Dog Collar Leash Attachment with Low-Profile Elastic Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a dog collar that includes a short-range leash that is immediately available, easily removable, and has a low profile to avoid entanglements, and can be used as a backup when a regular leash is not accessible.

Innovation Solution

A dog collar with a low-profile retractable leash attachment that includes a sleeve with an elastomeric cord, which can extend and retract for short distances, and is easily detachable from the collar using a snap hook mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a retractable leash is integrated into the dog collar, then the leash is immediately available and easily accessible, but the collar becomes bulkier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleash accessibilityVSAvoidcollar structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric cord is nested within a collapsible sleeve that attaches to the collar. When not in use, the cord and sleeve are contained within the collar structure, creating a compact integrated unit. When needed, the sleeve extends outward to provide the leash function, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The leash system is segmented into distinct functional components: the collar base, the collapsible sleeve, and the elastomeric cord. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy attachment/detachment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If a spring-loaded mechanism is used for the retractable leash, then the leash can be extended and retracted automatically, but the mechanism becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleash retractionVSAvoidmechanism size

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional spring-loaded mechanical retraction mechanism is replaced with an elastomeric cord that provides automatic retraction through its elastic properties. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining the automated retraction function, resolving the contradiction between automation and mechanism size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the retraction mechanism from mechanical (springs, gears) to material-based (elastomeric properties). By utilizing the inherent elastic recovery of the cord material, the system achieves automatic retraction without bulky mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If a long leash is used for normal walks, then the dog has freedom of movement, but the leash creates entanglements and is not suitable for short distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleash lengthVSAvoidentanglement risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The leash length is made dynamic rather than fixed. The collapsible sleeve allows the leash to extend to a longer length when needed for normal walks, providing dog freedom. When not in use or for short distances, the sleeve collapses to a minimal length, eliminating entanglement risks. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between length and entanglement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the leash is permanently attached to the collar, then the leash is always available, but it cannot be removed or replaced when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleash availabilityVSAvoidleash replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is pre-equipped with attachment points (D-ring, buckle, or engagement region) that enable quick connection of the leash sleeve. This preliminary preparation allows the leash to be immediately available when needed while maintaining the ability to quickly detach and replace it, resolving the contradiction between continuous availability and replaceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides a convenient and safe way to control a dog over short distances without the bulk of a regular leash, ensuring the leash is always accessible and minimizes entanglements.

Implementation Method 1

a sleeve having an elastomeric cord that is operable to extend and retract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12439891B2Dog collar leash attachment

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 RAPOSA RICK

AI summary

A dog collar with detachable and retractable leash attachment. The leash attachment includes a leash in the form of an elastomeric cord is provided inside a sleeve that may be temporarily engaged around the dog collar. One end of the leash pivotally attached to the collar using a clip, and a handle is provided at the other end. Grasping and pulling the handle releases the sleeve from the collar and stretches the elastomeric cord, providing a short leash for a pet owner to control and direct a dog over short distances. The leash attachment may include an engagement surface that is operable to temporarily attach to a complementary surface on the exterior of the collar.