Patent Publication Number: US-2018042203-A1

Title: System and methods for managing animal behavior

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to a simplified system and methods for managing the behavior of an animal. More particularly, preferred embodiments include an apparatus used to manage an animal&#39;s behavior by limiting movement of the animal&#39;s lower jaw preventing the animal from biting and barking. Advantageously, certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus may be formed from at least one pattern configured to fit more comfortably on the animal&#39;s head and not limit the animal&#39;s ability to smell, see, or hear. Other preferred embodiments may be made from a material or materials and configured to permit the apparatus to be used once or for a limited number of times. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The heads of some animals—such as dogs, cats, and horses—have similar anatomical features. They include a snout, nose, two eye orbitals, two eyes, and an occipital bone. The snout is often the dominant portion of the animal&#39;s head and includes the nose at the front end. The snout includes the maxilla and the mandible. The mandible is hingedly attached to the animal&#39;s head and is located underneath the maxilla. For the purposes of this invention, the mandible will be termed also a lower jaw. The two eye orbitals are located near the snout and to each side of the animal&#39;s head. The two eye orbitals house two forward facing eyes. At the back of the animal&#39;s head is an occipital bone which may protrude from the animal&#39;s head. The animal&#39;s head is generally attached to and supported by a neck. 
     At times, an owner may wish to take steps to manage an animal&#39;s behavior such as when the animal may show aggression towards humans or other animals, and/or display other undesirable behavior. In certain situations—such as while providing veterinary services, grooming services, or while walking the animal in a populated area—it may be beneficial for the service provider to prevent an animal&#39;s ability to bite or bark. One way to prevent the animal&#39;s ability to bite or bark is to limit movement of the animal&#39;s lower jaw. 
     A muzzle is one device that may be used to limit movement of the animal&#39;s lower jaw. Conventionally, a muzzle is sized and shaped so that it may be placed on and around the animal&#39;s snout limiting movement of the lower jaw. Many conventional muzzles may be configured to fit an animal&#39;s head having a certain size. Some conventional muzzles are sized and shaped so that portions of the muzzle are in the animal&#39;s line of sight thereby limiting the animal&#39;s vision. Other muzzles are sized and shaped so that portions of the muzzle partially cover the animal&#39;s nose thereby limiting the animal&#39;s ability to smell. Still other muzzles are sized and shaped so that portions partially cover the animal&#39;s ears thereby hindering the animal&#39;s ability to hear. Occasionally, muzzles are sized and shaped so that a portion protrudes near the animal&#39;s neck thereby possibly hindering the animal&#39;s ability to breathe. 
     Conventional muzzles are often formed from components made from hard and/or rigid material such as plastic and/or metal. While such muzzles made from hard and/or rigid material may have stronger structural integrity and make the muzzles resistant to damage such as by wear and tear, such muzzles often are not adjustable so that they can fit on animals having different sized and shaped heads. A muzzle of the wrong size may cause discomfort for the animal. Also, such muzzles may be more costly and owners may, as a result, use the muzzles for extended periods of time and on multiple animals raising the possibility that the muzzles may be dirty and a source of bacteria or viruses. 
     Some conventional muzzles are made from more flexible materials such as leather and/or fabric. A muzzle made from such materials may be more comfortable to wear than a muzzle made from hard and/or rigid material, yet may not be easily adjustable to fit a wide range of animals. 
     Conventional muzzles may be formed from a complex configuration of multiple parts. Such configurations may be more costly to manufacture, collect unwanted material such as dirt and parasites, and, if the configuration includes multiple straps and buckles, then the muzzle may be more difficult to quickly secure on an animal and/or remove from the animal. 
     There is a need for a simplified system and methods for managing an animal&#39;s behavior by limiting the movement of its lower jaw. The present invention satisfies this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a simplified system and methods for managing an animal&#39;s behavior. 
     In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the system utilizes an apparatus formed from at least one pattern shaped from a single piece of material. The material may be smooth, flexible, and durable. In certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus, the pattern size and shape is defined by an anterior edge, a posterior edge, a first connecting edge, and a second connecting edge. The first connecting edge and the second connecting edge are sized and shaped and positioned relative to the other components of the apparatus such that the first connecting edge and second connecting edge can be joined near or to each other to form a configured pattern that may fit comfortably on the snout of an animal. The apparatus may include an exterior surface that is preferably smooth and an interior surface that may be shaped to permit the apparatus to fit ergonomically on the animal&#39;s snout. Preferably, the apparatus is sized and shaped such that when it is positioned on to the animal&#39;s snout, the anterior edge is adjacent to but not covering the animal&#39;s nose and the posterior edge is adjacent to but not covering or blocking the sight of the animal or constricting the animal&#39;s neck. The apparatus may be releasably secured to the animal by certain configurations of the apparatus or through use of one or more fastening elements. Overall, certain preferred embodiments of the system may include an apparatus having a low profile, that is one in which the exterior surface of the apparatus is not raised such that, when the apparatus is positioned onto the animal&#39;s snout, the animal&#39;s line of sight is not hindered. 
     In other certain preferred embodiments, the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge may be sized and shaped so that they may be joinable at a seam that is not raised generally above the exterior surface and/or interior surface. Such preferred embodiments, in which the seam is not raised relative to the exterior surface, may advantageously lessen the likelihood that an animal may remove the apparatus, for example, by scratching the muzzle. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatus may include a first pattern attached to a second pattern to form a combined pattern. In some embodiments, the first pattern may be shaped from a single piece of material that is the same or similar to the material from which the second pattern is shaped. For example, both the first pattern and the second pattern may be made from velvet or a velvet-like material that has one soft side and an opposing side that is not as soft. A combined pattern may be formed by attaching the not as soft sides of both patterns to each other so that the combined pattern has two soft sides. 
     In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more support components for reinforcing the apparatus such as by providing additional layers of material. The one or more support components may be made of the same material as the pattern or may be made of one or more different materials joinable to the one or more patterns. In certain preferred embodiments, the one or more pattern may include extended portions that may be folded or otherwise configured to form such support components. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more fastening elements for securing the apparatus on an animal&#39;s head without covering the animal&#39;s ears so that the animal&#39;s ability to hear is not hindered. The one or more fastening elements may include one or more straps which may be attached to each other and/or the apparatus. Certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus include simplified straps that may permit the apparatus to be secured to an animal by tying. In some embodiments, the one or more fastening elements may be sized, shaped, and configured to adjust to the head of an animal such as by a ratchet-action clamp. In other embodiments, the one or more fastening elements may include one or more securing components such as a buckle. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, the pattern may be shaped from material that may be inexpensive yet durable and, given the low cost, permit the apparatus to be used once or a limited number of times. Such embodiments of the apparatus may be used by service providers who need to muzzle an animal while, for example, medical care is rendered to the animal, the animal is being groomed, or the animal is being moved quickly through an area with many people or other animals such as an airport, train station, or shopping mall. Such “disposable” embodiments of the apparatus may have a first connecting edge that may be attachable near or to the second connecting edge to permit the apparatus to be adjusted in size and shape so that it may be fitted and secured onto a wide range of animals. After use, the apparatus may be removed and disposed. By facilitating the removal and disposal of the apparatus, dirt, bacteria, and/or viruses from a first animal is not transferred to a second animal or subsequent animals thereby preventing the contamination of the other animals that is possible from the reuse of conventional muzzles. 
     One objective of the present invention is to provide a simplified system and methods for managing an animal&#39;s behavior. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a simplified system including an apparatus formed from at least one pattern which may be easily configured to place over the snout of an animal for limiting movement of the animal&#39;s lower jaw without limiting the animal&#39;s sight, hearing, or smell. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a simplified apparatus made from material that may be durable yet inexpensive and permit the apparatus to be used once or a limited number of times. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus may be of a simple form thereby facilitating the quick use of the apparatus. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that certain preferred embodiments of the apparatus may be comfortably worn on the head of an animal. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that preferred embodiments of the apparatus may be worn by an animal without limiting the animal&#39;s sense of sight, hearing, or smell. 
     While this disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a pattern of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a combined pattern; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the pattern shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as the one shown in  FIG. 1B  (but non-exploded); 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a certain preferred embodiment of an apparatus formed from a pattern according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a preferred embodiment of an apparatus including a pattern, such as the pattern illustrated in  FIG. 1A , with a first connecting edge positioned in proximity to a second connecting edge; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus including a combined pattern in a configuration similar to that of the  FIG. 1B  illustrated embodiment and with a first connecting edge positioned in proximity to a second connecting edge; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus in which a first connecting edge is joined to a second connecting edge to form a generally non-raised seam; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a certain preferred embodiment of the apparatus having a simplified form and in which the first connecting edge is attached to the surface of the snout portion adjacent to a second connecting edge; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus such as that one shown in  FIG. 5A  including a simplified attachment securement area and protective element by which the first connecting edge may be attached adjacent to the second connecting edge; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus including a configured pattern, such as the configured pattern illustrated in  FIG. 4 , with support components, fastening elements, and securing components; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus including a collar component for permitting the apparatus to be attached to an animal&#39;s collar; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus including a stabilizing component for stabilizing the apparatus permitting the apparatus to be stably secured to an animal&#39;s head; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus secured on the head of an animal; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a pattern, such as the pattern shown in  FIG. 1A , including a compression component; and 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a pattern, such as the pattern shown in  FIG. 1A , including a first compression component and a second compression component. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to a simplified system  21  and methods for managing an animal&#39;s behavior. 
     The system  21  may include an apparatus  31  formed from at least one pattern  41  that may be configurable in size and shape such that the apparatus  31  may be to fitted over portions of an animal&#39;s head. 
     In the  FIG. 1A  illustrated embodiment, the pattern  41  comprises a single piece of material. In the  FIG. 1A  illustrated embodiment, an anterior edge  51 , posterior edge  61 , first connecting edge  71 , and a second connecting edge  81  define the size and shape of the pattern  41  and the snout portion  91  of pattern  41 . In the  FIG. 1A  illustrated embodiment, a first fastening element  101  and a second fastening element  111  extend from the snout portion  91 . The apparatus  31  may be formed by attaching the first connecting edge  71  to the second connecting edge  81  to form a seam  131 , an interior surface  141 , and an exterior surface  151 . The apparatus  31  may be placed on an animal&#39;s head so that the anterior edge  51 , posterior edge  61 , exterior surface  151 , and interior surface  141  surround the animal&#39;s snout and the anterior edge  51  is adjacent but not covering the animal&#39;s nose—thereby not hindering the animal&#39;s ability to breathe. 
     In the  FIG. 1A  illustrated embodiment, the apparatus  31  includes a posterior edge  61  that is contoured so that a configured pattern  121  fits more comfortably on an animal&#39;s head. In the  FIG. 1A  illustrated embodiment, the posterior edge  61  is contoured so that the apparatus is spaced away from the animal&#39;s eyes to avoid hindering the animal&#39;s sight. In some embodiments, the posterior edge  61  is contoured so that the apparatus is spaced from the animal&#39;s neck and does not constrict the animal&#39;s throat and hinder breathing. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatus  31  formed from the pattern  41  illustrated in  FIG. 1A  may be secured on the animal by attaching the first fastening element  101  to the second fastening element  111 . In some preferred embodiments, the first fastening element  101  may be securable to the second fastening element  111  by tying the first fastening element  101  to the second fastening element  111 . 
     In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus  31  may be formed from a pattern  41  shaped from a single piece of material which is durable, flexible, and smooth. The apparatus  31  formed from a pattern  41  shaped from a single piece of material which is durable may resist wear and tear. The apparatus  31  formed from a pattern  41  shaped from a single piece of material which is flexible may permit the apparatus  31  to fit more easily onto the surface contours of the animal&#39;s head. In certain preferred embodiments, types of material which are durable, flexible, and smooth may be neoprene, velvet nylon, polyester, polyethylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a pattern  41 , such as from  FIG. 1A , may be shaped from light weight, durable, and inexpensive material so that an apparatus  31  may be used for a single or limited use. The apparatus  31  may be formed by attaching a first connecting edge  71  and/or second connecting edge  81  to the snout portion  91 , such as by adhesive or Velcro®, permitting the apparatus  31  to be sizable to fit on an animal&#39;s head having a certain size and shape. Embodiments of the present invention which are shaped from inexpensive material may be disposed of after use on a particular animal for more sanitary management of the animal&#39;s behavior.  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , discussed below in greater detail, illustrate such a preferred embodiment. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatus  31  includes a combined pattern  161  formed by attaching at least a first pattern  171  to a second pattern  181 . The combined pattern  161  may have a combined pattern first connecting edge  191  which may be attached to a combined pattern second connecting edge  201  to form a configured pattern  121  with an exterior surface  151 , interior surface  141 , and seam  131 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an exploded view of a combined pattern  161  showing portions of the first pattern  171  and the second pattern  181 . The first pattern  171  may be attached to the second pattern  181  by sewing, adhesive, rivets, zipper, buttons, clamp, Velcro®, and/or any other means of connecting. Attaching the first pattern  171  to the second pattern  181  provides a first combined pattern surface  211  which is smooth and a second combined pattern surface  221  which is smooth. 
     In certain preferred embodiments, a combined pattern  161  may be formed by connecting a first pattern  171  of a certain size and shape to a second pattern  181  having the same size and shape. In some embodiments, a first pattern anterior edge  51  may be connected to a second pattern anterior edge  51 A to form a combined pattern anterior edge  251 . A first pattern posterior edge  61  may be attached to a second pattern posterior edge  61 A to form a combined pattern posterior edge  281 . A first pattern first connecting edge  71  may be attached to a second pattern first connecting edge  71 A to form a combined pattern first connecting edge  191 . A first pattern second connecting edge  81  may be attached to a second pattern second connecting edge  81 A to form a combined pattern second connecting edge  201 . In some embodiments, a first pattern first fastening element  101  may be attached to a second pattern first fastening element  101 A to form a combined pattern first fastening element  351 . In some embodiments, a first pattern second fastening element  111  may be attached to a second pattern second fastening element  111 A to form a combined pattern second fastening element  381 . 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates the side view of a pattern  41 , such as shown in  FIG. 1A , having a first face surface  55  and an opposing second face surface  56 . Depending on the configuration of the pattern  41 , the first face surface  55  may provide a smooth interior surface  141  and the second face surface  56  may provide a smooth exterior surface  151 . In other embodiments, the first face surface  55  may provide a smooth exterior surface  151  and the second face surface  56  may provide a smooth interior surface  141 . In the  FIG. 1C  illustrated embodiment, the first face surface  55  and the second face surface  56  are smooth. 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates the side view of a combined pattern  161 , such as shown in  FIG. 1B , having a first combined pattern surface  211  and a second combined pattern surface  221 . Depending on the configuration of the combined pattern  161 , the first combined pattern surface  211  may provide a smooth interior surface  141  and the second combined pattern surface  221  may provide a smooth exterior surface  151 . In other embodiments, the first combined pattern surface  211  may provide a smooth exterior surface  151  and the second combined pattern surface  221  may provide a smooth interior surface  141 . In the  FIG. 1D  illustrated embodiment, the first combined pattern surface  211  and the second combined pattern surface  221  are smooth. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a certain preferred embodiment of an apparatus  31  formed from a pattern  41 . The  FIG. 2  illustrated embodiment of the apparatus  31  includes an anterior edge  51 , posterior edge  61 , first connecting edge  71 , and a second connecting edge  81  that define the size and shape of a snout portion  91 . The  FIG. 2  illustrated embodiment of the snout portion  91  includes perforations  52  that may provide ventilation. The  FIG. 2  illustrated embodiment includes a first fastening element  101  and a second fastening element  111 , each of which extends from the posterior edge  61  of the snout portion  91 . The first fastening element  101  may be the same length as the second fastening element  111 . In some preferred embodiments, a simplified embodiment of the apparatus, such as shown in  FIG. 2 , may be formed by attaching an additional pattern or patterns to the illustrated pattern  41  to form a combined pattern  161 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a certain preferred embodiment of an apparatus  31  formed from a pattern  41 , such as the pattern shown in  FIG. 1A , having a first connecting edge  71  that may be placed in proximity to a second connecting edge  81 . The first connecting edge  71  may be attached to the second connecting edge  81  by sewing, rivets, adhesive, zipper, buttons, clamp, Velcro®, and/or any other known means for fastening. Attaching the first connecting edge  71  to the second connecting edge  81  to form a configured pattern  121  provides an exterior surface  151 , an interior surface  141 , and a single seam  131  (not shown in  FIG. 3A ). 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a certain preferred embodiment of an apparatus  31  formed from a combined pattern  161  similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1B . The combined pattern  161  may be configurable in the same way as the  FIG. 3A  illustrated embodiment. In the  FIG. 3B  illustrated embodiment, a combined pattern first connecting edge  191  may be placed in proximity to a combined pattern second connecting edge  201 . The combined pattern first connecting edge  191  may be attached to the combined pattern second connecting edge  201  such as by sewing, rivets, adhesive, zipper, buttons, clamp, Velcro®, and/or any other known means for fastening. Attaching the combined pattern first connecting edge  191  to the combined pattern second connecting edge  201  to form a configured pattern  121  may provide an exterior surface  151 , an interior surface  141 , and a single seam  131  (not shown in  FIG. 3B ). 
     In some embodiments, the material of the first pattern  171  and/or the material of the second pattern  181  may be selected to provide certain properties to the apparatus  31 . For example, a combined pattern  161  formed by connecting a first pattern  171  shaped from velvet and a second pattern  181  shaped from velvet may be configured so that an interior surface  141  is soft and an exterior surface  151  is soft. In some embodiments, the interior surface  141  may have different properties than the exterior surface  151 . For example, a combined pattern  161  formed by connecting a first pattern  171  made from neoprene and a second pattern  181  made from velvet may be configured so that an interior surface  141  is soft and an exterior surface  151  is water resistant. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a certain preferred embodiment of an apparatus  31  including a configured pattern  121  having a seam  131  formed by attaching a first connecting edge  71  to a second connecting edge  81 .  FIG. 4  shows the apparatus  31  rotated so that seam  131  (which in certain embodiments is positioned below the animal&#39;s mandible) is viewable. In the  FIG. 4  illustrated embodiment, the seam  131  is continuous along the first connecting edge  71  and the second connecting edge  81 . The  FIG. 4  illustrated preferred embodiment is formed from one pattern  41 , but other preferred embodiments may be formed from a combined pattern  161 . 
     In certain preferred embodiments, such as the  FIG. 4  illustrated embodiment, first connecting edge  71  and second connecting edge  81  may be configured to be joined to form a seam  131  which is smooth. The seam  131  which is smooth illustrated in  FIG. 4  is even with and does not protrude above the exterior surface  151  and/or interior surface  141  of the configured pattern  121 . Advantageously, an apparatus  31  having such a seam  131  may make it less likely that an animal may place its nails or claws in the seam  131  and damage or remove the apparatus  31 . 
       FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate another preferred embodiment of an apparatus  31 . The apparatus  31  shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  may be formed from one or more flexible and durable materials that may also be inexpensive. Such choice of material may permit the apparatus  31  to be disposed after a single or a limited number of uses. The apparatus  31  may be formed from a pattern  41  shaped from a single sheet of material by securing a first portion  94  of a first face surface  55  adjacent to a first connecting edge  71  to a second portion  96  of a second face surface  56  adjacent to a second connecting edge  81 . Among the elements that may be used to accomplish this securement, an adhesive strip or Velcro® may be used. Given the material&#39;s preferred flexibility, the apparatus  31  illustrated in  FIG. 5A  is sizable so that the size and shape of the apparatus  31  may be adjusted to fit a variety of animals. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a certain preferred embodiment of an apparatus  31  including a securement area  95  and a protective element  97  to provide for selective formation of the apparatus  31 . The securement area  95  may be comprised of material which may facilitate attachment of a first portion  94  of the apparatus  31  to a second portion  96  such as by adhesive. In  FIG. 5B , the securement area  95  is located adjacent to the first connecting edge  71  on the exterior surface  151 . The protective element  97  may be comprised of a material which resists the attachment of the first portion  94  of the apparatus  31  to the second portion  96  and the protective element  97  may overlap the securement area  95 . A user may selectively form the apparatus  31  by removing the protective element  97  and attaching the securement area  95  to a portion of the apparatus  31 . By moving the first portion  94  relative to the second portion  96 , the apparatus  31  may be adjusted in size and shape to fit a variety of animals. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a preferred embodiment of an apparatus  31  with a support component  391  for reinforcing the apparatus. In the  FIG. 6  illustrated embodiment, the support component  391  is joined to the exterior surface  151  of the apparatus  31  as an extra layer of a flexible and resilient material such as leather, vinyl, neoprene, velvet, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, and/or polytetrafluoroethylene. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the support component  391  is joined to the apparatus  31  at the anterior edge  51 , posterior edge  61 , first connecting edge  71 , second connecting edge  81 , first fastening element  101 , second fastening element  111 , and snout portion  91  providing additional layers of the material so that the apparatus  31  may be more resistant to wear and tear. In some preferred embodiments, one or more support components may be joined to the interior surface  141  and/or exterior surface  151 . In some embodiments, one or more surface of the support component  391  may be reflective. 
     In some preferred embodiments, an apparatus  31  having one or more support components  391  may be formed from the single piece of material from which a pattern  41  is shaped. The anterior edge  51 , posterior edge,  61 , first connecting edge  71 , and/or second connecting edge  81  of the pattern  41  may be extended thereby permitting one or more support components  391  to be formed by folding and attaching the anterior edge  51 , posterior edge,  61 , first connecting edge  71 , and/or second connecting edge  81  to the interior surface  141  and/or exterior surface  151  such as by sewing, rivets, adhesive, zipper, buttons, clamp, Velcro®. The one or more support components  391  provide for additional layers of material so that the apparatus  31  may be more resistant to wear and tear. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system  21  including an apparatus  31  with a configured pattern  121  including a collar component  501  for securing the apparatus  31  to an animal&#39;s collar (not shown). In the  FIG. 7  illustrated embodiment, the collar component  501  includes an apparatus loop  521  and collar loop  511  configured to permit the collar component  501 , and thereby the apparatus  31 , to be secured to the collar of the animal. The collar component  501  may be formed of flexible material so that a user map wrap the apparatus loop  521  around a portion of the apparatus  31 , for example, the second fastening element  111 , and attach the apparatus loop  521  to the collar component  501  such as by a snap. The collar loop  511  may be wrapped around a portion of the animal&#39;s collar and attached to the collar component  501  such as by a snap. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system  21  including an apparatus  31  including a stabilizing component  521  sized and shaped to fit over the animal&#39;s head and stabilize the movement of the apparatus  31 . In the  FIG. 8  illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing component  551  that includes a snout loop  531  and a fastening element loop  541 . The stabilizing component  551  may be formed from flexible material so that a user may wrap the snout loop  531  around the posterior edge  61  of the apparatus  31  and attach the snout loop  531  to the stabilizing component  521  such as by a snap. The fastening element loop  541  may be wrapped around the second fastening element  111  and attached to the stabilizing component  551  such as by a snap. The stabilizing component  551  may be sized and shaped  121  so that the stabilizing component  551  is between an animal&#39;s eye orbitals and extends over the top of the animal&#39;s head without obstructing the animal&#39;s sight or hearing. 
       FIG. 8  also includes an adjustment component  402  for adjusting the size and fit of the apparatus  31 . In  FIG. 8 , the adjustment component  402  is a slide adjuster sized and shaped so a second fastening element  111  may be threaded through the adjustment component  402 . The adjustment component may be slideable over the second fastening element  111  for adjusting the size and fit of the apparatus  31 . 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention including an apparatus  31  secured on an animal&#39;s head. The apparatus  31  illustrated in  FIG. 9A  is formed from a pattern  41  shaped from a single piece of material. A size and shape of the pattern  41  is defined by an anterior edge  51 , posterior edge  61 , first connecting edge  71 , and second connecting edge  81 . In the  FIG. 9A  illustrated embodiment, a configured pattern  121  is formed by attaching a first connecting edge  71  to a second connecting  81  edge at a single seam  131 . The configured pattern  121  is shown fitted on the head of an animal so that the anterior edge  51  is near but spaced from the animal&#39;s nose, the posterior edge  61  is adjacent to but spaced from the animal&#39;s eyes and neck, and an interior surface  141  is surrounding and in contact with at least a portion of the animal&#39;s snout. The posterior edge  61  illustrated in  FIG. 9A  is contoured so that it is on the animal&#39;s snout near the animal&#39;s eyes without covering the animal&#39;s eyes. The exterior surface  151  is smooth providing the apparatus  31  with a low profile so that it does not impair the animal&#39;s vision. 
     In the  FIG. 9A  illustrated embodiment, the apparatus  31  includes a first fastening element  101 , a second fastening element  111 , and a securing component  401 . In  FIG. 9A , the first fastening element  101  extends from the posterior edge  61  on the left and towards the back of the animal&#39;s head, and the second fastening element  111  extends from the posterior edge  61  on the right and wrapping around the occipital bone of the animal&#39;s head. The first fastening element  101  is attached to the second fastening element  111  of the left side of the animal&#39;s head by a securing component  401 . Neither the first fastening  101  element nor the second fasting element  111  covers the animal&#39;s ears. The securing component  401  illustrated in  FIG. 9A  is a buckle which may facilitate more easily securing and/or removing the apparatus  31  on the animal&#39;s head. In alternative embodiments, the pattern  41  may include a first fastening element  101  which may attach to the exterior surface  151  of the configured pattern  121 . 
     The  FIG. 9A  illustrated embodiment includes an apparatus  31  sized and shaped to have a generally lose fit on the animal&#39;s head. In  FIG. 9A  the apparatus  31  is generally loose near the anterior edge  51  so that a space forms between the animal&#39;s lower jaw and the interior surface  141  of the apparatus. The generally loose fit permits movement of a limited range of the animal&#39;s lower jaw so that the animal may pant. In other preferred embodiments, an apparatus may be made of material which is elastic to permit the animal to have movement of its lower jaw of a limited range so that the animal may pant. In other preferred embodiments, the apparatus  31  shown in  FIG. 9A  may include one or more compression components which may facilitate similar limited movement of the animal&#39;s lower jaw. 
     The  FIG. 9B  illustrated embodiment is a front view of a pattern  41 , such as shown in  FIG. 1A , used to form an apparatus  31 , such as shown in  FIG. 9A , including a single compression component  601  attached to the interior surface  141 . The single compression component  601  may be made of a compressible material such as a gel or foam. The single compression component  601  may be located on the second face surface  56  of the pattern  41  and be sized and shaped to contact an animal&#39;s snout adjacent to the maxilla when the configured pattern  121  is formed. The single compression component  601  may deform if the animal opens its lower jaw and reform if the animal closes its lower jaw. 
     The  FIG. 9C  illustrated embodiment is a front view of a pattern  41 , such as shown in  FIG. 1A , used to form an apparatus  31 , such as shown in  FIG. 9A , including a first compression component  611  and a second compression component  621  attached to the interior surface  141 . The first compression component  611  and second compression component  621  may be made of a compressible material such as a gel or foam. The first compression component  611  and the second compression component  621  may be located on the second face surface  56  of the pattern  41  sized and shaped to contact the animal&#39;s lower jaw when the configured pattern  121  is formed. The first compression component  611  and second compression component  621  may deform if the animal opens its lower jaw and reform if the animal closes its lower jaw permitting the animal to pant. 
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.