Patent Publication Number: US-2019166799-A1

Title: Pet distraction device system and method of use

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a dog distraction device system and methods of use. More specifically, the invention is related to a system and method to use a treat and toy combination to distract a pet while the owner is taking care of grooming or other pet maintenance. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Systems and methods for pet toys and distraction devices is well known in the art. There are millions of pet dog owners in countries all over the world. Caring for an animal such a dog is much like caring for a child. They have needs for their health, happiness and welfare. These needs include food, exercise, washing, grooming and medical treatments. Pet toys are used to help with this care and distraction methods are employed to keep dogs entertained or distracted during times when the pet must remain still such as during flea treatments or bathing. 
     One of the problems commonly associated with conventional methods for care is the limited use. The problem that arises is that pets, especially dogs, are often not aware that these activities are good for their health. Dogs can find certain activities boring or uncomfortable and will resist them. Dogs are generally energetic, strong and restless. The energetic nature of a dog makes it difficult to carry out some of these basic tasks. For example, when washing a dog, most owners will put them in the bathtub and wash them with the shower head or faucet. However, it is rare that a dog will sit for ten minutes while the owner washes them. It is more common that the dog will jump out of the bath and create a mess. The traditional method for keeping the dog still is physical restraint with a collar or leash. This is unpleasant and potentially uncomfortable for the dog. Additionally, it also requires the owner to use one of their hands for restraint, when often two hands are needs for a quick and effective washing. 
     Although great strides have been made in the area of pet distraction systems and methods of use, many shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic of a system and method of the present invention in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the pet distraction device of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified schematic of the pet distractive device and treat combination of the system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 4  is a back view of the pet distraction device of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional systems and methods for pet distraction devices. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  depicts a view of a system  101  and method of use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system  101  overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional systems and methods for pet distraction devices. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, system  101  is contemplated utilizing a pet distraction device  103  and a spreadable, edible treat  303  configured to overcome the problems commonly associated with conventional delivering processes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , system  101  is shown as a side view of a bathroom enclosed by at least two bathroom walls  109 ,  111 , a bathtub  105 , a water faucet  107  and a pet distraction device  103  removably attached on the bathroom wall  109 . It is contemplated that the pet distraction device  103  is configured to be used in conjunction with a spreadable, edible treat such as peanut butter to facilitate the pet distraction during a washing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the pet distraction device  103  is shown having a novel design shape  201  with a plurality of indentations  203 ,  205 ,  207 ,  209 ,  211  with raised contour features  213 ,  215 . In the preferred embodiment, the novel design shape  201  is configured as a dog paw with the plurality of indentations forming the metacarpal pad  203  and the four digital pads  205 ,  207 ,  209 ,  211 . Inside each indentation, the plurality of raised contour features  213 ,  215  are configured as a series of concentric circles. It is contemplated that the height of the raised contour features  213 ,  214  does not exceed the depth of the indentations  203 ,  205 ,  207 ,  209 ,  211 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front view of the pet distraction device and treat combination is shown as system  301 . The pet distraction device  103  is shown having the same features as  FIG. 2 . In addition, a spreadable, edible treat  303 , such as peanut butter, is shown spread onto the front surface  305 . In one embodiment of the system, the treat  303  is spread into the indentation  203  and onto the contour grooves  213 . The indentations and the contour grooves are configured such that the peanut butter will stay on the device as long as required and will not be removed in one lick from the pet. In an alternate embodiment, the treat  303  may be peanut butter, pet food, jam or other edible, spreadable treat or food. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a back view of the pet distraction device  103  is shown having a back surface  401  and a plurality of suction cups  403  attached to the back surface  401  of the pet distraction device  103 . The suctions cups  403  are configured such that the pet distraction device  103  may be attached to any clean, smooth surface, such as a shower wall, counter top, floors, doors, portable stands, or other surface. The surfaces may be located in bathrooms, kitchens, gardens, or other location. 
     In one contemplated embodiment, it is anticipated that the pet distraction device  103  may be comprised of a food-safe silicone, rubber, polyurethane, polycarbonate, metal or other suitable material. Alternatively, the device  103  may be comprised of a non-food safe material and then given a food-safe coating such as epoxy resin. 
     The pet distraction device  103  may be manufactured using injection molding, rotational molding, compression molding, die casting, laser cutting, 3D printing or other suitable method. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the novel design shape  201  is configured as a dog paw shape. In an alternate embodiment, the novel design shape  201  may be configured as a bone shape, a face shape, an animal shape or other variation. 
     The pet distraction device  103  may be used for dogs, cats, bird, pigs, reptiles or other animals. 
     The pet distraction device  103  may be used by pet owners, pet caretakers, veterinarians, dog groomers, dog trainers or other user. 
     In the preferred embodiment and method of use of the present invention, the pet distraction device  103  is formed of a food-safe silicon. The device has a contoured front face with several indentations. The user applies peanut butter to the front face of the device. On the rear, are a series of suction cups. These allow the device to be mounted onto a smooth surface at the level of the dog&#39;s head. The device is deployed when the user requires the dog to be still for a period of time, for example when washing the dog. The dog begins to lick the peanut butter from the front face the device, and continues to do so while being washed. The contoured and uneven surfaces ensures that some of the peanut butter remains on the surface and won&#39;t be removed by the licking action too quickly. The dog is content and remains still and distracted while the owner carries out the needed task. The device can then be removed and placed in the dishwasher to be cleaned and ready for another use. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.