AU2008100187A4 - Adjustable Handled Pet Sling - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT ADJUSTABLE HANDLED PET SLING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 00 This invention relates to a four legged animal, predominantly dog sling that is especially useful for assisting the walking of animals recovering from injured limbs, arthritis and or aged animals.

00 5 For activities such as walking a dog, transporting up stairs or lifting animal into vehicle or any high place, often a towel or plastic bag is used. Neither are satisfactory as there is a risk of injuring the animal if the grip is released due to the awkwardness of holding the ends of said items. Furthermore the operator of the sling is protected from back strain with the application of adjustable 00 10 height handles. Previous slings marketed for such applications have been similar but have not consisted of adjustable handles resulting in the user to Ohave to bend when using it.

00 0It is therefore an objection of the present invention to provide a sling which will obviate or minimise the foregoing disadvantages in a simple yet effective ri manner which will at least provide the public, veterinary and other animal carer staff with a useful choice.

Accordingly the invention consists in a fabric torso strap having attached strap handles attached either side of both ends of the torso strap, fitted with adjustable tie-glide buckles. Both ends of torso strap have Velcro attached for adjustable attachment together around animals torso. First adjustment means to allow the adjustment of height between the torso strap and the operators hand to adjust for different height dogs and operators and adjustment of allowable width between strap one and strap two to coincide with connection of Velcro. Second adjustment means to allow adjustment of the Velcro connection point of the torso strap together for different width dogs.

Preferably the Velcro attachment is positioned on the back of the animal either at the front or the back depending on the disability of the animal.

Preferably the adjustable sling can be fitted without the animal standing until sling is fitted.

Preferably the adjustable sling is available in different sizes catering for front or rear use and is washable and completely rustproof.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope the of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, 00 O FIGURE 1 is a view of an animal sling according to one preferred form of the invention, and SFIGURE 2 is a side view of an animal sling according to one preferred form of 00 5 the invention Ni The pet sling shown which is a torso fabric strap 1 desirably formed of a material which gives sufficient strength for the purpose but which is also of a material which is sufficient to be against the animals skin in use, this may be 00 10 desirable to add a padded liner for example an imitation sheepskin liner.

A handle strap 2 extends from each end of the torso fabric strap 1. The strap is 0made from any suitable strong material for example polyprop webbing.

00 0Handle straps are preferably connected through D-rings 4 and suitable tie glide buckles 3 to allow for handle strap 2 to adjust in length. Strap 8 is connected through D-rings 4 and connection points 5 on torso strap 1.

Velcro Hook 7 is connected to one end of torso strap 1. Velcro Loop 6 is connected to opposite end and opposite side of torso strap 1 to that of Velcro Hook 7.

In use, in the preferred form, the sling, is assembled around a animals torso either at the back around their stomach or at the front around their chest, engaging the Velcro Hook 7 and Velcro Loop 6 at an appropriate adjustment to suit the most comfortable fit of the animal.

In use the adjustments are then adjusted at tie-glide buckle 3 to adjust the length of the handle straps 2.

Thus it can be seen that at least in the preferred form of the invention an animal sling is provided which is readily assembled and arranged for use and which can be simply used, for example holding handles.

Use of the sling prevents further injury to already injured or disable limbs of an animal as well as prevention of back strain or injury to the operator.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims (4)

1. An adjustable sling comprising, a torso strap having attachment point's capable of connecting ends C. together; 00 0- and wherein one or more handles are attached to the torso strap; and wherein the distance between the ends of the torso strap can be varied. 00

2. An adjustable sling as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two handles; 015 00 and wherein the length of the two handles are adjustable in length.

S3. An adjustable sling as claimed in either claim I or claim 2 wherein the handles are located proximal to the attachment points.

4. An adjustable sling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the adjustable sling can be fitted to an animal without the animal having to stand or lift it's limbs; and wherein the adjustable sling is washable and completely rust proof. An adjustable sling substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.