Patent Publication Number: US-2016219837-A1

Title: Compression Pet Collar Clasp

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to quick connect/disconnect clasp between a leash and an animal, specifically a dog, collar. Typically leashes connect to collars by incorporating some form of clasp which requires sliding a lever or manipulating a thumb tab. This can be difficult for dog owners in general but especially true for those with physical ailments, such as arthritis. Even owners of frisky or overly excited dogs can experience difficulty. The present invention addresses these difficulties by providing a device which eliminates the short comings of prior art devices. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention, a compression pet collar clasp, is a device, thin and elongated in shape, simple in design and in operation. The invention allows quick and easy attachment (and obvious detachment) of a leash, rope, etc . . . , to an animal collar, specifically a dog collar. The invention is easily operated with one hand and requires no fumbling with a sliding bolt or protruding tab member as found on prior art clasps. The leash, rope, etc . . . is attached to one end of the invention and the opposing end provides the releasable engagement to the dog collar o-ring. The position of a pivoting latch member determines if the end opposite the leash is in either a closed or opened state. Resistance from a compress spring keeps the latch member in the “closed” state; opening is accomplished by applying downward pressure, with a thumb or finger, on the latch member/compress spring. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the compression pet collar clasp in a normally closed position in accordance with principle of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1  but illustrating the location of the internal components. 
         FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  but with outside handles removed revealing the internal components. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the compression pet collar clasp, in an open position, in accordance with principle of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective similar to  FIG. 4  but illustrating the location of the internal components. 
         FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  but with outside handles removed revealing the internal components and also illustrating the spring compression when in the open position. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the compression pet collar clasp, in accordance with principle of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the compression pet collar clasp connected to an o-ring which in turn could be attached to a pet collar or harness and the opposing end attached to a rope, strap, leash, etc. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Following is a detailed description and explanation of the compression pet collar clasp embodiments, referred to herein as the “clasp”. Also,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 6  omit certain components to better illustrate the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the clasp  10  with the latch member  70  in the closed position. 
       FIG. 2  is similar to  FIG. 1 , however it illustrates a pin  40  inserted through and supporting the latch member  70 . Pin  40  is supported by the handles  22  and  23 . Latch member  70  is held in the closed position from resistance provided by compress spring  50  which is supported by base member  60 . Base member  60  is held in place by securing between handles  22  and  23  using epoxy adhesive. 
       FIG. 3  shows the clasp  10  with the latch member  70  in the closed position, however the outside handles have been removed to better illustrate a pin  40  inserted through and supporting the latch member  70 . Latch member  70  is held in the closed position from upward resistance provided by compress spring  50  which is supported by base member  60 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the clasp  10  with the latch member  70  in the open position. Opening the clasp latch member  70  is accomplished by pressure being applied, by a handler&#39;s thumb or finger, at point  80 . 
       FIG. 5  is similar to  FIG. 4 , however it illustrates a pin  40  inserted through and supporting the latch member  70 . Pin  40  is supported by each of the handles  22  and  23 . Latch member  70  is held in the open position from downward pressure being applied to point  80  which results in the compression of spring  50  which is supported by base member  60 . Base member  60  is held in place by securing between handles  22  and  23  using epoxy adhesive. 
       FIG. 6  shows the clasp  10  with the latch member  70  in the open position, however the outside handles have been removed to better illustrate a pin  40  inserted through and supporting the latch member  70 . Latch member  70  is held in the open position from downward pressure being applied to point  80  which results in the compression of spring  50  which is supported by base member  60 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the clasp  10  in an exploded view which includes two opposing handles, an inside perspective view of the backside handle  22  and an outside perspective view of the front handle  23 , each handle has a countersunk hole  17  providing support for pin  40 ; an latch member  70 , with pin through-hole  30 , which pivots on pin  40  and base member  60  which provides support for compress spring  50 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of clasp  10 , similar to  FIG. 1 . The left side of view illustrates the clasp closed around an o-ring  90  which in turn could be attached to a pet collar, harness or similar device and the opposing clasp end secured to a leash or rope  92 .