Animal husbandry – Animal controlling or handling – Hitching or tethering
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-16
2001-05-01
Price, Thomas (Department: 3643)
Animal husbandry
Animal controlling or handling
Hitching or tethering
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223694
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to animal leashes and relates more specifically to animal leashes which have been designed in an ergonomic fashion. More specifically, the invention relates to animal leashes that feature one or more ergonomic gripping handles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many dog leashes have only one looped handle for restricting the animal's movement. This design forces the handler to seek an additional grip when closer, tighter or firmer control of the animal is required. This can mean grasping the leash between thumb and forefinger, and for stronger control, wrapping the leash several times around the hand. With the first method, the animal may be able to pull away because of slippage and inefficient gripping, resulting in significant rope burn or even restriction of the hand as the animal pulls. Wrapping the hand takes additional time and restricts the flexibility and movement of the hand.
Alternatively, it may be necessary to exert closer control over the animal in certain circumstances. Examples include walking an animal near traffic, in close quarters such as elevators, or in crowds of people. Typically, a second grip is accomplished by grasping the far end of the leash (nearest the animal) between thumb and forefinger. As noted, this method usually fails to provide sufficient gripping strength. Further, the leash can be difficult to grasp and grip quickly in this manner.
One solution was disclosed by Kraus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,11363,810, who described a two looped flexible animal control tether. Kraus taught a dog leash in which a second loop is added near the animal attachment point. While this second flexible loop provided an improved way to exert close control over an animal, it nevertheless is difficult to grasp in a short period of time, and is not an efficient or ergonomically effective grip. The user typically would not be touching the second, close control loop unless necessary. If immediate close control is required, the user will fumble with properly grasping the second loop.
Loops such as those described by Kraus are typically held by placing one's hand through the loop so that the leash dangles from the user's wrist. If firmer control is needed, the user can then grasp the leash just below the loop handle. However, the only way to grasp the leash is between thumb and forefinger, which exerts only a limited amount of holding power, and slippage occurs. Typically, if the loop itself is held, only the first two finger joints are used. This is relatively weak compared to a full hand.
Consequently, a need remains for an animal leash which has a first handle which is easily and quickly grasped for the firmest control, and a second handle which can be easily and quickly grasped if close control is necessary. Preferably, the first and second handles are designed in an ergonomic fashion, allowing the user to surround the handle completely with the hand in the strongest fully closed position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the invention is found in an animal leash which has a first end having a typical loop and further including a first ergonomic gripping handle and for close control a second end including a second ergonomic gripping handle. The ergonomic animal leash of the invention permits a user to comfortably hold a leash in the normal manner, yet quickly and safely grasp the first gripping handle when additional strength is required. If close control is required, the user can quickly and safely grasp the second gripping handle.
Specifically, the invention is found in an ergonomic animal leash having an elongate body including a strap. The leash has a first end having a loop handle and a first ergonomic gripping handle; and a second end having a second ergonomic gripping handle and a clip suitable for attaching to an animal collar. The first ergonomic gripping handle and the second ergonomic gripping handle permit a user to quickly and easily grasp the leash with the strongest possible hold, surrounding the object handle with the most natural and strongest grip.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 341682 (1993-11-01), Musetti
patent: 1509781 (1924-09-01), Roth
patent: 3172394 (1965-03-01), Taylor
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patent: 3867905 (1975-02-01), Vail, Jr.
patent: 4019463 (1977-04-01), Kitchen
patent: 4328767 (1982-05-01), Peterson
patent: 4974549 (1990-12-01), Gordon
patent: 5351654 (1994-10-01), Fuentes
patent: 5363810 (1994-11-01), Kraus
patent: 5632234 (1997-05-01), Parker
patent: 5649504 (1997-07-01), Culp
patent: 5791295 (1998-08-01), Schmid et al.
patent: 768436 (1934-08-01), None
patent: 1228581 (1971-04-01), None
Dandl Co.
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Price Thomas
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