(under subclass 850) Subject matter wherein an animal borne guard or garment protects an area of an animal's body between its shoulder blades and head (i.e., neck).
(1) Note. A neck-carried device for preventing an animal from bending its neck to, for example, prevent injury from self biting, etc., or for any other reason, is considered to be a controlling device provided for elsewhere. This is to be distinguished from a neck cover that prevents an animal from scratching its neck with its claws. Such a cover is considered to be a shield for a localized area of the body appropriate for this subclass and not a leg restraint. However, if a neck-carried device is in the form of a barrier that prevents an animal from reaching past its neck with its leg to, for example, scratch its ear, it would be considered a leg restraint rather than an ear shield because it functions more as a leg restraint than a protective ear cover. See the search notes below for appropriate areas for mentioned restraints.
(2) Note. This subclass generally includes subject matter
for preventing a neck or throat area from being bitten by another animal, but is not limited to such purposes. Other purposes as diverse as shielding the neck of a female to prevent a male's claws from gripping her neck for sexual mounting is proper for this subclass. Protective construction may employ use of electric shock or a sharply pointed element (e.g., pricker or spur) to discourage an attacking animal.
(3) Note. A collar, per se, is excluded from this subclass, unless it is capable of performing as a protective cover that provides a physical barrier. As such, a collar adapted to chemically protect from fleas or other pest or disease is provided for elsewhere. Similarly, a collar having a reflector or illuminator to protect an animal from being hit by a car is not considered to be a physical barrier, and is therefore provided for elsewhere with collar structure. See the search notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
815, for preventing an animal from bending its neck.
816, for a neck-carried shield to prevent an animal from reaching past its neck with its paw to scratch its head. 821, for a neck-carried shield to prevent an animal's mouth from reaching an area of its body.
856+, for a collar, per se, especially subclass 858 for a collar with a reflector, subclass 859 for a collar with an electric lamp, and subclass 862 for a collar with a pricker or spur.
