Abstract:
Provided herein is a leash system, comprising: a lead; a means for attaching the proximal end of the lead to an animal; a handle at the distal end of the lead; a safety tether at the distal end of the lead; and a connector to reversibly couple the proximal and distal ends of the safety tether. Other implementations are also described and recited herein.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to the U.S. provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 61/779,467 filed Mar.13, 2013, and entitled “Safety Dog Leash,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]    Aspects of the present disclosure relate to animal care and safety. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to animal care systems for ensuring the safety and protection of animals, the animal handler, and the public. The present disclosure applies to companion animals, including dogs and cats, sporting and companion horses, and other large breed animals, such as cows or sheep that require a leash or lead to be secured to a fixed object. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    Existing animal leashes are inadequate for addressing the safety concerns imposed to the animal, the animal handler, and the public when the animal is leashed or tethered to a fixed object. Animal handlers rely on a variable length leash secured to the collar of the animal by a connector, while the other end of the leash (i.e., distal end to the animal and proximal to the animal handler), which typically has a fixed loop, is either wrapped or tied around the fixed object, or is detached from the animal collar, and wrapped around the fixed object and then inserted through the fixed loop, thereby forming a “slip knot” before being reattached or coupled to the animal collar. 
         [0004]    The problem is that there is no way to ensure and to protect the safety of the animal or others during the period of time the leash is detached from the animal&#39;s collar. During this period of time, the animal handler may become distracted or have difficulty maintaining control of the animal. The animal may also become distracted, agitated, or excited, which may result in the animal creating a safety concern if the animal darts, pulls, or runs away from the animal handler. Maintaining the safety of the animal, the animal handler, and the public is of paramount importance. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there is a need for a system to and method for maintaining the safety and protection of animals, the animal handler, and the public, with animals coupled to a leash. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]    Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing a leash system, comprising: a lead; a means for attaching the proximal end of the lead to an animal; a handle at the distal end of the lead; a safety tether at the distal end of the lead; and a connector to reversibly couple the proximal and distal ends of the safety tether. Other implementations are also described and recited herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a leash coupled to the collar of an animal and an animal handler holding the leash by the handle with the safety tether inactive. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows the safety tether wrapped around a fixed object and recoupled, wherein at all times, the animal remains coupled at the collar and the animal handler retains control of the leash by the handle. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows the animal secured to a fixed object using the safety tether. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 4 and 5  show the safety tether using a release buckle. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show the safety tether using a carabineer with metal rings. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show the safety tether using a stationary or rotating snap hook with metal ring. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 10 and 11  depict the safety tether as a fixed but variable length. 
           [0014]      FIG. 12  illustrates the safety tether as an elasticized length, shown in the retracted length. 
           [0015]      FIG. 13  illustrates the safety tether as an elasticized length, shown in the extended length. 
           [0016]      FIG. 14  shows the safety tether as a retractable length, retracted and uncoupled. 
           [0017]      FIG. 15  shows the safety tether as a retractable length, extended and coupled. 
           [0018]      FIG. 16  shows a leash comprising four loops disposed at various positions on the lead for reversibly coupling the connector of the safety tether. The safety tether is shown coupled to the loop closed to the proximal end of the lead. 
           [0019]      FIG. 17  shows a leash comprising four loops disposed at various positions on the lead for reversibly coupling the connector of the safety tether. The safety tether is shown decoupled. 
           [0020]      FIG. 18  shows the safety tether functioning as both the leash or lead handle and the safety tether simultaneously. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Disclosed herein is a system for animal care leashes and leads. The safety tether and leash system may include (1) a “safety tether” attached to the animal leash at the distal handle end; (2) a retractable safety tether coil apparatus that is attached to the animal leash or lead at the distal handle end; or (3) a “safety tether leash handle” that has a safety clasp affixed to the handle. The safety tether has a connector that can be uncoupled, wrapped around a fixed object, and connected to a secured metal loop on the leash or tether. Alternatively, the safety leash handle has a buckle or clasp mechanism that uncouples and can be wrapped around a fixed object and then recoupled. The safety tether and the safety leash handle do not require the animal to be unleashed at any time. The safety leash system ensures the safety and protection of animals, the animal handler, and the public. 
         [0022]    The tether may be a fixed length, a variable loop, or flexible elastic. In particular, the tether may be (1) a separate piece attached to the leash at the distal handle end, or (2) a continuous length that expands in length after attaching to the leash at the distal end of the handle. The tether may be retractable and self-contained in a plastic or metal hardened container attached to the leash at the distal end of the handle. 
         [0023]    The length of tether may be about 8 inches to about 36 inches, such as about 10 inches to about 25 inches, for example about 10 inches, about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 20 inches, about 25 inches, or about 30 inches. The width of the tether may be about a quarter inch to about 2 inches, such as about half an inch to about an inch and three-quarters, such as about half an inch to about three-quarters of an inch, about three-quarters of an inch to about an inch, about an inch and a quarter, or about an inch and three-quarters. Combinations of lengths and widths of the tether are selected based on the size or the type and breed of the animal, as known to one of skill in the art. Exemplary lengths and widths are depicted in Table 1. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Sizing chart 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Size 
                 Length (inches) 
                 Width (inches) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Small 
                 10 
                 ½-¾ 
               
               
                   
                 Medium 
                 15 
                 ¾-1 
               
               
                   
                 Large 
                 20 
                 1¼ 
               
               
                   
                 Extra large 
                 25 
                 1¾ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0024]    The “lead” as defined herein is the section of the leash system extending the handle to the means for attaching an animal. The length of lead may be about 3 feet to about 10 feet, such as about 4 feet to about 8 feet, for example about 4 feet, about 5 feet, about 6 feet, about 7 feet, or about 8 feet. In a particular embodiment, the lead is about 6 feet. The width of the lead may be about a quarter inch to about 2 inches, such as about half an inch to about an inch and three-quarters, such as about half an inch to about three-quarters of an inch, about three-quarters of an inch to about an inch, about an inch and a quarter, or about an inch and three-quarters. Combinations of lengths and widths of the lead are selected based on the size or the type and breed of the animal, as known to one of skill in the art. Optionally, the lead may be retractable and self-contained in a plastic or metal hardened container attached to the leash near the distal end of the handle. 
         [0025]    The tether, handle, and lead may be made from the same or different materials, including, but not limited to, animal leather, nylon, hemp, cotton, metal, plastic, or other natural or man-made materials. The animal leather may be full thickness or split thickness. Components, such as the tether, handle, and lead may be secured together using any acceptable method known in the art, for example, using a single metal rivet, double metal rivet, single stitching, or double stitching, all with or without adhesive. In some embodiments, the material may be reflective. 
         [0026]    The connector for the tether may be distally attached to the safety tether, for example using a crimp connector. A variety of connectors may be selected to reversibly open and close the safety tether, including, but not limited to, a metal ring, center release buckle, reciprocal center buckle, side release buckle, spring hook, stationary snap hook, rotating snap hook, hook-and-loop fastener, S-shaped clasp, snap, or magnet. The hook-and-loop may be, for example, an industrial strength Velcro™ fastener. Likewise, any connector used for the safety tether may also be used for the means for attaching the proximal end of the lead to an animal. Particularly useful is a stationary or rotating snap hook. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, a closed metal ring, such as an O or D ring, may be used. The size of the metal ring may range from about a ½-inch diameter to about a 1½-inch diameter. In other embodiments, the connector may be center or side release buckle component attached either around the leash handle end, or attached between the two pieces of safety tether. In particular, a carabineer or spring hook may be used in conjunction with a pair of metal rings to reversibly open and close the safety tether. In other embodiments, a stationary or rotating snap hook may be used in conjunction with a single metal ring. In exemplary embodiments, the closed metal ring may be used as a fastener for securing a personal item, such as keys, a flashlight, animal waste system, pouch for holding training treats, or the like. 
         [0028]    In particular, referring to  FIG. 1 , a leash  10  is coupled to the collar  20  of an animal  30 . The collar is around the animal&#39;s neck  35  and is secured. The collar  20  has a metal ring  25  to which the leash  10  is attached. Extended from the collar  20 , leash  10  has a variable length lead  15  and width. The animal handler  90  holds the leash  10  the handle  40  with the safety tether  50  inactive. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , when securing the animal  30  to a fixed object  70 , the connector of the safety tether  50  is uncoupled. The safety tether  50  is then wrapped around a fixed object  70  and recoupled. At all times, the animal  30  remains coupled at the collar  20  and the animal handler  90  retains control of the leash  10  by the handle  40 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the safety tether  50  may use a release buckle  61 ,  62 , opened or uncoupled. When present, the release buckle  61 ,  62  is affixed to the distal end  51  of the safety tether  50 . The buckle  61 ,  62  permits a quick release or coupling when in use. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the safety tether  50  using a center or side release buckle  60 , closed or coupled. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the safety tether  50  using a carabineer  80  with metal rings  63 ,  64 , opened or uncoupled. The metal ring  63  is affixed to the distal end  51  of the safety tether  50  opening. The carabineer  80  is affixed to the other end of the opening by a metal ring  64 , permitting a quick release or coupling when in use. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the safety tether  50  using a carabineer  80  coupled with metal rings  63 ,  64 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the safety tether  50  using a stationary or rotating snap hook  65  with a metal ring  64 , opened or uncoupled. The metal ring  64  is affixed to one end of the safety tether  50  opening. The snap hook  65  is affixed to the other end of the opening by a metal ring, permitting quick release or coupling when in use. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the safety tether  50  may have a fixed but variable length  52 ,  53 . Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the safety tether  50  has an elasticized length  54 , which may be retracted or extended. Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the safety tether  50  may a retractable length  55 , which may be retracted and uncoupled, or extended and coupled. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 16 &amp; 17 , the leash  10  may comprise a handle  40  and more than one loop  62  to reversibility couple the connector  61  of the safety tether  50 . For example, a loop  62  may be located at distal end  51  of the safety tether  50 , in the middle of the lead  15 , and at the proximal end of the lead  15  near the fastener  21 . For example, as depicted at  FIGS. 16 &amp; 17 , the connector  61  of the safety lead  50  may be coupled to a loop  62  near the proximal end of the lead  15 , effectively extending the size of the safety tether to also include a portion of the length of the lead  15 . In this way, an animal may be secured to a fixed object having a relatively large diameter, such as the trunk of a tree. In other embodiments, the leash may be used as a hands-free leash by looping the extended safety tether around the body of the animal handler. In other embodiments, the leash  10  may comprise at least two loops  62 , for example, at least three loops, or at least four loops, disposed a various positions on the lead  15 . 
         [0035]    The leash  10  may further comprise a pass-through loop, through which the lead  15  may be looped to form a secondary loop. In some embodiments, the secondary loop may function as a handle while using the leash as a traffic leash. In other embodiments, the leash may be used as a double leash, wherein the secondary loop functions as a handle, a first animal is coupled to connector  21 , and a second animal is coupled to connector  61 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , the safety tether  50  may function as the handle  40  and the safety tether  50  simultaneously. The safety tether may be coupled with any suitable connector  60 , such as a center release buckle, side release buckle, metal ring with spring clip or carabineer, or ring with stationary or rotating snap hook. The safety tether may be a fixed length, elasticized, or retractable length. In some embodiments, the leash may comprise two or more loops disposed at different positions on the lead for reversibly coupling the connector of the safety tether. In other embodiments, the leash may comprise a pass-through loop in the lead. 
         [0037]    The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Since many embodiments of the disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the disclosure resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different embodiments may be combined in yet another embodiment without departing from the recited claims.