Patent Publication Number: US-2016242386-A1

Title: Restraint system for an animal

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the present invention relates to a restraint system for an animal, particularly a restraint system which may be employed within a wash basin and used while an animal is washed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pet groomers and pet owners alike generally recognize the benefits of periodic baths for their animals, particularly for dogs, although other animals may also benefit from periodic washing. Regardless of whether a pet is washed by a professional groomer or at home, the pet is typically placed in a wash basin, a sink, a bath tub, or a similar structure (collectively referred to herein as a “wash basin”) for washing. Washing a pet can lead to discomfort and anxiety for the pet, and a pet which is experiencing discomfort or anxiety places the groomer or pet owner at a higher risk of being bitten. At the same time, a pet experiencing discomfort or anxiety during a wash also places the pet at an increased risk of injury, and the risk of injury is only increased if the pet is restrained improperly within the wash basin. 
     In order to reduce the incidents of pets biting while they are being washed, specially designed wash basins have been developed in which a pet may be restrained within the wash basin. A problem with such wash basins is that they are designed as wash basins with a restraint system “bolted” on as an afterthought—and so the restraint system may be less than ideal. Moreover, because such wash basins require the user, whether a pet groomer or a pet owner, to invest in a whole new wash basin in order to gain the benefit of having the restraint system, many choose not to incur the costs of such an investment. 
     As a result, many pet groomers and pet owners have turned to after market restraint systems, to be used in conjunction with already-owned wash basins, in order to gain the recognized benefits of a pet restraint while washing the pet. Such after market restraint systems come in all types. One example of such a restraint system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,433. This restraint system includes a washing stand which fits into the bottom of a sink, so that the pet can stand on the washing stand, and a tether rises up from the washing stand to go around the pet&#39;s neck. Another example of a restraint system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,814. This restraint system discloses multiple tethers that attach to a pet&#39;s collar, each tether affixes to a suction cup, and the suction cups secure the tethers to the sides of the wash basin. Other versions of restraint systems that employ one or more tethers affixed to suction cups are also known. Yet another example of a restraint system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,625. This restraint system discloses a container having a lid with holes in it, with the pet being placed on the lid for washing, and a restraining bar is attached to the container, the restraining bar extending above the pet&#39;s head so that a restraining loop may secure the pet from overhead. Each of these after market restraint systems has shortcomings insofar as facilitating the washing environment for the pet and restraining the pet so as to minimize the discomfort and anxiety of the animal and increase safety of the groomer or pet owner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed toward a restraint system for an animal. The restraint system may be advantageously used in a wash basin for when an animal is being washed. Advantageously, the restraint system may enable a groomer or pet owner to cross tie various sizes of animals while keeping the paws of a restrained animal out of pooling water in a wash basin. 
     In a first separate aspect of the present invention, a restraint system for an animal includes: a bottom frame; a perforated support surface affixed atop the bottom frame; a first riser arm affixed to a first side of the bottom frame; a second riser arm affixed to a second side of the bottom frame, the first side being opposite the second side; a cross arm coupled between the first riser arm and the second riser arm, the first and second riser arms supporting the cross arm above the perforated support surface; a first upper coupler affixed to the cross arm; a first side coupler affixed to one of the first riser arm and the second riser arm; and a first restraining loop configured to be placed around a neck of a first animal and to cross tie between the first upper coupler and the first side coupler. 
     In a second separate aspect of the present invention, a restraint system for an animal includes: a bottom frame; a perforated support surface affixed atop the bottom frame, the perforated support surface comprising a first surface section and a second surface section, wherein the first surface section is disposed in a first plane and the second surface section is disposed in a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are parallel and not coplanar; a first riser arm affixed to a first side of the bottom frame; a second riser arm affixed to a second side of the bottom frame, the first side being opposite the second side; a cross arm coupled between the first riser arm and the second riser arm, the first and second riser arms supporting the cross arm above the perforated support surface; a first upper coupler affixed to the cross arm; a first side coupler affixed to one of the first riser arm and the second riser arm; and a first restraining loop configured to be placed around a neck of a first animal and to cross tie between the first upper coupler and the first side coupler. 
     In a third separate aspect of the present invention, a restraint system for an animal includes: a bottom frame; a perforated support surface affixed atop the bottom frame; a first riser arm affixed to a first side of the bottom frame; a second riser arm affixed to a second side of the bottom frame, the first side being opposite the second side; a cross arm coupled between the first riser arm and the second riser arm, the first and second riser arms supporting the cross arm above the perforated support surface; a first upper coupler affixed to the cross arm; a second upper coupler affixed to the cross arm; a first side coupler affixed to one of the first riser arm and the second riser arm, wherein the first side coupler is slidably coupled to the one of the first riser arm and the second riser arm, and the first side coupler is configured to be secured in a fixed position on the respective first or second riser arm; a second side coupler affixed to the other of the first riser arm and the second riser arm, wherein the second side coupler is slidably coupled to the other of the first riser arm and the second riser arm, and the second side coupler is configured to be secured in a fixed position on the respective first or second riser arm; and a first restraining loop configured to be placed around a neck of a first animal and to cross tie between the first upper coupler and the first side coupler. 
     Accordingly, an improved animal restraint is disclosed. Advantages of the improvements will be apparent from the drawings and the description of the preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first restraint system for an animal; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the first restraint system with the perforated support surface removed to show the bottom frame  15 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the restraint system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an arm clamp body; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top plan view of the arm clamp body of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a sectional view of the arm clamp body along the line IIIC-IIIC of  FIG. 4B ; 
         FIG. 4D  is a sectional view of the arm clamp body along the line IIID-IIID of  FIG. 4B ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a third restraint system for an animal. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning in detail to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates restraint system  11  for an animal. This restraint system  11  is one that is particularly well suited for use within a wash basin to wash an animal, although it may also be used free standing or on other support surfaces. A perforated support surface  13  is affixed atop a bottom frame  15 . A first riser arm  17  is affixed to and extends upward from a first side of the bottom frame  15 , and a second riser arm  19  is affixed to and extends upward from a second side of the bottom frame  15 , with the first and second sides being opposite each other. In order to maximize free space for an animal when the restraint system  11  is placed within a wash basin, the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  are positioned in approximately the center the respective first and second sides of the bottom frame  15 . Of course, alternative placements for the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  may also be used. In addition, the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  need not be symmetrically placed. A cross arm  21  is coupled between the first riser arm  17  and the second riser arm  19 . The cross arm  21  includes two upper couplers  23  which serve as upper connection points for the restraining loops  25 . Each of the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  include side couplers  27  which serve as side connection points so that the restraining loops  25  may be cross tied between the upper couplers  23  and the respective side couplers  27 . 
     The bottom frame  15  is constructed to provide a support base for the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  and a platform for the perforated support surface  13 . As such, the bottom frame is rigidly constructed. To provide additional support to the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19 , buttresses  28  may be included between each of the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  and the bottom frame  15 . In certain embodiments, additional struts may be added to the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  to provide additional stability, particularly when the restraint system  11  is used within a wash basin. For example, struts may be added to the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  that extend toward extending per 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the bottom frame  15  is formed of a longitudinal beam  29  secured at one end to the first riser arm  17  and at the other end to the second riser arm  19 . A plurality of transverse ribs  31  are secured to the longitudinal beam  29  so that the bottom frame forms a base to which the perforated support surface  13  is secured. In embodiments of the restraint system  11  intended to be used in a wash basin, the longitudinal beam  29  and the transverse ribs  31  should be made out of a material that will not be corroded or rusted by water or the chemicals used for washing an animal. By way of example, both the longitudinal beam  29  and the transverse ribs  31  may be constructed from stainless steel square tubing that is welded in the desired configuration to support the perforated support surface  13 . 
     In certain embodiments, additional struts may be added to the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  to provide additional stability, particularly when the restraint system  11  is used within a wash basin. For example, struts may be added to the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal beam. Such a strut may be long enough to contact a rear wall of a wash basin to provide additional stability, if such is needed or desired. 
     The bottom portion of the bottom frame  15  includes a plurality of flow regions  33  for the flowing of a liquid under the top of the support surface  13 . In the restraint system  11  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bottom surface of the perforated support surface  13  is separated from the top surface of the bottom frame  15  by spacers (not shown) to create a gap between the bottom surface of the perforated support surface  13  and the top surface of the bottom frame  15 . This gap enables liquid to flow between the various adjacent flow regions  33 . Enabling liquid to flow between the flow regions is especially important when the restraint system  11  is placed within a wash basin, so that the liquid can flow to the drain without the animal standing in the liquid, which can potentially contain chemicals, such as shampoos or flea and/or tick treatments, that may negatively impact the animal by prolonged contact with the paws. In alternative configurations, the bottom frame  15  itself may be configured with curved portions, feet, risers, and the like to create the one or more flow channels. In configurations in which feet or risers are included, such feet or risers may be made of a material that will provide scratch and/or surface protection for when the restraint system is used in a wash basin. 
     The perforated support surface  13  is also constructed out of a material that will not be corroded or rusted by water or the chemicals used for washing an animal. Optionally, the perforated support surface  13  may be constructed from an alternative core material, one which at least provide sufficient strength to support an animal, with the core material having an exterior coating that is resistant to corrosion or rust and protects the core material from corrosion or rust. The perforated support surface  13  provides a sufficiently stable surface on which an animal may stand, yet has perforations that are sufficiently numerous and sized to allow a liquid and small dirt, debris, and fur to pass as an animal is washed. 
     Both the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  extend upward from the bottom frame  15  to support the cross arm  21 . The combination of the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  and the cross arm  21  may be constructed from any number of segments, and all may be constructed from a tubular material, such as a stainless steel tube. As shown, the cross arm  21  is in a fixed position relative to the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19 , however in alternative embodiments, the cross arm  21  may be movably affixed to the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  so that the height of the cross arm  21  above the perforated support surface  13  is adjustable. Each of the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  has a side coupler  27  affixed thereto. The side couplers  27  are shown as arm clamps, as such arm clamps are height adjustable on the respective first and second riser arms  17 ,  19 . One embodiment of such arm clamps is described in greater detail below. Other types of side couplers  27  may be used, such as eye bolts, hooks, swivel clasps, and the like. Both of the side couplers  27  need not be the same type of coupler. By using an arm clamp as a side coupler  27  on one or both of the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19 , the side coupler  27  is then slidably coupled to and may be secured in a fixed position on the respective one of the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19 . 
     The upper couplers  23  are shown as eyebolts extending downward from the cross arm  21 . Other types of upper couplers  23  may be used, such as arm clamps, hooks, swivel clasps, and the like. Both of the upper couplers  23  need not be the same type of coupler. By using one or more arm clamps as upper couplers  23  on the cross arm  21 , the upper coupler  23  is then slidably coupled to and may be secured in a fixed position on the cross arm  21 , thereby providing for greater versatility of use with animals of differing sizes. 
     In some configurations, the side coupler  27  and upper coupler  23  on one side of the restraint system  11  may be omitted. As shown in  FIG. 3 , when both the first and second riser arms  17 ,  19  include side couplers  27  and the cross arm  21  includes two upper couplers  23 , the restraint system  11  may be used to safely secure two dogs simultaneously, thereby enabling both to be groomed and/or washed at the same time. Alternatively, the restraint system  11  may advantageously be used within a wash basin so that a groomer or pet owner may easily groom and/or wash one side of the animal while the animal is cross tied toward the first riser arm  17 , and then groom and/or wash the other side of the animal while the animal is cross tied toward the second riser arm  19 . 
     One embodiment of the restraining loop  25  that may be advantageously used with the restraint system  11  is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,685 and in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,496, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the restraining loop  25  is placed around the neck of an animal, without placing pressure on the throat, so that the animal may be cross tied using the restraint system  11  as described herein. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that the restraining loop  25  may take many different forms and still be useable as part of the restraint system  11 . 
     One embodiment of an arm clamp  61  that may be used as part of a restraint system is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-D . The arm clamp  61  includes a clamp body  63 , a tether  65 , a tether clamp  67 , and a tether connector  69 . Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the clamp body  63  includes two outward-extending arms  71 , which are spaced apart from one another, and a tether anchor  73  coupled between the two arms  71 . A tether guide  75  is formed as an aperture bordered on each of three sides respectively by the two arms  71  and the tether anchor  73 . The tether guide  75  may be bordered on the fourth side by a portion of the clamp body  63  or by the securing arm to which the clamp body  63  is affixed. 
     The tether  65  includes a first tether end  77  coupled to the tether anchor  73  and a second tether end  79  which extends through the tether guide  75 . The middle portion  81  of the tether  65  forms a tether loop  83  having a first loop side  85  extending from the first tether end  77  and a second loop side  87  extending from the second tether end  79  through the tether guide  75 . The second tether end  79  includes a stopper  89 , which may be a knot formed at the second tether end  79  or a metal or plastic end cap attached to the second tether end  79 . The stopper  89  has at least one cross-sectional dimension that is larger than a cross-sectional dimension of the aperture forming the tether guide  75  so that the second tether end  79  does not pass through the tether guide  75 . The stopper  89  may also be shaped so that as it is drawn between the two outward-extending arms  71 , the stopper  89  is forced to rotate by the two outward-extending arms  71  so that the cross-sectional dimension of the stopper  89  that is larger is aligned with a smaller cross-sectional dimension of the aperture forming the tether guide  75 , thereby preventing the stopper  89  from passing through the aperture. With such a configuration, the second tether end  79  remains in position for the user to pull when desired. The tether  65  may be made of a material such as nylon webbing, polyester webbing, cotton webbing, cloth, or any other desired material appropriate for a particular usage. 
     The tether clamp  67  is slidably disposed over the first and second loop sides  85 ,  87 , dividing the tether loop  83  into a primary tether loop  93  and a secondary tether loop  95 , with the tether clamp  67  maintaining the size of the primary tether loop  93 . The tether connector  69  is slidably coupled to the primary tether loop  93  for coupling the tether  65  to one of the connectors of the restraining loop  25 . 
     The relative positions of the tether anchor  73  and the tether guide  75  maintain substantial alignment between the first loop side  85  and the second loop side  87  when the loop  83  is tensioned, and the enlarged stopper at the second tether end  79  helps ensure that this substantial alignment configuration is maintained during use of the arm clamp  61 . The loop  83  is tensioned when at least one of the first or second loop sides  85 ,  87  is tensioned, and generally only the first loop side  85  will be tensioned when an animal is placed within the restraining loop  25 . By having substantial alignment between the first loop side  85  and the second loop side  87  when the loop  83  is tensioned, a groomer or pet owner may pull on and tension the second tether end  79 , drawing the second loop side  87  over the first tether end  77  and the tether anchor  73 , so that the size of the primary tether loop  93  is decreased. Closure of the tether clamp  67  will maintain the reduced size of the primary tether loop  93 , thereby better securing the animal for washing or grooming by increasing tension in the restraining loop  25 . 
     The clamp body  63  forms an arm aperture  99  which is configured in size and shape to receive one of the securing arms. A threaded rod  101  threadably engages a threaded through hole  103  in the clamp body  63  to enable the clamp body to be secured in place on a securing arm. A handle  105  is affixed to the end of the threaded rod  101  so that the threaded rod  101  may be rotated by hand. In certain embodiments, the clamp body  63  may be configured to extend only partially around a securing arm, while still effectively forming an arm aperture and having a threaded rod engaging the clamp body to secure the clamp body  63  to a securing arm. 
     A second embodiment of a restraint system  121  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . A perforated support surface  123  is affixed to a bottom frame  125  to create one side of the restraint system  121  with a lower level support surface  123   a  and the other side with an upper level support surface  123   b . A first riser arm  127  is affixed to and extends upward from a first side of the bottom frame  125 , and a second riser arm  129  is affixed to and extends upward from a second side of the bottom frame  125 , with the first and second sides being opposite each other. In order to maximize free space for an animal when the restraint system  121  is placed within a wash basin, the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  are positioned in approximately the center the respective first and second sides of the bottom frame  125 . Of course, alternative placements for the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  may also be used. In addition, the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  need not be symmetrically placed. A cross arm  131  is coupled between the first riser arm  127  and the second riser arm  129 . The cross arm  131  includes two upper couplers  133  which serve as upper connection points for the restraining loops  135 . Each of the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  include side couplers  137  which serve as side connection points for purposes of cross-tying the restraining loops  135 . 
     The bottom frame  125  is constructed to provide a support base for the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  and a mutli-level platform for the perforated support surface  123 . As such, the bottom frame is rigidly constructed. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the bottom frame  125  is formed as a box frame  139  with short riser legs  141  supporting the box frame  139 . The box frame  139  provides multiple support levels to which the perforated support surface  123  to create the lower level support surface  123   a  and the upper level support surface  123   b . Additional structure may be added to the box frame  139  to create additional support levels. The riser legs  141  serve to elevate the bottom of the box frame  139  sufficiently to effectively create a single flow channel under the restraint system  121 . This enables liquid to flow freely underneath the box frame  139 , which is especially important when the restraint system  121  is placed within a wash basin, so that the liquid can flow to the drain without the animal standing in the liquid. Alternatively, the box frame  139  may be constructed to have flow channels without inclusion of the riser legs  141 . 
     Both the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  extend upward from the bottom frame  125  to support the cross arm  131 . The combination of the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  and the cross arm  131  may be constructed from any number of segments, and all may be constructed from a tubular material, such as a stainless steel tube. As shown, the cross arm  131  is in a fixed position relative to the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129 , however in alternative embodiments, the cross arm  131  may be movably affixed to the first and second riser arms  127 ,  129  so that the height of the cross arm  131  above the perforated support surface  123  is adjustable. 
     The side couplers  137  are shown as arm clamps, as such arm clamps are height adjustable on the respective first and second riser arms  127 ,  129 . One embodiment of such arm clamps is described in greater detail below. Other types of side couplers  137  may be used, such as eye bolts, hooks, swivel clasps, and the like. Both of the side couplers  137  need not be the same type of coupler. 
     The upper couplers  133  are shown as arm clamps extending downward from the cross arm  131 . Other types of upper couplers  133  may be used, such as eye bolts, hooks, swivel clasps, and the like. Both of the upper couplers  133  need not be the same type of coupler. 
     In some configurations, the side coupler  137  and upper coupler  133  on one side of the restraint system  121  may be omitted. The same types of restraining loops may be used with the restraint system  121  as shown with the restraint system  11  of  FIG. 1 . 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.