GB2489200A

GB2489200A - Animal halter

Info

Publication number: GB2489200A
Application number: GB201103830A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Claire Arrowsmith
Original assignee: Interpet Ltd
Current assignee: Interpet Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-07
Filing date: 2011-03-07
Publication date: 2012-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-07
Also published as: GB2489200B; GB201103830D0

Abstract

An animal halter 2 comprises a noseband 4 attached to spaced apart first and a second rings 6, 8 and a control strap 10 attached to at least one of the first and second rings 6, 8, the control strap being arranged with respect to the first and second rings 6, 8 such that the noseband 4 and at least a portion of the control strap10 define a muzzle loop, the control strap 10 being actuated to constrict the muzzle loop. The control strap may be attached to ring 6, pass through ring 8, pass through ring 6 and be attached to ring 8. Further rings 30, 32 may be connected to noseband by means of flexible members 26, 28. A further flexible member 34 may then be attached to ring 6, pass through rings 30, 32 and then attached to ring 8. This member 34 may be braced against the dogâ s throat.

Description

ANIMAL HALTER

This invention relates to an animal halter, and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a halter for a dog.

When teaching a dog to walk next to a handler it is important to train the dog not to strain against a leash to which the dog is attached.

A conventional method for doing this is to attach the leash to a choke collar which chokes the dog as it pulls away from the handler. However, choke collars risk injuring the neck of the dog and consequently, are unsuitable for small dogs and puppies.

GB2370485 discloses a canine halter which fits over a dog's head. The halter comprises a nose loop which is threaded through a cinch ring so that the nose loop forms first and second loops on each side of the cinch ring. The first loop fits about the muzzle of a dog and the second loop connects to a leash. The cinch ring is secured to the remainder of the halter by a strap so that the cinch ring sits below a dog's muzzle when the halter is fitted. As the dog pulls away from a handler, the nose loop is pulled through the cinch ring to tighten the first loop about the muzzle. The pressure on the dogs muzzle causes the dog to cease pulling. A problem associated with this halter is that sideways pulling on the leash can cause the nose loop to rotate about the muzzle which reduces the effectiveness of the harness and can cause rubbing which causes discomfort for the dog.

GB2327850 and W02004054355 also disclose similar halters.

In this document the term "ring" encompasses any means which is suitable for holding an elongate flexible member captive while permitting the elongate flexible member to run substantially freely through said means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an animal halter comprising a first elongate flexible member attached to spaced apart first and second rings and a second elongate flexible member attached to at least one of the first and second rings, the second elongate flexible member being arranged with respect to the first and second rings such that the first elongate flexible member and at least a portion of the second elongate flexible member define a muzzle loop, the second elongate flexible member being actuated to constrict the muzzle ioop.

The second elongate flexible member may be attached to the first ring at a first ring attachment and further attached to the first or second ring at a second ring attachment.

The second elongate flexible member may be attached to the first ring at the first ring attachment and attached to the second ring at the second ring attachment, the second elongate flexible member extending from the first ring attachment through the second ring and then through the first ring to the second ring attachment thereby defining a first end portion which extends between the first ring attachment and the second ring, a middle portion which extends between the second ring and the first ring and a second end portion which extends between the first ring and the second ring attachment, the first elongate flexible member and at least one of the first end, middle and second end portions of the second elongate flexible member defining a muzzle loop, the second elongate flexible member being actuated by lengthening of at least one of the other of the first end, middle and second end portions thereby shortening the first end, middle and second end portion defining the muzzle loop to constrict the muzzle loop.

The first elongate flexible member and the first and second end portions of the second flexible member may define the muzzle loop, the middle portion being lengthened to shorten at least one of the first and second end portions to constrict the muzzle loop.

The halter may further comprise a sleeve which surrounds the first and second end portions of the second flexible member.

The halter may further comprise a means for connecting a leash to the middle portion of the second elongate flexible member.

The means for connecting a leash to the middle portion may comprise a control ring through which the middle portion extends, the control ring being slidable along the middle portion.

The halter may further comprise spaced apart first and second guide rings connected to the first elongate flexible member by respective third and fourth elongate flexible members, a fifth elongate flexible member being attached to the first and second rings, the fifth elongate flexible member extending from the first ring through the first guide ring and through the second guide ring to the second ring, the fifth elongate flexible member being slidable through the first and second guide rings to vary the length of a portion of the fifth elongate flexible member which extends between the first and second guide rings.

The halter may further comprise a sixth elongate flexible member attached to the first guide ring and the second guide ring.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an animal halter comprising a muzzle loop and spaced apart first and second guide rings connected to the muzzle loop by respective first and second elongate flexible members, a third elongate flexible member being attached to the muzzle loop at first and second muzzle loop attachments, the third elongate flexible member extending from the first muzzle loop attachment through the first guide ring and through the second guide ring to the second muzzle loop attachment, the third elongate flexible member being slidable through the first and second guide rings to vary the length of a portion of the third elongate flexible member which extends between the first and second guide rings.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a halter fitted to a dog; Figure 2 shows the fitted halter shown in Figure 1 from the rear of the dog to which it is fitted; Figure 3 shows part of the fitted halter shown in Figure 1 to which a leash is being attached; Figure 4 shows a dog fitted with the halter shown in Figure 1 with a handler; Figure 5 shows the dog and handler shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows the dog and handler shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows the halter shown in Figure 1 unfitted; and Figure 8 shows the halter shown in Figure 1 being fitted to a dog.

Figure 1 shows an animal halter 2 fitted to the head of a dog 102 (the dog's head is shown in outline). The halter 2 comprises a noseband 4 in the form of a first elongate flexible member connected at one end to a first ring 6 and the other end to a second ring 8. The noseband 4 may for example be connected to each of the rings 6,8 by folding a respective end of the noseband 4 over part of each ring 6,8 and securing each end to an adjacent portion of the noseband 4 by stitching or bonding. The first and second rings 6, 8 are spaced apart from each other so that they hang from the noseband 4 on opposite sides of the dog's muzzle 104.

A control strap 10 in the form of a second elongate flexible member is attached at one end to the first ring 6 at a first ring attachment 12 and at the other end to the second ring 8 at a second ring attachment 14. The ring attachments 12, 14 are formed by folding a respective end of the control strap 10 over part of each ring 6, 8 and securing each end to an adjacent region of the control strap 10 by stitching or bonding. The control strap 10 extends from the first ring attachment 12 underneath the muzzle 104 and through the second ring 8, then back underneath the muzzle 104 to the outer side of the first ring 6, and through the first ring 6 and again underneath the muzzle 104 to the second ring attachment 14. The control strap 10 defines a first end portion 16 which extends between the first ring attachment 12 and the second ring 8, a second end portion 18 which extends between the second ring attachment 14 and the first ring 6 and a middle portion 20 between the first and second end portions 16, 18 which extends between the first and second rings 6, 8.

The noseband 4 and the first and second end portions 16, 18 of the control strap 10 together define a muzzle loop about the dog's muzzle 104. A tubular sleeve 22 covers a substantial portion of the first and second end portions 16, 18 and permits sliding of each of the end portions 16, 18 through the sleeve 22. In this particular embodiment, the sleeve 22 is padded.

As shown in Figure 1, the middle portion 20 of the control strap 10 is suspended from the first and second rings 6, 8 below the first and second end portions 16, 18. A control ring 24 is threaded onto the middle portion 20. The control ring 24 can move freely along the middle portion 20 between the first and second rings 6, 8.

The halter 2 further comprises first and second cheek straps 26, 28 in the form of respective third and fourth elongate flexible members. Each cheek strap 26, 28 is secured to the noseband 4 at a distance from the respective first and second rings 6, 8 which correspond to a position at a side of the muzzle 104. Each cheek strap 26, 28 extends obliquely from the noseband 4 in a generally rearward and downward direction with respect to the head of the dog 102. First and second guide rings 30,32 are connected to the ends of the respective first and second cheek straps 26, 28. The cheeks straps 26, 28 may for example be connected to the guide rings 30, 32 by folding the end of each cheek strap 26, 28 over part of a respective guide ring 30, 32 and securing the end to an adjacent region of the cheek strap 26, 28 by stitching or bonding.

The halter 2 further comprises a throat strap 34 in the form of a fifth elongate flexible member. The throat strap 34 is connected at one end to the first ring 6 and at the other end to the second ring 8. The throat strap 34 may for example be connected to the rings 6, 8 using means similar to those used for the noseband 4, control strap 10 or cheek straps 26, 28. The throat strap 34 extends from the first ring 6 through the first guide ring 30, underneath the throat of the dog 102 and through the second guide ring 32 to the second ring 8. The throat strap 34 can slide freely through the first and second guide rings 30, 32.

The halter 2 also comprises a head strap 36 in the form of a sixth elongate flexible member which is connected at one end to the first guide ring 30 and at the other end to the second guide ring 32. The head strap 36 may for example be connected to the guide rings 30, 32 using means similar to those used for the throat strap 34. The head strap 36 extends from the first guide ring 30 about the back of the head of the dog 102 to the second guide ring 32. The head strap 36 comprises an adjustable clasp 38 for releasably connecting two portions of the head strap 36 together and to provide means for adjusting the length of the head strap 36 between the guide rings 30, 32. The halter 2 further comprises a retainer 40 comprising a ring 42 and a fastening strap 44 connected at one end to the ring 42 and at the other end to a clip 46. The head strap 36 extends through the ring 42 of the retainer 40 50 that the retainer 40 is held captive by the head strap 36 (also shown in Figure 2). A collar 48 of the conventional type is also shown in Figures 1 and 2. The head strap 36 is positioned above the collar 48.

The fastening strap 44 is looped about the collar 48 and the clip 46 is clipped to the ring 42 of the retainer 40. The retainer 40 thus ensures that the halter 2 is secured to the collar 48. The ring 42 is free to slide along the head strap 36 so that the retainer 40 can be positioned at the rear of the dog's head; for example, rearward of the ears (as shown in Figures 1 and 2). Consequently, the retainer does not obstruct access to the front of the halter 2, or interfere with the noseband 4 or the control strap 10 which could otherwise hinder actuation of the muzzle loop.

In use, the throat strap 34 may be fed through the first and second guide rings 30, 32 to increase or decrease the length of the portion of the throat strap 34 which extends between the guide rings 30, 32. Thus, the arrangement of the throat strap 34 and the guide rings 30, 32 can be adjusted to accommodate the size of the dog 102 to which the halter 2 is fitted.

The rings 6, 8 permit the noseband 4, control strap 10 and the throat strap 34 to move independently of each other. Similarly, the guide rings 30, 32 permit the cheek straps 26, 28 to move independently of the head strap 34.

Referring to Figure 3, a leash 50 is connected, in this instance by a clip 52, to the control ring 24 prior to use of the halter 2.

Figure 4 shows a dog 102 fitted with the halter 2 walking alongside a handler 106. The leash 50 is slack between the handler 106 and the halter 2. The middle portion 20 of the control strap 10 is supported loosely by the first and second rings 6, 8. The tubular sleeve 22 rests against the underside of the muzzle 104. The dog 102 is not straining at the leash 50 and so the muzzle loop defined by the noseband 4 and the first and second end portions 16, 18 is not tight about the muzzle 104.

In this condition, the dog 102 is able to open its jaws to displace the first and second end portions 16, 18 away from the noseband 4. In doing so, the control strap 10 is drawn through the first and second rings 6, 8 to lengthen the first and second end portions 16, 18 and shorten the middle portion 20. The dog 102 is therefore able to drink, eat, carry etc. The maximum possible displacement is reached when the length of the middle portion 20 and the first and second end portions 16, 18 are equal.

Figure 5 shows the dog 102 pulling away from the handler 106. As the dog 102 pulls away from the handler 106, for example pulling forward, backward or sideways, the leash 50 becomes taut. The control ring 24 is pulled away from the first and second rings 6, 8 to tension the middle portion 20 of the control strap 10.

The first and second rings 6, 8 each act as a non-rotating pulley through which the control strap 10 slides. Thus, as the control ring 24 is pulled away from the first and second rings 6, 8, the control strap 10 slides through the first and second rings 6, 8 which causes the middle portion 20 to lengthen. The first and second end portions 16, 18 thus shorten by a corresponding amount. The first and second rings 6, 8 are therefore drawn towards each other to pull the noseband 4 down on the muzzle 104 and to constrict the muzzle loop about the muzzle 104. At the same time, the portion of the throat strap 34 between the first and second guide rings 30, 32 is braced against the throat of the dog 102 which prevents the muzzle loop from being pulled forward over the muzzle 104. The increase in length of the middle portion 20 is taken up by the handler 106 or by movement of the dog 102. However, the increase in length of the middle portion 20 is negligible with respect to the length of the leash 50 and so does not adversely affect restraint of the dog 102. The first and second rings 6, 8 are drawn towards each other substantially simultaneously which minimises twisting and slippage of the muzzle loop about the muzzle 104.

The pressure is exerted by the noseband 4 on the upper part of the muzzle and by the first and second end portions 16, 18 on the lower part of the muzzle causes discomfort for the dog 102. In addition, the head of the dog 102 is turned towards the handler 106. If the dog 102 moves towards the handler 106 (i.e. in the direction in which the leash 50 pulls), the pulling force exerted by the leash 50 on the control ring 24 and the control strap 10 reduces thereby lessening the pressure applied by the noseband 4 and loosening the muzzle loop. The dog 102 can be trained to associate straining on the leash 50 away from the handler 106 with discomfort and so adapt its behaviour to remain close to the handler 106.

The sleeve 22 covering the first and second end portions 16, 18 prevents the control strap 10 from rubbing against the underside of the muzzle 104. Furthermore, the sleeve 22 reduces the likelihood of the skin or hair of the dog 102 being pinched between the first and second end portions 16, 18.

It will be appreciated that if the dog 102 pulls away from the side of the handler 106, the pulling force applied by the leash 50 through the control ring 24 will act through the middle portion 20 and predominantly through one or the other of the first and second end portions 16, 18. If the dog 102 pulls away from the opposite side of the handler 106, the pulling force applied by the leash 50 through the control ring 24 will act through the other of the end portions 16, 18. The halter 2 thus works equally effectively regardless of the direction in which the dog 102 pulls.

If the dog 102 slips out of the halter 2, the halter 2 still provides a tether between the leash 50 and the collar 48 because the halter 2 is attached to the collar 48 by the retainer 40. Therefore, even though the halter 2 is no longer fitted to the dog 102, the handler 106 is still able to restrain the dog 102.

Figure 6 shows the dog 102 sat next to the handler 106 with the leash 50 slack.

Figure 7 shows the halter 2 when not fitted to a dog with the clasp 38 undone and the retainer 40 disconnected.

Figure 8 shows the halter 2 being fitted to the dog 102 by placing the muzzle loop over the muzzle 104 of the dog 102 before securing the head strap 36 around the back of the head of the dog 102 and attaching the retainer 40 to the collar 48.

It will be appreciated that the control strap 10 could be arranged so that the middle portion 20 of the control strap 10 and the noseband 4 define the muzzle loop. With such an arrangement, at least one of the first and second end portions 16, 18 of the control strap 10 is lengthened to shorten the middle portion 20 and constrict the muzzle loop.

An embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention comprises a halter which is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8. However, the muzzle loop may be replaced by a conventional muzzle loop comprising a single length of material, or a muzzle loop such as described in 0B2370485, GB2327850 or W02004054355. In this embodiment, the adjustable throat strap as described above is still present and so provides a halter 2 which, when fitted to a dog 102, can be adjusted to fit the width of the throat of the dog 102.

Although described with respect to a dog 102, it will be appreciates that the halter 2 would be suitable for use with other types of animal having a muzzle or snout.

The noseband 4, control strap 10, cheek straps 26, 28, throat strap 34, head strap 36 and fastening strap 44 may be made from a woven fabric, for example a polymer fabric, which is resistant to stretching and wear. The first and second rings 6, 8, control ring 24, first and second guide rings 30, 32, ring 42 and/or clip 46 may be made from metal or other material having a suitable strength. It will be appreciated that the rings 6, 8, guide rings 30, 32 or ring 42 may be formed integrally with noseband 4, control strap 10, cheek straps 28, 26, throat strap 34, head strap 36 and/or fastening strap 44; for example, as integral loops.

In a variant of the embodiment shown in the drawings the control strap (i.e. second elongate flexible member) is attached to the first ring at a first ring attachment. The control strap extends from the first ring attachment through the second ring, then through the first ring and back through the second ring to a free end, which may be provided with a connector, or a leash. The control strap is thus looped about the first and second rings. The control strap defines a first end portion which extends between the first ring attachment and the second ring, a first middle portion which extends between the second ring and the first ring, a second middle portion which extends between the first ring and the second ring and a second end portion which extends away from the second ring. The nose band (i.e. first elongate flexible member) and at least one of the first end, first middle and second middle portions of the control strap define a muzzle loop, the second elongate flexible member being actuated by lengthening of the second end portion thereby shortening the first end, first middle and second end portion defining the muzzle loop to constrict the muzzle loop.

In a variant of the embodiment shown in the drawings the control strap (i.e. second elongate flexible member) is attached to the first ring at both a first ring attachment and a second ring attachment. The control strap extends from the first ring attachment through the second ring, then through the first ring and back through the second ring to the second ring attachment. The control strap is thus looped about the first and second rings between the first and second attachments. The control strap defines a first end portion which extends between the first ring attachment and the second ring, a first middle portion which extends between the second ring and the first ring, a second middle portion which extends between the first ring and the second ring and a second end portion which extends away from the second ring to the second ring attachment.

The nose band (i.e. first elongate flexible member) and at least one of the first end, first middle, second middle and second end portions of the control strap define a muzzle loop, the second control strap being actuated by lengthening of at least one of the other of the first end, first middle, second middle and second end portions of the control strap thereby shortening the first end, first middle, second middle and second end portion defining the muzzle loop to constrict the muzzle loop.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An animal halter (2) comprising a first elongate flexible member (4) attached to spaced apart first and second rings (6, 8) and a second elongate flexible member (10) attached to at least one of the first and second rings (6, 8), the second elongate flexible member being arranged with respect to the first and second rings (6, 8) such that the first elongate flexible member (4) and at least a portion of the second elongate flexible member (10) define a muzzle loop, the second elongate flexible member (10) being actuated to constrict the muzzle loop.
2. An animal halter (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second elongate flexible member (10) is attached to the first ring (6) at a first ring attachment (12) and is further attached to the first or second ring (6, 8) at a second ring attachment (14).
3. An animal halter (2) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second elongate flexible member (10) is attached to the first ring (6) at the first ring attachment (12) and attached to the second ring (8) at the second ring attachment (14), the second elongate flexible member (10) extending from the first ring attachment (12) through the second ring (8) and then through the first ring (6) to the second ring attachment (14) thereby defining a first end portion (16) which extends between the first ring attachment (12) and the second ring (8), a middle portion (20) which extends between the second ring (8) and the first ring (6) and a second end portion (18) which extends between the first ring (6) and the second ring attachment (14), the first elongate flexible member (4) and at least one of the first end, middle and second end portions (16, 18) of the second elongate flexible member (10) defining a muzzle loop, the second elongate flexible member (10) being actuated by lengthening of at least one of the other of the first end, middle and second end portions (16,18) thereby shortening the first end, middle and second end portion (20) defining the muzzle loop to constrict the muzzle loop.
4. An animal halter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first elongate flexible member (4) and the first and second end portions (16, 18) of the second flexible member (10) define the muzzle loop, the middle portion (20) being lengthened to shorten at least one of the first and second end portions (16, 18) to constrict the muzzle loop.
5. An animal halter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the halter (2) further comprises a sleeve (22) which surrounds the first and second end portions (16, 18) of the second flexible member (10).
6. An animal halter as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the halter (2) further comprises a means (24) for connecting a leash to the middle portion (20) of the second elongate flexible member (10).
7. An animal halter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the means (24) for connecting a leash to the middle portion (20) comprises a control ring through which the middle portion (20) extends, the control ring (24) being slidable along the middle portion (20).
8. An animal halter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the halter (2) further comprises spaced apart first and second guide rings (30, 32) connected to the first elongate flexible member (4) by respective third and fourth elongate flexible members 26, 28), a fifth elongate flexible member (34) being attached to the first and second rings (6, 8), the fifth elongate flexible member (34) extending from the first ring (6) through the first guide ring (30) and through the second guide ring (32) to the second ring (8), the fifth elongate flexible member (34) being slidable through the first and second guide rings (30, 32) to vary the length of a portion of the fifth elongate flexible member (34) which extends between the first and second guide rings (30, 32).
9. An animal halter as claimed in claim 8, wherein the halter (2) further comprises a sixth elongate flexible member (36) attached to the first guide ring (30) and the second guide ring (32).
10. An animal halter (2) comprising a muzzle loop (4, 16, 18) and spaced apart first and second guide rings (30, 32) connected to the muzzle loop by respective first and second elongate flexible members (26, 28), a third elongate flexible member (34) being attached to the muzzle loop at first and second muzzle loop attachments (6, 8), the third elongate flexible member (34) extending from the first muzzle loop attachment (6) through the first guide ring (30) and through the second guide ring (32) to the second muzzle loop attachment (8), the third elongate flexible member (34) being slidable through the first and second guide rings (30, 32) to vary the length of a portion of the third elongate flexible member (34) which extends between the first and second guide rings (30, 32).
11. An animal halter substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.