Abstract:
The present invention relates to a puller operably connected to an associated pet leash for enabling a pet owner to retract the associated pet leash. The puller comprises a housing and first and second locking elements mounted in the housing. The second locking element is spaced a predetermined distance from the first locking element to allow the associated pet leash extending through the housing to pass therebetween. A trigger assembly is operatively mounted to the housing. A first portion of the trigger assembly engages the first locking element. As the trigger assembly is depressed, the first locking element engages the associated pet leash and presses the associated pet leash against the second locking element thereby preventing movement of the associated pet leash through the puller, in at least a first direction.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/684,506 filed May 25, 2005 and is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates, generally, to a restraining device for a pet. More particularly, the present invention relates to a puller for a retracting pet leash that allows the user to manually control a pet without injury.  
         [0003]     Pet owners commonly restrain their pets using leashes. The typical leash includes an elongated strap or braided nylon cord having, at one end, a loop or handle for grasping by the pet owner and, at the other end, a clasp that attaches the leash to the pet&#39;s collar. One common type of leash is the retractable leash. This design employs a housing having a mechanism (e.g. a spring-driven mechanism) for automatically retracting the leash into the housing for shortening the leash cord and for storing the leash cord when the leash is not in use. Such leashes can provide effective means of restraining a pet during simple “walks” or during training.  
         [0004]     Retractable pet leashes generally enable the user having a pet tethered to a leash cord to fluidly adapt to changing spatial relationships between the user and the pet. Conventionally, retractable leash assemblies generally operate in two modes. A first mode provides a spring loaded tension on the retractable leash cord. The spring-loaded tension causes the leash cord to retract as slack develops, to stop the leash from dragging on the ground, and extends as the pet pulls on it to roam at a further distance. A second, locking, mode removes the spring-loaded tension and stops the leash from either retracting or extending.  
         [0005]     One disadvantage of traditional retractable pet leash assemblies is that the switching mechanism for selecting between a spring-loaded tension mode and a locked mode of operation is somewhat clumsy to operate. Some prior systems require a constant force to be applied to a braking mechanism to maintain the leash cord in a locked mode. In other conventional retractable pet leash assemblies, the locked mode is maintained by applying a locking pin to the brake mechanism. Quite often such leash assemblies require the use of both hands, or require difficult single-handed motions to transit between the locked and spring-loaded tension modes of operation.  
         [0006]     Moreover, conventional leash assemblies do not enable a pet owner to retract the leash into the housing when the pet exerts more tension on the leash than the retraction force supplied by the spring bias on the spool on which the leash is wrapped. The pet owner has to manually grasp the leash to pull the pet towards him, causing slack in the line, thereby allowing the spring driven mechanism to retract the leash. But, grasping the leash may injure the owner&#39;s hand, particularly when the pet is pulling strongly on the leash.  
         [0007]     In light of the foregoing, it becomes evident that there is a need for a retractable pet leash assembly that would provide a solution to one or more of the deficiencies from which the prior art and/or conventional leash assemblies have suffered.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a puller is operably connected to an associated pet leash for enabling a pet owner to retract the associated pet leash. The puller comprises a housing and first and second locking elements mounted in the housing. The second locking element is spaced a predetermined distance from the first locking element to allow the associated pet leash extending through the housing to pass therebetween. A trigger assembly is operatively mounted to the housing. A first portion of the trigger assembly engages the first locking element. As the trigger assembly is depressed, the first locking element engages the associated pet leash and presses the associated pet leash against the second locking element thereby preventing movement of the associated pet leash through the puller, in at least a first direction.  
         [0009]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a puller operably connected to an associated pet leash for enabling a pet owner to retract the associated pet leash, comprises a puller housing. A lock housing is mounted to the puller housing. The lock housing includes a channel dimensioned to slidingly receive the associated pet leash. A trigger assembly is operatively mounted to the lock housing. A first locking element is rotatably mounted to the trigger assembly. A second locking element is mounted to the lock housing.  
         [0010]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a retractable pet leash assembly comprises a housing and a spool rotatably mounted to the housing. A stop member extends from the housing. The stop member includes a first surface and a second surface. A trigger assembly is operably mounted in the housing. The trigger assembly includes a locking member configured to selectively engage the stop member and an inhibitor connected to the locking member. The inhibitor selectively engages the spool. In a first position, the locking member is spaced from the stop member and the inhibitor is spaced from the spool. The spool freely rotates within the housing. In a second position, the locking member engages the first surface of the stop member. The inhibitor at least partially engages the spool and prevents the spool from rotating in a counterclockwise direction. In a third position, the locking member engages the second surface of the stop member. The inhibitor engages the spool and prevents the spool from rotating in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.  
         [0011]     Still other non-limiting aspects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading and understanding of the description of the preferred embodiments hereinbelow. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The present invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a right side perspective view of a retracting pet leash according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front exploded perspective view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a right side elevational view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 1  with a housing half removed showing a first position of a trigger assembly of the retracting pet leash, an inhibitor of the trigger assembly partially engaging a spool of the retracting pet leash thereby allowing rotation of the spool in only one direction.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a right side elevational view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 3  with a housing half removed showing a second position of the trigger assembly of the retracting pet leash.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a right side elevational view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 3  with a housing half removed showing a third position of the trigger assembly of the retracting pet leash, the inhibitor of the trigger assembly fully engaging the spool of the retracting pet leash thereby preventing rotation of the spool in either direction.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 3  with a housing half removed showing a fourth position of the trigger assembly of the retracting pet leash.  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a right side elevational view, partially broken away, of the retracting pet leash assembly of  FIG. 1  showing the spool of the retracting pet leash in a freely rotating, condition.  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of a puller for a retracting pet leash according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is an exploded front perspective view of the puller of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0022]      FIGS. 10 and 12  are each right side perspective views of the puller of  FIG. 8  with a housing half removed showing a first position of a trigger assembly of the puller.  
         [0023]      FIGS. 11 and 13  are each right side perspective views of the puller of  FIG. 8  with a housing half removed showing a second position of the trigger assembly of the puller.  
         [0024]      FIGS. 14-19  are right side perspective views of the puller of  FIG. 8  showing the operation of the puller.  
         [0025]      FIG. 20  is a right side perspective view of a puller for a retracting pet leash according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 21  is an exploded front perspective view of the puller of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 22  is a right side perspective view of the puller of  FIG. 21  with a housing half removed showing a second position of a trigger assembly of the puller.  
         [0028]      FIG. 23  is a right side perspective views of the puller of  FIG. 21  with a housing half removed showing a first position of the trigger assembly of the puller.  
         [0029]      FIG. 24  is a right side elevational view of a retracting pet leash according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 25  is a right side elevational view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 24  with a housing half removed showing a first position of a stop and a trigger assembly of the retracting pet leash, an inhibitor of the trigger assembly partially engaging a spool of the retracting pet leash thereby allowing rotation of the spool in only one direction.  
         [0031]      FIG. 26  is a right side view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 24  with a housing half removed showing a second position of the stop and the trigger assembly of the retracting pet leash, the inhibitor of the trigger assembly fully engaging the spool of the retracting pet leash thereby preventing rotation of the spool in either direction.  
         [0032]      FIG. 27  is a right side elevational view of the retracting pet leash of  FIG. 24  with a housing half removed showing the spool of the retracting pet leash in a freely rotating, condition.  
         [0033]      FIG. 28  is a right side perspective view of a puller for a retracting pet leash according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 29  is an exploded front perspective view of the puller of  FIG. 28 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 30  is a right side elevational view of the puller of  FIG. 28  with a housing half removed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]     The description and drawings herein are merely illustrative of several embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and changes can be made to the components and arrangement(s) of components without departing from the spirit of the invention. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.  
         [0037]     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a retracting pet leash  10  according to a first embodiment is illustrated. The retracting pet leash generally includes a length of leash (not shown), such as a cord, rope, chain, belt and/or a webbing strip, and a housing  14 . The housing  14  includes an ergonomical handle or hand grip portion  16  which can be integrally fabricated with the housing. With reference now to  FIG. 2 , the retracting pet leash  10  further includes a spool  18  which houses a portion of a spooling mechanism  20 . Such spooling mechanism enables the extension and retraction of the leash.  
         [0038]     The housing  14  can be a plastic molded component and includes first and second halves  22  and  24  that may be secured together by suitable fasteners. In this embodiment, a plurality of corresponding first bosses  26  extend outwardly from the housing halves  22 ,  24 , each first boss including an aperture for receiving a fastener (not shown) which threadingly engages the aperture. A pair of second bosses  28  extend outwardly from an opening  30  located in the handle portion  16 , each second boss including an aperture for receiving a pin  32 . A hook (not shown) can be clipped to the pin which allows the operator to attach other items, such as keys or a conventional leash, to the retracting pet leash  10 .  
         [0039]     A leash opening  34  is provided in a forward facing portion of the housing  14  to enable unhindered movement of the leash between the interior and exterior of the housing. An anti-wear ring  36 , which can be made from a lubricious material, such as nylon, can be mounted in the leash opening  34  for buffering the leash through the opening  34  to reduce the frictional wear on the leash due to the leash rubbing against the portion of the housing  14  defining the opening  34 . The anti-wear ring  36  can also inhibit the leash from forcing the housing halves  22  and  24  apart during extension and retraction of the leash.  
         [0040]     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the housing  14  further includes an opening  38  provided for passage of a trigger assembly  40  operatively mounted to the housing  14  that can engage the spool. The trigger assembly includes a generally rectangular member  42  and an inhibitor  44 . Extending from a top wall of the rectangular member is a cap  46  dimensioned to receive a cap button  48 . The cap and the cap button extend outwardly from the opening  38  of the housing  14 . Extending from a bottom wall of the rectangular member  42  is a generally Y-shaped projection  50 , a curved portion of the projection including a button (not shown). A first spring  56  is secured on the button for biasing the inhibitor  44  in and out of engagement with the spooling mechanism  20 . The rectangular member  42  further includes a tab  58  extending generally normal to a first side wall  60 . A button  62  extends from a bottom surface of the tab  58 . A second spring  64  for biasing the trigger assembly  40  has a first end mounted on the button  62  and a second end secured in a channel  66  extending outwardly from the housing half  24 . On an opposite surface of the rectangular member from the tab  58  are located first and second flanges  68  and  70  which extend generally normal from a second side wall  72  of the rectangular member  42 . The first and second flanges  68 ,  70  define a channel dimensioned to receive a first tab  78  extending into the opening  38  defined by the housing halves  22  and  24 .  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the inhibitor  44  includes a channel  80  dimensioned to receive the generally Y-shaped projection  50  of the rectangular member  42  and a pair of tabs  82  and  84 . The tabs extends generally normal from a bottom wall of the inhibitor  44 . As will be explained in greater detail below, the tabs  82 ,  84  engage the spooling mechanism  20  thereby preventing the free rotation of the spooling mechanism.  
         [0042]     To assemble the trigger assembly, the first spring  56  is attached onto the button (not shown) of the curved portion of the generally Y-shaped projection  50 . The rectangular member  42  is then mounted to the inhibitor  44  by sliding the generally Y-shaped projection  50 , including the attached first spring  56 , into the channel  80  of the inhibitor. Thus, the inhibitor  44  is biased away from the rectangular member  42  as much as is allowed by the interconnection of these two elements (see  FIG. 3 ). The second spring  64  is then mounted on the button  62  of the tab  58 . The trigger assembly is positioned in the opening  38  such that the channel defined by the first and second flanges  68 ,  70  is located above the first tab  78  and a shelf  86  of the inhibitor  44  is located below a second tab  88  also extending into the opening  38  defined by the housing halves  22  and  24  ( FIG. 2 ). It should, be appreciated that the second tab  88  acts as a stop thereby preventing the outward movement of the inhibitor  44  in the opening  38 . As can be seen from  FIG. 3 , the second end of the spring  64  is received in the channel  66  of the housing half  24 . The cap button  48  is then positioned onto the cap  46 .  
         [0043]     It should be appreciated that the location of the trigger assembly  40  enables a user to actuate the trigger assembly with a thumb, while using the remaining fingers of the grasping hand to hold onto the grip portion  16 . Actuating the trigger assembly  40  inhibits the leash from extending from the housing  14 .  
         [0044]     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the spooling mechanism  20  includes a power spring (not shown) and a spool cover  90 . A stationary axle  92  extends from the housing half  24 . A radially outer end (not shown) of the power spring attaches to the spool  18  to fasten the power spring in a rotatable spool cavity (not shown). The spool  18  and the attached power spring fit onto the axle  92 . When mounted on the axle, a radially inner end (not shown) of the power spring is secured to a portion of the axle  92 . The spool cover  90  fastens over the power spring to secure the power spring in the spool cavity. The power spring is initially coiled to spring bias the spool  18  to retract the leash. Additionally, as the spool rotates to extend the leash out of the housing  14 , the power spring coils further, thereby providing additional retracting bias as the extended portion of the leash increases. The outer surface  94  of the spool  18  is adapted for spooling the leash.  
         [0045]     The spool  18  includes several teeth  96  spaced around the circumference of an outer facing portion and the circumference of an inner facing portion of the spool. The teeth  96  are adapted for engaging the pair of tabs  82  and  84  of the inhibitor  44  of the trigger assembly  40 .  
         [0046]     The engagement of the trigger assembly  40  and the spool  18  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3-7 . In a first position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the trigger assembly  40  is only partially depressed. In this first position, the second flange  70  of the rectangular member  40  abuts against the first tab  78 . The teeth  96  of the spooling mechanism  20  are not fully engaged by the pair of tabs  82  and  84  of the inhibitor  44 . Rather, in this first position, the spool  18  is free to rotate in a clockwise direction, the spring  56  biasing the inhibitor  44  in and out of engagement with the teeth  96 . But, the spool  18  is prevented from rotating in a counterclockwise direction. As such, the leash can retract but will not extend any farther from the housing  14 .  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the position of the trigger assembly  40  relative to the teeth  96  of the spooling mechanism  20  is similar to that of  FIG. 3 . However, in this second position, the trigger assembly  40  is pushed forward thereby moving the second flange  70  of the rectangular member  40  off the first tab  78 . This forward movement also moves the tab  58  of the rectangular member  40  past a first guide  100  extending inward from a top portion of each housing half  22  and  24 .  
         [0048]     With reference now to  FIG. 5 , the trigger assembly  40  is shown as moving toward a fully depressed position. In this third position, the trigger assembly is still in the forward position of  FIG. 4 ; however, the first tab  78  is located between the first and second flanges  68 ,  70  of the rectangular member  40 . As the tab  58  of the rectangular member  40  comes into contact with a second guide  102  also extending inward from a top portion of each housing half  22  and  24  it is urged to pivot clockwise, due to the sloping upper surface of the guide. The teeth  96  of the spooling mechanism  20  are fully engaged by the pair of tabs  82  and  84  of the inhibitor  44 . Thus, in this third position, the spool  18  is prevented from rotating in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the trigger assembly is now in its fully depressed, fourth position since the trigger assembly is moved back from the forward position shown in  FIG. 5 . The first tab  78  is located in the channel defined by the first and second flanges  68 ,  70  of the rectangular member  40 . Thus, the second flange  70  abuts a bottom surface of the tab  78  thereby locking the trigger assembly  40  into engagement with the spooling mechanism  20 .  
         [0050]     When the trigger assembly  40  is pushed forward, the second flange  70  will no longer contact the first tab  78  and the spring  64  will bias the rectangular member  42  upwardly. The cap button  48  will now protrude fully from the housing  14 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the trigger assembly  40  is not depressed and the first and second tabs  82 ,  84  of the inhibitor  44  are spaced from the teeth  96  of the spooling mechanism  20 . As such, in this position, the spool  18  can freely rotate in the housing  14 . It should be appreciated that the inhibitor  44  can only move upwardly as far as it is permitted by the second tab  88 .  
         [0051]     With reference now to  FIGS. 8-19 , a puller  130  according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown for a retracting pet leash. The pet leash can be of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , or of any known type. In other words, the puller  130  can be employed with conventional pet leash assemblies or the retracting pet leash  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-7 .  
         [0052]     With reference to  FIG. 9 , the puller  130  comprises a housing  132 , which can be a plastic molded component, including first and second halves  134  and  136  and a back plate  138 . The housing halves may be secured together by suitable fasteners F. In this embodiment, a plurality of corresponding first bosses  140  extend outwardly from the housing halves  134 ,  136 , each boss including an aperture for receiving a conventional fastener F which threadingly engages the aperture. The housing  132  further includes a hollow stem  142  extending outwardly from a forward facing portion  144 . As will be described in greater detail below, the stem  142  allows a user to easily grasp the puller  130 .  
         [0053]     The back plate  138  has a contour conforming to the forward facing portion of the housing  14  and includes an opening  146  dimensioned to receive a portion of the anti-wear ring  36 . With additional reference to  FIG. 10 , to mount the back plate  138  to the housing halves  134 ,  136 , the back plate is provided with thin walled portions  148  which are dimensioned to be received in corresponding first and second slots  150  and  152 , respectively, located on each housing half.  
         [0054]     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , a pair of second bosses  156  also extend outwardly from each housing half  134 ,  136 , each second boss including an aperture for receiving a corresponding projection  158  of a puller mechanism  160 . The puller mechanism  160 , which can be a plastic molded component, includes a housing  162  having first and second halves  166  and  168 , respectively. A pair of bosses  170  extend outwardly from the second housing half  168 , each boss including an aperture for receiving a suitable fastener F′ which threadingly engages the aperture through a pair of openings  172  located on the first half  166 . The housing  162  further includes first and second generally tubular members  174  and  176 , respectively, extending outwardly from respective forward and rear facing portions. It should be appreciated that the first and second tubular members have coincident center axes and an inner diameter dimensioned to slidingly receive the leash (not shown). However, it should be appreciated that when a belt leash is used, the members  174  and  176  could be generally rectangular in shape instead of being tubular. The first tubular member  174  is received in the hollow stem  142 . The second tubular member  176  projects outwardly from the opening  146  of the back plate  138  into the opening of the anti-wear ring  36 .  
         [0055]     The puller mechanism  160  further comprises a first locking element  188  and a second locking element  190 . Each of these includes an opening  192  having a diameter slighter larger than an outer diameter of each boss  170 . The first locking element  188 , which is rotationally mounted on the boss, includes an outer surface  198  having teeth disposed circumferentially about a portion of the outer surface. A pair of pegs  200  extends outwardly from opposing faces of the first locking element. The pegs  200  are received in corresponding generally arcuate slots  204  ( FIG. 12 ) located on the first and second halves  166  and  168  of the housing  162 .  
         [0056]     The second locking element  190 , which is fixed on the boss  170 , also includes an outer surface  206  having teeth disposed circumferentially about a portion of the outer surface. As shown in  FIG. 10 , to fix the second locking element  190  on the boss  170 , the second locking element includes an axial recess (not shown) disposed on the outer surface  206  which is adapted to receive a tab  208  projecting from a bottom surface of the housing half  168 . As the second locking element  190  is slid onto the boss  170 , the tab  208  is received in the recess and the teeth of the second locking element are fixed facing a trigger assembly  212 .  
         [0057]     With reference again to  FIG. 9 , the housing  132  further includes an opening  210  provided for passage of a trigger assembly  212  operatively mounted to the housing  132 , that can engage the first locking element  188 . The trigger assembly includes a cap  214  dimensioned to receive a cap button  216 . These extend outwardly from the opening  210  of the housing  132 . The cap includes a base  217  and a pair of arms  218 , having slotted openings  220 , extending generally normal from a bottom surface of the base. The base  217  includes a projection (not shown). A first spring  222  has a first end mounted on the base projection and a second end mounted on a corresponding first projection (not shown) extending from the cap button  216 . The first spring biases the cap button relative to the cap. A second spring  224  is employed for biasing the cap in the opening  210 . It has a first end mounted on a projection  226  extending from the housing  162  and a second end mounted on a corresponding second projection (not shown) extending from the cap button  216 .  
         [0058]     To assemble the puller  130 , the puller mechanism  160  is first assembled. To this end, the first locking element  188  is slid onto the upper boss  170  such that one of the pegs  200  extends through the arcuate slot  204  of the second housing half  168 . The second locking element  190  is slid onto the lower boss  170 . The first housing half  166  is then secured to the second housing half by the fasteners F′, the opposing peg  200  extending through the arcuate slot  204  of the first half  168 . The first and second springs  222  and  224  of the trigger assembly  212  are then attached to the puller mechanism  160  in the manner described above. The pair of arms  218  of the cap  214  is attached to the housing  162  by securing portions of the opposing pegs  200  of the first locking element  188  extending through the arcuate slots  204  in the slotted openings  220  of the arms. To assist in the securing of the arms to the housing halves  166  and  168 , each housing half can include a guide  230  having a contour similar to each arm  218 , extending from side portions of the housing half. The puller mechanism  160  with the trigger assembly  212  is finally positioned in the housing halves  134 ,  136 , the housing halves being fastened together by the fasteners F.  
         [0059]     It should be appreciated that the location of the trigger assembly  212  enables a user to actuate the trigger assembly with a thumb, while using the remaining fingers of the grasping hand to hold onto the housing  132 . As will be explained in greater detail below, actuating the trigger assembly  212  grasps the leash to prevent it from moving through the housing  132 .  
         [0060]     The operation of the puller  130 , specifically the pulling mechanism  160  and the trigger assembly  212 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 10-13 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , the trigger assembly  212  is not depressed and the teeth of the first locking element  188  face away from the teeth of the second locking element  190 . As such, in this first position, the leash can freely move through the first and second generally tubular members  174 ,  176  of the puller  130 . To prevent the cap button  216  from falling out of the puller  130 , flanges  231  and  232  protrude from the lower end of the cap button, as can be seen in  FIG. 10 . These cooperate, respectively, with a tab  233  and a wall of the housing  132 .  
         [0061]     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the trigger assembly  212  is fully depressed. As the trigger assembly is being depressed, the arms  218  of the cap  214  will move the pegs  200  downward in the arcuate slots. This downward movement causes the first locking element  188  to rotate about the boss  170  which, in turn, causes the teeth of the first locking element to grab the leash extending through the puller  130  and press the leash against the teeth of the second locking element  190 . In this fully depressed second position, the teeth of the first locking element  188  face the teeth of the second locking element  190  and the leash is prevented from moving through the first and second generally tubular members  174 ,  176  of the puller  130 . It should be appreciated that other means for preventing movement of a leash relative to the puller  130  could also be used. For example, the locking elements could be provided with other known types of gripping surfaces, such as a knurled surface or a rubber material.  
         [0062]     The operation of the puller  130  coupled with the retracting pet leash  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 14-19 .  
         [0063]     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the puller can be magnetically secured to the front facing portion of the retracting pet leash. In particular, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , the front facing portion of the housing  14  includes an opening  234  dimensioned to receive a first magnet  236  and the anti-wear ring  36  includes an opening  238  dimensioned to receive a second magnet  240 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the puller mechanism housing  162  includes a recess  246  dimensioned to receive a third magnet  248  and the back plate  138  includes a recess  250  dimensioned to receive a fourth magnet  252 . As the puller  130  approaches the retracting pet leash  10 , the first magnet  236  is attracted to the third magnet  248  and the second magnet  240  is attracted to the fourth magnet  252 .  
         [0064]     With continued reference to  FIG. 14 , and additional reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the leash  260  is freely moving through the puller  130  and the spool (not shown) is freely rotating in the retracting pet leash  10 . To retract the leash with the puller  130 , the user releases the puller  130  from the retracting pet leash  10  and moves the puller generally an arm length distance from the retracting pet leash.  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIG. 17 , and as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the user partially depresses the trigger assembly  40  of the retracting pet leash  10  thereby placing the trigger assembly in partial engagement with the spool  18 . Again, in this position, the leash  260  can retract but will not extend any farther from the housing  14 . The user then depresses the trigger assembly  212  of the puller  130  thereby locking the leash between the first and second locking elements  188 ,  190  of the puller mechanism  160 .  
         [0066]     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the user maintains the trigger assembly  40  in the partially depressed position and with the leash  260  secured in the puller  130 , pulls the puller back to the retracting pet leash  10 . This, in turn, causes slack in the leash  260  which allows the spool  18  to rotate thereby retracting the leash back into the retracting pet leash  10 . It is to be appreciated that the puller  130  is ergonomically shaped to be grasped and operated with one hand. More particularly, a user&#39;s index finger is located above the stem  142 , while the thumb operates the trigger assembly  212  and the other three fingers hold the bottom half of the puller  130 .  
         [0067]     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the user, again maintaining the trigger assembly  40  of retracting pet leash  10  in the partially depressed position, and the trigger assembly  212  of the puller  130  in the depressed position, moves the puller a distance from the retracting pet leash. In other words, while some friction will be encountered, the user does not need to release the trigger assembly  212  when moving the puller  130  forward on the leash  260  because as the puller is being moved forward, the first locking elements  188  will rotate causing the teeth of at least the first locking element to disengage the leash. As the user starts to pull the puller  130  back towards that retracting pet leash  10 , the first locking element  188  will rotate back, again locking the leash between the first and second locking elements  188 ,  190  of the puller mechanism  160 . The user can then pull the puller  130  back to the retracting pet leash  10 .  
         [0068]     Similar to the first embodiment of the puller  130 , a second embodiment of the puller is shown in  FIGS. 20-23 . Since some of the structure and function is substantially identical to the first embodiment, reference numerals with a single primed suffix (′) refer to like components (e.g., puller  130  is referred to by reference numeral  130 ′), and new numerals identify new components in the additional embodiment of  FIGS. 20-23 .  
         [0069]     With reference to  FIG. 21 , the puller  130 ′ includes a housing  280 , which can be a plastic molded component, including first and second halves  282  and  284  and a back plate  286 . The housing halves may be secured together by suitable fasteners. In this embodiment, a pair of corresponding bosses  290  extend outwardly from the housing halves  282 ,  284 , each boss including an aperture for receiving a fastener (not shown) which threadingly engages the aperture. The housing  280  further includes a hollow stem  142 ′ extending outwardly from a forward facing portion  292 .  
         [0070]     The back plate  286  has a contour conforming to the forward facing portion of the housing  14  and includes an opening  146 ′ dimensioned to receive a portion of the anti-wear ring  36 . With additional reference to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , to mount the back plate  286  to the housing halves  282 ,  284 , the back plate is provided with thin walled portions  148 ′ which are dimensioned to be received in a corresponding first slot  298  located on each hosing half. Top edge portions  300  of the back plate  286  are received in a corresponding second slot  302  located on each hosing half. Similar to the first embodiment of the puller, the back plate further includes a recess  250 ′ dimensioned to receive a magnet  252 ′ for magnetically attaching the puller  130 ′ to the retracting pet leash  10 .  
         [0071]     With continued reference to  FIG. 21 , the puller  130 ′ further comprises a puller mechanism  306 , which can be a plastic molded component. The puller mechanism includes a generally hollow housing  308  having first and second generally tubular members  310  and  312 , respectively, extending outwardly from respective forward and rear facing portions of the housing. It should be appreciated that the first and second tubular members have coincident center axes and an inner diameter dimensioned to slidingly receive the leash (not shown). When a belt-type leash is used, the members  310  and  312  can be generally rectangular in shape, as mentioned above. The first tubular member  310  is received in the hollow stem  142 ′. The second tubular member  312  projects outwardly from the opening  146 ′ of the back plate  286  into the opening of the anti-wear ring  36 .  
         [0072]     The puller mechanism  306  further comprises a first locking element  316  and a second locking element  318 . Each locking element includes an opening  320  dimensioned to receive a pin (not shown). Each locking element further includes an outer surface  324  having teeth disposed circumferentially about a portion of the outer surface. The first locking element  316  is secured in the housing  280  via the pin which extends through an aperture (not visible) in one side wall of the housing, the opening  320  in the locking element and a corresponding aperture in the opposing side wall. Once secured, the teeth of the first locking element  316  generally face upward. As will be described in greater detail below, the second locking element  318  is secured to a trigger assembly  330 .  
         [0073]     With reference again to  FIG. 21 , the housing  280  further includes an opening  334  provided for passage of the trigger assembly  330  operatively mounted to the housing  280 . The trigger assembly includes a cap button  336  which extends outwardly from the opening  334 . The cap button includes an opening  338  and a pair of downwardly extending arms  340  having apertures  342 . The second locking element  318  is secured in the cap button  336  via the pin (not shown) which extends through the aperture  342  in one side wall of the cap button  336 , the opening  320  in the second locking element and the corresponding aperture  342  in the opposing side wall. Once secured, the teeth of the second locking element  318  face the teeth of the first locking element  316 .  
         [0074]     To assemble the puller  130 ′, the first locking element  316  is first secured in the housing  308 . A spring (not shown) is positioned in the cap button  336 . As mentioned above, the second locking element is then secured in the cap button. The assembled trigger assembly is slid into the hollow housing  308  such that the openings  338  of the cap button match openings  334  located in the housing. This assembly is then mounted in the first housing half  282 . In particular, the first housing half includes a finger  350  and a pair of tabs  352  and  354 , each tab having an arcuate cutout for the respective fist and second generally tubular members  310  and  312 . The finger  350  is dimensioned to extend through the openings  344  in the housing  308  and the openings  338  in the cap button  336 . As such, the finger will compress the spring located in the cap button thereby biasing the cap button relative to the housing  308 . The first housing half  282  is then secured to the second housing half  284  by the fastener (not shown).  
         [0075]     The operation of the puller  130 ′ is illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . In  FIG. 22 , the trigger assembly  336  is shown fully depressed. As the trigger assembly is being depressed, the teeth of the second locking element  318  grab the leash extending through the puller  130 ′ and press the leash against the teeth of the first locking element  316 . In this fully depressed second position, the leash is prevented from moving forwardly through the first and second generally tubular members  310 ,  312  of the puller  130 ′. However, the leash can move rearwardly through the members  310 ,  312  since the locking elements  316  and  318  will rotate so that respective teeth  327  and  328  do not engage the leash. Rather, respective smooth surface  331  and  332  will contact the leash. While some friction will be encountered, the leash will be allowed to slide in that direction.  
         [0076]     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the trigger assembly  330  is not depressed and the teeth of the first locking element  316  are spaced from the teeth of the second locking element  318 . As such, in this position, the leash can freely move through the first and second generally tubular members  310 ,  312  of the puller  130 ′.  
         [0077]     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the second embodiment of the puller  130 ′, the same should be apparent from the above description relative to the first embodiment. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.  
         [0078]     Similar to the first embodiment of the retracting pet leash  10 , a second embodiment of the retracting pet leash is shown in  FIGS. 24-27 . Since some of the structure and function is substantially identical, reference numerals with a single primed suffix (′) refer to like components (e.g., retracting pet leash  10  is referred to by reference numeral  10 ′), and new numerals identify new components in the additional embodiment of  FIGS. 24-27 .  
         [0079]     With reference to  FIG. 24 , the retracting pet leash  10 ′ generally includes a length of leash (not shown), and a housing  14 ′. The housing  14 ′ includes an ergonomical handle or hand grip portion  16 ′ which can be integrally fabricated with the housing. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the retracting pet leash  10 ′ further includes a spool  18 ′ which houses a portion of a spooling mechanism  20 ′. Such spooling mechanism enables the extension and retraction of the leash.  
         [0080]     The housing  14 ′ can be a plastic molded component and includes first and second halves  22 ′ ( FIG. 24 ) and  24 ′ that may be secured together by suitable fasteners. Similar to the first embodiment, a plurality of corresponding first bosses  26 ′ extend outwardly from the housing halves, each first boss including an aperture for receiving a fastener (not shown) which threadingly engages the aperture. A pair of second bosses  28 ′ extends outwardly from an opening  30 ′ located in the handle portion  16 ′, each second boss including an aperture for receiving a pin (not shown).  
         [0081]     A leash opening  34 ′ is provided in a forward facing portion of the housing  14 ′ to enable unhindered movement of the leash between the interior and exterior of the housing. An anti-wear ring  36 ′, which can be made from a lubricious material, such as nylon, can be mounted in the leash opening  34 ′ for buffering the leash through the opening  34 ′ to reduce the frictional wear on the leash due to the leash rubbing against the portion of the housing  14 ′ defining the opening  34 ′.  
         [0082]     With continued reference to  FIG. 25 , the housing  14 ′ further includes an opening  38 ′ provided for passage of a trigger assembly  360  operatively mounted to the housing  14 ′ that can engage the spool  18 ′. The trigger assembly includes a generally rectangular member  362  and an inhibitor  364 . Extending from a top wall of the rectangular member is a cap (not visible) dimensioned to receive a cap button  48 ′. The cap and the cap button extend outwardly through the opening  38 ′ of the housing  14 ′. A first button (not visible) extends from a bottom surface of the cap. A first spring  368  for biasing the trigger assembly  360  has a first end attached to the first button and a second end secured to a finger  384  located in a channel  370  extending through the rectangular member  362 . Extending from a bottom wall of the rectangular member  362  is a generally T-shaped projection  372  including a button (not visible). A second spring  374  is secured on the button for biasing the inhibitor  364  in and out of engagement with the spooling mechanism  20 ′. A flange  378  extends generally normal from a side wall of the rectangular member  362 .  
         [0083]     As shown in  FIG. 25 , the inhibitor  364  includes a channel  380  dimensioned to receive the generally T-shaped projection  372  of the rectangular member  362  and a pair of tabs  82 ′ (only one of which is visible), the tabs extending generally normal from a bottom wall of the inhibitor  364 . Similar to the first embodiment of the retracting pet leash  10 , the tabs engage the spooling mechanism  20 ′ thereby preventing the free rotation of the spooling mechanism. Thus, actuating the trigger assembly  360  inhibits the leash from being pulled out of the housing  14 ′.  
         [0084]     To assemble the trigger assembly  360 , the second spring  374  is mounted onto the button (not visible) of the generally T-shaped projection  372 . The rectangular member  362  is then mounted to the inhibitor  364  by sliding the generally T-shaped projection  372 , including the attached second spring  374 , into the channel  380  of the inhibitor. This allows the inhibitor  364  to bias relative to the rectangular member  362 . The trigger assembly is positioned in the opening  38 ′ defined by the housing halves  22 ′ and  24 ′ such that the finger  384  extends outwardly from the second housing half  24 ′ projects through the channel  370 . A first end of the first spring  368  is then attached onto the button (not visible) of the cap (not visible) and a second end of the first spring abuts the finger  384 . The cap button  48 ′ is then positioned onto the cap.  
         [0085]     In this embodiment, a separate stop lock button  390  is mounted to the housing  14 ′ adjacent the trigger assembly  360  such that when a user is gripping the handle portion  16 ′, the stop lock button may be activated by a finger of the same hand holding the handle portion. The stop lock button  390  is pivotally mounted on  392  extending outwardly from the second housing half  24 ′. In particular, the stop lock button includes a pivot member  394  secured to the post  392  and an arm  396  extending from the pivot member. The arm  396  includes a stop tab  398  extending from a first surface, a button (not visible) extending from a second surface and a cap  402  which extends outwardly from the opening  366  of the housing  14 ′. A compressed third spring  404  is secured at one end in a generally U-shaped channel  408  also extending outwardly from the second housing half  24 ′ and at the other end to the arm button. With reference now to  FIG. 27 , in an unlocked position, the stop tab  398  is located below the flange  378  of the rectangular member  362 . As the trigger assembly  360  is depressed, the stop lock button  390  is moved forward thereby allowing the flange  378  to move below the stop tab  398 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . The third spring  404  will then cause the stop lock button to move backward, the stop tab  398  being located above the flange  378 . Thus, the leash stop lock button  390  can lock the trigger assembly  360  in the fully depressed state thereby locking the inhibitor  364  into engagement with the spooling mechanism  20 ′ which restricts the rotation of the spool  18 ′.  
         [0086]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 25-27 , and as more fully described with reference to the first embodiment of the retracting pet leash  10 , the spooling mechanism  20 ′ includes a power spring (not shown) and a spool cover  90 ′. A stationary axle  92 ′ extends from the housing half  24 ′. The spool cover  90 ′ fastens over the power spring to secure the power spring in a spool cavity. The spool  18 ′ includes several teeth  96 ′ spaced around the circumference of an outer facing portion and the circumference of an inner facing portion of the spool. The teeth  96 ′ are adapted for engaging the pair of tabs  82 ′ and  84 ′ of the inhibitor  364  of the trigger assembly  360 .  
         [0087]     The operation of the trigger assembly  360 , the spool  18 ′ and the stop lock button  390  is illustrated in  FIGS. 25-27 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the trigger assembly  360  is only partially depressed. In this position, the flange  378  of the rectangular member  362  abuts against the stop tab  398  of the stop lock button  390 . The teeth  96 ′ of the spooling mechanism  20 ′ are not fully engaged by the pair of tabs  82 ′ and  84 ′ of the inhibitor  364 . In this position, the spool  18 ′ is free to rotate in a clockwise direction, the second spring  374  biasing the inhibitor  364  in and out of engagement with the teeth  96 ′, but is prevented from rotating in a counterclockwise direction. As such, the leash can retract but will not extend any farther from the housing  14 ′.  
         [0088]     As shown in  FIG. 26 , the trigger assembly  360  is fully depressed. In this position, flange  378  of the rectangular member  362  is located below the stop tab  398 . Thus, the flange  378  abuts a bottom surface of the stop tab  398  thereby locking the trigger assembly  360  into engagement with the spooling mechanism  20 ′. The teeth  96 ′ of the spooling mechanism  20 ′ are fully engaged by the pair of tabs  82 ′ and  84 ′ of the inhibitor  44 . As such, the spool  18 ′ is prevented from rotating in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.  
         [0089]     As shown in  FIG. 27 , the trigger assembly  360  is not depressed and first and second tabs  82 ′,  84 ′ of the inhibitor  364  is spaced from the teeth  96 ′ of the spooling mechanism  20 ′. As such, in this position, the spool  18 ′ can freely rotate in the housing  14 ′ in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.  
         [0090]     A third embodiment of a puller  420  according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 28-30 .  
         [0091]     As shown in  FIG. 28 , the puller  420  comprises a housing  422 , which can be a plastic molded component, including first and second halves  424  and  426  and a trigger assembly  430 . The housing halves may be secured together by suitable fasteners. To this end, as shown in  FIG. 29 , a plurality of corresponding first bosses  432  extend outwardly from the housing halves  424 ,  426 , each boss including an aperture for receiving a fastener (not shown) which threadingly engages the aperture. The housing  422  further includes a leash channel  436  generally disposed between a first opening  438  and an opposing second opening  440 . It should be appreciated that the first and second openings have coincident center axes and an inner diameter dimensioned to slidingly receive the leash (not shown). When a belt-type leash is used, the leash channel  436  and the opening  438  can be generally rectangular in shape, as mentioned above.  
         [0092]     The puller  420  further comprises a first locking element  446  and a second locking element  448 . The first locking element  446  includes an opening  450  and an outer surface  452  having teeth disposed circumferentially about a portion of the outer surface. With particular reference to  FIG. 30 , the first locking element  446  is mounted on a first pin  456  which extends through the opening  450 . Opposing ends of the first pin are, as shown in  FIG. 29 , secured in apertures of a pair of second bosses  458  extending outwardly from the housing halves  424 ,  426 .  
         [0093]     The second locking element  448  also includes an outer surface  462  having teeth disposed circumferentially about a portion of the outer surface. As shown in  FIG. 29 , a pair of pegs  464  extends outwardly from opposing faces of the second locking element. The pegs  464  are received in corresponding first apertures  466  located on a trigger  470 .  FIG. 30  illustrates that the second locking element is rotationally mounted to the trigger  470 .  
         [0094]     With reference again to  FIG. 29 , the housing  422  further includes an opening  472  provided for passage of the trigger  470 , which is pivotally mounted to the housing via a second pin  474 . In particular, the second pin extends through second apertures  476  located on the trigger  470 . One end of the second pin  474  is secured in an aperture  478  disposed near the opening  472  of the second housing half  426  and the other end being secured in a recess (not shown) disposed near the opening  472  of the first housing half  424 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , a compressed spring  480  is positioned between a top surface of the trigger and an abutment surface  482  below the channel  436 . The compressed spring  480  biases the trigger  470  outwardly from the opening  472  of the housing  422 . The spring is spaced to one side of the leash in the channel  436  so as not to interfere with it.  
         [0095]     With reference again to  FIG. 29 , the puller  420  further includes a spool  484  and a leash guide  486 . The leash guide  486  includes a channel  488  having an inlet adjacent the first opening  438  of the housing  422  and an outlet adjacent an inlet of the leash channel  436 . A pair of tabs  490  extends diametrically from the guide  486 . Both the spool  484  and the guide  486  are mounted in a recess  496  defined by generally round first and second end portions  498  and  500 , respectively, of the first and second housing halves  424 ,  426 . A peg (not shown) extends outwardly from the first round portion  500 , the peg extending through a spool aperture  502  and a guide aperture  504 . It should be appreciated that while the spool is rotationally mounted on the peg, the guide is fixedly mounted due to the tabs  490  being positioned in corresponding diametrically opposed offsets  508  located in the first round portion  500  ( FIG. 30 ).  
         [0096]     As shown in  FIG. 30 , the trigger  470  is fully depressed. As the trigger is being depressed, the second locking element  448  pushes the leash extending through the puller  420  down against the teeth of the first locking element  446 . In this fully depressed second position, the leash is prevented from moving forwardly through the leash channel  436  of the puller  470 ′. However, the leash can move rearwardly through the leash channel since the first and second locking elements  446  and  448  will rotate so that respective teeth of the locking elements do not engage the leash. Rather, respective outer surfaces  452  and  462  of the locking elements will contact the leash. While some friction will be encountered, the leash will be allowed to slide in that direction. As the trigger is released, the compressed spring  480  biases the trigger away from the first locking element  446  such that the second locking element stops pushing the leash against the teeth of the first locking element  446 . In this position, the leash can freely move through the leash channel  436 .  
         [0097]     If desired, the puller  420  can be magnetically attached to the retracting pet leash. In particular, a first magnet (not shown) can be fixedly secured to one of the first and second end portions  498  and  500 , such magnet being attracted to a corresponding second magnet (not shown) attached to the retracting pet leash. Alternatively, the first magnet can be attached to an end of a cord (not shown) wound on the spool  484 , the cord extending from an opening  510  ( FIG. 29 ) defined by the first and second end portions  498  and  500 . Again, the first magnet will be attracted to a corresponding second magnet attached to the retracting pet leash. As the puller  430  is moved away from the retracting dog leash, the cord will extend from the puller and the first and second magnets will remain attached to each other. As the puller  430  is moved back towards the retracting dog leash, the cord will wind around the spool  484 . As such, during operation, the puller remains attached to the retracting dog leash.  
         [0098]     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the third embodiment of the puller  420 , the same should be apparent from the above description relative to the first embodiment. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.  
         [0099]     The disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.