ANIMAL TREATMENT APPARATUS, BLOCK, AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

The invention provides an animal treatment block for applying a treatment to an animal against the action of biting insects, including a body including a carrier medium, a structural means, incorporated into the carrier medium and an active ingredient incorporated into the carrier medium. The body, including the carrier medium with incorporated active ingredient and structural means, may be mounted such that an animal can readily contact the body, whereby the active ingredient is applied to the animal in a controlled manner, through application of the carrier medium. The invention also relates to variants thereof and methods of use.

Claims

1-67. (canceled)

68. An animal treatment block for applying a treatment to an animal against the action of biting insects, the animal treatment block including: a body including a carrier medium, the carrier medium including synthetic high temperature hard wax; a structural means including a plurality of fibres incorporated into the carrier medium of the body to give structural integrity; and an active ingredient incorporated into the carrier medium of the body, wherein the body, including the carrier medium with incorporated active ingredient and structural means, and may be mounted such that an animal can readily contact the body, whereby the active ingredient is applied to the animal in a controlled manner, through application of the carrier medium, and further wherein, the block is configured to provide treatment for animals for substantially at least several weeks.

69. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the biting insects are chosen from the group: buffalo flies; horn flies; face flies; and horse flies.

70. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the animal treatment block is a substantially cylindrical block that may be used as a roll or rub to apply the treatment to the animal by rolling of the cylinder block against the skin of an animal which applies the treatment in a controlled manner.

71. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the body is or includes a carrier medium substantially made of a material that is substantially solid at room temperature is useful to be maintained in a controlled manner until rubbed by the animal, whereby a suitable amount of carrier medium and incorporated active ingredient are applied to the animal.

72. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the carrier medium includes wax and the wax is chosen from the group: bee wax; natural wax; palm wax; paraffin wax; microcrystalline wax; soy wax; SASOLWAX H1 (Trade mark), and synthetic wax.

73. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein paraffin oil is included in the carrier medium.

74. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the synthetic wax is high temperature hard wax with a melting temperature of substantially 105 degrees Centigrade.

75. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein a wax blend is included, suitable to use up to 35 degrees Centigrade.

76. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein in the synthetic high temperature hard wax is used in the range of 5 to 50 percent.

77. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the carrier medium includes a wax blend including microcrystalline wax.

78. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block includes means to resist breakdown due to exposure to the sun, namely a UV inhibitor is included in the body.

79. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the active ingredient includes a blend of suitable essential oils chosen from the group: eucalyptus; tea tree; lemon grass; lavender; aster amellus root juice; pine oil, citronella; palmarosa; clionasteral; or similar.

80. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the active ingredient is chosen from the group: permethrin; chlorfenvinphos; coumaphos; diazinon; or phosmet, any suitable synthetic pyrethroid, any suitable organophosphate, or any suitable essential oil.

81. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block is 1700 millilitres or 1180 millilitres volume.

82. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block is 1180 millilitres, and the volume of active ingredient is 30 millilitres of the active ingredient Chlorfenvinphos, diazinon, or Phosmet.

83. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block is 1180 millilitres, and the volume of active ingredient is 22 millilitres of the active ingredient Permethrin.

84. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block is 1180 millilitres, and the volume of active ingredient includes 2.5 millilitres of citronella oil and/or 2.5 millilitres of tea tree oil and/or 17 millilitres of eucalyptus oil.

85. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block is 1180 millilitres, and the volume of active ingredient is 2.5 millilitres of citronella oil and 17 millilitres of eucalyptus oil with one or more of 2.5 millilitres of tea tree oil, 1 millilitres of lemon grass oil, 1 or 2 millimetres of lavender oil, 0.5 millilitres of aster amellus root juice, 0.5 millilitres of pine oil, 1 millilitres of palmarosa oil, and 4 millilitres of clionasterol.

86. The animal treatment block of claim 85, wherein the fibres are coconut coir.

87. The animal treatment block of claim 86, wherein the coconut coir fibres are substantially 150 to 200 millimetres in length.

88. The animal treatment block of claim 86, wherein the coconut coir fibres are substantially 20 grams or a volume of 66 millilitres of coconut coir mixed in per 1700 millilitre block or for a 1180 millimetres block, 35 millilitres of coconut coir per block, approximately 12 grams.

89. The animal treatment block of claim 86, wherein the coconut coir fibres are mixed in at a percentage of substantially 2.9 or 4 percent.

90. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block is adapted to be useful to provide treatment for animals for up to 20 weeks.

91. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein the block is formed with percentages as follows 32.2 percent synthetic high temperature wax, 5.4 percent microcrystalline wax, 6.2 percent petroleum jelly, 50.8 percent mineral oil with 2.9 percent coconut coir and a 2.5 percent of active ingredient such as chosen from diazinon, chlorfenvinphos or phosmet.

92. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein substantially 32.2 percent of a high temperature synthetic wax is included in the carrier medium.

93. The animal treatment block of claim 68, wherein substantially 5.4 percent of microcrystalline wax is included in the carrier medium.

94. The animal treatment block of claim 68 wherein substantially 32.2 percent of a high temperature synthetic wax and substantially 5.4 percent of microcrystalline wax is included with substantially 6.2 percent petroleum jelly and substantially 51 percent paraffin oil is used in the carrier medium.

95. An apparatus for applying a treatment to cattle against the action of biting insects, the apparatus including: a body including a wax carrier; a mounting means to mount the body above the ground so as to be at a suitable position whereby cattle can contact the body; an active ingredient incorporated into the body to act as an insecticide against the biting insects; and a structural means incorporated or part of the body being coconut coir, wherein the mounting of the body is such that cattle can contact the body by rubbing so as to apply the carrier and incorporated insecticide, and the application is in a controlled manner due to the body being in a substantially solid form.

96. A method of using the animal treatment block of claim 68 for applying a treatment to an animal against the action of biting insects, the treatment block including a body, and an active ingredient incorporated into the body, the method including the following steps: a) mounting the block at a suitable location; b) rubbing of the animal on the body of the block, typically on the back, head or neck; c) transferring part of the body of the block with incorporated active ingredient to the animal, whereby the active ingredient acts against the action of biting insects and the transfer is in a controlled manner.

97. An animal treatment block for applying a treatment to an animal against the action of biting insects, the animal treatment block including: a body including a carrier medium; a structural means incorporated into the carrier medium of the body to give structural integrity; and an active ingredient incorporated into the carrier medium of the body, wherein the body, including the carrier medium with incorporated active ingredient and structural means, may be mounted such that an animal can readily contact the body, whereby the active ingredient is applied to the animal in a controlled manner, through application of the carrier medium, and the block includes a conduit and a plurality of blocks are strung together on a rope or chain through the conduit between two points.

98. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the block is the block of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0105] The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0106] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a cylinder block according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention for use on a hanging apparatus (not shown other than in FIG. 7, for ease of illustration);

[0107] FIG. 2 is an end view of the cylinder block of FIG. 1;

[0108] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cylinder block of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0109] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a cylinder block according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention for use on a hanging apparatus (not shown for ease of illustration);

[0110] FIG. 5 is an end view of the cylinder block of FIG. 4;

[0111] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cylinder block of FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0112] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a cylinder block according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention for use on a hanging apparatus (not shown for ease of illustration) with biodegradable bush;

[0113] FIG. 8 is an end view of the cylinder block of FIG. 7;

[0114] FIG. 9 is a side view of the cylinder block of FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0115] FIG. 10 is a further perspective view from above of the cylinder block with biodegradable bush of FIGS. 7 to 9, showing the internal structure;

[0116] FIG. 11 is an end view of the cylinder block of FIG. 10;

[0117] FIG. 12 is a side view of the cylinder block of FIGS. 9 and 10; and

[0118] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cylinder blocks of any of FIGS. 1 to 12, and others in use on a hanging apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 13, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where cylinder block 1 has body 10, with ends 12 and 14. As illustrated each body 1 is 134 millimetres wide by 121 millimetres wide. The size is convenient to hold in the hand of the person so may be readily manipulated at the time of purchase, transit, storage or use. In use, several cylinder blocks 1 are used together to create a length of treatment area suitable for the particular animals, for example 6 to 10 of cylinder blocks 10 may be used for cattle. The use of 6 to 10 cylinder blocks creates an extended area of contact for the animal to enable transfer of material. Where the animal is smaller less cylinder blocks may be used instead. It is particularly useful for adaptability for the body to be short and squat such that any suitable length of treatment area can be created, and with reduced risk of damage in transit. It is envisaged, however, that longer lengths could be manufactured instead and supplied ready for use, within the scope of the invention. In another form of the invention, not described here, the blocks are used to manually apply treatment to the animal. These smaller blocks would be configured to fit conveniently in the hand and applied by contact with the animal. Cylindrical conduit 16 (described below) may be omitted in this alternative form of the invention. In this way the novel treatment block may be used with a wide range of treatments for a wide range of animals.

[0120] Cylindrical conduit 16 runs through the centre of body 10 of cylinder block 1 from end 12 to end 14. It is by means of cylindrical conduit 16 that several cylinder blocks 1 are hung for use, as described further below and with respect to FIG. 13. Cylindrical conduit 16 is 32 millimetres in diameter as illustrated.

[0121] Cylinder block 1 is manufactured from an inventive mix of wax, reinforcing and active ingredients. A different mix each of wax, reinforcing and active ingredients may be used for different applications, that is different animals, insect needs or environmental conditions, but the principle of the invention is the same throughout. The different blends of carrier, structural materials and active ingredients are in particular set out in Table 1 and Table 2 below.

[0122] Block 1 is illustrated made manually, poured into a suitable container of a suitable shape, and set. Once set the block can be removed and retains the shape of the container. The manual process can be quickly repeated for repeated blocks. It is also anticipated that the mechanism will be automated, through the manufacturing process to produce multiple blocks quickly and easily.

[0123] For Cylinder block 1 the first form of the invention, as described, the wax is a mix of synthetic high temperature hard wax, paraffin wax and palm wax in a ratio of 35% synthetic high temperature hard wax, 30% paraffin wax and 35% palm wax. The described illustrative ratio is useful for applications up to 35 degrees Centigrade. Each type of wax is chosen and balanced for the wax attributes. For example, in the above mix, the synthetic high temperature hard wax is included to increase the melting temperature of block 1, having a melting point of 105 degrees Centigrade, a very high melting point for a wax material. The paraffin wax is included for the added oil content, to aid transfer of the active ingredient to the animal. The paraffin wax and palm wax both have a lower melting point at around 62 degrees Centigrade. The palm wax increases the overall hardness of the block, but would make the block too brittle if used in a high proportion.

[0124] In other forms of the invention where the block is to be used at temperatures over 35 degrees Centigrade an alternative mixture may be used with 50% synthetic high temperature wax, 25% palm wax and 25% paraffin wax. In other blends, microcrystalline wax may be included, which has a melting point around 72 degrees Centigrade, higher than the paraffin or palm wax. However, use of the synthetic high temperature wax is preferred, if the cost is appropriate. Clearly, the blend mix can be varied somewhat for different applications. Further wax blends and proportions are used in other forms of the invention as described below.

[0125] The described example mix is useful to at least 35 degrees Centigrade. Other blends and ratio mixes are also being investigated for their relative properties for use as an inventive block, in higher heat conditions. For example, for conditions over 35 degrees Centigrade incorporation of a greater proportion of synthetic high temperature wax product such as FISCHER_TROPSCH (Trade Mark) into the mixture can be used as it has a very high melting point. The inventor has found that specific combinations of waxes with their different melting points and properties is extremely beneficial to create cylinder block 1 with the best application of the active ingredient and longevity in the field.

[0126] Fibre 18 is incorporated into the mixture while the waxes are softened into a liquid form so that the fibres become thoroughly combined. The fibre 18 as illustrated is coconut coir separated into fibres and mixed through. This is an environmentally sound product that is lightweight but strong, giving a strength and structure to the wax. Coconut coir of 20 grams per block is used, or 66 millilitres (refer also to the TABLE 1 mix examples below) to give a suitable reinforcement and structure to the wax block, and Table 2 gives further possible blend examples. Some variation to this could also be used. It is envisaged that any suitable fibre could be used instead, but it has been found that coconut coir is particularly useful.

[0127] The structure assists to hold the wax block together, resists release of the active materials. It is an important advantage of the subject invention that the use is controlled as the animal contacts the block. The controlled use compares to the uncontrolled use of a hydrocarbon carrier which can drip and quickly be spent and require recharging.

[0128] During manufacture of cylinder 1 an active ingredient (not shown) is incorporated into the wax mixture. It is this active ingredient that will act against the biting insects to give the animal some relief. Any suitable insecticide may be used. Different formulas may be used for different animals in different circumstances, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. It should be noted that different jurisdictions have different rules on use of these active ingredients and some are not available for use, in some countries. However, some useful examples are described below. Clearly, these are generally illustrative examples only and any suitable additive could be used instead of an insecticide in other use of the invention.

[0129] Cylinder block 1 is illustrated as a permethrin cylinder block and the active ingredient permethrin, is mixed into the wax mix, with the total block 1700 millilitres and the volume of active ingredient 20 millilitres at concentration of 87 grams per litre. As illustrated in the volume data below for the inventive block of 1700 millilitres, with the active ingredient Permethrin, in addition to the 20 millilitres, active ingredient there is 66 millilitres of coconut coir, 830 millilitres of paraffin white oil, 200 millilitres of petroleum jelly, which is mixed with 584 millilitres of the wax blend as described above. The different mixtures, and proportions found to be useful for each active ingredient are as listed in the Volume Data table below.

[0130] Some example active ingredients and concentrations for use incorporated into cylinder block 1 as follows: TABLE a)

TABLE-US-00001 No. Active Ingredient:- Product name:- Concentration 1 Permethrin PERMETHRIN 87 g/ltr 2 Chlorfenvinphos CHLORFENVINPHOS 200 g/ltr 3 Diazinon DIAZINON 200 g/ltr 4 Phosmet PHOSMET 150 g/ltr 5 Citronella, Eucalyptus Concentrate

[0131] The following TABLE 1 provides the suggested volume data for example product 1.7L block mixes as described in embodiment 1:

TABLE-US-00002 Item Ingredient Value Unit Volume Data - per 1.7 L block (active ingredient - Chlorfenvinphos) 1 Volume of Supona (Trade Mark) per treatment block (active 150 ml ingredient - Chlorfenvinphos) 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 66 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin white oil per 1.7 L treatment block 700 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per 1.7 L treatment block 200 ml 5 Total volume of wax per 1.7 L treatment block 584 ml Volume Data - per 1.7 L block (active ingredient - Diazinon) 1 Volume of Diazinon per treatment block (active ingredient - 150 ml Diazinon) 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 66 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin white oil per 1.7 L treatment block 700 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per 1.7 L treatment block 200 ml 5 Total volume of wax per 1.7 L treatment block 584 ml Volume Data - per 1.7 L block (active ingredient - Permethrin) 1 Volume of Brute (Trade Mark) Permethrin per treatment block 20 ml (active ingredient - Permethrin) 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 66 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin white oil per 1.7 L treatment block 830 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per 1.7 L treatment block 200 ml 5 Total volume of wax per 1.7 L treatment block 584 ml Volume Data - per 1.7 L block (active ingredient - Phosmet) 1 Volume of Imidan (Trade Mark) Phosmet per treatment block 20 ml (active ingredient - Phosmet) 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 66 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin white oil per 1.7 L treatment block 830 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per 1.7 L treatment block 200 ml 5 Total volume of wax per 1.7 L treatment block 584 ml Volume Data - per 1.7 L block (active ingredient - Citronella & Eucalyptus essential oils) 1 Volume of Citronella oil per treatment block (active ingredient - 63 ml Citronella oil) 2 Volume of Eucalyptus oil per treatment block (active ingredient - 37 ml Eucalyptus oil) 3 Volume coconut fiber per block 66 ml 4 Total volume of paraffin white oil per 1.7 L treatment block 750 ml 5 Total volume of petroleum jelly per 1.7 L treatment block 200 ml 6 Total volume of wax per 1.7 L treatment block 584 ml Volume Data - per 1.7 L block (active ingredient - Essential Oils - Cattle Coat) 1 Volume of Cattle Coat (Trade Mark) per treatment block (active 1000 ml ingredients various) 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 66 ml 3 Total volume of petroleum jelly per 1.7 L treatment block 50 ml 4 Total volume of wax per 1.7 L treatment block 584 ml Volume Data - per 1.7 L block (active ingredient - Essential Oils - Pony Coat) 1 Volume of Pony Coat (Trade Mark)per treatment block (active 1000 ml ingredient -various) 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 66 ml 3 Total volume of petroleum jelly per 1.7 L treatment block 50 ml 4 Total volume of wax per 1.7 L treatment block 584 ml

[0132] The following TABLE 2 provides the suggested volume data for example product mixes as recently developed over further research, for a 1.18L block (refer embodiment 3).

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Item Ingredient Value Unit Volume Data - per 1.18 L block (active ingredient - Chlorfenvinphos) 1 Volume of Chlorfenvinphos per treatment block 30 ml 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 35 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin oil per treatment block 596 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per treatment block 74 ml 5 Total volume of microcrystaline wax per treatment block 64 ml 6 Total volume of SASOLWAX H1 (Trade Mark) per treatment block 381 ml Volume Data - per 1.18 L block (active ingredient - Diazinon) 1 Volume of diazinon per treatment block 30 ml 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 35 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin oil per treatment block 596 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per treatment block 74 ml 5 Total volume of microcrystaline wax per treatment block 64 ml 6 Total volume of SASOLWAX H1 (Trade Mark) per treatment block 381 ml Volume Data - per 1.18 L block (active ingredient - Phosmet) 1 Volume of Phosmet per treatment block 30 ml 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 35 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin oil per treatment block 596 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per treatment block 74 ml 5 Total volume of microcrystaline wax per treatment block 64 ml 6 Total volume of SASOLWAX H1 (Trade Mark) per treatment 381 ml block Volume Data - per 1.18 L block (active ingredient - Permethrin) 1 Volume of Permethrin per treatment block 22 ml 2 Volume coconut fiber per block 35 ml 3 Total volume of paraffin oil per treatment block 604 ml 4 Total volume of petroleum jelly per treatment block 74 ml 5 Total volume of microcrystaline wax per treatment block 64 ml 6 Total volume of SASOLWAX H1 (Trade Mark) per treatment block 381 ml Volume Data - per 1.18 L block (Horse Care/Non-Chemical) 1 Volume of Eucalyptus Oil per treatment block 17 ml 2 Volume of Tea Tree Oil per treatment block 2.5 ml 3 Volume of Lemon Grass Oil or Lavender Oil per treatment block 1 ml 4 Volume of Lavender Oil per treatment block 1 ml 5 Volume of Aster Amellus Root Juice per treatment block 0.5 ml 6 Volume of Pine Oil per treatment block 0.5 ml 7 Volume of Citronella per treatment block 2.5 ml 8 Volume of Palmarosa oil per treatment block 1 ml 9 Volume of Clionasterol per treatment block 4 ml 10 Volume coconut fiber per block 35 ml 11 Total volume of paraffin oil per treatment block 596 ml 12 Total volume of petroleum jelly per treatment block 74 ml 13 Total volume of microcrystaline wax per treatment block 64 ml 14 Total volume of SASOLWAX H1 (Trade Mark) per treatment 381 ml block Volume Data - per 1.18 L block (Cattle Care/Non-chemical) 1 Volume of Eucalyptus Oil per treatment block 17 ml 2 Volume of Tea Tree Oil per treatment block 2.5 ml 3 Volume of Lemon Grass or Lavender Oil per treatment block 1 ml 7 Volume of Citronella per treatment block 9.5 ml 10 Volume coconut fiber per block 35 ml 11 Total volume of paraffin oil per treatment block 596 ml 12 Total volume of petroleum jelly per treatment block 74 ml 13 Total volume of microcrystaline wax per treatment block 64 ml 14 Total volume of SASOLWAX H1 (Trade Mark) per treatment 381 ml block * No allowance in the Table 2 volumes has been made for the centre wear bush if used, deduct according to centre bush size. Cylinder 1 as in the illustrative example is formulated with the mix as described in Table 1, including the active ingredient Permethrin.

[0133] Table 2 is continued below:

[0134] Each of the illustrative examples including different active ingredients, or the same active ingredient and a different wax mix. However, each of the described mixtures could be used for cylinder 1 instead, including those of Table 2 with the adapted volumes and proportions. Clearly, there is significant scope for variance in the wax mix, ratios and the concentration and use of the active ingredients. The above are non-limiting illustrative examples. A UV inhibitor can be used with any of the mixes to act against the UV from the action of the sun in use as illustrated in the TABLES. The illustrated volume of the UV inhibitor is 0.005%.

[0135] The particular method or order of making the cylinder blocks can be varied as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. In the main part the ingredients can be introduced to a container, with contingency to allow for filling of the shaped pots. Once the mixture is thoroughly mixed the containers can be filled, and allowed to set, before being tipped out ready for use. Cylindrical conduit 16 is formed in the container to create the shape as illustrated in FIG. 1. Other forms could use connectors, chains, or attachments at either side and omit the conduit. However, the simple method of use when including conduit 16 and the ability to use it on existing structures, such as for the prior art hanging apparatus, or on a pole or post, gives great versatility to this form of the invention.

[0136] Depending on the method of manufacture the wax mixture can be mixed by hand or by use of an automated system before being poured into moulds and set in the desired shape. Clearly, other shapes could be used but the cylinder block is a familiar shape and readily used on a chain or rope for cattle, for example. Any suitable shape could be used in other forms.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 13, hanging apparatus 130 is shown as an illustrative example of how block 1 and other similar blocks (see below) may be used to treat animals. As illustrated existing posts 132, 134 as previously used for another purpose are repurposed for hanging apparatus 130. New posts may be used or any upright such as a tree could be used instead. Each of posts 132 and 134 has loop attachment 136 and 138, to which chain 140 is strung. The example uses a chain and attachments but could be readily replaced with a rope, or any suitable matter to hang the blocks. Chain 140 is shown threaded through cylindrical conduit 16 of two blocks 1 and of the equivalent of other different blocks 142 and 144. If the conduit is replaced by loops or other attachments these can connect together instead. These other blocks are illustrated as containing different active ingredients and mixes to show the strong variety and numerous options the invention provides. However, in general use all the blocks will be the same. The number of cylindrical blocks 1 is shown as 6, and 6 to 10 is a good example for use for treatment for cattle. Other numbers can be used and it is a further advantage of the invention that the number of blocks can be varied in this way. A particular farmer can replace some rather than all of the blocks if need be, or add further blocks.

[0138] The blocks can be seen to be slung at an appropriate height for cattle to rub themselves on the blocks. Generally, the blocks may be worn out together and so these may be replaced together. The cattle are looking to scratch and rid themselves of the biting flies and can do so on the slung blocks 1. As they rub their back, side or face, for example, onto the blocks the active ingredient with wax carrier is transferred in a controlled manner to the animal. The blocks gradually contact the cattle as they rub themselves and apply the active ingredient in wax carrier to kill the biting flies or insects. Each block 1 and its controlled release of active ingredient will last around 12 weeks in this form of the invention, in other forms 20 weeks or longer are possible. The length of time will depend on the number of animals that visit the block and the amount of use it gets, as well as the particular formula and format of the block in use. The blocks may be adapted to last a greater or lesser amount of time.

[0139] Each block can then be replaced as it becomes worn down or on a program of regular replacement, periodically. It is likely that the cattle will therefore be able to scratch and receive the controlled application of the insecticide active ingredient continuously, over the life of the block. The animals will be happier with this situation, more comfortable and less bothered and restless. The cattle that have less distress due to biting flies are most likely to present for sale with good weights and be generally in much better health.

[0140] Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, a variant to the present inventive block is illustrated, similar to the first and with similar reference numerals used throughout. The difference from the first is that there is an external wax layer to provide a better aesthetic look before use, and also to provide some protection to the block until in use.

[0141] As illustrated block 101 has body 110, with ends 112 and 114, between which runs cylindrical conduit 116 and is a similar cylindrical shape to block 1. Fibre 118 is included, coconut coir fibres as described above, in the same wax mixture as described in Table 1 for the organic, essential oil form of the invention. Other wax mixtures or proportions may be substituted instead, and other active ingredients and percentages and proportions as set out in Table 1, Table 2 or elsewhere.

[0142] As illustrated each body 101 is 127 millimetres wide by 140 millimetres wide 134 millimetres as the first embodiment but surrounded by a 3 millimetre external wax layer. The external wax layer in the given example is to cover the coconut coir for sale presentation. Other out layer arrangements may be used instead. In all other ways body 101 is identical to body 1. A UV inhibitor is used, in the example, 2-Hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone incorporated into the wax to act against degradation due to sun exposure. Again the size is convenient but can be varied for other applications.

[0143] In use cylinder blocks 101 are used as block 1 hung or strung to create a rub area for the animals whereby they gain a controlled treatment.

[0144] Cylinder block 101 may use any of the active ingredients listed above at Table a), Table 1 or Table 2, or other suitable active ingredients. As shown the active ingredient includes concentrates of citronella 63 millilitres and 37 millilitres eucalyptus for a 1700 millilitre block, mixed into the wax carrier. In this form of the invention a user may be interested in avoiding using some of the more traditional chemicals for insecticide, and wish to use the natural essential oils of citronella and eucalyptus as an organic alternative. The mix and block of 1180 millimetres as described for Table 2 could be used instead. In which case the block will include a mix of Eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, lemon grass oil, lavender oil, aster amellus root juice, pine oil, citronella, palmarosa oil and clionasterol as active ingredients in volumes as set out in Table 2. The mixes here described are of particular use for action against horse fly tabanide and face fly Musca autumnalis. In use with essential oils there is the added benefit that the pervading oils act as a deterrent to the flies and insects approaching the animal, as well as the action to treat the animal so that insects in contact with the treatment die. A deterrent essential oil or similar could be used in any of the forms of invention, as described above. Variation to the proportions may be made and some omitted in variants of the invention.

[0145] Block 101 can be made exactly as described for block 1 manually, poured into a suitable container of a suitable shape, and set and removed for use.

[0146] Although block 101 is not specifically illustrated in FIG. 13 all of the blocks shown in that illustration could be readily replaced with block 101 instead. The method of use is as described for block 1 and the method of FIG. 13.

[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 12, an improved variant to the present inventive block is illustrated, similar to the second and again, with similar reference numerals used throughout. The method of mixing and moulding the blocks is the same as described elsewhere for the other forms of the invention. The difference of the described block from the first and second embodiments is the inclusion of a very useful biodegradable bush that assists to prolong the life of the block, and once used the material does not adversely impact the environment. The block of FIGS. 7 to 12 in any of its forms or variants can be used in place of block 1 as illustrated for FIG. 13.

[0148] As illustrated block 201 has body 210, with ends 212 and 114, between which runs cylindrical conduit 216 as for the first and second embodiments, and is a similar cylindrical shape to block 1 and block 101. Fibres 218 are included, and again is a mix of coconut coir fibres in a wax mixture. The example of the third embodiment is a mix from Table 2, above in a 1180 millilitre block, with 22 millilitres of permethrin mixed into a wax mix containing, Sasolwax H1 (Trade Mark), 381 millilitres and microcrystalline wax of 64 millilitres, mixed with paraffin oil 604 millilitres and petroleum jelly 74 millilitres. Coconut coir fibres for the structural means of 35 millimetres, which equates to about 12 grams, per block. The third embodiment can be made according to any suitable wax and active ingredient mix of the invention, including any of those listed in Table 1 instead.

[0149] As illustrated each body 201 is 100 millimetres wide, by 145 millimetres long as including a 3 millimetre external wax layer 220 to protect the block until use, and for presentation. The central core 216, has a diameter 32 millimetres as illustrated with bush 222, the different feature for the third embodiment being 42 millimetres across with a length of 155 millimetres, ends 224 of bush 222 at either end of body 226, project 5 millimetres from each end of block 201. Each bush 222 is formed of timber as a strong, light material to protect the inner surface of wax body 210 from the mounting. Where the mounting is a chain when block 201 is mounted as illustrated in FIG. 13 (for example in place of block 1) the action of the chain on the inner surface can quickly reduce the life of the block, and so it has been found beneficial to include a protective bush. Any suitable protective bush may be included, but it is most useful to have one that can be left in the environment and does not cause undue pollution, is biodegradable. Wood is particularly useful, but is just one example, bamboo products, or natural plastics or composite materials may be used instead. Ends 224 themselves protect against rubbing and action against ends 212 and 214 of block 201, giving overall protection against the mounting. Overall the block of the third embodiment illustrates a useful form of block that can be adapted to different active ingredients and different mountings, as required for the particular application.

[0150] Although not illustrated, a further useful example may be given where block is made with percentages as follows 32.2 percent synthetic high temperature wax, 5.4 percent microcrystalline wax, 6.2 percent petroleum jelly, 50.8 percent mineral oil with 2.9 percent coconut coir and a 2.5 percent of active ingredient diazinon, chlorfenvinphos or phosmet. The block made to the proportions and moulded for use as described elsewhere has been found to be useful for 12 or 20 weeks of use in the field to act against biting flies for cattle. If the biodegradable bush is included, this acts against where from the mounting, which again prolongs the useful life of the block. Other examples are apparent from the Table 1 and Table 2 in particular.

[0151] The inventor has developed a clever invention that uses a wax cylinder as carrier for active ingredients to create a solid block. This solid block replaces the need to use liquid, uncontrolled carriers such as diesel or white oil which may drip or spill. The subject inventive block can provide controlled application of the active ingredient held in the wax carrier over a longer period of time and with less maintenance than the prior art. The cattle get better treatment against insects and the farmer saves time and money, with a better end result.

[0152] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0153]

TABLE-US-00004 Embodiment 1:- 1 Cylinder block 10 Body 12 End 14 End 16 Cylindrical conduit 18 Fibres Embodiment 2:- 101 Cylinder block 110 Body 112 End 114 End 116 Cylindrical conduit 118 Fibres 120 Layer 130 Hanging apparatus 132 Post 134 Post 136 Loop attachment 138 Loop attachment 140 Chain 142 Block 144 Block Embodiment 3:- 201 Cylinder block 210 Body 212 End 214 End 216 Cylindrical conduit 218 Fibres 220 Layer 222 Bush 224 Ends (2) of bush 226 Body of bush