Patent Publication Number: US-2007103890-A1

Title: Illluminated collar

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,327, formerly patent application Ser. No. 10/815,601, filed Apr. 1, 2004, and issued on Nov. 28, 2006. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The invention relates generally to collars and, more particularly, to safety collars for pets. Still more particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and an associated method for illuminating a safety collar for use on pets.  
     BACKGROUND  
      It is often difficult to see domestic or household animals, referred to herein as “pets,” at night or in a dimly lit or unlit area. For that reason, pets frequently pose a safety hazard, not only to themselves, but also to people who occupy the same space. For example, people may trip over pets during the night or in a dark room, resulting in potential harm to the person or to the pet, particularly if the person or pet is elderly or recovering from a medical procedure. An elderly person, furthermore, may not be as agile as a younger person, and may be sensitive to an unexpected impact with a pet, and could potentially suffer from an inadvertent or adverse contact with a pet. Likewise, any person with reduced night vision is at a potentially serious health and safety risk from tripping over a pet.  
      One solution to the foregoing hazards is to provide additional ambient light in unlit or dimly lit areas. However, people have varying sensitivities to light at night, and it is frequently desirable or necessary to maintain minimal, or no, ambient light at night.  
      Another solution that has been attempted has been to provide pet collars with light-reflecting strips or elements. However, there is often insufficient light to reflect off of such reflective strips or elements, thereby rendering such strips or elements of little or no effect.  
      To overcome the problem of a lack of light to reflect off of reflective elements of a collar, some collars have been equipped with fluorescent elements which glow temporarily after being exposed to an external light. However, the radiant glow fades quickly and generally does not last through the night, losing virtually all effect, rendering such solution unreliable.  
      A band of light may be provided on a collar, but that poses a problem to a pet because light may shine such that the animal&#39;s eyes are adversely affected, thus impeding that animal&#39;s sensory abilities. Additionally, the lights may constitute a distraction and a source of annoyance and discomfort to the pet and people.  
      Collars may be provided with noise-generating collar elements, such as a bell or chain. The noise generated from such collars may disturb both the animal and person as the pet moves about the house. Additionally, many people may not find noise or sound an adequate indicator of the animal&#39;s precise location or direction of motion.  
      It is apparent that conventional techniques do not satisfactorily address the aforementioned hazards and shortcomings with attempted solutions to the hazards. Therefore, what is needed is a pet safety collar which does not constitute a burden, and is thereby comfortable, to a pet wearing the collar, while providing at the same time a clear, visible warning effective for enabling a person to identify a specific location of a pet, and to thereby assist in avoiding unwanted contact with such a pet in an unlighted environment.  
     SUMMARY  
      The present invention, accordingly, provides a collar to which is mounted an illumination source and one or more insets. Each of one or more light-transferring fibers includes a first end coupled for receiving light from the illumination source, and a second end coupled for transmitting light to an inset. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a safety collar embodying features of the present invention and positioned on a pet depicted in outline form;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the safety collar of  FIG. 1  shown unclasped and removed from the pet;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the collar of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of the collar of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is cross-sectional view of the collar of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 6  is an alternate view of the collar of  FIG. 5  depicted in an open state;  
       FIG. 7  is cross-sectional view of the collar of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the collar of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of the collar of  FIG. 1  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a illumination module utilized by the collar of  FIG. 1 , operable by a manual switch mechanism; and  
       FIG. 11  is an illumination light source module utilized by the collar of  FIG. 1 , operable by a remote control mechanism. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning fiber optics and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates a safety collar embodying features of the present invention. The collar  100  is shown fitted around the neck of a pet  102 , such as a dog, cat, or the like, shown in outline form. The collar is secured about the neck by a conventional clasp  104  configured for matingly engaging holes  106  defined in the collar.  
       FIG. 2  shows the collar  100  apart from the pet  102 , and the clasp  104  disengaged from the holes  106 . As shown therein, the collar  100  comprises a generally annular collar base  202 . The annular collar base  202  may be fabricated from any of a number of suitable materials, such as nylon, leather, cloth, metal, or the like, and any combination thereof, effective for remaining secured about the neck of the pet  102  and withstanding rough daily wear by a pet. The annular collar base  202  further comprises an interior surface  208  which would be positioned against the skin or fur of the pet  102  when fitted thereon, and an exterior surface  210  opposite the interior surface  208 , which exterior surface is exposed and most easily visible to an observer when the collar is fitted on a pet.  
      A band  214  is positioned on the exterior surface  210  of the collar  100 , and is preferably secured thereto via conventional stitching  215 . A number of light-emitting elements, referred to herein as insets,  216  (seven of which are depicted) are mounted on the band  214 . The insets  216  may comprise any of a number of different materials, such as glass, plastic, hard plastic simulating precious stones (e.g., cubic zirconium), or the like, effective for permitting light to pass therethrough, and preferably resistant to heat and scratches. The insets  216 , furthermore, may be configured in any desirable shape, such as a diamond shape (as exemplified in  FIG. 2 ), a round shape, or an oval shape, and may be colored as desired. An illumination source  218 , described in further detail below, is preferably mounted on the exterior surface  210  of the collar  100 , and is secured therein by the band  214 , as described in further detail below. Alternatively, the illumination source  218  may be mounted on the exterior surface  210  without cover of the band  214  to provide ready access to a person, or may be mounted on the interior surface  208  of the collar  100 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, the insets  216  are positioned on the band  214  so as to be directed away from the pet&#39;s face and eyes. It is therefore contemplated that the insets  216  are positioned on the generally annular collar base  202  away from the head of the pet and toward its torso. Many household pets are sensitive to light, as are many people; thus, having a constantly glowing element on the animal&#39;s neck may constitute a nuisance to the pet.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , an exploded view of the collar  100 , one or more light-transferring fiber optic strings  302  extend from the illumination source  218 . The light-transferring fiber optic strings  302  preferably comprise one or more fiber optic filaments fabricated utilizing conventional fiber optic technology, preferably generate little or no heat, and are preferably sufficiently flexible to permit wrapping with the collar  100  around the neck of a pet. If multiple fiber optic filaments are utilized to constitute each of the fiber optic strings  302 , the filaments may be encased in a sheath, fabricated from a material such as nylon. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the fiber optic strings  302  may be fabricated from any material, such as plastic, glass, and the like, effective for transferring light from a light source.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the number of fiber optic strings  302  corresponds to the number of insets  216 , such that one fiber optic string  302  corresponds to a respective inset  216 . Each fiber optic string  302  includes a first end  302   a  and a second end  302   b . As described in further detail below with respect to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the first end  302   a  is optically connected to the illumination source  218  for receiving light therefrom. The second end  302   b  of each fiber optic string  302  is secured to a respective inset  216  so that light received at the first end  302   a  is transferred through the end  302   b  and emitted through the insets  216  on the band  214 . The length of each fiber optic string  302  between the first and second ends is preferably interposed between the collar base  202  and the band  214 , and preferably secured thereto using an adhesive, such as glue or epoxy.  
       FIG. 4  shows a plan view of the collar  100  for the purpose of depicting selected sections of the collar shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 5-7  below.  
       FIG. 5  shows a cross-section of the collar  100  taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . As shown therein, the band  214  wraps around and encases the illumination source  218 , depicted having seven fiber optic strings  302  extending therefrom. As viewed in  FIG. 5 , a seal  514  is formed along an upper edge of the band  214  for matingly engaging a cooperating seal  502  formed along an upper edge of the collar base  202 , to thereby form a preferably water-tight seal in the manner of a Ziploc® seal.  FIG. 6  shows the cross-section of  FIG. 5 , but with the seals  502  and  514  disengaged from each other to form an opening through which the illumination source  218  may be accessed, as described in further detail below.  
       FIG. 7  shows a cross-section of the collar  100  taken along the line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 . As viewed therein, the band  214  is secured to the collar base  202  via stitching  215  at both the top and bottom of the band, to thereby envelope fiber optic strings  302  traversing therethrough. It is noted that a selected one of the fiber optic strings  302  is coupled to the inset  216  for transferring light to the inset.  
       FIG. 8  shows a cross-section of an alternate embodiment of the collar  100 , designated by the reference numeral  800 , taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . The collar  800  is similar to the collar  100 , but for the seal portions  502  and  514 , which are functionally replaced by an extended portion, or flap,  814  of the band  214  configured for wrapping around the collar base  202 . The band flap  814  and collar base  202  are preferably provided with hook-and-loop material  802  such as Velcro® so that the band flap  814  and collar base  202  may be secured together. It may be appreciated that, with the collar  800  positioned on the neck of a pet, pressure of the collar against the neck of the pet will act to maintain the coupling of the hook-and-loop portions  802  of the Velcro®.  
       FIG. 9  shows a cross-section of a second alternate embodiment of the collar  100 , designated by the reference numeral  900 , taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . The collar  900  is similar to the collar  100 , but includes the seal portions  502  and  514  ( FIG. 5 ), as well as the band flap  814  ( FIG. 8 ) securable to the collar base  202  via hook-and-loop material  802  such as Velcro®. The schematic arrow  902  depicts closure of the flap  814  to the collar base  202 , as discussed in further detail below.  
       FIG. 10  depicts the illumination source  218  having a light-generating element  1006  operably interconnected via wires  1008  to a power supply  1002 , such as a battery, and a control mechanism  1004 , such as a conventional mechanical switch, operable by a user for activating the illumination source  218 . The light-generating element  1006  preferably comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s), but may alternatively comprise a conventional light bulb, or the like, preferably effective for generating a low-intensity light having little or no heat. The light emitted from the light-generating element  1006  is preferably visible to a human eye, but not to the eyes of the animal wearing the collar  100 , it being understood that, while different pets may have different ranges of light to which they are not sensitive, some species may not be amenable to such a range. The ends  302   a  of the one or more fiber optic strings  302  are coupled to the light-generating element  1006  for receiving light therefrom. The power supply  1002  is preferably a replaceable battery, as is commonly employed in small electronic devices such as a watch, hearing aids, cameras, and the like. The power supply  1002  may be re-positioned in the illumination source  218  adjacent the control mechanism  1004  to facilitate access and replacement. It is considered that additional circuitry and circuit elements (e.g., a transformer) necessary to enable functionality of the illumination source  218  described herein would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the present disclosure and, therefore, will not be described in further detail herein. The illumination source  218  is preferably housed in an enclosure that is configured (e.g., by sealing the entry points of the fiber optic strings  302  with a glue, such as epoxy) for preventing water from entering the enclosure and affecting the components housed therein. The illumination source  218  is furthermore, preferably enveloped in electric and heat insulation effective for protecting a pet from heat and energy that may emanate from the illumination source  218 .  
       FIG. 11  depicts an alternate embodiment of the illumination source  218 , in which the control mechanism  1004  is replaced by a radio frequency (RF) receiver  1104  coupled to an antenna  1108  effective for receiving from a remote control transmitter (not shown) RF signals transmitted for activating and deactivating the illumination source  218 . The antenna  1108  preferably comprises a wire extending from the RF receiver  1104  of the illumination source  218  through the collar  100  between the collar base  202  and the band  214 , alongside the fiber optic strings  302 . RF remote control technology is considered to be well-known in the art and, therefore, will not be described in further detail herein. It may be appreciated that the embodiment of  FIG. 11  permits a person to activate the illumination source  218  remotely without the necessity of capturing the pet prior to activating the illumination source  218 . Alternatively, rather than using an RF link between the illumination source  218  and the remote control, such link may be established utilizing infrared light, or other wireless technology.  
      In operation, the collar  100  is positioned on a pet in a conventional manner. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 10 , the illumination source  218  is activated by separating the seal portions  502  and  514 , accessing and operating the control mechanism  1004 , and then closing the seal portions  502  and  514 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the illumination source  218  is activated by unwrapping the band flap  814 , accessing and operating the control mechanism  1004 , and then wrapping the band flap  814  back into a closed position. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the illumination source  218  is activated by unwrapping the band flap  814  and separating the seal portions  502  and  514 , accessing and operating the control mechanism  1004 , and then closing the seal portions  502  and  514  and wrapping the band flap  814  back into a closed position, as indicated schematically by the arrow  902 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5, 8 , or  9 , in combination with  FIG. 11 , the illumination source  218  is activated by a remote control unit. Once the illumination source  218  is activated, then light is emitted from the light-generating element  1006  to the ends  302   a  of the one or more fiber optic strings  302 . The fiber optic strings  302  carry the light from the light-generating element  1006  to the insets  216 , and the light is then emitted through and from the insets  216  for alerting persons in poorly lit or unlit areas of the location of the pet wearing the collar  100 , thereby preventing accidents, such as tripping over the pet.  
      The illumination source  218  remains in an activated state until the power supply  1002  is exhausted of power, or until a person deactivates the illumination source  1006  in a manner similar to the aforementioned steps employed to activate the illumination source  218 . If the power supply  1002  is exhausted, then it may be replaced by accessing the power supply  1002 , in a manner similar to the aforementioned steps employed to activate the illumination source  218 , and then replacing the battery in a conventional manner.  
      By the use of the present invention, an improved collar is provided which does not constitute a burden and is comfortable to a pet wearing the collar, while providing at the same time a clear, visible warning effective for enabling a person to identify the location of a pet, and thereby to assist in avoiding unwanted contact with such a pet in an unlighted environment, which unwanted contact could result in injury to the person and/or the pet.  
      It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, the invention may be utilized in connection with specific animal applications or as a component of a medical apparatus, e.g., as a brace, splint, or cast. Certain embodiments may also include automatic activation of the lights by a sensing means on the collar, so that the illumination source  218  is activated when only little ambient light is detected. Other embodiments of the invention may include at least one access point to a harness or leash attached to the collar, to thereby enable lights on the harness or leash to be illuminated along with lights on the collar. In another embodiment, the illumination source  218  may be positioned on the interior surface of the collar base  202 , or within an opening cut out of the collar base  202 . The illumination source  218  may also be positioned on the exterior surface of the collar base  202  without being enveloped by the band  214 . One or more colors of light may be emitted from each inset  216 . LED&#39;s or light-generating elements may be selected that emit light of colors or frequencies that do not attract, or that even repel, pests, such as insects, fleas, mosquitoes, and the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a transmitter may be configured to activate an alarm to alert a person when a pet has entered a room or crossed a portal, such as when entering or leaving a house.  
      In a still further embodiment, the illumination source  218  may generate light in an intermittent manner (e.g., repeatedly blinking on and off, wherein the periods of being on and off may or may not be equal) to thereby be more readily perceived and also conserve electrical power. One or more LED&#39;s of one or more colors may be positioned within each inset and be electrically connected to a power supply similar to the illumination source  218 , but without the light-generating element  1006 , and the LED&#39;s may generate light continuously or intermittently, and, if intermittently, then the LED&#39;s may or may not be synchronized with each other. Multiple light-generating elements  1006  may be connected to one or more insets for displaying light, wherein each light-generating element  1006  may generate light of different color and/or intermittently and, if intermittently, then the light-generating elements  1006  may or may not be synchronized with each other.  
      The present invention may also be adapted for providing illumination on pet jewelry, clothing, accessories, and the like. Still further, the present invention may be adapted for use on clothing and accessories worn by people. By way of example but not limitation, present invention may also be adapted to enhance safety by providing for illumination on fireman overcoats and hats and on pajamas for young children, to thereby enable firemen and children to be more readily located in dimly lit areas. The present invention may be adapted for aesthetic purposes as well, such as designs on pajamas, watches, and the like.  
      Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.