COLLAR-INTEGRATED PRETENSIONED HEAD / EAR PROTECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a collar system incorporating a mechanically operated upper protective structure integrated into a pet collar. The system comprises a module body positioned along the dorsal centerline of the collar, containing a central long shape-memory polymer strip and three auxiliary shape-memory polymer strips of equal length, held under pre-tensioning under linear deformation. The lower ends of the strips are supported by a uniaxial hinge mechanism, which is secured in the open position by a mechanical locking system with spring-loaded claws. A flexible cover element placed on the strips rises above the collar in the open position, creating a non-contacting, non-circular planar upper protective volume over the animal's head and ears. In the closed position, the system is compactly positioned along the collar body, while in the open position it forms a mechanically stabilized upper protective structure.

Description

COLLAR-INTEGRATED PRETENSIONED HEAD-EAR PROTECTION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The invention is in the field of pet equipment technology; specifically, it is integrated into dog collars. Pre-stressed memory polymer strips that are generated and stored linearly within the collar module through controlled release, making contact with the dog's head and ear area. mechanical protection system that forms a semi-open protective volume positioned without being exposed It is related. STATE OF THE ART Pets are exposed to environmental conditions, especially during walks in open areas, It can lead to various health and comfort problems in the head and ear area. Especially In dog breeds with long and drooping ears, ear canal ventilation is limited. Because of this, moisture accumulation occurs more rapidly; this situation affects conditions such as otitis externa. This increases the risk of infection. Water entering the ear during rainy weather and windy conditions can also increase this risk. In cold weather, heat loss and irritation can occur. In hot weather conditions, however... Direct sun exposure and restricted airflow cause thermal stress in the head area. It is able to create. When current technical solutions are examined, products for animal head and ear protection... These are generally in the form of textile-based head coverings, hooded garments, or ear wraps. This is observed. In these types of products, the protective structure comes into direct contact with the animal's head and It often surrounds and envelops the ears. This reduces the animal's comfort. It increases heat and moisture buildup and can cause stress with prolonged use. In addition, head protection for animals is mentioned in the literature and patent documents. Various systems providing this have been described. For example, animal headgear and ear protection. In patent document number US8833311B2, which includes solutions related to systems, the animal A hood structure made of elastic or textile material that covers the head area is described. Similar In the patent document numbered US4233942A, animal ears are depicted as having a specific external shape. Protective or enveloping structures designed to shield against external factors have been defined. These solutions... 1 5 are essentially static protection elements that are directly attached or tied to the animal's head. It is based on. On the other hand, there are various protective systems used in conjunction with collars for pets. It is divided into sections. However, in these systems, the protective structure is generally an external accessory. It is of a nature that resembles classic rod-type opening mechanisms or the textile stretching principle. These types of systems often restrict the animal's range of movement. They can disrupt the center of gravity balance or have complex mechanical structures. The common shortcomings of existing solutions can be summarized as follows: - The protective structure comes into direct contact with the animal's head, reducing its comfort. - It restricts air circulation in the ear area and increases moisture buildup, - A compact and mechanically transformable system integrated with the collar. not containing - Retractable structures generally operate on the classic umbrella or textile stretching principle. enduring, - The protective structure having a physically limiting effect on the animal. Furthermore, in split systems, when stored linearly and then released, a three-dimensional superstructure can be created. Mechanical transformation based on a pre-stressed memory polymer strip that forms a protective volume. A collar-integrated structure based on this principle has not been defined. Therefore, given the current technological situation, especially for dogs with sensitive ear structures, the head and A compact, controlled opening integrated with the collar, without direct contact with the ear area. There is a need for a mechanical restraint system that provides and does not restrict the animal's freedom of movement. It continues. THE PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The invention deals with the head and ear region of dogs, especially those with sensitive and floppy ears. a mechanical upper protective structure integrated with the collar, positioned without making contact. It relates to the collar system. The system is protected against rain, humidity, wind, and similar environmental external factors. without making physical contact with the head area in cases of exposure to the agents It is structured in such a way that it will be positioned. 2 5 Within the scope of the invention, the protective structure can be stored linearly within the collar module and Pre-stressed, capable of transforming into a three-dimensional upper volume geometry through controlled mechanical expansion. It contains shape-memory polymer strips. This structure is applied to the head and ear region. to create an upper protective volume positioned while maintaining a certain distance It has been designed. Unlike textile-based, head-contact wrapping solutions, this system uses a collar. It includes a retractable mechanical superstructure positioned on top. The protective structure, can be fixed in the open position via a single-axis joint arrangement and mechanical locking system. It has a mechanical design. The invention is a compact, storable device integrated with a collar and operated by manual mechanical action. It is designed to have an activable upper protective system structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is a contact device integrated into a pet collar, covering the head and ears. a collar that includes a mechanical upper protective structure that opens and closes without being attached It relates to the system. The system consists of a module body located on the dorsal centerline of the leash, module shape memory polymer strips, held within the body under linear deformation, The single-axis joint arrangement supporting the lower ends of the strips, with the joint in the open position. mechanical locking system with spring-loaded claws that ensures it is secured and passed over the straps It consists of flexible covering elements. 1. Module Body 1.1. The module body is manufactured to be fixed to the leash or integrated with the leash. It has been done. 1.2. Fixing; channel insertion structure, mechanical fasteners or clamp type. This is accomplished through the use of holding elements. 1.3. Inside the module body, shape memory polymer strips are linearly positioned in the closed position. There is an internal volume in which the strips are positioned. This internal volume is where the elastic strips are located. It ensures that it is preserved under deformation conditions. 1.4. The axis of the joint is parallel to the plane of the upper surface of the collar. It is positioned 8–15 mm upwards from the articulated axis of the collar topline. They are positioned with a vertical distance of 3.5 meters. This vertical distance is the upper protective layer in the open position. The structure is designed so that a gap will form between the structure and the animal's head. 2. Shape Memory Polymer Strip Structure 2.1. Upper protective structure; 2.1.1. One central long shape memory polymer strip, 2.1.2. Three identical length auxiliary shape memory polymer strips 3. The central lane is longer than the auxiliary lanes and has higher bending rigidity. has. 3.1. The free length of the center strip is between 90–130 mm. 3.1.1. The free length of the auxiliary lanes shall be 10–30% from the central lane. It is shorter. 3.1.2. The strips have elliptical cross-sections. 3.1.3. The cross-sectional thickness is 1–4 mm, and the width is 6–20 mm. 3.1.4. The central lane has a larger cross-sectional moment of inertia compared to the auxiliary lanes. or sized to have a higher elastic modulus. 3.2. Auxiliary lanes with an angular distribution of ±25°–45° relative to the central lane. It is positioned in a way that, when opened, is non-circular and front-to-back. an upper volume forming a rectangular plan projection extending in that direction It creates geometry. 3.3. The strips are naturally curved. They run linearly within the module body. When they are held, elastic bending stress occurs. 4. Elastic Behavior 4.1. Each lane tends to return to its natural radius of curvature and exhibits elastic recovery. It generates a gain moment. 4.2. Bending moment is approximately: 4.2.1. M is defined by the relationship M = (E × I) / R. 4.2.2. Here, E is the modulus of elasticity, I is the moment of inertia of the section, and R is the natural curvature. It is the radius. 4.2.3. The moment of recovery for the central strip is in the range of 0.2–0.35 Nm. 35 4.2.4. The strips withstand the rotational moment applied by the user during opening. It contributes. 5. Joint Arrangement 4 5 5.1. The lower ends of the strips are fixed to a common hinge block. 5.2. The hinge mechanism is a uniaxial rotational structural mechanism. 5.3. The diameter of the pivot pin is in the range of 3–5 mm. 5.4. The rotation range of the joint is between the closed position and the open position range of 100°–130°. It is restricted. 5.5. Angular limitation, mechanical stopping surfaces created on the joint. This is ensured. 6. Spring-Loaded Claw Lock System 6.1. The hinge mechanism features a spring-loaded latch that provides locking in the open position. It has a system. 6.2. The Cult System; 6.2.1. an elastic nail element 6.2.2. includes the corresponding notch or locking surface. 6.3. The locking system shall provide a holding moment of at least 0.35–0.5 Nm in the open position. It is sized. 6.4. The locking system can be released by applying manual torque in the reverse direction. It is structured. 7. Covering Element 7.1. A flexible covering element applied over shape memory polymer strips. It is found. 7.2. Covering element: technical textile, water-repellent coated fabric or similar flexible material. It is manufactured from the material. 7.3. The covering element is attached to the strips by flexible interlocking channels or sheath structure. 7.4. The covering element is positioned in such a way as not to restrict the elastic behavior of the strips. 8. Open Position Geometry 8.1. In the open position: 8.1.1. The upper protective structure does not come into contact with the animal's head. 8.1.2. There must be a minimum gap of 25–40 mm between the head and the top surface. 8.1.3. There is no wrapping element around the neck. 8.1.4. Plan projection is not circular. 35 8.1.5. The superstructure is positioned on the dorsal centerline of the collar. 9. Working Principle 9.1. In the closed position, shape memory polymer strips are linearly arranged inside the module housing. It is held and subjected to elastic bending stress. 5 9.2. When the user applies a rotational moment to the joint block, the joint rotates around its axis. Opening begins. 9.3. During unfolding, the strips undergo elastic return to their natural radii of curvature. It makes a movement. 9.4. When the joint reaches the open position, the mechanical stop surface limits rotation and The spring-loaded clasp system fixes the open position. 9.5. The closing operation is performed by applying manual torque in the reverse direction. 9.6. The system operates entirely on mechanical principles and does not require an external energy source. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention concerns a collar system; injection molding, extrusion, metal processing, textile cutting. and suitable for mass production using known industrial production methods such as planting. It can be manufactured. The module body can be produced from engineering plastics using injection molding. Joint pins and fasteners can be manufactured using metalworking methods or high-performance processes. They can be produced from high-strength polymer materials. Shape memory polymer strips are extruded. It can be produced by giving it its natural curvature form through a subsequent thermal shaping process. Cover The element can be prepared by cutting and sewing using textile production techniques. Components are assembled using mechanical fastening, snap-fit, or pin connection methods. This is feasible. The system can be produced in a modular structure or as a single piece integrated with the collar. It can also be manufactured as a structural unit. The described structure allows for industrial-scale replicable and standardized production methods. It is feasible. 6

Claims

1. Integrated into the pet collar, contact lenses over the head and ears. a leash with a mechanical upper protective structure that opens and closes without being positioned It is a system consisting of a modular body located on the dorsal centerline of the collar, a central elongated shape held under linear deformation within the module body three shape memory polymer strips of equal length, The single-axis joint arrangement supporting the lower ends of the lanes in question, the open joint mechanical locking system with spring-loaded claws that ensures it is fixed in position, and the straps It includes a flexible cover element that passes over it and a top protective layer when open. The building's plan projection is non-circular and extends in the front-back direction. A leash system characterized by its fit.

2. A collar system according to claim 1, with a central shape-memory polymer leash as an auxiliary A leash characterized by having higher bending rigidity compared to straps. system.

3. A leash system according to claim 1, with a free length of 90–130 mm in the central leash. A leash system characterized by being within a certain range.

4. According to claim 1, the leash system has a center of free length of auxiliary leashes. A leash system characterized by being 10–30% shorter than the strap.

5. A collar system according to Claim 1, consisting of shape-memory polymer straps in rectangular or Characterized by its elliptical cross-section and cross-sectional thickness ranging from 1–4 mm. leash system.

6. According to claim 1, the leash system has auxiliary leashes angled ±25°–45° relative to the central leash. A collar system characterized by its positioning according to an angular distribution. 35 7. According to claim 1, it is a collar system, and the joint axis is above the upper surface of the collar. Characterized by being positioned with a correct vertical distance of 8–15 mm. leash system. 7 5 8. According to claim 1, it is a leash system, and the rotation range of the joint is 100°– in the closed position. A leash characterized by being limited to a 130° open position range. system.

9. According to claim 1, the collar system has a mechanical locking system with spring-loaded claws that is open. sized to provide a holding moment of at least 0.35–0.5 Nm in that position. A leash system characterized by its...

10. A collar system according to claim 1, with an upper protective structure in the open position covering the animal's head. A leash system characterized by a gap of 25–40 mm between the leashes. 8