Grazing muzzle for crop protection

Abstract

The grazing muzzle for crop protection comprises a flexible structure (1), with securing means (2), which covers the animal's snout, formed by a fixed part (1.2) joined to the securing means (2) and a movable part (1.1) secured to the fixed part (1.2) by bending points (1.4) at the top, such that the contact area (1.3) opens when the movable part (1.1) is pushed upwards.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Grazing muzzle for crop protection

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is a grazing muzzle for crop protection. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the sector of current needs of life in agriculture, forestry, livestock, animals for breeding or reproduction, not provided for elsewhere and new varieties of animals, as well as in leashes or collars.

[0007] STATE OF THE ART

[0008] The present invention arises from the need to allow sheep and goats to graze safely and efficiently without damaging tree crops, vineyards and fruit trees, thereby reducing the maintenance of crops with machinery, personnel and chemical pesticides.

[0009] In everyday situations, these animals, when they raise their heads, tend to feed on branches, bark and leaves of plants, which negatively affects crops and that is why they are not usually grazed among trees, vineyards and fruit trees.

[0010] This behavior not only interferes with healthy plant growth, but can also increase spending on machinery and personnel for cleaning the affected areas.

[0011] In response to this problem, the present invention introduces a grazing muzzle for crop protection that allows sheep and goats to feed on grass without damaging the upper parts of the plants, thus protecting crops and reducing the costs associated with land maintenance and replacing herbicides with sustainable and ecological agriculture. Currently, no grazing muzzle for crop protection is known to exist that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this specification, as claimed.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The object of the present invention is the creation of a grazing muzzle for crop protection that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present description.

[0014] The present invention describes a grazing muzzle for crop protection, consisting of a flexible structure with fastening means that covers the animal's snout. This structure automatically rises upon touching the ground during grazing and returns to its original shape when the animal raises its head, preventing it from consuming branches, bark, and leaves directly from the plants.

[0015] The flexible structure of the muzzle consists of a movable part and a fixed part joined by flex points at the top. The fixed part fits over the animal's head, while the movable part covers its mouth. These flex points allow the animal's mouth to remain exposed, facilitating feeding. The movable part can be moved upwards to provide access to the animal's mouth. However, it cannot be moved downwards because it would hit the snout, the point of contact.

[0016] This invention solves the problem of allowing sheep and goats to graze efficiently without damaging crops, preventing the animals from consuming branches, bark, and leaves of plants, thus protecting trees, vineyards, and fruit trees, while allowing grazing of grass and weed areas.

[0017] This innovation is very useful, as it facilitates controlled grazing without causing damage to crops, reducing the risk of plant deterioration and promoting more efficient land management.

[0018] Furthermore, the movable part preferably has at least one ventilation opening, which promotes air circulation, improving ventilation and the animal's comfort during use. To ensure a proper and adjustable fit, the preferred restraint methods include flexible bands or straps that form a harness, equipped with adjustable quick-release buckles. These bands pass under the ears and jaw, securing themselves by encircling the top of the head.

[0019] The flexible structure is made of flexible and resistant materials, such as silicone or plastic, which ensures the durability of the muzzle under continuous use and adverse weather conditions.

[0020] Additionally, the flexible structure can be made of mesh or grids, which offers greater adaptability to different animal sizes and facilitates better air circulation, contributing to the animal's well-being during grazing.

[0021] To use the grazing muzzle, the user must place the flexible structure over the animal's snout, ensuring that the fastening means pass under the ears and are adjusted on the top of the neck or head.

[0022] During grazing, the movable part of the muzzle automatically rises when it touches the ground, allowing the animal to feed without consuming branches, bark, and leaves directly from the plants.

[0023] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an animal with the grazing muzzle for crop protection, closed.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an animal with the grazing muzzle for crop protection, open.

[0027] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0028] The grazing muzzle for crop protection, the subject of this invention, comprises a flexible structure (1) that includes fastening means (2), which cover the animal's snout. This flexible structure (1) opens automatically upon contact with the ground during grazing, returning to its original shape when the animal raises its head, thus preventing it from consuming branches, bark, and leaves directly from the plants. In this way, the vegetation is protected from damage caused by grazing, while simultaneously allowing the animals to feed on grass and weed areas.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible structure (1) consists of a movable part (1.1) and a fixed part (1.2) joined by flex points (1.4) located in the upper junction area between the movable part (1.1) and the fixed part (1.2). The contact area (1.3) between the two parts (1.1, 1.2) opens to allow the animal's mouth to be exposed, facilitating its access to the pasture for feeding.

[0030] Preferably, the fixed part (1.2) has a longitudinally segmented cylindrical shape, allowing for a proper fit to the upper area of ​​the animal's snout, providing comfort and stability during use. The movable part (1.1) may also be cylindrical, cup-shaped, or any other design that blocks access to the animal's mouth from above, and preferably from the sides and below.

[0031] Generally, the movable part (1.1) has at least one vent opening (1.5) that facilitates ventilation, improving the animal's comfort during the use of the muzzle and allowing adequate air circulation to avoid discomfort or respiratory problems.

[0032] Preferably, the restraint means (2) comprise flexible bands or straps forming a harness, with adjustable quick-release buckles, which pass under the ears and jaw, adjusting by encircling the top of the head. This configuration facilitates the placement and removal of the muzzle, ensuring a secure and comfortable restraint for the animal.

[0033] Preferably, the flexible structure (1) is made of a flexible material that is comfortable for the animal and resistant to continuous use and weathering, such as silicone, leather (natural or synthetic), or plastic. These materials allow the muzzle to be durable, functional, and suitable for various weather conditions, ensuring its long-term effectiveness.

[0034] In another preferred configuration, the flexible structure (1) may be made of mesh or grids. This configuration facilitates the adaptation of the muzzle to different animal sizes and allows for greater air circulation, improving the comfort and functionality of the device.

[0035] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Grazing muzzle for crop protection, characterized by comprising a flexible structure (1), with fastening means (2), which covers the animal's snout, formed by a fixed part (1.2) attached to the fastening means (2) and a movable part (1.1) fixed to the fixed part (1.2) by flex points (.4) at the top, so that the contact area (1.3) opens when the movable part (1.1) is pushed upwards.

2. Grazing muzzle for crop protection, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed part (1.2) has a longitudinally segmented cylindrical shape that fits the upper area of ​​the animal's snout.

3. Grazing muzzle for crop protection, according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part (1.1) has at least one ventilation opening (1.5).

4. Grazing muzzle for crop protection, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means (2) comprise a harness.

5. Grazing muzzle for crop protection, according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible structure (1) is made of silicone, leather or plastic.

6. Grazing muzzle for crop protection, according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible structure (1) is composed of mesh or grids.

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