Retractable Leash with Integrated Chew Toy Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet leashes and toys require separate transportation, leading to frequent loss or forgetting of toys, as they are not integrated into a single unit, and existing solutions do not provide a convenient, convertible leash-toy combination.
Innovation Solution
A combination pet toy and retractable leash featuring a hollow casing with a spring-biased cord and swiveling bolt-snap connector, allowing conversion between leash and toy modes, with an inflatable bladder for buoyancy and a disposable/reusable design to minimize accessory burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pet owners transport multiple separate devices (leash and toys), then the leash can be used for walking, but the toy is easily lost, misplaced, or left behind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a retractable leash and a pet toy into a single integrated device. The toy is positioned at the end of the retractable cord, so when the cord is fully extended, the toy is available for play. This merging eliminates the need to separately transport multiple devices and ensures the toy is never lost or left behind.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it acts as a retractable leash for walking pets and simultaneously provides a toy for play activities. The retractable cord can be extended for leash functionality and retracted to access the toy at the end, making the device universal for both walking and playing purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable leash with integrated toy is provided, then the need for multiple accessories is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a retractable mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between leash mode (cord extended) and toy mode (cord retracted). The spring-biased reel enables smooth extension and retraction, providing adaptability between different usage states without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The toy is positioned at the end of the retractable cord, effectively nesting the toy within the leash structure. When the cord is retracted, the toy becomes accessible; when extended, the leash function predominates. This nesting arrangement integrates both functions in a compact manner.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the toy is made chewable for pet safety, then pets can chew safely, but the leash component may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different material qualities to different parts: the toy portion is made from chewable, safe materials (such as rubber or soft plastic) that can withstand chewing, while the retractable cord and mechanical components are made from durable, strength-critical materials. This local differentiation allows the chewable toy to coexist with the durable leash mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the toy at the end (chewable material) and the retractable mechanism (durable material). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the toy for safe chewing and the cord for strength and reliability.
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
The solution integrates a pet toy with a retractable leash, reducing the need for multiple accessories, ensuring the toy is never left behind, and providing a buoyant, durable, and easily maintainable device that can be used as both a leash and a toy.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased cord having a swiveling bolt-snap connector at a distal end
Implementation Method 2
with an inflatable bladder for buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
A combination leash and pet toy includes a hollow casing having an exterior surface formed of an FDA-approved rubber similar to that of conventional chew toys. Extending from the casing interior is a spring-biased cord having a swiveling bolt-snap connector at a distal end for coupling with a pet collar. The connector can removably seat within a cavity that is enclosed with a locking lid when the device is being used as a toy. Accordingly, the device may be used as a conventional dog leash by coupling the snap connector to a pet leash. To convert the device to a toy, a user places the snap connector within the cavity and secures the lid to the casing. The casing can then be safely chewed or carried by a pet or tossed by the pet's owner as with a conventional pet toy.