Restraining devices

#This invention relates to restraining devices for use in vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to restraining devices for animals such as dogs.

#If it is desired to transport animals, for example dogs in cars, it is often necessary to provide a suitable cage in which the dog can be placed during the journey. This can cause distress to the animal. Alternatively, if the dog is allowed to remain free within the car a hazard to safety could arise in the event that the dog should distract the driver.

#It is an object of this invention to obviate and/or mitigate these disadvantages.

#An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a view of a restraining device for an animal;

#FIG. 2 is a view of an alternative restraining device;

#Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a device 10 for restraining an animal, such as a dog, in a vehicle. The device 10 comprises a ring 12 adapted to receive a seat belt 11 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1) of the vehicle therein. The ring 12 is in the form of a split ring and has overlapping end portions 14,16. The end portions 14,16 are substantially linear, and the ring is substantially triangular in configuration.

#Attaching means in the form of an elastomeric sleeve 18 is mounted on the ring at an apex of the triangle opposite the end portions 14,16. The sleeve 18 comprises a cut out portion 20 adapted to hold securing means 22 to the ring 12, as will be explained below. The sleeve 18 is so adapted to prevent lateral movement in the direction indicated by the double headed arrow A of the attaching means.

#A device 10 also comprises securing means 22 which is secured to the ring 12 by a loop portion 24 extending through the sleeve 18. The loop portion 24 extends between the sleeve 18 and the ring 12 through the cut out portion 20, as shown in FIG. 1.