Patent Publication Number: US-2022217948-A1

Title: Dog Leash Control Sleeve Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/135,640 which was filed on Jan. 10, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of dog or pet control devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dog leash control sleeve device that is primarily comprised of a generally cylindrical, rigid body in the form of a central shaft. The shaft is further comprised of a first end with a handle and a second end with a handle. Each end is further comprised of a continuous opening that allows a dog leash to be inserted through each handle and through the central shaft. Therefore, the device can be attached around a dog leash while it is attached to a dog or other animal. While attached around a leash, the handles of the device can be grabbed to provide extra control over the dog or animal attached to the leash. The device may also be comprised of a wrist strap and a post that a leash can be wrapped around for additional stability and security to a user. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fear, stress, and anxiety can make an animal difficult and dangerous to handle, especially while said animal is on a leash. All these conditions can further increase an animal&#39;s potential to act out or redirect aggressively toward a handler, other animals or even other people. Furthermore, an anxious handler can also inadvertently trigger unwanted behavior from an animal. For example, a dog on a leash may lunge or charge on the leash, and the handler might not be able to maintain a safe distance between the dog and other handlers, animals or people. In addition, a dog may be able to physically overpower its handler such that the handler cannot control the dog using the leash. Loss of the ability to control a dog using its leash further increase the risk for the dog to lunge, charge and potentially bite and seriously injure other handlers, animals and people. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows a user to better control a dog. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a dog leash control sleeve device that allows a user to better control a dog on a leash. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a dog leash control sleeve device that allows a user to better control a dog on a leash, wherein the device reduces the possibility of the dog attacking the handler, other handlers, animals or people. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a dog leash control sleeve device. The device is primarily comprised of a generally cylindrical, rigid body which has a central shaft. The shaft is further comprised of a first end with a handle and a second end with a handle. Each end is further comprised of a continuous opening that allows a dog leash to be inserted through each handle and through the central shaft. Therefore, the device can be attached around a dog leash while it is attached to a dog or other animal. While attached around a leash, the handles of the device can be grabbed to provide extra control over the dog or animal attached to the leash. The device may also be comprised of a wrist strap and a post that a leash can be wrapped around for additional stability and security to a user. 
     In this manner, the dog leash control sleeve device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and allows a user to better control a dog, specifically when a dog is on a leash. Further, the device reduces the possibility of the dog attacking the handler, other handlers, animals or people. Further, the rigid material of the device creates physical separation between a handler and a dog, such that the dog cannot bite the handler. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a dog leash control sleeve device. The device is primarily comprised of a generally cylindrical body in the form of a central shaft. The shaft further has a first end with a handle and a second end with a handle. In the preferred embodiment, the body is manufactured from a durable, rigid plastic material. Any surface of the body may have a plurality of indicia and may be any color known in the art. 
     The shaft is hollow and comprised of a first end and a second end. The first end and second end both have a continuous opening and a handle. In the preferred embodiment, the handle is manufactured from a rubber material and is textured to promote grip. To use the device, a dog leash can be fed through both continuous openings and the central shaft, such that the device surrounds the dog leash. When a user requires better control of the dog, they can simply retain the leash in one hand and grab either handle with the other hand to better control the leash and therefore control the dog. 
     Because the device is rigid, it creates physical distance/space between the dog and user when the device is around a leash. Therefore, a dog cannot turn and bite the user because of the fixed distance between the dog and user the device creates. In one embodiment, one or both handles may also be comprised of a post that a user can further wrap a leash around for better control. In addition, one or both handles may be comprised of a wrist strap that can be worn on the wrist of the user in order to further secure the device to the user. 
     Accordingly, the dog leash control sleeve device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows a user to better control a dog on a leash. In doing so, the device reduces the possibility of the dog attacking the handler, other handlers, animals or people. Further, the rigid material of the device creates physical separation between a handler and a dog such that the dog cannot bite the handler. In this manner, the dog leash control sleeve device overcomes the limitations of existing dog control devices known in the art. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of multiple dog leash control sleeve devices of the present invention while attached around a dog leash in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a dog leash control sleeve device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a dog leash control sleeve device of the present invention while attached around and being used to control a dog leash that is attached to a dog in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows a user to better control a dog. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a dog leash control sleeve device that allows a user to better control a dog on a leash. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a dog leash control sleeve device that allows a user to better control a dog on a leash, wherein the device reduces the possibility of the dog attacking the handler, other handlers, animals or people. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a dog leash control sleeve device primarily comprised of a generally cylindrical body further comprised of a first end with a handle, a central shaft and a second end with a handle. The body may be manufactured in the preferred embodiment from a durable, rigid plastic material. Any surface of the body may have a plurality of indicia and may be any color known in the art. 
     The body is further hollow and comprised of a first end and a second end, wherein both the first end and second end both have a continuous opening and a handle. In the preferred embodiment, the handle is manufactured from a rubber material and is textured to promote grip. A central shaft connects each handle, wherein each handle is fixedly attached to the shaft. To use the device, a dog leash can be fed through both continuous openings and the central shaft such that the device surrounds the dog leash. When a user requires better control of the dog, he or she can simply retain the leash in one hand and grab either handle with the other hand to better control the leash and therefore control the dog. 
     Due to the rigid nature of the device, it creates physical distance/space between the dog and user when the device is around a leash. As a result, a dog cannot turn and bite the user because of the fixed distance between the dog and the user the device creates. In one embodiment, one or both handles may also be comprised of a post that a user can further wrap a leash around for better control. In addition, one or both handles may be comprised of a wrist strap that can be worn on the wrist of the user in order to further secure the device to the user. 
     Accordingly, the dog leash control sleeve device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows a user to better control a dog on a leash. In doing so, the device reduces the possibility of the dog attacking the handler, other handlers, animals or people. Further, the rigid material of the device creates physical separation between a handler and a dog such that the dog cannot bite the handler. In this manner, the dog leash control sleeve device overcomes the limitations of existing dog control devices known in the art. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of multiple dog leash control sleeve devices  100  of the present invention while attached around a dog leash  10  in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the preferred embodiment, the device  100  is primarily comprised of a generally cylindrical body  110  further comprised of a central shaft  130  with a first end with a handle  124  and a second end  140  with a handle  144 . In the preferred embodiment, the body  110  is manufactured from a durable, rigid, plastic material such as, but not limited to, an acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc. Further, any surface of the body  110  may have a plurality of indicia  132  such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The body  110  may also be any color known in the art and may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a dog leash control sleeve device  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The shaft  130  is further hollow and comprised of a first end  120  and a second end  140 . The first end  120  is comprised of a continuous opening  122  and a handle  124 . In the preferred embodiment, the handle  124  is manufactured from a rubber material and is textured to promote grip. The second end  140  is comprised of a continuous opening  142  and a handle  144 . In the preferred embodiment, the handle  144  is manufactured from a rubber material and is textured to promote grip. In one embodiment, the shaft  130  or either handle  124 , 144  may be additionally comprised of a quick-release clamp  180 . The clamp  180  is preferably generally C-shaped and can receive and be secured around a loop-leash  10  such that the leash  10  can be held in an open position (i.e., a looped position) for quick capture or looping of a dog while maintaining a safer distance between the user&#39;s hand and the dog&#39;s head. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a dog leash control sleeve device  100  of the present invention while attached around and being used to control a dog leash  10  that is attached to a dog in accordance with the disclosed architecture. To use the device  100 , a dog leash  10  can be fed through both continuous openings  122 , 142  of the central shaft  130  such that the device  100  surrounds (i.e., encloses) the leash  10 . In one embodiment, the interior of the shaft  130  or either opening  122 , 142  may be comprised of a locking mechanism  190 . In one embodiment, the shaft  130  and/or handles  124 , 144  can be twisted or rotated such that the locking mechanism  190  tightens around a leash  10  that is within the shaft  130 . In another embodiment, the locking mechanism  190  may be in the form of a hollow handle that a leash  10  passes through, wherein the handle can be pulled or turned to activate the locking mechanism  190 . The mechanism  190  can further be activated by at least one control  192  on the shaft  130  and/or handles  124 , 144 . In differing embodiments, the control  192  may be at least one lever or at least one button. In addition, the mechanism  190  may utilize a ratcheting locking mechanism in its operation. 
     When a user  14  requires better control of the dog, they can simply retain the leash  10  in one hand and grab a handle  124 , 144  with the other hand to better control the leash  10  and therefore control the dog. The leash  10  may further be comprised of a handle  11  that can be grabbed by a user and a clip  13  that can be removably attached to the collar of a dog. 
     It should also be noted that the device  100  creates physical distance/space between the dog and the user  14 . Because of the rigid material of the device  100 , a dog cannot turn and bite the user  14  because of the fixed distance between the dog and the user  14  the device  100  creates. In one embodiment, one or both handles  124 ,  144  may also be comprised of at least one post  160  that a user can further wrap a leash  10  around for better control. In one embodiment, the post  160  can further receive waste bags or other dog related accessories. In addition, one or both handles  124 ,  144  may be comprised of a wrist strap  150  that can be worn on the wrist  12  of the user  14  in order to further secure the device  100  to the user  14 . The wrist strap  150  may further be comprised of at least one adjustable fastener  170  such as, but not limited to, a buckle, a snap-button, a zipper, a magnet, a sliding fastener, etc. that allows the strap  150  to be tightened or loosened around the wrist  12  of a user  14 . 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “dog leash control sleeve device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the dog leash control sleeve device  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the dog leash control sleeve device  100  of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the dog leash control sleeve device  100  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the dog leash control sleeve device  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the dog leash control sleeve device  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the dog leash control sleeve device  100  may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.