Non-choking harness for pet

A non-choking harness for a pet which evenly distributes stress throughout the chest area and away from the neck area of the pet when the leash is pulled to prevent choking. The non-choking harness comprises a body part, an adjustable strap, and a connection part. The body part comprises a center portion which substantially covers the chest area of the pet, two neck ends configured to wrap around a neck of the pet to provide a neck opening and two torso ends configured to wrap around a torso of the pet to provide a torso opening. The adjustable strap removably connects a first torso end to a second torso end, and adjusts the size of the torso opening to provide a comfortable fit. The connection part is configured to removably connect to the two neck ends, removably connect to the adjustable strap; and to adjust the size of the neck opening. At least one D-ring for attaching a leash is fixedly attached to the connection part. Preferably, the D-ring is fixedly attached to retain pendular motion but inhibit sliding movements. The non-choking harness completely opens up for easy access in fitting the pet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention relates to a harness for a pet, and more particularly to a non-choking harness for a pet.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A collar or harness wound on a neck of a pet has been conventionally used for connecting a leash to a pet. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional harness100generally includes a collar band110wound on a neck of a pet200, a torso band120mounted generally on a torso region of the pet200positioned between forelegs210and hind legs220of the pet200, a first connection band130for connecting the collar band110and the torso band120to each other on a dorsal or back side of the pet200, and a second connection band140for connecting the collar band110and the torso band120to each other on a ventral side of the pet200. Typically the harness100is constructed so as to permit a leash150to be connected to the first connection band130.

In the conventional harness100, each of the collar band110, the torso band120and the first and connection bands130,140are generally uniform in width and typically made of a nylon, synthetic or natural leather. U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,755 describes a conventional harness with a moveable lead connecting ring to prevent reversal and torsion of the collar and trunk bands of the harness. Not only these conventional harnesses are uncomfortable for the pet, but these conventional harnesses, particularly the collar band, can choke or put an enormous stress on the pet's neck when the leash is pulled by the animal handler or when the pet dashes forward. Therefore, it is desirable to have a choke-free or non-choking harness that is comfortable and evenly distributes the stress throughout the chest area of the pet when the leash is pulled, thereby minimizing or eliminating any choking hazard on the pet's neck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the claimed invention to solve the aforesaid problems with the prior art.

Another object of the claimed invention is to provide a non-choking harness.

A further object of the claimed invention is to provide the non-choking harness as aforesaid which completely opens up to provide easy access in fitting the pet.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a non-choking harness for a pet which evenly distributes stress throughout the chest area and away from the neck area of the pet when the leash is pulled to prevent choking. The non-choking harness comprises a body part, an adjustable strap, and a connection part. The body part comprises a center portion which substantially covers the chest area of the pet, two neck ends configured to wrap around a neck of the pet to provide a neck opening and two torso ends configured to wrap around a torso of the pet to provide a torso opening. The adjustable strap removably connects a first torso end to a second torso end, and adjusts the size of the torso opening to provide a comfortable fit. The connection part is configured to removably connect to the two neck ends, removably connect to the adjustable strap; and to adjust the size of the neck opening. At least one D-ring for attaching a leash is fixedly attached to the connection part. Preferably, the D-ring is fixedly attached to retain pendular motion but inhibit sliding movements. The non-choking harness completely opens up for easy access in fitting the pet.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the connection part comprises a folded strap forming a loop to receive the adjustable strap. The adjustable strap is moveable along the loop to provide a tight fit when worn by the pet.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the non-choking harness further comprises a pair of mated connectors. The first mated connector is fixedly attached to the second torso end of the body part. The second mated connector is fixedly attached to one end of the adjustable strap. The other end of the adjustable strap is fixedly attached to the first torso end of the body part.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the harness further comprises a Velcro® hook and loop strap at each neck end of the body part. The connection part comprises two flatten oval rings. The Velcro® hook and loop strap comprises a fuzzy side and a rough side. The Velcro® strap loops around a respective flatten oval ring such that the fuzzy side of the Velcro® strap mates with the rough side of the Velcro strap to removably connect a respective neck end to the connection part.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the body part of the harness is made of sturdy, elastic mesh-like polyester material to provide lightweight, breathable and comfortable harness. Preferably, the mesh-like polyester material comprises an outer layer, an inner layer and an internal layer between the outer and inner layers. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the internal layer is infused with one or more of the following fragrances: relaxing aroma, therapeutic aroma, cologne, perfume and flea protection agent.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the harness comprises a pouch on an inner surface of the chest portion of body part to receive a cool pack to cool the pet or a hot pack to warm the pet. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the pack is infused with one or more of the following fragrances: relaxing aroma, therapeutic aroma, cologne, perfume and flea protection agent.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the connection part comprises an arc shaped flap. Two pairs of mated connectors are provided in the harness to removably connect the arc shaped flap to two neck ends of the body part. Two first mated connectors is attached to outer surfaces of respective neck ends of the body part. Two second mated connectors is fixedly attached to outer surfaces of respective ends of the arc shaped flap. Each second mated connector removably mates with the first mated connector on the respective neck end of the body part to removably connect the neck ends of the body part to the connection part.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the harness further comprises two adjustable neck straps to adjust the size of the neck opening. One end of each adjustable neck strap is fixedly attached to a respective neck end of the body part. The other end of each adjustable neck strap is attached to a respective first mated connector.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, an inner surface of each neck end of the body part has one of fuzzy or rough side of a Velcro® pad. The inner surface of the respective ends of the arc shaped flap has other of fuzzy or rough side of the Velcro® pad. The Velcro® pad of each neck end of the body part mates with the Velcro pad of respective end of the arc shaped flap to removably connect the body part to the connection part.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the harness further comprises two pairs of mated torso connectors to removably connect the connection part to the two torso ends of the body part. The two pairs of mated neck connectors removably connects the connection part to the two neck ends of the body part. The adjustable strap comprises two adjustable torso straps to connect the first torso end to the second torso end through the connection part. One end of each adjustable torso strap is fixedly attached to a respective torso end of the body part. The other end of each adjustable torso strap is attached to a respective first mated torso connector. Two second mated torso connectors are fixedly attached to opposite side ends and towards a bottom end of the connection part. Each second mated torso connector removably mates with the first mated torso connector on the respective torso ends of the body part to removably connect the torso ends of the body part to the connection part. Two second mated neck connectors are fixedly attached to opposite side ends and towards a top end of the connection part. Each second mated neck connector removably mates with the first mated neck connectors on the respective neck ends of the body part to removably connect the neck ends of the body part to the connection part. Preferably, the connection part is an oval shaped connector.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the claimed invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The harness is generally favored by the pet owner over the collar fitted a pet's neck because it is easier to control the pet with the harness and it is harder to remove the harness for the pet. The harness enables the pet owner to concurrently pull the neck and trunk of the pet by pulling on the leash connected to the harness.

Turning now toFIGS. 3,5A-B and10A-B, there is illustrated a non-choking harness1000in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, which comprises a body part1100and a connection part1200. The body part1100is shaped as a stylized letter K rotated 90° with a center portion1130to cover substantially or entirely the chest area of the pet200, two neck ends1110and two torso ends1120. Preferably, the neck end1110is longer than the torso end1120. The two neck ends1110of the body part1100wrap around the neck of the pet200, as exemplary shown inFIG. 6. The two torso ends1120of the body part1100wrap around the torso of the pet200, as exemplary shown inFIG. 6.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the harness1000is made of sturdy material having sufficient elasticity to provide comfort and stretchability to enable the pet owners to keep their pets in control (especially for pets that tend to pull) while the harness1000maintains or retains its original form. That is, the elastic property of the material retains original form of the harness1000even it is being pulled by the pet. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the harness1000is made of a mesh-like material1700to provide for air-flow circulation to keep the pet200cool during hot weather. For example, the mesh-like material1700can be made of 100% polyester that is soft to the touch, lightweight, breathable and comfortable. Preferably, the harness1000is constructed of multi-layers of material. As exemplary shown inFIG. 9, the harness1000is constructed of three layers of material: an outer layer1710, an inner layer1720, and an internal layer or internal soft sponge-like cushion1730between the outer layer1710and inner layer1720.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the internal layer1730can be infused with various fragrances, such as relaxing aromas, therapeutic aromas, colognes, perfumes, flea protection agents and the like. Preferably, the internal layer1730is bonded to the outer layer1710on one side and the internal layer1720on the other to prevent any shifting of the internal layer1730.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the body part1100of the claimed harness1000is designed to cover the entire or most of the chest area of the pet to divert the stress caused by the leash being pulled by the pet owner (or when the pet pulls on the leash) away from the pet's neck area. The claimed harness1000evenly distributes such stress throughout the pet's chest and shoulder area, thereby eliminating or minimizing any potential choking when the leash is pulled by either the pet or pet owner. In a conventional harness, when the leash is pulled, the stress is placed directly on the pet's neck, thereby potentially choking the pet.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, a first torso end1120is connected to an adjustable strap1300, preferably made of a durable material including but not limited to nylon. One end of the adjustable strap1300is preferably stitched onto one of the torso ends1120. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the body part1100further comprises a pair of mated (male-female) connectors1400to removably connect the other end of the adjustable strap1300to the second torso end1120. Preferably, one of the mated connector1400is connected to the second torso end using a strap1310stitched onto the second torso end1120, preferably the strap1310is made of a durable material, including but not limited to nylon.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 5A-Band10A, the connection part1200comprises one or more (preferably two) D-rings1220, which can plastic, metal and the like, for attaching a leash (not shown). The connection part1200is removably connected to the adjustable strap1300. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the connection part1200is a strap1205made of durable material, including but not limited to nylon. Preferably, the strap1205is folded to form a loop1210such that the adjustable strap1300can be inserted into the loop1210of the strap1205. The adjustable strap1300is moveable along the loop1210of the strap1205, thereby enabling the pet owner to adjust the placement of the connection part1200on the back side of the pet to provide a comfortable fit for the pet. Also, the adjustable strap1300can be lengthen or shorten to account depending on the size of the pet. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, one D-ring1220is fixedly attached at one end of the loop1210of the strap1205and another D-ring1220is fixedly attached to the other end of the loop1210of the strap1205. Preferably, the folded strap1205loops around the D-rings1220, and the top and bottom portions of the folded strap1205near the D-rings1220are stitched together to keep the D-rings1220fixedly attached to the connection part1200, thereby restraining the D-rings1220from any sliding movements along the loop1210but retaining pendular motion or movement.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shownFIGS. 5A-Band10A, the connection part1200is a folded strap1205forming the loop1210. At one end of the folded strap1205, a first D-ring1220for attaching a leash (not shown) is fixedly attached to the folded strap1205. At the other end of the folded strap1205, a second D-ring1220and a connector1230is fixedly attached to the folded strap1205for removably connecting the two neck ends1110of the body part1100. Preferably, the folded strap1205loops around the D-rings1220, and the top and bottom portions of the folded strap1205near the D-rings1220are stitched together to fixedly attach the D-rings1220to the connection part1200. The loop1210is formed between the two stitched portions of the folded strap1205where the two D-rings1200are fixedly attached thereto.

In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown inFIGS. 5A-B, the connector1230of the connection part1200comprises a strap1232looped around two flatten oval rings1231. The strap1232of the connector1230is inserted into the loop1210of the folded strap1205such that two flatten oval rings1231are outside on the opposite sides of the folded strap1205. The strap1232of the connector1230inside the folded strap1205is fixedly attached to the folded strap1205. Preferably, an area of folded strap1205overlapping with an area of the strap1232of the connector1230are stitched together to provide pendular motion to the two flatten oval rings1231and fixedly attach the two flatten oval rings1231to the connection part1200.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 10A, the harness1000comprises two neck connectors1500to removably connect the two neck ends1110to the connection part1200. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, each neck connector1500is a Velcro® strap1500(preferably a Velcro® hook and loop strap1500) with one end of each Velcro strap1500fixedly attached to the respective neck end1110. Preferably, each Velcro strap1500is stitched to the respective neck end1110of the harness1000to connect the respective neck end1110to the connection part1200. The Velcro hook and loop strap1500is a fabric fastener comprised of a soft fuzzy (loop) side and a rougher (hook) side. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, each Velcro hook and loop strap1500loops around a respective flatten oval ring1231such that the soft fuzzy (loop) side of the Velcro strap1500mates with the rougher (hook side) of the Velcro strap1500to removably connect the respective neck end1110to the connection part1200.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 5C-D,7and11A-B, each neck end1110is connected to an adjustable strap1510, preferably made of a durable material including but not limited to nylon. That is, the Velcro strap1500at each neck end1110inFIG. 3is replaced with the adjustable strap1510inFIG. 7. One end of each adjustable strap1510is preferably stitched onto a respective neck end1110. The other end of each adjustable strap1510includes one of the mated connectors1600to removably connect the respective neck end1110to the connection part1200via the other mated connector1600on the connection part1200. That is, as exemplary shown inFIG. 7, the adjustable strap1510of each neck end1110includes a male connector1600.

In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 5C-Dand11A, the connector1230of the connection part1200comprises an arc shaped flap1233instead of the strap1232looped around two flatten oval rings1231, as inFIGS. 5A-B. The arc shaped flap1233of the connector1230is inserted into the loop1210of the folded strap1205and fixedly attached to the folded strap1205. Preferably, an area of folded strap1205overlapping with an area of the arc shaped flap1233of the connector1230are stitched together. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the arc shaped flap1233comprises a strap1234looped around two connectors1600for removably connecting the connector1230of the connection part1200to the respective neck end1110of the body part1100. The strap1234is fixedly attached (preferably, stitched together) to the arc shaped flap1233such that each mated connector1600is positioned at each end of the arc shaped flap1233.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 5D and 8, the inner surface at each tip of the arc shaped flap1233of the connection part1200includes a Velcro pad1235which mates with a Velcro pad1111at the inner surface at the tip of the respective neck end1110to removably connect the connection part1200to the body part1100. That is, for example, the fuzzy Velcro pad1235of the connector1230mates with the rougher Velcro pad1110of the respective neck end1110to removably connect the connection part1200to the body part1100.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 12,13and14A-B, the connection part1200ofFIGS. 5C-Dis replaced with the connection part ofFIGS. 12,13and14A, and the adjustable strap1300ofFIG. 7at one torso end1120is replaced with two adjustable straps1300at each torso end1120of the body part1100. That is, each torso end1120has an adjustable strap1300including one of the mated connector1400to removable connect each torso end1120to the connection part1200. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the connection part1200comprises the folded strap1205with two D-rings1220fixedly attached to an oval shaped connector1230. Preferably, the folded strap1205is stitched to the oval shaped connector1230to provide pendular motion to the D-rings1220. Also, the connection part1200comprises the strap1234looped around two connectors1600for removably connecting the connection part1200to the respective neck end1110of the body part1100. The strap1234is fixedly attached (preferably, stitched together) to the oval shaped connector1230such that each mated connector1600is positioned at the edge of the oval shaped connector1230. That is, as exemplary shown inFIG. 12, each female connector1600of the connection part1200removably connects to the male connector1600of the respective neck end1110to removably connect the connection part1200to the body part1100.

Further, the connection part1200comprises a strap1250looped around two mated connectors1400for removably connecting the connection part1200to the torso end1120of the body part1100. The strap1250is fixedly attached (preferably, stitched together) to the oval shaped connector1230such that each connector1400is positioned at the edge of the oval shaped connector1230. That is, as exemplary shown inFIG. 12, each female connector1400of the connection part1200removably connects to the male connector1400of the respective torso end1120to removably connect the connection part1200to the body part1100.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown inFIGS. 4,8and13, the inner surface of the body part1100comprises a pouch or opening1800to receive an insert or pack1850. In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the insert1850can be infused with various fragrances, such as relaxing aromas, therapeutic aromas, colognes, perfumes, flea protection agents and the like. Alternatively, the insert1850can be a hot pack1850to warm the pet200in the winter and a cool pack1850to cool the pet200in the summer.

Accordingly, the harness1000of the claimed invention is fully adjustable harness. That is, the neck and torso ends of the harness1000can be adjusted to provide a tight, comfortable fit, and to accommodate different sized pets, as the pet gains/losses mass, or as the pet grows more hair. Further, unlike the conventional harness, the claimed harness1000completely opens up to allow easy accessibility and wearability. That is, the claimed harness1000does not need to go over the head of the pet. For an active pet, the pet owner may have difficult time in keeping the pet from moving while trying to fit it into the conventional harness that fits over the head and/or body.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the D-rings1220are attached and fixed to the connection part1200to prevent sliding movements without restricting the pendular motion. The sliding D-ring of the U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,755 is still connected to the collar section, thereby potentially choking or putting stress on the pet's neck if the pet suddenly charges forward. Whereas, the claimed harness1000comprises two D-rings1220fixedly attached to the connection part1200. The pet owner can attach the leash to the either D-rings. For example, the pet owner can attach the leash to the top D-ring1220(one near the neck end1100of the harness1000) for non-aggressive pet that do not pull when walked or to the bottom D-ring1220(one near the torso end1120of the harness1000) for aggressive pet that may charge forward and may have to be contained by pulling the leash back. Unlike the conventional harness, when the leash connected to the bottom D-ring1220of the claimed harness1000is pulled by the pet owner to contain the aggressive pet, the stress is not put on the pet's neck but distributed throughout the chest area of the pet. This advantageously minimizes or eliminates any choking hazard on the pet's neck.

The invention, having been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.