U.S. patent application number 15/055179 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-26 for multi-functional leash with security function.
The applicant listed for this patent is Blake Shaver. Invention is credited to Rebecca BRUNETTE, Jonathan LOUDON, John SCHMIDER, Blake SHAVER.
Application Number | 20170020112 15/055179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49672232 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170020112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHAVER; Blake ; et
al. |
January 26, 2017 |
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL LEASH WITH SECURITY FUNCTION
Abstract
A multi-function leash system incorporating anti-theft features
is provided. The leash system includes a leash portion and a
harness connectable to the leash portion. The leash portion
includes an elongate leash, the elongate leash including at one end
an attachment component, and at the other end a handle, wherein the
handle is formed to be achieve a locked position in which the
handle forms a closed loop, and an open position in which the
handle is open at one end, and is operable to be wrapped around a
fixed article, and then locked around the fixed article. The
harness is formed to put on a pet, wherein the harness is
adjustable to achieve a snug fit relative to the pet's body using
one or more adjustable elements, wherein the harness is formed so
that once the harness has been locked on the pet, and attached to
the leash portion, the harness is difficult to remove from the
pet's body. The pet is safe from theft when the harness is locked
on the pet, the harness is connected to the attachment component,
and the handle loop is looped around the fixed article suitable for
fixing the system, and the handle is placed in the locked
position.
Inventors: |
SHAVER; Blake; (Toronto,
CA) ; SCHMIDER; John; (Etobicoke, CA) ;
LOUDON; Jonathan; (Toronto, CA) ; BRUNETTE;
Rebecca; (Toronto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shaver; Blake |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
49672232 |
Appl. No.: |
15/055179 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14404470 |
Nov 27, 2014 |
9271475 |
|
|
PCT/CA2013/000527 |
May 30, 2013 |
|
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15055179 |
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|
61653072 |
May 30, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 27/006 20130101;
A01K 27/003 20130101; A01K 27/005 20130101; A01K 27/00 20130101;
A01K 27/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 27/00 20060101
A01K027/00 |
Claims
1. A pet harness comprising: a bottom portion and a top portion
adapted to be fitted around the body of a pet; and a loop coupled
to the bottom portion adapted to be inserted through an opening of
the top portion for fitting the bottom portion and the top portion
around the body of the pet, the opening being sized so that when
the loop is inserted through the opening and locked to an
attachment component sized larger than the opening, the loop cannot
pass back through the opening.
2. The pet harness of claim 1, further comprising two or more
straps for connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, and
the loop being coupled to the bottom portion by at least one of the
two or more straps.
3. The pet harness of claim 2, wherein at least one of the two or
more straps comprises an adjustable element for adjusting the
harness to achieve a snug fit relative to the body of the pet.
4. The pet harness of claim 3, wherein the adjustable element is
disposed within the bottom portion and is accessible from a face of
the bottom portion adjacent to the body of the pet when the harness
is fitted to the pet, such that the adjustable element is
inaccessible when the loop is inserted through the opening and
locked to the attachment component.
5. The pet harness of claim 4, wherein the adjustable element is
accessible from a slot in the face of the bottom portion adjacent
to the body of the pet when the harness is fitted to the pet.
6. The pet harness of claim 2, wherein the bottom portion is
coupled by at least one of the two or more straps to a connector
for mating with a corresponding connector coupled to the top
portion for connecting the top portion to the bottom portion.
7. The pet harness of claim 6, wherein the top portion is shaped so
that the connector and corresponding connector are tucked into the
top portion when the connector and corresponding connector are
mated.
8. The pet harness of claim 1, wherein the pet harness is made of a
material that is resistant to cutting and tearing.
9. The pet harness of claim 8, wherein the loop is integrated with
the material that is resistant to cutting and tearing.
10. The pet harness of claim 1, wherein any one of the top portion,
the bottom portion, or the top portion and the bottom portion
further comprises a rigid portion that prevents the removal of the
harness when the loop is inserted through the opening and locked to
the attachment component.
11. The pet harness of claim 1, further comprising a light.
12. The pet harness of claim 1, further comprising a portion
slotted to receive and retain a grooved removable light.
13. The pet harness of claim 1, wherein the attachment component is
adapted to be coupled to an elongate leash, the elongate leash
being coupled at one end to the attachment component and at the
other end to a handle portion, the handle portion being formed to
achieve a locked position in which the handle portion forms a
closed loop, and an open position in which the handle portion is
open at one end and is operable to be wrapped around and then
locked to a fixed article.
14. The pet harness of claim 14, the handle portion defines a
handle body, and the handle body includes a receptacle, a door that
opens to the receptacle, and a slot, wherein the receptacle
receives a roll of refuse bags, wherein the door may be closed to
enclose the roll within the handle body, and one end of the roll
may be inserted through the slot for access to the bags from the
outside.
15. The pet harness of claim 14, wherein the handle portion
includes a handle body, and the handle portion includes a loop
portion that is fixed at one end to the handle body and open at a
second end, the loop portion being lockable to the handle body by a
lock integral to the handle portion disposed at the second end.
16. The pet harness of claim 15, wherein the lock is any one of a
combination lock or a key lock.
17. The pet harness of claim 15, wherein the loop portion can be
looped around the fixed article and the open end of the loop
portion is locked to the handle body so as to achieve the locked
position of the handle portion.
18. The pet harness of claim 14, wherein the handle body
incorporates a light and a light switch for activating the light by
a user.
19. The pet harness of claim 14, wherein the loop and the leash
portion each include a cable to resist cutting.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to dog leashes. More particularly
this invention relates to multi-functional dog leashes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various dog leash products exist, including multi-functional
dog leashes. The main function of conventional dog leashes is to
keep dogs and other pets within a specific distance of the owner.
Some leashes are designed to maintain the pet within a distance
defined by the length of the leash by holding a handle at one end
of the leash, and also enable the owner to secure his/her pet to a
fixed article such as a lamp post or parking meter to prevent the
dog from escaping.
[0003] Few if any leashes, however, are designed to prevent theft
of a pet. With dogs as an example, in order to run errands for
example it is often necessary to leave the dog outside of a place
of business that does not permit entry with dogs or other pets.
This is when theft of dogs occurs. Some examples of when theft of a
pet (especially dog) can occur: (a) when buying groceries, (b) when
using the wash room, (c) stops at a convenience store, (d) while
banking, (e) buying a coffee, (f) renting a movie, (g) leaving a
dog in a backyard, (h) playing with children at the park, or (i)
emergency situations.
[0004] Pet theft has become a significant problem. Pet theft
increased in the United States in 2011 by 49% from the previous
year, thus creating a need for safety and security related
products. It is often said that a pet is a family member, and
indeed when a pet is stolen this can be a traumatic event
accompanied with a sense of emotional loss and loss of property.
Part of what is driving theft of dogs is the significant resale
value that can be obtained for dogs, and especially specific
breeds. Also, more costly breeds are becoming more popular because
of the overall increase in the amounts spent by pet owner in buying
their pets.
[0005] There is a need for a leash device that minimizes the risk
of theft.
[0006] As with all pet products, it is important to ensure that the
product remains safe for use by the pet, and that it promotes the
health of the pet.
[0007] Also, leashes are usually used when walking a pet. Walking
pets raises the need of other possible functions such as storage
and dispensing of litter bags, flashlights etc. While
multi-function leash devices incorporating such features are known,
these have generally not included a functional design. There is a
need for a leash device that addresses the risk of theft and also
incorporates other useful features as part of a multi-functional
leash device.
[0008] It is noted that the inventors are unaware of any
multi-functional leash device that incorporates theft protection
features.
[0009] It should be understood that in key markets, the number of
pet owners is increasing, and more significantly the amount of
money that people are willing to spend on useful products directed
at living with pets is also increasing significantly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0011] A multi-function leash system incorporating anti-theft
features is provided.
[0012] In one aspect of the invention, a leash system incorporating
anti-theft features is provided comprising: (A) a leash portion,
including an elongate leash, the elongate leash including at one
end an attachment component, and at the other end a handle, wherein
the handle is formed to achieve a locked position in which the
handle forms a closed loop, and an open position in which the
handle is open at one end, and is operable to be wrapped around a
fixed article, and then locked around the fixed article; and (B) a
harness formed to put on a pet, wherein the harness is adjustable
to achieve a snug fit relative to the pet's body using one or more
adjustable elements, wherein the harness is formed so that once the
harness has been put on the pet, and attached to the leash portion,
the harness is difficult to remove from the pet's body; wherein the
pet is safe from theft when the harness is put on the pet, the
harness is connected and locked to the attachment component, and
the handle loop is looped around the fixed article and placed in
the locked position.
[0013] In another aspect, the handle includes a handle body, and
the handle includes a loop portion that is fixed at one end to the
handle body and open at the second end but lockable to the handle
body by means of a lock integral to the handle.
[0014] In another aspect, the lock can be a combination lock or a
key lock.
[0015] In another aspect, the loop portion can be looped around the
fixed article and the open end of the loop portion is locked to the
handle body so as to achieve the locked position of the handle.
[0016] In a still other aspect, the harness includes a bottom
portion that is wrapped under the belly of the pet, and a top
portion connected to the bottom portion by means of two or more
straps that are adjustable such that the bottom portion and top
portion are fitted around the torso of the pet, wherein the harness
includes one or more metal loops that are led through an opening in
the top portion, and once the leash portion is attached to the
harness, the metal loops cannot be led through the opening again,
thereby preventing removal of the harness from the pet when the
leash portion is attached to the harness.
[0017] In a still other aspect, the harness further includes a
rigid portion that prevents the removal of the harness by sliding
the harness and attempting to push a leg of the pet through an
opening defined by one of the straps that wrap around a leg of the
pet.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the handle defines a
handle body, and the handle body includes a receptacle, a door that
opens to the receptacle, and a slot, wherein the receptacle
receives a roll of refuse bags, wherein the door may be closed to
enclose the roll within the handle body, and one end of the roll
may be inserted through the slot for access to the bags from the
outside.
[0019] In a still other aspect of the invention, the handle body
incorporates a light device and light switch that may be turned on
by a user.
[0020] In yet another aspect of the invention, the harness includes
a light device for pet safety.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the loop and the leash
portion each include a cable to resist cutting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention will be better understood and objects of the
invention will become apparent when consideration is given to the
following detailed description thereof. Such description makes
reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a representation of the leash system of the
present invention in use;
[0024] FIG. 2a is a representative view of the handle portion of
the leash of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2b is a representative view of the handle portion of
the leash, in an another possible embodiment thereof;
[0026] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate two different exploded views of
the handle portion of the leash of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 is an outside view of the handle portion of the leash
of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the handle portion of the leash
of the present invention, showing the refuse bag receptacle, with
the receptacle door in an open position;
[0029] FIGS. 6a and 6b show different embodiments of the present
invention, having different lock mechanisms;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a view of the leash portion, in one embodiment
thereof;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the leash portion, in one
embodiment thereof;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a view of the harness, illustrating attachment of
the leash to the harness, in one embodiment thereof;
[0033] FIG. 10a shows a perspective view of the harness portion, in
one embodiment thereof;
[0034] FIG. 10b illustrates an exploded view of the harness
portion, in one embodiment thereof;
[0035] FIGS. 10c and 10d illustrate the LED design;
[0036] FIG. 10e further illustrates the harness, in one embodiment
thereof;
[0037] FIGS. 10f and 10g show an alternate embodiment of the
harness;
[0038] FIG. 10h illustrates the harness being assembled by a user,
in one embodiment thereof;
[0039] FIG. 11a illustrates the harness being mounted on a dog;
[0040] FIG. 11b further illustrates the harness being mounted on a
dog;
[0041] FIG. 12a illustrates the attachment of the leash to the
harness, using the carabineer at the end of the harness
portion;
[0042] FIGS. 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e show a possible carabineer
design of the present invention;
[0043] FIGS. 12f and 12g show an alternative carabineer design of
the present invention; and
[0044] FIGS. 12h and 12i show a conventional carabineer design.
[0045] In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood
that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of
illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0046] The present invention consists of multi-purpose leash system
with anti-theft design features. As explained earlier, theft of
pets and especially dogs is a growing problem. Moreover the fear of
theft is for many owners interferes with their lifestyle and causes
inconvenience in that they are reluctant to both walk their pet and
also do errands by attaching their pet outside to a pole or other
street fixture. Other times or other owners leave their pets
outside of a store or bank for example, but are worried that their
pet may be stolen. And in the cases where dog theft occurs, the
loss of a pet is the loss of a family member.
[0047] The leash system of the present invention includes a number
of features that cooperate to provide an easy to use system that
includes important anti-theft features. In another aspect of the
invention, a number of additional, convenient features have been
added to the system to provide a multi-function leash system that
provides significant convenience to users.
[0048] The leash system includes three portions: a handle portion
or handle (12), a harness portion or harness (14), and a leash
portion or leash (16) that is disposed between the handle (12) and
the harness (14). The overall leash system can be understood by
referencing FIG. 1. The handle (12) generally includes a body and a
loop portion, and as shown in FIG. 1, the body and the loop in one
aspect may be sized to enable an owner to place his/her hand
through the loop and hold on to the body, for a firm grip.
[0049] FIG. 2a is a representative view of the handle portion (12)
of the leash of the present invention, in one aspect thereof. FIG.
2a shows that the loop portion is designed to be fixed at one end
and open at the second end but lockable to the adjacent area of the
body of the handle, using a suitable lock system. FIG. 2a shows an
embodiment with a key lock, and FIG. 2b shows an embodiment with an
integrated combination lock.
[0050] FIGS. 3a and 3b in an exploded view show the interior of the
construction of the handle portion (12), including the means for
fixing the first end to the body of the handle permanently, and
also the shaping of the body adjacent to second end to receive the
locking pin.
[0051] In one particular embodiment, the lock system may include a
latch mechanism that is formed to achieve two positions, a first
open position in which the locking pin may be inserted within an
opening formed by the latch mechanism, and a second closed position
in which if the locking pin has been inserted, the latch mechanism
surrounds the locking pin and blocks its removal from the
opening.
[0052] The lock system may include a variety of different
mechanisms enabling a user to lock/unlock the lock system. For
example FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate two possible embodiments of the
invention, each having a different mechanism for locking/unlocking
the lock device. FIG. 6a shows a combination lock (20) integrated
into the handle body. FIG. 6b shows a key hole (22) for receiving a
key integrated into the handle body.
[0053] Generally speaking, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the lock device used is similar to that of a bicycle
lock. It should be understood that various other mechanisms for
locking/unlocking the lock device are possible. Also it should be
understood that various other lock types are possible, and the
invention is not limited to a latch/catch pin type lock.
[0054] Other Possible Features of the Handle
[0055] The handle (12) may include other useful features. For
example, as shown in FIG. 5, the handle body may include a
receptacle (18) that is formed to receive a roll of refuse bags.
The roll may be inserted through a door, which can be
closed/clicked so as to remain in a closed position. As can be seen
in FIG. 5, the handle body is also formed to include an opening or
slot from which the end of the roll of refuse bags may be passed
through so as to make the refuse bags accessible from the outside,
once the door has been closed. Various mechanisms may be used to
enable the door to be opened and closed such as a latch for
example. Also an edge portion such as a serrated edge may be
mounted adjacent to the slot so as to facilitate the tearing off of
the refuse bags, one by one.
[0056] In addition as shown in FIG. 1, the handle body may
integrate a flashlight, which may be activated by the user so as to
improve visibility for example at night, and also for the safety of
the user. A variety of suitable lighting technologies may be used
an integrated with the handle body. The flashlight on the leash
handle allows pet refuse to be found at night. The flashlight in
the handle body may be implemented using an LED or incandescent
bulb. It may be used for example to locate the pet at night when
the pet is off leash for example.
[0057] Leash
[0058] One embodiment of the leash is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.
7 illustrates a leash (16) that may be adjustable and also wraps
around for example a bar fixed to the handle at one end, and
includes a ring (24) for connecting to a carabineer for example at
the other end. Various materials may be used for the leash,
provided that it makes it difficult to cut the leash which would
circumvent the security features of the leash system. In FIG. 8, a
cross-section of the leash is shown, and it includes a cable inside
the material used to form the leash, which make cutting of the
leash difficult. Various other embodiments of the leash are
possible.
[0059] For example, wire may be sewn in to edges of a strap forming
the leash in order to prevent cutting and thereby theft.
[0060] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the leash
adjusts from a short length of 2' for example while a pet is locked
or as a training tool. The leash may also adjust to a longer length
of 8' for example while a dog is locked up in the backyard or being
walked at a farther distance from its owner or caregiver.
[0061] The leash (16) may include for example a strip of reflective
material both to hide seams and also improve visibility. One or
more sliders may be included to provide adjustability. One OD more
rigid rivets may be affixed to the leash (16) in order allow
sliders to be used to maintain the leash in a particular adjusted
position by means of friction, while allowing with force to slide
the sliders over the rivets to further adjust the leash (16).
[0062] Harness
[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the harness (14) is worn by a pet, and
includes a part that enables the connection/disconnection of the
leash to/from the harness. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in one
embodiment, one or more metal loops or rings (28) are integrated
with the harness (14), which enables the connection of the leash
(16) to the loops using a carabineer (30) for example. The harness
(14) may be made of a material that is resistant to cutting and
tearing, and the rings (28) are integrated with this material so as
to resist removal.
[0064] Significantly, the harness (14) may incorporate features
that enable the harness (14) to be put on the pet relatively easily
by the owner or caregiver, and once the leash (16) is connected to
the harness (14), removal of the harness from the pet is not
possible without tools and the exercise of significant force. More
details regarding a particular embodiment of the harness are
provided below.
[0065] FIG. 10a illustrates a possible embodiment of the harness
(14). FIG. 10b illustrates, in a deconstructed view of the layers
and elements of the harness (14), in one embodiment thereof.
Significantly, in one possible embodiment of the invention, the
harness (14) includes straps for adjusting the harness (14) for a
snug but comfortable fit around the torso of the pet. The harness
(14), once put on the pet as shown in FIG. 9, wraps around the
chest or belly and also below the neck, thereby once the harness
(14) is in the fixed position, the dog cannot be removed from the
harness (14), for example by manipulating his/her legs to be pulled
through the harness (14). The snug fit of the harness (14) on the
pet is an important mechanism for achieving this fixed position.
Also, the straps used to adjust the harness (14) to achieve this
snug position, as shown in FIG. 10b are integrated within the
harness such that they are accessible when the harness is in the
open position, but are not accessible when the harness is in the
fixed position. This way a person seeking to remove or steal a pet
cannot used the adjustable straps for this purpose. Another aspect
of the fixed position achievable using the harness (14) is that, in
one embodiment of the invention, the D-rings (28) shown in FIG. 10a
need to be removed in order to enable the harness (14) to be
removed from the pet. This of course is not possible when the leash
is attached to the rings using for example the carabineer. This is
feature therefore is another aspect of the secure function of the
leash system.
[0066] It should be understood that the fixed position also
prevents the dog from escaping, including for its own
protection.
[0067] FIG. 10e shows the harness (14) in a bottom view, in one
embodiment thereof. FIG. 10e shows a criss-cross configuration of
the harness (14), which is placed as shown in FIG. 10e under a
pet's body, and then the adjustable straps are used for adjustment
to a tight but comfortable fit.
[0068] In a possible alternate embodiment of the harness, as shown
in FIGS. 10f and 10g, the harness (14) may be made of a bottom
portion and two separate loops that connect to the bottom portion,
namely a first strap forming a loop for a dog's neck, and a second
strap forming a loop for the dog's girth, thereby allowing for
independent adjustment for example using one or more VELCRO.TM.
tabs. Alternate embodiments are possible.
[0069] FIG. 10h illustrates the adjustment of the straps to enable
the snug fit, and then the strap is tucked away in the slot that is
shown in FIG. 10e.
[0070] FIG. 11a shows that the end of the strap has a connector and
the ring that fits through the opening in the top of the harness
(14). The connector is connected to a corresponding component and
the top, and tucked away inside the harness, and the ring is fitted
through the opening, as shown in FIG. 11b. Thus, when the ring is
connected to the carabineer and cannot be removed through the
opening, the dog cannot be removed from the harness (14) using the
area shown in this drawing. These components, and the method of
installation of the harness shown, are repeated for the other side
of the pet.
[0071] Various elements may be included in the structure of the
harness so as to further prevent theft. In one aspect, using force
a thief may attempt to pull a dog's leg up parallel with its body
and push its shoulder through the strap. This requires the whole
harness to be folded forward. In one aspect, the harness includes a
shank or some other portion of rigid material that is integrated
with the harness and prevents the harness from being folded
forward, thereby further preventing circumvention of the anti-theft
features. For example, FIG. 10e shows an exploded view of the
harness, and several possible layers of material. One layer may
include a rigid shank layer, as an example of the implementation of
this aspect.
[0072] In a possible alternate embodiment, as previously mentioned,
the harness (14) may also include steel to make cutting off the
harness (14) more difficult, thereby increasing theft
resistance.
[0073] FIG. 12a illustrates the attachment of the leash to the
harness, using the carabineer (24) at the end of the harness
portion.
[0074] FIGS. 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e show views of a possible
carabineer (30) design, in this case a custom carabineer of the
present invention. A swiveling connection may be included to
connect to the harness (14). The carabineer shown includes a thumb
activated latch for easy use.
[0075] FIGS. 12f and 12g show alternative views of the carabineer
(30) design. FIGS. 12h and 12i illustrate conventional carabineers
(30), which may also be used with the present invention.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 1, and also in FIG. 9, the harness may also
include a light in order to ensure that the pet is visible in the
dark, thus improving pet safety (for example enabling drivers,
pedestrians or bikers to see the pet. The light integrated with the
harness enables the owners to locate the pet for example when the
pet is off leash. The harness may include a light activation button
to improve visibility of the pet in the dark, in order to improve
safety. The harness may be made of a variety of materials, and may
include for example a breathable air mesh for improved comfort for
the pet. The harness may integrate a steel ring that is strong and
bears the force of a dog pulling on the leash. The harness may also
include reflective trim to improve visibility. The harness may
include one or more rivets or snaps to attach coats to the harness
for cold weather.
[0077] In another alternative, the harness may include a portion
that receives a light that may be mounted on the harness or removed
from the harness.
[0078] For example when walking a pet, or running with a pet when
it is dark or getting dark. FIGS. 10c and 10d illustrate a
particular light structure (26) that can be integrated with the
harness. In particular, FIGS. 10c and 10d show a particular
structure for an LED housing that may be integrated with the
design. The box-like segment on the bottom opens for access to one
or more batteries (for example 3V lithium batteries). The housing
may be made of clear plastic so that the LED light is visible. The
blue shape is a push button to activate the LED. The housing stays
integrated with the harness because the undercut (groove) in the
middle is "hugged" by the harness fabric which has a slot big
enough to pass the upper portion of the housing up through it. The
two halves of the housing are secured with screws to allow for
battery replacement.
[0079] It should be understood that the harness may be sized and
made adjustable for different sized pets, including for example
dogs of various different girths.
[0080] It should be understood that the present invention is refers
mainly to the use of the leash device for dogs, however, it should
be understood that the invention may be used, or adapted for use,
for a variety of other living beings including pets, where use of a
leash may be desirable.
[0081] The handle may incorporate a flashlight, as previously
mentioned, which may be engaged using a button disposed on the
outside of the handle, such as a thermoplastic elastomer button
that engages a switch board underneath to turn on the light.
ADVANTAGES
[0082] The leash system of the present invention provided enhanced
security features that enable for example a pet owner to lock the
leash to a pole, tree, fence or sign, in a way that cannot be
undone without the applicable key and/or combination.
[0083] The handle is easy to open, and fasten, and then lock.
[0084] Having steel cabling running though out the leash, and also
through the handle makes it difficult to cut and harness makes it
will make it extremely difficult to cut with a knife or
scissors.
[0085] Other leash systems exist that may include security features
but these can be circumvented with relative ease.
[0086] The present invention by combining a specially designed
harness with the leash improves on the state of the art.
[0087] The leash system is easy to use.
[0088] The leash system provides peace of mind and allows pet
owners to leave their pets with confidence, thus improving the
safety of pets, and the lifestyle of both pets and owners as there
is more time to walk for the owner and for the pet, as the leash
system permits multi-tasking by combining walks with pets with
running errands. Before the present invention, many dog owners
could not combine errands with walking their pet. In effect, the
present invention provides more time to be active with one's
pet.
[0089] The leash system is durable and easy to manufacture.
[0090] It includes other design features as described above, such
as the integrated light and refuse bag receptacle to improve dog
and owner safety, and also owner convenience.
ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0091] Numerous extensions to the functionality of the apparatus
are possible, without departing from the core design elements that
provide the new and innovative elements of the present invention.
It should be understood that different materials may be used to
provide various components, including the leash portion. Various
suitable light devices may be used. Various lock mechanisms may be
used. The harness structure may be modified while maintaining its
key function of difficulty of removal.
[0092] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
other variations of the embodiments described herein may also be
practiced without departing from the scope of the invention. Other
modifications are therefore possible.
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