Abstract:
An apparatus and method is provided for controlling animal activity with an adhesive sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet includes strips uniformly spaced apart on a transfer layer including a bisected protection layer. In another embodiment, the sheet is flat and generally rectangular. In another embodiment, the sheet is rolled. In yet another embodiment, the sheet is deployed from a dispenser. In one embodiment of the method, the sheet is deployed by locating an area of activity to be controlled, removing the control sheet from the transfer sheet, placing the control sheet on an the area of activity to be controlled and then systematically and sequentially removing the first protection sheet and the second protection sheet. In another embodiment, the area to be controlled includes a surface discontinuity requiring placement of the control sheet along the discontinuity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/084,540 entitled “Method and Device for Preventing Pets from Clawing Home Furnishings” filed Mar. 18, 2005 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/810,049, filed Mar. 4, 1997, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/012,825, filed Mar. 5, 1996. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates in general to animal control methods, and in particular to a method and device for preventing pets from clawing furniture or digging in potted plants. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    Some animals such as cats tend to naturally claw at or scratch home furnishings. If allowed to continue, such activity can significantly deface and even damage the furniture. Animals also defecate and meander in unwanted places. There are a number of methods for deterring many types of animals from causing and engaging in unwanted activity. 
         [0004]    Prior art devices include those shown in Italy Patent No. 590,156, U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,146 to Anhäuser, et al.;  Claws and All: Living With Your Cat, Your Furniture, and Your Peace of Mind , Rachel Lamb from the Spring 1996 HSUS News,© 1996 the HSUS; and  Basic Training for Your Cat,©  1995 Bohnenkamp, Perfect Paws, Inc. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment an array of strips. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged, partial sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the strips of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing of the strips of  FIG. 1  affixed to furniture. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a schematic drawing of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  in use. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the strip of an alternate preferred embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the strip of  FIG. 6  taken along line  7 - 7 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an alternate preferred embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a stretched alternate preferred embodiment of the strip of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a schematic drawing of the strip of  FIG. 8  in use. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a schematic drawing of various applications of a preferred embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment affixed to corners of a piece of furniture. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an alternate preferred embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the strip of  FIG. 13  taken along the line  14 - 14 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a dispensing housing. 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of an alternate preferred embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the strip of  FIG. 16  taken along the line  17 - 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an array  11  of multilaminate, rectangular strips  13  is shown. Each strip  13  is approximately twelve inches long and two inches wide. Strips  13  are affixed to a paper transfer sheet  15  and are uniformly spaced apart from one another by gaps  17 . Each strip  13  has a plastic substrate or film  21  which provides the backing for two adhesive coating  23 ,  25  located on both sides of strip  13 . Strips  13  and coatings  23 ,  25  are preferably transparent so as to appear substantially invisible when affixed to furniture. Coatings  23 ,  25  are preferably acrylic or a similar water based adhesive and can easily be removed from home furnishing fabrics. Coating  25  creates a releasable bond between film  21  and transfer sheet  15 . The upper surface of transfer sheet  15  is treated with paraffin to facilitate easy removal of strips  13  from transfer sheet  15 . A paper protective or release layer  27  is affixed to film  21  above coating  23 . The lower surface of release layer  27  is treated with paraffin to facilitate easy removal of release layer  27  from film  21 . In the embodiment shown, release layer  27  is longitudinally bisected into two separate portions as shown by cut  29 . 
         [0023]    In operation, strip  13  is peeled from transfer sheet  15  so that adhesive coating  25  is exposed. Gaps  17  between strips  13  provide an indication of the side margins of each strip  13  so as to not confuse cut  29  with the side margins. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the user then presses strip  13  against an item of furniture  31 , a countertop, or other object where a cat may tread or tend to “sharpen” its claws. Coating  25  removably affixes strip  13  to fabric home furnishings such as drapery or an item of furniture  31  along an outer surface  33 . If necessary, strip  13  may be repositioned after it is affixed to furniture  31 . Finally, release layer  27  is easily removed from strip  13  by peeling the two portions of release layer  27  along cut  29 , thereby exposing coating  23 . These steps are then repeated for each surface  33  that is susceptible to be scratched. Since it is transparent, strip  13  is not readily visible after release layer  27  is removed. When a cat attempts to scratch furniture  31 , its paw contacts and receives an unpleasant sticking sensation from exposed adhesive coating  23 , deterring the cat from future contact with that item of furniture  31 . Coating  25  is of sufficient strength so as to remain affixed to furniture  31  when cats or other pets attempt to scratch furniture  31 . 
         [0024]    An alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . Strip  41  has a rectangular corrugated plastic substrate  43  topped by adhesive coating  45 . There is no coating of adhesive on the lower side of strip  41 . Substrate  43  and coating  45  are impervious to water. Substrate  43  is fairly rigid and is preferably colored to blend in with soil. Coating  45  creates a bond between substrate  43  and paper release layer  47 . The lower surface of release layer  47  is treated with paraffin to facilitate easy removal of release layer  47  from substrate  43 . Release layer  47  is longitudinally bisected into two portions by cut  49 . The size of each strip  41  may vary, but is typically about the same size as strip  13  of the first embodiment. If necessary, strip  41  may be cut or trimmed to meet a particular application. 
         [0025]    In operation, release layer  47  is easily removed from strip  41  by peeling release layer  47  along cut  49 , thereby exposing coating  45 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , strip  41  is placed in a potted houseplant  51  so that the lower, nonadhesive side of substrate  43  lies in contact with soil  53 . Preferably, a plurality of strips  41  are placed on soil  53  and overlapped transverse to one another. When strips  41  are overlapped, the coating  45  on one strip  41  sticks to the non-coated side of another strip  41 . This alignment creates an array of strips that is not easily lifted by a pet. When a cat attempts to dig in soil  53 , it contacts and receives an unpleasant sticking sensation from exposed adhesive coating  45  and is deterred from future contact with soil  53  of houseplant  51 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an alternate embodiment is shown as strip  63 . In the alternate embodiment, strip  63  is approximately 11 inches long and 8 inches wide. In the preferred embodiment, the surface area is rectangular tape about 16 square inches. Strip  63  is affixed to paper transfer layer  62 . In the preferred embodiment, transfer layer  62  is approximately 12 inches long and 9 inches wide. Of course other dimensions of the strip and transfer sheet can be used with equal success. Other shapes besides rectangular could be provided in alternative embodiments, as well, such as polygons or ellipses. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a side view of strip  63  is shown. It is comprised of five layers. The first layer, transfer layer  62 , is a wax coated paper. In other embodiments, transfer layer  62  can be a thin polypropylene sheet or other sheet materials having at least one slick surface. The second layer is first adhesive coating  76 . First adhesive coating  76  in the preferred embodiment is a water based adhesive which can easily be removed and reattached from objects such as home furnishings or carpets. In the preferred embodiment, first adhesive coating  76  is a polyacrylate adhesive which is transparent, odorless and tasteless. In other embodiments first adhesive coating  76  can be styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, poly(butyl acrylate), poly(2-octyl acrylate), styrene-isoprene-styrene or poly(ethylhexyl acrylate). In any of the embodiments described herein, a scented adhesive, such as a citrus scent, can be employed. All embodiments could also be coated with agents with a disagreeable taste, such as a citrus flavor. Also any of the embodiments can have color or designs can be added to the adhesive. The thickness of first adhesive coating  76  is approximately one to two mils thick. Other thickness of adhesive can be used. The greater the thickness of first adhesive coating  76 , the easier it will be to remove strip  63  when it has been affixed to a surface. 
         [0028]    The third layer is transparent layer  75 . First adhesive coating  76  adheres to one side of transparent layer  75 , forming a bond not easily removed. In the preferred embodiment, transparent layer  75  is a transparent polypropylene sheeting approximately one to two mils thick. In an alternate embodiment, colors and designs can be added to transparent layer  75 . Thicknesses of up to five mils can be used depending on the desired application of the embodiment. The durability and rigidity of the sheet increases as the thickness increases. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the economy of the transparent layer increases as the thickness decreases. 
         [0029]    In an alternate embodiment first adhesive coating  76  is intermittently applied to the strip. The placement of first adhesive coating  76  can be applied to less than the full surface area of layer  75 . For instance, the adhesive coating may be applied in a pattern or shape. First adhesive coating  76  can also be arranged in parallel lines, non-parallel serpentine patterns or in other patterns. If colored, the adhesive can take on decorative patterns such as floral patterns. In one preferred embodiment, the adhesive is arranged in a series of parallel lines lengthwise on layer  75 . In this embodiment, the width of each parallel line is about 2 millimeters. The space between the lines is about one centimeter. The resulting adhesive coverage is about 20% of the surface of layer  75 . Smaller layer percentages of coverage can be employed in different embodiments to adjust adhesive coverage to delicate or robust surfaces. 
         [0030]    The fourth layer comprises second adhesive coating  74 . Second adhesive coating  74  is preferably a polyacrylate adhesive or other similar water based adhesive which is transparent, non-toxic, odorless and tasteless. In other embodiments second adhesive coating  74  can be styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, poly(butyl acrylate), poly(2-octyl acrylate), styrene-isoprene-styrene or poly(ethylhexyl acrylate). Second adhesive coating  74  adheres to a surface of transparent layer  75  with a bond not easily removed. In the preferred embodiment, first adhesive coating  76  and second adhesive coating  74  are both water based adhesives. In any of the embodiments described herein, at least first adhesive coating  74  or second adhesive coating  76  can be formed of a water insoluable adhesive. 
         [0031]    The fifth layer of strip  63  is a release layer separated into two pieces  72   a  and  72   b . In the preferred embodiment, the pieces are wax coated paper. However, in other embodiments, a thin polypropylene plastic or other flexible sheet can be used. As can be seen from  FIG. 6 , pieces  72   a  and  72   b  are separated by a dividing line  61  along the long axis of transfer layer  62 . In any of the embodiments described herein, release layer  72   a  and  72   b  can be separated along an axis or diagonally, depending on the application desired. In an alternative embodiment, words, designs or colors may be added to the exposed surface of pieces  72   a  and  72   b.    
         [0032]      FIG. 8  shows an alternate embodiment which includes diagonally staggered perforations  1607 . Perforations  1607  are cut into the strip by a roller or other available means known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, each linear perforation  1607  is approximately one inch long and occurs at a frequency of three perforations per square inch. Of course other dimensions and frequencies of perforations can be used with equal success. The greater the number of perforations, the more the strip can be expanded. In use, after transparent layer  75  is peeled from transfer layer  62 , transparent layer  75  is expanded by stretching the strip outward, as shown by arrows  1605  and  1606 , in a direction perpendicular to the linear length of the perforations.  FIG. 9  shows expanded perforated strip  1701 . All five layers of the strip can be perforated or only the transparent layer can be perforated.  FIG. 10  shows use of this embodiment on an irregular surface  1902 . 
         [0033]    For any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the desired locations can be carpets, floors, dirt, patios or other generally horizontal surfaces to prevent unwanted defecation or meandering or walls, drapes, furniture, plant stems, trees, wires, lamp posts, trashcans, BBQ grills or other generally vertical surfaces to prevent scratching or clawing of animals. The embodiments with incidental placement of adhesive are suited to be used on delicate areas such as vehicles, vehicle covers and fine fabrics. Perforated embodiments are well suited for irregular shaped objects such as bushes and fences, but can also be used with equal success on other horizontal or vertical surfaces. Any of the embodiments disclosed herein can also be used with equal success to deter the behavior of birds, rodents, or other animals. 
         [0034]    In use, transparent layer  75  is peeled from transfer layer  62 , leaving adhesive coating  76  on transparent layer  75  exposed. Two piece release layer  72   a  and  72   b  remains affixed to transparent layer  75  to give rigidity to transparent layer  75  and to aid in positioning the strip. 
         [0035]    First adhesive coating  76  is pressed onto the desired surface by an application of pressure to the exposed surface of release layer  72   a  and  72   b.  If necessary, strip  63  may be reposition after it is affixed. Two piece release layer  72   a  and  72   b  remains affixed to strip  63  to aid in repositioning. Release layer  72   a  and  72   b  is removed from strip  63  by peeling the two separate portions of the release layer along division  61 , one at a time, thereby exposing second adhesive coating  74 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 11  shows use of the invention in environment  86 . Environment  86  includes corner  83 , furniture  85 , horizontal carpet surface  82  and horizontal slick surface  81 . Strip  63  is shown in position along corner  83 . In this location, first adhesive coating  76  is pressed against corner  83  along division  61  between two-piece release layer  72   a  and  72   b.  Release layers  72   a  and  72   b  are removed from strip  63  by peeling each piece one at a time. It will be appreciated by those in the art that it would be difficult or impossible to remove release layers  72   a  and  72   b  if they were in fact one piece. Wrinkling, tearing and damage to transparent layer  75  would occur in this instance. 
         [0037]    Still referring to  FIG. 11 , an item of furniture  85  is shown. In this usage, the strip is cut along shape  66  to match or avoid item of furniture  85 . After modifying strip  65  by cutting, the transparent layer is removed from the transfer layer and positioned as desired. Then, the release layer is removed a strip at a time and positioned on carpet surface  82 . 
         [0038]    In another application, strip  67  is placed on flat surface  81  in the area where the presence of the pet is to be deterred. 
         [0039]    In another application, strip  67  is placed along interface  84  between carpet surface  82  and flat surface  81 . In this application, transparent layer  75  at strip  67  is placed along interface  84  generally aligning division  61  with the interface. Two-piece release  72   a  and  72   b  is then removed one strip at a time to prevent damage to transparent layer  75 . 
         [0040]    In an alternate embodiment, the transfer layer and release layer can be placed on the corner of an object. For example, referring to  FIG. 12 , an alternate embodiment of the preferred invention is shown deploying the release layer and transparent layer on a corner of the surface. The steps of this alternate embodiment include removing the transparent layer from the transfer layer, placing the first adhesive layer along one side of the corner, centering the corner along the axis of the cut, bending the transparent layer along the axis of the cut, pressing the second side of the transparent layer  124  against the article and removing release layer  72   a  and finally removing release layer  72   b.  In this alternate embodiment, division  61  allows release layers  72   a  and  72   b  to be removed without being torn. Of course, this method can be applied to corners of any orientation such as a horizontal corner. Deploying the invention along a corner as described is very difficult with a single release layer as in the prior art. 
         [0041]    If transparent, first adhesive coating  76 , second adhesive coating  74 , and transparent layer  75  are not readily visible after release layer  72   a  and  72   b  are removed. Coating  76  is of sufficient thickness and strength to remain affixed to the surfaces to which they are affixed when repeatedly contacted. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , use of an alternative embodiment is pictured. In this embodiment, the release layer is removed from a transparent layer. The perforated transparent layer, still attached to the perforated release layer, is then stretched perpendicularly to the axis of the perforations expanding the coverage area of the device. The transparent layer is then placed on the irregular object and the release layer is removed. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an alternate embodiment is shown as a cylinder of multilayer laminate  93 . In this preferred embodiment, multilayer laminate  93  is approximately 96 inches long and two inches wide. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the multilayer laminate is much longer than its width, but of course other the dimensions can be used with equal success. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , multilayer laminate  93  has four layers. The first layer, film  104 , provides backing for the second and third layers or first adhesive coating  101  and second adhesive coating  102 . The fourth layer, two piece release layer  103 , is releasably adhered to film  104  by coating  101 . Coatings  101  and  102  are preferably polyacrylate or a similar water based adhesive. In an alternate embodiment, coating  102  is ¼ square inch wide located perpendicular to the axis of film  104 . Of course other widths or other arrangements of intermit adhesive coatings can be used with equal success. This embodiment allows film  104  to be removably adhered to a surface without requiring the adhesive coating to cover the entire surface covered by film  104 . The upper and lower surfaces of two piece release layer  103  are treated with paraffin to facilitate easy removal of film  104 . Multilayer laminate  93  is generally stored in and deployed from a rolled position, therefore both sides of release layer  103  are required to be easily separated from coatings  101  and  102 . In the embodiment shown, two piece release layer  103  is longitudinally bisected into two separate portions along division  91 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the multilayer laminate is comprised of a spooled strip in which coating  102  is in contact with the top surface of release layer  103  in successive layers. Multilayer laminate  93  is spooled on a rigid cylinder  95 . In the preferred embodiment, the cylinder is made of cardboard but could also be made of a rigid plastic or a light metal. In operation, multilayer laminate  93  is unwound from cylinder  95  to a desired length, exposing coating  102 . The desired length of multilayer laminate  93  is separated from the cylinder by using a cutting utensil such as scissors or a razor blade. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , housing  114  can be used to facilitate the detachment of multilayer laminate  93  from cylinder  95 . Housing  114  is comprised of two generally parallel support arms  116  and  111 . Support arms  116  and  111  are connected by support bar  115  having serrated edge  119 . Support arm  116  includes inward facing cylinder support  117  while support arm  111  includes a diametrically opposed inward facing cylinder support  118 . Support cylinder  116  includes tab  112  and support cylinder  111  includes tab  113 . Housing  114  in the preferred embodiment is made of a polypropylene plastic which is colored as desired. Of course, other plastics and flexible metals can be used as well. In the preferred embodiment, serrated edge  119  is made of a light metal, but can also be formed from the same material as housing  114 . 
         [0047]    In use, cylinder  95  with rolled up multilayer laminate  93  thereon is positioned between support arm  116  and support arm  111  and held in place by cylinder support  117  and cylinder support  118 . The diameters of cylinder support  117  and cylinder support  118  are sized so as to be slightly less than the diameter of cylinder support  95  and thus provide a snug but easily rotatable fit. The result is that cylinder  95  is allowed to rotate with respect to cylinder support  117  and cylinder support  118 . Multilayer laminate  93  is then unwound and fed under tabs  112  and  113  and over support bar  115  and serrated edge  119 . The desired length of multilayer laminate  93  is pulled from cylinder  95  and cut from the roll with serrated edge  119 . 
         [0048]    In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , multilayer laminate  203  is rolled on cylinder  205 . Cylinder  205  has a diameter in the range of two to four inches and is intended to be hand held but can be fitted in an appropriate dispenser as is common in the art. Multilayer laminate  203  is sectioned into predetermined segments by cuts  215 . Cuts  215  are perforated cuts along an axis generally parallel to the rotational axis of cylinder  205  and generally perpendicular to the edges of multilayer laminate  203  thus creating segments generally rectangular in shape. Cuts  215  can section multilayer laminate  203  into segments all having equal lengths or cuts  215  may be manufactured such that the predetermined lengths of each segment vary. Cuts  215  may also be positioned at an angle ranging from 30 to 60 degrees from the rotational axis of the cylinder to create segments that are generally triangular in shape. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , multilayer laminate  203  has four layers. The first layer, substrate  224 , provides backing for the second layer, first adhesive coating  221 , and the third layer, second adhesive coating  222 . The fourth layer, two piece release layer  223 , is releasably adhered to substrate  224  by first adhesive coating  221 . Substrate  224 , first adhesive coating  221 , and second adhesive coating  222  are generally transparent. First adhesive coating  221  and second adhesive coating  222  are preferably polyacrylate or similar water based adhesive. The amount, color, and pattern of the adhesive can be as described in any of the previous embodiments. 
         [0050]    Multilayer laminate  203  is generally stored in and deployed from a rolled position, therefore both sides of release layer  223  are treated with paraffin or equivalent so as to be easily separated from first adhesive coating  221  and second adhesive coating  222  during deployment and use. Two piece release layer  223  is further longitudinally bisected into two equal width separate portions along division  211 . Each separate portion of release layer  223  is adjacent to and do not overlap a linear axis of division  211 . 
         [0051]    In use, multilayer laminate  203  is unrolled off of cylinder  205  and exposes first adhesive coating  221 . Once the desired length of multilayer laminate  203  is reached, a user tears a segment of multilayer laminate  203  off of cylinder  205  via one of the perforated cuts  215 . One or several cuts  215  may be skipped in order to reach the desired length. The segment is positioned in a locale where pet deterrence is desired using first adhesive coating  221  to releasably hold the segment in place. If necessary, the segment may be repositioned after it has been put in place. The segment may also be cut or trimmed to a desired shape. Once the segment is placed, two piece release layer  223  is removed one piece at a time. It will be appreciated by those in the art that it would be difficult to remove the release layer if it were just one piece. Wrinkling, tearing, or other damage to substrate  224  might occur otherwise. Substrate  224  is now in place with second adhesive coating  222  exposed. When a pet comes into contact with second adhesive coating  222 , it receives an unpleasant sticking sensation which deters the pet from future contact in that area. Once pet deterrence is no longer desired, substrate  224  may be easily removed by simply peeling it away from the surface it is adhered to. First adhesive coating  221  will leave no residue once removed. The multilayer laminate is easily removable and can be easily reapplied to another location where pet deterrence is desired. 
         [0052]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0053]    The patentees do not intend to dedicate any disclosed embodiments to the public, and to the extent any disclosed modifications or alterations may not literally fall within the scope of the claims, they are considered to be part of the invention under the doctrine of equivalents.