Pet Deterrent Device

Abstract

A deterrent device for training a pet to avoid a specific area. The deterrent device is a motion detection activated ultrasonic device that utilizes a high frequency sound to deter cats, dogs, and other pets from entering a protected area. The deterrent device comprises an ultrasonic transducer activated by a motion detector. Once motion is detected, the ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasound at a frequency of between 35-45 kHz to repel an animal from a protected area such as, a countertop, furniture, or a room. A frequency adjustment component allows a user to adjust the frequency based on the specific animal to be deterred. The deterrent device may be powered by alternating current or by battery.

Claims

1. A deterrent device comprising: an ultrasonic transducer; a frequency adjusting component for selecting a frequency for the ultrasonic transducer; and a motion detection component for activating the ultrasonic transducer.

2. The deterrent device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst in a frequency range selectable from a plurality of predetermined frequencies.

3. The deterrent device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst in a frequency range of between approximately 35 kHz to approximately 45 kHz.

4. The deterrent device of claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic burst is emitted from the ultrasonic transducer for a predetermined time when motion is detected.

5. The deterrent device of claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic burst is continuously emitted from the ultrasonic transducer for as long as motion is detected.

6. The deterrent device of claim 1 further comprising an indicator light for indicating when the deterrent device is powered.

7. The deterrent device of claim 1 further comprising an indicator light for indicating when the deterrent device is emitting an ultrasonic burst.

8. The deterrent device of claim 1 further comprising a nightlight.

9. The deterrent device of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is manually activatable.

10. A deterrent device comprising: an ultrasonic transducer; a frequency adjusting component for selecting a frequency for the ultrasonic transducer; a motion detection component for activating the ultrasonic transducer; and wherein the deterrent device is battery powered.

11. The deterrent device of claim 10, wherein the deterrent device is rechargeable.

12. The deterrent device of claim 10, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst in a frequency range of between approximately 35 kHz to approximately 45 kHz.

13. The deterrent device of claim 12, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic burst is selectable from a plurality of predetermined frequencies.

14. The deterrent device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of predetermined frequencies are 35 kHz, 40 kHz, and 45 kHz.

15. The deterrent device of claim 10, wherein an ultrasonic burst is emitted from the ultrasonic transducer for a predetermined time when motion is detected.

16. The deterrent device of claim 10, wherein an ultrasonic burst is continuously emitted from the ultrasonic transducer for as long as motion is detected.

17. A deterrent device comprising: an ultrasonic transducer; a frequency adjusting component for selecting a frequency for the ultrasonic transducer; a motion detection component for activating the ultrasonic transducer; and wherein the deterrent device is powered by alternating current.

18. The deterrent device of claim 17, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst in a frequency range selectable from a plurality of predetermined frequencies.

19. The deterrent device of claim 17, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst in a frequency range of between approximately 35 kHz to approximately 45 kHz.

20. The deterrent device of claim 17 further comprising a battery backup.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a deterrent device of the present invention for ultrasonically training a pet to avoid a protected area in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up partial perspective view of the deterrent device of the present invention for ultrasonically training the pet to avoid the protected area in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an overhead view of an inside of the deterrent device of the present invention for ultrasonically training the pet to avoid the protected area in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the deterrent device of the present invention for ultrasonically training the pet to avoid the protected area in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the deterrent device of the present invention ultrasonically deterring a pet from entering the protected area in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an overhead view of an inside of another embodiment of a deterrent device of the present invention for ultrasonically training the pet to avoid the protected area in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a motion detection activated ultrasonic infrared device that utilizes high frequency sound to deter cats and dogs from entering a protected area. Passive infrared motion detectors detect emitted infrared energy which is given off by animals in the form of heat. The sensor in turn signals a control box which may be programmed to emit an ultrasonic sound out of the range of human hearing. The device is designed to deter pets from entering specific areas of a home, grooming salon, office, etc. The device may be a small lightweight disc or cylinder using ABS plastic or a sturdy recycled plastic with a motion detector activated high frequency sound device inside. The device will have an on/off switch with an indicator light and may be rechargeable with a battery backup. The device may employ a small nightlight that automatically illuminates in the dark. The device is focused on motion detection and sound for animal training purposes. The high frequency sound options may include 35-45 kHz, with low being 35 kHz, medium being 40 kHz, and high being 45 kHz. The device may be shaped like an animal paw or any other relevant or desired design.

[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a deterrent device 100. The deterrent device 100 is for use in protecting a designated space from incursion by a pet or domesticated animal. The protected space may be any area in which the user wants to keep the away. For example, the deterrent device 100 may be placed on a kitchen counter, a piece of furniture, or in a room that the user wants to keep the pet off or away from. The range of the deterrent device 100 will be dependent on the physical characteristics of the area to be protected but may be at least six feet or more.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 3 the deterrent device 100 comprises an ultrasonic transducer 104 and a motion detection component 110 retained in a housing 102. The ultrasonic transducer 104 may be a piezoelectric transducer that generates ultrasonic activity to measure the pressure of sound waves that are above frequencies detectable by the human ear. The piezoelectric transducer functions by rapidly expanding and contracting when appropriate electrical frequency and voltage is applied. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing 102 may be shaped as a disc, cylinder, an animal paw, or any desired shape. The housing 102 is typically manufactured from ABS or recycled plastic, although any other suitable material may be used. The housing 102 is constructed so that ultrasound bursts may be emitted. For example, the housing 102 may have slits, holes, or similar openings that will allow sound transmission to pass out of an inside of the housing 102.

[0027] The ultrasonic transducer 104 is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst of sound. The ultrasonic transducer 104 is activated to emit the ultrasonic burst via the motion detection component 110. When motion is detected, such as when the pet approached the deterrent device 100, the ultrasonic transducer 104 is triggered to emit the ultrasonic burst. The motion detection component 110 may be set to detect motion based on the particular space to be protected as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, when the pet enters the protected area, the passive infrared motion detector or sensor will activate the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer to emit the ultrasonic sound. Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer 104 may be triggered manually by a user.

[0028] The deterrent device 100 further comprises a frequency adjusting component 106. The ultrasonic transducer 104 is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst in a frequency range. The frequency range is selectable via the frequency adjusting component 106 from a plurality of predetermined frequencies. The frequency range is typically between approximately 35 kHz to approximately 45 kHz but may be higher or lower depending on the animal as long as it is in the ultrasound range of 20 kHz up to several gigahertz and within the detectable range of the pet. In one example, the plurality of predetermined frequencies can be approximately 35 kHz, 40 kHz, and 45 kHz representing a low, medium, and high frequency option. This is desirable as different pets may respond differently to different frequencies or may develop a tolerance to a certain frequency over time. The ultrasonic burst of sound may be emitted for a predetermined amount of time when motion is detected or may be continuously emitted for as long as motion is detected by the motion detecting component. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pet is deterred by the ultrasonic burst as the pet approached the deterrent device 100 and rapidly leaves the affected area.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the deterrent device 100 further comprises an activation switch 108 for turning the deterrent device 100 on and off. An indicator light 112 can indicate when the deterrent device 100 is powered on. Additionally, the indicator light may indicate when the deterrent device 100 is emitting an ultrasonic burst or to indicate battery life. The deterrent device 100 may further comprise a nightlight 114. The nightlight 114 would illuminate automatically in the dark. The deterrent device 100 further comprises a power source 116. Th power source 116 is typically a battery 120. The battery 120 may be rechargeable.

[0030] In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6, a deterrent device 200 for protecting a designated space from a pet comprises an ultrasonic transducer 204 and a motion detection component 210 retained in a housing 202. The housing 102 may be shaped as a disc, cylinder, an animal paw, or any desired shape as in the previous embodiments. The housing 202 is constructed so that ultrasound bursts may be emitted. For example, the housing 202 may have slits, holes, or similar openings that will allow sound transmission to pass out of an inside of the housing 202.

[0031] The ultrasonic transducer 204 is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst of sound. The ultrasonic transducer 204 is activated to emit the ultrasonic burst via the motion detection component 210. When motion is detected, such as when the pet approached the deterrent device 200, the ultrasonic transducer 204 emits the ultrasonic burst. The motion detection component 210 may be set to detect motion based on the particular space to be protected. Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer 104 may be triggered manually by a user.

[0032] The deterrent device 200 further comprises a frequency adjusting component 206. The ultrasonic transducer 204 is configured to emit an ultrasonic burst in a frequency range. The frequency range is selectable via the frequency adjusting component 206 from a plurality of predetermined frequencies. The frequency range is typically between approximately 35 kHz to approximately 45 kHz, but may be higher or lower depending on the animal. In one example, the plurality of predetermined frequencies can be approximately 35 kHz, 40 kHz, and 45 kHz representing a low, medium, and high frequency option. This is desirable as different pets may respond differently to different frequencies or may develop a tolerance to a certain frequency over time. The ultrasonic burst of sound may be emitted for a predetermined amount of time when motion is detected or may be continuously emitted for as long as motion is detected by the motion detecting component.

[0033] The deterrent device 200 further comprises an activation switch 208 for turning the deterrent device 200 on and off. An indicator light 212 can indicate when the deterrent device 200 is powered on. Additionally, the indicator light may indicate when the deterrent device 200 is emitting an ultrasonic burst. The deterrent device 200 may further comprise a nightlight 214. The nightlight 214 would illuminate automatically in the dark. The deterrent device 200 further comprises a power source 116. The power source 116 is typically a power cord 218 for connecting the deterrent device 200 to an alternating current source of power. The power source 116 may further comprise a battery backup 220 that may be rechargeable.

[0034] It is contemplated that the deterrent device 100, 200 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

[0035] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the deterrent device 100, 200 of the present invention and its various structural components can be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the deterrent device 100, 200 and its various components and material, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the deterrent device 100, 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the deterrent device 100, 200 are important design parameters for attaining the deterrent device 100, 200, the deterrent device 100, 200 and its components may be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.