Abstract:
This document discloses, among other things, a method and device for protecting property and reducing injury to livestock. A substrate includes a plurality of raised features and is configured for affixation to a fence, barn, or other structure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/039,563 filed Mar. 26, 2008 and entitled “ANIMAL SCRATCHER,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    All animals, including horses, have a natural inclination to scratch. In the wild, an animal may use a tree, a rock, or the ground to physically stimulate or scratch their body. 
         [0003]    In a domesticated environment, an animal will attempt to scratch using a surface found in a pasture, a stall, or in an animal holding area. This can lead to damage to the structure or to injury to the animal. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An example of the present subject matter includes an elastomeric pad having a plurality of raised features distributed about a surface. The pad is configured for attachment to a stationary structure. An animal can scratch their body by maneuvering while in physical contact with the raised features. 
         [0005]    A variety of examples are contemplated. One example includes a sleeve configured to be affixed to a fence post. One example includes a flexible pad that can be affixed to an outside corner, or an inside corner, of a structure. 
         [0006]    One example includes a raised feature having a porous surface. A liquid can be held in the pores of the surface and when the raised feature is deflected, the fluid is brought to the surface of the feature. The feature can be deflected by a rubbing action of an animal, thus causing topical application of the liquid to the animal. The liquid can include an insecticide, a perfume, a cleaner, a drug, a therapeutic agent, or other fluid. 
         [0007]    The present subject matter includes a method, an apparatus, and a system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  includes a perspective view of a pad. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  includes a perspective view of a portion of a pad. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  includes a section view of a portion of a pad. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  includes view of a fence post. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  includes a view of a sleeve with a post. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  include views of a portion of a raised feature. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  includes a method of using a pad. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  includes a view of a pad having segments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]      FIG. 1  includes a perspective view of one example of device  100 . Device  100  is variously referred to as a pad or as a scratcher. In this example, device  100  includes planar substrate  105 . Substrate  105  is generally rectangular in shape and has a first surface and a second surface. Distributed about the first surface is a plurality of raised features. In the figure, each raised feature  120  is conical shaped, however, other shapes are also contemplated, including raised bars, raised lugs, or raised hemispheres. A raised feature is sometimes referred to as a finger. In the example illustrated, the raised features are arranged in a periodic pattern or array. The first surface, in this example, also includes a plurality of reinforcement ribs  140 . The reinforcement ribs  140  are in parallel alignment and extend across a length of substrate  105 . 
         [0018]    Substrate  105  includes a number of holes  130 . Each hole  130  passes through substrate  105  and facilitates attachment of device  100  to an underlying structure (not shown in this figure). Device  100  can be attached by means of screw  150  or cordage  160 . Cordage  160  can include string, twine, wire, plastic fastener, or other flexible line. 
         [0019]    In the example shown, raised features  120  are illustrated in a uniform pattern of staggered rows however; a random or other distribution arrangement is also contemplated. The raised features  120  are substantially normal to the surface of substrate  105 . 
         [0020]    Device  100  can be fabricated using a mold. In one example, device  100  is molded of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. Other material can also be used including rubber, plastic or other flexible material. The substrate can be fabricated of the same or different material relative to that of the raised features. 
         [0021]    In one example, device  100  has an overall dimension of approximately 14 inches by 24 inches and substrate  105  has a thickness of approximately 0.200 inches. In one example, device  100  has dimensions that resists damage or removal by an animal. For example, a small dimension may afford an animal with an opportunity to work at an edge and remove the device, thus endangering the animal and underlying structure. 
         [0022]    As illustrated, each raised feature is configured as a conical finger with an overall length of approximately 2.25 inches and a base diameter of 0.875 inches and an end diameter of approximately 0.5 inches. In one example, the overall length of a conical finger (nub) is one inch relative to the substrate (pad) and the substrate thickness is approximately 0.250″ thick. Other dimensions are also contemplated. 
         [0023]    The present subject matter can be fabricated of a TPE material having a durometer of between 25 and 85. The durometer is a measure of hardness or stiffness of a particular material. The durometer, the material, and the dimensions of the device can be selected based on the application. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  includes a perspective view of a portion of device  100 . The figure illustrates general arrangement of raised features  120 , holes  130 , and ribs  140 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  includes a section view of a portion of a device corresponding to the cut line shown in  FIG. 2 . Raised feature  120 B is shown in section and raised features  120 A and  120 C are shown in a profile view. The wall thickness of raised feature  120 B is less than that of the thickness of substrate  105 . Rib  140  provides longitudinal stiffness to substrate  105 . In the figure, the raised feature is hollow, however, in other examples, the raised feature is of solid construction. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  includes view of device  100  affixed to fence post  160 . Fence post  160  is set in the ground and provides support for fence wires  165 . A portion of post  160  is wrapped with device  100 . Device  100  can partially or wholly encircle a length or a circumference of post  160 . Device  100  is held in position on post  160  by a threaded fastener, a nail, a plastic fastener, cordage, or other means not shown in this figure. Vertically aligned reinforcing ribs are visible in the figure. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  includes a view of device  152  with post  160 . Device  152  includes a cylindrical substrate having a plurality of raised features distributed about an exterior surface. Aperture  155  has an inside diameter configured to accommodate an outside diameter of post  160 . Device  152  can be affixed to post  160  by a friction fit or by means of a fastener as described elsewhere in this document. 
         [0028]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  include views of a section of raised feature  200 . A surface of raised feature  200  includes a plurality of pores  205 . Each pore  205  can be configured to hold an amount of fluid. In  FIG. 6A , raised feature  200  is in a natural, or unstressed configuration and fluid is retained within a pore  205 . In  FIG. 6B , raised feature  200  is deflected and one pore  205  has been distorted and fluid  215  is shown redistributed to a position atop a surface of raised feature  200 . Fluid  215  will migrate to a surface of an animal that caused the deflection of raised feature  200 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  includes method  700  of using device  100 . At  705 , a target location for device  100  is identified. This can include a fence post, a corner of a building, a corner of an animal stall, or other structure. At  710 , device  100  (sometimes referred to as a scratcher) is affixed to the structure. Affixation can include engaging a threaded fastener (such as a wood screw or machine screw) or unthreaded fastener (such as a nail or rivet), cordage or by other means. 
         [0030]    At  715 , a fluid is applied to device  100 . The fluid can be applied to an exterior surface of device  100  and retained in a porous surface of a raised feature or the substrate. The fluid can be applied by a spray applicator, a brush, or by other means. The fluid can include an insecticide, a perfume, a medicine or drug, or other liquid material. 
         [0031]      FIG. 8  includes a view of device  300  having segments. In the figure, device  300  is affixed to an outside corner of structure  400 . Structure  400  can include a barn, a fence, a feeder, or other structure. The device can be mounted in an orientation with the raised features projecting horizontally or projecting vertically. 
         [0032]    Device  300  includes a plurality of raised features  300 . In the example shown, raised features  300  are cylindrical segments having uniform diameter or cross section. Other types of raised features are also contemplated, including shaped sections and combinations of spherical or hemispherical segments. In one example, raised features  300  include a vane-type configuration. In one example, more than one configuration of raised features are present on a particular scratcher. 
         [0033]    In the figure, device  300  is shown having six segments, each of which are separated by a hinge portion  310 . Hinge portion  310  is illustrated as a live hinge or weakened region relative to other portions of the substrate and extends along a length of device  300 . Hinge portion  310 , in one example, includes a hinge having a hinge pin. In one example, device  300  is fabricated of sheet material such as plastic or metal, and each raised feature is affixed to the sheet by means of individual attachment, such as a screw or rivet. Device  300  is affixed to structure  400  by screw  150 . 
         [0034]    An example of the present subject matter provides a rubbing or scratching surface for an animal that reduces risk of injury. In addition, one example serves to protect property (such as a fence or a stall) from damage. The present subject matter can be affixed in a location that affords the animal with access to the device without need of human intervention. An example of the present subject matter also serves to provide a structure that facilitates seasonal shedding of a winter coat of hair. 
         [0035]    In one example, a cylindrical substrate (having a plurality of raised features distributed about an external surface) is adapted for installation on a wood fence post. The cylindrical substrate is formed using a molding process and is affixed to the post by a fastener such as a staple, a nail, a threaded fastener, a clip, or by twine or other cordage. One example of the cylindrical substrate is fabricated of flexible material and is configured in the form of a sock or a sleeve. In one example, the raised features affixed to a substrate are all of uniform size and distribution. The size and distribution of the raised features can be varied to produce a structure having a patterned or random configuration suited for use with different animals or for installation on different base structures. 
         [0036]    The raised features can be any size and shape. The present subject matter can be fabricated of a porous substance to allow delivery of a liquids or a powder. The present subject matter can be configured for installation on a flat surface or on a curved or round surface. 
       Additional Notes 
       [0037]    The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown and described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown and described are provided. 
         [0038]    All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls. 
         [0039]    In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
         [0040]    The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.