Patent Abstract:
An apparatus for a weave trainer for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave trainer includes a rail with a set of adjustable poles. Attached to the rail are telescoping legs extending away from the centerline of the rail. The legs are grooved for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In one such embodiment, the legs are removable. In another embodiment, the angle of the projection is adjustable such that the engaged poles are movable to selected angles from vertical. In another embodiment, two rails are connected by a hinge that allows the two rails to fold.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/886,329, filed Jan. 24, 2007. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains to a weave trainer for demonstration of animal agility. More particularly, in various embodiments, the weave trainer includes a set of adjustable poles that are movable away from the centerline of the rail with adjacent poles moving on opposite sides of the rail centerline, a pivot mechanism that allows for angular adjustment of the poles, legs for the rail that are removable from the rail, and/or a connector that joins two rails to make a longer trainer. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Agility is the fastest growing dog sport in the USA. Numerous dog club events are sanctioned by such entities as the American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC), the United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA) and several other active organizations. Agility is also popular in many other parts of the world, especially Europe, where it was founded. In densely populated parts of the USA, exhibitors have a choice of agility trials within driving distance on virtually every weekend. Each trial averages several hundred dogs. There are numerous training facilities in every major metropolitan area. Regional, national and international competitions continue to spark an interest in the sport, and televised events are becoming more and more common. 
     Of all the obstacles required for successful dog agility competition, the most difficult to train and perform correctly is the weave poles. Even at the novice level, courses in most organizations contain a set of uniformly-spaced PVC poles (usually six), while more advanced levels mandate longer sets (usually twelve). The dog must enter the obstacle by passing between the first two poles from the right to the left, the next from left to right, and so on, continuing the alternating sequence for the full length of the set. 
     Equipment specifications are unique to each agility organization, and these specifications change from time to time. Many commonalities currently exist, and it is possible to manufacture a set that is suitable for regulation use by more than one organization. Some manufacturers offer a product choice that addresses these differences (e.g., spacing between poles) in order to support more rigorously the requirements of each organization. 
     A variety of different approaches to training weave poles has evolved since the sport first came to the USA in the 1980s. Some of these training approaches have led to modified designs for equipment that is practical for training, but not suitable for competition. Many manufacturers therefore offer two basic types of products: those for training weave pole skills and those that meet competition specifications. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to various embodiments of the present invention, a weave trainer is provided. In one embodiment, the weave trainer includes a rail with a set of independently adjustable poles. In one embodiment, the rail is a flat, rectangular elongated member. In another embodiment, the rail is made from channel stock. The top of the rail has a non-skid surface. Attached to the rail are alternating legs extending away from the centerline of the rail. The odd numbered legs are positioned on one side of the rail and the even numbered legs are positioned on the opposite side of the rail. 
     The legs are grooved for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a projection that engages a weave pole that extends normal to the flat surface of the rail. The sliders slide along the legs, thereby allowing the selection of specific distances from the rail centerline to the pole. In one embodiment, the distal end of the slider has a downward projecting edge that has a bottom surface that is co-planar with the bottom surface of the rail. 
     With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. When the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline, the apparatus satisfies regulation equipment specifications for all major agility organizations. The slider is slideable along the leg to position the projection and pole away from the rail centerline. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the leg has one or more markings, or indicia, that allow the position of the slider along the leg to be known. In one embodiment, an opening in the slider is aligned with an opening in the leg when the slider fully engages the leg. The aligned openings receive a plug for covering the openings or a spike for securing the weave trainer to the ground. 
     In one embodiment, the vertical angle of the weave poles are adjustable by a pivot mechanism attached to the slider. The pivot mechanism allows the poles to be positioned at various angles through at least a 180 degree range where the external environment permits. Where the selected angle causes the weave pole to be in a vertical position, the configuration conforms to regulation equipment specifications for all major agility organizations. The pivot mechanism has an axle and a collar. The collar rotates about the axle. The position of the collar is fixed by tightening a stud through the collar against the axle. The stud is attached to a dowel on which a weave pole is secured. The rotation of the collar changes the angle of the weave pole. In one embodiment, the housing of the pivot mechanism has one or more markings, or indicia, that allow the angle of the pole with respect to the slider to be known. In other embodiments, the pivot mechanism is attached to the rail or the legs. 
     In one embodiment, the legs are attached to the rail at a joint that is separable. The separable joint does not require additional hardware or tooling to install or remove the legs. The legs have a ledge and a groove at the proximal end. When the rail is a channel with a base surface and two side surfaces, the rail has a window through a portion of the base surface and a side surface. The window receives the ledge under the base surface and the groove fits over the side wall such that the legs are secured. 
     In one embodiment, a hinge is attached to the one end of a rail. The hinge is also attached to one end of another rail. The hinge allows the two rails to fold together. Where the hinge connects rails made from channel stock, the folded rails form a cavity that permits storage of the removable legs. 
     A method of training an animal with the weave trainer is disclosed. The first step is to have the animal travel along the centerline of the rail when the sliders are positioned with the poles away from the centerline of the rail. The animal repeatedly travels along the centerline of the rail with the sliders positioned progressively inward to the retracted position, which moves the poles progressively closer to the centerline of the rail. The last training step is to have the animal follow a weaving path with the poles positioned over the rail centerline as oriented when demonstrating agility according to the regulations of all major agility organizations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a weave trainer; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer with the poles positioned such that a path is defined along the rail centerline; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer with the poles positioned such that a slightly weaving path is defined along the rail centerline; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer with the poles positioned above the rail centerline; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a leg and a slider; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bottom of one embodiment of a slider; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a leg; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg and slider; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the bottom of another embodiment of a slider; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a slider; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the bottom of the slider shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a pivot mechanism; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded front view of the pivot mechanism shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of another embodiment of a weave trainer; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a weave trainer; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a joint between a rail and a leg; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of the rail shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view of the leg shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a connector between the rails of two weave trainers; 
         FIG. 22  is another partial perspective view of the connector shown in  FIG. 21  in a folded configuration; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a connector between the rails of two weave trainers; 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the connector shown in  FIG. 23 ; and 
         FIG. 25  is a partial side perspective view of another embodiment of a connector between the rails of two weave trainers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An apparatus and method for weave training an animal is disclosed. Agility is a fast growing dog sport. One event for a dog agility competition is passage through a set of weave poles. This event requires the dog to follow a weaving path between a set of spaced parallel poles. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a weave trainer  100 . The weave trainer  100  includes a rail  102  that is an elongated, flat member. The top surface  112  of the rail  102  has a slip-resistant treatment, such as an etched surface or a non-skid paint or layer. 
     Extending from the rail  102  are legs  104  that alternate between opposite sides of the rail  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg  104 -L extends from the left side of the rail  102  and the second leg  104 -R extends from the right side of the rail  102 . The other legs  104  alternate in a like manner along the length of the rail  102 . 
     Coupled to each leg  104  is a slider  106  that has a weave pole  108  extending upward from the proximal end  116  of the slider  106 , which is nearest the centerline, or longitudinal axis,  110  of the rail  102 . The sliders  106  slideably engage the legs  104  such that the distance of the poles  108  from the longitudinal axis  110  is adjustable. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer  100 -A with the poles  108  positioned such that a path  204 -A is defined parallel to and above the rail centerline  110 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an animal  202 -A with its body aligned along the rail centerline  110  of the weave trainer  100  as the animal  202 -A travels the path  204 -A. In the illustrated configuration of the weave trainer  100 -A, the sliders  106  carrying the poles  108  have been adjusted by sliding the sliders  106  along the legs  104  away from the rail centerline  110  such that the poles  108  are spaced away from the rail centerline  110  with a gap sufficient for the animal  202 -A to pass along the rail centerline  110  without weaving. 
       FIG. 2  also illustrates an early step in the training method where the animal  202 -A travels the path  204 -A that follows the rail centerline  110  between the poles  108 , which have been moved away from the centerline  110 . In this step, the animal  202 -A repeatedly traverses the weave trainer  100 -A along the rail centerline  110 . The animal  202 -A becomes familiar with the weave trainer  100  and with moving between the poles  108  on alternating sides of the rail  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer  100 -B with the poles  108  positioned such that a slightly weaving path  204 -B is defined along the rail centerline  110 . The animal  202 -B has its body slightly offset from being parallel with the rail centerline  110  as the animal  202 -B travels the path  204 -B. In the illustrated configuration of the weave trainer  100 -B, the sliders  106  carrying the poles  108  have been adjusted by sliding the sliders  106  along the legs  104  away from the rail centerline  110  such that the poles  108  are spaced away from the rail centerline  110  with a gap sufficient for the animal  202 -B to pass along the rail centerline  110  with a slight weaving. 
       FIG. 3  also illustrates a step in the training method following the step illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In this step, the animal  202 -B travels the slightly weaving path  204 -B between the poles  108 , which have been moved slightly toward the rail centerline  110  relative to the configuration of the weave trainer  100 -A illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In this step, the animal  202 -B repeatedly traverses the weave trainer  100 -B and the animal  202 -B becomes familiar with following a slightly weaving path  204 -B between the poles  108  on alternating sides of the rail  102 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer  100 -C with the poles  108  positioned above the rail centerline  110 . The position of the poles  108  defines a weaving path  204 -C along the rail centerline  110 . The animal  202 -C has its body significantly offset from being parallel with the rail centerline  110  as the animal  202 -C travels the path  204 -C. In the illustrated configuration of the weave trainer  100 -C, the sliders  106  carrying the poles  108  have been adjusted by sliding the sliders  106  such that the poles  108  are above the rail centerline  110 . 
       FIG. 4  also illustrates a step at the end of one embodiment on the training method. In this step the animal  202 -C travels the weaving path  204 -C around the poles  108  on the rail centerline  110 . In this step, the animal  202 -C travels the weaving path  204 -C between the poles  108 , which have been moved toward the rail centerline  110  from the configuration of the weave trainer  100 -B illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this step, the animal  202 -C repeatedly traverses the weave trainer  100 -C and the animal  202 -C becomes familiar with traversing the weaving path  204 -C between the poles  108 . 
       FIGS. 2-4  illustrate the progression of steps in the training method, with the steps progressively training the animal  202  to traverse the weave trainer  100 . The method of training includes the steps of having the animal  202 -A follow a centerline path  204 -A, followed by a step of having the animal  202 -B follow a slightly weaving path  204 -B, and followed by another step of having the animal  202 -C traverse a weaving path  204 -C. The position of the sliders  106  and the poles  108  for the middle step progressively moves from the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2  to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 4  as the animal  202  becomes familiar and comfortable with weaving between the poles  108 . That is, the animal  202  repeated traverses a path  204  that progressively changes from a straight path  204 -A to a weaving path  204 -C. 
     Further, the rail  102  provides a visual cue to the animal  202 . For the step illustrated in  FIG. 2  where the animal  202 -A travels a straight path  204 -A, the rail provides a clear path for the animal  202 -A to follow. For the steps where the animal  202 -B,  202 -C follows a weaving path  204 -B,  204 -C, the rail  102  provides indication of the general direction that the animal  202 -B,  202 -C is to travel. The constant presence of the rail  102  promotes learning the footwork required to traverse the weave trainer  100 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a leg  104 -A 1  and a slider  106 -A.  FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of one embodiment of a slider  106 -A.  FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a leg  104 -A 1 . 
     The illustrated embodiment of the slider  106 -A includes a peg  502  extending upwards from the proximal end  116  of the slider  106 -A. The peg  502  is a cylindrical member. The weave pole  108  is a hollow tube, such as a section of PVC pipe, that slides over and engages the peg  502 . The proximal end  116  of the slider  106 -A is contoured to minimize the surface of the slider  106 -A that is exposed when the pole  108  is placed over the peg  502 . By minimizing the exposure of the slider  106 -A at the proximal end  116 , there is less likelihood that the animal  202  will step on or otherwise be affected by the slider  106 -A. 
     At the distal end of the slider  106 -A is a stake hole  504  and an end plate  506 . The stake hole  504  is dimensioned and configured to receive a stake to secure the slider  106 -A to the ground in a fixed position relative to the rail  102 . The end plate  506  extends below the tongue  602 -A of the slider  106 -A a distance such that the bottom of the end plate  506  is coplanar with the bottom surface of the rail  102 . The end plate  506  supports the distal end of the slider  106 -A when the slider  106 -A is extended away from the rail centerline  110 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The leg  104 -A 1  is attached to the side of the rail  102  and extends away from the rail  102  perpendicular to the rail centerline  110 . In various embodiments, the leg  104 -A 1  is permanently attached to the rail  102  or removably attached. The thickness of the leg  104 -A 1  is the same as the thickness of the rail  102 ; therefore, the bottom of the leg  104 -C is coplanar with the bottom of the rail  102 . The leg  104 -A 1  has a flat upper surface with markings  508  parallel with the rail centerline  110 . The markings  508  are indicia of the distance the slider  106 -A is extended away from the rail centerline  110 . For example, when the proximal ends  116  of the sliders  106 -A are all aligned with the same corresponding mark  508 , the indication is that all the sliders  106 -A are extended an equal distance and the poles  108  on each side of the rail  102  are coplanar. In various embodiments, the marks  508  are etched, engraved, or painted on the surface of the leg  104 -A 1  or are formed of strips of material affixed to the top of the leg  104 -A 1 . 
     The distal end of the leg  104 -A 1  includes an opening  704  that registers with the stake hole  504  in the slider  106 -A when the slider  106 -A fully engages the leg  104 -A 1 , that is, when the pole  108  is aligned with the rail centerline  110 . When the opening  704  and the stake hole  504  are aligned, a stake fits into the pair of holes  504 ,  704 . Also, when the slider  106 -A is extended such that the stake hole  504  is past the end of the leg  104 -A 1 , the stake clears the leg  104 -A 1  when inserted through the stake hole  504 . 
     On each side of the leg  104 -A 1  is a slot  702  that engages the tongue  602 -A of the slider  106 -A. Above each slot  702  in the leg  104 -A 1  is a lip  706  that engages a groove  604 -A in the slider  106 -A. The tongue-and-groove configuration of the slider  106 -A and leg  104 -A 1  secures the two  104 -A 1 ,  106 -A such that the slider  106 -A is able to move only to extend and retract. The tongue-and-groove configuration of the slider  106 -A and leg  104 -A 1  allows for quick and repeated repositioning of the poles  108  by moving the slider  106 -A along the leg  104 -A 1 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg  104 -B. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  802  at the distal end of the leg  104 -B has a U-shape. The U-shaped opening  802  allows a stake inserted in the stake hole  504  in the slider  106  to pass by the leg  104 -B when the slider  106  is in a fully retracted or almost fully retracted position. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg  104 -C and slider  106 -B.  FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of another embodiment of a slider  106 -B.  FIG. 11  illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg  104 -C. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the slider  106 -B includes a sheet of material bent to form a portion of the slider  106 -B. The distal end of the slider  106 -B has the end wall  506  formed by bending the distal end of the slider  106 -B downward. The side walls  1002  of the slider  106 -B are curved to form a groove  604 -B. Between the end wall  506  and the slider side walls  1002  is a block  902  with forward face  904 . When the slider  106 -B is fully retracted, the forward face  904  of the block  902  contacts the distal end of the leg  104 -C. In one embodiment, the block  902  is a hard plastic such as nylon or an ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene. In such an embodiment, the block  902  has some resilience and impact strength to soften and withstand the shock of the slider  106 -B repeated striking the distal end of the leg  104 -C when the slider  106 -B is pushed to the retracted position. Also, the bottom of the plastic block  902  provides a smooth flat surface for sliding along the ground when the slider  106 -B is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The block  902  is wider in the direction of movement of the slider  106 -B than the end wall  506  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In another embodiment, the edges of the block  902  that are perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slider  106 -B are rounded to avoid the block  902  catching or digging into the ground when the slider  106 -B is moved. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of the slider  106 -B, the side walls  1002  are curved to form a tongue  602 -B and a groove  604 -B. The leg  104 -C has a lip  706  extending to the sides above a block portion  1102  of the leg  104 -C. The thickness of the leg  104 -C is the same as the thickness of the rail  102 ; therefore, the bottom of the block portion  1102  of the leg  104 -C is coplanar with the bottom of the rail  102 . The lip  706  of the leg  104 -C engages the groove  604 -B of the slider  106 -B and thereby slideably secures the slider  106 -B to the leg  104 -C. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a slider  106 -C.  FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the slider  106 -C shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the slider  106 -C includes a slider plate  1202 , a peg  502 , and a slider channel  1204 . The slider plate  1202  is a flat plate with rounded ends that connects the peg  502  to the slider channel  1204 . The peg  502  is attached to and extends upwards from the end  116  of the slider plate  1202  proximal to the rail  102 . The width of the slider plate  1202  is minimized such that only a small ledge is provided for the placement of a pole  108  over the peg  502 . By minimizing the exposure of the slider plate  1202  at the proximal end  116 , there is less likelihood that the animal  202  will step on or otherwise be affected by the slider plate  1202 . 
     The slider channel  1204  includes a curved edge or tongue  602 -C and a groove  604 -C. On each side of the leg  104 -A 2  is a slot  702  that engages the tongue  602 -C of the slider channel  1204 . Above each slot  702  in the leg  104 -A 2  is a lip  706  that engages a groove  604 -C in the slider channel  1204 . The tongue-and-groove configuration of the slider channel  1204  and leg  104 -A 2  secures the two  104 -A 2 ,  1204  such that the slider channel  1204  is able to move only to extend and retract. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the slider plate  1202  and peg  502  are cantilevered where they are attached to the slider channel  1204  such that the proximal end  116  of the slider plate  1202  becomes the proximal end  116  of the slider  106 -C. In other embodiments, the peg  502  is attached directly to the slider channel  1204 . The tongue-and-groove configuration of the slider  106 -C and leg  104 -A 2  allows for quick and repeated repositioning of the poles  108  by moving the slider  106 -C along the leg  104 -A 2 . The slider  106 -C allows a portion of the slider plate  1202  to extend over the rail  102  and locate the pole  108  over the rail centerline  110 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a pivot mechanism  1400 .  FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded front view of the pivot mechanism  1400  shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     The pivot mechanism  1400  includes an axle  1404  and a collar  1406 . The axle  1404  is supported by two bearing walls  1402 . The bearing walls  1402  are attached to and extend upwards from the proximal end  116  of a slider plate  1202 . The bearing walls  1402  are parallel to each other. The longitudinal axis of the axle  1404  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slider plate  1202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the axle  1404  is secured in an axle hole  1508  in each of the bearing walls  1402  and terminates flush with the outside surfaces of the bearing walls  1402 . In various embodiments, the axle  1404  is attached to the bearing walls  1402  by welding the ends of the axle  1404  to the bearing walls  1402  or by applying an adhesive to the axle  1404  and axle hole  1508  interface or by other means commonly known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot mechanism  1400  is attached to a slider plate  1202 . In other embodiments, the pivot mechanism  1400  is attached to a rail  102  or to a leg  104  or to a slider  106  or to another surface. 
     The bearing walls  1402  are separated a distance slightly greater than the width of the collar  1406 . The collar  1406  is a thick-walled cylinder. A hole  1504  passes through the central axis of the collar  1406 . The hole  1504  receives the axle  1404  such that the collar  1406  rotates about the axle  1404 . The hole  1504  is dimensioned so that the movement of the collar  1406  about the axle  1404  is substantially rotational. The collar  1406  has a threaded through-hole  1408  that provides access to the axle  1404  by a stud  1410 . In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole  1408  has a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and intersects the axis of rotation of the collar  1406 . 
     Each bearing wall  1402  extends upward from the slider plate  1202  and has a full radius at the top. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius at the top of the bearing wall  1402  is larger than and concentric with the outside surface of the collar  1406 . In another embodiment, the radius at the top of the bearing wall  1402  is the same size as the outside surface of the collar  1406 . In various other embodiments, the shape of the top of the bearing wall  1402  is not a full radius, but has sharp corners, or is not concentric with the outside surface of the collar  1406 , or is otherwise different than the outside surface of the collar  1406 . The axle  1404  holds the collar  1406  above the surface of the slider plate  1202 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot mechanism  1400  includes a dowel  1420  and a stud  1410 . The dowel  1420  is a cylindrical member with a threaded hole  1502  in one end. The longitudinal axis of the threaded hole  1502  is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the dowel  1420 . The threaded hole  1502  receives the stud  1410 . The stud  1410  is a threaded fastener. One end of the stud  1410  is fixedly installed into the threaded hole  1502  of the dowel  1420 . With the stud  1410  installed, the dowel  1420  acts as a head for the portion of the threaded stud  1410  extending from the dowel  1420 . In various embodiments, the dowel and stud are one piece or the stud is welded or glued or otherwise affixed to the dowel. 
     With the stud  1410  fixed in the end of the dowel  1420 , the stud  1410  is threaded into the through-hole  1408  of the collar  1406  by turning the dowel  1420  clockwise. The collar  1406  is fixed in a position by turning the dowel  1420  until the other end of the threaded stud  1410  makes contact with the axle  1404  and is tightened against the axle  1404 . The collar  1406  is released from the set position by turning the dowel  1420  counter-clockwise until the other end of the threaded stud  1410  is free of contact with the axle  1404 . When the collar  1406  is released from the set position and the stud  1410  remains threaded into the through-hole  1408 , the dowel  1420  rotates about the axle  1404  to a desired position. 
     The collar  1406  and stud  1410  are a clamp with the stud  1410  providing the clamping force that secures the clamp to the axle  1404 . Tightening the stud  1410  against the axle  1404  forces the inside surface of the collar  1406  opposite the through-hole  1408  against the axle  1404 , thereby clamping the axle  1404 . 
     The dowel  1420  has a through-hole  1412  passing through the cylindrical surface that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A weave pole  108 ′ is secured to the pivot mechanism  1400  by a pin  1414 . The pole  108 ′ has a pair of coaxial pin holes  1416 . The pin holes  1416  pass through the walls of the pole  108 ′. The pin holes  1416  are perpendicular to and intersect the longitudinal axis of the pole  108 ′. 
     The weave pole  108 ′ is secured to the pivot mechanism  1400  by positioning the weave pole  108 ′ over the dowel  1420  such that the pin holes  1416  of the pole  108 ′ register with the through-hole  1412  of the dowel  1420 . The pin  1414  fits through the holes  1416 ,  1412 , thereby securing the weave pole  108 ′ to the dowel  1420 . To loosen and secure the collar  1406  about the axle  1404 , the pole  108 ′ turns the stud  1410 . When the collar  1406  is loosened, the angle of the pole  108 ′ is adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin  1414  has a cylindrical body and a head  1422  contoured to the shape of the pole  108 ′. In various embodiments, the pin  1414  may be a cotter pin, clevis pin, detent pin, cotterless clevis pin, headless pin, or other fastener so long as the shape of the pin  1414  and the head  1422 , if present, pose a minimal threat to the animal  202  or the hazardous part of the pin  1414  is shielded. Hazards from the pin  1414  configuration include snagging the fur or scraping the leg or foot of the animal  202 . 
     Each bearing wall  1402  is marked with indicia  1418  to indicate the angular position of the pole  108 ′. In one embodiment, the indicia  1418  is aligned with the center of a pole  108 ′. When a pole  108 ′ is positioned at an indicia  1418  on the bearing walls  1402 , the angular position of the pole  108 ′ is known. When each of the poles  108 ′ on one side of a weave trainer  100  are positioned to the same corresponding indicia  1418  on the bearing walls  1402 , the position of the poles  108 ′ on that side of the weave trainer  100  are uniform. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a weave trainer  100 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles  108 ′ are positioned at an angle to accommodate various weave training methods. The pivot mechanism  1400  allows the angle of the weave poles  108 ′ to be adjusted in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  110  of the rail  102 . The animal  202  uses the angled poles  108 ′ as a visual and tactile guide to learn in what order and on what side the animal  202  is to pass the poles  108 ′ when traversing the weave to demonstrate its agility. The illustrated configuration supports the training method where the animal  202  walks along the rail  102  through the triangular opening by ducking below each angled pole  108 ′ along the way. The side of the pole  108 ′ that the animal  202  ducks under is the same side of the pole  108 ′ that the animal  202  passes when traversing the rail  102  in a demonstration of agility. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the pivot mechanism  1400  attached to a leg  104 -A 2  as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in other embodiments, the weave trainer  100 ′ includes pivot mechanisms  1400  attached to other embodiments of the leg  104 . 
       FIG. 16  also illustrates a configuration of the weave poles  108 ′-A (shown in dashed lines). The poles  108 ′-A are angled outwards away from the rail  102 . The poles  108 ′-A assume a truncated V-shape. The animal traverses the weave trainer  100 ′ through a passage with the poles  108 ′-A angled away from the animal&#39;s body. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a weave trainer  100 ″. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles  108  form one side of a gate  1702 . The gates  1702  extend away from the rail centerline  110 . The animal  202  uses the gates  1702  as visual and physical barriers when learning to traverse the various weaving paths  204  of the weave trainer  100 ″. In one embodiment, the poles  108  are restrained from rotating relative to the sliders  106 , thereby ensuring the proper orientation of the gates  1702  to the rail centerline  110 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a joint  1800  between a rail  102 -A and a leg  104 -B.  FIG. 19  illustrates a partial perspective view of the rail  102 -A shown in  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 20  illustrates a partial perspective view of the leg  104 -B shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     The rail  102 -A is a channel with a base wall  1902  and two side walls  1904 . The base wall  1902  has an inside face, or surface,  1910  that defines the lower extent of the base wall  1902 . The side walls  1904  attach to the base wall  1902  at corners  1916  that run the length of the rail  102 -A. The rail  102 -A has a window  1802  in a corner  1916  where a leg  104 -B connects with the rail  102 -A. In the illustrated embodiment, the window  1802  passes through the entire thickness of the base wall  1902  and the side wall  1904 . The window  1802  has a length defined by two parallel faces  1912  that lie in planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  110  of the rail  102 -A. 
     The window  1802  is further defined by a bearing face  1908  and a stop  1906 . The bearing face  1908  is a planar surface that is the top of the side wall  1904 . The stop  1906  is a planar surface adjacent to the base wall  1902 . The bearing face  1908  and stop  1906  are perpendicular to their respective adjacent walls  1904 ,  1902 . The bearing face  1908  and the stop  1906  are perpendicular to and join the two parallel faces  1912 . 
     The leg  104 -B has a ledge  2002  that extends outward at the rail end of the leg  104 -B. The ledge  2002  has a forward face  2010 . The forward face  2010  of the ledge  2002  is at the proximal end of the leg  104 -B. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward face  2010  is a planar surface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg  104 -B. In various embodiments, the forward face  2010  is rounded or chamfered or another shape or at another angle that is readily insertable into the window  1802 . 
     The ledge  2002  has a mating face  2008 . The mating face  2008  is a planar surface along the top side of the ledge  2002 . The mating face  2008  is parallel to the upper surface of the leg  104 -B. The mating face  2008  is offset below the upper surface of the leg  104 -B by approximately the thickness of the base wall  1902  of the rail  102 -A. The transition between the upper surface of the leg  104 -B and the ledge  2002  is defined by a shoulder  2006 . The shoulder  2006  is a planar wall perpendicular to the mating face  2008 . 
     The lower surface  2002  of the ledge  2008  is offset above the lower surface of the leg  104 -B. The lower surface  2002  of the ledge  2008  extends from a slot  2004  to the forward face  2010  of the ledge  2008 . The slot  2004  is defined by two parallel walls  2012 ,  2016  and an interior face  2014 . One of the parallel walls  2012  extends upward into the leg  104 -B from the lower surface of the leg  104 -B. The other parallel wall  2016  extends upward into the leg  104 -B from the lower surface of the ledge  2008 . The interior face  2014  is a planar surface oriented perpendicular to the two parallel walls  2012 ,  2016 . 
     The leg  104 -B is removably attachable to the rail  102 -A by inserting the ledge  2008  into the window  1802  and positioning the bearing face  1908  of the sidewall  1904  inside the slot  2004 . The window  1802  in the rail  102 -A interfaces with the proximal end of the leg  104 -B to form a separable joint  1800 . The window  1802  is dimensioned and configured to receive the ledge  2002  and the slot  2004  of the leg  104 -B. The leg  104 -B is removably installed into the rail  102 -A by inserting the ledge  2002  into the window  1802  at an angle to the upper surface of the rail  102 -A. The ledge  2002  is inserted until the shoulder  2006  contacts the stop  1906 . The distal end of the leg  104 -B is then pivoted downward about the shoulder  2006  such that the slot  2004  receives the bearing face  1908  and corresponding side wall  1904 . When installed, the mating face  2008  of the ledge  2002  contacts the inside face  1910  of the base wall  1902  of the rail  104 -B and the bearing face  1908  of the window  1802  contacts the interior face  2014  of the slot  2004 . The ledge  2002  is a length sufficient to fit into the window  1802  at a desired insertion angle without passing below the ends of the side walls  1904  where the rail  102 -A rests on the ground. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the rail  102 -A is a channel. In another embodiment, the rail  102  has a rectangular cross-section and the window  1802  is a pocket formed inside the rail  102  with an inside face  1910  and an open space provided for the ledge  2002  to pivot into position. The length of the ledge  2002  is dimensioned and configured to fit into the window, or pocket,  1802  of the solid rail  102 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a connector  2100 -A between the rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  of two weave trainers  100 . The illustrated connector  2100 -A includes a pair of rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  with ends that butt together and a floating hinge  2102  that fits into the channel shaped rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2 . The floating hinge  2102  provides for folding the rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  over 180 degrees from a flat configuration with little or no gap  2108  between the parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the floating hinge  2102  is installed using threaded nuts  2104  and screws  2106 . In other embodiments, the hinge is installed with other fastening devices, welds, or adhesives. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates another partial perspective view of the connector  2100 -C shown in  FIG. 21  in a folded configuration. When the two rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  are folded together at 180 degrees from the flat configuration illustrated in  FIG. 21  to the closed configuration illustrated in  FIG. 22 , a closed cavity  2202  is formed. The base walls  1902  form two sides of the cavity  2202  and the four side walls  1904  combine to form the other two walls of cavity  2202 . The cavity  2202  provides for a storage location for the legs  104 , sliders  106 , or other components of the weave trainer  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the ends  2110  of the rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  are rounded. That is, the ends  2110  have a shape that allows the two rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  to fold without binding. In other embodiments, the hinge  2102  is articulated such that rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  with the square-cut ends do not bind when the rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  are folded. 
     In another embodiment, the connector  2100 -A is a solid bar instead of a hinge  2102 . The solid bar rigidly attaches the two rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  such that the rails  102 -A 1 ,  102 -A 2  move together as a single rigid rail  102 -A. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a connector  2100 -B between the rails  102 -B 1 ,  102 -B 2  of two weave trainers  100 . FIG.  24  illustrates a top view of the connector  2100 -B shown in  FIG. 21 . In one embodiment, two rails  102 -B 1 ,  102 -B 2  of a pair of weave trainers  100  are joined together at a connector  2100 -B. The mating ends of the rails  102 -B 1 ,  102 -B 2  have complementary faces  2306 ,  2308  that mate when butted together. In the illustrated embodiment, each end has a pair of offset parallel faces  2308  that are connected with a third face  2306  near the rail centerline  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the third face  2306  is not parallel to the rail centerline  110 . In another embodiment, the third face  2306  is parallel to the rail centerline  110 . 
     When the rails  102 -B 1 ,  102 -B 2  are butted together, pins  2302  are inserted in corresponding holes  2310  in the rails  102 -B 1 ,  102 -B 2  to securely fix the rails  102 -B 1 ,  102 -B 2  together. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin  2302  has a toggle  2304  that rotates after passing through the hole  2310  to lock the pin  2302  in the rails  102 . In other embodiments, cotter pins, clevis pins, detent pins, cotterless clevis pins, headless pins, or other fasteners are used to secure the rails  102  together. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a partial side perspective view of another embodiment of a connector  2100 -C between the rails  102 -C 1 ,  102 -C 2  of two weave trainers  100 . The illustrated connector  2100 -C includes a pair of rails  102 -C 1 ,  102 -C 2  with ends that butt together and a channel  2302  that fits over the ends of both rails  102 -C 1 ,  102 -C 2 . The channel  2502  has a pair of sidewalls  2504  that fit adjacent the sides of the rails  102 -C 1 ,  102 -C 2 . The sidewalls  2504  have holes  2506  that register with holes  2310  in the ends of the rails  102 -C 1 ,  102 -C 2  such that with the rails  102 -C,  102 -D butted together and the channel  2502  in position, pins  2302  fit in the holes  2506 ,  2310  to secure the rails  102 -C,  102 -D together. 
     The weave trainer  100  includes various functions. The function of providing a visual aid to an animal  202  traversing a series of poles  108  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the rail  102 , which remains in place throughout the various positions of the poles  108 . 
     The function of uniformly positioning various poles  108  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the markings  508  on the leg  104  that make known the position of the slider  106  on which the poles  108  are attached and the markings  1418  on the bearing walls  1402  that make known the angular position of the angled pole  108 . 
     From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a weave trainer  100  apparatus and a method of using such trainer  100  to agility train animals has been provided. In one embodiment, the weave trainer  100  includes a plurality of legs  104  that extend from a rail  102 . Each leg  104  has a corresponding slider  106  that is held captive by the leg  104 , but is movable along the longitudinal axis of the leg  104 . Attached to each slider  106  is a peg  502  that supports a weave pole  108 . In various embodiments, the sliders  106 -A,  106 -B include end plates  506  and stop blocks  902 . 
     In one embodiment, the weave trainer  100 ′ includes a plurality of pivoting mechanisms  1400 . Each pivoting mechanism  1400  supports a weave pole  108 ′ that also operates a clamp that locks the angular position of the weave pole  108 ′. Rotating the weave pole  108 ′ causes a threaded stud  1410  and a collar  1406  to clamp onto an axle  1404 , thereby locking the pole  108 ′. In one embodiment, the weave trainer  100 ″ includes gates  1702  that provide visual and physical guidance to animals  202  traversing the weave trainer  100 ″. 
     In other embodiments, the weave trainer  100  includes a hinge or connector  2100  that attaches to a second weave trainer  100 . In one such embodiment, the connector is a hinge  2100 -A that allows two channel-type rails  102 -A to fold against each other. In another such embodiment, the connector  2100 -B is a rail  102 -B having an end that receives one or more pins  2302 . In still another such embodiment, the connector  2100 —is a channel  2502  that fits over the butted ends of two rails  102 -C, and the channel  2502  is secured in place with pins or fasteners. 
     In one embodiment, the poles  108  are spaced approximately 21 inches apart with a rail  102  of approximately 5 feet, 3 inches in length. The rail  102  and legs  104  are ½ inch thick. The rail  102  is two inches wide and the legs  104  are ¾ inch wide and approximately 9 inches long. 
     The training method includes a step of positioning the sliders  106  in the extended position and having an animal  202 -A follow a straight path  204 -A along the rail centerline  110  of the trainer  100 . This step is followed by the moving the sliders  106  toward the retracted position and having the animal  202 -B follow a slightly weaving path  204 -B around the poles  108 . The sliders  106  are progressively moved to the fully retracted position with the animal  202 -C traveling a weaving path  204 -C around the poles  108 . 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0