Abstract:
Disclosed is an ergonomic animal leash intended for animals such as dogs, horses and circus animals. The leash has a gripping handle that permits a user to grasp the first or upper handle with substantially more strength than that afforded by typical leashes. Further, the animal leash also has a second gripping handle which permits the user to quickly and safely closer control over the tethered animal.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to animal leashes and relates more specifically to animal leashes which have been designed in an ergonomic fashion. More specifically, the invention relates to animal leashes that feature one or more ergonomic gripping handles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many dog leashes have only one looped handle for restricting the animal&#39;s movement. This design forces the handler to seek an additional grip when closer, tighter or firmer control of the animal is required. This can mean grasping the leash between thumb and forefinger, and for stronger control, wrapping the leash several times around the hand. With the first method, the animal may be able to pull away because of slippage and inefficient gripping, resulting in significant rope burn or even restriction of the hand as the animal pulls. Wrapping the hand takes additional time and restricts the flexibility and movement of the hand. 
     Alternatively, it may be necessary to exert closer control over the animal in certain circumstances. Examples include walking an animal near traffic, in close quarters such as elevators, or in crowds of people. Typically, a second grip is accomplished by grasping the far end of the leash (nearest the animal) between thumb and forefinger. As noted, this method usually fails to provide sufficient gripping strength. Further, the leash can be difficult to grasp and grip quickly in this manner. 
     One solution was disclosed by Kraus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,11363,810, who described a two looped flexible animal control tether. Kraus taught a dog leash in which a second loop is added near the animal attachment point. While this second flexible loop provided an improved way to exert close control over an animal, it nevertheless is difficult to grasp in a short period of time, and is not an efficient or ergonomically effective grip. The user typically would not be touching the second, close control loop unless necessary. If immediate close control is required, the user will fumble with properly grasping the second loop. 
     Loops such as those described by Kraus are typically held by placing one&#39;s hand through the loop so that the leash dangles from the user&#39;s wrist. If firmer control is needed, the user can then grasp the leash just below the loop handle. However, the only way to grasp the leash is between thumb and forefinger, which exerts only a limited amount of holding power, and slippage occurs. Typically, if the loop itself is held, only the first two finger joints are used. This is relatively weak compared to a full hand. 
     Consequently, a need remains for an animal leash which has a first handle which is easily and quickly grasped for the firmest control, and a second handle which can be easily and quickly grasped if close control is necessary. Preferably, the first and second handles are designed in an ergonomic fashion, allowing the user to surround the handle completely with the hand in the strongest fully closed position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the invention is found in an animal leash which has a first end having a typical loop and further including a first ergonomic gripping handle and for close control a second end including a second ergonomic gripping handle. The ergonomic animal leash of the invention permits a user to comfortably hold a leash in the normal manner, yet quickly and safely grasp the first gripping handle when additional strength is required. If close control is required, the user can quickly and safely grasp the second gripping handle. 
     Specifically, the invention is found in an ergonomic animal leash having an elongate body including a strap. The leash has a first end having a loop handle and a first ergonomic gripping handle; and a second end having a second ergonomic gripping handle and a clip suitable for attaching to an animal collar. The first ergonomic gripping handle and the second ergonomic gripping handle permit a user to quickly and easily grasp the leash with the strongest possible hold, surrounding the object handle with the most natural and strongest grip. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the ergonomic animal leash of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the leash shown in FIG. 1, showing how the strap material forms the first loop and how the clamshell gripping handles are attached. 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the leash shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first or upper gripping handle, taken alone the  4 — 4  line of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second or lower gripping handle, taken along the  5 — 5  line of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the ergonomic animal leash of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the animal leash shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the ergonomic animal leash of the invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the animal leash shown in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the animal leash shown in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first or upper gripping handle, taken along the  11 — 11  line of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the first gripping handle of the ergonomic animal leash of the invention. 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the second gripping handle of the ergonomic animal leash of the invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of an animal leash bearing the first gripping handle shown in FIG.  12 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention is best understood within the context of the drawings, in which similar reference numbers are used to denote similar objects or structures in multiple drawings. FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows an animal leash  100  which has a strap  110 , a first loop  140  and a first ergonomic gripping handle  120 . The strap  110  also has a second ergonomic gripping handle  130 , a clip  160  and an intervening strap portion  150 . The strap  110  can be made from a variety of materials known to those of skill in the art. Typically, the strap  110  is made of nylon or leather, although other materials are also possible. Typically, strap  110  is flat, although round, rope-like leashes are also possible. While dog leashes can vary substantially in length, the animal leash  100  of the invention is preferably 4 to 12 feet in length, more preferably 4 to 6 feet in length. 
     Construction of the animal leash  100  can be described using FIG. 2, which is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the invention. The first end of the animal leash  100  (the end nearest the user) has a loop  140  which is formed from a portion of strap  110 . The loop  140  terminates in end  144 , which can be held in place by first gripping handle  120 . Preferably, however, the loop  140  is formed by securing end  144  to the strap  110  prior to attaching the gripping handle  120 . This can be accomplished via sewing or by the use of adhesives. In this instance, the first gripping handle  120  can be slipped over the completed loop  140 . The gripping handle  120  also could be used to secure the loop, thereby obviating the need for adhesives or sewing or the like when forming the loop  140 . 
     First gripping handle  120  has an upper portion  122  and a lower portion  124 . In this embodiment, upper portion  122  and lower portion  124  are secured to each other and to the strap  110  via a snap connection or rivet between them (not illustrated). 
     Alternatively, upper portion  122  and lower portion  124  can be attached to each other by an adhesive. Each portion  122 ,  124  of the first gripping handle  120  can be made from wood or a variety of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics. The first gripping handle  120  can also be made from softer, partially compliant materials such as rubber for improved user comfort. Alternately, the first gripping handle  120  can also be made from a firm material which is then covered with a pliant material. The first gripping handle  120  can be either a solid shape or a shell. Obviously, the securement method may vary depending on the material and shape of first gripping handle  120 . The upper and lower portions  122  and  124  may be identical and therefore reversible clamshells for efficient manufacture, allowing for reduced tooling and manufacturing costs. 
     In a similar fashion, lower or second gripping handle  130  is also seen as having two portions, an upper portion  133  and a lower portion  135 . As with the first gripping handle  120 , the second gripping handle can be secured to the strap  110  via a snap connection or by the use of adhesives. The lower gripping handle  130  is located about 8 to 24 inches, preferably about 10 inches, from the end of the leash. The lower gripping handle  130  can be either solid or hollow, and can be made from a variety of materials including wood and thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics. As with the upper gripping handle  120 , lower gripping handle can be firm or pliant. The upper and lower portions  133  and  135  may be identical and therefore reversible clamshells for efficient manufacture, allowing for reduced tooling and manufacturing costs. 
     In the embodiments shown in the figures, second gripping handle  130  is substantially smaller then first gripping handle  120 . This is possible because the second gripping handle  130  is much closer to the animal. Consequently, grasping the second gripping handle means that the animal has a smaller range of motion and therefore can not exert as much force. In contrast, the animal can exert substantially more force if the user only holds onto the first gripping handle  120 . The second gripping handle  130  can, however, be the same size as first gripping handle  120 . This would be beneficial in controlling manufacturing costs, for example. 
     The Figures show a first gripping handle  120  and a second gripping handle  130  which are fixed in position. As contemplated by the invention, however, these gripping handles  120  and  130  can also be moveable. This could allow for the user to make adjustments to better conform the animal leash  100  to their preferences. For example, one may wish to move second gripping handle  130  even closer to the animal attachment point, for even closer control. Alternately, either the first gripping handle  120  or the second gripping handle  130  could be moved towards the center of animal leash  100 , thereby creating an intermediate control position. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing handles which engage the leash with a releasable friction device that would allow the handle to slide along the leash to a desired location. Further, the handles could be removable from the leash to be reset at different locations as desired. 
     As shown in the Figures, the gripping handles  120  and  130  can be substantially round or substantially oval to fit comfortably inside the hand. Substantially round means that the component in question is predominantly round but may have portions which are flattened or otherwise modified. This can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which second gripping handle  130  is seen as having a predominantly round shape which has been flattened on one or more sides. Alternatively, second gripping handle  130  could be completely round. Substantially oval means that the component in question is predominantly oval, but may be partially flattened or lengthened in one dimension. This is exhibited in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which first gripping handle is seen as having an essentially round shape which has been elongated in the direction of the length of the strap  110 , i.e., like a flattened egg. 
     The first gripping handle  120  can range in size, depending on the intended end user of the animal leash. As noted, the first gripping handle  120  can be partially flattened or lengthened in one dimension. As a result, its longest dimension (preferably parallel to the long axis of the strap  110 ) can range from about 1.5 to 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, first gripping handle  120  is about 2 inches in length. The next longest dimension of the first gripping handle  120  is about 1 to 2 inches, preferably about 1.5 inches in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the strap  110 . Finally, the first gripping handle  120  may have a third dimension that is perpendicular to both dimensions already described. The third dimension can range from about 0.5 to 1.5 inches, preferably about 1 inch. 
     The second gripping handle  130  can also range in size. Preferably, second gripping handle  130  is substantially round, with a diameter that ranges from about 1 to 2 inches. In a preferred embodiment, this diameter is about 1.5 inches. The second gripping handle  130  can also be partially flattened in one dimension. If so, the second gripping handle  130  can have a second dimension that ranges from about 0.75 to 1.25, preferably about 1 inch. However, the second gripping handle  130  can be essentially the same size and shape of the first gripping handle  120 , as discussed. 
     The first gripping handle  120  is better seen in FIG. 4, which is a crosssectional view taken along the  4 — 4  line of FIG.  2 . In this view, the substantially oval first gripping handle  120  is seen as having an upper portion  122  and a lower portion  124 . Further, the first gripping handle  120  also has a rectangular aperture  112  suitable for accepting the strap  110 . The aperture  112  can also be round to accept rope-like leads, which are commonly used. Similarly, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second gripping handle  130 , taken along the  5 — 5  line of FIG.  2 . In this embodiment, the second gripping handle  130  is seen as having a rectangular aperture  137 . Aperture  137  can also be round, to accommodate a round, rope-like leash. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7 are, respectively, top plan and bottom plan views of a second embodiment of the invention. As before, animal leash  600  includes a strap  610 , a loop handle  640 , lower strap portion  650  and a clip  660 . While strap  610  and handle  640  are of similar construction to the animal leash  100  shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the difference in this embodiment involves attachment of the first gripping handle  620  and second gripping handle  630  to strap  610 . FIGS. 6 and 7 show the upper and lower portions (not illustrated) of the first gripping handle  620  secured to each other and to the strap via the use of a bolt or machine screw  626  and a nut  628 . Alternatively, a rivet (not illustrated) could also be used. 
     FIGS. 8 through 11 illustrate a third embodiment of the animal leash  800  of the invention. Again, construction of the strap  810  and loop handle  840  are identical. In the embodiment pictured, first gripping handle  820  and second gripping handle  830  are shown attached to the strap  810  via snap fittings with aperture  812  being provided for the strap. Alternatively, a bolt and nut arrangement (as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7) could also be used. The second gripping handle  830 , having an upper portion  833  and a lower portion  835 , is also similar to those previously described. Instead, the first gripping handle  820  has a different shape. This embodiment of the first gripping handle  820  is more contoured than those illustrated in the previous Figures. 
     This is best seen in FIG. 9, which is a cross-sectional view of the first gripping handle  820 . Upper portion  822  and  824  are more directionally contoured to fit an average human hand. This first gripping handle  820  is considered to be an ergonomically contoured gripping handle. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the gripping handle  820 , taken along the  11 — 11  line of FIG. 9, in which upper portion  822  and lower portion  824  are connected to each other via snap connections. Of course, other attachment methods, as discussed, could also be used. 
     FIGS. 12 through 14 show a fourth embodiment of the ergonomic animal leash  1200  of the invention. FIG. 12 shows upper portion  1222  and identical but reversed lower portion  1224 , which have a slightly different shape than that shown in FIGS. 7 through 11. Also seen is an aperture  1214  which is intended to receive a nut and bolt or rivet arrangement. FIG. 13 illustrates a second gripping handle  1330  in which upper portion  1333  and lower portion  1335  snap together via snaps  1313  and  1315 . Finally, FIG. 14 illustrates the first gripping handle  1420  mounted on a portion of strap  1410 , near a loop handle  1440 . 
     The Figures here described individually show varying embodiments of gripping handle shape and attachment method. It is well within the scope of this invention to combine individual aspects of different embodiments. It is also within the scope of this invention to modify the size of the individual gripping handles. For example, an animal leash with slightly smaller gripping handles could be built for women, who typically have smaller hands than men. Conversely, an animal leash with slightly larger gripping handles could be built for men. Also, as different size dogs and other large animals require different gage leashes, the size of the gripping handles can be adjusted accordingly. For example, smaller gripping handles could be provided on a small gage handle. In addition, while the present leash is particularly useful for controlling animals, other fields of use may be possible. For example, the leash could be used as a strap for pulling wheeled luggage. 
     The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.