GB2472467A

GB2472467A - Aerated collar

Info

Publication number: GB2472467A
Application number: GB0914464A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David John Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-08
Filing date: 2009-08-19
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Also published as: GB0913863D0; GB0914464D0

Abstract

An aerated collar-guard template that can be cut to a preferred size which is loosely comfortable to an animal and then further adjusted by a lace-up method. The collar comprises a template of appropriate material which can be folded to form a cone shape within the template range. The collar can be used to restrict the movement of the neck or forelimbs of the animal or can be used in the more traditional Elizabethan style.

Description

ANIMAL COLLAR-GUARD

This present invention relates to a collar guard for animals, namely "Collar-Guard".

There are certain other types of collars to protect animals from harming themselves from licking or biting and to prevent the cross spreading of bacteria or the stripping of wound dressings or casts; or removing ointment preparations and the like, which can also result in what is called an Acral lick Dermatitis or Granuloma. These collars are commonly known as "Elizabethan Collars". These types of collars can stress and blinker the animal which results in the animal banging into all sorts of objects in its way and can obstruct the animal from drinking water or eating and can also cause overheating. There are tube and balloon types which cling to the neck which again can cause overheating, and with stronger animals some types of collars can be depressed to get at other body parts.

It is known that animals will instinctively lick or bite at the site of an injury, which can remove applied ointments and slow the healing process to a possible increased risk of infection, which in sutured animals, licking and biting can open the wound to bacteria and sometimes there is a real risk of fatal internal infections.

In a reference by Ron Hines DVM PhD at http:/www.2ndchance.info/acral.htm be offers guidance about some troublesome conditions; including Acral lick Dermatitis or Granuloma which can occur, usually on the lower joints of the legs of animals, advanced by constant licking or biting. He explains that it is not known with certainty what causes these disturbances but they may include, trauma, itching, peripheral nerve irritation, boredom, allergies, skin infection, arthritis or other joint problems. Boredom, confinement, loneliness and separation anxiety have also been implicated. It is often very difficult to determine if a physical or psychological problem is causing the animals obsessive licking and grooming of the area.

Many collars have been designed for the above problems similar to the "Elizabethan Collar", usually custom made from rigid plastic to accommodate animals of different size.

An example is provided in U.S. Patent No. 4,200,057 (Agar) is a custom made unit to suite near set sizes without any means for incremental adjustment thereafter, with bad causes and limits as aforementioned? And of which could (in larger sizes) damage furniture or stress the pet when crashing into objects or moving through tight spaces, breakages, knocking things over, and bruising the backs of peoples legs could be dangerous, particularly if they are on clot thinning medication.

In U.S. Patent No. 4,476,814 (Miller) is similar to (Agar) and as aforementioned.

In the example of U.S. Patent No, 5,469,814 (Moy & Moy) again as aforementioned regarding limited custom sizes and also causes the animal to overheat by the full close to the neck design.

In U.S. Patent No. 6,244,222 (Bowen) is again similar to (Moy & Moy) and as aforementioned, stronger animals could depress these types of collar to reach other body parts.

In U.S. Patent No. 439,598 W. W. Huntoon & A.F. Perkins 1890, which is a "horse neck poke" made from individual wooden slats which prevents the horse from getting to its blanket or reaching its attendant.

PATENTS CITED BY THE INVENTOR FOR REFERENCE

US 4,200,057 US 4,476,814 US 5,012,764 US 5,469,814 US 6,244,222 CA 2 609 603 DE41 00851 Us 439598 US 1,456,706 US 2,998,008 US 3,072,098 US 3,512,523 US 3,978,820 US 4,266,511 US 4,286,547 Us 5,307,764 US 5,349,927 US 5,797,828 US 5,797,354 US 6,044,802 US 2007/018/080 US 2009/0056642 US 20009/029828 SA 985368

IN CONTRAST

It is the object of this invention to provide an aerated collar-guard template facility made from appropriate material to suit any animal, which is suitable for veterinary or personal adaptation of the template, by which collar-guard resting area will be distributed fully on and around the animals shoulder area to minimize any pressure, by which the template can be incrementally guide cut by following the lace/aeration holes or by pre-markings or similar andlor thereafter incrementally opened up or closed by the lace (or other suitable fixing means) incrementally adjusted to a comfortably secured fit, which allows air passage to the neck and is easily incrementally adjusted, or removed, or replaced when appropriate to do so; and these minute adjustments will determine a wider or narrower angle from nose to feet or tail. In the preferred mode, the collar-guard will also allow any animal to see and move around normally and drink water and eat of which will not cause the animal to get overheated around the neck when the unit is fitted.

The template collar-guard can also be used like an Elizabethan Collar for protecting the head, perhaps with a cushion band or laced to an original collar in this instance.

The desired collar size can be measured by placing the folded template from the shoulders to come to the underside of the animals chin, for the depth of collar-guard. You then close the upper head side of the collar to a desired circumference usually with two or three fingers below the closed collar to allow for movement at the head end and then mark the place to the nearest corresponding lace-line holes (or pre-marks) and cut to size along that same near lace-line. The corners of the collar can then be cut rounded off and all cut areas sanded to take off any rough edges. You then lace the collar-guard and fit it to the animal. You then hold the animal and offer it a favorite treat and take the treat to the area of the body that needs protecting and you should see that the animal will not be able to reach it (when the collar is cut to the correct size). If it is seen that the animal is quite a long way from the area, you could cut the collar down a little more to give the animal a bit more mobility, yet still not be able to reach the effected area. You can also incrementally loosen the lace to give more space, or close it up to restrict the space, making sure the animal has a good loose free movement of the head and around the neck and shoulders at all times.

Understandably in some of today's circumstances a pet is sometimes left alone when people have to go to work and the likes, which may set up a boredom or anxiety situation in the pet, as referenced previously. However it may be possible in some instances with the collar-guard, to train the pet out of these problems, which also helps the healing process. With a collar-guard in place and the pet left for some time, try a routine to make a fuss when you next meet and clean the pet with separate perhaps disposable damp flannels for certain body areas particularly eyes, ears, and genitalia, because the pet cannot now groom itself. Take off the collar-guard at this point and exercise the pet making sure it does not attend any sensitive area (if it does, replace the collar-guard).

Leave the collar-guard off if you can supervise the pet but replace it when the pet is out of your immediate care, particularly at night. While the wound or condition is healing (or later) you could reduce the time that the pet wears the collar. Or later try to slowly incrementally reduce the collar-depth size whereas the pet may not try to reach the parts for it may think it still cannot with a (smaller) collar-guard still in place (however slowly destroying the main function of the collar may not be a good thing if it cannot maintain its function afterwards, if you need it again of course). It's all trial and error at this point but for some pets it can be quite an effective method.

The collar-guard can also have a name plate or the like's area on it to either place an electronic locater, a sticker or to print or write the name, address and telephone number; or for advertising.

For any type of training, or similar, you could use color coding.

For evening exercising you could use a reflective safety collar-guard.

As a fashion item it could be made in all sorts of color designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPYING DRAWINGS

The embodiment will now be described in reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig 1. This is a view of a flat base template unit of the collar-guard design.

Fig 2. This is a view of the collar-guard cut for size, formed and laced up.

Fig 3. This is another view of a flat base template unit of the design.

Fig 4. This is a picture of a cut sized collar-guard template, and lace.

Fig 5. This is a picture of the template of Fig 4 formed and laced up.

Fig 6. This is a picture of a spaniel with the collar in place, eating from a bowl.

Fig 7. This is a picture of a spaniel retrieving a dummy.

Fig 8. This is a picture of a spaniel retrieving a dummy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPYING DRAWINGS

Fig 1.1 shows at least one design of this type of a template unit at least pressed cut (or molded) from in this instance transparent polypropylene, whereby at least rows 2 are at least aeration or lace holes which unit can at least be cut to size to use at least the next in line at least lace holes and 3 are at least aeration holes for at least this unit.

Fig 2.]. shows the template unit which has been cut to size which creates at least a cone shape when at least curled on itself, whereby this cone shaped collar will be placed onto at least a dog with the small aperture to the head and the large aperture to the dogs shoulders, whereby at least a lace 4 is threaded through lace holes 2 and at least bow-tied at the head end. The depth of collar from the head to shoulder end will determine how far the dog can move its head in any direction towards any body part. The lace can be tightened or slackened to give fmer adjustments.

Fig 4. is of a similar description as Fig 1 and 2, whereas 4 is at least a lace.

Fig 5. is the template as Fig 4, formed and laced up.

Fig 6. Is a picture of a spaniel with a collar-guard in place, which can easily drink and eat from its bowl; but cannot reach its other body parts because of the depth of the collar restricts the neck.

Fig 7. is a picture of a spaniel retrieving a dummy; this only serves to show what freedom the pet has with a collar-guard in place, for at these times you would not have a collar in place, unless of course the pet is in a severe state of anxiety and will attend the area in any instance.

Fig 8. is likewise Fig 7.

Claims

CLAIMS: What is claimed is: I. An aerated collar-guard template facility suitable for veterinary or personal adaptation to fit any animal, which is: Made from appropriate material: Which can be gauged up or down in thickness or size to suit any animal: By which collar resting area will be distributed fully around any animals' shoulders to minimize any pressure: By which the template can be incrementally guide cut by following the lace/aeration holes or by pie-markings or similar and/or: Thereafter incrementally opened up or closed by the lace or other suitable fixing means and/or: Incrementally adjusted to be comfortably secured: By which allows air passage to the neck: Of which is easily incrementally adjusted thereafter: Of which is easily thereafter removed: Of which thereafter can be easily replaced when appropriate to do so: Of which will also allow any animal to see normally: Of which will also allow the animal to move around normally: Of which will also allow the animal to drink water normally: Of which will also allow the animal to eat normally: Of which animal will not get so overheated around the neck area (as opposed to some other products on the market) when the collar is fitted: Of which template collar-guard can be flat packed for package storage or transport.
2. The collar-guard of claim I further comprising of an aeration template system which acts as lacing holes and guide holes for fitting and cutting the unit to size to be folded into at least a cone shape and laced or secured by any other means.
3. The collar-guard of claim 1 and 2 used in a reverse situation at least laced to an original collar or pad, in order for the bell-end to protect the neck and head area of an animal.
4. The collar-guard of claim I and 2 whereupon lacing or securing the collar forms a cone with an appropriate wide shoulder supported opening to an appropriate narrower neck and chin opening, whereas the narrower opening is adapted to fit loosely around the neck of the animal whereby the depth of the collar-guard from chin to shoulder restricts the animal from licking or biting any area of the body which needs protecting.
5. The collar-guard of claim 3 whereupon lacing or securing the collar forms a cone with an appropriate narrow shoulder supported opening and to an appropriate wider head opening, whereas the narrower opening is adapted to fit loosely around the neck of the animal whereby the length of the collar-guard from neck to over the head restricts the animal from pawing the head or licking or biting any area of the body which needs protecting.
6. The collar-guard template of claim I is of a particular form which incorporates particular aeration holes.
7. The collar-guard template of claim 1 is of a particular form which incorporates particular aeration holes for the means of cutting, forming and securing.
8. The collar-guard of claim 1, whereby the aeration holes means for forming and securing the collar is secured by a lacing means.
9. The collar-guard of claim 1, wherein the forming and securing means is by velcro, stud, strap or hook or other similar means.
10. The collar-guard template of claim 1 whereby a protective pad can be fixed to the open ends by a lace or other means.
11. The collar-guard template of claim 1 by which the aeration or lace holes can be cut from one and to another to form larger shaped aeration holes.
12. The collar-guard of claim 3, which restricts the animal from self harming any area upon its body below its neck by licking or biting.
13. The collar-guard template of claim 1 which incorporates at least pre-marked guide cutting lines.
14. A template means for applying a name, address or telephone number, or advertising, or placing an electronic locating device.
15. A method, means or facility for custom making specific templates for large or small animals.
16. A method of using the collar-guard to protect an animal from licking or biting itself.
17. A method of maintaining, and training the animal to forget its former habit and anxiety's.
18. A method of fitting a collar-guard.
19. A method of color code training.
20. A method of advertising.
21. A method of using the collar-guard as a safety reflector.
22. A method of using the collar-guard as a light-source flashing or safety indicator or with an electronic device incorporated.The preferred embodiments herein must not be implied as limited as such and it must be open for the inventor to implement any improvements which can apparently be suited to this invention of which the inventor would contemplate any advancement to adapt the invention in accordance with the design. Each or partly or combined reference in the claims regarding the primary use of the invention must not limit the generic or single or partly combined uses of the invention to be non essential elements of this invention.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:-CLAIMS1. A template facility that produces a variable variform self and/or manual adjusting Collar-Guard that restricts an animal's neck and head movements between the jaw and shoulders and other body parts.2. Accordingly with claim I a template facility that produces a variable variform self and/or manual adjusting Collar-Guard that restricts an animal's neck and head movements from other body parts in a reversed alternative as an "Elizabethan Collar".3. The Collar-Guard of claim 1 and 2 whereby the forming and securing means is by controlled elastic or elasticated or moveable staple or variable variform -velcro, studs, straps, lace or hooks or other similar means.4. Accordingly with claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided an aerated Collar-Guard template facility suitable for veterinary or personal adaptation to fit any animal:- (Made from appropriate material) Which can be gauged up or down in thickness or size to suit any animal: By which collar resting area will be distributed fully around any animals' shoulders to minimize any pressure: By which the template can be incrementally guide cut by following the * . lace/aeration holes or by pre-markings or similar and/or: * : * Thereafter incrementally opened up or closed by the lace or other suitable fixing means and/or: S...Incrementally adjustable to be comfortably secured: ***I* By which allows air passage to the neck: *. :. Of which is easily incrementally adjusted thereafter: *I.SOf which is easily thereafter removed: Of which thereafter can be easily replaced when appropriate to do so: Of which will also allow any animal to see normally: Of which will also allow the animal to move around normally: Of which will also allow the animal to drink water normally: Of which will also allow the animal to eat normally: Of which animal will not get so overheated around the neck area (as opposed to some other products on the market) when the collar is fitted: Of which template Collar-Guard can be flat packed for package storage or transport.5. The Collar-Guard of claim 1 or 2 and 3 comprising of an aeration template system which acts as lacing holes and guide holes for fitting and cutting the unit to size to be folded into a cone shape and laced or secured by any other means.6. The Collar-Guard of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is used in a reverse situation at least laced to an original collar or pad, in order for the bell-end to protect the neck and head area of an animal.7. The Collar-Guard of claim 1 or 2 and 3 whereupon lacing or securing the collar forms a cone with an appropriate wide shoulder supported opening to an appropriate narrower neck and chin opening, whereas the narrower opening is adapted to fit loosely around the neck of the animal whereby the depth of the Collar-Guard from chin to shoulder restricts the animal from licking or biting any area of the body which needs protecting.8. The Collar-Guard of claim 1 or 2 and 3 whereupon the lacing or securing of the collar -forms a cone with an appropriate narrow shoulder supported opening and : : ::* to an appropriate wider head opening, whereas the narrower opening is adapted to fit loosely around the neck of the animal whereby the length of the Collar-Guard * : * from neck to over the head restricts the animal from pawing the head or licking or * : biting any area of the body which needs protecting.9. The Collar-Guard template of claim I or 2 and 3 is provided a particular form which incorporates particular aeration holes.: : 10. The Collar-Guard template of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided a particular form which incorporates particular aeration holes for the means of cutting, forming and securing.11. The Collar-Guard of claim I or 2 and 3 is provided an aeration holes means for forming and securing the collar by a lacing means; whereby the perforation of any shape can be interweaved with any design of lace type embroidery at its cone ends or through any part of its structure to provide a soft cushion between the animals skin or fir and the cone to minimise any chafe and improve air circulation.12, The Collar-Guard template of claim I or 2 and 3 is provided a protective pad can be fixed to the open ends by a lace or other means.13. The Collar-Guard template of claim I or 2 and 3 is provided aeration or lace holes that can be cut from one and to another to form larger shaped aeration holes.14 The Collar-Guard of claim 1 or 2 and 3 restricts the animal from self harming any area upon its body below its neck by licking or biting.15. The Collar-Guard template of claim 1 and 2 which incorporates at least pre-marked guide cutting lines.16. A template means of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided for applying a name, address or telephone number, or advertising, or placing an electronic locating device.17. A method of claim I or 2 and 3 is provided a means or facility for custom making specific templates for large or small animals.18. A method of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided for using the Collar-Guard to protect an animal from licking or biting itself.19. A method of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided for maintaining and training the animal to forget its former habit and anxiety's.20. A method of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided for fitting a Collar-Guard.21. A method of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided for color code training.22. A method of claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided for advertising.* ** .ImI23. A method claim 1 or 2 and 3 is provided for using the Collar-Guard as a safety reflector. I...24. A method of claim I or 2 and 3 is provided for using the Collar-Guard as a light- : * source flashing or safety indicator or with an electronic device incorporated.* The preferred embodiments herein must not be implied as limited as such and it must be * * open for the inventor to implement any improvements which can apparently be suited to this invention of which the inventor would contemplate any advancement to adapt the invention in accordance with the design. Each or partly or combined reference in the claims regarding the primary use of the invention must not limit the generic or single or partly combined uses of the invention to be non essential elements of this invention.