Abstract: A collar (1000) for an animal comprising an elongate strap member (1001) and at least a first and second housings (1011, 1013) at each end of said elongate strap member (1001), each of said first and second housings (1011, 1013) comprising interlocking means (1021, 1023) such that said first housing (1011) releasably engages said second housing (1013) in the proximity of the underside of an animal's neck when the collar (1000) is fitted around said animal's neck.

Abstract: A dog harness is comprised of a torso strap encircling a dog's chest, connected to a chest strap passing around the chest of a dog, and a shoulder strap passing over the back of a dog. The chest strap is provided with a limited slip loop. A leash connector is fixed to the limited slip loop. When a leash is attached to the leash connector, a directional pull on the leash causes the leash connector to slide in the direction of the pull, pulling the limited slip loop to the side and moving the pull off the center of the dog's chest, thus decreasing the opposition reflex.

Abstract: A modular leash system including a flexible lead having a first and second rigid end portion. A first end cap is removably attachable to the first rigid end portion via set screw configured to be received through cooperating holes in the first end cap and the first rigid end portion. The first end cap includes a loop for coupling the first end cap to a collar connector. A second end cap is removably attachable to the second rigid end portion via a set screw configured to be received through cooperating holes in the second end cap and the second rigid end portion. The second end cap configured to be coupled to a handle portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable leash and animal restraint assembly. The assembly includes pet collar and a leash. Integral to the pet collar is a cavity and a length of a collar interior, enclosing a leash. A housing may enclose at least a portion of the leash within the cavity. The leash may be extracted from and retracted into the collar by force exerted on a handle at one end of the leash. In another embodiment, a pet harness is disclosed, also having a leash integral to the harness.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus is comprised of a leash connector attached to a chest portion of a harness. The harness is arranged to prevent the leash connector from shifting to the back of the animal. The harness is preferably comprised of a chest strap for positioning across the chest of the animal between the tops of the front legs, a withers strap for positioning across the withers of the animal behind the neck and between the shoulders, and a girth strap for positioning across the girth of the animal behind the front legs on the underside. The leash connector is attached to an intermediate position on the chest strap for pulling on the chest portion of the harness. The animal is prevented by the rotational force from pulling further.

Abstract: A harness for inhibiting an animal from straining against a leash and inducing the animal to come to a halt or to a walk or run at a pace acceptable to the animal handler is provided. The harness may include a longitudinal strap having a set of loop straps extending from the longitudinal strap for placing around the body of the animal. Each loop strap in the set of loop straps may be adjustable to fit the size of the animal on which it is placed so that the harness may be suitable for animals of varying sizes. A continuous cord may be secured to the set of loop straps defining a front restraining member and a back restraining member. Pulling upwards on the cord causes the front and back restraining members to pull inward applying pressure to the front and back legs of the animal to restrain the animal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collar device that limits the head movement for a canine or feline pet while the pet is recuperating from surgery or injury. The collar may be fitted with removable ear guards. The collar is capable of being coupled to a leash so the animal can be taken on a walk with the protective collar in an operative position.

Abstract: A harness for an animal, such as a dog, providing command and control of the animal in a manner which evenly distributes pressures across the animal's body to minimize strain and pressure on the animal's head, neck and spine, and which provides both a leash and a handle option for the operator which does not interfere with the animal's movements and is easily graspable. The animal harness has two straps extending around the animal, crossing in the chest area where a chest pad is located and crossing in the back area where a back pad is located. A collapsible handle is located to the rear of the back pad for manual grasping and a leash hook is located on the back pad for the attachment of a leash.

Abstract: A cat harness includes a unitary piece of material with a shape that has a central spine portion with a length and a width, where the width is at least about 60% of the length, a waistband extending generally perpendicular to an imaginary longitudinal line passing along the length of the central spine portion and a collar extending from the central spine portion at an acute angle to an extent of the imaginary longitudinal line passing along the length of the central spine portion. The cat harness also includes an attachment loop coupled to the central spine portion.

Abstract: A harness for use in coupling with an animal interface, the animal interface comprising one or more of conduits for transmitting fluid, electrical signals, or optical signals. Swivel extension tether for quick connect to harness, dual-ended swivel, an extension line, and connection to upstream monitoring equipment. Method for using the harness in an animal for fluid communication access, an electrical signal interface, and an optical interface.

Abstract: A restraint harness for a dog, particularly a dog of medium size and larger, including a conventional adjustable dog harness and an attached harness control extension. The harness control extension includes a plurality of straps configured to extend to the hind end of the dog and a motion control cord that is interlaced in and between the conventional adjustable dog harness and the harness control extension. The motion control cord encircles the dog's hind legs and can be tightened around the thighs with minimal force, where such tightening substantially restrains the dog without causing injury to the dog.

Abstract: The present application is directed to developing animals using a non-human rider simulation apparatus. The rider simulation apparatus includes a torso, a securing means for releasably mounting the apparatus to an animal, and a resilient means for connecting the torso to the securing means.

Abstract: According to certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, protective devices configured to be located around the neck region of a pet are provided, which are capable of preventing the pet from biting, licking, or otherwise irritating a wound located on the body of the pet. According to certain embodiments, device has five contiguously connected sides, a first open end and a second open end. The first open end is located around the pet's head and exhibits a pentagon-shaped peripheral edge, whereas the second open end is located around the pet's neck and comprises a circular (or oval) shaped peripheral edge. Preferably, the device will be comprised of a clear, or substantially clear, plastic material, such that the pet's peripheral vision is not impeded during use of the device.

Abstract: The pet restraint system sheaths a restraint strap between an outer waterproof layer and an inner breathable fabric layer. These layers are oversized relative to the strap and do not extend the entire length of the strap. This arrangement is advantageously used in a pet collar structure, or a pet restraint harness. It has particular application for a dog collar or a dog restraint harness.

Abstract: A unitized receiver-housing bearing planar collar for a pet wherein the bottom end of the receiver housing is integrally formed with the collar, the bottom perimetrical edge of the receiver housing being oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the collar. The collar is overmolded, free of independent connectors or fasteners, on the receiver housing adjacent the bottom end of the receiver housing such that when the collar is affixed to the neck of a pet, for example, there is established and maintained a pre-selected orientation of the receiver housing relative to the pet.

Abstract: An animal halter 102 has a muzzle loop 104 adapted to fit over the upper and lower jaws of an animal such as a dog. The animal halter 102 also comprises a collar loop 108 for attachment around the neck of the dog. The halter 102 is formed from a single piece of fabric looped in a figure of eight configuration and threaded through forward control ring 116 and a second ring 117. Second ring 117 has a smaller diameter than forward control ring 116 to prevent the forward control ring 116 from passing through the second ring 117. When an animal to which the halter is attached pulls on the halter against a lead, rings 116 and 117 tend to lock the halter fabric therebetween such that the respective sizes of the muzzle loop 104 and collar loop 108 do not change.

Abstract: A hook and loop strap for attachment to an object and that is usable with loop indicia. The hook and loop strap has a first end, a second end, a top side surface area and a bottom side surface area, with all of the top side surface area being a hook portion. The loop indicia attached to the top side surface area of the strap has a means for attachment for the first end to the second end for attachment of the strap around the object and a second hook and loop fastener, with a second hook portion for attaching the loop indicia to the top side surface area.

Abstract: An animal lead (1) particularly adapted for use as a dog lead, comprising a cushioning element (2) in the form of a rubber bar (3) and a protective sleeve (5) which surrounds the cushioning element (2). The protective sleeve (5) is in the form of a flexible bite-resistant chewing band of braided stretchable plastics material.

Abstract: The present invention is a dog “swim safe” floatation system, including flanking water wings sewn directly to a suspension-type harness for the dog. The harness can be adjusted by a system of Velcro and latches and thus the entire apparatus can be conveniently modified to promote stability. A canine floatation collar is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a harness garments for pets. The garment preferably consists of 3 main pieces, which are an outer garment, an inside lining and a loop for a hook attachment, which is used to provide for leash is attachment to harness garment. In order to fabricate the device, fabric is cut out for the outer garment using a pattern. The lining for main garment is also cut out using pattern, which may be but does not necessarily have to be the exact same patter used for the fabric. The lining pattern will, however, preferably be of the same general shape, although the size may be smaller around the periphery. The outer garment and lining are connected together to form a body, which has securing mechanism for attaching the device to a pet, as well as embellishments to create a more attractive and aesthetically pleasing harness.

Abstract: Pet products including pet collars, rope bones, blankets, harnesses and pet wraps are described that are charged with an herbal extract/essence. The pet product typically includes a fabric portion, such as fleece, intended to hold the herbal extract/essence therein. The pet products can be packaged in combination with an herbal solution along with instructions to periodically recharge the pet product with the herbal extract/essence.

Abstract: A support suit including support fabric sized to fit around a torso of an animal, where the support fabric includes a bib. The support suit further includes a front girth strap connected to the support fabric and configured to secure the support fabric around a chest portion of the torso, a rear girth strap connected to the support fabric and configured to secure the support fabric around a belly portion of the torso, a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap connected to the support fabric and configured to secure the bib to an upper chest portion of the animal, where the first shoulder strap is located on a right side of a neck of the animal and wherein the second shoulder strap is located on the left side of the neck, and a bridge strap configured to fix a distance between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap.

Abstract: The muzzle release apparatus allows an operator to remotely and wirelessly disengage a restraint system from the snout of an animal. The system is activated using a small hand-held transmitter. A receiver on the collar detects the signal from the transmitter and electronically engages a solenoid mounted on a restraint under the animal's jaw. The solenoid retracts a locking mechanism that secures two metal pins to the restraint. Each pin is attached to a strap that goes around the animal's snout and is permanently mounted to the opposite side of the restraint. When the pins are released from the restraint, the straps slide off the snout allowing the restraint to fall freely away from the jaw area. The plate is attached to a collar around the animal's neck. The plate will stay attached to the collar at all times, even if deactivated.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: An animal face wrap including a single flexible band and at least one constrictor associated with the band.

Abstract: A pet restraint uses the animal's own weight to secure the animal to the restraint. The animal is rotatably tethered to a base and the tether is rotatably connected to the base. The tether is a length that keeps the animal on the base.

Abstract: An animal collar assembly including a wireless receiver and a collar. The wireless receiver having a pair of first attachment features. The collar having a pair of ends, each end having a second attachment feature, each second attachment feature coupled with a corresponding first attachment feature and maintaining the corresponding collar end at a fixed orientation relative to the wireless receiver.

Abstract: An animal collar assembly including a wireless receiver and a collar. The wireless receiver having a pair of first attachment features. The collar having a pair of ends, each end having a second attachment feature, each second attachment feature coupled with a corresponding first attachment feature and maintaining the corresponding collar end at a fixed orientation relative to the wireless receiver.

Abstract: An orthotic device for a leg of an animal is disclosed. The orthotic device includes a flexible base, which is conformable to an exterior surface of the leg, and a stabilizing member, which can be selectively formed to substantially match an exterior contour of the leg. The stabilizing member can be attached to and removed from the flexible base.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus is comprised of a leash connector attached to a chest portion of a harness. The harness is arranged to prevent the leash connector from shifting to the back of the animal. The harness is preferably comprised of a chest strap for positioning across the chest of the animal between the tops of the front legs, a withers strap for positioning across the withers of the animal behind the neck and between the shoulders, and a girth strap for positioning across the girth of the animal behind the front legs on the underside. The leash connector is attached to an intermediate position on the chest strap for pulling on the chest portion of the harness. The animal is prevented by the rotational force from pulling further.

Abstract: A small animal harness comprising an elastically deformable chest piece that attaches at its upper portion to a pair of flexible shoulder straps and attaches at its lower portion to a pair of flexible brisket straps, the unattached ends of the shoulder and brisket straps being interconnected over the withers of the animal so that the brisket straps are slidable in the connection and adapted to be connected to a leash for control of the animal.

Abstract: An animal suspender vest harness controls and provides protection from the elements at the same time. This one piece design has a wide band, starting mid-chest, extending around the ribcage. From this a mid portion, extending to the shoulders, with right and left suspender straps extending over the shoulders, criss-crossing diagonally at mid-chest, attaching to the bottom of the ribcage band., where they all connect together. Top center of the ribcage band, is an opening with a connection strap, holding a D-ring to attach a leash. The ergonomic criss crossing suspender strap design, provides a uniformed pressure distribution across the bony structures of the animal only, without applying pressure to the unprotected neck. Additionally, with elastic built into the shoulder areas and the connecting ring strap, along with the wideness of the vest, reduces's the force placed on the animal, and dissipates it across a larger surface area.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus including a housing manufactured from a first water permeable predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and first predetermined shape. A plurality of crystals are housed within such housing. The crystals are manufactured from a second water permeable predetermined material capable of absorbing a predetermined amount of water and after absorbing such water the crystals release moisture thereby cooling at least one of a user and a user's pet when such at least one of such user and such user's pet are in contact with the cooling apparatus. The crystals further having each of a second predetermined size when dry and a third predetermined size when wet.

Abstract: Example animal restraining and cape and/or vest devices are described. One example device includes a cape and/or vest, an upper chest strap that includes a portion to which a leash can be attached, and one or more of a lower chest strap and an abdominal strap.

Abstract: An animal restraint apparatus is provided to restrain an animal. The restraint apparatus comprises a first loop that fits over the animal's head and a second loop that is formed about the animal's torso when two straps are routed behind the animal's forelegs and releasably connected to a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly is equipped with at least one anchor member that releasably connects with a restraint member. The restraint member may be freestanding such as a leash or it may be attached to an anchorage. A method of restraining an animal is also provided.

Abstract: A harness system for interconnecting canine and human members comprising a human harness having interconnected webbing and belt members for embracing the body of a human being, a canine harness having interconnected webbing members adapted to embrace and support the body of a dog and releasable buckles, connectors and straps for interconnecting the human harness and the canine harness in a manner that juxtaposes the dog against the back of the human being for rappelling activity.

Abstract: An animal harness includes a chest and girth panel with a front side, a rear-end or tail side, an abdominal or girth strap section connecting the sides to form left and right side leg openings. Lateral side straps extend from the front of the chest panel to the tail of the harness where they may be joined to together and attached to a seat belt. Adjustable buckle straps are provided to connect the top of the lateral sides of the harness to retain the harness fitted on an animal.

Abstract: An adjustable harness for an animal with a girth strap comprising a support base with a guide D-ring. A right and a left shoulder strap pass through the D-ring forming a double layer strap ending in a leash attachment. The shoulder straps pass proximally over the shoulders of the animal down the chest and through a sternum slide having two top slots and one bottom slot. The shoulder straps enter through the top slots and exit through the bottom slot, forming a second double layer strap, which is joined to the girth strap at the center of the belly. The girth strap is adjustable. The effective working length of the shoulder straps are adjustable through a slide stop on the first double layer strap. The shoulder straps are slid through the sternum slide to place the slide at the center of the chest, below the trachea. This adjustability is especially useful for lithe animals such as cats, ferrets, rabbits and dogs.

Abstract: The “Buoyant Animal Collar” is essentially a flexible pad made from closed-cell foam that is wrapped around the neck of a dog or animal for providing additional buoyant support to the head of the dog or animal when the dog or animal is swimming while holding an object in the open mouth. The “Buoyant Animal Collar” assists in keeping a dog's lower jaw sufficiently above the surface of the water in order to reduce the amount of water that enters the dog's throat as the dog swims while holding an object in the open mouth. The “Buoyant Animal Collar” can be worn comfortably by a dog with minimal interference with the dog's natural swimming ability, is not restrictive to the dog's agility of movement on land, is not at risk of being rendered useless if punctured, is simple to apply to the dog, and is convenient for a person to carry.

Abstract: A mobility assistance vest can be easily donned by placing the vest inside up under the dog, then pulling the right and left side sections together over the top line fastening the Velcro strips, and then pulling the chest section by the front shoulder straps through the front legs and securing the shoulder straps to the side sections on either side of the neck. The semi-detachable handle straps at the front legs are then crossed to the opposing side and attached with a snap to D-rings on the shoulder handles for the human handler to provide counter weight or upward support as they both descend the stairs side by side. Alternatively, the detachable handle straps at the front legs can be attached with the snap connector to the D-rings on the rear section of the vest to provide support for assisting the canine while ascending stairs, walking and standing up.

Abstract: A complete skijor system is illustrated, which includes a novel dog harness, safety tension release, and skijor belt. The system facilitates rapid deployment by requiring only five buckles, while providing exceptional safeguards for dog, skier, and adjacent parties. The harness includes uniquely arranged belly and neck straps which serve the dual function of skijor and car harness. The quick release operates by shear of hook and loop type fasteners, and may use other types of attachment means instead of or in addition to the hook and loop. A manual release is provided which supplements the intrinsic over-tension protection. The skijor belt has novel anti-slip material on an internal surface, and a special holding loop opposed to the lead attachment. The holding loop permits a second person to grab the belt and restrain a skier, such as is useful at the start of a skijor race.

Abstract: A flexible omnidirectionally reflective horse lead has a central portion, and mechanical attachment means to accommodate a bridal bit ring. The lead reflects an incoming light beam from a walker or horseback rider back in the direction from which it emanated, preventing dangerous encounters during dusk or nighttime hours. The omnidirectionally reflective elements may be incorporated in a horse harness, or in a halter suitable for horses roaming in a paddock or field. The reflective elements are created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips having a show surface with a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereto. Reflectivity is achieved by thermally bonding corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: The animal wound shield is a protective casing having a shank portion and an appendage cover that can be disposed around a limb and an attached appendage of the animal. The appendage cover is articulated to a lower end of the shank. Thus, the appendage cover is pivotally connected to the shank and moves with the movement of the appendage. The shank may have more than one section, or an upper and lower portion, to extend further up on the limb, and yet still accommodate for joints. The shield is designed for use around an injured limb to cover a bandaged area and prevent further damage to the wounded site. Vent openings are defined in the shank and the appendage cover to permit air circulation. Fasteners may be used at a top end of the shank to hold the shank on the limb.

Abstract: An adjustable pet collar comprises a long chain and an adjuster. The adjuster is constructed by a upper cover and seat body, in which a slit is opened on the upper cover and a slanting channel is disposed on the seat body. The chain is placed in the channel, and a sliding groove in which one end thereof is closed perpendicular to the channel is disposed at one side of the channel, and a recess groove is disposed at another end thereof. An inserting pin seat is installed in the sliding groove, and an elastic element is installed between the inserting pin seat and the closed end of the sliding groove. Whereby, the size of the collar formed by the chain is adjusted by the inserting pin seat.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling an animal are disclosed. An animal control device includes a retractable leash assembly for being mounted to a collar or other harness. The retractable leash assembly has a retractable leash that is extendable from and retractable back to the collar via the retractable leash assembly. The retractable leash assembly includes a spool in a housing. The retractable leash is adapted to be wound around the spool in a retracted mode, and extendable from the spool in an extended mode.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for providing buoyancy for animals are described. One apparatus includes a strap-like carrier and one or more non-inflatable floatation members secured substantially adjacent the carrier by a cover material stitched to the carrier. Another apparatus includes hook and loop fasteners to both fasten the ends of the carrier together as well as fasten the non-inflatable floatation members to the carrier.

Abstract: A collar to which is mounted an illumination source and one or more insets. Each of one or more light-transferring fibers includes a first end coupled for receiving light from the illumination source, and a second end coupled for transmitting light to an inset.

Abstract: The animal wrap for touch training is a combination of a front body portion harnessing the lower neck, forelegs, and the chest, and a rear body portion that has rear leg loops. The two wrap segments can be joined to each other by hook and loop fastening, and the leg loops are wrapped around the forelegs and hind legs and secured by hook and loop fastening material. No leash is used, as touch training is designed to apply gentle pressure to the animal's body. The front and rear portions are made from elastic fabric. The animal wrap kit includes a tail wrap and a face wrap in addition to the body portions. The face wrap is wrapped around on the head or face to bring awareness to the head region. The tail wrap is worn to either raise or lower a tail and bring awareness to the rear region of the animal.

Abstract: A nationwide, web-based pet registration, search and retrieval system. The system is implemented with a host computer (10) that may be accessed by users operating user computers (12) via a communications network (14) such as the Internet. Pet owners may register their pet with the host computer and finders of lost pets may search the host computer in an attempt to locate the owners of lost pets. Preferably, the rabies vaccinated pet wears a single multi-purpose tag which communicates both the pet's rabies vaccination information and information for reuniting the pet with its owner. Rabies vaccination is not a prerequisite, however, and almost any relatively unique identifier will work, including microchip numbers, tattoos, other types of identification tags, etc. The system also allows an owner to license the pet with a participating municipality.

Abstract: A harness for restraining an animal comprises a harness assembly and an extension member. The harness assembly attaches to the animal and can be adjusted to conform to the size and shape of an animal to be restrained. The flexible extension member is fixed to the harness assembly and extends upwardly above the animal's back. A leash can be attached to the extension member at a point sufficiently high relative to the ground that the animal cannot step over the leash and become entangled therewith.