Abstract:
A no-tangle, retractable leash device for more than one tethered entity, the leash device. The device includes a handle and a housing rotatably carried by the handle. The housing having an interior and at least a first and second aperture communicating the interior with the ambient environment. The device also includes at least a first and second leash reel carried within the housing. The first and second leash reels each carrying a respective leash and being independently rotatable enabling a respective leash to extend through a respective aperture of the housing. A brake inhibits the rotational movement of at least one reel.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/240206 filed on Sep. 5, 2009 entitled Tangle-Free Extendable Leashes to the inventor Carolyn Reaves O′Brien which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The technology described herein relates generally to leashes for pets. More specifically, this technology relates to non-tangle, retractable extension leashes for walking, restraining, and so forth, of pets, or other tethered entities. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Of the estimated 77.5 million owned dogs in the United States, almost 20 million of those dogs live in a household that owns two dogs. Dog walking is the most common and universal way to exercise these animals and daily walks are highly recommended for physical and psychological benefits. For the person walking two or more dogs, this can become quite challenging, especially when using multiple leashes. As dogs move constantly, leashes easily crisscross and often a leash is dropped in an effort to detangle them. When multiple extending type leashes are used in the process of walking two or more dogs, the walker inevitably is bound to have to maneuver the leashes to prevent entanglement as well as manage the length to which they extend. In an effort to minimize these problems, there have been a several devices developed to help walk more than one dog on extending style leashes. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,893, issued to Quintero et al. on Sep. 21, 2004, discloses a retractable two-pet leash. U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,296, issued to DiDonato on Apr. 24, 2007, discloses a no-tangle two dog retractable leash with flashlight. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2008/0000433 filed by DiDonato and published on Jan. 3, 2008, discloses a no-tangle two dog retractable leash. 
         [0005]    While suitable for their intended purposes, applicant believes innovations are necessary for ensuring the non-tangling of the leashes. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a device which provides for walking at least two tethered animals in a manner which facilitates in the non-tangling of the respective leashes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The invention consists of at least a plurality of reels for manipulating leashes which are housed within a leash housing. The leash housing has a plurality of apertures enabling the respective leashes to extend from its respective reel to the outside ambient environment. The housing is rotatable enabling a respective leash to correspondingly rotate around a center of the housing. A handle is utilized for carrying the leash housing and respective reels. A braking mechanism carried in the vicinity of the handle enables the operator to terminate the movement of the respective reels and subsequent extension of the respective leashes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a non-tangle, retractable extension leash, illustrating, in particular, use of the device in walking two tethered entities, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the non-tangle, retractable extension leash, illustrating, in particular, the handle, button, and housings, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the non-tangle, retractable extension leash, illustrating, in particular, the handle and the button and their associated interconnectivity with the bearing, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an expanded front perspective view of the non-tangle, retractable extension leash, illustrating, in particular, the assembly and interconnectivity of elements of the leash, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing the approximate position of each component; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded detailed view of that portion of the invention concerned with the operation and mounting of those components directly involved with the extension and retraction of the two leashes; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6B  is an isometric view of the assembled components described in  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a detailed view showing the placement of all components comprising the right half of the invention of the alternative embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a detailed view showing the placement of all components comprising the left half of the alternative embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9A  is a simplified right hand view depicting the position of the operating button in the neutral position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9B  is a simplified right hand view depicting the position of the operating button in the engaged position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9C  is a simplified right hand view depicting the position of the operating button in the engaged and locked position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10A  is a simplified left hand view showing the position of the operating button in the neutral position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10B  is a simplified left hand view showing the position of the left operating button in the engaged position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10C  is a simplified left hand view showing the position of the left operating button in the engaged and locked position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  is an isometric view of the invention showing the location of externally attached components and associated attachment points; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating the rotation capabilities of the leash housing; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates an alternative embodiment utilizing a braking mechanism for a dual button configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
         [0027]    Referring now to the  FIG. 1 , a non-tangle, retractable extension leash  110  device is shown. The device  110  is shown in use for walking two tethered entities, with a first leash  150  attached to one tethered entity and a second leash  152  attached to a second tethered entity. The device  110  can be used for a single tethered entity, two tethered entity, or multiple tethered entities dependent on the number of leash wheels included within. The device  110  provides extendable leashes  150 ,  152  for multiple tethered entities in a device  10  with ergonomic functionality and design. The device  110  is manufactured from lightweight, yet sturdy and durable, materials. The extendable leashes  150 ,  152  can be interchangeable. As such, replacement leashes can be added or leashes of alternative lengths and strengths can be utilized. The device  110  is configured to accommodate multiple leashes from a single hand operable device in an orderly fashion without the dreaded leash entanglement scenarios. 
         [0028]    The device  110  is configured to avoid leash entanglement while in use with multiple leashes. The device  110  provides for leashes  150 ,  152  with independent rotation about their axes of rotation. Additionally, the device  110  provides for single-handed operation of both the device handle  112  and braking mechanism  116  to stop the extension of the leashes  150 ,  152  to the tethered entities. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 , a non-tangle, retractable extension leash  110  is shown. The device  110  includes first and second wheels  134   a ,  134   b . Additional wheels can be utilized for embodiments of the device configured for more than two leashes. The first and second wheels  134   a ,  134   b  are shaped as spools and are mounted on an axle  114  through holes  136   a ,  136   b , respectively. 
         [0030]    The first and second wheels  134   a ,  134   b  are configured to rotate independently on the axle  114 . Each wheel  134   a ,  134   b  is configured to hold a leash  150 ,  152  in leash groove  138   a ,  138   b  and to retract the leash when low tension on the leash exists. The first and second wheels  134   a ,  134   b  are configured such that the leashes  150 ,  152  do not entangle when the leashes are extended and retracted while in use. Disposed within the each retractable wheel  134   a ,  134   b  is a torsional spring (not shown). As a leash  150 ,  152  is extended outwardly from the device  110 , the torsional spring wraps around the spindle in the center of the wheel  134   a ,  134   b . The torsional spring wrap provides tension such that when a low force is pulling on the leash  150 ,  152 , the leash retracts back onto the wheel  134   a ,  134   b.    
         [0031]    The device  110  includes a button  116  configured to be operatively and single-handedly depressed by a user. The button  116  can include, for example, but not limited to, a push handle, or the like. The button  116  is configured with a hole  120  through which the button  116  is mounted securely on the axle  114 . The device  110  includes a lock  118  coupled to the button  116 . The lock  118  can be a lock bar, clamp, or other locking mechanism sufficient to stop extension of the leashes. The lock  118  is configured to push together the first and second wheels  134   a ,  134   b  and to lock and stop rotation of the wheels  134   a ,  134   b  as the button  116  is operatively depressed by the user. The button  116  is mounted on the axle  114  to secure the button  116  to the axle  114  and to a handle  112  coupled to the axle  114 . 
         [0032]    The device  110  can include a handgrip  160  disposed upon the handle  112 . By way of example, the handgrip  160  can include a rubber-grooved handle. The handgrip  160  can include finger and palm indentations to conform to the hand of the operator. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the device  110  and handle  112  can further include a hand or wrist strap. 
         [0033]    The device  110  includes first and second housings  128   a ,  128   b  configured to mount upon the axle  114  through holes  130   a ,  130   b  and cover the first and second wheels  134   a ,  314   b , respectively. The device includes a leash hole  132   a ,  132   b  disposed on each of the housings  128   a ,  128   b  such that the retracted leash  150 ,  152  extends from the wheel  134   a ,  134   b  through the hole  132   a ,  132   b  on extension of the leash and returns through the hole  132   a ,  132   b  to the wheel  134   a ,  134   b  on retraction of the leash. The leashes  150 ,  152  exiting the leash holes  132   a ,  132   b  in the first and second housings  128   a ,  128   b  thereby freely and independently rotate about the axle  114  as the attached leashes move and the first and second housings  128   a ,  128   b  rotate. As such, the point of exit for the leashes  150 ,  152  can vary and rotate dependent on movement of the leashes and the operator. The exit point for the leashes  150 ,  152  is not permanently fixed relative to the device  110 . This provides greater flexibility is use and lessens the Likelihood of leash entanglement. 
         [0034]    The device  110  includes a first bearing  122  coupled to the first housing  128   a  and configured to allow the first housing  128   a  to rotate about the axle  114 . The first bearing  122  is configured with a hole  124  to receive the axle  114 . The first bearing  122  is also configured with a lock hole  126  to receive the lock  118  such that the lock  118  accesses the first and second wheels  134   a ,  134   b  and, as the user depresses the button  116 , locks the first and second wheels  134   a ,  134   b  to brake the extension of the leashes  150 ,  152 . 
         [0035]    The device  110  includes a second bearing  140  coupled to the second housing  128   b  and configured to allow the second housing  128   b  to rotate about axle  114 . The second bearing is configured with a hole  142  to receive the axle  114 . 
         [0036]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 through 12 . An exploded view of the alternative embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5 . The primary components of the alternative embodiment include a right handle housing  1  and a left handle housing  2 , a brake housing  8  which includes a first and second stop saddle for assisting in braking leash reels  19 A and  19 B. Brake buttons  3  and  4  interact with an actuating disk  6  for manipulating the first and second stop saddles for braking respective leash reels  19 A and  19 B. Leash reels  19 A and  19 B are mounted on leash reel mounting bracket  14  which are mounted within leash cover  16 . Leash reel mounting bracket  14  includes a first and second tab member. The first tab member engages brake housing  8  and the second tab member slips over a boss rim within the left and right handle housings. When assembled, the leash reels, leash cover and brake assembly all rotate simultaneously along a track defined by the second tab member engaging the boss rim which circumferentially extends along the interior of the left and right handle housings. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a brake housing  8  into which are installed two stop saddles  9 A and  9 B which are mounted by means of a round shaft  10  which inserted through an access hole  30  in the side of the housing  8  and guided through a series of locating loops  31 . In addition, the shaft  10  is guided through two holes  32  located at the base each stop saddle  9  as well as through a torsion spring  26 . When installed, the torsion spring  26  causes the stop saddle  9  to rotate against the back inside of the housing  8 ; any forward rotation of the stop saddle  9  would therefore require a force greater than the torsional effect of the spring  26 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , a spool assembly  19  comprised of a take-up spool  11  into which a constant force spring  12  is inserted in its center in such a manner that an anchor loop  33  on the outside of the spring  12  is positioned around an anchor tab  34  located on the inside edge of the center opening of the spool  11 . Closer examination shows a formed end  35  on the inside end of the constant force spring  12 , the function of which is to provide a means of securing a second anchor for the constant force spring  12 . The constant force spring  12  is held in the take-up spool  11  by means of a circular spring cover  13  which provides access to the formed end  35  through a center access hole  82  in the spring cover  13 . A length of braided rope or leash  25  is wrapped around the hub portion of the take-up spool  11  in a direction such that when the spool assembly  19  is properly anchored the leash  25  will retract to its original position when pulled. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , the reel assembly  19  is mounted on a bearing post  36  of the reel mounting bracket  14 . The post  36  includes a narrow longitudinal slit  37  for anchoring the formed end  35  of the constant force spring  12 . The two reel mounting brackets  14  and the two reel assemblies  19  are identical and when assembled are mounted to the bearing ring housing by placing the reel mounting bracket tabs  78  of the reel mounting bracket  14  into the tab slots  79  on the perimeter of the bearing ring housing  8 . To insure proper spacing between the facing reel assemblies  19 , a spool spacing ring  15  is install between the two reel mounting brackets  14  by guiding a small boss  80  located on each side of the reel spacing ring  15  into a like size hole  81  at the end of bearing post  36 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , the sides  38  of the stop saddle  9  are sufficiently spaced to fit over the outside edges  39  of the reel assembly  19 . In the event the stop saddle  9  is rotated forward such that it straddles the edges  39  of the reel assembly  19 , the tip of each saddle side  40  will engage any one of a plurality of cupped protrusions  41  that are part of the reel assembly  19  edge  39 . As can be seen, this action will prevent the reel assembly  19  from rotating in the direction that allows the leash  25  to extend. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 6B , the sum of the components in  FIG. 6A , when assembled, form a bearing ring assembly  20 . The two identical halves  83  of the bearing ring assembly can be temporarily held together buy installing a single thread “U” clip fastener  22 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  depicts the right section of the invention in which the bearing ring assembly  20  is coupled to the right handle housing  1  by means of a multiple of balls  17  that are equally spaced by means of a ball separator  18  and held in place buy the confinement of a bearing race  42  in the ring assembly  20  and the opposing bearing race  43  in the right handle housing  1 . Rearward movement of the ring assembly is prevented by a circular rib  44 , part of the right handle housing  1 . This arrangement allows the bearing ring assembly  20  and any part attached, such as the leash cover  16 , to rotate  360  degrees with a minimum amount of friction. The leash cover  16  is accurately positioned over the bearing ring assembly  20  by means of cover support tabs  45  and spool mounting bracket fin  46  best depicted in  FIG. 6A  and is secured by the combination of a machine screw  21  and a single thread “U” clip fastener  22 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , two rubber o-rings  23  are secured between identical rib configurations  77  for holding an optional flashlight  24 . Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  7 , and  8 , a single button assembly  7  is formed by guiding two similar bosses  51  affixed to the right hand button  3  into two corresponding holes  58  in the left hand button  4 . The resulting button assembly  7  is held in place by the constraint of the side of the button opening  52  in the right handle housing  1 , by the constraint of the side of the button opening  61  in the left handle housing  2  and by the button mounting shaft  5 . A compression spring  27  is installed in a spring opening  54  in the right hand button  3  and in a spring opening  62  in the left hand button  4 . These springs  27  force the button assembly  7  to maintain a position toward the rear of the handle housing  1  by contacting the rear of the spring opening  55  of the right button  3  and a spring post  56 , part of the right handle housing  1 . Likewise, spring  27  forces the button assembly  7  to maintain a position the rear of handle housing  2  by contacting the rear of the spring opening  63  of the left button  4  and the spring post  64 , part of the left handle housing  2 . The right button contact face  57  and the left button contact face  65  lightly touch the actuating disk  6  on the centerline of the bearing ring assembly  20 . It can be seen that because the actuating disk  6  and the bearing ring assembly  20  are concentrically mounted, the right button contact face  57  and the left button contact face  65  will always be in contact with the center of the actuating disk  6  no matter what the position of the bearing ring assembly  20 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 9A , the button assembly  7  is shown in a neutral position in that it is positioned fully toward the rear of the right handle housing  1  and therefore the stop saddle  9 A is rotated away from the spool assembly  19 A by the action of the torsion spring  26  which in turn forces the actuating disk  6  to its maximum rearward position. In this situation the spool assembly  19 A is free to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the tension on the leash  25 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 9B , the button assembly  7  is shown in the activated position in that it is positioned fully to the left by overcoming the resistance of the compression spring  27  and the torsion spring  26 , its movement limited by the constraints of the edge of the button mounting slot  66  and the button mounting shaft  5 . The tips  40  of the stop saddle  9 A are in full contact with the cupped protrusions  41  on the edges of the spool assembly  19 A. The spool assembly  19 A is now unable to rotate counter-clockwise and the leash  25  is prevented from extending as long as the right button  3  is held in this position. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 9C , the button assembly  7  is fully extended to the left and rotated approximately seven degrees counter-clockwise. This action is easily accomplished by pressing the button assembly  7  with the thumb  67  of either hand and rotating the thumb  67  against the button thumb stop  68  until the button locking tab  69  flexes under the right handle locking post  70 . Persons familiar with the art will appreciate the fact that the right button contact face  57  is a full radius that has it center on the center of the button mounting shaft  5  thus any rotation of the button  3 , as part of button assembly  7 , has no negative impact on the position of the actuating disk  6 . This locking action being accomplished, the spool assembly  19 A is locked and the leash  25  cannot be extended or retrieved until the action is reversed by pressing the button assembly  7  firmly downward at or near the point  71 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 10A , the button assembly  7  is shown in a neutral position in that it is positioned fully toward the rear of the left handle housing  2  and therefore the stop saddle  9 B is rotated away from the spool assembly  19 B by the action of the torsion spring  26  which in turn forces the actuating disk  6  to its maximum rearward position. In this state the spool assembly  19 B is free to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the tension on the leash  25 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 10B , the button assembly  7  is shown in the activated position in that it is positioned fully to the right by overcoming the resistance of the compression spring  27  and the torsion spring  26 , its movement limited by the constraints of the edge of the button mounting slot  72  and the button mounting shaft  5 . The tips  40  of the stop saddle  9 B are in full contact with the cupped protrusions  41  on the edges of the spool assembly  19   b . The spool assembly  19 B is now unable to rotate counter-clockwise and the leash  25  is prevented from extending as long as the button assembly  7  is held in this position. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 10C , the button assembly  7  is fully extended to the right and rotated approximately seven degrees clockwise. This action is easily accomplished by pressing the button assembly  7  with the thumb  67  of either hand and rotating the thumb  67  against the button thumb stop  73  until the left button locking tab  74  flexes under the left handle locking post  75 . Persons familiar with the art will appreciate the fact that the left button contact face  65  is a full radius that has it center on the center of the button mounting shaft  5  thus any rotation of the button  4 , as part of the button assembly  7 , has no negative impact on the position of the actuating disk  6 . This locking action being accomplished, the spool assembly  19 B is locked and the leash  25  cannot be extended or retrieved until the action is reversed by pressing the button assembly  7  firmly at or near the point  76 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 11A , a leash extension  83 , attached to the leash  25 , includes a slide-bolt spring snap  84  that can be attached to a snap ring  85  provided at bottom of the combination of the right and left handle housings,  1  and  2  respectively. The purpose of which is to provide a convenient point to connect the leash extension  83  when the use of only one leash  25  is needed. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11B  depicts the two leash exits  86 , integral part of the leash cover  16 , that extend slightly beyond the rounded exterior surface  87  of the leash cover  16 . In combination with the ability of the leash cover to rotate 360 degrees, these features ( 86  &amp;  87 ) prevent the extended leashes  25  from crossing one another and becoming entangled. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 12  an alternative braking arrangement is illustrated. One of the pair saddles  9  is acted upon by the movement of an actuating disk  6 , which has affixed an actuating post  47  and two guide pins  48 . The guide pins slide through two corresponding guide sleeves  49  that are part of the bearing ring housing  8 . The actuating post  47  contacts the stop saddle  9  through an opening  50  in the bearing ring housing  8 . In addition the actuating disk  6  has a centrally located opening  51  which allows access to an actuating lever  7 . The actuating disk  6  is contacted by the right button  3  which is held in place by the constraints of the button opening  52  in the right handle housing  1  and the button mounting shaft  5 . A compression spring  27  is installed in a spring opening  54  in the right button  3  which forces the button  3  to maintain a position toward the rear of the handle housing  1  by contacting the rear of the spring opening  55  on one side and a spring post  56 , part of the right handle housing  1 , on the opposing side. The right button contact face  57  lightly touches the actuating disk  6  on the vertical centerline of the bearing ring assembly  22  and to the immediate right of the centrally located opening  51  in the actuating disk  6 . It can be seen that because the actuating disk  6  is cylindrical and affixed to the centrally positioned bearing ring assembly  20 , the right button contact face  57  will always be in contact to the immediate right of the opening  51  no matter what the position of the bearing ring assembly  20 . One of the pair saddles  9  is acted upon by the movement of an actuating lever  7 , which has affixed an actuating post  58  and a raised housing  59 . The housing  59  is of a diameter such that it will not contact the sides of the centrally located opening  51  in the actuating disk  6 . The actuating post  58  contacts the stop saddle  9  through an opening  60  in the bearing ring housing. The actuating lever housing  59  is contacted by the left button  4  which is held in place by the constraints of the button opening  61  in the left handle housing  2  and the button mounting shaft  5 . A compression spring  27  is installed in a spring opening  62  in the left button  4  which forces the button  4  to maintain a position toward the rear of the handle housing  2  by contacting the rear of the spring opening  63  on one side and a spring post  64 , part of the left handle housing  2 , on the opposing side. The left button contact face  65  lightly touches the housing  59  of the actuating lever  7  on the centerline of the bearing ring assembly  20 . It can be shown that because left button  4  contact face  65  is on the same centerline as the housing  59  of the actuating lever  7  and the centrally positioned bearing ring assembly  20 . It can be demonstrated that the left button contact face  65  will always be in contact with the center actuating lever housing  59  no matter what the position of the bearing ring assembly  20 . 
         [0053]    Accordingly in operation, the two leashes are intended to be dispensed on opposite sides of the leash device. In this manner, maximum spacing between the respective leashes is maintained. The swiveling concept of the leash cover, leash reels and braking system enables the leashes to maintain their separation as the leash cover, and other components, will rotate if one of the leashed animals changes orientation and the subsequent orientation of the leash by moving. Even if one of the leashed animals moves, the swiveling of the leash cover simultaneously displaces the second leash and maintains the separation of the respective leashes. Since the leash reels are fixed within the leash cover, they can maintain a 360 degree of rotation and always maintain their respective orientation with one another. Finally, since the braking assembly is also interconnected with the rotating leash cover and leash reels, the braking of the respective reels can be maintained utilizing a dedicated braking button configuration. 
         [0054]    Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.