Abstract:
A leash-with-variable-anchor has two opposing fastener structures, one for removable attachment to a collar or to a harness; and another for fastening back onto a portion of an elongate-member of the leash, forming a looped structure, an anchor. The anchor may function as a handle. The anchor may also be quickly, easily, and safely attached to various articles, such as, but not limited to, posts; and without a need of detaching from the collar or from the harness. In some embodiments, the loop structure of the anchor may be variable (i.e., adjustable) in size.

Description:
PRIORITY NOTICE 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/278,890 filed on Jan. 14, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates in general to leashes and more specifically to leashes for pets, such as dogs, and wherein such leashes have a variable anchor that may serve as the handle. 
       COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
         [0004]    Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Currently (circa 2016), leashes, as in dog leashes, typically have a clip end for attachment to a collar and an opposing integral handle. It is often desirable to attach such leashes to an article, such as a post. One may have a need to be hands-free from the least, for example, to sit down and drink a beverage, eat, read, converse, and the like. To attach such leashes to the article one either has to physically tie the leash to the article; or one must pass a portion of the leash around the article, remove the pet from the clip end, pass the clip end through the handle, and then re-attach the clip end back to the pet. And to detach such a leash from the article the above steps must be repeated, in reverse. Thus, presently using such existing leashes to attach to the article is cumbersome and awkward, especially when one is already holding something in one hand; and may provide a safety issue, when the clip end is detached from the pet. It would be desirable to have a leash that may be removably anchored (i.e., attached) to such an article, in a manner that is quick, easy, and safe. 
         [0006]    There then is a need in the art for a leash may be removably anchored (i.e., attached) to such an article, in a manner that is quick, easy, and safe. 
         [0007]    It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes embodiments of a leash-with-variable-anchor that may comprise two opposing fastener structures, one for removable attachment to a collar or to a harness; and another for fastening back onto a portion of an elongate-member of the leash-with-variable-anchor, forming a looped structure, an anchor. The anchor may function as a handle. The anchor may also be quickly, easily, and safely attached to various articles, such as, but not limited to, posts; and without a need of detaching from the collar or from the harness. In some embodiments, the loop structure of the anchor may be variable (i.e., adjustable) in size. 
         [0009]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a leash that may be removably attached to an article, such as, but not limited to, a post, without having to detach the leash from a collar or from a harness. 
         [0010]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a leash that may be removably attached to an article without having to detach the leash from a collar or from a harness, in a manner that may be quick, easy, and safe. 
         [0011]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a leash with article attachment structure, an anchor, wherein a size of the anchor may be variable (i.e., adjustable). 
         [0012]    These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  may depict an embodiment of a leash-with-variable-anchor, as viewed from above with the leash-with-variable-anchor laid out in longitudinally extended configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  may depict an embodiment of a leash-with-variable-anchor, as viewed from above with the leash-with-variable-anchor laid out in a substantially longitudinally extended configuration, but showing a looping structure in a process of forming an anchor. 
         REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE 
         [0000]    
         
             100  leash-with-variable-anchor  100   
             101  elongate-member  101   
             103  first-terminal-end  103   
             105  second-terminal-end  105   
             107  first-clip  107   
             109  second-clip  109   
             111  at least one hole  111   
             115  size-adjuster  115   
             200  leash-with-variable-anchor  200   
             201  elongate-member  201   
             203  first-terminal-end  203   
             205  second-terminal-end  205   
             207  first-fastener  207   
             209  second-fastener  209   
             211  second-fastener-receiver  211   
             217  anchor  217   
         
       
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  may depict an embodiment of a leash-with-variable-anchor  100 , as viewed from above with leash-with-variable-anchor  100  laid out in longitudinally extended configuration. In some embodiments, leash-with-variable-anchor  100  may comprise: an elongate-member  101 , a first-clip  107 , and a second-clip  109 . In some embodiments, elongate-member  101  may be substantially flexible. In some embodiments, elongate-member  101  may comprise two opposing terminal-ends, a first-terminal-end  103  and a second-terminal-end  105 . In some embodiments, first-clip  107  may be attached to first-terminal-end  103 . In some embodiments, second-clip  109  may be attached to second-terminal-end  105 . In some embodiments, first-clip  107  or second-clip  109  may be removably attachable to a collar or to a harness. In some embodiments, first-clip  107  or second-clip  109  may be spring loaded clips. In some embodiments, first-clip  107  or second-clip  109  may be substantially constructed from one or more metals. 
         [0034]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, leash-with-variable-anchor  100  may comprise at least one hole  111 . In some embodiments, elongate-member  101  may comprise at least one hole  111 . In some embodiments, at least one hole  111  may be located in elongate-member  101 . In some embodiments, at least one hole  111  may pass entirely through a thickness of elongate-member  101 . In some embodiments, at least one hole  111  may be sized to removably receive attachment of first-clip  107  or of second-clip  109 . In some embodiments, when first-clip  107  or second-clip  109  may be removably attached to at least one hole  111 , an anchor may be formed. In some embodiments, this anchor may be a looped structure. In some embodiments, this anchor may be removably attachable to an article by the anchor wrapping around a portion of the article. 
         [0035]    For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, this article may be a post, a sign post, a light post, a pole, a telephone pole, a table leg, a bench leg, a table pedestal, a chair leg, a tree trunk, a gate post, a frame member, a structural member, and/or the like. The article may generally be a solid object that a portion of elongate-member  101 , i.e., the anchor, may be wrap around. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the anchor is a handle. That is, the anchor, once formed, may function a handle, so that a user may easily hold leash-with-variable-anchor  100 . 
         [0037]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, at least one hole  111  may be selected from one to twenty holes. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , elongate-member  101  may comprise eleven holes  111 , with one hole  111  located in a middle of a length of elongate-member  101 . Because of such a plurality of holes  111 , then a size of the anchor may be variable depending upon which hole  111  that first-clip  107  or that second-clip  109  removably attaches to. In some embodiments, at least one hole  111  may be reinforced with one grommet for each of at least one hole  111 . In some embodiments, at least one hole  111  may be located a predetermined distance from first-terminal-end  103  (and/or from second-terminal-end  105 ). For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, a first hole  111  (i.e., closest) from first-terminal-end  103  may be located at about 18 inches from first-terminal-end  103 ; wherein “about” in this context may mean plus or minus two inches. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, a first hole  111  (i.e., closest) from second-terminal-end  105  may be located at about 18 inches from second-terminal-end  105 ; wherein “about” in this context may mean plus or minus two inches. 
         [0038]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, leash-with-variable-anchor  100  may comprise a size-adjuster  115 . In some embodiments, size-adjuster  115  may be slidingly attached to elongate-member  101 . In some embodiments, size-adjuster  115  may permit a length of elongate-member  101  to be adjusted. In some embodiments, size-adjuster  115  may be a triglide slider. In some embodiments, size-adjuster  115  may be constructed from a thermoplastic. 
         [0039]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, elongate-member  101  may be longer than wide, and wider than thick. In some embodiments, elongate-member  101  may be webbing or strapping. That is, in some embodiments, elongate-member  101  may be a woven structure, of natural, synthetic, or blended fabric or fibers. Some natural materials of construction for elongate-member  101  may comprise: cotton, silk, hemp, linen, leather, and/or the like. Some synthetic materials of construction for elongate-member  101  may comprise: nylon, polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, and/or the like. In some embodiments, all or portions of elongate-member  101  may be constructed from recycled materials of construction. 
         [0040]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, first-terminal-end  103  and first-clip  107  may be substantially structurally symmetrical to second-terminal-end  105  and to second-clip  109 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  may depict an embodiment of a leash-with-variable-anchor  200 , as viewed from above with leash-with-variable-anchor  200  laid out in a substantially longitudinally extended configuration, but showing a looping structure in a process of forming an anchor  217 . In some embodiments, leash-with-variable-anchor  200  may comprise an elongate-member  201 , a first-fastener  207 , a second-fastener  209 , and a second-fastener-receiver  211 . 
         [0042]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, elongate-member  201  may be substantially flexible. In some embodiments, elongate-member  201  may comprise two opposing terminal-ends, a first-terminal-end  203  and a second-terminal-end  205 . In some embodiments, elongate-member  201  may be longer than wide, and wider than thick. In some embodiments, elongate-member  201  may be webbing or strapping. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, elongate-member  201  may be substantially similar, in terms of structure and/or in terms of function, to elongate-member  101 . For example, both elongate-member  201  and elongate-member  101  may have an overall same structure of an elongate member that is longer than wide, and wider than thick, that may be substantially flexible; that may be webbing or strapping; and that may be constructed from same materials of construction. However, some embodiments of elongate-member  201  may not include at least one hole  111 . (Although some embodiments, of elongate-member  201  may comprise at least one hole  111 , wherein such embodiments are not depicted in the figures.) 
         [0044]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, first-fastener  207  may be attached to first-terminal-end  203 . In some embodiments, first-fastener  207  may be substantially similar, structurally and/or functionally, to first-clip  107  and/or to second-clip  109 . In some embodiments, first-fastener  207  may be removably attachable to a collar or to a harness. 
         [0045]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, second-fastener  209  may be attached to second-terminal-end  205 . In some embodiments, second-fastener-receiver  211  may be attached to elongate-member  201 . In some embodiments, second-fastener-receiver  211  may be slidingly attached to elongate-member  201 . In some embodiments, second-fastener  209  may be removably attachable to second-fastener-receiver  211 . In some embodiments, when second-fastener  209  may be removably attached to second-fastener-receiver  211 , an anchor  217  may be formed. In some embodiments, this anchor  217  may be a looped structure, i.e., a looped structure of a portion of elongate-member  201 . In some embodiments, this anchor  217  may be removably attachable to the article by anchor  217  wrapping around a portion of the article. Examples of some articles are noted above. In some embodiments, this anchor may be a handle of leash-with-variable-anchor  200 . 
         [0046]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, together second-fastener  209  and second-fastener-receiver  211  may form a quick release buckle. In some embodiments, such a quick release buckle may be substantially constructed from a thermoformed plastic. Note it is expressly contemplated that in some embodiments, a male portion of such a quick release buckle may be second-fastener  209 ; and that the receiving female portion of such a quick release buckle may be second-fastener-receiver  211 . However, it is also expressly contemplated that in some embodiments, a male portion of such a quick release buckle may be second-fastener-receiver  211 ; and that the receiving female portion of such a quick release buckle may be second-fastener  209 . 
         [0047]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, second-fastener-receiver  211  may be located at about 10 inches to about 24 inches from second-terminal-end  205 ; wherein “about” in this context may be mean plus or minus two inches. In some embodiments, second-fastener-receiver  211  may be located at about 18 inches from second-terminal-end  205 ; wherein “about” in this context may be mean plus or minus two inches. 
         [0048]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, leash-with-variable-anchor  200  may comprise at least one size-adjuster  115 . In some embodiments, at least one size-adjuster  115  may be slidingly attached to elongate-member  201 . In some embodiments, at least one size-adjuster  115  may permit a length of elongate-member  201  to be adjusted. In some embodi-ments, at least one size-adjuster  115  may comprise two size-adjusters  115 , one disposed between first-terminal-end  203  and second-fastener-receiver  211 ; and a second disposed between second-fastener-receiver  211  and second-terminal-end  205 . 
         [0049]    Continuing discussing  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, anchor  217  may be variable in size by either sliding second-fastener-receiver  211  along a length of elongate-member  202  or by adjusting a length of anchor  217  by using size-adjuster  115  that may be attached to elongate-member  201  disposed between second-terminal-end  205  and second-fastener-receiver  211 . 
         [0050]    Note with respect to the materials of construction, it is not desired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such disclosure. 
         [0051]    Leashes-with-variable-anchors have been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0052]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.