WO2004073395A1

WO2004073395A1 - Improved animal exerciser by using a raceway in a swimming pool

Info

Publication number: WO2004073395A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000164
Authority: WO
Inventors: Victor Gough
Original assignee: Contract Engineering Sa Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Contract Engineering Sa Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-24
Filing date: 2004-02-12
Publication date: 2004-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2005-08-24

Abstract

An animal (eg horse) walk or swim exercising apparatus including a liquid holding means (10) such as a concrete reservoir or swimming pool adapted to hold a body of liquid, typically water and a raceway means of fences (28, 29), a driven rotatable vertical shaft (43) with radial arms (21 to 26) supporting grid panels (31 to 36) positioned in the pool wherein the outer dimensions of the raceway means is substantially less than the inside dimensions of the pool such that the body of liquid between the raceway means and an inner wall (12) of the pool absorbs and dampens the current, turbulence or whirlpool effect produced by animals moving through the liquid in the raceway means. Baffles (51 to 57) attached to the side wall (12) and inner baffles (61 to 64) are also provided in the pool to absorb and dampen the current, turbulence or whirlpool effect.

Description

IMPROVED ANIMAL EXERCISER BY USING A RACEWAY IN A SWIMMING POOL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an animal exerciser for exercising animals, typically but not limited to horses, in a body of liquid, typically water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As with humans, animals also need to be exercised, especially racing animals, such as thoroughbred racehorses. The training of racehorses, for example, involves track work and walking of the horses. Due however, to the popularity of horse racing there is an ever-increasing demand on the availability of race tracks as a training venue. In order to maximise the use of and the limited time available for track work, the horse or horses need to be well exercised or warmed up before actually running on the track. Typically the exercising of horses is achieved by simply walking the horses. There have been a number of ways in which horses can be exercised by walking. The simplest way is by tethering a horse to one end of a rope, the other end of which is held by the trainer who encourages the horse to walk in circles. Another of the most common ways of walking horses involves a circular track with profiled rail runs and rotatable radial screens mounted in the runs between which screens the horses are positioned and driven around the track. In recent times trainers have been attempting to train and exercise horses in water. One of the benefits arising from exercising horses in water is that the horses have to work against the resistance of the water to motion. As the public use of beaches and rivers increases, this is no longer practical or possible in many cases. The need for an economical and cost efficient method is all too evident. The exercising of horses in water up to shoulder depth, working against the resistance of the water, ensures greater levels of fitness, whilst protecting the horses legs from excessive weight and stress levels.

One of the current methods involves a narrow channel, usually circular, filled with water through which horses are encouraged to either walk or swim. Such a prior art apparatus do not seem however to adequately exercise the horses correctly. This type of method and apparatus has the following disadvantages: o narrow channels;

o inadequate water resistance for proper exercising of muscles because of the design of the existing water-walkers, the water begins to flow in a 'whirlpool' effect, which actually carries the horses forward, thus greatly reducing the 'resistance' effect needed to exercise horses properly; and

• excess water splashing when changing direction of horses in water- walkers. When changing direction in the existing water-walkers, the horses are faced with a huge wall of water, caused from the 'whirlpool' effect of travelling in the previous opposite direction. This causes horses to start 'jumping' and not walking through the water, and which is unsafe especially for horses in rehabilitation or recovering from injury.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an animal exerciser that ameliorates some of the disadvantage and limitations of the prior art or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention resides in an animal exercising apparatus including:

(i) a liquid holding means adapted to hold a body liquid, typically water (ii) a raceway means positioned in the liquid holding means wherein the outer dimensions of the raceway means is substantially less than the inside dimensions of the liquid holding means such that the body of liquid between the raceway means and an inner wall of the liquid holding means absorbs and dampens the current, turbulence or whirlpool effect produced by animals moving through the liquid in the raceway means. Preferably the liquid holding means is a reservoir, pond or swimming pool with a side wall and floor made of a permanent material, typically concrete.

Preferably the racing means is circular or of any other suitable shape.

Preferably the liquid holding means is situated inground but can be an aboveground structure.

Preferably the liquid holding means has a depth that allows animals to touch the bottom floor of the liquid holding means with their feet so that the animals are encouraged to walk along the bottom floor.

In the alternative but less preferably, the liquid holding means has a depth that prevents the animals from touching the bottom floor so as to encourage the animals to swim.

Preferably the bottom floor is covered with a rubber matting or similar sheet material adapted to cushion and protect the feet of the animals being exercised.

Preferably where the raceway means is of a circular shape, it includes: (i) an inner fence and outer fence adapted to define a circular pathway through which animals are directed; (ii) a rotatable vertical shaft supported on a support assembly positioned in the center of the liquid holding means;

(iii) a drive means adapted to rotate the vertical shaft;

(iv) at least one radial arm attached to the vertical shaft, wherein each radial arm is adapted to extend outwardly from the vertical shaft

(v) a grid panel attached to each radial arm, wherein each grid panel is adapted to extend into each pathway and to come into contact with an animal as the radial arm and associated grid panel is rotated so as to motivate the animal to move within the pathway; and (vi) entry/exit means adapted to allow the animals to enter and exit the pathway.

Preferably where the raceway is not of a circular shape, the raceway means includes: i) an inner and outer fence adapted to define a non-circular pathway through which animals are directed, ii) a track and roller means associated with either one of or both the inner and outer fence, iii) a drive means adapted to move roller members along the track members of said track and roller means, iv) a grid panel attached to each roller member wherein each grid panel is adapted to extend into each pathway and to come into contact with an animal as the roller member and associated grid panel is moved along the track member so as to motivate the animal to move within the pathway, and v) entry/exit means adapted to allow the animals to enter and exit the pathway.

Preferably the drive means is a worm drive sprocket and chain assembly wherein the roller members are attached to and pulled along the track members by the chain.

Preferably the inner and outer fence extend upwardly from the floor of the liquid holding means to a height such that a portion of each fence is adapted to extend a substantial distance above the liquid level so as to retain the animal in the pathway.

Preferably the inner and outer fence are spaced apart a distance adapted to accommodate the free forward movement of the animal within the pathway.

Preferably each grid panel is adapted to only extend a certain distance into the pathway such that each grid panel is adapted to be above the liquid level.

Preferably the liquid holding means includes baffles adapted to absorb and dampen the current, turbulence and whirlpool effects produced by animals moving in the liquid within the pathway. Preferably the baffles have apertures or are perforated to allow some flow of liquid through the baffles.

Preferably the baffles are attached to and spaced around the internal surface of the side wall of liquid holding means and the baffles are preferably positioned below the level or the liquid

Preferably the baffles can be positioned between the inner fence and the center of the liquid holding means.

Preferably the baffles are positioned in a region of maximum current or turbulence build up, for example, at the distal ends of an animal exerciser of an oblong or oval configuration.

Preferably the baffles are adapted to move, relative to the side wall or floor so that baffles can be adjusted according to the amount of current, turbulence and whirlpool effect caused by moving animals.

Preferably the movement of the baffles are controlled by cables and/or servo motors or similar suitable moving means. Preferably, the liquid holding means includes water jet means adapted to introduce jets of water into the liquid in the pathway to counteract the current, turbulence and whirlpool effects produced by animals moving through the liquid in the pathway.

Preferably the water jet means is adjustable wherein the direction and the strength of the jets of water can be varied according to the direction and strength of the current, turbulence and whirlpool effects produced by animals moving through the liquid in the pathway.

Preferably sand is introduced into the liquid wherein animals moving through the liquid causes the sand to swirl about on the floor of the pathway such that algal or fungal growth is prevented by the abrasive action of the swirling sand.

Preferably the floor of the liquid holding means adjacent to the inner fence of the raceway means is sloped such that sand transported away from the pathway by the swirling action is continually returned by rolling down the sloped floor to the pathway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a side cut-away view of an animal exerciser in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the invention according to Example 1..

Figure 2 is an overhead view of the animal exerciser shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is plan view of a preferred non-circular animal exerciser according to Example 2.

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a preferred animal exerciser.

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of an animal exerciser with a flat floor.

Figure 6 shows detail of a preferred grid panel.

Figure 7 shows detail of an alternate grid panel assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example 1

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the animal exerciser 1 , according to Example 1, is generally illustrated by having a liquid holding means 10, typically a water reservoir, and a raceway means. The liquid holding means 10 is typically set inground and consists of a floor 11 and sidewall 12, typically made from a hard setting compound such as concrete. As shown in Figure 1 the floor 11 of the liquid holding means has a level outer region 11a and an inner downwardly sloping region 11b. The level outer region 11 a of the floor is adapted to allow the animals 2 to 7 walk upon.

The raceway means includes inner and outer fences 28, 29, rotatable vertical shaft 43, supported on a support assembly 41 , a drive means 42, typically in electric motor or any other suitable drive means, radial arms 21 to 26, and grid panels 31 to 36. The inner and outer fences 28, 29 define a circular pathway 30 in which animals are encouraged to walk or swim through. The inner fence 29 and the outer fence 28 have lower portions 28b, 29b under the liquid level 13 and have upper portions 28a, 29a extending above the liquid level 13. The outer fence 28 is spaced a sufficient distance from the sidewall 12 of the liquid holding means 10 to allow any current, turbulence and/or whirlpool effect caused by moving animals to be absorbed and/or dampened by the body of water between the outer fence 28 and the side wall 12. The grid panels 31 to 36 attached to the radial arms 21 to 26 are adapted to extend downward into the pathway 30 so that as the radial arms 21 to 26 are caused to rotate via the rotatable vertical shaft 43 and the drive means 42, the grid panels 31 to 36 come into contact with an animal in the pathway 30 so as to encourage the animal to move within the pathway 30. Animals enter and exit the pathway via a ramp 15 which typically having a gate to keep the animals in the pathway 30 during exercising.

To enhance the absorbing and dampening effect to the liquid caused by the animals movement through the pathway 30, baffles 51 to 57, 61 to 66 are positioned within the liquid holding means 10. Baffles 51 to 57 are attached to the side wall 12 of the liquid holding means 10 at spaced apart intervals such that the current, turbulence and whirlpool effect are directed towards and absorbed/dampened by the baffles 51 to 57.

The other baffles 61 to 66 are positioned in the body of liquid between inner fence 29 and the support assembly 41 to absorb or dampen any current turbulence or whirlpool flow effect that may occur in that part of the body of liquid.

The baffles 51 to 57, 61 to 66 can be adjusted, preferably, by way of cables and/or servo motors so that the baffles can be adjusted in accordance to the amount and direction of current, turbulence or whirlpool effect caused by the moving animals.

Example 2

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a preferred non-circular animal exerciser 70 according to Example 2. Entry and exit into the raceway is via an entry/exit ramps 72 incorporating a fast washing area, 74. The exerciser is of an oblong shape with baffles 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 positioned either end of the exerciser to absorb the currents and turbulence built up as the animals exercise in a preferred direction.

The baffles preferably have perforations or apertures to allow some water to flow through them. In this example, the grid panels 90, 92, 94, 96 mounted on roller members 98, 100, 102, 104 in the form of wheeled bogeys mounted to run on track members 160. The roller members are spaced apart and connected by an endless chain 108 which is driven by a sprocket connected to a motor worm drive gear assembly 110. Currents produced by horses exercising or walking in one direction can be counteracted by water jets introduced into the pathway against the currents thus produced by water jet means such as in the form of high-pressure pumps. The orientation of the baffles can also be changed according to the direction of the dampening needed. The centre region 112 of the exerciser can also be raised or dome shaped in cross section to enable sand added to the water to return to the pathway. The sane is used to clean the floor of the pathway and to prevent any build up of fungal or algal organisms detrimental to the feet of the animals. .

Figure 4 shows a cross section of a preferred animal exerciser 111 with a domed or raised centre portion 112. The raised centre provides sloped regions 112a, 112b to facilitate sand 114 added to the water 115 which has been displaced by the swirling motion 116 of the water and currents to return to the pathway.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of the animal exerciser with a flat bottom floor 120 wherein the grid panels 122, 124 are supported on arms 126, 128 connected by an endless chain which when driven by a motorised gear assembly pulls the bogies along the track thereby moving the grid panels to keep the horses moving and exercising along the pathway.

Figure 6 shows detail of a grid panel 112 and track and roller member assembly 127. The grid panel comprises a weld mesh screen 122a from which can be suspended a rubber drop sheet 122b with perforations 123a, 123b or air holes to lessen wind resistance. The weld mesh is supported by an upper arm 126 which is connected to the wheeled bogies 130, 131a at either end. The bogies are adapted to run on the track members 134 atop the inner 29 and outer fences 28 defining the pathway. It will be obvious that the inner fence track supports the driven bogey 130 and the outer fence track member supports an idler bogey 130a.

Preferably for safety purposes, the arm 126 can be raised in the direction of arrow 126a so that the grid panel 122 can be raised clear of the pathway.

Figure 7 shows detail of an alternate grid panel assembly 140 which can be supported at one end only by a specially adapted roller means 142. In this version, the upper wheeled bogey 142d supports the arm 144 from which the grid panel is suspended. The lower bogey 142b is connected to a vertical strut 145 and runs along the inner fence 146 thereby keeping the arm supported in the horizontal position as the grid panels are moved along the pathway. Also shown is the hinge support 148 for the arm, which can be raised 149 clear of the pathway for safety if necessary. The pathway is preferably lined with a rubber mat 150 to cushion the hooves of the horses being exercised.

ADVANTAGES

• Better design - enabling horses to work more safely.

• Cost effective - being able to work several horses in water at one time.

• Reduced water over-flow and splashing.

• Pertruding baffles to eliminate the 'whirlpool' effect in the water while horses are exercising. • Improve fitness through 'resistance walking' in water, as it improves recovery muscles as well, which cannot be achieved so easily with normal training methods.

• Great for rehabilitation - injured horses regaining strength and mobility of muscles and joints.

• Less weight and stress on horse's legs.

VARIATIONS

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as in herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the work

"compromise" and variations of that word such as "compromises" and "compromising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. An animal exercising apparatus including: a) a liquid holding means adapted to hold a body liquid, typically water b) a raceway means positioned in the liquid holding means wherein the outer dimensions of the raceway means is substantially less than the inside dimensions of the liquid holding means such that the body of liquid between the raceway means and an inner wall of the liquid holding means absorbs and dampens the current, turbulence or whirlpool effect produced by animals moving through the liquid in the raceway means.

2. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the liquid holding means is a reservoir, pond or swimming pool with a side wall and floor made of a permanent material, typically concrete.

3. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the raceway means is circular or of any other suitable shape.

4. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the liquid holding means is situated inground.

5. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the exerciser is an aboveground structure.

6. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the liquid holding means has a depth that allows animals to touch the bottom floor of the liquid holding means with their feet so that the animals are encouraged to walk along the bottom floor.

7. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the liquid holding means has a depth that prevents the animals from touching the bottom floor so as to encourage the animals to swim.

8. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a bottom floor of the raceway means is covered with a rubber matting or similar sheet material adapted to cushion and protect the feet of the animals being exercised.

9. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the raceway means is of a circular shape, and includes: a) an inner fence and outer fence adapted to define a circular pathway through which animals are directed; b) a rotatable vertical shaft supported on a support assembly positioned in the center of the liquid holding means; c) a drive means adapted to rotate the vertical shaft; d) at least one radial arm attached to the vertical shaft, wherein each radial arm is adapted to extend outwardly from the vertical shaft e) a grid panel attached to each radial arm, wherein each grid panel is adapted to extend into each pathway and to come into contact with an animal as the radial arm and associated grid panel is rotated so as to motivate the animal to move within the pathway; and f) entry/exit means adapted to allow the animals to enter and exit the pathway.

10. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the raceway is not of a circular shape, the raceway means includes: a) an inner and outer fence adapted to define a non-circular pathway through which animals are directed, b) a track and roller means associated with either one of or both the inner and outer fence, c) a drive means adapted to move roller members along the track members of said track and roller means, d) a grid panel attached to each roller member wherein each grid panel is adapted to extend into each pathway and to come into contact with an animal as the roller member and associated grid panel is moved along the track member so as to motivate the animal to move within the pathway, and e) entry/exit means adapted to allow the animals to enter and exit the pathway.

11. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the drive means is a worm drive sprocket and chain assembly wherein the roller members are attached to and pulled along the track members by the chain.

12. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the inner and outer fence extend upwardly from the floor of the liquid holding means to a height such that a portion of each fence is adapted to extend a substantial distance above the liquid level so as to retain the animal in the pathway.

13. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the inner and outer fence are spaced apart a distance adapted to accommodate the free forward movement of the animal within the pathway.

14. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein each grid panel is adapted to only extend a certain distance into the pathway such that each grid panel is adapted to be above the liquid level.

15. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid holding means includes baffles adapted to absorb and dampen the current, turbulence and whirlpool effects produced by animals moving in the liquid within the pathway.

16. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein baffles have apertures or are perforated to allow some flow of liquid through the baffles.

17. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the baffles are attached to and spaced around the internal surface of the side wall of liquid holding means and the baffles are preferably positioned below the level or the liquid

18. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the baffles can be positioned between the inner fence and the center of the liquid holding means.

19. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the baffles are positioned in a region of maximum current or turbulence build up, for example, at the distal ends of an animal exerciser of an oblong or oval configuration.

20. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the baffles are adapted to move, relative to the side wall or floor so that baffles can be adjusted according to the amount of current, turbulence and whirlpool effect caused by moving animals.

21. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the movement of the baffles are controlled by cables and/or servo motors or similar suitable moving means.

22. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the liquid holding means includes water jet means adapted to introduce jets of water into the liquid in the pathway to counteract the current, turbulence and whirlpool effects produced by animals moving through the liquid in the pathway.

23. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the water jet means is adjustable wherein the direction and the strength of the jets of water can be varied according to the direction and strength of the current, turbulence and whirlpool effects produced by animals moving through the liquid in the pathway.

24. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein sand is introduced into the liquid wherein animals moving through the liquid causes the sand to swirl about on the floor of the pathway such that algal or fungal growth is prevented by the abrasive action of the swirling sand.

25. An animal exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the floor of the liquid holding means adjacent to the inner fence of the raceway means is sloped such that sand transported away from the pathway by the swirling action is continually returned by rolling down the sloped floor to the pathway.