WO2010059067A1

WO2010059067A1 - Animal collar

Info

Publication number: WO2010059067A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2009/000254
Authority: WO
Inventors: David John Michael Gibson
Original assignee: Say Systems Limited
Priority date: 2008-11-20
Filing date: 2009-11-20
Publication date: 2010-05-27

Abstract

Disclosed is an animal collar that includes a separable coupling device comprising a first part and a second part, which is preferably in the form of a two-part buckle. Two side bands are provided, preferably of a resilient material, which fasten to the buckle to form the collar. Preferably, the two side bands fasten to each other via an intermediate collar component, which may be used to house or retain an interchangeable capsule.

Description

ANIMAL COLLAR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a collar for an animal. More particularly but not exclusively the present invention relates to a collar for a pet animal.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are many prior art animal collars and particularly pet animal collars that are constructed out of various different materials. Such conventional collars are usually use flexible materials such as natural or artificial leather, or nylon. These collars are typically in the form of a strap, with a buckle system that is used to attach and remove the collar from the animal, as well as adjust the size of the collar. A typical strap collar is exemplified by US 4,321,891.

One particular shortcoming with these collars is that the collar must be adjusted to the correct size every time it is fitted to the animal when the coupling means of the collar also functions as the size adjustment means.

Animal collars may also be used to hold functional components that have a wide variety of uses, ranging from identification tags to GPS locators. Typically such functional components are attached to the collar by means clipping on to a 'D' ring, or by fastening to the strap of the collar. These attachment means do not necessarily hold the component in the desired orientation or position, and are not particularly convenient for replacing or changing the component.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a multiple component animal collar that has a coupling means independent from the size adjustment, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The animal collar generally comprises a separable coupling device comprising a first part and a second part, which is preferably in the form of a two-part buckle. A preferred buckle includes a male component comprising at least elastic two legs having thereon engagement projections, and a female component being generally hollow, and having engagement windows for engaging with the engagement projections on the legs of the male component. The legs of the male component are elastic such that they can be elastically deformed to be able to engage and disengage with the female component. The material of the remainder of the buckle components may also be the same as the legs, or alternatively may be more rigid, or alternatively may be more elastic, depending on the desired use and properties of the animal collar. Preferably the buckle components are of an arcuate shape, wherein they are curved along the longitudinal direction, that being the direction that the male component is inserted into the female component. In other embodiments it is envisaged that other suitable coupling means may be used. The separable coupling device, preferably the two-part buckle, may optionally be overmoulded or otherwise coated, at least partially with a further material, such as a soft rubber.

The animal collar also comprises two side bands, which are preferably formed of a material that is resilient, such that it is sufficiently flexible to bend under forces expected during normal use, such as during attachment or removal from the animal, but also having sufficient rigidity and elasticity that the desired shape is generally maintained. The particular elastic properties of the side bands may be selected for different animal collars, depending on the type and size of the animal and the desired comfort level or strength desired. A variety of materials forming the bands may be used, as well as different manufacturing methods. For example, the bands may be formed of resilient plastic material, such as nylon, which optionally may be overmoulded or otherwise coated with a softer material such as rubber.

Preferably the side bands are of an arcuate shape, wherein they are curved in the longitudinal direction. The degree of curvature may be varied to determine the desired overall shape of the animal collar, which may depend on the use of the collar. The different shape variations of the animal collar may suit the neck shapes of different animals, such as a generally circular collar for a generally circular neck, or a generally oval collar for a generally oval shaped neck.

Preferably the side bands are substantially the same length, and more preferably they are identical. Having the two identical side bands provides greater convenience to the user, as there is no concern with the correct orientation of the bands when attaching them to the collar. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention the side bands may be different to each other, providing more aesthetic variations and opportunities.

One end of one of the two side bands is removably fastened to the first part of the separable coupling device, and one end of the other of said bands is removably fastened to said second part of the separable coupling device. Preferably, each of the side bands is removably fastened to a different component of a two part buckle. The remaining ends of the side bands are removably fastened to each other. In one embodiment, the remaining ends of the two side bands are removably fastened directly to each other. In a preferred embodiment the remaining ends of the two side bands are removably fastened via an intermediate collar component. More particularly, each of the two side bands is removably fastened to an intermediate collar component, which links the side bands together. Preferably the intermediate collar component is a housing that includes means for retaining additional components. More preferably, the intermediate collar component is a capsule housing and includes means for holding an interchangeable capsule. In one embodiment, the capsule is retained on the outside of the housing. In another preferred embodiment, the capsule is retained on the inside of the housing.

In one embodiment the interchangeable capsule may be used for displaying information externally, such as branding information, pet names and/or details such as an address for a lost pet. In another embodiment further information may be contained in the capsule. In another embodiment, the capsule contains functional components. Such functional components may include position data collecting means that records information regarding the animal wearing the collar. Such information may include position sensing, movement tracking, health information, activity information, or barking or distress information. The functional components may include means for transmitting or receiving data, such as by radio transmission. The functional component may include means for powering an external light source or other type of indicator for visibly tracking an animal, such as a pet, or for signalling that the animal is lost and requires assistance.

Preferably the functional components are self-contained within the capsule, such that the capsule can be readily swapped in and out of the housing on the collar. Preferably different capsules may be provided for use with the same collar, depending on the requirements and circumstances of the user. It is envisaged that different means may be used to retain the capsule on or in the housing of the animal collar. Preferably a clip system is used, such that a biased clip on the capsule or on the housing engages or both, removably retains the capsule in place. Other fastening means may be used, such as screws, bolts, nuts, clips or other interlocking means.

Various means for removably fastening the side bands to the other components are possible. Preferably the fastening means are identical for each end of each side band. A preferred fastening means is a clip-in system, wherein an insertion clip is provided on each end of the side bands, and a complementary insertion socket is provided on the buckle components and the intermediate collar component. Preferably the fastening means is releasable by way of an engagement tab that be manually released from the insertion socket. Other removable fastening means may include the use of other types of interlocking components, or other fastening devices, such as screws, bolts, nuts or clips.

The side bands may include decorative features, such as different colours, logos, lettering, pictures, patterns ornaments, or embossing. This may provide the user with a range of side bands with different aesthetic appeal, that the user may apply to the animal collar by interchanging the side bands, with the benefit of the removable fastening means.

The removable fastening means also allows for the size of the animal collar to be changed by interchanging the side bands with those of different sizes. The collar may be provided with a selection of different sizes, so that the user may fit the correct size to the animal. The size of the animal collar may also be changed with the size of the animal as it grows by using larger side bands.

The size of the animal collar being adjusted solely by changing of the side bands, provides a collar that is simple to use, as the desired size does not need to be determined every time the collar is fixed to the animal, unlike collars that combine the coupling system with the size adjustment means. Once the size has been correctly determined by selection of the side bands, the collar may be attached and removed without concern for inadvertently adjusting the collar size.

In another embodiment of the invention, the weight distribution of the animal collar is biased so that the separable coupling component hangs down below the neck of the animal when standing. Preferably in this embodiment, a capsule housing sits on top of the neck of the animal when standing. In an alternative embodiment, the weight distribution of the animal collar is biased so that the separable coupling component sits on top of the neck when the animal is standing. Preferably in this embodiment, a capsule housing hangs below the neck of the animal when standing.

In another embodiment of the invention, the animal collar includes a means for releasing the animal collar from the animal when a certain force is applied, such as a release means for an animal collar for a cat. To prevent an animal such as a cat from being caught by snagging objects such as branches, the release mechanism may release the collar when sufficient force is applied.

In one aspect the invention broadly consists in an animal collar comprising:

a separable coupling device comprising a first part and a second part;

two resilient bands of substantially equal length;

wherein, one end of one of said bands is removably fastened to said first part of the separable coupling device, and one end of the other of said bands is removably fastened to said second part of the separable coupling device; and the opposing ends of said bands are removably fastened to each other.

Preferably the opposing ends of said bands are removably connected to each other via an intermediate collar component. Preferably the resilient bands are arcuate bands, curved in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably the separable coupling component is curved along the direction of coupling.

Preferably the intermediate collar component is a housing for retaining an interchangeable capsule.

In another aspect, the invention generally consists in a separable coupling device for an animal collar, comprising a first male component that includes an insertion section, and a second female component that receives the insertion section, wherein both the male component and the female component are curved in the longitudinal direction, which is the general direction in which the male component is inserted into the female component.

Preferably the insertion section of the male component includes at least two legs, which each include engagement projections that engage with complementary recesses in the female component.

In another aspect, the invention generally consists in a kitset for an animal collar, comprising a separable coupling device comprising a first part and a second part;

two resilient bands of substantially equal length;

wherein, one end of one of said resilient bands is removably fastenable to said first part of the separable coupling device, and one end of the other of said bands is removably fastenable to said second part of the separable coupling device; and the opposing ends of said bands are removably fastenable to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred forms of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a front elevational view of a preferred animal collar;

Figure 2 shows a side elevational view of a preferred animal collar;

Figure 3 shows a top view of a preferred animal collar;

Figure 4 shows a orthographic view of a preferred animal collar;

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a preferred animal collar;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a preferred animal collar, including capsule details;

Figure 7 shows a top view of a capsule housing;

Figure 8 shows a back elevational view of a capsule housing;

Figure 9 shows an orthographic view of a capsule housing;

Figure 10 shows a top view of a capsule;

Figure 11 shows an orthographic view of a capsule;

Figure 12 shows a front elevational view of a capsule;

Figure 13 shows a side elevational view of a side band;

Figure 14 shows a front elevational view of a side band;

Figure 15 shows a top view of a side band;

Figure 16 shows an orthographic view of a side band;

Figure 17 shows a front elevational view of a small preferred animal collar and a large preferred animal collar; Figure 18 shows a top view of a view of a small preferred animal collar and a large preferred animal collar;

Figure 19 shows an orthographic view of a small preferred animal collar and a large preferred animal collar;

Figure 20 shows a top view of two separated buckle components;

Figure 21 shows a front elevational view of two separated buckle components;

Figure 22 shows a top view of two coupled buckle components;

Figure 23 shows a side elevational view of two coupled buckle components;

Figure 24 shows a front elevational view of two coupled buckle components;

Figure 25 shows an internal front elevational view of two coupled buckle components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In reference to the figures, the preferred embodiments of the invention will be illustrated by way of non-limiting example.

Although it is anticipated that the general invention as described has other uses, the preferred use of the invention is an animal collar.

Referring to the figures, different views of an example of the preferred animal collar are shown. Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the preferred collar, figure 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred collar, figure 3 is a top view of the preferred collar, and figure 4 is an isometric view of the preferred collar.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the preferred collar. Included are two side bands 11 that at one end 12 of each band attach to the intermediate collar component 13. In this preferred example the intermediate collar component is in the form of a housing in which additional components can be attached. The preferred example of an additional component is a capsule 14 that can be used for purposes such as containing functional components, or for labelling, such as product branding or pet names or details.

The remaining ends 15 of the side bands are removably fastened to the separable coupling device, which in the preferred example is a two-part buckle. One side band is fastened to the first part 17 of the buckle, and the other side band is fastened to the second part of the buckle 18. Accordingly, when the two parts of the buckle are separated, the collar may be opened for attachment or removal to the animal.

The same collar is shown in figure 6 with an exploded view of the capsule. The back portion 19 clips to the front portion 21, and retains an electronic component 21 in the internal compartment.

Figures 7 to 9 show different views of the capsule housing 13. Each end 22 of the housing 13 includes means for removably fastening the side bands. The housing of the preferred example has sockets on each end 22, for receiving a complementary plug on the side band (not shown) that engages with the socket. As shown in figure 8, the socket includes a slot opening 23 for receiving the plug, and a window opening 24 on one face of the housing for engaging with an elastically deformable tab of the plug. The centre of the housing is an opening 25 for a capsule to be inserted. On the edge of the inside face of the housing are alignment recesses 26 that complementary tabs on the capsule (not shown) fit into, to assist in properly aligning and securing the capsule in the housing.

Figures 10 to 12 show different views of the capsule 14. The capsule comprises two interlocking portions, a back portion 19 and a front portion 20, which together form an internal compartment. The outer perimeter of the capsule includes tabs 27 that fit into the complementary recesses 26 of the housing as shown in figure 8.

Figures 13 to 16 show different views of a collar side band 11. Provided at each end of the band are plugs 28. Each plug is in the form of an insertion portion that includes a resiliently deformable tab. The tab projects from the surface at the end of the plug and towards the centre of the band, generally forming a wedge, the sharp end being located at the end of the plug. When the plug is inserted into a complementary socket 22 (as shown in figures 5 and 6), the end of the tab (the blunt end of the wedge) abuts with the periphery of the window opening 24 of the socket, which retains the plug in place. To release the plug from the socket, the tab is pressed inwards to decrease the height of the blunt end of the wedge, allowing the tab to slide under the periphery of the window opening and release the plug.

Figures 17 to 19 show different views of two collars of different sizes.

Figures 20 to 25 show the preferred buckle of the invention. The buckle comprises two main parts, the female buckle component 17 and the male buckle component 18. The two parts are of an arcuate shape, wherein they are curved in the longitudinal direction. Preferably the degree of curvature is consistent with the curvature of the other components of the animal collar.

The female buckle component 17 is of a generally hollow construction and includes an opening at one end into the insertion cavity 29. The male buckle includes an insertion section 30 for insertion through the opening 29 in the female buckle. The insertion section of the male buckle includes a middle leg 31 , and elastic side legs 32 provided on each side of the middle leg, wherein the side legs include engaging projections 33 on the outer sides - the outer sides being the sides opposite the sides facing the middle leg. The female buckle component includes engaging windows 34 for engaging with the engaging projections on the side legs of the male buckle component. When the insertion section of the male buckle component is inserted into the female component, the side legs 32 are elastically deformed by pressing the engaging projections 33 inwards, towards the middle leg 31. The side legs may be pressed inwards by the pressure of the inner sides 35 of the female buckle on the engaging projections 33. When the insertion component is sufficiently inserted into the female buckle, the elastic bias causes the engaging projections deform outwards, into and engaging with the engaging windows of the female buckle component.

The buckle is released by pressing inwardly, through the engaging windows, the engaging projections of the side legs of the male buckle component. This disengages the engaging projections and allows the insertion section to be removed from the female component. The female buckle component also contains internal guide members 36 within the insertion cavity that engage with the middle leg.

The buckle components include sockets 37 for connection to the plugs of the side bands of the collar. The plugs of the side bands are inserted into the sockets 37 and the tabs on the plugs engage with the window openings 38 of the sockets, as described above for the capsule housing.

Claims

1. An animal collar comprising:

a separable coupling device comprising a first part and a second part, and

two resilient bands of substantially equal length,

wherein, one end of one of said resilient bands is removably fastened to said first part of the separable coupling device, and one end of the other of said bands is removably fastened to said second part of the separable coupling device; and the opposing ends of said bands are removably fastened to each other.

2. The animal collar of claim 1 , wherein the opposing ends of the resilient bands are removably connected to each other via an intermediate collar component.

3. The animal collar of claim 1 or 2, wherein the resilient bands are arcuate bands, curved in the longitudinal direction.

4. The animal collar of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separable coupling component is curved along the direction of coupling.

5. The animal collar of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the intermediate collar component is a housing for retaining an interchangeable capsule.

6. The animal collar of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first part of the separable coupling device comprises a male component that includes an insertion section, and the second part of the separable coupling device comprises a female component that receives said insertion section, wherein both the male component and the female component are curved in the

7. The animal collar of claim 6 wherein the insertion section of the male component includes at least two legs that each include engagement projections that engage with complementary recesses in the female component.

8. A kitset for an animal collar, comprising a separable coupling device comprising a first part and a second part, and

two resilient bands of substantially equal length,

wherein, one end of one of said resilient bands is removably fastenable to said first part of the separable coupling device, and one end of the other of said bands is removably fastenable to said second part of the separable coupling device; and the opposing ends of said bands are removably fastenable to each other.