COUPLING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTMENT AND LOCKING, ADJUSTABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL GUIDE AND METHOD OF USE

Description

/ 7 Coupling device with adjustment and locking mechanism for adjustable multi-functional guide. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This utility model patent comprises a wearable guide that is adjustable by means of a coupling device with adjustment and locking mechanism, intended for the guide, belt and control accessory sector. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[002] The pet accessories market is broad, and one of the focuses is on animal control accessories, such as collars and leashes. In this sector, leashes are a necessity and must facilitate use, allowing the user to safely restrain and control the animal, sometimes a large one, where escape or release must be the user's decision and not the animal's.

[003] To that end, numerous guidance and control methods are known that seek to solve problems and facilitate the use of the equipment.

[004] US8683959 of 01 / 04 / 2014 - Locking pet lead system comprising a leash and collar to prevent the theft of pets, describes a pet leash system that has a lock capable of securing the ends of the leash and the handle to prevent the theft of the animal. The system comprises a leash with a handle at one end and a collar at the opposite end. It may have a first clasp at the end of the collar and a second clasp at the end of the handle, activated separately, to secure the handle to the leash and the collar to the leash, allowing the animal to be secured to an immovable object. Alternatively, it may have a single lock capable of simultaneously securing the ends of the collar and the handle. The system may also include a first lever to adjust the circumference of the collar and a second lever to adjust the circumference of the handle, the locks being capable of securing these levers.

[005] Another example of a device can be found in patent document no. BR2120210220637 of 08 / 10 / 2024, entitled AN ADJUSTABLE DOG LEASH, which can be worn around the body or waist or with one hand and is called a hands-free leash because it can be used to walk the dog without using your hands. By means of two sliders designed by the applicant, the hands-free leash can be Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, page 9 / 18 / 7 adjusted to perfectly fit any owner's body size and has different guide lengths.

[006] The aforementioned patent application BR2120210220637 is primarily anticipated by the 2014 document US2014331944 Multi-Function Dog Leash and Methods of Use, which claims an adjustable dog leash comprising a single elongated elastic length having first and second ends, a clamp disposed at said first end and said second end of said leash, a rope lock having two leash acceptance openings arranged adjustably along said leash length, wherein said rope lock can be moved from said first end to said second end of said leash without impediment, and wherein said rope lock divides said leash length into a first section, an intermediate section and a third section, a first ring loosely disposed along said intermediate section and a second ring freely sliding along said first or third sections.

[007] Notably, the device taught in patent BR2120210220637 cannot be considered innovative, especially regarding hands-free operation, as taught in document US2014331944A1 and also in document US5511293, from 1995 - Leash for fishing rods, which deals with an adjustable and elastic system for attaching objects to surfaces, allowing control over the length and tension applied. The adjustment is obtained by means of an intermediate component fixed to the elastic member, between the ends, and which has an anchoring point where the clip can be attached or released, forming a duplicated (folded) section between the retainer and the clip, which allows adjusting the effective length of the device and controlling the applied tension.

[008] It is a fact that there are other documents that explore the same hands-free concept, such as the construction taught in document US2012260865 Weather Resistant Configurable Leashes and Collars of 2012, all of which can be considered improvements on document US2458489 - Leash for animals, of 1949 and which, in summary, is designed to be adjustable, easy to put on and remove, using a flexible cord with a figure-eight loop and sliding elements with openings. These elements allow the loop to be Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, page 10 / 18 / 7 tightened when pulling the cord and released when applying pressure, offering practicality and safety in use with animals. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] The present device, now entitled ADJUSTABLE AND LOCKING COUPLING DEVICE FOR ADJUSTABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL GUIDE, in summary, consists of a device having a housing with an upper opening, bearings for a pin and a fixed rack incorporated in the inner base, also a receptacle with an anterior opening, lateral slots and anterior and posterior lower openings. Internally, there is a limiter to restrict the movement of the lock, which has a circumferential body, a handle on the upper part, a posterior projection and teeth projecting at an angle, as well as an off-center hole, giving it an eccentric movement when rotating on the pin and a slot to fit a male of the same geometry, retained on the same pin by the hole.

[010] The device is complemented by a tubular clip with a recess at the front end and an aligner connected to elastic latches at the rear end. These latches fit into the side slots of the receptacle, and the recess has a hole for attaching a guide cable.

[011] One design of the device features a split housing, secured by a limiter. When combined with a cable or wire, the device acts as an adjustable multi-functional guide to form a loop, positioning the cable between the lower rear opening and the clip.

[012] The method of use involves pressing the latch projection to separate the teeth of the fixed rack, allowing the cable to pass through the housing until it engages in the clip recess. The cable can move freely while the latch projection rests on the limiter. To secure the loop, the cable is moved in the opposite direction, activating the latch, which forces the teeth against the cable and the cable against the rack, locking it. Any tension on the cable intensifies the locking, preventing the loop from shortening and causing strangulation. To release the loop, simply press the clip latches and pull it out of the recess. Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, page 11 / 18 / 7

[013] The device was designed to be used in an adjustable multi-functional guide that can have numerous applications, such as an animal guide, a guide for people or a guide for vehicles, such as a toy (car, bicycle, scooter) driven by a child and controlled by the user.

[014] The device that is the subject of this patent application, as will be seen, presents significant improvements over the state of the art. When compared to document US8683959, the simplification of the cable crushing mechanism to lock the loop size in the equipment is noticeable, since the lock comprises a circumferential body having a handle in the upper median portion with a posterior projection and equipped with teeth projecting from its median portion which, combined with the eccentricity of the lock obtained with the displacement of the orifice, provides a mechanism differentiated from the patents. Also, the quick-release locking mechanism in the present patent is differentiated from the other patents because it has a clip with a recess at the anterior end and elastic extensions of the studs, integral at the posterior end of the tubular body equipped with an aligner integral at the posterior end.The main difference between the present application and document US8683959, for example, is that the latter has a first clasp at the end of the collar and a second clasp at the end of the handle, while the present patent application has a single clasp at the end of the handle with a clip that engages with the sliding device on the cable and contains the aforementioned cable crushing mechanism. These differences provide a more robust and simplified device construction, combining ease and agility in use by the operator. The subject of the patent application.

[015] The subject matter of this patent application is detailed below, including numerical references to the description that follows, without intending to restrict the proportions, materials and components used in its industrial manufacture and referenced herein, where:

[016] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the device in the clip coupling position; Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, page 12 / 18 / 7

[017] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the device in the clip-detached position;

[018] Figure 3 is a top orthogonal view of the device in the clip-uncoupled position;

[019] Figure 4 is a side orthogonal view of the device in the clip coupling position, with the side panel hidden for better understanding of the clip coupling construction and with the latch in the cable release position;

[020] Figure 5 is a side orthogonal view of the device in the clip coupling position, with the side panel hidden for better understanding of the clip coupling construction and with the latch in the cable locking position;

[021] Figures 6 to 10 are orthogonal views of the device, in isolation, respectively, top, left side, bottom, back and front;

[022] Figure 11 shows section AA of Figure 7.

[023] Figures 12 and 13 are orthogonal views of the device, in isolation, with the side panel hidden and without the clip, demonstrating respectively, with the latch in the cable release position and with the latch in the cable locking position;

[024] Figure 14 is an exploded, top-front perspective view of the device and its components.

[025] Figure 15 shows section BB of Figure 7, for a better understanding of the lock's construction;

[026] Figure 16 is an exploded, bottom rear perspective view of the lock with a longitudinal cutout, for better understanding of the construction of the slot in the lock and connection with the male part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[027] According to the figures listed above, the ADJUSTABLE AND LOCKING COUPLING DEVICE FOR ADJUSTABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL GUIDE, the subject of this patent application, comprises a device (1) having an internally cavitated housing (2), having an upper opening (201), bearings (202) for the pin (3) and a fixed rack (203) incorporated in the internal median portion of the internal base of the housing (2), positioned vertically in relation to the bearings (202), a receptacle (204) with Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, page 13 / 18 / 7 anterior opening (205) culminating in the anterior face of said casing (2) and lateral slots (206). Also an anterior lower opening (207) on the anterior face of said casing (2), aligned with the posterior lower opening (208) on the posterior face of said casing (2). Internally, the casing (2) comprises a limiter (209), in the posterior portion, for the rotation of the lock (4) and projection (403), in a counter-clockwise direction -see Figure 4- from the left view and, in a clockwise direction -see Figure 5- the teeth (407) rest against the limiter (209). Said lock (4) consists of a circumferential body (401) having a handle (402) in the upper median portion, with a posterior projection (403) and provided with teeth (407) projecting from its median portion at an angle (α) comprising a range between 40 and 58° in relation to the median of the handle (402), preferably 58°.

[028] .The lock (4) is provided with an off-center hole (404) inside the circumferential body (401) giving an eccentricity to the movement of the lock (4) which is supported by means of the hole (404) and pivoting on the pin (3) and whose clockwise rotation reduces the distance (d) in relation to the fixed rack (203). Said lock (4) in its narrowed profile has a slot (405) to receive a male part (406) with the same geometry as the cut-out portion in the lock (4), provided with teeth (408) and retained by its hole (409) also pivoting on the pin (3).

[029] The device is complemented by a clip (5) with a tubular body (501) with a niche (502) at the anterior end and an aligner (503) interposed by elastic extensions (504) of the studs (505), together with the aligner (503), fixed at the posterior end of the tubular body (501), said studs (505) being coincident and fitting into the lateral slots (206) of the receptacle (204). The niche (502) is provided with an orifice (506), perpendicular to the axis of said niche.

[030] A preferred constructive form of the device presents the housing (2) split (2a, 2b), fixed by means of the limiter (209), provided with hole (210) and also by means of the front hole (211) both for applying screw with nut (not shown), which can be hidden by cover (212).

[031] In a preferred embodiment, the device (1) and its components (2, 3, 4 and 5) are made of polymeric material, such as POM (polyacetal or polyoxymethylene) or a combination thereof with others such as ABS, NYLON or PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, page 14 / 18 / 7 in order to obtain the best material resistance. Another construction provides for the use of metal for the device (1) and its components (2, 3, 4 and 5). Another construction provides that the device (1) and its components (2, 4 and 5) are manufactured in polymeric material, combined with metal used in the manufacture of the components (3 and 406), which may be a steel or aluminum alloy.

[032] The device (1) combined with a cable (6) or cord provides an adjustable multi-functional guide to form a loop (601) between the positioning of the cable (6) in the lower rear opening (208) of the housing (2) and its coupling in the niche (502) of the clip (5).

[033] The method of use comprises positioning the latch (4), pushing the projection (403) towards the rear face of the housing (2), promoting the separation of the teeth (407) in relation to the fixed rack (203) of the housing (2), passing the cable (6) through the rear portion, entering the lower rear opening (208) and exiting through the lower front opening (207), coupling the end of said cable (6) into the niche (502) of the clip (5), retained by a pin or clamp (not shown) applied to the hole (506).The cable (6) moves freely inside the device (1) while the latch (4) is resting against the projection (403) on the limiter (209) of the housing (2), in order to increase or decrease the diameter of the desired loop (601) - see Figure 1, fixed with the reverse displacement of the cable (6) from the front lower opening (207) to the rear lower opening (208) and which, in contact with the teeth (407) of the latch (4), promotes the pivoting of the latter and the eccentricity forces the teeth against the cable (6) which is forced against the fixed rack (203). Thus, any traction of the cable (6) in the opposite direction to the rear end of the device (1) will increase the locking, preventing the loop (601) from decreasing and strangling the person or object in which it is entangled. If there is a need to open the loop (601) - see Figure 2, the user simply needs to press the clip (505)'s prisoners (505) and, simultaneously, pull the cable (6) out of the niche (502). Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, p. 15 / 18

Claims

1. COUPLING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTMENT AND LOCKING FOR ADJUSTABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL GUIDE, a device having a means of locking a cable, combined with a cable (6) or wire providing an adjustable multifunctional guide to form a loop (601) between the positioning of the cable (6) in the lower rear opening (208) of the housing (2) and its coupling in the niche (502) of the clip (5), characterized in that the device (1) comprises an internally cavitated housing (2), having an upper opening (201), bearings (202) for the pin (3) and a fixed rack (203) incorporated in the internal median portion of the internal base of the housing (2), a receptacle (204) with an anterior opening (205) culminating in the anterior face of said housing (2) and lateral slots (206); comprising an anterior lower opening (207) on the anterior face of said housing (2) and a posterior lower opening (208) on the posterior face of said housing (2);comprising a limiter (209) in the posterior portion for the counter-clockwise rotation of the lock (4) and projection (403), and clockwise the teeth (407) rest against the limiter (209); the lock (4) comprising a circumferential body (401) having a handle (402) in the upper median portion, with a posterior projection (403) and provided with teeth (407) projecting from its median portion; the lock (4) being provided with an off-center orifice (404) within the circumferential body (401), bearing-mounted and pivoting on the pin (3); the lock (4) comprising a slot (405) to receive a tap (406); comprising a clip (5) with a niche (502) at the front end and elastic extensions (504) of the studs (505), fixed at the rear end of the tubular body (501), said studs (505) being coincident and fitting into the lateral slots (206) of the receptacle (204).; 2. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the anterior lower opening (207) is aligned with the posterior lower opening (208).

3. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth (407) of the lock (4) are projected from its median portion at an angle (α) comprising a range between 40 and 58° in relation to the median of the handle (402); the angle (α) being 58°. Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, page 16 / 18 2 / 2 4. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the male part (406) comprises the same geometry as the slot (405) cut in the lock (4), provided with teeth (408) and retained by its hole (409) and pivoting on the pin (3).

5. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the clip (5) comprises a tubular body (501) and an aligner (503) integral with the posterior end of the tubular body (501); the niche (502) is provided with an orifice (506), perpendicular to the axis of said niche.

6. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) is split in two (2a, 2b), fixed by means of the limiter (209), provided with holes (210) and also by means of the previous holes (211), both for applying a screw with a nut; the holes (210, 211) receive a cover (212).

7. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the components (2, 3, 4 and 5) are manufactured from polymeric material; that the components (2, 3, 4 and 5) are manufactured from POM combined with others; that the device (1) and its components (2, 3, 4 and 5) are manufactured from metal; that the components (2, 4 and 5) are manufactured from polymeric material, combined with metal used in the manufacture of components (3 and 406); that the metal comprises a steel alloy; that the metal comprises an aluminum alloy; that the polymeric material is POM; that the polymeric material is ABS; that the polymeric material is NYLON; that the polymeric material is PETG. Petition 870260027853, dated 03 / 25 / 2026, pp. 17 / 18

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