Pet Collar Retainer System for Concealing Flea Treatment Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet collars that provide flea protection are unsightly and require a separate attachment, which can stigmatize the pet and disturb owners who prefer an ornamental appearance.
Innovation Solution
A pet collar design that integrates a conventional flea collar with an ornamental pet collar using a retainer system, where a second elongate strap for flea protection is hidden under the ornamental strap, allowing for aesthetic appeal and functional flea protection without visible distinction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate flea collar is attached to provide flea protection, then the pet receives effective flea and tick protection, but the collar becomes unsightly and disturbs the pet owner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate collars (ornamental collar and flea collar) into a single integrated unit. The retainers attach the flea collar strap to the ornamental collar strap, merging their functions and appearances so that flea protection is provided without the unsightly separate collar appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flea collar strap is nested within or alongside the ornamental collar strap, with retainers positioning the flea collar components inside or attached to the ornamental collar structure, allowing the protective function to be contained within the aesthetic form.
2Reliability
If a separate flea collar is attached to provide flea protection, then the pet receives effective flea and tick protection, but the collar structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated collar is segmented into distinct functional components: the ornamental collar strap for appearance, the flea collar strap for protection, and multiple retainers for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainers serve multiple functions: they attach the flea collar strap to the ornamental collar, position the flea collar components correctly, and maintain the integrated structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate attachment mechanisms, simplifying the overall device.
3Shape
If a retainer system is used to integrate the collars, then the ornamental appearance is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainers are positioned at specific locations along the collar straps where attachment is needed, rather than uniformly distributing complexity throughout. Each retainer is placed strategically to secure the flea collar strap to the ornamental collar at optimal points, maintaining appearance while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pet collar (10) includes a first elongate strap (14) and a plurality of retainers (13) which are carried by the strap (14). The retainers (13) receive a second elongate strap (12) which can be of a material such as found in a conventional flea collar. When positioned on the pet, the first strap (14) hides the second strap (12) so that it is not apparent that the pet is wearing the second strap (12).