Patent Publication Number: US-2012024239-A1

Title: Canine Vest

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/400,592 filed on Jul. 30, 2010, and this application claims priority to that application and that application is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a canine ballistic vest and rappel device. Particularly, the present invention relates to a device that is placed on a dog to (1) protect the dog from injury from bullets or shrapnel and (2) to allow the dog to be airlifted by or rappel from a helicopter quickly and effectively. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Ballistic vests are used by law enforcement and military personnel, and others to mitigate the damage done by projectiles impacting the body of the individual wearing the vest. Ballistic vests have been made to be worn by dogs who are trained as law enforcement and military personnel. 
     Dogs who are trained as law enforcement and military personnel often need a secure harness. The harness can be used for restraining the animal or for military purposes, a secure harness can be necessary to airlift a dog out of a dangerous situation quickly, or to rappel a dog into a military situation with other human military personnel. 
     Early canine ballistic vests were merely ballistic panels placed on the dog and strapped on. Due to the movement of the dogs, the vests were not secure and would often move and be ineffective and uncomfortable for the dog. 
     To make the vests more secure, other canine vests are made to surround the entire body of the dog with a vest made of a single unitary member. In these devices, the front legs of the dog are placed in holes in the vest panels. This makes the vests more secure on the dog, however, it creates two other problems. One problem is that the vests with the holes for the legs makes it difficult to put the vest on the dog. It becomes necessary to pull the dog&#39;s leg through the holes which is difficult for the human and uncomfortable for the dog. The other problem with the vests with the holes in the panels is that when the dog gains or loses weight, or the vest is placed on a smaller or larger dog, the leg holes cannot be adjusted for the differing size of the dogs&#39; legs. 
     Still other ballistic vests were made to include a harness both for restraining the dog and for airlifting and rappelling the dog from a helicopter. For a harness to be safe to airlift or rappel a dog, it must be very securely fit on the dog. When Dogs are airlifted off of the ground they feel a loss of gravity and their body begins an instinctive swim motion. The ballistic vests with the harness often only include one or two straps that go around the dog&#39;s back legs. The instinctive swim motion can kick the dog&#39;s legs out of the back leg straps. In addition the one or two straps around the dog&#39;s leg are often tight around the dog&#39;s groin area. This can cause discomfort to the dog during rappelling and airlift operations. 
     Therefore, there remains a need for a securely fit canine ballistic vest that is quick and easy to place on the dog with a harness that is secure enough that the dog&#39;s back legs will not slip out of the harness nor cause extreme discomfort to the dog&#39;s groin area during reppelling. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks and shortcomings of conventional canine ballistic vests. Particularly, the present invention provides a canine ballistic vest that is quick and easy to place on a dog; easy to make fine tune adjustments to all head and arm openings so that it is both comfortable for the dog, securely placed on the dog, and can easily be moved from one size dog to another size dog; and includes a back leg tether on the harness part of the vest that removes the discomfort to the dog&#39;s groin area and to ensure that the back legs of the dog do not slip out of the harness during airlift or rappel. 
     The present invention provides a device that is quick and easy to place on a dog. The device includes three sections a chest section, a back section and a front section. These sections are removably attached by large hook and loop fasteners. The intersections of the three sections form the three holes for the dog&#39;s head and two front legs. Therefore the three sections can be partially removed from each other and easily placed on the dog and then easily reattached to each other around the dog&#39;s front legs and head. There is no need to pull the dog&#39;s legs or head through any tight holes. This is both more comfortable for the dog, and easier for the user, so that there is no struggles between the user and the dog. A secondary connection system is also provided to connect the sections of the vest. The secondary connection system includes straps, which are fixed to the vest. The straps buckle to each other, further securing the vest to the dog quickly and easily. 
     The present invention provides a device that is personally fit to each dog that uses it. The three sections of the device intersect to form the three holes for the dog&#39;s head and two front legs. The large hook and loop fastener allows the user to move the sections together or apart in minute increments, allowing for the perfect fit around the dog&#39;s head, each leg, and the torso. This provides a device that is both comfortable for the dog, and securely fit to the dog, and easily changed from one dog to another. The straps on the vest can also be adjusted easily to further secure the dog firmly and comfortably. 
     Further, the present invention provides a device that includes a harness that includes rear leg straps and a tether to further secure the harness to the dog during airlift and rappel. The harness includes the two rear leg straps that go around each of the dog&#39;s rear legs. Those rear leg straps are attached to a tether. The tether keeps the leg straps tight to the legs of the dog in a position which keeps the dog&#39;s legs from slipping or kicking out while the dog is rappelling or being airlifted. By keeping the leg straps tight to the legs of the dog, this keeps the straps away from groin area of the dog. 
     This invention overcomes the drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art conventional devices. 
     The present invention further provides a device for wearing by an animal. It is preferred that the animal be a dog. The device in an exemplary embodiment is a vest or harness that includes: a back, front and chest portions; and, a first and second connection systems disposed on the back, front and chest portions, wherein the back front and chest portions are removably connected via the first and second connection systems. In other embodiments, the vest includes a ballistic panel, wherein at least one of the back, front and chest portions includes an internal cavity and the ballistic panel is removably disposed in the internal cavity. In yet other embodiments, the devices includes a repelling harness having a leg strap having first and second ends and a tether having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the leg strap is removably attached to the back portion, the second end of the leg strap is removably attached to the front portion, the first end of the tether is removably attached to the back portion and the second end of the tether is slidably attached the leg strap. Further embodiments entailing having a back portion that includes a front edge, a rear edge and a spine section extending from the front edge to the rear edge and wherein the first end of the leg strap is removably attached adjacent the rear edge and the first end of the tether is removably attached adjacent the spine section. Additional embodiments have a canine vest device wherein each of the back, front and chest portions are separately and selectively replaceable with a new replacement portion having a different size than the back, front and chest portions. Further some of the canine vest devices of the present invention include back, front and chest portions that are separately and selectively replaceable with a new replacement portion. Still further, additional embodiments include devices wherein the first connection system includes a plurality of engagement patches with hook and loop fasteners. Other embodiments includes a canine vest device, wherein the second connection system includes a plurality of straps and a buckle having male and female components, wherein the plurality of straps is affixed to one of the back, front and chest portions, and wherein at least one of the plurality of straps is connected to the male component of the buckle and another strap of the plurality of straps is connected to the female component of the buckle. Additional embodiments have a canine vest device wherein the first connection system includes a plurality of fasteners operably configured for rapid connection of the back, front and chest portions and wherein the second connection system includes a plurality of fasteners operably configured to secure the connection of the back, front and chest portions. Still further in other embodiments, a device is provided wherein the back, front and chest portions define a plurality of openings operably configured to fit about various body parts of the animal. 
     Still further, the present invention provides a device for four-legged animals, comprising: a vest having a first, second and third bodies; and, a connection system having a plurality of members, wherein each of the first, second and third bodies is attached to at least one of the plurality of members, and wherein the first, second and third bodies are removably connected to each other with the connection system. In other exemplary embodiments, the device further includes a panel, wherein at least one of the first, second and third bodies includes at least two layers that define an cavity and wherein the panel is removably disposed in the cavity. Additional alternative embodiments include a second connection system having a plurality of second connecting members, wherein each of the first, second and third bodies is attached to at least one of the plurality of second connecting members, and wherein the first, second and third bodies are removably connected to each other with the second connection system. Other alternative embodiments include a device, wherein the plurality of members of the connection system includes hook and loop fasteners operably configured for rapid connection of the first, second and third bodies, and wherein the second connection system includes a plurality of fasteners operably configured to secure the connection of the first, second and third bodies. Still further provided in other embodiments is a device wherein the plurality of second connecting members includes a plurality of straps and buckles. The invention also provides a device wherein each of the first, second and third bodies are separately and selectively replaceable with a new replacement body. Other alternative embodiments further include a repelling harness having a leg strap having first and second ends and a tether having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the leg strap is removably attached to the first body, the second end of the leg strap is removably attached to the second body, the first end of the tether is removably attached to the first body and the second end of the tether is slidably attached the leg strap. Other embodiments include a device the first body includes a front edge, a rear edge and a spine section extending from the front edge to the rear edge and wherein the first end of the leg strap is removably attached adjacent the rear edge and the first end of the tether is removably attached adjacent the spine section. 
     The present invention also provides a device for four-legged animals, comprising: a main body having first, second and third removable sections, wherein the first and second removable sections define a body opening, the first and third removable sections define a neck opening, and the first second and third removable sections define first and second fore leg openings; and, a connection system having a plurality of members, wherein each of the first, second and third bodies is attached to at least one of the plurality of members, and wherein the first, second and third bodies are removably connected to each other with the connection system. In other alternative embodiments, the device further includes a second connection system having a plurality of second connecting members, wherein each of the first, second and third removable sections is attached to at least one of the plurality of second connecting members, wherein the first, second and third removable sections are removably connected to each other with the second connection system, and wherein the second connecting members are a different type of fastener than the connecting members of the connection system. 
     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to this invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various exemplary embodiment of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein; 
         FIG. 1  is a left-rear perspective view of a canine wearing a vest made in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a right-front perspective view of the vest of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left-rear perspective view of the vest of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a right-rear perspective view of a back section of the vest of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a right-rear perspective view of a front section of the vest of  FIG. 1 ; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a left-front perspective view of a chest section of the vest of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  displays an animal  2  wearing a vest  10 , which is an exemplary embodiment of a vest made in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the animal is a dog. It should be appreciated that the vests of the various embodiments of the present invention can be utilized on any four legged animal, provided the components of the vest are sized appropriately, such as for example, a horse. 
     The vest includes three primary sections or portions, a first portion  100 , a second portion  200  and a third portion  300 . The portions,  100 ,  200  and  300  are separate and distinct pieces that are operably configured to be removably affixed to each another during use and operation. These portions can be called components, sections, bodies, or members that make up the devise  10 . In this exemplary embodiment, the first portion  100  is a back portion, the second portion  200  is a front portion, and the third portion  300  is a chest portion. 
     The vest further includes fastener or connection system  400  and fastener or connection system  500 , as seen in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  display perspective views of the vest  10 . The three portions  100 ,  200 , and  300  together define the body of the vest  10 . A plurality of openings are defined by portions  100 ,  200  and  300 . Particularly a neck opening  12  is defined between the first portion  100  and the third portion  300 . A dog&#39;s neck  3  is disposed within the neck opening  12 . A left front leg opening  14  and a right front leg opening  16  is defined between all three portions  100 ,  200  and  300 . A dog&#39;s leg  4  is disposed within the left front leg opening  14  and a dog&#39;s leg  5  is disposed within the right front opening  16 . A hind-end opening is defined between the first portion  100  and the second portion  200 . 
     The device  10  further includes a harness  20  for use with repelling. The harness  20  includes a convention harness strap assembly  22 , a left tether  24  and a right tether  25 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The conventional harness strap assembly  22  is disposed between the dog&#39;s hind legs  6  and  7  and around the dog&#39;s tail  8 . 
       FIG. 3-6  separately display the three portions  100 ,  200  and  300 , respectively. 
     Each of the portions  100 ,  200  and  300  have different shapes but similar configuration. Each portion is preferably made from a durable and flexible material. In this exemplary embodiment, the portions  100 ,  200  and  300  are preferably a nylon material. It is further preferred that the material be made of a 1000 denier nylon material. A nylon material called Cordura (trademark of Invista) is preferred. It should be understood that other materials and deniers can be employed in other embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the first portion  100  is shown. The portion  100  preferably includes a plurality of layers. In this exemplary embodiment, the portion  100  includes an inner layer  102  and an outer layer  104 . The inner and outer layers  102  and  104  are affixed together around a perimeter  106 . It is preferred that the layers be sewn together around the perimeter  106 . The inner and outer layers or walls  103  and  104  define an interior cavity  108 . The first portion  100  preferably includes a first panel  110 . The panel  110  is operably configured to be removably disposed within the cavity  108 . The panel  110  is sized and shaped so as to readily fit within the internal cavity. The panel  110  is preferably made from known or later developed materials to provide ballistic absorption. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, multiple panels are disposed within the cavities of the device. It should be further appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments that the internal cavity is made up of multiple cavities each with separate removable ballistic panels. Further, other types of panels and equipment can be used in other exemplary embodiments other than ballistic panels. For example, stab panels can be utilized for protection against knives and daggers, etc. This type of panel can be employed in a prison environment. Still further, other panels might also include various electronic devices, such as beacons and tracking devices. These other alternative embodiments can also be used in other portions of the vest. 
     The internal cavity  108  is accessible through an access slot  112 . The access slot is disposed along a portion of the perimeter  106 . The access slot  112  provides access for the panel  110  to be inserted into the cavity  108 . The access slot  112  is selectively sealable through a fastener, not shown. The fastener is located on the inner and outer layers  102  and  104 . It is preferred that the fastener is opposing strips of hook and loop fasteners (commercially available as VELCRO, a trademark). Other fasteners are employed in other embodiments, such as but not limited to a zipper. 
     The first section or portion  100  includes two bodies  101  and  103  divided by a center line  114 . The center line  114  is operably configured to generally align with the spine of the dog when the device  10  is in use. A spine reinforcement strap  115  is disposed on the first portion  100 . The spine reinforcement strap  115  is preferably disposed long the center line  114 . The strap  115  is further preferred to dissect the perimeter  106 . The strap  115  is preferably made of nylon. It is preferred that the spine reinforcement strap  115  be made of a two layers of nylon webbing, one layer being a 3 inch nylon webbing and the second layer being a 2 inch nylon webbing. 
     The first portion  100  includes a D-ring  116  affixed along the spine reinforcement strap  115 . The D-Ring  116  is preferably disposed closer to a front portion  118  of the perimeter  106 , than a rear portion  119  of the perimeter  106 . The D-ring is preferably disposed forward of the center of gravity of the dog when the device  10  is in use. The D-ring  116  is preferably for use during rappelling with the dog. The first portion  100  further includes an optional second D-ring  117  affixed along the spine reinforcement strap  115 . The D-ring  117  is similar to the d-ring  116  and is preferably disposed closer to the rear portion  119  of the perimeter  106  than the front portion  118 . The reinforcement strap  115  includes at least one hold-down strap  128 . In this exemplary embodiment, two hold-down straps  128  are disposed along the strap  115 . The hold-down straps  128  are disposed adjacent to the d-rings  116  and  117 . The hold-down straps  128  preferably include hook and loop fasteners such that the straps  128  can secure the d-rings  116  and  117  to the first portion  100  when the rings are not in use to prevent them from flopping around. 
     The perimeter  106  of the first portion  100  defines the overall shape of the portion  100 . The perimeter  106  includes the front portion  118  and the rear portion  119 . The front portion  118  forms a part of the neck opening  12  of the device  10 . The rear portion  119  forms a part of the hind-end opening  18  of the device  10 . Adjacent to the front portion  118  is a right front leg portion  120  and a left front leg portion  122 . The leg portions  120  and  122  form a part of the leg openings  14  and  16 , respectively, of the device  10 . The perimeter  106  preferably further includes side portions  121  and  123  disposed adjacent to the leg portions  120  and  122  respectively. Adjacent to the rear portion  119  of the perimeter  106  is a right rear leg portion  124  and a left rear leg portion  126 , which are disposed on opposite sides of the rear portion  119 . The rear leg portions  124  and  126  and the rear portion  119  form a part of the hind-end opening  18  of the device  10 . 
     The first portion  100  includes a handle  130 . The handle  130  is fixed to the spine reinforcement strap  115 . It is preferred that the handle  130  be disposed aft or rear of the forward D-ring  116 . 
     The first portion  100  further includes harness attachment rings  132  and  133 . The rings  132  and  133  are disposed on opposing sides of the centerline  114 . The rings  132  and  133  are operably configured to engage the harness  20  for use with repelling. 
     The first portion  100  also includes harness tether rings  134  and  135 . The rings  134  and  135  are disposed on opposing sides of the centerline  114 . The rings  134  and  135  are operably configured to engage the right and left tethers  25  and  24 , respectively, of the harness  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the second portion  200  is shown. The portion  200  is configured similar to the first portion  100  described above. The portion  200  includes a plurality of layers. In this exemplary embodiment, the portion  200  includes an inner layer  202  and an outer layer  204 . The inner and outer layers  202  and  204  are affixed together around a perimeter  206 . It is preferred that the layers be sewn together around the perimeter  206 . The inner and outer layers  202  and  204  define an interior cavity  208 . The second portion  200  preferably includes a panel  210 . The panel  210  is operably configured to be removably disposed within the cavity  208 . The panel  210  is sized and shaped so as to readily fit within the internal cavity  208 . The panel  210  is preferably made from known or later developed materials to provide ballistic absorption, such as Kevlar (trademark of DuPont Inc.). It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, multiple panels are disposed within the cavities of the device. It should be further appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments that the internal cavity  208  is made up of multiple cavities each with separate removable ballistic panels. 
     The internal cavity  208  is accessible through an access slot  212 . The access slot is disposed along a portion of the perimeter  206 . The access slot  212  provides access for the panel  210  to be inserted into the cavity  208 . The access slot  212  is selectively sealable through a fastener, not shown. The fastener is located on the inner and outer layers  202  and  204 . It is preferred that the fastener is opposing strips of hook and loop fasteners (commercially available as VELCRO, a trademark). Other fasteners are employed in other embodiments, such as but not limited to a zipper. 
     The second portion  200  includes three bodies, right and left bodies  201  and  203 , and prosternum body  205 . The left and right bodies  201  and  203 , respectively, divided by a center line  214 . The centerline  214  is operably configured to generally align with the sternum and prosternum of the dog  2  when the device  10  is in use. The prosternum body  205  extends from the bodies  201  and  203  along the centerline  214 . A sternum reinforcement strap  215  is disposed on the second portion  200 . The sternum reinforcement strap  215  is preferably disposed along the centerline  214 . The strap  215  is preferably made of nylon and it is preferably 1 inch wide. 
     The perimeter  206  of the second portion  200  defines the overall shape of the portion  200 . The perimeter  206  includes a front portion  218  and a rear portion  219 . The rear portion  219  forms a part of the hind-end opening  18  of the device  10 . Adjacent to the front portion  218  is a right front leg portion  220  and a left front leg portion  222 . The leg portions  220  and  222  form a part of the leg openings  14  and  16 , respectively, of the device  10 . The perimeter  206  preferably further includes side portions  221  and  223  disposed adjacent to the leg portions  220  and  222  respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the third portion  300  is shown. The portion  300  is configured similar to the first portion  100  described above. The portion  300  preferably includes a plurality of layers. In this exemplary embodiment, the portion  300  includes an inner layer  302  and an outer layer  304 . The inner and outer layers  302  and  304  are affixed together around a perimeter  306 . It is preferred that the layers be sewn together around the perimeter  306 . The inner and outer layers or walls  302  and  304  define an interior cavity  308 . The third portion  300  preferably includes a panel  310 . The panel  310  is operably configured to be removably disposed within the cavity  308 . The panel  310  is sized and shaped so as to readily fit within the internal cavity  308 . The panel  310  is preferably made from known or later developed materials to provide ballistic absorption such as Kevlar (trademark of DuPont Inc.). It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, multiple panels are disposed within the cavities of the device. It should be further appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments that the internal cavity is made up of multiple cavities each with separate removable ballistic panels. 
     The internal cavity  308  is accessible through an access slot  312 . The access slot is disposed along a portion of the perimeter  306 . The access slot  312  provides access for the panel  310  to be inserted into the cavity  308 . The access slot  312  is selectively sealable through a fastener, not shown. The fastener is located on the inner and outer layers  302  and  304 . It is preferred that the fastener is opposing strips of hook and loop fasteners (commercially available as VELCRO, a trademark). Other fasteners are employed in other embodiments, such as but not limited to a zipper. 
     The third portion  300  includes three bodies, right and left bodies  301  and  303 , and prosternum body  305 . The left and right bodies  301  and  303 , respectively, are divided by a centerline  314 . The centerline  314  is operably configured to generally align with the sternum and prosternum of the dog  2  when the device  10  is in use. The prosternum body  305  extends from the bodies  301  and  303  along the centerline  314 . 
     The perimeter  306  of the second portion  300  defines the overall shape of the portion  300 . The perimeter  306  includes a front portion  318  and a rear portion  319 . The front portion  318  forms a part of the neck opening  12  of the device  10 . Adjacent to the rear portion  319  is a right front leg portion  320  and a left front leg portion  322 . The leg portions  320  and  322  form a part of the leg openings  14  and  16 , respectively, of the device  10 . The perimeter  306  preferably further includes side portions  321  and  323  disposed adjacent to the leg portions  320  and  322  respectively. 
     It should be appreciated that the ballistic panels for the portions  100 ,  200  and  300  are optional. And further, a panel may be utilized for one portion but not another. The device can be used as a harness when used without the panels. When the ballistic panels are utilized, the device  10  offers a substantial amount of ballistic protection to the dog  2 , as the device  10  covers many vital organs of the dog. 
     The portions  100 ,  200  and  300  when combined together form the overall vest  10 . The vest  10  includes the primary or first fastening system  400 , portions of which are shown in  FIG. 4  and throughout the  FIGS. 1-6 . The vest, in this preferred embodiment, further includes the second fastening system  500 , portions of which are shown in  FIG. 1  and throughout the  FIGS. 1-6 . The fastening system  400  is separate and distinct from the fastening system  500 . Each of the fastening systems  400  and  500  enable the portions  100 ,  200  and  300  to be removably affixed to each other. 
     The fastening system  400  preferably includes a plurality of male and female engageable members that enable a user to rapidly affix one of the portions  100 ,  200  and  300  to another of the portions  100 ,  200  and  300 . Further, the primary fastening system  400  includes the ability to rapidly allow for easy adjustment of the relative positioning between two portions affixed to one another. In this embodiment, the primary fastener system  400  includes a plurality of strips of hook and loop fasteners affixed to areas of each of the portions  100 ,  200  and  300  of the vest  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the fastener system  400  includes fastening members,  410 ,  412 ,  414  and  416  disposed on the first portion  100 . Preferably, the members  410 ,  412 ,  414  and  416  are disposed on the inner layer  102  of the portion  100 . The member  410  is preferably disposed adjacent the side  121  of the periphery  106  on body  101 . The member  412  is preferably disposed adjacent the side  123  of the periphery  106  on body  103 . The member  414  is preferably disposed adjacent the front  118  of the periphery  106  on body  101 . The member  416  is preferably disposed adjacent the front  118  of the periphery  106  on body  103 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the fastener system  400  includes fastening members,  420 ,  422  and  424 , disposed on the second portion  200 . Preferably, the members  420 ,  422  and  424  are disposed on the outer layer  204  of the portion  200 . The fastener system  400  further includes fastener  425 , disposed on the inner layer  202  of the prosternum body  205  of the portion  200 . The member  420  is preferably disposed adjacent the side  221  of the periphery  206  on body  201 . The member  422  is preferably disposed adjacent the side  223  of the periphery  206  on body  203 . The member  424  is preferably disposed adjacent the front  218  of the periphery  206  on prosternum body  205 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , The fastener system  400  includes fastening members,  430 ,  432  and  434 , disposed on the third portion  300 . Preferably, the members  430 ,  432  and  434  are disposed on the outer layer  304  of the portion  300 . The prosternum body  305  of the portion  300  preferably includes a cover flap  436 . The flap is sewn at one end to the portion  300  on the outer layer  304 . An under-side of the cover flap  436  includes a fastener member  437 . The cover flap  436  is operably configured to cover part of the fastener system  500  that extends along the prosternum body  305 . The member  430  is preferably disposed adjacent the side  321  of the periphery  306  on body  301 . The member  432  is preferably disposed adjacent the side  323  of the periphery  306  on body  303 . The member  434  is preferably disposed adjacent the rear  319  of the periphery  306  on prosternum body  305 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the fastener member  410 ,  412 ,  414  and  416  are the hook type members of a hook and look fastener engagement. The fastener members  420 ,  422 ,  424 ,  430 ,  432 , and  434  are the loop type members of a hook and loop fastener engagement. It should be appreciated that these members could be either the hook or the loop type as long as the opposing fastener is the other type. To connect the vest  10  together, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the following fasteners are operably configured to engage one another: member  410  is engagable with member  420 ; member  412  is engagable with member  422 ; member  414  is engagable with member  430 ; member  416  is engagable with member  432 ; member  424  is engagable with member  437 ; and member  425  is engagable with member  434 . 
     Fastener system  400  enables a user to have a vest that can fit a number of different sized dogs. Particularly, the fastener members are engagable along their lengths at an infinite amount of increments, providing substantial flexibility in the sizing of the vest. The sizing of the vest will allow the same vest (i.e. a vest with the same exact portions  100 ,  200  and  300 ) to fit a variety of dogs. Further the system  400  enables a user to rapidly don the vest on a dog. Dogs that are in high intensity situations, (situations that generally require a harness or a ballistic vest), tend to be very excited and to be able to simply press the vest portions  100 ,  200  and  300  together to get them on the dog is invaluable. Further a user could even pre-affix portions of the vest together and leave only one or two of the paired fastener members disengaged and then simply slip the vest over the dog and simply press the remaining paired fastener members together and the user has the vest on the dog in the tense situation in seconds. The vest of the present invention allows the openings in the vest for the dogs body parts to be place around the dog, rather than putting the dogs body parts in holes as other conventional vests require. 
     The second fastener or connection system  500  includes a plurality of straps disposed on the outer layers of the portions  100 ,  200  and  300 . The plurality of straps are preferably made of nylon. Further, the plurality of straps are preferably 1.75 inches wide to meet current repelling safety requirements. In this embodiment, the second fastener system  500  includes a plurality of straps affixed to areas of each of the portions  100 ,  200  and  300  of the vest  10 , with engagable male and female fasteners or buckles being affixed to the straps. The straps are preferably stitched to the vest at various locations. The stitching is preferably a bartac stitch. The buckles are preferably repelling grade buckles, such as Cobra Buckles (trademark) made by Austri Alpin Inc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the fastener system  500  includes straps  510  and  511  disposed on the first portion  100 . The straps are fixed to the portion  100  via stitching at position  518 , preferably near the rear portion  119  of the periphery  106 . The straps  510  and  511  extend along the length of the portion  100  crossing the center line from one body  101  to the other body  103 . Along their lengths, the straps are stitched near their respective mid-points to the portion  100  as well as that the other ends near the front  118  of the periphery  106 . Female engagement members  514  and  517  are disposed along the length of strap  510 . Preferably the member  514  is disposed adjacent the body  101  near the midpoint of strap  510  and the member  517  is disposed on the strap  510  adjacent the front periphery  118  of the body  103 . Female engagement members  516  and  515  are disposed along the length of strap  511 . Preferably the member  516  is disposed adjacent the body  103  near the midpoint of strap  511  and the member  515  is disposed on the strap  511  adjacent the front periphery  118  of the body  101 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the fastener system  500  includes straps  520  and  521  disposed on the outer layer  204  of the portion  200 . The straps  520  and  521  are fixed to the portion  200  via stitching at position  525 , preferably near the rear portion  219  of the periphery  206 . The strap  520  and  521  are preferably fixed to the portion  200  in a substantially perpendicular relationship to one another along the plane of the portion  200 . The strap  520  extends from the body  203  across the centerline  214  to the body  203 . The strap  521  is disposed on the portion  200  substantially along the centerline  214 . The strap  521  is stitched at point  525 , at the end of strap  521 , which is preferred to be located at the midpoint of the strap  520 . An opposing end  524  of strap  521  extends beyond the front periphery  218  of the portion  200 . Male engagement members  522  and  523  are disposed at opposing ends of strap  520 . Strap  520  is adjustable along its length through adjustment members  525  and  526 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the fastener system  500  includes a strap  530  disposed on the outer layer  304  of the portion  300 . The strap  530  is fixed to the portion  300  via stitching at position  535 , preferably near the front portion  318  of the periphery  306 . The strap  530  extends from the body  301  across the centerline  314  to the body  303 . The strap  530  is stitched at point  535 , which is preferred to be the midpoint of the strap  530 . Male engagement members  531  and  532  are disposed at opposing ends of strap  530 . Strap  530  is adjustable along its length through adjustment members  533  and  534 . Engagement member  536  is disposed on the prosternum body  305  of the portion  300 . 
     It should be appreciated that although reference to the above fastener member include particular male and female connectors, the other respective connector may be utilized if the corresponding pairing connector is also reversed. To connect the vest  10  together, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the following engagement members are operably configured to engage one another: member  514  is engagable with member  523 ; member  516  is engagable with member  522 ; member  515  is engagable with member  531 ; member  517  is engagable with member  532 ; and member  536  is engagable with the end  524  of strap  521 . 
     The fastening systems of the present invention allow for the user to arrange the portions and replace the portions to accomplish a continuous spectrum of sizes so that nearly every dog can be fitted with the vest. Further, with having separate components (portions  100 ,  200  and  300 ), which are selectively held together by fastening systems  400  and/or  500 , different components can be replaced without having to replace the entire vest. This replacement ease provides an enormous economic benefit to the purchaser of the vest. Further, this replacement ease enables even greater size adjustment for a particular dog. Moreover, with the finite adjustment of the vest through the arrangements discussed above, the opening for the legs of the dogs are capable to be fitted appropriately to allow for the maximum range of motion for the dogs limbs and neck. With the maximum range of physical motion being allowed by the vest  10 , the vest  10  does not restrict the movement of the dog and thereby allowing the dog to do its job. Even further, having the ballistic panels of the respective portions  100 ,  200  and  300  being disposed within an interior cavity when they are employed, provides greater comfort to the dog, rather than having the panels in direct contact with the dog. The inner layers of the respective portions  100 ,  200  and  300  can be made of a material that is comfortable to the dog. Further, in the overlap areas of the portion  100 ,  200  and  300 , more protection for the dog is provided than the non-overlap areas. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 &amp; 4  again, the harness  20  includes harness straps  22  and the tethers  24  and  25 . The harness straps  22  are removably attached to portion  200  on the rear portion  219  and more preferably adjacent the centerline  214 . The harness straps are disposed between the hind legs  6  and  7  of the dog  2  and around the tail  8  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The harness straps  22  are slidably attached to each other where they cross each other just above the dog&#39;s tail  8 . The harness straps  22  are removably attached to the rings  132  and  133  of the portion  100 . It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments the harness straps may include only a single strap. 
     The tethers  24  and  25  are slidably engaged at one end with the harness  20  and removably attached at an opposing end to one of the tether rings  134  and  135  of the portion  100 . The tethers  24  and  25  prevent the hind legs  6  and  7  of the dog  2  from kicking out of the harness  20  during rappelling operations. The tethers  24  and  25  also pull the harness straps  22  away from the groin area of the dog avoiding unnecessary discomfort to the dog during rappelling and airlifting operations. The harness  20  in other exemplary embodiments is stored in a pocket sewn into the portion  200  and when the user needs the harness, it is readily accessible. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes and combinations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.