Retractable device for a pet leash

Abstract

A winding device (1) for an animal leash (2), in particular for a dog leash, comprising a housing (4) receiving a winding device (3) for the animal leash (2), wherein a handle (5) with a handle opening (6) for holding the winding device (1) is arranged on the housing (4), wherein the handle (5) is configured to form a structure closed over the entire circumference of the handle opening (6) in a first position (I) and to form a structure in a second position (II) which has an opening (7) at a circumferential point (U) of the handle opening (6), wherein the handle (5) has a slide (8) arranged in the handle (5) for selectively forming the closed structure and the opening of the structure, which is slidable between two end positions, wherein the slide (8) bridges the opening (7) in the first position (I) and releases the opening (7) in the second position (II), characterized in that the slider (8) is designed as a sleeve which encompasses a section of the handle (5) and which is arranged to be slidable in a displacement direction (T) on the handle (5), wherein the sleeve (8) is held in the closed position in the closed structure of the opening (7) by locking means (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a winding device for an animal leash, in particular for a dog leash, comprising a housing that receives a winding device for the animal leash, wherein a handle with a handle opening for holding the winding device is arranged on the housing, wherein the handle is configured to form a structure closed over the entire circumference of the handle opening in a first position and to form a structure in a second position which has an opening at a circumferential point of the handle opening, wherein the handle has a slide arranged in the handle for selectively producing the closed structure and the opening of the structure, which is slidable between two end positions, wherein the slide bridges the opening in the first position and releases the opening in the second position.

[0002] A generic winding device is disclosed in DE 20 2019 104 440 U1. This device already offers the possibility of exposing an opening in the handle in order to fix the handle, and thus the entire winding device, to a stationary elongated component (e.g., a table leg) if necessary, thereby limiting the animal's degree of freedom of movement.

[0003] For this purpose, the slider in the handle is spring-loaded and therefore movable, so that it can be pulled back when necessary and the opening can be exposed.

[0004] It has turned out that this previously known concept is functionally advantageous, but requires a relatively high level of manufacturing effort.

[0005] The invention therefore aims to further develop a generic winding device in such a way that, while fully maintaining functionality, a simpler design and thus associated cost savings are possible. However, ease of use should be fully preserved.

[0006] The solution to this problem by the invention is characterized in that the slider is designed as a sleeve which encompasses a section of the handle and which is arranged on the handle so as to be slidable in a sliding direction, wherein the sleeve is held in the closed position in the closed structure of the opening by means of detent means.

[0007] This allows the opening to be exposed by sliding the sleeve out of the closed position of the handle, and then, if the handle has been hooked onto a suitable component (e.g., a table leg), closed again by sliding it in the opposite direction. The locking mechanism ensures a secure closure of the handle and thus a secure fixation of the winding device.

[0008] The locking means preferably comprise at least one radially projecting part formed in or on the handle or in or on the sleeve, which can engage in a recess in the sleeve or in the handle. It is particularly preferred that the locking means comprise two diametrically opposed, radially projecting parts arranged in or on the handle or in or on the sleeve.

[0009] The preferred embodiment provides that the locking means are formed in the handle and can engage in a recess in the sleeve.

[0010] The at least one radially projecting part on the handle or sleeve is preferably integrally formed on this component.

[0011] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one radially projecting part on the handle or sleeve is designed as a hemisphere or as a spherical section or segment. The corresponding recess for receiving the radially projecting part is preferably congruent.

[0012] A particularly simple and therefore cost-effective solution from a manufacturing perspective is achieved when the sleeve consists of two halves which, after assembly, encompass the entire circumference of the handle section. The two halves of the sleeve can be joined together during assembly using a snap-fit ​​or clip connection.

[0013] To ensure a secure grip on the sleeve during its displacement, it may have a number of constrictions on its outer circumference that run circumferentially around the circumference of the sleeve.

[0014] The housing, including the handle, is preferably manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part. The sleeve is likewise preferably manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0015] The proposed design of the retractable device makes it possible to provide an easily installed and cost-effective solution that allows for quick and simple opening of the handle when needed and then secure reclosing. This allows the device to be quickly and conveniently attached to a fixing point, such as a table leg, to restrict the freedom of movement of the animal on the leash, even when the owner is not holding the device.

[0016] The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. They show: Fig. 1. Side view of a retractable device for a dog leash according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein an opening is exposed on the handle to fix the handle to a (not shown) fastening element (e.g. table leg), and Fig. 2 in the representation according to Fig. 1 the winding device, whereby the opening is now closed.

[0017] The figures show a retractable leash retractor 1 for a dog leash 2, which has a housing 4 in which a winding device 3 is arranged. This device allows the effective length of the leash between the animal and the retractable leash to be varied. An actuating button 11 activates the winding device 3. Retractable leash retractors of this type are well known in the prior art and therefore do not need to be described in detail here. Reference is made, by way of example, to DE 20 2019 104 440 U1 mentioned at the beginning. A similar solution is shown in DE 10 2017 125 015 A1.

[0018] When the actuating button 11 is pressed down, it engages a toothed section inside the device, thus blocking the rotation of a pulley on which the line 2 is wound. In this depressed position, the actuating button 11 can also be locked, so that the line 2 is only exposed up to its unwound position. To release the rotation of the pulley (i.e., to wind and unwind the line 2), the actuating button 11 can then be moved back to its initial position, which is assisted by a spring inside the device. Alternatively, the pulley is also equipped with a torsion spring element, so that after it is released, the line can wind itself up. This functionality and design, however, is known in similar winding devices.

[0019] The housing 4 is connected to a handle 5, which allows the handler to hold the device. The handle 5 defines a grip opening 6, so that the right-hand section of the handle 5, as shown in the figures, can be grasped by the user. The handle 5 is designed to assume two different positions, I and II, as can be seen in the two figures.

[0020] In the first position I (see here) Fig. 2) The handle 5 forms a closed structure over the entire circumference of the handle opening 6. However, in the second position II (see below), the handle 5 forms Fig. 1) A structure that has an opening 7 at a circumferential point U of the handle opening 6. In the aforementioned second position II, it is thus possible to fix the handle 5 to a stationary component, so that the animal's movement is restricted without the handler having to hold the handle 5. For example, the handle could be fixed to a table leg.

[0021] It is essential that the handle 5 has a slider 8 arranged in the handle 5 for selectively producing the aforementioned closed or open structure. This slider is movable between two end positions, with the slider 8 bridging the opening 7 in the first position I – see [reference to be added]. Fig. 2 - and in the second position II releases opening 7 - see here Fig. 1. Furthermore, it is essential that the slide 8 is designed as a sleeve which encompasses a section of the handle 5 and which is arranged to be slidable in a displacement direction T on the handle 5; the sleeve 8 is held in the closed position in the closed structure of the opening 7 by locking means 9.

[0022] The resting agents 9 are made of Fig. 1 can be seen and in the exemplary embodiment consist of two spherical sections which are attached to the opening 7 at two diametrically opposed points of the opening. Fig. 1 (right) are formed into the adjacent section of the handle 5. In the exemplary embodiment, this forming takes place during the manufacture of the handle 5 using the injection molding process.

[0023] In the sleeve 8, corresponding recesses for the two spherical sections are formed (not visible), so that in the closed position (according to Fig. 2) the ball sections engage in the recesses, thus ensuring a reliable closure of the handle 5 over its entire circumference.

[0024] To expose and close the opening 7, the sleeve 8 is inserted into the Fig. The sleeve 8 is moved in the direction of displacement T, for which purpose it is gripped by hand. The sleeve has a number of constrictions 10 on its outer circumference to ensure a secure grip.

[0025] In the area where the sleeve 8 can be moved in the displacement direction T, the section of the handle 5 has a groove 12. Inside the sleeve 8, at least one radially inwardly projecting element (not shown) is integrally formed on the sleeve 8, which engages in the groove 12. This ensures that the sleeve 8 cannot rotate circumferentially relative to the handle 5, but always remains in the rotational position relative to the handle 5 as shown in the figures.

[0026] The size of opening 7 can be largely arbitrary. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the opening 7 is relatively small, but it can be made larger if necessary, for example to attach the handle 5 to a larger table leg. A clear opening width of approximately 30 mm to 50 mm is preferred to allow the handle 5 to be attached to a variety of different fasteners.

[0027] All parts of the device can be manufactured cost-effectively by injection molding, thus enabling low manufacturing costs.

[0028] Nevertheless, it is achieved that a temporary opening 7 can be created in the handle in a quick and easy manner in order to fix the handle 5 and thus the entire device 1 to a fastening element.

[0029] As can be seen in the figures, the sleeve 8 moves along a slightly curved section of the handle 5 when moved in the direction of movement T. Of course, a straight design of the handle can also be provided here as an alternative. Reference symbol list: 1 winding device 2 Pet leashes (dog leashes) 3 Winding device 4 cases 5 handle 6 handle opening 7 Opening 8 Sleeve (slider) 9 Resting agents 10 Constriction 11 Actuating button 12 Nut I first position of the sleeve II second position of the sleeve U Scope point T Direction of movement QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 20 2019 104 440 U1 [0002, 0017] DE 10 2017 125 015 A1

[0017]

Claims

[1] A winding device (1) for an animal leash (2), in particular for a dog leash, comprising a housing (4) receiving a winding device (3) for the animal leash (2), wherein a handle (5) with a handle opening (6) for holding the winding device (1) is arranged on the housing (4), wherein the handle (5) is configured to form a structure closed over the entire circumference of the handle opening (6) in a first position (I) and to form a structure in a second position (II) which has an opening (7) at a circumferential point (U) of the handle opening (6), wherein the handle (5) has a slide (8) arranged in the handle (5) for selectively forming the closed structure and the opening of the structure, which is slidable between two end positions, wherein the slide (8) bridges the opening (7) in the first position (I) and releases the opening (7) in the second position (II), characterized by , that the slider (8) is designed as a sleeve which encompasses a section of the handle (5) and which is arranged to be slidable in a displacement direction (T) on the handle (5), wherein the sleeve (8) is held in the closed position in the closed structure of the opening (7) by locking means (9). [2] Winding device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking means (9) comprise at least one radially projecting part which is formed in or on the handle (5) or in or on the sleeve (8) and which can engage in a recess in the sleeve (8) or in the handle (5). [3] Winding device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the locking means (9) comprise two diametrically opposed radially projecting parts arranged in or on the handle (5) or arranged in or on the sleeve (8). [4] Winding device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the locking means (9) are formed in the handle (5) and can engage in a recess in the sleeve (8). [5] Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the at least one radially projecting part on the handle (5) or on the sleeve (8) is integrally formed. [6] Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the at least one radially projecting part on the handle (5) or on the sleeve (8) is designed as a hemisphere or as a spherical section or spherical segment. [7] Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the sleeve (8) consists of two halves which, after assembly, encompass the entire circumference of the section of the handle (5). [8] Winding device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the two halves of the sleeve (8) are connected to each other during assembly by means of a snap-fit ​​connection or clip connection. [9] Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the sleeve (8) has a number of constrictions (10) on its outer circumference, which extend around the circumference of the sleeve (8) in the circumferential direction. [10] Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the housing (4) including the handle (5) is designed as a plastic injection molded part. [11] Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the sleeve (8) is designed as a plastic injection molded part.

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