Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of presently U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/867,338 filed on May 29, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,511, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/195,965 filed on Nov. 19, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,427, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/958,111 filed on Oct. 27, 1997, now abandoned, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/029,573 having a filing date of Oct. 28, 1996, each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to a retractable leash assembly and a quick connect coupling assembly having coupling components structured to easily align into position for connection by a handler with a single hand and to be released by an activation assembly positioned a spaced distance from the coupling assembly. The activation assembly of the present invention preferably comprises a drive mechanism, a release control mechanism, and/or a lead aligning mechanism to improve a handler's control of an animal attached to the retractable leash assembly.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] It is widely known that there are millions of dog owners in this country as well as other countries throughout the world. Dogs comprise one of the most popular types of animals for household pets. Of course, dogs are extremely popular animals for other than simple companionship. Other uses of dogs include working dogs and show dogs. In turn, working dogs may be classified as dogs utilized for police enforcement purposes, military activities, dogs trained for hunting and also dogs specifically trained to aid those individuals who are visually impaired.

[0006] Regardless of the above classifications, the care and maintenance of dogs require the use of numerous auxiliary or supplementary items. Among the most popular is the dog leash or tethering assembly wherein dogs are retained and/or restricted for purposes of control when not contained by fences in a yard or like area. Moreover, similar type leash assemblies are also useful on a variety of different animals including pets and farm animals, such as horses.

[0007] It is also well recognized that leash structures, collars, harnesses, etc. are available in numerous and varying designs intended to control an animal for different purposes. Prior art structures exist which comprise leash and collar combinations specifically structured such that the length of a lead of the leash assembly is selectively variable so that the dog or animal being tethered may enjoy a greater range of movement and freedom when the surrounding area allows. Alternately, the tethered animal may be restrained, by shortening the length of the extendable lead in areas which do not allow the free roaming of the dog. Other prior art leash or tethering assemblies are specifically designed to allow control and retention of the dog or other animal while significantly reducing or eliminating the tangling of the dog in the retaining harness and/or about an anchoring structure to which the animal is tethered.

[0008] An area which is not currently addressed by leash and retaining harness assemblies is the ability to quickly and easily connect an animal to the leash assembly and to permit release of the animal from a spaced distance from the animal, such as a remote location. In the majority of conventional or known leash assemblies, it is necessary for a handler to manipulate a coupling structure utilizing both hands, wherein the coupling structure serves to connect the distal end of the lead to the collar or retaining harness mounted on the animal. This generally involves direct handling or manipulation of any one of a large variety of such coupling structures. Attachment of the animal can be extremely difficult, particularly when the dog or animal being tethered is overly frisky or otherwise in an excited state. Also, in accomplishing either attachment or detachment of the lead from the collar or like harness particular problems are encountered by the elderly or by those who are visually or otherwise physically challenged.

[0009] In addition to the above, the handling of larger animals, such as horses and/or working dogs of the type trained to conduct police enforcement and/or military activities, requires that the animal be kept under control by the handler. However, in cases of emergency, it is equally important that the animal be released or detached from his controlling lead as quickly as possible as it could be dangerous for the animal to begin running while dragging the lead or any part of the leash assembly. Conversely, if the animal is loose, it may be necessary to quickly re-harness the animal in order to restrain its movement in a hazardous situation.

[0010] A further problem is encountered in the handling, and in particular, the transportation, of horses. Specifically, when a horse is being confined in a trailer they often become anxious and/or excited. Combined with the tight space limitations of most trailers, the excited condition of the animal presents a dangerous situation for the handler who must enter the trailer to either attach or release the animal from the trailer. Thus, it would be advantageous and potentially life saving for both the animal and the handler to provide a means to remotely release a horse that is attached to a trailer. At a minimum, it would be advantageous to provide a remote, emergency release activation mechanism on an exterior portion of the trailer, such that the animal could be released without requiring the handler to enter the trailer, which may cause the animal to become even more anxious or excited.

[0011] Another area which the prior or related art does not address is related to facilitating adjustment of the length of the lead by the handler utilizing a retractable leash assembly. In particular, although the prior art devices allow the length of the lead, and thus, the distance between the animal and the handler, or a fixed tethering location, to be adjusted, they do not provide a means to align the lead for smooth and easy retraction or release of the lead regardless of the relative position of the animal to the handler or the tethering location. More specifically, when the lead is extended a long distance, the angle formed between the lead to the handler is much greater than the angle formed when the animal is in close proximity. Thus, the handler is forced to constantly adjust the position of the device relative to the animal to prevent binding of the lead with the housing of the device during retraction or release of the lead to or from the handle, respectively. Additionally, movement of the animal to the left or right of the handler or tethering location may also increase the potential for binding of the lead upon retraction or release of the lead into or from the housing of the assembly. Nor does the prior leash and/or tethering assembly art provide a means to lock the lead in position relative to the assembly upon detection of a specific release velocity or sudden acceleration of the lead from the housing, as may occur when an animal becomes excited or angry and bolts from the handler or the tethering location.

[0012] Accordingly, there is a recognized need in this area for a leash or tethering assembly including a quick connect coupling assembly with coupling components structured to easily align into position for connection by a handler with a single hand. It would also be preferable for such an assembly to allow connection and release from an animal by the handler while in an upright position, thereby eliminating the need for the handler to bend over, such as may be inconvenient for elderly or infirm handlers. Further, such a preferred leash or tethering assembly should be structured to permit quick and effective detachment or release of the animal via an activation assembly located a spaced distance from the animal and the coupling component serving to connect the animal harness to the lead. Preferably, such an activation assembly may utilize mechanical, electrical, and/or magnetic forces to facilitate the alignment and interconnection of the coupling components. Further, it would be beneficial for the activation assembly to utilize mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fiber optic, computer generated, and/or remote voice activated signals to effect the release of the coupling components of the leash assembly from one another.

[0013] It would further be beneficial to provide a leash assembly including wherein the activation assembly includes a lead aligning mechanism structured to maintain the lead in position relative to the housing of the activation assembly as the lead is retracted and/or released into or from the housing, respectively, to minimize binding of the lead with the housing. Yet another desirable feature for such a leash assembly is a release control mechanism to prevent unwanted release of a lead upon sudden acceleration of the animal away from the handler or tethering location, as may occur when an animal becomes excited or angry.

[0014] Another disadvantage of the retractable leash assemblies of the type commercially available is that they are typically spring biased to the extent that a release mechanism allows a free extension of the lead structure as the tethered animal travels a greater distance from the handler. As such, in these known devices, the lead cannot normally be retracted or rewound without the handler first providing slack in the lead by following or chasing the animal and thereby shortening the distance between the handler and the animal prior to rewinding the lead for storage. Therefore, it would also be desirable to provide a leash or tethering assembly having a drive mechanism, to facilitate the retrieval of an animal attached to the leash assembly to the proximity of the handler or tethering location without requiring the handler to traverse the distance between themselves and the animal.

[0015] Further, while the foregoing discussion is directed to the leash and tethering assembly art, it is envisioned that such a quick connect coupling assembly as described herein will have numerous other practical applications including, but not limited to, tie downs for tools and equipment, securing luggage and/or sporting equipment, temporary barrier devices, body harnesses, and key chains, as well as in the area of robotics, including integration into automated factory assembly line operations, and remotely controlled devices utilized by military, law enforcement, emergency, and rescue personnel, just to name few.

[0016] The present invention relates to a leash assembly designed to allow control of a dog or other animal by a handler and which is structured to accomplish a quick detachment of the animal from a remote position without requiring the direct handling or manipulation of the quick connect coupling assembly serving to interconnect the collar, harness, or similar attachment assembly to the distal end of the lead. The present invention is also designed and structured to provide a quick and efficient attachment of a lead to an attachment assembly utilizing only a single hand of the user or handler. More specifically, the present invention comprises a flexible material lead being of any appropriate or preferred length and terminating at a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end. A preferably rotating coupling component is connected, at least in part, to the distal end of the lead and is specifically structured to accomplish a quick and easy attachment of the lead to the attachment assembly, as well as a quick release or detachment of the lead from an attachment assembly mounted directly on the animal being tethered.

[0017] In order to accomplish such quick release of the coupling assembly, the present invention further comprises a release structure preferably in the form of a release or positioning cable formed of metallic or other applicable material having sufficient structural integrity to be movable axially along its own length and exert an axially directed force on a coupling assembly to be described in greater detail hereinafter. The term “structural integrity” refers to the structural features of the release cable being of a material with sufficient rigidity, while still being flexible, to exert the aforementioned axially directed force on the coupling assembly or otherwise structured to be axially moveable along the length of the lead so as to exert the aforementioned force on the coupling assembly and thereby orient the coupling assembly in a disconnect position, as will be explained in greater detailed hereinafter.

[0018] The release structure or cable is mounted on and preferably within the interior of the lead structure and extends along the length thereof between the aforementioned distal end and proximal end. One end of the release cable is disposed adjacent the distal end of the lead and is connected directly to the preferably rotating coupling component. Selective axial movement of the release cable causes a disconnection of the coupling components defining the subject coupling assembly. The aforementioned quick release is thereby accomplished from a location remote from the animal without the necessity of directly handling or manipulating the coupling assembly. Alternate embodiments of the present invention include a coupling assembly comprising magnetically attractive components, and a release structure comprising an electromagnet whose polarity may be reversed to alternately facilitate automatic attachment and detachment of the components.

[0019] To accomplish the desired quick release, the present invention also includes an activation assembly mounted adjacent the proximal end of the lead and includes an activation member connected directly to the correspondingly positioned end of the release cable. Depending upon the various embodiments, to be described in greater detail hereinafter, the activation member may be disposed and configured for direct manipulation by a thumb or finger of a single hand of a person gripping a handle portion of the activation assembly which is connected to the proximal end of the lead. By depressing or otherwise manipulating the activation member, the release cable is forced to move axially along its length relative to the lead on which it is mounted. This movement will cause an axially directed force to be exerted directly on at least one of the coupling components of the coupling assembly and a disconnection of the coupling assembly. A quick release and/or detachment of the attachment assembly will thereby be effected. Additional embodiments of the present invention include an electronically operated activation assembly, which may or may not be radio activated.

[0020] Another feature of one preferred embodiment of the leash assembly of the present invention further includes an activation assembly comprising a drive motor to be actuated by a user. The drive motor is configured, such as by attachment to a storage or take-up spool, to effectuate storage of the lead itself and/or activation of the quick release structure.

[0021] An additional embodiment of the present invention includes the coupling assembly structured to provide a quick attachment and detachment of the distal, free end of the lead to the attachment assembly mounted on the animal. In addition, an equivalently structured coupling assembly may be used to connect opposite free ends of the attachment assembly to one another around the animal in an intended fashion. In the aforementioned coupling assembly, first and second components are structured so as to be attached to one another in a manner which only requires a single hand of the handler or user of the leash assembly of the present invention. Quick and easy release of the two components of the coupling assembly from one another is accomplished by manipulation of the activation assembly and movement of the release structure mounted within the lead, as set forth above. More specifically, each of the components of the present invention may be positioned into a predetermined aligned engagement with one another such that a pushing force exerted on the first and second components of the coupling assembly will cause a quick and efficient attachment of the two components to one another. Such quick attachment can be accomplished without manipulation of a spring biased plunger normally associated with generally known, swivel type coupling assemblies. Further, the coupling assembly may include an alignment assembly structured and disposed to facilitate the aforementioned predetermined aligned engagement of the components with one another. The alignment assembly preferably comprises magnetic surfaces on each component of the coupling assembly cooperatively disposed in engageable relation with one another when the components are aligned.

[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a leash assembly which is strong and secure, yet which also provides for the quick and easy release of the animal restrained thereby.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide a leash assembly which is substantially easy to operate and does not require direct user manipulation of a coupling assembly when connecting the attachment assembly on the animal to a lead associated with the leash assembly.

[0024] It is also an important object of the present invention to provide a leash assembly structured to facilitate rapid and efficient connection of an attachment assembly, mounted on the animal, to a lead in a manner which requires minimal manipulation and the use of only one hand of the animal handler.

[0025] Yet another object to the present invention is to provide a leash assembly including a lead which may be retracted or extended in a controlled manner whether or not the free end of the lead is secured to the attachment assembly. It is also an important object to the present invention to provide the leash assembly, including the various operative components associated therewith, which is formed from a light weight yet durable material so as to be operable over an extended period and which is structurally designed to be produced or manufactured relatively inexpensively so as to make the present invention available to a wide range of potential customers.

[0026] It is a further object of this invention to provide a quick connect coupling assembly which may be utilized in a variety of other connection applications. The need for a coupling assembly permitting quick release and/or attachment exists in many applications, for example, tie downs for equipment, tools, or machinery, securing luggage and/or sporting equipment, temporary barrier devices, body harnesses, and key chains. Thus, the present invention provides such a quick connect coupling assembly for the aforementioned applications, however, the present invention may be utilized in numerous other connection applications as may easily be envisioned.

[0055] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0056] As shown in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed towards a retractable leash assembly wherein a preferred embodiment is disclosed in FIG. 1 and includes a lead structure as in 10 being of any applicable or desired length and further being formed of a flexible material so as to facilitate freedom of movement of both the animal and the handler or user of the subject assembly, and to a quick connect coupling assembly which includes a coupling assembly generally shown as 16, a release structure generally shown as 24, and an activation assembly generally shown as 38, as disclosed herein.

[0057] The lead 10 terminates at a distal end 12 and a proximal end 14, which are oppositely disposed relative to one another. Moreover, a coupling assembly 16 is secured, at least in part, adjacent the distal end 12 of the lead 10 and includes a first component as at 18 and a second component as at 22. The first component 18 may be secured to the distal end 12 of the lead 10 and is connected to a release structure which may be defined in one embodiment by a release or positioning cable 24. With further reference to the coupling assembly 16, the second component 22 may be mounted on or attached to a collar, harness, or similar attachment assembly as at 26 designed to be mounted directly on the animal's body in the conventional fashion. Alternatively, the second component 22 may be secured to the distal end of a second lead structure as in a tie down assembly, or it may be secured to a fixed structure. Opposite ends of the attachment assembly 26 may define connectable portions and if desired may be removably attached using a substantially equivalent second coupling assembly generally indicated as 28 similar in operation to the coupling assembly 16 associated with the lead 10. Moreover, the attachment assembly 26 may be integrated as part of the present invention wherein the coupling assembly 28 incorporates specific structural improvements set forth in greater detail hereinafter which provides a quick and efficient attachment or coupling of opposite ends of the attachment assembly 26. The second coupling assembly 28 of the present invention also includes a first component 29 and a second component 30 designed to be removably and quickly attached and detached relative to one another so as to secure the attachment assembly 26 about the neck of the dog or other animal being tethered. Loop type connecting elements as at 32 may serve to movably mount or attach the components 29 and 30 of the second coupling assembly 28 to the opposite ends of the attachment assembly 26.

[0058] A loop type connector 32 may also serve to movably mount the second component 22 of the coupling assembly 16 to the attachment assembly 26 such that the entire coupling assembly 16 is allowed to move freely along the length of the attachment assembly 26 in order to provide the animal more freedom when connected to the lead 10 and also to reduce the possibility of tangling of the attachment assembly 26 with the remainder of the lead 10.

[0059] With reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the release structure which comprises release cable 24 in a preferred embodiment, is preferably mounted within an interior 25 of an outer flexible material, such as lead 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The lead 10 may therefore assume a generally tubular configuration so as to enclose the release cable 24 in a hollow interior 25 thereof. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, a separate hollow sheath structure 27 may be provided and preferably secured to or embedded or concealed within the lead structure 10′. The sheath structure 27 includes a hollow interior 25′ and preferably extends along the entire length of the lead structure 10′ so as to enclose the release cable 24 therein along substantially its entire length. Such a configuration is particularly beneficial in woven material lead structures, or if the lead structure is to be wound, because movement of the release cable 24 while in an at least partially wound position is required. In this embodiment, the sheath structure 27 is configured to facilitate the sliding movement of the release cable 24 relative to the lead 10′.

[0060] As set forth above, the coupling assemblies 16 and/or 28 may be equivalently structured, and as also set forth above, additional, more preferred embodiments of the coupling assemblies 16 and 28 are shown in detail in FIGS. 6-8. With reference to FIG. 5, the coupling assembly incorporates the structural features of either of the embodiments of FIG. 6, or of FIGS. 7 and 8, which are represented as 16′ and 16″, respectively. With further reference to FIG. 4, couplings 16 and 28 may include a spring biased plunger 51, which when axially disposed inwardly into the housing 53 will serve to release the one, or preferably two outwardly extending, oppositely disposed locking members 62 from their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the locking members 62 will comprise an elongated finger configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. However, it is anticipated that the present invention may encompass other configurations of locking members 62, including but not limited too, ball bearings, wedge shaped, cone shaped, etc. Release of the locking members 62 from their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation will allow attachment of the male coupling component 18 to the female coupling component 22. For purposes of clarity the structural details of the preferred embodiments of FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7 and 8 are explained with reference to coupling assembly 16′ and 16″, respectively, as indicated in the aforementioned Figures. It is again to be emphasized that the structural components of the coupling assembly 16′ and 16″ may be identical. A feature of the different embodiments of FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7 and 8 is the ability to accomplish a quick and efficient attachment and release of the components of the respective coupling assemblies, such as while utilizing only a single hand of the user. Further, attachment can be accomplished without the physical depression or other manipulation of a spring biased plunger 51 or any similar component.

[0061] More specifically, a feature of the embodiment of the coupling assembly 16′ of FIG. 6 as well as the additional preferred embodiment 16″ of FIGS. 7 and 8 is the inclusion of one or preferably two locking members 62 or 62′ having an outer surface specifically configured to facilitate the quick and efficient attachment or release of the first component 18′ to or from the second component 22′. In particular, each of the locking members 62 or 62′ includes a leading surface portion 65 and a trailing surface portion 67. The locking members 62, as shown in FIG. 6, are disposed in their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation between the first component 18′ and the second component 22′. Furthermore, the trailing surface portions 67 of each of the locking members 62 are configured into a transverse, linear shape so as define a stop member which will prevent inadvertent detachment of the first and second components 18′ and 22′ from one another such as when these components are inadvertently pulled apart due to strain from the animal or other forces. As such, it is necessary to affirmatively dispose the locking members 62 inwardly into the interior of the first component 18′ in order to define a retracted orientation and allow passage of the leading end 64 of component 18′ through the receiving aperture as at 69 formed in the second component 22′.

[0062] Looking in greater detail, the coupling assembly 16′ comprises a first component 18′ and a second component 22′ which, as shown, are respectively configured to define a male coupling component and a female coupling component. At least one, preferably the male coupling component, is preferably structured to rotate or swivel, thereby allowing the entire coupling assembly 16′ to be rotatable and swivelable to prevent tangling and the like. As explained above, the first component 18′ may be connected to the distal or free end of the lead 10 and, more specifically, in direct operative attachment to the release structure, which in one preferred embodiment comprises an interior, axially moveable release cable 24. The release cable 24 may be connected directly to a plunger 60 so as to exert an axially directed force thereon which in turn permits the easy release of the first component 18′ from the second component 22′ by virtue of the fact that an axially directed pulling force will cause the plunger 60 to move outwardly against a force exerted thereon by a biasing spring (not shown). This outward movement of the plunger 60 will in turn cause the locking members 62 to be released from their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation and pulled into a retracted orientation, thereby allowing the first component 18′ to be easily released from the second component 22′.

[0063] In an alternate embodiment of the coupling assembly 16″, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the locking members 62′ and the second component 22′ may comprise oppositely charged magnetic materials, such that the attractive and/or repulsive magnetic forces are sufficient to maintain the locking members 62′ in their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation. In this embodiment, the plunger 60 is connected to each locking member 62′, wherein an outward axial force is required to reposition the locking members 62′ from their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation to the retracted orientation, so as to allow the first component 18′ to be easily released from the second component 22′.

[0064] In yet another embodiment of the coupling assembly 16″, the locking members 62′ may in whole or in part comprise a magnetically charged material. Additionally, the release structure comprises an electromagnet which replaces the release cable 24 and plunger 60 and generates a stronger, similarly polarized magnetic field relative to the locking members 62′ such that the repulsive magnetic forces are sufficient to force the locking members 62′ into their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation. To release the first component 18′ from the second component 22′ in this embodiment of the present invention, an electrical current may be applied to the electromagnet which reverses its polarity, thus causing the locking members 62′ to be pulled into a retracted orientation by magnetic attraction which permits the first component 18′ to be automatically detached from the second component 22′. In such an embodiment, an independent biasing force on the locking members 62 may not be necessary.

[0065] Also as indicated, a further feature of the present invention is its ability to achieve easy and effective engagement or attachment between the first component 18′ and the second component 22′. This attachment is preferably facilitated by virtue of the fact that the leading surface portion 65 of each of the locking members 62 or 62′ has a substantially convergent configuration which extends outwardly in either a curvilinear or sloped shape. Accordingly, engagement of the leading surface portion 65 with the periphery of the receiving aperture 69 will cause a sliding engagement of the respective locking members 62 or 62′ relative to the periphery of the receiving aperture 69 and thereby cause a forced, inward retraction of the locking members 62 or 62′ to counter their normally biased outwardly extending orientation. The leading end 64 of the first component 18′ will thereby be allowed to pass through the aperture 69 into the engaged and attached position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 in a substantially facilitated manner.

[0066] In order to accomplish such quick and easy attachment of the components 18′ and 22′ together into the attached position of FIGS. 6 and 8, the first and second components 18′ and 22′ should be disposed in predetermined aligned engagement with one another. Such predetermined aligned engagement may be defined by an axial alignment of the first component 18′ with the second component 22′ as best shown in FIG. 7. Once the first and second components 18′ and 22′ are in the aforementioned axial alignment, forced positioning of these two components 18′ and 22′ towards one another as indicated by directional arrows 70 and 71 will cause sliding contact of the leading surface portion 65 with the periphery of the receiving aperture 69 resulting in the predetermined aligned engagement of the first and second components 18′ and 22′. The cooperatively structured configuration of the first and second components 18′ and 22′ of the preferred embodiment of the coupling assembly 16′ allows the predetermined aligned engagement and attachment of the first and second component 18′ and 22′ by the user with a single hand.

[0067] As set forth above in order to accomplish a quick and easy attachment of the components 18′ and 22′ to one another in the locked position of FIGS. 6 and 8, the first and second component 18′ and 22′ are disposed in axial alignment with one another. To further assist the axial alignment of the first and second component 18′ and 22′, each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6 through 8 also preferably include an attraction assembly 75 which facilitates the axial alignment and automatic attachment of the components 18′ and 22′ to one another. Such an attraction assembly 75 is mounted on the coupling assembly 16′ in the form of correspondingly positioned, attractive, mating or engaging surfaces. In the embodiment of illustrated FIG. 6, the attraction assembly 75 includes at least the exposed annular surface 72 of the first component 18′ being formed of a magnetic material and configured to attract a similar annular surface 74 of the second component 22′, also formed of a magnetic material. In the locking position of FIG. 6, these surfaces will normally be brought into confronting engagement with one another. The provision of the magnetically attractive surfaces 72 and 74 and their relative disposition to one another will facilitate the axial alignment of the components 18′ and 22′ as well as the inwardly directed connecting force indicated by directional arrows 70 and 71 such that the first and second components 18′ and 22′ are automatically attached. In at least one embodiment, the attraction assembly 75 utilizes magnetic propulsion to achieve automatic attachment of the first and second components 18′ and 22′ by including an array of magnetic surfaces 72 or 74 having alternating polarities, or an array of magnetic surfaces 72 or 74 having similar polarities but exhibiting progressively stronger or weaker magnetic forces.

[0068] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the magnetically attractive surfaces 72 and 74 are substantially externally located when the first and second components 18′ and 22′ are separated from one another. Conversely the additional preferred embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 includes the magnetically attractive surfaces 78 and 79 disposed substantially interiorly but in the respective position of the first component 18′ with the second component 22′ as shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] In addition, the attraction assembly 75 of the embodiment of FIG. 8 may also include interior side surfaces as at 82′ which are designed to at least partially engage and cause the direct attraction of the locking members 62′. Accordingly, in the embodiment of FIG. 8 the locking members 62′ are at least partially formed of a magnetically attractive material so as to facilitate the aforementioned predetermined aligned engagement of the first and second components 18′ and 22′ with one another. Further, the magnetically attractive surfaces may be utilized to cause the first and second components 18′ and 22′ to automatically engage and attach to one another when disposed in the predetermined aligned relationship.

[0070] Further with regard to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises the activation assembly 38. The activation assembly 38 is preferably, although not necessarily, integrated as part of a handle 40 structured to facilitate holding of the leash assembly during use. The handle 40 preferably includes a generally apertured construction 42 and further defines gripping means 43 dimensioned and configured to facilitate the holding or gripping of the handle 40 by a single hand of a user of the subject leash assembly. One feature of the present invention is the provision of an activation member as at 44 generally in the form of a spring biased push button, which, due to the force exerted thereon by a biasing spring (not shown for purposes of clarity) is preferably normally disposed in an outward position as shown. The activation member 44 is connected directly to a correspondingly positioned end of the release structure or release cable 24. The release cable 24, may be formed of a metallic material or other applicable materials. Regardless of the structural embodiments, release cable 24 should be sufficiently flexible to be rolled upon itself in a stored position or otherwise oriented as generally shown in FIG. 5, but should have sufficient structural integrity to be movable axially along its length, within the interior of the lead structure 10 and relative thereto. Such axial movement may be accomplished by a force exerted by the user of the subject assembly on the activation member or push button 44 as indicated by directional arrow 45.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 4, another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises basic structural features similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and with the exception that the lead structure 10′ has a somewhat flat strap like configuration extending along its length. However, at least a portion of the lead 10′ defines a hollow interior along the entire length thereof for the positioning and axial movement of the release structure or cable 24. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, a sheath structure 27 may be disposed within the lead structure 10′.

[0072] The activation assembly 38′ of the embodiment of FIG. 4 is associated with a handle structure 40′ having a somewhat different configuration than that of the embodiment of FIG. 1. More specifically, the handle 40′ comprises an open, central aperture construction 42′ having a grip 43′ designed to facilitate gripping by one hand of the user of the subject assembly. However, in this embodiment the activation assembly 38′ comprises an activation member 44′ in the form of a trigger type switch positionable for operation by a single finger of the gripping hand of the user of the subject assembly. The activation member 44′ is normally biased into its outermost position, as shown in FIG. 4, by any type of biasing spring or the like. However, depression or movement of the activation member 44′ to an inner position serves to axially move the release structure or cable 24. Such axial movement will exert an outward axial force on the plunger 60 which will serve to release the first component 18 of the coupling assembly 16 from the second component 22. Additional embodiments of the activation assembly are disclosed, such as 80′ in FIG. 5, which is similar in structure and operation to activation assembly 80, as described hereinafter for the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0073] An additional structural feature of the embodiment of FIG. 4 and in particular the activation assembly 38′ is the inclusion of a lock structure indicated as 50. The lock structure 50 may have any applicable or adequate structure secured to handle 40′ so as to prevent the depression or inward travel of the activation member 44′. This will prevent the inadvertent detachment of the coupling assembly 16 and eliminate the possibility of accidently releasing or detaching the animal from the lead 10′.

[0074] Yet another embodiment of the lead structure 10″ is illustrated in FIG. 4A. Specifically, as shown, the lead structure 10″ comprises a fixed composite proximal portion 14″ interconnected to the handle 40″, and a plurality of free distal portions 12″. Each of the plurality of free distal portions further comprising a first component 18″ of a coupling assembly 16″ structured to interconnect to a second component 22″ mounted on or attached to a different one of a plurality of collars, harnesses, or similar attachment assemblies 26, such that a single lead structure 10″ and handle 40″ may be simultaneously attached to a plurality of animals. Further, in this embodiment, a selective activation member 44″ is employed such that the handler may select any one of the plurality of coupling assemblies 16″ to be released.

[0075] With regard to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment is disclosed wherein the second component indicated as 22″ is fixedly mounted on an exterior surface of the attachment assembly 26. The structural features of the second component 22″ are similar to that of the second component 22 of FIG. 1 in that it is designed to removably receive the first component 18 therein.

[0076] Additional preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIG. 9, and FIGS. 10 and 11, and relate to an activation assembly generally indicated as at 80 or 82, respectively. With regard to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the activation assembly 80 includes a housing 84 having an at least partially hollow interior for the mounting and enclosure of a drive mechanism 85 structured such that the proximal end of the lead 10 may be connected to a portion thereof. In at least one embodiment, the drive mechanism 85 comprises at least a storage or take-up spool indicated in phantom lines as 86. The take-up spool 86 is rotationally mounted on the interior of the housing 84 and, more specifically, is operated by the drive mechanism 85 which may further include a drive motor, such as is schematically represented in phantom line as 88. The drive motor 88 is preferably electrically powered and is specifically structured to be reversible so as to rotate the take-up spool 86 in opposite directions. The opposite directions of rotation of the drive motor 88 serve to either retract or release the lead 10 thereby allowing complete control over a tethered animal attached to the distal or free end of the lead 10. By virtue of the drive mechanism 85 comprising the drive motor 88 and the take-up spool 86, a user or handler of the subject leash assembly is allowed to avoid the disadvantages associated with spring driven, retraction structures of the type typically found in conventional retractable leash assemblies. The drive mechanism 85 may also utilize magnetic propulsion, as described above, to further facilitate the release and/or retraction of the lead 10 by the drive mechanism 85.

[0077] In one preferred embodiment, the activation assembly 80 further comprises a release control mechanism structured to regulate the rate of release of the lead 10 from the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80, upon detection of a predetermined condition or control set point. More specifically, the release control mechanism is structured to either substantially stop the release of the lead 10 from the housing 84, or to attenuate the rate of release of the lead 10. The predetermined condition or set point may include a particular velocity of release of the lead from the housing 84, or a particular acceleration of the release of the lead 10 from the housing 84. In at least one embodiment, the release control mechanism is structured to cooperatively associate with the drive mechanism 85 to either substantially stop or attenuate the release of the lead 10 from the housing 84. In order to facilitate attenuation of the release of the lead 10, the release control mechanism may incorporate a computerized time delay program which allows the handler to preselect a degree of attenuation for the rate of release of the lead 10 from the housing 84 as appropriate, based upon the size of the animal being controlled with the leash assembly. Additionally, the computer program also being structured to control the velocity of the drive motor 88, in accordance with the preselected degree of attenuation, upon detection of the predetermined condition.

[0078] Further with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 9 the housing 84 includes a handle structure generally indicated as 89 which may be dimensioned and configured to have a hollow interior so as to house the electrical power supply used to energize the drive motor 88. Such power supply of course may be in the form of rechargeable direct current batteries or any other type of applicable power supply structured to supply sufficient power to operate the drive motor 88. It should also be noted that the overall configuration of the housing 84 could be such as to include an apertured configuration as at 96 which along with the dimension and configuration of the battery casing segment 89 may form a handle or grip to facilitate carrying or manipulation of the activation assembly 80.

[0079] The activation assembly 80 or 82 further comprises a switching assembly, generally indicated as 90, wherein one or more switches as at 92 may be used to operate the drive motor 88 or 88′ and an additional one or two switches as at 94 are used to axially move the aforementioned release cable 24 so as to cause the release of components 18 and 22 of the coupling assembly 16. Alternatively, the activation assembly 80 or 82 may incorporate a voice activated control module 110, as represented in FIG. 21, including an audio receiver 112 disposed in a communicating relationship with an integrated computerized circuit board 114 which controls the operation of the drive motor 88 or 88′, thereby controlling the retraction or release the lead 10, based on verbal commands from the handler to the audio receiver 112. In addition, the voice activated control module 110 may also be utilized to control the release cable 24 or other release mechanism upon verbal command of the handler. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the coupling assembly 16 or 28 may comprise a voice activated control module 110, wherein the coupling assembly 16 or 28 is structured to release the first component 18 or 29 from the second component 22 or 30, respectively, based upon a verbal command from the handler to the audio receiver 112.

[0080] With regard to the additional preferred embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the activation assembly 82 comprises a housing as at 100 having a substantially hollow interior configuration for the mounting of a drive motor 88′ and a storage or take-up spool generally indicated as 102. The take-up spool 102 may have a spiral configuration which stores the lead 10 about the length of the take-up spool 102 wherein a cushioning spring as at 104 is provided to cushion the movement of the lead 10 into and out of the housing 100. Again, the drive motor 88′ is structured to be reversible so as to selectively accomplish both retraction and release of the lead 10 relative to the take-up spool 102. A switching assembly generally indicated as at 90 is also mounted on the housing 100 operatively associated with the drive motor 88′ and to the release structure in the form of release cable 24 as explained above. As indicated above with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the drive motor 88′ may incorporate the voice activated control module 110 to control the drive motor 88′ to retract or release the lead 10 and/or to control the release cable 24 or other release mechanism, based upon verbal commands from the handler. A separable casing segment 105 may be provided to enclose and secure a rechargeable battery therein, wherein the entire casing 105 and the battery mounted on the interior thereof may be removed from the remainder of the housing 100 for purposes of recharging or replacing.

[0081] Of course, however, in either of the embodiments comprising a drive mechanism 85, the drive motor 88 or 88′ may be configured to only manipulate the release cable 24, with the lead 10 itself being either of a fixed length or retractable. For example, in an embodiment with a long lead 10 or wherein the lead 10 is substantially wound in a stored orientation, a greater force may be required to actuate the release cable 24. As such, the drive motor could be used solely for the release cable 24. Additionally, whether the drive motor 88 provides for powered movement of the lead 10 and/or the release cable 24, a one way drive motor could also be effectively employed so long as an automatically or affirmatively releasing engagement with the retracted lead 10 is achieved. For example, if the lead 10 is retracted by the drive motor 88 or 88′ a similar release as to that which is normally provided to release an inward spring bias can be employed to allow the lead 10 to be released without causing or requiring a reversal of the drive motor 88 or 88′. Also, as to the release cable 24, only a momentary axial force applied to the release cable 24 is required to release the first component 18 from the second component 22. As such, the drive motor 88 or 88′ could be configured to pull on the release cable 24 a limited amount of time, after which it may automatically back out after which a normal bias on the release cable 24 can cause a clutch type release.

[0082] Another embodiment of the activation assembly 80 or 82 may include an electrical power supply operatively associated with the electromagnet of the alternative embodiment of the release structure 24 presented above. The activation assembly 80 or 82 operates by providing sufficient electrical current to the electromagnet to reverse its polarity such that it exhibits either attractive or repulsive magnetic forces relative to the locking members 62. The attractive or repulsive magnetic forces may cause the locking members 62 to be repositioned from their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation into their retracted orientation, thereby permitting the first and second components 18′ and 22′ to be easily released from one another. Alternatively, the attractive or repulsive magnetic forces may cause the locking members 62 to be repositioned from their retracted orientation into their normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation, thereby securing the first and second components 18′ and 22′ to one another.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the locking members 62 may comprise a shape memory alloy structured to deform from a normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation to a retracted orientation, upon application of an electrical current, thereby permitting the first and second components 18′ and 22′ to be easily released from one another. Alternatively, the release cable 24 or other release structure may comprise a shape memory alloy structured to deform, once again, upon application of an electrical current, thereby causing the locking members 62 to be repositioned from a normally biased outwardly extending locking orientation to a retracted orientation, thus allowing the first and second components 18′ and 22′ to be released from one another.

[0084] As previously described, the switching assembly 90 may be employed to activate the electrical current to the electromagnet when quick and easy release of the first and second components 18′ and 22′ is desired. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the switching assembly 90 comprises part of an electrical circuit which directly applies the electrical current to the electromagnet, while in at least one other embodiment, the switching assembly 90 utilizes a fiber optic circuit which indirectly causes the electrical current to be applied to the electromagnet. The switching assembly 90 may further be structured so as to permit the handler to transmit a small electrical impulse to the attachment assembly worn by the animal, thereby directing a small electrical shock, vibration, or other electrical stimulation to the animal, such as have been proven to be an effective training tool. In a preferred embodiment, the handler can selectively adjust the magnitude of the electrical impulse to suit the size and temperament of the animal being trained.

[0085] Each of the embodiments of the activation assembly 80 or 82 comprising the drive mechanism 85 as presented herein may additionally comprise a radio or other remote signal receiver structured to activate or deactivate the drive mechanism 85 and/or the release cable 24 or other release mechanism from a remote location via a radio transmitter. In this embodiment, a receiver may be operatively connected to the activation assembly 80 or 82, which is structured to receive predetermined signal(s) from a remotely located radio transmitter, or other remote signal transmitter. Once the transmitted signal is received, the receiver triggers the switch assembly 90 such that the activation assembly 80 or 82 causes the drive motor 88 or 88′ to operate and retract or release the lead 10, and/or such as to cause the release structure 24 to release the first and second components 18′ and 22′ from one another.

[0086] One other embodiment of the activation assembly 80 of the present invention comprises a lead aligning mechanism, generally shown as 120 in FIGS. 12 through 17. The lead aligning mechanism 120 is structured to maintain the lead 10 in an aligned position relative to the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80 as the lead 10 is retracted into or released from the housing 84. More specifically, the aligned position is at least partially defined when the lead 10 is positioned relative to the housing 84 so as to minimize the potential for binding or other restriction of movement of the lead 10 either into or from the housing 84, such as, for example, when the lead 10 forms an angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees with the housing at its point of entry. The minimization of binding or other restriction of the lead 10 into and out of the housing provides the handler with greater control over the animal being restrained by the leash assembly.

[0087] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 16, the lead aligning mechanism 120 is movable along at least a portion of the housing 84 in an arcuate path about a central axis 87, and in at least one embodiment, the lead aligning mechanism 120 comprises a moveable grip member 130. Specifically, the movable grip member 130 is structured and disposed to moveably engage a grip member track, such as, by way of example only, an external grip member track 132, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 14. In another embodiment, the grip member track may comprise an internal grip member track 133, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. The degree of movement of the moveable grip member 130 is limited by grip member track stops 135, positioned at each end of the grip member track 132 or 133, when either end 136 of the moveable grip member 130 contacts either grip member track stop 135. It is understood that as the distance between the animal and the handler holding the activation assembly 80 increases and decreases, the angle formed between the lead 10 and the activation assembly 80 also increases and decreases, respectively. However, by virtue of the lead aligning mechanism 120 being moveable, and more specifically, the moveable grip member 130 being rotatable along at least a portion of the housing 84 about the central axis 87, it is also understood that the lead 10 is maintained in a substantially normal orientation relative to the housing 84. Thus, the lead aligning mechanism 120 minimizes the potential for binding or other restriction of movement of the lead 10 into or from the housing 84, without requiring the handler to adjust or reposition of the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80 relative to the lead 10.

[0088] Another embodiment of the lead aligning mechanism 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. In this embodiment, the lead aligning mechanism 120 comprises a movable slide member 140, which is also structured to be movable along at least a portion of the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80 along an arcuate path about the central axis 87. As illustrated in the figures, the movable slide member 140 comprises a slide slot 142 structured to permit at least a portion of lead 10 to pass therethrough into and out of the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80. The lead aligning mechanism 120, in this embodiment, comprises a slide member track 144 which may be mounted along an exterior portion of the housing 84, as illustrated in FIG. 17. However, it is understood that the slide member track 144 could be disposed along the interior of the housing 84 in a similar manner as the internal grip member track 133, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. Further, in this embodiment, the housing 84 comprises a lead receiving channel 146 which is positioned substantially along the path of the slide member track 144, the lead receiving channel 146 being wide enough to permit the lead 10 to freely pass therethrough into the housing 84 regardless of the position of the moveable slide member 140 along the slide member track 144. Each end 147 of the lead receiving channel 146 may serve to limit the degree of movement of the moveable slide member 140 along the path of the slide member track 144, similar to the grip member track stops 135, or alternatively, one or more slide member track stops 148 may be employed.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the lead aligning mechanism 120 may comprise a guide member 150, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. The guide member 150, as shown, comprises a generally spherical configuration and is structured to be moveably secured within a guide seat 152, which is preferably disposed about a circumference of the guide member 150 and connected to the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80. In particular, the guide member 150 is structured to rotate freely about a guide axis 154 in any direction or path, as illustrated by the directional arrows in FIG. 20, over a surface comprising substantially a hemisphere of the guide member 150 which is extending outwardly from the housing 84. The guide member 150 comprises a guide channel 156 disposed substantially along the guide axis 154 and structured to permit the lead 10 to pass therethrough into and out of the housing 84. It is understood from the figures that the lead aligning mechanism 120 comprising the guide member 150 provides the greatest range of lead alignment by virtue of the fact that the guide member 150 is structured to permit the lead 10 to move from side to side as well as up and down relative to the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80.

[0090] In the embodiment of the activation assembly 80 illustrated in FIG. 22, the portion of the housing 84 to which the guide member 150 is connected comprises a wide configuration to facilitate a larger directional range of movement of the lead 10, for example, from side to side and up and down relative to the housing 84.

[0091] FIG. 23 illustrates yet another embodiment of the activation assembly 80 wherein the housing 84 comprises a generally spherical configuration. In this embodiment, the take-up spool 86 is structured such that the lead 10 also comprises a substantially spherical configuration within the housing 84, as it is wound onto the take-up spool 86.

[0092] Yet another embodiment of an activation assembly 80 is illustrated in FIG. 24. In particular, the embodiment of FIG. 24 illustrates the activation assembly comprising a composite lead aligning mechanism 120′. As shown in the figure, the composite lead aligning mechanism 120′ comprises a moveable grip member 130, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, and a guide member 150, as illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20, 22, and 23. The composite lead aligning mechanism 120′ allows the lead to move freely in both arcuate and rotational directions relative to the housing 84 of the activation assembly 80.

[0093] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.