Shape-Retaining Leash Cover for Warm, Quick Hand Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable dog leashes are difficult to operate with conventional gloves or mittens, as they compromise warmth and comfort, and prior art devices complicate quick hand exchange for tasks like waste disposal.
Innovation Solution
A reversibly attachable, flexible, shape-retaining shell that surrounds the hand while holding a leash retracting device, with an open end for easy hand insertion and operation, and a secure fit around the leash housing without wrist constrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional gloves or mittens are used to keep hands warm, then hand warmth is improved, but the ability to securely grip and operate the retractable leash is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the hand covering into two separate components: a glove for warmth and a fingerless mitten cover that exposes the fingers. This segmentation allows the hand to remain warm while the fingers remain dexterous and exposed for operating the leash mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingerless mitten cover is designed to be worn over the glove, with the glove nested inside the cover. This nested structure provides both warmth from the glove and finger exposure from the cover, resolving the contradiction between warmth and operability.
2Temperature
If the hand is enclosed in a mitt to maintain warmth, then hand warmth is improved, but the speed of hand exchange for waste disposal is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hand covering to expose fingers while maintaining warmth through the glove-c cover structure, the user can quickly remove the cover and use exposed fingers for waste disposal without needing to fully remove hand warmth protection or use the other hand to assist.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible material is used for the mitt to allow easy insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to retain shape and secure the leash is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mitt cover is constructed from flexible material that can be easily inserted over the hand and glove, yet maintains sufficient structural integrity to secure the retractable leash in place. The flexibility allows for easy donning and doffing while the material properties ensure the leash remains securely positioned.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand and animal leash cover includes a reversibly attachable, flexible, shape-retaining cover configured to surround an individual's hand while holding a leash retracting device. The cover includes a first opening for a human hand, dimensioned so that a user can grip the handle of a retractable leash and operate its features. The cover is at least semi-rigid so that it maintains its shape, which facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of a person's hand when grasping the retractable leash device. A strap is configured to wrap around a distal portion of a retractable leash to hold the cover to the leash. Preferred covers have an insulation layer encircling the interior of each cover end, leaving an interior portion free of insulation to facilitate the operation of the leash.