WO2011138572A1

WO2011138572A1 - A tethering device

Info

Publication number: WO2011138572A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/000444
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Charles Grave
Original assignee: Robert Charles Grave
Priority date: 2010-05-06
Filing date: 2011-03-28
Publication date: 2011-11-10
Also published as: GB2485003A; GB201105196D0; GB201007605D0

Abstract

An animal tethering device (10) is provided. The device includes a body (15) connectable to a fixed object and has two or more holes (21, 26, 31 ) through with a rope can be threaded. The holes are arranged so that different rope threading paths are possible. The different threading paths provide different levels of resistance against pulling of the rope through the body.

Description

A Tethering Device

The present invention relates generally to a tethering device and particularly to a tether for securing an animal to a fixed object such as a post.

It is sometimes necessary for animals, such as horses, donkeys and camels, to be left unattended outside of a secure environment. In order to secure the animal they may be tied to a fixed object with a lead line, rope or the like. If an animal is secured to a fixed object with a simple knot at the end of a fixed length of lead line this can cause problems. In particular, if the animal is frightened they may pull back and away from the fixed object. Because the lead line will not have any give the animal may feel trapped and this can heighten the sense of panic. Furthermore, if the animal falls and there is no give in the lead line this can lead to injury. The present invention seeks to address the problems with known tethering devices.

According to the present invention there is provided an animal tethering device comprising a body connectable to a fixed object and having two or more holes through which a lead line can be threaded, in which the holes are arranged so that different lead line threading paths are possible to achieve different levels of resistance to pulling the lead line through the body.

Therefore, the device of the present invention permits an animal to pull a length of lead line through, for example in situations of panic. However, the intention is that there will be an excess of lead line so that after the initial pull the animal does not feel additionally panicked and will not feel the need to continue to pull. It is recognised by the present invention that different animals will benefit from different levels of resistance to the pulling. For example, a younger, untrained animal may require a decreased initial resistance because they are more likely†o panic more often and be further panicked by the unfamiliarity of the tether. By providing different levels of resistance the present invention can be used for a variety of different animals and in fact can be used as a training aid for teaching the animal†o be more comfortable whilst tethered, even if they are frightened or panicked. For example sensitising or desensitising of horses may be achieved with the device.

With increased number of holes will come increased number of different threading paths and resistance levels. The body may comprise three or more holes. For example, in some embodiments the body comprises three holes.

The body may comprise hoops defining the holes. For example, the body may have a generally figure of eight configuration. By this is meant a configuration which is reminiscent of a figure of eight but may have two or more repeating units with adjacent holes defining figures of eight.

At least one of the holes may include an entry slot. For example a hoop may be incomplete to allow lateral insertion of a rope. The slot may be defined by an enlarged hoop end part. The holes may be arranged in series, for example the holes may be arranged in a linear configuration.

The body may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal (such as bronze, steel or aluminium) or plastics materials. The body may comprise an attachment portion for connecting it to an object. The attachment portion may comprise a further and separate hole, for example, for receiving a clip such as a carabiner clip.

The holes may be in a variety of other patterns, such as triangular. The holes may be a variety of different shapes, including round, oval, or square.

When not in use the device may remain attached to the animal, for example whilst leading it around. The device may be slid back towards a halter or the like in order to facilitate this.

The device may be formed as an equine tethering device and/or an equine training device. The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tether formed according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the tether of Figure 1 shown with a rope passed through in a first threading path;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the tether of Figure 1 shown with a rope passing through in a second threading path;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the tether of Figure 1 shown with a rope passing through in a third threading path; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tether formed according to an alternative embodiment; and

Figure 6 is a plan view of a tether formed according to a further embodiment. Referring first to Figure 1 there is shown a tethering device generally indicated 10. The device comprises an elongate body 1 5. The body 15 comprises three rings 20, 25, 30 arranged in a linear array and defining three respective rope holes 21 , 26, 31 . The holes 26, 31 are circular. The ring 20 is additionally divided by a bar 35 so that the hole 21 is generally semi-circular and a generally semi-circular connecting hole 36 is also defined.

The rings 20, 25 merge at a common first bar 22 and similarly the rings 25, 30 merge at a second bar 27.

Referring now to Figure 2 a rope 40 is shown threaded through the body 15 in a first path which provides a first, lowest level of resistance to pulling. The rope is passed through the hole 31 , under the bar 27, through the hole 26, over the bar 22, and through the hole 21 . The end B of the rope 40 passed through the hole 21 can be left free or can have a knot tied in it so that the spare length cannot be pulled through completely. The end A is tied to the animal and in use if the animal pulls on the rope 40 it will be subject to the friction and resistance provided by the threading path through the body 20.

The body 20 is secured to a fixed object such as a post, wall, fence or the like with a chain, string, carabiner clip or the like by using the hole 36. Referring now to Figure 3 an alternative rope threading patented pattern is illustrated.

The rope is threaded through the hole 31 , under the bar 27, through the hole 26, over the bar 22 and through the hole 21 . Additionally, the rope is then threaded back under the bar 22 and through the hole 26. This threading pattern provides an increased level of resistance to pulling when compared to the patent of Figure 2. Referring now†o Figure 4 there is shown an alternative threading path. The path is the same as that shown in Figure 3 except that additionally the rope is threaded over the bar 27 and through the hole 31 for a second time. This produces a third, greatest level of resistance to pulling.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a device 1 10 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The device is very similar to the device 10, except that the ring 120 does not have a dividing bar. Accordingly, the opening 121 can serve both to receive the rope and as a point of attachment for the device.

In Figure 6 a device 210 is shown.

The device is formed as three generally C-shape, hook-like rings 220, 225, 230 arranged in a linear series and defining rope holes 221 , 226, 231 .

Each of the rings 220, 225, 230 terminates with an enlarged head part 240, 245, 250 to define respective entry slots 241 , 246, 251 into which a rope can be pushed laterally.

The end of the ring 220 opposite the head 240 includes an attachment ringlet 255 for onward connection of the device to a fixed object such as a post (not shown) for example directly or via a caribiner clip.

Claims

1 . An animal tethering device comprising a body connectable to a fixed object and having two or more holes through which a lead line can be threaded, in which the holes are arranged so that different lead line threading paths are possible to achieve different levels of resistance to pulling the lead line through the body.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the body comprises three or more holes.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the body comprises three holes.

A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body comprises hoops defining the holes.

A device as claimed in Claim 4, in which at least one of the hoops has an entry slot.

A device as claimed in Claim 5 in which the slot is defined by an enlarged hoop end part.

A device as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6, in which at least one of the hoops is complete.

A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body has a generally figure of eight configuration.

A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the holes are arranged in series.

10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the holes are arranged in a linear configuration.

1 1 . A tethering device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is formed from metal.

12. A device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10, in which the body is formed from a plastics material.

13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body comprises an attachment hole for connecting it to an object.

14. A tethering device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.