Animal Accessories

Abstract

The present invention relates to an accessory comprising at least one flexible structure (1). The flexible structure (1) comprises an inner portion (2) at least partially surrounded by an outer portion (3). The inner portion (2) is a cord (4) formed by twisting together several steel wires. Each end of the cord (4) is folded back to form a loop (5), which is held in place by a swage sleeve (6). The outer portion (3) is made of a decorative material, and its ends are fixed inside a fastening element. The fastening element is a closed swage socket (8) with a coupling opening (9), and the decorative material of the outer portion (3) is a mesh or mesh-like structure (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to accessories that can be used to hold pets and (domestic) animals, and more particularly to collars and leads with handles. [Background technology]

[0002] Dog collars and leads designed for use in walking and controlling large dogs must have certain characteristics, such as resistance to pulling and high durability. As a result, existing large dog leads and collars tend to be bulky, made from rough materials, and focused on practicality and neglecting appearance.

[0003] As many dog ​​owners consider their pets to be members of the family, attention is also being paid to the decorative aspects of dog accessories. As a result, a new market is emerging for luxury dog ​​accessories, such as decorated leashes and collars. However, currently available dog leashes and collars with jewelry-like appearances are designed for small dogs and are made of delicate materials that are not strong enough for larger dogs.

[0004] Leads or collars made from sturdy materials with a decorative layer over them can solve some of these problems.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes an accessory for dogs. It discloses that a nylon-coated stainless steel wire is inserted into the hollow interior of a tubular mesh (braid), and one end of the stainless steel wire is fastened to a mounting hole of a cable clamp (clasp) to which one end of the tubular mesh is fixed. The steel wire is coated with nylon, polycarbonate, Teflon synthetic resin, or a similar material.

[0006] An accessory such as that described in the preamble of the present invention is also disclosed in Patent Document 2. This accessory is a flexible structure comprising an inner structure at least partially surrounded by an outer structure. The inner structure is a cord formed by twisting together a plurality of aligned steel wires. Each end of the cord is folded back to form a loop, which is held in place by a cable clamp. The outer structure is a covering (sheath) formed from a decorative material, the ends of which are fixed to fastening elements.

[0007] These known dog collars and leashes are focused solely on practicality at the expense of design.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve at least some of the problems and drawbacks mentioned above and to provide a solution that allows holding large animals, such as large dogs weighing more than 250 kg, without compromising the appearance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-127199 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4918195 Summary of the Invention

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to an accessory with a flexible structure, comprising an inner structure at least partially surrounded by an outer structure, as set forth in claim 1. The inner structure is a cord formed by twisting together a plurality of aligned steel wires. Each end of the cord is folded back to form a loop, which is held in place by a swaging sleeve. The outer structure is a sheath formed by a decorative material, the ends of which are fixed inside the fastening element.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the accessories are shown in any of claims 2 to 19. In particular, the invention relates to collars according to claims 17 to 19 and to leads according to claims 10 to 16.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a lead and collar assembly as set forth in claim 20. Preferred embodiments of the assembly are set forth in claims 21 and 22. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective detail view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective detail view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective detail view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B show cross-sectional perspective views of embodiments of the present invention in further detail. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Unless otherwise specified, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used in disclosing the invention herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. To facilitate further understanding, definitions are provided for some terms to better grasp the teachings of this specification.

[0015] As used herein, "A," "an," and "the" refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more compartments.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "comprising," "comprises," and "comprised of" are synonymous with "include," "including," "includes," or "contain," "containing," or "contains," and are inclusive or open-ended terms indicating the presence of subsequent components, etc., and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional other components, configurations, elements, members, steps, etc., whether known to those skilled in the art or described herein.

[0017] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc. in this specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily denote a sequential or temporal context, unless otherwise specified. These terms are interchangeable in appropriate context, and it is understood that embodiments of the invention may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0018] Terms such as "one or more" or "at least one," e.g., one or more members of a group of members, are definite in themselves, but when further explained, these terms may mean that one of the members, or any two or more of the members, e.g., three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, or seven or more of the members, or even that all of the members are encompassed.

[0019] As used herein, the reference to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" means that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, particular configurations, structures, or features can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the disclosure herein. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein may include only some of the features included in other embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that combining features from different embodiments may form different embodiments within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the following claims, any of the described embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0020] As used herein, the term "collar" refers to an object that is placed around an animal's neck. Collars may be used for restraint, identification, fashion, or protection. Collars may carry identification tags and medical information. Collars are often used in conjunction with leashes to restrain animals, such as dogs.

[0021] The term "leash" refers to a long, thin, flexible object, such as a cord or cord-like material, used to tether, control, or restrain an animal by attaching it to a collar, harness, or bridle. Lead lengths and materials vary depending on the application.

[0022] As used herein, "lead handle" means the portion of the lead intended to be held in the user's hand. The lead handle is often made of the same material as the lead body, has a comfortable grip, and is often loop-shaped.

[0023] As used herein, the term "pet" refers to a domestic or tame animal kept for companionship or companionship. The pet may belong to any species and is not limited to domestic animals commonly kept as pets. The pet may be any mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, or fish. Non-limiting examples of pets include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, pigeons, peacocks, chickens, pigs, parrots, lions, tigers, leopards, rare felines, monkeys, apes, iguanas, lizards, geckos, rodents, etc.

[0024] As used herein, the term "metal mesh" or "mesh" refers to a flexible material, preferably made of metal, which is made from metal and / or alloy wires, metal and / or alloy plates, metal fibers, single fibers, bundles, or threads that have been woven, welded, sintered, or braided into a metal mesh or fabric.

[0025] A "mesh-like structure" is a decorative flexible structure, such as made from metal links used in watch bracelets, metal scales, chains, or fabrics containing metal fibers.

[0026] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an accessory for animals, preferably pets. The accessory comprises at least one flexible structure including an inner portion at least partially surrounded by an outer portion. The inner portion is a cord formed by twisting together multiple steel wires. Each end of the cord is folded back to form a loop, which is held in place by a swage sleeve. The outer portion of the flexible structure is made of a decorative material, and its ends are fixed to the inside of a fastening element. The fastening element is a cover shell with a connecting opening, and the decorative material of the outer portion is a mesh or mesh-like structure.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the accessory disclosed herein, the decorative material of the outer portion is a metal mesh or a metal mesh-like structure, however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any decorative layer suitable for covering a flexible object can be used in the accessory of the present invention.

[0028] Alternatively, the decorative material of the outer part of the accessory disclosed herein may be made of any kind of plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), PET (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE or PE-LD), polystyrene (PS), or resin such as epoxy resin, polyester resin, nylon, etc.

[0029] Suitable materials for making metal mesh or mesh-like structures for accessories according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper, brass, galvanized steel, nickel or nickel alloy, stainless steel, carbon steel, zamak, titanium or titanium alloy. The metal mesh or mesh-like structure is preferably made of brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. The addition of zinc strengthens the copper in the alloy, thus providing a strong and durable decorative layer. Brass is easier to process than pure copper and can be used to produce a fine mesh with a jewelry-like appearance.

[0030] Alternatively, if the mesh or mesh-like structure is made of a material with no aesthetic value, or if a custom appearance is desired, the mesh or mesh-like structure may be coated, painted, or galvanized with an attractive finish. In some accessory embodiments, the metal mesh or mesh-like structure is plated with a precious metal, such as silver, gold, or platinum. In other embodiments, the mesh or mesh-like structure is made of a precious metal or alloy, such as platinum, titanium, silver, or 24k, 22k, 18k, 14k, or 10k gold.

[0031] In yet other embodiments, the metal mesh or mesh-like structure may be decorated with ornamental or precious stones, pearls, rhinestones or artificial imitations thereof.

[0032] The inner portion of the accessory disclosed herein is formed by twisting together multiple steel wires, providing a strong, sturdy, and durable cord capable of withstanding repeated pulling forces from animals weighing 250 kg or more. The steel wires are preferably made of steel, such as stainless steel or any other steel alloy known in the art. Non-limiting examples include piano wire and high-carbon steel wire. Steel wire is stable over time, lightweight, and characterized by high tensile strength and weather resistance. Alternatively, Kevlar or any other strong, flexible material may be used for the twisted steel wires of the inner portion of the accessory.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the end of the cord is folded over to form a loop, which is held in place by a swage sleeve. Alternatively, the loop can be secured using any cable securing means known in the art, such as an hourglass sleeve, rope clip, or the like. In some embodiments, the loop is secured with two or more swage sleeves. In some embodiments, the swage sleeves are compressed around the base of the loop by applying a force to the swage sleeve. The swage sleeves allow the loop to remain securely secured, even when subjected to the pulling force of a large animal. The swage sleeves may be made of any suitable material known in the art, such as copper or aluminum.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the accessory disclosed herein, the ends of the metal mesh or mesh-like structure are fixed to the cover shell, and the cord is surrounded by the metal mesh or mesh-like structure. Thus, the metal mesh or mesh-like structure is fixed to the inside of the cover shell by soldering, gluing, or crimping, preventing the decorative layer from peeling off from the cord. By fixing the metal mesh or mesh-like structure to the inside of the cover shell, the edges of the mesh or mesh-like structure are not visible, resulting in a clean design and also preventing the edges from fraying, as can occur with some untreated woven meshes.

[0035] In preferred embodiments of the accessories disclosed herein, the cord is completely surrounded by a mesh or mesh-like structure.

[0036] Alternatively, the cord is partially covered by a mesh or mesh-like structure, which occurs when the mesh or mesh-like structure has a loose structure with gaps, allowing the cord to be visible.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive accessory disclosed herein, the loop and swage sleeve are positioned inside the cover shell. The loop is preferably positioned around the connection opening of the cover shell. By positioning the loop around the cover shell and the opening of the cover shell, the strength of the cord is maintained.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the swaging sleeve is covered by a decorative layer on the outer portion. In such an embodiment, the swaging sleeve is positioned below the cover shell and is covered by a mesh or mesh-like structure.

[0039] The cover shell is made of a material that combines strength with a good cosmetic finish. The cover shell is preferably made of stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, bronze, or copper. The metal of the cover shell may be zinc plated or plated. In some embodiments, the cover shell is plated with ruthenium, palladium, chromium, silver, gold, platinum, or nickel. In other embodiments, the cover shell is made of a precious metal or alloy, such as platinum, titanium, silver, or 24k, 22k, 18k, 14k, or 10k gold.

[0040] In some embodiments of the accessories disclosed herein, a ring and / or chain is attached to the connecting opening in the cover shell at at least one end of the flexible structure. The ring or chain serves as an extension cord, a means for attaching connectors, or a means for customizing the accessory to fit around the necks of animals of various sizes. The chain and ring also serve to enhance the aesthetics when provided with a fine finish or decoration.

[0041] In preferred embodiments of the accessories disclosed herein, the various components of the accessory are connected with connecting members. In a more preferred embodiment, the connecting members are snap hooks. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any suitable connecting members may be used in the present invention. Non-limiting examples include trigger snaps, D-rings, O-rings, carabiners, quick links, delta links, or any rigging connector or link. The connecting members are made of a material that combines strength with a good cosmetic finish. The connecting members are preferably made of stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, bronze, or copper. The metal of the connecting members may be zinc-plated or plated. In some embodiments, the connecting members are plated with ruthenium, palladium, chromium, silver, gold, platinum, or nickel. In other embodiments, the connecting members are made of a precious metal or alloy, such as platinum, titanium, silver, or 24k, 22k, 18k, 14k, or 10k gold. The connecting members of the accessory are made of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the pulling force of a large animal weighing over 250 kg while maintaining a good aesthetic appearance. At the same time, the connector is user-friendly, allowing the animal owner to hook the lead to the collar and detach it as needed.

[0042] In some embodiments, the metal mesh, the cover shell, and the connecting member are made of the same material and / or have the same finish layer. Alternatively, the metal mesh, the cover shell, and the connecting member are made of different materials and / or have different finish layers.

[0043] In one embodiment, the accessory is a lead. In one embodiment, the lead includes a handle and a cord member.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cord member and handle are integrated into a single object. In such an embodiment, the lead has a cover shell with a connection opening. In some embodiments, the connection opening is located opposite the handle. In other embodiments, the connection opening is located in the handle.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the cord member of the lead comprises a flexible structure provided with a cover shell having a connecting opening at each end, and the lead is formed by connecting the opening in the cover shell at one end of the cord member to a connecting member on the handle.

[0046] In some embodiments, the lead cord member may include two or more flexible structures connected to one another at the cover shell by one or more connecting members, thereby allowing the length of the lead cord member to be extended.

[0047] The lead handle is preferably formed by connecting openings in the cover shells at both ends of the flexible structure with connecting members. Alternatively, the lead handle is formed by connecting rings and / or chains attached to connecting openings in the flexible structure with connecting members.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, the accessory is a collar. The collar is preferably formed by connecting openings in cover shells at both ends of the flexible structure with connecting members. Alternatively, the collar is formed by connecting rings and / or chains attached to the connecting openings of the flexible structure with connecting members. The connecting rings or chains attached to the cover shell allow for a collar of adjustable length to fit around the necks of animals of various sizes.

[0049] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a lead and collar assembly, wherein the lead and collar are attached to each other by joining a cover shell at the free end of the cord member of the lead to a connecting member of the collar. In a preferred embodiment, the lead and collar are removably connected, allowing the pet owner to freely hook and unhook the lead.

[0050] The connecting members of the assemblies disclosed herein are preferably snap hooks as disclosed in any of the previous embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any suitable connecting member may be used in the present invention. Non-limiting examples include trigger snaps, D-rings, O-rings, carabiners, quick links, delta links, or any rigging connector or link. The connecting members, as disclosed in any of the previous embodiments, are made of a material that combines strength with a good cosmetic finish. The connecting members of the assemblies are made of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the pulling forces of large animals in excess of 250 kg while maintaining a good aesthetic appearance. At the same time, the connecting members are convenient to use, allowing the owner to easily attach and detach the leash to the collar.

[0051] Preferably, the accessory or assembly disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments is a dog accessory, which is highly versatile and can be used for any breed of dog, from 1 kg to 250 kg or more in weight.

[0052] The present invention allows for the development of modular accessories made from highly durable materials and with a premium appearance. Some components of the accessory are interchangeable, such as the connecting members. Other components share a common manufacturing process, such as the flexible structure of the collar and lead cord. Therefore, the accessory of the present invention is easy to manufacture and assemble. The hardware components of the accessory, cover shell, and connecting members are made from materials that can withstand high tension and are weather-resistant and scratch-resistant, providing a high-performance product.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention provides a sturdy and safe accessory while maintaining a jewelry-like aesthetic. The strength of the system is ensured by an inner structure embedded in the outer chain structure. The special design of the cord and cover shell ensures the system's strength, allowing the collar and leash to be used with even large, powerful pets. The metal mesh or mesh-like structure and cover shell also provide additional strength and are aesthetically pleasing. The accessory can withstand the pulling force of large animals (over 250 kg) while maintaining an eye-catching, attractive appearance.

[0054] The accessories disclosed herein can be used to hold, walk or control animals of any size, from 1 kg to over 250 kg, preferably dogs. It will be apparent that the present invention can also be used to hold, walk and control any other animals, such as dogs, cats, pigs, horses, tigers, lions, rare felines, etc.

[0055] It will be apparent that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the shells and methods described herein may also be used to manufacture accessories with alternative outer structures and decorations.

[0056] [Drawing Description] The following description of the drawings of specific embodiments of the present invention is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the teachings of the present invention, its application, or uses. Corresponding reference numerals refer to the same or corresponding parts and features throughout the drawings.

[0057] The front view shows an accessory including a flexible structure 1, which includes an inner structure 2 at least partially surrounded by an outer structure 3 (see FIG. 1). The inner structure 2 is a cord 4 formed by twisting together a plurality of aligned steel wires. Each end of the cord 4 is folded over to form a loop 5. The loop 5 is held in place by a swage sleeve 6 (see FIG. 2). The outer structure 3 is a sheath 7 formed of a decorative material, preferably a metal mesh or mesh-like structure 10. The ends of the mesh or mesh-like structure 10 are secured to the inside of a fastening element, which is a cover shell 8 having a connection opening 9 (see FIG. 3). The mesh or mesh-like structure may be secured by gluing or crimping, preferably by soldering. The cord 4 is surrounded by the sheath 7 formed by the mesh or mesh-like structure 10. The loop 5 and swage sleeve 6 are disposed inside the cover shell 8 at the end of the cord 4 (see FIG. 4). Alternatively, the swaging sleeve 6 may be located lower, i.e., on the outside of the cover shell 8, and covered with decorative material (not shown), with the loop 5 positioned around the connection opening 9 of the cover shell 8 (see FIG. 2).

[0058] In a preferred embodiment (see Figures 5 and 6), the invention relates to a ring-shaped collar or handle for a lead, formed by connecting both ends of a flexible structure 1 with snap hooks 10 fastened to respective connection openings 9 in cover shells 8. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, snap hooks 11 are connected to three cover shells 8 and have three attached loops 5, two of each shell and loop belonging to the collar and one to the lead.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment (see FIG. 7), the invention relates to a lead formed by joining at least one end of an additional flexible structure 1 a to a snap hook 11 of a collar and / or handle through a connection opening 9 in a cover shell 8.

[0060] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mesh or mesh-like structure 10 is made from brass. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] (1) Flexible structure (2) Inner structure (3) Outer structure (4) Code (5) Loop (6) Swage sleeve (7) Sheath (8) Cover shell (9) Connection opening (10) Mesh or mesh-like structure (11) Snap hook

Claims

1. An accessory for animals, preferably pets, comprising: at least one flexible structure (1) comprising an inner portion (2) at least partially surrounded by an outer portion (3); The inner portion (2) is a cord (4) formed by twisting together a plurality of steel wires, Each end of the cord (4) is folded back to form a loop (5), The loop (5) is held in place by a swage sleeve (6), said outer part (3) being made of decorative material; The end of the decorative material is fixed to the inside of the fastening element; The fastening element is a cover shell (8) having a coupling opening (9), An accessory, characterized in that the decorative material of the outer part (3) is a mesh or mesh-like structure (10).

2. 2. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the mesh or mesh-like structure (10) is made of metal.

3. 3. An accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ends of the mesh or mesh-like structure (10) are soldered to the cover shell (8), and the cord (4) is surrounded by the mesh or mesh-like structure (10).

4. 4. An accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the loop (5) and the swaging sleeve (6) are positioned inside the cover shell (8).

5. An accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the swaging sleeve (6) is covered by a decorative layer of the outer part (3).

6. An accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the loop (5) is positioned around the connection opening (9) of the cover shell (8).

7. An accessory according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the mesh or mesh-like structure (10) is made of brass.

8. An accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the strands of the cord (4) are made of steel.

9. An accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a ring and / or a chain is attached to the connecting opening (9) in the cover shell (8) at at least one end of the flexible structure (1).

10. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the accessory is a lead.

11. The accessory of claim 10 , wherein the accessory is a lead comprising a handle and a cord member.

12. 12. An accessory according to claim 10 or 11, in which the cord member and the handle of the lead are integrated and which comprises a cover shell (8) having a connection opening (9).

13. An accessory according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the cord member of the lead comprises a flexible structure (1a) provided at each end with a cover shell (8) having a connection opening (9).

14. 14. The accessory according to claim 13, wherein the lead handle is formed by connecting the openings (9) in the cover shells at both ends of the flexible structure (1) with connecting members (11).

15. An accessory as described in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the lead handle is formed by connecting rings and / or chains attached to the connecting openings (9) of the flexible structure (1) with connecting members (11).

16. The accessory according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the lead is formed by connecting the opening in the cover shell at one end of the cord member to the connecting member of the handle.

17. The accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the accessory is a collar.

18. 17. An accessory according to claim 16, wherein the collar is formed by connecting the openings (9) of the cover shells at both ends of the flexible structure (1) with connecting members (11).

19. 18. An accessory as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the collar is formed by connecting rings and / or chains attached to the connection openings (9) of the flexible structure (1) with connecting members (11).

20. 16. An assembly comprising a lead according to any one of claims 7 to 12 and a collar according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the lead and collar are attached to each other by joining the cover shell of the free end of the cord member of the lead to the connecting member of the collar.

21. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the connecting member is a snap hook.

22. 21. An accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or an assembly according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the accessory or assembly is an accessory or assembly for a dog.

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