GB2224626A

GB2224626A - Animal muzzles

Info

Publication number: GB2224626A
Application number: GB8826689A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Melvin Brian Driver
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-11-15
Filing date: 1988-11-15
Publication date: 1990-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2008-11-15
Also published as: GB2224626B; GB8826689D0

Abstract

A muzzle for a cat or a dog comprising a mask (1) made of fabric and a series of loops (5, 6, 7, 8) at the rear with a cord (9) passing through the loops. In use, the mask fits over the head of the animal and the cord is tied behind the animal's head. <IMAGE>

Description

MUZZLE FOR A DOMESTIC PET The present invention relates to a muzzle for a domestic pet, and is particularly suitable for use with cats.

Veterinary surgeons often are required to treat domestic pets when the pets are not anaesthetised, for example when giving injections, or inspecting the pet.

One hazard of treating unanaesthetised pets is that the veterinary surgeons and their assistants are in danger of being bitten by the pet. Even animals such as cats which rarely bite people under usual circumstances are known to bite when they are unwell or frightened in an unusual environment such as a veterinary surgery, or when being handled by persons unknown to the pet for example when undergoing treatment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for eliminating or minimising the risks of veterinary professionals being bitten in this way.

According to the present invention there is provided a muzzle for a domestic pet comprising a fabric mask and securing means.

The muzzle is particularly suitable for use on a cat.

The mask is preferably shaped so that when being worn by a pet, so eliminating any visual information which may cause the pet anxiety.

A preferred form of the invention provides a muzzle for a cat comprising a mask made from a fabric, the mask being arranged to fit over the head of the cat, substantially covering its eyes nose and mouth, the muzzle having a series of loops at the rear and a cord which in use is passed through the loops and secured to itself behind the head of the cat.

The mask must enable the pet to breathe, and it therefore preferably has at least one opening at the front end. Preferably the front end of the muzzle is open, however the muzzle must be long enough and the open end small enough to prevent the mouth of the pet opening a significant enough amount to bite or snap the vet. Typically the diameter of the open end will be between half an inch and 1 inch in diameter (1.3cm to 2.5cm), for example three quarters of an inch (1.8cm) in diameter. Alternatively or additionally the mask may comprise a fabric which is air permeable.

Preferably, the fabric of the mask, is strong and/or light weight and/or easily washable. Particularly suitable fabrics are synthetic fabrics such as nylon or terylene. Natural fabrics may be used however.

The securing means preferably comprises fabric loops extending from the periphery of the mask, through which another length of fabric may be passed. The loops of fabric may comprise the same or a different fabric from the mask.

The other length of fabric which may be passed through the loop of fabric, may have its two ends fastened together in order to prevent the muzzle slipping off the pet's head or being removed from the pet's head by the pet. The length of fabric may comprise the same or a different fabric from the mask and/or the loop.

Suitably, the length of fabric is in the form of a cord.

The arrangement of the loop or loops is preferably such that the cord can pass around the pet's neck and behind (and/or around) the pets ears when fastened.

The ends of the cord may be tied together, preferably, however the length of fabric has a fastening means for fastening the two ends of the length of fabric together. Examples of suitable fastening means comprise self-adhesive material, a hook-and-eye, or a press-stud. More preferably, the fastening means comprises self-adhesive material, such as Velcro (trade mark) for example.

The invention may be carried into practice in various ways and one specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the single Figure is a perspective view of a muzzle according to the invention.

The muzzle comprises a mask 1 which is approximately conical in form, having an opening 2 at the snout end 3 of the mask. Extending from the periphery of the mask 4 are four loops of fabric 5, 6, 7, 8, the edges of the mask and of the loops stitched for increased durability and to minimise the likelihood of fraying.

A length of fabric or cord 9 passes through each of the four loops 5, 6, 7, 8, and has a fastening means comprising self-adhesive material 10 such as Velcro at each end of the length of fabric.

In use, the mask is fitted over a pet's head with the opening at the snout end in front of the pet's nose.

The mask extends over the pet's eyes. The cord 9 is passed through each of the loops behind the pet's ears and around the pet's neck and fastened using the Velcro at the ends of the cord. Different sizes of lead may be accommodated by adjusting the length of the cord 9.

When fastening devices are used on the cord therefore, these may be located in a number of different positions along its length.

Claims

1. A muzzle for a domestic pet such as a cat or a dog, comprising a fabric mask and securing means arranged to attach the muzzle to the pet.

2. A muzzle as claimed in Claim 1, in which the securing means comprises a series of loops at the rear and a cord passing through the loops and arranged to be securable to itself behind the head of the pet.

3. A muzzle as claimed in Claim l or Claim 2, having an opening at the front end.

4. A muzzle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mask is made of a synthetic fabric material.

5. A muzzle as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4, in which the loops are made of a similar fabric to the mask.

6. A muzzle as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 5, in which the cord comprises a length of fabric with fastening means in the form of a self adhesive material.

7. A muzzle as claimed in Claim 6, in which the self adhesive material is a material known by the trade mark Velcro.

8. A muzzle for a domestic pet, constructed and arranged substantially as herein specifically described with reference to and as shown in the accompany drawing.