FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved dog lead.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is now expected, and in some cases the law, that when people walk their dogs, the dog handler is to pick up any dog excrement and dispose of it in an appropriate manner. It is for that reason that a lot of handlers include a bag that is typically tied around the dog lead/leash to be able to collect and dispose of dog excrement.

[0003] Some dog leads now come with a compartment that can be attached to the dog lead. Typically, these kinds of compartments are usually made of a hard plastic container or compartment which is attached to the dog lead and can accommodate numerous dog bags. A disadvantage of this is that the compartment is auxiliary to the dog lead and is therefore awkward, and there is no convenient way to attach it to the dog lead.

[0004] The object of this invention is to provide an improved dog lead to address the above shortcomings or at least to provide a useful alternative.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect the invention comprises an improved dog lead comprises a handle, a lead body, and a compartment, wherein the compartment is integral with the lead body.

[0007] Preferably the dog lead is adapted to be closed such that the compartment is foldable with the lead body.

[0008] In preference the dog lead further comprises a zip to close the compartment.

[0009] In preference the dog lead further comprises Velcro to close the compartment.

[0010] In preference the dog lead further comprises a snap hook.

[0011] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will refer to a number of drawings as follows.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a dog lead according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic three-dimensional enlarged view of a compartment of the dog lead according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic three-dimensional close-up view of the compartment of the dog lead according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic three-dimensional close-up view of a compartment of a dog lead according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic three-dimensional close-up view of a compartment of a dog lead according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 6 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a dog lead according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 7 is a close-up side view of a compartment of the dog lead in Figure 6;

[0020] Figure 8 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a dog lead according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0021] Figure 9 is a close-up side view of a compartment of the dog lead in Figure 8;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1-9, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, an improved dog lead 10 comprises a handle 26, a lead body 12, and a closable compartment 16. The compartment 16 is integral with the lead body 12 such that the compartment 16 is foldable with the lead body 12.

[0024] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1-3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved dog lead 10 comprises a handle 26 at the proximal end which is engaged by the dog handler. Although the handle is shown as relatively small it is not the intention of the application to limit it to a particular size. The lead body 12 includes a closable compartment 16. Preferably, the compartment 16 is integral with the lead body 12 and is made from the same material such that the compartment 16 can be rolled up with the lead body 12 when it is almost empty. On the other hand, a dog excrement bag 20 can be enclosed in the compartment 16 using a zip 18 as shown in Figures 1-3. Furthermore, when the bag 20 is needed, the compartment 16 can be opened and the bag 20 will be taken out of the compartment 16 by the dog owner as shown in Figure 3.

[0025] The compartment 16 is of a relatively soft not hard material which is therefore foldable. Hence, the material of it can be different to that of the lead body 12.

[0026] Alternatively, the closing means for the compartment 16 can be Velcro (shown in Figure 4) or studs (shown in Figure 6). Other means may equally well be employable.

[0027] Alternatively, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the handle 26 includes the compartment 16 in its circle and the compartment 16 is inwardly protruding. Whereas according to the preferred embodiment in Figures 8 and 9, the handle 26 includes the compartment 16 in its circle and the compartment 16 is outwardly protruding. Of course, in this case a circle does not mean a pure circle - it is simply meant to relate to the inner area defined by the handle whether it be circular or elliptical for example.

[0028] It is also to be understood that the opening to the compartment can not only be on top but also on the side of the compartment. The inside of the compartment may also have two separate volumes each separately accessible and closable. One volume may be used to house the bags and the other to house, for example, dog treats.

[0029] It can be appreciated that the compartment 16 can be adapted to locate at other places, for example, in the middle of the lead body 12. It is also to be appreciated that there may be more than one compartment on the dog lead.

[0030] Preferably, the dog lead 10 further comprises a swivel-eye snap hook 14 at a distal end of the lead body as shown in Figures 1, 6 and 8, which connects with a dog collar.

[0031] The improved dog lead with the closable compartment provided by the present invention can not only carry the dog bag inside but can also be easily folded and rolled up with the dog lead. As a result, the dog lead takes up less storage space and is more convenient to be carried by person when it is not in use.

[0032] Although not shown or discussed in detail the compartment can be part of a dog collar and would be relatively small to accommodate just one bag.

[0033] The reader will now appreciate the present invention which provides an improved dog lead.

LIST OF COMPONENTS

[0034] The drawings include the following integers.

10 dog lead

12 lead body

14 snap hook

16 compartment

18 zip

20 bag

22 Velcro 24 studs

26 handle

[0035] Although not shown the closing means of the compartment may be located on the inside or the side of the dog lead. There may also be several such compartments on a dog lead each adapted to accommodate different articles.

[0036] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field.

[0037] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.