Animal attracting sound producing ball

An animal attractant device is disclosed, comprising a ball shaped enclosure 10, a pressure sensitive switch assembly 9, and a dual sound synthesizer assembly 8. The device lures an animal into engaging or contacting the ball by intermittant, luring sounds from synthesizer 36, thereby initiating frequent use of the device. As an animal manipulates or rolls the device, an occasional contact of the pressure sensitive pad 16 of pressure sensitive switch assembly 9 by the animal or floor surface, initiates a brief sound from the second synthesizer 38 unlike the continuous, intermittant lure sound of synthesizer 36.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to stationary and self moving toys or devices 
that provide amusement or exercise for animals, but more particularly to a 
stationary device that takes advantage of an animal's inherent curiosity 
and instinct, thereby provoking an animal into imminent contact, and 
moving of the device for extended periods of time. 
BACKGROUND-DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,559, by Borell, Nov. 30, 1993, discloses a ball and 
flexible flag tail pet toy. The ball has to be thrown, thereby causing the 
flag tail to flutter. U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,590, by Skroch, Mar. 25, 1986, 
shows a wild mouse cat scratch pole having a mouse suspension and 
retraction unit that produces an audible sound at the point of full 
retraction. This device tips over constantly and the suspension string or 
tether is potentially harmful to a cat's soft spot between its toes as 
well as the danger of entanglement. This device is void of movement and 
sound, until a cat activates the device by pulling the string or tether 
downwards, releases, and allows the mouse to be retracted. A ball 
currently sold by Wal-Mart called, Dizzy Wiggle Ball, Wal-Mart No. 
TS-B3002BC, made in China and marketed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., shows a 
ball with a battery operated motor that produces an eccentric motion 
within the ball causing it to roll and wiggle erratically, comprised of 
two halves mated by threads. The ball becomes trapped when blocked on some 
occasions and the battery life is extremely short. This device is only 
useful when activated and monitored by a human, to determine when to 
deactivate the device when abandoned by the animal to conserve battery 
power. The turnable switch button on many occasions does not power the 
motor, unless repeatedly turned. Other balls or devices have been made 
that contain catnip or bells within, for luring an animal into play, but 
these devices have produced little incentive. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention takes advantage of the inherent instincts and 
curiosity of an animal's response to sound, when the original sound is not 
initiated by the animal or human hand, but by the device. Generally, the 
present invention is comprised of a movable or rollable object, such as a 
ball containing two electronic sound synthesizers within its housing. The 
first synthesizer is powered by a small battery and is activated by a 
manual switch lever. A remote, pressure sensitive switch on the device 
surface, activates a second synthesizer powered by the same battery, but 
bypasses the first synthesizer switch. When the first synthesizer is 
activated, it emits a continuous intermittant scratching sound at spaced 
intervals. When the animal is in contact with the device surface, and puts 
pressure on the pressure sensitive switch or pad, the second synthesizer 
will emit a brief series of mouse related squeaks. The preferred sound is 
that of a mouse producing scratching noises within an enclosed area. This 
scratching sound, when tested by applicants, proved to be extremely 
effective. The cats would spend a great deal of time investigating, 
sniffing, and clawing at an enclosure emitting this sound. This scratching 
sound is irresistible to an animal, and will always draw the animal to the 
device. The animal's attempts at the elusive sound within the device 
housing produces a continuous movement or rolling of the device over a 
wide area as the animal persistantly tries to access the sound. 
It is therefore an object and advantage of the present invention to provide 
an improved and frequently used animal attractant device. 
It is an object of the invention that an animal expend its surplus energy, 
thereby improving its alertness, coordination, and sleeping habits. 
It is another object of the invention to provide sound as the most 
effective means of luring an animal to a device. 
Another object of the invention is that the device would relieve the animal 
from boredom, thereby saving areas of household furniture from claw 
scratching damage. 
Yet another object of the invention is to simulate nature; to satisfy the 
animal's natural curiosity and inherent hunting and stalking instincts in 
a safe and humane way, thereby keeping the animal happy, healthier, and 
more content. 
Other objects and advantages may be readily determined by the following 
descriptions.

COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
FIG. 1a is an exploded perspective view of a ball shaped enclosure 10, 
pressure sensitive switch assembly 9, and a sound synthesizer assembly 8 
showing a power supply 28, wiring 20, switch 34, and two sound 
synthesizers 36 and 38, integrally grounded to frame 39. The ball shaped 
enclosure 10 shows switch assembly 9 having a flexible plastic membrane 16 
integral to a foil or conductive material 17 on its backside. The inner 
portion of-switch assembly 9 includes a rigid portion 14 having two 
contacts 18 sufficiently spaced from foil backing 17 with connecting wires 
20. The flexible plastic membrane 16 is permanently affixed to rigid 
portion 14 and assembly 9 is permanently affixed to recessed opening ledge 
12 of the ball shaped housing 10. Assembly 9 is also shown as it would 
appear when mated to ball housing 10 on the left side of the drawing. The 
wiring 20 of both switch assemblies 9 are connected parallel to 
male/female plug 22 and then to male/female plug 24. When the flexible 
switch membrane 16, integral to a foil or conductive material 17, on its 
backside is pressed against the rear rigid portion 14 containing 
protruding contacts 18, a brief series of mouse related squeaks are 
initiated through the second synthesizer 38 circuit. The circuit wiring 20 
of assembly 9 bypasses the switch 34 of synthesizer assembly 8. The power 
source 28 contained by mounting frame 30 of sound synthesizer assembly 8, 
activates the first synthesizer 36 via wires 20 when switch 34 is closed. 
The second synthesizer 38 is activated by momentarily closing contacts 18 
of the switch assembly 9 that bypasses switch 34. The mounting frame or 
body 39 serves as an integral ground for both synthesizers 36 and 38 when 
connected to ground wire 40. The sound synthesizer assembly 8 has a base 
26 showing a raised molded portion 32 for switch 34, so that a slideable 
switch lever on the out-side surface of base 26, not shown, can be 
recessed. The first synthesizer 36, when activated by switch 34, produces 
a continuous, intermittant scratching sound at spaced intervals. For 
example, 15 seconds of intermittant scratching sounds and 15 seconds of 
silence, and this sequence is continuously repeated. If, in the meantime, 
an animal should press on the pad or membrane 16 activating synthesizer 
38, a brief mouse related squeaking can occur during the silent or 
scratching period of synthesizer 36. Synthesizer assembly 9 will emit 
squeaking sounds upon contact of the pad or membrane 16 even when switch 
34 is in the off position on synthesizer assembly 8. Because of the 
duality of the synthesizer switches, the pressure sensitive pads are 
always active, thereby providing further diversity to the device. The base 
26 includes a partial hinge 44 mateable to hinge opening 42, an opening 45 
is aligned with hole 50, and secured by screw 48, thereby mating base 26 
to ball housing 10. 
FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the exterior side of base 26, showing a 
slideable switch lever 46 within a recessed opening 32, a hinge portion 
44, and an opening 45 for insertion of screw 48. 
FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the ball shaped device assembled, showing 
the exterior of the synthesizer base 26 containing the slideable switch 
lever 46 within the base recess 32, and fastened by screw 48. The pressure 
sensitive switch pads or membranes 16 are shown in their assembled 
position. The battery or power source, not shown, provides an imbalance 
within the ball housing, thereby producing an unpredictable, erratic 
rolling motion. The animal attractant device should not be limited to a 
rollable shaped housing form, as it is perfectly suitable for housing 
forms that are slideable, swingable from a tether, and for fixed position 
housing forms. 
Thus, it is clearly evident from the above illustrations and teachings, 
that the "ANIMAL ATTRACTANT DEVICE" does perform in an outstanding manner, 
and solves the shortcomings of passive and active devices, past and 
present, thereby satisfying the consumer's investment with a more 
realistic approach, reliability, long-lived use, quality, and a more 
frequently used product. For example, passive or stationary devices, with 
or without bells or catnip inside their housings, require a human to 
initiate the first movement before an animal participates with the device. 
If the device remains static, it is ignored by an animal. Self-moving 
devices, containing motors within their housings, are too expensive, 
extremely prone to malfunction, and drain batteries very quickly. The 
present invention is inexpensive, rugged, long-lived, reliable, has a very 
effective lure function, and the battery has an extremely long life, 
thereby assuring economy through the years. Other variations of the above 
teachings are possible. For example, the synthesizers could be programmed 
with other luring sounds, such as barking or meowing, suitable for dogs, 
or a voice talking. It would further be obvious to use an elongated, 
rollable cylinder or barrel shaped cylinder with a claw scratching 
material affixed to the outside surface, while using an electronic sound 
synthesizer within the device as a lure. Further, it would be obvious to 
hang a lure assembly from a tether. A stationary device for claw 
scratching, grooming, or amusement can be provided with a sound 
synthesizer to promote more frequent use. Animal attractant sounds can 
also be produced by electromechanical means. 
CONCLUSION 
While the above descriptions contain many specific details, these should 
not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather 
as examples of embodiments or modifications, herein detailed in accordance 
with the descriptive requirements of law. It should be understood that the 
details are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.