BACKGROUND

[0001] Dog jumps are used in practice and competition, to measure the jump height of a dog or to prove that a dog is capable of jumping at least the height of the dog jump itself. Many current dog jumps are solid frames. Others are a bar suspended between vertical posts or uprights, either with or without an opaque cover between the posts and crossbar. When the dog jumps "under" the required height, the dog can catch one or more of its legs and trip over the jump. This can frighten the dog, and may even lead to injury. Either may prevent the dog from wanting to attempt the jumping exercise again.

[0002] One type of dog jump has a solid wall over which the dog must jump. The wall is supported such that it will not easily tip over, even when collided with by a dog’s feet. Thus, a dog who fails to clear the jump may be likely to experience fear, discomfort, pain, and perhaps even injury.

[0003] Another type of dog jump is a collection of hollow PVC pipes connected by pipe connectors and covered with a flexible cover that is firmly attached to the pipes. As such, this jump is unlikely to detach during a failed jump. It is supported such that it will not easily tip over, even when collided with by a dog's feet. Thus, a dog who fails to clear the jump is likely to experience fear, discomfort, pain, and perhaps injury.

[0004] Another type of dog jump is also made from pipes, but the crossbars are not attached. Rather, they rest on pegs attached to the uprights, such that they can be knocked off when a dog fails a jump. However, this design allows the crossbar to be knocked off only in a substantially upward direction. For missed jumps where a dog intersects the crossbars in a partially downward direction, the crossbars are not likely to release, and the hazards are similar to those described above, in that a dog who fails to clear the jump may be likely to experience fear, discomfort, pain, and perhaps injury. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example portable dog safety jump with an example jump cloth.

[0006] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the example portable dog safety jump without the jump cloth.

[0007] Figure 3 is a front view of the example portable dog safety jump.

[0008] Figure 4 is a side view of the example portable dog safety jump.

[0009] Figure 5 is a top view of the example portable dog safety jump.

[0010] Figure 6 is a close-up view of the outrigger support arms of the example portable dog safety jump taken along lines 6-6 in Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 7 is a cross-section view of the outrigger support arms of the example portable dog safety jump shown in Figure 6.

[0012] Figure 8 is a cross-section view of a portion of the outrigger support arms of the example portable dog safety jump shown in box 8 in Figure 6.

[0013] Figure 9 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump taken along lines 9-9 in Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 10 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump taken along lines 11-11 in Figure 9.

[0015] Figure 11 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump taken along lines 12-12 in Figure 9.

[0016] Figure 12 is a cross-section perspective view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump shown in Figure 11.

[0017] Figure 13 is a cross-section view taken along lines 13-13 in Figure 1 of the example portable dog safety jump showing the stabilizing feet.

[0018] Figure 14 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump taken along lines 14-14 in Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A portable dog safety jump is disclosed. An example portable dog safety jump includes a base structure and a first upright support member and a second upright support member mounted on the base structure. An outrigger structure is provided between the first upright support member and the second upright support member. A first support arm and a second support arm is provided on the outrigger structure. At least one cross member is releasably supported between the first support arm and second support arm of the outrigger structure. If a dog attempting to jump over the outrigger structure does not clear the cross member, the cross member readily releases from the outrigger structure and falls out of the path of the jump of the dog.

[0020] The portable dog safety jump can be readily assembled and disassembled, e.g., for carrying in a carrying case. An example of the portable dog safety jump includes an optional jump cloth to hide the area behind the portable dog safety jump from the view of the dog completing the jump.

[0021] In an example, the structure of the portable dog safety jump connects at the joints with snap button fittings, and is adjustable across a broad range of heights. Each molded slip tee has a paddle that the jump cloth top bar rests on each end when pulled up from the lower cross support. Outrigger support arms lightly support outrigger bars, allowing the bars to release when a dog bumps into or brushes against them, causing the bars to fall. These outriggers teach the dog to arc it's jumping style more gently, instead of the typical arrowhead hop jumping style that most jumps teach.

[0022] Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms“includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to,“includes" or“including” and“includes at least” or “including at least.” The term“based on” means“based on” and“based at least in part on.”

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example portable dog safety jump 100 with an example jump cloth 102. Figure 2 is another perspective view of the example portable dog safety jump 100 without the jump cloth. Figure 3 is a front view of the example portable dog safety jump 100. Figure 4 is a side view of the example portable dog safety jump 100. Figure 5 is a top view of the example portable dog safety jump 100.

[0024] An example of the portable dog safety jump 100 includes a base structure 102. The base structure 102 has a first tri-foot assembly 104a to receive a first upright support member 106a, and a second tri-foot assembly 104b to receive a second upright support member 106b. The base structure 102 also has a cross support 108 connecting the first tri-foot assembly 104a to the second tri-foot assembly 104b.

[0025] A blind support or handle 109 pulls up from the base support 108 and rests on paddles on each slip tee 116a, 116b between the first upright support member 106a and the second upright support member 106b. In an example, the blind support embedded in the jump cloth 130, e.g., in a sewn pocket or hem formed in the top of the jump cloth 130.

[0026] The example portable dog safety jump 100 also includes an outrigger structure 110 between the first upright support member 104a and the second upright support member 104b. The outrigger structure 110 has a plurality of support arms 112a-d. The outrigger arms 112a-d are glued into the slip tees. In the example shown in the drawings, the outrigger structure 110 has four support arms 112a-d, although more or fewer may be provided in other examples.

[0027] In an example, the first support arm 112a and the second support arm 112b face in a first direction, and the third support arm 112c and the fourth support arm 112d face in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In addition, the first support arm 112a and the second support arm 112b are angled downward toward the ground (e.g., down from a peak where they are mounted on the upright support members 106a and 106b), thereby forming a triangular shape or“peak” for the dog to jump over. In an example, the angle is about 15 degrees below horizontal. In an example, the support arms 112a-d are three-quarter inch in diameter. Other angles and tube diameters may be employed based on design considerations.

[0028] In an example, the outrigger structure 110 is height adjustable on the first upright support member 106a and the second upright support member 106b. The upright support members 106a, 106b may be marked so that the user can see the“top of pipe” elevation of the jump in both inches and centimeters on the sticker at the“top” on the slip tee.

[0029] In the drawings, this height adjustment mechanism is illustrated as a plurality of openings 114 formed along at least a portion of the height of the upright support members 106a and 106b, and a pin 115 on the outrigger structure (e.g., on each of the T-structures or“slip tees" 116a and 116b). The outrigger structure 110 can be positioned at any desired position along the height of the upright support members 106a and 106b, and then the pin 115 inserted through the corresponding opening 114 to set the height. However, it is noted that other height adjustment mechanisms may also be provided as will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

[0030] By way of illustration, the height of the slip tees 116a, 116b may be adjustable from 7 inches to 42 inches in one-inch increments on the uprights. The uprights 106a and 106b may be marked in both inches and centimeters (e.g., with a sticker on the side of each upright).

[0031] At least one cross member 120a-d (four cross members are shown in the drawings) may be releasably supported between the first support arm 112a and second support arm 112b, and between the third support arm 112c and the fourth support arm 112d of the outrigger structure 110.

[0032] In use, the trainer will start teaching the dog to jump without the outrigger poles 120A-D installed. The jump cloth or blind 130 and handle 109 gently sits on the paddles of the two slip tees 116a, 116b and will be knocked off with the slightest bump of a foot or body part. Then, poles 120a-d are added as the dog becomes more advanced, to help create more of a“jump arc”. This way the dog jumps and lands flatter on all four legs, reducing strain on the dog’s shoulders and front legs.

[0033] Figure 6 is a close-up view of the outrigger 100 support arms 112a and 112c of the example portable dog safety jump 100. Figure 7 is a cross-section view of the outrigger 100 support arms 112a and 112c of the example portable dog safety jump 100 shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-section view of a portion of one of the outrigger support arms 112a of the example portable dog safety jump 100 shown in box 8 in Figure 6.

[0034] In an example, a plurality of support brackets 122 are provided on each of the support arms 112a-d. The cross members) 120a-d rest on the support brackets 122 of the support arms 112a-d, and the cross members 120a-d can be positioned at various locations (e.g., on various of the support brackets 122) on the outrigger structure 110.

[0035] In an example, the support brackets 112 are semi-circular in shape so that the cross members 120a-d rest on the support brackets 112, and the cross members 120a-d are readily released from the support brackets 112 and fall out of the path 1 of the jump of the dog when the dog brushes against the cross member(s) 120a-d.

[0036] As such, a dog attempting to jump over the outrigger structure and does not clear any of the cross members 120a-d (e.g., brushes against or even goes through the cross member), causes the cross member(s) 120a-d to readily release from the outrigger structure 110 so that the cross member(s) 120a-d fall out of the path 1 of the jump of the dog, thereby reducing or preventing injury to the dog or scaring the dog for future jumps.

[0037] Similarly, the blind support 109 rests lightly on the support brackets (similar to paddles 112) on the molded slip tees 116a, 116b, such that a disturbance, such as a dog colliding with the blind support bar on either an upward or downward trajectory, will cause it to fall to the ground. In an example, this outrigger structure 110 teaches a dog to arc its jumping style more gently, instead of the typical arrowhead hop jumping style that dogs learn from traditional jump designs.

[0038] This combination of easily dislodged outriggers 110 and an easily dislodged cross member(s) addresses a long-felt need in the dog training communities. For example, it may enable dogs to be trained in jumping techniques with substantially less fear, discomfort, and risk. [0039] Before continuing, it is noted that the operations shown and described herein are provided to illustrate example implementations. Still other examples may also be implemented, including increasing or decreasing the number and/or type of components, attachments, and configuration.

[0040] In an example, the portable dog safety jump 100 includes a“jump” blind or roller blind 130. In an example, the rollerblind base 108 and cloth or screen 130, the two five-way tees of the base structure 102, and handle 109 are a single subassembly. All six legs can be disconnected from the base structure 102 to put in the case.

[0041] The roller blind 130 may be mounted to one of the upright support members 106a-b and can be extended and retracted between the first upright support member 106a and the second upright support member 106b to hide whatever is behind the portable dog safety jump 100. The jump blind helps minimize distraction for the dog, and encourages the dog to jump over the device 100 (instead of going through it).

[0042] In an example, the structure of the portable dog safety jump 100 may be readily assembled and disassembled in a modular fashion such that it may readily be stored in a carrying case for easy storage and/or transport. In an example, the case is a molded plastic case similar in dimensions to a guitar case, although soft-sided cases may be employed as well. In an example, the case interior may be dense foam with the components strategically positioned to optimize the visual presentation of the portable dog safety jump’s unique features. However, as a design choice, other interior arrangements may be employed.

[0043] As will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein, the portable dog safety jump 100 provides a device for measuring a dog’s jumps, as well as a method for training dogs to jump, that involves less risk of fear, discomfort, and injury than traditional dog jumps.

[0044] It is noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and/or device configurations may be utilized to carry out the operations described herein as will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

[0045] For example, the structure of the portable dog safety jump 100 may be metal or PVC pipe and connections the connect at the joints with snap button fittings. However, other structure and connections may also be implemented.

[0046] In another example, the portable dog safety jump may include an optional jump cloth which hangs from one of the cross members 120a-d and/or the blind support 109. The jump cloth may be provided in addition to or instead of the roller blind 130, to hide the area behind the jump 100 from the view of the dog completing the jump.

[0047] In an example, the jump cloth is a roller blind that stores in its base, with a "fail close" brake. This brake is engaged (stepped on) for the roller to roll in or out. This may minimize the risk of a dog being startled by the jump cloth rolling and retracting into the base when the dog is in close proximity (e.g., when the dog misses a jump attempt).

[0048] A roller blind mechanism is built inside of a tubular housing (e.g., made of aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or plastic) and is attached to the foot assembly with one or more snap buttons. The jump cloth may include pictures, designs, text, artwork, photographic images, logos, or a plain or a solid-color fabric which may be either a fully closed (e.g., rubberized or polymer coated) material, or may be fashioned from an open mesh material that allows wind to pass through with reduced risk of knocking over the portable dog safety jump 100.

[0049] Figure 9 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the base structure 102 of the example portable dog safety jump 100 taken along lines 9-9 in Figure 1. Figure 10 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump 100 taken along lines 11-11 in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump 100 taken along lines 12-12 in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a cross-section perspective view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump 100 shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a cross-section view taken along lines 13-13 in Figure 1 of the example portable dog safety jump 100 showing the stabilizing feet of the base structure 102. Figure 14 is a cross-section view of the stabilizing feet of the example portable dog safety jump 100 taken along lines 14-14 in Figure 1.

[0050] The base structure 102 has a cross support 108 connecting the first tri-foot assembly 104a to the second tri-foot assembly 104b. In an example, the cross support 108 houses roller blind 130. The tri-foot assemblies 104a and 104b stabilize the structure. In an example, the tri-foot assemblies 104a and 104b are constructed of PVC pipe and include three rubber feet on each side.

[0051] The base structure 102 has a cross support 108 connecting the first tri-foot assembly 104a to the second tri-foot assembly 104b. A spring mechanism 150 is provided in the cross support 108 to operate the roller blind 130.

[0052] It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.