Retractable Leash with Integrated Waste Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet leash systems require users to carry waste bags manually, which can be burdensome and risky, as they occupy a hand and may rupture, leaving pet owners without a free hand for other essential items like ball throwers or leashes.
Innovation Solution
A retractable leash system integrated with a bag dispenser and removable storage container, allowing users to collect and store pet waste without manually carrying filled bags, while also accommodating additional paraphernalia like ball throwers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually carry waste bags during pet walks, then they can collect pet waste, but their hands are occupied and they must carry filled bags which may rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waste bag dispenser, storage container, and leash into a single integrated device. The dispenser mechanism is built into the leash housing, allowing users to access and dispense bags without needing separate hand-carried items. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing waste collection capability while keeping hands free for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash device serves multiple functions: it acts as a restraint tool, a bag dispenser, and a storage container for both clean and waste-filled bags. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate waste bag carrying, thereby maintaining hand freedom while ensuring reliable waste collection.
2Reliability
If users carry separate waste bag dispenser and storage container, then they have waste collection capability, but device complexity increases and hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the waste bag dispenser and storage container into a single unified device attached to the leash. The dispenser mechanism, storage compartments, and leash form one cohesive system, reducing the number of separate components users must carry and manage while maintaining full waste collection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is designed to nest within or attach to the leash housing structure. The dispenser mechanism is embedded within the same housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall device complexity while preserving all necessary functions.
3Reliability
If users manually handle and carry filled waste bags, then they can dispose of pet waste, but leakage and littering risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filled waste bag from the user's hands by providing an attached storage container. Once the bag is filled, it remains secured in the storage compartment rather than being carried manually, eliminating the leakage and littering risks associated with hand-carrying while maintaining proper waste disposal capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal leash system combined with a removable storage container and a bag dispenser. The system includes a housing that encloses a leash retracting mechanism configure to control movement of a leash extending thereout. The bag dispenser is associated with a dispensing section of the housing, and is configured to store at least one bag therein and is configured to allow removal of the bag. The storage container is slidably attachable with a base of the housing between an open position allowing access to an interior of said storage container, and a closed position. The system provides a single unit that includes the advantages of a retractable pet leash with the convenience of having bags ready for use to collect pet waste along with a storage container for disposing of waste filled bags.