Patent ID: 6047664
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A01K,Y10S

Abstract:
An improved electronic training leash and collar which includes a negative reinforcement delivery system for training an animal, said improved electronic training leash and collar comprising:an elongated leash member defining a first end and a second end, said first end including a handle being configured for gripping by a trainer and said second end including a collar being configured to be worn by the animal;a control module attached proximate to said first end, said control module having an indicator device for indicating the status of the improved electronic training leash and at least one switch for controlling operation of said improved electronic training leash; said at least one switch selected from the group consisting of a correction button, a warning button, and a programming button; said indicator device including at least one of an audible indicator and a visual indicator; anda reinforcement module attached proximate to said second end and in communication with said control module; said reinforcement module including a reinforcement circuit for responding to said at least one switch to deliver a selected stimulus to the animal; said at least one switch including a warning button and wherein said reinforcement circuit includes a warning stimulus delivery circuit responsive to said warning button for delivering said selected stimulus to the animal; said selected stimulus being a warning stimulus; said warning stimulus including at least one of an audible warning sound, a non-lethal, variable voltage, electrical stimulus, a variable voltage vibration, and a substance or odor which is irritating to the animal; said at least one switch including a correction button and wherein said reinforcement circuit includes a corrective stimulus delivery circuit responsive to said correction button for delivering said selected stimulus to the animal; said selected stimulus being a corrective stimulus; said corrective stimulus delivery circuit including at least one of an audio output device, a pair of electrically conductive terminals, a vibrator, and a dispenser; said corrective stimulus including at least one of an audible warning sound, a non-lethal, variable voltage, electrical stimulus, a variable voltage vibration, and a substance or odor which is irritating to the animal; said at least one switch including a programming button and wherein said reinforcement circuit includes an intensity selection circuit responsive to said programming button for selecting an intensity level for said selected stimulus; said intensity selection circuit provides for a plurality of incremental changes in said intensity level of said selected stimulus, said plurality of incremental changes in a range between a predetermined minimum and maximum intensity level; said reinforcement circuit including a timing circuit for monitoring excessive temporal application of said selected stimulus; said timing device terminating said selected stimulus and disabling said at least one switch after a specified correction usage time.