Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a pet leash that permits a pet handler to bring his/her pet under control urgently in a steady and reliable manner. Embodiments include a handle, a lead mechanism, an elongate portion extending therebetween, and multiple grip points on the elongate portion. A pet handler can grip the handle or one of the grip points with one hand and grip another of the grip-points with the other hand.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional application 60/881,556, filed Jan. 22, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention is related to pet leashes and, more particularly, to pet leashes that permit greater control over the leashed pet. 
   BACKGROUND 
   In many situations, it is important that pets on leashes be controlled by the person holding the leash. For example, if a dog owner is walking his/her dog and stops to talk with someone, he or she may need to bring the dog under greater control (e.g., if the dog gets unduly excited, if the person with whom he/she is talking has a small child, etc.). Conventional pet leashes leave much to be desired in terms of this greater level of control. 
   One kind of dog leash includes a first handle for allowing the fullest extent of the leash and a second handle to be grabbed in order to pull the dog closer. Such a dog leash poses multiple problems. First, in situations such as those mentioned above, the pet must be brought under greater control in an urgent manner. Grabbing for the second handle can be difficult, and accidentally missing the second handle can result in the pet causing harm. Second, with only one intermediate handle, there is only minimal flexibility in terms of how much control to exert—the dog can be free to use the full extent of the leash or he can be pulled to the intermediate distance. Moreover, adding additional handles to improve flexibility would result in a leash that is quite cumbersome to use. 
   SUMMARY 
   Embodiments of the present invention provide a pet leash that permits a pet handler to bring his/her pet under control urgently in a steady and reliable manner. Embodiments include a handle, a lead mechanism, an elongate portion extending therebetween, and multiple grip points on the elongate portion. A pet handler can grip the handle or one of the grip points with one hand and grip another of the grip-points with the other hand. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view of an illustrative pet leash according to embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic plan view of an illustrative pet leash according to embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic plan view of an illustrative grip-point according to embodiments of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  show pet leash embodiments that are illustrative of the present invention. A common kind of pet leash is a dog leash, though other kinds of pet leashes are possible. The pet leash  100  of  FIG. 1  includes a handle  105 , a lead mechanism  110 , an elongate portion  115 , and multiple grip-points  120 - 124 . Likewise, the pet leash  200  of  FIG. 2  includes a handle  205 , a lead mechanism  210 , an elongate portion  215 , and multiple grip-points  220 - 224 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as is discussed in greater detail below, the handle  105 ,  205  can have a handle cross-sectional profile, the elongate portion  115 ,  215  can have an elongate portion cross-sectional profile, and the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  can have grip-point cross-sectional profiles. When discussing cross-sectional profiles, this document assumes that the cross-section is in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the page and generally perpendicular to the direction of the pet leash  100 ,  200  (both as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the primary difference from the pet leash  100  of  FIG. 1  and the pet leash  200  of  FIG. 2  relates to the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . The lead mechanism  110  of  FIG. 1  is a clasp lead, and the lead mechanism  210  of  FIG. 2  is a slip lead. The clasp lead can secure the pet leash  100  to a pet by attaching the clasp  127  to the pet&#39;s collar. The slip lead can secure the pet leash  200  to a pet by increasing the size of the adjustable-sized lead loop  227 , slipping the lead loop  227  over the head of the pet, and pulling on the handle  205  to decrease the size of the lead loop  227  so that the lead loop  227  engages the pet. Many lead mechanisms are possible, with the slip lead and the clasp lead being provided only for illustration. 
   In some embodiments, two or three lengths of rope are braided together to form the handle  105 ,  205  and the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . The lengths of rope can have any suitable diameter, such as ⅛-inch, ¼-inch, 3/16-inch, and so on. For example, for smaller dogs, smaller diameter rope can be used. Certain preferred embodiments use a round braid or a flat braid, but other types of braids (square braids) are also possible. Certain particularly preferred embodiments use a round braid, making the pet leash more visually attractive in a retail setting. In many embodiments, the color of the two or three lengths of rope are carefully selected. For example, a pet leash can include one light-brown length of rope and one dark-brown length of rope, and the pet leash can be marketed for use with a German Shepherd. In another example, a pet leash can include one red length of rope, one white length of rope, and one blue length of rope, and the pet leash can be marketed to those inclined to express patriotism. 
   The handles  105 ,  205  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  can have many similar characteristics. The handle  105 ,  205  can include a handle loop  130 ,  230 . In many embodiments, the perimeter of the handle cross-sectional profile is larger than the perimeter of the elongate portion cross-sectional profile. This can make for a thicker, more ergonomic handle  105 ,  205 , which can be advantageous over many conventional leashes. In some such embodiments made of multiple lengths of rope, the lengths of rope can be double braided to form the handle  105 ,  205 , thereby creating the larger handle cross-sectional profile perimeter. In some embodiments, the handle  105 ,  205  can include a ball or any other suitable leash handle. 
   Referring still to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as shown, the an elongate portion  115 ,  215  is coupled to, and extends between, both the handle  105 ,  205  and the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . The elongate portion  115 ,  215  can be sized so that the pet leash  100 ,  200  is of any suitable length. For example, the pet leash  100 ,  200  can be six feet long, five feet long, four feet long, three feet long, two feet long, one foot long, or any other suitable length. 
   As is mentioned above, the pet leash  100 ,  200  can include multiple grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  having cross-sectional profile perimeters that differ from that of the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . Grip-point  124 ,  224  is shown on the elongate portion located near the handle  105 ,  205 . Grip-point  124 ,  224  has a cross-sectional profile perimeter that is often larger than the perimeter of the elongate portion cross-sectional profile. Grip-point  123 ,  223  is shown on the elongate portion located between grip-point  124 ,  224  and the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . Grip-point  123 ,  223  has a cross-sectional profile perimeter that is often larger than the perimeter of the elongate portion cross-sectional profile. Grip-point  122 ,  222  is shown on the elongate portion located between grip-point  123 ,  223  and the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . Grip-point  122 ,  222  has a cross-sectional profile perimeter that is often larger than the perimeter of the elongate portion cross-sectional profile. Grip-point  121 ,  221  is shown on the elongate portion located between grip-point  122 ,  222  and the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . Grip-point  121 ,  221  has a cross-sectional profile perimeter that is often larger than the perimeter of the elongate portion cross-sectional profile. Grip-point  120 ,  220  is shown on the elongate portion located between grip-point  121 ,  221  and the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . As shown, grip-point  120 ,  220  is located near the end of the elongate portion  115 ,  215  opposite the handle  105 ,  205 . Grip-point  120 ,  220  has a cross-sectional profile perimeter that is often larger than the perimeter of the elongate portion cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile perimeters of the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  can be smaller than that of the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . 
   As mentioned above, the illustrative pet leashes  100 ,  200  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  include multiple grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224 , which can allow a pet handler to securely grip the pet leash at the grip-point location without sliding. The grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  can be spaced apart from each other at any suitable distance. For example, in some embodiments, the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  are spaced approximately 12 inches apart from each other. In some embodiments, the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  are spaced apart by the number of braids. In some embodiments, grip-points are evenly spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, grip-points are staggered apart from each other. Though five grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  are shown in both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a greater or lesser number of grip-points can be used. For example, two grip-points, three grip-points, four grip-points, six grip-points, and so on can be used. In some embodiments, the quantity and spacing of grip-points can be custom tailored to the person who will be using it. In some embodiments, the perimeters of all of the grip-point cross-sectional profiles are substantially equal to one another. In some embodiments, the perimeter(s) of one or more of the grip-point cross-sectional profiles differ from one or more of the other grip-point cross-sectional profiles. For example, the cross-sectional profile perimeter of grip-points  121 - 123 ,  221 - 223  can be smaller than the cross-sectional profile perimeter of grip-point  124 ,  224 . 
     FIG. 3  shows a more detailed view of a grip-point  325  like the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the grip-point  325  has an ergonomic rib  327  to provide enhanced handling. As can be seen, the ergonomic rib  327  extends outwardly from the elongate portion  315  to provide enhanced handling for a hand  329 . In many embodiments, the ergonomic rib  327  can be substantially helical. 
   Each of the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  can have an ergonomic rib like the ergonomic rib  327  of  FIG. 3 . Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , grip-point  124 ,  224  can have a grip-point ergonomic rib extending outwardly from the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . Grip-point  123 ,  223  can have a grip-point ergonomic rib extending outwardly from the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . Grip-point  122 ,  222  can have a grip-point ergonomic rib extending outwardly from the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . Grip-point  121 ,  221  can have a grip-point ergonomic rib extending outwardly from the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . Grip-point  120 ,  220  can have a grip-point ergonomic rib extending outwardly from the elongate portion  115 ,  215 . In some embodiments, one or more of the grip-points can include an ergonomic rib, while one or more of the other grip-points can be without an ergonomic rib. 
   In some embodiments, the grip-points can play a role in the lead mechanism. For example, in  FIG. 2 , both grip-point  220  and grip-point  221  can play a role in lead mechanism  210 . As is mentioned above, lead mechanism  210  is a slip lead. The slip lead can have a ring  240  (e.g., a D-ring or an O-ring) attached to an end of the elongate portion  215  opposite the handle  205 . A section  242  of the elongate portion  215  can extend through the ring  240  to form the adjustable-sized lead loop  227 . As the lead loop  227  gets smaller, the ring  240  can engage grip-point  220 , thereby preserving the lead loop  227  by preventing the section  242  of the elongate portion  215  from withdrawing from the ring  240 . As the lead loop  227  gets larger, the ring  240  can engage grip-point  221 , thereby limiting the size of the lead loop  227 . In this way, the size of the lead loop  227  can be increased, the lead loop  227  can be slipped over the head of the pet, and the handle  205  can be pulled to decrease the size of the lead loop  227  so that the lead loop  227  engages the pet. 
   In use, the illustrative pet leash embodiments discussed above can be provided to manage a pet. The lead mechanism can be secured to the pet. The pet leash  100 ,  200  can be gripped with one hand (e.g., by gripping the handle loop  130 ,  230  with one hand; by putting one hand through the handle loop  130 ,  230  and gripping the grip-point  124 ,  224 ; and so on). The other hand can grip one of the grip-points  120 - 123 ,  220 - 223  to better manage the pet. To grip one of the grip-points  121 - 123 ,  221 - 223 , the other hand can grab the elongate portion  115 ,  215  nearer to the lead mechanism  110 ,  210  than the desired grip-point  121 - 123  and then slide back toward the desired grip-point  121 - 123  before successfully gripping the desired grip-point  121 - 123 ,  221 - 223  with the other hand to better manage the pet. For example, the hand not already gripping the pet leash  100 ,  200  can grab the elongate portion  115 ,  215  between grip-point  123 ,  223  and the lead mechanism  110 ,  210  (e.g., between grip-point  123 ,  223  and grip-point  122 ,  222 ) and slide back toward grip-point  123 ,  223  before successfully gripping grip-point  123 ,  223  to better manage the pet. 
   Pet leashes like those of  FIGS. 1 and 2  can be constructed in a variety of ways. One illustrative method of constructing a pet leash  100 ,  200  from two lengths of rope is discussed as follows (though, of course, variations on this method, such as using a greater number of lengths of rope, fall within the scope of the present invention). Two lengths of rope can be cut to a predetermined length that is related to the length of the eventual pet leash according to a predetermined formula that depends on the diameter of the rope, the type of braid to be used, the type and quantity of grip-point to be used, among other factors. The two lengths of rope can each be folded along a fold, with the location of the fold likewise being dependent upon several factors. The fold can then be inserted into a ring on the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . The free ends of the lengths of rope can be fed through the loops made by the folds and pulled tight, thereby securing the lengths of rope to the lead mechanism  110 ,  210  and permitting four free ends of the lengths of rope to extend away from the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . 
   The four free ends of rope can then be formed into the elongate portion  115 ,  215 , the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224 , and the handle  105 ,  205 . The first step can be forming grip-point  120 ,  220  with one of the four free ends. The one free end can be wrapped around the other three free ends and tied in a knot. This process can be repeated several times. This can cause the cross-sectional profile perimeter of grip-point  120 ,  220  to be larger than that of elongate portion  115 ,  215 . The location of the knot can be varied with each time the free end is wrapped around the other three free ends, thereby creating the ergonomic rib  327  of  FIG. 3 . In certain preferred embodiments, one or more of the free ends are wrapped ten times around the other three free ends and tied to create grip-point  120 ,  220 . In some embodiments, two of the four free ends can combine to form grip-point  120 ,  220 . For example, if grip-point  120 ,  220  is wrapped around and tied fifteen times, one of the free ends can be wrapped around and tied eight times with another of the free ends being wrapped around and tied the other seven times. Other examples are possible. 
   With grip-point  120 ,  220  completed, the four free ends of rope can be braided (in any of the ways discussed herein or in any other suitable way) to form the elongate portion  115 ,  215  between grip-point  120 ,  220  and grip-point  121 ,  221 . Grip-points  121 - 123 ,  221 - 223  can be constructed in a similar way as grip-point  120 ,  220 . In certain preferred embodiments, one or more of the free ends are wrapped ten times around the other three free ends and tied to create grip-points  121 - 123 ,  221 - 223 . The elongate portion  115 ,  215  between grip-point  121 ,  221  and grip-point  122 ,  222  can be constructed in a similar way as the elongate portion  115 ,  215  between grip-point  120 ,  220  and grip-point  121 ,  221 , as can the elongate portion  115 ,  215  between grip-point  122 ,  222  and grip-point  123 ,  223 . 
   The elongate portion  115 ,  215  that is nearer the handle  105 ,  205  than grip-point  123 ,  223  can extend so that it will be underneath grip-point  124 ,  224  when grip-point  124 ,  224  is constructed. The end of the elongate portion  115 ,  215  can be located near the base of the handle loop  130 ,  230 , and can be tied to fix the length of the elongate portion and leave the same four free ends to create the handle  105 ,  205 . The four free ends can be braided (e.g., a double braid compared to the elongate portion&#39;s single braid) to create the handle  105 ,  205 . The other end of the handle loop  130 ,  230  can be positioned near the end of the elongate portion  115 ,  215 , and one or more of the free ends can be tied into the elongate portion  115 ,  215  and/or the handle  105 ,  205 . This can fix the size of the handle loop  130 ,  230 , and that size can remain relatively fixed even under stresses associated with ordinary use of the pet leash  100 ,  200 . 
   With the handle  105 ,  205  completed, the four free ends can be used to construct grip-point  124 ,  224 . Three of the free ends can be extended along the elongate portion  115 ,  215  back toward the lead mechanism  110 ,  210 . The other free end can be wrapped around both the other three free ends and the elongate portion  115 ,  215  and tied to create grip-point  124 ,  224 . Because of this, the cross-sectional profile perimeter of grip-point  124 ,  224  is larger than that of grip-points  121 - 123 ,  221 - 223  in this example. As is discussed above, in some embodiments, two or more of the free ends can combine to create grip-point  124 ,  224 . In certain preferred embodiments, one or more of the free ends are wrapped fifteen times around both the other three free ends and the elongate portion  115 ,  215  and tied to create grip point  124 ,  224 . 
   With grip-point  124 ,  224  completed, the remaining length of the four free ends (if any) is cut and secured to the elongate portion  115 ,  215  and/or grip-point  124 ,  224  (e.g., by melting the respective portions of rope together and/or by tying one or more of the free ends to the elongate portion  115 ,  215 ). Thus, in the illustrative method just discussed, one of the lengths of rope is wrapped around the elongate portion  115 ,  215  to form one or more of the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224 . In some embodiments, one of the lengths of rope can be wrapped around the elongate portion  115 ,  215  to form one or more of the grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224 , while another of the lengths of rope can be wrapped around the elongate portion  115 ,  215  to form one or more of the other grip-points  120 - 124 ,  220 - 224 . 
   In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Thus, some of the features of preferred embodiments described herein are not necessarily included in preferred embodiments of the invention which are intended for alternative uses.