GB2518591A

GB2518591A - Weaning jacket

Info

Publication number: GB2518591A
Application number: GB1313977.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Victoria Griggs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-05
Filing date: 2013-08-05
Publication date: 2015-04-01
Also published as: WO2015019066A1; GB201313977D0

Abstract

A weaning jacket 10 for a dog or a cat comprising an absorbent pad 22 positioned in use proximate to the teats of the dog or cat. The pad may be removable form the jacket. The jacket may be provided with a pocket which houses the pad. The pocket may be permanently attached or removable from the jacket. The jacket may be made from elasticated or stretchable material. The jacket may be provided with adjustable securement means 18, 20 for securing the jacket on the dog or cat.

Description

WEANING JACKET

BACKGROUND

When it is desired to wean a puppy or kitten from its mother's milk, it is necessary to separate the mother and the puppy or kitten for an extended period of time. This causes distress both for the mother and for the puppy or kitten. There is therefore a need to provide means for a mother and a puppy or kitten to remain together but prevent the puppy or kitten from suckling during this period.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a weaning jacket for a dog or a cat comprising an absorbent pad located in the jacket such that, in use when the jacket is on the dog or cat, the pad is proximate to the teats of the dog or cat. The jacket therefore allows the mother to be with its puppies or kittens during the weaning period and so avoids distressing the animals during the weaning period.

The absorbent pad is preferably removable from the jacket, e.g. so that it can be washed and replaced in the jacket, or so that it can be discarded. Less preferably, the absorbent pad may be permanently fixed within the jacket.

The jacket may further comprise one or more leg openings (for example, four leg openings), and/or a neck opening and/or a tail opening. The openings may be elasticated. Alternatively, or additionally, the body of the jacket may be formed from an elasticated material, for example lycra.

The jacket preferably further comprises a securement means for securing the jacket on the dog or cat. The jacket preferably has two portions which are releasably connectable to each other by the securement means. The jacket is preferably configured so that it may be placed or wrapped around the dog or cat such that the two portions are adjacent to each other and such that the two portions may be secured together by the securement means to retain the jacket on the dog or cat.

The jacket is also configured such that the securement means can be released and the two portions separated from each other when it is desired to remove the jacket from the dog or cat. The securement means may be located at any suitable location on the jacket. For example, the jacket may be configured such that the two portions that are separable from each other are releasably joined by the securement means over a region that extends from the neck opening to the tail opening. Alternatively, the jacket may be configured such that the two portions that are separable from each other are releasably joined by the securement means over a region that extends from the neck opening to a leg opening, preferably wherein the leg opening is a front leg opening.

The securement means may comprise at least one fastener. For example, the securement means may comprise three fasteners. The at least one fastener may comprise any means suitable for connecting two opposing portions of the jacket such as, for example, hook and loop material, a zip, buttons, clips or lacing. Once the securement means are secured, the two opposing portions of the jacket may overlap to prevent animal hair becoming entangled with the securement means. In the embodiment wherein the at least one fastener comprises a hook and loop material, the hook material may be on a portion of the fastener extending from the edge of one of the opposing portions, and the loop material may be a landing zone on the other opposing portion. The landing zone may be fixedly attached to the opposing portion of the jacket or formed integrally with the jacket.

Preferably in addition to the securement means, or less preferably as an alternative to the securement means, the jacket may comprise an adjustment means for adjusting the fit of the jacket whilst the jacket is secured on the animal. When the jacket comprises both the securement means and the adjustment means, the adjustment means is configured for adjusting the fit of the jacket without releasing the securement means. The adjustment means is configured to adjust the fit of the jacket by moving at least two portions of the jacket relative to each other so as to change the size of the jacket enclosing the animal, wherein the two portions associated with the adjustment means are preferably different from the two portions associated with the securement means. The adjustment means may extend across a gap between said at least two portions in the jacket and be configured to selectively adjust the size of the gap. The gap may be formed in any suitable location on the jacket. For example, the gap may extend from the neck opening to the tail opening and the adjustment means may adjust the size of gap in a manner so as to change the size of the jacket between the stomach and the back of the animal. Alternatively, or additionally, a gap may extend from the neck opening to a leg opening, preferably wherein the leg opening is a front leg opening, so that the adjustment means may adjust the size of the gap in a manner so as to change the length of the jacket between the head end and tail end of the animal.

The adjustment means may comprise any means capable of adjusting the fit of the jacket without releasing the securement means, such as lacing, velcro, straps, belt and buckles etc. The jacket comprises an absorbent pad arranged such that the area of the jacket containing the pad contacts the animal's teats when the jacket is on the animal. The jacket preferably comprises a pocket for containing the absorbent pad therein. The pocket may be configured with an opening such that the absorbent pad is removable from the pocket. The opening may be arranged such that the pad may be withdrawn from the inner side of the jacket and/or an opening may be arranged such that the pad may be withdrawn from the outer side of the jacket.

The opening may be formed by an openable side of the pocket. Therefore, at least a portion of the side edges of the pocket may be releasably engageable with the jacket.

Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the side edges of the pocket are permanently affixed to the jacket. In one embodiment, all the side edges of the pocket are releasably engageable with the jacket. In this embodiment, the absorbent pad may be formed integrally with the pocket and the whole pocket may be releasable engageable with the jacket. In this embodiment, the pockets may be washable or disposable.

The opening in the pocket may be smaller than the smallest dimension of the pad such that the pad must be rolled or folded for insertion. Alternatively, the opening may be larger than the smallest dimension of the pad to aid in the insertion of the pad, preferably wherein the opening is selectively closable to prevent the pad from falling out after insertion. The opening may be selectively closable using any suitable means such as hook and loop material, adhesive, buttons, poppers or a zip.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a weaning jacket for a dog or a cat comprising a securement means for releasably securing the jacket on a dog or a cat and an adjustment means for adjusting the fit of the jacket on the dog or the cat without releasing the securement means. This arrangement is advantageous as the securement means allows the jacket to be put on or taken off the animal quickly and easily, whilst the adjustment means allows the jacket to be adapted for the changes in size of the animal that occur through the weaning process.

The jacket according to the second aspect of the invention may have any one or combination of features described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention. For example, the securement and adjustment means may comprise the optional features of the securement and adjustment means described above.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a dog or cat weaning device comprising securing the jacket described hereinabove to the dog or cat.

According to still another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a dog or cat weaning device comprising securing a jacket comprising a securement means, an adjustment means and an absorbent pad on a dog or cat using said securement means such that the absorbent pad is located proximate to the teats of the dog or cat, and adjusting the fit of the jacket using the adjustment means.

While the above described embodiments are directed towards a jacket for weaning, it will be understood that the jacket can be used for other purposes, such protecting a

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a weaning jacket; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the weaning jacket of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the weaning jacket of Figs. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The weaning jacket of Figs. 1-3 has four leg openings 12, a neck opening 14, a tail opening 16, an adjustment means 18, a securement means 20 and an absorbent pad 22. The jacket is formed from an elasticated, lightweight material such as lycra to provide a better fit to a variety of different dog shapes and sizes whilst remaining comfortable for the dog.

The securement means 20 comprises three hook and loop fasteners 28 that secure the jacket 10 on the dog and hold it in place when worn. In use, the securement means 20 is located on a side of the jacket and connects two opposing portions of the jacket extending from the neck opening 14 to the tail opening 16. The jacket opens and can be secured on the dog using the fasteners 28. Once fastened, a closed loop is formed around the body of the dog by the jacket, and the jacket is secured on the dog and held in place. The fasteners 28 each comprise a hook portion and a loop portion. In use, the material of the jacket overlaps to prevent the hook and loop portions from coming into contact with and become tangled in the dog's fur.

The adjustment means 18 extends across a gap from the neck opening 14 to the tail opening 16. In use, the adjustment means 18 is located on the back of the jacket 10 and runs along the spine of the dog. The adjustment means 18 is provided to adjust the tightness of the jacket 10, by bringing two sides of the jacket into closer proximity, thus closing the gap. Thus, in use, the adjustment means 18 joins one side of the jacket to another side of the jacket. The adjustment means 18 is provided as a way of varying the tightness of the jacket 10 without having to remove it from the dog.

The adjustment means 18 comprises a lacing 24 that threads through apertures 26 on either side of the gap. Apertures 26 are located in two parallel lines, one on each side edge of the jacket, and the lacing 24 is threaded through the apertures of alternate side edges in a systematic pattern beginning and ending at the tail end of the jacket. Metal rings are located in the apertures 26 to provide resilience against the force of the lacing 24. The lacing 24 is secured using a knot or a toggle which, in turn, fixes the tightness of the jacket.

The securement means 20 and adjustment means 18 combine to allow the tightness of the jacket 10 to be adjusted easily without having to remove it from the dog. That is, the tightness of the jacket 10 can be easily adjusted using the adjustment means 18, whilst the jacket is secured using the securement means 20. During the weaning period, the dog will tend to be losing weight gained in pregnancy and, as such, this feature is particularly useful and necessary.

The absorbent pad 22 is located on the underside of the jacket 10. In use, the absorbent pad 22 is located proximate to the teats of the dog. The jacket 10 comprises a pocket or pouch 30 for containing the absorbent pad therein. The pocket 30 has an opening 32 for inserting the absorbent pad. The opening 32 extends across one edge of the pocket 30 to facilitate easy insertion of the pad. The pocket 30 is made from lycra, which is elastic and holds the absorbent pad against the body of the dog in use. This prevents the absorbent pad from falling out after insertion.

The leg openings are positioned such that, in use, the dog's legs extend through the openings to allow the dog to function normally. The leg openings 14 are elasticated so as to enable a tight fit to the dog.

The tail opening 16 is located at the back of the jacket. In use, the tail opening 16 provides a hole through which the dog's tail extends, and is sized and located such that the dog can also excrete without it being necessary to remove the jacket.

In use, the jacket 10 is placed on the dog and secured using the securement means 20. The securement means 20 are secured to provide the jacket with a good fit to the dog. The jacket may then be tightened or loosened using the adjustment means 18 to obtain the best possible fit. The absorbent pad 22 is located adjacent the teats of the dog and, as such, absorbs any liquids expressed. The absorbent pad is replaced with clean absorbent pads when necessary. This is useful both in that it allows multiple less absorbent pads to be used in place of one very absorbent pad, which will be thinner and more comfortable for the dog, and also in improving the cleanliness of the absorbent pad 22, which otherwise would need to be worn for an extended period of time, without having to remove the jacket from the dog.

The jacket 10 allows the dog to be in close proximity with its puppies without them being able to suckle. During the weaning period, it is intended that the jacket will not be removed. Throughout this period, the jacket can be adjusted using the adjustment means 18 without removing the jacket.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changed in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A weaning jacket for a dog or a cat comprising: an absorbent pad located such that, in use, it is proximate to the teats of the dog or cat.
2. The weaning jacket of claim 1, wherein the absorbent pad is removable from the jacket.
3. The weaning jacket of claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more securement means for releasably securing the jacket on the dog or the cat.
4. The weaning jacket of claim 3, wherein the one or more securement means comprises at least one releasable fastener.
5. The weaning jacket of claim 3 or 4, wherein one of the securement means is configured to interconnect two opposing portions of the jacket that are separable from each other over a region extending from a neck opening of the jacket to a tail opening of the jacket.
6. The weaning jacket of any of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein one of the securement means is configured to interconnect two opposing portions of the jacket that are separable from each other over a region extending from a neck opening of the jacket to a leg opening of the jacket.
7. The weaning jacket of claim 6, wherein said leg opening is a front leg opening.
8. The weaning jacket of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more adjustment means for adjusting the fit of the jacket on the dog or cat.
9. The weaning jacket of claim 8, wherein one of the adjustment means interconnects two portions of the jacket that are separated by a gap that extends from a neck opening of the jacket to a tail opening of the jacket, and wherein the adjustment means is configured to selectively adjust the width of the gap between the two portions of the jacket.
10. The weaning jacket of claim 8 or 9, wherein one of the adjustment means interconnects two portions of the jacket that are separated by a gap that extends from a neck opening of the jacket to a leg opening of the jacket, and wherein the adjustment means is configured to selectively adjust the width of the gap between the two portions of the jacket.
11. The weaning jacket of claim 10, wherein said leg opening is a front leg opening.
12. The weaning jacket of any previous claim, wherein the jacket is formed from an elasticated or stretchable material.
13. The weaning jacket of claim 12, wherein the elasticated material is lycra.
14. The weaning jacket of any previous claim, wherein the jacket further comprises one or more leg openings and/or a neck opening and/or a tail opening.
15. The weaning jacket of claim 14, wherein the one or more leg openings and/or the neck opening and/or the tail opening are elasticated.
16. The weaning jacket of any previous claim, wherein the jacket further comprises a pocket for containing the absorbent pad therein.
17. The weaning jacket of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the side edges of the pocket are permanently affixed to the jacket.
18. The weaning jacket of claim 16 or 17, wherein at least a portion of the side edges of the pocket are open or are releasably engageable with the jacket.
19. The weaning jacket of claim 16, wherein all the side edges of the pocket are releasably affixable to the jacket.
20. The weaning jacket of claim 19, wherein the absorbent pad is formed integrally with the pocket.
21. The weaning jacket of claim 16, wherein all the side edges of the pocket are permanently affixed to the jacket, and the pocket comprises an opening for insertion and removal of the absorbent pad.
22. The weaning jacket of claim 21, wherein the opening is smaller than the smallest dimension of the absorbent pad.
23. The weaning jacket of claim 21, wherein the opening is larger than the smallest dimension of the absorbent pad.
24. The weaning jacket of any of claims 21-23, wherein the opening is selectively closable.
25. A weaning jacket for a dog or a cat comprising: a securement means for releasably securing the jacket on a dog or a cat; and additionally comprising an adjustment means for adjusting the fit of the jacket on the dog or the cat without releasing the securement means.
26. The weaning jacket of claim 25, further comprising the features of any one of claims 1-24.
27. A method of using a dog or cat weaning device comprising: securing a jacket as claimed in any preceding claim on a dog or cat.
28. The method of claim 27 comprising securing a jacket comprising a securoment means, an adjustment moans and an absorbent pad on a dog or cat using said securement means such that the absorbent pad is located proximate to the teats of the dog or the cat; and adjusting the fit of the jacket using the adjustment means.