Portable electronic multi-sensory animal containment and tracking device

• US 6,561,137 B2
• Filed: 12/18/2000
• Issued: 05/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cheryl M. Oakman
• Original Assignee: Cheryl M. Oakman
• Inventors: Oakman, Cheryl M
• Primary Examiner(s): Jordan, Charles T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lofdahl, Jordan M
• Application Number:
  US09/739,390
• Publication Number:
  US 20020073933A1
• Time in Patent Office: 876 Days
• Field of Search: 119/720, 119/721
• 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 housed in a first portable enclosure;

b) a radio frequency transmission cable arranged about the periphery of the defined area at ground level to permit moving said cable to a different defined area, said cable having a first end and a second end, said first portable enclosure having first and second connectors for receiving the first and second ends of said transmission cable, respectively;

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 providing an audible output for alerting an owner of said animal disposed on said means for receiving a radio frequency output;

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

f) said transmission cable being enclosed by a sheathing whose color is within the visible color spectrum of said animal; and

g) said animal being a dog and said sheathing of said transmission cable is colored blue-violet so that said dog can see said sheathing and associate said sheathing with limits of movement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, said means for generating a radio frequency output further comprises a battery power supply.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, said means for generating a radio frequency output further comprises a conventional 110 volt alternating current power supply.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means for receiving a radio frequency output further comprises a second enclosure for housing said means for receiving a radio frequency output.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second enclosure is disposed on said collar.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said means for producing an audible output is disposed on said second enclosure.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said means for producing an audible output further comprises an audio speaker.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said means for shocking the animal is disposed on said second enclosure.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said means for shocking the animal further comprises conductive electrodes, said electrodes disposed contiguous to the skin of the animal.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first enclosure further comprises a global positioning satellite transmitter for cooperating with a global positioning satellite system.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second enclosure further comprises a global positioning satellite transmitter for cooperating with a global positioning satellite system.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a global positioning satellite portable handset whereby the location of said first enclosure and said second enclosure can be determined and displayed.