Breakaway Release (e.g., Safety Collar, Fabric Hook And Loop Type Fastener, Etc.) Patents (Class 119/865)
  • Patent number: 11648426
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed, the assembly for providing release structure to a lanyard or strap adapted to be worn on the body, such as a neck strap. The release structure consists of a snap button assembly configured such that the release pull generated by tension in the strap is directed along an axis perpendicular to the closure and rotation plane of the male and female portion of the snap button assemblies. With structure to configure a release pull in such an axis, a safety feature is provided to the wearer such that tension in the strap, when it reaches a sufficient force to overcome the closure forces of the snap button assembly, will release the closed snap button and allow the strap to fall away from the body. Also, as in the case of a firefighter wearing an SCBA fire mask, it prevents the firefighter from being entangled or tethered if the strap were to get accidentally hooked or caught on something.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Henry E. Leslie
  • Patent number: 11304481
    Abstract: First and second buckle members can be secured in a buckled configuration and can be separated in an unbuckled configuration by moving the buckle member(s) along an extraction direction. In the buckled configuration a row of one or more teeth of the first buckle member and a row of one or more teeth of the second buckle member can cooperate in responding to a tension force pulling the first buckle member away from the second buckle member along the extraction direction by opposing movement of the first buckle member away from the second buckle member along the extraction direction, and using the tension force to guide the first buckle member and the second buckle member laterally toward a centered position. A buckle can include this centering feature, a spring ejection mechanism, an obstruction to inhibit engagement with less than a predetermined number of teeth rows, and/or other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Nomad Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Tennyson David Renner, II
  • Patent number: 11089822
    Abstract: A pairing device for securing to articles of clothing together includes a first fastener assembly, having a male buckle having a rigid protrusion extending from the male buckle; and a first band attached to the male buckle and to secure to a first of the articles of clothing; a second fastener assembly, having a female buckle with a flexible opening to receive the rigid male protrusion; and a second band attached to the female buckle and to secure to a second of the articles of clothing; the male buckle and female buckle are to secure together, thereby securing the first article of clothing to the second article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Alex J. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11064682
    Abstract: An assembly providing a leash component, a harness component and an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the leash to the harness is provided. The leash includes two or more handles positioned along its length that may be connected together to effectively reduce the leash's length. The attachment mechanism includes guiding magnets that may facilitate the proper alignment and orientation of the mechanism during engagement between the leash and the harness. In this way, the attachment mechanism is configured to be activated using one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Chung Fai Wong
  • Patent number: 10441034
    Abstract: A quick-release buckle has a male member and a female member configured to interlock, the female member having a body with a recessed receiving portion and one or more lips overhanging a portion of the recessed receiving portion; the male member having a keyed portion shaped complementary to the recessed receiving portion of the female member; wherein the keyed portion of the male member is receivable within the recessed receiving portion to interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Casey T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10365614
    Abstract: Watch or item of jewelry including a case or setting including main and secondary slots that enable the fixture of interchangeable removable wristbands including an end link with an end piece with studs arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with the secondary slots. The link includes a lock with a slide catch arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner and with minimal play with the main slot in a locking position, and the lock further includes a pushbutton operable by a user to move the slide catch away from the main slot and control an unlocking of the lock by retraction of the slide catch by an application of pressure to the pushbutton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Von Allmen
  • Patent number: 10330173
    Abstract: A lanyard strap, link device, for displaying the name of a person, including an envelope, a lanyard, and an integral clamp formed of a lateral tab, and an integral vertical tab, which when folded into closure, provide for securement of the lanyard strap to its envelope for display of the personal badge of the user. The components of the lanyard, link, and envelope, may or may not be formed of biodegradable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Technical Sales and Services, Inc
    Inventors: Barbara K McKye, Brent James
  • Patent number: 10143270
    Abstract: A closure device for releasably connecting two parts. The closure device includes a first closure part and a second closure part, wherein for closing the closure device the first closure part is attachable to the second closure part and in a closed position is held at the second closure part, a first engaging protrusion of the first closure part and a second engaging protrusion of the second closure part, wherein for closing the first engaging protrusion can be brought in engagement with the second engaging protrusion in an engagement direction and in the closed position positively is in engagement with the second engaging protrusion, and a blocking element arranged at the second closure part. Between the first closure part and the second closure part a magnetic mechanism acts, which is formed to support the attachment of the first closure part to the second closure part by providing a force of magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Fiedler, Breido Botkus
  • Patent number: 10051923
    Abstract: A strap attachment system includes a frame member having an opening, a strap, and a tab having a body and an attachment element defined by the body. The tab connects to the strap. A fastener element connects to the tab and is detachably and slidably mountable to the frame member by the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Bjorn Omarsson, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Thorhalla Austman Hardardottir, Helgi Jonsson
  • Patent number: 9487385
    Abstract: Animal head control devices, e.g., halters for horses, are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosure features an animal head control device comprising: a body dimensioned to receive an animal's head, an adjustable member connected to the body and dimensioned to wrap around at least a portion of the animal's head behind its ears; and a releasable closure configured to secure a first end of the adjustable member to a portion of the body. In some implementations, the halters disclosed herein include a releasable closure that can be easily replaced when damaged or worn, thus extending the useful life of the halter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Brett W. Mills
  • Patent number: 9245678
    Abstract: A lock device includes a first lock part, a second lock part, which can be arranged on the first lock part in a fastening direction and is connected in a closing state to the first lock part, and an actuating element, on which the second lock part is movably arranged. The second lock part is in the closing state held on the first lock part via the actuating element and acts together with the actuating element in such a way that in a loaded state, when a force is acting on the second lock part relative to the first lock part along the fastening direction, the actuating element is rigidly connected to the first lock part and holds the second lock part on the first lock part, whereas in an unloaded state the second lock part can be detached from the first lock part by actuation of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8726849
    Abstract: A bird collar removably worn on a bird for protection from feather picking or other self-mutilations restricts a bird's neck movement and area of reach. The bird collar includes a collar body which is wrapped around the neck of the bird and fastened with a fastener and a removable insert which provides rigidity to the collar body and allows the collar body to be cleaned when removed. An inner odor eliminating substance is provided in close proximity to the surface of the collar body which is in contact with the bird.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kathy L. Billig, Merilyn LaMarsh
  • Patent number: 8726850
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pet collar breakaway buckle device configured to be worn around the neck of a pet. Certain pets may have a natural instinct to wander, climb, and/or squeeze in to small places. Pets that squeeze into small places may catch their collars such that the pet becomes stuck. The pet collar breakaway buckle device described herein may be configured to break away under the bodyweight of the pet, reducing the risk of strangling and/or other unintended injury to the pet. A pet owner and/or other person may apply a compressive load to the buckle device to attach the collar around the neck of a pet and a tensile load to remove the device from the neck of a pet. In some implementations, the pet collar breakaway buckle device may comprise a strap, a first interlocking clasp, a second interlocking clasp, and/or other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Rosenquist, Jennifer C. Weiler, Colette M. Hardin, Michelle A. Turgeon
  • Publication number: 20130333634
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pet collar breakaway buckle device configured to be worn around the neck of a pet. Certain pets may have a natural instinct to wander, climb, and/or squeeze in to small places. Pets that squeeze into small places may catch their collars such that the pet becomes stuck. The pet collar breakaway buckle device described herein may be configured to break away under the bodyweight of the pet, reducing the risk of strangling and/or other unintended injury to the pet. A pet owner and/or other person may apply a compressive load to the buckle device to attach the collar around the neck of a pet and a tensile load to remove the device from the neck of a pet. In some implementations, the pet collar breakaway buckle device may comprise a strap, a first interlocking clasp, a second interlocking clasp, and/or other components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Rosenquist, Jennifer C. Weiler, Colette M. Hardin, Michelle A. Turgeon
  • Publication number: 20110209674
    Abstract: A dog collar comprises a flexible non-metallic cord component having first and second ends and comprising an inner cord surrounded at least in part by an outer cord sheath. A fastening mechanism is provided and has a band defining a space at the first end of the cord component and a fastening bar at the second end of the cord component. The fastening bar has an aperture therein for receiving the first or second end of the flexible non-metallic cord, and the aperture is of sufficient size and dimension to permit easy pivotable or rotational movement of the first or second end therein. The fastening bar and band are dimensioned such that the fastening bar is able to pass through the space in one orientation and not able to pass through the space when in other orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Barbara Jolanta Gordon
  • Publication number: 20110174239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking mechanism for a safety collar, which comprises a first end part (11, 21, 31, 1001) with a first latch (12, 22, 32, 1002) and a second latch (13, 23, 33, 1003) and a second end part (15, 25, 35, 1005) with a central latch (16, 26, 36, 1006). The end parts can be connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: STMZ SCHWEIZERISCHE TIERMELDEZENTRALE AG
    Inventors: Hanns Fricker, Jaime Rossell
  • Publication number: 20110120391
    Abstract: A garment including a back opening section, a bottom section and a front opening section. The head of the animal is passed through the back opening section toward the front opening section. Via the front opening section placket, the mobile neck strap is adjusted on the fix neck strap accordingly to the animal's neck size using a hook and loop fastener. The animal is lead to enter completely into the dry dog or animal garment bag garment having its paws on the bottom section. The garment is covering the back, the sides, the legs and the paws of the animal. The back opening section is closed by wrapping the garment with the mobile belt strap and securing the closing with the hook and loop fastener of the mobile belt strap. The animal is rubbed thoroughly with the absorbent material, and then released when the moist and the debris are removed from the fur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Marie-Antoinette Novy
  • Patent number: 7874265
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel device having two primary components. The first component is a specialized collar and the second component is a feeder. The specialized collar has a pendant from which an activation magnet hangs. The feeder has a magnetic sensor which is placed in a location so as to sense the magnet from the collar. The feeder is in the open condition except when an animal wearing a specific magnet approaches a feeder, an activation mechanism causes a restriction mechanism to be placed over the food access so that the animal wearing the collar cannot have access to the food. When the animal goes away from the feeder, the restriction is removed so that other animals who do not have the collar will have access to the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Rachel Addleman
  • Patent number: 7827935
    Abstract: A restricted animal access feeder which includes the concept of having vibratory means and noise emitting means which will scare an animal away from eating food in a desired dish. The vibratory means and noise emitting means are generated by closing of a magnetic circuit so that the vibratory mechanism and noise activating mechanism is activated. An animal who is desired not to eat from a specific food dish will wear a specific magnetic collar that will close the activation circuit. An animal that does not have such collar will not close the activation circuit and therefore, will have access to the food. The invention also includes means to enable the magnet to detach from a magnetic object so that the animal will not be permanently attached to a magnetic object such as a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Rachel Addleman
  • Patent number: 7814866
    Abstract: A rapid release, size adjustable, hands-free, back-supporting resilient band animal walking device is taught. The device provides a way to securely attach and position the leash so that the animal is constrained to walk within the filed of the walker's vision, reducing, if not eliminating, the ability of the animal to pull the walker backwards or sideways. The device provides for movements made by the person walking the animal to be transmitted to the animal minimizing the animal's urge to make sudden pulls and/or lunges, thus making animal walking a more comfortable, safe, and healthy experience. The belt part of the device is wide enough to prevent the belt from “digging into” the users back when a strong dog pulls against the leash. Moreover, the device is designed to prevent the belt/leash connecting parts from coming into contact with the groin area, which is especially appreciated by male users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Dale Gramza
  • Patent number: 7618390
    Abstract: An integrated bandaging system for encircling the abdomen of a horse. A ventral access opening selectively provides access to the horse's abdomen while the bandage remains in place. This ventral access opening is normally covered by a ventral window cover. However, the window cover may be easily opened so that an old dressing can be removed, an abdominal wound can be cleaned, and a new dressing applied. The invention has four major components: a main wrap, a saddle bridge, a ventral window cover, and a brace. The main wrap is easily placed around the horse's abdomen and secured using VELCRO® fasteners. It includes the ventral access opening. The saddle bridge attaches over the top of the main wrap and adjustably applies tension to the horse's mid section. The ventral window cover attaches over the ventral access opening and provides further adjustment of the tension on the abdomen. The brace applies over the points of the horse's shoulders, between the front legs, and over the ventral chest region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Bryan E. Kilbey
  • Publication number: 20080289583
    Abstract: A device to safeguard a horse in a horse carrier or trailer includes a harness (25,26) on the horse and the safety belts (28-31) affixed to the walls of the carrier (14-16) at the level of the breast of the horse. The harness is fastened around the breast and secured around the withers and ribcage so that its connecting device (44) is situated at the level of the breast of the horse. The horse is lead into the trailer or carrier and preferably tethered, before, standing in front of the horse, one affixes the harness to the safety belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Kristina Lindfors, Nils-Olov Lindfors
  • Patent number: 7117659
    Abstract: A safety ensemble with inherent, highly visible radiance/luminosity and a releasable link to allow the animal to shed the ensemble if it becomes dangerously snagged. The ensemble takes the form of bridle, collar, halter or harness, for draping/encircling a portion of an animal's body, and includes at least one strap member, the opening or separation of which allows the animal to break free of the ensemble. The safety link is realized in disengaging-resetting elements, as well as frangible/breakable-replaceable types. Inherent high visibility is acquired through use of highly luminous, reflective or radiant materials in or placed on selective elements of any article of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Animal Safety Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Marijan Grogoza
  • Patent number: 7107941
    Abstract: A safety device is disclosed for use with a collar for a pet. The safety device includes a central member, a first lateral member and a second lateral member. The first lateral member is for pivotal and releasable engagement with the central member. The second lateral member is for pivotal and releasable engagement with the central member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Pei-Wen Chen
    Inventor: Chih-Hsin Wang
  • Patent number: 6883466
    Abstract: A leg wrap for wrapping a leg of an animal includes an inner wrapping sheet of flexible material, an outer wrapping sheet of flexible material, and soft, resilient filler material disposed between the inner wrapping sheet and the outer wrapping sheet. Stitching extends through the inner and outer wrapping sheets and the filler material securing the inner and outer wrapping sheets and the filler material together. The stitching forms a plurality of rectangular pillows having primary axes disposed perpendicular to the top edges and the bottom edges of the inner and outer wrapping sheets. Securement strips are releasably attached together to secure the leg wrap to the animal leg. The securement strips extend in the same direction as the lines of stitching and are placed to provide uniform tension along the leg whenever the leg wrap is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Glenn N. Chambers
  • Patent number: 6792894
    Abstract: A non-choking collar that encompasses an animal's shoulders, thereby preventing neck, forechest, and airway injuries associated with many animal restraints. The animal shoulder collar with separation controlled hook-and-loop closure involves a length of material with opposing ends, a pair of leg openings and a hook-and-loop closure with a D-ring through the hook-and-loop that prevents separation of the hook and loop when used for restraint. Utilization of the shoulder collar involves placing the animal's front legs through the leg openings, and wrapping the opposing ends of the collar around both sides of the animal without involving the neck or forechest, and placing the opposing ends of the collar on top of the animal's shoulders where the hook fastener is placed on top of the loop fastener that is attached to a D-ring tab with a D-ring, such that the D-ring tab and the D-ring are protruding through an opening in the hook fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Elaine Johnson Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6532904
    Abstract: An adjustable collar for an animals neck, compromised of a semi-flexible material (10). The exterior side covered with loop material 14. The interior side comprising of alternate pillows and valleys 16, the valleys having sufficient flexibility to permit the collar to be rolled into the interior side which encircles the animals neck 12. To secure the collar in place a strap of hook material 18 is used for engaging the loop material. A plurality of ventilation holes 20 passing through the collar have been added and scored lines 22 traverse to the pillows and valleys are used for trimming the collar for the custom fit of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Els Blok Bowen
  • Patent number: 6490999
    Abstract: A collar for collaring a snake has an elongated collar section forming a physical collar when wrapped around the body portion of the snake. The collar further has a support section for supporting an attachment mechanism for accepting attachment of a tether and a connector system comprising at least two components affixed to strategic portions of the collar section for securing the collar in place around the body portion of the snake. The length of the collar section is such that a portion thereof overlaps itself when fitted around the snake providing an adjustable interface containing separate components of the connector system whereby mating the connector components together. secures the collar in place on the snake. In one embodiment the collar apparatus further includes a concertina movement-neutralization device for reducing concertina movement through the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Central Coast Patent Agency, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Robert Martin Boys
  • Patent number: 6382138
    Abstract: A releasable honda for a lariat comprises: a heel which includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a throat having a longitudinal axis and extending along such axis between the proximal end and distal end, wherein the throat has at least a portion thereof adjacent to the proximal end that peripherally varies in radius so as to have at least three equiangularly spaced maximum radii and a corresponding number of equiangularly spaced minimum radii between the maximum radii, such maximum and minimum radii being substantially constant along the length of the throat portion; and a pair of resilient arms having respective distal ends and extending from the proximal end of the heel on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to such distal ends, which are closely adjacent to or contacting one another so that the arms form an eye. A lariat incorporating the releasable honda includes a rope having a knotted end seated in the throat portion and extending through the throat and then through the eye so as to form a loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6360404
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety release break-away buckle designed for but not limited to pet collars and large animal halters, to separate at a predetermined magnitude of tension based upon a fraction of the animal's weight or strength, should the animal's collar or halter become entangled on a protrusion as to endanger the animal's health of life, as by strangulation, injury or entrapment. The release is obtained by pulling a lug through a restrictive pair of jaws. The safety release break-away buckle can also be the primary coupling device in a collar or halter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Mary Tenney Mudge, Edgar C. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6308663
    Abstract: A collar having a variable circumference for walking and training a domestic animal. In one embodiment, the collar comprises a strap portion and a first and second coupler being attached to opposing ends of the strap portion. A reducer assembly having a first end being movably attached to the first coupler and a second end being connected to the second coupler such that the reducer assembly remains connected the strap portion. The collar further comprises a trainer fastener attached to the reducer assembly and a walker fastener attached to the strap portion. The trainer fastener is arranged and configured to receive a leash such that the circumference of the collar is variable. The walker fastener is arranged and configured to receive a leash such that the circumference of the collar is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Dana R. Philen
  • Patent number: 5849262
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bioassay system for retaining hematophagous arthropods, such as, but not limited to, fleas, ticks and flies, in a microenvironment which mimics the natural conditions of unconfined hematophagous arthropods feeding on an animal. The bioassay system of the present invention comprises a container and an attachment means capable of maintaining hematophagous arthropods under conditions such that the fecundity of the retained hematophagous arthropods is substantially equivalent to the fecundity of unconfined hematophagous arthropods. The container is attached to an animal by an attachment means capable of immobilizing the container to the animal in such a manner that hematophagous arthropods can feed undisturbed from the animal through the container. In one embodiment, hematophagous arthropods are retained in a container comprising a retaining means penetrable by the mouth parts of hematophagous arthropods and a gas exchange means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Heska Corporation
    Inventors: Rex E. Thomas, Lynda Wallenfels, Irene Popiel
  • Patent number: 5806469
    Abstract: A releasable honda for lariat ropes has a heel with a throat through which the rope passes, with a tapered throat end forming a cavity for containing a knot in the rope; teeth and/or ridged projections inside the throat retain the rope in position. An axis of the throat is at an angle to a centerline through the heel. Resilient arms extend from the heel at angle to the centerline axis of the heel, and curve toward each other so that the distal ends of the arms almost meet, defining a slit between the arms. Tapered surfaces on the end of each resilient arm cooperate to form a shallow V-shaped indentation on an inner surface of the eye to guide rope into the slit so that a strong pull will force the rope through the slit, releasing the loop; a similar indentation on the outer perimeter of the eye facilitates slipping the rope back into the eye to reform a lasso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Betty Gayle Cooper-Ratliff, Jake Merrick
  • Patent number: 5791297
    Abstract: A break-away clip in dog collar allows the dog to break free if the collar is caught on a protrusion or if another dog bites and twists the collar. The break away clip separates into two halves. One half contains two resilient posts and a resilient hook. The posts are separated from the hook by the width of a rod. The second half of the clip contains a rod which is forced between the two resilient posts and the resilient hook. Tension or twisting force on the collar, which is transmitted to the clip, causes the clip to open and free the dog from its collar so the dog can escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Mary Tenney Mudge
  • Patent number: 5785011
    Abstract: A breakaway strap assembly for tethering a domestic animal such as a horse, employs two elongate straps separably attached by mating hook-and-loop surfaces. The mating hooks and loops resist longitudinal separation of the two straps. The hooks and loops are formed of resilient plastic material that permits them to unbend elastically so as to disengage from each other. Anchor clasps at one end of each strap allow the straps to be attached, respectively, to a fixed structure, such as a building and to a movable point such as the harness worn by a horse. The axial force resisting separation of the two straps can be varied from a low value to a relatively higher value by varying the longitudinal overlap of the two straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph L. Gitterman, III
  • Patent number: 5701849
    Abstract: A safety-buckle collar, which may also include parasitic-killing features, is a device for releasing a collar of a pet animal, such as a cat or dog, when the pet animal tries to free itself from an obstacle, such as a tree branch or fence portion, in which the collar becomes entangled. The safety-buckle collar may also include a belt member having a chemical substance for killing fleas and ticks, so that the collar is both a safety-buckle collar and a flea and tick killing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Suchowski, George Carroll
  • Patent number: 5450820
    Abstract: A pet collar device generally includes a connector mechanism for securing the two ends of a pet collar. Importantly, the device is designed to eliminate the risk of strangulation of a pet by its own collar in the event the collar becomes snagged on a protrusion. The connector mechanism includes a an automatic release mechanism which is designed to disconnect the ends of the collar when a force is exerted across the connector mechanism. Also included is a way to adjust the force response of the automatic release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Steven P. Kirsch
  • Patent number: 5443039
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a collar for a cat, which is releasable if the collar is caught on a dangerous protrusion, such as a tree branch or fence portion, thereby preventing accidental choking of the cat. The collar includes a receptacle buckle with an interior rounded tongue snap portion engageable with a corresponding rounded forked element. The rounded forked element is adapted to receive the rounded tongue snap portion to lock the buckle in place upon the neck of the cat. The forked element of the collar is separated from the receptacle when the cat exerts above normal tensional forces upon the collar, such as when trying to free itself from an obstruction caught in the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: The Hartz Mountain Corp.
    Inventor: Bernard Suchowski
  • Patent number: 5322037
    Abstract: Slip prohibiting engaging portions provided in a female member and a male member elastically fit with each other in the crossing direction relative to a sliding and fitting direction when the female member and the male member are slid and fitted with each other to give a predetermined resistance when the female member and male member are pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Masashi Tozawa