WO2022200231A1

WO2022200231A1 - Harness device for dogs

Info

Publication number: WO2022200231A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/057234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anne SØRENSEN
Original assignee: Canion As
Priority date: 2021-03-26
Filing date: 2022-03-18
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: NO346283B1; NO20210398A1

Abstract

A harness device intended for a quadrupedal animal, more particularly a dog, wherein the harness device includes at least one cord and a plurality of attachment plates, wherein each attachment plate includes at least one attachment point for the at least one cord, wherein said attachment plates are adapted to be placed onto the body of the quadrupedal animal, wherein said at least one cord is releasably connected to the plurality of attachment plates connecting said plates forming a harness around the body of the quadrupedal animal, wherein said at least one cord and said plurality of attachment plates are adapted to be adjustable to fit the body of a quadrupedal animal.

Description

HARNESS DEVICE FOR DOGS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technical apparel device intended for quadrupedal animals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a harness device for dogs.

Background

A quadrupedal harness, and more particularly a dog harness, is often used professionally with dogs working long shifts (hours up to several days). Examples of areas in which dogs are used professionally are military dogs, rescue dogs, dogs used by the police and customs service to track criminals or drugs, guide dogs for the blind, hunting dogs, dogs racing in teams, etc.

For such professionals, the use of a dog harness connected to a leash provides an ample control of their dog on duty, in comparison to only having a dog collar and leash, arguably exacting uncomfortable pressure on the dog's neck and limited control of the said dog.

Also in less professional settings, such as with private dog owners walking their pet dog or dog-walkers handling one or several dogs on a daily basis, such dogs often wear functional apparel, such as a harness, in order to keep warm or have a carrying function to have the individual dog carry its own items such as poop-bags, water bottle(s), snacks, identification tabs, muzzle guards, etc.

Since the harness is intended to be carried in longer time intervals, it would be advantageous to distribute the weight as evenly as possible and fit ergonomically on the animal for optimum comfort when a harness is in use. Otherwise, dogs would experience discomfort, fatigue over time and/or inhibited natural movement, further resulting in pain, stress and/or poor performance.

As with all apparel, harnesses are susceptible to abrasion due to extensive use or damage. One disadvantage for current dog harness' for professional or commercial use, is that they comprise of a labor intensive primary single construction. Such construction requires repair of the entire harness, or at worst the harness needs to be disposed, requiring a resource-demanding procurement of an additional dog harness.

Prior Art

Dog harnesses are known. From the following patents US20170172110A1, US20180177158A1, US5934224A, DE102006061400A1, US8100090B1 and

US2002078903A1 different kinds of dog harnesses are known, but none of them are adapted to provide a sufficient and even distribution of harness load on the animal's body or facilitate a modular construction for ease of repair.

Summary of the Invention The object of the present invention is to provide a novel harness for quadrupedal animals, for instance dogs, which is modular, comfortable to wear and can be adjusted to fit ergonomically, facilitating for ample support on key areas and unhindered natural movement for the animal. Another object of the present invention is to provide a harness that is adapted for uncomplicated/easy maintenance.

The object of the present invention is achieved in a harness device as defined in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Certain features and functions of the present invention will be described with reference to the following appended figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention when mounted on a quadrupedal animal,

Fig. 2 is a bird's eye view of said invention embodiment,

Fig. 3 is a sideview of said invention embodiment, Fig. 4 is a front view of said invention embodiment, Figs. 5a-5d are side views of said invention embodiment showing alternative means to connect a leash on the invention,

Fig. 6 is a bird's eye view of said invention embodiment not mounted on a quadrupedal animal, Fig. 7 is a side view of said invention embodiment not mounted on a quadrupedal animal,

Fig. 8 is a bird's eye view of each element forming said invention embodiment when disassembled,

Fig. 9 is a sideview of an invention embodiment showing carriable objects fastened on the inventive harness,

Fig. 10a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second back attachment plate of the inventive harness where the cord is in closed position,

Fig. 10b is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second back attachment plate of the inventive harness where the cord is in open position. Detailed Description of the Invention

A harness device 1 for quadrupedal animals, more particularly a harness device 1 for dogs, according to the present invention is shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 which illustrates an inventive modular harness construction. Said device 1 consists of at least one cord 2, which can be one continuous cord, assembled from several cords or is connected to itself as an endless loop, and a plurality of attachment plates 3.

The cord 2 connects the plurality of the attachment plates 3, forming a harness. Said cord 2 is attached to each of the attachment plates 3 by passing through at least one attachment point 4 on each attachment plate, e.g. as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8. The attachment points 4 may be arranged to lock the cord 2 against bidirectional movement, such as, but not limited to, incorporating spring loaded lock, excenter clamp, or a self-locking mechanism (not shown). Each attachment point 4 can include holes, grooves or channels in or on an outer surface of the attachment plates 3 and can allow the cord 2 to be snapped into the attachment point 4. The attachment points 4 can be detachable from the attachment plates, e.g. as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8, where the attachment point 4a is detachable from the attachment plates 3d, e.

The plurality of attachment plates 3 may include a front attachment plate 3a, a first back attachment plate 3b, a second back attachment plate 3c, a first side attachment plate 3d, a second side attachment plate 3e and an abdomen attachment plate 3f.

The cord 2 or attachment plates 3 can be considered as an individual module, which can be repaired or replaced as found necessary, for instance due to wear and tear after extensive usage.

The cord 2 and attachment plates 3 can have a specific color, color pattern, and/or consist of specific material(s) to satisfy certain operational uses, for instance high- visibility colors such as yellow or orange for long walks in low light conditions, dark color with camouflage patterns for hunting purposes, or each module consists of a water-resistant material for use in wet conditions.

Said cord 2 is sequentially releasably connected to each of the attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f, all of which forms a fully assembled modular harness device 1. A harness connection point 5, such as, but not limited to, a ring, can be attached to the cord 2 or any of the attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f. Wherein the harness connection point 5 act as a connecting interface between the harness device 1 and a leash 6 or a sleigh (not shown), e.g. as shown in Figs. 5a-5d illustrating alternatives for connecting a leash 6 to the modular harness device 1.

The harness device 1 can be adjusted to fit comfortably on any quadruped, wherein the cord 2 can be tightened on the quadruped with the assistance of at least one of the attachment plates 3, wherein each attachment plate 3a, b, c, d, e, f can have at least one locking mechanism to lock the cord 2 in any direction as found necessary to achieve a preferred harness fit on the quadruped.

Another purpose of the attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f is that they are designed to guide the cord 2 a non-bothersome manner around the quadruped to adjacent attachment plates. And these attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f are also designed to evenly distribute any tensioning load on the cord 2, deriving possibly from a leash 6 or a sleigh (not shown), on the quadruped wearer that would otherwise cut into and chafe on the said quadruped with a traditional harness.

The front attachment plate 3a is ergonomically shaped to be positioned on the quadruped's prosternum area and guide the upper parts of the cord 2 comfortably around each side of the quadruped's neck to the first back attachment plate 3b or, as an alternative embodiment, to the first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e. The front attachment plate 3a also guides the lower parts of the cord 2 between the quadruped's front legs to the first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e. The first back attachment plate 3b is ergonomically shaped to be positioned onto the quadruped's back area, receive the upper parts of the cord 2 and further guide the upper parts of the cord 2 to each side of the quadruped to the first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e.

The first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e are ergonomically shaped to be positioned on each side of the quadruped's chest area.

The first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e receives the upper parts of the 2 from the first back attachment plate 3b or, as an alternative embodiment, the front attachment plate 3a, and each said side attachment plates 3d, e further guides the upper parts of the cord 2 to the second back attachment plate 3c.

The first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e receives the lower parts of the cord 2 from the front attachment plate 3a, and each said side attachment plates 3d, e further guides the lower parts of the cord 2 to the abdomen attachment plate 3f. The first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e also acts as a bridging connection point for the cord 2.

The second back attachment plate 3c is ergonomically shaped to be positioned on the quadruped's back area and receive the upper parts of the cord 2, or receiving both the end sections of the cord 2, deriving from both the first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e. As partially shown in Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b, these parts of the cord 2 are defined as a first flight 40 of the cord 2, the section of the cord 2 between the second back attachment plate 3c and the adjacent first side attachment plate 3d, and as a second flight 41 of the cord 2, the section of the cord 2 between the second back attachment plate 3c and the adjacent second side attachment plate 3e.

As mentioned previously, the second back attachment plate 3c evenly redistributes the load from the cord 2 affecting the said back area, and more particularly redistributes the load from the cord 2 in a manner that said cord 2 does not uncomfortably bury itself against the quadruped's spine. An embodiment of the second back attachment plate 3c, as shown in Fig. 10a, also receiving the upper parts of the cord 2, or both the end sections of the cord 2, from the first 40 and second flight 41 of the chord 2. This embodiment of the second back attachment plate 3c includes a locking mechanism that can tighten and lock the cord 2 to the second back attachment plate 3c. The upper parts of the cord 2, or each of the end sections of the cord 2, meet at the second back attachment plate 3c and is guided through a first channel 30, which can be open, e.g. include a longitudinal slit, or closed, like a tube, wherein the first channel 30 guides an end section of the cord 2 in the direction of the rear or the front of the quadruped, preferably the rear, towards a second channel 32, which also can be open or closed as the first channel 30, holding an end section of the cord 2. The part of the cord 2 between the first 30 and second channel 32 can be defined as a third flight 42 of the cord 2.

The second channel 32 is positioned on the second back attachment plate 3c at an angle, wherein angle between the first flight of chord 40 and the third flight of the cord 42 is preferably 90 degrees. The first channel 30 is further adjacent to or include a curved section 31, positioned between the first channel 30 and the second channel 32. The curved section 31 is in adjacent contact with the cord 2, curving the cord 2 towards the second channel 32, wherein the second channel 32 leads the cord 2 towards the rear of the quadrupedal animal. The curved section 31 includes a jagged surface texture 310, which provides a gripping friction acting on the cord 2. The jagged surface texture 310 can comprise of a grooved channel texture or a spiked channel texture (not shown), which assists in preventing the cord 2 of sliding back towards the first side attachment plate 3d. Said grooved channel texture or spiked channel texture (not shown) can have their tips angled towards the second channel 32 in effect locking the movement towards the first channel 31, allowing the cord 2 to move in the direction from the first channel 30 to the at least second channel 32.

This embodiment of the second back attachment plate 3c also includes an additional first channel 30a, an additional curved section part 31a and an additional second channel 31a mirroring all of the respective traits features of the first channel 30, the curved section 31 and the second channel 32 along a mirror line A which extends substantially transverse to the first channel 30. The part of the cord 2 between the additional first 30a and additional second channel 32a can be defined as a fourth flight 43 of the cord 2.

This embodiment of the second back attachment plate 3c also includes a spacing segment 33, separating the third flight 42 of the cord 2 from the fourth flight 43 of the chord 2.

The first channel 30, the curved section 31 and the second channel 32 can be one on part (not shown), and the additional first channel 30a, the additional curved section 31a and the additional second channel 32a can also be one part (not shown), on the second back attachment plate 3c.

With this embodiment of the second back attachment plate 3c, the cords 2 exiting from the second channel 32 and the second channel 32a can be pulled away from the second back attachment plate 3c, preferably towards the back of the quadrupedal animal, which in turn will act on the cord 2 as a whole and provide a tightening fit of the harness device 1 on the quadrupedal animal.

The abdomen attachment plate 3f is ergonomically shaped to be positioned on the quadruped's abdomen area and receive the lower parts of the cord 2 deriving from both the first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e.

The attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f can each also include fastening mechanisms 7 for fastening carriable objects 8, wherein these fastening mechanisms 7 can be, but is not limited to, a buckle, a loop-and-hook device, a snap fastener, a magnetic lock, a twist-lock or combinations thereof. Said carriable objects 8 can be equipment to suit a specific activity, such as, but not limited to, hunting or search & rescue. These carriable objects 8 can interchange fastening positions in between said attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f, and associated fastening mechanisms 7 as found necessary. The carriable objects 8 that can be fastened to the harness device 1 can include, but are not limited to, cameras, GPS, lights, body sensors, pouches, thermal scanners, lasers, water bottles, life jackets, lifting handle, etc.

The attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f can each further include sensors 9 which can detect physical stimulus, such as, but not limited to, heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion, originating from the quadrupedal animal. The sensor 9 can transmit the resulting impulse to a receiver (not shown) for real-time monitoring or for storing the transmission data to a data storage device (not shown).

The attachment plates 3a, b, c, d, e, f can each further include a communication device 10, which can further include a transmission receiver 10a and at least one vibration motor 10b, when receiving a transmission, the communication device 10 can then activate the vibration motor 10b at a predetermined vibration intensity and amount of time, in order to communicate to the quadrupedal animal. E.g. communication devices 10 can be positioned in the first side attachment plate 3d and the second side attachment plate 3e in order to facilitate for instructing a dog to move left or right.

The at least one cord 2 can be made from any natural material or synthetic material which may be flexible, elastic or water-repellent. The cord 2 may be of various colors, be fluorescent, or be luminescent, or include LED for improved visibility.

The plurality of attachment plates 3 can be made from any natural material or synthetic material such as, but not limited to, leather, metal or preferably the attachment plates 3 can be made of a polymer or reinforced polymer.

Claims

1. Harness device (1 ) intended for a quadrupedal animal, characterized in that the harness device (1) includes at least one cord (2) and a plurality of attachment plates (3), wherein each attachment plate (3) includes at least one attachment point (4) for the at least one cord (2), wherein said attachment plates (3) are adapted to be placed onto the body of the quadrupedal animal, wherein said at least one cord (2) is releasably connected to the plurality of attachment plates (3) connecting said plates (3) forming a harness around the body of the quadrupedal animal, wherein said at least one cord (2) and said plurality of attachment plates (3) are adapted to be adjustable to fit the body of a quadrupedal animal.

2. Harness device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of attachment plates (3) includes a front attachment plate (3a), a first back attachment plate (3b), a second back attachment plate (3c), a first side attachment plate (3d), a second side attachment plate (3e) and an abdomen attachment plate (3f).

3. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the attachment plates (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) are adapted to guide said at least one cord (2) through holes, grooves or channels in or on an outer surface of the attachment plates (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f).

4. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein any of the attachment plates (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) include at least one locking mechanism to lock said at least one cord (2) in the attachment point (4).

5. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the attachment point (4a) is detachable fastened to any of the attachment plates (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f). 6. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein any of the attachment plates (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) is adapted to evenly distribute any loads from said at least one cord (2) on the quadrupedal animal. 7. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the front attachment plate (3a) is adapted to be positioned on the prosternum area of the quadrupedal animal.

8. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first back attachment plate (3b) and the second back attachment plate

(3c) are adapted to be positioned on the back area of the quadrupedal animal.

9. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first side attachment plate (3d) and the second side attachment plate (3e) are adapted to be positioned on the chest area of the quadrupedal animal.

10. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the abdomen attachment plate (3f) is adapted to be positioned on the abdomen area of the quadrupedal animal.

11 . Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, further including a harness connection point (5) fastened to the cord (2) or any of the attachment plates (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) acting as connecting interface for a leash (6).

12. Harness device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each attachment plate (3) further includes at least one fastening mechanism (7), wherein said at least one fastening mechanism (7) is adapted to fasten at least one carriable object (8) to said harness device (1).

13. Harness device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each attachment plate (3) further includes at least one sensor (9), wherein said sensor (9) is adapted to detect physical stimulus originating from the quadrupedal animal and transmits the resulting impulse to a receiver.

14. Harness device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein each attachment plate (3) further includes a communication device (10), wherein said communication device (10) further includes a transmission receiver (10a) and at least one vibration motor (10b), wherein said communication device (10) is adapted to receive a transmission and activate the vibration motor (10b) at a predetermined vibration intensity and amount of time.

15. Harness device (1) according to claim 2, or according to claim 2 and any other of the preceding claims, wherein the second back attachment plate

(3c) further includes a first channel (30), a curved section (31) and a second channel (32), wherein the first channel (30) is adapted to receive a first flight (40) of at least one cord (2) between the second back attachment plate (3c) and the adjacent first side attachment plate (3d), wherein the second channel (32) is adapted to hold a section of said at least one cord (2) received from the first channel (30).

16. Harness device (11 ) according to claim 15, the second channel (32) leads said section of at least one cord (2) towards the rear of the quadrupedal animal.

17. Harness device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a curved section (31) is arranged as a part of the first channel (30) or in a path of the at least one cord (2) between the first and the second channel (30, 32). 18. Harness device (1 ) according to claim 17, wherein the curved section

(31 ) has a jagged surface texture (310) in contact with the at least one cord (2).

19. Harness device (1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the jagged surface texture (310) comprises a grooved channel texture or a spiked channel texture (not shown).

20. Harness device (1) according to claim 19, wherein said grooved channel texture or said spiked channel texture (not shown) have tips that are angled towards the second channel (32) adapted to provide a tightening fit of the harness device (1) on the quadrupedal animal by pulling the said at least one cord (2) in the direction from the at least first channel

(30) to the at least second channel (32).

21. Harness device (1 ) according to any other of the preceding claims, wherein the first channel (30) and the second channel (32) are tube shaped. 22. Harness device (1 ) according to any other of the preceding claims, wherein the first channel (30) have a longitudinal slit for receiving the at least one cord (2).

23. Harness device (1 ) according to any other of the preceding claims, wherein the second channel (32) have a longitudinal slit for receiving the at least one cord (2).

24. Harness device (1) according to claim 15, or according to claim 15 and any other of the preceding claims, wherein the second back attachment plate (3c) further includes an additional first channel (30a), an additional curved section part (31a) and an additional second channel (31a) mirroring the first channel (30), the curved section (31 ) and the second channel (32) about a mirror line (A) extending substantially transverse to the first channel (30), wherein the additional first channel (30a) is adapted to receive a second flight (41) of at least one cord (2) between the second back attachment plate (3c) and the adjacent second side attachment plate (3e), wherein the additional second channel (32a) is adapted to hold a section of said at least one cord (2) received from the additional first channel (30a). 25. Harness device (1 ) according to claim 24, or according to claim 24 and any other of the preceding claims, wherein the second back attachment plate (3c) further includes a spacing segment (33), wherein a third flight (42) of least one cord (2), between the first channel (30) and the second channel (32), is separated from a fourth flight (43) of at least one chord (2), between the additional first channel (30a) and the additional second channel (32a), by the spacing segment (33).