Multifunctional leash

Abstract

A multifunctional animal leash device that can be configured for use as a leash or a surface covering. The device has a flat body having opposite broad surfaces, opposite first and second sides, and opposite first and second ends. A snap hook is attached to one end and a handle attached to the other end. The flat body is configured to be rolled up into a cylindrical shape with the snap hook extending outwardly from its end and the handle extending outwardly its end for use as a leash. In the unrolled configuration, the body is usable as a surface covering for the animal to lay upon.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] MULTIFUNCTIONAL LEASH

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to animal leashes and, more particularly, to an animal leash that is convertible to a towel and / or animal covering.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] When taking an animal, such as a dog, on an outing to a place like the beach, it is important to be prepared with more than just a leash. In addition to having a leash for controlling the dog, it is often useful to bring items such as a mat or towel for the dog to lay on, as well as something to dry the dog off after playing in the water. While individual products like leashes, mats or towels, and even jackets for dogs are available, carrying all these separate items can become inconvenient and cumbersome for the handler. Therefore, there is both a need and a desire for an innovative solution to this problem.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a multifunctional leash that not only serves its primary purpose but can also be converted into a towel and / or jacket for the dog. The multifunctional leash provides greater convenience by combining these essential functions into a single, easy to carry and use item.

[0009] In some aspects, embodiments of the invention provide a device constructed of a fabric material that may be used as a towel or surface covering for an animal, such as a dog, for example, to lay on and which may be rolled up into cylinder form to function as a leash. In some aspects, the towel or surface covering may be configured to be secured to the animal as a covering.

[0010] According to some embodiments, a multifunctional animal leash is provided. The leash may have a flat body with opposite broad surfaces, opposite first and second sides, and opposite first and second ends. A snap hook may be attached to the first end and a handle may be attached to the second end. The flat body may be configured to be rolled up into a cylindrical shape with the snap hook extending outwardly from the first end and the handle extending outwardly from the second end. One or more fasteners may be provided for securing the body in the cylindrical shape. In some aspects, the first side may have a first edge and the second side may have a second edge, wherein the edges taper inwardly in a direction toward the first and second ends. Such a trapezoidal shape at the opposite ends allows for rolling the flat body into the rolled-up configuration easier and to be more conducive to being used as a leash in the rolled-up configuration.

[0011] Numerous additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0013] For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide a further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a multifunctional leash device according to an embodiment of the invention with the device in an unrolled configuration and one broad surface thereof;

[0016] Figure 2 a second view of the multifunctional leash showing the opposite broad surface thereof;

[0017] Figure 3 shows the multifunctional leash device in a rolled-up configuration;

[0018] Figure 4 shows the multifunctional leash device in the rolled-up configuration and being used as a leash with one end secured to a collar worn by a dog and the other end being grasped by a user; and

[0019] Figure 5 shows the multifunctional leash device in the rolled-up configuration and being used as a leash with one end secured to a harness worn by a dog and the other end being grasped by a user.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention references the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] In FIGS. 1-2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a multifunctional leash device 10 that is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and shown in an unrolled configuration. Device 10 may be constructed from one or more fabrics and to have a generally planar configuration with opposed broad surfaces 12 and 14, opposite sides 16 and 18, and opposite ends 20 and 22. In the shown, unrolled configuration, device 10 is useful as a mat or covering for surface for an animal, such as, a dog for example to lay on. In one example, when in the unrolled, surface covering configuration, device 10 is useful to set on a sandy beach for the dog to lay on.

[0023] In aspects, the fabrics may be selected from a fabric that provides a desired function (i.e., a water repellent fabric or water absorbent fabric as a non-limiting example). In aspects, broad surfaces 12 and 14 may have the same or a different fabric material. For example, device 10 can be constructed to provide surface 12 with fabric having non-stick properties and surface 14 with fabric having water absorbent properties. Such a construction would be useful for laying device 10 on a sandy beach, for example, with surface 12 against the sand so the sand does not stick to fabric.

[0024] In aspects, as shown, device 10 may have a snap hook 28 attached to end 20 by a strap 30 and a handle 32 attached to the opposite end 22. As explained further herein, when device 10 is in a rolled-up configuration, it may be used as a leash with the snap hook 28 attached to a collar or harness on the dog and the handle 32 grasped by a handler.

[0025] In aspects, the opposite sides 16 and 18 have edges 24 and 26, respectively, that may taper inwardly in a direction toward ends 20 and 22, thereby creating a trapezoidal-like shape at both ends. The purpose of this shape is to reduce the amount of material at ends 20 and 22 for rolling device 10 into a cylindrical form for use as a leash.

[0026] In aspects, device 10 may have fasteners such as fasteners that are configured to secure the device in the rolled configuration. As representatively shown, fasteners are straps 34 having cooperating couplers attached at opposite ends of the straps for securing the ends of the straps together about the device when rolled up. Straps 34 may be attached to and spaced along one side, representatively, side 16 of device 10.

[0027] In FIG. 3, device 10 is shown in the rolled-up configuration and secured in this rolled configuration by the straps 34. It can be further seen that in this configuration, device 10 is generally cylindrically shaped and the snap hook 28 extends outwardly from end 20 and the handle 32 extends outwardly from end 22. In such a configuration, device 10 can operate like a leash by securing it to a collar or harness worn by the dog by snap hook 28 and a handler can grasp handle 32 at the opposite end to lead the dog.

[0028] In FIG. 4, device 10 is shown in the rolled-up configuration and being used as a leash attached to a collar 36 worn by dog 38 and grasped at the other end at handle 32 by a person 40. In FIG. 5, device 10 is similarly shown attached to a harness 42 worn by the dog 38.

[0029] In aspects, while not shown, device 10 can be configured to be worn by the dog and may be secured to the dog by the straps 34 or other fasteners. The shape of device 10 with its taper ends 20 and 22 make it conducive to being worn by a dog with the narrow end being located at the head and rear of the dog and the wider center being located at the chest. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A multifunctional animal leash, comprising: a flat body having opposite broad surfaces, opposite first and second sides, and opposite first and second ends; a snap hook attached to the first end; a handle attached to the second end; the flat body configured to be rolled up into a cylindrical shape with the snap hook extending outwardly from the first end and the handle extending outwardly from the second end; and one or more fasteners for securing the body in the cylindrical shape.

2. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more fasteners has a strap with cooperable couplings attached to opposite ends of the strap for releasably securing together the opposite ends of the strap.

3. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 1, wherein the one or more fasteners are spaced along a length of the flat body extending between the first and second ends.

4. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 4, wherein the one or more fasteners are spaced along the first or second side of the flat body.

5. A multifunctional animal leash, comprising: a flat body having opposite broad surfaces, opposite first and second sides, and opposite first and second ends; the first side having a first edge, the second side having a second edge, wherein the edges taper inwardly in a direction toward the first and second ends; a snap hook attached to the first end; a handle attached to the second end; the flat body configured to be rolled up into a cylindrical shape with the snap hook extending outwardly from the first end and the handle extending outwardly from the second end; and one or more fasteners for securing the body in the cylindrical shape.

6. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 5, wherein at least one of the one or more fasteners has a strap with cooperable couplings attached to opposite ends of the strap for releasably securing together the opposite ends of the strap.

7. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 5, wherein the one or more fasteners are spaced along a length of the flat body extending between the first and second ends.

8. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 7, wherein the one or more fasteners are spaced along the first or second side of the flat body.

9. A multifunctional animal leash, comprising: a flat body having opposite broad surfaces, opposite first and second sides, and opposite first and second ends; the first side having a first edge, the second side having a second edge, wherein the edges taper inwardly in a direction toward the first and second ends; a snap hook attached to the first end; a handle attached to the second end; the flat body configured to be rolled up into a cylindrical shape with the snap hook extending outwardly from the first end and the handle extending outwardly from the second end; and one or more strap fasteners having cooperable couplings attached to opposite ends thereof for releasably securing together the opposite ends of the strap for securing the body in the cylindrical shape.

10. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 5, wherein the one or more strap fasteners are spaced along a length of the flat body extending between the first and second ends.

11. The multifunctional animal leash of claim 10, wherein the one or more strap fasteners are spaced along the first or second side of the flat body.

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