Toy and app for remotely viewing and playing with a pet

• US 9,848,578 B2
• Filed: 03/17/2014
• Issued: 12/26/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lee Miller
• Original Assignee: Lee Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Lee
• Primary Examiner(s): Atala, Jamie
• Assistant Examiner(s): BOYLAN, JAMES T
• Application Number:
  US14/215,498
• Publication Number:
  US 20140267720A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,380 Days
• Field of Search: 348143
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/025 Toys specially adapted for animals

Abstract

An app and associated toy are disclosed that allow a smartphone user to play remotely with a pet by controlling the movement of a remote spot of light. A remote camera allows the user to see and record video of the pet playing. The light spot is controlled by moving a cursor, or by directly moving the light spot on a touch video screen. The viewer also has the option to have the spot follow a predetermined path. By starting the play at the same time as presenting a noise designed to attract a pet, the pet is conditioned to associate that noise with playing. This allows the pet to be summoned to the game. In a more advanced version, the app also controls a treat dispenser for rewarding the pet for playing. An RFID tag on the pet allows the light source to be shone near to the pet.

Claims

1. An animal monitoring and treat dispensing apparatus comprising:

a housing having a top, bottom, and an integrated window;

a mounting mechanism positioned in a proximity to and behind the integrated window, wherein the mounting mechanism is coupled to an optical device and a light source;

at least one servo motor operably connected to the mounting mechanism, wherein the at least one servo motor controls movement of the mounting mechanism through a x-axis and a y-axis, wherein the at least one servo motor is configured to be manually controlled via an electronic device or configured to follow a pre-programmed pattern, and wherein movement of the mounting mechanism causes movement of the optical device and the light source;

wherein the movement of the optical device and the light source are linked by the mounting mechanism such that a lens of the optical device is directed in a direction of light emitted from the light source;

a dispensing mechanism hingeably coupled to the housing, the dispensing mechanism comprising a rotatable tray having a plurality of slots, wherein the dispensing mechanism is actuated by a wireless signal sent to the monitoring and dispensing apparatus, wherein the dispensing mechanism is accessed via a hinge thereby allowing the plurality of slots of the dispensing mechanism to be refilled, and wherein the dispensing mechanism is disposed below the optical device and the light source; and

a dispensing outlet coupled to the dispensing mechanism, the dispensing outlet providing a channel for transport of an item from the dispensing mechanism to the dispensing outlet.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light source is a laser and the optical device is a camera.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottom comprises a non-slip surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a flip down member coupled to the bottom, the flip down member being configured to secure a position of the apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical device is configured to record video and capture sound.