Abstract:
A device for indicating the presence of an electrical path on a pet accessory includes a first contact disposed on a probe, and a second contact disposed in a spaced apart arrangement relative to the first contact. An activation device is responsive to the presence of an electrical path or lack thereof between the first and second contacts. The activation device provides an indication of the state of the electrical path between the first and second contacts. The device preferably includes a pet dish and the probe extends into the dish to indicate a desired level for liquid in the dish, and the indication of state is performed by at least one of an audio message, a visual effect and a mechanical motion.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/300,920 filed on Jun. 28, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of this patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates to pet accessories, and more particularly, to pet communication devices, leashes and pet toys. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     While pets may be trained to obey commands given by humans, it is difficult at times for pets to clearly communicate with humans to express their needs. While some pets are trained to ring a bell or scratch a door when it is time to go out, a need exists for better ways to clearly indicate a pets needs to humans. 
     Pets do not have an understanding of safety issues. For example, being on a dark road or crossing a busy street is very dangerous for pets since the same danger perceived by humans is not understood by the pet. Therefore, alerting humans of the pet&#39;s presence alone or with their owner on, for example, a roadway is advantageous. In this way, humans will be made aware of dangerous conditions for pets and take appropriate action. 
     Pets do not understand their nutritional needs. Vitamins and dietary supplements are often administered to pets by hiding these supplements in their food. The pets often detect these supplements and avoid eating the food. Therefore, a need exists for alternate ways of supplying nutritional supplements. These and other pet needs will be described in greater detail below along with pet accessories, which address these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides pet accessories, which communicate to humans, the needs of their pets. In one embodiment, a combination wind blocker and an indicator that the pet must go out is provided. In another embodiment, a device for determining the level of liquid in a pet dish is provided, which alerts people in the vicinity that the liquid levels are low. In still other embodiments, pet or human leashes are provided with a plurality of accessories. For example, a combination leash and radio is provided. Other leashes include powered lights and/or reflectors. The powered lights may include optical fibers woven into the leash. The reflectors may include heat stamped designs stamped onto the material of the leash. Other devices disclosed herein include teether designs, which include edible or ingestible portions. The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to illustrative examples. 
     A device for indicating the presence of an electrical path on a pet accessory includes a first contact disposed on a probe, and a second contact disposed in a spaced apart arrangement relative to the first contact. An activation device is responsive to the presence of an electrical path or lack thereof between the first and second contacts. The activation device provides an indication of the state of the electrical path between the first and second contacts. The device preferably includes a pet dish and the probe extends into the dish to indicate a desired level for liquid in the dish, and the indication of state is performed by at least one of an audio message, a visual effect and a mechanical motion. 
     A liquid level indicator for a vessel, includes a probe extending to a first depth in the vessel. A first contact is disposed on the probe, wherein one at least one contact is located at the first depth such that when the vessel is filled with a liquid, an electrical connection is made between the first contact and a second contact until a level of the liquid falls below the first depth. An activation device is includes and provides an action when the level of liquid has fallen below the first depth. The vessel preferably includes a pet dish and a housing may include a shape of an animal. 
     A pet warning device, includes an elongated base unit configured and dimensioned to fit at a base of a doorway so as to prevent a draft. A deformable enclosure is removably attached to the base, and a switching device is disposed within the enclosure housing which permits a pet to depress the enclosure to trigger a warning indicator. 
     A restraining device, such as a belt or strap, includes a base material, an illuminating feature disposed in or on the base material, and an adjustment mechanism to adjust a fit of the fabric to conform to a wearer. 
     A chew toy includes a polymer matrix formed into a shape, one or more holes or divots formed in the matrix and at least one of a nutritional supplement, medication, and flavoring provided in the holes or divots. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     This disclosure will present in detail the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination pet indicator and wind blocker showing partially removed sections to show inner materials in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a pad portion of the combination device of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 show an illustrative script for audio responses of the combination device of FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid level indicator in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit for the liquid level indicator of FIG. 5 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustrative script for audio responses of the combination device of FIGS. 5 and 6; 
     FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative teether having edible portions inserted or attached thereto in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 depicts four styles of collars/leashes (also, e.g., harnesses or restraining devices) having highly reflective material formed in a shape and heat-seal stamped onto the collar/leash material in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 11A-C depict the formation of shapes, e.g., dots, to be stamped onto the collars/leashes as shown in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 depicts three styles of collars/leashes having highly reflective ink formed in a shape and showing a container device for transporting objects in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 shows the container device of FIG. 12 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 depicts a collar/leash having optical fibers for transmitting light integrated therein and showing a control unit for powering the fiber optic lights in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a printed wiring board of the control unit of FIG. 14 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a collar and a leash having a control unit/radio (or other device) attached thereto in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 shows another view of the control unit/radio (or other device) in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 depicts a collar/leash having optical fibers for transmitting light along side of the collar/leash and showing a control unit for powering the fiber optic lights in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 19 depicts a collar/leash having light emitting diodes (LEDs) for transmitting light from within the collar/leash in different selectable sequences and durations and showing a control unit for powering the LEDs in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention provides pet accessories, which communicate to humans, the needs of their pets. In one embodiment, a combination wind blocker/indicator that the pet must go out is provided. In another embodiment, a device for determining the level of liquid in a pet dish is provided, which alerts people in the vicinity that the liquid levels are low. In still other embodiments, pet or human leashes, collars, cuffs or straps are provided with a plurality of accessories. For example, a combination leash and radio is provided. Other leashes include powered lights and/or reflectors. The powered lights may include optical fibers woven into the leash. The reflectors may include heat stamped designs stamped onto the material of the leash. Other devices disclosed herein include teether designs, which may include edible portions. These edible portions may include nutritional supplements or medications for the pet. 
     The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to illustrative examples. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrative examples and may be employed with other configurations within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1, a pet reminder device  10  is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Device  10  preferably includes a soft flexible outer surface  12 . Device  10  includes at least one elongated portion  11 . Elongated portion  11  may include a height of a few inches and a length of about 3 feet to be suitable as, for example, a wind/draft blocker at the base of a door  9 . Other dimensions are also contemplated. 
     Device  10  includes weighted portions  14 , which may include a non-skid material  16 , such as rubber, to prevent device  10  from being easily dragged. Alternately, device  10  may have its weight distributed throughout, and material  16  may be continuous on elongated portion  11 . Weighted portions  14  may include materials  15 , such as polyethylene, or any other material, which provides weight to device  10  without endangering a pet&#39;s health if ingested. 
     Elongated portion  11  preferably is filled with insulation material  18  (e.g., polyester, etc.). Insulation material  18  prevents heat transfer from a dwelling or building from escaping/entering under a doorway when device  10  is employed as a wind/draft blocker. Device  10  may include an ornamental portion  20 . Ornamental portion  20  may include a dog&#39;s head, a cat&#39;s head, likenesses of famous characters, other animal or human forms, etc. Device  10  preferably includes a washable surface and may include different textures, such as a smooth texture (e.g., vinyl), a furry texture, etc. Other portions of device  10  can be ornamented as well. 
     In one embodiment, portion  20  provides an attachment  21  to a pad  22 . Attachment  21  between portion  20  and pad  22  may include arrangements, such as a hook and loop arrangement (e.g., VELCRO®), magnetic connections, mechanical connection (e.g., a zipper), etc. Pad  22  includes circuitry and mechanical switches, which can be activated by a pet to indicate that it is time for the pet to go out or indicate other pet needs or emotions. In an alternate embodiment, pad  22  is permanently fixed to portion  20 . However, having pad  22  detachable permits surface washing and/or easier maintenance of pad  22 . In addition, the use of pad  22  may be desired without elongated portions  11  and portion  20 . Portion  20  or elongated portions  11  may include a loop  24  so that device  10  can be conveniently hung on a doorknob while the pet is being walked, etc. Activation of pad  22  is completed by pressing one or more switches included therein. 
     Device  10  may also be employed as a wind blocker alone, with or without pad  22 . Pad  22  may include lettering  44  thereon. Lettering  44  may include a pet&#39;s name, a saying or any other expression. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of pad  22  is shown in accordance with the present invention. Pad  22  preferably includes an outer surface or case  30 . Case  30  preferably includes a machine washable fabric or a durable surface washable material. Pad  22  includes a board  32 , which includes a plurality of switches  34  (switches  34  are attached on the underside of board  32 ). Board  32  is rotatably connected to a fulcrum  36  such that a simple teeter-totter effect is provided so that when a pet steps on pad  22  a mechanical advantage is gained to activate one or more switches  34 . In other words, no matter where the pet steps on pad  22  the top balance piece will tilt and/or pivot (like a teeter-totter) and activate one or more of switches  34 . 
     Switches  34  may include contact switches, which are biased in the open position. When switches  34  are closed a sound chip  38  on circuit card  40  is activated to indicate that the pet wishes to go out or to communicate other needs or emotions of the pet. A speaker  41  (e.g., a 29 mm speaker) is employed to provide loud and clear sound in accordance with sound chip  40 . A power source  43  may include batteries or the ability to be plugged into a wall outlet. 
     In one embodiment, the activated sound recorded in chip is a random selection of originally recorded voice phrases from an originally programmed chip. Alternately, custom-made sound chips may be provided or the user may also program the recordings. Chip  40  may include a random combination of phrases (see, e.g., phrases  1 - 11  on FIG.  3 ). Combinations A-K as shown in FIG. 3 may be randomly selected by chip  40  when activated by closing one or more switches  34 . Pad  22  includes an on/off switch  42  to turn pad on/off. Alternate embodiments include lights or mechanical motion devices, which are activated by switches  34  in accordance with the pet&#39;s triggering switches  34 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an illustrative flow chart for activation of chip  40  is shown. After activation in block  50 , combination A is played by chip  40 , followed by one of combinations B-K. The combinations B-K are randomly selected in chip  40 . After a delay, e.g., 5 seconds, one of phrases  1 - 11  (FIG. 3) is played in block  52 , frequency of occurrence of phrases may be predetermined (by percentage chance or otherwise) or randomly selected. In block  54 , the unit waits for the next activation and returns to block  50  when activated. Many other combinations, times, phrases and sequences are contemplated and would be useful in accordance with the present invention. These or other phrases and combinations may be played randomly or in a predetermined order. 
     Another way of communication by a pet may include indicating when a water dish needs to be filled. Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of a liquid level indicator device  62  is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A pet dish wall  60  has liquid level indicator device  62  attached thereto. Device  62  may be integrally formed with dish  60  or attached to dish  60  by a plurality of different attachment mechanisms. These mechanisms may include mechanical snaps, clips, screws, rivets, magnetic pads (for steel or iron dishes), glue, etc. 
     In one embodiment, device  62  is detachable from dish  60 . Device  62  may include clasps or hooks  64  which are adapted to clip over a rim of dish  60 , and feet  66  which contact a side of dish  60  to provide attachment of device  62  to dish  60 . Clasps  64  may provide a force against dish  60  to increase frictional forces and increase the stability of the attachment. 
     Device  62  includes a probe portion  68 , which extends over the rim of dish  60  to provide further stability if in contact with dish  60 . Portion  68  includes contacts  70 , which sense a desired level of water or liquid  69  in dish  60 . In a preferred embodiment, liquid  69  in dish  60  provides a conductive path, which closes a circuit in device  62 . When liquid  69  drops below contacts  70 , the circuit is opened and a sound chip or light in device  62  is activated to indicate that more liquid needs to be added to dish  60 . 
     Device  62  includes a housing  74 , preferably including a plastic or water-resistant material and is sealed by gaskets or other water excluding devices. In one embodiment, an injection molded ABS and/or PVC housing  74  is provided. Contacts  70  may be insert molded to insert stainless steel or other compatible wire through probe portion  68  allowing at least two small and inconspicuous contacts to remain exposed. Contacts  70  may be plated or coated with conductive materials to prevent corrosion. For example, contacts  70  may be gold plated. 
     Device  62  includes a sound module chip  80  (FIG. 6) with a recorded voice(s) which gives reminders when there is a lack of water or liquid in dish  60 . Alternately, reminders may be given when the dish is full of liquid, empty or both. The programming of chip  80  (FIG. 6) permits a random selection of the sayings, expressions or sounds. In one embodiment, device  62  will activate one saying for example, then progress to a next saying in, say, 5 minutes if no water is added, then again in 10 minutes, then again in 15 minutes, then the unit will shut off. Other times and sequences are also contemplated. 
     Device  62  may be employed as a feedback unit for detecting a level of water in a dish. Device  62  may be attached to a water source and permit water to fill a dish by opening a valve  65  to permit water flow when a low level of water is detected. Valve  65  is closed when water is replenished. Water may be added either manually or by an automatic release. 
     Another device  63  may be activated upon a connection or lack of connection between contacts  70 . Device  63  may be a spinner, a light, a container with a door that opens or closes based on the state of the contacts  70  (e.g., connected or not connected) or any other audio, visual or mechanical motion device. In one embodiment, a connection maybe made between contacts  70  by a pet&#39;s saliva, i.e., by licking the contacts  70 . This may trigger, e.g., a container of food to open, water to be released to fill the dish, or any other mechanical motion, audio or visual effect. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, an illustrative circuit  91  is shown for implementing device  62 . Contacts  70  are shown as a switch  73 . When switch  73  is open, chip  80  is activated which creates and audio sequences which is played over speaker  81 , e.g., a 27 mm speaker. A valve switch or solenoid  75  may be included which is activated when switch is opened to provide water and closed when switch is closed. A battery or other energy source  71  is included for powering circuit  91 . An additional on/off switch can be provided to deactivate circuit  91 . Other devices  63  or mechanical motions may be activated in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, sound chip  80  can provide a plurality of different responses for device  62 . FIGS. 7 and 8 show illustrative responses for one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows phrases  1 - 9  (for dogs) and  1 A- 9  (for cats). Phrases  1 - 9  (and/or  1 A) maybe randomly combined using chip  80  to provide combinations A-L. These audio responses are triggered in the manner described above. Other responses, such as visual responses or mechanical motions may also be employed. FIG. 8 shows an illustrative flow chart for implementing chip  80 . 
     It is to be understood that the present invention may be employed for any pet, for example, dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, reptiles, rabbits, etc. Larger units can be added to water troths of farm animals, etc. Smaller units may remind owners to add water manually or by automatic water release into a fish tank as well. Electrical contact or lack thereof of switch  73  may be employed be trigger food release, water release or other effects, such as activation of a spinner, raising a flag, opening a container, etc. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, a teether  100  is shown in accordance with the present invention. Teether  100  includes bumps  101  of insert-molded material and/or mixture of materials to create specific flavor or scents, which are pleasing to pets. For example, bumps  101  may include scented or flavored plastics, food or pet treats, which are molded into teether  100 . In addition, teether  100  may include edible sections  102 . Teether  100  preferably includes a soft durometer material (matrix), e.g., polyurethane, such as, injection molded virgin polyurethane, for massaging of the gums of newly cutting teeth of dogs, for example. With continual play the material and texture thereof can help keep teeth clean and eliminate tartar buildup in dogs. Bumps or divots  101  and sections  102  may be insert molded into teether  100  or attached after molding. Bumps  101  may include nutritional supplements or medication. Bumps  101  may be manually added to teether/chew toy  100  or molded directly into toy  100 . 
     Referring to FIG. 10, reflective restraining devices  201 - 204  are shown. Devices  201 - 204  may be employed as collars, leashes, or other restraints to be used on animals or humans. Devices  201 - 204  may include, e.g., nylon, cotton, leather and/or a polyester material decorated with multi-colored highly reflective materials. The highly reflective material may be patterned into dots  205  or other shapes. 
     It is to be understood that the restraining devices as described herein as collars or leashes also include harnesses, straps, (e.g., bra straps), belts or other materials which may be worn on a human or pet. In addition, the collars, leashes, restraining devices, etc. as described herein also include attachments or extenders for conventional restraining devices, i.e., belt extenders, strap extensions or accessories that attaché to belts, collars, leashes, etc. 
     Referring to FIGS. 11A-C, reflective material  210  is preferably manufactured in sheets of tinted clear material then backed by a solid opaque white vinyl  212 . Special and unique shapes and designs may then be silk screened for added detail and heat die-cut from these sheets to cause the edges to seal together (see top view of dot  205  in FIG.  11 B). The heat cut may also be designed to not cut all the way through, thus creating recessed areas  214  within the created shape to form additional details of such shape (See e.g., FIG.  11 C). 
     Referring to FIGS. 10, and  11 A-C, die cut shapes or dots  205  are then applied to the nylon, cotton, leather or polyester materials  216  of leash by heat stamping and sealing in place. With the use of high temperature, the vinyl will melt and seal onto the desired material. The reflectivity of the material (e.g., reflective PVC)  210  can be seen up to 500 ft when hit with a beam of light from oncoming cars, etc. Leashes  201 - 204  may include a dog tag  224  and/or a dog tag reflector  226 . Dog tag  224  and reflector  226  may include a metal (stainless steel, or copper with stainless steel plating) and have pressure stamped and etched wordings, such as, the name of a company, etc. or symbols, such a company logo. Reflector  226  may be silk-screened with graphics including but not limited to the company logo, etc. Reflector  226  maybe included in combination with any restraining device as described herein. 
     Referring to FIG. 12, reflective restraining devices  300 , such as collars, leashes to be used on animals, humans, etc. includes nylon and/or polyester material belts  301  decorated with reflective inks in accordance with the present invention. Ink  302  is stamped or silk-screened onto belt  301 . Ink  302 , which may include highly reflective ink available commercially from 3M™ or other suppliers, is applied to desired fabrics by a cylindrical roller and pressure stamping process. These inks include materials visible up to 700 ft when hit with a beam of light. 
     Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a closure unit  400  preferably includes a soft durometer ( 40 - 60 ) rotational molded unit that has a clean cut or slit  402  across about ⅓ of the bottom or back. When the unit is squeezed, the pressure opens the cut allowing the consumer to store change, coins or other small essentials inside unit. The leashes of the present invention may include unit  400  attached to the leash to provide a storage area. The illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20 show a fire hydrant, but any shaped closure may be employed. 
     Referring to FIG. 14, light-up restraining devices  500  or accessories such as collars or leashes to be used on animals or humans are shown. Although FIG. 14 shows leash  500  only with simple reflective embroidered stars, it should be noted that outer surface of leash/collar may be decorated with numerous materials to create graphics for added aesthetics and reflectivity (including but not limited to silk screen glow-in-the-dark material, reflective PVC, embroidered with reflective threads etc.). 
     A power source/control unit  502  is provided to activate light emitting diodes  504  in leash/collar  500 . In one embodiment, 0.5 mm thick fiber optic strands are passed through material of leash to create patterns, graphics or words. Fibers  506  permit each star  508  to light up. The fiber is then stitched into place on the back of the material of leash  500 . The leash material may include nylon, polyester etc., an additional sheet of leash material is placed over the exposed fibers, and the edges are permanently stitched closed. Control unit  502  is preferably made of injection molded ABS or other durable housing material and is permanently secured to the leash/collar etc. 
     A metal clasp  218  and a buckle (not shown), “d” ring (dog snap)  222 , and grommeted buckle holes (not shown) are provided. As is known in the art, these features are provided on all leashes/collars. 
     Referring to FIG. 15, a schematic diagram is shown for a control unit  502  in accordance with the present invention. A programmed chip  512  permits the consumer to control fiber lights to blink on/off at different time intervals or sequences, e.g., 0.5 sec intervals lighting the fiber optic throughout the length of the collar/leash or other designed unit. An on/off switch  501  is also provided to power control unit  502  and its functions by turning a power source  516  on or off. 
     The bundle of fibers are then inserted into control unit  502 , which houses batteries  516 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  518 , integrated circuit  512  for driving the LEDs, and super bright LEDs  520  for illuminating the bundle of fibers  506 . 
     Control unit  502  may also include a flashlight  528 . Flashlight  528  remains attached to collar/leash and provides visibility, for example, from up to 750 feet away. Control unit  502  may include multiple LEDs for different bundles of fibers (see also, e.g., FIG.  16 ). Chip  512  permits the consumer to turn on the flashlight  528  alone or simultaneously with the other LED&#39;s, which can blink on/off, for example, in intervals, lighting the fiber optic through the length of the collar/leash or other designed unit. This and other functions may be provided by employing a switch  507   
     In an alternate embodiment, control unit  502  may include an AM/FM radio  580  or other electronic device. Radio  580  may be included instead of or in addition to blinking lights, flashlight and/or LEDS. Radio or device  580  may be included on any leash of the present disclosure or as an accessory to conventional leashes and collars. Radio  580  and light/LEDs may be selected individually or used together. 
     Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, radio  508  is shown on a leash  500 . Radio  508  may include a bone shaped housing, although any other suitable shapes are also contemplated. Radio  508  includes controls  511 , which may include a tuner/scanner, volume control and off and on switches. Radio  508  includes an “on” light  513  and a speaker  514 . The controls  511  preferably include a low profile to prevent unintended activation of controls. 
     Additional entertainment and/or health features may be applied to any or all of the leashes/collars described herein. For added value and interactivity between pet and owner, the following devices may be incorporated into control unit  502 , including but not limited to AM/FM radio, digital FM, MP3 player, pedometer, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), calorie meter, etc. 
     Referring to FIG. 18, an alternate embodiment of restraining device (e.g., leash, collar, strap, harness belt, etc.)  500  is shown. It should be noted that the outer surface of leash/collar  600  may be decorated with graphics for added aesthetics and reflectivity, e.g., silk screen glow in dark material, embroidered with reflective threads, etc. 
     Leash  600  includes a control unit  502 , which provides light to one or more clear extruded tubes  602  of PVC or equivalent materials, which are attached to edges of the collar/leash  600 . Multi-strands of optical fibers  604  are inserted into tubes  602 . 
     In one embodiment, different styles of fiber optics maybe used and cut in lengths increasing by approximately, e.g., 2″ so that when placed inside tubes  602 , many lights will appear down the length of each tube  602 . In one embodiment, a notched style fiber may be employed. Notched style fiber may be, for example, approximately 1 mm in diameter. The notched fiber includes notches  603  on an angle down the length of the fiber. This permits the light in the fiber to refract from the numerous angled cuts as well as from the tip of the fiber. 
     Referring to FIG. 19, another embodiment of the present invention includes a blinking lights leash/collar  700 . One or more bright LED&#39;s  702  are placed throughout leash/collar  700  and controlled through a control unit  502 . LED&#39;s are exposed throughout the material of leash/collar and may be surrounded by a metal finishing grommet. Chip  512  in control unit  502  (FIG. 22) allows a user to control the blinking sequence of the LEDs e.g., fast blink on/off 0.5 sec, slow blink on/off 1 sec, chasing sequence, etc. LEDs  702  are visible up to mile. Control unit  512  for the embodiment of the present invention, which employs LEDs, powers LEDs  702  by including conductive wires to power LEDS  702  instead of optical fibers  506 . LEDs  702  are lit in the same way as LEDs  520 . 
     Having described preferred embodiments for pet or human accessories (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes maybe made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.