Animal amusement apparatus

• US 4,391,224 A
• Filed: 07/27/1981
• Issued: 07/05/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/1981
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Harold A. Adler
• Original Assignee: Harold A. Adler
• Inventors: Adler, Harold A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Eskovitz, Jay N.
• Application Number:
  US06/287,191
• Time in Patent Office: 708 Days
• Field of Search: 119/29, 119/51 R, 46/254
• US Class Current: 119/707
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/025 Toys specially adapted for animals
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 13/02 imitating natural actions, e.g. catching a mouse by a cat, the kicking of an animal
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission

Abstract

An animal amusement device wherein a radio transmitter of limited range is carried by the animal. A ball, or other type of movable structure is to be located upon the ground or other supportive surface in close proximity to the animal. Upon the animal moving to within a short distance of the ball, the ball will become randomly movable by being activated by the radio signal mounted within the collar of the animal.

Claims

1. Animal attraction apparatus comprising:

motor means for operating only when actuated;

transmitter means for transmitting a signal;

receiver means having an output coupled in actuation relationship to said motor means, said receiver means being for receiving said signal and, when said signal as received is of predetermined power, for causing actuation of said motor means;

attachment means for carrying said transmitter means and for mounting on a domesticated animal of the predator type; and

simulated prey means which is normally unmoving and which, when in motion, tends to attract such animal, said prey means being for carrying said motor means and coupled to said motor means so that said motor means, when actuated, operates to cause said prey means to move;

said transmitter means and receiver means having a signal transmitting and receiving power relationship such that, when said transmitter means is carried by such animal to within a predetermined distance of said prey means, said receiver means actuates said motor means to cause said prey means to move.

2. The animal attraction apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said attachment means comprises a collar which is adapted to be worn around the neck of the animal.

3. The animal attraction apparatus as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein:

said domesticated animal is feline; and

said predetermined distance is about two meters.