Pet leash securing device

Abstract

A leash having an integrated leash fastening device, the leash having a cord member, a retaining member at the distal end, and a handle formed at the proximal end. The leash fastening device is integrated with the leash, the cord member passes through the leash fastening device, and the handle is formed by the proximal end of the cord member forming a loop that returns into the leash fastening device. The end of the handle within the leash fastening device is secured via a fastener inserted through the leash fastening device, which presses the handle portion within the leash fastening device against the surface of the leash fastening device. The leash fastening device includes a clasp element and ergonomic features that allow the owner to fasten the pet on the leash to a fixed object using one hand, leaving the owner's hands free.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This PCT application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 470,233, filed on June 1, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 18 / 629,016, filed on April 8, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to a novel device for fixing a pet leash to an object. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that enables quick attachment and release of a pet leash.

Background Art

[0003] Throughout human history, pets have been an indispensable part of human life. Pets such as dogs require daily walks for toileting needs and exercise. Pets become part of the family and often accompany their owners when moving. In any of these outings, especially in public places, owners are required to constantly manage their pets for the safety of the pets as well as others.

[0004] Owners use leashes to control their pets. Dogs are the most common pets seen on leashes. However, existing leash options are not ideal for securing pets to a fixed object, as they do not require the owner to hold the leash while near the secured pet. There are several problems with existing leashes, including having to tie or fasten them around the fixed object, or having a device attached to the leash that requires a cord or lock so that the leash can be wrapped around the object and locked in place. These leashes can be difficult to handle. Tying a leash around an object does not work well with all types of leashes and can be time-consuming to tie and untie. Leashes with integrated lock or cord devices are designed to prevent pet theft, and these leashes require the person to wear a key or memorize a code.

[0005] Therefore, improvements and alternatives to existing leashes are needed that can be quickly and easily secured around fixed objects. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The present invention relates to a novel and unique leash equipped with a leash securing device that can be used to secure a pet on a leash to a fixed object. The leash can be wrapped around the fixed object and pushed into the leash securing device. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the present invention relates to a leash comprising a cord member, a retaining member that connects to a pet's collar, a leash securing device, and a handle portion. The cord member extends between a proximal and distal end, the proximal end being looped to form a handle. The proximal end of the cord member forming the handle is connected to the leash securing device. The distal end is connected to the retaining member. Thus, a person holds the leash by the handle, and the pet is attached to the leash by the retaining member. The leash securing device includes a fastening element formed by a curved rigid element and a fastening element that allows the cord member to be pushed in when it is desired to secure the pet to a fixed object. Furthermore, ergonomic features are integrated into the leash securing device positioned below a clasp element, thereby enabling one-handed operation of the leash securing device, where the user pushes down the clasp element to insert the leash into the rigid element.

[0007] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood in relation to the following description, the appended claims, and the appended drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and do not represent all possible implementations, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view drawing of a leash having a leash fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a pictorial view of an enlarged view of the leash fixing device of the leash shown in Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3]This is a pictorial drawing of the inside of a leash fixing device to show the handle portion inside the leash fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a pictorial illustration of an exemplary embodiment, showing only the leash fixing element, without the leash itself. [Figure 5] This is a pictorial view of the main body of a leash fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a pictorial view of the central shaft of a leash fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a pictorial illustration of a rope element looped through a leash fixing element, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a pictorial illustration of a rope element, looped through a leash fixing element and fixed in place, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a pictorial illustration of the leash shown in Figure 1, fixed to a fixed object, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10A] This is a pictorial illustration of an alternative embodiment of a leash, which is fixed to a fixed object and the leash is integrated with a leash fixing device. [Figure 10B] This is a pictorial view of an enlarged internal view of a leash fastener showing the connection of the leash to the cord member of the leash shown in Figure 10 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Specific features of the present invention (including steps of the method) are referenced in the above summary of the invention, the modes for carrying out the invention, the following claims, and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the disclosure of the present invention herein includes all possible combinations of such specific features. For example, if a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the present invention or a particular claim, that feature may also be used, as far as possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and generally in the present invention.

[0010] The term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents are used herein to mean, among other things, the presence of other components, ingredients, and processes of any choice. For example, an article “comprises” (or “contains”) components A, B, and C may consist of components A, B, and C only (i.e., may contain only components A, B, and C) or may contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components.

[0011] Where relating herein is a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps may be performed in any order or simultaneously (unless the context excludes such possibility), and the method may include one or more other steps performed before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (unless the context excludes such possibility).

[0012] The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to indicate the beginning of a range that starts with that number (which may have an upper limit or not, depending on the variable defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to indicate the end of a range that ends with that number (which may have a lower limit of 1 or 0, or not, depending on the variable defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. Where a range is given herein as “(first number) ~ (second number)” or “(first number) - (second number)”, this means a range where the lower limit is the first number and the upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 ~ 100 mm means a range with a lower limit of 25 mm and an upper limit of 100 mm.

[0013] Certain terms and their derivatives may be used in the following descriptions for convenience of reference only, and are not limiting. For example, terms such as “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” refer to directions in the referenced drawings unless otherwise specified. Similarly, terms such as “inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of a device or area and a designated part thereof, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, singular references include plurals, and vice versa.

[0014] This specification relates to an innovative leash securing device. The leash securing device is integrated into the leash. The leash securing device is used to secure a pet on the leash to a fixed object, allowing the owner to keep their hands free. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the leash securing devices described herein solve many of the problems associated with existing leashes, particularly for pets in pet-owning communities that take pets for walks or excursions, where it is necessary for pet owners to secure their pets to a fixed object so that they can use their hands to attend to other activities. Some of the problems associated with existing leashes include the need to tie (or fasten) them around a fixed object. In other examples, leashes may have a device that requires a code or lock, which allows the leash to be looped around an object and locked in place. These leashes can be difficult to handle. Tying a leash around an object does not work well with all types of leashes and can be time-consuming to tie and untie. Leashes with integrated lock or code devices are adapted to prevent pet theft, and these leashes require a person to wear a key or remember a code.

[0015] Therefore, a leash securing device is needed, which is part of the leash and allows it to be looped around an object and secured in place with quick and easy movement. Innovative leash securing devices can be used around objects of various sizes. Advantageously, the user can wrap the leash with the leash securing device around the object while holding the handle portion of the leash, and pass a portion of the leash through the leash securing device. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, such leash securing devices are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a pictorial view of a leash 100 integrated with a leash securing device 120 according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. The leash 100 is generally used to secure a pet, such as a dog, to a fixed object. The leash 100 comprises a cord member 102, a retaining member 110, and a leash securing device 120. The cord member 102 extends between a proximal and distal end, with the proximal end being looped to form a handle 104. The proximal end of the cord member 102 forming the handle 104 is connected to the leash securing device 120. The distal end is connected to the retaining member 110. The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used in the context of a person holding the leash 100. Thus, the person holds the leash 100 by the handle 104 formed by the looping of the proximal end, and the pet is attached to the leash by the retaining member 120 located distal to the person holding the leash 100.

[0017] As described above, the leash 100 is used to hold a pet by connecting to the pet's collar. Thus, the cord member 102 extends between the pet and the person holding the leash, enabling control of the pet. The cord member 102 can be provided in various shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, the rope member can be manufactured from any material used to manufacture a leash, such as, but not limited to, nylon webbing, cotton webbing, polypropylene webbing, and metal chain. In FIG. 1, an example of the cord member 102 is shown as being manufactured from a round cord. The cord member 102 can have a length that is common in the industry and must have a length that allows the cord member 102 to be wrapped around fixtures, such as posts, chair legs, etc., that may commonly be encountered outdoors. It is contemplated that the cord member can be provided in various lengths, for example, between 3 feet and 8 feet. However, one of ordinary skill in the art can understand that other lengths may also be equally useful.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows that the rope member 102 is looped at both the distal and proximal ends. The distal end of the rope member 102 has a small loop 106 formed by placing the distal end through a distal cover 108 having a hollow cavity, and the distal end is looped back and stitched within the distal cover 108. The distal cover 108 helps to hide the stitching and secure the distal end. The small loop 106 is formed to capture or hold a retaining element 110. In essence, the retaining element 110 includes a ring 112 disposed through the distal end of the rope member 102, and the distal end is looped to capture and hold the ring 112 on the retaining element 110. The retaining element 110 is like a fastener and can be removably connected to the pet's collar. It should be understood that the retaining element 110 can be any element known in the art that is fastened to the pet's collar.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 also show that the handle 104 is formed at the proximal end of the rope member 102 by a larger loop. The handle 104 is also formed by sewing a loop onto the proximal end of the rope member 102. The difference in size between the small loop 106 and the handle 104 is evident in Figure 1, with the larger loop of the handle 104 being used to hold the leash 100. For example, the handle 104 may be secured around the user's wrist. As best seen in Figure 2, the handle 104 is formed together with a leash securing element 120 that covers the seam used to form the handle 104. Furthermore, the leash securing device 120 secures the proximal end of the rope member 102 to form the handle 104.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the handle 104 is formed by taking the proximal end of the cord member 102, passing it through the leash fixing device 120, and looping the proximal end back to the leash fixing device 120. The leash fixing device 120 has a body 122 and a central shaft 121, both of which are hollow. FIG. 5 shows a front view of the body 122, and FIG. 6 shows a front view of the central shaft 121. The body 122 widens and then narrows as it approaches the cylindrical central shaft 121 that houses the cord member 102. The body 122 and the central shaft 121 generally have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cord member 102 that is fitted into the leash fixing device 120. The proximal end of the cord member 102 passes through the central shaft 121, through the body 122, loops back into the body 122, and attaches to itself to form the handle 104. The body 122 is proximal to the handle 104. The body 122 also includes an opening 129 that is used for a fastener such as a bolt that is inserted through the body 122 through which the handle 104 is formed. Essentially, the threaded opening 129 is positioned near the end of the body 122 to fix the proximal end of the cord member 102 within the body 122. As seen in FIG. 4, the opening 129 is included on both sides of the body such that a screw can be positioned through the body to secure the handle 104 within the body 122. In this way, the screw placed through the opening 129 presses the folded handle 104 portion against the body 122. Thus, the combination and positioning of the central shaft 121 and the body 122 relative to the axis of the cord member 102 placed through the central shaft 121 and the body 122 allows a user to place one hand through the handle 104 and hold the body 122 with that one hand.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the leash fixing element 120 includes a clasp mechanism comprising a rigid element 123 and a clasp element 124. The rigid element 123 is integrated onto the central shaft 121. The rigid element 123 extends outward from the central shaft 121 and curves back toward the central shaft 121, but does not contact the central shaft 121, leaving an opening 125 wide enough to allow the rope member 102 to pass through. The opening 125 is closed by the clasp element 124, which may be a spring-type clasp element. The spring end of the clasp element 124 is connected to the body 122, and the clasp element 124 extends toward the rigid element 123 and closes the opening 125 by being pushed into a groove 126 on the rigid element 123. The groove 126 is best shown in Figures 4 and 7.

[0022] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, when attempting to secure the pet to the anchor 500, the cord member 102 is wrapped around the anchor 500 and positioned within the rigid element 123 of the leash securing device 120 through the opening 125. Downward pressure is applied to the clasp element 124 by pushing it downward toward the body of the leash securing device 120. This downward pressure moves the clasp element 124 out of the groove 126 on the rigid element 123 toward the central shaft 121, creating an opening 125 that allows the cord member 102 to be pulled. As the cord member 102 is pulled into the rigid element 123, the downward pressure on the clasp element 124 is released, thereby causing the clasp element 124 to return to the groove 126, closing the opening 125 and holding the rope member 102. The curvature of the rigid element 123 is shaped to intentionally hold the rope member 102 against the curvature of the rigid element 123, preventing it from applying force to the clasp element 124 when the cord member 102 is under tension. Furthermore, the groove 126 holds the end of the clasp element 124, preventing the cord member 102 from getting caught on the clasp element 124.

[0023] The ergonomic feature 128 is formed on the main body 120 and positioned relatively opposite the rigid element 123 and the clasp element 124. As best seen in Figure 2, the ergonomic feature 128 protrudes outward from the main body 122 and is configured so that the user holding the handle 104 of the leash 100 can place their fingers against the ergonomic feature 128. The ergonomic feature 128 is shown to be triangular in shape to allow fingers to be positioned against it. When the user holds the leash 100 in this manner by positioning their fingers against the ergonomic feature 128, a stronger and more comfortable position is achieved. In addition, the ergonomic feature 128 provides the user with a more comfortable positioning for pressing down the clasp element 124 when positioning the cord member 102 against the rigid element 123.

[0024] As described above, the combination of features integrated on the body 122 (rigid element 123, clasp element 124, and ergonomic feature 128), positioned relative to the axis of the rope member 102 passing through the central shaft 121 and the body 122, allows the user to position their hand through the handle 104 and hold the body 122 with one hand. Furthermore, the user can position their fingers against the ergonomic feature 128 to better hold the leash fixing device 120 when applying downward pressure to the clasp element 124 to surround the rope member through the leash fixing device 120 or to remove the rope member from inside the leash fixing device 120.

[0025] Figures 10A and 10B show examples of a cord member 202 and a handle 204 that are not a single piece. This embodiment is an example of a leash 200 that includes a separate, joined handle 204 and a separate cord member 202. The cord member 202 and the handle 204 may be made from the same material or from different materials. In the illustrated example, the cord member 202 is formed of a metal chain, and the handle 204 is formed of a different material. In this example, the handle 204 is attached to the cord member 202 inside the leash fastening device 120. The leash fastening device 120 is identical to the leash fastening device 120 described above with respect to an example in which the cord member 102 is formed from a round cord in which the handle 104 and the cord member 102 are integral. The handle 204 has a loop portion 205 connected to a ring 203. The ring 203 is connected to the cord member 202. The loop portion 205 is located inside the body 122 of the leash fastening device 120. The handle 204 is secured within the leash fixing device 120 by a bolt inserted into the loop portion 205 through the opening 129. This securely holds the handle in place and allows the cord member 202 to connect to the handle 204 via the ring 203. The cord member 202 extends from the central shaft 121 of the leash fixing device 120. The leash 200 is wrapped around an object in the same manner as described above.

[0026] Any means or process plus functional elements in the following claims, along with their corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents, are intended to be combined with other claimed elements, as specifically claimed, to form any structure, material, or action for performing a function. The description of the invention is presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes, but is not intended to be comprehensive or to limit the invention to the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0027] The embodiments have been selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present invention and to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the present invention in terms of various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific intended uses. The present invention may be carried out with modifications and changes within the spirit and scope of the appended claims according to one or more embodiments described herein. Therefore, the description should be considered illustrative and not limiting to the present invention.

Claims

1. It is a leash, A cord member having a proximal end and a distal end, A retaining member connected to the distal end of the cord member, A leash comprising: a leash fixing device having a central shaft and a body, wherein the proximal end of the cord member passes through the central shaft and the body, loops back into the body, and is attached to the cord member inside the body to form a handle.

2. The leash according to claim 1, wherein the central shaft and the body of the leash fixing device are hollow in order to accommodate the cord member.

3. The leash according to claim 1, wherein the main body has an opening wider than the opening of the central shaft.

4. The leash according to claim 3, wherein the opening of the main body narrows toward the central shaft.

5. The leash according to claim 1, wherein the opening penetrates the main body, and the fastener is positioned through the opening such that the proximal end of the cord member is positioned near the position in the main body where the cord member is attached, thereby the fastener presses the cord member against the main body to secure the handle.

6. The leash according to claim 1, wherein the leash fixing device includes a clasp mechanism having a rigid element and a clasp element integrated on the upper surface of the central shaft, the rigid element extending outward so as to move away from the central shaft before curving back toward the central shaft, an opening formed between the central shaft and the tip of the rigid element closed by the clasp element, and the clasp element has a spring-loaded end attached to the surface of the central shaft.

7. The leash according to claim 6, wherein the tip of the rigid element includes a groove, and when the clasp element closes the opening, the end of the clasp element opposite to the spring end fits into the groove of the rigid element.

8. The leash according to claim 6, wherein the clasp element is moved away from the tip of the rigid element by being pushed into the clasp in order to expose the opening between the rigid element and the central shaft of the leash fixing device.

9. The leash according to claim 1, wherein the leash fixing device includes an ergonomic feature protruding outward from the main body, the ergonomic feature being integrated below a clasp element along the axis of the leash fixing device.

10. It is a leash, A cord member having a proximal end and a distal end, A retaining member connected to the distal end of the cord member, A leash comprising a leash fixing device having a central shaft and a body, wherein the proximal end of the cord member passes through the central shaft and is connected to a handle inside the body.

11. The leash according to claim 10, wherein the central shaft and the main body of the leash fixing device are hollow in order to accommodate the cord member and the loop portion of the handle.

12. The leash according to claim 11, wherein the loop portion of the handle includes a ring, and the proximal end of the cord member is connected to the ring within the leash fixing device.

13. The leash according to claim 10, wherein the main body has an opening wider than the opening of the central shaft.

14. The leash according to claim 13, wherein the opening of the main body narrows toward the central shaft.

15. The leash according to claim 10, wherein an opening penetrates the main body, a fastener is positioned through the opening, and the fastener is inserted through the portion of the handle positioned inside the main body, thereby fixing the handle to the leash fixing device.

16. The leash according to claim 10, wherein the leash fixing device includes a clasp mechanism having a rigid element and a clasp element integrated on the upper surface of the central shaft, the rigid element extending outward so as to move away from the central shaft before curving back toward the central shaft, an opening formed between the central shaft and the tip of the rigid element, the opening being closed by the clasp element having a spring-pressing end attached to the surface of the central shaft.

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

18. The leash according to claim 16, wherein the clasp element is moved away from the tip of the rigid element by being pushed into the clasp element in order to expose the opening between the rigid element and the central shaft of the leash fixing device.

19. The leash according to claim 10, wherein the leash fixing device includes an ergonomic feature that protrudes outward from the main body, and the ergonomic feature is integrated below a clasp element along the axis of the leash fixing device.

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