Abstract:
A structure for training and exercising canines is disclosed having a first and a second inclined surface joined at a hingeable joint. The first surface has generally parallel sides and the second surface has a first region having generally parallel sides and a transition region. The transition region having a first dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first surface and a second dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first region.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to training equipment for canines and more particularly to a climbing structure for agility training. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dog agility began as an exhibition sport in Great Britain, and was imported here in 1977. It was patterned after equestrian events and combines handler control, agility, and confidence. An agility ring is set up with a variety of obstacles. Obstacles include jumps, tunnels, a dog walk, a see-saw or teeter, an A-frame, and weaver poles. The ring is generally square, about 100×100 feet, and fenced off from the spectators. Dogs go through the ring on a leash with a handler (basic agility), or off leash with a guiding handler (advanced agility). They are judged by their ability to correctly negotiate the obstacles in a predetermined order. The dogs are judged primarily by the correctness by which they move on and off the obstacles and by which they stop and stay (on command) on other obstacles. The dogs are secondarily judged by their time in completing the obstacle course. This event requires significant training of both handler and dog. 
     The A-frame is a triangular shaped structure made up of a pair of symmetric panels 3-4 feet wide and approximately 9 feet long. A hinge typically joins the panels. The height of the A-frame at its peak can be adjusted by changing the length of a chain that couples the lower ends of the structure. In competition, the height of the A-frame is typically set at approximately 6 feet, 2 inches. 
     The dog walk is made up of three narrow planks typically joined by hinges. The planks are typically 12″ wide and 12 feet long. The middle plank is positioned parallel with the ground by a pair of adjustable bases and the other planks operate as entrance or exit ramps. The height of the middle plank is typically set 4 feet above the ground. In competition, the length of the dog walk is just under 30 feet. 
     Agility rings are appropriately sized to accommodate both of these structures. Homeowners wishing to train their own dogs often do not have enough space for both structures. What is needed is a structure that safely combines features from both the A-frame and the dog walk in a smaller area. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a canine training device including a first surface having a pair of generally parallel sides spaced by a first predetermined distance and a second surface having a first region having generally parallel sides spaced by a second predetermined distance and a second region having a first dimension generally corresponding to the first predetermined distance and second dimension generally corresponding to the second predetermined distance, the first surface being coupleable to the second surface. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a canine training device including a first planar structure coupled to a second planar structure at a hingeable joint, the structures forming a generally triangular structure when supported by a support surface. The first structure having a pair of generally parallel sides spaced by a first predetermined distance and the second structure having a first region having generally parallel sides spaced by a second predetermined distance and a second region having a first dimension generally corresponding to the first predetermined distance and a second dimension generally corresponding to the second predetermined distance. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a canine training device including a first planar structure and a second planar structure. The first and second structures coupleable at a hingeable joint. The first structure having a pair of generally parallel sides spaced by a first predetermined distance, the second structure having a first region having generally parallel sides spaced by a second predetermined distance and a second region having a first dimension generally corresponding to the first predetermined distance and a second dimension generally corresponding to the second predetermined distance. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in the following detailed description thereof when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary structure consistent with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side-view of the structure of FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of another exemplary structure consistent with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a canine training structure  100 . The device  100  may include a first surface  104  having a pair of generally parallel sides spaced by a first predetermined distance D 1  and a second surface  102  having a first region  102 A having generally parallel sides spaced by a second predetermined distance D 2  and a second region  102 B having a first dimension generally corresponding to the first predetermined distance D 1  and a second dimension generally corresponding to the second predetermined distance D 2 . In a preferred embodiment, the first surface  104  has a length L 1  of 4 feet and a first predetermined distance D 1  of 3 feet, the first region  102 A of the second surface  102  has a length L 2 A of 4 feet and a second predetermined distance D 2  of 1 foot, and the second region  102 B of the second surface  102  has a length L 2 B of 2 feet. The second region  102 B maybe referred to as a transition region, where the width of the structure transitions from a wide width to a narrow width or vice versa depending on which end of the structure the canine enters. The surfaces  102  and  104  may include a plurality of protuberances or raised slats  106 , preferably three-fourths of an inch thick and one-and-half inches wide that preferably extend from edge to edge of the surfaces. The slats  106  may be equally spaced on the surfaces, preferably spaced approximately 12″ apart. The slats  106  may provide a pushing surface to aid the canine in the ascent or decline of the structure  100 . The transition in the dimension of the second region  102 B from D 1  to D 2  may be linear or non linear. 
     The surface  102  and  104  may be made from wood, preferably fir plywood or aluminum. The surfaces may have a textured coating to reduce injury to a canine. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, appropriate structural members  108  and  110  may support the surfaces  102  and  104  respectively. The structure  100  may rest on a support surface, for example the ground or an indoor floor. The structural members  108  and  110  may be formed from wood or metallic tubing, for example hollow aluminum or steel tube stock. The tube stock may be joined using mechanical fastener or may be joined, for example by welding. The surfaces  102  and  104  or the structural member  108  and  110  may be coupled by a hinge  116 . The hinge may be mechanically fastened to the surfaces  102  and  104  or the structural members  108  and  110 . The hinge  116  may be a piano hinge that preferably extends from edge to edge of the structure. The hinge  116  may include a removable hinge pin to allow for easier transport. The hinge may be positioned to allow the structure to lie flat on a surface. Handles  122  may be added to the structure to aid in transportation, preferably, the handles are located on the under surface of the structure. 
     The structure  100  may include a tensioning device  114  coupled to opposing end of the surfaces  102  and  104  or the structural members  108  and  110  to form the structure into a triangular shape. The tensioning device may be a length of chain or cable. The length of the tensioning device may be adjusted to change the overall height H of the structure  100  at its peak. To begin training a canine the structure may be laid flat on a surface. As the canine develops confidence, the overall height H of the structure may be increased by decreasing the length of the tensioning device  114 . In a preferred embodiment, an interior angle formed between the first surface and the second surface is preferably an obtuse angle, and more preferably is approximately 110. In this preferred configuration, the height H of the structure  100  is approximately 2 feet 8 inches. The tensioning device may be coupled to the surfaces  102  and  104  or the structural member  108  and  110  with an eyehook  112 . 
     The canine  120  may enter the structure  100  from either end. The canine climbs the entrance surface and then descends the exit surface. When the canine enters the structure as shown in FIG. 2, the second region  102 B allows the canine to redirect his travel towards the narrower first region  102 A. If the structure did not transition from one width to another, a canine entering the structure as shown in FIG. 2 accidentally could fall off the structure and be injured. 
     FIG. 3 shows a plan view of another canine training structure  100 ′. The device  100 ′ may include a first surface  104 ′ having a pair of generally parallel sides spaced by a first predetermined distance D 1 ′ and a second surface  102 ′ having a first region  102 A′ having generally parallel sides spaced by a second predetermined distance D 2 ′ and a second region  102 B′ having a first dimension generally corresponding to the first predetermined distance D 1 ′ and a second dimension generally corresponding to the second predetermined distance D 2 ′. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface  104 ′ has a length L 1 ′ of 6 feet and a first predetermined distance D 1 ′ of 1 foot, the first region  102 A′ of the second surface  102 ′ has a length L 2 A′ of 4 feet and a second predetermined distance D 2 ′ of 3 feet, and the second region  102 B′ of the second surface  102  has a length L 2 B′ of 2 feet. The second region  102 B′ maybe referred to as a transition region, where the width of the structure transitions from a wide width to a narrow width or vice versa depending on which end of the structure the canine enters. The surfaces  102 ′ and  104 ′ may include a plurality of protuberances or raised slats  106 ′, preferably three-fourths of an inch thick and one-and-half inches wide that preferably extend from edge to edge of the surfaces. The slats  106 ′ may be equally spaced on the surfaces, preferably spaced approximately 12″ apart. The slats  106 ′ may provide a pushing surface to aid the canine in the ascent or decline of the structure  100 ′. The transition in the dimension of the second region  102 B′ from D 1  to D 2  may be linear or non linear. A hingeble joint  116 ′ may couple the first surface  104 ′ and the second surface  102 ′. Suitable structural members may be used to support the first and second surfaces  104 ′ and  102 ′ respectively. A tensioning device coupled to the first and second surfaces may also be used to form the structure into a triangular shape. The length of the tensioning device may be adjusted to change the overall height of the structure at its peak. 
     The dimensions given are exemplary and should not be construed as the only dimensions possible. These dimensions can be changed without departing from the present invention. 
     It should be understood that, while the present invention has been described in detail herein, the invention can be embodied otherwise without departing from the principles thereof, and such other embodiments are meant to come within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claim(s).