A pet lead device

Abstract

A pet lead device comprising a handle 4, a leash 2 with a plurality of holes adapted to make a collar. A loop is locked at a preferred diameter by a locking device 13 which is configured to engage one

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pet lead device, in particular a device for providing a leash or lead for an animal; more particularly but not exclusively a dog leash. Background Increasing numbers of people enjoy keeping animals as pets. Such animals can be very important to the owner or carer, and additionally or alternatively in some circumstances can be extremely expensive. This may cause multiple problems, including theft from a structure whenever the animal is left outside a property such as a shop, and / or theft from an owner or carer whilst the animal is being exercised, for example snatching an animal on a lead from the owner or carer’s hand. Prior Art A basic pet lead, such as a slip lead, comprise a piece of rope which forms the lead, handle and collar. The handle is formed at a first end of the rope, from the rope, and a ring is connected to a second end of the rope. The rope is passed through the ring to create a loop which forms the collar. Such slip leads are generally not recommended since the diameter of the collar changes when the rope is pulled which results in the pet being strangled. In addition, the rope may be easily cut. US 2014 / 083370 (GRANDFIELD et al) discloses an anti-theft, tamper resistant dog harness and leash system comprising: a tubular webbing leash reinforced with integrated wires down the centre providing a connection to the dog with which a user may exert a force; a dog harness composed of tubular webbing reinforced with integrated wires down the centre providing a connection of the leash to the dog; a key or combination actuated padlock providing a locking connection between the harness and the leash. EP 2884839 (BRANDNER) discloses a leash for animals, in particular dogs. A portion of the lead forms a tubular sleeve open at one end which can conceal a chain part of the lead. The chain part of the lead is connected to at least a part of the body of the animal and is affixed by means of a lock. US 2013 0 042 658 (ALLEN) discloses a conventional leash including a snap fitting for attachment to a ring extending from a collar about the neck of an animal. A lockable cover is detachably attached about the snap fitting to prevent unauthorized detachment of the leash from the ring. A wire or the like may extend along or be embedded in the leash to prevent cutting of the leash by a conventional knife or a pair of scissors. A similar lockable cover is detachably attached about a buckle of the collar to prevent removal of the collar from about the neck of the animal. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a pet lead device comprising a handle, a lead adapted to form a collar and a locking device, wherein the lead comprises cut resistant material and includes a plurality of holes, the collar is formed from a loop at one end of the lead, wherein the loop is locked at a preferred diameter by the locking device which is configured to engage one of the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the locking device is permanently attached to the one end of the lead. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises a connector for engaging one of the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises a combination lock. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises a lock and key. In some embodiments, the locking device comprises a digital lock. In some embodiments, the handle comprises a sprung reel for the lead. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes are reinforced. In some embodiments, the handle comprises a wrist strap. In some embodiments, the lead comprises a plurality of layers. In some embodiments, the lead comprises polyethylene. In some embodiments, the lead further comprises a light source. In some embodiments, the light source comprises a torch. In some embodiments, the lead further comprises a torch holder. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of a handle for the device shown in Figure 1 with no lead; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the handle shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the handle shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the handle shown in Figure 3; Figure 7a shows side and end views of the embodiment of the handle shown in Figure 3;and Figure 7b shows an isometric exploded view of the lead shown in the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1. Detailed Description of Figures Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present teachings may be practiced without these specific details. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate isometric views of an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a pet lead device 99 comprises a lead 2, a handle 4 and a locking device 1. A first end of the lead 2 is connected to the handle 4. The handle illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a handgrip hole 8. A second end of the lead, opposite to the first end, is adapted to form a pet collar. The lead 2 comprises a cut resistant material and includes a plurality of holes 3, extending along at least a part of the length of the lead 2. In use, the collar is formed by creating a loop at the second end of the lead 2. The loop is locked at a preferred diameter by a locking device 1, provided at the second end of the lead 2, which is configured to engage with the holes 3. Unlike known slip leads, the collar of this invention does not change in diameter, once the loop is locked at the preferred diameter, when the lead is pulled and thus does not strangle the pet. Although the figures illustrate the holes 3 as being circular in shape, the holes may be other shapes as required, such as oval, square, rectangular etc. The holes 3 are required to be sized to engage the locking device 1. In addition, although the holes 3 are illustrated as being provided along the entire length of the lead, the holes may be provided along only part of the lead. For example, the holes may only be provided along the second end of the lead 2 such that they may be used to form the collar at different preferred diameters. Although not illustrated, the handle 4 may be formed from the first end of the lead 2. According to one embodiment, the handle 4 may be formed of a plastic housing such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an exploded view of an embodiment of a handle which may be used with the device 99 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate unexploded views of the handle. As illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the handle houses an internal sprung reel 22 for the lead 2 and a reinforced exit 10 provided through which the lead 2 passes. This type of handle creates a retractable lead. The housing of Figures 3 and 4 further includes a handgrip hole 8 and a spring release button 7. The spring release button 7 is positioned on the handle 4 such that a user may activate the button 7 with the same hand which is holding the handle by the handgrip hole 8. Pushing the button 7 pushes a cam 21 against a spring 23 and allows the lead to extend / retract. The handle 4 of anyone of Figures 1-6 may further comprise a connection means or clip 5 for connection of a torch (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, a light source may be provided integral with the handle 4. Additionally, or alternatively, the handle 4 of anyone of Figures 1-6 may further comprise a looped anchor 9 and / or a wrist strap 6. In one embodiment, the looped anchor 9 may be steel. The locking device 1 may be passed around a structure and then passed through the anchor 9 before forming a collar, such that the device 99 is secured to a structure, for when an animal is left, for example, outside a shop. The wrist strap 6 may comprise a fabric webbing, and may be formed by two discontinuous lengths or a single looped length as shown in the figures and arranged with a buckle 24. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 7a, the handle 4 has a depth d of 30mm, a height h of 110mm and a length I of 168 mm. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 7b, the lead 2 is formed of multiple layers of material, including a polyethylene rope 71, which runs inside a fabric webbing sleeve, running proximate a side edge to the second end of the lead and back to the first end, and having cut-resistant properties. According to one embodiment the lead is formed as a flat band. Alternatively, the lead 2 made be manufactured from any cut-resistant material. The plurality of longitudinally spaced holes, may each be formed by a stainless steel rivet 73. However, other materials may be used to reinforce the holes. The second end of the lead comprises a locking device 1. According to one embodiment, the locking device 1 is permanently attached to the second end of the lead and comprises a lock and a connector. The connector engages with one the holes 3 in the lead to form the collar. The connector is locked in a closed position by the lock of the locking device 1, such that the locking device 1 cannot be removed from the hole without undoing the lock. According to one embodiment, with reference to Figure 2, the locking device 1 comprises a body extending longitudinally, having a lanyard attachment point 11 inset into the body for permanent connection through a hole 3 in the lead 2. However, the locking device 1 may be attached to the second end of the lead using other known methods. Referring back to figure 2, a distal end of the locking device 1 comprises a latch gate 12, and has a combination lock 13 along a top edge, for locking the gate 12 closed. The latch gate 12 opens to allow the latch to be latched through one of the holes 3 so as to form a collar of a preferred diameter in use, the gate is then locked closed. As an alternative to a latch gate 12, any connector may be used, such as a clip, hook or carabiner, as long as the connector can be locked in the closed position. The locking device 13 prevents the collar being removed in order to prevent the pet being stolen. The locking device 1 may comprise a combination lock. Alternatively, locking device 1 may comprise a key or a digital lock as opposed to a combination lock. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A pet lead device comprising a handle, a lead adapted to form a collar and a locking device, wherein the lead comprises cut resistant material and includes a plurality of holes, the collar is formed from a loop at one end of the lead, wherein the loop is locked at a preferred diameter by the locking device which is configured to engage one of the plurality of holes.

2. A pet lead device according to claim 1 wherein the locking device is permanently attached to the one end of the lead.

3. A pet lead device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking device comprises a connector for engaging one of the plurality of holes.

4. A pet lead device according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking device comprises a combination lock.

5. A pet lead device according to any one of claims 1- 4, wherein the locking device comprises a lock and key.

6. A pet lead device according to any one of claims 1- 4, wherein the locking device comprises a digital lock.

7. A pet lead device according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle comprises a sprung reel for the lead.

8. A pet lead device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of holes are reinforced.

9. A pet lead device according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle comprises a wrist strap.

10. A pet lead device according to any preceding claim, wherein the lead comprises a plurality of layers.

11. A pet lead device according to any preceding claim, wherein the lead comprises polyethylene.

12. A pet lead device according to any preceding claim further comprising a light source.

13. A pet lead device according to claim 12, wherein the light source comprises a 5 torch.

14. A pet lead device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a torch holder.

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