Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF INVENTION
This invention is a locking leash for pet dogs which will help to reduce pet
theft which is on the rise
in our society. It comprises of a leash and collar as one complete unit for
increased security,
whereby the collar can be locked and unlocked into a desired position by means
of a key and
locking system. Once the collar portion of the locking leash is initiated into
the locked position, it
cannot be removed without the appropriate key for said locking leash.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Problems that have arisen from similar inventions have been that there has not
been a sufficient, safe
or humane way to secure a pet when left unattended. There must be a
restraining device that is
comfortable for the animal and whereby the dog cannot slide out of it or the
device becoming
unhinged or breaking in some manner. It must be sturdy enough to withstand the
weight of the dog
pulling against it. It also must be cost efficient and easy to use. It must
consist of non-toxic
materials. It must not have any sharp or exposed edges that could harm the
animal, owner or
passersby in this particular case. The present invention solves the above
problems in the following
ways:
The locking leash is made of non-toxic materials and has safe, smooth edges,
much like
leashes and collars that are used for pets today. It comprises of a leash and
uninterrupted collar that
will compliment pets' regular collar and leash currently available for sale in
large commercial pet
stores. The casing material is made out of hard plastic and is rust-resistant
which will allow the
product to have a longer life in wet or snowy conditions. The present
invention also comprises of a
key that coordinates with a locking system that is built directly on the
collar portion. It will help to
reduce the number of pet thefts and give owners the dependability to
consistently enjoy worry-free
walks with their dogs wherever they may choose to stop along the way.
Unfortunately, thousands of
dogs go missing or are stolen each week across the country.
According to statistics from the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, 50%
of the
171,000 animals taken in by shelters countrywide in 2007 were euthanized. Many
of these dogs had
been stolen from loving homes and then simply discarded by thieves. These dogs
are stolen from
homes and cars (perhaps during a burglary), from yards or when left unattended
in public places.
Pets are frequently left in their owners vehicles for fear that they would be
stolen otherwise and
owners feel that they have no other option in order to keep their pets safe.
In very hot weather
however, doing this can be fatal for the dog.
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Leaving a window in the vehicle partially down does not make a significant
enough difference to the
inside temperature of the car that the animal has been left in. Depending on
the outside temperature,
the location of the vehicle and time of day; the temperature inside the
vehicle can reach 3-4 times
hotter than that of the temperature outside. For example, if the outside
temperature is 25 degrees
Celsius, the vehicle temperature could easily escalate to 50 degrees in less
than 20 minutes. At that
temperature, it can be detrimental to the health of the animal and can result
in brain damage and/or
death. Leaving a dog (or any animal) in a vehicle at any time is currently
illegal in the state of
California in the United States under the criminal code, Senate Bill 1806 and
I strongly believe that
this law will be implemented in Canada in the near future also.
The present invention will assist in encouraging dog owners who frequently
travel by car
with their pets to comfortably secure their dogs outside their vehicle under a
shady tree instead of
the alternative. It will also help to reduce the number of dogs that suffer
from dehydration,
suffocation or even death as a result of being left inside a vehicle for even
just a short period of time.
The locking leash will provide users with the physical tools needed to safely
and securely lock up
their dog while both a visual deterrent and physical prevention method is
present. It should be noted
that the stationary object chosen by users must be completely closed off at
the top to not stray from
the inventions purpose or effectiveness. Once the locking leash is engaged
into the locked position,
it will be virtually impossible to remove from either the dog or object. In
order to avert failure, it is
recommended that the corresponding key be kept safe and apart from locking
leash when in use.
Due diligence should be taken with the safety and whereabouts of said keys for
security purposes.
The locking leash should be implemented as suggested and not attached to any
object that could
bend or move in any way or in a case where the length of leash be compromised
and they are
attaching their dog near a busy street. Users should take precautions when
securing any of the
following:
1. An aggressive dog
2. A fearful dog
3. A bitch in heat
4. A very elderly dog
5. An anti-social dog
6. A very young dog under 4 months old
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It is highly likely that users of the present invention will be using the
locking leash in high
pedestrian-traffic areas so they should be mindful of loud noises,
distractions and surroundings and
how this might affect their dog's emotional state and behaviour. It is for
these reasons that I would
recommend the locking leash to those who, on occasion currently feel confident
leaving their dogs
restrained yet unattended in their absence. It should be noted that laws, by-
laws and city licensing
applies to all users of said invention and are responsible for their pets at
all times.
The locking leash will introduce both a visual and physical deterrent from
would-be pet thieves. It
is a fully functional leash and collar and can be used as such without
straying from the inventions
purpose. However, dog owners commonly choose a collar and leash based on their
dogs' individual
needs such as size, temperament and energy level while considering its
functionality, design,
material and colour.
Each of the embodiments described above relates to the internal workings of
the locking
leash made from a series of cables fabricated of steel and then covered by
means of a protective
sheath made of hard plastic for optimum comfort, durability and longevity of
the product. The
locking leash is no more than 6 feet in length from the handle portion to the
collar portion. Sizing
holes are then provided along the collar portion that will penetrate through
the sheath and steel
approximately 3/%'s as shown in FIG. 4 that allow for sizing capabilities
while maintaining its quality
cut-proof material. Figure 2 illustrates the entire present invention. It also
shows where the
immoveable object is placed in order for invention to not lose its
effectiveness. According to figure
2 - 4, this is how the collar portion of the locking leash is formed once it
is secured around
immoveable object at 3. When a desired fit is established around the animals'
neck as demonstrated
by Figure 3, it can then be locked into place by inserting the correct key
into 3 and turning to the
right. Turning the key to the left, as per most locking systems, would put it
into an unlocked
position. When in the unlocked position, it can be effortlessly removed from
the dogs' neck by
loosening the collar. When the collar is in the unlocked position, the collar
can tighten and loosen
easily by sliding it closer (tighter) or further away (looser).
Figure 2 in particular 4 shows the portion of the leash that forms the collar,
shows there is no
excess cable that could interfere with the inventions purpose and subsequently
tucked into the belt
loop at 2. The length of the leash when correctly in use is dependent on the
circumference of the
immoveable object and the neck size of the dog which may also limit the dogs'
movement and
orientation.
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It should be noted that in an emergency, the locking leash can be removed with
a heavy
cutting tool. For example, if the animal were being deprived of its basic
needs such as food, water or
shelter; it is by virtue of that that the locking leash can be removed.
However, it must then be
deemed unusable and be expended immediately.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a locking leash that allows users to secure their
dogs by means of a collar
that secures around the dogs' neck and a leash that secures around an
immoveable object. At one
end of the leash is the handle portion to be held by users and at the other
end is an adjustable collar
portion with built-in locking capabilities to accommodate all breeds and sizes
of dogs. In order to
be effective, the collar portion must be adjusted to fit snugly around the
dogs' neck in order for it to
not slip over the dogs' ears. The locking leash is first placed around
immoveable object of
reasonable size and circumference such as a large tree, post or bicycle rack.
The immoveable object
must be closed off at both ends in order for present invention to be
effective. The collar portion is
then placed through the handle portion as demonstrated in more detail in
Figure 2 and then attached
snugly around the animals' neck and engaged into the locked position by means
of a key.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Leashes and collars have long been known and widely used to help exercise and
control dogs since they
(canis lupus familiaris), were domesticated some 10 000 years ago. Various
types of collars and leashes have
been used and adapted over time. The term "leash" is commonly used in the
trade because it helps to control
or lead domesticated dogs.
According to Webster's dictionary, a "leash" is defined as follows:
Leash: n. a chain, rope, or strap attached to the collar or harness of an
animal, especially a dog, and
used to lead it or hold it in check.
1. Control or restraint: emotions kept in leash.
2.
a. A set of three animals, such as hounds.
b. A set of three.
Irv, leashed, leashing, leashes. To restrain with or as if with a leash.
Many different types of pet leashes have achieved considerable popularity and
commercial success,
although there is a continuing need for improvement. Today, more and more
people are acquiring pets for
companionship and this number continues to grow at a staggering rate. The pet
industry is booming and
according to Statistics Canada, Canadians currently own a total of eight
million dogs and cats, 3.5 million of
CA 02701800 2010-05-17
those pets are dogs and about half of all households have at least one pet.
Pet owners are more concerned as
ever about their pets' health and welfare which can be seen by the increase of
professional dog walkers, pet
sitters, raw food diet companies and pet clothing lines to name a few. Dogs in
particular, are typically
included in the daily activities with their owners. Although it is still not
common practise, some companies
allow pets in the workplace. However, due to health and safety regulations of
most establishments, dogs (and
other pets) are not permitted inside, putting their owners in a difficult
position. They need to decide whether
to forego their patronage and/or purchase, or leave their pets unattended
outside leaving them at the risk of
theft. The present invention will prevent any unauthorized removal of the
animal, therefore reducing the
number of stolen pets.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and are enjoyed by almost everyone; young
and old, city dwellers
or country lovers in many countries around the world. Breeds as large as the
Great Dane or as tiny as the
Chihuahua all enjoy and require daily outdoor activity such as walking with
their owner(s) on the end of a
leash. Although a regular leash is necessary to guide and control dogs on an
outing, it does not provide a
securing method by which the dog is protected against removal by unauthorized
persons. Many dog owners
enjoy bringing their dogs along while they run errands however, this often
means that for a brief period, the
dog must remain tied- up and unattended outside a shop or business. As more
and more people acquire dogs
and include them in their daily activities, the need arises for a method that
will keep them safe, secure and no
longer a target to would-be pet thieves. With many new dog owners choosing to
adopt their companions
from local animal shelters, they often develop a significant bond and together
with said invention, these dogs
will never be abandoned or parted from their owners again. If any dog is left
unattended for too long without
the present invention, they remain the target for animal theft, which is,
unfortunately on the rise in our
society. If this were to happen, the emotional suffering of both dog and owner
would be unimaginable and
devastating. Dogs that are stolen are used for any of the following reasons:
breeding, drugs, ransom,
research, bribery, protection, dog fighting and/or guarding of an illegal
operation.
The present invention is extremely user-friendly and involves a simple 3-step
process as follows in
order to engage in its purposeful capacity:
1. Place locking leash around immoveable object of any size not exceeding
length of leash.
2. Loop collar through handle in order for it to become taught and secure
around object.
3. Find desired collar size around dogs' neck and lock into place using the
corresponding key
The locking leash shall be reasonable in cost and can be used on a dog of any
size, by anyone,
anywhere in the world. It shall be as easy to use for anyone who has locked a
door to a house or
apartment or locked up their bike using a cable lock.
A similar, but now expired patent filed in Canada in 1983 is as follows:
(11) CA 1171294 Koronkiewicz, Henry L.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will drastically reduce the number of pet thefts while
giving owners peace of
mind. Pets, typically dogs that are left unattended outside establishments
while their owners go
inside are put at an immediate risk of theft. Dog owners, professional dog-
walkers or pet-sitters will
now be able to walk with their companions knowing they can safely secure them
on occasion.
Referring more particularly to FIG. 6, this includes a series of cables made
from tempered
steel which runs throughout the entire length of the interior of the locking
leash and is extremely
resistant to being cut with standard tools throughout all areas. More
specifically, once the locking
leash is engaged into a locked position, it is virtually impossible to cut
through or undo. Due to its
plastic outer casing, it is extremely water resistant allowing users to use it
as often as required. The
locking leash comprises of a 6 foot leash where the opposite end to the handle
is the collar portion.
The collar portion of the leash is locked to a desired size by means of a lock
system built directly on
the collar portion. The collar portion will comprise of a series of sizing
holes that can be tightened or
loosened to eventually close the gap around the dog's neck. Once a snug fit is
established, the collar
portion is then locked into place and shall not be removable until the correct
key is implemented to
release the animal and said locking leash. FIG. 2 shows the handle portion of
the leash which is
made out of a softened material over the plastic casing 1 such as rubber or
similar for extra comfort
and grip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Advantages and unique features of the present invention will be described in
greater detail according to the
preferred embodiment in which:
FIG. 1 shows a front plan view of a dog secured to an immoveable object; in
this case a large tree is
chosen to demonstrate the invention in use; the locking leash and collar
according to one
embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a view of entire locking leash and collar in the preferred design
which clearly indicates
where immoveable object should be positioned in relation to the locking leash
for it to be effective.
FIG. 3 is a side enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of the collar
portion of locking leash
according to alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in
the locked position.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of collar portion as shown in the unlocked
position.
FIG. 5 demonstrates the internal workings of lock on the collar portion of
locking leash as
demonstrated in locked position A and unlocked position B.
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FIG. 6 is a front enlarged view of a slightly different design of collar
portion only as the leash
portion remains the same with both collar designs while not straying from the
original inventions
purpose and according to the preferred embodiment for which I wish to claim.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The locking leash of the present invention is very easy to use and work with,
yet extremely efficient
against pet theft which might otherwise be accomplished by either unclipping
the leash from the
collar or untying the leash. It is also possible that the use of a sharp knife
or cutting tool could result
in severing the leash completely and absconding with the animal. Ordinary
leashes available today
are typically made with weak fibres such as cotton canvas, hand-woven or
braided fabrics which can
be easily cut through. With reference to the drawings, in particular to FIG. 1
which shows the
present invention as it is intended to be used. It comprises of a collar
portion 1 and leash portion 2 as
one complete unit, preferably made from steel cables on the interior covered
by a hard plastic
sheath. The materials used to construct this would be quite similar to that of
a bicycle cable lock.
Although durable and resistant, these materials will be somewhat less flexible
than ordinary leashes
used today. The particular arrangement of the present invention has the
benefit of opening as big as
the length of the leash and as small as the last hole on the collar portion.
The first hole on the collar
portion shall be approximately 6 inches from the end of collar portion and can
be used to fit the
smallest of dogs with an average neck size of 6"to 12" or the largest of dogs
with a neck size of 26"
to 32" while being just as effective for small and large dogs including all
those in between. The
locking leash, specifically the collar portion can be tightened or loosened to
a particular proportion
and then secured at a chosen size and subsequently locked. This ensures that
when in use the collar
portion will not tighten accidently and become a strangling hazard as the
animal moves around.
In order to secure the leash with respect to animal, it should be noted that
the collar portion, as shown in FIG.
3 should be in the locked position and must be snug enough around the dogs'
neck so as not to slip off or be
removable over the dog's ears. Each of the sizing holes throughout the collar
portion as shown in detail in
FIG. 4 are adapted to line up with a corresponding hole on the opposite side
of the collar as indicated on FIG.
3 - 3 and eventually secured by being locked as indicated by FIG. 4 in the key
housing 5 where the key is
inserted into the key hole opening 3.
In summary, the present invention provides an uninterrupted leash and collar
containing locking
capabilities which will help to prevent the unlawful removal of pets, in
particular dogs. It can also be used as
a regular leash and collar in order to guide and exercise dogs with an added
useful tool.
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The following information regarding the internal workings of the lock system
as shown in Figure 5 is
simply for further explanation in order to understand the present invention as
a whole. I acknowledge that
keys and locks have already been widely used for several decades and therefore
it should be noted that I do
not wish to claim the key or lock component of the present invention. In
Figure 5 there is a pin tumbler as it
is called and commonly used in cylinder locks. There is an outer casing in
this particular type of lock with a
cylindrical hole where the plug is housed. In order to open the lock the key
as shown in FIG 5 - 2A and 2B
must be inserted in order for the plug to rotate. The plug has a straight-
shaped slot known as the keyhole at
one end to allow the key to enter the plug as shown in A; the other end has a
lever which activates a
mechanism to retract a locking bolt. This is shown more broadly FIG.4 - 3. The
keyhole often has protruding
ledges which serve to prevent the key pins from falling into the plug and to
make the lock more resistant. A
series of holes, typically 5 or 6 of them, as shown more specifically in FIG.
5 - 3A and 3B, are drilled
vertically into the plug. These holes contain key pins of various lengths that
are rounded to permit the key to
slide over them easily. Above each key pin is a corresponding set of driver
pins as shown in FIG. 5 - IA and
1 B which are spring-loaded. The outer casing has several vertical shafts,
which hold the spring-loaded pins.
When the plug and outer casing are assembled, the pins are pushed down into
the plug by the springs. The
point where the plug and cylinder meet is called the shear point. With a key
properly cut and inserted into the
groove as demonstrated being unlocked in FIG. 5 - B. On the end of the plug,
the pins will rise causing them
to align exactly at the shear point. This allows the plug to rotate thereby
opening the lock. When the key is
not in the lock, the pins straddle the shear point, preventing the plug from
rotating. The holes above the
cylinder contain springs and two sets of pins, one atop the other. In order
for the cylinder to be turned, which
would retract the deadbolt, locking and unlocking the collar, a key must be
used. This key has a series of
raised teeth, each one corresponding to a tumbler. When the key is inserted
into the face of the lock, the
raised teeth push the pins a certain distance upward. There are two pins one
atop of the other, making up the
tumbler. The top pin must be raised clear above the cylinder, while the bottom
pin must be raised just short
of leaving the cylinder. Without the pins obstructing the cylinder because
they have been properly aligned,
turning the key will turn the cylinder and open the lock. If the lock were
open, inserting the key and turning it
the other direction would lock it. Cylinder locks are designed so that one
key, and one key only, can rotate
them, thus unlocking or locking the collar. Inside a cylinder, there are
several pairs of pins, along with
tumblers. Each pin is of a different height. Each pair of pins rests in a
shaft, which goes through the center of
the cylinder and into the area around it. Very small springs are placed at the
top of each shaft. These springs
hold the pins in their respective placements. The bottom pins in each pair
rest entirely inside the plug when
no key is present, and the upper pin in each pair sits halfway inside the
plug, and halfway outside of it. This
placement of the upper pin effectively secures the cylinder to the surrounding
housing, preventing it from
rotating. This means the collar is in the locked position.
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Keys have notches and are made to line up with the pins and push each pin to a
certain predetermined height.
Inserting the correct key into the lock will cause the notches on the key to
push the pins up to the exact height
that will cause the upper pins to be completely in the housing of the
cylinder, and the lower pins to be
completely in the surrounding area. This leaves a clean line between the pins,
called a "shear line." Once the
shear line is cleared, the cylinder is able to rotate, releasing a spring
which shoots the tang forward, thus
unlocking the collar. Keys that are inserted into the lock that do not have
the correct pattern of notches will
not push the pins to the correct height to clear the shear line which means
that it will not unlock. These pins
will still be sitting partially in the housing and partially in the cylinder.
If an incorrect key were to be
inserted, it will not push the pins therefore it will not be able to rotate
but may still be able to be inserted but
it will not rotate, therefore not allowing the release of lock or collar.
FIG. 6 -7 describes an "anchor" clip used in conjunction with harness-wearing
dogs. A harness is a
common term in the trade to describe an alternative for leash attachment.
Harness usage is growing in
popularity among many pet owners in particular those with smaller breed dogs.
It is commonly worn in
conjunction with a collar and or used on its own with a leash. While a collar
only encircles the neck,
harnesses have a loop that surrounds the torso as well with connecting straps
between them for reinforcement.
The design of a harness allows for the distribution of force which may prevent
choking and a lower chance of
the dog slipping out than may be possible with just the use of a collar. It
also helps to reduce the stress placed
on a small dog's neck while walking at the end of a leash.
