Abstract:
A multi-layered animal garment is disclosed configured to aid shedding of fur from an animal. The garment includes a fur agitation layer comprising a plurality of fur agitation features to facilitate the shedding as the fur agitation layer moves relative to the fur and a mesh layer configured to retain fur pieces shed from the fur.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/080,778 filed on Nov. 17, 2014 which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure is related to wearable, functional garments for domestic pets such as dogs, which garments comfort the animal, aid in shedding and collect and contain shed hair or fur. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure. Accordingly, such statements are not intended to constitute an admission of prior art. 
         [0004]    The bond between humans and their domesticated animals, like dogs and cats, is more intense than bonds with other species. Dogs and cats evolved from wild animals as a direct result of human intervention. Humans selected these animals to be our companions, to hunt with us and to protect us. Most domesticated animals like dogs and cats depend solely on humans for their care. Humans are responsible for meeting their animals&#39; needs, both physical and emotional. 
         [0005]    Humans live in close proximity to their domesticated animals, with many dogs and cats living in their caretakers&#39; homes. Dogs and cats shed their hair or fur, and the shed fur can cause or exacerbate allergies and asthma in humans. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A multi-layered animal garment is disclosed configured to aid shedding of fur from an animal. The garment includes a fur agitation layer comprising a plurality of fur agitation features to facilitate the shedding as the fur agitation layer moves relative to the fur and a mesh layer configured to retain fur pieces shed from the fur. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a multi-layered functional garment for domesticated animals, with a first layer including a loose fur retaining mesh and a second layer including a fur agitation feature, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates exemplary layers of the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a mesh layer configured to be closest to the fur of the animal and a fur agitation layer resting above the mesh layer, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment of exemplary layers that can be configured within the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a fur agitation layer including a polymerized plate, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates the layers of  FIG. 3  in detail, including a mesh layer sized to permit fur agitation features to penetrate through the mesh layer, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative to the layers of  FIG. 4 , including a mesh layer sized to prevent fur agitation features from penetrating through the mesh layer, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of exemplary layers that can be configured within the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer including a plurality of polymerized beads attached to the second mesh layer, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7A  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a squared flat surface, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7B  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a bristles extending from the surface of the feature, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7C  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a jagged or roughened surface, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7D  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a rounded surface, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary mesh layer illustrated in isolation from the fur agitation layer, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary fur agitation layer illustrated in isolation from the mesh layer, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary fur agitation layer including plates of polymerized material connected by bands facilitating movement of the plates, in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of exemplary layers that can be configured within the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a fur agitation layer similar to the layer of  FIG. 6  utilizing bead features located closest to the fur of the animal and a second mesh layer resting above the fur agitation layer, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Human domesticated small mammals such as dogs and cats thousands of years ago. Even today, dogs, cats and other small domesticated mammals live in close proximity to or in the homes of their human companions and caretakers. 
         [0023]    One characterizing feature of mammals is the presence of hair on the body. Many mammals, including domesticated dogs and cats, undergo the process of shedding their hair or fur. Shed hair or fur can cause problems ranging from minor nuisance to severe allergies and asthma in humans. Because humans live in such close proximity to domesticated dogs and cats, it is desirous to have the ability to hasten shedding and to collect and contain shed hair or fur. 
         [0024]    Hair grows in cycles. Each hair follicle undergoes period of rapid growth, followed by slower growth and a resting phase. During the resting phase, mature hair remains in the follicles and eventually detaches at the base. When a dog or cat sheds her coat, a young hair pushes out the old hair and the cycle begins anew. 
         [0025]    Although shedding is a normal process for dogs and cats, the amount and frequency of hair that is shed often depends upon their health and breed type, and can also depend on the season. Many dogs develop thick coats in the winter that are then shed in the spring. Dogs that are always kept indoors, however, are prone to smaller fluctuations in coat thickness and tend to shed fairly evenly all year. 
         [0026]    The seasonal length of daylight governs when a dog sheds her coat. Longer periods of daylight in spring activate a shedding process that lasts four to six weeks. In fall, as daylight hours grow shorter, many dogs may again shed their coat. 
         [0027]    Some dogs have a double coat comprised of long, coarse outer guard hairs and a soft, fine, woolly undercoat. Some breeds have a non-shedding curly coat. These breeds do not shed loose hair into the home. Instead, their loose hair tends to collect in mats that remain on the body. Dogs with softer hair and cats with longer hair are more prone to develop mats. Matted hair can be painful and may lead to underlying skin problems. 
         [0028]    Grooming at regular intervals keeps a pet&#39;s coat and skin in good condition and prevents health problems for both animals and humans. The removal of shed hairs helps the hair in its renewal process. More importantly, grooming cleans the skin of dandruff, eliminates dry skin flakes and improves its insulation properties. In addition, grooming significantly decreases the amount of hair that may be ingested by cats, causing hairballs. 
         [0029]    When grooming, it is important to choose to choose the correct brush or comb, with bristles or teeth the appropriate length and strength for the dog&#39;s coat. For example, if the coat is thick and the bristles or teeth are too short, the top coat may look smooth for a time but the undercoat will mat. On the other hand, if the dog has a thin undercoat, grooming with tools that have long bristles and teeth can scratch and injure the skin. 
         [0030]    Some humans develop an immune reaction to allergens produced in the sebaceous glands of a dog&#39;s skin. Allergens are found in a dog&#39;s dander, minute scales of dead skin. Allergens are also present in a dog&#39;s saliva and urine, and are deposited on her fur when she licks herself When the fur dries and sheds, the dander flakes off and becomes airborne, and can be inhaled or ingested by humans. Dog allergens also adhere to clothing, furnishings and walls. 
         [0031]    Many domesticated animals find stroking or petting, as well as being enclosed in a snug, warm space, soothing or comforting. Humans, as caretakers and companions of their domesticated animals, have an interest in keeping their animals content and deepening the bond with them. 
         [0032]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for the purpose of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a multi-layered functional garment for domesticated animals, with a first layer including a loose fur retaining mesh and a second layer including a fur agitation feature. Dog  5  is illustrated wearing a multi-layered garment  10  including at least a fur agitation layer configured to move relative to the fur and facilitate rapid loosening or shedding of fur and a second layer including a mesh configured to trap the shed fur and prevent the shed fur from falling to the ground. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates exemplary layers of the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a mesh layer configured to be closest to the fur of the animal and a fur agitation layer resting above the mesh layer. Fur agitation layer  20  and mesh layer  30  are illustrated in profile, with mesh layer  30  being located closer to the fur of the animal than fur agitation layer  20 . Mesh layer  30  included a plurality of fibers or strands secured together in a grid or net pattern and oriented perpendicularly to fur coat of the animal Fur agitation layer includes a flexible base portion  24  and a surface of bristles  22  extending from portion  24  in the direction of the fur. In one embodiment, layer  20  can be similar to the hook layer of a Velcro mechanism, wherein the base portion comprises a cloth layer and instead of the polymerized strands being bent into a hook shape, the strands can be created extending straight from the base portion. In one embodiment, the bristles  22  can be close enough together that strands of mesh layer  30  cannot fit between the bristles  22 , thereby facilitating easy relative movement of the layers and more interaction between the bristles  22  and the fur. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment of exemplary layers that can be configured within the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a fur agitation layer including a polymerized plate. Fur agitation layer  120  is illustrated including a polymerized plate with fur agitation features  122  formed thereupon. Strands of mesh layer  130  are illustrated fitting between the fur agitation features. An optional decorative layer  110  is illustrated located above or exterior to the other two layers. Any number of decorative or ornamental patterns can be used with layer  110 . Movement of fur agitation layer  120  relative to the fur of the animal acts in accordance with the disclosure, promoting rapid shedding of fur. 
         [0035]    The polymerized fur agitation layer  120  can be constructed of any flexible material that can be worn next to an animal&#39;s fur without irritating the animal. In one example, a material similar to known materials used in beach sandals or Crocs style shoes can be utilized. In another embodiment, a closed cell foam known in the art can be used. In another example, a rubber material such as latex can be used. A number of different flexible, non-toxic materials are envisioned for use in fur agitation layer  120 , and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular examples provided herein. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  illustrates the layers of  FIG. 3  in detail, including a mesh layer sized to permit fur agitation features to penetrate through the mesh layer. Fur agitation layer  120  including fur agitation features  122  is illustrated. Mesh layer  130  is illustrated including a grid of strands forming the mesh. Mesh  130  is illustrated including a wide enough pattern that fur agitation features  122  can fit within the gaps in the mesh, such that features  122  can directly interact with the fur of the animal. Such direct interaction can facilitate rapid shedding of fur. Fur agitation features  122  are illustrated as short cylinders. It will be appreciated that the features can be many different shapes. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative to the layers of  FIG. 4 , including a mesh layer sized to prevent fur agitation features from penetrating through the mesh layer. Fur agitation layer  120  including fur agitation features  122  is illustrated. Mesh layer  230  is illustrated including a grid of strands forming the mesh. Mesh  230  is illustrated including a narrow pattern preventing fur agitation features  122  from fitting within the gaps in the mesh, such that features  122  cannot directly interact with the fur of the animal. Movement of layer  120  relative to the mesh layer  130  still creates friction with the fur and facilitates rapid shedding. Such a configuration can facilitate rapid shedding of fur while minimizing potential irritation of the animal.  FIG. 5  is illustrated as a finely spaced grid pattern mesh. However, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of filters and particulate papers or pads can be used as a mesh layer in the place of a grid mesh in accordance with the disclosure. For example, a product known in the art as a Swiffer pad, a fibrous particulate cloth, can be used in place of mesh layer  130 . Similarly, any material used in a vacuum filter, a lint filter, or any generally fibrous filter can be used as a mesh layer in accordance with the disclosure. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of exemplary layers that can be configured within the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer including a plurality of polymerized beads attached to the second mesh layer. Mesh layer  330  is illustrated. Mesh layer  300  is additionally illustrated including strands  310  arranged in a grid pattern. At some or all of the locations where the strands  310  overlap, polymerized beads  320  are formed as fur agitation features. The layers  300  and  330  can be arranged with either layer closer to the animal&#39;s fur. Beads  320  are illustrated as cylinder shapes. Any shapes including spheres and cubes can be used. 
         [0039]      FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of exemplary layers that can be configured within the garment of  FIG. 1 , including a fur agitation layer similar to the layer of  FIG. 6  utilizing bead features located closest to the fur of the animal and a second mesh layer resting above the fur agitation layer. Fur activation layer  710  is illustrated including a mesh with round beads  720  formed on a portion of the intersections of stands of the mesh. A second mesh layer  700  is illustrated resting above the fur activation layer  710 . Mesh layer  700  is embodied in  FIG. 11  as a fibrous material such as a Swiffer particulate pad or a filter material. 
         [0040]    Agitation features formed on polymerized plates, beads, or any other agitation feature form in accordance with the disclosure can take any of a number of shapes and configurations.  FIGS. 7A-7D  illustrate a number of non-limiting examples for fur agitation feature configurations.  FIG. 7A  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a squared flat surface. Feature  410  includes a squared off flat surface  412 .  FIG. 7B  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a bristles extending from the surface of the feature. Feature  420  includes bristle base plate  422  molded within the feature, with bristles  424  extending from a face of feature  420 .  FIG. 7C  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a jagged or roughened surface. Feature  430  includes roughened surface  432  with a number of facets configured to increase gripping between the surface and the fur of the animal.  FIG. 7D  illustrates one profile that exemplary fur agitation features can utilize, including a rounded surface. Feature  440  includes a rounded surface  440 . In one embodiment, features can include a coating including a tacky or semi-sticky material such as latex to increase friction or gripping between the features and fur. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary mesh layer illustrated in isolation from the fur agitation layer. Mesh layer  510  is illustrated. Mesh layer  510  can include one or more zippers, Velcro style closures, snaps, or other seams enabling one to fit the layer over the animal. The layer can fit separately upon the animal as a separate step from fitting a fur agitation layer upon the animal, or the two layers can be sewn or otherwise affixed together as a single garment. 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary fur agitation layer illustrated in isolation from the mesh layer. A fur agitation layer can be situated upon the animal and simply let the natural motion of the animal create relative movement between the fur agitation layer and the fur of the animal. Fur agitation layer  550  is illustrated including layer activating features. Elastic band  560  is attached to the fur agitation layer  550  and is configured to stretched around a rear portion of an animal. Elastic band  570  is attached to fur agitation layer  550  and is configured to somehow attach to a front portion of the animal In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , a leg band  580  is illustrated configured to be fitted around a front leg of the animal. As the animal&#39;s front legs move in relation to the fur agitation layer  550 , tension is created in elastic band  570 , thereby creating a force upon layer  550  and causing it to move relative to the animal. When the animal is walking, such motion can be small, with a slight massaging motion taking place with relative movement of ¼ inch or less. When the animal either sits down on his rear legs or lays down, with all four legs resting on the ground, or the dog stretches, larger motions can take place, moving layer  550  an inch or more. In this way, the fur agitation layer can be activated by movement of the animal. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary fur agitation layer including plates of polymerized material connected by bands facilitating movement of the plates. Fur agitation layer  600  is illustrated and can include a mesh layer, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , either above or below the fur agitation layer  600 . Fur agitation layer  600  includes a plurality of polymerized plates  610  constructed of flexible material and including fur activation features, such as the fur activation layer of  FIG. 4 . The plates  610  are connected by exemplary bands  620  which can be elastic. Movement of the animal  5  causes the plates  610  to move relative to each other, and the bands  620  help movement of any of the plates  610  to create movement in neighboring plates. The plates can be specially fitted for an animal or they can be offered in numbered sizes with a chart showing animal owners what size is likely to fit a particular pet. In one embodiment, constriction bands  630  can be used on one or more of the plates  610  to facilitate comfortable fitting of the plates to the animal and efficacy of the plates in agitating the fur to shed. Other methods of joining the plates can be utilized, for example, sewing sections of Spandex type material between plates, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular examples provide herein. The plates  610  of  FIG. 10  are illustrated covering a substantial majority of the body of the animal. In other embodiments, for example, for use in warmer climates, plates covering 20 or 30% of the body of the animal at a time can be utilized to prevent the animal from overheating. More than one garment could be used sequentially in such a configuration to alternate areas on the animal to assist shedding. The plates can include holes to facilitate cool air to reach the skin of the animal 
         [0044]    The wearable, functional garment shown in the various figures is described for use on domesticated dogs. It will be appreciated that the garment could be made to fit a variety of dog of different sizes, as well as other domesticated animals, such as cats and other domesticated mammals that shed hair. It will be appreciated that more layers could be added to the garment for various purposes. 
         [0045]    The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications of those embodiments. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.