System for securing an animal

#The present invention relates to a system for securing an animal to a fixed object. More particularly, the invention provides a system configured to frictionally retain a lead line such that an animal may pull a length of the lead line through the system when frightened or startled.

#Users of saddle and pack animals, such as horses, donkeys, llamas, camels, etc., sometimes must leave an animal unattended outside of an enclosed environment. To prevent the animal from wandering away, the user may sometimes tie or otherwise secure the animal to a fixed object with a lead line or rope.

#In places where saddle or pack animals are frequently left unattended, various devices to which the animals may be tied are sometimes provided. One common example of such a device is a hitching post. A hitching post typically includes a horizontal bar to which the animals may be tied, and one or more vertical supports that support the horizontal bar off of the ground. Another common device to which an animal may be tied is a tie ring. A tie ring includes a ring to which a lead line may be tied, and some mechanism (for example, an eyebolt) for securing the ring to a post or other fixed object.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a securing system according to the present invention, with a horse secured to the system.

#FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the securing system of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the securing system of FIG. 1, with a loop of a lead line inserted partially through the securing system.

#A first embodiment of a system for securing an animal according to the present invention is shown, generally at 10, in FIG. 1. As depicted, securing system 10 is mounted to a post 12, and is used to secure a horse 14 to the post with a rope or other lead line 16. However, it will be appreciated that securing system 10 may be used to secure any desired type of animal, and may be mounted to any other suitable surface or object, such as a tree, a wall, or an inside surface of a trailer, or may be used on a picket line, as described in more detail below.

#Securing system 10 is configured to frictionally retain a lead line, without any need for a knot to fix the lead line to the securing system. Generally, a securing system according to the present invention includes a plurality of spaced-apart members configured to accept a length of lead line in an interwoven or interlaced fashion. When the lead line is pulled, the friction exerted against the sides of the lead line by the spaced-apart members causes the lead line to resist being pulled through the securing system.

#The plurality of spaced-apart members may be arranged in any desired manner. For example, the plurality of spaced-apart members may be arranged parallel to one another, in a comb-shaped array. In the depicted embodiment, however, securing system 10 includes a frame 20, and a retaining member 22 coupled with the frame. The structure of securing system 10 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The spaced-apart members correspond to a first side 24 of frame 20, a second side 26 of the frame, and retaining member 22. Securing system 10 is configured to have lead line 16 coupled in such a manner that it is woven behind retaining member 22 and in front of first side 24 and second side 26 of frame 20. Each point of contact of lead line 16 with first and second sides 24, 26 of frame 20 and with retaining member 22 contributes to the frictional retention of the lead line by securing system 10.