Wearable sound system for animals

A wearable sound system includes an article wearable by an animal and having compartment sections, strap end portions extending from respective ones of two of the compartment sections, and a fastener that removably connects the strap end portions to one another when the article is worn by the animal. A programmable source of audible signals is located within one of the compartment sections, and two speakers are located within respective ones of the two compartment sections of the article from which the pair of strap end portions extend. Each speaker is disposed between the fastener and the programmable source and in an area disposed proximate to an ear of the animal when the article is worn by the animal so as to project a sound content of the audible signals towards an immediate vicinity of the ear of the animal in a region located forward or around the ear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sound systems for animals and, more specifically, to wearable sound systems for training, controlling or comforting animals.

2. Background Information

In processes of training or controlling animals and, in particular, dogs, cats, or horses, it is desirable to communicate to an animal the commands and training signals at distances that exceed a range of direct voice communications, as well as be able to communicate comforting stress-relieving audible signals, such as desensitization sounds or specific music.

Presently, these goals are achieved by providing the animal with a wearable sound system having a speaker located on an animal's collar. However, in many environments characterized by high levels of inherent audible noises (for example, public gatherings, construction sites, means of mass transportation, thunderstorms, and the like), such systems have limited effectiveness.

More specifically, conventional systems for training or controlling animals have been unable to block out objectionable external sounds and provide a soothing alternative that will make any noisy or frightening environment more tolerable, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, riding in the car or airplane, kennel or even traumatic experiences such as hospitalization, post-operative recovery, new surroundings, separation anxiety, and even euthanasia. Stated otherwise, the conventional systems have not been effective in diminishing agitation and improving the quality of the animal's life.

Currently, there are several modalities that treat noise phobias in animals, including medication (tranquilizers), herbal remedies, desensitization therapy, music CDs for animals geared to soothe and calm dogs with noise phobias, and an anxiety wrap which is in the form of a garment that is worn by the animal and that targets acupressure points causing a calming effect. However, the foregoing modalities have not been proven to alleviate noise phobias.

There is therefore a need in the art for improved wearable sound systems for animals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide wearable sound systems for animals that block out objectionable external sounds and provide a soothing alternative that will make any noisy or frightening environment more tolerable, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, riding in the car or airplane, kennel or even traumatic experiences such as hospitalization, post-operative recovery, new surroundings, separation anxiety, and even euthanasia.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wearable sound systems for animals that aim to diminish agitation and improve the quality of the animal's life.

Another object of the present invention is to provide wearable sound systems for animals that provide a vehicle for targeted desensitization training which has been proven to alleviate noise phobias by bringing the sounds closer to the animal.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide wearable sound systems for animals which can be worn for several hours in the animal's own private environment so as to accelerate the treatment time and result in a successful outcome.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide wearable sound systems for animals which can be a source of entertainment by including sounds that specifically appeal to dogs and cannot be heard by the human ear and which can improve the overall well-being of the animal as it does in humans.

Wearable sound systems for animals (for example, dogs, cats, or horses) are described herein. In one embodiment, such a system includes an article wearable by the animal, a programmable source of audible signals detachably coupled to the article, and at least two speakers. Each speaker is coupled to the article in a region proximate to an ear of the animal and adapted to project a sound content of the audible signals towards an immediate vicinity of the ear and, specifically, forward or around the ear of the animal.

In exemplary designs, the inventive sound systems comprise programmable sources of audible signals having manual or wireless controls and adapted for storing, playing, and deleting files containing commands, training signals, stress-relieving signals, or a combination thereof.

Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are described in further detail below.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure, which these and additional aspects will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the appended drawings.

The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures, except that suffixes may be added, when appropriate, to differentiate such elements.

The appended drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure that may admit to other equally effective embodiments. It is contemplated that features or steps of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” or “alternative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

Referring to the figures,FIG. 1depicts a schematic perspective view of a wearable sound system100A in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system100A generally comprises a collar110, a programmable source120of audible signals, a plurality of speakers or micro/mini-speakers130A and130B, and a wiring network140(shown in phantom) coupling the speakers130A,130B to the programmable source120. Hereafter, the term “speaker” is used interchangeably in reference to speakers and micro/mini-speakers.

The collar110is adapted for fastening around a neck of an animal such as a dog, a cat, or a horse, among other animals. Ends of the collar110are terminated with a latch112, such as a buckle (as shown), a clasp, or the like fastener. In the depicted embodiment, the collar110also includes a retaining ring114adapted for connecting the collar to a leash (not shown). Conductors and terminals of the wiring network140are generally embedded in material(s), or lining, of the collar110or otherwise protected from the animal or environment.

In one embodiment, the speakers130A and130B are integrally affixed to the collar110(illustratively, using fasteners132) and connected to the wiring network140. Each of the speakers130A and130B is disposed in a region that, when the collar110is fastened on the animal, is located proximate to an ear of the animal, as well as adapted to project towards an immediate vicinity of the ear a sound content of the audible signals received, via the wiring network140, from the programmable source120. Specifically, the speakers130A and130B project the sound content of the audible signals in a region located forward (i.e., in front of) or around the respective ear of the animal.

In alternate embodiments (not shown), a plurality of the speakers130A,130B (for example, 2-6 speakers) may be disposed on the collar110proximate to one or both ears of the animal. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the speakers130A,130B may include a protective cover or be embedded in material(s) of the collar110.

The programmable source120is removably coupled to the collar110(for example, using, a retaining clip or a sheath (both not shown), among other fasteners) and detachably connected to the wiring network140. In one embodiment, the programmable source120is disposed proximate to the latch112and opposite to the retaining ring114.

The programmable source120is generally a digital audio component such as a digital audio player (for example, MP3 player and the like) that is adapted for storing, playing, and deleting files embodying audible signals. Typically, the audible signals comprise commands, training signals, stress-relieving signals (for example, music, recordings of an animal owner's voice, animal sounds, desensitization sounds, and the like), or a combination thereof. The respective files may be stored (for example, downloaded) in an internal memory of the programmable source120, such as a memory chip or the like electronic memory device associated with the programmable source120.

In one embodiment, the programmable source120comprises a means of manual control, including a display122and controls124(for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD)122and a plurality of pushbuttons or knobs124), a battery126(shown in phantom), and a connector (not shown) for coupling to the wiring network140. In operation, the battery126, either a replaceable or re-chargeable battery, provides power to the programmable source120and the speakers130A,130B. In other embodiments (discussed below in reference toFIG. 4), alternatively or additionally, the programmable source120may include a means of wireless control.

Referring toFIGS. 2A-2Band3, in a wearable sound system100B according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the programmable source120, a plurality of speakers130C-130F, and the wiring network140(not shown) are disposed on a hood200fastenable around a head of the animal.

The hood200has openings202A-202B for receiving therethrough the ears of the animal, openings204and206for front and rear portions of the animal's head, respectively, and straps208,210terminated with mating elements of a latch112. In the depicted embodiment, the programmable source120is illustratively disposed in a sheath212disposed on the strap208in proximity to the latch112.

Referring toFIG. 3, the speakers130C-130F are disposed at a periphery of the openings202A and202B such that each of the speakers projects a sound content of the audible signals received from the programmable source120towards front orifices of the animal's ears, i.e., in a region located in an immediate vicinity to and forward of the respective ear of the animal. In operation, closeness of the speakers130C-130F to the ears of the animal increases effectiveness of the wearable sound system100B in delivering of the intended sound content and blocking out external/environmental noise or sounds.

Referring toFIG. 4, in a further embodiment, a wearable sound system100C includes a remote controller400adapted to operate a programmable source120C via a wireless communication link402. In this embodiment, the remote controller400and programmable source120C are provided with a wireless transmitter410and a wireless receiver420, respectively. In operation, a user of the remote controller400enables, via the wireless communication link402, functions of the programmable source120C.

Illustratively, the remote controller400includes a display122A, controls124A, and a battery126A that are similar to the display122, controls124and battery126of the programmable source120C. Alternatively, in this embodiment the programmable source120C may, optionally, have no display, controls, or both.

Preferably, the volume of the sound content of the audible signals received from the programmable source120C is variable and can be controlled (automatically or manually) either by one of the controls124on the programmable source120C, one of the controls124A on the remote controller400, or both. For example, the volume of the sound content may be varied as a function of the ambient noise level experienced by the animal. As an example, the volume may be maintained at a low level during relatively quiet conditions, and elevated during relatively noisy conditions (e.g., when the dog is running, during wind and/or rain, and the like) or in many environments characterized by high levels of inherent audible noises (e.g., public gatherings, construction sites, means of mass transportation, thunderstorms, and the like). The volume controller also preferably includes a volume setting where the sound content is audible only to the animal.

Referring toFIGS. 5A-5B, in a wearable sound system100D according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the programmable source120, a plurality of speakers130G-130J, and the wiring network140(not shown) are disposed on a harness300that fits around the head and body of the animal.

The harness300is of conventional construction and has a first strap portion310that fits around the head of the animal, a second strap portion320that fits around a mid-section of the animal's body, and third and fourth strap portions330,340interconnecting the first and second strap portions310,320and that extend on upper and lower portions, respectively, of the animal's body.

In the depicted embodiment, the programmable source120is removably coupled to the third strap portion330of the harness (for example, using, a retaining clip or a sheath (both not shown), among other fasteners) and detachably connected to the wiring network140. The speakers130G-130J are affixed to opposite sides of the first strap portion310and connected to the wiring network140. Each of the speakers130G-130J is disposed in a region that, when the harness300is fastened on the animal, is located proximate to an ear of the animal, as well as adapted to project towards an immediate vicinity of the ear a sound content of the audible signals received, via the wiring network140, from the programmable source120. Specifically, the speakers130G-130J project the sound content of the audible signals in a region located forward (i.e., in front of) or around the respective ear of the animal. In operation, closeness of the speakers130G-130J to the ears of the animal increases effectiveness of the wearable sound system100D in delivering of the intended sound content and blocking out external/environmental noise or sounds.

By the foregoing construction, since the harness300is securely fastened around the head and body of the animal, shifting of the first strap portion310of the harness300around the neck of the animal (e.g., during movement of the animal) is substantially restricted. As a result, during such movement of the animal, the speakers130G-130J mounted on the first strap portion310will substantially remain in the desirable positions proximate to the ears of the animal, as described above.

Other features described above for the embodiments ofFIGS. 1,2A-2B,3and4are also applicable to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 5A-5B. For example, the wearable sound system ofFIGS. 5A-5Bmay incorporate the remote controller400adapted to operate the programmable source120via the wireless communication link402as described above for the embodiment ofFIG. 4. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the speakers130G-130J may include a protective cover or be embedded in material(s) of the harness300, as set forth above for the speakers130A,130B and the collar110for the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 6-8show another embodiment of the wearable sound system, generally designated at100E, according to the present disclosure. The system100E comprises a collar400, a programmable source410of audible signals, a plurality of speakers or micro/mini-speakers420A and420B, a volume control430, and a wiring network440coupling the speakers420A,420B to the programmable source410via the volume control430. The programmable source410is removably connected/disconnected from the wiring network via a connector (e.g., headphone jack)415.

The collar400is adapted for fastening around a neck of an animal such as a dog, a cat, or a horse, among other animals, as set forth above for the collar shown inFIG. 1. Ends of the collar400are terminated with a latch445, such as a buckle (as shown), a clasp, or the like fastener. In the depicted embodiment, the collar400also includes a retaining ring450adapted for connecting the collar to a leash (not shown), and an adjustable strap mechanism, generally designated at460, for adjusting the length of the collar400to accommodate various animal neck sizes.

As best shown inFIGS. 7-8, the collar400has a tubular construction forming a main compartment C for accommodating or embedding therein the programmable source410, the speakers,420A,420B, the volume control430, and the wiring network440. The collar400is made of a strip of material, such as nylon, that is folded about a generally central portion thereof and peripheral edges402,404are sewn together along a stitch line406, as shown inFIG. 8, to provide the tubular construction. In this embodiment, the main compartment C provides compartment sections C1, C2-C3and C4for accommodating the programmable source410, the speakers420A-420B and the Volume control430, respectively. The wiring network440passes through the various compartment sections C1-C4to couple the speakers420A,420B to the programmable source410via the volume control430.FIG. 7shows the various compartment sections C1-C4and corresponding components of the system, with the programmable source410, volume control430and portions of the wiring network440being removed from the respective compartment sections and with the speakers420A,420B being shown in phantom and disposed within their respective compartment sections.

It is understood by those skilled in the art that the collar400is not limited to the foregoing form of tubular construction. For example, instead of one strip, the collar400may be formed of two or more strips of material that are connected together along peripheral edges thereof to provide the collar with a tubular construction. Additionally, the form of connection of the peripheral edges to provide the tubular construction is not limited to stitching, but may be a connection using a suitable adhesive or a combination of stitching and an adhesive, for example.

Referring toFIGS. 7-8, a portion of the collar400is associated with a zipper or like closure480to provide access into the compartment section C1and from which the programmable source410, speakers420A,420B, volume control430and wiring network440can be inserted into and/or removed from the main compartment of the collar400. For example, opening the closure480from the state shown inFIG. 6to the state shown inFIG. 7provides access to a manual control412(e.g., power ON/OFF) for controlling operation of the programmable source410. Likewise, in the open state shown inFIG. 7, the programmable source410can be removed from the compartment section C1and replaced with another programmable source by disconnecting the connector415from the programmable source410. It is understood that the closure480is not limited to a zipper as shown inFIGS. 6-7, and that other types of closures, including snap- and VELCRO-type closures, are suitable.

The volume control430provides for volume up/down control for the programmable source410. The volume control430is visible and operable through a display window500that is connected to one of the exterior sides of the collar400along connecting lines510via stitching, an adhesive, a combination of stitching and an adhesive, or via other suitable forms of connection, such as VELCRO. When connected to the exterior side of the collar400, the display window500covers an opening (not shown) formed in the collar400to provide access to the compartment section C4of the main compartment C.

As best shown inFIG. 6, the display window500has a transparent window portion520displaying the volume control430within the compartment section C4. The transparent window portion520is made of a suitable transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The volume control430is positioned in the compartment section C1and visible via the transparent window portion520so as to allow operation of the various functions of the volume control430(e.g., volume, play, pause and ON/OFF control of the programmable source410) to be performed by pressing corresponding buttons via the transparent window portion520.

As shown inFIG. 7, the speakers420A and420B are positioned within compartment sections C2and C3, respectively, and connected to the wiring network440. Each of the speakers420A and420B is disposed in a region that, when the collar400is fastened on the animal, is located proximate to an ear of the animal, as well as adapted to project towards an immediate vicinity of the ear a sound content of the audible signals received, via the wiring network440, from the programmable source410. Specifically, the speakers420A and420B, via respective sound grills integral with the speakers420A,420B, project the sound content of the audible signals in a region located forward (i.e., in front of) or around the respective ear of the animal. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular speakers described herein, and that any other type of speakers or any other means for projecting the sound content generated by the programmable source410as described herein is also suitable.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6-7, the speakers420A,420B, via the respective sound grills, project the sound content through portions of the material from which the collar400is formed and that confront the respective sound grills of the speakers420A,420B. Thus in this embodiment, the collar400is preferably made of a material (e.g., nylon) that permits the sound content to sufficiently project from the speakers420A,420B and through the material of the collar400so as to allow the sound content to project towards an immediate vicinity of the animal's ears as set forth above.

FIG. 8shows a modification to the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-7in which the portions of the collar400that confront the respective sound grills of the speakers420A,420B are directly provided with respective perforated screens550. By this construction, the sound content projecting from the speakers420A,420B through the collar400can be amplified. This is particularly beneficial when the material selected for the collar400is such that the amplification of the sound content projected form the speakers420A,420B is decreased as it projects through the collar400. Thus the perforated screens550in this modified embodiment increases the types of materials that can be used for the collar400since the material itself is not limited to the types of materials that permits the sound content to sufficiently project from the speakers420A,420B. In fact, the material itself for the collar400in this modified embodiment need not be of the type capable of projecting the sound content from the speakers420A,420B at all since the projection of the sound content from the speakers420A,420B will be directly through the perforated screens550provided to the collar400at the respective portions thereof confronting the sound grills of the speakers420A,420B. The provision of the perforated screens550to the collar400may be accomplished in an manner recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, the perforated screens550may be formed of a suitable plastic or fabric material and attached to the collar400via stitching, an adhesive, a combination of stitching and an adhesive, or via other suitable forms of connection.

In alternate embodiments (not shown), a plurality of the speakers420A,420B (for example, 4-6 speakers) may be disposed within multiple compartment sections in the tubular collar400. In these embodiments, the plurality of speakers are positioned as set forth above to project the sound content of the audible signals in a region located forward (i.e., in front of) or around the respective ear of the animal. Additionally, the collar400may be provided with or without the perforated screens550as set forth above for the foregoing embodiments.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6-7, the programmable source410is disposed generally opposite to the latch445, retaining ring450, and adjustable strap mechanism460. The programmable source410is generally a digital audio component such as a digital audio player (for example, MP3 player and the like) that is adapted for storing, playing, and deleting files embodying audible signals. Typically, the audible signals comprise commands, training signals, stress-relieving signals (for example, music, recordings of an animal owner's voice, animal sounds, desensitization sounds, and the like), or a combination thereof. The respective files may be stored (for example, downloaded) in an internal memory of the programmable source410, such as a memory chip or the like electronic memory device associated with the programmable source410. The programmable source440is removably coupled to the wiring network140via the connector415and comprises a means of manual control, including the control412(e.g., power ON/OFF) and components that are not shown for simplicity purposes (e.g., display, battery, etc.). In operation, a battery (not shown), either a replaceable or re-chargeable battery, provides power to the programmable source410and the speakers420A,420B. In other embodiments (discussed below in reference toFIG. 4), alternatively or additionally, the programmable source120may include a means of wireless control.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing embodiments shown inFIGS. 6-8that all of the components for generating and projecting the sound content, including the programmable source410, speakers420A,420B, volume control430, and wiring network440, are embedded or completely enclosed with the main compartment of the tubular collar400. This feature can be particularly appreciated fromFIG. 6which shows the wearable sound system100E ready for use. By this construction, these components of the wearable sound system100E can be protected from the animal or environment.

Additionally, from the state shown inFIG. 6, the closure480permits access to the compartment section C1, as shown inFIG. 7, to allow the programmable source410to be programmed, or the components for generating and projecting sound to be removed for maintenance and/or replacement as necessary. During use, however, the construction of the wearable sound system100E does not require access into the compartment sections C1-C4via the closure480or otherwise, as the components for generating and projecting sound can be controlled via control of the volume control430through the transparent window520as set forth above.

FIG. 9is a sectional view taken in the direction of line9-9ofFIG. 6and illustrates another modified form of the wearable sound system, generally designated at100F. In addition to the features described above for the embodiments ofFIGS. 6-8, in the embodiment ofFIG. 9the interior of the collar400is provided with enclosure members600,620,630,640that physically enclose and separate the respective compartment sections C1-C4from the main compartment C. The enclosure members600,620,630,640provide for more accurate positioning of the programmable source410, speakers420A,420B and volume control430within the respective compartment sections C1-C4to prevent these components from shifting within the main compartment C during use or handling of the wearable sound system100F. By this construction, the collar400provides plural compartment sections within the main compartment, and the enclosure members600,620,630,640define means for positioning and enclosing the programmable source410, speakers420A,420B and volume control430to prevent substantial movement or shifting of these components within the main compartment C.

The enclosure members600,620,630and640may be formed of the same material as that used for the collar400, or other suitable material. The enclosure members600,620,630and640are formed with respective openings601-602,621-622,631-632,641-642, respectively, to permit passage therethrough of the wiring network440. The enclosure members600,620,630and640may be integrally connected to respective interior surface portions of the collar400by stitching, glue, a combination of stitching and glue, or other suitable form of connection. Alternatively, the enclosure members600,620,630and640may be removably connected to the respective interior surface portions of the collar400, such as by VELCRO connectors. Preferably, the enclosure member600is removably connected to the corresponding interior portions of the collar400along marginal side portions603,604via removable connectors, such as VELCRO. By this construction, when the closure480is opened in the state shown inFIG. 7, the enclosure member600can be removed to provide access to the programmable source410as set forth above, and thereafter reconnected to the interior of the collar400to enclose and position the programmable source410within the compartment section C1. Additionally, the enclosure member640is provided with an opening (not shown) that confronts the transparent window portion520(FIG. 6) to permit the volume control430to be viewed through the transparent window portion520in the state of the wearable sound system shown inFIG. 6.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the foregoing embodiments, the collar, the harness, and the hood constitute supporting means for removably supporting the programmable source and for supporting the speakers in areas disposed proximate to the ears of the animal so that the speakers project a sound content of the audible signals from the programmable source toward an immediate vicinity of the ears of the animal in a region located forward or around the ears. It will be understood, however, that the mounting means is not limited to a collar, a harness, or a hood, but may instead be any other type of article wearable by the animal, including ear muffs or any type of article of clothing wearable by the animal that can support the programmable source and speakers as set forth above.

By delivering the intended pre-programmed sounds to ears of an animal using a plurality of selectively disposed speakers, the wearable digital sound systems of the present disclosure provide efficient means for training or controlling of the animal. In other applications, the disclosed systems may be used in veterinary practice for implementing therapeutic procedures directed towards soothing or desensitization of the animal, as well as a form of entertainment for the animal.

Referring to some applications involving dogs, such systems may be used to teach the dogs obedience, calm excessive barkers or nervous dogs, decrease stress or agitation, or provide training for operating/behaving in environments having specific noise patterns (for example, during traveling on a plane or a railroad car). It is understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the systems disclosed herein are not limited to applications involving dogs, but may be also used with other animals, such as cats and horses.

Thus the present disclosure provides embodiments of wearable sound systems for animals that block out objectionable external sounds and provide a soothing alternative that will make any noisy or frightening environment more tolerable, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, riding in the car or airplane, kennel or even traumatic experiences such as hospitalization, post-operative recovery, new surroundings, separation anxiety, and even euthanasia. The wearable sound systems for animals of the present disclosure aim to diminish agitation and improve the quality of the animal's life by providing a vehicle for targeted desensitization training which has been proven to alleviate noise phobias by bringing the sounds closer to the animal. The wearable sound systems for animals of the present disclosure can be worn for several hours in the animal's own private environment which can aid to accelerate the treatment time and result in a successful outcome. The wearable sound systems for animals of the present disclosure can be a source of entertainment by including sounds that specifically appeal to dogs and cannot be heard by the human ear and can improve the overall well-being of the animal as it does in humans.