Patent Publication Number: US-2016235039-A1

Title: Pet leash and collar apparatus and system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to pet leashes and collars, more specifically a system that provides containment of a pet and further provides functional elements that ease the experience of providing containment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pet leashes and collars are used for walking and controlling pets such as, for example, dogs. The disclosed subject matter provides a collar and leash system. The system may securely retain an animal within a vicinity such as, for example, in the vicinity of a user walking the animal. The system may further provide a handle and leash. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosed subject matter provides a dog collar and leash system. The system may include a collar structure comprising an elongated flexible strap structure. The strap structure may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion may be disposed in spaced, opposed relationship to the first end portion. The strap structure may have an elongated central portion that may extend from the first end portion to the second end portion. 
     The collar structure may further comprise a closing structure configured to establish releasable joined engagement of the first end portion with the second end portion. When the first end portion and the second end portion are in joined engagement, the strap structure may define a closed loop. 
     The system may further comprise a leash structure supported by the collar structure. The leash structure may comprise a housing that may be affixed to the strap structure. The housing may include an outer wall, wherein the outer wall may comprise therein an aperture. The leash structure may further comprise a reel supported in the housing for rotation relative thereto. The leash structure may further comprise an elongated flexible cord spooled on the reel. The cord may have a fixed end secured to the reel and a free end opposite the fixed end. The cord may extend through the aperture for the free end to be located outside the housing. The cord may be unspooled from the reel by the free end being pulled away from the reel to cause rotation of the reel in a first direction. The cord may be re-spooled on the reel by the reel being rotated in a second direction to cause the cord intermediate the fixed end and free end to be taken up on the reel by winding, wherein the second direction may be opposite the first direction. 
     The housing may further comprise a spring mounted in the housing. The spring may be configured to provide a biasing force on the reel. The biasing force may urge the reel to rotate in the second direction so as to cause re-spooling of the cord in a fully spooled condition on the reel in the absence of opposing force at least equal to the biasing force provided by the spring. 
     The leash structure may further comprise a handle portion disposed at the free end of the cord. The handle portion may be configured to be manually grasped by a person for using the leash structure. 
     The system may further comprise a keeper structure. The keeper structure may comprise a first keeper element supported by the collar structure The first keeper element may be configured to retain the handle portion in fixed relationship with the collar structure when the cord occupies the fully spooled condition with the handle portion not grasped by a person. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  displays an embodiment of a dog collar and leash system. 
         FIG. 2  displays an embodiment of a partially disassembled dog collar and leash system. 
         FIG. 3A  displays a portion of a flexible fabric material used for a strap structure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3B  displays a portion of a strap structure closed on one end in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  displays two portions of a flexible fabric material used for a strap structure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  displays a portion of a strap structure closed on both ends in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5A  displays a side view of the housing and cord positioned in the strap structure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  displays a top view of the housing and cord positioned in the strap structure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  displays an embodiment of a dog collar and leash system with elements of the dog collar and leash system embedded within the strap structure in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  displays an embodiment of housing pocket  136  within the strap structure. 
         FIG. 8  displays an embodiment of a light element pocket  138  within the strap structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
       FIG. 1  displays an embodiment of a dog collar and leash system. The system may include a collar structure  100  comprising an elongated flexible strap structure. The strap structure may have a first end portion  102  and a second end portion  104 . The second end portion  104  may be disposed in spaced, opposed relationship to the first end portion  102 . The strap structure may have an elongated central portion  106  that may extend from the first end portion  102  to the second end portion  104 . 
     The collar structure  100  may further comprise a closing structure  108  configured to establish releasable joined engagement of the first end portion  102  with the second end portion  104 . When the first end portion  102  and the second end portion  104  are in joined engagement, the strap structure may define a closed loop. 
     The system may further comprise a leash structure  110  supported by the collar structure  100 . The leash structure  110  may comprise a housing  112  that may be affixed to the strap structure. The housing may include an outer wall, wherein the outer wall may comprise therein an aperture. The leash structure  110  may further comprise a reel supported in the housing  112  for rotation relative thereto. The leash structure may further comprise an elongated flexible cord  114  spooled on the reel. The cord  114  may have a fixed end secured to the reel and a free end opposite the fixed end. The cord  114  may extend through the aperture for the free end to be located outside the housing. The cord  114  may be unspooled from the reel by the free end being pulled away from the reel to cause rotation of the reel in a first direction. The cord  114  may be re-spooled on the reel by the reel being rotated in a second direction to cause the cord  114  intermediate the fixed end and free end to be taken up on the reel by winding, wherein the second direction may be opposite the first direction. The housing  112  may further comprise a spring mounted in the housing  112 . The spring may be configured to provide a biasing force on the reel. The biasing force may urge the reel to rotate in the second direction so as to cause re-spooling of the cord  114  in a fully spooled condition on the reel in the absence of opposing force at least equal to the biasing force provided by the spring. 
     The leash structure  110  may further comprise a handle portion  116  disposed at the free end of the cord  114 . The handle portion  116  may be configured to be manually grasped by a person for using the leash structure  110 . 
     The system  110  may further comprise a keeper structure. The keeper structure may comprise a first keeper element  118  supported by the collar structure  100  The first keeper element  118  may be configured to retain the handle portion  116  in fixed relationship with the collar structure  100  when the cord  114  occupies the fully spooled condition with the handle portion  116  not grasped by a person. 
     In embodiments, the keeper structure may comprise a second keeper element  120  associated with the handle portion  116 . The second keeper element  120  may be configured for releasable engagement with the first keeper element  118  to retain the handle portion  116  in fixed relationship with the collar structure  100  when the cord  114  occupies the fully spooled condition with the handle portion  116  not grasped by a person. 
     In embodiments, the keeper structure may include first and second keeper elements  118 , 120  having magnetic properties. The second keeper element  120  may be configured for releasable magnetic engagement with the first keeper element  118  to retain the handle portion  116  in fixed relationship with the collar structure  100  when the cord occupies the fully spooled condition with the handle portion  116  not grasped by a person. 
     In embodiments, the keeper structure may comprise a second keeper element  120  associated with the handle structure  116 . The first and second keeper elements  118 , 120  may be configured for releasable engagement to retain the handle portion  116  in fixed relationship with the collar structure  100  when the cord  114  occupies the fully spooled condition with the handle portion  116  not grasped by a person. The first and second keeper elements  118 , 120  may be configured to automatically establish engagement to retain the handle portion  116  in fixed relationship with the collar structure  100  when the cord returns from unspooled to the fully spooled condition. 
     In embodiments, the keeper structure may comprise first and second keeper elements  118 , 120  having magnetic properties. The second keeper element  120  may be configured for releasable magnetic engagement with the first keeper element  118  to retain the handle portion  116  in fixed relationship with the collar structure  100  when the cord  114  occupies the fully spooled condition with the handle portion  116  not grasped by a person. 
     In embodiments, the first and second keeper elements  118 , 120  may be configured to automatically establish engagement to retain the handle portion  116  in fixed relationship with the collar structure  100  when the cord  114  returns from unspooled to the fully spooled condition. 
     In embodiments, the system may include a light element  122 . The light element  122  may comprise a power supply and LED in connection therewith. 
     In embodiments, the collar structure  100  may include a removable mounting structure. The removable mounting structure may comprise a portable base  124 . In embodiments, the housing may be disposed on the portable base  124 . In embodiments, at least one releasable fastener  126  may be configured for removably mounting the portable base  124  on the collar structure  100 . In embodiments, the light element  122  may be disposed on the portable base  124 . In embodiments, the at least one releasable fastener  126  may comprise a hook and loop fastening material. 
     In embodiments, the collar structure  100  may exclude a portable base  124 . The components that may attach to the portable base  124  may attach directly to the leash by means such as but not limited to hook and loop fastening material. 
     In embodiments, the handle  116  may attach to the cord  114  by means of a clamp and loop system. In embodiments, the hook may be attached directly to the handle  116  or to the cord  114 , whereas the clamp may be affixed to the component (handle  116  or cord  114 ) that does not comprise the loop. In further embodiments, the loop may exist in a swivel configuration. 
     In embodiments, the collar structure  100  may be comprised of a woven polymer. The warp and weft components of the weave may exist perpendicular and parallel to the direction of the length of the collar structure  100 . In embodiments, the warp and weft components of the weave may exist at an angle other than a perpendicular angle to the direction of the length of the collar structure  100 . The angle other than a perpendicular angle may allow for more flexibility of the collar structure  100 . In embodiments, the weave may circumnavigate an interior space to create a flexible structure that may be affixed to itself by means such as, but not limited to threading, ultrasonic welding, etc. In embodiments, the collar structure  100  may be comprised of a knit polymer. In embodiments, the knit may circumnavigate an interior space to create a flexible structure that may be affixed to itself by means such as, but not limited to threading, ultrasonic welding, etc. 
       FIG. 2  displays an embodiment of a partially disassembled dog collar and leash system. In embodiments, a fastener  128  may be found on the portable base  124  to allow the light element  122  to be fastened to the portable base  124 . In embodiments, the at least one releasable fasteners may envelope a portion of the collar structure  100  and the portable base  124 . 
       FIG. 3A  displays a portion of a flexible fabric material  130  used for a strap structure in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 3B  displays a portion of a strap structure closed on one end in accordance with an embodiment. The flexible fabric material  130  may be folded over on itself and sealed at one lengthwise edge to make the strap structure usable for the collar structure  100 . 
       FIG. 4A  displays two portions of a flexible fabric material  130  used for a strap structure in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 4B  displays a portion of a strap structure closed on both ends in accordance with an embodiment. Two pieces of flexible fabric material  130  may be put together and sealed on their lengthwise edges in order to make the strap structure used for the collar structure  100 . At least one interior space may exist within the two pieces of flexible fabric material  130 . 
     In embodiments, the handle portion  116  may comprise a loop formed of flexible fabric material  130 . 
     In embodiments, the strap structure may consist essentially of an open mesh material. In embodiments, the strap structure may comprise an open mesh material and one or more other materials. 
       FIG. 5A  displays a side view of the housing  112  and cord  114  positioned in the strap structure in accordance with an embodiment. Two portions of the flexible fabric material  130  sealed together on their side edges may provide a hollow interior. Elements of the system, such as a housing  112  may be held within the hollow interior. In embodiments, other elements of the system may be held within the hollow interior. The cord  114  may penetrate the orifice  132  in order that the cord  114  provide movement when being utilized. In embodiments, an orifice liner  134  may line the edge of the orifice  132 .  FIG. 5B  displays a top view of the housing and cord positioned in the strap structure in accordance with an embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  displays an embodiment of a dog collar and leash system with elements of the dog collar and leash system embedded within the strap structure in accordance with one embodiment. The collar structure  100  may house one or more elements such as, but not limited to, the light element  122  or the housing  112 . The elements may be partially or completely enveloped in the flexible fabric material  130 . In embodiments, the flexible fabric material  130  may have transmissive properties in order to transmit light from the LED to the external environment. 
       FIG. 7  displays an embodiment of housing pocket  136  within the strap structure. The housing pocket  136  may include a flap  140  to enclose an element such as, but not limited to, a housing  112 , in the housing pocket  136 . In embodiments, the housing pocket  136  and flap  140  may both comprise keeper elements  142 , 144 . In embodiments, a section of the housing pocket  136  may comprise an orifice  146  to allow an element, such as a cord  114 , to extend out of the housing pocket  136 .  FIG. 8  displays an embodiment of a light element pocket  138  within the strap structure. The light element pocket  138  may include a flap  140  to enclose an element such as, but not limited to, a light element  122 , in the light element pocket  138 . In embodiments, the light element pocket  138  may have a transmissive region configured to transmit light from the LED to the external environment. In embodiments, the housing pocket  136  and/or light element pocket  138  may house elements of the system other than a housing  112  or a light element  122 . In embodiments, the light element pocket  138  and flap  140  may both comprise keeper elements  142 , 144 . 
     In embodiments, the closing structure may comprise a first buckle member disposed at the first end portion  102  and a second buckle member disposed at the second end portion  104  in opposed relation to the first buckle member. The second buckle member may be configured for releasable joined engagement with the first buckle member. A closed loop may be defined upon the first buckle member being received in joined engagement with the second buckle member. The strap structure may be opened upon the first buckle member being released from joined engagement with the second buckle member.