US20090173761A1

US20090173761A1 - Dog leash container

Info

Publication number: US20090173761A1
Application number: US11/969,441
Authority: US
Inventors: Erika Berry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-01-04
Filing date: 2008-01-04
Publication date: 2009-07-09

Abstract

A storage container for attachment to a leash includes a first dry compartment, a second dry compartment, and a wet compartment. A lid is disposed between the first and second dry compartments. A fluid tight seal is disposed between the second dry compartment and the wet compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In non-rural areas, it is common for pet owners to carry bags for picking up and disposing of pet feces in common areas. However, the bags are often cumbersome to carry, can be forgotten, and can become damaged if not stored properly.
Accordingly, a container adapted for carrying bags for disposal of pet feces, and other accessories, would be beneficial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a storage container for attachment to a leash includes a first dry compartment, a second dry compartment, and a wet compartment. A lid is disposed between the first and second dry compartments. A fluid tight seal is disposed between the second dry compartment and the wet compartment.
In another aspect of the present invention, a storage container for attachment to a leash includes a first dry compartment, a second dry compartment, and a wet compartment. A lid is disposed between the first and second dry compartments. A fluid tight seal is disposed between the second dry compartment and the wet compartment. A leash is in contact with a portion of the storage container.
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the container of the present invention during use;

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of the container;

FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a container of the present invention including a light source;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4A is a top cross-sectional elevational view of a first dry compartment of the container of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4B is a bottom cross-sectional elevational view of the second dry compartment of the container of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A with the first dry compartment of the container removed;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the container with the lid disconnected from the first dry compartment and the second dry compartment and wet compartment of the container;

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a second alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of the container of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 2A. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference numeral 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A generally designates a storage container for attachment to a leash 12. The container 10 includes a first dry compartment 14, a second dry compartment 16, and a wet compartment 18. A lid 20 is disposed between the first and second dry compartments 14, 16. A fluid tight seal 22 is disposed between the second dry compartment 16 and the wet compartment 18.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, pet owners in city areas frequently walk their pets and are required to clean up after the pets. This generally entails cleaning up after the animal has defecated in a public area. The storage container 10 is designed for use in conjunction with a leash 12 and may be attached thereto in a variety of manners as disclosed in further detail below. It is also contemplated that the storage container 10 may be used separately from the leash 12 and simply kept in the pet owner's pocket. A light emitting device 24 may be connected to or integral with the storage container 10 to assist the pet owner in cleaning up after a pet when it is dark outside (FIGS. 1 and 2B). The light emitting device 24 also provides a useful safety feature when walking a pet in the dark because the emitted light can be seen by other pedestrians, bicycle riders, vehicle drivers, etc. A reflective strip 25 may also be present on the container 10. The reflective strip 25 is designed to reflect light from other light sources such as headlights, flashlights, etc.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the compartments 14, 16, 18 of the storage container 10 are designed to store various items during a typical outing with a pet. For example, the wet compartment 18 may be used to hold water-soaked or sanitary fluid-soaked cloths. The first dry compartment 14 is larger than the wet compartment 18 and second dry compartment 16 and can hold at least one pet waste bag 26. The pet waste bag(s) 26 can then be used to hold pet feces after the pet has defecated. The second dry compartment 16 can be used to store money, pet treats, or various other items that are required to stay dry.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the second dry compartment 16 and the wet compartment 18 are separated by the fluid tight seal 22. The second dry compartment 16 is defined by an outer wall 28 and an inner wall 30 and includes a D-shaped mouth 32. Similarly, the wet compartment 18 is defined by an outer wall 34 and the inner wall 30 and has a D-shaped mouth 36. The inner wall 30 forms the fluid tight seal 22 between the second dry compartment 16 and the wet compartment 18. An outside perimeter 38 of the mouth 32 of the second dry compartment 16 combined with the mouth 36 of the wet compartment 18 has a circular shape that is approximately equal to the circular shape of a mouth 40 of the first dry compartment 14 (FIGS. 4A and 4B). The lid 20 includes a convex portion 42 that abuts and sealingly engages the inner wall 30 to prevent fluid communication between the wet compartment 18 and the first and second dry compartments 14, 16 when the lid 20 is fastened to the outside perimeter 38.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lid 20 includes a threaded rim 44 that allows the lid 20 to be rotated into secure engagement with the mouth 40 of the first dry compartment 14 and the outside perimeter 38 of the combined second dry compartment 16 and wet compartment 18. Accordingly, the lid 20 may be loosened from the first dry compartment 14 and remain tightly fastened to the outside perimeter 38, as shown in FIG. 5. Conversely, the lid 20 may be loosened from the outside perimeter 38 and remain fastened to the mouth 40 of the first dry compartment 14. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the lid 20 may be loosened from both the outside perimeter 38 and the mouth 40 of the first dry compartment 14. In addition, a gasket 46 may be located on the lid 20 or the outside perimeter 38 or the mouth 40 of the first dry compartment 14 to create a seal between the lid 20 and the outside perimeter 38 or between the lid 20 and the mouth 40 of the first dry compartment 14.
As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the leash 12 may be connected with the storage container 10 in several ways. In one embodiment, a hook and loop fastener arrangement 50 is used. The hooks will be attached to one of the leash 12 and a portion of an outside surface area 52 of the storage container 10. The loops are attached to the other of the leash 12 and outside surface area 52 such that when the hooks and loops are in contact, the storage container 10 is removably attached to the leash 12.
As shown in FIG. 8, another embodiment includes an external sleeve 56 that is connected to the lid 20 or the outside surface area 52 of the storage container 10. The external sleeve 56 is adapted to receive the leash 12 thereby keeping the storage container 10 in contact with the leash 12.
Referring again to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the storage container 10 includes an internal sleeve 60 that functions similarly to the external sleeve 56 discussed above, but that extends through at least one of the wet compartment 18, first dry compartment 14 and second dry compartment 16. The internal sleeve 60 is integral with a first leash receiving aperture 62 and a second leash receiving aperture 64 thereby allowing the leash 12 to extend completely through the container 10. An elastic ring 66 is shown inside the first leash receiving aperture 62 to provide frictional resistance against the leash 12 thereby preventing the container 10 from sliding along the leash 12. For both the external sleeve 56 and internal sleeve 60, it is contemplated that the storage container 10 may be held in place by frictional resistance against the leash 12. Alternatively, the sleeve 56 or 60 may be much larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the leash 12 thereby allowing the storage container 10 to freely slide along the longitudinal extent of the leash 12.
The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Claims

1. A storage container for attachment to a leash, comprising:

a first dry compartment;

a second dry compartment;

a wet compartment;

a removable lid disposed between the first and the second dry compartments; and

a permanent fluid tight seal disposed between the second dry compartment and the wet compartment.

2. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising:

a pet restraining leash connected to the container.

3. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising:

an external leash receiving sleeve.

4. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising:

a first leash receiving sleeve extending through an internal portion of the storage container.

5. The storage container of claim 4, further comprising:

an elastic receiving ring disposed in the first leash receiving aperture.

6. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising:

a hook and loop fastener wherein one of the leash and the container has hooks and the other of the leash and container has loops such that the container is removably attached to the leash.

7. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising:

a light emitting device attached to the container.

8. The storage container of claim 1, wherein:

the lid includes a threaded rim.

9. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising:

an external leash receiving sleeve.

10. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising:

a first leash receiving aperture in the first dry compartment and a second leash receiving aperture in one of the second dry compartment and the wet compartment.

11. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising:

an elastic receiving ring disposed in the first leash receiving aperture.

12. The storage container of claim 11, further comprising:

a first leash receiving sleeve extending through the internal portion of the first dry compartment and the internal portion of the second dry compartment.

13. The storage container of claim 12, further comprising:

a hook and loop fastener wherein one of the leash and the container has hooks and the other of the leash and container has loops such that the container may be removably attached to the leash.

14. The storage container of claim 13, further comprising:

a light emitting device attached to the container.

15. The storage container of claim 14, wherein:

the lid includes a threaded rim.

16. A storage container for attachment to a leash, comprising:

a first dry compartment;

a second dry compartment;

a wet compartment;

a lid disposed between the first and the second dry compartments;

a fluid tight seal disposed between the second dry compartment and the wet compartment; and

a leash in contact with a portion of the storage container.

17. The storage container of claim 16, wherein:

the storage container includes a light emitting device.

18. The storage container of claim 17, wherein:

the lid includes a threaded rim.

19. The storage container of claim 18, further comprising:

a pet restraining leash connected to the container.

20. The storage container of claim 19, further comprising: