Portable electronic multi-sensory animal containment and tracking device

• US 20020073933A1
• Filed: 12/18/2000
• Published: 06/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cheryl M. Oakman
• Original Assignee: Cheryl M. Oakman
• Inventors: Oakman, Cheryl M.
• Granted Patent: US 6,561,137 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 119/721
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/023 Anti-evasion devices

Abstract

The present invention 10 discloses a portable electronic, multi-sensory animal containment and tracking device which comprises a transmission cable 20 that is placed directly upon the ground to define a selective containment area 18 which cable 20 is plugged into and operated by a base unit 26 which can be powered by either rechargeable batteries 30 or a conventional 110-volt AC external power source 14. The transmission cable 20 has a plastic or rubberized coating 78 that is of a blue-violet and/or a yellow color to enhance the transmission cable'"'"'s visibility to a canine 16. The transmission cable 20 emits a radio frequency output generated by a frequency generator 42 disposed in the base unit 26 and also activates an audible alarm through speaker 58 disposed in the remote unit 28 attached to the animal'"'"'s collar 22 which thereby warns the animal 16 that it is close to the boundary line 20 and should retreat. If the animal 16 ignores the audible alarm and continues to proceed toward the perimeter of the confinement area 18, a mild electrical shock is introduced to the animal'"'"'s neck via the conductive electrodes 68 which are disposed on the remote unit 28 attached to the collar 22. The present invention also provides an optional global positioning satellite system 82 capability wherein a global positioning satellite transmitter is located in the remote unit 28 worn on the collar 22 of the animal 16.

Claims

1. An apparatus for confining an animal within a defined area, comprising:

a) means for generating a radio frequency output;

b) a radio frequency transmission cable arranged about the periphery of the defined area, said cable having a first end and a second end;

c) means for receiving a radio frequency output disposed on the neck of the animal, further comprising a collar disposed on the neck of the animal upon which said means for receiving is disposed;

d) means for an audible output disposed on said means for receiving a radio frequency output; and

,

e) means for shocking the animal disposed on said means for receiving a radio frequency output.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for generating a radio frequency output further comprises a first portable enclosure for housing said means for generating a radio frequency output.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, said enclosure having a first and a second connector for receiving said first end and said second end of said transmission cable, respectively.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said transmission cable has a coating thereon, said coating colored blue-violet so that an animal can see it.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said transmission cable has a coating thereon, said coating colored yellow so that an animal can see it.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, said means for generating a radio frequency output further comprises a battery power supply.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, said means for generating a radio frequency output further comprises a conventional 110 volt alternating current power supply.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said means for receiving a radio frequency output further comprises a second enclosure for housing said means for receiving a radio frequency output.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said enclosure is disposed on said collar.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for an audible output is disposed on said second enclosure.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said means for an audible output further comprises an audio speaker.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said means for shocking the animal is disposed on said second enclosure.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for shocking the animal further comprises conductive electrodes, said electrodes disposed contiguous to the skin of the animal.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first enclosure further comprises a global positioning satellite transmitter for cooperating with a global positioning satellite system.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second enclosure further comprises a global positioning satellite transmitter for cooperating with a global positioning satellite system.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising means for a global positioning satellite handset whereby the location of said first enclosure and said second enclosure can be determined.