Abstract:
An animal restraint system which involves variable adjustability of maximum extension. A braking device with a pivoting tip which can move from a neutral position to a locked engaged position, a disengaged position, and a semi-engaged position. The semi-engaged position allows for spool rotation in the direction of retraction, while preventing spool rotation in the direction of extension. A brake lock with multiple settings including engaged position, disengaged position, and a semi-engaged position. A spool with teeth where one or more of the teeth is different from the others in shape, size or relative position to promote brake engagement efficiency. A leash maximum settings display. A moving “leash” guide which reduces tangling during extension and retraction. An adjustable handle grip to accommodate different hand sizes. A snap-on accessory attachment system. A leash dispenser system which limits full extension to reduce system failure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/179,844 titled “Retractable Leash System.” filed Jun. 10, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/542,649 titled “Retractable Leash System,” filed Jul. 10, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,480,241 on Nov. 1, 2016, which claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/571,707 titled “Adjustable Length Extension/Retraction Leash and Braking System,” filed Jul. 5, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/627,646 titled “Adjustable Length Extension/Retraction Leash and Braking System.” filed Oct. 17, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a retractable leash adjustability system for maximum extension using manual and mechanical brake actuation, a braking system with multiple settings, an adjustable handle and grip system, a system to affix leash accessories to the leash housing, and a spool design which facilitates smooth and safe brake actuation. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Animal restraints such as leashes or tie-outs for animals, such as dogs, have been designed using fixed length leads, variable length leads, and leads which combine the function of both fixed length and variable length. Fixed length leads are problematic when the pet is not far enough away from the pet owner or a fixed location, resulting in a leash which is loose, not taut, between the end attached to the animal and the opposite end held by the pet owner or attached to a fixed location. The loose lead can get tangled easily around the pet, pet owner or the fixed location. Variable length leashes and tie-outs, often in the form of retractable leashes, are designed with a leash wrapped around a spool within a casing which has a tension spring to allow the leash to extend out from or retract into the casing holding the spool as the pet either moves away from the pet owner or toward the pet owner, thus preventing slack in the leash. Retractable leashes allow for longer length extension than fixed length leashes. Retractable leashes typically have a brake, which, when engaged at a desired length less than full extension capability, prevents further length extension. The engaged brake typically results in a fixed length leash and the aforementioned functional deficiencies. There might be situations related to the size and temperament of the dog, the size and strength of the dog walker, and the safety conditions of the environment, where it is desirable to have a retractable leash which can extend and retract freely up to a length which is less than the full extended length of the leash. 
         [0004]    To address the above problem, some retractable leash devices have attempted to provide brake actuating designs with maximum length settings less than full leash extension in order to offer retraction capability for leash lengths less than full leash extension. 
         [0005]    All in all, these devices have major disadvantages. Some designs have setting limitations which do not accommodate practical application. Some designs are clumsy in that they require multi-step actuation or two-hand actuation. Another design is cumbersome in that it requires the dog to extend the leash to the desired maximum length and be stopped before the new extension maximum length can be set. In other designs, once the new maximum length has engaged the brake to prevent further extension, the setting cannot be changed, if desired, to a new setting to accommodate a changing situation because the brake locks up the system. In one type of device, either the dog or the pet owner needs to create slack in the leash in order to unlock the setting. This might require the pet owner using the manual brake as a second step. In addition to these limitations, many of these aforementioned designs have structural challenges where is not seen that they can be practically overcome. 
         [0006]    Additional challenges relate to handle formation for a safe and comfortable grip. Other leash designs have non-adjustable grips which cannot accommodate varied hand sizes. Some attempts to remedy this include various fixed contour handles, but this one size fits all approach does not work. 
         [0007]    Pet owners like to carry a variety of accessories, such as toys, to treats, water and clean-up devices, when walking a pet. Attempts to facilitate carry-along convenience have been limited to hook-on systems which do not affix contents in a rigid manner. The loose nature of these devices affects both comfort and control. 
         [0008]    When retractable leashes are in the mode of rapid extension which turns the leash spool inside the housing at a rapid rate, actuating the brake can be problematic because the brake tooth has trouble engaging the turning spool. This problem affects both comfort and control since the brake does not engage immediately and the vibration from lack of engagement is uncomfortable and startling. 
         [0009]    When retractable leashes are fully extended and a large force is encountered at the point of full extension, leashes frequently brake because they are designed with a stress point where the leash attaches to the spool or other interior positions. This problem is a safety issue because a broken leash results in a run-away pet. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    A device with functional advantages, which are represented here in the form of a retractable leash and tie-out design, that can be applied beyond the scope featured. A retractable leash and tie-out design, which can be manufactured and manufactured economically, incorporating a system for continuous adjustability settings for maximum leash extension. The design delivers control, safety and comfort with its setting ability to rapidly and easily accommodate specific or changing situations related to the size and temperament of the dog, the size and strength of the dog walker, and the safety conditions of the environment. Settings for a child walking a dog can be quite different than for that of an adult. Furthermore, the safety of the environment can change rapidly including other people, other pets, or surroundings. Ease of adjustability and setting flexibility enhance the control, safety and comfort of walking a pet. Brake actuation can be either manual or by use of the adjustable setting device. The setting of the device can take place when the leash is not in use, such as prior to a walk, or when the leash is in use with the brake on, or when the brake is off as the leash is being extended or retracted. The brake can operate independently or in unison with the brake lock to function in a semi-engaged mode where the leash spool is prevented from rotation for further extension, yet can rotate in the direction of retraction. The semi-engaged mode is simple to actuate either manually or by the positioning of the brake lock. The brake lock works in unison with the brake with the ability to be set into three positions, including a disengaged position which does not actuate the brake, a semi-engaged position which prevents the leash spool from rotating in the direction of further extension while allowing rotation in the direction of retraction, and an engaged position which prevents the leash spool from rotating in either the direction of extension or retraction. The leash operator can manually set the leash in semi-engaged mode and comfortably hold the brake button in one position while the pivot brake tip moves into its various positions during extension and retraction. 
         [0011]    The compact, lightweight design can be operated with one hand by children and adults alike. The bi-directional pivoting brake tip, with its non-linear arc of engagement and disengagement, delivers a wider range of motion and, with its neutral repositioning system incorporating bi-directional force, it uniquely facilitates consistent operation in the full range of varying operational and braking conditions. In addition to the safety and control that the bi-directional pivoting brake tip delivers, the leash operator also experiences greater comfort from smoother engagement. Other designs simulating elements of the semi-engaged mode either have an inconsistent ready position to function or require constant control management. The incorporation of non-uniform teeth on the leash spool improve control, safety and comfort by delivering quicker and smoother brake engagement by reducing vibration and skipping most noted in other designs when braking during rapid spool rotation during leash extension. The easy-read gauge makes setting the maximum length easy. The adjustable handle and grip provide improved control, safety and comfort to dog walkers with hands of varying sizes. Non-adjustable grips present a one size fits all approach to a device which requires great control in order to be operated safely. The system for affixing accessories enhances the dog walking experience through convenience and comfort. The brake actuating system can offer product reliability and safety even when incorporated into a leash design with no adjustability. In this scenario, the leash can be manufactured to be fully extended without fully unwinding at maximum extension. This prevents the spool from having a single stress point at the point of attachment of the leash to the spool which can fatigue or break when either the end of the leash is reached too often during use, or the leash connection at the spool is challenged by too great of a force of a running dog when the end of the leash is reached. 
         [0012]    The features of this preferred embodiment highlight features which are working collectively to enhance performance in the areas of control, safety, comfort and practical design. Each of the features represented enhance the performance of the preferred embodiment presented. Each of the features can stand alone as an enhancement to any leash design. The design features work with various leash materials, including, but not limited to, belt or cord leashes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the exterior with the adjustable brake actuation system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the spool, brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, and brake lock; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on illustrating spool rotation in the direction of leash extension; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the brake, brake tip and bi-directional spring positioned to prevent spool rotation; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the brake, brake tip and bi-directional spring positioned to allow spool rotation in the direction of leash retraction; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, and brake lock positioned to prevent spool rotation; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, and brake lock with brake lock alternately positioned to prevent spool rotation in the direction of extension: 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, and brake lock with brake lock alternately positioned, as in  FIG. 7 , to allow spool rotation in the direction of retraction: 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with an exploded view of the adjustable brake actuation system and emphasis on the setting of the adjustable brake actuation system; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with an exploded view of the adjustable brake actuation system and emphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system in motion toward leash extension and at the point of brake engagement; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with an exploded view of the adjustable brake actuation system and emphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system in motion toward leash extension with brake engagement in process: 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 1  with emphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system at the moment of brake and spool engagement and the cessation of spool rotation in the direction of leash extension; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the exterior with the non-adjustable brake actuation system; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 14  with emphasis on the non-adjustable brake actuation system; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 14  with emphasis on the non-adjustable brake actuation system in motion toward leash extension and at the point of brake engagement; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in  FIG. 14  with emphasis on the non-adjustable brake actuation system in motion at the moment of brake and spool engagement and the cessation of spool rotation in the direction of leash extension, and the leash length remaining on the spool; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the moveable exit opening for the leash; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C  are cross section views of the moveable exit opening for the leash in the housing shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 18D, 18E and 18F  are plan views of the moveable exit opening for the leash with an emphasis on varied positions and moveability; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 19, 19A and 19B  are plan views of the adjustable handle grip and the system to affix accessories; and 
           [0035]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  are plan views of sections of spools with varied teeth configurations as seen in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0036]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention comprises a retractable retention system having a housing  16 , a cord/leash  10 , a spool  28  rotatably disposed within the housing  16  and a braking system. 
         [0037]    The cord  10  has a proximal portion and a distal portion. Optionally, the proximal portion of the cord  10  can always be wound at least once around the spool  28 . 
         [0038]    The spool  28  is adapted to retain the cord  10  and can rotate in either a first radial direction  38  or a second radial direction  31 . The spool  28  is biased to rotate in the first radial direction  38  which causes the cord  10  to wind around the spool  28 . The spool  28  has an outer perimeter with a plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26 . The plurality of teeth  24 ,  26  can vary in size, shape and/or spacing. 
         [0039]    The braking system prevents the spool  28  from rotating in the second radial direction  31  and comprises a brake engagement element  14  and a brake insert. 
         [0040]    The brake engagement element  14  is movably attached to the housing  16  and has an exterior portion and an interior portion. 
         [0041]    The brake insert has a base portion and a brake tip portion  11 . The base portion of the brake insert is rotatably coupled to the interior portion of the brake engagement element  14  such that the brake tip portion  11  can be rotated in either direction between a first position  34 , a second position, and a third position  37 . The brake tip  11  is biased to the second position, which is between the first position  34  and the third position  37 . The brake insert is adapted such that the brake tip portion  11  can be inserted between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26  to prevent the rotation of the spool  28  in the second radial direction  31 . 
         [0042]    Optionally, the braking system can prevent the spool  28  from rotating in the second radial direction  31  and the spool  28  can still freely rotate in the first radial direction  38  thereby maintaining tension on the cord  10 . 
         [0043]    Optionally, the housing  16  has a handle  5 , and the handle  5  can have an adjustable handle grip  80 . The adjustable handle grip  80  is capable of moving in a first direction or a second direction relative to the handle  5  to accommodate different sized users&#39; hands. 
         [0044]    In a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention has a housing  16 , a cord  10 , a spool  28  rotatably disposed within the housing  16 , a braking system, and a cord  10  extension limiting system. 
         [0045]    The cord  10  has a proximal portion and a distal portion. Optionally, the proximal portion of the cord  10  can always be wound at least once around the spool  28 . 
         [0046]    The spool  28  is adapted to retain the cord  10  and can rotate in either a first radial direction  38  or a second radial direction  31 . The spool  28  is biased to rotate in the first radial direction  38 , which causes the cord  10  to wind around the spool  28 . The spool  28  has an outer perimeter with a plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26 . The plurality of teeth  24 ,  26  can vary in size, shape and/or spacing. 
         [0047]    The braking system prevents the spool  28  from rotating in the second radial direction  31  and comprises a brake engagement element  14  and a brake insert. 
         [0048]    The brake engagement element  14  is movably attached to the housing  16  and has an exterior portion and an interior portion. Optionally, the brake engagement element  14  can prevent the spool  28  from rotating in the second radial direction  31  and the spool  28  can still freely rotate in the first radial direction  38  maintaining tension on the cord  10 . 
         [0049]    The brake insert has a base portion and a brake tip portion  11 . The base portion of the brake insert is rotatably coupled to the interior portion of the brake engagement element  14 . The brake insert is adapted such that the brake tip portion  11  can be inserted between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26  to prevent the rotation of the spool  28  in the second radial direction  31 . 
         [0050]    Optionally, the brake tip portion  11  can be rotated in either direction between a first position  34 , a second position, and a third position  37 . The brake tip portion  11  is biased to the second position, which is between the first position  34  and the third position  37 . 
         [0051]    The cord  10  extension limiting system has a stop  76  coupled to the brake engagement element  14  by a stop support  75 , and an auger  63  (threaded rod) operatively coupled to the spool  28 . 
         [0052]    The stop  76  is disposed at a location that prevents full cord  10  extension. The stop support  75  is capable of alternatively moving relative to the housing  16  in a first stop support linear direction and a second stop support linear direction. The first stop support linear direction moves the brake tip portion  11  to between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26  and the second stop support linear direction moves the brake tip portion  11  away from between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26 . The stop support  75  is biased in the second stop support linear direction. 
         [0053]    A brake actuator  69  is threaded onto the auger  63 . Rotation of the spool  28  in the first spool radial direction  38  causes the auger  63  to rotate in a first auger radial direction and the rotation of the spool  28  in the second spool radial direction  31  causes the auger  63  to rotate in a second auger radial direction. 
         [0054]    Rotation of the auger  63  in the first auger radial direction causes the brake actuator  69  to travel in a first brake actuator linear direction and rotation of the auger  63  in the second auger radial direction causes the brake actuator  69  to travel in a second brake actuator linear direction. The traveling of the brake actuator  69  in the second brake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator  69  to eventually contact the stop  76 . The continued traveling of the brake actuator  69  in the second brake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator  69  to push the stop  76  and the stop support  75  in the first linear stop support direction. This moves the brake tip portion  11  to between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26 . The traveling of the brake actuator  69  in the first brake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator  69  to move away from the stop  76  to allow the stop support  75  to travel in the second stop support linear direction. This moves the brake tip portion  11  from between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26 . 
         [0055]    In one embodiment of the second aspect, the stop support  75  is provided by an adjustment auger  66  and the stop  68  is threadably attached to the adjustment auger  66 . 
         [0056]    The adjustment auger  66  is rotatably coupled to the brake engagement element  14  and is capable of alternatively moving relative to the housing  16  in a first adjustment auger linear direction and a second adjustment auger linear direction. The first adjustment auger linear direction moves the brake tip portion  11  to between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26  and the second adjustment auger linear direction moves the brake tip portion  11  away from between the plurality of spaced apart teeth  24 ,  26 . The adjustment auger  66  is biased in the second adjustment auger linear direction. 
         [0057]    Rotation of an adjustment dial  18  in a first adjustment dial radial direction rotates the adjustment auger  66  in a first adjustment auger radial direction and the rotation of the adjustment dial  18  in a second adjustment dial radial direction rotates the adjustment auger  66  in a second adjustment auger radial direction. 
         [0058]    Rotation of the adjustment auger  66  in the first adjustment auger radial direction causes the stop  68  to travel along the adjustment auger  66  in a first stop linear direction, and the rotation of the adjustment auger  66  in the second adjustment auger radial direction causes the stop  68  to travel along the adjustment auger  66  in a second stop linear direction. 
         [0059]    Optionally, the retractable retention system can also have a meter  8  coupled to the housing  16 , the meter  8  comprising a meter guide  7 , such that the location of the stop  68  corresponds to the location of the meter guide  7  relative to the meter  8  and the maximum cord  10  extension length. 
         [0060]    Additionally, the cord  10  can be alternatively extended  32  and retracted  36  between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. Prior to use or during use, a maximum extension length of the cord  10  can be selectable by a dial, a slide or pins at an infinite number of extension lengths between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position. 
         [0061]    The leash assembly for a cord  10  which can be extended and retracted to walk animals, as shown in  FIG. 1 , comprising a housing  16  with a handle  5  to carry the leash assembly.  FIG. 2  reveals housing  16  contains a spool  28  onto which the cord  10  is wound and which leaves the housing  16  through an exit opening  4  shown in  FIG. 1 . The spool  28  has a set of multiple teeth  26  and  24  located on outside with a corresponding set of teeth on the opposite side of the spool  28 . On the opposite side (not shown), the positioning and orientation of the spool teeth are symmetrical and parallel to the view seen in  FIG. 2 . Furthermore, a brake button  14  is provided in order to block the leash spool  28  and thus form a leash part in any desired length. At its free end, the leash is provided with a connecting hook (not shown). Under a spool plug  29  is a spring (not shown) against whose force the spool  28  can rotate. According to this, the leash assembly corresponds to a normal mechanically retractable leash assembly and needs no further explanation. 
         [0062]    The brake button  14  in  FIG. 2  is mounted in the leash housing  16  so that it can move inward, as seen by the arrow on  FIG. 4  or outward back toward its fully disengaged position as seen in  FIG. 2 . The movement of the brake button  14  runs approximately radially to the leash spool  28 . The bottom part of the brake button  14  is a pivot brake tip  11  which is mounted to the upper portion of brake button  14  using a brake pin  17  which facilitates the pivot brake tip  11  rotational movement. Furthermore, pivot brake tip  11  rests in a neutral position of engagement under the bi-directional force of a bi-directional spring system comprised of a spring force  13  toward an outward disengaged orientation and spring force  15  toward an inward engaged orientation. The opposing spring force  13  and  15  work in unison to hold pivot brake tip  11  in a neutral position when brake button  14  in conjunction with pivot brake tip  11  are fully disengaged from spool  28 . From the neutral position of pivot brake tip  11 , the tip is capable of rotating either inward or outward as it pivots on brake pin  17 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 3  shows the leash spool  28  rotating in the direction of arrow  31  during leash  10  extension in the direction of arrow  32  with brake button  14  in  FIG. 2  in conjunction with pivot brake tip  11  in  FIG. 2  in a fully disengaged position from spool  28 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  demonstrates full brake engagement, when brake button  14  is pushed inward in the direction of arrow  35 , pivot brake tip  11  in  FIG. 2  contacts one of the spool tooth braking surfaces  27 , which are oriented mostly radially from the center of the spool, resulting in brake activation which prevents the spool  28  in  FIG. 3  from rotating in either the direction of extension or retraction thus preventing the leash  10  from lengthening or shortening. Pivot brake tip  11 , upon contacting spool tooth braking surface  27  during rotation in the direction of extension, rotates inward in the direction of arrow  37  toward a parallel orientation with brake button  14 . As pivot brake tip  11  rotates inward, spring force  13  in  FIG. 2  is pushed in the direction of force of spring force  15 . During full brake engagement, the bottom of pivot tip  11  is in contact with spool tooth braking surface  27  and may or may not make contact with spool rotational surface  33 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 5  demonstrates semi-brake engagement during which brake button  14  in  FIG. 2  in unison with pivot brake tip  11  in  FIG. 2  is positioned such that the bottom of pivot brake tip  11  is in contact with spool tooth  26  without being able to contact spool rotational surface  33 . When brake button  14  is pushed inward in the direction of arrow  35  in  FIG. 4 , pivot brake tip  11  in  FIG. 2  contacts one of the angled spool tooth surfaces  25 , resulting in pivot brake tip  11  rotating outward as seen in arrow  34  from its neutral position. As pivot brake tip  11  rotates outward, spring force  15  in  FIG. 2  is pushed in the direction of force of spring force  13 . In  FIG. 5 , spool rotation is in the direction of retraction as seen by arrow  38  causing leash  10  to shorten in the direction of arrow  36 . With brake button  14  in unison with pivot brake tip  11  in the position of semi-brake engagement, pivot brake tip  11 , upon no longer making contact with spool tooth surface  25 , rotates back to its neutral position under spring force  13  and spring force  15  in  FIG. 2  which places the bottom of the pivot brake tip between spool outer surface  22  in  FIG. 5  and spool rotation surface  33  in  FIG. 4 . This position allows pivot brake tip to rotate in the direction of arrow  34  during spool rotation in the direction of retraction seen in arrow  38  in  FIG. 5 , or pivot brake tip  11 , upon contact with spool tooth braking surface  27  in  FIG. 2  during spool rotation in the direction of extension as seen in arrow  31  of  FIG. 3 , can rotate in the direction of arrow  37  to assume brake tip orientation as seen in  FIG. 4  and prevent spool rotation in the direction of leash extension. 
         [0066]    In  FIG. 6 , brake button  14  in unison with pivot brake tip  11  are in the fully engaged position in relation to spool  28  with the bottom of pivot brake tip in contact with both spool tooth braking surface  27  in  FIG. 2  and spool rotational surface  33  in  FIG. 6  resulting in spool rotation prevention. Brake lock  12  is pivoted on brake pin  21  in  FIG. 2  and moved into position in the direction of arrow  41  in  FIG. 6  on the top of brake lock  12  where the bottom of brake lock  9  is in contact with brake button notch  40  resulting in brake lock  12  affecting full brake engagement with spool  28 . Until brake lock  12  is subsequently moved out of fully engaged position, spool  28  cannot move and leash  10  can neither lengthen nor shorten. Leash  10  is now a fixed length which can end up with slack if the distance between the pet and pet owner is reduced in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0067]    In  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , brake button  14  in unison with pivot brake tip  11  are in the semi-engaged position in relation to spool  28  with the bottom of pivot brake tip in contact with spool tooth braking surface  27  in  FIG. 2  and not with spool rotational surface  33  in  FIG. 4  resulting in spool rotation prevention in the direction of extension as seen in  FIG. 3  arrow  31 . Brake lock  12  is pivoted on brake pin  21  in  FIG. 2  and moved into position in the direction of arrow  42  in  FIG. 7  when brake lock  12  is moved from the fully engaged position, or from the opposite direction after moving brake button  14  in unison with pivot brake tip  11  into semi-engaged position with spool  28 . The bottom of the brake lock  9  is in contact with brake button notch  39  resulting in brake lock  12  affecting semi-brake engagement with spool  28 . As with brake  14  in unison with pivot brake tip  11  in semi-brake engagement with spool  28  is prevented from rotating in the direction of leash extension while allowing spool rotation in the direction of spool retraction. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 9-13  are a series of views demonstrating operation elements of the adjustable brake actuation system. The brake actuation system in  FIG. 9  demonstrates compact size and energy transfer efficiencies within the leash system which also impact the component integrity during operation. The transfer of energy from spool  28  in  FIG. 2  to brake  14  through the brake actuation system is low enough to allow for all components to be made of plastic, if desired, without concerns of design failure. In  FIG. 9 , housing  62  is connected to housing  16  in  FIG. 2 . The brake actuation system is linked to brake button  14  at brake mount  60  in  FIG. 9 . While the brake actuation system can activate the brake without direct linkage, the linkage is used to enhance operational and structural efficiencies. 
         [0069]    Adjustment dial  18  directly drives auger  66  and shaft  64 . When adjustment dial  18  is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in  FIG. 10 , setting stop  68 , which is threaded to move along auger  66 , moves relationally and directionally as indicated by the arrows. The position of setting stop  68  in  FIG. 9  is directly translated to meter guide  7 . Meter guide  7  can be viewed through meter window  6  and translated by meter  8 . Meter guide  7  is positioned alongside meter  8  in  FIG. 1  to designate the adjustment setting and moves in parallel with the meter guide. After adjustment dial  18  is rotated to move setting stop  68  into the position by the pet owner, setting stop  68  remains in position on auger  66  in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 1  reveals optional dial guides  20  on adjustment dial  18 . 
         [0070]    In  FIG. 11 , as spool  28  in  FIG. 2  rotates in the direction of leash extension  32  in  FIG. 3 , spool gear  30  rotates in the same direction which rotates gear  67  which is connected to auger  63  and directly drives auger  63 . Brake actuator  69  is threaded and mounted to auger  63  in  FIG. 9 . As spool  28  in  FIG. 2  rotates, auger  63  rotates causing brake actuator  69  in  FIG. 9  to move in the direction indicated in  FIG. 11 . As auger  63  rotates in the direction indicated by the rotation of gear  67 , brake actuator  69  moves along auger  63  in  FIG. 9  until surface  72  makes contact with surface  71  in  FIG. 11 . As directional rotation continues from  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 12  shows brake actuator  69  exerting force on setting stop  68  in the direction of the arrows which translates to moving dial auger  66 , dial  18  and brake button  14  in  FIG. 9  with pivot brake tip  11  in the direction of the arrows indicated. This force translation is moving brake button  14  with pivot brake tip  11  toward spool  28  in  FIG. 2 . As dial auger  66  moves, auger shaft  64  and auger shaft  65  in  FIG. 9  move respectively through housing guides  70  and  61  in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 13  shows continued rotation from  FIG. 12  with respective continued component movement until pivot brake tip  11  attached to brake button  14  is brought into position to engage one of the spool tooth braking surfaces  27  on spool  28 . Pivot brake tip  11  rotates into position to prevent spool rotation in the direction of extension. Conversely, if after spool  28  in  FIG. 2  is prevented from rotating in the direction of extension, leash retraction were to ensue, spool rotation would be in the opposite direction and brake actuator  69  in  FIG. 9  would begin to move in the opposite direction than previously indicated and brake button  14  with pivot brake tip  11  would move out of position which had previously prevented rotation of spool  28  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 14-17  are a series of views demonstrating operation elements of the non-adjustable brake actuation system. This design alternative has same operation principle as with the adjustable brake actuation system featured in  FIGS. 9-13 , but does not include an adjustment dial system. Instead, this design incorporates one preset for the maximum length leash  10  to extend from spool  28  in order to improve safety and product integrity by not allowing leash  10  in  FIG. 2  to extend to its fastening point. The fastening point is a point of high stress and design weakness and product failure in other leashes.  FIG. 14  shows the leash housing with no dial. The design can accommodate and utilize a meter, meter window, and meter guide, but they are not required for operation. In the non-adjustable brake actuation system.  FIG. 15  shows shaft  75  without threads, since stop  76  is in a fixed position on shaft  75 . As in the adjustable brake actuation system featured in  FIGS. 9-13 , brake actuator  69  travels along auger  63  in response to auger rotation featured in  FIGS. 9-13 . In  FIG. 16 , brake actuator  69  moves directionally as the arrows indicate in response to the indicated extension direction of rotation of spool  28  in  FIG. 2 . Upon contact from brake actuator  69  to stop  76  as brake actuator  69  continues movement in the direction indicated in  FIGS. 16-17 , stop  76  moves with brake actuator  69  which translates to movement of shaft  75 , brake mount  60  in  FIG. 15 , brake button  14  with pivot brake tip  11 . This results in pivot brake tip  11  engaging one of the spool teeth at its spool braking surface  27  in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 17  shows a cross section view of the leash  10  having remaining length wound around spool  28  at the point of maximum extension of leash  10  as controlled by the non-adjustable brake actuation system. As with the adjustable brake actuation system, the non-adjustable brake actuation system allows for complete manual brake button  14  activation and the operation of the brake lock  12  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0072]    Normally, such leash assemblies equipped with a leash  10  in the shape of a strap have a leash dispenser  4  in  FIG. 1  in the shape of a narrow rectangular slit which can be integrated into the housing as shown in  FIG. 18  and through which a leash is guided to the outside. Leash dispensers often allow for the leash  10  to twist or fold when running in and out of the leash dispenser  4  which either winds improperly onto the spool  28  or can simply get stuck in the leash dispenser  4  in  FIG. 1  so the automatic function can no longer be ensured. As shown in  FIGS. 18D .  18 E and  18 F, the leash dispenser can move with the leash within a limited range of orientation to accommodate the tendency of the twisting or folding leash  10  and better guide the leash in through the leash dispenser  55  in  FIG. 18D  and back onto the spool  28  in  FIG. 2  during retraction and out through leash dispenser  55  in  FIG. 18D  during leash extension.  FIGS. 18A .  18 B and  18 C show cross section of leash dispenser  55  in  FIG. 18D  as it is mounted into, and is able to move in, leash housing  16  in  FIG. 1 . Leash dispenser stop  56  is able to move rotationally between housing stop  57  and housing stop  58  in  FIG. 18B  during rotation to turn leash dispenser  55  in  FIG. 18D  into the directional orientations shown in  FIGS. 18D, 18E and 18F  as needed. 
         [0073]      FIG. 19  depicts two handle features, an adjustable grip and an accessory clip system. Leash handle  5  needs to be designed to accommodate a variety of hand sizes. Other designs have attempted to address this problem with fixed ridges. This one size fits all approach does not work and results in discomfort for many whose hands are not compatibly sized. This also translates into a safety issue when a pet owner does not have a good grip on the leash handle  5 . A pet can pull away and the pet owner can lose their grip and let go of the leash handle  5 . By incorporating an adjustable grip guide  80  which can slide along an adjustment guide  81  which sits in handle guide receptacle  85 , pet owners can customize the handle grip to fit any hand size. The adjustment guide  81  allows for comfort and delivers greater control and safety by positioning fingers in their best position to operate the manual brake  14 , brake lock  12  in  FIG. 2 , and adjustment dial  18  in  FIG. 9 . The ease of positioning as indicated in  FIG. 19  allows multiple pet owners of different hand sizes to share the product and maximize comfort, control and safety for each person. 
         [0074]    The accessory clip system in  FIG. 19A  and  FIG. 19B  depict one of several systems to affix accessories to the handle or housing of a leash using a rigid lock system. In this depiction, leash handle  5  has a cut out accessory clip receptacle  83 . Accessory clip connector  82  on clip  84  is formed to slide and lock into clip receptacle  83 . 
         [0075]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  emphasize the teeth configuration on spools for leashes.  FIG. 20A  demonstrates a uniform tooth pattern found on other leashes. When a leash is being extended at a high rate of speed causing the spool to also turn at a high rate of speed, the uniform top surfaces of the teeth on the spool form a virtual smooth surface into which the brake tip is trying to penetrate during an attempt to engage the brake. The operator of the leash, upon trying to actuate the brake, often experiences skipping of the brake tooth across the top surfaces of the teeth as the brake tries to position itself between the teeth to stop rotation. Furthermore, a high vibration of the brake button results which is uncomfortable and may even cause the pet owner to drop the leash handle. There are both safety and comfort concerns as the leash cannot be stopped promptly and may even be released.  FIG. 20B  depicts spool teeth of varied sizes. By positioning one or more spool teeth of a varied size, shape, or position, the brake engages promptly, efficiently and smoothly because there is no longer a virtual uniform surface along the tops of the spool teeth when the spool is rotating at a high rate of speed. Brake tips of all designs benefit from this spool teeth configuration. 
         [0076]    Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.