Leash Cradle Ball Launcher for Pets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball-throwing apparatus for pets, such as dogs, are bulky and cumbersome, requiring owners to carry them and serving no other purpose than throwing a ball, which limits interaction and exercise benefits.
Innovation Solution
A pet accessory comprising a leash with a cradle that can slide along its length, functioning as both a ball carrier and a sling, allowing for comfortable handling and extended throwing range, featuring a polymer or rubber cradle for interference fit with balls and adjustable stoppers for secure ball retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ball-throwing apparatus are used, then ball throwing function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome requiring separate carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a ball-throwing catapult mechanism with a dog leash into a single integrated device. The catapult is mounted on the leash handle, allowing the owner to throw balls while walking the dog without carrying separate equipment. This merging of functions directly addresses the contradiction by providing both leash and ball-throwing capabilities in one compact device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple purposes: it functions as both a dog leash for walking and a ball-throwing catapult for exercise and play. The catapult mechanism can launch balls to varying distances, while the leash portion maintains standard walking functionality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate carrying devices while maintaining simplicity.
2Productivity
If ball is thrown at great distances for long periods, then exercise benefit is achieved, but owner's back and arm become tired
Solution Approach 1:
The catapult mechanism allows the ball to be launched automatically when the trigger is pulled, eliminating the need for the owner to manually throw the ball. The elastic band stores energy and propels the ball forward with minimal effort from the owner, reducing strain on the back and arms while maintaining exercise effectiveness for the dog.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables repeated ball launches in a periodic manner, allowing the dog to retrieve and bring back the ball multiple times. Each launch requires minimal effort from the owner, but collectively provides extensive exercise for the dog over an extended period without owner fatigue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated ball-throwing apparatus are used, then ball throwing capability is achieved, but the device serves no other purpose requiring separate carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-throwing catapult is integrated directly onto the leash handle, combining two previously separate items into one. The catapult mechanism includes an elastic band, trigger, and ball receptacle, all mounted on the leash structure. This integration means the owner carries only one device that provides both leash and ball-throwing functions, eliminating the weight of carrying separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device provides universal functionality by serving as both a walking leash and a ball-throwing machine. The catapult can launch balls to various distances, the leash maintains standard walking control, and both functions are available simultaneously in one device, reducing the overall carrying burden.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a pet accessory (10) comprising a leash (12) having a distal end (14) configurable to engage an animal and further defining a finger loop (16), with a proximal end (18) defining a handle (20). Also included is an elastic resiliently deformable cradle (22) shaped and configured for operatively receiving a ball (24) therein, said cradle (22) configured so that the leash (12) is slidably receivable through at least a portion of an outer periphery (26) thereof so that folding the leash (12) about said periphery (26) engages the ball (24) in the cradle, wherein the accessory (10) is useable to lead an animal and as a sling to cast the ball (24).