U.S. patent application number 09/746634 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for animal restraint.
Invention is credited to Geideman, Cybele, Gray, Loralee, Morgan-Albertson, Rebecca.
Application Number | 20020078903 09/746634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26919786 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020078903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan-Albertson, Rebecca ;
et al. |
June 27, 2002 |
ANIMAL RESTRAINT
Abstract
Apparatus and method for an animal restraint are provided,
wherein the animal restraint can be fabricated from a single
continuous piece of cord with a series of knots formed therein. The
series of knots includes a slide knot through which two lengths of
the cord are passed in a substantially side-by-side manner. The
cord is configured to define a head hole, a first leg hole, and a
second leg hole, wherein the sizes of the first and the second leg
holes are adjustable by moving the two lengths of cord in an
adjustably slidable manner through the slide knot.
Inventors: |
Morgan-Albertson, Rebecca;
(Stevensville, MT) ; Geideman, Cybele;
(Stevensville, MT) ; Gray, Loralee; (Caldwell,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John S. Reid
REIDLAW, L.L.C.
1926 South Valleyview Lane
Spokane
WA
99212-0157
US
|
Family ID: |
26919786 |
Appl. No.: |
09/746634 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60225637 |
Aug 16, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/792 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 27/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/792 |
International
Class: |
A01K 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An animal restraint apparatus, comprising: a first cord length;
a second cord length; a slide knot at which the first cord length
connects with the second cord length; a third cord length; a fourth
cord length; a joint at which the first, the second, the third, and
the fourth cord lengths join; a fifth cord length which passes
through the slide knot; a sixth cord length which passes through
the slide knot; a center stop knot at which the fifth cord length
connects with the sixth cord length; a first mid stop knot at which
the third cord length connects with the fifth cord length; a second
mid stop knot at which the fourth cord length connects with the
sixth cord length; and, wherein: the first cord length is defined
between the slide knot and the joint; the second cord length is
defined between the slide knot and the joint in substantially
collateral relation with the first cord length; the third cord
length is defined between the joint and the first mid stop knot;
the fourth cord length is defined between the joint and the second
mid stop knot; the fifth cord length is defined between the first
mid stop knot and the center stop knot and is configured to
adjustably slide through the slide knot; the sixth cord length is
defined between the second mid stop knot and the center stop knot
and is configured to adjustably slide through the slide knot in
substantially collateral relation with the fifth cord length.
2. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and wherein: the
first cord length, the second cord length, the third cord length,
the fourth cord length, the fifth cord length, and the sixth cord
length are defined on a single continuous piece of cord, and, the
center stop knot, the first mid stop knot, and the second mid stop
knot are formed in the single continuous piece of cord.
3. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and wherein the joint
comprises a cord splice.
4. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and wherein the joint
comprises a knot.
5. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and wherein the joint
is a tube joint.
6. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 5, and wherein the tube
joint comprising heat-shrink tubing which is used in forming the
tube joint.
7. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and wherein the slide
knot comprises a Turk's head knot.
8. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and wherein the
center stop knot comprises an overhand knot.
9. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and wherein the first
mid stop knot and the second mid stop knot each comprise an
overhand knot.
10. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 2, and wherein the
single continuous piece of cord is braided rope.
11. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 10, and wherein braided
rope is fabricated from a material selected from the group
consisting of nylon and polyester.
12. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 1, and further
comprising a releasably attachable leash.
13. The animal restraint apparatus of claim 12, and wherein the
leash comprises braided rope.
14. An animal restraint apparatus comprising: a first cord length;
a second cord length; a slide which connects to the first cord
length and the second cord length; a third cord length; a fourth
cord length; a joint at which the first, the second, the third, and
the fourth cord lengths join; a fifth cord length which passes
through the slide; a sixth cord length which passes through the
slide; a center stop which connects to the fifth cord length and
the sixth cord length; a first mid stop which connects to the third
cord length and the fifth cord length; a second mid stop which
connects to the fourth cord length and the sixth cord length; and,
wherein: the first cord length is defined between the slide and the
joint; the second cord length is defined between the slide and the
joint in substantially collateral relation with the first cord
length; the third cord length is defined between the joint and the
first mid stop; the fourth cord length is defined between the joint
and the second mid stop; the fifth cord length is defined between
the first mid stop and the center stop and is configured to
adjustably move through the slide; the sixth cord length is defined
between the second mid stop and the center stop and is configured
to adjustably move through the slide in substantially collateral
relation with the fifth cord length.
15. The animal restraint device of claim 14, and further comprising
a lock device supported on the slide and configured to selectively
prevent movement of the fifth cord length and the sixth cord length
relative to the slide.
16. The animal restraint device of claim 14, and wherein the center
stop, the first mid stop, and the second mid stop are fabricated
from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, metal,
and plastic.
17. The animal restraint device of claim 14, and wherein the slide
is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of
wood, metal, and plastic.
18. A method of producing an animal restraint comprising: providing
a single continuous piece of cord; forming a center stop knot in
the piece of cord; forming a first mid stop knot in the piece of
cord to define a first cord length between the center stop knot and
the first mid stop knot; forming a second mid stop knot in the
piece of cord to define a second cord length between the center
stop knot and the second mid stop knot; and, forming a slide knot
in the piece of cord, wherein the first cord length and the second
cord length are configured to adjustably slide through the slide
knot.
19. The method of claim 18 and further comprising forming a tube
joint in the continuous piece of cord.
20. The method of claim 18, and wherein the slide knot is a Turk's
head knot.
21. The method of claim 18, and wherein the center stop knot, the
first mid stop knot, and the second mid stop knot are each overhand
knots.
Description
RELATED CASES
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 60/225,637, filed Aug. 16, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to animal restraints, and more
specifically, to animal restraint apparatus and methods for
producing animal restraint apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various configurations of prior art animal restraints have
been in wide-spread use. By "animal restraint" we mean an apparatus
which is configured to limit the range of mobility of an animal
relative to a given reference point. For example, prior art animal
restraints in the form of harnesses have been used to limit the
mobility of draft animals relative to a reference point which can
be in the form of a load such as a cart, wagon, or sled. Prior art
animal restraints in the form of harnesses and collars have also
been used in combination with a lead, or leash, to limit the
mobility of pet animals relative to a reference point such as the
pet owner. An animal restraint can provide a means of controlling
an animal during exercise or during medical examination of the
animal, for example. An animal restraint can also be a useful tool
for training an animal.
[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a prior art
animal restraint 10 is depicted. The prior art animal restraint 10
of FIG. 1 is shown to be generally configured as a dog harness,
although it is understood that similar prior art harnesses have
been configured for use as restraints for animals other than dogs.
The prior art animal restraint 10 comprises various separate
lengths of flexible belting 20 which can be in any of a number of
various forms such as woven nylon webbing or leather strapping, or
the like. Various openings 22 are formed in the belting 20 by way
of stitchings 24.
[0005] The prior art animal restraint 10 also comprises a plurality
of metal rings 32, 34. At least one of the metal rings 32 can be
employed as a joint to join various lengths of belting 20 to one
another as shown. Another of the rings 34 can be utilized as an
attachment point for a lead or leash (not shown). Various metal
buckles 36 are also included in the prior art animal restraint 10.
The buckles 36 are employed to adjust the length of the various
lengths of belting 20 in order to tailor the fit of the restraint
10 to the size of the animal by which the restraint is worn.
[0006] Fastener portions 42, 44 are also included in the prior art
animal restraint 10 in order to securely place the restraint on the
animal by which it is worn. A first fastener portion 42 is
configured to releasably fasten to a second fastener portion 44.
Other alternative configurations of fasteners (not shown) have been
used. When the first and second fastener portions 42, 44 are
fastened to one another, the prior art restrain forms a front loop
52 and a rear loop 54. The front loop 52 is generally configured to
be placed around the neck or upper chest and in front of the fore
limbs of an animal, while the rear loop 54 is generally configured
to be placed around the chest of the animal and behind the fore
limbs.
[0007] As is seen, the prior art animal restraint 10 harness
comprises various separate parts and components such as belting
lengths 20, stitchings 24, metal rings 32, buckles 36, and fastener
portions 42, 44. This can result in a relatively high number of
parts and components which are subject to wear, breakage, or
malfunction. For example, the stitchings 24 can become worn and
frayed, resulting in weakening of the restraint 10. Also, the
belting lengths 20 can become worn due to rubbing against one
another or against the metal rings 32, 34. The metal parts such as
the rings 32, 34 and buckles 36 can become corroded. The relatively
high number of components of the prior art restraint 10 can also
result in a relatively complex fabrication procedure.
[0008] In addition, the several buckles 36 as well as the fastener
portions 42, 44 can lead to difficulty of use or confusion of the
user when the user attempts to place the restraint 10 on an animal.
This can be especially so in cases where the user has an incapacity
of some sort, such as loss of use of a hand, or poor sight.
Furthermore, the prior art restraint 10 harness can be
uncomfortable for the animal by which it is worn. Such discomfort
can be caused by edges of the belting lengths 20 digging in to the
animal, and especially so if the belting lengths become
twisted.
[0009] Also, the animal can suffer discomfort due to the relatively
high weight of the prior art restraint 10, which in turn, is due to
the many parts, including various metal parts, which make up the
restraint. Finally, the use of belting 20 limits the size of the
prior art restraint 10 harness that can be constructed, precluding
the use of such a restraint on relatively small animals such as
mice and the like.
[0010] Other configurations of prior art animal restraints have
also been used. Turning to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a prior
art restraint 20 in the form of a dog collar is depicted. As in the
case of the animal restraint 10 discussed above for FIG. 1, it is
understood that collars similar to the prior art animal restraint
20 depicted in FIG. 2 have been used on animals other than dogs.
The prior art animal restraint 20 collar comprises a belt length 60
which can be in any of a number of forms, including woven nylon
webbing, leather strapping, or the like.
[0011] The prior art animal restraint 20 also comprises at least
one fastener portion 64 which is configured to fasten the ends of
the belt length 60 into a closed loop when placed around an
animal's neck. The prior art restraint 20 can also comprise at
least one metal ring 62 which is attached to the length of belting
60, and which can be employed as an attachment point for a lead or
leash (not shown).
[0012] It is seen that the prior art animal restraint 20 collar is
somewhat less complex than the animal restraint 10 harness which is
depicted in FIG. 1. However, the animal restraint 20 depicted in
FIG. 2 can be unreliable as well as dangerous. If the prior art
animal restraint 20 collar is placed to loosely around the neck of
an animal, it could unexpectedly come off of the animal by sliding
from the neck and past the head of the animal. Of course, this can
be a very undesirable occurrence in situations where the animal
must be restrained.
[0013] The prior art animal restraint 20 collar can also prove to
be dangerous and even deadly in the event that the restraint is
placed too tightly around the neck of the animal. Numerous animals
have been seriously injured or killed by strangulation in cases
where a tightly fitting prior art restraint collar such as the
restraint 20 becomes ensnared by an object which is too far above
the ground for the animal to stand.
[0014] Moving now to FIG. 3, yet another prior art animal restraint
30 in the form of a choker is shown. The animal restraint 30 choker
generally comprises a length of metal chain 80 as well as a pair of
metal rings 82, 84. A first metal ring 82 is attached to one end of
the length of metal chain 80 while a second metal ring 84 is
attached to the other end of the length of chain. The length of
chain 80 is passed through the first metal ring 82 to form a loop
as shown. The loop formed by the chain 80 is passed over an
animal's head and placed around the animal's neck. A lead or leash
(not shown) can be connected to the first ring 82. In that case,
since the loop must be big enough to fit around the animal's head,
there is a possibility that the restraint 30 can be pulled off the
animal if enough force is exerted.
[0015] Alternatively, the lead can be connected to the second ring
84 in which case the chain can become cinched tightly around the
animal's neck, and from which case the name "choker" is derived. In
either case, problems are associated with the use of the prior art
animal restraint 30 choker. On the one hand, if the lead is
connected to the first ring 82, the restraint 30 can be relatively
easily pulled off of the animal. On the other hand, if the lead is
connected to the second ring 84, the restraint 30 can actually
choke the animal due to the constricting nature of the chain
wrapping tightly around the animal's neck. The use of the prior art
restraint 30 as a choker is considered by many to be inhumane.
[0016] As is seen from the above discussion of the prior art animal
restraints 10, 20, 30 depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively,
several problems are associated with their use. Therefore it has
long been known that it would be desirable to provide an animal
restraint which achieves the benefits to be derived from similar
prior art devices, but which avoids the shortcomings and detriments
individually associated therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the
invention generally includes an animal restraint apparatus
comprising a cord having a series of stop knots and a slide knot
formed therein. The cord and knots together define a head hole, a
first leg hole and a second leg hole, wherein the sizes of the
first and the second leg holes are adjustable by adjustably sliding
two lengths of the cord through the slide knot. In accordance with
a second embodiment of the invention, another animal restraint
apparatus is provided which is similar to the apparatus of the
first embodiment except that the knots of the first embodiment are
replaced by stops which are mounted on the cord and which are
fabricated from relatively hard material such as metal, wood,
plastic or the like.
[0018] In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, a
method of producing an animal restraint is disclosed which includes
providing a single continuous cord and forming a series of stop
knots and a slide knot therein. The stop knots can be overhand
knots, while the slide knot can be a Turk's head knot.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art animal
restraint.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another prior art animal
restraint.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another prior art animal
restraint.
[0023] FIG. 4 is an environmental view of an animal restraint
apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus in accordance with
the first embodiment of the present invention which is depicted in
FIG. 4.
[0025] FIG. 5A is a partial top view of a first alternative
configuration of a joint of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 5.
[0026] FIG. 5B is a partial top view of a second alternative
configuration of a joint of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 5.
[0027] FIGS. 6A through 6J are set of ten sequential instructional
diagrams, each corresponding to one of ten steps in a method of
forming a Turk's head knot.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view of an animal restraint apparatus in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 8. is a partial side view showing a possible
configuration of a lock device for the apparatus which is depicted
in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention provides for methods and apparatus for
an animal restraint apparatus which comprises a cord and a series
of stop knots and a slide knot which are formed thereon. Among the
series of knots is a slide knot through which two lengths of the
cord pass together to form two adjustable leg holes. A method of
producing such an animal restraint is also provided. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, the knots are replaced by
a series of stops and a slide which are fabricated from a material
such as plastic, metal, or wood.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 4, an environmental view of an animal
restraint apparatus 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of
the present invention is shown. As is evident from FIG. 4, only a
portion of the restraint apparatus 100 is visible, while the
remainder of the restraint apparatus is hidden by an animal "A" by
which the apparatus is worn. The animal restraint apparatus 100 can
be used on nearly any animal "A" which has fore limbs "F" such as a
dog, as shown. That is, although the restraint apparatus 100 is
depicted in FIG. 4 to be used on a dog, it is understood that the
restraint apparatus can be configured for use on virtually any
vertebrate animal having a pair of fore limbs. Such animals can
include monkeys, dogs, cats, pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, ferrets,
lizards, and frogs.
[0032] Preferably, the animal restraint apparatus 100 is
constructed from at least one cord 110. By "cord" we mean an
elongated, substantially flexible element configured to withstand
tensile force, such as a filament, a cable, a rope, a thong, a
string, or the like. The cord 110 can be a single, continuous
piece, or it can be comprised of a plurality of pieces which are
joined together in an end-to-end manner by any of a number of
joining means such as knotting, splicing, weaving, or the like.
[0033] The cord 110 from which the apparatus 100 is constructed is
preferably in the form of rope. Various forms and configurations of
rope are known in the art. More preferably, the cord 110 is
braided-tube soft-core rope having an easily deformable
cross-section. By "easily deformable cross-section" we mean a
cross-section of a rope which can be easily flattened, or
"squished."
[0034] The use of soft rope, and especially the use of rope having
an easily deformable cross-section, can provide a comfortable fit
of the restraint apparatus 100 by eliminating edges which are
present in prior art animal restraint harnesses such as the harness
described above for FIG. 1. Furthermore, since rope has no edges,
the effects of twists which develop in the apparatus 100 will not
be as apparent to the animal "A" as would be in the case of a prior
art restraint harness which comprises belting such as that
described above. Preferably, the cord 110 of the apparatus 100 of
the present invention is rope which is fabricated from a material
comprising nylon, polyester or the like. Such rope is known to
posses the qualities of both strength and softness.
[0035] Further study of FIG. 4 will reveal that the restraint
apparatus 100 comprises a slide knot 120 which can be formed in the
cord 110. By "slide knot" we mean any knot formed in a length of
cord, wherein the knot defines an opening through which at least
one length of cord can be adjustably slid. As is seen, the slide
knot 120 is configured to be positioned proximate the base of the
neck or center of the upper back of the animal "A" when the
restraint apparatus 100 is placed thereon.
[0036] The restraint apparatus 100 also comprises a center stop
knot 122 formed in the cord 110. By "stop knot" we mean any knot
formed in a length of cord which cord passes through the opening of
a slide knot, and wherein the stop knot is configured to prevent
its passage through the opening, thereby acting as a stop to
prevent further passage of the length of cord through the opening
of the slide knot. As is seen, the center stop knot 122 is
configured to be positioned substantially above the slide knot 120
when the restraint apparatus 100 is placed on the animal "A."
[0037] The animal restraint apparatus 100 can further comprise a
joint 124 which is configured to be positioned substantially
proximate the breast of the animal "A" and between the front two
fore limbs "F" when the apparatus is placed on the animal. The
joint 124 can be configured to join together at least two lengths
of the cord 110 which pass between the two fore limbs "F" of the
animal "A." The joint 124 can comprise any means of joining at
least two lengths of cord 110 together, including by knotting the
cord, by splicing the cord, by stitching the cord, or by passing
the cord through a length of tubing, or the like. By "joining" we
mean holding, in substantially fixed relation to one another, two
or more lengths of cord. By "joint" we mean any means of joining
such as by splicing, knotting, stitching, or confining within a
tube, among other means.
[0038] For example, referring to FIG. 5A, a partial view of the
apparatus 100 is shown which depicts a first alternative joint 124A
which can be used in place of the joint 124 depicted in FIG. 5. As
seen, the first alternative joint 124A depicted in FIG. 5A is
substantially in the form of a splice which joins lengths of cord
110 to one another. Now referring to FIG. 5B, another partial view
of the apparatus 100 is shown which depicts a second alternative
joint 124B which can be used in place of the joint 124 depicted in
FIG. 5.
[0039] As seen, the second alternative joint 124B is substantially
in the form of at least one knot which joins lengths of cord 110 to
one another. It is understood that various forms of splices and
various forms of knots are known which can serve the purpose of the
joint 124, and that the alternative depictions thereof rendered in
FIGS. 5A and 5B are not intended to limit the joint to any
particular form or configuration, but are intended only as
illustrative examples of the many possible alternative
configurations of the joint.
[0040] Preferably, the joint 124 is a tube joint. By "tube joint"
we mean a joint which comprises a length of soft, flexible tube,
wherein the first and the third cord lengths 141, 143 are defined
in a first continuous length which passes through the tube, and
wherein the second and the fourth cord lengths 142,144 are defined
in a second continuous length of cord which also passes through the
tube in a substantially parallel relation to the first continuous
length of cord.
[0041] The joint 124 can more preferably be a tube joint which
comprises a length of tube which is fabricated from a resilient,
soft, flexible, durable material such as neoprene, polyurethane, or
the like. Alternatively, the joint 124 can be a tube joint which
comprises a length of tube which is heat-shrink tubing. Heat-shrink
tubing is known in the art and is generally a tube having a
diameter that can be made to shrink when heat is applied thereto.
The use of heat-shrink tubing in this manner can facilitate ease of
formation of a tube joint with regard to passing the lengths of
cord there through.
[0042] Now referring to FIG. 5, a front view is shown of the animal
restraint apparatus 100 which is described above and depicted in
FIG. 4. In addition to the cord 110, the slide knot 120, the center
stop knot 122, and the joint 124, which are described above, the
restraint apparatus 100 also comprises a first mid stop knot 131,
and a second mid stop knot 132. The first mid stop knot 131 and the
second mid stop knot 132 are formed in the cord 110 and are
configured to function in the manner of the center stop knot 122 as
described above. That is, the first mid stop knot 131 and the
second mid stop knot 132 are configured to be impassable through
the opening of the slide knot 120.
[0043] As is evident, the cord 110 has several sections or lengths
defined thereon. A first cord length 141 is defined between the
slide knot 120 and the joint 124. Likewise, a second cord length
142 is also defined between the slide knot 120 and the joint 124 in
a substantially collateral manner with respect to the first cord
length 141. The first cord length 141 together with the second cord
length 142 define a neck hole 150. As can be deduced by a brief
reference to FIG. 4, the neck hole 150 is configured to encircle
the lower neck of the animal "A" when the apparatus 100 is placed
on the animal.
[0044] Moving back to FIG. 5, a third cord length 143 is defined
between the joint 124 and the first mid stop knot 131. Likewise, a
fourth cord length 144 is defined between the joint 124 and the
second mid stop knot 132. A fifth cord length 145 is defined
between the first mid stop knot 131 and the center stop knot 122
while passing through the slide knot 120. Similarly, a sixth cord
length 146 is defined between the second mid stop knot 132 and the
center stop 122 knot while also passing through the slide knot 120
in substantially side-by-side relation to the fifth cord length
145.
[0045] As is evident from the above description of the restraint
apparatus 100, the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the
fifth, and the sixth cord lengths 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 can
all be defined on a single continuous piece of cord 110. In other
words, as is shown in FIG. 5, the slide knot 120, the center knot
122, and each of the first and second mid stop knots 131, 132 can
all be formed on a single continuous piece of cord 110.
[0046] Alternatively, the cord 110 can comprise a plurality of cord
sections, or lengths, which are connected to one another in an
end-to-end manner using any of a number of possible means including
by knotting, splicing, or the like. For example, each of the first,
the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth cord
lengths 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 can be separate lengths which
are joined, or connected, to each other in an end-to-end manner by
knotting so as to form the apparatus 100.
[0047] A further study of FIG. 5 will reveal that the fifth cord
length 145 and the sixth cord length 146 are configured to
adjustably slide through the slide knot 120 in a substantially
concurrent manner. It is also evident that the fifth cord length
145 is configured to adjustably slide through the slide knot 120
between the center stop knot 122 and the first mid stop knot 131,
while the sixth cord length 146 is configured to adjustably slide
through the slide knot between the center stop knot and the second
mid stop knot 132. That is, as the center stop knot 122 is pulled
away from the slide knot 120, both the first mid stop knot 131 and
the second mid stop knot 132 will approach the slide knot.
Conversely, as the first mid stop knot 131 and the second mid stop
knot 132 are pulled away from the slide knot 120, the center stop
knot 122 will approach the slide knot.
[0048] As is seen, a first leg hole 151 is delineated by the first
cord length 141, the joint 124, the third cord length 143, and a
portion of the fifth cord length 145, wherein the portion of the
fifth cord length is defined between the slide knot 120 and the
first mid stop knot 131. In a like manner, a second leg hole 152 is
delineated by the second cord length 142, the joint 124, the fourth
cord length 144, and a portion of the sixth cord length 146,
wherein the portion of the sixth cord length is defined between the
slide knot 120 and the second mid stop knot 132. As can be deduced
by a brief reference to FIG. 4, each of the first and second leg
holes 151, 152 are configured to encircle one each respective upper
fore leg "F" and shoulder area of the animal "A" when the restraint
apparatus 100 is placed on the animal.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, it is evident that the size of each of
the first and second leg holes 151, 152 can be adjusted by sliding
the fifth and sixth cord lengths 145, 146 through the slide knot
120. That is, each of the first and second leg holes 151, 152 can
be made larger by sliding the fifth and sixth cord lengths 145, 146
through the slide knot 120 such that the first and second mid stop
knots 131, 132 are pulled away from the slide knot. Conversely,
each of the first and second leg holes 151, 152 can be made smaller
by sliding the fifth and sixth cord lengths 145, 146 through the
slide knot 120 such that the center stop knot 122 is pulled away
from the slide knot.
[0050] The center stop knot 122 together with the first mid stop
knot 131 and the second mid stop knot 132 provide maximum and
minimum limits, respectively, for the sizes of the first leg hole
151 and the second leg hole 152. That is, when the first mid stop
knot 131 and the second mid stop knot 132 are pulled away from the
slide knot 120, then the first and the second leg holes 151, 152
will increase in size. However, when the center stop knot 122 runs
up against the slide knot 120, further increase in size of the
first and second legs holes 151, 152 is prevented.
[0051] Likewise, when the center stop knot 122 is pulled away from
the slide knot 120, the first and the second leg holes 151, 152
will decrease in size. However, after a given decrease in size of
the first and the second leg holes, 151, 152, the first mid stop
knot 131 and the second mid stop knot 132 will run up against the
slide knot 120 to prevent any further decrease in the sizes of the
first and the second leg holes.
[0052] In order to provide further adjustability of the apparatus
100, each of the first mid stop knot 131 and the second mid stop
knot 132 can be configured to be adjustably repositioned relative
to the center stop knot 122. For example, in the case wherein the
first and the second mid stop knots 131, 132 are each overhand
knots formed in the single continuous length of cord 110, then the
first and the second mid stop knots can each be loosened and
subsequently repositioned on the length of cord before each being
tightened once again. In this manner, the minimum size limits of
the leg holes 151, 152 which are provided by the first and second
mid stop knots 131, 132 can be readjusted as required from time to
time for changes in size of the animal "A" by which the apparatus
100 is worn, or to adjust the size of the apparatus so as to fit
different animals.
[0053] Referring now to both FIGS. 4 and 5, it is seen that the
animal restraint apparatus 100 can be easily placed onto the animal
"A" by first enlarging the first and second leg holes 151, 152 by
adjustably sliding the fifth and sixth cord lengths 145, 146
through the slide knot 120 such that the first and the second mid
stop knots 131, 132 are pulled away from the slide knot 120 in the
manner described above. Next, the head hole 150 is passed over the
head of the animal "A" and placed around the lower neck of the
animal as shown.
[0054] Each of the fore limbs "F" are then passed through one
respective first or second leg hole 151, 152 so that the joint 124
is situated substantially proximate the breast of the animal "A"
and between the two fore limbs. Each of the first and second leg
holes 151, 152 can then be adjusted to snugly fit the animal "A" by
pulling the center stop knot 122 away from the slide knot 120 in
the manner discussed above to decrease the size of the first and
second leg holes.
[0055] If needed, the size of the head hole 150 can be adjusted as
well by moving the joint 124 relative to the first, the second, the
third, and the fourth cord lengths 141, 142, 143, 144. For example,
in the case wherein the joint 124 is a tube joint comprising a
length of tubing, the length of tubing can be slid along the cord
lengths which pass there through and toward the slide knot 120 so
as to shorten the first and the second cord lengths 141, 142. The
shortening of the first and the second cord lengths 141, 142 will
result in a decrease in the size of the head hole 150. Conversely,
by sliding the length of tubing in the opposite direction, away
from the slide knot 120, the size of the head hole 150 will be
increased.
[0056] As revealed by another brief reference to FIG. 4, the
restraint apparatus 100 can include a lead, or leash, 101 which
comprises at least one length of cord and which can be configured
to be releasably connected to the remainder of the restraint
apparatus proximate the center stop knot 122. The leash 101 can
preferably be fabricated in a manner similar to that of the
remainder of the apparatus 100 as described herein for FIGS. 4 and
5. That is, preferably, the leash 101 is fabricated from a single
continuous piece of cord having at least one leash knot 103 formed
therein. More preferably, the leash 101 can be fabricated from the
same type of cord from which the remainder of the apparatus 100 is
fabricated. The leash 101 also preferably has at least one loop 102
formed therein to provide a hand-hold, or to provide a connection
means by which the leash can be releasably connected to the
remainder of the apparatus 100.
[0057] Now turning back to FIG. 5, it is evident that the center
stop knot 122, the first mid stop knot 131, and the second mid stop
knot 132 can comprise any one of a number of knot forms known in
the art. Preferably, the center stop knot 122, the first mid stop
knot 131, and the second mid stop knot 132 can each comprise a
relatively simple knot such as an overhand knot. Overhand knots are
well-known in the art, and are quick and easy to form. Likewise,
the slide knot 120 can comprise any one of a number of knot forms
known in the art. Preferably, however, the slide knot 120 can
comprise a Turk's head knot which can be an effective and reliable
form of slide knot. Turk's head knots are known in the art. One
method of forming a Turk's head knot will now be described
below.
[0058] Turning to FIGS. 6A through 6J, a series of sequential
instructional diagrams are shown of a method of forming a Turk's
head knot, which method comprises ten separate steps. Each of the
ten steps of the method of forming a Turk's head knot are briefly
described with substantial reliance on the corresponding
illustrative diagrams of FIGS. 6A through 6J as follows:
[0059] Step 1: With reference to FIG. 6A, the first cord length 141
and second cord length 142 which define the head hole 150 are
joined at a splice joint 148 to form a single knotting length 149.
The joint 124 is shown for reference.
[0060] Step 2: Moving to FIG. 6B, the knotting length 149 is
wrapped around the fifth and sixth cord lengths 145, 146 so that
the knotting length is pointing upward as shown. The knotting
length 149 is again wrapped around the fifth and sixth cord lengths
145, 146, as well as itself, as indicated by the first path of
movement P1, so as to point downward as depicted in FIG. 6C.
[0061] Step 3: Now referring to FIG. 6C, the knotting length 149 is
moved upward along the second path of movement P2 so as to again
point upward as depicted in FIG. 6D.
[0062] Step 4: Referring to FIG. 6D, the entire assembly comprising
the fifth and sixth cord lengths 145, 146 as well as the knotting
length 149 is rotated approximately a half-turn in the first
direction D1 so as to again point downward as depicted in 6E.
[0063] Step 5: As is seen in FIG. 6E, the knotting length 149 is
moved as indicated along the third path of movement P3 so as to
appear as depicted in FIG. 6F.
[0064] Step 6: Now moving to FIG. 6F, the knotting length 149 is
moved as indicated along the fourth path of movement P4 so as to
appear as depicted in FIG. 6G.
[0065] Step 7: As shown in FIG. 6G, the entire assembly comprising
the fifth and sixth cord lengths 145, 146 as well as the knotting
length 149 is rotated approximately a quarter-turn in the second
direction D2 so as to appear as depicted in FIG. 6H.
[0066] Step 8: Moving to FIG. 6H, a slender elongated gripping tool
"H" such as a hemostat is used to grip a portion of the knotting
length 149 as shown, and to pull the gripped portion of the
knotting length in the third direction D3 so as to appear
substantially as shown in FIG. 6I.
[0067] Step 9: Now moving to FIG. 6I, the knotting length 149 is
moved as shown along a fifth path of movement P5 so as to appear
substantially as depicted in FIG. 6J.
[0068] Step 10: Finally, as shown in FIG. 6J, the knotting length
149 is moved along the sixth path of movement P6 as shown,
whereupon any protruding portion of the knotting length can be
trimmed. The resulting trimmed end of the knotting length 149 can
then be sealed by burning to complete the Turk's head knot.
[0069] As is evident from the above discussion for FIGS. 4 through
6J, the animal restraint apparatus 100, by comprising cord having
knots formed therein, is considerably simplified over prior art
apparatus such as the prior art harness discussed above for FIG. 1.
Additionally, the apparatus 100 is subject to less wear than
similar prior art apparatus because there are fewer parts and
components to rub against one another.
[0070] Furthermore, because the restraint apparatus 100 can be
fabricated from a single continuous piece of cord, the fabrication
process of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention
is greatly simplified over that of the prior art apparatus as
discussed above for FIG. 1. The weight of the apparatus 100 is
reduced as well, compared to similar prior art devices, due to the
simplified configuration. The apparatus 100 is simpler to use than
similar prior art devices because there are no fastener portions to
connect as in the prior harness.
[0071] Now turning to FIG. 7, a front view of an animal restraint
apparatus 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention is shown. As is seen, the restraint apparatus 200 in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention is
configured similarly to the apparatus 100 in accordance with the
first embodiment of the present invention and which is described in
detail above for FIGS. 4 and 5. That is, the restraint apparatus
200 comprises a slide 220, a center stop 222, a joint 224, first
mid stop 231, a second mid stop 232, and a cord 210 which can
comprise one or more cord lengths. The center stop can define an
eyelet 223 which can be utilized to releasably connect the
apparatus 200 to a leash or lead (not shown).
[0072] By "a slide" we mean an object through which at least one
cord length can be passed so as to be adjustably slidable there
through. By "a stop" we mean an object connected to a cord length
and which is configured to be impassable through the slide so as to
prevent movement of the cord length relative to the slide. The
slide 220, the center stop 222, the first mid stop 231, the second
mid stop 232, and the joint 224 can be fabricated from a relatively
hard material such as metal, wood or the like.
[0073] Preferably, the slide 220, the center stop 222, the first
mid stop 231, the second mid stop 232, and the joint 224 are
fabricated from a material comprising plastic. By "plastic" we mean
any of various nonmetallic compounds which are synthetically
produced from organic compounds by polymerization, and which can be
molded into various shapes and hardened. Alternatively, the joint
224 can be fabricated from a soft flexible material such as
neoprene tubing or the like as described above for the apparatus
100.
[0074] The restraint apparatus 200 comprises a first cord length
241 and a second cord length 242. Both the first and second cord
lengths 241, 242 link the slide 220 to the joint 224 in a
substantially collateral manner to define a head hole 250. The
restraint apparatus 200 also comprises a third cord length 243 and
a fourth cord length 244 which each link the joint 224 to the first
mid stop 231 and the second mid stop 232, respectively as shown.
Additionally, the apparatus 200 includes a fifth cord length 245
which links the first stop 231 to the center stop 222 and which
passes through the slide 220, wherein the fifth cord length is
configured to adjustably slide there through.
[0075] Likewise, the apparatus 200 includes a sixth cord length 246
which links the second stop 232 to the center stop 222 and which
passes through the slide 220 in the manner of the fifth cord length
245. Preferably, the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the
fifth, and the sixth cord lengths 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246
comprise braided-tube soft-core rope having an easily deformable
cross-section as in the case of the apparatus 100 described above.
Also, preferably, the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the
fifth, and the sixth cord lengths 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246 are
fabricated from a material such as nylon, polyester, or the
like.
[0076] The first and the second cord lengths 241, 242 define a head
hole 250. The first, and the third cord lengths 241,242, along with
at least a portion of the fifth cord length 245 define a first leg
hole 251. Similarly, the second, and the fourth cord lengths 242,
244, along with at least a portion of the sixth cord length 246
define a second leg hole 252. The apparatus 200 can be adjusted in
the manner of the apparatus 100 which is described above.
[0077] That is, the first and the second leg holes 251, 252 can be
enlarged by pulling the respective first mid stop 231 and the
second mid stop 232 away from the slide 220. Contrarily, the first
and the second leg holes 251, 252 can be made smaller by pulling
the center stop 222 away from the slide 220. The apparatus 200 can
be placed onto an animal in the manner of the apparatus 100 in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention as described
above for FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0078] With reference to FIG. 7, it is understood that the joint
224 can be adjustably connected to the first, the second, the
third, and the fourth cord lengths 241, 242, 243, 244, in which
case the first and the third cord lengths can be a single
continuous length of cord while the second and fourth cord lengths
can also be a single continuous length of cord. That is, in the
case wherein the first and the third cord lengths 241,243 are a
single continuous length of cord, and the second and fourth cord
lengths 242, 243 are a single length of cord, the joint 224 can be
configured to adjustably slide along the continuous lengths of cord
from which the first, the second, the third, and the fourth cord
lengths are defined. In the alternative, the joint 224 can be
fixedly connected to the first, the second, the third, and the
fourth cord lengths 241, 242, 243, 244.
[0079] It is understood that the cord 210 can comprise a single
continuous piece of cord to which the center stop 222, the first
mid stop 231, and the second mid stop 232 are connected. That is,
the first cord length 241, the second cord length 242, the third
cord length 243, the fourth cord length 244, the fifth cord length
245 and the sixth cord length 246, as well as various combinations
thereof, can be defined on one single continuous piece of cord.
[0080] Alternatively, the cord 210 can comprise various individual
cord lengths. That is, the first cord length 241, the second cord
length 242, the third cord length 243, the fourth cord length 244,
the fifth cord length 245 and the sixth cord length 246, or various
combinations thereof, can each be individual cord lengths which are
combined to make up the apparatus 200.
[0081] Moving to FIG. 8, a partial side elevation view of the
apparatus 200 is shown. As depicted, the slide 220 can include a
limiting device such as the lock device 261. The purpose of the
lock device 261 is to selectively prevent movement of the sixth
cord length 246, as well as the fifth cord length (shown in FIG. 6)
in the direction 264 relative to the slide 220. By keeping the
sixth cord length 246 from moving in the direction 264 relative to
the slide 220, the second leg hole 252 (shown in FIG. 7) is
substantially prevented from inadvertent enlargement once the
apparatus 200 has been placed on an animal and adjusted for proper
fit.
[0082] The lock device 261 is supported on the slide 220 and is
configured to pivot relative to the slide 220 in the direction 263
about a pivot point 262. The lock device 261 can be equipped with
teeth 265 which are configured to grip the sixth cord length 246.
To assist in its function, the lock device 261 can be biased in the
direction 263 by a resilient member (not shown) such as a spring or
the like. To release the lock device 261, such as when removing the
restraint apparatus 200 from an animal, the user can rotate the
lock device in a direction opposite to the direction 263.
[0083] Although only the sixth cord length 246 is visible in FIG.
8, it is understood that the lock device 261 can be configured to
act on any cord length which passes through the slide 220, such as
the fifth cord length as depicted in FIG. 7. Furthermore, it is
understood that such lock devices are known in the art and that
various other configurations of lock devices which achieve a
similar purpose are available. Therefore, it is understood that the
stop 261 is exemplary of but one possible configuration which is
included for the purpose of illustrating the general functionality
and purpose of such a lock device, and which is not meant to limit
the configuration or structure of such a device to that which is
specifically shown and depicted herein.
[0084] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention, a method of fabricating an animal restraint apparatus is
provided. The method includes providing a single continuous piece
of cord and forming a center stop knot in the piece of cord. A
first mid stop knot can be formed in the piece of cord to define a
first cord length between the center stop knot and the first mid
stop knot. Likewise, the method can include forming a second mid
stop knot in the piece of cord to define a second cord length
between the center stop knot and the second mid stop knot.
[0085] The method can also include forming a slide knot in the
piece of cord, wherein the first cord length and the second cord
length slidably pass there through. In accordance with the method,
the slide knot can be a Turk's head knot. The center stop knot, the
first mid stop knot, and the second mid stop knot can each be
overhand knots. The method can also include defining a head hole, a
first leg hole, and a second leg hole with the continuous piece of
cord.
[0086] While the above invention has been described in language
more or less specific as to structural and methodical features, it
is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the specific features shown and described, since the means herein
disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into
effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or
modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims
appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *