Animal Containment and Automatic Release Enclosure

Abstract

An animal containment and automatic release enclosure is disclosed featuring a unitary structure providing a secure interior space for animals. The enclosure incorporates ventilation apertures, enabling the animal to access fresh air for breathing and ventilation. Environmental sensors in wireless communication with a personal device continuously monitor the enclosure's conditions, ensuring the animal's well-being. Wirelessly controlled enclosure doors, operated by an electric enclosure door control device, provide convenient access to the enclosed animal. The system further integrates external sensors, such as a carbon monoxide sensor for monitoring external CO levels, a moisture detection pad sensor to identify liquid accidents, and a temperature sensor to regulate internal temperature. The enclosure is designed to cater to various environments, including those with potential carbon monoxide exposure, making it suitable for use in multiple settings. It can be employed by veterinarians, law enforcement personnel, military professionals, security experts, pet owners, and animals trained for specific tasks. Additionally, remote access is possible through a personal communication device.

Claims

1. An animal containment and automatic release enclosure comprising: four enclosure walls; an enclosure top; an enclosure bottom, wherein the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom form a unitary enclosure that defines an interior enclosure space; a ventilation aperture in one of the enclosure walls; an enclosure door within one of the enclosure walls, wherein the enclosure door opens and closes to allow access to the interior enclosure space; an electric door control device attached to one of the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom, wherein the electric door control device is in communication with and controls the enclosure door to open and close; and a controller attached to one of the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom, wherein the controller is in communication with the electric door control device, and wherein the controller is configured to send a signal to the electric door control device to open or close the enclosure door.

2. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 1, wherein the electric door control device is selected from the group consisting of a linear actuator, a servo drive, a dual solenoid, a spring device, and any combinations thereof.

3. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transmitter in communication with the controller and configured to communicate with a personal communication device of a user, so that the user can send a command to the controller through the wireless transmitter to open or close the enclosure door.

4. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 3, wherein the gateway hub enclosure communicates with the personal communication device using a protocols selected from the group consisting of Z-wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and any combinations thereof.

5. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 3, wherein the controller and the wireless transmitter are within a gateway hub enclosure mounted to an exterior surface of one of the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom.

6. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 1, further comprising an environmental control sensor attached to one of the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom, and wherein the environmental control sensor is in communication with the controller.

7. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 6, wherein the environmental control sensor is a plurality of environmental control sensors.

8. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 6, wherein the environmental control sensor is selected from the group consisting of a carbon monoxide sensor, a moisture sensor that detects a level of moisture in the interior enclosure space, a temperature sensor, and any combinations thereof.

9. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to send a signal to the electric door control device to open the enclosure door when the controller receives a measured value from the environmental control sensor that is above a threshold value.

10. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 6, further comprising a wireless transmitter in communication with the controller and configured to communicate with a personal communication device of a user, so that the user can send a command to the controller from the personal communication device through the wireless transmitter to open or close the enclosure door.

11. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to send a signal to the electric door control device to open the enclosure door and/or a notification to the personal communication device when the controller receives a measured value from the environmental control sensor that is above a threshold value.

12. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to store measurement data from the environmental control sensor and data relating to when the electric door control device opens or closes the enclosure door.

13. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a charging port and a rechargeable battery in communication with the charging port.

14. An animal containment and automatic release enclosure comprising: four enclosure walls; an enclosure top; an enclosure bottom, wherein the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom form a unitary enclosure that defines an interior enclosure space; a ventilation aperture in one of the enclosure walls; an enclosure door within one of the enclosure walls, wherein the enclosure door opens and closes to allow access to the interior enclosure space; an electric door control device attached to one of the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom, wherein the electric door control device is in communication with and controls the enclosure door to open and close, wherein the electric door control device is selected from the group consisting of a linear actuator, a servo drive, a dual solenoid, a spring device, and any combinations thereof; a controller attached to one of the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom, wherein the controller is in communication with the electric door control device, and wherein the controller is configured to send a signal to the electric door control device to open or close the enclosure door; and a wireless transmitter in communication with the controller and configured to communicate with a personal communication device of a user, so that the user can send a command to the controller through the wireless transmitter to open or close the enclosure door.

15. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of environmental control sensors attached to at least one of the four enclosure walls, enclosure top, and enclosure bottom, and wherein each of the plurality of environmental control sensors is in communication with the controller.

16. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 15, wherein the plurality of environmental control sensors are selected from the group consisting of a carbon monoxide sensor, a moisture sensor that detects a level of moisture in the interior enclosure space, a temperature sensor, and any combinations thereof.

17. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to send a signal to the electric door control device to open the enclosure door and/or a notification to the personal communication device when the controller receives a measured value from one of the plurality of environmental control sensors that is above a threshold value.

18. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 15, wherein the plurality of environmental control sensors are selected from the group consisting of a moisture sensor that detects a level of moisture in the interior enclosure space, a temperature sensor, and a combination thereof.

19. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 18, further comprising a carbon monoxide sensor.

20. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure of claim 14, further comprising a charging port and a rechargeable battery in communication with the charging port.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the animal containment and automatic release enclosure 10, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the animal containment and automatic release enclosure 10, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the animal containment and automatic release enclosure 10, shown in a utilized state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the animal containment and automatic release enclosure 10, as seen along a line I-I, as shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and,

[0015] FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram of the animal containment and automatic release enclosure 10, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

[0016] 10 animal containment and automatic release enclosure [0017] 15 wall [0018] 20 floor [0019] 25 top [0020] 30 door [0021] 35 foot [0022] 40 ventilation opening [0023] 45 door control device [0024] 50 gateway hub enclosure [0025] 55 charging port [0026] 60 rechargeable battery [0027] 65 carbon monoxide (CO) sensor [0028] 70 corner reinforcement [0029] 75 internet [0030] 80 first radio frequency (RF) wave [0031] 85 mobile telephone network [0032] 90 second radio frequency (RF) wave [0033] 95 personal communication device [0034] 100 user [0035] 105 animal [0036] 110 moisture detection pad sensor [0037] 115 temperature sensor [0038] 120 charge controller [0039] 125 main controller [0040] 130 wireless transmitter [0041] 135 interconnection wiring

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

[0042] Referring now to the FIGURES, and in particular FIG. 1, a front perspective view of the animal containment and automatic release enclosure 10, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. The animal containment and automatic release enclosure (herein also described as the enclosure) 10, provides for remote or automatic release of at least one (1) door 30 of the enclosure 10 depending on certain external conditions. It is intended for use by law enforcement animals 105 and/or pets. The enclosure 10 is typical in design and a six-sided embodiment comprising four (4) walls 15, a floor 20, a top 25, and at least one (1) door 30. The enclosure 10 is supported by four (4) feet 35 (of which only three (3) are shown due to illustrative limitations) and is equipped with multiple ventilation openings 40 to allow for breathing and ventilation of the contained animal 105. Each door 30 is equipped with a door control device 45 to allow for both opening and closing of thereof. The door control device 45 is of an electric nature and may be a linear actuator, a servo drive, a dual solenoid/spring device, or the like. As such, the use of any specific device serving the function of the door control device 45 is not intended to be a limiting factor of the present disclosure.

[0043] The exterior of the enclosure 10 is provided with a gateway hub enclosure 50 that communicates with other electronic devices as will be shown below. Typically, the gateway hub enclosure 50 would be mounted to an exterior surface of a wall 15. The gateway hub enclosure 50 is equipped with a charging port 55 for charging a rechargeable battery 60 (not shown due to illustrative limitations). Battery 60 operation of the enclosure 10 allows use of the enclosure 10 in all locations, including mobile use, whether or not alternating current (AC) power is available or not. The gateway hub enclosure 50 also allows for communication with a personal communication device 95 such as mobile telephones, tablet computers, notebook computers, desktop computers, home automation panels, proprietary platforms or the like. The gateway hub enclosure 50 may use existing protocols such as Z-wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other standard or proprietary protocols. The external communication protocols used by the enclosure 10 is not intended to be a limiting factor of the present disclosure. The enclosure 10 also contains a carbon monoxide sensor 65 on its external surface for monitoring of carbon monoxide (CO) levels external to the enclosure 10. Such monitoring ability is viewed as being valuable should the enclosure 10 be used in a motor vehicle (such as with the case of animals 105 such as dogs used in law enforcement, drug detection, bomb detection, life-saving, or the like), in a garage, basement, or other location where carbon monoxide (CO) may be present.

[0044] Referring next to FIG. 2, a rear perspective view of the enclosure 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. As previously disclosed, the enclosure 10 provides for four (4) sections of walls 15 with a top 25 piece. The top 25 is provided with ventilation openings 40. Corner reinforcements 70 may be utilized if needed depending on physical usage conditions. Three (3) of the four (4) feet 35 are visible. Finally, the door 30 remains visible in its open position on the far wall 15.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, a pictorial view of the enclosure 10, shown in a utilized state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The gateway hub enclosure 50 is in communication with the internet 75 using a first radio frequency (RF) wave 80 as previously described. Using conventional pathways, the internet 75 is connected to a mobile telephone network 85. A second radio frequency (RF) wave 90 is communication with a personal communication device 95 held by the user 100. The personal communication device 95 may be a mobile telephone as shown, or virtually any type of communication device that can be connected to the internet 75. In the instance of a mobile telephone, the personal communication device 95 would be adaptable to both the iOS or Android operating system. The user 100 is envisioned to be a handler of animals 105 in practice, such as that would be expected by veterinarians, law enforcement personnel, military personal, security professionals, pet owners, drug dogs, explosive and contraband detection dogs, and the like. In the event of an emergency, as determined by the associated electronics of the enclosure 10, such as the carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 65 (as shown in FIG. 1), or others to be described herein below, or by the user 100, commands may be issued by the personal communication device 95 to open all doors 30 (as shown in FIG. 1) to allow the contained animal 105 to exit. As the user 100 may be anywhere in the world, access may be granted by the user 100. Such remote access is also envisioned as valuable should the user 100 be on a different floor of a residence from the enclosure 10, or away from a vehicle containing the enclosure 10. It may also be used during training of the animal 105 for food aggression dogs, personal security guard dogs, and those who crate their animal 105 and need instant access to remotely open and close the enclosure 10.

[0046] Referring next to FIG. 4, a sectional view of the enclosure 10, as seen along a line I-I, as shown in FIG. 1, according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. The four (4) feet 35 are shown via dashed lines, due to their hidden nature. A moisture detection pad sensor 110 is provided on the entire surface of the floor 20, up to the confines of the walls 15. The moisture detection pad sensor 110 detects if the animal 105 (as shown in FIG. 3) has urinated, spilt water, or had another type of accident involving a liquid the enclosure 10. Such an event would produce a notification on the personal communication device 95 (as shown in FIG. 3) and indicate the animal 105 had an accident in their enclosure 10 as sensed from the moisture detection pad sensor 110, thus alerting the user 100 (as shown in FIG. 3) to take corrective action. A temperature sensor 115 detects excess hot or cold temperature levels. The gateway hub enclosure 50 (as shown in FIG. 1), provides notification of temperature to the personal communication device 95, and automatically opens any door 30, via the door control device 45, in the instance of extreme and dangerous temperatures. The carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 65 operates in a similar manner to the temperature sensor 115 with regards to remote operation and automatic opening of the doors 30 in an emergency situation.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, an electrical block diagram of the enclosure 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. External electrical power is introduced to the enclosure 10 via the charging port 55 and is directed to a charge controller 120. In turn, the charge controller 120 maintains an electrical charge upon the rechargeable battery 60 and provides uninterrupted power to a main controller 125. Should electrical power be removed from the charging port 55, the rechargeable battery 60 provides adequate capacity to maintain operation of the enclosure 10 for an extended period of time. The main controller 125 is provided with input signals from the carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 65, the temperature sensor 115 and the moisture detection pad sensor 110, and will make automatic, parameter-based actions depending on the values received. Additionally, the wireless transmitter 130 provides both input and output functionality to the main controller 125 and allows for sending of notifications and receiving commands from the wireless transmitter 130. The main controller 125, envisioned to be a single board computer (SBC) such as a RaspberryPi, Arduino, or the like, provides notification if any door 30 (as shown in FIG. 1) were manually opened as well as a log of all operations, including sensor values from the carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 65, the temperature sensor 115, and the moisture detection pad sensor 110. The main controller 125 provides output signals to any door control devices 45 to unlock, open, close, and lock the respective door 30. It is noted that the charging port 55, the rechargeable battery 60, the charge controller 120, the main controller 125, and the wireless transmitter 130 are all contained within the gateway hub enclosure 50. Remote items to the gateway hub enclosure 50, such as the carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 65, the temperature sensor 115, the moisture detection pad sensor 110, and the door control device 45 are provided with interconnection wiring 135.

2. Operation of an Embodiment

[0048] One embodiment of the present disclosure can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the enclosure 10 would be constructed in general accordance with FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. The user 100 would procure the enclosure 10 from conventional procurement channels such as pet stores, veterinarian supply houses, law enforcement supply houses, military suppliers, and the like. Special attention would be paid to the overall size of the enclosure 10, such that it would fit in the desired location as well as being appropriate for the size of the animal 105.

[0049] After procurement and prior to utilization, the rechargeable battery 60 would be charged by connecting an external power source to the charging port 55 for an appropriate period of time. The wireless transmitter 130 included in the gateway hub enclosure 50, would be paired and active with the appropriate monitoring system (Z-wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or the like). The personal communication device 95 would be interconnected with the appropriate monitoring system if not already done so. The enclosure 10 would be placed in the area of intended use. At this point in time, the enclosure 10 is ready for utilization.

[0050] During utilization of the enclosure 10 in an automatic manner, the animal 105 would be placed in the enclosure 10 and all doors 30 secured in a conventional manner. Should excessive high or low temperatures, or excessive carbon monoxide (CO) levels be detected by the temperature sensor 115 and the carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 65 respectively, the main controller 125 will automatically open all doors 30 and provide notification to the personal communication device 95.

[0051] During utilization of the enclosure 10 in a manual/remote manner, all levels from the carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 65, the temperature sensor 115 and the temperature sensor 115 will be provided to the personal communication device 95 on a continuous basis, along with the open/close status of any doors 30 as controlled by the door control device 45. Should the user 100 wish to open or close any doors 30, the user 100 may issue a command to do so. Such actions are viewed as advantageous to law enforcement officers, military personnel, emergency personnel, or anyone who enlists the services of a trained animal 105. Such services are also beneficial to users 100 who are veterinarians, trainers, and pet owners who wish to control access to and from the enclosure 10 from a remote location.

[0052] The terms a and an herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items.

[0053] The best mode for carrying out the disclosure is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 through 5. However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the disclosure are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this disclosure. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present disclosure can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one (1) particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.

[0054] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.