Patent Application
20150053145
The present invention relates to animal leashes, and more particularly, relates to dog leashes assemblies capable of quickly securing to an anchoring object.
Conventional animal leashes typically require the user to maintain a proximate end of the leash in at least one hand in order to control the animal on the other distal end. As part of the control, such leash of course limits the distance that the dog can travel in relation to its caretaker. At the leash proximate end, the leash strap typically forms a closed hand loop which not only aids gripping and maintaining control of the leash, but also facilitates securing the leashed animal to an object.
For conventional leashes, when securing a leashed dog to an object, such as a pole, the leash strap can be wrapped around the pole and threaded through the hand loop. Upon pulling the distal end of the leash, the proximal end thereof that extends through the hand loop and can be tightened around the pole to secure the animal.
One problem associated with this technique, however, is that initially the leashed animal must first be unleashed so that this leash distal end can be placed through the handle loop. Typically a dog owner, for instance, will grip the dog's collar for control of the dog, and unhook the distal leash hook from the dog collar with the other hand. While maintaining grip of the dog's collar, the owner must wrap the leash around the anchoring objection, and manipulate the distal leash hook through the proximate handle loop. This of course can be problematic should control of the animal not be maintained during this task.
Another problem encountered with this manner of securing a leashed animal to an object is that this method is overly laborious, cumbersome and relatively time consuming to implement.
Another issue with conventional leashes, when applying this securing technique, is that the distance that the animal is tethered from the object is more or less fixed. Should the leash be too long for whatever reason, shortening of the tether requires forming a knot in the leash or doing nothing at all.
Accordingly, there is a need for an animal leash that can be quickly and easily mounted to an object, while at the same time allowing the care taker to adjust the length of the tether.
The present invention provides a leash assembly that includes an elongated strap device having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a central portion generally extending between the proximal and distal portion thereof. The strap proximal portion is configured to enable gripping of the leash assembly thereof, and the distal portion is configured to removably couple to an animal. In accordance with the present invention, the leash assembly further includes a quick release assembly, mounted to the strap central portion, having a slide fastener member and a spaced apart lock/slide fastener member. The slide fastener member includes a first fastening component and a slide portion configured for selective sliding disposal at a plurality of positions along the strap central portion. In contrast, the lock/slide fastener member includes a second fastening component adapted to releasably mate with the first fastening component. The lock/slide fastener member further includes a lock/slide portion capable of releasably locking to the strap device in a first orientation, and is further capable of selective sliding disposal thereof at a plurality of positions along the strap central portion at a second orientation. The first and second fastening components cooperate to selectively retain the central portion of the strap device to one of a plurality of varying diameter anchoring objects.
Accordingly, a leash assembly is provided that enables quick and safe securement of the strap device to an anchoring object that does not require unleashing of the animal from the leash during this process. Moreover, the leash is capable of accommodating a variety of anchoring object sizes, within the length constraints of the leash. In addition, the length that the animal is tethered from the anchoring object is adjustable, within the length constraints of the strap central portion.
In one specific embodiment, the first and second fastening components include corresponding press-fit buckle members configured for press-fit coupling to one another.
In another configuration, one of the press-fit buckle members is a male-type buckle member and the other press-fit buckle member is a female-type buckle member.
In still another embodiment, the male-type buckle member is oriented in a manner facing in the longitudinal direction toward the female-type buckle member.
Yet another embodiment provides the slide portion with a square link slide device, and the lock/slide portion with a three-bar slide device.
In one specific embodiment, the lock/slide fastener member is oriented along the strap device upstream from the slide fastener member.
In another specific embodiment, the leash assembly further includes a collar clip device having a proximal retaining loop. The strap distal portion further includes a first section of the distal portion of the strap device that extends through the retaining loop, and extends back towards and opposed to a second section of the distal portion. The first section of the strap distal portion 23 is affixed to the second section thereof proximate to the proximal retaining loop of the clip device, at a first mount. This retains the clip device at a distal end of the leash assembly. Moreover, the first section of the strap distal portion is mounted to the second section, at a second mount, spaced apart from the first mount and in a manner forming a distal hand loop proximate to the collar clip device.
In accordance with another aspect of present invention, a flexible pouch assembly is provided that is mounted to the proximal portion of the strap device. The pouch assembly includes an elongated, hollow body extending generally along a longitudinal axis thereof. The hollow body includes an upper sheet section and an opposed lower sheet section. The upper sheet section defines an opening into a cavity of the flexible body. The pouch assembly further includes a retaining section disposed adjacent to the lower sheet section. Collectively, a strap channel is formed extending generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof. The strap channel is sized and dimensioned for sliding receipt of a transverse cross-sectional dimension of the strap device therethrough.
In one specific embodiment, the pouch assembly includes a proximal mount device configured to removably mount to the proximal control loop in a manner retaining the pouch assembly proximally along the strap device.
In another embodiment, the proximal mount device includes a strap member.
In yet another configuration, the hollow body includes a pair of opposed side walls extending between the upper sheet section and the lower sheet section. Each side wall includes a longitudinally extending central crease such that when the hollow body is empty, the hollow body can be moved to a relatively flat position.
In still another specific embodiment, one of the sidewalls defines an elongated dispensing slit that is formed and dimensioned for dispensing a flatten object therethrough.
Yet another embodiment includes the retaining section with an elastic portion enabling resilient expansion of the strap channel.
The assembly of the present invention has other objects and features of advantage which will be more readily apparent from the following description of the best mode of carrying out the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
While the present invention will be described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications to the present invention can be made to the preferred embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be noted here that for a better understanding, like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.
Turning now to
Accordingly, the leash assembly of the present invention enables quick securing of an animal (e.g., a pet dog) to an object without having to unleash the animal from its collar in order to wrap the strap around the anchoring object. Not only does the present invention provide a much faster and more efficient manner in which to secure the animal to the object, but also provides a much safer technique in that at no time is the collared animal released from the leash. Another advantage of this leash design is the ability to tighten around a object. Simply by pulling on the leash will cause the central portion thereof to tighten or cinch around the anchoring object. This is advantageous sometimes because it prevents the leash from sliding all the way to the ground. When the leash assembly is cinched around an object at a desired height, the leash is easier to access without having to bend down. Furthermore, the leash may be prevented from resting on the bottom of poles, trees, fire hydrants, etc., that are frequently urine covered. Moreover, the distance that the animal is tethered from the anchoring object can be selectively adjusted by sliding the fastener members proximally and distally along the central portion of the strap device.
The leash assembly, in accordance with the present invention, may be used with any animal that a conventional collared leash is applied to. Typically, however, the present invention is particularly suitable for use with a domesticated pet such as a dog or cat. Moreover, the leash assembly of the present invention is generally used together with a conventional animal collar device 37, such as that shown in
Referring back to
The strap device 21 of the leash assembly is separated into 3 parts for the ease of understanding. Briefly, as above-indicated, the strap device 21 includes the proximal portion 22, the central portion 25 and the distal portion 23. The strap proximal portion 22 includes a proximal hand loop 38, forming a conventional grip to hold and control the leash assembly, while the strap distal portion 23 includes a collar clip device 40 which is configured to clip to a conventional collar device 37 worn by the animal. Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, however, the strap distal portion 23 also defines a distal hand loop 41, as shown in
Turning now to
In accordance with the present invention, one of the fastening components is formed to freely slide along the strap central portion, while the other fastening component is formed and dimension to secure to the strap central portion in one orientation (
Preferably, the lock/slide fastener member 28 is oriented upstream from the slide fastener member 27, closer to the proximal hand loop 38 (
As best shown in
To loosen the lock/slide fastener component so that it can repositioned along the strap central portion 25, in either direction, portions the strap device can the positioned through the opposing slots 42, 42′ in a manner lifting the central strap from locked engagement and abutting contact with the central bar 43. Once the lock/slide portion 33 is properly repositioned, the strap central portion can be reengaged against the central bar 43 for locking thereagainst.
It will be appreciated that while the 3-bar slide device (i.e., the lock/slide portion 33) is the only lock/slide fastener component shown and described, other convention strap locking slide systems can be applied as well. Such other systems include, but are not limited to, safety seatbelt-type lock/slides, center push buckles, cam buckles and the like.
In contrast, the opposing slide portion 31 of the slide fastener member 27 of the quick release assembly 26 is provided by a conventional square link slide. This square link slide defines a strap passage 45 that is formed and dimensioned to enable unencumbered sliding of the strap central portion 25 therethrough. In accordance with the present invention, once the upstream lock/slide fastener member 28 is positioned and locked, the slide fastener member 27 can be easily slid along the strap central portion to accommodate anchoring object is varying shapes and girth.
Referring back to
As mentioned above, the distal portion of the strap device 21 may include a distal hand loop 41 as well. By extending the first section 47 of the strap distal portion 23 past the first mount 50, and mounting the distal end thereof at a second mount 51 location spaced-apart from the first mount, the distal hand loop 41 is formed. Accordingly, the size of the distal hand loop 41 can be easily controlled by adjusting the spacing between the first mount 50 and the second mount 51. For example, the spacing can be in the range of about ten inches. Similar to the first mount 50, the second mount is preferably using conventional sewing or stitching techniques, but can also be provided by adhesives, snaps, screws, etc., or any other technique.
In another aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a flexible pouch assembly, generally designated 55, is provided that is capable of releasably mounting to the leash assembly near the strap proximal portion 22. Briefly, turning now to
The hollow body 56 further includes a pair of opposed side walls 62 extending between the upper sheet section 57 and the lower sheet section 58. Each of these side walls 62 includes at least one longitudinally extending central crease 63 such that when the hollow body 56 is empty, the hollow body 56 can be moved to a relatively flat, collapsed position (FIGURE yy). This allows for a convenient, flat storage or non-use position when the pouch is not in use.
Preferably, the respective central crease 63 folds inwardly, toward the body cavity 61, creating the smallest footprint when in oriented in the collapsed position. It will be appreciated that the central creases 63 could fold outwardly, or consist of more than one crease without departing from the true spirit and nature of the present invention.
As best shown in
In accordance with the present invention, one of the opposed sidewalls 62 defines an elongated dispensing slit 66 formed and dimensioned for dispensing a flatten sheet object 67 therethrough. In one specific embodiment, the flatten object 67 is part of a roll 68 of plastic bag material often applied to contain dog excrement. Thus, the body cavity 61 is configured to house the plastic bag roll 68 that is position therein through access opening 60. The distal end of the flatten plastic bag roll can be manipulated through the dispensing slit 66 for dispensing thereof as the roll is unraveled from within the pouch cavity.
One particular embodiment illustrates the formation of the dispensing slit 66 between the opposed edges or interface between one of the side walls 62 and the lower sheet section 58 of the hollow body 56. To facilitate greater access, either the lower sheet section 58, the side walls 62, or both, may have a small cutout section 71. Such a dispensing slit 66 could be provided at the opposed edges or interface between one of the side walls 62 and the upper sheet section 57 as well of course.
To provide closure of the dispensing slit 66, hook and loop, snap buttons, or latches, etc. are provided, although not shown.
In accordance with the present invention, the flexible pouch assembly 55 is secured to the strap device 21 at the proximal portion 22 thereof.
The flexible pouch assembly 55, hence, is secured to the leash assembly 20, although it can slide freely longitudinally along the strap device otherwise. Accordingly, to prevent such slippage, a proximal mount device 76 is provided that is configured to removably mount to the proximal hand loop 38. In this manner, the pouch assembly 55 is retained to the hand loop 38 proximally along the strap proximal portion 22.
The proximal mount device 76 can be provided by a simple strap member 77 that is positioned through the hand loop 38. Once the strap member 77 is secured to and around the proximal hand loop 38, and the strap member 77 abuts and engages the intersecting trough 78 of the proximal hand loop 38, the pouch is prevented from sliding down the strap central portion 25 as the strap device. It will further be appreciated that the user could also elect to secure the pouch solely around the central portion of the leash (i.e. not through the handle). The pouch could then slide down the leash and reside near the distal clip. Some users might prefer to have the pouch “out of the way” in this manner.
To facilitate positioning of the strap device 21 through the strap channel 73, a resilient strip 78 of the retaining sheet section 72 can be provided which is capable of resilient stretching (
A multipurpose loop 81 or the like can be include at the distal end of the flexible body. This multipurpose loop 81 can be for any convenience use such as, for instance, hanging the bag material dispensed from the pouch or keys, etc., therefrom, or can be used as a finger loop for independent carrying thereof, and is preferably comprised of an elastic material.
As mentioned, at the distal end of the leash assembly 20 is the collar clip device 40 which is configured to mount to a conventional animal collar device 37 (
In still another aspect of the present invention, a small collar pouch 83 is included that is mountable to the animal's collar device 37. This small collar pouch 83 can be used to contain smaller objects such as keys or a dog tag. As best viewed in
Again, similar to the flexible pouch assembly 55, the upper sheet section 86 of the collar pouch 83 defines an elongated access opening 90 into the receiving cavity 88 of the hollow body which is more or less an elongated slit. A fastener device 91 cooperates with the collar pouch upper sheet section 86 for controlled closure of the access opening. Preferably, the fastener device 91 is provided by a conventional zipper-style fastener, although any other conventional fasteners can be applied such as buttons, hook and loop or latches.
A tether device 92 may be included in the collar pouch cavity 88 that is accessible through the access opening. A proximal end of the tether device may be secured to the pouch assembly from within the pouch cavity 88, while a distal end of the tether includes a multipurpose clip device 40. For example, keys or a dog identification tag may be secured thereto, and hidden within the collar pouch cavity when not needed.
To secure the collar pouch 83 to the animal collar device 37, one or more resilient securing straps 93, 93′ may be provided that enable securing thereto. These simple securing straps 93, 93′ extend transversely across the bottom of the lower sheet section 87, forming securing loops upon which the ends of the animal collar can be positioned therethrough.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred form of practicing it and modifications thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many other modifications can be made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
