Dog collar and leash assembly

Abstract

A collar and leash system is provided which allows for easy connection of the collar with the leash without the pet owner having to bend down to attach or detach the collar leash. The collar has a first attachment member thereon which is received by a second attachment member on the leash. A solenoid position within the second attachment member operates to open and close the second attachment member so as to selectively release, accept, or retain the first attachment member of the collar. In an embodiment, the leash has a first portion which is flexible and a second portion adjacent the second attachment member which is rigid or semirigid. Preferably, a switch in the handle of the leash serves to operate the solenoid in the second attachment member.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a collar having a first attachment member; and a retractable leash assembly comprising: a grip handle having a switch thereon, said switch connected to a battery; a leash line extending from said grip handle; an electrical line extending from said switch of said grip handle along a length of said leash line; a spool, wherein said leash line and said electrical line are co-wound on said spool; a hollow tubular member extending outwardly of said retractable leash assembly, said leash line and said electrical line extending through said hollow tubular member; and a second attachment member adapted to couple with said first attachment member, said second attachment member having a solenoid positioned therein, said solenoid connected to said electrical line, said solenoid operable to selectively open and close said second attachment member so as to selectively retain or release said first attachment member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, said second attachment member comprising: a housing having an open end; and a pair of arms movable from a first position wherein at least a portion of said open end of said housing is obstructed to a second position wherein said open end of said housing is unobstructed.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said pair of arms rotate inwardly when moving from said first position to said second position.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, said solenoid affixed to a pair of linkages, said pair of linkages operatively connected to said paid of arms.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, said first attachment member having a first magnetic member thereon, said second attachment member having a second magnetic member thereon.

6. A leash for a pet, the leash comprising: a handle; a first portion extending from said handle; a second portion extending from said first portion opposite said handle, said second portion having a greater rigidity than said first portion; and an attachment member affixed to said second portion opposite said first portion, said attachment member comprising: a housing having an open end; a magnet positioned within said open end of said housing; and a solenoid operable to open and close said open end of said housing.

7. The leash of claim 6, said first portion comprising an unreinforced flexible material, said second portion comprising a reinforced flexible material.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, said second portion comprising: a fiberglass rod core; and a fabric surround.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, said handle having a switch thereon, said switch electrically connected to said solenoid of said first attachment member.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, said attachment member having a pair of arms operably connected to said solenoid, said pair of arms movable from a first position wherein at least a portion of said open end of said housing is obstructed, to a second position wherein said open end of said housing is unobstructed.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said pair of arms rotatable inwardly when moved from said first position to said second position.

12. An apparatus comprising: a collar having a first attachment member with a magnet thereon; and a leash assembly comprising: a grip handle having a switch thereon, said switch connected to a battery; a leash line extending from said grip handle; an electrical line extending from said switch of said grip handle along a length of said leash line; and a second attachment member adapted to couple with said first attachment member, said second attachment member comprising: a housing having an open end; a magnet positioned within said open end of said housing; a solenoid positioned within said housing, said solenoid connected to said electrical line; a pair of arms operatively connected to said solenoid, said pair of arms movable from a first position wherein at least a portion of said open end of said housing is obstructed, to a second position wherein said open end of said housing is unobstructed.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said pair of arms rotate inwardly when moving from said first position to said second position.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, said leash line comprising: a first flexible portion extending from said grip handle; and a second reinforced portion extending between said first flexible portion and said second attachment member, said second reinforced portion having a higher rigidity than said first flexible portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a side view showing the attachment of the collar and leash in the system of the '536 patent.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view showing the retractable nature of the leash in the system of the '536 patent.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates the attachment assemblies of the '536 patent.

(4) FIG. 4 is a side view, partially transparent, illustrating the collar and leash system of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 5 schematic view illustrating the first portion and second portion of the leash of the system of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6A is an isolated cross-sectional view of the second attachment member of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the arms obstruct the opening thereto.

(7) FIG. 6B is an isolated cross-sectional view of the second attachment number wherein the arms have been rotated so as to accept the male attachment member therein.

(8) FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a retractable leash assembly is provided.

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the second portion of the leash of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates an isolated view of the arms of the second attachment member securing the first attachment member therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown the collar and leash system 50 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, it can be seen how the collar and leash system 50 includes a collar 52. The collar 52 preferably has a counterweight 54 on end thereof opposite the first attachment number 56. The first attached member 56, as was shown in the '536 patent, preferably includes a first magnetic member 58.

(12) As used herein the term “magnetic member” can mean either of a permanent magnet, an electromagnetic, or a magnetic material. Importantly, it is necessary for the first magnetic member 16 to be attracted to the second magnetic member 48. It is also important for the screw 49 to be attracted to the second magnetic member 48 in the concept of the present invention.

(13) The collar and leash system 50 also includes the leash 60. The leash 60 has a second attachment member 62 on an end thereof. The second attachment member 62 is engageable with the first attachment member 56. A grip handle 64 is shown opposite the second attachment member 62, while a leash or leash line 60 extends therebetween.

(14) FIG. 4 illustrates the grip handle 64 in a transparent manner. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the grip handle 64 includes a switch 66 on outside thereof, with a battery 68 positioned therein. Preferably, the battery 68 is a nine volt battery. An electrical line 70 is shown extending between the switch 66 and battery 68. The electrical line 70 is shown in dashed lines extending through the leash line 60 so as to extend between the switch 66 and the second attachment member 62. As will be explained hereinbelow, the switch 66 is operable so as to selectively open and close the second attachment member 62 so as to receive, release or retain the first attachment number 56 therein.

(15) As was the case with the '536 patent, when the user wants to attached the collar and leash system 50 of the present invention, he or she simply positions the second attachment member 62 adjacent the first attachment number 56. In the embodiment wherein magnets are present within and on the attachment members 56 and 62, the magnetic members will help guide the attachment members 56 and 62 to a coupled state. Preferably, the resting state of the second attachment member 62 is closed such that when the user wishes to couple or uncouple the collar and the leash, the switch 66 is used so as to open the second attachment member 62 to release or engage with the first attachment member 56. The use of the switch and battery system enables an easier coupling and uncoupling without having to manipulate various lines as was the case in the device of the '536 patent.

(16) Preferably, the electrical line 70 extends through the center of the leash line 60. However, the electrical line 70 can also be wrapped on the exterior of the leash line 60.

(17) Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown the preferred embodiment of the leash 60 of the present invention. The leash 60 of the present invention is a “hybrid leash”, having a first portion 72 and a second portion 74. The first portion 72 is preferably flexible and unreinforced. For example, the first portion 72 could be a conventional rope or other fabric leash.

(18) The second portion 74 of the leash 60 has a higher rigidity than the first portion 72. Preferably, the second portion is rigid or semi-rigid, and may be a reinforced fabric leash. FIG. 8, for example, illustrates a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the second portion 74 of the leash 64. In FIG. 8, it can be seen how the second portion 74 includes a rigid or semi-rigid inner member 60b with a fabric or other flexible outer layer 60a. In the preferred embodiment, the rigid or semi-rigid inner member 60b is a fiberglass rod having a diameter of approximately ⅛ of an inch. The fiberglass rod is similar to a fishing pole, and serves to maintain some rigidity in the second portion 74.

(19) Referring back to FIG. 5, it can be seen how the second portion 74 has a slight bend such that it is not entirely rigid. This rigid or semi-rigid second portion 74 allows for the user to position the second attachment member 62 adjacent the first attachment member 56 so as to couple or uncouple attachment members. The second portion 74 allows for the concept of the present invention to be utilized with a conventional leash without the hollow tubular member of the '536 patent.

(20) FIG. 5 also illustrates the preferred length of the respective portions 72 and 74 of the leash 60. In FIG. 5, the leash 60 is illustrated as having a 60 inch length, whereas the first portion 72 measures 42 inches and the second portion 74 measures 18 inches. These lengths can vary, of course, but and an 18 inch length in the second portion 74 is generally suitable for the desired use of the second portion 74 while maintaining the features and flexibility of a conventional leash.

(21) FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the second attachment member 62 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A illustrates the second attachment member in a closed state. Referring to FIG. 6A, the second attachment member 62 has a housing 76. Preferably, the housing is bell-shaped. In an embodiment, the housing 76 includes a second magnetic member 78 therein. The second magnetic member 78 is used to help position the first magnetic member 58 of the first attachment member 56 therein. A solenoid 80 is shown as positioned centrally within the housing 76. The solenoid 80 is being connected to the electrical line 70. Introducing electrical current to the electrical line 70 by the switch 66 and battery 68 causes solenoid 80 to actuate. In a preferred embodiment, the actuation of the solenoid 80 moves a plunger 82, which is linked to the solenoid 80. The plunger 82 moves downwardly within the housing 76. Preferably, the plunger 82 is affixed to linkages 84. The linkages 84 are operably connected to the arms 88 at the opening 92 of the housing 76.

(22) FIG. 6A illustrates the linkages 84 as being connected to pushing members 86. The pushing members 86 abut the arms 88. When the plunger 82 moves downwardly, the linkages 84 engage the pushing members 86 so as to rotate the arms 88 inwardly and upwardly, thus changing the opening 92 from partially obstructed to unobstructed so as to allow access for the first attachment member 56.

(23) FIGS. 6A and 6B also illustrate that the arms 88 have angled ends 90 which serve to obstruct the opening 92 when in the closed position.

(24) FIG. 6B illustrates the solenoid 80 in an actuated condition, wherein the plunger 82 is moved downwardly and the arms 88 have rotated inwardly and upwardly so as to expose the opening 92 of the housing 76. In FIG. 6B with the solenoid 80 actuated and the plunger 82 down, the arms 88 have rotated upwardly such that their edges generally line up with the diameter of the opening 92.

(25) Once the first attachment member 56 is in position within the second attachment member 62, then the user simply releases the switch 66 so as to cause the arms 88 to rotate downwardly and outwardly so as to be positioned as in FIG. 6A.

(26) Within the concept of the present invention other mechanisms are possible allowing the solenoid 82 operate on the arms 88. For example, rigid linkages 84 can be provided between the plunger in the arms 88 so as to act directly on the arms 88.

(27) Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a retractable-type leash 100 is used with the second attachment member 62 of the present invention. The retractable leash 100 is used with the collar 52 as previously described, as well as the second attachment member 62 as previously described. FIG. 7 notably illustrates the exterior of the female attachment member 62.

(28) FIG. 7 shows a retractable leash 100 as having a housing 102 with a spool 104 therein. The spool 104 is spring-loaded. A handle 106 is provided having a button 108 for retracting the leash thereon. The handle 106 comprises a housing for a switch 110, and a battery 112 within the housing. Electrical wiring 114 is illustrated as extending between the switch 110 and the battery 112 and to the center of the spool 104. Suitable brushes are provided at the center of the spool 104 so as to allow an electrical connection between the electrical wiring 114 extending from the switch 110 and battery 112 and the electrical wire 114a which is co-wound with the leash line 116.

(29) Preferably, the retractable leash 100 of the present invention includes a rigid or semi-rigid hollow tubular member 118, which allows for connection of the second attachment member 62 with the first attachment member 56.

(30) FIG. 9 illustrates an important feature of the second attachment member 62 of the present invention, preventing accidental uncoupling of the attachment members 56 and 62. Referring to FIG. 9, the arms 88 of the second attachment member 62 are shown engaging the first attachment member 56. The first attachment member 56 is shown as having a first magnetic member 58.

(31) The arms 88 engage the first attachment member 56 at surfaces 90a between the ends 90 of the arms 88 and the magnetic member 58 of the first attachment member 56. As noted before, when the solenoid is actuated, the arms 88 rotate inwardly and upwardly in the direction of the arrows shown so as to open the second attached member 62.

(32) FIG. 9 illustrates a tension T between the attachment members 56 and 62, such as when a dog is pulling on the leash. As the solenoid 80 is relatively small in size and weak, this tension T prevents the solenoid 80 from actuating and moving the arms 88 upwardly and inwardly. Because the arms 88 of the second attachment over 62 can only rotate in an upward and inward direction, the collar and leash can only be disengaged when there is no tension on the leash. With no tension on the leash, the solenoid 80 is strong enough to rotate the arms inwardly and upwardly so as to release the attachment member 56.

(33) The collar and leash system of the present invention allows for a quick and easy engagement and disengagement of a collar and leash for persons with disabilities or back problems or pain. Additionally, the collar and leash system allows for such quick and easy disengagement and engagement using a more standard leash, as well as the sometimes preferred retractable leashes. The collar and leash system of the present invention is both an easy to use, relatively easy to manufacture and most importantly, secure.

(34) The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.