DOG BELL ALERT DEVICE

Abstract

A pet-activated signaling device, a pet-activated signaling system, and a method of a pet signaling a human is provided. The pet-activated signaling device includes a belt, a transducer, and multiple bells. The transducer, which emits an electromagnetic signal, and bells, which emit an audible signal, are attached to the belt. The pet-activated signaling system includes the signaling device and a receiving device which emits an alert when a signal is received from the signaling device. The method of a pet signaling a human includes pawing at the pet-activated signaling device suspended from a door handle to activate the transducer and the bells. The invention is particularly useful for use on an exterior door, allowing a dog to use a familiar method of alerting a human to open the door even if the bells are not heard by the human.

Claims

1. A pet-activated signaling device to allow a pet to signal a human, comprising: a. a belt; b. a transducer attached to the belt; and c. a plurality of bells attached to the belt; wherein said transducer and said plurality of bells are adapted to be activated simultaneously, said transducer is operative to emit an electromagnetic signal when activated, and said plurality of bells are operative to emit an audible signal when activated.

2. The pet-activated signaling device of claim 1, wherein an end of the belt forms an adjustable loop suspendable from a door handle.

3. The pet-activated signaling device of claim 2, wherein the transducer is fastened to the adjustable loop.

4. The pet-activated signaling device of claim 1, wherein the transducer further comprises a battery compartment configured to accept a battery.

5. The pet-activated signaling device of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic signal is operative to activate an alert on a predetermined communication device.

6. The pet-activated signaling device of claim 1, wherein the transducer is configured to convert kinetic energy induced by a pet pawing at the device to said electromagnetic signal.

7. A pet-activated signaling system comprising: a. a signaling device having a belt, a transducer operative to emit a signal upon movement, and a plurality of bells; and b. a receiving device operative to emit an alert upon receiving a signal from the signaling device.

8. The pet-activated signaling system of claim 6, further comprising a receiver and a router to which the receiver is fastened, wherein the receiver is operative to receive the signal from the transducer and transmit the signal via the router to the receiving device.

9. The pet-activated signaling system of claim 6, further comprising a receiver configured to insert into an electrical socket, wherein the receiver is operative to receive the signal from the transducer and transmit the signal to the receiving device or make an audible noise.

10. The pet-activated signaling system of claim 6, wherein the receiving device is selected from the group consisting of: a smartphone, a smart speaker, a video doorbell system, and a combination thereof.

11. A method of a pet signaling a human, comprising: a. providing a pet-activated signaling device comprising a transducer and a plurality of bells suspended from a door handle; b. providing a receiving device operative to emit an alert upon activation of the transducer; and c. pawing at the pet-activated signaling device to activate the transducer and the plurality of bells.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dog bell alert device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof, shown in use;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a system using the inventive device according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sensor thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0017] As used herein, the phrase “pawing at” refers to the movement a dog exhibits in ringing jingle bells. The dog may use a paw, its nose, its backside, or any other body part to nudge, push, or swipe bells suspended within reach.

[0018] Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a hanging bell device that allows a dog or other pet to alert a human to let them back into the house. The device may hang on an exterior doorknob.

[0019] The alert device, or pet-activated signaling device, may comprise a belt, a sensor and/or transmitter, and bells. A combination sensor and transmitter may be referred to herein as a transducer. The transducer may have a battery compartment. The dog may activate the device by pawing at the bells, causing movement of the transducer.

[0020] The materials of construction are not particularly limited. While the jingle bell is generally the most-used type of bell for dog house training, any other type of hanging bell may be used. The inventive device may be assembled from separate components or the components may be integrated into one piece or two pieces.

[0021] In some embodiments, the invention provides a pet-activated signaling system comprising the alert device and a receiving device or predetermined communication device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the alert device may connect to a smart device, such as a smartphone (e.g., an iPhone®) or smart speaker, using Bluetooth®, ANTI™, NfC®, or other technology.

[0023] In some embodiments, the inventive device may be integrated into existing video doorbell systems such as Ring®, Nest®, or AT&T®, allowing users to see their dogs and even speak to them.

[0024] In some embodiments, a small receiver unit may be plugged into a router or switch on a Wi-Fi™ network so that any device on the network may alert the user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the invention may further comprise a receiver that may be plugged into a wall electrical socket.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a dog bell alert device 10 is shown, including a belt 16 with an adjustable loop 12 formed at one end, a sensor and/or transmitter 14 attached thereto, and bells 18 attached to the belt 16. FIG. 1 illustrates adjustment of the loop 12. The bells 18 give the dog audio feedback (i.e., an audible signal) consistent with what they receive from a currently available jingle bell device. The loop 12 may be fastened around the doorknob or door handle and the sensor and/or transmitter 14 may be activated when the dog rings the bells, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 3, when the sensor/transmitter 14 is activated, an electromagnetic signal may be sent to a device with third party software 22, a doorbell device 24, and/or a plug-in receiver 26 via Wi-Fi™ or other communication system. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor/transmitter may be powered by a battery 20 contained therein.

[0027] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.