GB2518426A - A muzzling and play or training apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A muzzling apparatus comprising a securement mechanism for securement of the apparatus to an animal. The apparatus further comprises a guard for covering the animal's mouth; and a means to attach a detachable object, at or adjacent to the guard. The attachment means may be situated at a distal end of the guard, where the animals mouth opens. The attachment means may comprise at least one ferromagnetic portion or hook and loop material or resiliently deformable fingers. The apparatus may alsobe shaped to receive an object. There is also claimed objects which comprise multiple ferromagnetic portions, which may correspond to visual indicia. There is further disclosed a unit which is releasable attachable to the guard, the unit contains the attachment means to allow the objects to be attached to the muzzle apparatus. This is to allow the muzzle to be used as a plain muzzle, or with attachment means. The use of the apparatus is to allow a muzzled animal to play fetch, by allowing an object to be attached to the end of the muzzle.

Description

A MUZZLING AND PLAY OR TRAINING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a muzzling apparatus, in particular a muzzling apparatus for use with a pet animal such as a dog; more particularly but not exclusively a muzzling apparatus arranged to and in use with objects specifically arranged to attach to the muzzling apparatus, so as to allow retrieval or objects.

BackQround Many dog owners teach their dog to retrieve as a form or exercise, play and obedience training. Typically an object to be retrieved is thrown and the dog searches and retrieves the object, ideally returning it to the owner. However, some dogs are required to wear muzzles, for example due to their breed or temperament, and this may prevent retrieval of objects. Therefore dogs that must be muzzled may not be able partake in retrieval activities or may only be able to do so in confined or private areas where donning of the muzzle is not required. However as often such activities are carried out in public spaces for example in parks or footpaths, this is not possible and therefore dogs that wear muzzles cannot be involved in retrieval activities which may lead to frustration for the dog as well as reduced exercise and obedience training.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States Patent Application US5566949 discloses a tethered ball game device utilizing flat disk devices that are retrieved by the tethered ball. The ball includes a magnet or hook and loop type fastener means and is therefore capable of attracting or attaching the flat disks.

World Intellectual Property Organization Patent Application W02004022192 reveals a magnetic toy module, comprising a magnetic element having a linking body that at both ends thereof is provided with a permanent magnet. and that together with at least one ferromagnetic linking element forms a module.

European Patent Application EP 2255617 discloses a device with a chewing body, and a carrier body fastened to a clothing of a dog trainer and fastened to the chewing body in a detachable manner. A flexible gripping element e.g. cord or strap, is attached to the chewing body, and the carrier body has magnets and a hollow area that is surrounded by an outer casing, where magnetizable material is freely movable in an inner side of the hollow area.

In contrast the present invention provides muzzle with a means of attachment for holding an object.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a muzzling apparatus comprising a securement mechanism for securement of the apparatus to an animal; a guard for covering the animal's mouth; and a means of attachment arranged at or adjacent the guard adapted for attachment of a detachable object.

Advantageously this means objects can be picked up' by a muzzled dog, for

example.

Preferably the mechanism comprises a harness attachable about the dog's nose, mouth and head more generally, so as to allow movement of the nose and mouth but maintain the mouth retained within the guard, preventing dangerous biting or similar.

Therefore the apparatus provides a pet muzzle comprising: a guard for covering a mouth, a harness for securing the guard to the pet and a means of attachment for retrieval of an object.

The muzzle, in use, prevents or limits opening or the pet's mouth and thereby the jaw, so as not allow the pet wearing the muzzle to bite others. Therefore the muzzle may be worn by pets that are liable to bite or snap or as a requirement for particular breeds of pet such as those noted in the relevant legislation as being dangerous.

In this way the dog is able to retrieve objects, in particular toys such as a ball, whilst wearing the muzzle. Therefore the dog does not present a risk to other people or animals, but is still able to obtain stimulation.

The means of attachment thereby provides a mechanism of holding the retrieved object to the muzzle without requirement for the dog to use its mouth or any other part of its body. In this way the object becomes stuck to the muzzle and thereby the dog can carry/transport the object to an owner without using its mouth to hold the object Ideally the means of attachment is provided on the guard so as to be located in the same position at which the dog would retrieve the ball if not wearing the guard.

Typically therefore the means of attachment is provided at the dog's mouth opening.

1 5 Preferably the means of attachment is situated at a distal point of the guard.

Advantageously this ensures that stimulation is as natural as possible and instinctive for the dog wearing the apparatus. In some other embodiments the point of attachment may be variable in location, so as to provide added challenges for the dog, and/or adjust for different dogs or objects.

In use the guard encloses the dog's mouth so that opening of the mouth and jaw is limited or prevented. Ideally the guard is adapted to fit over a dog's snout so as not to obstruct the dog's eyes and thereby vision in any way.

In some preferred embodiments a lower section of the guard may extend further than an upper section, covering up to, or near to the dog's neck so as to provide a more secure fit by covering a larger area and being less likely to be pulled off, whilst not obstructing vision.

Preferably the guard is substantially column shaped, with an open end for receiving the snout, and a closed end to enclose the mouth. Ideally the means of attachment is located on the closed end. In this way an object retrieved by the muzzle is secured to the guard in a similar orientation as to if the object was retrieved in the normal way.

In some embodiments the guard body may taper towards the dog's nose, for example being frustoconical so as to more closely match snout shape wherein the opening is wider than the closed end.

In preferred embodiments the guard includes at least one perforation so as to allow circulation of air about the dog's snout. Preferably the aperture may be over or near to the dog's nose so that the dog's sense of smell is not affected by wearing the muzzle.

Preferably the guard includes a plurality of perforations. Advantageously this allows the apparatus to be comfortable for the dog, less likely to rub the dog and less cumbersome and unnatural. For example the guard may be comprised from a mesh or grid like arrangement of strapping.

For example the body of the guard may include longitudinal perforations such as rectangular perforations that extend along the guard and are arranged all the way around the body. In this way much of the dog's skin is exposed so that wearing of the apparatus feels more comfortable to the dog.

Advantageously the perforations also allow the escape of liquids from the guard, for example saliva or other liquids that may become collected in the guard, such as when the dog jumps into the water.

In preferred embodiments the guard is formed from a strong, durable, resiliently deformable material such as synthetic plastic, leather or a combination of materials.

Advantageously the guard is lightweight and can be easily cleaned therefore being suitable for repeated use. For example the guard may be formed from a satin finished polymer.

Ideally parts of an inner face are rounded so as to smooth against the dog's snout for optimal comfort. In some embodiments the inner face may be coated in a soft material, for example a cellular structure such as foam for improved comfort and to aid with keeping the guard in position during use.

In preferred embodiments the means of attachment are arranged to be integrated with the guard so as to form part of the closed end.

Preferably the means of attachment may comprise at least one ferromagnetic portion so as to be able to accept objects having ferromagnetic properties, such as a ball or stick with an integrated ferromagnetic portions.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a muzzle system comprising apparatus as described herein and at least one object comprising integrated or added ferromagnetic portions.

It may be envisaged that the object to be collected may be, but is not limited to, a ball, a ring, a soft toy, a knotted rope, a stick, a batten.

The at least one object comprising integrated or added ferromagnetic portions may be provided on any suitable location of the apparatus. For example at least one ferromagnetic portion is arranged on the distal end of the guard and at least one other corresponding ferromagnetic portion is positioned in use on the object so that as the dog positions its snout against the object, the object becomes attached to the magnet by magnetism.

Preferably the objects in use comprise multiple ferromagnetic pcrtions.

Advantageously this ensures easy pick-up of such objects.

Preferably in other embodiments of the system in addition or the alternative the objects comprise ferromagnetic portions corresponding to visual indicia, so as to train the dog to identify the ferromagnetic portion and manipulate the object accordingly.

In preferred embodiment the ferromagnetic portions may be circular discs so as to have no sharp edges. In other embodiments the ferromagnetic portions may comprises strips for fastening onto or over objects.

Typically the ferromagnetic portions may be arranged on an outer face of the object so as to be exposed to receiving ferromagnetic portions on the guard. For example a ball may include six separate ferromagnetic portions arranged around the outer face.

In some embodiments the ferromagnetic portions may be provided within the object or within the guard, for example under a layer of material so as not to be visible in use.

In some embodiments the means of attachment may be provided only in specific locations on the object so that the object must be carried in a particular orientation.

This may aid in training the dog to retrieve and object in a particular way.

Typically in use the collected object is returned to the owner who then manually removes the object from the guard.

In some embodiments the apparatus may be provided with a remote controller capable of producing an electromagnetic pulse that temporality reverses polarity of the ferromagnetic portions so as to release the object. Therefore a user is not required to pull the object from the apparatus.

In another embodiment the means of attachment may be provided by hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM). For example the guard may have a portion of hook material arranged at the distal end and the object to be collected, such as the ball, may include loop material. Therefore the object can be attached to the apparatus when the hooks and loops are exposed to one another.

Preferably the distal end may include shaping arranged to receive the object. For example the distal end may include recessed portion dimensioned for receiving the object1 for example a concave recess for a ball. In this way the ball is accepted into the recess so as to be held more securely when the ball is transported, therefore being less likely to be dropped when the dog returns the ball to the user.

Advantageously this adds further attachment effectiveness, wherein in some embodiments the shaping adds a further attachment mechanism. In some embodiments for example the shaping may comprise displaceable members and/or resiliently defomiable parts, adapted to close over or into the object as collected.

In some embodiments the means of attachment may be displaceable from the apparatus so as to only be added to the guard when required. For example the ferromagnetic portions may be mounted on a displaceable unit that can be attached to and removed from the guard. Therefore when the dog is not going to be retrieving objects, for example if walking with an owner on a lead the unit is not attached.

Typically in such fashion the unit is mounted within a frame that provides a means of joining the unit to the apparatus. In this way the means of attachment is unobstructed.

The unit may be attached to the guard by buckles or clips when, for example the buckles passing around the body and/or through a perforation.

Alternatively the guard may have a dock into which the unit can be clipped into. For example the unit may be slid on to runners, slotted into a channel or include interlocking portions.

In some embodiments the unit may be fitted within an aperture on the closed end.

For example a square magnet may be provided within a square plastic frame, the frame including clips suitable for being received to an aperture on the closed end of the guard.

In other embodiments the frame may include a spring loaded section with a release button arranged on an outer face of the unit to allow the spring loaded section arranged on a rear section of the unit to be pushed close together so that they can be clipped to the muzzle and released from the muzzle by pressing the button.

In yet further embodiments the unit may be provided with a frame with extendable arms that can be adjusted to fit the guard. Advantageously the unit can therefore be adapted for use on different muzzles.

Preferably therefore according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a standalone object attraction and/or attachment unit adapted for securing to a dog's muzzle.

Ideally however the guard and thereby the means of attachment may be attached to the harness so that the guard can be secured to the dog by arrangement of the harness about the dog or head. Preferably the guard may include connectors for receiving the harness so that the harness is securely attached to the guard. In some embodiments the harness may cooperate with or comprise further functions or parts; for example including a collar or lead.

The connectors may comprise loops, buckles, clasps, clips or interlocking portions.

Ideally the guard may include a connector on each side of the guard therefore aiding to prevent rotation of the guard about the dog's snout.

Typically the harness may be arranged about and behind the dog's head, wherein for example the harness includes a head strap arranged to pass behind the dog's ears and/or about the dog's neck. Ideally the harness may include one or more straps for securing the guard to the dog. Preferably the head strap comprises an open loop joined by a clasp to as to allow the strap to be easily arranged and secured around the dog's head.

Ideally the head strap may be formed from a strong flexible material such as a poly webbing or leather so as to be comfortable when fitted. Typically the clasp may be formed from a synthetic plastic, or lightweight metal or metal alloy so as to be strong and durable.

Advantageously the clasp includes a means of adjustment so that length of the head strap can be altered.

In some embodiments the strap may also include further means of adjustment arranged on the straps, for example a buckle.

In some embodiments the harness may include cheek straps that connect to the head strap so as to limit movement of the harness in use and in particular to prevent the apparatus from being pulled off by the dog.

Preferably the cheek straps may be integrated with the guard so as to be a formed from the same material. Typically the integrated cheek straps may be semi rigid so as to aid with positioning of the guard on the dog. Ideally the cheek straps may extend from a lower portion of the guard towards the neck. The cheek straps may then conned to the head strap at a distal end of the cheek straps.

Advantageously the straps are adjustable so as to be fitted to the dog.

Advantageously when the apparatus is not being worn the object may be located within the guard and the apparatus may be carried by holding the harness as a handle. In this way the object and apparatus do not need to be placed in a pocket or bag where they may soil other items due to dog saliva or other residues collected on the object.

In preferred embodiments the apparatus is provided at retail with more than one object adapted to be received by the apparatus in order that the user has replacement objects if for example a ball becomes lost, damaged or overly soiled.

Ideally a range of objects may be made available for sale with variant characteristics and arrangements of ferromagnetic portions or other attachment portions as appropriate.

It may be envisaged that the apparatus and corresponding objects may be available separately so that they may be purchase independently as replacements rather than having to buy a full set.

In preferred embodiments the apparatus is provided in various sizes, such as small, medium and larger version so as to fit different breeds of dog.

Ideally the apparatus and objects may be provided in various colours and/or patterns.

In this way the user may be easily able to distinguish a corresponding object that will attach to the apparatus from another similar object that will not attach to the apparatus.

Brief Description of FiQures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the muzzle; Figure 2 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figures 7A and 7B shows an overall view of a ball for retrieval by the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

The present invention provides a muzzle for filling to a pet, in particular a dog, so that the dog is prevented from biting, but is stilt capable of retrieving an object.

Figure 1 shows the guard 10 with a plurality of apertures or perforations 60. The apertures 60 are arranged around the guard. Two types of apertures are shown; longitudinal apertures around the body of the guard 10 and circular apertures near to the guard's opening 40. The apertures to allow circulation of air around the dog's snout and to enable escape of liquids.

The guard 10 has an opening 40 for accepting the dog's snout and a closed distal end 30 for enclosing the dog's mouth. The closed end 30 includes apertures 60 and an integrated means of attachment (not shown in Figure 1) 80.

The guard 10 includes cheek straps 50 that which are part of the harness 20. The cheek straps 50 extend rearwardly from the guard so as to pass across the cheek of the dog when worn. The cheek straps 50 are integrated with the guard 10, being formed from the same material. The cheek straps 50 are semi rigid so as to aid with securing the guard in place on the dog's snout.

Each cheek strap 50 includes a connector 90 for joining to the harness 20 which in use passes around the head of the dog so as to secure the muzzle to the dog. The harness 20 comprises a head strap 75 which is an open loop joined together by a clasp 70. The clasp is positioned at a rearward part of the dog's head, behind both ears so that the clasp can be easily accessed by the user to enable the clasp 70 to be joined or detached.

The clasp 70 includes a portion 70B for receiving the harness 75 that allows adjustment of the harness 75 to be made so that is snugly fits to the dogs head.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show the lower portion 210, which extends in use from the opening 40, under the dog's lower jaw towards the dog's neck. The lower portion 201 includes a plurality of apertures 60 allowing circulation of air and reducing weight of the guard 10.

The guard 10 includes three connectors 90 for securing straps to the guard 10, cheek straps 50.

Figure 3 also shows the means of attachment 80 as a disc shaped magnet arranged in a concave recess 85 for accepting a ball.

Figure 5 shows a front view of the guard 10 wherein the means of attachment 80 is provided on the closed distal end 30.

Figure 6 shows a coated portion 45 of the opening 40 so as to provide greater comfort to the dog when worn. The coated portion 45 is formed from a cellular structure.

Figures 7A and 7B show a ball 700 adapted to be received by the muzzle. The ball 700 includes a plurality of magnets 710 arranged about the ball outer surface so as to allow the ball to be joined to the means of attachment on the guard in various orientations.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not.desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims (13)

1. Claims 1. A muzzling apparatus comprising a securement mechanism for securement of the apparatus to an animal; a guard for covering the animal's mouth; and a means of attachment arranged at or adjacent the guard adapted for attachment of a detachable object.
2. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mechanism comprises a harness attachable about the dog's nose.
3. 3. An apparatus according to claim I or 2 wherein the means of attachment is situated at a distal point of the guard.
4. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the means of attachment comprise at least one ferromagnetic portion so as to be able to accept objects having ferromagnetic properties.
5. 5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the objects in use comprise multiple ferromagnetic portions.
6. 6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the objects comprise ferromagnetic portions corresponding to visual indicia.
7. 7. An apparatus according to any of preceding claims 1 to 3 wherein the means of attachment is provided by hook and loop material.
8. 8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including shaping arranged to receive the object
9. 9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means of attachment comprises resiliently deformable fingers.
10. 10. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
11. 11. A unit comprising means of attachment as described in relation to the apparatus.
12. 12. An object adapted for use with apparatus according to any of preceding claims Ito 10.
13. 13. A muzzle system comprising an apparatus and adapted objects according to any of the precedin9 claims Ito 10.