Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly

• US 7,162,978 B2
• Filed: 02/26/2004
• Issued: 01/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Swiftipet, Inc.
• Original Assignee: DeBien Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Debien, Humberto
• Primary Examiner(s): SWIATEK, ROBERT P
• Application Number:
  US10/787,338
• Publication Number:
  US 20040200435A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,055 Days
• Field of Search: 119/772, 119/776, 119/863, 246/03, 246/07, 246/35, 246/62, 54/1, 279/2.17, 403/319, 403/322.3
• US Class Current: 119/772
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 27/005 Quick-couplings, safety-couplings or shock-absorbing devices between leash and collar
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/45466 having electric or fluid powered, actuation or release, of interlock

Abstract

A retractable leash assembly structured to facilitate quick connection of at least one animal to at least one lead interconnected at a proximal end to an activation assembly and to a quick connect coupling assembly at a distal end. The quick connect coupling assembly includes an electromotive release mechanism structured to permit removable connection of a collar, harness, or similar attachment assembly to the distal end of the lead. Upon actuation of the electromotive release mechanism, the components of the quick release coupling assembly are disposed into a release orientation such that the components are detached from one another. The quick connect coupling assembly may also include an electromotive propulsion mechanism structured to selectively impart a separation force between the components of the coupling assembly to facilitate detachment of the components from one another.

Claims

1. A quick release coupling assembly structured to allow quick connection and quick release, said coupling assembly comprising:

a first component and a second component cooperatively structured to assume an attached orientation,

said first component comprising at least one locking member movably mounted thereon,

said at least one locking member normally disposed in an outwardly extending locking orientation,

an electromotive release mechanism structured such that said first component and said second component are detached from one another upon actuation of said electromotive release mechanism,

said electromotive release mechanism disposed in an operative association with said at least one locking member,

said operative association being at least partially defined by said electromotive release mechanism being structured to normally dispose said at least one locking member into said outwardly extending locking orientation,

said electromotive release mechanism comprises an actuation member, said actuation member disposed in operative association with said at least one locking member,

said actuation member comprises a distal portion structured to facilitate disposition of said at least one locking member between said outwardly extending locking orientation and a retracted orientation,

said distal portion comprising a propulsion member being disposable between a secured configuration and a separation configuration, and

said propulsion member structured to exert a separation force sufficient to cause said first component and said second component to detach from one another when disposed in said separation configuration.

2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one locking member is at least temporarily disposable into a retracted orientation.

3. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said operative association is further defined by said electromotive release mechanism being structured to at least temporarily dispose said at least one locking member into said retracted orientation upon actuation.

4. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said first component comprises a plurality of locking members movably mounted thereon, said electromotive release mechanism being structured to normally dispose each of said plurality of locking members into said outwardly extending locking orientation.

5. An assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of locking members is at least temporarily disposable into a retracted orientation.

6. An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said electromotive release mechanism is further structured to at least temporarily dispose each of said plurality of locking members into said retracted orientation upon actuation.

7. A quick release coupling assembly structured to allow quick connection and quick release, said coupling assembly comprising:

a first component and a second component cooperatively structured to assume an attached orientation,

said first component comprising at least one locking member movably mounted thereon,

said at least one locking member normally disposed in an outwardly extending locking orientation,

an electromotive release mechanism structured such that said first component and said second component are detached from one another upon actuation of said electromotive release mechanism,

said electromotive release mechanism comprises an actuation member, said actuation member disposed in operative association with said at least one locking member,

said actuation member comprising a propulsion member disposable between a secured configuration and a separation configuration, and

said propulsion member structured to exert a separation force sufficient to cause said first component and said second component to detach from one another when disposed in said separation configuration.

8. An assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said propulsion member is disposed into separation configuration upon actuation of said electromotive release mechanism.

9. An assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said operative association is at least partially defined by said electromotive release mechanism being structured to normally dispose said locking member into said outwardly extending locking orientation.