Field

The present invention relates to a holder, in particular to a holder for supporting two or more pet walking accessories.

Background

Pet walking often requires multiple accessories, including a lead. A pooper scooper is a useful accessory and is a simple and hygienic method of picking up animal waste. An example pooper scooper is the Handiscoop®. The Handiscoop® comprises a handle with a trigger, coupled to a shaft with a scoop at the opposite end which is already preloaded with 3 individual biodegradable Handibags. Compressing the trigger opens the scoop and allows a user to pick up the animal waste. The Handiscoop® includes multi-pick operation, so a user can do multiple pick ups in one journey, reducing the number of bags needed for operation. This is turn reduces plastic waste, picking time and running costs. A Handiscoop® is particularly helpful for users with reduced mobility or experiencing difficulty bending down because it can be operated from an upright or seated position. Removing the need to bend down is also beneficial for users with full mobility, because it reduces the proximity of a user’s hands and face to the animal waste, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant odours being experienced.

A difficulty with using pet walking accessories in addition to a lead is the inconvenience of carrying multiple accessories at once. The lead should be held by a user during the walk, which can cause issues when trying to use a pooper scooper (especially if replacement bags are needed) or when accessing treats, for example. If one hand is constantly holding the lead, a user can have difficulty switching between a pooper scooper, treat bag, or even trying to hold one or more of these while using a walking stick. The present invention aims to at least partially ameliorate some of the above- mentioned problems.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holder for supporting two or more pet walking accessories. The holder comprises a first attachment means configured to engage with a body of a pet lead and a second attachment means configured to engage with a shaft of a pooper scooper. The first and second attachment means are configured to removably couple together to allow the pet lead and the pooper scooper to be carried by a user by holding one of the pet lead or pooper scooper.

Advantageously, the present invention allows a user to carry more than one pet walking accessory with a single grip. A user can maintain full control of the pet accessory in question because they are only having to hold a single handle - rather than attempting two in one hand or similar. Further advantageously, this arrangement may aid those with mobility issues when walking a pet. With only one grip required for the accessories, a user can hold a walking stick, walking frame or operate a wheelchair whilst walking said pet.

Additionally, the handle grips are unimpeded by the holder because it engages with a body of a pet lead, and a shaft of a pooper scooper.

Advantageously, either of the pet lead or the pooper scooper could be the primary accessory held by the user. It is expected that the pet lead would be held by a user for most of the use, but the pooper scooper could be held whilst being used, or when the pet lead is not engaged with the holder.

The second attachment means may comprise a female connector configured to receive the first attachment means. By a female connector, it is meant that the connector of the second attachment means comprises one or more recesses configured to receive another connector having a complementary shape. The term is not intended to be limited to that of a data transfer connector or the like, or for a direct insertion of another connector. The first attachment means may have a complementarily shaped male connector.

The first attachment means may comprise protrusions extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the first attachment means. The female connector of the second attachment means may comprise lips, such that the first attachment means is received by sliding the protrusions of the first attachment means behind the lips of the second attachment means.

The first and second attachment means may further comprise additional and/or alternative complementary features, such as a central protrusion and central recess for receiving said protrusion.

Advantageously, the arrangement described above is easily attachable and detachable by a user. However, it also is unlikely to accidentally detach during use of the holder - the forces acting on the holder during normal use are unlikely to generate a sliding motion between the first and second attachment means.

The first attachment means may comprise a two-part bracket comprising a first and second component. The first component may be configured to be received by the second component through an aperture in the body of the pet lead.

The first and second component of the first attachment means interacting through an aperture in the body of the pet lead advantageously allows for the holder to be retrofitted to pre-existing leads, such as a flexi® lead. Advantageously, this also allows for the holder to be fitted without directly attaching to a pet lead. This means that the pet lead does not require a specific engagement means or protrusion to be engaged with by the first attachment means. The first and second component are configured to be secured together with a securing member. The securing member may be a threaded screw. Advantageously, the use of a separate securing member simplifies the production of the first and second component. Securing the first and second component in place advantageously reduces the likelihood of the first attachment means being inadvertently disengaged from the pet lead.

The second attachment means may comprise a through-hole shaped to receive a shaft of the pooper scooper. The shaft of the pooper scooper could be secured in place with cable ties, or retractable teeth, or a snap-fit arrangement. Alternatively, the second attachment means could be integrated to the pooper scooper.

The second attachment means may comprise one or more protrusions extending perpendicularly to the through-hole. Advantageously, this provides options for storing the holder using the second attachment means. For example, the one or more protrusions could be hooked to a wall, or slotted into a mount. Alternatively, and additionally, the protrusions could be used for attaching one or more additional accessories. The protrusions may interact with a complementarily shaped slot, configured to receive an accessory. Accessories may include but not be limited to a ball thrower, torch, additional disposable bags, water bottle and the like.

The pet lead may be a tension lead. This works synergistically with the fact that the holder couples to the body of the lead, rather than the handle or the cable/rope itself. The holder is configured to allow a user to hold either the lead or the pooper scooper, and a tension lead means a user is not restricted to a fixed length of lead. A tension lead allows for a variable length of lead whilst walking, so a pet can be positioned such that they do not end up colliding with the pooper scooper that is supported alongside the lead and can roam within a suitable distance while the pooper scooper is being used. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for storing one or more pet walking accessories. The system comprises the holder of any of the embodiments of the first aspect; and a mount. The mount is configured to removably couple to at least one of the first or second attachment means. Advantageously, a mount for the holder enables easy storage for a user - reducing the likelihood of the pet lead and/or pooper scooper being misplaced, and with the possibility of improving ease of access to the accessories.

The mount may comprise a slot configured to receive a or one of the protrusion(s) of the second attachment means.

Advantageously, a slot for engaging with a protrusion provides easy attachment and detachment of the second attachment means with the mount. The slot may be sized such that the second attachment means cannot be removed from the mount by applying a horizontal force to the holder (i.e., it can only be removed by vertically sliding the protrusion out from the slot).

The mount may be configured to fixedly attach to an object. The object in question may be a fixed object such as a wall, door frame or the like. Alternatively, the object may be a walking frame, or a wheelchair. As discussed previously, the holder advantageously allows for an individual to walk a pet where otherwise reduced mobility could cause issues with simultaneously holding the pet and cleaning up. The mount being capable for attaching to a walking frame or the like supplements this effect.

Improved convenience generally is also desirable. The mount could attach to a bike frame, belt, bag, pram/pushchair or other accessories, allowing for greater accessibility to the pet lead and/or pooper scooper for a user. Advantageously, a user could store the lead/scooper on the back of a rucksack using the mount during a longer walk in open fields or the like then conveniently access the lead when needed. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting two or more pet walking accessories using the holder of the first aspect. The method comprises the steps of:

(a) attaching a pet lead to the first attachment means;

(b) attaching a pooper scooper to the second attachment means; and

(c) coupling the first and second attachment means together.

In the above embodiment, steps (a), (b) and (c) can be performed in any order.

Step (a) may further comprise:

(ai) securing the pet lead to the first attachment means, by engaging the first attachment means to the pet lead and securing with a screw.

In the above embodiment step (a) is performed before step (c).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing one or more pet walking accessories using the system of any embodiment of the second aspect. The method comprises the steps of: fixing the mount to an object; attaching the one or more pet walking accessories to the holder; and attaching the holder to the mount.

The holder and/or the mount of any aspect may be configured to store additional accessories, such as a walking stick or a crutch. For example, the holder may be attached to a crutch (or other accessory) to enable wall mounting of said accessory.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate schematic exploded views of a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a pet lead attachment, pooper scooper and mount;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the components of the first attachment means of the holder of Figures 1 a and 1 b;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the second attachment means of the holder of Figures 1 a and 1 b;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a mount used in a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 5a-c illustrate a holder in use according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates the second attachment means of a holder in use according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7 to 10 illustrates the holder according to an embodiment of the present invention in use in various contexts.

It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate schematic exploded views of a holder 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The holder 100 forms part of a system 10 for storing one or more pet accessories, alongside mount 200 (discussed further with reference to Figure 4). The holder 100 comprises a first attachment means 150 configured to engage with a body of a pet lead 400 and a second attachment means 110 configured to engage with a shaft 300 of a pooper scooper 350. The first attachment means 120 comprises a first component 130 and a second component 140. The first component 130 is shaped to be received by the second component 140 through an aperture in the pet lead 400 or in the illustrated examples, an aperture in the pet treat barrel accessory 450. This is an accessory of a flexi® lead, although other leads are envisaged to be compatible. The first and second components 130, 140 are secured together with a screw 150.

The second component 140 of the first attachment means 120 is further configured to engage with the second attachment means 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second component 140 is configured to slidably engage with a female connector 116 (Figure 3) of the second attachment means 110.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the first attachment means 120. As discussed with reference to Figures 1a and 1b, the first attachment means 120 comprises a first component 130 and a second component 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the first component comprises lateral protrusions 132. These are shaped to fit the aperture of a flexi® lead barrel attachment. The first component further comprises a protrusion 134 along its central axis. The protrusion 134 comprises a central hole 136 configured to receive a screw 150 or another securing member. In the illustrated embodiment, the central hole 136 is threaded. The second component 140 comprises a recess 146 for receiving the protrusion 140 of the first component 130. This recess 146 comprises an upstanding rim 144 to assist with aligning the recess 146 and the protrusion 140. The recess 146 further comprises a central aperture 146 for receiving the screw 150 or an alternative securing member. The sides of the second component 140 comprise slots 142 to engage with the lateral protrusions 132 of the first component 130. The second component further comprises protrusions 149 configured to engage with the second attachment means 110. In the illustrated embodiment, these protrusions comprise planar members extending transverse to the central axis of the second component 140. These members extend outwards of the sides in which slots 142 are present. The base of the second component 140 also comprises a slot 148 for receiving a complementary shape 118 (Figure 3) of the second attachment means 110. Figure 3 illustrates said second attachment means 110. The second attachment means comprises a through hole 114 for receiving a shaft of a pooper scooper. The second attachment means further comprises a female connector 116 configured to engage with the first attachment means 120. The female connector 116 comprises lips 119 to secure the protrusions 149 of the second component 140 of the first attachment means 120 - the protrusions 149 are configured to slide behind the lip 119 to be held in place. The female connector further comprises a protrusion 118 to secure with the slot 148 (Figure 2) of the second component 140 of the first attachment means 120. The slot 148 (Figure 2) receives the protrusion 118 to secure the first attachment means 120 to the second attachment means 110. Second attachment means 110 further comprises lateral protrusions 112 configured to engage with a slot 210 of mount 200, to enable the holder 10 to be stored by a user.

Figure 4 illustrates the mount 200. As discussed with reference to Figure 3, mount 200 comprises a slot 210 configured to interact with the lateral protrusions 112 of the second attachment means 110 of the holder 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 210 narrows towards the base of the mount 200, to enable the holder 10 to be secured, and reduce the likelihood of lateral displacement once the holder 10 is engaged with the mount 200. The narrowing reduces the range of motion that the second attachment means 110 has when engaged with the mount, restricting movement to up and down the length of the slot 210. This helps reduce the likelihood of a user accidentally detaching the holder 10 from the mount 200. In the illustrated embodiment the body 230 of the mount 200 is convex, allowing for an opportunity for it to be attached around a walking stick or the like. The mount 200 further comprises a plurality of apertures 220, through which one or more securing means (such as a screw) could be received to fixedly attach the mount to an object. This object could be a backing plate, if the mount 200 is attached to a walking stick or frame or the like, or a bike 7000 (see Figure 7). Alternatively, the object could be a fixed object such as a wall or a doorframe. Additionally, the mount 200 could be used to attach additional accessories to the pooper scooper/lead, such as a torch or a water bottle (see Figure 6) Figures 5a-c show an example holder 10 in use with a pet lead 400 and a pooper scooper 350. In the illustrated example, the pet lead 400 is a flexi® lead, and the pooper scooper 350 is a Handiscoop®. The holder 10 is engaged with the flexi® lead barrel attachment 450, and the shaft 300 of the pooper scooper 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 10 is coupled to the mount 200 with second attachment means 110, which is secured to a fencepost 1000. Figure 5c shows a rear view of this arrangement, with the shaft 300 of the pooper scooper 350 secured in the through-hole of the second attachment means 110 with cable ties 325. As discussed previously, other securing means are envisaged as compatible with the second attachment means 110, such as a snap-fit arrangement, or retractable teeth with a possible quick release. Alternatively, the holder 10 could be integrated with the shaft 300 of the pooper scooper 350.

Figure 6 illustrates the second attachment means 110 of an example holder 10 in use with a pooper scooper 350. In the illustrated example, second attachment means 110 is decoupled from first attachment means 140 (not pictured). Each of the side protrusions of the second attachment means 110 are coupled to a mount bracket 200. These mount brackets 200 are each capable of holding an additional accessory. In the illustrated example, these accessories are a torch 6100 and a water bottle 6200.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrates the holder 10 being used to mount the pooper scooper 350 to a bike 7000, pushchair 8000, walking stick 9000, and walking stick 10000 respectively. The mount 200 is coupled to the second attachment means 110, as in Figures 5a-c and 6. In the illustrated examples, the mount is secured to the front fork of the bike 7000, side of the pushchair 8000, shaft of the walking stick 9000, and shaft rear of the rucksack 10000. Each of these allowing for straightforward access and transport of the pooper scooper 350, and optionally the lead, for the user.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.