Abstract:
The present invention relates to a two part quick connect-quick disconnect connector, which includes two parts, identified as a first part or “grabber” and a second part identified as a “dangle”. More specifically, the grabber is the female portion of the device, and is attached to a leash, for example. The dangle is the male portion of the device and may be attached to an animal collar. At least one of the grabber and the dangle may contain a permanent magnet, which aligns and initially attracts the two components to be joined together. The dangle is pulled into a cavity of the grabber, at which point two spring-loaded claws grab hold of the dangle securely. To release the device, a button or slide is pressed, which opens the jaws and allows the two components to be separated.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/588,295, filed on Jan. 19, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/701,684, filed on Sep. 16, 2012, both hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention describes a magnet assisted quick connect—quick disconnect mechanism for quickly, easily, and securely attaching and detaching two devices. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Quick connect-quick disconnect mechanisms for connecting and disconnecting two devices together are known in the art. Such mechanisms are known to include magnets for securing devices together by way of magnetic forces. Examples of such mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,589,341; 4,480,361; 4,4941,236 and 5,432,986. Such mechanisms are known to be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, US Pat. Nos. 4,941,236 and 5,432,986 illustrate the use of such mechanisms in jewelry applications. U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,361 discloses the use of such a mechanism in an application of magnetic clasp, for example, used as a clasp for a purse. U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,341 discloses the use of such a mechanism for use on a pet collar. 
         [0006]    The mechanisms disclosed above rely exclusively on the magnetic attraction forces provided by the magnets to maintain the connection between the two devices connected together by the mechanism. In such applications no external forces are anticipated during normal conditions that will oppose the magnetic attraction forces and pull the devices apart. Thus, in such applications the magnetic attraction forces provided by the magnets is sufficient to secure the two devices together for the intended application. 
         [0007]    However, other applications exist in which one or both of the devices connected together maybe subject to external forces that oppose the magnetic attraction forces. In such applications, the magnetic attraction forces are not sufficient to maintain the connection between the two devices. In such applications, such mechanisms must include means for opposing the external forces. One such application is to use the mechanism to connect an animal collar to a leash. In such an application, the animal is known to increase the tension in the leash and exert external forces that are sufficiently greater than the magnetic attraction forces to cause the leash to become disconnected from collar. 
         [0008]    Conventional animal leashes are known to be connected to an animal collar with a clip that is attached to the collar directly or to a ring secured to the collar are not subject to becoming disconnected based upon increased tension on the leash. However, conventional methods for securing a leash to an animal collar require two hands to reliably engage and disengage the leash; one to hold the animal and/or its collar, and the other to operate the clip and attach/detach the hook clip with the collar. The connection process also requires a fair degree of manual dexterity, and may be difficult for disabled people, the very young and very old. Connecting is often difficult when an animal is excited. Disconnecting the leash becomes a more difficult and slow process when the leash is tensioned, for example when the animal is active and attempting to chase another animal. Additionally, the process is made difficult when the owner is wearing gloves, including when the owner takes the animal for a walk in the winter. 
         [0009]    As such, quick connect mechanisms for use in applications in which external forces are anticipated to be greater than the magnetic attraction forces of the magnets in the quick connect mechanism. In such mechanisms, mechanical interlocks have been provided as part of the quick connect mechanism. The mechanical interlocks are configured to oppose external forces to prevent disconnection of the mechanism when external forces are applied. An example of such a mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,437. The &#39;437 device includes a two part connector. A first part is secured to an animal collar, for example, by a cord. A second part includes a ring for connection to an animal leash. Each part includes a magnet for initially connecting the two parts together in a first position. As tension is increased on the leash by the animal, the first and second parts are configured so that the external tension causes the second part to move to a second position with respect to the first part. The first part and the second part are configured so that the tension in the second position, the first and second parts are mechanically interlocked together so that increased tension will be opposed by the mechanical interlocking. 
         [0010]    Although the two part connector discussed above provides satisfactory performance in such an application, it can only provide mechanical interlocking that opposes external forces in one direction. In particular, the mechanism discussed above can only provide mechanical interlocking when the tension force is in a direction away from the connector. No mechanical interlocking is provided in applications when the tension force is in a direction toward the connector. In fact, forces in that direction are used for disconnecting the two parts of the connector. 
         [0011]    Thus, there is a need for providing a quick connect, quick disconnect mechanism that securely couples two devices together irrespective of the direction of any external forces. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The above-listed needs are met or exceeded by the present two part quick connect-quick disconnect connector, which includes two parts, identified as a first part or “grabber” and a second part identified as a “dangle”. More specifically, the grabber is the female portion of the device, and is attached to a leash, for example. The dangle is the male portion of the device and may be attached to an animal collar. The grabber and the dangle each contain one permanent magnet each, which aligns and initially attaches the two components. The dangle is pulled into a cavity of the grabber, at which point two spring-loaded claws grab hold of the dangle securely. To release the device, a button or slide is pressed, which opens the jaws and allows the two components to be separated. 
         [0013]    Both the grabber and dangle have magnets for pulling and guiding the dangle into the cavity of the grabber, at which point the claws engage to securely retaining the dangle in the cavity. This allows the leash to be attached more easily to the animal with one hand, and detached with the push of a button. The process of connection and disconnection require significantly less dexterity and time with the invention. Additionally, a feature of the invention is that the user is able to more easily release the animal while the leash is under tension. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0014]    These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawing wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the present pet leash connector. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the present pet leash connector. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the grabber portion of the present pet leash connector. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an overheard exploded view of the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4  and in the direction generally indicated and shown with the latch mechanism in an unlatched position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4  and in the direction generally indicated and shown with the latch mechanism in a latched position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the grabber portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the grabber portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the dangle portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the grabber portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 10  and in the direction generally indicated and shown in a latched position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a cross-section taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a view of the grabber and dangle assembly in a latched position with the grabber cover removed. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a view of the grabber and dangle assembly in a released position with the grabber cover removed. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a cross-section taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 10  and in the direction generally indicated and shown in button fully depressed position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the grabber portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a front view of the grabber portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the dangle portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the grabber portion of the pet leash connector. 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a cross-section taken along the line  215 - 215  of  FIG. 19  and in the direction generally indicated and shown in a latched position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a cross-section taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is a view of the grabber and dangle assembly in a latched position with the grabber cover removed. 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  is a view of the grabber and dangle assembly in a released position with the grabber cover removed. 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a cross-section taken along the line  215 - 215  of  FIG. 19  and in the direction generally indicated and shown in button fully depressed position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is an alternate design of the dangle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    The present invention relates to a quick release mechanism for releasably connecting and disconnecting two devices. Although the quick release mechanism in accordance with the present invention can be used in virtually any application for releasably coupling and decoupling two discrete parts together, the invention is described in terms of an exemplary application for attaching a animal or pet leash to an animal or pet collar. 
         [0041]    Three exemplary embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated.  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a first embodiment.  FIGS. 7-15  illustrate a second embodiment while  FIGS. 16-25  illustrate a third embodiment. All three (3) embodiments include two separate components, identified as a grabber or first part and a dangle or second part, each of which may include a permanent magnet for assisting in joining the two components together by magnetic attraction forces. Alternatively, one or the other of the first part or the second part may include a magnet and the other part may include at least some ferro-magnetic material. 
         [0042]    In accordance with an important aspect together, the quick release mechanism includes a latch mechanism comprising at least one pivotal arm or claw for latching the grabber or first part and the dangle or second part together once these components have been joined together. The quick release mechanism also includes a release assembly that includes a release button that allows the latch mechanism to be released when the release button is depressed. 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a quick connect-quick disconnect connector shown in an application as a pet leash connector for attaching a leash to an animal is generally designated  10 . Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the pet leash connector  10  is provided in two parts and includes a first part or grabber  12  and a second part or dangle or collar attachment  14 . The grabber  12  has a housing  16  securely connected to a first external interface, such as a loop  18 , for example, a split ring, used to attach the grabber  12  to a leash (not pictured). While depicted as a semi-circle, it is contemplated that the first loop  18  can be a full circle, any partially circular shape or the like. Secure attachment of the first loop  18  to a first portion  20  of the housing  16  is accomplished via insert molding, capture, a chemical adhesive, or the like. Opposite the first loop  18 , the housing  16  is configured for receiving the collar attachment  14  or second part. 
         [0044]    The first portion  20  of the housing  16  defines an annular groove  22  bordered by a radially inwardly projecting rib  24 . Also defined by the rib  24  is a cavity  26  dimensioned for receiving a button  28 . An axial opening  30  in the first portion  20  of the housing  16  slidingly accommodates a center pillar  32  of the button  28 . A button spring  34  disposed on the pillar  32  biases the button  28  to a rest position. Additionally, the button  28  has a radially outwardly projecting keeper  36  which, in the rest position, engages an interior surface  37  of the radially inwardly projecting rib  24  to retain the button  28  in the housing  16 . When the user presses the button  28  and overcomes the force of the button spring  34 , the pillar  32  projects through the opening  30  into a main chamber  38  in the housing  16 . 
         [0045]    Attached to the housing  16  is a latch mechanism that includes at least one pivotally mounted arm  39 . The pivotally mounted arm  39  is located in the main chamber  38  and is formed with a free end  40  with a claw  42 , a pivot point  44  at an opposite end  46  with a beak  48 , and a lug  50  generally between the free end and the pivot point. Dual arms  39  are also contemplated as shown in the drawing. In one embodiment of the invention, the arms  39  may be made of aluminum. However, the arms  39  can be made from a variety of other metal and non-metal materials as known in the art. Attached to the beaks  48  of the arms  39  is a washer  52  with a shaft  53 . An arm spring  54  is disposed on the shaft  53 . The shaft engages the second portion  56  of the housing  16  to retain the arm spring  54  in position in the main chamber  38 . 
         [0046]    Under normal conditions, i.e. when pressure has not been applied to the button  28 , the arm spring  54  acts as a biasing spring pushes against a second portion  56  of the housing  16 , providing a bias which engages the beaks  48 , pushing them towards the button  28 , keeping the arms  39  in a closed position. 
         [0047]    When the button  28  is pressed by the user to retain the collar attachment  14 , the pillar  32  extends through the opening  30  to contact the beaks  48 . As the pillar  32  extends further into the main chamber  38 , the arm spring  54  is compressed as the shaft  53  is pushed through the washer  52 , and the arms  39  pivot outwardly about the pivot points  44  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0048]    Also disposed in the second portion  56  of the housing  16  is a slider spring  58  which biases a slider  60  to a rest position. The slider  60  is reciprocally located within the main chamber  38 . A first end  62  of the slider  60  defines a U-shaped recess bordered by spaced arms  64  which slidingly engage walls  66  of the second housing portion  56 . Two radially outwardly projecting tabs  68  of the slider  60  push against the lugs  50  of the arms  39 . Additionally, two stops  70  engage opposite ends  72  of the slider  60 , respectively, and oppose the bias of the slider spring  58  while the slider  60  is in the rest position. The stops  70  are located on a third portion  74  of the housing  16 . 
         [0049]    A second cavity  78  in the first part, which receives the second part or collar attachment  14 , is defined by the third portion  74  of the housing  16  and the stops  70 . Thus, the slider  60  reciprocates axially relative to the second  56  and third  74  housing portions. 
         [0050]    The collar attachment  14  has shoulders  80  and guidance shapes  82 , which guide the collar attachment  14  into the second cavity  78 . A second external interface, such as a second loop  84 , for example, a split ring attached to the collar of an animal (not pictured), may be securely attached to the second part or collar attachment  14  via insert molding, a chemical adhesive, or the like. While depicted as a semicircle, it is contemplated that the second loop  84  can be a full circle, any partially circular shape or the like. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , when the collar attachment  14  is placed in the second cavity  78 , the shoulders  80  of the collar attachment  14  push the spaced arms  64  of the slider  60  as the slider progresses towards the button  28  and the spaced arms slidingly engage the walls  66  of the second housing portion  56 . Once the lugs  50  of the arms  39  engage the radially outwardly projecting tabs  68  of the slider  60 , the arms  39  pivot radially inward and rest against the stops  64 . The claws  42  of the arms  39  clip around the shoulder  80  of the collar attachment  14 , securing the collar attachment  14  into the second cavity  78  defining a latched position. Thus, the collar attachment  14  is latched in place. 
         [0052]    A button assembly which includes a button  28 , allows a user to release the first part from the second part, for example, release the pet collar from the leash, the button  28  is depressed. The pillar  32  extends through the opening  30  to contact the beaks  48 . As the pillar  32  extends further into the main chamber  38 , the arm spring  54  is compressed as the shaft  53  is pushed through the washer  52  and the arms  39  pivot outwardly about the pivot points  44 . With the claws  42  of the arms  39  no longer clipped around the shoulders  80  of the collar attachment  14 , the bias of the slider spring  58  pushes the slider  60  away from the button  28 , and the collar attachment  14  is pushed away from the button  28  and out of the second cavity  78 . 
         [0053]    In an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a first magnet  86  may be affixed to the first part and specifically third portion of the housing  80  via a chemical adhesive or the like. Additionally, the second part or collar attachment  14  may be provided with a second magnet  88 . The attraction between the poles of first  86  and the second magnet  88  guide and engage the collar attachment  14  into the second cavity  78 . 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 7-10 , a pet leash connector for attaching a leash to an animal is generally designated  10 . Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the pet leash connector  110  is provided in two parts and includes a grabber  112  and a dangle  114 . 
         [0055]    Grabber Description: The grabber  112  has a housing  116  connected to a first loop  118 , such as a wire-formed ring used to attach the grabber  112  to a leash (not pictured). While depicted as a semicircle, it is contemplated that the first loop  118  can be a full circle, any partially circular shape, a circular shape with a flat portion, or the like or may also be a permanent part of the grabber  112 . Attachment of the first loop  118  to a first portion  120  of the housing  116  is accomplished via insert molding, mechanical capture, a chemical adhesive, or the like. Opposite the first loop  118 , the housing  116  is configured for receiving the dangle  114 . 
         [0056]    The first portion  120  of the housing  116  defines a cavity  126  dimensioned for receiving a button  128 . An axial opening  130  in the first portion  120  of the housing  116  slidingly accommodates a center plunger  132  of the button  128 . A button spring  134  disposed on the plunger  132  biases the button  128  to a rest position. Additionally, the button  128  has a radially outwardly projecting keeper  136  which, in the rest position, engages an interior surface  137  to retain the button  128  in the housing  116 . When the user presses the button  128  and overcomes the force of the button spring  134 , the plunger  132  projects through the opening  130  into a main chamber  138  in the housing  116 . 
         [0057]    Attached to the housing  116  are two arms  139 , each located in the main chamber  138  and having a free end  140  with a claw  142 , a pivot point  144  with a beak  148 , and a shoulder  150  generally between the free end and the pivot point. A single arm  139  is also contemplated. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arms  139  are made of aluminum. However, the arms  139  can be made from a variety of other metal and non-metal materials as known in the art. Impinging on the beaks  148  and the arms  139  are rubs  153  with guide arms  115  which are both part of the plunger body  132 . 
         [0058]    The area between the main chamber  138  of the grabber  112  and the second cavity  178  of the grabber  112  contain a pocket  117  in which resides a permanent grabber magnet  186 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention the grabber magnet  186  is in the shape of a doughnut or ring so that the plunger  132  may pass through it and assist in pushing out the dangle  114  in the release cycle. Locating pins  172  help to align the the two halves of the grabber  112  body when it is assembled. 
         [0059]    Under normal conditions, i.e. when pressure has not been applied to the button  128 , the button spring  134  biases the plunger away from the second cavity  178  and engages the rubs  153  against the beaks  148 , pushing them towards the button  128 , keeping the arms  139  in a closed position. This closed position is the natural state for the grabber  112  whether the grabber  112  is already latched to a dangle  114  or waiting for a dangle  114  to be latched. 
         [0060]    Dangle Description: The dangle  114  has shoulders  180  and guidance shapes  182 , which guide the dangle  114  into the second cavity  178 . A second loop  184 , is attached with a split ring or the like to the collar of an animal (not pictured), is attached to the dangle  114  via insert molding, a chemical adhesive, or the like. While depicted as a semi circle, it is contemplated that the second loop  184  can be a full circle, any partially circular shape or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dangle  114  contains a permanent magnet  185  in the shape of a doughnut or ring with a beveled hole to accept a flat head screw  190  for attachment to the dangle  114 . However, the permanent magnet  185  may also be a thin circular disc without a hole and which is held in place with adhesive (tape, epoxy or the like). The magnet and screw head may be covered with a sticker  187  or the like for cosmetic appearance. 
         [0061]    Dangle Release Cycle: When the user wants to release the already latched dangle  114 , the user presses the button  128  to release the dangle  114 . When the button  128  is pressed, the plunger rubs  153  contact the shoulders  150  causing the arms  139  to pivot outward and the jaws  142  to spread apart so that the dangle  114  is released from the jaws  142 . Stops  116  prevent the arms  139  from spreading further than necessary. As the plunger  132  extends further into the main chamber  138 , the farther portion of the plunger  18  pushes through the hole in the grabber magnet  186  to eject the dangle, lessening the magnetic attraction force between grabber magnet  186  and dangle magnet  185 . The dangle  114  can thus be easily removed from the grabber  112 . The released state is shown in  FIG. 14  and the fully pressed button  128  state is shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0062]    Dangle Latch Cycle. As the dangle  114  moves in proximity of the second cavity  178 , the dangle magnet  185  and grabber magnet  186  begin to attract. This magnetic attraction begins to forcefully convey the dangle  114  into the grabber cavity  178 . As the dangle  114  meets the jaws  142  of the arms  139 , the magnetic attraction pulls the dangle  114  into the cavity  178  which spreads the jaws  142  open, causing the beaks  148  of the arms  139  to press against the plunger, thereby overcoming the force of the spring  134 . As the dangle  114  continues into the cavity  178  of the grabber so that the shoulder  180  of the dangle  114  moves inward past the jaws  142  of the grabber  112 , the jaws  142  are no longer held open by the dangle  114  and the spring  134  force on the beaks  148  causes the arms to return to their resting position thereby latching the dangle  114 . The latched state is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 16-19 , a pet leash connector for attaching a leash to an animal is generally designated  10 . Referring now to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the pet leash connector  210  is provided in two parts and includes a grabber  212  and a dangle  214 . 
         [0064]    Grabber Description: The grabber  212  has a housing  216  connected to a first loop  218 , such as a wire-formed ring used to attach the grabber  212  to a leash (not pictured). While depicted as a D-ring, it is contemplated that the first loop  218  can be a full circle, any partially circular shape, a circular shape with a flat portion, or the like or may also be a permanent part of the grabber  212 . Attachment of the first loop  218  to a first portion  220  of the housing  216  is accomplished via insert molding, mechanical capture, a chemical adhesive, or the like. Opposite the first loop  218 , the housing  216  is configured for receiving the dangle  214 . 
         [0065]    The first portion  220  of the housing  216  defines a cavity  226  dimensioned for receiving a button  228 . Two openings  180  degrees opposed expose the button  228  on either side of the grabber  212  in the first portion  220  of the housing for ease of accessibility to the button  228  by the user from either side of the grabber  212 . A button spring  234  disposed on the button  228  biases the button  228  to a rest position. When the user slides the button  228  forward and overcomes the force of the button spring  234 , a dangle release cycle is initiated, described later in the text. 
         [0066]    Attached to the housing  216  are two arms  239 , each having a free end  240  with a claw  242 , a pivot point  244  with a beak  248 , and a shoulder  250  generally between the free end and the pivot point. A single arm  239  is also contemplated. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arms  239  are made of aluminum. However, the arms  239  can be made from a variety of other metal and non-metal materials as known in the art. Impinging on the beaks  248  and the arms  239  are rubs  253  built as part of the button  228 . 
         [0067]    The area between the main chamber  238  of the grabber  212  and the second cavity  278  of the grabber  212  contain a pocket  217  in which resides a permanent grabber magnet  286 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention the grabber magnet  186  is in the shape of a solid disc. 
         [0068]    Under normal conditions, i.e. when pressure has not been applied to the button  228 , the button spring  234  biases the button  228  against the beaks  248  of the arms  239 , keeping the arms  239  in a closed position. This closed position is the natural state for the grabber  212  whether the grabber  212  is already latched to a dangle  214  or waiting for a dangle  214  to be latched. 
         [0069]    Dangle Description: The dangle  214  has shoulders  280  and guidance shapes  282 , which guide the dangle  214  into the second cavity  278 . A second loop  284 , is attached with a split ring or the like to the collar of an animal (not pictured), is attached to the dangle  214  via insert molding, a chemical adhesive, or the like. While depicted as a semi circle, it is contemplated that the second loop  284  can be a full circle, any partially circular shape or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dangle  214  contains a permanent magnet  285  in a solid thin disc shape which is held in place with adhesive (tape, epoxy or the like). 
         [0070]    Dangle Release Cycle: When the user wants to release the already latched dangle  214 , the user slides the button  228  in the direction of the dangle to release the dangle  214 . When the button  228  is slid, the button rubs  253  contact the shoulders  250  causing the arms  239  to pivot outward and the jaws  242  to spread apart so that the dangle  214  is released from the jaws  242 . Stops  216  prevent the arms  239  from spreading further than necessary. The dangle  214  can thus be easily removed from the grabber  212 . The released state is shown in  FIG. 23  and the fully slid released button  228  state is shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         [0071]    Dangle Latch Cycle: As the dangle  214  moves in proximity of the second cavity  278 , the dangle magnet  285  and grabber magnet  286  begin to attract. This magnetic attraction begins to forcefully convey the dangle  214  into the grabber cavity  278 . As the dangle  214  meets the jaws  242  of the arms  239 , the magnetic attraction pulls the dangle  214  into the cavity  278  which spreads the jaws  242  open, causing the beaks  248  of the arms  239  to press against the button  228 , thereby overcoming the force of the spring  234 . As the dangle  214  continues into the cavity  278  of the grabber so that the shoulder  280  of the dangle  214  moves inward past the jaws  242  of the grabber  212 , the jaws  242  are no longer held open by the dangle  214  and the spring  234  force on the beaks  248  causes the arms to return to their resting position thereby latching the dangle  214 . The latched state is shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         [0072]    Alternate Dangle Design:  FIG. 25  shows an alternate version of the dangle, with an integrated spring wire clip  390 . This alternate dangle design could be used for less permanent applications, where ease of attaching and removing the dangle is required. 
         [0073]    The alternate dangle  314  has shoulders  380  and guidance shapes  382 , which guide the dangle  314  into the second cavity  278  of the grabber  212  similarly to the way dangle  214  is guided. A hook feature,  384 , in conjunction with a spring wire  390  is latched onto the collar ring of an animal (not pictured), and is retained by spring wire  390 . Dangle  314  allows for less side to side motion than dangle  214  and reduces the possibility of the dangle magnet  385  becoming affixed to other magnetic metal objects, such as tags, hanging off the collar which can impede the attachment of the grabber  212  to the dangle  314 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dangle  314  contains a permanent magnet  385  in a solid thin disc shape which is held in place with adhesive (tape, epoxy or the like). 
         [0074]    Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.