Patent Publication Number: US-2010107992-A1

Title: Gentle stop retractable leash

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority of Provisional Application No. 61/193,182 filed on Nov. 3, 2008, inventor Nathan S. Chefetz, entitled “Retractble leash.” The entire disclosure of this provisional patent application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to retractable leashes for dogs or pets. Such leashes can, for example, be used for a dog or other pet. More particularly, this invention is directed to a retractable leash for smoothly stopping the unreeling of a leash when a dog or other pet is pulling away, so that the dog or other pet is not suddenly jerked to a stop. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Leashes are known which include a reel and a brake for controlling unwinding of the reel, together with a brake release for allowing unwinding. 
     Typical prior retractable leashes use a braking mechanism, for example that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,926, to stop a dog from movement. This type of mechanism can cause a sharp jerk, the magnitude of which depends on the size, speed and strength of the pet or dog. 
     There is a need for an apparatus or device for use in a retractable leash for smoothly stopping the unreeling of a leash when a dog or other pet is pulling away, so that the dog or other pet is not suddenly jerked to a stop. 
     It is accordingly a problem in the prior art to provide a device for gradually or smoothly stopping unwinding of a pet leash when a pet is pulling away, so that the pet is not suddenly jerked to a stop. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements. 
     According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides a retractable leash for smoothly stopping the unreeling of a leash when a dog or other pet is pulling away, so that the dog or other pet is not suddenly jerked to a stop. 
     Further according to the present invention, a second brake lock mechanism is provided as an alternative stopping mechanism. It locks the leash immediately, and does not provide a gentle stop. It is used for urgent stops, and can also be used as a backup stopping mechanism. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a retractable leash for gradually slowing unwinding of a cord or line, according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top elevational side view of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view as seen from the front left direction of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a left elevational side view of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom elevational side view of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a reel used for winding the leash, in the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the gentle stop trigger used in the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the brake lock arm member for causing sudden braking, in the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a block member cooperating with the brake lock arm member of  FIG. 8 , for causing sudden braking for the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a gentle braking member cooperating with the gentle stop trigger of  FIG. 7 , for causing gentle braking for the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view of the interior mechanism of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , showing a gentle braking member cooperating with the gentle stop trigger of  FIG. 7 , and also showing a block member cooperating with the brake lock arm member of  FIG. 8 , for causing sudden braking for the retractable leash. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the interior mechanism of  FIG. 11 , showing a gentle braking member cooperating with the gentle stop trigger of  FIG. 7 , and also showing a block member cooperating with the brake lock arm member of  FIG. 8 , for causing sudden braking for the retractable leash. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of the movement of the brake lock mechanism and cooperating block member of  FIG. 11 , showing an unlocked position “A” and a locked position “B”. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of the movement of the gentle braking member and cooperating gentle stop trigger of  FIG. 11 , showing an unbraked position “C” of the gentle stop trigger and an unbraked position “E” of the gentle braking member, and a braked position “D” of the gentle stop trigger and a braked position “F” of the gentle braking member. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the interior of the casing of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 , showing a central pin for supporting the reel of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic side view of a connection between the axle of the reel of  FIG. 6  and the cord or line usable in the leash of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic side view of an alternative connection between the axle of the reel of  FIG. 6  and the cord or line usable in the leash of  FIG. 1 , having an additional loop of stretchable cord. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     If a dog begins to stray from origin, and the owner wants to stop the dog, they have no choice but to push a lock brake button on a typical retractable leash to instantly stop the cord from releasing automatically. However, this can cause a significant stopping force, called a jerk, that makes it very uncomfortable for the dog and the owner/consumer. In some extreme situations, injury on the dog&#39;s neck can occur along with injury to the consumer&#39;s hand, arm and/or shoulder areas. Thus, there is a need for a gentle stopping retractable leash that slowly and gently stops a consumer&#39;s pet without the uncomfortable jerk and possible injury to a dog or consumer during the process. 
     The present invention, as described more fully hereunder, uses a design for smoothly or gradually braking the unreeling of the line, and includes gentle brakes for stopping the dog much like a bicycle brake. The gentle brakes allow the user to squeeze the trigger lightly or more aggressively to slow and stop the dog&#39;s movement without the sudden jerk of traditional retractable leashes. The consumer may ultimately clamp down on the trigger to clamp the pads to the reel instantly for an aggressive stop if needed. Additionally, a sudden braking mechanism is also provided in the present invention as a second stopping mechanism, also described more fully hereunder. 
     There are numerous benefits in this invention. There are no sudden jerks; there is the ability to train dogs more effectively; there is a reduction in likelihood of a dog/pet injury in neck region; there is a reduction in likelihood of human injury in hand, arm and shoulder region; and the invention allows the user to proactively control the dog or pet movement. 
       FIG. 1  is perspective view of a retractable leash  100  for gradually slowing unwinding of a cord or line  990 . The retractable leash  100  has a casing  116 , a brake lock button  120 , a gentle stop trigger  122 , a handle  110 , an upper surface  126 , a side surface  118 , a lower reel housing surface  124 , and a lower handle portion  128 . The handle  110  joins the reel casing  116  at junction portions  112  and  114 . 
     The retractable leash  100  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a pet leash reel  200  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) and the exterior casing  116  for housing the reel  600  and the extensible and retractable cord or line  990  (shown broken away in  FIG. 1 ). The handle  110  is preferably formed of a soft grip material or other ergonomic material selected for comfort of the user as well as for strength. 
     In use, the consumer simply squeezes the gentle stop trigger  122  and the dog or pet will feel resistance and slowly or gradually come to a stop. The consumer can apply a little pressure or can apply a lot of pressure to the gentle stop trigger  122 , to stop the dog or pet slowly or quickly. 
     Also in use, to prevent the dog or pet from moving forward again after completely stopping, the consumer can engage the brake lock button  120  for safety. The consumer simply pushes the brake lock button  120  forward and holds it to lock. The consumer can keep the brake lock button  120  pushed forward to hold it in the locked position. To release the brake lock button  120 , the consumer can pull back on the brake lock button  120  completely. While ideally the consumer will be using the gentle stop trigger  122  to gently stop the dog or pet, there may be occasions were it is necessary to make quick stops by using the brake lock button  120  without using the gentle stop trigger  122 . 
     An advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to train the dog or pet to recognize when it is time to stop as well. The consumer simply squeezes the gentle stop trigger  122  lightly to signal the dog to slow or stop. The dog may begin to notice this light resistance and thereby learn it&#39;s time to slow or come to a stop. Traditional retractable leashes make it difficult to train dogs to stop because they lock instantly without warning. 
       FIG. 2  is a top elevational side view of the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . This view shows the brake lock button  120 , and the top portion of the handle  110 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view as seen from the front left direction of the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a left elevational side view of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom elevational side view of the retractable leash of  FIG. 1 . Here, the lower reel housing surface  124 , lower portion of the handle  110 , the lower handle portion  128 , and the junction portion  114  are shown. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the reel  200  used for winding the leash  990  of the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the reel  200  is shown having a central recess  210  for an axle or pin, and a pair of walls  212  and  216  used in typical reel manner for retaining a supply of cord or line  214  therebetween. A plurality of recesses  218  are disposed on the reel  200 , to permit stopping engagement with a stopping block  300  (shown in  FIG. 9  and discussed below). 
     The reel  200  has ribbing for strength, but this can be made smooth or solid, of metal or plastic or other appropriate material, and all such variations are within the ambit of skill of anyone skilled in the reel arts. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the gentle stop trigger  122  used in the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . The gentle stop trigger  122  has a main body portion  146 , a recess portion  144 , and two pins  140  and  142 . The pin  142  is used to support the gentle stop trigger  122  for pivoting, while the pin  140  connects the gentle stop trigger  122  to a brake member  400  shown in  FIG. 10  and described further hereunder. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a brake lock button  120  for causing sudden braking, in the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the brake lock button  120  has a button portion  160 , a stem  162 , an arm portion  164 , and a driving end portion  166 . 
     In operation, pushing the brake lock button  120  of  FIG. 8  in a forward direction urges the driving end portion  166  into engagement with the block member  300  so that the block member  300  is urged downward into one of the recesses  218  of the reel  200 . Release of the brake lock button  120  allows a spring member (shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) to retract the block member  300  from the recesses  218 , thereby releasing the reel. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a block member  300  cooperating with the brake lock button  120  of  FIG. 8 , for causing sudden braking for the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . The block member  300  has a connecting arm  320 , a side wall  324  having a side recess  326 , a pair of guide wall portions  322  disposed on either side of an inclined surface  332 , and a flat end portion  328 . The end portion  166  of the brake lock button  120  of  FIG. 8  is received between the pair of guide wall portions  322 , for engagement therewith. The block member  300  stops the reel  200  when the block  300  is pushed into one of the recesses  218  in the reel, the recesses being shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a gentle braking member  400  cooperating with the gentle stop trigger  122  of  FIG. 7 , for causing gentle braking for the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . The gentle braking member  400  has an end portion having a slot  420 ; a recessed portion  424  which receives a guide pin (not shown, since conventional in the mechanical arts) to constrain sliding motion of the gentle braking member  400  in a linear direction; and braking surfaces  422 ,  422 . 
     The braking surfaces  422 ,  422  can be of any material usable for braking, including plastic, ceramic or rubber. All such variations are within the ambit of skill of anyone having skill in the braking arts, and all such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is an elevational view of the interior mechanism of the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 . In this view, the cooperation of the brake lock button  120  with the block member  300  is shown. The block member  300  is biased away from the reel  200  by a spring member  502  secured to a pin  504  of the reel housing  116 . The brake lock button  120  slides in an aperture in the housing which is located between the points  682  and  684  in  FIG. 11 . The cooperation of the gentle stop trigger  122  with the gentle braking member  400  is also shown, wherein a spring member  506  resiliently urges the end portion of the gentle stop trigger  122  away from the housing  116 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the interior mechanism shown in  FIG. 11 . The parts shown and numbered in  FIG. 12  correspond to those shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic view of the movement of the fast brake lock mechanism  160  and cooperating block member  300  of  FIG. 11 , schematically showing an unlocked position “A” and a locked position “B”. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic view of the movement of the gentle braking member  400  and cooperating gentle stop trigger  122  of  FIG. 11 , showing an unbraked position “C” of the gentle stop trigger  122  and an unbraked position “E” of the gentle braking member  400 ; and also showing a braked position “D” of the gentle stop trigger  122  and a braked position “F” of the gentle braking member  400 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the interior of the casing  116  of the retractable leash  100  of  FIG. 1 , showing a central pin  960  for supporting the reel  200  of  FIG. 6 . The casing  116  has an upstanding side wall portion  814  and also has a side wall  812 . 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic side view of a connection between an axle  994  of the reel of  FIG. 6  and the cord or line  990  usable in the leash of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the axle  994  is an alternative embodiment of the axle of  FIG. 6 , and has a slit  998  for receiving and holding the end of the line  990 . 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic side view of an alternative connection between the axle  960  of the reel  200  of  FIG. 6  and the cord or line  990  usable in the leash of  FIG. 1 . Here, the axle  994  has a slit as in  FIG. 16 , but has an additional loop  996  of stretchable cord. In this way, when the line or cord  990  runs out suddenly, as when the owner fails to stop the reel, the line does not jerk the pet to a stop suddenly, due to stretching of the stretchable loop  996 . 
     The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways by a routineer in the applicable arts. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.