Dog toy and lead

Abstract

A ball launcher for a dog comprising a body having an elongate arm with a ball grip at a launch end and a handle at a grasping end and a lead with a clasp for attachment to a dog's collar or harness. A method of manufacturing the ball launcher comprising providing the body and attaching to the body the lead. The ball launcher may comprise a receptacle for storage of one or more excrement bag and optionally the lead may be stored in the handle.

Description

DOG TOY AND LEAD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of accessories for exercising dogs.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to a dog toy which also comprises a lead.

[0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use to exercise a dog and also to walk a dog.BACKGROUND ART

[0004] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and / or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor’s knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0005] There are many throw and fetch toys for dogs. Ball launchers are a popular solution to the problem of the dog’s saliva transferring from the toy to the thrower’s hand. These ball launchers have a handle at one end of a, usually curved, elongate arm and a grip at the other end. With the ball inserted into the grip, a throwing motion can be used to propel the ball.

[0006] Transiting to a park or outdoor play area to use the ball launcher typically requires having the dog on lead. Courtesy or law also means bags for collecting dog excrement are carried.

[0007] Patent HR20080353 to Alen Strugar teaches the combining of a leash with a case for keeping objects like a dog toy, rewards, bags for excrement and personal items such as, keys, wallet and phone. The case has two tightly sealed compartments for hygiene purposes.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a practical ball launcher.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a ball launcher that can be carried conveniently.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.

[0011] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0012] In its broadest embodiment the invention provides a ball launcher comprising a lead for a dog.

[0013] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a ball launcher for a dog comprising: a body comprising an elongate arm with a ball grip at a launch end and a handle at a grasping end; and a lead with a clasp for attachment to a dog’s collar or harness.

[0014] In a second aspect there is provide a method of manufacturing a ball launcher, the method comprising: providing a body comprising an elongate arm with a ball grip at a launch end and a handle at a grasping end; and attaching to the body a lead with a clasp for attachment to a dog’s collar or harness.

[0015] According to any one of the above aspects, the ball launcher may also comprise a receptacle for storage of one or more excrement bag. The receptacle may be comprised in the handle. The receptacle may comprise a receptacle base and one or more receptacle side wall.

[0016] According to any one of the above aspects, the lead may be stored in the handle. The lead may be stored at a terminal end of the handle. The lead may be stored in a lead storage compartment. The lead storage compartment may be positioned at a terminal end of the handle. The lead storage compartment may be comprised in the handle. The lead storage compartment may comprise a lead storage base and one or more lead storage side wall. The lead may be inserted into the handle for storage and removed from the handle for use. The lead may be pivoted, folded, retracted or coiled into a storage orientation for storage. In a particular embodiment the lead is pivoted for storage. In a use orientation, the lead may be free to extend to attach the clasp to a dog collar or harness.

[0017] According to any of one of the above aspects, the lead is permanently attached to the handle. The attachment may be by one or more lead attachment fastener. The lead attachment fastener may comprise one or more of glue, a rivet, a post, a clamp, a screw, a threaded insert, a press-in knurled pin or other suitable fastening attachment. The lead may have one or more lead holes for the lead attachment fastener. The lead holes may be heat staked holes and or punched holes.

[0018] According to any one of the above aspects, the one or more receptacle side wall and the one or more lead side wall may share a common wall. The common wall may be divided by a partition. The partition may comprise a wall spanning between two sides of receptacle side wall and between two sides of lead storage side wall to separate the receptacle from the lead storage compartment.

[0019] According to any one of the above aspects, the receptacle and the lead storage compartment are adjacent. The receptacle may be positioned closer to the ball grip than the lead storage compartment.

[0020] According to any one of the above aspects, the handle may comprise a cover. The cover may pivot from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position the cover may encase the receptacle and the lead storage compartment. The cover may pivot around a pivot point. The pivot point may be disposed at a connecting end of the handle. The pivot point may comprise a hinge. The handle may comprise one or more cover retaining component. The cover may comprise one or more handle mating component. The one or more cover retaining component and one or more handle mating component may be complimentary, so as to inter-fit to secure the handle in the closed position. The cover may be comprised as a cover plate or plug.

[0021] According to any one of the above aspects, one or more of the cover, receptacle base, receptacle side wall, lead storage base and lead storage side wall comprise one or more ribs. Each rib of the one or more ribs may be a raised section to provide additional strength.

[0022] According to any one of the above aspects, the ball grip may comprise a socket or partial socket for gripping the ball. The socket or partial socket may comprise one or more ball retaining wall. The one or more ball retaining wall may comprise an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall and the lower wall may be on opposed sides of the socket or partial socket. The dimensions of the socket or partial socket may allow gripping of a ball suitable to pick the ball up and also release the ball when the ball launcher is used with a throwing type action. The ball grip may comprise a concave surface for receiving the ball. The ball grip may comprise a convex surface.

[0023] According to any one of the above aspects, the lead comprises a cable. In a storage orientation the lead may form a loop. The loop may be used to hang the ball launcher. The loop may result from folding the cable back into the lead storage compartment. The cable may be comprised of a material stiff enough to create a loop when folded back on itself. The loop may result from folding the cable back into the lead storage compartment. The cable may be comprised of a reinforced webbing with a flexible polymer-coating such as, a polyester webbing core with a polyvinylchloride (PVC) coating.

[0024] According to any one of the above aspects the launch end adjacent the ball grip may be dimensioned to be a launch end hand grip. The launch end hand grip maybe suitable to be gripped by a hand when the lead is attached to a dog collar or harness. The launch end hand grip may comprise one or more launch end grip feature. The launch end grip feature may comprise an indentation and / or knurling. The launch end hand grip may comprise a launch end rubber over-mold. When the launch end rubber over-mold is present, the one or more launch end grip features may be disposed on the launch end rubber over-mold.

[0025] According to any one of the above aspects, the elongate arm may be curvilinear. The elongate arm may curve between the handle and the ball grip.

[0026] According to any one of the above aspects, the handle may comprise one or more handle grip feature. The handle grip feature may comprise one or more indentation and / or knurling. The handle may further comprise a handle rubber overmold. When the handle rubber over-mold is present, the handle rubber over-mold may comprise the one or more handle grip feature.

[0027] According to any one of the above aspects, the clasp comprises a swivel. The clasp may comprise a carabiner clip or a snap hook. The clasp may be permanently attached to the lead. The attachment of the clasp to the lead may be by one or more clasp attachment fastener. The clasp attachment fastener may comprise one or more of glue, a rivet, a post, a clamp, a screw, a threaded insert, a press-in knurled pin or other suitable fastening attachment. The lead may have one or more lead holes for the clasp attachment fastener. The lead holes may be heat staked holes and or punched holes.

[0028] According to any one of the above aspects, the lead storage compartment may comprise one or more lead storage securing element. The lead storage securing element may reduce, minimise or eliminate rattling or movement of the lead when in the storage orientation. The one or more lead storage securing element may comprise one or more of: a post, padding; a bracket; and a mount.

[0029] According to any one of the above aspects, the ball launcher of the first aspect may be provided with one or more excrement bag.

[0030] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and / or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0031] Advantages provided by the present invention include the following:• reducing the amount of items required when walking the dog,• providing a convenient way of storing multiple excrement bags, and• lessening the chances of being fined for not having an excrement bag or not collecting dog excrement.

[0032] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:Figure 1A illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of a ball launcher according to the present invention;Figure 1 B illustrates an underside perspective view of the ball launcher of Fig.1 A, shown from the ball grip end;Figure 1 C illustrates another underside perspective view of the ball launcher of Fig.1 A, shown from the handle end;Figure 1 D illustrates a side perspective view, shown from the handle end of the ball launcher of Fig. 1 A, with the cover in a closed position;Figure 1 E is a side perspective view similar to Fig. 1 D, with the cover in an open position;Figure 1 F is another side perspective view similar to Figs. 1 D and 1 E, with the cover in an open position and the lead in a use orientation;Figure 1 G is yet another side perspective view similar to Figs. 1 D; 1 E and 1 F, with the cover in a closed position and the lead in a use orientation;Figure 1 H is another side perspective view of the ball launcher of Fig. 1 A, shown from the ball grip end; andFigures. 2A; 2B; and 2C; are respectively, an underside view, a side view and topside view of the ball launcher of Fig. 1 .Figure 3A is a perspective view of the ball launcher of Figure 1 A with the cover removed and the lead shown in phantom and in the storage configuration.Figure 3B is a perspective view of the cover of the ball launcher of Figure 1 A removed from the handle 160.

[0034] List of PartsDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,”, “underside”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in Fig. 1 A.

[0036] However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood thatdiscussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0037] Fig. 1 A illustrates one embodiment of a ball launcher 100 according to the invention. As illustrated, the ball launcher 100 comprises a body 102 comprising an elongate arm 120 with a ball grip 140 (labelled in Fig. 1 B) at a launch end 122 and a handle 160 at a grasping end 124.

[0038] Turning to Figs. 1 E; 1 F; 1 G; and 1 H it will be appreciated that the ball launcher 100 also comprises a lead 180 with a clasp 182 for attachment to a dog’s collar or harness.

[0039] Advantageously, ball launcher 100 also comprises a receptacle 1 10 for storage of one or more excrement bag 200 (not shown). While receptacle 1 10 is illustrated to be comprised in handle 160, from the teaching herein, the skilled person is readily able to locate receptacle 1 10 elsewhere in ball launcher 100 such as, in elongate arm 120.

[0040] Receptacle 1 10 may comprise a receptacle base 1 12 and one or more receptacle side wall 1 14.

[0041] Lead 180 is illustrated to be stored at a terminal end 161 of handle 160 within a lead storage compartment 164. Advantageously, lead storage compartment 164 is positioned at the terminal 161 end of handle 160 for ease of attachment to the dog’s collar or harness. The lead storage compartment 164 comprises a lead storage base 166 (see Fig. 3A) and one or more lead storage side wall 168. Conveniently, lead 180 may be inserted into the handle 160 for storage and removed from the handle 160 for use.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, lead 180 is pivoted back and forth between a storage orientation (Fig. 1 E) and a use orientation (Fig. 1 F). From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to select other mechanisms for this transition such as, folding, retracting or coiling.

[0043] The lead 180 may be permanently attached to handle 160. The attachment may be by one or more lead attachment fastener 169 (not shown), which may be in the form of glue, a rivet, a post, a clamp, a screw, a threaded insert, a press-in knurled pin or other suitable fastener or combination of fastening attachments. The lead 180 may have one or more lead holes for the lead attachment fastener 169. The lead holes may be heat staked holes and or punched holes. Lead 180 illustrated in Fig. 1 F, is attached with two screws and a clamping plate (not shown). From the teaching herein, a skilled person can readily select other fasteners.

[0044] As best seen in Figs. 1 E and 1 F the one or more receptacle side wall 1 14 and the one or more lead storage side wall 168 share a common wall 1 14, 168. The common wall 1 14, 168 is divided by partition 167 in the form of a wall spanning between two sides of receptacle side wall 1 14 and between two sides of lead storage side wall 168 to separate the receptacle 1 10 from the lead storage compartment 164.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, receptacle 1 10 and lead storage compartment 164 are adjacent with receptacle 1 10 positioned closer to the ball grip 140 than the lead storage compartment 164.

[0046] As best seen in Figs. 1 D; 1 E and 1 F, handle 160 comprises a cover 162 which pivots from a closed position (Fig. 1 D) to an open position (Figs 1 E and 1 F). In the closed position, cover 162 encases receptacle 110 and lead storage compartment 164. Cover 162 pivots around a pivot point 170 which is disposed at a connecting end 163 of handle 160. Cover 162 pivots around a hinge 171.

[0047] To aid in securing cover 162, handle 160 comprises one or more cover retaining component 174 which inter-fit with complementary one or more handle mating component 172 to secure handle 160 in the closed position.

[0048] As illustrated cover 162 is in the form of a cover plate 178. From the teaching herein, the skilled person is readily able to select other suitable forms for cover 162 such as, a plug.

[0049] Figs. 3A and 3B show the lead storage side wall 168 and cover 162 to comprise ribs 104. Although not illustrated, one or more of receptacle base 112, receptacle side wall 1 14 and lead storage base 166 may also comprise one or more rib 104. Each rib 104 may be a raised section to provide additional strength.

[0050] Ball grip 140 is shown to comprise a socket or partial socket 142 for gripping the ball to be thrown. The socket or partial socket 142 comprises one or more ball retaining wall 144 illustrated to comprise an upper wall and a lower wall disposed on opposed sides of the socket or partial socket 142. Ball grip 140 comprises a concave surface 146 for receiving the ball and an opposite convex surface 148. The dimensions of the socket or partial socket 142 may allow gripping of a ball suitable to pick the ball up and also release the ball when the ball launcher is used with a throwing type action. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select other suitable shapes for ball grip 140 to achieve the intended purpose of allowing the ball to be picked up and to be dislodged when intended by using a throwing type action.

[0051] The lead 180 is a conventional type lead comprising a cable 184 attached at one end to ball launcher 100 and with a clasp 182 at the other end. Advantageously, in the embodiment shown, in a storage orientation, lead 180 forms a loop 186 which may be used to hang the ball launcher 180. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 E, loop 186 results from folding cable 184 back into lead storage compartment 164, which results from cable 184 being comprised of a material stiff enough to create loop 186 when folded back on itself. Cable 184 is comprised of a polyester webbing core with a PVC coating. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select a suitable polymeric webbing and suitable flexible polymer-coating. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select suitable material for cable 184.

[0052] Yet another advantage of ball launcher 100, is that launch end 122 adjacent ball grip 140 may be dimensioned to as a launch end hand grip 126 suitable to be gripped by a hand when lead 180 is attached to a dog’s collar or harness. As illustrated in Figs. 1 A and 1 B, launch end hand grip 126 has launch end grip features 128 in the form of an indentation and knurling. Although not illustrated, the launch end hand grip 126 may comprise a launch end rubber over-mold 130. When the launch end rubberover-mold 130 is present, the one or more launch end grip features 128 may be disposed on the launch-end rubber over-mold 130.

[0053] While elongate arm 120 is illustrated to be curvilinear, from the teaching herein the skilled person is readily able to select other suitable shapes.

[0054] Handle 160 is illustrated to comprise handle grip features 179 in the form of one or more indentation. Other suitable handle grip features 179 include knurling. As illustrated in Fig. 31 , handle 160 has a handle rubber over-mold 175. When the handle rubber over-mold 175 is present, the handle rubber over-mold 175 may house the one or more handle grip feature 179.

[0055] From the teaching herein, the skilled person can readily select suitable materials for manufacturing ball launcher 100 such as a polymer, for example one or more of high- and low-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS, ABS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyester (PET).

[0056] A method of manufacturing ball launcher 100 is also provided in which a body 102 comprising an elongate arm 120 with a ball grip 140 at a launch end and a handle 160 at a grasping end is provided. The lead 180 for attachment to a dog’s collar or harness is then attached to the body 102.

[0057] The clasp 182 is illustrated in Fig. 1 F to have a swivel 188, which may find particular application when cable 184 exits vertically and collar attachment is horizontal, and / or when the cable 184 is not round. In the embodiment illustrated, clasp 182 is a carabiner clip. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select other suitable clasps 182 such as, a snap hook.

[0058] The clasp 182 is permanently attached to lead 180 with one or more clasp attachment fastener 190. The clasp attachment fastener 190 may be one or more of glue, a rivet, a post, a clamp, a screw, a threaded insert, a press-in knurled pin or other suitable fastening attachment. The lead 180 may have one or more lead holes for the clasp attachment fastener 190. The lead holes may be heat staked holes and or punched holes. The clasp illustrated in Fig. 1 F is attached with a post and rivet. Fromthe teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to select a suitable clasp attachment fastener 190.

[0059] Fig. 3A shows lead storage compartment 164 to have a lead storage securing element 165, adapted to reduce, minimise or eliminate rattling or movement of lead 180 and clasp 182 when in the storage orientation. The lead storage securing element 165 illustrated in Fig. 3A is in the form of a post. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select other suitable lead storage securing element(s) 165 such as, one or more of: padding; a bracket; and a mount.

[0060] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0061] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0062] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screwemploys a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

[0063] Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

[0064] As used herein, "comprising" is synonymous with "including", "containing", or "characterized by", and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, "consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, "consisting essentially of does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. The broad term "comprising" is intended to encompass the narrower "consisting essentially of and the even narrower "consisting of". Thus, in any recitation herein of a phrase "comprising one or more claim element" (e.g., "comprising A), the phrase is intended to encompass the narrower, for example, "consisting essentially of A" and "consisting of A". Thus, the broader word "comprising" is intended to provide specific support in each use herein for either "consisting essentially of or "consisting of." The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0065] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that materials and methods, other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by examples, preferredembodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A ball launcher for a dog comprising: a body comprising an elongate arm with a ball grip at a launch end and a handle at a grasping end; and a lead with a clasp for attachment to a dog’s collar or harness.

2. A method of manufacturing a ball launcher, the method comprising: providing a body comprising an elongate arm with a ball grip at a launch end and a handle at a grasping end; and attaching to the body a lead with a clasp for attachment to a dog’s collar or harness.

3. The ball launcher or method of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the ball launcher comprises a receptacle for storage of one or more excrement bag.

4. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the lead is stored in the handle.

5. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the lead is stored in a lead storage compartment.

6. The ball launcher or method of claim 5 wherein the lead storage compartment is comprised in the handle.

7. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the receptacle comprises a receptacle base and one or more receptacle side wall.

8. The ball launcher or method of claim 7 wherein the one or more receptacle side wall and the one or more lead side wall share a common wall.

9. The ball launcher or method of claim 8 wherein the common wall is divided by a partition.

10. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the handle comprises a cover.11 . The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the ball grip comprises a socket or partial socket for gripping the ball.

12. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the lead comprises a cable.

13. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein lead forms a loop.

14. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the launch end adjacent the ball grip is dimensioned to be a launch end hand grip.

15. The ball launcher or method of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the handle comprises one or more handle grip feature.

16. The ball launcher of any one of claims 1 to 15 and one or more excrement bag.

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