AU2004100375A4

AU2004100375A4 - Animal Walking Aid

Info

Publication number: AU2004100375A4
Application number: AU2004100375A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Vicki Boorn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-19
Filing date: 2004-05-19
Publication date: 2004-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-19

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Animal Walking Aid The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: ANIMAL WALKING AID This invention relates to an aid for assisting a person walking an animal. It is particularly related to an aid for walking a dog but is not limited to such.

It is known that keeping a dog of fairly large size on a lead can involve serious problems when it tries to run away to meet another dog or for any other reason. The dog's rapid start may take the owner by surprise and the resulting jolt can be traumatic to the wrist and/or shoulder of the dog handler.

An attempt to overcome this problem has been by inserting a shock-absorbing system between the lead and the collar. One form can have a frangible portion providing different breaking strains and therefore variable shock absorbing. Another form has a lead provided with an elastic section. However such solutions have various problems.

A shock-absorbing spring can consist of a coil spring inserted over axial rods whose ends bend at the limit of the spring's extension. This structure is'rigid and quite heavy, and therefore potentially harmful for the dog which may be struck by it. Moreover, the bent ends may hurt both the dog and the owner's hand and may also become tangled with the hair and/or the lead. Furthermore, the shock-absorbing spring does not efficiently attenuate the jerks due to its excessive rigidity and/or to its too short extension capability, whereby it reaches immediately the end stop against the bent ends.

A lead with an elastic section may be made in various ways, and two examples but not commonly known structures of said kind of lead are found in US patents No.

4.993.366 to Sager and No. 5.146.876 to McPhail. The Sager patents discloses a lead consisting of a simple elongate tubular member of a non-elastic nature provided with a handle, with an elastic cord attached therein which latches to the dog's collar. The McPhail patent discloses a more complicated lead consisting of a handle to which a non-elastic line and an elastic cord much shorter than the latter are attached in parallel relation. The elastic cord is attached at the other end to a second non-elastic line which latches to the collar and on which the first non-elastic line slides by means of a ring. In this way, when the elastic cord is fully extended it is of equal length to the first line, and the two non-elastic lines are subject to tension thus preventing the further lengthening of the elastic cord.

A particular problem of such a solution is that the dog walker loses at least partial control of the dog by the extension of an elastic lead or while a frangible or complex shock absorbing system is operating. The major control of a dog is by constant pressure on the lead so the dog understands the control of the dog walker.

A further problem is that the user is still holding the lead by the hand and sudden movements in sideward directions can cause injury to the wrist or hand or arm or even shoulder of the dog walker.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide device which overcomes or at least ameliorates the above-mentioned problems.

In accordance with the invention there is provided an animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal, the aid including: a fitting structure for fitting around at least part of the upper torso of the person including the shoulders of the person; a connection structure connected to the fitting structure and when in use providing a connection member at the front of the person; a lead means for connection to the connection member for extending between the connection structure and the animal or animal collar or harness mounted on the animal; wherein the animal walking aid is able to assist the person in providing hands free control of the animal by use of the persons weight while allowing hands to be able to provide added assistance.

The fitting structure can fit over the shoulders and under the arms and across the back of the person to provide a stable broad support of the animal.

The fitting structure can be at least partially strap like. In particular the fitting structure fitting over the shoulders and under the arms can be strap like.

The strap like sections can include cushioning means.

The fitting structure at the back of the person can also be strap like. The strap like structure of the fitting structure fits over the back of the person and connects to portion extending over each of the shoulders of the person and portions extends under each of the arms of the person and interconnects at a central connected back portion.

The portion of the fitting structure extending over the back of the person can be plate like in order to spread any force received from the connection member attached to the front of the fitting structure. Clearly the plate like structure or interconnected strap like structure provides a spreading of the force received in the front of the fitting structure.

The back portion can have cross straps connecting the two portions fitting over each shoulder or portions fitting under each arm and spaced from the central back connection portion to spread force from one side of the fitting structure to the other.

The connection of straps can form a triangular structure with various forces being directed at different sides or vertices of the triangular structure. The cross strap can be adjustable to correctly fit a particular sized person and provide correct distribution of forces and strains.

The connection structure can be a ring member interwoven into a front portion of the fitting structure. The connection structure can include a plurality of ring members for connection to one or a plurality of lead means.

The lead means is preferably a single linear strap able to extend between the connection member of the fitting structure of the person walking the animal and the collar or harness of the animal.

The connection structure for a plurality of animals could be a plurality of ring members separately attached to the fitting structure. The attachment can be such that the ring members are separately extending from a front portion of the fitting structure.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided an animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal, the aid including: a fitting structure for fitting as a vest around at least part of the upper torso of the person including the shoulders of the person and having at a front portion a connection structure connected to the fitting structure and when in use providing a connection member at the front of the person; a lead means for connection to the connection member for extending between the connection structure and the animal by for an animal collar or harness mounted on the animal; wherein the animal walking aid is able to assist the person in providing hands free control of the animal by use of the persons weight while allowing hands to be able to provide added assistance.

It can particularly be seen that by having a vest like structure there is dispersion of force of an animal. Further that force is not solely applied to the hands or arms of the person but to the whole upper body. As the animal is generally sized below the waist of the user the upper mounting of the vest like structure over the shoulders provides a countering force to the animal from a below waist position. For women in particular this provides a greater control of the animal as the full body strength of the female animal walker is able to be used to control the animal. Further the upper body is the strongest portion of the female body rather than the thighs or biceps of a male.

Therefore this animal walking aid allows use of the strong portion of the person walking the animal.

Also since the animal is on the lower side of the persons centre of gravity and the animal walking aid is connected to an upper side of the persons centre of gravity then the person is able to lean back around their centre of gravity without losing balance and use their weight as a countering force to the animal. This weight is spread over the entire upper torso of the person and not through an arm and wrist which can cause injury to those limbs.

Further by having hands and arms free it is possible for the animal walker to swing both arms while walking to provide an aerobic upper body exercise while walking as is used in "power walking". The hands are ready though to provide extra assistance in animal control when required.

Further the single connection member and single lead to the animal minimises torsional injuries to the animal walker. In particular if the animal quickly skews to one side the single lead will swing the animal walker in that direction so that the force is again front on.

If multiple animals are being controlled, separate lead connection members will be required to allow for separate sideward directional movement of the animals while minimizing torsional injuries to the animal walker. These lead connection members can be release snap hooks at the ends of the lead members to allow connection between the connection structure and a harness or collar attached to the animal. In this way the connection members can swivel about the connection structure so as to accommodate for and move in relation to any angular pulling force exerted by an animal or group of animals.

The strap like sections can include cushioning means.

The fitting structure extending over the back of the person can be plate like in order to spread any force received from the connection member attached to the front of the fitting structure. The fitting structure at the back of the person can also be strap like.

The strap like structure of the fitting structure for fitting over the back of the person and connecting to portion extending over the shoulders of the persons and portions extending under the arm of the persons can be interconnected to form a central connected portion. This portion can form a triangular structure.

Clearly the plate like structure or interconnected strap like structure provides a spreading of the force received in the front of the fitting structure.

The lead means is preferably a single linear strap able to extend between the connection member of the fitting structure and an animal or collar or harness attached to an animal.

The animal walking aid can include a number of connection ring members forming a connection structure with the fitting structure to aid in the walking of at least two or more animals. The connection structure for a plurality of animals could be a plurality of ring members separately attached to either side of the vest like fitting structure.

The attachment can be such that the ring members are separately extending from a front portion of the fitting structure. In particular the front panels or portions of the vest structure can be open and unattached with a ring member attached to each panel or portion allowing separate movement. The open front of the fitting structure also allows easy and correct wearing of the fitting structure.

In order that the invention can be more readily understood embodiments of the invention will be described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a front view of an animal walking aid in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the animal walking aid of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a back view of the animal walking aid of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a back view of an animal walking aid according to a second embodiment of the invention designed for large animals; Figure 5 is front view of the animal walking aid of Figure 4; Figure 6 is plan view of an attachment for the walking aid shown in either of Figures 4 and Figure 7 is a back view of an animal walking aid according to the second embodiment of the invention designed for walking relatively smaller animals; Figure 8 is a back view of the animal walking aid of Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a plan view of an attachment for the walking aid shown in either of Figures 7 and 8.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings Referring to the drawings in Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a particular open fronted vest like animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal. The aid is substantially strap like and includes a fitting structure for fitting as a vest around at least part of the upper torso of the person. The vest like structure includes two straps (7 and 7a) with one fitting over the one shoulder of the wearer and extending up under the other arm of the person and the second strap similarly fitting over the other shoulder of the person and extending up under the other arm of the person. Thereby the straps cross at the back of the person (best seen in figure 3) and are fixed together at that point to form a first pivot point.

At the front of the vest, one end of each respective strap is joined together by respective connection members in the form of a ring (9 and 9a). Thereby the connection structure is provided for a plurality of animals by a plurality of ring members separately attached to either side of the vest like fitting structure. In particular the front panels or portions of the vest structure are open and unattached with a ring member attached to each panel or portion allowing separate movement.

The attachment is such that the ring members are separately extending from a front portion of the fitting structure. The open front of the fitting structure allows easy and correct wearing of the fitting structure.

A lead (10) with end hook structures (1 la and 1 Ib) can be attached at one end to the rings (9 and 9a) and at the other end to a collar or harness of an animal (not shown) thereby interconnecting an animal to the harness forming a connection member. As shown a plurality of leads (10) can be interconnected in a similar fashion thus enabling controlled exercise of a plurality of animals. If one animal is being walked then the lead could be attached to both connection members to close the front of the vest like fitting structure. Fig 1 shows one or more leads can be attached to harness and this enables you to walk more than one animal. Rings are bought together and lead/s is/are then attached.

The strap like structure of the fitting structure, for fitting over the back of the person and connecting to a portion extending over the shoulders of the persons and portions extending under the arm of the persons, is interconnected to form a central connected portion at the first pivot point. However the structure further includes an adjustable strap (12) extending at a distance from the first pivot point to interconnect the two straps at second (13) and third (14) pivot points. The strap (12) being fitted across the back of the person allows for adjustment of fitting to suit the size and shape of the person. This portion of the fitting structure therefore forms a triangular structure which allows for greater distribution of a pulling strain thus also helping to balance loads across a wider area. The introduction of further pivot points allows more ready dispersion of forces or strains across the whole fitting structure and therefore across the whole upper torso of the wearer. The straps (7 and 7a) of the fitting structure further include padding means (30 and 30a) which straddles the shoulders of an individual so as to cushion any pulling strain that is exerted on a wearer.

In use the animal walking aid provides a fitting member with a connection member at the front of the person; a lead means for connection to the connection member for extending between the connection structure and the animal by an animal collar or harness mounted on the animal; wherein the animal walking aid is able to assist the person in providing hands free control of the animal by use of the persons weight while allowing hands to be able to provide added assistance.

If multiple animals are being controlled, separate lead connection members will be required to allow for separate sideward directional movement of the animals while minimizing torsional injuries to the animal walker. These lead connection members are separately connected to separate connection members. Each lead means is a single linear strap able to extend between respective connection members of the fitting structure of the animal walker to the animal being walked. As shown in Figs I and 2 the lead members (10) further include a control ring (16) which can be made from brass, nickel plated; stainless steel or plastic. In this embodiment the control ring (16) is a two-inch nickel plated ring which is positioned remote from the connection ring when in an attached condition. When the lead members are fastened between rings (9 and 9a) and an animal collar, to form lead connection members, the control ring (16) is positioned remote from the fitting structure, which enables a person to pull or direct an animal or group of animals without substantially adding to the existing load.

It is clear that the above-described and illustrated embodiment is just an example susceptible of various modifications obvious to those skilled in the art. In particular, the fitting structure extending over the back of the person can be plate like in order to spread any force received from the connection member attached to the front of the fitting structure. Clearly the plate like structure or interconnected strap like structure provides a spreading of the force received in the front of the fitting structure.

Referring to Figures 4 to 9 there is shown various embodiments of the fitting structure for assisting a person walking a large animal or group of animals and a relatively smaller animal. Turning to figure 4 a fitting structure is shown which is adapted to be worn by a user in a vest-like fashion. The structure includes two straps (7 and 7a) connected at their ends to ring members (9 and 9a). The two straps are adapted to fit over the shoulders of a wearer and extend at an angle to each other and diagonally across the back of a wearer. Where the straps intersect at the back of a wearer, they are riveted together to form a first pivot point and adjacent looped structures and 20a) with shaped openings to receive a wearer's arms in a vest like fashion. The straps consequently extend from the shoulders of the wearer under the opposite arm.

The straps (7 and 7a) are further interconnected below the first pivot point by an adjustable strap which is fixed to the straps (7 and 7a) by rivets or other fastening means and extends therebetween when in a fastened condition. The strap (12) being fitted across the back of the person allows for adjustment of fitting to suit the size and shape of the person. This portion of the fitting structure forms a triangular structure which allows for greater distribution of a pulling strain thus also helping to balance loads across a wider area. That part of the straps which extends over the shoulders and under the wearers arms is fitted with padding material and 30a) such as cotton covered foam padding to further allow a wearers torso to both disperse a pulling force and improve the comfort of a wearer. To aid in the strength of the fitting structure respective ends of each strap are folded and stitched and a loop formed at the ends through which the ring members (9 and 9a) in the form of two-inch nickel plated rings can be passed. It should be understood that this embodiment is useful for exercising a plurality of larger animals. (The same numbers are used in figures 7 to 9 to indicate similar features). The harness can therefore be adapted for walking big dogs, 2 or more medium to big dogs, the disabled and Greyhound Markets. It has a Control ring in the lead, this will enable the person to be able to pull their dog up and in close if needed, whether for the dog or owners protection. As stated some of the strapping of the harness, particularly passing over or about the shoulder can include foam padding, covered in a cotton material.

The animal walking aid can further include a lead (10) (see figure 6 and which has swivel snap hooks (1 la and 1 lb) at both ends to enable attachment of the lead to ring members (9 or 9a) at end (1 la) and a conventional animal collar at the other (1 lb).

For additional control the lead includes a two inch nickel plated control ring (16) interconnecting a first part (22) and second part (23) of the lead member. For increased control, where two or more large animals are being exercised, the control ring is positioned on the lead such that the first part (22) and the second part (23) have lengths in the ratio of between about 4:1 to 2:1. The parts of the lead which are adjacent to the snap hooks and control ring can be folded over and stitched for increased strength and breaking strength.

Referring to figures 7 to 9 the fitting structure and lead shown are dimensioned for walking fewer than three animals comfortably. Hence for example folded sections of strap members; ring members (9 and 9a); nickel plated ring (16) and parts (22) and (23) of the lead member are commensurately smaller than corresponding components in Figures 4 to 6. The arrangement shown in Figs 7 and 8 is compact and light weight, which can be used without substantial hindrance for Power walking, jogging or running with one dog, or walking 2 or more small dogs.

The animal walking aid can be made of the following materials: 5 cm nylon or cotton webbing. This will come in a variety of colours 5 cm PVC coated webbing. This will come in a variety of colours and is waterproof.

5 cm plastic strip. This will come in a variety of colours and is waterproof.

cm nylon or cotton webbing. This will come in a variety of colours.

2.5 cm PVC coated webbing. This will come in a variety of colours and is waterproof.

2.5 cm plastic strip. This will come in a variety of colours and is waterproof.

The rings can be brass, nickel-plated, stainless steel or plastic.

The snaps can be brass, nickel-plated or stainless steel.

Therefore, possible additions and/or modifications which would be understood by a person skilled in the art without any inventiveness may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of protection of the invention and such are included in this application.

Claims

1. An animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal, the aid including: a fitting structure for fitting as a vest around at least part of the upper torso of the person including the shoulders of the person and having at a front portion a connection structure connected to the fitting structure and when in use providing a connection member at the front of the person; a lead means for connection to the connection member for extending between the connection structure and the animal or an animal collar or harness mounted on the animal; wherein the animal walking aid is able to assist the person in providing hands free control of the animal by use of the persons weight while allowing hands to be able to provide added assistance.

2. An animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal according to claim 1 wherein the fitting structure at the back of the person is strap like and the strap like structure of the fitting structure fits over the back of the person and connecting to a portion extending over each of the shoulders of the person and portions extending under each of the arms of the person and interconnects at a central connected back portion.

3. An animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the back portion can have cross straps connecting the two portions fitting over each shoulder or portions fitting under each arm and spaced from the central back connection portion to spread force from one side of the fitting structure to the other. The connection of straps can form a triangular structure with various forces being directed at different sides or vertices of the triangular structure. The cross strap can be adjustable to correctly fit a particular sized person and provide correct distribution of forces and strains.

4. An animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal according to any one of the preceding claims in which the connection structure is at least one ring member attached to a front portion of the fitting structure to form the connection member and wherein the front panels or portions of the vest structure are open and unattached with the ring member(s) attached to each panel or portion allowing separate movement. An animal walking aid for assisting a person in walking an animal as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.