Animal guidance device and closure

Abstract

Animal guidance device, in particular dog leash (1), with at least one belt (2) and a closure (5), wherein the closure (5) comprises a first closure part (6) which is fastened to a first belt section (A) and a second closure part (7) which is fastened to a second belt section (B), wherein the closure parts (6, 7) for connecting the first belt section (A) to the second belt section (B) engage in a form-fitting manner and are moved in mutually opposite closing directions (X, X') to reach the closed position, wherein a first magnet (8) is arranged on the first closure part (6) and a second magnet (9) is arranged on the second closure part (7) in such a way that the magnetic force initially brings the first closure part (6) relative to the second closure part (7) into a pre-locked pre-position, from which the closed position is reached by applying a locking force (F, F') in the respective closing direction (X, X') against the magnetic force.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an animal guiding device and a closure for an animal guiding device. The animal guiding device is, in particular, a leash for guiding (and holding) animals, e.g., a dog leash.

[0002] The animal guidance device comprises at least one belt and a closure, wherein the closure comprises a first closure part and a second closure part, wherein the first closure part is fastened to a first belt portion of the belt and the second closure part is fastened to a second belt portion of the belt (or another belt).

[0003] In the embodiment as an animal leash, e.g. as a dog leash, the closure arranged on the leash or on the strap of the leash serves in particular to form a loop for improved handling and / or length adjustment, ie to vary the handling length of the leash.

[0004] The dog leash has a fastening device at its first end, e.g., a snap hook, which serves to attach the leash to, for example, a collar or harness. The opposite second end serves to form a loop and / or adjust the length. For this purpose, the second end can be fastened to form a loop in a central area of the leash or strap between the first end and the second end, using the aforementioned fastener.

[0005] In practice, this closure for length adjustment is also usually designed with a snap hook. A closure commonly used in practice therefore has a snap hook as the first closure part (at the end of the leash) and a ring or eyelet (in the middle of the leash) as the second closure part, so that the snap hook is attached to the ring or eyelet, forming a loop. Usually, several rings or eyelets are arranged at a distance from each other in the middle of the leash or strap, so that the handling length of the leash can be varied with the snap hook by selecting the appropriate eyelet or ring.

[0006] The solutions used in practice with snap hooks for adjusting the length of a dog leash are characterized above all by their very robust handling, because the use of a snap hook creates a secure connection and prevents accidental release. However, handling is not particularly comfortable and usually requires the use of both hands in order to be able to guide and operate the snap hook as well as position the ring on the leash and, if necessary, fold it away from the leash. This can lead to difficulties, especially if the length needs to be adjusted during use and therefore when an animal is being led with the leash and the leash may even be under tension. Furthermore, the functionality of the snap hook can be impaired by dirt and / or wear due to the moving components.

[0007] There is therefore a need to create an improved closure for an animal control device, particularly for a dog leash. This is where the invention comes in.

[0008] WO 2019 / 034948 A1 discloses a releasable closure device for use in collars, belts, or harnesses for animals, e.g., for dogs, which has at least one closure element attached to the collar and has a magnetic region. The closure device comprises two connecting elements, each having at least one recess and one bulge, as well as a magnetic or magnetizable element. The two connecting elements should be essentially identical in shape. Such a closure serves to close a harness or vest for dogs. The two connecting elements each have an opening for hooking or latching a leash or the like. The connecting elements can be easily separated from one another by pulling by hand, so that the closure device, which is based on the connection with magnetic forces, is not intended for use under tension.

[0009] A magnetic closure is known from another context, combining a positive connection with a magnetic connection (see EP 0 923 887 A2). This closure is intended for bags, backpacks, or clothing.

[0010] EP 2 254 435 B1 describes a mechanical-magnetic connection structure with load securing, which is used, for example, for bags, backpacks, and similar objects. The connection is established, among other things, via spring locking elements.

[0011] EP 2 833 754 B1 describes a closure device for releasably connecting two parts, comprising a first closure part and a second closure part, wherein the closure parts are positively connected via engagement projections. Magnetic means act between the first closure part and the second closure part and are designed to assist the attachment of the first closure part to the second closure part by providing a magnetic attraction force. In the closed position, the first magnet and the second magnet can be offset from one another—viewed along the engagement direction—such that, in the closed position, a magnetic attraction force acts on the first closure part in the engagement direction.The magnetic means thus create a preload between the closure parts, which attempts to pull the first engagement projection into engagement with the second engagement projection in the engagement direction, thus magnetically supporting the interlocking and holding. Viewed along the engagement direction, the magnet of the first closure part is thus positioned in front of the magnet of the second closure part, so that the magnetic attraction force between the magnets has at least one force component in the engagement direction. Additionally, locking elements are used, which are moved from a basic position during interaction and thus act as spring elements.

[0012] Finally, EP 3 039 983 B1 discloses a further embodiment of a closure device which combines a positive connection with magnetic means.

[0013] In most cases, the locking devices are intended for the secure and safety-relevant closure of, for example, bags, backpacks, or bicycle helmets. In contrast, the invention concerns an animal control device, which can in particular be an animal leash, e.g., a dog leash.

[0014] The invention is based on the object of creating an animal guidance device of the type described above, which is characterized by particularly simple and comfortable handling and, at the same time, a simple and functionally reliable structure.

[0015] This object is achieved by an animal guidance device, in particular a dog leash, having the features of claim 1 and by a closure having the features of claim 18.

[0016] The animal guiding device according to the invention has at least one belt and a closure, wherein the closure has a first closure part which is fastened to a first belt section (e.g. at one end of the belt) and a second closure part which is fastened to a second belt section (e.g. at a central region of the belt), wherein the closure parts engage one another in a form-fitting manner to connect the first belt section to the second belt section and are moved in mutually opposite closing directions X and X' to reach the closed position.

[0017] A first magnet is arranged on the first closure part and a second magnet is arranged on the second closure part, wherein the first magnet (of the first closure part) and the second magnet (of the second closure part) are arranged on the closure parts in such a way that the first closure part is initially brought into a pre-locked pre-position relative to the second closure part by magnetic force, from which the closed position is reached by applying a locking force in the respective closing direction against the magnetic force.

[0018] The invention is based, first of all, on the realization that the handling of an animal guidance device, e.g. a dog leash, can be significantly simplified if, for example, a solution with snap hooks is dispensed with for loop formation or length adjustment. Instead, the invention uses a closure which supports a positive connection with magnetic means. However, the magnets on the closure parts do not primarily serve to securely connect the closure parts, but solely or primarily to optimize handling by ensuring pre-positioning. This is because the magnets provided in the two closure elements are arranged in such a way that they bring the closure parts into a pre-position without the operator having to perform any special handling or positioning, so that one-handed operation is also possible if necessary.Starting from the pre-position, the positive connection is created simply by pulling on one of the belt sections and consequently by moving the closure parts relative to one another in the engagement direction and consequently in the respective closing direction X or X', so that the closed position is finally reached. However, reaching this final closed position is not assisted by the magnets; instead, the closure parts must be moved from the pre-position into the final closed position against the magnetic force (or against a component along the X direction of the magnetic force). This is easily possible by applying tension to one of the closure elements, so that the closure elements are moved relative to one another in the respective closing direction and subjected to a closing force. The closing direction is preferably also identical to the load direction orMain load direction during handling, so that accidental loosening of the connection during loading is reliably prevented.

[0019] In structural terms, this is achieved, for example, in that the (mutually attracting) magnets, i.e. the first magnet and the second magnet, are arranged offset from one another in the closed position, i.e. when the two closure parts are in full positive engagement, and preferably offset in the closing direction X or X' applicable to the respective closure part, which can also be referred to as the engagement direction. In the closed position, i.e. in the closed and locked position, the magnets are arranged offset from one another by a dimension M or M' in the respective closing direction, i.e. they are offset by a dimension M or M' in the X or X' direction, so that the magnetic force which holds the closure parts together in the pre-position must be (partially) overcome in order to reach the final closed position.According to the invention, the magnets therefore do not serve to hold the locking part in the (locked) closed position, but rather primarily for pre-positioning and thus particularly easy handling, possibly allowing one-handed operation. However, in addition to pre-positioning, the magnets can also support locking in the closed position through their mutual attraction in a Z-direction.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the two locking parts interlock in the closed position so that they are blocked against the (respective) closing direction. This will be discussed further below.

[0021] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the first closure part and the second closure part completely dispense with movable elements, in particular spring elements or the like. The closure parts can be designed as rigid molded parts with integrated magnets, so that the connection is quick and easy to achieve and dispenses with conventional locking or spring elements. This is particularly advantageous because the closure according to the invention is not used to close bags, backpacks, or bicycle helmets while the closure is under pretension, but is used for an animal guidance device, in particular for an animal leash. The closure is particularly preferably used to adjust the length of a dog leash.

[0022] The connection according to the invention is characterized not only by simple and reliable closing, but also by easy release. The locking parts are designed and coordinated in such a way that the connection can be separated without actuating any moving parts and without releasing any locking connections.

[0023] There are various possibilities for the constructive implementation of the invention.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the first closure part, which is attached, for example, to one end of a dog leash (or belt), has a base plate and one or more limiting tabs that are arranged at a distance in a Z direction from the base plate such that a gap is formed between the base plate and the limiting tabs, which gap is preferably delimited laterally in a Y direction by lateral limiting webs. Preferably, the first closure part has not just one, but two limiting tabs, which are preferably spaced apart in a Y direction to form a guide slot between the two limiting tabs. This guide slot is particularly important in combination with the structural design of the second closure part.

[0025] The second closure part, which is attached, for example, in a "central area" to a leash or a belt, preferably has a guide tongue, which can also be referred to as a guide tab, and which can be inserted into the gap of the first closure part, i.e. the gap between the base plate and the limiting tabs of the first closure part. Furthermore, the second closure part optionally has a guide web, which is arranged, for example, on or at the guide tongue, and which, during the closing process, can be inserted into the guide slot between the limiting tabs of the first closure part and, in the closed position, engages in the guide slot between the limiting tabs. For examples, reference is made to the description of the figures.

[0026] Since, according to the invention, the magnets on the closure parts (primarily) serve to pre-position the closure parts during handling, it is particularly advantageous if the closure parts engage with each other in the closed position in such a form-fitting manner that they are blocked against the closing direction. This can be achieved structurally, for example, by the first closure part having a locking edge, which is formed, for example, by a (ramp-shaped) projection arranged on the base plate, and by the second closure part having a stop (e.g., on the rear) so that the closure parts are blocked in the closed position against the closing direction through the interaction of the stop and the locking edge. The projection thus engages behind the rear stop and blocks the closure against the closing direction and consequently in an opening direction (which is opposite to the respective closing direction X, X').Even though the magnets primarily serve the described pre-positioning purpose, they can also support the locking function. Optionally, in the fully closed position, the magnetic force (due to its force component acting in the Z direction) holds the locking parts together and can thus also hold the stop of the second locking part behind the projection of the first locking part. Nevertheless, opening the lock is easy. To open the lock, you first need to release the engagement between the locking edge and the stop. This is achieved by simply lifting or rotating one of the locking elements along the Z direction. This is also easily possible against any attractive magnetic force acting in the Z direction. Please refer to the description of the figures for further information.

[0027] In any case, it is advantageous if the locking parts engage with each other in the pre-position in such a way that relative movement along the Y direction and / or along the Z direction is blocked, so that the locking parts can only be released along the X direction. It is therefore particularly advantageous if a (limited) positive engagement is already realized in the pre-position, so that the two locking elements are already slightly hooked into each other and cannot be released in most directions of movement (e.g. in two dimensions, e.g. Y and Z), but can only be released by pushing against the respective engagement direction X, X'. Starting from this pre-position, locking is then achieved by applying tension in the closing direction X, X', whereby after reaching the closed position, the blocking preferably acts via the aforementioned locking edge in conjunction with the stop.

[0028] Therefore, a two-stage locking and a two-stage unlocking are preferably implemented. After the two locking elements have been fully engaged, the blocking must first be released by a movement in the Z direction or along the Z direction. The separation can then be performed along or against the unlocking direction.

[0029] The animal guidance device is preferably designed as an animal leash, in particular as a dog leash. This leash has a first end to which the leash can be attached, for example, to a collar or a harness. Consequently, a conventional fastening device for attaching the leash to an animal or a collar or a harness can be attached to the first end. This fastening device, which is arranged at the first end of the leash, can be, for example, a conventional snap hook. The second end of the leash is used to adjust the length, as the second end of the leash is attached to form a loop in the middle region of the leash between the first end and the second end.This is what the closure according to the invention serves, because the first closure part of the closure is attached to this second end of the leash (as the first strap section) and the second closure part is attached to the middle area of the leash (as the second strap section) between the first closure part and the (classic) fastening device, e.g. the snap hook.

[0030] Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which a plurality of second closure parts are arranged at a distance along the length of the belt on the leash or on the belt of the leash in the middle region, so that the end-side first closure part can be selectively fastened to one of the plurality of second closure parts and the handling length of the leash can thus be varied.

[0031] Overall, attaching the first closure part to the second closure part is simple and intuitive, guided by the provided magnetic force and then locking by simply applying tension.

[0032] Alternatively, the animal control device can be an animal collar, e.g., a dog collar, i.e., the closure device according to the invention can be used to adjust the length of a collar, for example. This also applies to an animal harness.

[0033] Preferably, therefore, the two closure parts of the closure are attached to one and the same strap, e.g. to a leash or a collar.

[0034] Alternatively, the closure can also be used to connect two separate components of an animal control device, e.g., a leash to a collar. In this case, one of the closure parts is located on the collar, and the complementary closure part is located on the leash.

[0035] The subject matter of the invention is not only the described animal guidance device, but also the closure intended for such an animal guidance device. The closure is therefore also separately protected for this purpose. The invention therefore also relates to the use of the closure for or on an animal guidance device. Regarding the design of the closure, reference is made to the explanations in connection with the animal guidance device. The described features therefore equally apply to the separately protected closure.

[0036] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings which merely represent an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1 an animal guidance device in the form of a dog leash, Fig. 2 an enlarged section of the object according to Fig. 1 in the area of a closure (in the open state during the closing process), Fig. 3a, b the closure after Fig. 2 in a vertical section ( Fig. 3a) or in a perspective view ( Fig. 3b) in a first functional position, Fig. 4a, b the closure acc. Fig. 3a, b in a second functional position, Fig. 5a, b the first closure part in two different perspective views, Fig. 6a, b the second closure part in two different perspective views.

[0037] The figures show an animal guidance device 1 in the form of a dog leash 1. The dog leash 1 has a strap 2 (e.g. made of leather) which has a first end and a second end. A fastening device, e.g. a snap hook 3, for attaching the leash 1 to, for example, an animal's collar is attached to the first end in a conventional manner. The opposite second end of the leash serves to form a loop 4 and in particular to adjust or change the length of the leash. For this purpose, a closure 5 is attached to the strap 2 of the leash 1, which is composed of a first closure part 6 and a second closure part 7. The first closure part 6 is attached to a first strap section A, in this case to the second end of the leash or strap 2. The second closure part 7 is in a second strap section B, in this case in a central region of the leash orof the strap 2 between the first end and the second end or between the first closure part 6 and the snap hook 3. In . Fig. 1 shows that the closure parts 6, 7 are connected to form a loop 4. The closure parts 6, 7 thus engage with each other to connect the strap sections A, B. Thus, the closure 5 shown in the figures, with the first closure part 6 and the second closure part 7, assumes the function of a snap hook for loop formation and length adjustment, which is conventional in the prior art.

[0038] In the Fig. 1 to 4 a, b, the leash with the two locking parts 6, 7 is shown in different functional positions and views. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first closure part 6 is shown above the second closure part 7. The Fig. 3a,b and Fig. 4 a,b show views in a reversed orientation, ie the second closure part 7 is shown above the first closure part 6. In the Fig. 3 a,b and Fig. 4 a,b the representation of the second belt section B, to which the second closure part 7 is attached, has been omitted. Fig. 5 a, b and Fig. 6 a,b show the closure parts 6, 7 separately, whereby in the Fig. 5 a and Fig. 5 b the first closure part 6 and in the Fig. 6 a and Fig. 6 b the second closure part 7 is shown.

[0039] To close the closure 5 and consequently to reach the closed position of the closure 5, the two closure parts are brought into proximity, e.g. next to each other or one behind the other (e.g. according to Fig. 2) and moved in mutually opposite closing directions X and X' respectively, so that they engage with each other in the closed position. The closing direction X refers to the first closure part 6 and the closing direction X' refers to the second closure part 7. It is of course sufficient to move one of the closure parts 6, 7 in the respective closing direction, while the other closure part is held or remains stationary. The handling of the closure 5 is optimized by arranging a first magnet 8 on the first closure part 6 and a second magnet 9 on the second closure part 7. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first closure part 6, which is attached to the leash / belt end (section A), has a base plate 10 and two limiting tabs 11, which are arranged at a distance in a direction Z from the base plate 10 such that a gap 12 is formed between the base plate 10 and the two limiting tabs 11, which is laterally delimited in a direction Y by additional lateral limiting webs 13. The base plate 10, the limiting tabs 11, and the lateral limiting webs 13 form a receptacle or pocket for the second closure part 7.

[0041] This is because the second closure part 7, which is fastened in a central region (section B) of the leash 1 or the belt 2 on the surface of the belt 2, has in the exemplary embodiment a guide tongue 14 which can be inserted into the pocket or the gap 12 of the first closure part 6 between the base plate 10 and the limiting tabs 11 of the first closure part 6 and is guided by the lateral limiting webs 13 of the first closure part 6. The guidance and the positive connection are optimized in that a guide slot 15 is provided on the first closure part 6, which is arranged between the two limiting tabs 11, because the two limiting tabs 11 are spaced apart in the Y direction, so that the guide slot 15 is formed between the limiting tabs 11. The second closure part 7 has a guide web 16 corresponding to the guide slot 15, which can be made, for example,is arranged on the guide tongue 14 or on the guide tongue 14, wherein this guide web 16 engages in the guide slot 15 between the limiting tabs 11 during the closing movement and in particular in the closed position.

[0042] It is also advantageous that the two closure parts 6, 7 engage in a form-fitting manner in the closed position such that they are blocked against simple withdrawal in the closing direction X, X'. For this purpose, the first closure part 6 has a locking edge 17, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed by a (wedge-shaped or ramp-shaped) projection 18 arranged on the base plate 10. The second closure part 7 has a stop 19, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed by the rear side of the second closure part 7. By the interaction of the stop 19 of the second closure part 7 and the locking edge 17 of the first closure part 6, the closure parts 6, 7 are in the Fig. 4a, b. The locking edge 17 of the projection 18 thus engages behind the rear stop 19 and blocks the closure 5 against movement in the opening direction and consequently against the closing direction X or X'.

[0043] Of particular importance according to the invention are also the aforementioned (mutually attracting) magnets 8, 9 in or on the first closure part 6 and the second closure part 7. According to the invention, these explicitly (also) serve to pre-position the closure parts 6, 7 and thus improve handling. The first magnet 8 of the first closure part 6 and the second magnet 9 of the second closure part 7 are arranged on the closure parts 6, 7 and integrated into the closure part in such a way that the mutually attracting magnetic force initially brings the first closure part 6 relative to the second closure part 7 into a pre-locked pre-position, which in Fig. 3. From this preliminary position according to Fig. 3a, b the closure is inserted into the Fig. 4a, b by applying a tensile force or tensile forces F, F' to the two belt sections or to at least one belt section, so that the two closure parts 6, 7 of the closure 5 move in opposite closing directions X, X'. The closed position is achieved starting from the pre-position by applying a locking force F, F' in the respective closing direction X, X', wherein this locking force F, F' is directed against the magnetic force (or against an X-component of the magnetic force) starting from the pre-position. For locking starting from Fig. 3a, b must therefore be in the closed position in order to reach Fig. 4a, b against the magnetic force or against the X-component of the magnetic force. For this purpose, the magnets 8, 9 are in the closed position or the closing position (according to Fig. 4a, b) are arranged offset from one another by a dimension M in the respective closing direction X, X'. This means that the magnet 8 of the first closure part 6 is offset by a dimension M in the closing direction X relative to the magnet 9 of the second closure part 7. In the closed position, the magnet 8 protrudes by a dimension M beyond the magnet 9 in the closing direction X. The magnet 9 of the second closure part 7 is offset by a dimension M' in the closing direction X' relative to the magnet 8 of the first closure part 6. In the closed position, the magnet 9 protrudes by a dimension M' in the closing direction X' beyond the magnet 8.

[0044] The essential function of the invention of pre-positioning via the magnets results in particular from a comparative analysis of the Fig. 3 a or 3b and Fig. 4a, b. By hooking the two closure parts 6, 7 together, the Fig. 3a, b is reached, in which the two magnets 8, 9 are arranged essentially one above the other due to the mutually attractive magnetic force. The design of the other components of the closure is aligned such that the two closure parts 6, 7 are already slightly hooked into each other and can no longer be easily released, particularly in the Y-direction and Z-direction. This is particularly due to the fact that the guide tongue 14 of the second closure part 7 is already arranged between the guide webs 13 of the first closure part 6 in this pre-position and, to a certain extent, also in the gap 12 beneath the limiting tabs 11, so that both movement in the Y-direction and movement in the Z-direction are prevented. In this pre-position, the only possible movement is pulling out counter to the closing direction or engagement direction X or X'.

[0045] Based on the Fig. 3a, b shown pre-position, the one in Fig. The closed position shown in Figures 4a, b is achieved simply by pulling with a force F, F' in the direction of engagement and consequently in the closing direction X or X'. The two closure parts 6, 7 move in opposite directions from the pre-position and thus also from the zero position of the magnets 8, 9 against the magnetic force. This is easily possible by applying tension or force F, F to the line. It is important that, through this pulling movement against the magnetic force, the locking edge 17 of the first closure part 6 engages behind the rear stop 19 of the second closure part 7, so that the aforementioned blocking in the X-direction or opposite to the X-direction becomes effective. This results in full engagement of the two closure parts 6, 7. In this functional position, the guide web 16 of the second closure part 7 also fully engages in the guide slot 15 of the first closure part 6. In this, for example, Fig. In the closed position shown in Figures 4a and b, the magnets are offset from each other as described. Nevertheless, the magnets exert an attractive force along the Z-direction, ensuring that the locking parts lie against each other and, in particular, that the stop 19 remains behind the locking edge 17.

[0046] The two leash ends are very effectively connected and, above all, can withstand high tensile forces while walking a dog or similar activities. It is also interesting that, despite its ability to withstand high tensile forces, the closure can be released easily and conveniently. To do so, it is only necessary to slightly lift the two closure parts apart along the Z-direction (against the magnetic force or the Z-component of the magnetic force) or to twist them against each other so that the stop 19 overcomes the locking edge 17. Then the closure parts 6, 7 can simply be pulled apart again in the opposite direction to the closing direction X, X'. This effectively creates a two-stage release.

[0047] Of particular interest is the inventive arrangement of the magnets 8, 9 within the closure parts 6, 7, which explicitly ensures pre-positioning. This makes it possible to secure the end of the leash to a desired central section of the leash very easily and, if necessary, even with one-handed operation to form a loop. Once the pre-position caused by the magnets has been reached, the closed position can be reached simply by pulling in the corresponding direction. Once the closed position has been reached, the attractive magnetic force (in the Z direction) also ensures that the closure parts are held together in a blocked position and, for example, that the stop of the second closure part remains behind the locking edge of the first closure part and that the closure parts are not lifted apart without active or deliberate actuation.

[0048] In principle, a single closure 5 with a single first closure part 6 and a single second closure part 7 can be provided for a leash 1, so that the closure then primarily serves to form loops.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, several second closure parts 7 are attached to the strap 2 of the leash 1, each spaced apart along the longitudinal direction L of the leash. By selecting the desired second closure part 7, the length or handling length of the leash 1 can be varied.

[0050] Another advantage is that the two closure parts 6, 7 are designed entirely without moving or springy parts, so that the closure 5 is characterized by low wear and high functional reliability. The first closure part 6 is either attached directly to the end of the leash, e.g. by means of rivets. In the exemplary embodiment, it is attached in a small loop at the end of the leash. For this purpose, the first closure part 6 can have an opening 20 into which the second end of the leash is inserted for attachment and is connected, for example, to form an eyelet with rivets or screws 21. However, other types of attachment of the closure part 6 to the belt 2 are also possible.

[0051] The second closure part 7(s) are relatively easily attached directly to the strap 2 in the desired positions using rivets or screws 22. Other fastening methods not shown are also possible here.

[0052] The figures show only one embodiment of such an animal control device, namely an animal leash 1. However, the closure 5 according to the invention can also be used in other ways on or with animal control devices, e.g., on a collar to connect the ends of a collar or to connect a leash to a collar. Use in a dog harness is also possible. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2019 / 034948 A1

[0008] EP 0 923 887 A2

[0009] EP 2 254 435 B1

[0010] EP 2 833 754 B1

[0011] EP 3 039 983 B1

[0012]

Claims

[1] Animal guidance device, in particular dog leash (1), with at least one belt (2) and a closure (5), wherein the closure (5) comprises a first closure part (6) which is fastened to a first belt section (A) and a second closure part (7) which is fastened to a second belt section (B), wherein the closure parts (6, 7) for connecting the first belt section (A) to the second belt section (B) engage in a form-fitting manner and are moved in mutually opposite closing directions (X, X') to reach the closed position, wherein a first magnet (8) is arranged on the first closure part (6) and a second magnet (9) is arranged on the second closure part (7) in such a way that the magnetic force initially brings the first closure part (6) relative to the second closure part (7) into a pre-locked pre-position, from which the closed position is reached by applying a locking force (F, F') in the respective closing direction (X, X') against the magnetic force. [2] Animal guidance device according to claim 1, characterized by that the magnets (8, 9) are arranged offset from one another in the closed position of the closure (5). [3] Animal guidance device according to claim 2, characterized by that the magnets (8, 9) are arranged offset from one another in the closing position by a dimension (M, M') in the respective closing direction (X, X'). [4] Animal guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized byin that the first closure part (6) has a base plate (10) and one or more limiting tabs (11) which are arranged at a distance from the base plate (10) in a direction (Z) oriented perpendicular to the closing direction (X or X') in such a way that a gap (12) is formed between the base plate (10) and the limiting tabs (11), which gap is preferably delimited laterally in a direction (Y) oriented perpendicular to the closing direction or the closing directions (X, X') and the Z direction by lateral limiting webs (13). [5] Animal guidance device according to claim 4, characterized by that the first closure part (6) has two limiting tabs (11) which are spaced apart in the Y direction to form a guide slot (15). [6] Animal guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the second closure part has a guide tongue (14) which can preferably be inserted into the gap (12) of the first closure part (6), ie between the base plate (10) and the limiting tab(s) (11) of the first closure part (6). [7] Animal guidance device according to claim 6, characterized by that the second closure part (7) has, for example, a guide web (16) arranged on or at the guide tongue (14) which, in the closed position, engages in the guide slot (15) between the limiting tabs (11). [8] Animal guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the closure parts (6, 7) engage in a form-fitting manner in the closed position in such a way that they are blocked against being pulled apart in the opposite direction to the respective closing direction (X, X'). [9] Animal guidance device according to claim 8, characterized bythat the first closure part (6) (or the second closure part) has a locking edge (17) which is formed, for example, by a projection (18) arranged on the base plate, and that the second closure part (or the first closure part) has, for example, a rear stop (19), so that by the interaction of the stop and the locking edge the closure parts (6, 7) are blocked in the closing position in the closing direction. [10] Animal guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the closure parts (6, 7) engage with each other in the pre-position such that a relative movement along the Y direction and / or along the Z direction is blocked and only a relative movement in the closing direction and against the closing direction is possible. [11] Animal guiding device according to one of claims 1 to 10 in the embodiment as an animal leash (1), in particular as a dog leash, with a first end of the belt (2) to which a fastening device, e.g. a hook (3), for attaching the leash to an animal to be led, e.g. to a collar or a harness, and with a second end of the strap (2) which can be fastened to a central region of the line or strap (2) between the first end and the second end, forming a loop (4), characterized by that the first closure part (6) is fastened to the second end of the belt as a first belt section (A) and that the second closure part (7) is fastened to the middle region of the belt between the first closure part and the fastening device (e.g. a snap hook (4)) as a second belt section (B). [12] Animal guidance device according to claim 11, characterized bythat on the leash (1) or on the belt (2) of the leash in the middle area a plurality of second closure parts (7) are arranged at a distance along the length (L) of the leash or belt, so that the end-side first closure part (6) can be selectively fastened to one of the plurality of second closure parts (7) and the handling length of the leash can thereby be varied. [13] Animal guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the first closure part (6) and the second closure part (7) are designed as rigid components without movable or resilient parts. [14] Animal guidance device according to claim 13, characterized by that the first closure part (6) and the second closure part (7) are each manufactured as a one-piece molded part, each having a receptacle for the magnet (8, 9), into which the first magnet (8) and the second magnet (9) are inserted. [15] Animal guidance device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized bythat the first closure part (6) and the second closure part (7) are made of metal, e.g. as one-piece molded parts made of metal. [16] Animal guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that the strap (2), e.g. the strap of the animal leash, is made of leather or imitation leather. [17] Animal guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by that the first closure part (6) and / or the second closure part (7) are each fastened to the belt by means of fastening means, e.g. screws (21, 22) or rivets. [18] Closure (5) for an animal guiding device according to one of claims 1 to 17, in particular for an animal leash (1), e.g. for a dog leash.

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