Pet leash tether device

Abstract

The invention relates to a pet leash tether device. A traction rope with an integrated traction rope tether device having a rope member with a retention member on a distal end and a handle on a proximal end. The tow rope tethering device is integrated on the tow rope with the rope member passing through the tow rope tethering device and the handle is formed by forming a loop with a proximal end of the rope member returned into the tow rope tethering device. The end of the handle within the tow rope tether device is secured via a fastener inserted through the tow rope tether device urging a portion of the handle within the tow rope tether device against a surface of the tow rope tether device. The leash tether device includes a snap element and ergonomic features that allow for single hand use to tether a pet on the leash to a stationary object, allowing an owner to release both hands.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 18 / 629,016 filed on April 8, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 470,233 filed on June 1, 2023, the entire contents of both applications are incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a novel device for tethering a pet leash to an object. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that allows for quick tethering and release of a pet leash. Background Art

[0004] Throughout human history, pets have been an integral part of human life. Pets, such as dogs, require daily walks to satisfy their toileting needs and exercise. Pets become part of the family and may often travel with their owners. During any of these trips, especially in public areas, the owner is required to always control the pet for the safety of the pet as well as others.

[0005] Owners will use leashes to control their pets. Dogs are the most common pets seen on leashes. However, existing leash options are not ideal for tethering a pet to a fixed object so that the owner does not have to hold the leash when the tethered pet is near. There are several problems with existing leashes, including that they must be tied / knotted around a fixed object, or the leashes have devices on them that require a password or lock to allow the leash to be looped around the object and locked in place. These leashes may be difficult to use. Knotting a leash around an object may not be feasible for all types of leashes, and may take time to tie and untie the knot. Leashes with locks or password devices integrated thereon are suitable for preventing theft of pets, and these leashes require a person to carry a key or remember a password.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for improvements and alternatives to existing leash ropes that can be quickly and easily tethered around a fixed object. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a novel and unique leash with a leash tethering device that can be used to tether a pet on the leash to a fixed object. The leash can be wrapped around the fixed object and pushed into the leash tethering device. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the present invention relates to a leash that includes a rope member, a retaining member connected to a loop on the pet, a leash tethering device, and a handle portion. The rope member extends between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is looped to form a handle. The proximal end of the rope member forming the handle is connected to the leash tethering device. The distal end is connected to the retaining member. Therefore, a person will hold the leash at the handle, and the pet will be attached to the leash through the retaining member. The leash tethering device includes a snap element formed by a curved rigid element and a buckle element, which allows the rope member to be pushed in when it is desired to tether the pet to the fixed object. Additionally, an ergonomic feature is integrated into the leash tether device, positioned below the buckle element, which allows for one-handed operation of the leash tether device, wherein a person would push down on the buckle element to insert the leash into the rigid element.

[0008] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description, the appended claims and the drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a leash with a leash tether device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 According to the exemplary embodiment Figure 1 An illustration of a close-up view of a leash tethering device for a leash shown in .

[0012] Figure 3 is an illustration of an interior view of a leash tether device illustrating a handle portion within the leash tether device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is an illustration of only a leash tether element without a leash, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is an illustration of a front view of a body of a leash tether device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 is an illustration of a front view of a central axis of a leash tether device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 is an illustration of a rope element looped through a tow rope tether element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is an illustration of a rope element looped through a tow rope tether element and in a tethered position according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 is tethered to a fixed object according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Illustration of the traction rope.

[0019] Fig. 10A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a leash tethered to a fixed object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, wherein the leash is integrated with a leash tethering device.

[0020] Fig. 10B is an illustration of a close-up interior view of a leash tether illustrating the handle connection to the leash member of the leash shown in FIG. 10 above according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the above summary of the invention and this detailed description and the following claims and drawings, reference is made to specific features (including method steps) of the present invention. It should be understood that the disclosure of the present invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such specific features. For example, when a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a specific aspect or embodiment of the present invention or a specific claim, the feature may also be used in combination with other specific aspects and embodiments of the present invention to the extent possible and / or in the context of other specific aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and is generally used in the present invention.

[0022] The term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article "comprising" (or "including") components A, B, and C may consist of components A, B, and C (i.e., contain only components A, B, and C), or may contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components.

[0023] When this document refers to a method that includes two or more defined steps, these defined steps may be performed in any order or simultaneously (unless the context excludes this possibility), and the method may include one or more other steps performed before any defined step, between two defined steps, or after all defined steps (unless the context excludes this possibility).

[0024] The term "at least" followed by a number is used herein to indicate the beginning of a range that starts with that number (which can be a range with an upper limit or without an upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, "at least 1" means 1 or greater than 1. The term "at most" followed by a number is used herein to indicate the end of a range that ends with that number (which can be a range with 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range with no lower limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, "at most 4" means 4 or less than 4, and "more than 40%" means 40% or less than 40%. In this specification, when a range is given as "(first number) to (second number)" or "(first number)-(second number)", this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 mm to 100 mm refers to a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and whose upper limit is 100 mm.

[0025] Certain terms and their derivatives may be used in the following description for ease of reference only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, words such as "upwardly," "downwardly," "left," and "right" will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, words such as "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or region and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural and vice versa unless otherwise indicated.

[0026] This specification relates to an innovative traction rope tethering device. The traction rope tethering device is integrated on the traction rope. The traction rope tethering device is used to tether the pet on the traction rope to a fixed object, thereby allowing the owner to release both hands. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the traction rope tethering device as described herein solves many problems associated with existing traction ropes, especially for those who take their pets out for a walk or a trip in a pet owner community and need the pet owner to tether the pet to a fixed object so that the owner uses their hands to adapt to other activities. There are several problems with existing traction ropes, including that they must be tied around a fixed object (or knotted to a fixed object). In other cases, the traction rope may have a device that requires a password or lock to allow the traction rope to be looped around an object and locked in place. These traction ropes may be difficult to use. Knotting the traction rope around an object may not be feasible for all types of traction ropes, and may take time to tie and untie. The traction rope with a lock or password device integrated thereon is suitable for preventing the theft of pets, and these traction ropes require people to carry keys or remember passwords.

[0027] Therefore, there is a need for a leash tethering device, which is a portion of a leash that allows the leash to be looped around a fixed object and tethered in place by quick and easy movement. This innovative leash tethering device can be used around fixed objects of different sizes. A user can advantageously wrap a leash with the leash tethering device around a fixed object, while holding the handle portion of the leash, and placing a portion of the leash through the leash tethering device. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, such a leash tethering device is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Turning to the attached figure, Figure 1 is an illustration of a leash 100 integrated with a leash tethering device 120 according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. The leash 100 is generally used to tether a pet, such as a dog, to a fixed object. The leash 100 includes a rope member 102, a retaining member 110, and a leash tethering device 120. The rope member 102 extends between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is looped to form a handle 104. The proximal end of the rope member 102 forming the handle 104 is connected to the leash tethering device 120. The distal end is connected to the retaining member 110. The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used in the context of a person holding the leash 100. Thus, the person will hold the leash 100 at the handle 104, which is formed by looping the proximal end; and the pet will be attached to the leash by the retaining member 120, which is located at the distal end of the person holding the leash 100.

[0029] As described above, the leash 100 is used to hold a pet by means of a pet collar connected to the pet. Thus, the rope member 102 extends between the pet and the person holding the leash to allow the pet to be controlled. The rope member 102 can have a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, the rope member can be made of any material used to make leashes, such as, but not limited to, nylon webbing, cotton webbing, polypropylene webbing, and metal chain. Figure 1 In the example of the rope member 102 is illustrated as being made of a round rope. The rope member 102 may have a length common in the industry and must have a length that allows the rope member 102 to wrap around fixed objects (such as pillars, chair legs, etc.) that are typically encountered when outside. It is contemplated that the rope member may be provided at various lengths, such as between 3 feet and 8 feet. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other lengths may also be useful.

[0030] Figure 1 The rope member 102 is shown to be looped at both the distal end and the proximal end. The distal end of the rope member 102 has a small loop 106, which is formed by placing the distal end through a distal cover 108 with a hollow cavity, and the distal end loops back into the distal cover 108 and is sutured. The distal cover 108 hides the sutures and helps to secure the distal end. The small loop 106 is formed to capture or hold a retaining element 110. Basically, the retaining element 110 includes a loop 112 placed through the distal end of the rope member 102, and the distal end is looped to capture and hold the loop 112 on the retaining element 110. The retaining element 110 is similar to a buckle and can be removably connected to a pet collar. It should be understood that the retaining element 110 can be any element known in the art that snaps onto a pet collar.

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is also shown that the handle 104 is formed on the proximal end of the rope member 102 by a larger loop. The handle 104 is also formed by looping and suturing the proximal end of the rope member 102. The size difference between the small loop 106 and the handle 104 is Figure 1 The handle 104 is clearly visible in the figure, and the larger loop of the handle 104 is used to hold the traction rope 100. For example, the handle 104 can be secured around the user's wrist. Figure 2 As shown, the handle 104 is formed with a traction rope tethering element 120 that covers the suture used to form the handle 104. In addition, the traction rope tethering device 120 secures the proximal end of the rope member 102 to form the handle 104.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The handle 104 is formed by taking the proximal end of the rope member 102 and passing it through the traction rope tether device 120 and looping the proximal end back into the traction rope tether device 120. The traction rope tether device 120 has a body 122 and a central shaft 121, both of which are hollow. Figure 5 A front view of the main body 122 is shown, Figure 6 A front view of the central shaft 121 is shown. The body 122 has a wider opening and narrows toward the central shaft 121, which has a tubular shape for accommodating the rope member 102. The body 122 and the central shaft 121 will generally have a shape corresponding to the shape of the rope member 102 assembled within the traction rope tethering device 120. The proximal end of the rope member 102 passes through the central shaft 121, through the body 122 and loops back into the body 122 and attaches to itself to form the handle 104. The body 122 is proximal to the handle 104. The body 122 also includes a hole 129, which is used for a fastener such as a bolt to be inserted through the body 122, where the handle 104 is formed. Basically, the hole 129 with the screw is positioned near the end of the body 122 to secure the proximal end of the rope member 102 within the body 122. As shown Figure 4 As shown, holes 129 are included on both sides of the body so that a screw can be positioned through the body to secure the handle 104 within the body 122. In this way, the screw positioned through the hole 129 pushes the folded handle 104 portion against the body 122. Therefore, the combination and positioning of the central axis 121 and the body 122 relative to the axis of the rope member 102 placed through the central axis 121 and the body 122 allows a user to place one hand through the handle 104 to hold the body 122 with the one hand.

[0033] exist Figure 2 It can also be seen that the traction rope tie-down element 120 includes a snap feature, which includes a rigid element 123 and a buckle element 124. The rigid element 123 is integrated into the central axis 121. The rigid element 123 is curved, extending outward from the central axis 121 and bending back toward the central axis 121, but not contacting the central axis 121 and leaving an opening 125 wide enough for the rope member 102 to be pulled through. The opening 125 is closed by the buckle element 124, which can be a spring-loaded buckle element. The spring-loaded end of the buckle element 124 is connected to the body 122, and the buckle element 124 extends toward the rigid element 123 and closes the opening 125 by being pushed into a groove portion 126 on the rigid element 123. The groove portion 126 is Figure 4 and Figure 7 is best shown in .

[0034] Reference Figures 7 to 9When it is desired to tether the pet to the fixed object 500, the rope member 102 is wrapped around the fixed object 500 and placed through the opening 125 into the rigid element 123 of the leash tether device 120. Downward pressure is applied to the buckle element 124 by pushing downward on the buckle element 124 toward the body of the leash tether device 120. The downward pressure moves the buckle element 124 out of the groove portion 126 on the rigid element 123 and toward the central axis 121, thereby creating an opening 125 to allow the rope member 102 to be pulled through. Once the rope member 102 is pulled into the rigid element 123, the downward pressure on the buckle element 124 is released, whereby the buckle element 124 returns to the groove portion 126 and closes the opening 125 to hold the rope member 102. The bend of the rigid element 123 is shaped in such a way as to intentionally hold the cord member 102 against the bend of the rigid element 123 and prevent the application of force to the buckle element 124 when the cord member 102 is in tension. In addition, since the groove portion 126 holds the end of the buckle element 124, the cord member 102 is prevented from catching on the buckle element 124.

[0035] The ergonomic feature 128 is formed on the body 120 and is positioned opposite the rigid element 123 and the buckle element 124. Figure 2 As best seen in the ergonomic features 128, the ergonomic features 128 protrude outwardly from the body 122 and are configured to allow a user holding the handle 104 of the leash 100 to place a finger against the ergonomic features 128. The ergonomic features 128 are illustrated as triangular in shape to allow a finger to be placed against it. When the user holds the leash 100 like this, placing a finger against the ergonomic features 128, a more secure and more comfortable position is obtained. In addition, the ergonomic features 128 provide a more comfortable positioning for the user to press down on the buckle element 124 when placing the rope member 102 against the rigid element 123.

[0036] As described above, the combination of features integrated on the body 122 (rigidity element 123, buckle element 124, and ergonomic features 128) allows the user to position the hand through the handle 104 and hold the body 122 with one hand, these features are positioned through the central axis 121 and the body 122 relative to the axis of the rope member 102. In addition, when applying downward pressure on the buckle element 124 to pass around the rope member or remove it from the leash tether device 120, the user can place his fingers against the ergonomic features 128 to provide a better grip on the leash tether device 120.

[0037] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BAn example of a rope member 202 and a handle 204 that are not a single piece is shown. This embodiment is an example of a traction rope 200 that includes a separate handle 204 and a separate rope member 202 that are adjacent. The rope member 202 and the handle 204 can be made of the same material or different materials. In the example shown, the rope member 202 is illustrated as being a metal chain style, and the handle 204 is another material style. In this example, the handle 204 is attached to the rope member 202 within the traction rope tethering device 120. The traction rope tethering device 120 is the same as the traction rope tethering device 120 described above with respect to the example of the rope member 102 having a round rope style in which the handle 104 and the rope member 102 are integral. The handle 204 has a loop section 205 connected to the ring 203. The ring 203 is connected to the rope member 202. The loop section 205 is positioned within the body 122 of the traction rope tethering device 120. The handle 204 is secured within the leash tether device 120 with a bolt that is inserted through the hole 129 and into the loop section 205. This holds the handle securely in place and allows the rope member 202 to be connected to the handle 204 via the loop 203. The rope member 202 extends from the central axis 121 of the leash tether device 120. The leash 200 is wrapped around an object similar to that described above.

[0038] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been given for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0039] The embodiments selected and described are to best explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, and to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments of the present invention with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. The present invention according to one or more embodiments described in this specification can be practiced by modification and variation within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Therefore, this description is considered to be illustrative, rather than limiting, of the present invention.

Claims

1. A traction rope, comprising: a cord member having a proximal end and a distal end; a retaining member connected to the distal end of the string member; and A traction rope tether device having a central shaft and a body, wherein the proximal end of the rope member passes through the central shaft and the body and loops back into the body to be attached to the rope member in the body, thereby forming a handle.

2. The leash of claim 1, wherein the central shaft and the body of the leash tether device are hollow to accommodate the rope member.

3. The leash of claim 1, wherein the body has an opening that is wider than an opening in the central shaft.

4. A leash according to claim 3, wherein the opening in the body narrows towards the central axis.

5. A traction rope according to claim 1, wherein a hole passes through the body, and wherein a fastener is positioned through the hole so that the fastener is positioned near a position at which the proximal end of the rope member is attached to the rope member in the body, whereby the fastener pushes the rope member against the body to secure the handle.

6. A leash according to claim 1, wherein the leash tethering device includes a snap feature, the snap feature having a rigid element and a buckle element integrated on the surface above the central axis, wherein the rigid element extends outward away from the central axis before bending back toward the central axis, wherein an opening closed by the buckle element is created between the central axis and the tip of the rigid element, wherein the buckle element has a spring-loaded end attached to the surface of the central axis.

7. A traction rope according to claim 6, wherein the tip of the rigid element includes a groove portion, wherein when the buckle element closes the opening, the end of the buckle element opposite to the spring-loaded end fits into the groove portion of the rigid element.

8. The leash of claim 6, wherein the buckle element is moved away from the tip of the rigid element by being pressed into a buckle to expose the opening between the rigid element and the central axis of the leash tethering device.

9. The leash of claim 1, wherein the leash tether device comprises an ergonomic feature protruding outwardly from the body, wherein the ergonomic feature is integrated below a snap element along an axis of the leash tether device.

10. A traction rope, comprising: a cord member having a proximal end and a distal end; a retaining member connected to the distal end of the string member; and A traction rope tether device having a central shaft and a body, wherein the proximal end of the rope member passes through the central shaft and is connected to a handle in the body.

11. The leash of claim 10, wherein the central shaft and the body of the leash tether device are hollow to accommodate the leash member and the swivel section of the handle.

12. The leash of claim 11, wherein the swivel section of the handle comprises a loop, wherein the proximal end of the rope member is connected to the loop within the leash tether device.

13. The leash of claim 10, wherein the body has an opening that is wider than an opening in the central shaft.

14. A leash as claimed in claim 13, wherein the opening in the body narrows towards the central axis.

15. The leash of claim 10, wherein a hole extends through the body, wherein a fastener is positioned through the hole such that the fastener is inserted through a portion of the handle positioned within the body, thereby securing the handle to the leash tether device.

16. A leash according to claim 10, wherein the leash tethering device includes a snap feature, the snap feature having a rigid element and a buckle element integrated on the surface above the central axis, wherein the rigid element extends outward away from the central axis before bending back toward the central axis, wherein an opening is created between the central axis and the tip of the rigid element, wherein the opening is closed by the buckle element, and the buckle element has a spring-loaded end attached to the surface of the central axis.

17. The leash according to claim 16, wherein the tip of the rigid element includes a groove portion, wherein when the buckle element closes the opening, the end of the buckle element opposite the spring-loaded end fits into the groove portion of the rigid element.

18. The leash of claim 16, wherein the buckle element is moved away from the tip of the rigid element by pressing into the buckle element to expose the opening between the rigid element and the central axis of the leash tether device.

19. The leash of claim 10, wherein the leash tether device comprises an ergonomic feature protruding outwardly from the body, wherein the ergonomic feature is integrated below a snap element along an axis of the leash tether device.

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