GB2449658A

GB2449658A - A folding access platform for a dog

Info

Publication number: GB2449658A
Application number: GB0710252A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Thorne Langford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-30
Filing date: 2007-05-30
Publication date: 2008-12-03
Also published as: GB0710252D0

Abstract

A freestanding folding platform to enable dogs to gain access to areas such as vehicles, sofas or beds. The platform comprises an upper top section which is formed of two panels 2 connected about a mid section by a hinge 3. Two vertical panels 1, serving as folding leg supports, are connected to the outer free edge of each top section by hinges 4. All hinges are self locking to prevent collapse of the structure. An alternate embodiment uses metal folding brackets to brace the supporting end sections. The platform is formed of a material making it light to handle and washable, with a non-slip surface.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

DOG BOOSTER PLATFORM

Background and rationale

As dogs become older or unwell, they are often less able to jump from the ground into the rear compartment of an estate car or onto a sofa or bed. They will typically place their front paws on the level they are trying to reach and wait to be lifted. For small dogs this is not usually a problem because they can be easily lifted. For medium to large dogs, however, this is often a problem: they are heavy and may cause back injury to the owner in any attempt to lilt them, they do not like being bodily lifted under their abdomens and they may also be wet and muddy.

The currently available aids to assist dogs into a car consist almost entirely of ramps up which the dog is encouraged to walk. This is not always easy for a dog due to the nature of its pads which are shiny and smooth and its lack of gripping claws. This is evidenced by the way that dogs slip on shiny floors in houses. ft is more natural for a dog to step up to a new level than to walk up a ramp. Also, ramps are relatively narrow and do not give the dog confidence and security. For all three of these reasons, there is a failure rate in encouraging dogs to use them.

Although there are patents in force for ramps, a search of worldwide patents by the author reveals only one patent for a platform (Reference 1). This is for a folding platform which is specifically designed for attachment to the receiver hitch of a pick-up or sports utility vehicle. This is limited to a particular type of vehicle with a specific fitment being a necessary part of its Utility. The invention described in this application is a free-standing, collapsible, folding platform which acts as a booster level for the dog to step onto before stepping into the car or onto a sofa or bed for example. It is mobile, easily assembled, collapsible for storage, not limited to a particular vehicle and also has potential uses within the home or possibly a veterinary surgery. It has a slip-resistant surface and is light and washable. The invention was developed to meet the needs of our own golden retriever.

Reference(i) Receiver hitch dog step US Patent US 200210073935 Al Graham et al. The following figures will be referred to in the preferred embodiment of the invention: Ficiure 1 A three dimensional view of the platform assembled Fioure 2 A side view of the platform EiQure3 Platform folded for storage (side view) EiQure 4 Alternative embodiment of the invention (side view) Fiqure5 Alternative embodiment of the invention (viewed from below) FiQure 6 Self-locking hinge mechanism Figure 7 Detail of self-locking mechanism showing slotted keyway and keyed hinge-pin.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the top of the platform (2) is rectangular when assembled. (Fig. 1) The top has a locking hinge in the centre (3) so that it can be collapsed down to a small size for storage. The platform itself is made of strong, rigid plastic which is moulded with ridges for strength (ridges not shown). The two vertical panels (1) are hinged similarly (4) so that they butt up to the platform (1) at 90 degrees and have self-locking hinges to prevent collapse of the platform. The platform is shown collapsed for storage in Fig. 3. One example of a self-locking hinge is shown in Fig.5. The plastic hinge has a central metal pin (9) WhiCh has a key near its end (10). This key is engaged in a slot in the two end hinge pieces, one of which is part of the platform top and one of WhCh is part of the vertical panel. The key lacks the two hinge pieces together preventing the hinge from dosing. A small compression spring (7) is located at the other end of the pin behind a button (8). When the button is pressed inwards the key moves into the end section of the hinge, releasing the one next to it, and allows the hinge to fold. When the hinge is re-opened, the key is pulled by the action of the spring into the locked position.

An alternative embodiment is shown in shown in Figures 4 and 5 where the vertical side panels are supported from collapse by a metal folding bracket (5) WhiCh is secured by a toggle (6) on the under-surface of the platform. This obviates the need for a tacking hinge.

Alternative materials for constructing the platform indude wood and aluminium.

The surface of the platform is covered with a slip-resistant material such as rubber or washable carpet.

The collapsed platform can be easily secured in the boot of a car at the side or against the rear seats with a Velcro strap.

Claims

1. A portable platform is descnbed which, because it is level, gives confidence to a dog to step onto it and then step up to a higher level which would be otherwise too difficult to reach.

2. A device as claimed in (1) which is freestanding.

3. A device as daimed in (1) and (2) which is easily collapsed for storage.

4. A device as claimed in (1)-(3) which, because it is portable, can be placed at a strategic position for entry to a vehicle, either at the rear or at the side.

5. A device as claimed in (1)-(4) which is light to handle.

6. A device as claimed in (1)-(5) which is large enough for a dog to step onto with all four feet in order to then step easily to the next level.

7. A device as claimed in (1)-(6) Which is independent of the type of vehicle (or its attachments) which is being used.

8. A device as claimed in (l)-(7) which has a locking device for the supports I. Ills

S S

8. A device as claimed in (1)-(7) which has a slip-resistant surface.

9. A device as claimed in (1)-(8) which is washable and not adversely affected by water.

1O.A device as claimed in (1)-(9) which can be used in the home to assist a dog or other animal onto a sofa or bed.

11.A device as claimed in (1)-(1O) which has a locking hinge mechanism, one type of which is described in Figures 6-7.

Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows

PRIMARY CLAIM

1. A portable platform is described which can assist a dog to step into a car and which is: (a) Large enough for a dog to stand on with all four feet (b) Strong enough to support a large dog (c) Easily collapsed to a size suitable for stowing in a car

SECONDARY CLAIMS

2. A device as claimed in (1) which is freestanding and can be placed strategically for entering the vehicle.

3. A device as claimed in (1) and (2) which is light to handle 4. A device as claimed in (l)-(3) which is independent of the type of vehicle (or its attachments) which is being used 5. A device as claimed in (I)-(4) which has a slip-resistant surface * *, 6. A device as claimed in (l)-(5) which is washable and not adversely affected by water ** * * I *S*.

7. A device as claimed in (l)-(6) which can be used in the home to assist a dog or other animal onto a sofa or bed * I..