Patent ID: 6845737
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: A01K,B65H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for a ball and an animal leash for connecting to the collar of an animal in combination, comprising: a) a spherical housing having a cavity therein, wherein said spherical housing forms a ball, said housing having an aperture therein, wherein said aperture is threaded; b) a threaded cap disposed in said threaded aperture, wherein said threaded cap mates with said threaded aperture, said threaded cap having an inside surface and an outside surface; c) a flap covering each said threaded aperture having means for attaching said flap to said spherical housing whereby the said flap may be opened and closed to allow access to the said threaded cap; d) a leash disposed internal said spherical housing, said leash having first and second opposing ends, wherein said first end comprises a tether connecting said first end of said leash to said inside surface of said first threaded cap to permit said leash to be withdrawn from said cavity of said spherical housing when said threaded cap is removed from said threaded aperture, and wherein said first end of said leash comprises a fastener for connection to the collar of an animal; e) means for extendably retracting said leash from the cavity of the spherical housing whereby the leash can be automatically retracted after it is extended by removing the outward tension on the leash, wherein said second end of said leash is connected to said means for extendably retracting said leash; and, f) means for gripping the exterior of the spherical housing comprised of a pair of spaced apart dimples having channels extending from the base of the dimples to the surface of the spherical housing.