Blog: Easy Exit –
The patented exit aid
for horse trailers

Shark Tank of Patents

In season 17, episode 6, broadcast on June 2, 2025, founders Anna and Michael Schnurbusch presented their innovation Easy Exit on "Die Höhle der Löwen" (DHDL). They asked for €50,000 for 10% of the company. Although no investment was made in the end, the father-daughter duo attracted a lot of attention and recognition for their animal-friendly solution.

DHDL offers founders an unbeatable springboard: in addition to potential investments, they benefit from Germany's largest start-up platform, massive media exposure, and access to a network of experienced investors, even if some deals fall through after the show. Statistically, around 75% of the first deals fall through after the show, but the media coverage is often very valuable nonetheless.

This broadcast situation makes DHDL one of the most useful opportunities for start-ups to increase their reach and obtain validation for their products.

The idea behind Easy Exit

The idea for Easy Exit arose from a specific problem in horse transport: horses often injure themselves when getting out of trailers by slipping on the edge of the loading ramp. This undermines trust in the trailer. Anna and Michael Schnurbusch, themselves horse owners from Voerde, therefore developed a foldable extension device that bridges the gap between the loading ramp and the floor and creates a uniformly sloped surface. This significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Typical challenges in implementation were of a legal and technical nature: the design had to be adaptable to different trailer shapes, rigid enough for stability, and at the same time mobile and easy to install. In addition, the concept had to be patent-protected.

The duo went through several prototype phases, used feedback from experienced riders, and iterated the design until a functional, safe, and low-maintenance product was created, which was presented and awarded at trade fair premieres such as EQUITANA 2019.

What already exists in this area?

There are already a few solutions on the market for horse trailer accessories that make loading easier, but hardly anything that specifically addresses safe unloading:

• Conventional ramps or rigid ramp plates that are fixed to the edge and usually consist of a single piece. These offer little flexibility on uneven ground and cannot compensate for every gap.
• Extendable ramp solutions, which usually use mechanical hinges but are not modular.
• Patent D1 (DE202007016292U1) describes a rotating ramp with a ramp plate that always touches either the ground or the adjacent loading area; however, it consists of a single sheet metal part, not several modular elements.
• Other providers rely on mobile ramp trolleys or height-adjustable supports, but these are often very expensive, unwieldy, or difficult to integrate and were not designed specifically for horses.

Most solutions focus on loading, and only a few claim to also protect the horse during unloading.

What makes Easy Exit special?

1. Modularity and form-fitting design: The Easy Exit extension consists of several bridge sections or a variable module made of individual elements that are mounted to the rear outer edge of the loading ramp using connecting devices. This creates a smooth, adjustable bridge to the ground – even on uneven surfaces.
2. Easy installation and universal fit: Easy Exit can be easily retrofitted without having to permanently modify the trailer. The quick-release fasteners (screws, clamps) allow flexible installation depending on the type and design of the animal transport vehicle.
3. Improved safety and confidence: The gentle slope and stable transition minimize the risk of slipping and at the same time strengthen the relationship of trust with the trailer. This also makes it easier to train nervous or problematic horses and saves time and potential veterinary costs.
4. Excellent design and trade fair presence: Easy Exit was awarded the Innovation Prize at EQUITANA in 2019.

Easy Exit Patent (EP3290266B1)

The patent is for a loading ramp device for animal transport vehicles with a loading flap (1), at which an extension device (20) can be arranged on the loading flap (1) so that, when the loading flap (1) is folded down, the extension device (20) bridges the space between the loading flap (1) and the ground (110) (see Fig. 3 of the Easy Exit Patent).

[Fig. 3 of the Easy Exit Patent]

The outstanding feature of Easy Exit compared to conventional techniques is that the extension device (20) comprises several bridge pieces or a bridge piece made of several individual elements and can be attached to the rear outer edge of the loading flap (1) by means of connecting elements (22).

In contrast to Easy Exit, the prior art D1 discloses a ramp system consisting of at least one ramp (1) rotatably mounted on a shaft (1a), at the end of which a drive-over plate (2) mounted rotatably on a shaft (3) is arranged in such a way that the tip of the drive-over plate (2a) is always pressed against the ground (5) or against the adjacent loading surface of the next ramp in the loading position (see Fig. 1 of D1: DE202007016292U1).

[Fig. 1 of D1]

In other words, D1 does not show a drive-over plate (2) consisting of several pieces.

Unlike the prior art, the Easy Exit thus offers a special form fit between the loading flap and the ground. This is practical when the ground is uneven. Additional holes and gaps can thus be bridged.

Conclusion

Easy Exit is an innovative, practical, and patented solution that eliminates a frequently underestimated risk in horse transport: injuries when dismounting. Its modular design, simple installation, and animal-friendly function make the product particularly valuable for horse owners and professional transporters. Despite the lack of a deal on the show, the media buzz and patent protection remain a strong foundation for future growth.

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Disclaimer: The above contribution reflects the personal opinion of the author. The assessments and statements made in the article do not constitute legal advice and are provided under exclusion of any liability. If you need an assessment of an individual case, please contact the author and/or the law firm KUHNEN & WACKER.