Abstract:
A handle apparatus for use with a harness comprising a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release line coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint. A harness assembly comprising a harness; a handle assembly including a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release mechanism coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint; wherein the handle grip is released from the harness upon activation of the release mechanism.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to harnesses. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a quick release pet harness. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     Guide dogs or service animals are used to help disabled persons. Service dogs can benefit people with disabilities associated with many diagnoses, including (but not limited to): Spinal cord/head trauma (injury, stroke), Visual or hearing deficits, Arthritis, Ataxia/poor balance, Multiple sclerosis, Cerebral palsy, Muscular dystrophy, Spina bifida, Seizure disorders, Cardio/pulmonary disease, Arteriovascular disease (primary or secondary to diabetes, etc.), Psychiatric disabilities. 
     Service dogs can be trained to reliably perform many tasks. For example, a service dog can be trained in leading a person who has a visual impairment around obstacles, to destinations (seating, across street, to/through door, to/into elevator, etc.). Guide dogs can also discriminate between sounds in order, for example, to alert a person with a hearing impairment to the presence of specific sounds, such as: smoke/fire/clock alarms, telephone, baby crying, sirens, another person&#39;s presence, timers buzzing, knocks at a door, or other unusual sounds. Service dogs can also give general assistance to their guardian, including: helping person balance for transfer/ambulation, pulling wheelchair, helping person rise from sitting or fallen position, getting items that are dropped or otherwise out of reach, and e.g., helping to open/close doors and drawers, helping person undress/dress, carrying items in backpack, acting as physical buffer to jostling by others, putting clothes in washer/remove from dryer, and barking to alert for help. 
     Generally, federal laws protect people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals. No deposits or extra fees may be charged for the service animal. ID or “certification” of the service dog&#39;s training, or of the person&#39;s disability, cannot be required for access on buses, trains, planes, taxis, rental cars, US-registered cruise ships or to places open to the public. 
     Thus, service animals are involved in almost every aspect of many different people&#39;s lives. Many of the public places that a service animal will go with their guardian will be crowded or generally not ideally designed to accommodate a service dog. For example, there is little or no room between the seats in a bus to accommodate both the service dog and their guardian. Additionally, many places that a service dog may be present will also have other dogs present. This can lead to other dogs attacking the service dog. These types of problems can cause discomfort or injury to both the service dog and their guardian. These problems are increased when the harness for the service dog has a fixed handle from the service dog to the guardian. For example, the handle can poke the dog in the back when in a cramped space. Furthermore, service dogs have broken their backs in fights due to landing on the fixed handle that is part of a harness assembly. 
     Thus, a harness assembly and/or handle which overcome these and other problems and disadvantages is needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention advantageously addresses the needs above as well as other needs by providing a quick release harness for animals. 
     One embodiment includes a handle apparatus for use with a harness comprising a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release line coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint. 
     Another embodiment can be characterized as a harness assembly comprising a harness; a handle assembly including: a handle grip; a first release joint coupled to the handle grip; a second release joint coupled to the handle grip; and a release mechanism coupled to the first release joint and the second release joint; wherein the handle grip is released from the harness upon activation of the release mechanism. 
     Yet another embodiment includes a method comprising coupling a handle to a harness through a first release joint; coupling a handle to a harness through a second release joint; and activating a release mechanism to release the handle from the first release joint and the second release joint. 
     A further embodiment can be characterized as an apparatus comprising means for coupling a handle to a harness through a first release joint; means for coupling a handle to a harness through a second release joint; and means for activating a release mechanism to release the handle from the first release joint and the second release joint. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric diagram illustrating an exemplary harness assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a handle for a harness assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric diagram illustrating a harness assembly incorporating the handle of  FIG. 2  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating the harness assembly of  FIG. 3  placed on an animal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating the handle of  FIG. 2  disconnected from end rods of the handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a portion of the handle of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating one of the end rods of  FIG. 5  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a male fitting of the end rod shown in  FIG. 7  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a female fitting of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a sleeve of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. Additionally, the following description also will be discussed with reference to a service dog and a harness for a service dog, however, the present invention also is used with other animals and with dogs that are not service animals. Furthermore, features of the present invention are also used in applications other than with harnesses and handles. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  an isometric diagram is shown illustrating an exemplary harness assembly. Show is a handle  100 , a first clip assembly  102 , a second clip assembly  104 , a first handle loop  106 , a second handle loop  108 , and a harness  110 . 
     The harness assembly includes the handle  100 , the first clip assembly  102 , the second clip assembly  104 , the first handle loop  106 , the second handle loop  108 , and the harness  110 . 
     The harness  110  is coupled to the handle  100  through the first clip assembly  102  and the second clip assembly  104 . The first clip assembly  102  and the second clip assembly  104  include a ring and a clip, such that the clip can be closed around the ring to securely attach the handle to the harness. The clip can be, for example, a threaded chain connector, such as the first handle clip or the second handle clip shown and described below at least with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     When connected to the harness, the handle goes through the first handle loop  106  and the second handle loop  108 . The first handle loop  106  and the second handle loop  108  keep the handle  100  centered on the harness and also provide for increased control over the guide dog. 
     The harness can be many different types of harnesses, however, the harness preferably runs across the back of the guide dog, around the neck or chest, through the front two legs, around the lower chest in back of the front legs, and returns to the back of the guide dog. This configuration provides for control over the guide dog and also is comfortable for the guide dog to wear. Alternatively, the harness will run across the back of the guide dog and around the neck. The harness will also run across the back of the guide dog and around the underside of the guide dog without going through the front two legs of the dog. As described, many different types of harnesses are utilized in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention. 
     To disconnect the handle from the guide dog, the guardian or other person must reach down to the first clip assembly  102  and the second clip assembly. Next, the first clip assembly  102  and the second clip assembly  104  will individually be disconnected, for example, by unscrewing a threaded chain connector. Finally, the handle will need to be slid through the first handle loop  106  and the second handle loop  108 . This is a time consuming process and is very difficult to perform in crowded or emergency situations. This process can be further complicated or difficult to perform for many disabled people, who are generally those in need of the guide dog. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  a diagram is shown illustrating a handle for a harness in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is a handle grip  200 , a release line  214 , a first handle clip  202 , a second handle clip  204 , a first end rod  206 , a second end rod  208 , a first release joint  210 , and a second release joint  212 . 
     The handle grip  200  is coupled to the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  through the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 . The first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212  are coupled to the release line  214 . The first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  are also coupled to the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the first release joint  210 , the second release joint  212 , the first end rod  206 , the second end rod  208 , the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204  are made from metal, however, different materials can be used. In one preferred embodiment, the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  are welded to the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204 , respectively. 
     In one embodiment, the handle grip  200  is generally U-shaped and preferably made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as for example, metal, wood, plastic, polymer, or composite. In one preferred embodiment, the handle grip  200  is made from tubular steel (e.g., 0.250 4130 aircraft rd or the equivalent). Alternatively, embodiments include a non-rigid handle grip  200  and differently shaped handle grips. The handle grip  200  is also preferably wrapped in leather or other material such that it will be comfortable for the guardian of the guide dog to hold onto. As described, the handle grip  200  is generally U-shaped, however, other shapes of the handle grip  200  are utilized in different embodiments. Preferably, the handle grip  200  is coupled to the harness through the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204 , to provide two connection points to the harness. This provides stability for both the guide animal and the guardian of the guide animal. The first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212  are preferably located in between a top of the handle grip  200  (i.e., the portion of the handle grip  200  generally held onto by the guardian) and the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204 . 
     The release line  214  is also generally U-shaped, however, the shape varies in different embodiments. The release line  214  is preferably a metal wired covered with leather. This provides a flexible release line  214  that is also comfortable for the guardian to pull on. Alternatively, the release line  214  can be a bar (rigid or semi-rigid) coupled between the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 . The bar can be made from, for example, metal, plastic, wood, polymer, or composite. In operation, when the release line  214  is pulled, the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212  will release, thus freeing the handle grip  200  from the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208 . The operation of the handle will be further described below. 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric diagram illustrating a harness assembly incorporating the handle of  FIG. 2  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the first handle loop  106 , the second handle loop  108 , the harness  110 , the handle grip  200 , the release line  214 , the first handle clip  202 , a first harness ring  203 , the second handle clip  204 , a second harness ring  205 , the first end rod  206 , the second end rod  208 , the first release joint  210 , and the second release joint  212 . 
     The harness  110  is coupled to the first harness ring  203  and the second harness ring  205 . Preferably, the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204  are removably coupled to the first harness ring  203  and the second harness ring  205 , respectively. In an alternative embodiment, the first hand clip  202  and the second handle clip  204  are coupled to the first harness ring  203  and the second harness ring  205  such that first hand clip  202  and the second handle clip  204  can not be readily removed from the first harness ring  203  and the second harness ring  205 . The first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip are also coupled to the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208 , respectively. 
     The first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  go through the first handle loop  106  and the second handle loop  108 , respectively. In one embodiment, the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  are long enough (e.g., 6 inches long) such that when the handle grip  200  is disconnected, the handle rods will remain through the handle loops unless disconnected at the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204 . Alternatively, the end rods  206 ,  208  are very short such that the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212  are used for the first handle clip  202  and the second handle clip  204 . In this embodiment, the handle optionally does not go through the first handle loop  106  and the second handle loop  108 . In the preferred embodiment, the first handle loop  106  and the second handle loop  108  keep the handle  100  centered on the harness and also provide for increased control over the guide dog. Alternatively, the handle assembly shown in  FIG. 2  can be utilized with a harness that does not incorporate handle loops. 
     As described above with reference to  FIG. 2 , the handle grip  200  is coupled to the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  through the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 . The first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212  are also coupled to the release line  214 . 
     In operation, when the release line  214  is activated (e.g., pulled upon by a guardian or other person), the handle grip  200  will disconnect from the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  at approximately the same time. This is accomplished through the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 . One embodiment of the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212  will be further described herein at least with reference to  FIGS. 5–9 . The present invention is not limited to the specific release joints described herein and other release mechanisms are used in alternative embodiments. Preferably, the release mechanism utilized will disconnect the handle grip  200  at the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212  at approximately the same time. Advantageously, this allows for a quick removal of the handle grip  200  upon activation of the release mechanism (e.g., the release line  214 ). In prior art systems, in order to remove the handle, a person would have to individually remove the first clip assembly  102  and the second clip assembly  104  (such as is shown in  FIG. 1 ) by unscrewing a threaded chain connector from a ring of the clip assembly. This is a time consuming process that can be unmanageable in some situation (e.g., when the service animal is being attacked by a dog, or in very tight spaces). 
     Advantageously, the release line  214  is located in a convenient position to take a hold of and pull (if attempting to release the handle grip). When the handle is pulled off, the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  remain coupled to the harness  110 , and preferably remain through the first handle loop  106  and the second handle loop  108  such that the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  do not protrude out from the service animal. This helps to remove danger from the service animal and make transporting the service animal easier and more comfortable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  an isometric diagram is shown illustrating the harness assembly of  FIG. 3  placed on an animal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the handle grip  200 , the release line  214 , the first handle clip  202 , the first end rod  206 , the first release joint  210 , the first harness ring  203 , the harness  110  and a dog  400 . 
     As shown, the release line  214  is located close to the harness  110 . In an alternative embodiment, the release line  214  can be any length or can be an adjustable length. Altering the length provides for convenient use for people of different heights or simply provides for people who have different preference on where the release line  214  should be located. In another alternative embodiment, a grip or handle is attached to the release line to provide a convenient and easily reachable mechanism for activating the release line and releasing the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  a diagram is shown illustrating the handle of  FIG. 2  disconnected from end rods of the handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the handle grip  200 , the release line  214 , the first handle clip  202 , the second handle clip  204 , the first end rod  206 , the second end rod  208 , a first male fitting  216 , a second male fitting  218 , a first female fitting  220 , and a second female fitting  222 . 
       FIG. 5  is substantially the same as  FIG. 2  however, the first end rod  206  and the second end rod  208  are removed from the handle grip  200 . The first male fitting  216  and the first female fitting  220  combine to make the first release joint  210  shown in  FIG. 2 . The second male fitting  218  and the second female fitting  222  combine to make the second release joint  212  shown in  FIG. 2 . As will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 5–9 , when first release joint  210  is connected the first male fitting  216  is located inside of the first female fitting  220 . The female fitting  220  includes a sleeve fitting (shown and described below with reference to  FIG. 6 ). When the sleeve fitting is moved in a direction away from the first male fitting  216 , the first female fitting  220  and the first male fitting  216  disengage. This is one preferred embodiment for the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 , however, other mechanisms can be utilized without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  a diagram is shown illustrating a portion of the handle of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is a portion of the handle grip  200 , a portion of the release line  214 , a release wire  230 , a stopper  232 , the second female fitting  222 , a sleeve fitting  234 , and a fastener  236 . 
     The release wire  230  runs through the release line  214 . In one embodiment, the release line is constructed from leather to provide a comfortable grip for a person holding the handle. Alternative materials are used in different embodiments. The release wire travels through a hole in the sleeve fitting  234  and is coupled to the stopper. 
     The sleeve fitting  234  is coupled to a sleeve portion (shown in  FIG. 9 ) of the second female fitting  222 . The second female fitting is also connected to the handle grip  200 . The sleeve fitting  234  is clamped onto the sleeve portion of the second female fitting  222  through the fastener  236 . Preferably, the fastener  236  is a screw (e.g., a stainless steal screw) that securely fastens the sleeve fitting  234  to the sleeve portion of the second female fitting, however, many different fasteners can be used in alternative embodiments. 
     In operation, when the release line  214  is activated (e.g., pulled upon by a guardian of a guide dog) the stopper  232  will engage the sleeve fitting  234 . The sleeve fitting  234  will move toward the handle grip  200 , thus allowing for the second male fitting (not shown) to release from the second female fitting  222 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  a diagram is shown illustrating the second end rod of  FIG. 5  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the second handle clip  204 , the second end rod  208 , and the second male fitting  218 . 
     The second male fitting  218  is coupled to the second end rod  208 . The second handle clip  204  is also coupled to the second end rod  208 . In one embodiment, the second male fitting  218  and the second handle clip  204  are both welded to the second end rod  208 . Alternatively, a threaded portion of the second male fitting (shown in  FIG. 8 ) is fitted to a corresponding threaded portion of the second end rod  208  in order to attach the second male fitting  218  to the second end rod  208 . The second end rod, the second male fitting  218  and the second handle clip  204  are preferably constructed from metal, however, many other materials can be used (e.g., plastic, polymers, or alloys). The length of the end rod  208  can vary so as to fit different size animals. 
     The first end rod  206  is constructed and functions in the same manner as the second end rod  208 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8  a diagram is shown illustrating the male fitting of the end rod shown in  FIG. 7  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the male fitting  218 , a connector portion  252  and a threaded portion  250 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  a diagram is shown illustrating a female fitting of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the second female fitting  222 , a connector portion  260 , a sleeve portion  262 , and a threaded portion  264 . 
     The threaded portion  250  is used to connect the second male fitting  218  to the second end rod  208 . The connector portion  252  of the male fitting  218  will connect to the connector portion  260  of the second female fitting  222 . The threaded portion  264  of the second female fitting  222  is connected to a corresponding threaded portion of the handle  200 . Alternatively, the threaded portion  264  of the second female fitting  222  can be welded to the handle  200 . 
     In operation the sleeve portion  262  of the female fitting is moved toward the threaded portion  264  of the female fitting  222  in order to release the male fitting  218  from the female fitting  222 . This provide for one convenient release means for the harness assembly. Other release means are used in different embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  a diagram is shown illustrating the sleeve fitting  234  of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is a body portion  270 , a stopper hole  272 , and an adjustment notch  274 . 
     The sleeve fitting is coupled to the sleeve portion  262  of the female fitting  222 . The release wire  230  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) is coupled to the sleeve fitting  234  through the stopper hole  272 . The adjustment notch  274  is utilized to secure the sleeve fitting to the female fitting  222 . 
     In operation, when the release wire  230  pulls on the body portion  270  of the sleeve fitting, the sleeve portion  262  of the female fitting  222  is moved toward the threaded portion  264  of the female fitting  222  in order to release the male fitting  218  from the female fitting  222 . 
       FIGS. 8–10  show the separated components of one embodiment for the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 . It should be understood that different embodiments will employ different mechanisms that are well within the scope of the present invention for providing the first release joint  210  and the second release joint  212 . 
     While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, other modifications, variations, and arrangements of the present invention may be made in accordance with the above teachings other than as specifically described to practice the invention within the spirit and scope defined by the following claims.