Tether And Animal Securing Means (e.g., Collar, Harness, Etc.) Patents (Class 119/792)
  • Publication number: 20080072847
    Abstract: An electrostatic pet training device including a collar, a leash, and a holding unit is provided. A discharge member at the holding unit capable of discharging high voltage low current is connected to a plurality of electrodes by a plurality of wires embedded in the leash connecting the collar and the holding unit. The plurality of electrodes formed at the inner surface of the collar is capable of generate high voltage low current electrostatic shock at the pets' neck. Masters can therefore restrain pets from performing inappropriate behaviors by triggering the discharge member at the holding unit. After long term usage, pets will develop good habits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Ronglai Liao
  • Publication number: 20080072846
    Abstract: A harness with a retractable leash secured on the harness so that it remains in a fixed location on an animal's back, making it comfortable for the animal, yet always accessible for a user. The animal can freely move about without being encumbered by the leash, and the leash remains easily accessible by the user on the animal's back, even when not in use. A locking feature will maintain the leash to a predetermined length when the leash is being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Brenyn Albright
  • Publication number: 20080072844
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tether device that includes a first wristband to which a retracting mechanism is attached. A first end of a cord may be attached to the retracting mechanism. A second end of the cord may be attached to a second band. The retracting mechanism permits retraction and extension of the cord between the first and second wristbands responsive to changes in distance between first and second persons wearing the respective first and second wristbands. The present tether device provides an effective, lightweight tether system that may be used by an adult for inconspicuous, hands-free restraint of a child, particularly in public areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Jeff Konigsberg
  • Patent number: 7343881
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad L. Schantz, Donald E. Godshaw, Du Hai
  • Patent number: 7325516
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Sarah Anita Moore
  • Patent number: 7311063
    Abstract: An automotive safety harness for pets is disclosed, the harness including first and second closed loops formed by a length of webbing joined at opposite ends and secured at an intersection. The opposite ends at the second closed loop are permanently secured with the first closed loop at a position opposite the first closed loop from the intersection, a first fastener secured to an exterior surface at the position. A securing webbing is configured with first and second interface loops to slidably maintain the first and second closed loops at the position at one interface loop and receive the vehicle seat belt in the other, respectively. A second fastener is secured to the interior of the first interface loop surface, the first and second fasteners releasably engagable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ruff Rider, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7284505
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen E. Paxton, Lisa M. Lugo-Paxton
  • Patent number: 7284504
    Abstract: A method of assisting the movement of a dog includes a carrying strap that is elongated and has a front end and a rear end. A first front leg strap and a second front leg strap are provided. Each of the first and second front leg straps has a first end and a second end. A first coupling assembly is adapted for selectively coupling each of the first and second ends of the first and second front leg straps to the front end of the carrying strap. Each of a pair rear leg straps includes a loop portion and an elongated portion. Each of the elongated portions is attached to and extends away from one of the loop portions. The elongated portions each have a free end. A second coupling assembly is adapted for selectively coupling each of the free ends to the rear end of the carrying strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Edwin L. Purschwitz, Jr., Saundra L. Purschwitz
  • Publication number: 20070175407
    Abstract: A harness apparatus that facilitates proximity control over two or more animals by the animal handler via a single leash. The single leash couples to the harness via a first swiveling connection. Two or more animals may then be attached to the harness via two or more swiveling connections. The swiveling action of each swiveling connection virtually eliminates the possibility of animal entanglement within the harness by allowing the harness to swivel in a direction that tracks the movement of the harnessed animals. The rigidity of a cross member of the harness maintains a minimum separation distance between each animal that is attached to the harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Donna G. Everhart
  • Patent number: 7243615
    Abstract: An adjustable dog collar having two attachment points permits the collar diameter to be regulated from a distance. The collar is constructed of a single piece of belting which is looped over an upper center bar of a three-bar cinch. The belting then passes under one of the cinch side bars, encircles the dog's neck, and terminates at the other side bar. The attachment points are located at a control ring located on the end of the belting loop and at another fixed location along the collar. Force is applied to these attachment points by connected leashes which either loosen, tighten, or hold constant the dimension of the collar depending upon the relative amount of force applied to each leash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: John V. Hendrie
  • Patent number: 7168394
    Abstract: The slipcover for dog collars is a fabric sleeve designed to slide onto the collar, covering the entire collar except the metal bracket and tongue of the buckle. A strip of fabric, slightly narrower than the sleeve and with an elastic loop at the end, is attached to and extends from the open end of the slipcover. The strip fits through the buckle and has a thin slot medially aligned for the tongue of the buckle to pass through. The loop at the end of the strip attaches to a button near the base of the strip on the open end of the slipcover, on the inner side. A plurality of openings are medially aligned near the closed end of the sleeve. The collar is fastened onto the dog's neck in the ordinary fashion, passing the tongue through any of the openings near the closed end of the slipcover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Whitney H. Berry
  • Patent number: 7165511
    Abstract: An animal restraining harness includes first and second straps connected at opposed ends to connectors. A center chest strap extends between the first and second straps. A flexible restraining strap is looped between the connectors and is attachable to a leash. The restraining strap enables the first and second connectors to be pulled together reducing the diameter of the second strap as a result of a pulling movement of an animal wearing the harness which applies pressure on the rib cage of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jessica M. Brezinski
  • Patent number: 7131400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Pamela L. Wanveer, Damion Hunter
  • Patent number: 7107940
    Abstract: An animal restraining apparatus having a belt which forms an opening. A girth of an animal is positioned within the opening. The belt is constricted around the girth of the animal by forcing opposite free end portions of a line apart from each other. A guide element maintains a position of the line with respect to the belt. The line is moveably mounted with respect to the belt. A keeper element can be used to maintain the free end portions of the line in a desired position. Preferably but not necessarily, the free end portions overlap each other near the keeper element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: T. Michael Abinanti
  • Patent number: 7107939
    Abstract: An animal training apparatus is comprised of a leash connector attached to a chest portion of a harness. The harness is arranged for preventing 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 applying a rotating force to the animal when the animal moves forwards of the handler and pulls on the leash connector. The animal is prevented by the rotational force from pulling further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Linda J. Lady
  • Patent number: 7103943
    Abstract: A multi use utility strap has an elongated first strap member. The first strap member has a first end and a second end. The first end is folded over and coupled to a body section of the elongated strap to form a first loop. The second end is folded over and coupled to the body section to form a second loop. A second strap member having a first end and a second end is provided wherein the first end is coupled to the first strap member. A first pair of D rings is positioned in the second loop. A third strap member is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end of the third strap is folded over and coupled to a body section of the third strap member to form a third strap member loop. A connector is provided for coupling the second strap member to the third strap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lambert
  • Patent number: 7096827
    Abstract: A combination training lead and multiple animal leash comprising, a leash-forming strap having a handle at a first end thereof and having at least two branches at a second end thereof with a snap connector carried by each of the branches and including a D-ring attached to the leash-forming strap, intermediate its first and second ends, and adapted to interconnect with one of the snap connectors to form a second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph S. Sporn
  • Patent number: 7004113
    Abstract: A dog harness including a non-sliding neck and body strap joined at location on the back of the dog when worn by a dog. A slider is also affixed at this location. A stop strap extends through the slider, through a first fader loop on the body strap, through a second slider on the front of the neck strap, through a second fader loop on the body strap, and back through the first slider. When the dog pulls such that the stop strap is not slack, the stop strap tightens against the dog's body when the ends of the stop strap are held by a handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Cerena W. Zutis, Diana L. Gerba
  • Patent number: 7004114
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph B. Hippensteel
  • Patent number: 6992588
    Abstract: An attachable alarm system for strollers for alerting parents and bystanders that a child is potentially being abducted. The system includes an alarm receiver having a housing, having an upper wall, and a speaker system for broadcasting an audible alarm. The alarm receiver includes a first reset mechanism and a second reset mechanism. A clamp mechanism extends upwardly from the upper wall of the housing of the alarm receiver. The clamp mechanism is fixedly securable to a handle of a baby stroller. A transmitter is in communication with the alarm receiver. The transmitter includes activation and deactivation buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Santosstefano
  • Patent number: 6971334
    Abstract: A dog leash that includes a handle, an elastic strap portion, an inelastic strap portion, and means for attaching either the elastic portion or inelastic portion to a dog collar. The elastic and inelastic portions are connected to each other by either a releasable buckle or a non-releasable buckle. A releasable inelastic locking strap assembly can be attached to the same members to which the elastic strap is attached to provide a leash with both a stretchable mode and a non-stretchable mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: William C. Livesay, Arthur Villums
  • Patent number: 6948218
    Abstract: A spring clip device for use with leashes and dog runs to prevent or reduce the likelihood of injury to pets and their owners. The spring clip assembly includes a closable clip member, a swivel portion, a housing, a sleeve member and a resilient member. The closable clip member is adapted to be connected to the collar of the dog or other animal and is pivotally connected to the housing by use of the swivel portion. The resilient member is positioned within the housing and biases the sleeve member within the housing. The sleeve member is adapted to telescope outward from the housing and compress the resilient member in the event that a force greater than biasing force of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Boss Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Donze
  • Patent number: 6837188
    Abstract: A TANGLE-PROOF COLLAR ASSEMBLY for restraining pets and various animals. Each embodiment utilizes a channel mounted on an annular band. The channel forms an arcuate path about the periphery of the band wherein a swivel truck assembly having 360° biaxial rotation may travel within the arcuate path of the channel. An attachment for the leash is provided on the swivel truck. Each embodiment employs a locking mechanism for securing the collar in a suitable manner to maintain the arcuate path. Additional embodiments are described that provide for a rigid collar, which may be adjusted by the addition or removal of sizing elements or sections and an alternate locking assembly. An embodiment of a harness based upon the present invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Brian Martin
  • Patent number: 6837187
    Abstract: A harness provides comfortable yet secure fastening of the device to the animal. The harness may include a tail strap passing above the animal's tail, a leg strap passing below the anus, back straps passing over the back and connecting the tail and leg straps adjacent the anal region, a chest strap joined to the back straps and encircling the chest, leg loops joined to the leg strap encircling an upper thigh portion of the hind legs, and leg braces joining the back straps to the leg loops. A plurality of fastening devices are positioned on the harness for fastening a collection bag adjacent the animal's anal region. The leg loops may be at least partially formed by a distinct, continuous strip that forms at least part of a respective back strap. The back straps may overlap between the tail and chest straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Carmen R. Berardo
  • Patent number: 6827044
    Abstract: An animal restraint system for a vehicle has a vest having leg holes for front legs of an animal. A top strap is extended across the top of an animal wearing the vest and is looped through a buckle tongue and a webbing adjuster defining top and bottom portions of the top strap. The vest is secured to a seat belt of a vehicle by passing the seat belt between the top and bottom portions of the top strap. The top portion of the top strap can be pulled through the webbing adjuster to shorten the bottom portion to adjust the top strap. In an embodiment, the top strap is rotatably coupled to the vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lobanoff, Ronald S. Gulette
  • Publication number: 20040200436
    Abstract: This invention, The Spring Tether, is designed to reduce risk of entanglement and increase safety of a tied or tethered animal, such as an equine, bovine, or such. It also allows the animal more head freedom while increasing the safety. An animal will have the ability to eat or drink from pans or feeders on the ground, to lay down and stand while tied or tethered and The Spring Tether's coils kepts tension which removes excess slack and the risk of entanglement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Lavra A.Saylor Staack
  • 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: 6776124
    Abstract: Cow stanchion apparatus having a fixed support structure that carries a plurality of pairs of like double release stanchion bars which simultaneously swing towards and away from one another to control movement of cattle relative to such apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Teo Albers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6745722
    Abstract: A collar ball system has a plurality of rigid heavy metallic spherical balls coupled by a weld. A link has an inner end embedded in the weld and an outer end adapted to be clipped to one end of a leash. Free inner ends of a generally U-shaped handle are in contact with the balls. A plastic coating is secured over the balls, link and handle and tends, with the weld, to hold the balls, link and handle together and protect the balls, link and handle from the elements and abuse from a pet being tethered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond L. Quilling
  • Publication number: 20040074449
    Abstract: A simple, strong handle for use as a grip for holding articles is disclosed comprising a carabiner-like snap hook provided with a gripping surface of the proper size and shape to be comfortably held by a human hand. The snap hook has a generally C-shaped back portion on which the gripping surface is disposed, and a gate selectively attached to the back portion, forming a closed loop. Articles such as shopping bags and animal leashes received by the snap hook and secured by the gate may be held comfortably by the grip. The snap hook may be made of a variety of materials and shapes depending on the application and requirements of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Wendy Axel
  • Patent number: 6708650
    Abstract: A method for installing a harness on a four-legged animal, wherein the harness includes a first loop, a second loop, and a first connecting portion. The first and second loops are connected to the first connecting portion. The method includes at least placing the first and second loops substantially around the left and right rear legs, respectively, placing the first connecting portion adjacent the rear back of the animal such that the first and second loops are below the left and right hind leg pits, respectively, and attaching the first connecting portion directly or indirectly to a leash. By pulling the first connecting portion in a forward direction, this causes the first and second loops to come into contact with the left and right rear leg pits and impose pressure thereon urging the animal to take action to release the pressure by sitting up and or moving forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Rachel Yates
  • Patent number: 6694923
    Abstract: A harness assembly (24 surrounding an animal's body around the neck, across the back, upon the underside and around the animal's chest. The harness assembly (24) includes a shoulder connecting member (28) having an upward extending, quick connect plug (34); a neck band (46) encircling the animal's neck and that is attached to the shoulder connecting member (28); a body band (50) encircling the animal behind its front legs and that attaches to the shoulder connecting member (28); and a chest member (54) connected to the neck and body. A stand-up leash (64), which is attached to the plug (34), normally remains in an upright position permitting a person walking the animal to comfortably grasp the leash (64) with a hand grip (88). A quick connect coupling (74) interfaces with the plug (34) for removing or replacing the stand-up leash (64) from the harness assembly (24). The leash (64) also has an extension (90) for lengthening which permits the animal increased freedom of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Brandon K. Fouché
  • Publication number: 20040025804
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Greg Smith, Will Dodson, Curt Nowaskie
  • Patent number: 6688259
    Abstract: A simple, strong handle for use as a grip for holding articles comprising a carabiner-like snap hook provided with a gripping surface of the proper size and shape to be comfortably held by a human hand. The snap hook has a generally C-shaped back portion on which the gripping surface is disposed, and a gate selectively attached to the back portion, forming a closed loop. Articles such as shopping bags and animal leashes received by the snap hook and secured by the gate may be held comfortably by the grip. The snap hook may be made of a variety of materials and shapes depending on the application and requirements of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Wendy Axel
  • Patent number: 6679198
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) which includes a plurality of selectively adjustable support straps (12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 52) which may be selectively attached to an animal (100), a pair of weight pockets (48, 58) which allow substantially any desired weight (65) to be removably disposed within the weight pockets (48, 58) effective to provide an animal (100) with resistance training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Ted LaGarde
  • Publication number: 20040000273
    Abstract: An animal training apparatus is comprised of a leash connector attached to a chest portion of a harness. The harness is arranged for preventing 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 applying a rotating force to the animal when the animal moves forwards of the handler and pulls on the leash connector. The animal is prevented by the rotational force from pulling further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Linda J. Lady
  • Patent number: 6637377
    Abstract: An animal restraint system for a vehicle has a vest having leg holes for front legs of an animal. The vest is symmetrical about the leg holes allowing the vest to be rotated 180 degrees and placed on the animal in either orientation. The vest is removably couplable to a seat belt of the vehicle by a tether strap that has at least one loop through which the seat belt of the vehicle is passed through. The tether strap clips to a top strap of the vest that extends from one side of the vest to the other side of the vest across the back of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: BOS Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lobanoff, Ronald S. Gulette
  • Patent number: 6626132
    Abstract: A multiple pet leash includes an elongated handle portion having a loop at one end and a swivel at another end, which engages at least two pet tethers. Each of the tethers includes a swiveled, snap hook members located at the distal end for attaching the tether to a dog collar. The proximate end of each tether is permanently but slidably attached to a“D” shaped portion of the swivel, which helps avoid tangling of the tethers due to pets crossing paths. The length of the handle portion is adjustable to allow the handler adjustment of the handle portion The lengths of the pet tethers are adjustable, enabling pets of different sizes to walk around, over or under each other without requiring the handler to constantly disconnect, untangle and reconnect the leashes in order to resume orderly walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Scott K. Mann
  • Patent number: 6619238
    Abstract: An animal leash system includes at least two ropes which can serve as leads. One of the ropes is relatively short and is used as a heeling lead. A plurality of rope clamps are adapted for friction fit about the ropes to facilitate binding of end portions of the rope allowing for various leash configurations. The clamps also facilitate coupling of the ropes to produce a double lead arrangement. A slip ring allows for use without a collar in one configuration of the leash system, while a clip secured to an end portion of the leash allows for attachment to a typical collar in another configuration. The proximal end of the leash may be formed into a handle to allow a user to hold the leash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony T. Amato
  • Patent number: 6581547
    Abstract: A pet collar with an integrated retractable leash includes a recoil mechanism having a coiled spring coupled to an end of the leash, thereby generating the retractability of the leash. At an opposing end to the recoil mechanism is a removable handle for securely maintaining control of the animal wearing the pet collar and retractable leash. The pet collar is adjustable to accommodate a variety of neck sizes of an animal. The pet collar also includes a ring to accommodate a stand-alone leash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald J. Austin
  • Patent number: 6571745
    Abstract: A dog pack harness providing a dog with the ability to carry various items that might become necessary or desirable to have while walking a dog. The dog pack harness is comprised of a base member positioned on the back and the sides of the dog, a plurality of pocket and holding elements for storing of various items, a ventral strap assembly means securing the base member to the dog, a dorsal strap assembly device for securing the base member to the collar, and a collar element having a slidable collar attachment wherein the color attachment is used for securing of the collar element to the dorsal strap assembly device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Nancy C. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 6564754
    Abstract: A multi-directional, dynamic, and self-equalizing shock-absorbing harness system for small animals. The system has a collar, to which a length of elastic, or shock, cord is attached. The length of shock cord connects to a ring, through which passes a second shock cord that is generally perpendicular to the first shock cord. The second shock cord is attached to a body strap. A standard leash is then attached to the ring. In this way, the system is able to spread the energy of violent pulling on the leash. This energy is absorbed by the shock cords and is dissipated over the animal's body. Moreover, because the system is self-equalizing, it better enables the handler to keep the animal in proper position, making handling the pet easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jeremy Cohen
  • Patent number: 6564749
    Abstract: A pet restraining harness sytem for restraining a pet traveling in a vehicle having a seat belt with a buckle. The pet restraining harness sytem includes a retraint assembly including at least one restraint strap that has a first end and a second end. The restraint strap is positionable about the body of the pet with the ends being releasably couplable to each other. The restraint strap is releasably securable to the seat belt of the vehicle by a securing member that is mounted on the end of the restraint strap and which is releasably securable to the buckle of the seat belt in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Ethel Dorsey
  • Publication number: 20030066494
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph B. Hippensteel
  • Patent number: 6543390
    Abstract: An attachment to a typical commercial animal chest harness comprises a rear harness defining two leg loops adapted to receive the animal's hind legs, a strap or other such flexible attachment for connecting the rear harness to a first fixed point, a strap for joining the rear harness to the chest harness, and another strap or other such flexible attachment connecting the chest harness to a second fixed point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Lisa Lowery
  • Patent number: 6532903
    Abstract: A locking system for pets. The system includes a locking leash assembly comprising a leash with a pet-securing region and a handle region. The handle region is adapted to be held by a user. The pet-securing region includes a lock assembly having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration the lock assembly is adapted to secure together spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region, thus defining a closed perimeter. The closed perimeter is sized to extend around a portion of a pet and configured to prevent removal of the leash from the pet. The lock assembly in the unlocked configuration is adapted to permit the release of the spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region. In some embodiments, the leash includes a coupling structure adapted to be removably interlocked to a pet collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Christian Prusia, Shanin Prusia, Phillip Salvatori
  • Patent number: 6530196
    Abstract: A connector (10) includes a housing (34) and an arm (43) pivotally connected to the housing (34). A hook (48) is formed on one end of the arm (43) and a spring (49) is positioned between the arm (43) and the housing (34). The connector (10) can be used to attach two items of many configurations together, but it is particularly suited to attach strap ends of an item such as a halter (11) having a strap (12) and a strap (13) interconnected by a plurality of tab straps (20, 21, 22). The strap (12) is interrupted to form a portion (32) carrying the connector (10) and another portion (31) carrying an o-ring (29) which can be engaged between the hook (48) and the housing (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Coastal Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Oyster, David R. Kerns, Robert C. Holt, Jr., James G. Stout
  • Patent number: 6499437
    Abstract: A magnetic connector includes first and second connector parts, each having a respective magnet. The second connector part includes an overhanging lip positioned on one side of the respective magnet and a cord loop positioned on the opposite side of the respective magnet. The first and second magnets are oriented to automatically hold the first and second connector parts together, with the first connector part disposed in a first position between the overhanging lip and the cord loop. The overhanging lip is positioned such that a tensile force applied to the first connector part and resisted by the cord loop translates the first connector part from the first position to a second position, in which the first magnet is closer to the overhanging lip and the first connector part is at least partially received under the overhanging lip, thereby mechanically interlocking the first and second connector parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph A. Sorensen, Derek Gustafson, Tom Jungst
  • Patent number: 6499436
    Abstract: A portable restraint and confinement device for confining an animal within a fixed boundary. The device includes a base panel which has an outer perimeter defining a fixed boundary. A securement strap is attached at one end to the center of the base panel and at the other end to an attachment device. The attachment device is configured for connecting to a harness, collar or other holding device secured to the animal wherein the animal is confined within the fixed boundary by the securement strap. Alternate configurations of base panel are disclosed for improving portability as well as for use in specific environments and locations. An embodiment is disclosed for use in restraining and confining humans to within a fixed boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Dan Capperrune
  • Patent number: D492454
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Steve Saunders