Patent Publication Number: US-2013247839-A1

Title: Lungie pet leash

Description:
Current leashes and collars operate to restrain and/or control the movements of pets, and their behavior. Each of the existing designs causes vibration, movement and sudden changes in direction to be transmitted both from the handler and the pet to the other in sharp and sudden manner. 
     My device, as described in the accompanying drawings and explanatory materials, reduces the impact and sudden nature of the vibration, movements and changes in direction, without interfering with the control of the pet. This increases effective control of the pet, while protecting the handler from potentially severe injury, including hyper extension of elbows, and dislocation of shoulders. 
     The application of this process and method, is not a “common usage” or “obvious” use or combination of the materials involved. There is no other system which takes advantage of the inherent pressures within a system in the way presented here. 
     With sizes made properly for individual pets and/or their weights, the device is appropriate for a wide range of pets, including dogs, cats and larger and more exotic creatures. 
     Basic Operating Parameters 
     The elastic material acts as a shock absorber, lessening the stress both on pet and handler, while maintaining control of the pet. Two different configurations are presented, each with its own advantages. 
     As the pet lunges or pulls, the elastic material stretches, increasing the resistive pressure against the pet, without eliciting a panic response. This allows the pet to “understand” the cause and effect of lunging, without identifying this with the handler. 
     As the pet lunges, however, the shock of the sudden pull is applied more slowly to the handler, allowing the handler time to adjust to the force, and keep his/her balance. This results in more control of the pet, and less chance of injury due to falling. 
     The rotating parts allow the leash to be used continuously, without the need for stopping to untangle the leash line. 
     The device also protects pet who may inadvertently escape the handler. A pet running at full tilt may be injured if the leash catches on an stationary object. The elastic material will soften the stopping motion, and reduce or eliminate the possibility of injury due to a sudden stop. 
    
    
     
       In the configuration shown in Drawing  1  shows the use of the Lungie with the elastic material at the end where it hooks onto the existing collar or other restrain device which is applied to the creature to be controlled or trained. This ensures that the shock absorbing feature is always available. 
       In the configuration shown in Drawing  2  shows the use of the Lungie with the elastic material at the end where the handler loop is located, which gives the option of grasping the leash at a point beyond the elastic material and imposing a direct application of control when necessary, without the shock absorption. 
     
    
    
     My original intellectual contributions are the configurations processes and methods that are needed to accomplish the counter-force reductions, and overcome power losses due to pressure, frictional, and other forces, as well as the drawings. 
     The components listed in the drawing page are necessary to, and comprise the unique elements of, the complete system. The components listed in this application constitute the full system as designed for use and are set forth as an example of the use of the process and method, and are not exhaustive or all inclusive. 
     Additional Applications 
     In addition to personal pet applications, we intend to develop the following applications: 
     Medium Sized Pets, or Exotic Animals
         With manufacture and specification the device can be used as a restraint, or control, for larger animals, including exotic animals, such as lions.       

     Human Application
         With further development, the device can be suitable for use in preventing children from wandering off, while giving them a sense of freedom. Parents can be sure their child is with them, even if they cannot carry the child in crowded areas, without the danger of injury presented by current restrain systems which do not incorporate a cushioning factor.       

     Pet Grooming Services
         With further development, the device can be widely used in pet grooming services to provide a “third hand” to restrain unruly pets, while maintaining safety for the pet.       

     This filing refers to Provisional Patent No. 61/630,319 filed by Scott Clair Pockrandt, issued on Dec. 9, 2011.