Animal leash and accessories

The disclosure describes an animal leash that includes a strap including first and second strap portions stacked one over the other, the strap having a first end and a second end. The leash includes a first coupling link attached to the first end of the strap, and a second coupling link attached to the second end of the strap. Along a middle section of the strap, the first and second strap portions form loops. The first coupling link is operable for attachment to any one of the loops. The disclosure also describes a storage attachment for use with an animal leash.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to leashes for animals, and accessories for the leashes.

BACKGROUND

Dogs serve as common household pets, and in some cases, can help individuals improve their health and wellness (e.g., by reducing depression or easing loneliness). Dogs also are used by police (e.g., to search for illegal substances) and search and rescue teams. In some instances, dogs are trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Seeing-eye dogs, for example, can look out for hazards and obstacles that a blind person cannot detect.

In many instances, the dog is held by a leash attached, for example, to the dog's collar, harness, or halter. The leash can facilitate controlling the dog, for example, to prevent the dog from trespassing on a neighbor's property during a walk, to protect the dog from running into the street or chasing squirrels or other wildlife, or from getting too close to other people or unrestrained animals. In many jurisdictions, local laws require that dogs be kept on a leash when on public property so as to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as the dog.

Some commercially available leashes are designed for casual dog walker use and are not designed for rigorous physical activity. Further, some leashes use components that are prone to fail, difficult to use, and are not easily configurable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes leashes for animals (e.g., dogs), as well as accessories for the leashes.

In one aspect, for example, an animal leash includes a strap including first and second strap portions stacked one over the other, the strap having a first end and a second end. The leash includes a first coupling link attached to the first end of the strap, and a second coupling link attached to the second end of the strap. Along a middle section of the strap, the first and second strap portions form loops. The first coupling link is operable for attachment to any one of the loops.

Some implementations include one or of the following features. For example, in some cases, the first and second strap portions are attached to one another by bar tack stitches along a width of the first and second strap portions. In some implementations, the second strap portion is pinched together at points midway between adjacent pairs of the bar tack stitches. In some instances, the second strap portion is pinched together at points midway between adjacent pairs of the bar tack stitches by additional bar tack stitches.

In some implementations, each of the first and second coupling links includes a respective carabiner, and each of the carabiners is attached at a respective end of the strap between respective pairs of the bar tack stiches. In some cases, the respective pairs of bar tack stitches between which the carabiners are attached prevent significant rotation of the carabiners relative to the strap.

In some implementations, each of the first and second coupling links includes a respective safety closure. Each of the first and second coupling links can include, for example, a respective carabiner. In some instances, the first coupling link is attached to one of the plurality of loops along the middle section of the strap so as to form a ring.

In some implementations, the first and second strap portions comprise nylon. In some instances, the strap further includes a stretchable elastic section adjacent the first end of the strap.

In some implementations, the leash includes a storage compartment disposed around a section of the strap, the storage compartment having openings at opposite ends through which the strap extends, the storage compartment further having a slot for insertion or removal of an object. In some cases, the storage compartment is composed of a four-way stretch neoprene material. In some instances, the storage compartment is wider at a middle section than at the ends.

In some implementations, the leash is a dog leash that includes a strap including first and second strap portions attached in parallel one over the other. The strap has a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second strap portions are attached to one another by sets of stitches each of which runs along a width of the first and second strap portions. Different sets of the stitches are separated from one another along a length direction of the first and second strap portions so as to form loops along the strap. The leash can include a first carabiner connected to the first end of the strap and configured for connection to any one of the loops. A second carabiner can be connected to the second end of the strap.

The disclosure also describes a storage attachment for use with an animal leash. The storage attachment includes a compartment having a respective opening at each of its opposite ends, the openings being sized for a strap of an animal leash to pass through. The compartment further has a slot substantially perpendicular to the openings, the slot being configured for insertion or removal of an object, wherein the compartment is wider at a middle section than at the ends.

In some implementations, the compartment is composed of a four-way stretch neoprene material. In some instances, the compartment has a length in a range of 4-6 inches and a width in a range of 0.5-1 inch. Different dimensions or materials may be used in some implementations.

Some implementations include one or more of the following advantages. For example, in for various implementations, the leash can be used by a wide range of dog handlers, including service dog handlers, police dog handlers, search and rescue dog handlers, health and wellness dog handlers, and others. In some implementations, the leash is composed of high-grade components and has a robust design such that it can sustain highly physical conditions, provide high reliability, and/or offer in-field configurability. In some implementations, the leash allows for hands-free connection of the dog to the handler's waist, to the handler's body off the shoulder, or to objects for hitching quickly with minimal effort. In some instances, multiple dogs may be attached to the leash. In some cases, configurable elastic sections provide for animal pull shock control and also provide for secure elastic attachment to the handler.

Although particular examples are described in connection with a leash for dogs, the leashes described here also may be used for other animals.

The disclosure also describes a storage attachment for use with an animal leash. The storage attachment includes a compartment having a respective opening at each of its opposite ends, the openings being sized for a strap of an animal leash to pass through. The compartment further has a slot substantially perpendicular to the openings, the slot being configured for insertion or removal of an object, wherein the compartment is wider at a middle section than at the ends. In some implementations, the container is composed of a four-way stretch neoprene material and may have a length in the range of 4-6 inches and a width in the range of 0.5-1 inch. In some implementations, the storage attachment allows for low-bounce, secure, and reliable attachment of personal items or doggie bags.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a leash that can be used in various different configurations depending on the needs of the handler. The leash can include at least one carabiner or other coupling link with a safety closure. For example, in some instances, a first coupling link (e.g., a first carabiner) is attached at a first end of the leash, and a second coupling link (e.g., a second carabiner) is attached at a second end of the leash. In use, one of the carabiners can be attached, for example, to the collar, harness, or halter of a dog or other animal. The carabiner at the other end of the leash can be attached, for example, to any one of multiple loops along a middle section of the leash so as to form a ring that can be worn, for example, about the handler's body or placed around a pole or other object. In some cases, a further coupling link (e.g., a third carabiner) can be attached to another one of the loops along the leash. The third carabiner can be attached to the collar, harness, or halter of a second dog or other animal to allow two (or more) animals to be attached to the leash at the same time.

As shown in the example ofFIG.1, a leash20includes a main strap22. A first coupling link24is attached at a first end of the main strap22, and a second coupling link26is attached at a second end of the main strap22. In some instances, the coupling links24,26are sewn in at the opposite ends of the strap22. Each of the coupling links24,26can include a respective safety closure. In some instances, the first coupling link24is implemented as a first carabiner, and the second coupling link26is implemented as a second carabiner. Each of the carabiners can be, for example, a D-shaped or oblong metal (e.g., aluminum) ring with a spring-hinged side that is used as a connector. In some instances, climbing grade aluminum carabiners having at least a 20 kN (kilonewtons) longitudinal major axis breaking force can be used.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, in some implementations the main strap22includes a lower (or first) strap portion36and an upper (or second) strap portion38stacked one over the other in parallel. In some implementations, the first and second strap portions36,38are composed, for example, of nylon, which tends to have good abrasion and wear resistance, high tensile and compressive strength, relatively low weight, and can be machined relatively easily. The strap portions36,38can be composed, for example, of military grade rip-stop reinforced nylon straps having at least a 20 kN breaking force and are resistant to breaking and to dog chewing. The first and second strap portions36,38can be attached to one another, for example, by bar tack stitches40across their width. In some instances, the bar tack stitches40are separated from one another along the length of the main strap22at a fixed distance d, for example, of four inches.

Regions of the strap22between pairs of adjacent stitches40form respective loops44. To facilitate connecting one of the coupling links (e.g., the first carabiner24) to one of the loops44, as shown inFIG.1, the upper strap portion38can be pinched together at points42approximately midway between adjacent pairs of the bar tack stitches40(seeFIGS.2A and2B). Pinching together of the upper strap portion38can be accomplished, for example, using bar tack stitches, which can result in the strap portion38being raised slightly (e.g., at points42) so that the carabiner24can be attached relatively easily without having to separate the top and bottom strap portions from one another. In some cases, such an arrangement can facilitate single-hand, simple, and secure attachment, and removal of the carabiner24to and from the middle section of the strap22.

Near the ends of the main strap22, the first and second strap portions36,38can be attached to one another by bar tack stitches40A that are positioned even closer together than the dimension d. The close stitching can help constrain the carabiners (or other coupling links)24,26attached to the ends of the main strap22so as to prevent or reduce rotation of the carabiners relative to the main strap. In some implementations, at least one end of the main strap22includes an elastic stretchable section32composed, for example, of 70% nylon and 30% lycra. In the illustrated example, the elastic stretchable section32is at the end of the main strap22adjacent to where the first carabiner24is attached. The elastic stretchable section32can have a width w, which in some cases is about four inches. In the illustrated example, the overall length L of the main strap22is about four to eight feet, and its thickness is in the range of half an inch to an inch.

Dimensions and/or materials different from those discussed above may be used for some implementations.

As further shown inFIG.1, in use, one of the carabiners (e.g., the second carabiner26) can be attached, for example, to the collar, harness, or halter30of a dog or other animal. The carabiner at the other end of the main strap22(e.g., the first carabiner24) can be attached, for example, to any one of the multiple loops44along the middle section of the main strap22so as to form a ring that can be worn, for example, about the handler's body28(e.g., about the handler's waist, shoulder or wrist), or placed around a pole or other object. That is, the leash can be used in various different configurations depending on the needs of the handler. Further, the size of the ring can be adjusted (e.g., made larger or smaller) by connecting the first carabiner24to a different one of the loops44.

FIG.3Aillustrates an example in which the second carabiner26at one end of the leash20is attached to the collar, harness, or halter30of a dog48. The carabiner24at the other end of the leash20is attached to one of the loops (e.g., loops44shown inFIGS.2A and2B) along the middle section of the main strap22so that a portion of the strap forms a ring52about the handler50. In some cases, the ring52can be made smaller so as to be fit snuggly about the handler's body (e.g., waist), which in some instances may permit hands-free connection of the dog48to the handler. In some cases, the length adjustments are made with a climbing-grade carabiner that attaches securely to the nylon strap22. Such attachments can avoid or reduce slip that sometimes occurs with friction-type adjustments.

FIG.3Billustrates an example in which the ring52formed by the strap22of the leash20is draped over the handler's shoulder and around his or her torso. Here as well, this configuration may permit, in some instances, hands-free connection of the dog48to the handler.FIG.3Cillustrates an example in which the ring52formed by the strap22of the leash20is made relatively small (e.g., by connecting the carabiner24to one of the loops44that is close to the end of the strap22near the carabiner24) so that the handler50can hold the ring52in his or her hand or wear it about his or her wrist. In some instances, instead of the handler wearing the ring52formed by the strap22about his or her body, the ring52formed by the strap22can be placed about a pole54or other object, as illustrated in the example ofFIG.3D. The leash20thus facilitates hitching the dog or other animal to a pole or other object without having to remove the dog from the leash. Here as well, the size of the ring52can be adjusted (e.g., made larger or smaller) by connecting the first carabiner24to a different one of the loops along the middle section of the strap22.

The handler can change the configuration of the leash to accommodate any of the scenarios ofFIGS.3A-3Din a relatively simple, quick and easy manner. Further, the effective length of the leash20can be adjusted relatively quickly and securely by connecting the carabiner24to an appropriate one of the loops44.

In some cases, as illustrated inFIG.4, a further coupling link (e.g., a third carabiner)56can be attached to one of the loops (e.g., loops44inFIGS.2A and2B) along the middle section of the main strap22. The third carabiner56also can be attached to the collar, harness, or halter58of a second dog60or other animal to allow two (or more) animals to be attached to the leash at the same time.

In some implementations, as shown in the example ofFIGS.5,6and7the leash20includes a storage attachment62that can be placed onto the main strap22. The storage attachment62can include, for example, a four-way stretch elastic fabric sewn in a tube formation with the ends being sewn such that they are substantially flat and are flush with the main strap22when installed leash. In some instances, the storage attachment62is composed of four-way stretch neoprene material. In the center of the storage attachment62, a small slot64can be sewn to allow the insertion and removal of small items such as canine excrement bags (i.e., “doggie” bags), keys or cards. The interior space of the storage attachment62thus can serve as a storage compartment. The back side of the storage compartment62can include a stitched closure. In some implementations, the storage attachment62is configured such that the loaded attachment does not bounce significantly when the strap22bounces during use of the leash.

As shown inFIG.6, opposite ends66,68of the storage attachment62can have small openings that allow the strap22to slide through the openings so that the storage attachment62can be placed at a desired position along the strap. The openings at the ends66,68of the storage attachment62preferably are sized such that the openings fit reasonably tightly around the strap22. For example, in some cases, the openings at the ends66,68of the storage attachment62are approximately ½ inch. In some implementations, the length (L″) of the storage attachment62is slightly larger than the distance between adjacent pairs of the bar tacks40. For example, in some cases, the length L″ of the storage attachment62is in the range of 4-6 inches (e.g., 4.5 inches). The width (W) at the middle section70of the storage attachment62can be slightly larger than the width at the ends66,68so as to accommodate the storage of one or more small objects in the interior space defined by the storage attachment. In some instances, the length of the slot64is in the range of 1-2 inches.

Materials and/or dimensions different from those mentioned above can be provided for some implementations of the storage attachment62.

The leash described above can, in some implementations, provide highly secure and reliable physical control of service dogs and other animals. In some implementations, the leash is composed of high-grade components and a robust design such that it can sustain highly physical conditions, provide high reliability, and offer in-field configurability. The leash can, in some cases, allow for hands-free connection of the dog or other animal to the handler or to objects for hitching quickly with minimal effort. Multiple dogs or other animals may be attached to the leash relatively easily. Elastic sections can provide for animal pull shock control and and/or secure elastic attachment to the handler. In some implementations, a removable storage compartment allows for low-bounce, secure, and reliable attachment of personal items and/or doggie bags.

The leash20can be used, for example, by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) service dog handlers, search and rescue dog handlers, police dog handlers, as well as health and wellness dog handlers, among others.

Various modifications will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description and the drawings. Accordingly, other implementations also are within the scope of the claims.