Electronically controlled dog leash with tension adjustment
OwnerAaron Rasmusseninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electronically controlled dog leash with adjustable tension includes an electric motor connected to a leash reel, a motor controller, a microprocessor, at least one sensor for monitoring leash position, and a power source. The microprocessor processes sensor data and controls the motor to maintain minimal tension while accommodating changes in distance between dog and owner. An adjustable slow-down feature gradually increases tension over a user-defined distance as the leash approaches maximum extension, preventing sudden jerks. A manual stop/lock mechanism may be included to prevent leash extension when needed. User-adjustable controls allow customization of tension, retraction speed, and slow-down parameters. The leash improves comfort and safety while facilitating loose leash training.
Claims16
An electronically controlled dog leash, comprising:
- a housing;
- a leash extendable from and retractable into the housing;
- an electric motor connected to a reel mechanism for controlling the leash;
- at least one electronic sensor for generating data related to leash movement, the data including position data of the leash;
- a microprocessor for processing the sensor data and controlling the motor;
- and a power source;
- wherein the microprocessor is configured to automatically adjust motor operation based on the sensor data, and wherein the microprocessor is further configured to (i) determine, based on processing of the electronic sensor data, that the leash is approaching a maximum extension, and (ii) in response to said determination, electronically command the motor to gradually increase tension over a defined distance as the leash approaches the maximum extension.
A method of controlling a dog leash, comprising:
- monitoring electronic data from at least one electronic sensor associated with a motorized leash, the data including position data of the leash;
- analyzing the sensor data using a microprocessor;
- determining, by the microprocessor and based on said analyzing, that the leash is approaching a maximum extension;
- determining whether to adjust operation of an electric motor connected to the leash based on the analyzed sensor data;
- and automatically adjusting operation of the electric motor based on the determination, including, in response to determining that the leash is approaching the maximum extension, electronically commanding the electric motor to gradually increase tension over a defined distance.
A dog walking system, comprising:
- a collar or harness attachable to a dog;
- an electronic leash controller comprising:
- a housing with a retractable leash mechanism, an electric motor coupled to the retractable leash mechanism, at least one electronic sensor generating data related to leash conditions, the data including position data of the leash, and control circuitry configured to process the sensor data;
- and a user interface allowing customization of one or more leash operation parameters;
- wherein the control circuitry automatically adjusts operation of the electric motor based on the sensor data and the customized parameters, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to (i) determine, based on processing of the electronic sensor data, that the leash is approaching a maximum extension, and (ii) in response to said determination, electronically command the electric motor to gradually increase tension over a defined distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.