Patent Publication Number: US-2021169048-A1

Title: Leash with Inline Article Dispenser

Description:
FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to the field of accessories for animals, and in particular to leashes for domestic animals. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Leashes are used to facilitate the handling of domestic animals, by enabling an animal handler to direct the movement of an animal, and if necessary to restrain the animal. The use of a leash may also be required in certain locations by law, in order to ensure that domestic animals remain fully under the control of their handler. 
     While leashes facilitate animal handling, effective leash use requires an animal handler to grip the leash with one or both hands. This reduces the ability of the animal handler to perform other tasks. For example, an animal handler that is presently using a leash may find it difficult to simultaneously access a pocket storing an edible treat for behavioral reinforcement, or to operate a training whistle, or to handle a flashlight, or to dispense and operate sanitary bags to clean up waste from the animal, etc. 
     Developers of accessories for animals have striven to provide solutions to these problems. However, current solutions remain cumbersome and lack ergonomic efficiency. Hence, those who seek to enhance the abilities of an animal handler during leash use seek out enhanced systems and methods for achieving these goals. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein provide for enhanced leashes that include integrated article dispensers. Specifically, an article dispenser is made integral with the leash such that it bears applied tension at the leash. When the leash experiences tension, a center of mass of the article dispenser naturally enters into alignment with forces applying the tension at either end of the leash. This balance of weight within the dispenser causes the leash to feel more ergonomic and responsive, because the article dispenser does not apply a torque/twist to the leash, even if the leash is rotated, moved from side-to-side, or moved up and down (e.g., as occurs during walking or running). The article dispenser also does not bounce up and down or side to side in response to the sudden application of tension, because its centroid naturally aligns with the leash during use. 
     One embodiment is a system in the form of a leash with an integrated article dispenser. The system includes a first tensile member, a second tensile member, and an article dispenser disposed between the first tensile member and the second tensile member. The article dispenser includes a first end that is mechanically coupled with the first tensile member, a second end that is mechanically coupled with the second tensile member, and a rigid housing that is disposed between the first end and the second end, and that defines an internal volume for storing articles. The rigid housing further defines an opening which communicates between the internal volume and an exterior of the housing, wherein a dimension of the opening corresponds with a dimension of the articles. In response to the article dispenser bearing a threshold amount of tension between the tensile members, a centroid of the article dispenser aligns within a threshold distance of being collinear with a force that generates the tension. While the centroid of the article dispenser is within the threshold distance of being collinear with the force, rotation of the system about an axis of the force does not cause the article dispenser to apply more than a threshold torque to the tensile members. The threshold distance is one quarter of a dimension of the article dispenser. 
     A further embodiment is a method for assembling a leash with an integrated article dispenser. The method includes acquiring a first tensile member, acquiring a second tensile member, acquiring an article dispenser configured to dispense articles from within an internal volume, mechanically coupling a first end of the article dispenser with the first tensile member, and mechanically coupling a second end of the article dispenser with the second tensile member. The coupling is performed such that in response to the article dispenser bearing a threshold amount of tension between the tensile members, a centroid of the article dispenser aligns within a threshold distance of being collinear with a force that generates the tension. The threshold distance is one quarter of a dimension of the article dispenser. 
     A still further embodiment is an apparatus for use with a leash. The apparatus is in the form of an article dispenser that includes a first end that is configured to mechanically couple with a first tensile member, a second end that is configured to mechanically coupled with the second tensile member, and a rigid housing that is disposed between the first end and the second end. The rigid housing defines an internal volume for storing articles, and that further defines an opening which communicates between the internal volume and an exterior of the housing, wherein a dimension of the opening corresponds with a dimension of the articles. In response to the article dispenser bearing a threshold amount of tension between the tensile members, a centroid of the article dispenser aligns within a threshold distance of being collinear with a force that generates the tension. While the centroid of the article dispenser is within the threshold distance of being collinear with the force, rotation of the system about an axis of the force does not cause the article dispenser to apply more than a threshold torque to the tensile members. The threshold distance is one quarter of a dimension of the article dispenser. 
     Other illustrative embodiments (e.g., methods and computer-readable media relating to the foregoing embodiments) may be described below. The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference number represents the same element or the same type of element on all drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of an article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a section cut view of an article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is an end view of an article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 6B  is an end view of a centroid at an article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 7-8  are views of a hypothetical leash accessory in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 10-13  are views of an article dispenser that is open for removal and reloading of articles in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 14-15  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in a second illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 16-17  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in a third illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 18-19  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in a fourth illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 20-22  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in a fifth illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 23-24  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in a sixth illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 25-26  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in a seventh illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 27-28  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in an eighth illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 29-30  are views of a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in a ninth illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 31  is a perspective view of an article dispenser that includes an integral clip for receiving a handle in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a flowchart illustrating a method of assembling a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 33-35  illustrate a further leash with an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a leash that is extensible to include any number of accessories in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 37-38  are perspective views of an exploded clasp for an extensible leash in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 39-41  illustrate assembly of a clasp for an extensible leash in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 42-44  are views of an assembled clasp for an extensible leash in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 45-48  illustrate a collar that is extensible to include any number of accessories in an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIGS. 49-50  illustrate a leash that is retractable in an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The figures and the following description depict specific illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are included within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, any examples described herein are intended to aid in understanding the principles of the disclosure, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. As a result, the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described below, but by the claims and their equivalents. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a leash  100  that includes an integrated article dispenser  130  in an illustrative embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the leash  100  includes a first tensile member  110  in the form of a handle of webbing that includes a clip  112 . The leash  100  also includes a second tensile member  120  for attachment to a collar of an animal, and an article dispenser  130 . The tensile members are any suitable components capable of transferring tension under load, and may comprise straps/webbing, cords/ropes, chains, bars, linkages, etc. The article dispenser  130  enables a handler to manually dispense articles (e.g., sanitary bags, edible treats, disposable gloves, medicine, etc.) from the leash  100 . These articles may relate to the animal being handled, and/or may facilitate handling of the animal. 
     The article dispenser  130  is dimensioned and integrated into the leash  100  such that its centroid (i.e., center of mass) becomes collinear (or substantially collinear) with forces that hold the leash in tension during use. This means that the article dispenser  130  naturally becomes in-line with the leash when tension is applied, and does so without twisting or torqueing the leash  100 . Phrased another way, while bearing at least a threshold amount of tension, the article dispenser  130  responds to acceleration of the leash  100  without twisting the tensile members  110  and  120 . This feature makes the leash  100  feel more responsive to a handler operating the leash, which enables the handler to more easily detect sudden movements of the animal via touch. This feature also enables the handler&#39;s motions to be transmitted through the leash more directly and quickly to the animal being handled, which increases compliance of the animal with commands given via leash tension (e.g., movements of the leash directing the animal to heel or stop). 
     In some embodiments, the article dispenser weighs between one half an ounce and six ounces, and carries between half an ounce and ten ounces of articles when fully loaded, and has a length between two and five inches. In further embodiments, a weight of the article dispenser  130  per unit of length of the leash  100  is within a desired range of the weight per unit length of the leash itself (e.g., between one-quarter and five times the weight of the leash per unit of length, equal to the weight of the leash per unit length, etc.). When within the desired range, the article dispenser  130  responds in a similar fashion to the strap/cord/etc. that the leash is made from, which causes the responsiveness of the leash  100  to remain consistent throughout its entire length. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a leash  100  that includes an integrated article dispenser  130  in an illustrative embodiment. The article dispenser  130  is the sole entity that mechanically unites the tensile members  110  and  120 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , when forces F and/or rotations R are applied along an axis  140  to place the leash  100  into tension, the article dispenser  130  is held in-line with the leash. Further details of this arrangement are described with respect to the FIGS. below. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of an article dispenser  130  in an illustrative embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the article dispenser  130  is coupled with tensile member  110  at a first end  310 , and is coupled with tensile member  120  at a second end  320 . The first end  310  and the second end  320  may be rigid or flexible, and may comprise materials such as plastics, metal, composite materials, or rubber capable of bearing expected amounts of tension (e.g., depending on the type of animal the leash is designed for, between tens and hundreds of pounds of force). In this embodiment, the first end  310  forms a loop that the tensile member  110  threads through, and the second end  320  forms a loop that the tensile member  120  threads through. 
     A housing  330  is disposed between the ends, and defines an internal volume that stores articles such as sanitary bags. In this embodiment, the internal volume forms a cylindrical shape. The housing is rigid, and may comprise materials such as plastics, metal, or composite materials. Unlike a soft housing, a rigid housing does not deform under tensile load. Deformation is undesirable because it changes the dimensions of openings for retrieving articles, and therefore reduces the ease of retrieving articles therefrom. Deformation also alters a length of the leash during use, which is undesirable because it increases the difficulty of keeping the animal being handled within a desired range of the handler. Still further, certain types of deformation (e.g., elastic deformation) may apply spring forces to the leash, which further increases the difficulty of operating the leash. 
     A rigid housing provides additional benefits over a soft housing, because a rigid housing prevents tensile forces at a leash from being applied to stored articles, which preserves a shape of the articles and prevents brittle articles (such as edible treats) from breaking or crushing. Still further, a rigid housing enables the contents of an article dispenser to be reliably positioned and oriented within the article dispenser, regardless of load applied to the article dispenser. That is, articles kept within the dispenser do not tumble or change position relative to each other as the leash is used. 
     The articles stored within housing  330  are dispensed via an opening  332  defined by the housing  330 . The opening  332  communicates between an exterior and an internal volume of the housing  330  where the articles are stored. A length L 1  of the opening  332  corresponds with a dimension of articles stored within the housing. For example, if the articles are flexible or easily capable of wrinkling to change shape, L 1  may correspond with a dimension of an article if it is between half and twice as large as the dimension of the article. If the articles are rigid, L 1  may correspond with a dimension of an article if L 1  is greater than the dimension. In this embodiment, the length L 1  of the opening  332  is less than the length L 2  of the article dispenser  130 , although in further embodiments the opening  332  may continue for a long distance across the curvature of the article dispenser  130 , and hence L 1  may be longer than L 2 . That is, the opening  332  may wrap around the edges of the article dispenser  130 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , when a threshold level of tension is applied to the leash  100  by forces F, a centroid  340  of the article dispenser  130  (i.e., a volumetric center of mass of the article dispenser) is held collinear with the forces F. Starting from rest, an increasing amount of tension increases the level of alignment of the centroid  340  with the forces, until the threshold level is met and the centroid  340  of the article dispenser becomes collinear with the forces applying tension. This enhances the responsiveness of the leash during use by an animal handler, as discussed below. It also makes the leash more stable when under high tension (i.e., by preventing bouncing, swinging, and other harmonic motions). This is beneficial because high-tension loads are common in critical situations, such as when a dog attempts to chase a rabbit into a road that has heavy traffic. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an article dispenser  130  in an illustrative embodiment, and corresponds with view arrows  4  of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4  illustrates that the article dispenser  130  includes a hatch  410  for accessing the internal volume in order to restock the article dispenser  130  with articles. The hatch  410  communicates with the internal volume, and is affixed to the housing  330  via a living hinge  414  or other suitable joint (e.g., a general purpose hinge, a spring hinge, etc.). The use of a hatch  410  provides a technical benefit, because it enables a user to quickly access the contents of the article dispenser  130  for replacement. Still further, the use of a hatch  410  allows for the article dispenser  130  to be implemented as one continuous body (i.e. instead of two separate halves that snap together), which increases durability and strength of the article dispenser  130 . The use of a living hinge instead of a traditional hinge may result in reduced bulk and weight, helping to ensure weight distributions that prevent twisting and imbalance at a leash, even when under dynamic load. 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates a second opening  412 , disposed within hatch  410 , that enables access to the internal volume. The second opening  412  and first opening may be manually manipulated to rotate a cylinder of articles within the internal volume. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the centroid  340  of the article dispenser  130  is collinear with forces F, such that the forces F counteract any sagging caused by the weight W of the article dispenser  130 . The forces F also hold the centroid  340  of the article dispenser  130  collinear with them. 
       FIG. 5  is a section cut view of an article dispenser  130  in an illustrative embodiment, and corresponds with the view of  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 5 , internal volume  500  of the housing  330  is clearly visible, as is the second opening  412 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates latches  510 , which help to hold the hatch  410  closed.  FIG. 6A  is an end view of an article dispenser  130  in an illustrative embodiment, and corresponds with view arrows  6  of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates that centroid  340  of article dispenser  130  remains in-line with the tensile members of the leash while bearing at least a threshold amount of tension. 
       FIG. 6B  is an end view of a centroid  620  at an article dispenser  600  having a cross-sectional width W and height H in an illustrative embodiment. W and H may vary along the length of the article dispenser. For an article dispenser having a circular cross section, W and H may equal a diameter of the article dispenser. In this embodiment, the centroid  620  of the article dispenser  600  is drawn within a threshold distance of collinearity with tensile forces when under load. Specifically, the article dispenser  600  bears a threshold amount of tension (e.g., a force equal to or greater than three hundred and fifty times the weight of the article dispenser  600  and its contents, plus any force needed to hold the tensile members in position). The forces generating the tension proceed into and out of the page from location  610  (e.g., a cross-sectional center of the article dispenser, or any location where tensile members attach to the article dispenser). When the tension is borne, the centroid  620  is drawn within a threshold distance of location  610 . This threshold distance may, for example, be W/4, H/4, W/100, H/100, etc. Phrased another way, under sufficient tension the centroid  620  of the article dispenser  610  is drawn into alignment at a location no more than one quarter of W or H from the line formed by the tensile forces (e.g., for all cross-sections, for the smallest cross-section, for the largest cross-section, etc.). The centroid  620  may even, as discussed above, be drawn collinear with the line formed by the tensile forces. While the centroid  620  remains in these bounds, torque caused by the article dispenser  600  in response to rotation of the leash remains below a threshold amount (e.g., one quarter of W or H, multiplied by the weight of the article dispenser), which improves overall handling and responsiveness. Thus, even in embodiments wherein the article dispenser  600  includes a centroid that comes within a threshold distance of collinearity (instead of becoming precisely collinear) with the tensile forces, the benefits discussed above apply at least to some degree. 
       FIGS. 7-8  are views of a hypothetical leash accessory  700  in an illustrative embodiment, and depict how the fundamental physics of operation of the accessory  700  differ from that of article dispenser  130 .  FIG. 7  provides a side view of the accessory  700 , which is coupled with a strap  710  and a strap  720 , and includes a body having a blister  750  (e.g., storing additional lengths of strap  710 ). A centroid  740  of the accessory  700  is below the straps  710 , which means that no amount of tension applied to the straps  710  and  720  can align the centroid  740  with forces F. 
     A leash is almost always in motion during use, including lateral motion. The position of centroid  740  means that accessory  700  is predisposed to start swinging whenever the leash moves into or out of the page of  FIG. 7 . Thus, physical design of the accessory  700  causes it to be vulnerable to swinging, tumbling, and twisting when tension is suddenly applied, which reduces the efficacy and responsiveness of any leash that accessory  700  is attached to. Furthermore, any rotation of straps  710  and  720  (e.g., performed by a handler twisting their wrist) causes the accessory to impart a torque to the straps (i.e., because its centroid resists the rotation and attempts to return the accessory  700  to a vertically oriented state). This torque reduces comfort for the handler and torques the handler&#39;s wrist, reducing responsiveness and hampering ergonomics. 
       FIG. 8  is a back view of the hypothetical leash accessory of  FIG. 7 , and corresponds with view arrows  8  of  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 8  illustrates that blister  750  causes centroid  740  to be offset a lateral distance D and a vertical distance H from a center  800  of strap  720 . The lateral distance D offsetting the centroid  740  from the center  800  means that even at rest without any motion, the weight W of the accessory applies a torque resulting in a tendency to rotate the leash in direction R 1 . This torque must be continually resisted by a handler of the leash, or the torque will undesirably cause the leash to twist. Furthermore, the vertical distance H offsetting the centroid  740  from the center  800  means that whenever the accessory  700  is moved to the left or the right, it swings to the left or right in directions R 2 . This dynamic motion also must be resisted by the handler, causing the handler to waste time and energy fighting with the leash. It also imparts undesirable harmonic movement patterns to the leash. This dynamic motion reduces the ability of the handler to perform tactile detection of the movement of the animal being handled, and can cause the animal to misinterpret the handler&#39;s attempts to fight the leash as a command. In circumstances where the handler must direct their vision away from the animal, such as when crossing a busy street, the lack of tactile responsiveness can reduce a reaction time of the handler, increasing danger to both the animal and the handler. 
     With a foundational understanding of the physics of article dispenser  130  in relation to the hypothetical leash accessory provided above, further discussion provides methods and alternative embodiments of the systems discussed herein. 
     Illustrative details of the operation of leash  100  will be discussed with regard to  FIG. 9 . Assume, for this embodiment, that a handler has coupled the leash to a collar of a domestic animal (e.g., a dog, cat, goat, cow, horse, guinea pig, etc.), and is about to control the domestic animal during a walk or run. The handler proceeds to hold a handle of the leash  100 , and the handler and animal separate until the leash  100  becomes taut. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method  900  for operating a leash  100  having an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. The steps of method  900  are described with reference to leash  100  of  FIG. 1 , but those skilled in the art will appreciate that method  900  may be performed in other systems. The steps of the flowcharts described herein are not all inclusive and may include other steps not shown. The steps described herein may also be performed in an alternative order. 
     According to method  900 , step  902  includes applying a threshold amount of tension to the article dispenser  130 . While the article dispenser  130  is held taut, the article dispenser  130  bears tension from the tensile member  110  and the tensile member  120 . As soon as a threshold amount of tension (e.g., half a pound of force, one pound of force, five pounds of force, etc., depending on the weight of the article dispenser and the leash) is borne by the article dispenser  130 , the tension overcomes the weight of the article dispenser  130 , lifting the article dispenser  130 . The article dispenser  130  continues to rise until it is held taut between tensile member  110  and tensile member  120 . 
     In step  904 , the centroid  340  of the article dispenser  130  is aligned with a force that generates the tension (e.g., force F of  FIG. 2 .). The alignment is caused by the application of tension. That is, the article dispenser  130  is dimensioned such that its centroid  340  is driven in-line with forces applying tension to the tensile members  110  and  120  whenever a threshold amount of tension (or more) is applied to the article dispenser  130  via the tensile members  110  and  120 . Thus, unlike a free-hanging attachment to a leash, which is likely to swing, jump, or twist in response to applied tension, tensile forces applied to the leash  100  are transferred through the article dispenser  130 , where they increase the alignment of the article dispenser  130  with the tensile members  110  and  120 . 
     In step  906 , the handler rotates the leash  100  (i.e., the system comprising tensile members  110  and  120 , as well as article dispenser  130 ) about the axis of the forces F generating the tension. This may be performed by the handler rotating their hand at the wrist, which rotates the leash  100  in direction R about the axis of force F depicted in  FIG. 2 . Because the centroid  340  of the article dispenser  130  is collinear with the forces creating the tension, the article dispenser  130  freely rotates with the tensile members  110  and  120 . Thus, unlike accessories that exhibit centroids which are not aligned with forces that apply tension to a leash, rotation of the leash  100  does not cause the article dispenser  130  to apply torque to or otherwise twist the tensile members  110  and  120  in an attempt to return to a rest position. This enhances responsiveness of the leash to an animal handler, and prevents an animal handler from having to fight the leash  100  when the leash is axially rotated to different positions. 
     Method  900  provides a substantial advantage over prior techniques because it enables a handler of a leash to easily access dispensable articles via an integrated article dispenser, and to do so without compromising a desired level of responsiveness of the leash. This in turn enables faster tactile detection of animal handling, and faster correction of animal behavior, which is highly desirable when attempting to reinforce animal behavior. 
       FIGS. 10-13  are views of an article dispenser  1000  having an opened hatch  1050  for removal and reloading of articles in an illustrative embodiment.  FIG. 10  illustrates that article dispenser  1000  includes housing  1002 , which is coupled with tensile members via a first end  1010  and a second end  1020 . Each of the ends is in the form of a loop, which means that the article dispenser  1000  is capable of rotatable attachment to tensile members. Housing  1002  includes slots  1060  and  1070 , which are dimensioned to receive and retain ends of a spindle (e.g., spindle  1110  of  FIG. 11 ) that holds articles such as sanitary bags. Slots  1060  and  1070  are dimensioned to hold a central axis of the spindle collinear with forces that apply tension to a leash, and are rounded at their ends to enable the spindle to rotate freely while in the housing  1002 . That is, the spindle is oriented by the slots  1060  and  1070  such that its central axis is collinear with forces which are applied to tensile members in order to place a leash in tension. In further embodiments, other features such as spring-loaded pins, prongs, etc. may be utilized to retain the spindle in its desired position. Thus, even when loaded with articles, partially loaded with articles, or empty, the centroid of the article dispenser  1000  still aligns collinear with tensile forces applied to a leash. The use of a spindle therefore facilitates alignment and weight distribution of articles retained within the article dispenser. Furthermore, the ability to freely rotate the spindle facilitates the ease with which a cylinder of sanitary bags may be rolled backwards or forwards. This enables articles to be positioned in orientations that make them more easy to dispense, which enhances the ergonomics of dispensing the articles. 
     An opening  1080  enables a user of the article dispenser  1000  to access and retrieve articles from the spindle. In this embodiment, the articles comprise sanitary bags, and the opening has a length L 1  that approximately corresponds with an axial length L 3  of the spindle  1110  occupied by each sanitary bag. 
     Housing  1002  further includes prongs  1030 , which couple with receptacles  1052  to secure hatch  1050  in place when hatch  1050  is closed. Hatch  1050  defines a second opening  1054  for accessing an internal volume of the housing. The second opening  1054  permits access to the stored articles at a different radial position than the opening  1080 , such that pinching the stored articles between the opening  1080  and the second opening  1054 , and rotating the stored articles, causes the spindle  1110  storing the articles to rotate. 
     Hatch  1050  also includes embosses (e.g., emboss  1072 ) for covering the slots. Upon opening the hatch  1050  as shown in  FIG. 10 , an entirety of the internal volume of the article dispenser  1000  is exposed for receiving new articles. In embodiments wherein new articles are pre-wrapped onto a spindle to form a cylinder, this enables the entire cylinder to be quickly swapped out and replaced. 
     In  FIG. 11 , a cylinder  1100 , comprising many sanitary bags wrapped around a spindle  1110 , has been loaded into the article dispenser  1000 . Ends of the spindle  1110  are nested into the slots  1060  and  1070  of the housing  1002 . In  FIG. 12 , the sanitary bags have been used, leaving the spindle  1110  exposed. By opening the hatch  1050  and inverting the housing  1002 , the spindle  1110  drops out of the internal volume without a need for a handler to manually insert their fingers into the housing  1002 . This feature enables the size of the housing to remain small.  FIG. 13  illustrates the empty spindle  1110  within the housing  1002  from another angle. 
     With an in-depth discussion of an illustrative article dispenser provided above, further discussion focuses upon additional illustrative embodiments of leashes having integrated article dispensers. Various features described herein with regard to these embodiments may be interchangeably used within further variations of leashes having integral article dispensers, as desired. The various leashes described below may be modified to use cords, ropes, chains, webbing, linkages, other tensile members (i.e., members capable of applying and bearing tension), or combinations thereof as desired. 
       FIGS. 14-15  are views of a leash  1400  that includes an integrated article dispenser  1430  in a second illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the article dispenser  1430  has a triangular shape, and includes a housing  1450  that defines a cylindrical inner volume for receiving and storing articles. A first tensile member  1420  is attached to a narrow end of the article dispenser  1430 , while a second tensile member  1410  forms a loop having an end  1440  that is removably coupled via a button  1432  with the article dispenser  1430 . This enables the tensile member  1410  to be looped around a tree or post and re-secured. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates that the end  1440  inserts into a recess  1510  within the article dispenser  1430 , and is held in position by a protrusion (not shown) that is coupled with the button  1432 .  FIG. 15  further illustrates that a single cord passes through a hollow portion  1520  of the article dispenser  1430 , to define both the first tensile member  1410  and the second tensile member  1420 . In short, a single cord forms the first tensile member, is affixed to the narrow end of the housing, and continues from the wide end of the housing to form the second tensile member. 
       FIGS. 16-17  are views of a leash  1600  that includes an integrated article dispenser  1630  in a third illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, a first cord  1610  is affixed to the article dispenser  1630  to form a handle having ends  1612  and  1614 . In this embodiment, the ends  1612  and  1614  of the first cord  1610  are affixed within corresponding holes in the wide end of the article dispenser  1630 . A second cord  1620  is affixed to the article dispenser and designed for coupling to an animal. The end of the second cord  1620  enters a corresponding hole in the narrow end of the article dispenser  1630 , and is affixed to the article dispenser. 
       FIGS. 18-19  are views of a leash  1800  that includes an integrated article dispenser  1830  in a fourth illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, a first cord  1810  includes an end  1840  that is removably attached to a receptacle  1832  in the article dispenser  1830  to form a handle, and a second cord  1820  is affixed to the article dispenser  1830  and designed for coupling to an animal. 
       FIGS. 20-22  are views of a leash  2000  that includes an integrated article dispenser  2030  in a fifth illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the handle  2010  is formed from flat webbing having portions that are retained within channels  2032  and  2034  of the article dispenser  2030 . The handle  2010  may comprise a single loop of webbing, or a length of webbing wherein each end of the length of webbing terminates in one of the channels. Webbing  2020  loops through an end of the article dispenser, and is designed for coupling to an animal.  FIG. 21  further depicts an opening  2110  to an internal volume for storing articles, and  FIG. 22  illustrates a second opening  2210  within a hatch  2220 . The hatch  2220  facilitates removal and handling of articles stored in the article dispenser  2030 . In one embodiment, the hatches discussed herein forego the use of hinges, and comprise removable panels that snap into place. 
       FIGS. 23-24  are views of a leash  2300  that includes an integrated article dispenser  2330  in a sixth illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the handle  2310  includes a clip, made from members  2362  and  2364 , that separates the handle  2310  into two components. This enables the handle  2310  to be separated, placed around a post, and then re-formed into a loop to secure the leash in place. The members may comprise any suitable clipping mechanism, such as a carabiner or other type of shackle, a receptacle and pin, etc. The handle  2310  is attached to a coupling  2340  (e.g., a rigid piece of metal or plastic), which is attached to a member  2350  (e.g., a rigid member, or a cord), which is itself attached to the article dispenser  2330 . Cord  2320  is affixed to the article dispenser  2330  and designed for coupling to an animal. 
       FIGS. 25-26  are views of a leash  2500  that includes an integrated article dispenser  2530  in a seventh illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, a first cord  2510  forms a loop. One end of the loop is fixedly attached to coupling  2550 , which is attached via member  2560  to the article dispenser  2530 . Another end  2540  of the loop is removably attached to the coupling  2550 . A second cord  2520  is affixed to the article dispenser  2530  and designed for coupling to an animal.  FIGS. 25  further depicts an opening  2532  to an inner volume for storing articles, as well as a hatch  2534 , and  FIG. 26  provides a new view of the leash  2500 . 
       FIGS. 27-28  are views of a leash  2700  that includes an integrated article dispenser  2730  in an eighth illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, a first cord  2710  is affixed to a spur  2740  of the article dispenser  2730  to form a handle, and a second cord  2720  is affixed to the article dispenser  2730  and designed for coupling to an animal. 
       FIGS. 29-30  are views of a leash  2900  that includes an integrated article dispenser  2930  in a ninth illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, a first cord  2910  includes an end  2950  that is removably attached to a spur  2940  of the article dispenser  2930  to form a handle. The end  2950  may be released from the spur  2940  by pressing button  2942 . The leash  2900  also includes a second cord  2920  is affixed to the article dispenser and designed for coupling to an animal. 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an article dispenser  3100  that includes an integral clip  3132  for receiving a handle in an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the article dispenser  3100  is coupled with a strap  3120  and a strap  3110 . Strap  3120  has one end that forms a loop around an end of the article dispenser. Strap  3110  includes one end that is affixed to slot  3112  in the article dispenser  3100 , and strap  3110  includes another end that is looped around the integral clip  3132 . The integral clip  3132  enables the strap  3110  to be slipped into place, and may include a spring-loaded bar (not shown) that slips to enable easy entry of the strap  3110 , and then springs back into place to retain the strap (i.e., similar to a spring-loaded clasp). 
     With a discussion of a variety of leash systems discussed above, the next section describes a method of fabrication of a leash.  FIG. 32  is a flowchart illustrating a method  3200  of assembling a leash that includes an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. 
     In step  3202 , a first tensile member is acquired, and in step  3204 , a second tensile member is acquired. The tensile members may comprise cords, webbing, chain, bars, etc. In step  3206 , an article dispenser is acquired that is configured to dispense articles from within an internal volume. For example, an article dispenser described above may be acquired. 
     In step  3208 , a first end of the article dispenser is coupled with the first tensile member, and in step  3210 , a second end of the article dispenser is coupled with the second tensile member. This may comprise inserting an end of a tensile member into a corresponding receptacle at the article dispenser, gluing or welding a portion of the tensile member to form a loop around an end of the article dispenser, physically interlocking the article dispenser with the tensile member by looping a portion of the tensile member around an end of the article dispenser, etc. 
     Once the tensile members have been coupled to the article dispenser to form a leash, the design of the article dispenser and the locations of attachment of the tensile members thereto result in a physical system wherein whenever the article dispenser bears a threshold amount of tension between the tensile members, a centroid of the article dispenser aligns collinear with a force that generates the tension. This technique for assembly provides a technical benefit by enabling the fabrication of leashes with integral article dispensers that are both ergonomic and responsive. 
       FIGS. 33-35  illustrate a further leash  3300  with an integrated article dispenser in an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the leash  3300  includes a first tensile member  3310  in the form of a loop-shaped handle. The leash  3300  also includes a second tensile member  3320 , and an article dispenser  3330 . The article dispenser  3330  includes a first housing  3332  that is affixed to the first tensile member  3310 , and includes a first hollow end that faces away from the first tensile member  3310 . The article dispenser further includes a second housing  3334  having a second hollow end facing the first hollow end of the first housing  3332 . The hollow ends are dimensioned to hold a group of articles (e.g., a spindle of sanitary bags), which leaving portions of the articles exposed to facilitate manual access. The second housing  3334  is attached to the second tensile member  3320 . The housings are coupled via an inner member  3350 , such as a rigid two-piece bar, or a length of second tensile member  3320 . The articles  3340  are wrapped around the inner member  3350 , or are wrapped around a spindle covering the inner member  3350 . 
     In the see-through view presented in  FIG. 34 , the inner member  3350  is clearly visible, as is a coupling  3360  in the form of an attachment point that enables a removable attachment of the housing  3332  to the housing  3334 . The coupling may comprise a channel and matching protrusion that mate together and interlock as shown in  FIG. 35 , or may comprise other interlocking components (e.g., matching loops and carabiners, etc.). In further embodiments, inner member  3350  comprises two pieces having complementary threading, which enables the pieces to be screwed together in order to unite the housing  3332  and the housing  3334 . In still further embodiments, the inner member  3350  is foregone, and each housing includes complementary threading (e.g., one includes male threading, and another includes female threading of the same pitch and diameter). The housings may then be screwed together to secure articles, or unscrewed to access the articles. 
     The coupling  3360  enables the inner member  3350  to be separated into two parts, which allows for a hollow spindle  3350  to be slid over the inner member  3350  and locked in place. 
       FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a leash  3600  that is extensible to include any number of accessories in an illustrative embodiment. The leash  3600  includes a handle  3610 , an article dispenser  3630 , and a further tensile member  3620 . According to  FIG. 36 , the handle  3610  of the leash includes two removable links in the form of a light  3644  and a training clicker  3646 . Each of the removable links includes a male end and a female end for integration into the handle  3610 . The handle  3610  of the leash includes a female end  3642  to which the light  3644  is removably attached, and further includes a male end  3648  to which the clicker  3646  is removably attached. Any suitable number of removable links may be added together in this fashion, and any suitable type of removable links may be used, such as a clickers, lights, medication applicators (e.g., for an insect repellent collar segment), Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers, etc. As shown in  FIG. 36 , the end of an article dispenser  3630  is rotatably attached to the handle  3610  (i.e., a first tensile member) via a clasp. In further embodiments, the handle is removably attached to an end of the article dispenser via any of buckles, clasps, hasps, buttons, snaps, etc. 
       FIGS. 37-44  illustrate further details of the removable clasps of  FIG. 36  in illustrative embodiments.  FIGS. 37-38  are perspective views of an exploded clasp  3700  for an extensible leash in an illustrative embodiment. These FIGS. depict a female clasp  3710  having a recess/receptacle  3712  for receiving a cylinder  3722  of a male clasp  3720 . Female clasp  3710  further includes a slot  3714  for receiving a loop of webbing, and male clasp  3720  similarly includes a slot  3724  for receiving a loop of webbing. 
       FIGS. 39-41  illustrate assembly of a clasp  3700  for an extensible leash or collar in an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the cylinder  3722  is inserted into the receptacle  3712  while the clasp is in an open position.  FIG. 41  illustrates further details of the clasps, depicting nubs  4110  which, after assembly, increase an amount of force required to return the clasp to a fully open position where it can be disassembled. In this embodiment, the nubs  4110  are built into the clasp directly. However, in further embodiments the nubs are added to the clasp later as an additional component. The arrangement depicted in  FIGS. 39-41  also permits free rotation of the clasp prior to contact with a nub. A ledge  4120  prevents the clasp  3700  from overextension/rotation when the clasp is closed, and enables easy access and manipulation of the clasp via a finger. 
       FIGS. 42-44  are views of an assembled clasp  3700  for an extensible leash in an illustrative embodiment. In  FIG. 42 , the clasp  3700  is open and can be slidably assembled or disassembled. The clasp awaits rotation in the indicated direction to enter a closed position wherein limited rotation is permitted until nubs  4110  resist further opening of the clasp. In  FIG. 43 , the clasp  3700  is closed, and nubs  4110  resist further opening when the clasp is opened by more than a threshold amount (e.g., thirty degrees, forty-five degrees, ninety degrees, etc.). This feature provides a technical benefit by reducing the chances of accidental disassembly of the clasp during use. Such features are particularly beneficial, for example, when the unit is jostled, such as when the animal being handled is playing or running. 
       FIGS. 45-48  illustrate a collar  4500  that is extensible to include any number of accessories in an illustrative embodiment. Collar  4500  includes a portion of webbing  4510 , and includes a male end  4520  and a female end  4530  of a clasp. These ends may be attached to each other, or one or more additional removable link with corresponding male and female ends may be added in-between the male end  4520  and the female end  4530 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 47  and  FIG. 48 , a removable link  4700  that includes a light is added between the male end  4520  and the female end  4530  of the collar  4500 . 
     The “slide and snap” system described above provides numerous technical benefits. First, the clasps described above provide secure attachment points that are capable of freely pivoting to a limited degree, and are also capable of being easily swapped out or removed. Second, the clasps do not substantially increase the length of a leash or handle. Third, because the nubs  4110  enable a limited amount of rotation while still resisting over-rotation to an open state, the clasps remain flexible as desired by a leash, without compromising structural integrity. Fourth, the clasps and removable linkages described herein are interoperable between leashes, collars, and harnesses, meaning that they can be quickly changed between leashes and collars, or vice versa, as desired. 
       FIGS. 49-50  illustrate a leash  4900  that is retractable in an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the leash  4900  includes a housing  4930  for storing articles, a handle  4910 , and a lead  4920  that is retracted via spring forces into the housing  4930 .  FIG. 50  is a section cut view of the leash, and illustrates that the housing defines a chamber  5020  for retaining articles, as well as a chamber  5010 . Chamber  5010  retains a reel  5000  or other retention device that is spring-biased to retract the lead  4920  into the chamber  501 . Thus, the greater the amount of extension of the lead  4920 , the greater the amount of retraction force applied by the reel  5000  to return the lead  4920  to the chamber  5010 . The spring force is designed such that at rest, the lead  4920  is fully retracted. 
     Any of the various clasps, links, or article dispensers shown in the figures or described herein may be implemented in various combinations with leashes, collars, harnesses, or other components used for animal handling in order to enhance the ease of controlling an animal. Furthermore, the various components described herein may be utilized to handle any suitable domestic or even wild animal, ranging dramatically in size.