Abstract:
A deterrent device which discourages pets from climbing on furniture, or stealing food from countertops or tables, is set using a spring release arm connected to a large trip plate. Once the deterrent device is tripped, a large padded arm will swing up and over the trip plate. The force of the padded arm is very low and will not cause damage or pain. The deterrent device can be reset upon tripping and is preferably used to train an animal to avoid certain areas.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are no current co-pending applications. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to pet deterrent devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to pet deterrent devices having spring release arms and a trip plate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Millions of Americans keep pets such as dogs and cats. It is well-known that some pet owners treat their pets like members of the family. Indeed, for many Americans their pets are the only family members they have. 
     Pets often have access to all areas of a home, including the furniture. While some pets are allowed access to furniture, others are not. In addition some pets may be allowed access to certain pieces of furniture but not others. A cat may be allowed access to a sofa but not a good leather chair. At times some pets are confined to or are kept out of certain rooms. All of these furniture access rules can be very difficult for a pet to learn and aggravating for owners to teach. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a pet can be easily taught to avoid certain pieces of furniture or certain areas of a home in a manner which addresses the above problems. Preferably such a device would be useable for training cats, dogs, and similar pets on the allowable uses of furniture, doorways, and rooms. Such a device must not be harmful to a pet, but nonetheless must be effective in training pets on proper access to furniture and areas of the home, in reinforcing such training, and in breaking bad habits. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for an apparatus designed to discourage pets from climbing on furniture or accessing certain areas of a home. 
     A pet deterrent device that is in accord with the present invention includes a base, a platform frame having a trigger side having a generally vertical crank, an actuating platform attached to the platform frame, a first anchoring mechanism rotatably attaching the platform frame to the base, and a biased arm frame having a proximal arm and a distal arm. The pet deterrent device further includes a second anchoring mechanism that rotatably attaches the proximal arm to the base such that the distal arm can rotate against the bias forces and, and a trigger mechanism having a mechanical stop and a trigger rod that is attached to the crank. The trigger rod can pass through the mechanical stop and over the distal arm when the distal arm is rotated against the bias. When the platform frame is forced down the trigger rod releases the distal arm which enables the distal arm to rotate. 
     In practice the arm frame is at least partially padded and the actuating platform is attached to the platform frame by a plurality of clips. Beneficially those clips are integrally-molded as part of the actuating platform. The clips enable removing the actuating platform from the platform frame. 
     Preferably the platform frame is formed from a bent rod while the trigger side is located at about the middle of the base. The first anchoring mechanism may include two (2) “U”-shaped fasteners having ends embedded into the base and entrapping the trigger side, while the vertical crank preferably has an inverted “U”-shape. Bias forces can be supplied by a torsion spring. 
     An alternative pet deterrent device is similar. That alternative embodiment has a flat base, a metal platform frame having a trigger side with a generally inverted “U”-shaped crank, and a flat plastic actuating platform attached to the platform frame. A first anchoring mechanism rotatably attaches the platform frame to the base. That first anchoring mechanism includes an inverted “U”-shaped fastener that captures the trigger side and retains it in place adjacent the base. The alternative pet deterrent device further includes a spring-biased arm frame having a proximal arm and a distal arm. A second anchoring mechanism rotatably attaches the proximal arm to the base such that the proximal arm is adjacent to and parallel with the trigger side and such that the distal arm can rotate against the bias. The alternative pet deterrent device further includes a trigger mechanism having a mechanical stop and a trigger rod that is attached to the crank by a closed eyelet. The trigger rod can pass through the mechanical stop and over the distal arm when the distal arm is rotated against the bias. The trigger rod releases the distal arm when the platform frame is forced down, which enables the distal arm to rotate. 
     Still referring to the alternative pet deterrent device, in practice the arm frame is at least partially padded and the actuating platform is attached to the platform frame by a plurality of clips. Beneficially those clips are integrally-molded as part of the actuating platform. The clips enable removing the actuating platform from the platform frame. 
     Preferably the platform frame is formed from a bent metal rod while the trigger side is located at about the middle of the base. The first anchoring mechanism may include two (2) “U”-shaped fasteners having ends embedded into the base and entrapping the trigger side. Bias forces can be applied by a torsion spring. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a deterrent device  10  that is in accord with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a side perspective view of the deterrent device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a “ready” state; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a side perspective view of the deterrent device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2   a  depicting an “activated” state; and, 
         FIG. 3  is an environmental view of the deterrent device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-2   b  depicting an in-use state. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       
           
           
             
                 10  deterrent device 
                 20  base 
                 22  actuating platform 
                 24  clip 
                 26  platform frame 
                 30  first anchor 
                 40  trigger mechanism 
                 42  trigger rod 
                 43  eyelet 
                 44  crank section 
                 46  second anchor 
                 60  padded arm 
                 62  padded arm frame 
                 64  spring 
                 66   a  first pad 
                 66   b  second pad 
                 100  furniture item 
                 105  cushion 
                 110  animal 
             
           
         
      
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a pet deterrent device (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  that is well-suited to discourage animals  110  from climbing on furniture  100  or accessing certain areas of a home. The apparatus  10  is mostly intended to frighten an animal  110 . However should the animal  110  step upon or otherwise contact the apparatus  10  a large padded arm  60  will swing toward and contacting the animal  110  with a force insufficient to harm the animal  110  but sufficient to focus their attention. While the apparatus  10  can be used at any of a variety of restricted surfaces and areas, it is viewed as being especially useful around and upon furniture  100  such as cushions  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10 , the apparatus  10  includes a flat rectangular plastic or wood base  20  that is approximately seven inches (7 in.) wide by eight inches (8 in.) in length. The base  20  supports a large actuating platform  22 , a platform frame  26 , a trigger mechanism  40 , and a spring-loaded padded arm  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the actuating platform  22  comprises a flat section of extruded or molded plastic that is beneficially about six inches (6 in.) wide and three inches (3 in.) in length. The actuating platform  22  overlays three sides of a four (4) sided platform frame  26 . The platform frame  26  extends near the perimeter of the actuating platform  22  and is affixed to the actuating platform  22  by plurality of downwardly curving clips  24 . Preferably the clips  24  are integrally-molded as part of the actuating platform  22 . The clips  24  enable easy removal of the actuating platform  22  from the platform frame  26  for cleaning. 
     The fourth side of the platform frame  26  is a trigger side that extends past the actuating platform  22  and is formed into a side having a central, generally vertical inverted “U”-shaped crank  44 . The platform frame  26  is envisioned as being a continuous metal rod formed into the required shape. The fourth side is positioned at about the middle of the base  20  where it is then anchored to the base  20  in a pivoting manner. Anchoring is performed using a pair of first anchors  30 , each located near where the fourth side bends inward from another side. The first anchors  30  are inverted “U”-shaped fasteners having end embedded into the base  20  and the “U” entrapping the platform frame  26  within. This mounting allows the actuating platform  22  to pivot upward. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the padded arm  60  includes a four-sided metal arm frame  62  that is beneficially made of the same materials as the platform frame  26 . One (1) side of the padded arm frame  62  is a pivot side that is located adjacent to and generally parallel with the platform frame  26  side that is attached to the base  20  by the first anchors  30 . That arm of the padded arm frame  62  is affixed to the base  20  using a pair of first anchors  30 . Within that arm of the padded arm frame  62  are a pair of entrapped torsion springs  64 . 
     The torsion springs  64  apply a torque to the remainder of the padded arm frame  62  to bias the padded arm  60  toward the actuating platform  22 . The padded arm  60  includes a soft cylinder-shaped urethane foam pad (or equivalent covering material) that extends partially or fully over the other three (3) sides of the padded arm frame  62 . That padding takes the form of a first pad  66   a  and a second pad  66   b  that are minor-image “L”-shapes. The padded arm frame  62  legs are centered within the first pad  66   a  and second pad  66   b . However, the side of the padded arm frame  62  opposite the side attached to the base  20  is partially exposed between the first pad  66   a  and second pad  66   b . The exposed section engages a trigger rod  42  of the trigger mechanism  40 . 
     As previously noted the anchored side of the platform frame  26  further includes the “U”-shaped crank section  44 . The crank section  44  is in mechanical communication with the padded arm  60  via the trigger rod  42  and by a second anchor  46  that is anchored to the base  20 . The crank section  44  supports a rotating attachment of the trigger rod  42  via an integral eyelet  43  of the trigger rod  42 . When the platform frame  26  is raised the opposite end of the trigger rod  42  can pass through the second anchor  46 . However, when the platform frame  36  is lowered the crank section  44  pulls on the eyelet  43  which pulls the end of the trigger rod  42  out of the second anchor  46 . 
     Still referring primarily to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when the padded arm frame  62  is pushed against the base  20  the torsion springs  64  are maximally extended. When the platform frame  26  is raised, the end of the trigger rod  42  can extend over the padded arm frame  62 . Because of the mechanical stop imposed on the end of the trigger rod  42  by the second anchor  46  the padded arm frame  62  becomes trapped between the base  20  and the trigger rod  42 . This establishes the “ready” state (see  FIG. 2   a ) of the apparatus  10 . The extended and retracted positions of the trigger rod  42  provide respective engagement and disengagement of the padded arm frame  62 , thereby resulting in respective “ready” and “activated” states of the apparatus  10  (see  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b ). 
     Refer now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , respectively side perspective views of the apparatus  10  depicting the “ready” and “activated” states. In use the apparatus  10  is prepared in the “ready” state by pushing the padded arm  60  down and then securing the padded arm  60  in position. Securing the position is achieved by moving the end of the trigger rod  42  over the padded arm frame  62  between the pads  66   a ,  66   b . The bias imparted by the torsion springs  64  on the trigger rod  42  and the second anchor  46  locks the padded arm frame  62  in position. 
     However, when an animal  110  steps on the actuator platform  22  the actuator platform  22  pivots downward. This rotates the crank section  44  away from the second anchor  46 . This retracts the trigger rod  42  which the padded arm  60 . The padded arm  60  then pivots toward the actuating platform  22  due to forces applied to the padded arm frame  62  by the torsion springs  64 . In practice the padded arm  60  strikes and/or frightening the animal  110 . 
       FIG. 3  presents an environmental view of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is illustrated as being placed upon a cushion  105  of furniture  100 . This is performed with the intention of training an animal  110  to stay off the furniture  100 . Of course the apparatus  10  may be used to train animals  110  to stay off of or away from various items of furniture  100  and/or areas otherwise deemed “off-limits” for the animal  110 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention. While only one particular configuration is shown and described that is for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10  it would be installed as generally indicated in  FIG. 3 . That is, the apparatus  10  would be placed where it would reduce or eliminate the incidence of animals  110  being where they are not wanted. The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by procuring a model of the apparatus  10  suitable for an animal  110  to be trained; setting up the apparatus  10  in a “ready” state by moving the padded arm  60  downward against the base  20 ; tilting the actuating platform  22  upward to extend and position the trigger rod  42  over the padded arm frame  62 ; releasing the padded arm  60 ; placing the apparatus  10  upon furniture  100  or other area considered “off-limits” for the animal  110 ; activating the apparatus  10 , waiting for an animal  110  to retract the trigger rod  42  by stepping on the actuating platform  22  to retract and release the padded arm  60 ; scaring or gently striking the animal  110  with the pads  66   a ,  66   b  when the trigger rod  42  is released; repeating the above procedure until such time that the animal  110  is cured of its bad habit; and, benefiting from deterring of an animal  110  from occupying furniture  100 , or other “off limits” areas afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.