Abstract:
A leash repair kit is provided for a retractable leash of a type having a housing and a cord retractably arranged within the housing. The cord includes a free end which extends out of the housing. The leash repair kit includes a leash strap and a fastening apparatus for removably joining together the cord and the leash strap. In further aspects, a retractable leash, connector assemblyand method of replacing an external leash portion of a retractable leash are provided.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to pet leashes and, more particularly, to a replacement leash assembly for a retractable leash, a connector therefore, and a method and retractable leash employing the same.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The conventional retractable pet leash (also called “Stop and Lock” leash) has become very popular with pet owners in recent years. Such retractable pet leashes come in various sizes, depending on various parameters, such as the strength required to adequately restrain the particular pet, the strength of the retracting-feed mechanism, or the amount of maximum lead that is desired. The retractable pet leash conventionally comprises a housing, which houses both a spooled lead and a mechanism for spooling and releasing the spooled lead, and a leash strap that attaches at one end to the lead and at the other end to a collar on the pet. The spooled lead portion is typically a woven, high-strength cord having a generally circular cross-sectional shape of relatively small diameter. Typically, the leash cord is highly flexible, so that it winds easily onto the spool when retracted. The leash strap, on the other hand, is typically a relatively flat strip, usually formed of nylon or other fabric webbing.  
         [0003]     On the conventional retractable pet leash, the leash strap is permanently attached to the lead. Because the leash strap is always exterior to the housing it is subject to being chewed by pets, particularly dogs. Thus, with time, the leash becomes impaired and must be replaced. Commonly, the entire retractable pet leash has to be replaced when the leash strap is chewed or damaged to the extent that it no longer provides a secure restraint for the pet. Retractable pet leashes are relatively expensive and, because of the cost, pet owners tend to avoid replacement as long as possible. This disincentive to replace the leash in a timely manner affects the safety of such leashes since pet owners may continue to use damaged or impaired pet leashes.  
         [0004]     Another disadvantage of the conventional, retractable pet leash is the lack of choice of leash strap color and style. Some pet owners may enjoy using leash straps that are visually appealing to them. For example, a pet owner may wish to have a strap that coordinates well with a certain color scheme, matches a collar of the pet, or that otherwise has a certain pattern. In some instances, a pet owner may wish to have a set of straps variety of styles, colors and/or patterns from which to choose on any particular day. Presently, the pet owner is limited to the colors and patterns that the manufacturer of the retractable pet leash offers.  
         [0005]     None of the retractable pet leashes available today are provided with a connector that will enable quick and easy replacement of the leash strap. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2001/0037774 A1 (DeBien; November 2001) discloses a retractable pet leash that is provided with a quick-release coupling and a release activation assembly, the purpose of which is to allow an animal handler to release a tethered animal at a remote location. The quick-release coupling and release assembly cooperate to disengage the pet leash from the collar of the animal. The disclosure does not, however, address the matter of allowing one to replace or exchange a leash strap that is connected to the lead of the retractable pet leash.  
         [0006]     What is needed, therefore, is a leash strap that is adapted to easily attach to the retractable lead cord of a conventional retractable leash. What is further needed is a leash repair kit that provides a means for replacing or exchanging the leash strap that is attached to the retractable leash. The present invention contemplates an improved leash strap and connector which overcome the above-referenced limitations and others.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     In one aspect, a leash repair kit is provided for a retractable leash of a type having a housing and a cord retractably arranged within the housing. The cord includes a free end which extends out of the housing. The leash repair kit includes a leash strap and a fastening apparatus for removably joining together the cord and the leash strap. In further aspects, a retractable leash, connector assembly, and method of replacing an external leash portion of a retractable leash are provided.  
         [0008]     In a further aspect, a retractable leash includes a housing, a cord retractably arranged within the housing, and a leash strap. The cord has a free end which extends out of the housing. A fastening apparatus removably joins together the cord and a leash strap.  
         [0009]     In another aspect, a connector for retractable leash of a type having a housing and a cord retractably arranged within the housing includes a first fastener adapted to be permanently attached to a external leash strap and a second fastener adapted to be removably attached to a free end of the cord.  
         [0010]     In still another aspect, a connector assembly includes an elongate hook member forming a hook at a first end and having an opening formed in a second end opposite the first end. A mounting plate is disposed intermediate the hook and opening. A closure carrier is mounted to a first surface of the mounting plate and a closure member is slidably carried on the closure carrier and is movable between a closed position and an open position.  
         [0011]     In yet another aspect, a method is provided for replacing an external leash portion of a retractable leash of type having a housing and a cord retractably arranged within the housing, the cord having a free end which extends out of the housing leash. A replacement leash assembly, including a replacement leash and a fastening apparatus for removably joining together the cord and the replacement leash; is provided. The external leash portion to be replaced is removed and a loop is formed in the cord free end. The loop is then removably attached to the fastening apparatus.  
         [0012]     One advantage of the present invention is that it provides quick and easy replacement or exchange of the leash strap portion of a conventional retractable pet leash. In this manner, a retractable leash having a damaged leash strap may be repaired without incurring the expense of replacing the entire retractable leash.  
         [0013]     Another advantage of the present invention resides in the ability of the user to modify a retractable leash, e.g., to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. Since the present invention provides a releasable connection between the leash cord and the leash strap, it becomes practical for a pet owner to have a number of leash straps, all of which may be quickly and easily interchanged, depending on the color, style, and/or pattern of the leash that is desired for a particular activity or event.  
         [0014]     Other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a conventional retractable pet leash which may be adapted for use with the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a stop member providing a transition between a retractable cord portion and an external leash strap of the conventional retractable leash shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  shows an alternate conventional retractable pet leash which may be adapted for use with the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a leash repair or replacement kit according an exemplary embodiment the invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the exemplary connector assembly portion of the leash repair/replacement kit shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0021]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate connector assembly embodiments similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , but adapted for use with leash strap portions of varying widths and/or thicknesses.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  depicts the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 5 , with the releasable connector shown in the open or retracted position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view taken along the lines  9 -- 9  shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0025]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a method of repairing a retractable leash having a damaged leash strap or otherwise replacing the external leash strap of a retractable leash.  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or analogous components throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional retractable pet leash  10  of a type preferred for use in connection with the present invention. The leash  10  includes a housing  12  enclosing a spooled cord  14 . The spooled cord  14  may be wound and unwound to form a leash of varying length. Commonly, one or more break buttons  16  may be provided to prevent winding or unwinding of the cord  14 , e.g., to maintain the retractable leash  10  at a desired length. In the depicted embodiment, a stop member  18  provides the transition between the retractable cord  14  and a first end  22  of an external leash strap portion  20 .  
         [0028]     The leash strap  20  may suitably be made from any natural or synthetic textile or fabric material, including without limitation, cotton, canvas, wool, leather, polymer material such as nylon, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, and so forth, as well combinations of such materials.  
         [0029]     The stop member  18  abuts the housing  12  when the cord  14  is fully retracted into the housing  12 . Since the leash strap portion  20  remains exterior to the housing at all times, it is subject to chewing by the pet. A second, free end  24  of the leash strap  20  includes a connector  26  for releasable connection to a collar, harness, etc., of a pet.  
         [0030]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there appears an enlarged view of the stop member  18 . The distal end  28  of the cord  14  passes through an opening  30  in the stop  18  and forms a loop  32 , e.g., within a channel  34  formed on the stop member  18 . The loop  32  passes through a loop  36  formed in the end  22  of the leash strap end  20 .  
         [0031]     The loop  36  is typically permanently formed, e.g., via stitching  40  or other generally permanent attachment means. The free end  28  of the cord  14  then passes into an interior opening  38  in the stop member  18  and may be secured therein via a knot  42  or other stop or attachment means. Leashes of the type illustrated in this embodiment are commercially available from Flexi USA, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio.  
         [0032]     It will be recognized that the present invention may be employed with any type of retractable leash wherein the cord  14  terminates in a loop, ring, or the like, or otherwise may be provided with a loop, ring, or the like. For example, in reference now to  FIG. 3 , a retractable leash  10 ′includes a retractable cord  14  attached to an external leash strap portion  20  via a ring  44 . The ring  44  passes through a loop  36  formed at the proximal end  22  of the leash strap  20 . Other means for forming and/or attaching a loop or ring at the end of the retractable cord  14  are also contemplated.  
         [0033]     The leash replacement/repair kit of the present invention includes a connector assembly which includes a permanently attached replacement leash strap and a releasable or non-permanent connector for releasably attaching the free end of the retractable cord  14 . Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a leash replacement/repair kit  50 , which includes a connector assembly  52 , a leash strap portion  54 , and a connector  56  for releasably attaching to a collar or harness of a pet. The leash strap portion  54  includes a loops  58  and  60  formed at opposite ends of the leash strap portion  54  and each is generally permanently formed, e.g., via stitching  62  and  64 , respectively. Other generally permanent means of attachment are additionally or alternatively contemplated.  
         [0034]     With reference now to  FIGS. 5 and 8 - 10 , the connector assembly  52  includes a generally hook-shaped member having  66  having a hook  68  at a first end and defining a channel or opening  70 . An eyelet end  71  having an opening or slot  72  is formed in a second end opposite the first end, and a main body portion  74  disposed between the first and second ends. The hook shaped member is preferably formed of a rigid material such as a metal or metal alloy, polymer material, or the like. A tension force applied to the fastening unit  52  during normal operation will not tend to cause opening of the connector assembly  52 . The loop  58  in the leash strap  54  is formed by first passing an end of the leash strap through the slot  72  and folding the end back upon itself and permanently securing via stitching  40  or other generally permanent attachment means. Other means for generally permanently fixing the loop  58  include, without limitation, weaving, braiding, riveting, stapling, clamping, bolting, gluing or adhesive bonding, thermal fusing or bonding and the like.  
         [0035]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there are shown connector assemblies,  152  and  252 , respectively, which vary in that the hook member  66  is formed with a eyelet end  71  having a slot  72  of an alternative size. In this manner, the slot  72  may accommodate varying widths and/or thicknesses of web or strap material forming the replacement leash strap  54 , e.g., to accommodate different size retractable leashes and pets.  
         [0036]     A carrier member  76  slidably carries a closure member  78  thereon. The carrier  76  is secured to the upper surface of the main body portion  74  of the hook member  66  via one or more (four in the depicted embodiment) mounting bosses  80  which pass through notches  82  in the main body  74 . Alternatively, the notches  82  may be through holes or apertures.  
         [0037]     A base  84  includes a pair of opposing and upstanding side walls  86  defining an axial channel  88 . The main body  74  is received within the channel  88 . The base  84  includes one or more openings  90 , each of which is aligned with a corresponding one of the mounting bosses  80  and notches or apertures  82 . One or more threaded fasteners  92  pass through the one or more openings  90  and openings or notches  82  and rotatably engage the mounting bosses  80 , thereby clamping the hook member  66  between the base  84  and the carrier  76 .  
         [0038]     The closure member  78  includes a pair of opposing vertically extending side walls  94 , defining a channel  96  therebetween. Each of the vertically extending sidewalls  94  includes an axially aligned and inwardly extending rail or rib  98 . The rails  98  slidably engage axially extending channels  100  formed in the carrier  76  to secure the closure  78  to the carrier  76  while allowing relative axial movement therebetween. In this manner, the closure  78  is manually slidable between a closed position in which it abuts the hook portion  68  (see  FIG. 5 ) and an open position (see  FIG. 8 ). In the depicted preferred embodiment, the closure member  78  includes a protrusion  102  which engages a complimentary opening or recess  104  when the closure is in the closed position to reduce the chance of unintended separation of the closure  78  and the hook  68 .  FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative exemplary connector assembly embodiment  352  further having an optional inward protrusion or deformation  114  provided within the channel portion  70  to further resist unintended separation between the cord  14  and the connector assembly.  
         [0039]     A spring  106  is captured between the carrier  76  and the closure  78 . The spring  106  engages a downwardly extending protrusion  108  formed on the closure  78  and biases the closure  78  toward the closed position. The closure  78  is moved to the open position by manually sliding the closure member  78  against the urging of the spring  106 . The spring  106  may be a cylindrical or conical coil spring. Alternatively, other resilient, deformable members are contemplated for use in place of the spring  106 . A protrusion  116  may be provided and received in an aligned opening  118  formed in the central portion  74  of the hook member  66 . Preferably, ergonomic features, such as textured or ribbed surfaces  110  or depression  112  may be provided to assist the user in manually engaging the closure member  78 .  
         [0040]     To use the replacement leash assembly  50  of the present invention to replace a preexisting leash strap portion  20  of a retractable leash  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 , the preexisting leash strap  20  is first removed. This may be done by severing the loop  36 . As noted above, the unit  50  may be used to replace a leash strap  20  that has been chewed by a pet or that has otherwise been damaged, although replacement may be for any reason, such as attaching a replacement leash strap portion  54  having a desired visual appearance is also contemplated.  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , after the preexisting web material  20  has been removed, the cord  14  is fed through the stop member  18  to expose a loop  32 . The closure member  78  is manually moved to the open position and the loop  32  is placed in the opening  70  defined by the hook  68  ( FIG. 11 ). The closure  78  is then released and the spring  106  causes the closure  78  to return to the closed position ( FIG. 12 ). The cord  14  may then be pulled taut until the stop member  18  abuts the connector assembly  52 .  
         [0042]     To remove the leash assembly  50 , the closure  78  is moved to the open position and the loop  32  is disengaged from the hook  68 . In this manner, multiple leash assemblies  50  may be exchanged.  
         [0043]     For the alternative retractable leash embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the preexisting leash portion  20  may be removed, e.g., by cutting the loop  36 . The closure  78  may be moved to the open position and the ring or loop  44  engaged to the hook  68 .  
         [0044]     In cases where the retractable leash to be used with the present leash connector embodiment lacks a suitable stop member  18  ( FIG. 1 ) or loop member  44  ( FIG. 2 ), a suitable stop member or ring member may be provided and attached to the free end of the cord  14 , e.g., via tying or other attachment means. Additionally, even in the absence a suitable stop member or ring member, a loop or noose may be formed at the free end of the cord  14 , e.g., via tying or other attachment means.  
         [0045]     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. For example, the connector assembly may employ a pivoting or telescoping closure in place of the sliding connector. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.