GB2481675A

GB2481675A - Harness

Info

Publication number: GB2481675A
Application number: GB1108317.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robin Glover
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-24
Filing date: 2011-05-18
Publication date: 2012-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-18
Also published as: GB201108317D0; GB2481675B; GB201010610D0; GB2481430A

Abstract

A harness for a quadruped animal, comprising at least one strap means, said strap means being adaptable to fit around the shoulder region of said animal and comprising at least three sections, being: (a) a back strap section 1 adaptable to lie around the back of said animal; (b) a girth strap section 3 adaptable to lie behind the forelegs of said animal; and (c) a front strap 2 section adaptable to lie across the chest of said animal, characterised in that said harness has at least a first and a second lead regions 7 on said strap means for attaching and/or threading a lead. Preferably the three strap sections are separate sections connected together and the lead regions are positioned on the front strap. Preferably the harness is adjustable and is connected to an animal via a quick release mechanism. The harness can be connected to a lead 8. A method of using the harness and the harness and lead combination is also claimed.

Description

I

HARNESS

An animal lead is typically attached to a collar worn round the neck of an animal or attached to a harness with a connector on the back of the animal e.g. a dog. With the lead attached to the collar, when the dog pulls forward the lead moves round to the back of the neck, the dog continues to pull and this can cause pain, discomfort and damage to the dog. A dog will pull forward to lead the walk whether it hurts or not because it is in its instinct to lead the pack if it has not been give any indications otherwise. With the back attachment harness it can pull with no pain and therefore more often than not will pull more. There is a head collar type that is used to stop a dog pulling, but this will hurt the dog as the straps are placed on the head and nose and rides up under the eyes and pulls tight on to bone: if the dog is a breed that has a short snout or breathing problems then it is not useable. All the above generally cause stress and discomfort and damage to the dog.

With larger breeds these devices can also cause damage to the owner. When the dog lunges forward this jolts the owner and as there is no way of manoeuvring the dog apart from brute strength, the owner can be dragged down the street and / or puUed over.

There is therefore a need for the provision of an improved animal harness which can address some of these problems, thereby providing more comfort to the animal and/or the owner. The present inventors have sought to address some of these issues in the device of the present invention.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a harness for a quadrupedal animal, said harness comprising at least one strap means, said strap means being adaptable to fit around the shoulder region of said animal and comprising at least three sections, being: (a) a back strap section adaptable to lie around the back of said animal; (b) a girth strap section adaptable to lie behind the forelegs of said animal; and (C) a front strap section adaptable to lie across the chest of said animal, characterised in that said harness has at least a first and a second lead region on said strap means for attaching and/or threading a lead.

Preferably, said first lead region is positioned on said strap means at a point between the approximate central point of the animal's chest where the front strap section lies and one of said animal's foreleg shoulders, and wherein said second lead region is positioned on said strap means at a point between the approximate central point of the animal's chest where the front strap section lies and said animal's opposite foreleg shoulder. Yet more preferably, at least two of said at least first and second lead regions are positioned on the strap means at approximate equidistance in the plane of the front strap section from the approximate central point of the animal's chest where the front strap section lies.

In some embodiments, the at least first and second lead regions are positioned at approximately the middle of each foreleg shoulder of said animal when the harness is attached to said animal. In alternative embodiments, said at least first and second lead regions are positioned at approximately the front of each foreleg shoulder of said animal when the harness is attached to said animal.

In order to provide improved comfort to the animal, in some embodiments the at least first and second lead regions are designed to protrude away from said animal when said harness is placed on said animal.

Preferably said at least first and/or second lead regions are ring-like structures, preferably which are loosely fixed in position to said strap means, preferably being made of metal, plastics or other synthetic material.

Preferably, the front strap section of the harness has a further lead region, wherein in use said lead is threaded through said further lead region. The further lead region comprises a loop which can be made from any suitable material, such as an elasticated material or a plastic I metal loop. The further lead region can be a separate piece of material from the front strap section, or can be an extension of the front strap section. The material can be rigid or non-rigid. If the further lead region is rigid then preferably said further lead region will be designed to protrude away from said animal..

In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the strap means of the harness comprises at least one, at least two, or at least three separate straps which are connectable together to form said strap means. The various separate straps (which form the front, back and girth strap sections) can themselves be formed of one or more portions, such as one, two or three portions.

Optionally, the lengths of one or more of said back strap section, girth strap section and front strap section are adjustable. Such adjustment means Will be well known to the skilled person, but can typically comprise one or a variety of glider loops through which sections of the strap pass and/or are attached to.

Optionally, said strap means may further comprise at least one means for releasably connecting said strap means to said animal, preferably wherein said means comprises a quick-release clasp. The connecting means may be present on the back strap section, the girth strap section, the front strap section, or on a combination of one, two or all of the sections.

There is also provided a harness system, comprising a harness as described herein and a lead.

In one embodiment, the lead is attachable to said first lead region and is threaded through said second lead region, wherein the lead is not fixed to said second lead region. That is, the lead can move reasonably freely though the second lead region, so that the animal is fixedly attached to the lead at the first lead region. This allows the user to control the dog via lead force directed to the first lead region. If the lead was fixedly attached to the second lead region, then this would negate any force being directed to the first lead region.

Preferably, the portion of the lead between the two lead regions is in front of the animal's forelegs.

when the system is being used.

Yet more preferably, the lead may be threaded through a further lead region positioned between said first and section lead regions on the front strap section.

There is also provided the use of the harness and harness system as described above.

There is also provided a method of walking and/or training an animal, preferably a dog.

There now follows by way of example of the invention detailed description that is to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Is a view of one embodiment of the harness of the present invention, where the lead regions lie in front of the shoulder of the animal and towards the approximate centre point of the animal's chest; Figure 2 Is a view of the harness in Figure 1 when fitted to a dog and combined with a lead; Figure 3 Is another view of a harness of Figure 1 on a dog and combined with a lead; and Figure 4 Is a view of the front of a harness of Figure 1 on a dog (other sections of the strap not shown) with a lead attached.

Figure 5 is a view of another embodiment of the harness of the present invention, where the lead regions lie approximately at the shoulder of the animal (preferably mid-shoulder) approximately equidistant from the approximate central point of the animal's chest; Figure 6 is a view of the harness of Figure 5 when fitted to a dog and combined with a lead, wherein the lead is attached to the lead region on the right side of the dog and threaded through the lead region on the left side of the dog: Figure 7 is a view of the harness of Figure 6 from the other side of the dog, showing the lead being attached to the lead region on the right side of the dog; Figure 8 is a front view of a dog with the harness of Figure 5 fitted (back and girth strap sections not shown).

The present invention is a harness for an animal, preferably a dog.

As shown in the figures, in one embodiment of the present invention, the harness comprises a strap means for fitting to an animal. The strap means will typically comprise three sections: (a) a back strap section (1) which lies across the back of the animal approximately between the shoulders of the forelegs of the animal; (b) a girth strap section (3) for lying around the torso of the animal behind the forelegs; and (C) a front strap section (2) for lying across the chest of the animal in front of the forelegs. The strap means can be made from any suitable material, such as natural (e.g. leather), metal, and/or synthetic (e.g. plastics, nylon, etc.). The material should be reasonably strong and durable, and is preferably washable. The strap means can comprise a single piece of material.

Alternatively, one or more of the strap sections are stand-alone sections which are connected to each other to form the harness. Such connections are typically via a metal or plastic connector (5).

The harness of the present invention comprises at least two lead regions 7 to attach and/or thread a lead. The lead can be any conventional lead and will be well known to the skifled person. Typically, the lead will have a gripping end and a connecting end, where the connecting end comprises a mechanism to connect the lead to a collar or harness. Such connecting mechanism will typically be a clasp or such like. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the harness Is to be used with a lead that is substantially non-rigid such that it is able to be looped around the front of the animal and threaded through a second lead region. The lead regions 7 preferably are positioned on the front strap section 2, preferably equidistant from the central point along the dog's chest. The lead regions are made from any suitable material to which the lead is able to securely attach. Such material may be e.g. metal or plastic. In some embodiments, the lead regions may be extension of the strap itself, such as a loop of material of the strap which protrudes from the strap. In particular embodiments, the lead regions protrude away from the dog, such that added comfort is provided to the dog, and easier attachment of the lead is facilitated.

In use, the lead is attached to the first lead region and threaded through the second, making sure that the portion of the lead between the two lead regions is in front of the forelegs of the animal. In this way, the lead is prevented from looping under the chest, whilst giving easier guidance to prevent the animal from changing from side to side when it is being walked / trained.

The harness also comprises a back strap section 1 to position behind the shoulders and a girth strap section 3 to be positioned behind the front legs. The combination of the three strap sections prevents the harness from twisting and/or coming off the animal. By having the lead attached in the manner described above it prevents pulling and lunging by guiding the animal to face the owner and not the object of interest.

The straps 1, 2 and 3 are ideally connected with a circular ring connector 5 made of metal or a hard plastic to give free movement of the straps. They could also be connected via a square plastic or metal connector.

The harness can be made of nylon webbing or leather. If made of leather the releasable connectors will need to be buckles, either made of metal or a suitably hard plastic.

The 1-larness may be used to help correct many Issues with dogs on walks and at home.

1) To stop dogs lunging 2) To stop dogs jumping up 3) To stop a dog pulling 4) To stop the focus of aggressive dogs and non aggressive dogs lunging at their targets and 5) therefore easier to modify their behaviour by guiding them round to face and get attention back on to the owner so the owner can then take the appropriate actions to calm the dog and gain control in a calm and confident manner 6) Give the owner confidence 7) It does not rely on the strength of the owner to manage the dog 8) It does not hurt or damage the dog 9) It guides a dog rather than restrains it.

10) It can be used on all breeds of dog 11) It can be used on dogs with medical issues of the neck and back as no pressure is exerted on the spine and those with breathing issues as it does not constrict airways.

One or more of the strap sections of the Harness of the present invention can be adjusted to fit the dog by any suitable adjustment means, such as a gliding adjuster 4. In one embodiment, where the lead regions are positioned on the front strap sections to the front of the shoulder of the dog's forelegs, the front strap may have at least one adjuster, preferably one adjuster on each side of the central point of the front strap, which can be used so the lead regions 7 can be maintained approximately equidistant from the centre of the chest. In alternative embodiments, the front strap section may comprise a number of smaller sections which attach to each other. For example, the front strap section may comprise an adjustable section which is slidably fixed to a section which is fixed to the back and/or girth sections of the harness. In some embodiments, there is present a loop structure which is attached to the fixed section of the front strap and through which the adjustable front strap section is threaded. Such a configuration allows the adjustable section to slide through the loop structure 10 to allow for more appropriate fitting to the animal.

In use, a lead is attached to one lead region 7, optionally is threaded through a further lead region 9 positioned on the front strap section to prevent the lead from falling low and tangling with the dog's legs (preferably an elastic strap, although can be any material and configuration), and the second lead region 7 (dependant on whicti side you walk your dog). This then means that the lead is held away from the centre front of the dog and prevents the lead from looping under the dogs front legs (This is the problem with other front attachment harnesses on the market). It also prevents the dog from easily changing from one side to the other of the owner, making the training easier.

The back strap section 1 that fits behind the shoulder blades means it gives the dog freedom of movement of the front legs and comfort. Preferably, it has one gliding adjuster 4 to enable an exact fit and optionally a releasable connector 6 to ensure ease of attachment.

The girth strap section 3 that fits round the girth of the dog behind its front legs preferably has a gliding adjuster 4 to enable an exact fit and optionally a releasable connector 6 to ensure ease of attachment.

The releasable connector 6, i.e. either the top strap connector 6 or the girth strap connector 6 can be used to fasten the harness to the dog. The top connector 6 is generally the preferred connector to use with long haired breeds (as it makes it easier to not trap hair in the connector and pull hair and small dogs. The preference is to the owners choice.

When walking the dog forwards the lead 8 is held away from the dog's front legs by the lead region 7 closest to the owner, therefore not restricting movement and not looping under the legs.

If the dog lunges forward the owner stands still, the dog will be guided round with little or no effort on the part of the owner. The owner then has the dog's attention and walks off in another direction. If there is any tension on the lead as the dog walks, the owner stops and the small pressure of the harness straps I and 3 on the far side of the dog at this point, stops the dog and the dog is guided towards the owner and focus is regained.

To turn the dog to the side the owner holds the lead, the lead is gently pulled, which puts a small amount of pressure on the opposite side of straps I and 3 and guides the dog towards the owner. To turn the dog to the other side, the lead 8 is placed gently towards the dog's neck and so guided away, or looped under the dogs head and guided round putting pressure on straps I and 2 on the near side of the owner, gently guiding the dog away to the side.

By having the lead 8 attached and held in place by lead regions 4 the owner has more control in stopping the dog from swapping sides, it also prevents the lead from moving under the dog's head to the opposite side of the owner, which would indicate to the dog to swap sides If any pressure is exerted on straps I and 3 with lead 8 being on the opposite side of the dog to the owner. If a dog lunges and the lead 8 is not in the correct position (the correct position being on the side of the owner) then dog will be guided round then wrong way and knock the owner's legs and if the dog is big enough it will unbalance the owner and control will be lost. The two lead regions 7 lead connection of the Harness prevents this from happening and the further lead region 9 that sits between the two lead regions 7, ensures the lead 8 does not loop down at all, keeping the lead flat to the strap 2 well away from the dog's front legs.

The Harness with the lead attached can also be used within the home to stop jumping up at family and visitors. When the dog jumps up it acts in the same way as when the dog lunges forward, by guiding its body and therefore attention back on to the owner. As stops the forward movement and turns the dog back towards the owner.

By having a single D-ring or lead 8 attachment at the front it tends to flip the dog over on its side if pressure is put on the lead unwittingly, with the two lead regions 7 as in the Harness of the present invention this is prevented.

Claims

Claims 1) A harness for a quadrupedal animal, said harness comprising at least one strap means, said strap means being adaptable to fit around the shoulder region of said animal and comprising at least three sections, being: (a) a back strap section adaptable to lie around the back of said animal; (b) a girth strap section adaptable to lie behind the forelegs of said animal; and (c) a front strap section adaptable to lie across the chest of said animal, characterised in that said harness has at least a first and a second lead region on said strap means for attaching and/or threading a lead.
2) The harness of claim 1, wherein said first lead region is positioned on said strap means at a point between the approximate central point of the animal's chest where the front strap section lies and one of said animal's foreleg shoulders, and wherein said second lead region is positioned on said strap means at a point between the approximate central point of the animal's chest where the front strap section lies and said animal's opposite foreleg shoulder.
3) The harness of claims I or 2, wherein at least two of said at least first and second lead regions are positioned on the strap means at approximate equidistance in the plane of the front strap section from the approximate central point of the animal's chest where the front strap section ties.
4) The harness of claim 3, wherein said at least first and second lead regions are positioned at approximately the middle of each foreleg shoulder of said animal when the harness is attached to said animal.
5) The harness of claim 3, wherein said at least first and second lead regions are positioned at approximately the front of each foreleg shoulder of said animal when the harness is attached to said animal.
6) The harness of any preceding claim, wherein said at least first and second lead regions are designed to protrude away from said animal when said harness is placed on said animal.
7) The harness of claim 6, where said at least first and/or second lead regions are ring-like structures, preferably which are loosely fixed in position to said strap means, preferably being made of metal, plastics or other synthetic material.
8) The harness of any preceding claim, wherein said front strap section has a further lead region, wherein in use said lead is threaded through said further lead region.
9) The harness of claim 8, wherein said further lead region is designed to protrude away from said animal, preferably wherein said further lead region is made from an elasticated material.
10) The harness of any preceding claim, wherein said strap sections comprise at least one, at least two, or at least three separate straps which are connectable together to form said strap means.
11) The harness of any preceding claim, wherein the lengths of one or more of said back strap section, girth strap section and front strap section are adjustable.
12) The harness of any preceding claim, wherein said strap means further comprises at least one means for releasably connecting said strap means to said animal, preferably wherein said means comprises a quick-release clasp.
13) A harness system, comprising a harness of any of claims 1-12 and a lead.
14) The harness system of claim 13, wherein said lead is attachable to said first lead region and is threaded through said second lead region, wherein the lead is not fixed to said second lead region.
15) The harness system of claim 14, wherein when said system is in use the portion of the lead between the two lead regions is in front of the animal's forelegs.
16) The harness system of claims 13 or 14, wherein said lead is threaded through a further lead region positioned between said first and section lead regions on the front strap section.
17) Use of a harness of claims 1-12 or a harness system of claims 13-16.
18) Use according to claim 17, wherein said harness is attached to an animal and wherein a lead is attached to said first lead region and threaded through said second lead region.
19) Use according to claim 18, wherein said lead is threaded through a further lead region positioned between said first and section lead regions on the front strap section.
20) A method of walking and/or training an animal, preferably a dog, said method comprising the use according to claims 17-19.
21) The harness system as hereinbefore described with reference to the description and accompanying drawings.*::r: INTELLECTUAL 10 . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB1108317.7 Examiner: Mrs Nicola Payne Claims searched: 1-21 Date of search: 13 September 2011 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1,6-13, GB2407471A 17 and 20 (COMPANY OF ANIMALS) See especially figure 6 X 1, 6-13, U52004/000273 Al 17 and 20 (LADY) See especially figures and section [0024] X 1,6-11, U56612265B1 13, 17 and (BIRDSONG) See especially figures X 1,6-11, U52010/0122667A1 13, 17 and (HORGAN) See especially figure 1 X 1,6-11, U52826172A 13, 17 (BUCKLE) See especially figures and 20 X l,6and7 U52008/184942A1 (WILEY) See especially figures Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX: Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC AO1K; B68B The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report I WPI, EPODOC & Internet Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk *.:r: INTELLECTUAL 11 . ... PROPERTY OFFICE International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From AO1K 0027/00 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk