GB2436780A

GB2436780A - A lockable dog lead

Info

Publication number: GB2436780A
Application number: GB0606929A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Dougal Glanville
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-06
Filing date: 2006-04-06
Publication date: 2007-10-10
Also published as: GB0606929D0

Abstract

A lockable dog lead in which a locking device 4 is permanently attached to the end of the lead by a D-ring 5. The lead may be used to secure an animal to an immovable object 11 by passing the lead around the object though the handle loop 3 and locked to the collar 6. The locking device may be a combination lock or a key enabled lock. A bolt lock may also be used and attached to a wire loop which may be "cow-hitched" to the collar. The dog lead is made of strong lightweight materials that may not be easily cut or broken. The lead may also have a lock on the handle in place of or in addition to the lock on the end of the lead.

Description

Pet security device

Page 1

2436780

'Dog napping' - the abduction of a dog without the pet owners' knowledge or permission, has been on the increase in recent years and causes considerable stress and worry to dog owners.

'Dog napping' usually occurs when a pet is left unattended, whilst the owner is out shopping. The problem is that the pet can easily be removed by unhooking the lead from the dogs' collar, or simply untying the lead from its post. The thief can steal the dog and extort money from the concerned owner by telephoning the number on the dogs' identity tag.

This invention relates to a lockable dog lead. A dog owner would benefit from this device in situations where a pet is left unguarded for short periods and is vulnerable to abduction. The lockable dog lead has the added advantages of being light, flexible and secure. It is convenient, quick and easy to use, as the lock is permanently attached to the lead.

The lockable dog lead allows the lead to function in the usual manner when exercising the pet, and can easily be locked to, or removed from the dogs' collar. When the pet is left unattended for short periods the lockable dog lead secures the pet to an immovable object.

Statement of invention

To overcome the problem of pet abduction or 'Dog napping', the present invention proposes a lockable dog lead that can function as both a dog lead and a dog lock, due to its' ability to be securely attached to a dog collar, and when necessary, both a dog collar and an immovable object.

Advantages

The present invention functions as a normal dog lead when exercising the dog and can quickly and easily be locked to or unlocked from, the pets' collar.

The present invention functions as a dog lock, by securing the handle end of the lead to an immovable object, at the same time that the lock end of the lead is secured to the dogs' collar.

A unique feature is that the lock is permanently joined to one end of the lead by a D-link, so it is secure, flexible, quick and easy to use.

Preferably, the lock incorporated on the lockable dog lead is a four digit combination lock, with no separate keys to carry - or lose.

Page 2

Preferably, the lockable dog lead is made of strong lightweight materials that may not be easily cut or broken.

Preferably, the lead is of sufficient length that when the dog is left unattended, it has enough room to sit or lie down in comfort.

Preferably, and it is important to note that the lockable dog lead is meant to be used with a strong dog collar that can be locked around the dogs' neck. This greatly increases the security as the collar cannot be easily removed by a potential thief; however the collar locking device is not the subject of this patent application. This is only with regard to the lockable dog lead as described and illustrated on the pages of this patent application.

Preferably the lockable dog lead, is a dogs' accessory, but could be used for a variety of domestic pets.

Introduction to drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings. There are 9 figures arranged over 5 pages. The 6th page has a legend of the numbered parts referred to below.

Figure 1 - shows a conventional dog lead with latch mechanism 1 attached to a dog lead by O-ring 2.

Figure 2 - shows a lockable dog lead, with lock 4 attached to a dog lead by D-link 5. Lock 4 has its shackle open.

Figures 3 - shows how the lockable dog lead attaches to dog collar 6 via D-link 7. Lock 4 has its shackle open.

Figure 4- shows the lockable dog lead attached to a dog collar 6 via D-link 7 - lock 4 has its shackle locked.

Figures 5 - shows how the lockable dog lead secures the dog collar 6 to immovable object 11. The lead is first passed around immovable object 11.

Figure 6 - shows how the lockable dog lead can be attached to a dog collar, whilst it is also attached to immovable object 11. Lock 4 is passed through handle 3 and then attaches to D-link 7 on dog collar 6.

Figures 7 - shows an alternative arrangement of the lockable dog lead, consisting of loop 8, attached to lock bolt 9, which inserts into lock 4. In this example the lock 4 is key operated, and the loop 8 is made up of thin metal chain links.

Page 3

Figure 8 - shows an alternative arrangement of the lockable dog lead, in which the lock bolt 9 is attached to lock 4. In this example lock 4 is a combination lock, and the loop 8 is made of strong flexible wire.

Figure 9 - when the images are viewed from top to bottom, they show how the alternative arrangements of the invention in figures 7 and 8, lock the dog collar to the lockable dog lead. Loop 8 is elongated and pushed approximately three quarters of the way through the dog collar D-link 7. Lock bolt 9 is passed over D-link 7 and through loop 8. It is then pulled tight to form a hitch type knot around D-link 7. Lock bolt 9 can now be inserted into lock 4

Description of numbered parts.

1. Latch

2. O-ring

3. Dog lead handle

4. Lock

5. Dog lead D-link

6. Dog collar

7. Dog collar D-link

8. Metal Loop

9. Lock bolt

11. Immovable object

Page £

Claims

1. A lockable dog lead - with a handle- that locks to a dog collar when exercising the pet and can be securely locked to an immovable object as well as the dog collar, when the pet is unattended.

2. A lockable dog lead according to claim 1 that features a combination or key enabled lock that cannot be detached from the dog lead, by reasonable force.

3. A lockable dog lead according to claim 2 that features a U-shaped 'shackle' or 'lock bolt'.

4. A lockable dog lead according to claim 1 where the lock has a detachable lock bolt secured to a loop of tough, wear resistant wire.

5. A lockable dog lead according to claim 4 that features a wire loop sufficiently thin and flexible to 'cow hitch' around the D-link on a dog collar.

6. A lockable dog lead according to claim 4 that features a thin chain loop arrangement instead of wire.

7. A lockable dog lead according to claim 2 that is simple, secure and convenient to use.

8. A lockable dog lead according to any of the preceding claims, that features a lock on the handle in place of, or in addition to, the lock on the lead.

9. A lockable dog lead substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.