Pet Boot Jack with Pivoting Jaws for One-Handed Boot Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching dog boots or socks to a pet's paw require two hands, making it difficult and cumbersome due to the need to hold the boot open and guide the foot into it, which can be challenging for pets that are resistant to this process.
Innovation Solution
A device called the Pet Boot Jack (PBJ) allows for one-handed attachment of pet boots by using pivotally attached halves with jaws that can be opened to accommodate the pet's foot, featuring ergonomic handles and adjustable protrusions to secure and remove the boot, enabling easy insertion and secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two hands are used to hold the boot open and guide the foot into it, then the boot can be properly attached to the pet's paw, but the process becomes difficult and cumbersome for resistant pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boot attachment device as an intermediary tool between the user and the pet boot. This device includes a base with a U-shaped channel that receives the boot, and a compression member that applies force to expand the boot opening. The intermediary device handles the complex task of boot manipulation, allowing the user to simply place the pet's paw into the boot while the device does the work of expanding and securing the boot opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot attachment device is designed to perform many functions automatically once the boot is placed in the U-shaped channel. The compression member can be spring-loaded or otherwise self-actuating, automatically expanding the boot opening when activated and maintaining pressure to keep the boot properly positioned during attachment. This self-service capability reduces the need for continuous manual manipulation.
2Reliability
If two hands are required to manipulate the boot, then the boot opening can be held open, but the process takes more time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The boot attachment device serves as an intermediary that mechanically controls the boot opening. The U-shaped channel on the base provides a stable receptacle for the boot, while the compression member acts as a mediator that applies controlled force to expand and maintain the boot opening. This mechanical intermediary system replaces the need for two-handed manual manipulation, providing consistent and reliable boot opening control throughout the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the U-shaped channel and compression member in position before the boot attachment process begins. The compression member can be pre-loaded with spring force or other stored energy, so that when the boot is placed in the channel and the activation mechanism is engaged, the boot opening expansion occurs automatically and rapidly. This preliminary preparation of the device eliminates the need for gradual, time-consuming manual manipulation during the actual attachment.
3Ease of operation
If manual two-handed manipulation is used, then the boot can be positioned, but the process is cumbersome and increases pet resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The boot attachment device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the boot positioning task. The U-shaped channel on the base provides a predetermined, ergonomically-designed receptacle that naturally guides the boot into the correct orientation. The compression member automatically positions the boot opening for optimal expansion. This intermediary device handles the complex positioning mechanics, reducing the user's role to simply placing the pet's paw into the boot while the device manages the complex positioning and expansion operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for securing an animal boot to an animal's foot is taught. The device includes a pair of handles, a securing means and a pair of jaws that are pivotally attached to the pair of handles by the securing means. When the pair of jaws are in a closed position, an open end of the animal boot is attached around the sides of the pair of jaws. Squeezing the pair of handles towards each other causes the pair of jaws to extend away from each other to an open position and also causes the pair of jaws to expand the open end of the animal boot.