Abstract:
The muzzle release apparatus allows an operator to remotely and wirelessly disengage a restraint system from the snout of an animal. The system is activated using a small hand-held transmitter. A receiver on the collar detects the signal from the transmitter and electronically engages a solenoid mounted on a restraint under the animal&#39;s jaw. The solenoid retracts a locking mechanism that secures two metal pins to the restraint. Each pin is attached to a strap that goes around the animal&#39;s snout and is permanently mounted to the opposite side of the restraint. When the pins are released from the restraint, the straps slide off the snout allowing the restraint to fall freely away from the jaw area. The plate is attached to a collar around the animal&#39;s neck. The plate will stay attached to the collar at all times, even if deactivated.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to animal harness devices and, more particularly, to a muzzle release system for animals incorporating a wireless release mechanism. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Canine attacks on adults, children or other animals are gruesome and sometimes deadly. Canines are used to protect personal property and safety, and are used in law enforcement with admirable results. However, there are occasions when control of the canine is impossible or ineffective. For instance, if the handler is attacked first and the canine is still restrained, the canine is effectively powerless to perform as trained. While muzzles do help control and restrain canines, many animal activists allege that the use of a muzzle is inhumane and causes discomfort to the canine. Furthermore, the time required to remove the muzzle renders the canine ineffective at the instant when swift response and action by the canine is required. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which canines may be restrained in a humane manner while still providing almost instantaneous protection of their owner or handler in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
   A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,246, issued in the name of Naftaly et al., discloses a remote release muzzle for facilitating the quick release of a muzzle from a remote location; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,633, issued in the name of Berke et al., discloses a dog muzzle comprising or including a remotely actuable stun gun; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,030, issued in the name of Paglericcio et al. discloses an anti-barking and anti-biting muzzle for dogs; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,398, issued in the name of All II, et al. discloses a remotely controllable dog muzzle apparatus; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,800, issued in the name of Fitzpatric et al., discloses a muzzle apparatus arranged for mounting to a muzzle portion of an associated canine, wherein the muzzle contains an ultra sound receiver and a scent saturated gauze member to enhance excitement and activity in the dog; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,425, issued in the name of Dykens, discloses an electric weaner mounted on a calf&#39;s head, thereby allowing the animal to graze or drink without interference; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,478, issued in the name of Jones, discloses a mechanism to make it easier to train dogs and to race dogs, wherein a mechanism slight shocks a dog when the dog engages an object with its head. 
   Consequently, there exists a continuous need for new ideas and enhancements for existing products in the animal muzzle industry. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a muzzle release apparatus for an animal. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a muzzle release system for a plurality of animals, wherein the system comprises a plurality of muzzles controlled by a remote. 
   In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a muzzle release apparatus is disclosed as comprising a muzzle secured about the snout of an animal, a harness secured about the neck of the animal, and a mechanism for releasing the muzzle from the snout of the animal. 
   In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a muzzle release apparatus is disclosed as comprising a muzzle having straps and a base. The straps are secured about the snout of an animal to the base, the base abutted against the underside of the jaw of the animal, the base having a shield to inhibit the animal from orally grasping an object. A plurality of pins are releasably coupled the straps to the base, each pin comprising an elongated body having a recess. A harness is secured about the neck of the animal, and the harness coupled to the base. A mechanism releasing the pins from the base, thereby disengaging the muzzle from the jaw of the animal. The base has a plurality of openings, each one of the openings receiving one of the pins. 
   In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a muzzle release system is disclosed as comprising a plurality of muzzles, wherein each one of the muzzles comprises straps and a base, the straps secured about the snout of an animal to the base, and the base abutted against the underside of the jaw of the animal. The muzzle includes a harness secured about the neck of the animal, and a mechanism releasing a plurality of pins that releasably couple the straps to the base. The system also comprises a remote operatively coupled to the mechanism of each muzzle. 
   The muzzle has at least one strap and a restraint. The strap(s) has/have two ends, wherein one end is permanently coupled to the restraint, and an opposing end is releasably coupled to the restraint. The opposing end of the strap has a pin seated onto the restraint, wherein the mechanism releases the pin from the restraint. 
   The mechanism comprises a solenoid operatively coupled to a stop. The solenoid and the stop are positioned on an underside of the restraint. The stop is mobile between a retracted and an extended position. The stop impinges the pin(s) when in the extended position thereby coupling the strap to the restraint. The stop releases the pin(s) when in the retracted position thereby decoupling the strap from the restraint. 
   The mechanism may be actuated or set for operation by the use of a reed switch and a magnet, the reed switch placed in the receiver, and the magnet in the transmitter. After actuation, the mechanism may be deployed by a wireless remote transmitter, a voice recognition system operatively coupled to a receiver on the animal and a power supply, an operational control directly mounted to the muzzle or harness, or a combination of the transmitter, the voice recognition system and/or the operational control on the muzzle or harness. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the muzzle release apparatus attached to an animal; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus apart from the animal; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the underside of the restraint or base of the apparatus; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the remote control; 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded and exposed side view of the transmitter and receiver, illustrating the interaction of the magnet and the reed switch; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the transmitter and receiver; and 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of a muzzle release system having multiple sets of muzzles attached to separate animals and operatively coupled to and responsive to a remote control. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . 
   1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , a muzzle release apparatus  10  is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus placed onto a canine for illustrative purposes only, with the understanding that the general nature of the apparatus includes use on other animals. The apparatus  10  comprises a muzzle  12  secured about the snout  102  of an animal  100 , a harness  14  secured about the neck  104  of the animal  100 , and a mechanism  16  for releasing the muzzle  12  from the snout  102  of the animal  100 . 
   The muzzle  12  comprises at least one strap  18  and a restraint  20 . The strap  18  has two ends  18   a  and  18   b , wherein one end  18   a  is permanently coupled to the restraint  20 , and wherein an opposing end  18   b  is releasably coupled to the restraint  20 . The opposing end  18   b  of the strap  18  has a pin  22  seated onto the restraint  20 . In an alternate embodiment, the muzzle release apparatus  10  comprises a muzzle  12  having a plurality of straps  18 , each substantially identical to the other strap(s)  18 , and a restraint or base  20 . The restraint or base  20  is abutted against the underside of the jaw  106  of the animal  100 . The restraint or base  20  may include a hinge  20   b  or another coupling to the harness  14  so that when the strap(s)  18  is/are released from the restraint or base  20 , then the restraint or base  20  may freely fall from the position contacting the jaw of the animal to a position adjacent the sternal portion of the animal. The restraint or base  20  has an obstruction or shield  20   a  to inhibit the animal  100  from orally grasping an object. The obstruction or shield  20   a  may comprise a variety of devices, including a cage or grid structure, a crossbar, a bridle or other similar component. In a multi-strap  18  embodiment, a plurality of pins  22  are provided, wherein each one of the plurality of straps  18  has a separate pin  22  that is seated onto the restraint or base  20 , thereby coupling each strap  18  to the restraint or base  20 . Each pin  22  comprises an elongated body  22   a  having a recess  22   b . The straps  18  may be independent of one another, or integrally coupled to one another by a cross member  18   c  (or cross members by adding  18   d ). 
   The mechanism  16  releases the pin  22  from the restraint  20 . The restraint or base  20  has a plurality of openings  28 , each one of the openings  28  receiving one of the pins  22 . The mechanism  16  comprises a solenoid  24  operatively coupled to a stop  26 . The solenoid  24  and the stop  26  are positioned on an underside of the restraint  20 . The stop  26  is mobile between a retracted position and an extended position, urged by the solenoid  24  in response to controls input by the user. The stop  26  impinges the pin  22  when in the extended position, thereby coupling the strap  18  to the restraint  20 . The stop  26  releases the pin  22  when in the retracted position, thereby decoupling the strap  18  from the restraint  20 , and allowing the restraint  20  to fall away from the snout  102 , the jaw  106  and the mouth  108  of the animal  100 . 
   The solenoid  24  is operatively coupled to the receiver  34  (shown as a power cord  46 ) and is therefore responsive to the commands originating from the remote  30  and received by the receiver. The solenoid  24  comprises a piston  24   a  that extends and retracts in response to commands communicated from the remote  30  to the receiver  34 , specifically retracting upon command from the remote  30  and extending upon the urging of outwardly biased springs  24   b  coupled to the piston  24   a . The springs  24   b  are mounted to an element of the restraint or base  20  or directly to the restraint or base  20 , so long as the springs  24   b  outwardly urge the piston  24   a  forward so as to urge the stop  26  forward, thus impinging the stop  26  to the recess(es)  22   b  of pin(s)  22 . As will be described in more detail below, the receiver  34  may comprise a circuit that may be opened or closed. A portion of the circuit comprises a reed switch having two magnetic contacts within a glass housing or tube, the housing or tube filled with protective gas. When the contacts of the switch touch, the circuit is closed and electricity flows; when the contacts are not touching, the circuit is opened and electricity flow is inhibited. The polarity of the contacts are altered by the magnet in the transmitter. 
   It is also envisioned that the mechanism  16  may be initially actuated or set for operation by the use of a reed switch  60 , placed within the receiver  34 , and a magnet  68 , placed within the transmitter  30 , respectively. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the reed switch  60  comprises a glass tube or housing  62  filled with protective gas and has two magnetic contacts  64  and  66 . When the magnet  68  comes into close proximity of the contacts  64  and  66 , the polarity of the contacts is altered so that the contacts  64  and  66  are attracted to one another (as indicated by the directional arrows in  FIG. 6 ). When contacts  64  and  66  touch (as indicated by the solid block “C”), a circuit is closed and electrical current passes through, thereby providing electricity for the deployment of the mechanism  16 . To open the circuit, the magnet  68  is again brought into close proximity of the contacts  64  and  66 , altering the polarity so that the contacts repel. To aid in positioning the magnet  68  in proximity to the contacts  64  and  66 , indicia  70  and  72  are provided on the transmitter  30  and receiver  34 , respectively (as depicted in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , respectively). Indicia  70  indicates the general location of the reed switch in the receiver  34 , while indicia  72  indicates the general location of the magnet  68  in the transmitter. The indicia  70  and  72  may comprise a number of means, including color indicators, geometric shapes, and other similar indicia. Actuation of the mechanism  16  via the reed switch  60  and magnet  68  is indicated by an audible indication (a mechanical “click” or audio “beep”, for instance) or visual indication (a “light”, for instance). 
   The mechanism  16  may be deployed by a wireless remote transmitter operatively coupled to a receiver  34  on the animal  100  and a power supply  36 . The mechanism  16  may be deployed by a voice recognition system operatively coupled to a receiver  34  on the animal  100  and a power supply  36 . The mechanism  16  may be deployed by an attached operational control  40  positioned on the muzzle  12  or the harness  14 . The harness  14  is secured about the neck  104  of the animal, and may be further secured or coupled to the restraint or base  20 . The receiver  34  may include an indicator  34   a  to provide visual evidence that the apparatus  10  (or system(s)  50  described below) are operational and in operation mode, or as an indicator for other features desired (such as battery levels, receipt of command, etc.) 
   All muzzle embodiments, including the single muzzle  12  and each one of the muzzles  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  described below corresponding to the system  50  and  FIG. 5 , are separately responsive to the remote  30 . The remote  30  is envisioned as being a wireless remote transmitter operatively coupled to a receiver  34  on the animal  100  and a power supply  36 . In an alternate embodiment, the remote  30  is a voice recognition system operatively coupled to a receiver  34  on the animal  100  and a power supply  36 . It is envisioned that the remote  30  will be configured for hand held operation or attachment to the hand, wrist, belt, pocket or other accessory or appendage of the user. The remote  30  is envisioned as having a plurality of command control buttons  32  for actuating release of the pin(s)  22  via the urging of the solenoid  24  release sequence. Envisioned buttons  32  include “on/off”, “release” (releasing the pin(s)  22  from the restraint or base  20 ), a key pad for code protection of the remote, and other similar commands. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a muzzle release system  50  is depicted comprising a plurality of muzzles  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  and a remote  30 . Each one of the muzzles  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  is substantially identical to the muzzle  12  configuration described above in relation to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , thus a brief description of the system  50  follows that significantly replicates the description of the single muzzle  12  configuration described above, incorporating by reference the details provided above. The muzzles  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  each comprise a strap or straps  18  and a restraint or base  20 . The strap(s)  18  is/are secured about the snout  102  of an animal  100  to the restraint or base  20 . The restraint or base  20  abutted against the underside of the jaw  106  of the animal  100 . Each muzzle  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  also has a harness  14  secured about the neck  104  of the animal  100 . As indicated and disclosed above in relation to the apparatuses described in accordance with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , each muzzle  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  further includes a mechanism  16  releasing one or more pins  22  that releasably couple the strap(s)  18  to the restraint or base  20 . Each one of the muzzles  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  is separately secured about the snout  102  of a different animal  100 , respectively. 
   The apparatus  10  and/or system  50  may also be controlled by voice recognition or activation  38 , configured to deploy the release sequence via voice recognition of the user (as input or programmed before use). It is further contemplated that the voice recognition or activation  38  is integrated with the wireless remote  30  so that the combination is capable of use by the user upon demand. 
   The harness  14  and strap(s)  18  is/are envisioned as adjustable to accommodate the size and comfort of the animal to which the apparatus  10  and/or  50  system is affixed. The harness  14  is adjustable about a buckle  42  or other similar device (such as a friction fit snap fastener). The strap(s)  18  is/are adjustable by imparting or relaxing tension on the strap(s)  18  and rings  44 . Specifically, to tighten the strap(s)  18 , the user can pull or tug on the excess portion of the strap(s)  18  at the ring(s)  44  while the pin(s)  22  are securely seated onto the restraint or base  20 . Pulling or tugging on the excess of the strap(s)  18  automatically tightens the tension of the strap(s)  18  on the ring(s)  44  that will remain until loosened by the user. 
   The entire system is made from the best materials available. The solenoid  24  is of the highest quality and should withstand hundreds of thousands of activations (movement). The springs  24   b  on the solenoid  24  are high tensile steel and should never wear out. The white “washers” on the locking mechanism are hand-made from virgin Teflon and will out live the solenoid  24  (millions of activations). Between the mechanism  16  and the restraint  20  is Teflon tape, preventing the mechanism  16  from wearing into the restraint  20 . All straps  18  are envisioned as being made from durable nylon, or another suitable fabric, thereby resisting rot and wear. Any sewing of seams, margins and the like is performed using nylon thread. The restraint or base  20  is made from polycarbonate, thereby resistant to shattering and breaking. The power cord  46  from the solenoid  24  to the receiver  34  is covered with braided stainless steel. It is tear resistant, rust proof, and extremely strong, preventing any damage to the wires. The external circuitry and external batteries are housed in a housing resistant to shattering and breaking. All hardware is high tensile strength steel and will provide years of durability. 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   2. OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   To use the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system  10  is equipped with a power source or supply  36  (envisioned as a battery or batteries of various sizes) to supply power. The harness  14  is placed about the body of the animal  100  (as shown, a canine), with the mechanism  16  affixed thereto. The muzzle  12  is affixed about the animal&#39;s snout so that jaw movement is significantly limited. The bands or straps  18  are used to couple the muzzle  12  to the restraint or base  20  by insertion of the pin(s)  22  into the restraint or base  20  so as to be impinged by the solenoid  24  and the stop  26 . Upon proper activation, the power supply  36  provides power that urges the solenoid away from the pin(s)  22 , thereby releasing impingement of the stop  26  from the recess(es)  24   b  of the pin(s)  22 . The release of the pin(s)  22  allows the muzzle  12 , including strap(s)  18  and restraint  20  to fall from the jaw of the animal, thereby allowing the animal to bark, chew or otherwise move the jaws and snout in a normal manner. 
   To activate the unit, take the transmitter  30  and place against the receiver  34 , aligning indicia  70  and  72  so that the polarity of contacts  64  and  66  of reed switch  60  are altered so that contacts  64  and  66  attract and touch one another, thereby closing the circuit through which electricity may pass. An audible or visual indicator will provide evidence that the unit has been activated or actuated for use. Next, connect the harness or collar  14  to the muzzle circuitry by flipping the switch on the front of the receiver  34 . The unit is now armed and ready for operation. The transmitter has a plurality of control means or buttons. 
   To turn the unit off, align the indicia  70  and  72  (from the transmitter and receiver, respectively) to alter the polarity of the contacts  64  and  66  to repel one another and open the circuit and stop the flow of electricity. An audible or visual indicator will provide evidence that the unit has been deactivated. 
   If the light on the receiver  34  flashes red (or other set color), the unit will need to be recharged, requiring approximately 9 hours to fully charge the internal batteries. If the light is a solid red, the unit will need to be reset by aligning the two indicia  70  and  72  again. The unit will then be ready for activation or turn off. 
   The collar and snout straps are adjustable for different size dogs. To tighten the snout straps, simply pull on the loose end while the pins are locked into the base plate. They will automatically tightened and stay tightened until you manually take the tension off the rings. The neck collar adjusts with the buckle. 
   On the bottom of the unit, you will find the locking mechanism. To arm the unit, slid the locking mechanism back and place pins through the base plate. Make sure the “notch” on the pin faces towards the locking mechanism. The pins will automatically seat themselves and be locked into the plate 
   The system requires no maintenance other than cleaning if the unit is soiled. The entire unit is water resistant, and may be configured to be waterproof. If the animal likes swimming or bathing, it is recommended that the system be removed. Inspect the system after each use to ensure there is no debris or foreign objects that would prevent the unit from working normally. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.