Abstract:
A dog collar comprises a flexible non-metallic cord component having first and second ends and comprising an inner cord surrounded at least in part by an outer cord sheath. A fastening mechanism is provided and has a band defining a space at the first end of the cord component and a fastening bar at the second end of the cord component. The fastening bar and band are dimensioned such that the fastening bar is able to pass through the space in one orientation and not able to pass through the space when in other orientations.

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a dog collar, generally of the dog choke-chain type, and which may often be used in association with dog training. 
     Dog collars are, of course, widely used and have been in existence for many years. There are a large number of dog collars available, with varieties to suit many different situations and a wide spectrum of dog sizes. Most of these collars will have an attachment mechanism of some sort whereby the collar can be releasably secured to a leash, so that the dog can be walked, trained or otherwise restrained, depending upon the circumstances. While some dog collars are intended to remain on the dog at all times, other types of dog collars may be used in certain circumstances, such as when the dog is being walked or is in an environment where it is necessary to maintain control or correct unwanted behavior of the dog in case it should suddenly be distracted, bolt, threaten others in the vicinity or place itself in harm&#39;s way. 
     Removable collars for the purposes of walking and training a dog are also well known. A typical dog collar for such a purpose is sometimes known as a “choke-chain” type collar, and typically consists of a length of metal chain, the metal chain having a metal end ring at each end thereof. In use, the metal chain is pulled through one of the end rings, to create a loop, and the dog&#39;s head, is placed in and through the loop until the choke-chain collar is located around the dog&#39;s neck. Since the metal end rings are typically of the same size, one metal end ring will not be able to pass through the other, therefore defining a limit as to how big the loop, defined by the length of the metal chain, can get. One of the metal end rings may be attached to a leash at one end thereof, and the leash is held at or near the other end by the person controlling the dog, in conventional fashion. 
     One feature of the choke-chain type dog collar is that it generally fits loosely around the dog&#39;s neck under normal circumstances. However, if the dog should attempt to run off, the leash will tighten, pulling on the metal end ring to which it is attached, causing the metal chain to slide through a metal end ring, and the loop to get smaller. Eventually, the loop defined by the metal chain will be the same as the size of the dog&#39;s neck. Such as choke-chain collar, also referred to herein as a “noose” type device, has certain advantages. First, it maintains the collar loosely in a relaxed state around the dog&#39;s neck in normal circumstances, and does not interfere with the dog&#39;s mobility and movement. However, when the dog pulls on the leash, the chain tightens to reduce the possibility that the animal will escape from the chain. Second, if the animal should pull too hard, the metal chain will tighten around the neck, forcing the animal to stop pulling so as to release the pressure which may arise from the discomfort caused by the tight metal chain. The choke-chain type arrangement is therefore important when training dogs, since a dog will only be so restrained by the choke-chain when it tries to run off or displays other types of unacceptable behavior. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,492 (Goheen) discloses a hitch for animals including handles  2  and  3  which pass through a cylinder A. U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,948 (Klein) teaches an animal collar, particularly an animal slip-collar, made of flexible material such as chain links. This collar includes a T-shaped grip  19 , and a metal chain. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,218 (Bongiovanni) shows a dog collar with a metal chain covered by a tube of tough plastic to avoid contact by the chain with the dog&#39;s neck. U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,795 (Marks) teaches a choke collar for pets wherein a sheath of synthetic plastics material encloses a wire cable core for substantially its entire length, and is preferably impregnated with a pesticidal composition. See, for example,  FIG. 2  which shows the structure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,930 (Shields) teaches a unitary plastic training collar for animals, and is comprised of a polymeric material. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,803 (Dunham) teaches a pet collar encased in the sleeve of a pliant non-chafing material, including padding on at least one surface in contact with the pet&#39;s neck region. The sleeve forms an annular cylinder having a longitudinal portion. U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,332 (Kay) teaches a locking toggle assembly for jewelry, including a toggle clasp selectively moveable between an open position in which the toggle bar may pass through the opening, and a locked position in which the toggle bar is prevented from passing through the opening. 
     U.S. Patent Publication No. US2004/0007017 (Flaherty) relates to jewelry, particularly a necklace with a detachable necklace strand. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a dog collar comprising: a flexible non-metallic cord component having first and second ends and comprising an inner cord surrounded at least in part by an outer cord sheath; and a fastening mechanism having a band defining a space at the first end of the cord component and a fastening bar at the second end of the cord component, the fastening bar and band being dimensioned such that the fastening bar is able to pass through the space in one orientation and not able to pass through the space when in other orientations. 
     Preferably, the inner cord comprises a braided nylon cord, and the outer cord sheath comprises a plastic sheath. In one form, the outer cord sheath substantially surrounds the entire inner cord. 
     In one aspect, the band comprises a substantially circular metal ring. Further, the fastening bar may comprise a central portion and a pair of lateral wings extending outwardly from the central portion, the height of the central portion and wings being less than the distance of the space of the metal ring. 
     Preferably, the fastening bar comprises a connector for connecting the fastening bar to a leash. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the fastening bar comprises a cutting mechanism thereon. In this embodiment, the fastening bar may have a slot formed therein capable of receiving at least in part the cord component, and the cutting mechanism may comprise a first fixed cutting surface above the slot and a second movable cutting surface below the slot, the second movable cutting surface being selectively movable so as to engage with the first cutting surface and to sever the cord component when placed between the first and second cutting surfaces. 
     In one aspect, the second movable cutting surface is attached to an arm and a handle, the second movable cutting surface, arm and handle being pivotally mounted so that the second movable cutting surface is movable between a first position, away from the first cutting surface, and a second position, directly adjacent the first cutting surface. 
     In another embodiment, the cutting mechanism comprises a slot in the fastening bar, the slot having therein at least one blade surface, the blade surface being capable of engaging the cord component and severing it when moved thereover. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a dog collar comprising: a flexible, non-metallic cord component having first and second ends; and a cutting mechanism attached on or adjacent the cord component. 
     Preferably, the cord component has a metal ring at one end thereof, and a fastening bar at an other end thereof, the cutting mechanism being formed on the fastening bar. The cutting mechanism may comprise a first fixed cutting surface above the slot and a second movable cutting surface below the slot, the second movable cutting surface being movable so as to engage with the first cutting surface and to sever the cord component when placed between the first and second cutting surfaces. 
     In another aspect, the cutting mechanism comprises a slot in a fastening bar, the slot having therein at least one blade surface, the blade surface being capable of engaging the cord component and severing it when moved there over. 
     The present invention is a dog collar, preferably used for training in one aspect thereof, comprising a flexible, elongate member, a ring at one end of the flexible, elongate member and a stop means at the other end of the flexible, elongate member, the flexible, elongate member comprising a central, non-metallic strip surrounded by a non-metallic sheath. 
     Preferably, the flexible member has a ring at one end, and the stop means comprises a metal T-bar secured at the other end, the metal T-bar being shaped and dimensioned so that it can be threaded through the metal ring and thereafter oriented to a default position so that a releasable connection is formed between the metal ring and the metal T-bar. 
     Preferably, the flexible elongate member comprises an inner portion made of a nylon braided cord, or other suitable fabric, and is surrounded and covered by a plastic or PVC sheath. 
     It is a feature in accordance with one aspect of the invention that the flexible member be comprised of a material or materials which can be readily cut by a blade, scissors or other appropriate cutting instrument. One of the disadvantages of a conventional metal chain is that it can only be removed over the dog&#39;s head, and then only when the loop, defined by the metal chain, is sufficiently large so as to accommodate the largest part of a dog&#39;s head. This can be a serious problem and a safety threat to the dog or others, when, for example, the dog is in a fight, is pulling hard on the leash and will not stop, and may cause itself serious injury and choking if the collar is not removed. A metal chain, as mentioned above, can only be removed&#39;from the dog by passing it over the dogs&#39;s head. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the owner or trainer of the dog can, when the situation warrants, cut the flexible member of the collar in accordance with the present invention in emergency situations and therefore release the dog from the collar to prevent potentially serious injury. 
     Preferably, the inner portion of the flexible member is made of a reasonably strong material, but which is nevertheless capable of being cut by a blade or a pair of scissors, such as a braided nylon cord. The outer sheath component of the flexible elongate member is placed on or over the inner nylon cord, and the outer sheath would preferably be comprised of materials chosen for their ability to slide easily so that the training collar, or choke-chain, in accordance with the invention, can easily and without undue effort open and close the size of the loop. Furthermore, some dogs may be startled by the sudden metallic noise of the metal chain on the metal rings, or may find it disconcerting or irritating. A dog collar in accordance with the present invention would avoid this situation since the materials are preferably chosen so as not to make noises unpleasant or distracting to the dog. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cutting member mounted on or a part of the collar at some selected location thereof which can be used to cut through the collar in case of an emergency. Preferably, the cutting member is shielded, when not in use, in such a manner that at least the sharpened or cutting edges thereof are covered so that they will not harm the animal, other animals or the handler in any way. 
     The cutting member may be in the form of a blade, a pair of scissors or such other mechanism to allow the collar to be cut in case of emergencies. 
     The collar, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, may have a mechanism for securing which does not require that the looped chain or flexible member go around and over the dog&#39;s head. In one form, a ring member is provided at one end of the flexible member, while a T-bar or similar type structure is provided at the other end, the T-bar being capable of threading through the ring in a manner such that it can be re-oriented after passing through the ring to form a fastening mechanism. As such, it is not necessary that the collar go over the head of the dog when placing or removing the collar, but it can be fitted around the neck, so avoiding further struggling to get an otherwise tight collar on or off the dog over its head. 
     The materials from which the collar is made are preferably chosen such that skin chaffing and fur damage would be minimized or decreased, but at the same time still ensure that a quick mechanism and procedure for tightening and releasing the collar around the dog&#39;s head and/or can be achieved without startling the dog with the sound of the chain grating against the ring and remainder of the chain. 
     Furthermore, in case of an emergency, not only is it possible to cut the dog collar, as described above, but where the T-bar fastening type mechanism is used, this can be disconnected from the ring on the flexible member or cord without pulling the collar over the dog&#39;s head. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a dog collar in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the collar shown in the disconnected position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the dog collar shown substantially as in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, but in the releasably connected position, and with a leash secured thereto; 
         FIG. 3  is a detail showing the construction of the dog collar cord; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a dog collar in accordance with another aspect of the invention including a cutting mechanism incorporated therein; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of yet a further embodiment of the invention, also showing a cutting mechanism formed thereon; and 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the collar of the invention as shown in  FIG. 5  of the drawings in a secured position, and attached to a leash. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention comprises a collar for a dog. The collar comprises an elongate cord having connector members at each end which can be releasably secured to each other so that the cord defines a closed loop which, in use, surrounds the neck of the dog. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, there is shown a dog collar  10  comprising an elongate cord  12  having an end  14  and an opposite end  16 . The end  14  has a metal ring  18  attached thereto. The end  16  has a metal T-bar  20  attached thereto, the T-bar  20  having a central portion  22  and a pair of lateral wings  24  and  26  extending outwardly from the central portion  22 . The central portion  22  includes an aperture  28  for releasably clamping the T-bar  20  to a leash  30 , as better shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. 
     Each lateral wing  24  and  26  has an abutment surface  32  and  34  respectively, which engages the metal ring  18 , as will be described below. 
     As regards the elongate cord  12 , a detail of the cord can be seen in  FIG. 3  of the drawings. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the elongate cord or flexible member  12  comprises an inner braided cord  40 , and an outer plastic sheath  42  which completely surrounds and encloses the inner braided cord  40 . The inner braided cord  40  provides considerable strength and will not, under normal circumstances, snap, fray or otherwise break. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the inner braided cord  40  is preferably comprised of a material such as nylon, and is not made of metal or some other hard material which could not be cut by a blade, scissors or other conventional cutting mechanism in a quick and efficient way. 
     The outer plastic sheath  42  is preferably comprised of a suitable plastic which will not irritate the dog, or cause discomfort or damage to fur or skin, and is also selected so that the elongate cord  12  can slide fairly readily in the metal ring  18 , as will be described. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2  of the drawings, which shows the dog collar  10  configured so as to form a loop  48 . The elongate cord  12  has passed through the metal ring  18 , forming the loop  48 , the loop  48  in turn defining a space  50 . The space  50  can, of course, vary in shape and size, depending upon the position of the metal ring  18  with respect to and along the elongate cord  12 . 
     The dog collar  10  is configured into the loop-type arrangement as shown in  FIG. 2  by manually grasping the metal T-bar  20  and threading it through the inner space  52  defined by the metal ring  18 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the height of the metal T-bar  20  is shown by the letter “x”, as indicated by the reference numeral  56 . The inner diameter of the metal ring  18  is indicated by the letter “y”, as shown by the reference numeral  58 . It will be appreciated that the distance “x” is less than the distance “y”. 
     In forming the loop arrangement as shown in  FIG. 2 , the dog trainer or handler will typically grasp the wing  26 , and thread the metal T-bar  20  through the inner space  52 . This will be accomplished by ensuring that leading edge  60  of the metal T-bar  20  is first passed through the space  52  with the remainder of the metal T-bar  20  and attached elongate cord  12  following. Once the entire metal T-bar  20  has passed through the inner space  52  of the metal ring  18 , dragging the elongate cord  12  to which it is connected, through the inner space  52  as well, the metal T-bar  20  is re-oriented as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this way, when it is attempted to pull the metal T-bar  20  through the inner space  52 , this will not be possible, since the abutment surfaces  32  and  34  of the lateral wings  24  and  26  will engage the metal ring  18  to prevent this. The loop can only be disconnected by turning the metal T-bar  20  on its side, and threading it through the inner space  52  using the leading edge  60  first (or the opposite end of the metal T-bar which may of course also serve as the leading end). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a leash  30  is provided having a leash end  66 , the leash end  66  being connected to a clamp  68 . The clamp  68  has a conventional spring-loaded movable bar which can be opened and closed so that the clamp can be secured to the aperture  28  in conventional fashion. 
     It will be appreciated that the dog collar  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the drawings can be placed around the neck of the dog in two possible ways. The first way is to ensure that the space  50  is at its largest capacity, and then thread the dog collar  10  over the head of the dog, and then pull the elongate cord  12  through the metal ring  18  to provide a comfortable fit. However, the invention also allows the dog collar  10  to be placed on the dog without pulling it over the head. In this scenario, the elongate cord  12  will be placed around the neck of the dog, and the metal T-bar  20  will be passed through the metal ring  18 , as discussed above, to effect the necessary fastening. For many dogs, passing the collar over the head can be unpleasant, and, too loose or too tight, and many dog handlers may prefer to place the dog collar  10  on the dog without threading it over the head. This embodiment of the dog collar of the invention facilitates a better fit on the dog because it does not have to be large or long enough to go over the head of the dog and thereafter become too loose around the neck to be effective for training. An optimal fit for this type of dog collar is preferably, but not necessarily, the size of the dog&#39;s neck plus about 2 inches. Such a size would typically not be large enough to form a loop which would go over the head of the dog. 
     The dog collar  10  will mainly operate in conventional fashion, generally being loosely located around the dog&#39;s neck with the space  50  larger than the size of the dog&#39;s neck. However, if the dog should attempt to run off, strain, or otherwise behave inappropriately, the space  50  will shrink in size as a result of the leash  30  pulling on the metal T-bar  20 , thus attempting to restrain or correct the dog&#39;s behavior and provide a training procedure with a negative restraint consequence. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  of the drawings, there is shown another embodiment of the invention, comprising a dog collar  80  including a metal ring  82  on one end thereof, the dog collar  80  also comprising the elongate cord  84 . The elongate cord  84  may be comprised of the same components and materials as previously described with respect to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  of the drawings. Thus, the elongate cord  84  will have an inner braided cord  40  surrounded by an outer plastic sheath  42 , with the general characteristics and advantages which have already been described. 
     At the end  86  of the elongate cord  84 , remote from the metal ring  82 , there is fixed a fastening bar and cutter combination  88 . The fastening bar and cutter combination  88  generally has a somewhat similar profile and configuration to the metal T-bar  20 , as shown in the previous figures, in that it is capable of passing through the inner space  90  of the metal ring  82  when held at the appropriate orientation, and locked when reoriented to prevent such passage. 
     The fastening bar and cutter combination  88  includes a connector  92 , by means of which it is fastened to the end  86  of the elongate cord  84 . The combination  88  has a central portion  94 , a lateral wing  96  and a lateral wing  98 . Each of the lateral wings  96  and  98  has a lower abutment surface  100  and  102  respectively. 
     The lateral wing  98  is generally of block shape, while the lateral wing  96  is configured so as to constitute a cutting mechanism, as will be described. 
     The fastening bar and cutter combination  88  comprises an upper surface  108  and a leash connector  110  formed on the upper surface  108 , including an aperture  112  by means of which the clamp on the leash can be connected in conventional fashion, as described. 
     It will be seen that the inner diameter of the metal ring  82  is of distance “z” and is indicated by reference numeral  114 . The thickness of the fastening bar and cutter combination  88  is indicated by the letter “q” as shown by reference numeral  116 . It will be appreciated that the distance “z” is greater than the distance “q” so that the fastening bar and cutter combination  88  and elongate cord  84  to which it is attached can be threaded through the inner space  90  of the metal ring  82 , and thereafter re-oriented so that the lower abutment surfaces  100  and  102  lean up against the metal ring  82  to prevent the combination  88  from passing therethrough. In this regard, the operation of the combination  88  with respect to the metal ring  82  is more or less the same as that described with respect to the metal T-bar  20  and metal ring  18  in the previous embodiments. 
     Reference is now made to the lateral wing  96 , which operates as the cutter portion of the fastening bar and cutter combination  88 . It will be seen that the lateral wing  96  includes a slot  120  more or less in the middle of the wing  96 . Above the slot  120  there is formed a serrated or sharpened upper cutting surface  122 , which is fixed. A lower cutting surface  124  is located near the bottom part of the lateral wing  96 , below the slot  120 . The lower cutting surface  124  is pivotally mounted about pivot  128 , and includes an arm  130  and handle  132 . A spring  134  normally urges the arm  130  upwards, so that the lower cutting surface  124  is, in normal use, held away from the upper cutting surface  122 . However, the lower cutting surface  124  can be pivotally moved about the pivot  128  when the handle  132  is pressed against the bias of the spring  134 , and this operation has the effect of moving the lower cutting surface  124  towards the upper cutting surface  122 . 
     As will be seen from the drawings, the elongate cord  84 , or a section thereof, can be inserted in the slot  120 , if it becomes necessary to sever or cut the elongate cord  84 , and the cutting of the cord  84  can be effected by pushing down hard on the handle  132 , severing the cord  84  at the point where it is between the upper cutting surface  122  and the lower cutting surface  124 , when placed in the slot  120 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5  of the drawings, there is shown a further embodiment, a collar  220  including an elongate cord  222  having an inner nylon cord  224  surrounded by a plastic sheath  226 , in much the same configuration as previously described. One end of the cord  222  has a metal ring  228  while the other end has attached thereto a fastening bar  230 . The dimensions of the fastening bar  230  are such that it can be inserted through the space  232  defined by the metal ring  228 , again in much the same manner as has already been described. The fastening bar  230  includes a leash connector  234  having an aperture  236  for connection to a clamp of the leash. 
     The fastening bar  230  has lateral wings  238  and  240 , and it will be seen that the lateral wing  238  includes a tapering slot  242  including a blade surface  244 . The blade surface  244  may be formed along one or more of the surfaces of the slot  242 , or within the slot  242 , and a variety of modifications in this regard are within the scope of the invention. 
     In use, and particularly in certain emergency situations, as have been described above, the cord  222  may be severed by inserting any portion thereof, as may be convenient, into the slot  242  and pulling it over the blade surface  244 . This will have the immediate effect of releasing the collar  220  from the dog, and alleviating any tension around the neck of the dog to prevent possible asphyxiation. 
     In  FIG. 6  of the drawings, a collar, generally having features and elements as already described, is shown. The collar  150  shown in  FIG. 6  has a cord  152 , a metal ring  154  defining a space  156 , and a fastening bar  158 , which is capable of passing through the space  156  in a manner already described. The fastening bar  158  has a lower surface  160  which forms an abutment against the metal ring  154  to prevent it passing through the space  156 , unless the fastening bar  158  is carefully oriented properly for this purpose. 
       FIG. 6  also shows a clamp  164  of a leash  166 , which connects to a leash connector  168 . A cutting mechanism  170  is provided in the fastening bar  158  to sever the cord, which is made of a non-metallic, but strong and flexible fabric or material, in case of emergency situations. 
     It will also be appreciated that the cutting mechanism for severing the cord of the dog collar may be in the form of a small blade or scissors which can be removed from the collar, such as from the fastening bar, entirely, so that it can be used to cut the cord. Preferably, in such a situation, the cutting member, such as a scissors or blade, is carefully attached to the fastening bar and covered appropriately so that all cutting surfaces are not exposed to prevent inadvertent injury. In such a situation, the cutting member may be attached to the fastening bar or other part of the collar by means of a thin wire or string, so that it will not be accidentally lost. 
     The collar of the invention thus provides a flexible and convenient way of attaching a collar to a dog in more than one manner (for example, over the head and neck or placing it directly around the neck), and allowing it to be removed in more than one manner such as by cutting the cord and sheath, or pulling it over the dog&#39;s head or disconnecting the fastening mechanism while on the dog, so that it is not necessary to pull it over the dog&#39;s head. Thus, options are available for putting on and removing the collar depending on the situation, and providing an escape in an emergency where the dog might get tangled or asphyxiated by the collar which has become tightened around its neck. 
     Preferably, the inner part of the cord is made of a braided or twisted nylon fabric, and is encased in a plastic material to prevent or decrease skin chaffing or fur damage.