Abstract:
An apparatus for repelling animals which is attachable to the top of any external barrier. The apparatus has an elongated hollow roller with an opening on each of its two ends; an end cap, with an aperture for receiving an axle, seated in a water-tight manner into each end of the roller; and a mounting member having an upper section with one or more axle projecting from it wherein the axles are adapted to insert into the aperture of the end cap and permit rotation of the roller and also having a lower section adapted to attach to an external structure. Noise-producing articles may be inserted into the hollow of the roller such that, as the roller is rotated, the movement of the articles within emit noise.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/257,530 filed Dec. 22, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This present invention relates to an improvement in animal-repelling devices, and more particularly to animal-repelling devices mountable onto a boundary structure such as a fence or similar barrier designed to keep wild animals and uninvited domestic animals out. 
     With population growth continuing to tax urban environments for space, the countryside, near and outlying, have and are being developed. The more development encroaches upon the countryside, the more likely the development will see and experience wild-animal invasions to their property. Conventional fences and other border barriers are not sufficient to prevent wild animals from scaling the fence or barrier to enter the property; nor are they sufficient to prevent ones pet, such as a dog in particular, from scaling the fence or barrier to get out. Dangers abound with either scenario. The intrusion of a wild animal into one&#39;s backyard, in spite of a ‘protective’ fence places one&#39;s domestic pet and household member and guests at risk of harm and or disease. Property damage, eating up one&#39;s garden or a pet&#39;s food supply, are common with such intrusions. A pet dog escaping the comfort of a backyard exposes itself to the dangers of the wild and may never return as a result. 
     Several such repellers designed for boundary or barrier structures have been crafted and tried. Some are dangerous, lethal to a degree, having spikes, sharp objects, or barbed-wire on top. Some have a rotational function with or without dangerous objects on top. Most are complex in structure, assembly, and maintenance. What has been missing from this field of endeavor is a simply-designed apparatus which is easy to install, easy to maintain, low in cost, and aesthetically appealing. None has been as simple in construction as the present invention, none has been as easy to install and maintain as the present invention, none has been as aesthetic as the present invention, not all are harmless in structure and use as is the present invention, and none has been as effective as the present invention. Moreover, the present invention is mountable on virtually all types of fences and boundary barriers be they wooden fences, split-rail fences, chain-link fences, wrought-iron fences, or of masonry or other solid-like construction. 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are to: 
     (a) provide for an effective and safe animal-repeller for keeping unwanted animals out and domestic pets in; 
     (b) create an easy-to-maintain and easy-to-install animal-repeller which requires no special skill or tools to install; 
     (c) make an affordable animal-repeller or relatively simple construction; 
     (d) help maintain a safe environment for a person on their own property; and 
     (e) protect domestic pets from harm causable by wild animals. 
     The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above-noted problems, among others, are overcome by the present invention. Briefly stated, the present invention contemplates an apparatus, attachable to the top of an external barrier, for repelling animals. The apparatus has an elongated hollow roller with an opening on each of its two ends; an end cap, with an aperture for receiving an axle, seated into each end of the roller; and a mounting member having an upper section with one or more axle projecting from the upper section wherein the axles are adapted to insert into the aperture of the end cap and permit free rotation of the roller, and also having a lower section adapted to attach to an external structure such as a fence or other boundary barrier. The end caps secure the openings of the roller and prevent environmental contamination to the roller and the inner chamber. Noise-producing articles may be inserted into the hollow of the roller such that, as the roller is rotated, the movement of the articles within emit noise. 
     The foregoing has outlined the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so the present contributions to the art may be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the present invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific embodiment may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It also should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an end cap. 
     FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of the mounting bracket. 
     FIG. 4 a detailed perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting bracket. 
     FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the apparatus mounted on a fence. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. 1, reference character  10  generally designates an animal-repelling apparatus constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The animal-repelling apparatus  10  of present invention comprises a roller  11  which is generally hollow inside thereby defining an inner chamber  15  therein. As illustrated, the roller  11  is elongated and is hollow though it may not necessarily be hollow. The preferred embodiment has a hollow roller  11 . Ribs  17  longitudinally transverse the outer surface of the roller  11 . Several such ribs  17  are on the outer circumference of the roller  11 . Their function is multi-faceted: (1) to provide structural support for the roller  11 , particularly when the roller  11  is relatively long; (2) to provide gripping capability or traction by and for an animal&#39;s paws when attempting to scale a fence upon which the present invention has been attached; and (3) to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the apparatus  10  when viewed in its entirety. 
     An end cap  13  inserts into each end of the roller  11 . The fit is a tight friction-fit which serves to prevent external matter, particularly water, from entering the inner chamber  15 . Though the apparatus  10  may be used indoors or outdoors, its primary use generally will be outdoors. As such, it will be subject to the elements of the region; rain, snow, dust, and wind [environmental contamination]. The water-tight integrity of the end caps  13  inserted into each end of the roller  11  will prevent such intrusions and obviate damages to the apparatus associated therewith. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the details of the end cap  13 . The internal end  19  has a circumference and diameter nearly equal to, but slightly smaller than, the circumference and diameter of the inner chamber  15  of the roller  11 . As such, it tightly and sealingly fits into the end of the roller  11  and functions as described above. A circumferential lip  14  encircles the internal end  19 . The lip  14  has a diameter larger than the diameter of the internal end  19  and a diameter larger than the inside diameter of the inner chamber  15  of the roller  11 . When the end cap  13  is inserted into the end of the roller  11 , the lip  14  prevents the end cap  13  from inserting fully into the roller  11 . On the external end of the end cap  13  [that which is exposed after the end cap  13  has been inserted into the end of the roller  11 ] is a step  18  having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the lip  14  and generally smaller than the diameter of the internal end  19 . The diameter of the step  18  should generally be significantly smaller than the diameter of the lip  19 . The step  18 , with its smaller diameter and smaller surface area, facilitates rotation by reducing friction between the end caps  13  and the respective mounting members  12 ,  112  as the roller  11  rotates. 
     At the approximate center of the step  18  is an aperture  35 . The aperture  35  is recessed well into the step  14  and into the internal end  19  of the end cap  13  but does not breach it. This aperture  35  is adapted to accept therein the axle  25  which extends from the mounting member or bracket member  12 ,  112  which allows for the rotation of the roller  11  when assembled and mounted on a suitable structure as an animal attempts to scale the structure. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the details of two embodiments of a mounting member  12 ,  112  respectively. FIG. 3 illustrates a mounting member with an upper section  21  and a lower section  22 ,  23 . Upper section  21  is a relatively flat plate from which one or two axles  25  extend approximately perpendicularly therefrom. The axles  25  are adapted to insert into the aperture  35  of the end cap  13 . The diameter of the axles  25  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the receiving aperture  35 . For reference purposes, R represents the center of the axle  25  and R′ represents the upper surface of lower section  22 . For best animal-repelling results, the radius of the roller  11  [or roller  11  with ribs  17 ] should be as close to, but slightly shorter than, the distance represented by R-R′ to allow for unimpaired rotation of the roller  11 . The flat plate-like structure of the upper section  21  [as well as the second embodiment  121  thereof] eliminates or vastly minimizes, when the apparatus  10  is fully assembled, gaps between rollers  11  when more than one roller  11  comprises the apparatus  10 . The smaller the gap between rollers  11 , the less likelihood of an uninvited animal gaining a foothold between rollers  11  and the more functional the apparatus  10  for its designed purpose. 
     Extending laterally outward from the upper section  21  is a first plate-like member  22  which has at least one plate-like member  23  extending downward from the first member  22 . Two such members  23 ,  23 ′ as illustrated, are preferred. The first plate-like member  22  is approximately parallel to the axles  25  and approximately perpendicular to the upper section  21 ; the downward extensions  23 ,  23 ′ are approximately perpendicular to the first member  22 . Each downward extension  23 ,  23 ′ has at least one aperture  27 ,  27 ′. Though one downward extension  23  with one aperture  27  will suffice for the intended purpose, two such downward extensions  23  with two apertures  27  and  23 ′ with two apertures  27 ′ aligned with the opposing apertures  27  of the opposing downward extension  23  is preferred since this will provide enhanced support; and in instances where the top of the external structure is a somewhat square-shaped rail, such will provide its major support. 
     With this embodiment of a mounting member  12 , the apparatus  10  is applied to an external structure, such as a fence  40 , a rail  41 , or a flat surface  43  as follows. The mounting member  12  is first placed onto the top of the flat wood surface  43  [such as a flat wood fence section] with the first member  22  placed on the top of the flat wood surface  43 . The two downward extensions  23 ,  23 ′ prevent the mounting member  12  from falling off to either side. Using the apertures  27  as a guide, holes may be drilled through the external structure. If the top of the external structure is a somewhat square-shaped rail, generally no drilling is required. A suitable fastener, such as a bolt  37  is inserted through one aperture  27 , through the external structure, past its corresponding aperture  27 ′ on the opposing downward extension  23 ′, and fastened thereat by a corresponding nut  39 . If the external structure top is a somewhat square-shaped rail, the bolt generally will pass under the bottom of the rail. 
     With one such mounting member  12  in place, the aperture  35  of the end cap  13 , which is in the roller  11 , is inserted over one axle  25 . When so inserted, that end of the roller  11  is held in place enabling the assembler to take a second mounting member  12  to the opposite end of the roller  11  and, with the roller thereat as a guide, insert the axle  25  of that second mounting member  12  into the aperture  35  of the end cap  13  on that end and then place the first member  22  of that second mounting member  12  onto the top surface of the external structure. No adjustments are necessary, no additional assistance is necessary, and no special tools or measuring devices are necessary. That second mounting member  12  is attached to the external structure in relatively the same manner as the prior mounting member  12 . 
     The process is continued until the far ends of the external structure are reached. At that point, a mounting member  12  with either one or two axles  25  may be used to finish that side of the external structure. Because it is hollow, a roller  11  may easily be cut to fit as warranted and an end cap  13  forced into the cut end. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of a mounting member  112  mounted on a relatively tubular  45  external structure  40  such as the tube-type top section of a chain-link fence. Here a conventional relatively circular bracket  46 , having two protrusions  48  extending outward from the point where the curvilineation terminates, is placed over the tube-like member  45  of the external structural. The outside diameter x-y of such members  45  generally is approximately between 1.00 inches to 1.25 inches, more or less. A circular bracket  46  compatible with the tube-like member  45  should be used. Each protrusion  48  of the circular bracket has an aperture  47  through the respective protrusion  48 . For reference purposes, plane A represents that section where the curvilineation terminates and each protrusion  48  begins. The protrusions  48  should be pulled apart for placement of the circular bracket  46  onto the tube-like member  45 . After the circular bracket  46  is so placed, the protrusions  48  should be ‘pinched’ close together and the mounting member  112  inserted between, or outside of, the two protrusions  48 . 
     This mounting member  112  has, much like the previously described mounting member  12 , a relatively flat plate-like upper section  121  from which one or two axles  25  extend approximately perpendicularly therefrom. These axles  25 , like those on the previously described mounting member  12 , are adapted to insert into the aperture  35  of the end cap  13 . The diameter of the axles  25  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the receiving aperture  35 . The lower section  122  extends downward from the upper section  121  and shares the same plane. The lower section  122  has a vertically extending extension  123  which has at least two apertures  124 ,  126  thereon with one aperture  126  being vertically disposed above the other aperture  124 . In structure, therefore, the upper section  121  and the lower section  122  seemingly form a single flat plate-like structure with the vertical extension  123  being approximately perpendicular to the lower section  122  and, thereby, approximately parallel to the axles  25 . 
     For reference purposes, the bottom of the vertical extension  123  is plane B. A detached plate-like member  124  completes the structure of this mounting member  112 . The detached member  124  has at least one aperture  127  which is off-center as measured from horizontal centerline z-z′. For reference purposes the bottom of the detached member  124  is plane C and the top of the detached member  124  is plane D with the aperture  127  proximal to plane D. The off-centered aperture  127  permits two alternative planar alignments and height adjustability depending on the respective lengths of the protrusions  48  of two different circular brackets  46 ; i.e., where one set of protrusions  48  on one circular bracket  46  are longer than the set of protrusions  48  of another circular bracket  46 . The first such alignment for longer protrusions  48  is between planes A, B, and C when a suitable fastener combination  37 ,  39  is inserted through apertures  127 ,  47 ,  126 ; or if the detached member  124  is inverted the second such planar alignment is between planes A, B, and D through apertures  127 ,  47 ,  128  when shorter protrusions  48  are involved. 
     When using this mounting member  112 , for best animal-repelling results, the radius of the roller  11  [or roller  11  with ribs  17 ] should be as close to, but slightly shorter than the distance represented by R-B or R-A, to allow for unimpaired rotation of the roller  11 . 
     With the present invention  10  attached to a fence, for example, when an animal, such as a coyote or other wild animal, a third-party&#39;s dog or cat, or any other non-invited animal attempts to scale the fence, as the animal jumps upward with front paws out-stretched, expecting to touch a stable top, the paws contact the roller  11  and, rather than finding a stable surface from which to cling and complete the jump over by bringing up the rear paws, the roller rotates toward the animal and the front paws roll down and off the roller  11  and the animal falls to the ground. In spite of repeated attempts, the animal cannot attain a stable surface from which to execute its necessary maneuvers to satisfactorily scale the fence. From these unsuccessful experiences our studies have shown that the animal, through learned behavior, will avoid that area in the future [even if the apparatus has been removed] and will instead seek out more ‘friendly’ grounds. 
     As previously described, the roller  11  has a hollow inner chamber  15 . To further enhance the repellent-scope of the present invention, sound-making articles  16 , such as, but not limited to, rocks  16 , pebbles  16 , roller bearings  16 ′, metal or plastic fastener bolts  37 , metal or plastic fastener nuts  39 , and the like, may be placed into the inner chamber  15 . As the roller  11  rotates, the movement of the sound-making articles  16  within will thereby emit rattling noises or other animal-unsettling noises. 
     Though not illustrated, a single roller  11  between two mounting members [ 12  or  112  or combinations thereof as the case may be] may comprise more than one section with each succeeding section telescoping into and out of another section. For example, a three-section single roller  11  may have a center section with two outer sections having outside diameters slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the center section. End caps  13  would be on each end of the outer sections. An internal compression spring in the inner chamber  15  exerts force outward forcing the outer sections to their fullest extension from the center section. In this embodiment, an assembler would first mount at least two respective mounting members  12  or  112  onto an external structure, fit the aperture  35  of one end cap  13  into the axle  25  of one mounting member  12  or  112 . Then from the second mounting member the assembler would push an outer section inward toward the center section until the aperture  35  of the end cap  13  on that outer section can be placed over the axle  25  at that end. The force of the spring within, exerting its force outward maintains the multi-section roller  11  securely in place and facilitates its removal without need for tools. 
     The telescoping roller section could also be configured to telescope outward in one direction only with each succeeding section having a smaller diameter than the section from which it extends. For either embodiment of telescoping sections, a suitable sealing means between sections prevents environmental contamination within the inner chambers and a suitable stop means prevents the roller sections from completely separating from each other due to the outward force being exerted by the internal spring. 
     The present disclosure includes that contained in the present claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment[s] illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.