the telescoping carrier member 54 to in turn shake the container 51 in front of the snout of the attacking animal to dispense the powdered pepper in a powdered cloud thereof in front of the snout of the attacking animal, to temporarily impair the vision and to temporarily choke the attacking animal in order to allow the person carrying the apparatus 50 and his or her dog to escape the attacking animal.

[0127] The container 51 of the apparatus 50, as well as being substantially similar to the container 4 of the apparatus 1 , is also dimensionally substantially similar to the container 4, and accordingly, the container 51 when disengaged from the support member 55 is also adapted for mounting in the ball accommodating channel 44 adjacent the distal end 45 thereof of the ball throwing implement 3 described with reference to the apparatus 1 which is described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11.

[0128] While the apparatus 50 has been described for protecting a dog from another attacking dog, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 50 may be effectively used to protect a person or a dog or any other animal, such as a cat, a sheep, a lamb or the like from any type of attacking animal, such as a dog, a bull, a cow, a goat, a stag or any other animal capable of attacking a person or another animal.

[0129] While the containers 4 and 51 of the apparatus 1 and 50 have been described as being of a specific shape, the containers 4 and 51 may be of any other suitable or desired shape, for example, when viewed in plan view the containers 4 and 51 may be of square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal shape or any other desirable shape. It will be appreciated that while the closure cap 19 of the containers 4 and 51 have been described as comprising eight apertures, and the perforations 35 of the distributor disc 27 have been described as being arranged in eight groups 34 of perforations 35, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that any number of apertures and corresponding numbers of groups of perforations greater than or less than eight may be provided. It will also of course be appreciated that the shape of the apertures and the shape of the groups of perforations may be different to that described.

[0130] While the irritant has been described as comprising black pepper ground into a powder, it will be appreciated that the irritant may comprise any other eye or respiratory tract irritant, for example, citronella or any other suitable irritant. Needless to say, the irritant may also be white pepper, and furthermore, the irritant may be provided in powder or particulate form.

[0131] Additionally, while the irritant has been described as being in powder form, the irritant may be in any suitable particulate form, and the perforations in the circular disc 20 would be sized, so that on shaking of the container, the irritant would be dispersed in a particulate cloud as opposed to a powder cloud.

[0132] Further, while the containers of the apparatus have been described for releasably engaging a ball accommodating channel of a specific ball throwing implement, the containers may be adapted for engaging any type of ball throwing implement, releasably or non-releasably, and indeed, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the containers may be adapted for securing either releasably or non-releasably to a bite rod or other suitable implement for fending off an animal.

[0133] While the distributor discs 27 of the containers have been described as having perforations extending therethrough, and the plate members 20 of the closure caps 19 have been described as having apertures 25 extending therethrough, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the perforations may extend through the plate members 20 of the closure caps 19, and the apertures 25 may be provided in the distributor discs 27. It is also envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the distributor discs 27 may be located on the inner side of the closure caps, instead of on the outer side thereof.

[0134] It will also of course be appreciated that any other suitable finger grip element, besides the finger grip element 32 may be provided for rotating the distributor discs 27 relative to the closure caps 19. While the carrier member of the apparatus 50 has been described as comprising a telescoping member, any other suitable carrier member may be provided. However, in general, it is envisaged that the carrier member will be an elongated carrier member. Instead of the carrier member of the apparatus 50 comprising a telescoping member, the carrier member may be a non-telescoping member of fixed length. Alternatively, the carrier member may be of the type comprising a plurality of hingedly coupled elements, which would be rapidly converted into a rigid elongated member. Needless to say, while the telescoping carrier member has been described as comprising four telescoping elements, the carrier member may comprise any number of telescoping elements greater than or less than four, and may be of any suitable or desired length.

[0135] It will also be appreciated that while the carrier member has been described as comprising the electronic circuit in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the electronic circuit may be omitted, or in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the electronic circuit may be located within the carrier member, be it a telescoping member or otherwise, or alternatively, it is envisaged that the electronic circuit may be located in a housing attached to the support member, or indeed attached to the container 51 or the support member.

[0136] While a specific limit means has been described for limiting the rotation of the circular disc relative to the closure cap, any other suitable limit means may be provided. It is also envisaged that in cases where the limit means is provided by a limit pin and a corresponding limit slot, groove or recess, the limit pin may extend from the distributor disc, and the limit slot, groove or recess may be located in the closure cap or in the container

[0137] Additionally, in embodiments which are provided with a mounting means for mounting the container onto the carrier member, any other suitable mounting means may be provided besides the support member 55.

Claims

Claims1. Apparatus for protecting a human or an animal from an attacking animal, the apparatus comprising a container defining a hollow interior region adapted to contain an irritant, a first membrane closing the hollow interior region of the container, the first membrane having a plurality of perforations extending therethrough for accommodating the irritant therethrough from the hollow interior region, the container being adapted for mounting on a carrier member for facilitating urging the container towards the attacking animal.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the hollow interior region of the container is adapted for containing the irritant in powder or particulate form.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the irritant is located in the hollow interior region of the container.

4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 in which the irritant comprises an eye irritant.

5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 or 4 in which the irritant comprises a respiratory tract irritant.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 5 in which the irritant is located in the hollow interior region of the container in powder form or particulate form.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 6 in which the irritant comprises pepper.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 7 in which the irritant comprises black pepper.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 7 in which the irritant comprises white pepper.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 7 in which the irritant comprises citronella.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 10 in which the irritant is ground into powder form.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the perforations extending through the first membrane are of a size to meter the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container to form aparticle cloud or a powder cloud of the irritant.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the perforations extending through the first membrane are of size to meter the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container to form a particle cloud or a powder cloud of the irritant by shaking the container.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each perforation through the first membrane is of diameter in the range of 0.5mm to 2mm.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each perforation through the first membrane is of diameter in the range of 1 mm to 1.5mm.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each perforation extending through the first membrane is of diameter of approximately 1 ,25mm.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the container comprises a second membrane having at least one aperture extending therethrough, and the perforations extending through the first membrane are formed in at least one group of perforations.

18. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 in which the first and second membranes cooperate with each other, and one of the first and second membranes is selectively operable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes from a first state with the at least one group of the perforations extending through the first membrane aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one aperture extending through the second membrane for accommodating the irritant through the first and second membranes from the hollow interior region of the container, to a second state with the at least one group of the perforations extending through the first membrane misaligned with a corresponding one of the at least one aperture extending through the second membrane closing the hollow interior region of the container for preventing distribution of the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container.

19. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 18 in which the one of the first membrane or the second membrane that is selectively operable relative to the other one of the first membrane or the second membrane from the first state to the second state is moveable relative to the other one of the first membrane or the second membrane for selectively urging the moveable one of the first and secondmembranes between the first and second states thereof.

20. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 18 or 19 in which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes about a rotational axis.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 20 in which the first membrane is operable relative to the second membrane between the first and second states thereof.

22. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 21 in which a plurality of the apertures are provided extending through the second membrane and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of groups of the perforations extending through the first membrane are provided spaced apart from each other, each group of perforations extending through the first membrane corresponding to a corresponding one of the apertures extending through the second membrane and alignable therewith when the first and second membrane are in the first state thereof.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 22 in which the apertures extending through the second membrane are spaced apart circumferentially around the rotational axis about which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 23 in which the groups of perforations extending through the first membrane are spaced apart circumferentially around the rotational axis about which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 24 in which the groups of the perforations are equispaced apart circumferentially about the rotational axis on the first membrane, and the apertures are equispaced apart circumferentially about the rotational axis on the second membrane.

26. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 25 in which each group of the perforations extending through the first membrane communicates with the hollow interior region through the corresponding one of the apertures extending through the second membrane when the first and secondmembranes are in the first state relative to each other.

27. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 26 in which a limit means is provided for limiting movement of the operable one of the first and second membranes relative to the other one of the first and second membranes between the first state and the second state.

28. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 in which the limit means comprises a limit member extending from one of the first membrane or one of the second membrane or the container engageable with a limit slot formed in the other one of the first membrane or the one of the second membrane or the container.

29. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the container comprises a base, and a side wall extending from and around the base, the base and the side wall defining the hollow interior region, and the side wall defining an open mouth to the hollow interior region spaced apart from the base.

30. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 29 in which the side wall extends upwardly from the base and terminates at its upper end in the open mouth.

31. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 in which the side wall comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall.

32. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 31 in which the first membrane and the second membrane are located in the open mouth.

33. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising the carrier member with the container secured to the carrier member.

34. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 33 in which the container is releasably secured to the carrier member.

35. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 33 or 34 in which the carrier member comprises an elongated carrier member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end terminating in a handgrip portion.

36. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 35 in which the container is secured to the distal end of the carrier member by a mounting means.

37. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 36 in which the mounting means is releasably engageable with the container.

38. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 36 or 37 in which the mounting means comprises a support member for supporting the container, and a retaining means extending from the support member for retaining the container in the support member.

39. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 38 in which the retaining means is adapted for releasably retaining the container in the support member.

40. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 38 or 39 in which the support member comprises an engagement means for engaging the carrier member.

41. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 40 in which the engagement means is adapted for releasably engaging the carrier member.

42. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 41 in which the carrier member comprises a telescoping member, the telescoping member comprising at least two telescoping elements, each pair of adjacent telescoping elements being adapted for telescoping from an extended state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements extending from the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in the extended state thereof, to a retracted state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements located within the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in a retracted state thereof.

43. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 42 in which a means is provided for operating the telescoping elements of the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state for extending the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state thereof.

44. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 43 in which the means for operating the telescoping elements from the retracted state to the extended state is operable in response to operation of a release means forreleasing the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state.

45. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 44 in which the apparatus further comprises a transmitter for transmitting an irritant signal continuously or intermittently at a frequency adapted to act as an irritant to an aural sensory organ of an animal.

46. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 45 in which the transmitter is located in one of the carrier member or the container.

47. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 45 or 46 in which the transmitter is responsive to a signal produced by a manually operated switch for transmitting the irritant signal.

48. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 47 in which the manually operated switch for operating the transmitter to transmit the irritant signal is located in the carrier member.

49. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 48 further comprising a sounder for producing an aurally perceptible alarm sound, the sounder being operable in response to a signal produced by a manually operated switch.

50. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 49 in which the sounder is located in one of the carrier member or the container.

51. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 48 or 49 in which the manually operated switch is located in the carrier member adjacent the handgrip portion.

52. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 49 to 51 in which the transmitter and the sounder are operable by the same manually operated switch.

53. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 49 to 52 in which the manually operated switch comprises a button operated switch.

54. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 53 in which the carrier member comprises a bite rod.

55. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 53 in which the carrier member comprises a ball throwing implement.

56. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 55 in which the container is releasably engageable with the ball throwing implement.

57. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 55 or 56 in which the container is engageable with a ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement.

58. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 57 in which the container is releasably engageable in the ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement.

59. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 57 or 58 in which the container is engageable in the ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement adjacent a distal end thereof.

60. A method for protecting a person or an animal from an attacking animal, the method comprising distributing an irritant in the vicinity of the attacking animal.

61. A method as claimed in Claim 60 in which the irritant is distributed in the vicinity of the snout of the attacking animal.

62. A method as claimed in Claim 60 or 61 in which the irritant is distributed in the vicinity of the nose and / or the mouth and / or the eyes of the attacking animal63. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 62 in which the irritant comprises an eye irritant.

64. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 63 in which the irritant comprises a respirator tract irritant.

65. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 64 in which the irritant is provided in the form of particulate matter.

66. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 65 in which the irritant is provided in the form of a powder.

67. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 66 in which the irritant comprises pepper.

68. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 67 in which the irritant comprises black pepper or white pepper.

69. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 68 in which the irritant comprises citronella.

70. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 69 in which the irritant is ground into a powder.

71. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 70 in which the irritant is contained in a container defining a hollow interior region with the irritant located in the hollow interior region.

72. A method as claimed in Claim 71 in which the container comprises a first membrane having a plurality of perforations extending therethrough for accommodating the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container.

73. A method as claimed in Claim 72 in which the perforations extending through the first membrane are of a size to meter the irritant from the container to form a particle cloud or a powder cloud.

74. A method as claimed in Claim 72 or 73 in which the perforations extending through the first membrane are of size to meter the irritant from the container to form the particle cloud or the powder cloud on shaking of the container.

75. A method as claimed in any of Claims 72 to 74 in which each perforation extending through the first membrane is of diameter in the range of 0.5mm to 2mm.

76. A method as claimed in any of Claims 72 to 75 in which each perforation extending through the first membrane is of diameter in the range of 1mm to 1.5mm.

77. A method as claimed in any of Claims 72 to 76 in which each perforation extending through thefirst membrane is of diameter of approximately 1.25mm.

78. A method as claimed in any of Claims 72 to 77 in which the container comprises a second membrane having at least one aperture extending therethrough, and the perforations extending through the first membrane are formed in at least one group of perforations.

79. A method as claimed in Claim 78 in which the first and second membranes cooperate with each other, and one of the first and second membranes is selectively operable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes from a first state with the at least one group of the perforations extending through the first membrane aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one aperture extending through the second membrane for accommodating the irritant through the first and second membranes from the hollow interior region of the container, to a second state with the at least one group of the perforations extending through the first membrane misaligned with a corresponding one of the at least one aperture extending through the second membrane closing the hollow interior region of the container for preventing distribution of the irritant from the hollow interior region of the container.

80. A method as claimed in Claim 79 in which the one of the first membrane or the second membrane that is selectively operable relative to the other one of the first membrane or the second membrane from the first state to the second state is moveable relative to the other one of the first membrane or the second membrane for selectively urging the moveable one of the first and second membranes between the first and second states thereof.

81. A method as claimed in Claim 79 or 80 in which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes about a rotational axis.

82. A method as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 81 in which the first membrane is operable relative to the second membrane between the first and second states thereof.

83. A method as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 82 in which a plurality of the second apertures are provided extending through the second membrane and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of groups of the perforations extending through the first membrane are provided spaced apart from each other, each group of perforations extending through the first membrane corresponding to a correspondingone of the apertures extending through the second membrane and alignable therewith when the first and second membrane are in the first state thereof.

84. A method as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 83 in which the apertures extending through the second membrane are spaced apart circumferentially around the rotational axis about which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes.

85. A method as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 84 in which the groups of perforations extending through the first membrane are spaced apart circumferentially around the rotational axis about which the operable one of the first and second membranes is rotatable relative to the other one of the first and second membranes.

86. A method as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 85 in which the groups of perforations are equispaced apart circumferentially around the rotational axis on the first membrane, and the apertures are equi-spaced apart circumferentially about the rotational axis on the second membrane.

87. A method as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 86 in which each group of the perforations extending through the first membrane communicate with the hollow interior region through the corresponding one of the apertures extending through the second membrane when the first and second membranes are in the first state relative to each other.

88. A method as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 86 in which a limit means is provided for limiting movement of the operable one of the first and second membranes relative to the other one of the first and second membranes between the first state and the second state.

89. A method as claimed in Claim 88 in which the limit means comprises a limit member extending from one of the first membrane or one of the second membrane or the container engageable with a limit slot formed in the other one of the first membrane or one of the second membrane or the container.

90. A method as claimed in any of Claims 71 to 89 in which the container comprises a base, and a side wall extending from and around the base, the base and the side wall defining the hollow interior region, and the side wall defining an open mouth to the hollow interior region spaced apart from the base.

91. A method as claimed in Claim 90 in which the side wall extends upwardly from the base and terminates at its upper end in the open mouth.

92. A method as claimed in Claim 90 or 91 in which the side wall comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall.

93. A method as claimed in any of Claims 90 to 92 in which the first membrane and the second membrane are located in the open mouth.

94. A method as claimed in any of Claims 72 to 93 in which the container is secured to a carrier member.

95. A method as claimed in Claim 94 in which the container is releasably secured to the carrier member.

96. A method as claimed in Claim 94 or 95 in which the carrier member comprises an elongated carrier member extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end terminating in a handgrip portion.

97. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 96 in which the container is secured to the distal end of the carrier member by a mounting means.

98. A method as claimed in Claim 97 in which the mounting means is releasably engageable with the container to the carrier member.

99. A method as claimed in Claim 97 or 98 in which the mounting means comprises a support member for supporting the container, and a retaining means extending from the support member for retaining the container in the support member.

100. A method as claimed in Claim 99 in which the retaining means is adapted for releasably retaining the container in the support member.

101. A method as claimed in Claim 99 or 100 in which the support member comprises an engagement means for engaging the carrier member.

102. A method as claimed in Claim 101 in which the engagement means is adapted for releasably engaging the carrier member.

103. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 102 in which the carrier member comprises an extendable member extendable from a retracted state to an extended state, and the method comprises extending the extendable member from the retracted state to the extended state.

104. A method as claimed in Claim 103 in which the carrier member comprises a telescoping member, the telescoping member comprising at least two telescoping elements, each pair of adjacent telescoping elements being adapted for telescoping from an extended state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements extending from the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in the extended state thereof, to a retracted state with the one of the pair of the adjacent telescoping elements located within the other one of the pair thereof and the telescoping member in the retracted state thereof.

105. A method as claimed in Claim 104 in which a means is provided for operating the telescoping elements of the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state for extending the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state thereof.

106. A method as claimed in Claim 105 in which the means for operating the telescoping elements from the retracted state to the extended state is operable in response to operation of a release means for releasing the telescoping member from the retracted state to the extended state.

107. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 106 in which the method comprises producing an aural sensory perceptible signal of frequency adapted to act as an irritant to an aural sensory organ of an animal, continuously or intermittently in response to an attack or a potential attack from an attacking animal.

108. A method as claimed in Claim 107 in which a transmitter for transmitting an irritant signal continuously or intermittently at a frequency adapted to act as an irritant to an aural sensory organ of ananimal is provided.

109. A method as claimed in Claim 108 in which the transmitter is located in one of the container or the carrier member.

110. A method as claimed in Claim 108 or 109 in which the transmitter is responsive to a signal produced by a manually operated switch for transmitting the irritant signal.

111. A method as claimed in Claim 110 in which the manually operated switch for operating the transmitter to transmit the irritant signal is located in the carrier member.

112. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 111 in which a sounder for producing an aurally perceptible alarm sound is located in one of the container or the carrier member, and is responsive to a signal produced by a manually operated switch.

113. A method as claimed in Claim 112 in which the manually operated switch is located in the carrier member adjacent the handgrip portion.

114. A method as claimed in Claim 112 or 113 in which the transmitter and the sounder are operable by the same manually operated switch.

115. A method as claimed in any of Claims 110 to 114 in which the manually operated switch comprises a button operated switch.

116. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 115 in which the carrier member comprises a bite rod.

117. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 115 in which the carrier member comprises a ball throwing implement.

118. A method as claimed in Claim 117 in which the container is releasably engaging with the ball throwing implement.

119. A method as claimed in Claim 117 or 118 in which the container is engageable with a ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement.

120. A method as claimed in Claim 119 in which the container is releasably engageable in a ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement.

121. A method as claimed in Claim 119 or 120 in which the container is engageable in the ball accommodating channel of the ball throwing implement adjacent a distal end thereof.

122. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 121 in which the container is shaken by shaking the carrier member for dispensing the irritant as a powder cloud or a particle cloud.

123. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 122 in which the container is shaken by shaking the carrier member for dispensing the irritant as a powder cloud or a particulate cloud adjacent the snout of the attacking animal.

124. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 123 in which the container is shaken by waving the carrier member with the container adjacent the nose and / or the mouth, and / or the eyes of the attacking animal.

125. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 124 in which the animal being protected comprises one of a dog, a cat, a sheep or a lamb.

126. A method as claimed in any of Claims 60 to 125 in which the attacking animal comprises any one or more of a dog, a bull, a cow, a goat or a stag.