Abstract:
A method of securing an animal to a fixed object with a securing device via a lead line is disclosed, wherein the securing device includes a frame and a retaining member coupled to the frame and is mounted to the object. The method includes inserting a segment of the lead line through the frame, extending the segment of the lead line around the retaining member, and pulling the lead line to bring the lead line into contact with the retaining member to thereby frictionally interlace the lead line with the frame and the retaining member such that a panicked animal can pull a length of lead line through the securing device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/046,958, filed Jan. 14, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,613 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/263,423, filed Jan. 22, 2001, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to a system for securing an animal to a fixed object. More particularly, the invention provides a system configured to frictionally retain a lead line such that an animal may pull a length of the lead line through the system when frightened or startled. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Users of saddle and pack animals, such as horses, donkeys, llamas, camels, etc., sometimes must leave an animal unattended outside of an enclosed environment. To prevent the animal from wandering away, the user may sometimes tie or otherwise secure the animal to a fixed object with a lead line or rope. 
   In places where saddle or pack animals are frequently left unattended, various devices to which the animals may be tied are sometimes provided. One common example of such a device is a hitching post. A hitching post typically includes a horizontal bar to which the animals may be tied, and one or more vertical supports that support the horizontal bar off of the ground. Another common device to which an animal may be tied is a tie ring. A tie ring includes a ring to which a lead line may be tied, and some mechanism (for example, an eyebolt) for securing the ring to a post or other fixed object. 
   While known securing devices are simple to use and construct, they also have various drawbacks. For example, if an animal tied to a hitching post or tie ring pulls on the lead line excessively, the knot securing the horse to the tie ring may pull tight, making it difficult to untie the animal. Also, it may be difficult for beginning riders to learn how to tie the animal to these devices. 
   Furthermore, securing an animal to a fixed object with a knot may present various dangers. For example, if an animal is frightened or startled, the animal may pull back against the knot. If the knot used to tie the animal does not have any give, the animal may feel trapped. This may cause the animal to panic and pull harder against the knot. If the animal continues to panic, it may injure itself, and also may present a danger to anybody that attempts to untie it. This may be an especially dangerous situation if the animal is tied into a transport trailer, due to the confined nature of such trailers. 
   The use of an ordinary tie ring aboard a transport trailer may also present a serious danger when an animal falls down inside of the trailer. If the knot used to tie the animal into the trailer has no give, the animal&#39;s head may be twisted into an unnatural position by the tension of the lead rope when the animal falls. This may cause serious injury to the animal, and may also prevent the animal from getting its head and/or body into a position from which it can right itself. Furthermore, this may cause the animal to panic, and thus to present a danger to itself and anyone who enters the trailer to try to help the animal. 
   Various solutions to these problems have been proposed. For example, one solution involves tying the animal to an elastic device, for example an automobile inner tube, that is fixed to an object such as a wall, a tree, etc. If a panicked animal pulls against the inner tube, the inner tube may stretch, which may prevent the animal from injuring itself. However, because the elastic member exerts a continuous force against the animal when the animal pulls against it, the animal may have the feeling that it is trapped, and may become panicked. Also, the continuous pull may cause the animal to tend to fight against the elastic member. This may tend to reinforce any pull back problems the animal may have. 
   Another known solution involves the use of a quick-release device that releases when an animal pulls against the device with enough force. While quick-release devices allow a panicked animal to free itself, the sudden nature of the release may cause the lead line to snap back toward the animal with enough force to injure the animal. Furthermore, the animal may fall down due to the sudden release of the lead line. Finally, the release of the lead line may leave the animal completely unsecured to any fixed object, and thus free to wander off. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A method of securing an animal to a fixed object with a securing device via a lead line is provided, wherein the securing device includes a frame and a retaining member coupled to the frame and is mounted to the object. The method includes inserting a segment of the lead line through the frame, extending the segment of the lead line around the retaining member, and pulling the lead line to bring the lead line into contact with the retaining member to thereby frictionally interlace the lead line with the frame and the retaining member such that a panicked animal can pull a length of lead line through the securing device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a securing system according to the present invention, with a horse secured to the system. 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the securing system of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the securing system of  FIG. 1 , with a loop of a lead line inserted partially through the securing system. 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the securing system of  FIG. 1 , with a loop of lead line secured in the system. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the securing system of  FIG. 1 , mounted to a picket line. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a second embodiment of a securing system according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of a third embodiment of a securing system according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A first embodiment of a system for securing an animal according to the present invention is shown, generally at  10 , in  FIG. 1 . As depicted, securing system  10  is mounted to a post  12 , and is used to secure a horse  14  to the post with a rope or other lead line  16 . However, it will be appreciated that securing system  10  may be used to secure any desired type of animal, and may be mounted to any other suitable surface or object, such as a tree, a wall, or an inside surface of a trailer, or may be used on a picket line, as described in more detail below. 
   Securing system  10  is configured to frictionally retain a lead line, without any need for a knot to fix the lead line to the securing system. Generally, a securing system according to the present invention includes a plurality of spaced-apart members configured to accept a length of lead line in an interwoven or interlaced fashion. When the lead line is pulled, the friction exerted against the sides of the lead line by the spaced-apart members causes the lead line to resist being pulled through the securing system. 
   The plurality of spaced-apart members may be arranged in any desired manner. For example, the plurality of spaced-apart members may be arranged parallel to one another, in a comb-shaped array. In the depicted embodiment, however, securing system  10  includes a frame  20 , and a retaining member  22  coupled with the frame. The structure of securing system  10  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 . The spaced-apart members correspond to a first side  24  of frame  20 , a second side  26  of the frame, and retaining member  22 . Securing system  10  is configured to have lead line  16  coupled in such a manner that it is woven behind retaining member  22  and in front of first side  24  and second side  26  of frame  20 . Each point of contact of lead line  16  with first and second sides  24 ,  26  of frame  20  and with retaining member  22  contributes to the frictional retention of the lead line by securing system  10 . 
   Ordinarily, securing system  10  exerts a sufficiently strong frictional force on lead line  16  for an animal to perceive that it is tied to object  12 . However, the frictional force may be overcome with a sufficiently strong pull, allowing an animal secured to securing system  10  to pull a length of lead line through the securing system should the need arise. For example, if an animal secured to a securing system  10  inside of a trailer falls down, lead line  16  may be pulled through securing system  10  sufficiently to prevent the animal from hanging itself. Also, the animal may be able to pull a sufficient length of lead line  16  through securing system  10  to get its head and/or body into a position from which it can right itself. 
   Likewise, if a startled or panicked animal pulls against securing system  10 , it may be able to pull a sufficient amount of lead line  16  through the securing system to realize that it is not trapped. This may help calm the animal, and also may allow the animal to pull back sufficiently to assess the situation, further helping to prevent panic. Furthermore, unlike the use of a quick-release mechanism, the animal remains secured to securing system  10  even after pulling a length of lead line  16  through the securing system. It may be possible for a sufficiently panicked animal to pull the entire lead line, typically 8–10 feet long, through securing system  10 . However, a knot may be tied in the end of lead line  16  to prevent the lead line from being pulled free of securing system  10  if desired. 
   Frame  20  may have any suitable shape and construction. In the depicted embodiment, frame  20  has a generally curvilinear shape, and more particularly, a ring shape. The use of a curvilinear frame may be advantageous, as a frame of this shape may not have sharp corners or other snags on which a lead line may become snagged, or on which an animal may injure itself. Additionally, a ring-shaped frame may be combined with an elongate retaining member  22  to form a securing system  10  with an appearance similar to one-half of a snaffle bit, as shown in  FIG. 2 . This appearance may be familiar or pleasing to owners or users of riding and/or pack animals. Frame  20  is typically constructed of a rigid, weather-resistant material, such as stainless steel, but may be constructed of any other suitable material without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
   Likewise, retaining member  22  may have any suitable configuration. Generally, retaining member  22  is configured to retain a loop of lead line  16  that is looped around the retaining member, and to cause friction against the lead line when the lead line is pulled. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , retaining member  22  has an elongate configuration, and is pivotally attached to frame  20  such that it is pivotal between an open position, shown in solid lines at  22 , and a closed position, shown in dashed lines at  22   a . When in the closed position, the free end  28  of the retaining member rests against a top portion  30  of frame  20 . This prevents lead line  16  from becoming accidentally disengaged from securing system  10  by slipping over the top of retaining member  22 . Free end  28  of retaining member  22  may include an expanded portion, such as the ring-shaped portion shown in the depicted embodiment, to further help prevent lead line  16  from slipping over the top of retaining member  22 . 
   Retaining member  22  may have either a straight shape, or may have a bent or curved shape. The use of a bent or curved retaining member  22  may be desirable, as such a shape may be used to force lead line  16  to move toward a desired position along the retaining member when the lead line is pulled. For example, in the depicted embodiment, retaining member  22  has a bent shape that is configured to drive lead line  16  towards the bottom of frame  20 , to where retaining member  22  is coupled with frame  20 , when the lead line is pulled. This may help to prevent lead line  16  from accidentally slipping over the top of retaining member  22 . Furthermore, this may help to drive lead line  16  into the corners  31  formed where retaining member  22  meets frame  20 , and thus may help to increase the friction exerted by securing system  10  on lead line  16 . In this manner, the amount of friction exerted against lead line  16  may be varied by varying the thickness and/or the flexibility of the lead line. The use of a thinner and/or more flexible lead line  16  may result in the exertion of less friction against the lead line, while the use of a thicker and/or less flexible lead line may result in the exertion of more friction against the lead line. 
   In addition to frame  20  and retaining member  22 , securing system  10  also typically has a mounting structure coupled with the frame and the retaining member that is configured to allow securing system  10  to be mounted to a desired object. The mounting structure may have any suitable form that facilitates the mounting of securing system  10  to an object. For example, the mounting structure may take the form of an eyebolt through which frame  20  is threaded. In the depicted embodiment, however, the mounting structure, indicated generally at  32 , takes the form of a mounting ring  34  coupled with frame  20 . Ring  34  is configured to accept the attachment of a coupling device, such as a U-bolt  36 . In turn, U-bolt  36  may then be coupled to another fastener, such as eyebolt  38 , that is fastened to a selected object. If a more permanent attachment of securing system  10  to the object is desired, eyebolt  38  may be attached directly to mounting ring  34 , without the use of U-bolt  36 . However, this may increase the difficulty of moving securing system  10  between different locations. Also, while mounting ring  34  is depicted as having a generally circular shape, it will be appreciated that the mounting ring may have any other suitable shape, such as a polygonal shape, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while mounting ring  34  is depicted as being integral with frame  20 , it will be appreciated that the mounting ring may also be formed as a separate part that is welded, bolted, riveted or otherwise coupled to frame  20 . 
   Securing system  10  offers the advantage over known tie rings and hitching posts that lead line  16  may be coupled to the securing system without the use of any knots. The coupling of lead line  16  to securing system  10  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 3–4 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , a loop  40  of lead line  16  is first inserted through the opening defined by frame  20 . Next, retaining member  22  is moved from the opened position to the closed position and through loop  40  so that the loop extends around the retaining member. Referring next to  FIG. 4 , lead line  16  is secured by pulling loop  40  downwardly against retaining member  22  and sides  24  and  26  of frame  20 . Lead line  16  may be removed from securing system  10  simply by pushing loop  40  back through frame  20  far enough for retaining member  22  to fall free of loop  40 , and then pulling the loop out of the frame. 
     FIG. 5  shows the use of securing system  10  on a picket line  50 . A picket line is a line stretched between two (or more) objects to which animals may be attached. Ordinarily, an animal is attached to a picket line by tying the animal to a steel ring that is tied into the picket line. However, tying the animal to the picket line presents a danger of the animal becoming entangled either in the tie line or the picket line, as well as the danger of a panicked animal feeling trapped. 
   Securing system  10  may be used in the place of an ordinary steel ring on a picket line to allow an animal to be more safely secured to a picket line. As shown in  FIG. 5 , securing system  10  may be attached to picket line  50  simply by pulling a loop  52  of the picket line through frame  20  and then over mounting ring  34 . Once securing system  10  is attached to picket line  50 , a lead line may be attached to the securing system via the methods described above. 
     FIGS. 6–7  show, generally at  100 , a second embodiment of a securing system according to the present invention. Securing system  100  is similar in many respects to securing system  10  of  FIGS. 1–5 . For example, securing system  100  includes a frame  102 , a retaining member  104  and a mounting structure  106 . Frame  102  includes a first side  108  and a second side  110 , which, together with retaining member  104 , form a plurality of spaced-apart members around which a lead line may be interwoven or interlaced to frictionally secure the lead line to the securing system. 
   However, unlike retaining member  22  of securing system  10 , retaining member  104  of securing system  100  is fixed to frame  102 , and does not pivot between open and closed positions with respect to the frame. Instead, to allow a loop of lead line to be extended around the retaining member, retaining member  104  has a free end  112  over which the loop of lead line may be placed. Retaining member  104  is typically long enough to prevent the loop of lead line from accidentally slipping over free end  112  of the retaining member. 
   Retaining member  104  may have any suitable shape. For example, retaining member  104  may have a bent shape, as depicted in  FIGS. 6–7 . The use of a bent shape may be advantageous, as described above, as this shape tends to drive the lead line downwardly toward the bottom of the retaining member when pulled. Alternatively, retaining member  104  may have a straight configuration, and may extend either fully within the space defined by frame  102  or outwardly from this space. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9  show, generally at  200 , a third embodiment of a securing system according to the present invention. Securing system  200  is similar in many respects to securing system  100  of  FIGS. 6–7 . For example, securing system  200  includes a frame  202 , a retaining member  204  and a mounting structure  206 . Additionally, frame  202  includes a first side  208  and a second side  210 , which, together with retaining member  204 , form a plurality of spaced-apart members around which a lead line may be interwoven or interlaced to frictionally secure the lead line to the securing system. Furthermore, retaining member  204  is fixed to frame  202 , and has a free end  212  over which a loop of a lead line may be placed to attach the lead line to securing system  200 . 
   However, unlike frame  102  of securing system  100 , frame  202  of securing system  200  has a polygonal shape, rather than a circular or oval shape. The use of a polygonal frame may offer some advantages over other shapes. For example, if retaining member  204  is coupled with frame  202  at a corner  214  of polygonal frame  202  (as shown in the depicted embodiment), the interior corners  216  where the retaining member meets the frame may be tighter than the corresponding interior corners of a round frame of a similar size, and thus may cause a greater frictional force on a lead line that is pulled into corners  216 . 
   While securing system  200  has a rectangular frame, it will be appreciated that a frame of any other suitable polygonal shape may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while retaining member  204  is shown as being fixed to frame  200 , retaining member  204  may also be pivotally coupled, or otherwise movably coupled, with frame  202  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
   The disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious and directed to one of the inventions. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof; such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether directed to a different invention or to the same invention, and whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.