PET ANTI-THEFT KIT

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-theft kit for pets, comprising: 1) a collar-leash assembly comprising: - a support (1) having control means including electronic means and a receiver (31) cooperating with the electronic means, the latter: - comprising a memory containing at least a first code and a second code and - being capable of transforming a signal received by the receiver (31) into a code, comparing this code to the first code and the second code, controlling first locking / unlocking means (9) if the code is identical to the second code and controlling second locking / unlocking means (30) if the code is identical to the first code, and 2) a device capable of emitting at least a first signal and a second signal intended for the receiver (31) and corresponding respectively to the first code and the second code.

Description

Title of the invention: PET ANTI-THEFT KIT

[0001] The invention relates to a pet anti-theft kit and a method for securely attaching a pet to a fixed element such as a post. Background of the invention

[0002] In US patent no. 8,683,959, filed provisionally in 2010, it is stated that it is possible to have a first locking mechanism at the collar and a second locking mechanism at the handle, these locking mechanisms being activated separately to secure the handle to the leash at one end and the collar to the leash at the other end. Alternatively, the system may have a locking mechanism capable of simultaneously securing the collar and the ends of the handle.

[0003] There may also be at least one electrical wire to transmit energy to a solenoid from a lock located in the handle housing or an activation point, such as a button located on the handle housing.

[0004] It is also stated that it is possible to use a mechanical lock such as a key lock, a combination lock, a fingerprint identification lock, a magnetic card or card reader lock or an electronic lock such as a solenoid motor with a power source from a battery.

[0005] In the case of a key lock, it can probably be assumed that in one position the lock is open and in another position the lock is closed.

[0006] In the case of a combination lock, such as with a bicycle lock, one can imagine that when the combination is correct, the lock can be opened and when it is not correct, the lock remains closed.

[0007] But it is not explained in this document how the other locks work.

[0008] Indeed, what happens with a fingerprint lock? Does the user have to present a finger to open the lock and then present it again to close the lock? It would also require two fingerprint readers, one on the collar and another on the handle, unless, of course, simultaneous and non-independent actuation of the two locks is desired.

[0009] Similarly, with a magnetic card or card reader lock, does the user have to present the card to open the lock and then again to close the lock? In this case, two card readers would also be required, one for the collar and another for the handle.

[0010] In the case of key or combination locks, since these are mechanical, they must be located at the collar or the handle. Therefore, two are required, one for the collar and one for the handle, and it is impossible to operate the key or combination lock of the collar from the handle, as remote mechanical operation (from one end of the leash to the other) is impossible.

[0011] Finally, in the case of the aforementioned electronic locking, how is it actuated?

[0012] Furthermore, the use of a key, a magnetic card or another card implies that it is not lost, that it can be passed on to another person, for example, a dog walker.

[0013] However, it goes without saying that it is impossible to transmit fingerprints, the system can in this case only be used by the owner of the pet.

[0014] Since 2011, the number of dog thefts has continued to grow and, according to an article published on June 10, 2021 on the website of the French magazine "Le Point" and citing the French newspaper "Le Figaro" dated June 9, 2021, 75,000 dogs are stolen in France each year to be resold generally between 1,500 and 3,500 euros. Summary of the invention

[0015] The main purpose of the invention is to provide a pet anti-theft kit that is safe, simple, inexpensive and quick and easy to use.

[0016] Such an assembly is intended to be fixed to a fixed element, such as a post, a barrier, a grid, etc.

[0017] According to the invention, this goal is achieved using an anti-theft kit conforming to point 1 below:

[0018] 1. Pet anti-theft kit, comprising:

[0019] 1) a collar-lace assembly comprising:

[0020] - a support comprising control means including electrical means tronics,

[0021] - a link, one end of which is fixed to the support and the other is free and able to be fixed to the support using initial electromagnetic locking / unlocking means suitable for control by the control means,

[0022] - at least one leash, one end of which is fixed to the support and the other is free and includes secondary electromagnetic locking / unlocking means capable of being controlled by the control means,

[0023] - at least one source of electrical energy to power at least the electrical means tronics,

[0024] wherein the control means further comprise a receiver cooperating with the electronic means and the latter:

[0025] - include a memory containing at least a first code and a second code and

[0026] - are suitable for • transform a signal received by the receiver into a code, to • compare this code to the first code and the second code, to • order the first locking / unlocking methods if the code is identical to the second code and to • command the second locking / unlocking methods (30) if the code is identical to the first code, and

[0027] 2) a device capable of emitting at least a first signal and a second signal intended for the receiver of the control means and corresponding respectively to the first code and the second code.

[0028] Advantageous features of the anti-theft kit referred to in point 1 above are indicated in points 2 to 9ter below:

[0029] 2. Pet anti-theft kit according to point 1, in which the order of the first and / or second locking / unlocking means is an unlocking command.

[0030] 3. Pet anti-theft kit according to one of points 1 and 2, in which the first and / or second locking / unlocking means are of the "normally closed" type.

[0031] 4. Pet anti-theft kit according to point 3, in which the order The first and / or second locking / unlocking means consist of supplying these locking / unlocking means with electricity.

[0032] 5. Pet anti-theft kit according to any one of points 1 to 4, wherein the support presents an opening, preferably of a substantially elongated shape, for the passage of a user's fingers.

[0033] 6. Pet anti-theft kit according to any one of points 1 to 5, in which the device is capable of emitting at least one first signal and a second signal for a predetermined duration.

[0034] 7. Pet anti-theft kit according to any one of points 1 to 6, in which The device includes at least two buttons, one for emitting the first signal and another for emitting the second signal.

[0035] 8. Pet anti-theft kit according to any one of points 1 to 7, in which the The durations of the first and second signals are adjustable.

[0036] 9. Pet anti-theft kit according to any one of points 1 to 8, in which The device also includes two adjustment buttons, one for the duration of the first signal and another for the duration of the second signal.

[0037] 9bis. Pet anti-theft kit according to any one of points 1 to 9, wherein the duration of the first signal is different from the duration of the second signal.

[0038] 9ter. Pet anti-theft kit according to any one of points 1 to 9bis, in which the duration of the first signal is greater than the duration of the second signal.

[0039] The invention also relates to the use of the aforementioned anti-theft kit and a method of securely attaching a pet to a fixed element using this kit, in accordance with point 10 below:

[0040] 10. Method of securely attaching a pet to a fixed element, including the following steps:

[0041] - to obtain an anti-theft kit according to one of the points 1 to 9ter mentioned above,

[0042] - activate the device so that it emits the first signal in the direction of the support,

[0043] - place the leash or the collar or harness part around the neck or chest of the pet,

[0044] - attach the second locking / unlocking means to the leash or the part forming a collar or harness

[0045] - to go to a place where the pet can be tied up,

[0046] - activate the device so that it emits the second signal in the direction of the support,

[0047] - place the free end of the link around a fixed element,

[0048] - attach the free end of the link to the first locking / unlocking means rusting,

[0049] - leave the animal tied up and leave.

[0050] Advantageous features of the method in point 10 above are set out in point 11 below:

[0051] 11. Method according to the preceding point, in which

[0052] - the step of attaching the second locking / unlocking means to The leash or the part forming a collar or harness is immediately followed by a step consisting of waiting for the second locking / unlocking means to be engaged.

[0053] and / or

[0054] - the step of attaching the free end of the link to the first means of The locking / unlocking process is immediately followed by a step of waiting for the first locking / unlocking means to lock.

[0055] The invention also relates to a method of detaching a pet that has been tied up in accordance with the aforementioned tethering method, in accordance with point 12 below:

[0056] 12. Method of detaching a tethered pet by implementing of the method according to point 10 or 11 above, comprising the following steps consisting of:

[0057] - activate the device so that it emits the second signal in the direction of the support,

[0058] - separate the free end of the link from the first locking / unlocking means rusting,

[0059] - remove the link from the fixed element around which it was placed,

[0060] - to walk away in the company of the pet,

[0061] - subsequently, activate the device so that it emits the first signal in the direction of the support,

[0062] - detach the second locking / unlocking means of the leash or the part forming a collar or harness so that the leash or part forming a collar or harness can be removed from the neck or chest of the pet.

[0063] Thus, thanks to the invention, the owner of the pet can shop in complete peace of mind, without fear of their pet being stolen.

[0064] It goes without saying that the invention can be applied to other pets besides dogs, for example cats and ferrets.

[0065] Other features and advantages of the invention will now be described in detail in the following exposition, which is given with reference to the accompanying figures, which schematically represent:

[0066] [Fig-1]: a collar-lace assembly of the anti-theft kit according to the invention fixed in such a way secured to a post;

[0067] [Fig.2]: the collar-lace assembly is shown in [Fig.1] in front view;

[0068] [Fig.3]: The collar-relay assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a partially front view cut ;

[0069] [Fig.4]: an example of locking-unlocking means suitable for the collar-leash assembly of the kit according to the invention, in section along line BB of [Fig.5];

[0070] [Fig. 5]: the locking / unlocking means of the [Fig. 4], top view in section along line AA of [Fig.4]; and

[0071] [Fig.6]: a variant of a leash comprising a collar-forming part. Detailed description of the invention

[0072] Collar and leash assembly of the anti-theft kit according to the invention

[0073] Figure 1 shows a collar-leash assembly of the anti-theft kit according to the invention in use. The end 29 of the leash 27 is wrapped around the neck of a dog and secured by the second locking means 30, and the link 6 is wrapped around a post 33, its free end 8 being attached to the support 1.

[0074] Thus, the dog's attachment to the post is secure because the dog can neither escape nor be kidnapped.

[0075] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the support 1 preferably has an opening 3 advantageously of elongated shape and forms a handle on one side allowing the user to easily hold the support 1, with four fingers, the index, middle, ring and little fingers, passing through the opening 3 and the thumb remaining at the outside and making a loop with the index finger.

[0076] The opening 3 offers the advantage of allowing the support to be easily held with one hand while the other hand operates the device for the emission of the first and second unlocking signals.

[0077] The support 1 plays the role of a housing containing control means, these including electronic means, generally a microprocessor (or a microcontroller) and a memory containing a program to be executed by the microprocessor, this program organizing in particular the comparison of codes, the sending of locking or unlocking commands, timings, possible warnings, etc.

[0078] The support 1 further contains an electrical power source such as one or more batteries. This electrical power source supplies the electronic means, any warning devices (visual, vibratory, audible), and generally the first and second locking / unlocking means, unless these have their own electrical power source.

[0079] Preferably, each electrical power source is a battery. It is advantageous to provide a port, preferably of the mini-USB or micro-USB type, for charging the battery. Thus, the user can use their smartphone charger to recharge the battery, without having to buy a separate charger for the collar and leash assembly of the kit according to the invention.

[0080] According to the invention, the support 1 further comprises a receiver 31 cooperating with the electronic means. In this way, by pressing on them, the user sends electrical signals to the electronic means.

[0081] The link 6 of the leash-collar assembly according to the invention has a longitudinal end 7 fixed to the support 1, the other longitudinal end 8 being free.

[0082] The leash 27 of the leash-collar assembly according to the invention has a longitudinal end 28 preferably fixed on a side of the support 1 opposite to that where the link 6 is fixed.

[0083] The other longitudinal end 29 of the leash is free and includes second locking / unlocking means 30.

[0084] The free end 8 of the link 6 or, preferably, the support 1, as can be seen in [Fig.3], is provided with first locking means 9.

[0085] If these are part of the support 1, they are preferably located inside the support 1 to prevent them from protruding outside and getting caught or disturbing the user. Furthermore, this improves the aesthetics of the support 1.

[0086] The link 6 can be of various types; it must be flexible and easy for the user to handle. It must be firmly attached to the support 1. It can be a cable. Preferably, as seen in [Fig. 3], it is of the retractable / unretractable type. rollable in / out of support 1, thanks to a known appropriate mechanism.

[0087] As for the first locking / unlocking means 9, whether provided at the end 8 of the link 6 or on the support 1, they are of the electromagnetic type and are capable of being controlled by the control means. They must allow for a firm hold of the end 8 to the support 1 and therefore of the support 1 to the fixed element 33, so as to make removal impossible.

[0088] The second locking / unlocking means 30 are also of the electromagnetic type and capable of being controlled by the control means.

[0089] They must allow firm retention of the end 29 of the leash 27 to the neck or chest of the pet so as to make detachment impossible.

[0090] The first and second locking / unlocking means 9,30 normally include electromagnets.

[0091] According to the invention, the control means must be capable of independently controlling the first locking / unlocking means 9 and the second locking / unlocking means 30. The control may consist of supplying these locking / unlocking means with electricity or cutting off their power supply.

[0092] Figures 4 and 5 show an example of electromagnetic locking / unlocking means 9, 30. These may generally resemble a type of carabiner like those already used with leashes or as keychains and include: - a 10mm attachment ring for the 27mm leash, - a main body 11 having a hollow cylindrical end 12 split longitudinally to which the ring 10 is attached, - a rivet 13 driven into the base or free end of the cylinder 12 and serving as a stop - a spring 14 intended to exert a thrust on the longitudinal end 18 of a locking rod 15 towards another end 16 of the main body H; - a recess 17 preferably in the form of a blind hole provided in the end 16 in order to receive the other longitudinal end 19 of the locking rod 15; this end 19 may have a diameter greater than that of the rest of the rod 15 and comprising a hole 20; the body 11 has a cavity 21 provided for receiving a collar or harness loop or a part of the leash 27 such as a link, which loop or part of the leash 27 is then intended, as can be seen in [Fig.4], to be passed through by the locking rod 15 which passes through and closes the cavity 21; - the body 11 having a hole 22 into which a micro has been inserted electromagnet 23 in the form of a solenoid and of the pulling type, namely that its rod 24 retracts into the solenoid when the electromagnet is activated, i.e., when an electric current flows through it; the hole 20 in the end 19 of the rod 15 being turned towards the rod 24 in order to house it under normal conditions, i.e., when the electromagnet 23 is not energized; when the electromagnet 23 is energized, the rod of the electromagnet 24 retracts and the locking rod 15 can then move towards the end 12 of the main body 11 against the force of the spring 14 and release the loop of the collar or harness or the restrained part of the leash 27, - so that a user can easily move the locking rod 15 towards the end 12, this rod is provided with a finger 26 passing through the slot in the end 12 and projecting outwards from this end so that it can be pushed by the user, usually by one of his thumbs.

[0093] The second locking / unlocking means 30 are therefore capable of attaching / detaching to / from the leash 27 itself.

[0094] Although it is conceivable that the control means control the second locking / unlocking means 30 by means of a link by electromagnetic waves (Bluetooth® for example, a battery or other source of electrical energy being provided specifically at the level of the second locking / unlocking means, to power both the local electronics and the locking or unlocking), preferably the control means send an electrical signal to the second locking / unlocking means 30 by means of linking means 25, which are preferably an electrical wire 25 connected to the control means, accompanying the leash 27 and joining the electromagnet 23 to power it.

[0095] Preferably, the electromagnets are of the pull-type type, meaning that their prongs retract into the solenoids when activated. This ensures a normally closed system. Thus, in the event of battery discharge or any power failure (or interruption of the Bluetooth® connection), the dog remains attached. A thief who managed to cut the wire 25 would therefore not be able to steal the dog, unless they connected the cut wire to a battery, for example. However, this would not be possible discreetly or easily, as it would require simultaneously moving the locking prong 15 and removing the leash portion 27 from the cavity 21.

[0096] If the electromagnets were of the retractable type, they would need to be constantly powered, which would constitute a waste of electrical energy. Furthermore, in the event of a battery discharge or power failure (or interruption of the Bluetooth® connection), the collar would no longer be locked and the dog could be removed or escape.

[0097] According to another embodiment visible in [Fig.6], the leash 27 includes, preferably at its free end 29, a part 32 forming a collar or harness, intended to be fixed by the dog's owner around the animal's body (neck or chest).

[0098] This variant is particularly interesting when the leash 27 is a large chain and / or to which it is difficult or even impossible to attach the second locking-unlocking means 30.

[0099] This part 32 forming a collar or harness is suitable for being attached to the locking / unlocking means 30, preferably by its end 34. It can also include at its end a loop (not shown) which can be held in the cavity 21 by being passed through the locking rod 15.

[0100] Advantageously, the part 32 forming a collar or harness intended to encircle the neck or thorax of the pet includes, along its length, several attachment points for the locking / unlocking means 30.

[0101] This allows it to adapt to the size of the neck or thorax of the animal and can be easily obtained, for example, when, as seen in [Fig.6], the part 32 forming the collar or harness is a chain, or includes a chain section, with links that can cooperate with the connecting rod 15, i.e., be passed through by this connecting rod 15. Thus, each link corresponds to a determined length of the circumference of the neck or thorax of an animal and the part 32 forming the collar or harness can therefore be used to attach animals of different sizes.

[0102] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support 1 of the collar-leash assembly of the anti-theft kit according to the invention further includes audible and / or visual and / or vibratory warning means controlled by the control means.

[0103] Of course, the leash 27 and the link 6 must be strong enough to withstand the pulling of dogs and that of dog thieves.

[0104] The leash 27 can, for example, be a chain and the electric wire 25 can pass through its links. Preferably, the chain and the wire 25 are surrounded by a sheath, for example of flexible plastic material, as for a bicycle lock, or of metal mesh like that of chainmail.

[0105] The end 28 of the leash 27 must be firmly fixed to the support 1, for example by riveting.

[0106] Preferably, the leash 27 is extendable (retractable) and retractable, like a vacuum cleaner power cord which the user pulls out of the vacuum cleaner and plugs into the mains and which retracts after use inside the appliance, thanks to a suitable reel. Anti-theft kit device according to the invention

[0107] The collar-leash assembly just described is intended to operate with a device and to form with it the anti-theft kit according to the invention.

[0108] According to the invention, this device is capable of emitting at least one first signal and a second signal for a predetermined duration. It therefore preferably comprises electronic transmission means powered by one or more batteries. It is advantageous to provide the device with a port, preferably of the mini-USB or micro-USB type, for charging the battery. Thus, the user can use their smartphone charger to recharge the battery, without having to purchase a separate charger for the device.

[0109] The signals are emitted independently of each other. The device therefore preferably includes at least two activation buttons, one for emitting the first signal and another for emitting the second signal.

[0110] The duration of the first signal may be different from the duration of the second signal. This takes into account that the user normally attaches the holder to a post, for example, at hand height, whereas they generally have to bend down to attach the leash or harness to their dog, which takes longer. Consequently, the unlocking time of the second locking / unlocking means is preferably longer than that of the first locking / unlocking means.

[0111] Preferably, the durations of the first and second signals are adjustable. This can be achieved by providing two adjustment knobs, one for the duration of the first signal and another for the duration of the second signal. The adjustment knobs can, for example, be integrated with potentiometers connected to the electronic transmission means.

[0112] Although it is perfectly conceivable to produce a sui generis device for the anti-theft kit according to the invention, it is sensible to use a device capable of emitting signals and which nowadays constitutes almost an extension of the human body, namely, a smartphone, better known under the brands Smartphone® or iPhone®.

[0113] The transmission of the first and second signals and the setting of the durations of the transmissions can be controlled by an application which may be a mobile application, previously downloaded by the user from a website or an online mobile application store (in English, "store", such as "Galaxy Store", "Play Store", etc.)

[0114] The signals can be sounds inaudible to the user (infrasound, ultrasound, etc.) or, preferably, electromagnetic waves such as radio waves like those formerly used in walkie-talkies, or electromagnetic waves emitted according to more complex and recent standards such as Bluetooth®, Wifi®, etc. General use - method according to the invention

[0115] Overall, the anti-theft kit according to the invention can be used by performing the method the following steps, which consist of:

[0116] - obtain an anti-theft kit,

[0117] - activate the device so that it emits the first signal in the direction of the support,

[0118] - place the leash 27 or the collar or harness part 32 around the neck or the pet's thorax,

[0119] - attach the second locking / unlocking means 30 to the leash 27 or to Part 32 forming a collar or harness,

[0120] - wait for the second locking / unlocking means to lock 30,

[0121] - go to a place where the pet can be tied up,

[0122] - activate the device so that it emits the second signal in the direction of the support,

[0123] - place the free end 8 of the link 6 around a fixed element 33,

[0124] - attach the free end 8 of the link 6 to the first locking / unlocking means rusting 9,

[0125] - wait for the locking of the first locking / unlocking means 9,

[0126] - leave the animal tied up and be away with peace of mind, for example to do a race.

[0127] Later, upon returning, the user can:

[0128] - activate the device so that it emits the second signal in the direction of the support,

[0129] - separate the free end 8 from the link 6 of the first locking / unlocking means rusting 9,

[0130] - remove link 6 from the fixed element 33 around which it was placed,

[0131] - to walk away in the company of the pet,

[0132] - subsequently, activate the device so that it emits the first signal in the direction of the support,

[0133] - detach the second locking / unlocking means 30 from the leash 27 or of part 32 forming a collar or harness so that the leash 27 or part 32 forming a collar or harness can be removed from the neck or chest of the pet.

[0134] Of course, the order of the aforementioned steps can be modified, where possible. For example, when the user is in a park where their dog is running freely off-leash and the user wishes to use the park's restroom, they must tether their dog, preferably nearby. They can then first attach the bracket 1 to the park fence, and then attach the leash 27 or the collar or harness part 32 to the dog.

[0135] Then, after relieving himself, he can release the dog to let it run as it pleases and then detach support 1 from the fence.

[0136] For the activation of the locking / unlocking means, the electronic means recognize the codes entered by the user, then send an electric current to the electromagnets for a certain time, to power them so that they retract their respective rods (in the case of retractable type electromagnets). Then, under the action of the springs, the rods return to the locked position.

[0137] If the collar-leash assembly of the anti-theft kit according to the invention includes audible and / or visual and / or vibratory warning means, the control means can operate these warning means at the same time as the electromagnets are activated, to signal to the user: - when the first code has been recognized by electronic means, the leash 27 or the part 32 forming a collar or harness can be attached to the neck or chest of the animal, - when the second code has been recognized by electronic means, that the link 6 can be wound around a fixed element 33 and that its free end 8 can be assembled with the support 1, in particular by inserting the end 8 into the support 1.

[0138] It should be noted that it is possible to use the anti-theft kit according to the invention to securely attach and then detach objects such as bicycles, scooters, gyropods, etc.

Claims

Claims

1. Anti-theft kit for pets, comprising: 1) a collar-leash assembly comprising: - a support (1) comprising control means comprising electronic means, - a link (6) one end (7) of which is fixed to the support (1) and the other (8) is free and capable of being fixed to the support (1) using first electromagnetic locking / unlocking means (9) capable of being controlled by the control means, - at least one leash (27) one end (28) of which is fixed to the support (1) and the other (29) is free and comprises second electromagnetic locking / unlocking means (30) capable of being controlled by the control means, - at least one source of electrical energy for powering at least the electronic means,in which the control means further comprise a receiver (31) cooperating with the electronic means and these: - comprise a memory containing at least a first code and a second code and - are capable of • transforming a signal received by the receiver (31) into a code, of • comparing this code with the first code and the second code, of • controlling the first locking / unlocking means (9) if the code is identical to the second code and of • controlling the second locking / unlocking means (30) if the code is identical to the first code, and 2) an apparatus capable of emitting at least a first signal and a second signal intended for the receiver (31) of the control means and corresponding respectively to the first code and the second code.,

2. Pet anti-theft kit according to claim 1, wherein the control of the first (9) and / or second (30) locking / unlocking means is an unlocking control.

3. Anti-theft kit for pets according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the first (9) and / or second (30) locking / unlocking means are of the "normally closed" type.

4. Anti-theft kit for pets according to claim 3, in which the control of the first (9) and / or second (30) locking / unlocking means consists of supplying these locking / unlocking means (9, 30) with electricity.

5. Anti-theft kit for pets according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the support has an opening (3) (advantageously of substantially elongated shape) for the passage of the fingers of a user.

6. A pet anti-theft kit according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is capable of emitting at least a first signal and a second signal for a predetermined duration.

7. A pet anti-theft kit according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus comprises at least two buttons, one for emitting the first signal and another for emitting the second signal.

8. Pet anti-theft kit according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the durations of the emissions of the first and second signals are adjustable.

9. The pet anti-theft kit of claim 8, wherein the apparatus further comprises two adjustment knobs, one for the duration of the first signal and another for the duration of the second signal.

10. A method of securely attaching a pet to a fixed element, comprising the following steps: - providing an anti-theft kit according to one of claims 1 to 9, - actuating the apparatus so that it emits the first signal towards the support, - placing the leash (27) or the collar or harness part (32) around the neck or thorax of the pet, - attaching the second locking / unlocking means (30) to the leash (27) or the collar or harness part (32), - going to a location where the pet can be attached, - actuating the apparatus so that it emits the second signal towards the support, - placing the free end (8) of the link (6) around a fixed element (33), - attaching the free end (8) of the link (6) to the first locking / unlocking means (9), - leaving the animal attached and to be absent.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein - the step of attaching the second locking / unlocking means (30) to the leash (27) or to the part (32) forming a collar or harness is immediately followed by a step of waiting for the locking of the second locking / unlocking means (30), and / or - the step of attaching the free end (8) of the link (6) to the first locking / unlocking means (9) is immediately followed by a step of waiting for the first locking / unlocking means (9) to lock.

12. A method of detaching a tethered pet by carrying out the method of claim 10 or 11, comprising the following steps: - activate the device so that it emits the second signal towards the support, - separate the free end (8) of the link (6) from the first locking / unlocking means (9), - remove the link (6) from the fixed element (33) around which it was placed, - move away with the pet, - subsequently, activate the device so that it emits the first signal towards the support, - detach the second locking / unlocking means (30) from the leash (27) or from the part (32) forming a collar or harness in order to be able to remove the leash (27) or the part (32) forming a collar or harness from the neck or thorax of the pet.

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