Abstract:
A device designed to prod livestock is intended to create an audible sound to aid in the controlled movement of animals. The device takes the form of a long pole comprising an upper end provided with a comfortable handle and a wrist strap and a lower end provided with a whistle. To use, the user would hold the device by the handle in one hand and whip it in a fast, circular motion, causing the whistle to make a sound. When done near an animal, the sound will cause the animal to move away, thus allowing the user to control the movement of the animal. The device is suitable for use by farmers, ranchers, auctioneers, herdsmen, or anyone who loads or moves livestock.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/200,689, filed Dec. 3, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to devices utilized in the handling of livestock, and in particular, to a prod provided with the capability to produce audible sounds designed to aid the herding and direction of livestock. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Domesticated animals represent a major source of economy, food, and employment. Large livestock such as cattle are raised on expansive farms across the country. Such large expanses of farm are a basic requirement for raising such livestock, due to their need for exercise as well as their need for a constant source of fresh grazing areas. In addition to being moved for purposes of grazing, such animals must also be moved in a controlled manner for purposes such as feeding, buying, selling, marketing, and the like. 
     The need to move such animals occurs on a daily basis in large livestock operations. However, the movement can be somewhat difficult due to the large size and reluctance of the animals. Many traditional methods such as horses, whips, and dogs are unreliable, inefficient, and unpredictable. Current methods include items such as electric cattle prods; however, such methods are considered to be inhumane by many parties. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide apparatuses to aid in the control and movement of large animals or livestock. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 2,576,188, issued in the name of McPherson, describes a cattle guard apparatus. The McPherson apparatus comprises a stationary fence-type animal deterring barrier which attempts to keep livestock or other such domesticated animals away from a specific area. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,940, issued in the name of Koehn, describes a animal sorting tool with a poking tip. The Koehn device is a tool specifically designed to prod animals for sorting purposes in a non-painful manner. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are expense to purchase or maintain, especially for small entity users. Also, many such devices are difficult or unwieldy to operate. In addition, many such devices are extremely heavy and uncomfortable when used over the course of hours or days. Furthermore, many such devices use means which are considered by some to be cruel, inhumane, or physically abusive in order to control the animals. Accordingly, there exists a need for a prod for livestock which allows a user to manipulate and move large animals without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a device which allows a user to prod, manipulate, or otherwise coax movement from large livestock animals in a manner which is simple, lightweight, and humane. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a rod, a whip, and a whistle. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise the rod of a lightweight, rigid material. In a preferred embodiment, the rod is approximately thirty inches long and cylindrical with a diameter of one-half of an inch. The rod further comprises a handle and a whip end. The handle provides a comfortable or ergonomic gripping handle constructed of a durable material. The whip end comprises the opposite end of the rod from the handle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the whip of a durable, flexible length of single-strand or braided material such as nylon, leather, or the like. The whip is attached to the whip end via a first knot. The device further comprises a second knot which provides a means of attaching the whistle to the whip while also providing additional mass to the end of the whip, thus allowing a user to motion the whistle in a circular manner. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the whistle of a durable material such as thermoplastic or the like which is manufactured through common existing techniques. The whistle is designed such that it produces a loud “whistle” sound from a stream of forced air when spun in a fast, circular motion. The whistle causes a smooth flow of air to vibrate, thus making a sound and getting louder as the speed of the motion increases. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a lanyard, which provides a cord to secure the device to the wrist of a user. The lanyard comprises a loop which attaches to a lower surface of the rod via integral molding, knotting or tying to the rod, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the whip end of the rod of a ball joint. The ball joint comprises a common ball joint which provides a connection means for the whip and allows the whip to rotate in a smooth fashion. The ball joint further comprises a ball joint arm and ball joint aperture. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a swivel member which provides a connection means between the whistle and the second knot. In a preferred embodiment, the swivel member comprises a conventional snap fishing swivel which comprises a clip and a pair of rings connected via a pivoting joint. The swivel member enables the whistle to swing in an appropriate direction and prevents the whistle from becoming entangled with the whip. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of herding, directing, and separating livestock in a manner which is easy, simple and effective for a single user as well as physically harmless to the animals. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an audible prod for livestock  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental view of an audible prod for livestock  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of a whip end  24  taken along line A-A  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a whistle  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the whistle  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 audible prod for livestock 
               
               
                 20 
                 rod 
               
               
                 22 
                 handle 
               
               
                 24 
                 whip end 
               
               
                 25 
                 first knot 
               
               
                 26 
                 ball joint 
               
               
                 27 
                 ball joint arm 
               
               
                 28 
                 ball joint aperture 
               
               
                 30 
                 whip 
               
               
                 32 
                 second knot 
               
               
                 40 
                 whistle 
               
               
                 41 
                 upper whistle member 
               
               
                 42 
                 sound 
               
               
                 43 
                 lower whistle member 
               
               
                 44 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 45 
                 axle 
               
               
                 46 
                 swivel member 
               
               
                 47 
                 internal whistle member 
               
               
                 50 
                 lanyard 
               
               
                 60 
                 circular motion 
               
               
                 70 
                 user 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an audible prod for livestock (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for humanely controlling and directing livestock through the use of audible sound  42  similar to a conventional whip or rattle prod. The device  10  generally comprises a rod  20 , a whip  30 , and a sound  42  producing whistle  40  which is utilized by farmers, ranchers, auctioneers, herdsmen, or anyone who loads or moves livestock. The use of the device  10  will enable a herdsman or the like to move or separate livestock in an effective and humane manner while requiring less help from people or dogs. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  comprises a rod  20  preferably made of a light weight, rigid material such as thermoplastic, wood, carbon fiber, or the like and is approximately two-and-one-half (2½) feet long and one-half (½) inch in diameter. The rod  20  provides the main body for the device  10  and comprises a handle  22  and a whip end  24 . The handle  22  is fabricated of a durable material such as, but not limited to: rubber, leather, or the like and provides a comfortable gripping surface to a user  70  while using the device  10  and may be introduced comprising ergonomic features such as finger grips and the like. The device  10  further comprises a whip  30  which is attached via a first knot  25  thereto the whip end  24  of the rod  20  (also see  FIG. 3 ). The whip end  24  is located on an end of the rod  20  opposing the handle  22 . The whip  30  comprises a durable, flexible length of single-strand or braided material such as nylon, leather, or the like. The device  10  further comprises a second knot  32  located thereon an end of the whip  30  opposing the whip end  24  of the rod  20 . The second knot  32  provides a means of attaching a whistle  40  thereto the whip  30  and provides additional mass to the end of said whip  30  (also see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) which is necessary for motioning said whistle  40  in a circular motion. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an environmental view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  comprises a whistle  40  which is attached to the whip  30  thereat the second knot  32 . The second knot  32  enables the whistle  40  to be removed or replaced if required. The whistle  40  is preferably made of a durable material such as a thermoplastic or the like and be manufactured through common techniques. When spun in a fast, circular motion  60  the whistle  40  produces a loud “whistle” sound  42  from a stream of forced air. When spun the whistle  40  causes a smooth flow of air to vibrate, thereby further creating the “whistle” sound  42 . The faster the whistle  40  is spun through the air the louder the “whistle” sound  42  will become. 
     The device  10  further comprises a lanyard  50 , thereby providing a cord to secure said device  10  thereto the wrist of a user  70 . The lanyard  50  comprises a loop which attaches thereto a lower surface of the rod  20  via integral molding, knotting or tying to the rod  20  in conventional techniques, or the like. Said lanyard  50  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: nylon, leather, or the like and is an appropriate diameter to correspond to a variety of sized users. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view of the whip end  24  taken along line A-A  FIG. 1 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The whip end  24  comprises a circular shape integrally molded to the rod  20 , thereby partially encompassing and creating a knuckle for an internal ball joint  26  to rotate therein. The ball joint  26  rests there inside the whip end  24  and provides an attachment means to the whip  30 . Said ball joint  26  is slightly smaller in diameter than the whip end  24 , thereby enabling proper rotation of said ball joint  26  within. Said ball joint  26  comprises an intermediately positioned and integrally molded ball joint arm  27 , thereby providing an extension to a ball joint aperture  28 . The ball joint aperture  28  enables the whip  30  to be attached via a first knot  25 . In use, as the user rotates the whip  30  the ball joint  26  rotates there inside of the whip end  24 , thereby creating a smooth rotating motion. The ball joint  26 , ball joint arm  27 , and ball joint aperture  28  are fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a top view of the whistle  40  and  FIG. 5 , a side view of the whistle  40 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The whistle  40  is attached to the whip  30  via the second knot  32  which is located thereon an opposite end of the first knot  25 . The whistle  40  comprises an upper whistle member  41 , a lower whistle member  43 , an aperture  44 , an axle  45 , and a swivel member  47 . 
     The second knot  32  is attached to a swivel member  46 , thereby enabling the upper end of the device  10  to rotate along a horizontal axis. The swivel member  46  is preferably a conventional snap fishing swivel which comprises a clip and a pair of rings connected via a pivoting joint, yet other swiveling devices may be utilized without limiting the features of the device  10 . The pivoting joint and rings are located on a distal and intermediate section of the swivel member  46  and prevents the whistle  40  from becoming entangled with the whip  30  and also enables the whistle  40  to swing in an appropriate direction to capture the air flow and further produce the sound  42 . The clip is located on a proximal end of the swivel member  46  and enables said swivel member  46  to attach to a cylindrical axle  45 , thereby connecting the whip  30  to the whistle  40 . The clip enables the whistle  40  to rotate in a vertical direction, thereby rotating in the direction of the air flow. The axle  45  is located therebetween a “U”-shaped distal end of a rectangular lower whistle member  43 . A proximal end of the lower whistle member  43  is attached via integral molding to a circular upper whistle member  41 , thereby providing housing to a circular internal whistle member  47 . The internal whistle member  47  extends in an upward and a downward direction from the upper whistle member  41  and comprises an aperture  44 , thereby providing a wall structure to capture the air in a desired direction and providing the whistling means to the device  10 . The whistle  40  is approximately one (1) inch in diameter and the aperture  44  is approximately one-eighth (⅛) inch in diameter. The internal whistle member  47  is preferably fabricated from metal, but other materials may be incorporated such as, but not limited to: plastic, wood, metal, or the like. The upper whistle member  41  and the lower whistle member  43  are fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, or the like. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the device  10 ; placing the lanyard  50  therearound the hand or the wrist of a user  70  and gripping the handle  22 ; moving the rod  20  in a circular motion  60 , thereby rotating the ball joint  26  within the whip end  24  and spinning the whip  30 ; simultaneously spinning the whistle  40  thereabout the swivel member  46 ; enabling air to collect in the internal whistle member  47  and further to pass through the aperture  44  thereon said internal whistle member  47  located within the upper whistle member  41 ; and, creating a “whistle” sound  42  from the circular motion  60  of the whistle  40 . 
     An additional method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the device  10 ; approaching livestock to be herded; using the sound  42  being produced to humanely herd the livestock in a desired direction and location; and benefiting from the improved convenience and effectiveness afforded a user of the present device  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.