Abstract:
A pet restraint includes a collar and a leash, the leash having handles at both ends and being slidingly disposed through a portion of the leash, either at a single point or at multiple points on the circumference of the leash. The leash also has blocking portions preventing the entire length of the leash from sliding through unintentionally. When the pet steps over the leash and begins pulling with the leash passing behind a leg, the person handling the pet may re-route the leash by grasping the end then disposed near the handle and letting go of the end previously held. Optionally, structure on the leash or on the collar permits easy disengagement of the leash from the collar

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/937,617, filed Jun. 28, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to pet leashes and especially to dog leashes. 
         [0004]    2. General Background and State of the Art 
         [0005]    A dog often steps over its leash, so that the owner and the dog walk for blocks with the leash chafing under the dog&#39;s front leg, or worse—depending on the dog&#39;s gender and after-market modifications—between its hind legs. This grates on the nerves of an owner, who can&#39;t imagine any creature liking the experience and thinks it tacky to walk a dog that way. An owner also finds it awkward to regain control of the leash—negotiating with the dog, flipping the leash around as if trying to teach the dog to jump rope, and finally reaching down, picking up the dog&#39;s foot, and repositioning the leash. Walking the dog should be fun. This isn&#39;t. 
         [0006]    The dog seems not to care. It recently dawned on the inventor that the dog&#39;s center of mass is close to its shoulders and, with leash passing under-shoulder, the dog can&#39;t easily be pulled off its front feet. Keeping a balanced weight distribution, the dog can pull with all four legs. Having thus secured a mechanical advantage, the dog has a big vote in deciding where to go and at what pace. Indeed, the inventor might have discovered yet another clever adaptation of a species already known for its intelligence—the leash-under-shoulder trick for controlling a two-footed companion. 
         [0007]    What would be appreciated is a graceful, inconspicuous approach to getting a leash out from between the legs of a dog. 
       INVENTION SUMMARY 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved restraint for walking a quadruped companion, especially a dog having the annoying habit of stepping over its leash and pulling with the leash between its legs. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, a pet restraint, comprising a collar and a leash, the leash having a first end and a second end and a sliding range determined lengthwise thereon between the first end and the second end, the leash being retained on the collar and being lengthwise slideable within the sliding range relative to the collar. While the sliding range is determined between the ends, the leash can&#39;t slide completely out of engagement with the collar. 
         [0010]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash includes a blocking portion proximate an end thereof and the blocking portion cooperates with the collar to limit the sliding range. 
         [0011]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash includes a loop proximate an end thereof. 
         [0012]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash further includes a loop proximate the blocking portion. 
         [0013]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash is retained on the collar over approximately 180 degrees around the collar. 
         [0014]    A blocking portion can be distal or proximal to the loop, depending on the type of blocking portion and how it is to be un-blocked when the leash is to be disengaged from the collar. A blocking portion is formed with a knot, an extrusion, an injection molding, a ring, a tube, a perforated ball, a dowel, or other suitable, common structure. 
         [0015]    Also in accordance with the present invention, a pet restraint comprises a collar including at least one leash-retaining portion and a leash having a first end, a second end, a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a sliding range within the length, the leash passing through the leash-retaining portion and being slideable, within the sliding range, relative to the leash-retaining portion. 
         [0016]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash includes a blocking portion proximate an end thereof and the blocking portion cooperates with the collar to determine a limit of the sliding range. 
         [0017]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash passes through the leash-retaining portion of the collar at a plurality of locations and the leash-retaining portion includes a leash-guiding structure between the locations. 
         [0018]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash-retaining portion is formed integrally with the collar. 
         [0019]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash-retaining portion subtends substantially 180 degrees around the collar. 
         [0020]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash-retaining portion includes a stiffened leash-guiding portion. 
         [0021]    In another exemplary embodiment, the blocking portion is configurable either to pass through the leash-receiving portion or to interfere with the leash-retaining portion. 
         [0022]    In another exemplary embodiment, the blocking portion includes a first segment formed and dimensioned to be passable through the leash-retaining portion of the collar and a second segment formed and dimensioned to be passable through the leash-retaining portion of the collar, the second segment being operatively connectable to the first segment in a first configuration such that the first segment and the second segment together are passable through the leash-retaining portion of the collar, the second segment being operatively connectable to the first segment in a second configuration such that the first segment and the second segment together are impassable through the leash-retaining portion of the collar. 
         [0023]    In another exemplary embodiment, the leash includes a loop proximate an end thereof and wherein the loop includes a blocking portion, the blocking portion being manipulable to be passable through the leash-retaining portion or to be impassable therethrough. 
         [0024]    A leash-retaining portion of a collar includes a ring, a tube, a coil, or a conduit or other structure suitable for slidably retaining a leash on a collar of a pet such as a dog. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first segment and the second segment are rotatably connected via a beveled joint, the joint being manually manipulable to stabilize the second segment relative to the first segment in the first configuration or, alternatively, in the second configuration. 
         [0026]    The blocking portion can also be formed on the loop. 
         [0027]    Also in accordance with the present invention, a pet restraint comprises a collar and a leash, the leash having a first end and a second end, the leash and collar cooperating either to retain the leash on the collar in lengthwise sliding relation to the collar within the sliding range, or to release the leash from the collar. 
         [0028]    In another exemplary embodiment, the releasing cooperation includes endwise escape of an end of the leash from the collar. 
         [0029]    In another exemplary embodiment, the endwise escape is facilitated by a torsionally configurable locking interference mechanism. 
         [0030]    In another exemplary embodiment, the endwise escape is facilitated by a slidingly configurable locking interference mechanism. 
         [0031]    In another exemplary embodiment, the releasing cooperation includes sideways escape of the leash from the collar. 
         [0032]    Also in accordance with the present invention, a pet restraint comprises a pet collar, a guide attachable to and detachable from said pet collar; and a leash slidingly disposable through said guide and configurable to be held thereon via either end of said leash. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numbers and wherein: 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view thereof; 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view thereof; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 4-6  are shortened views of exemplary embodiments of a leash in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view thereof; 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 14-17  are partial perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIGS. 18-19  are partial cross-sectional views of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 20  is a partial side view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIGS. 21-22  are partial perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0049]      FIG. 23  is a partial cross sectional view of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 21-22 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 24  is a partial side view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 26  is a partial side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 27  is a view including a section of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 25 ; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 28  is a combined perspective and partial sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint showing stop canisters and a caribiner. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0055]    The invention will now be described in the context of handling a dog with reference to  FIG. 1 , which represents schematically an exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shown generally at  40 , having a collar  42  and a leash  44 . The leash  44  has a first end  46  and a second end  48 . A first blocking portion  50  is disposed on the leash  44  proximate the first end  46 . A second blocking portion  52  is disposed on the leash  44  proximate the second end  48 . A sliding range  54  is determined lengthwise on the leash  44  between the first blocking portion  50  and the second blocking portion  52 . The leash  44  is retained on the collar  42  and is lengthwise slideable within the sliding range  54 , between locations A-A and B-B on the leash  44 , relative to the collar  42 . 
         [0056]    As represented in  FIG. 1  and described in the preceding paragraph, the leash  44  is retained on the collar  42  in the most general sense, which sense is intended to include any structure providing for restraint of a dog wearing the collar  42  when at least one of the first end  46  and the second end  48  of the leash  44  is held in tensile relation to the collar  42 . At a comparable level of generality, the first blocking portion  50  includes any structure interfering with the collar  42  in a manner preventing the first end  46  of the leash  44  from disengaging from the collar  42  when the second end  48  alone of the leash  44  is held in tensile relation to the collar  42 . Such is likewise true, swapping end for end, for the second blocking portion  52 . 
         [0057]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , a handler may hold the leash  44  by the second end  48  while the dog pulls the collar  42  away until the first blocking portion  50  interferes with the collar  42 , whereupon the leash  44  is in tensile relation to the collar  42 . When the dog steps over the leash  42 , so that the leash becomes entrained between the dog&#39;s chest and front leg or, as will also happen on occasion, between the dog&#39;s hind legs, the handler may approach the dog, grasp the first end  46  of the leash  44 , and release the second end  48  of the leash  44 . As the dog again pulls away, the leash  44  will slide relative to the collar  42  until the second blocking portion  52  interferes with the collar  42 , whereupon tension is conveniently reestablished, the leash  44  extending directly to the collar  44  at the dog&#39;s neck without passing beneath the dog. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shows a dog wearing a collar  42  to which is attached a leash  44  having a first end  46 , as second end  48 , a first blocking portion  50 , a second blocking portion  52 , a first loop  56 , and a second loop  58 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 3 , a partial perspective view of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shows a collar  42  and a leash  44  with first end  46 , second end  48 , first blocking portion  50 , second blocking portion  52 , first loop  56 , and second loop  58 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a half-ring  60  anchored in the collar  42 . 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the half-ring  60  retains the leash  44  on the collar  42 . The half-ring  60 , the first blocking portion  50  and the second blocking portion  52  are formed and dimensioned such that neither the first blocking portion  50  nor the second blocking portion  52  is passable through the half-ring  60 . Thus, the leash  44  may be held either by the first end  46  (with the second blocking portion  52  and half-ring  60  cooperating to prevent disengagement of the leash  44  from the collar  42 ) or by the second end  48  (with the first blocking portion  50  and half-ring  60  cooperating to prevent disengagement of the leash  44  from the collar  42 ). With the handler holding the second end  48  of the leash  44 , when the dog steps over the leash  42 , the handler may approach the dog, grasp the first end  46  of the leash  44 , and release the second end  48  of the leash  44 . As the dog again pulls away, the leash  44  will slide relative to the collar  42  until the second blocking portion  52  interferes with the half-ring  60  of the collar  42 , whereupon tension is conveniently reestablished, the leash  44  extending directly to the collar  44  at the dog&#39;s neck without passing beneath the dog. 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the collar  42  and leash  44  may be formed of leather, fabric (nylon, polyester, or the like), rubber, rope or other commonly available materials. The half-ring  60  may be formed of metal, polymer, or the like, may be stiff or limp, so long as it cooperates with the leash  44  and balls  52  and  54  as shown and described, and may be attached to the collar  42  by commonly available means such as stitching, embedding, molding, tying, or bolting. The loops  56  and  58  may be formed by any convenient means of attaching leash material to itself or to a solid object, such as by stitching, gluing, tacking, or welding. The balls  52  and  54  may be formed of rubber, wood, metal, polymer, glass or the like. 
         [0062]      FIG. 4 , a shortened view of an exemplary embodiment of a leash  44  in accordance with the present invention, shows the leash  44  having a first end  46 , second end  48 , first loop  56 , second loop  58 , first ball  62  and second ball  64 . Notably, the first loop  56  is proximal to the first ball  62 ; likewise, the second loop  58  is proximal to the second ball  64 . Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the first ball  62  and second ball  64  determine a sliding range  55  which extends from location C-C to location D-D on the leash  44  and includes the first loop  56  and the second loop  58  of the leash  44 . Accordingly, when the handler holds the second end  48  of the leash  44 , the first ball  62  will interfere with the collar  42  (at the half-ring  60  thereof,  FIG. 3 , for example), thereby preventing disengagement of the first end  46  of the leash  44  from the collar  42 . With the handler holding the second end  48  of the leash  44  (either by the second loop  58 , by the second ball  64 , or by some other, intermediate portion of the leash  44 ), when the dog steps over the leash  42 , the handler may approach the dog, grasp the first ball  62  of the leash  44  (which is likely then abutting the half-ring  60 ) and release the second end  48  of the leash  44 . As the dog again pulls away, the leash  44  will slide relative to the collar  42  until the second ball  64  interferes with the half-ring  60  of the collar  42 , whereupon tension is conveniently reestablished, the leash  44  extending directly to the collar  44  at the dog&#39;s neck without passing beneath the dog. It will be noted that the second loop  58 , being proximal to the second ball  64  in this exemplary embodiment, will not dangle free if the leash  44  is in tensile relation to the collar  42  and is, therefore, less likely to become ensnared in shrubbery or the like. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5 , a shortened view of another exemplary embodiment of a leash  44  in accordance with the present invention, shows the leash  44  having a first end  46 , second end  48 , first loop  56 , second loop  58 , and first knot  66  and second knot  68  tied in the leash  44 . The first knot  66  and second knot  68  determine a sliding range  54  which extends from location C-C to location D-D on the leash  44  and includes the first loop  56  and the second loop  58  of the leash  44 . Accordingly, when the handler holds the second end  48  of the leash  44 , the first knot  66  will interfere with the collar  42  (at the half-ring  60  thereof,  FIG. 3 , for example), thereby preventing disengagement of the first end  46  of the leash  44  from the collar  42  and placing the first loop  56  near the collar  42 , where it may later be reached for. With the handler holding the second end  48  of the leash  44  (either by the second loop  58  or by some other, intermediate portion of the leash  44 ), when the dog steps over the leash  42 , the handler may approach the dog, grasp the first loop  56  of the leash  44  (which is likely then located close to the half-ring  60 ) and release the second end  48  of the leash  44 . As the dog again pulls away, the leash  44  will slide relative to the collar  42  until the second knot  68  interferes with the half-ring  60  of the collar  42 , whereupon tension is conveniently reestablished, the leash  44  extending directly to the collar  44  at the dog&#39;s neck without passing beneath the dog. It will be noted that the second loop  58 , being distal to the second knot  68  in this exemplary embodiment, is then positioned near the collar  42  where it may easily be reached. 
         [0064]      FIG. 6 , a shortened view of another exemplary embodiment of a leash  44  in accordance with the present invention, shows the leash  44  having a first end  46 , second end  48 , first loop  56 , second loop  58 , first stopping ring  70  and second stopping ring  72 . The first stopping ring  70  and second stopping ring  72  determine a sliding range  54  which extends from location C-C to location D-D on the leash  44  and includes the first loop  56  and the second loop  58  of the leash  44 . Accordingly, when the handler holds the second end  48  of the leash  44 , the first stopping ring  70  will interfere with the collar  42  (at the half-ring  60  thereof,  FIG. 3 , for example), thereby preventing disengagement of the first end  46  of the leash  44  from the collar  42  and placing the first loop  56  near the collar  42 , where it may later be reached for. With the handler holding the second end  48  of the leash  44  (either by the second loop  58  or by some other, intermediate portion of the leash  44 ), when the dog steps over the leash  42 , the handler may approach the dog, grasp the first loop  56  of the leash  44  (which is likely then located close to the half-ring  60 ) and release the second end  48  of the leash  44 . As the dog again pulls away, the leash  44  will slide relative to the collar  42  until the second stopping ring  72  interferes with the half-ring  60  of the collar  42 , whereupon tension is conveniently reestablished, the leash  44  extending directly to the collar  44  at the dog&#39;s neck without passing beneath the dog. It will be noted that the second loop  58 , being distal to the second stopping ring  72  in this exemplary embodiment, is then positioned near the collar  42  where it may easily be reached. The rings  70  and  72  are formed of any suitably strong and rigid material such as metal or nylon and may be attached to the leash  44  by knotting, stitching, rivets, tacks, or the like. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7 , a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shown generally at  40 , shows a collar  42  and a leash  44 . The leash  44  has a first end  46  and a second end  48 . A first blocking portion  50  is disposed on the leash  44  proximate the first end  46 , which forms a first loop  56  distal to the first blocking portion  50 . A second blocking portion  52  is disposed on the leash  44  proximate the second end  48 , which forms a second loop  58  distal to the second blocking portion  52 . A sliding range  54  is determined lengthwise on the leash  44  between the first blocking portion  50  and the second blocking portion  52 . 
         [0066]    With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the collar  42  includes a leash-retaining portion  74  having a first leash-receiving end  76  and a second leash-receiving end  78 . As shown in  FIG. 7  and as described in this paragraph, the leash-retaining portion  74  extends, in the most general sense, between the first leash-receiving end  76  and the second leash-receiving end  78 . At a comparable level of generality, the leash-retaining portion  74  includes any structure operatively connected to the collar in a manner preventing the leash  44  from disengaging from the collar  42  when at least one of the first end  46  and the second end  48  of the leash  44  is held in tensile relation to the collar  42 , whereby the leash  44  is retained on the collar  42  and is lengthwise slideable within the sliding range  54 , between locations A-A and B-B on the leash  44 , relative to the collar  42 . 
         [0067]    With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , a handler may hold the leash  44  by the second end  48  while the dog pulls the collar  42  away until the first blocking portion  50  interferes with the first leash-receiving end  76  of the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42 , whereupon the leash  44  is in tensile relation to the collar  42 . When the dog steps over the leash  42 , the handler may approach the dog, grasp the first end  46  of the leash  44 , and release the second end  48  of the leash  44 . As the dog again pulls away, the leash  44  will slide relative to the collar  42  until the second blocking portion  52  interferes with the second blocking portion  52  interferes with the second leash-receiving end  78  of the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42 , whereupon tension is conveniently reestablished, the leash  44  extending directly to the collar  44  at the dog&#39;s neck without passing beneath the dog. 
         [0068]      FIG. 8 , a perspective view of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shows a dog wearing a collar  42  including a leash-retaining portion  74  having a first leash-receiving end  76  and a second leash-receiving end  78  located about half-way around the collar (i.e., about 180 degrees around the collar) from the first leash-receiving end  76 . The leash-retaining portion  74  in this exemplary embodiment is formed by stitching a strip of material onto the collar  42  loosely enough to accommodate the leash  44  passing beneath it, yet tightly enough to form the first leash-receiving end  76  and the second leash-receiving end  78  so that they will interfere with the first stopping ring  70  and the second stopping ring  72 , respectively. A leash  44  is shown having a first end  46 , as second end  48 , a first stopping ring  70 , a second stopping ring  72 , a first loop  56 , and a second loop  58 . 
         [0069]    With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , the first leash-receiving end  76  and the first stopping ring  70  are formed and dimensioned such that the first stopping ring  70  is not passable through the first leash-receiving end  76 . The same relationship holds for the second leash-receiving end  78  and the second stopping ring  72 . The leash  44  passes through the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42 .  FIG. 8  shows the leash  44  in tensile relation to the collar  42 , as when a handler holds the second end  48  of the leash  44 . Accordingly, as shown, the leash  44  has slid through the leash-retaining portion  74  and the first stopping ring  70  abuts the first leash-receiving end  76  of the leash-retaining portion  74 , preventing disengagement of the leash  44  from the collar  42 . In this condition, with the tension in the leash  44  coming from above and to the rear, the second leash-receiving end  78  of the leash-retaining portion  74  is oriented upward and the first leash-receiving end  76 , being half-way around the collar, is therefore oriented downward. 
         [0070]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8  after the dog has stepped over the leash  44 , with the result that the leash  44  is shown extending downward from the collar  42 , across the dog&#39;s chest, rearward between the dog&#39;s chest and shoulder, and then ascending rearward with the second end  48  positioned as if held in tension by the handler. Under downward tension from the leash  44 , the second leash-receiving end  78  of the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42  is oriented downward. Thus, the first leash-receiving end  76 , being half-way around the collar from the second leash-receiving end  78 , is oriented upward, close to the top of the dog&#39;s neck. Also due to the tension in the leash  44 , the first stopping ring  70  of the leash  44  at this time interferingly abuts the first leash-receiving end  76 . Thus, the first loop  56  of the leash  44  is thus held extending upward and positioned at the top of the dog&#39;s neck, where it may conveniently be grasped by the handler. 
         [0071]    With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the handler may then regain proper control of the dog&#39;s neck by grasping the first loop  56  of the leash  44 , releasing the second loop  58  of the leash  44 , and applying tension to the first end  46  of the leash  44  by pulling on the first loop  56 , whereupon the leash  44  will slide through the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42  until the second stopping ring  72  interferes with the second leash-receiving end  78 . Once again, the leash  44  will pass directly from the handler to the collar  42  on the dog&#39;s neck and not beneath the dog. The handler will have regained control of the dog&#39;s neck via the collar without engaging in any delicately timed maneuvers, manipulating the dog&#39;s leg, or distracting the dog. 
         [0072]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , an additional cooperation is observed between the leash  44  and the collar  42 : the collar  44 , namely that, when the dog pulls on the leash  44 , the leash-retaining portion  74  is squeezed between the first leash-receiving end  76  and the second leash-receiving end  78 . To a variable degree depending on how stiff the collar  44  is and how stiff the leash-retaining portion  74  is, tension on the leash  44  through the leash-retaining portion  74  tends to shorten or to ripple. As a result, the circumference of the collar  44  decreases, mildly constricting the collar on the dog&#39;s neck. This constriction, similar to that obtained with a commonly available choke-chain collar, might help to prevent the dog from backing out of the collar. However, constriction might also be regarded as being undesirable on the ground that it would make the dog uncomfortable or nervous. Additionally, any shortening or rippling of the leash-retaining portion  74  might cause the leash  44  to bind and not to slide as intended relative to the collar  44 . Considering these factors, it may be preferable to provide the collar  44 , the leash-retaining portion  74 , or both with sufficient stiffness to hold their native shape under the loads they are expected to bear. 
         [0073]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , the leash-retaining portion  74  is formed of any suitable material such as a tough nylon fabric, a sheet of reinforced rubber, or, for that matter, a spiral of a series of loops of heavy thread, wire, rope or the like, so long as a channel is provided on the collar  42  for the leash  44  to slide. 
         [0074]      FIG. 10 , a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shows a collar  42  having a first leash-retaining ring  80  and a second leash-retaining ring  82  each fixed about half-way around the collar from the other. Also shown is a leash  44  having a first end  46 , a second end  48 , a first loop  56 , a second loop  58 , a first ball  62 , and a second ball  64 . This exemplary embodiment functions in a manner similar to that described generally with reference to  FIG. 7  and more specifically with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . However, the embodiment shown by  FIG. 10  lacks structure, other than the collar  42  itself, between the first leash-retaining ring  80  and the second leash-retaining ring  82 . Therefore, this embodiment will be only as stiff as the collar  42 . Accordingly, if the collar  42  is formed of a limp material, such as a woven polyester strap, even mild tension on the leash  44  will cause the collar  42  to constrict about the dog&#39;s neck. Moreover, even with a stiff collar  42 , the leash  44  under tension will tend to bite into the dog&#39;s neck and chafe at the dog&#39;s fur or skin. In such a case, it is beneficial to form the leash  44  of a broad, slippery, abrasion-resistant material and to form the first leash-retaining ring  80  and the second leash-retaining ring  82  with smooth surfaces and gently curving edges. 
         [0075]      FIG. 11 , a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shows a collar  42  including a leash-retaining tube  84  which as been threaded onto the collar  44  before the collar  44  is closed. The leash-retaining tube  84  has a first leash-receiving orifice  86  and a second leash-receiving orifice  88  located about half-way around the collar (i.e., about 180 degrees around the collar) from the first leash-receiving orifice  86 . The leash-retaining tube  84  in this exemplary embodiment is formed of polyvinyl chloride, nylon, hard rubber, polyethylene, metal, or the like. Also shown is a leash  44  having a first ball  62 , a second ball  64 , a first loop  56 , a second loop  58 , a first end  46  and a second end  48 . 
         [0076]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 11 , the leash  44  is slideably disposed in the leash-retaining tube  84 . The first leash-receiving orifice  86  and the first ball  62  are formed and dimensioned such that the first ball  62  is not passable through the first leash-receiving orifice  86 . The same relationship holds for the second ball  64  and the second leash-receiving orifice  88 . In use, this exemplary embodiment functions in the manner described above with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . However, this embodiment does not require stitching in order to provide structure between the first leash-receiving orifice  86  and the second leash-receiving orifice  88 , thereby substituting a simple assembly step for a more capital-intensive processing step. If the leash-retaining tube  84  is formed of a relatively limp material, tension on the leash  44  will more readily lead to constriction of the collar  44  on the dog&#39;s neck and also possibly to binding of the leash  44  relative to the collar  42 . 
         [0077]    With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , the leash-retaining tube  84  is formed of polyvinyl chloride, rubber, polyester, polyethylene, metal, fabric, or the like and may have its ends reinforced with metal or another suitably rigid and abrasion resistant material. The materials of the leash-retaining tube  84  and that of the collar  42  are selected and dimensioned to provide a desirable degree of stiffness for the overall combination of the leash-retaining tube  84  and the collar  42 , with consideration given to the loads expected from dogs the collar  42  will fit. If a given structure experiences excessive binding, constriction or deformation under load, it may be redesigned or reformulated for greater stiffness. If it is too stiff, it might be made softer. 
         [0078]      FIG. 12 , a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention, shows a collar  42  including a leash-retaining portion  74  having a first leash-receiving end  76  with a first reinforcing ring  92  and a second leash-receiving end  78 , with a second reinforcing ring  94 , located about half-way around the collar (i.e., about 180 degrees around the collar) from the first leash-receiving end  76 . The leash-retaining portion  74  in this exemplary embodiment is attached by stitching  90  to the collar  42  and is stitched loosely enough to accommodate the leash  44  passing beneath it. The first reinforcing ring  92  and the second reinforcing ring  94  are formed and dimensioned so that they will interfere with the first ball  62  and the second ball  64 , respectively, and are formed of a material, such as nylon or metal, tough enough to resist abrasion by the leash  44  and forceful impingement of the first ball  62  and second ball  64 . A leash  44  is shown having a first end  46 , a second end  48 , a first ball  62 , a second ball  64 , a first loop  56 , and a second loop  58 . This embodiment closely resembles that shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , but shows the stitched leash-retaining portion  74  in greater detail, adds the first reinforcing ring  92  and second reinforcing ring  94 , and substitutes the first ball  62  and second ball  64  for the stopping rings  70  and  72  in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 13  shows a partial perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention including a collar  42  on which is formed a leash-retaining portion  74  which extends about a third of the way around the collar  42  and has a first leash-receiving end  76  equipped with a first reinforcing ring  92  and a second leash-receiving end  78  equipped with a second reinforcing ring  94 . A leash  44  is slideably disposed through the leash-retaining portion  74  and has a first end  46 , first loop  56 , second end  48 , and second loop  58 . Proximal to each of the first loop  56  and the second loop  58 , the leash  44  has a flattened rectangular first stopping segment  96  joined by a link  100  to a flattened rectangular second stopping segment  98 , which is joined to the first branch  102  and the second branch  104  of the first loop  56 . The same structure is found at the second end  48 . The link  100  is rotatable between two locked configuration. In the first locked configuration, the second stopping segment  98  is aligned with the first stopping segment  96  and both are passable through the first reinforcing ring  92 , first leash-receiving end  76 , leash-retaining portion  74 , second leash-receiving end  78  and second reinforcing ring  94 . In the second locked configuration, the second stopping segment  98  is misaligned with (oriented at 90 degrees relative to) the first stopping segment  96 , so that, although the first stopping segment  96  alone may pass into the first leash-receiving end  76 , the second stopping segment  98  will interfere with the first reinforcing ring  92 , preventing the first loop  56  from entering or passing through the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  44 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 14  shows a cross sectional view of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 13  including the collar  42 , first reinforcing ring  92 , first stopping segment  96  and link  100 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 15  shows a cross sectional view of the second stopping segment  98  superimposed over the structures earlier represented in  FIG. 14 . The second stopping segment  98  is shown misaligned with the first stopping segment  96  and, therefore, in interfering relation to the first reinforcing ring  92 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 16-17  show partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14-15  including the leash  44 , the first stopping segment  96 , the link  100 , the second stopping segment  98 , and the first branch  102  and second branch  104  of the first loop  56  (or the second loop  58 ). The first stopping segment  96  and the second stopping segment  98  are shown aligned in  FIG. 16  and misaligned in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0083]      FIGS. 18-19  show a cross sectional view of the first stopping segment  96 , the link  100  and the second stopping segment  98 . As shown in  FIGS. 19-20 , the link, which projects from the first stopping segment  96  (although it could as easily project the other way from the second stopping segment  98 ), has a key  106  with an enlarged head  108  the backside  110  of which is cut radially inward toward the key  106  to form four wings  107  each subtending approximately 45 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the shaft and spaced 90 degrees apart. A spring  111  is disposed against the head  108 . 
         [0084]    Correspondingly, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the second stopping segment  98  forms a keyway  112  having four teeth  114  which project radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the link  100 . It will be appreciated that the key  106  is insertable in the keyway  112 , whereupon it compresses the spring  111  within the keyway (the keyway is of finite length). The second stopping segment  98  can then be sealed up to permanently trap the key  106  in the keyway  112  while the spring  111  urges the key  106  backward, causing the wings  107  of the key  106  to engage the teeth  114  of the keyway  112  unless the key  106  is forced into the keyway  112 , which may be accomplished by grasping the first stopping segment  96  in one hand, the second stopping segment  98  in the other, and pressing the two toward one another. In this manner, the first stopping segment  96  and the second stopping segment  98  can be rotated relatively between aligned and misaligned configurations. This arrangement is preferred—i.e., the link  100  locks when under tension or when slack, and unlocks to allow a change of configuration only when the first stopping segment  96  and the second stopping segment  98  are pressed toward one another—because it is important to prevent disengagement of the leash  44  from the collar  42  when the dog is pulling. 
         [0085]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 13-20 , which may be regarded as illustrating an embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention employing a torsionally configurable locking interference mechanism, the collar  42  and leash  44  are formed as described previously herein for other embodiments. The first and second stopping segments  96  and  98  and the link  100  are formed of a strong metal or a stiff, high-tensile-strength polymer. The teeth  114  and the wings  107  are best made of high-strength steel. The spring  111  is preferably formed of spring steel. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 21-22  show partial perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention configured to prevent disengagement of the leash  44  from the collar  42  ( FIG. 21 ) and to allow disengagement and reengagement ( FIG. 22 ). 
         [0087]    In  FIG. 21 , the first loop  56 ) is shown approximated to the first reinforcing ring  92  at the first leash-receiving end  76  of the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42  with the leash  44  extending into the leash-retaining portion  74  and the first branch  102  and the second branch  104  of the first loop  56  projecting proximate the collar  42 . The first branch  102  and the second branch  104  are formed of a material having high tensile strength (such as nylon or a resin-impregnated fabric body) combined with a mild degree of stiffness so that, when pressed together side by side, they may be either pushed or pulled through the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42 —provided, of course, that they are not, in combination, too wide to pass through. The second branch  104  includes a serrated pedestal  116  projecting toward the first branch  102 . The first branch  102  includes a matchingly serrated wedge  118  projecting toward the second branch  104 .  FIG. 21  shows the wedge  118  in positioned to opposingly engage the pedestal  116 , such that the first branch  102  and the second branch  104  remain spaced apart. As a result, the first loop  56  is too wide to fit through the first reinforcing ring  92  and will not pass through the leash-retaining portion  74 . The leash  44  remains engaged with the collar  42 . 
         [0088]    In  FIG. 22 , the wedge  118 , which is movably attached to the first branch  102 , is shown offset relative to the pedestal  116 , such that the first branch  102  and the second branch  104  can be approximated one to another closely enough that the first loop  56  can pass through the leash-retaining portion  74 , allowing convenient disengagement of the leash  44  from the collar  42  when the dog is at home and the handler does not wish to remove the collar  42  from the dog. When it is time to reengage the leash  44  with the collar  42 , the handler may thread the first loop  56  through the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42  (either through the first leash-receiving end  76  or through the second leash-receiving end  78 ), an activity which the mildly stiff first branch  102  and second branch  104  makes easy. To assure sustained engagement of the leash  44  with the collar  42 , the handler need only make sure that the wedges  118  at both the first loop  56  and the second loop  58  are positioned in interfering opposition to the corresponding pedestals  116 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 23  shows a partial cross sectional view of this embodiment as shown in shown in  FIG. 21  including the collar  42  and the first reinforcing ring  92 , which is dimensioned to confine the first branch  102  with wedge  118  and second branch  104  with pedestal  116  in proper interfering opposition to one another so that, as is the visible result in  FIG. 23  as in  FIG. 21 , the first loop  56  is too wide to pass through the first reinforcing ring  92 . 
         [0090]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 21-23 , which may be regarded as illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention employing a slidingly configurable locking interference mechanism, the first and second branches  102  and  104  are formed of any material or combination of materials providing sufficient stiffness and strength to be pushed through the leash-retaining portion  74  of the collar  42  and to provide stable support and confinement for the pedestal  116  and the wedge  118 , which must be held properly in opposition in order to function in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0091]      FIG. 24  shows a partial perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention including a collar  42  on which are disposed spaced apart normally closed spring biased first carabiner  122  and second carabiner  124  and, therebetween, first and second leash-confining walls  126  and  128 . A leash  44  having first ball  62 , second ball  64 , first loop  56  and second loop  58  is disposed on the collar  42 , passing through the first carabiner  122  and second carabiner  124  and over the collar  4  between first and second leash-confining walls  126  and  128 , which prevent the leash  44  from shifting sideways and biting into the dog&#39;s neck when under tension. When it is desired to disengage the leash from the collar, the carabiners  122  and  124  are manually, momentarily forced open and the leash  44  is displaced sideways out of the carabiners  122  and  124  and out from between the intervening first and second leash-confining walls  126  and  128 . Carabiners  122  and  124  typically are formed of aluminum, steel or a high-strength polymer, derive their normally closed bias from an elastic structure of spring steel or elastic polymer, and may be anchored to the collar  42  by tacks, rivets, glue, stitching, embedding, or the like. The leash-confining walls  126  and  128  are formed of any material having sufficient stiffness to confine the leash  44  and sufficient flexibility to function comfortably as part of the collar  42 , and are attached to the collar  42  by such means as stitching, tacks, glue, rivets, embedding or the like (or may be formed integrally with the collar, as, for example, if the collar is injection-molded or formed as a composite of fibrous or granular material and resinous material. 
         [0092]      FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention including a collar  42  from which project a first hook  132  and a second hook  134 . A tubular leash guide  130  is firmly clamped beneath the first hook  132  and second hook  134 . A leash  44  is slidably disposed through the leash guide  130  and includes a first loop  56 , first ball  50 , second loop  58  and second ball  52 . This exemplary embodiment is distinguished in that the leash guide  130  may be disengaged by manipulating it out of the first and second hooks  132  and  134 , but is not likely to disengage unintentionally when the leash  44  is pulled, because the hooks  132  and  134  are oppositely oriented and proximate one another. 
         [0093]      FIG. 26  shows this embodiment in perspective viewing a portion of the collar  42  edge-on, including the first and second hooks  132  and  134 , which are held onto the collar  42  by a base assembly  136 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 27  shows this embodiment including the collar  42  (sectional view), base assembly  136 , first and second hooks  132  and  134 , leash guide  130  (sectional view) and leash  44  (also shown sectionally). Optionally, the base assembly  136  may include a bearing or other structure enabling it to swivel relative to the leash, thereby enabling the leash guide  130  to swivel responsive to tension on the leash  44 . Thus, when the dog steps over the leash with a front leg, the leash will draw one end of the leash guide  130  down toward the dog&#39;s chest, causing the other end to point upward, placing one loop  56  or  58  of the leash  44  within the handler&#39;s easy reach. Disengagement of the leash guide  130  from the hooks  132  and  134  leaves the dog with collar  42  free of the leash  44 , which remains disposed through the leash guide  130 . In another alternative embodiment, the hooks  130  and  132  are fixed on the leash guide  130  rather than on the collar  42 , and dimension the hooks  130  and  132  to engage the collar  42  or a portion thereof, such as a bar or eyelets installed on the collar  42 . 
         [0095]      FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a pet restraint in accordance with the present invention including a collar  42 , a carabiner  138  engaged with the collar  42 , a leash-guiding ring  140  engaged with the carabiner  138 , and a leash  44  slidably disposed through the leash-guiding ring  140 . The leash  44  has first loop  56  and second loop  58  for hand-holding, a first stop canister  142 , and a second stop canister  144 . Each stop canister  142 ,  144  is rigid, is too large to fit through the leash-guiding ring  140 , and has an interior space sufficient for holding a small article such as a crumpled or folded waste-disposal bag, a key, or a pet food item; and additionally may be windowed (open, screened, or transparent) for viewing its contents, may be openable to allow access to the contents and closable to secure them, and may be uniquely colored so that the stop canisters  142 ,  144  are distinguishable one from the other. Thus, each stop canister  142 ,  144  serves both to keep the leash  44  engaged with the collar  44  regardless of which loop  56 ,  58  the handler is holding, and to provide the handler with a convenient place to stow items associated with the activity of walking the pet. The carabiner  138 , being openable in the customary way (see curved arrow indicating arc of opening of hinged carabiner  138 ), provides for easy coupling and decoupling of the leash  44  and the collar  42 . Optionally, the carabiner  138  is dimensioned relative to the stop canisters  142  and  144  such that they are too large to pass through the carabiner  138 , so that the leash-guiding ring  140  can be omitted and the leash  44  can be passed through the carabiner  138 . However, this arrangement may forcefully and repeatedly bring the stop canisters  142  and  144  into contact with the collar  42 , defacing the collar  42  or the stop canisters  142  and  144 . Alternatively, a leash-guiding ring  140  is integrated with the carabiner  138  as illustrated. 
         [0096]      FIG. 28  also shows a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the stop canister  142  including windowed inner cylindrical wall  146  and a windowed outer cylindrical wall  148  which is rotatable relative to the inner cylinder  146  to align or misalign the respective windows, opening and closing the stop canister  142 . Flanged leash ends  150  and  152  engage the stop canisters  142  and  144  (stop canister  144 , constructed in the same manner as stop canister  142 , is illustrated schematically). Many common structures are effective to join the leash  44  and loops  56  and  58  to the stop canisters  142  and  144 . For example, the illustrated flanged leash ends  150  and  152  engage the stop canisters  142  and  144  while allowing rotation of the leash  44  and loops  56  and  58  relative to the stop canisters  142  and  144 . Other examples include a loop-and ring, knot-and-ring, crimp, weld, or the like. It is important that each stop canister  142  and  144  be constructed and joined to the leash  44  with enough tensile strength, hardness, and stiffness to survive the tension of restraining a strong dog and the impingement of the stop canisters  142  and  144  upon the leash-guiding ring  140  or carabiner  138 . Thus, steel or heavy-duty, high-strength plastic is recommended. The leash  42  may also include the illustrated leash segment  154  bypassing each stop canister  142  and  144  to divert tension past the walls  144  and  146  when the dog pulls. To take advantage of this embodiment, a person walking a dog may place a house key in one stop canister  142  and an empty plastic bag (for collecting dog droppings) in the other stop canister  144 . Later, the bag is appropriately disposed of and the key retrieved. Alternatively, a pet identification or a pet treat may be stored. 
         [0097]    As can be seen from the drawing figures and from the description, each embodiment of the pet restraint in accordance with the present invention solves a problem by addressing the need for a graceful, convenient, secure way of re-routing the leash after the pet steps over it—by allowing recovery of the opposite end of the leash from a location near the dog&#39;s neck and, preferably, in a convenient upward orientation at the dorsal aspect of the dog&#39;s neck. Certain embodiments also provide convenient disengagement and reengagement of the leash from the collar—endwise, others sideways. One provides for disengagement of a leash guide from a collar, the leash remaining disposed through the leash guide. Others also provide a mildly constrictive response of the collar to tension on the leash. Some have more moving parts, others fewer. While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present invention without departing from the inventive concept. Appended to this description are claims intended to aid in the understanding of the invention.