Abstract:
An improved laser pet toy that entertains pets, especially cats. The pet toy comprises a housing containing a laser source which projects a laser beam into a reflective surface. In turn, the reflective surface forecasts the beam through a transparent window set in the housing and projects the beam onto an opaque surface. The random movement of the beam is provided by the motion of the reflective surface which is driven by a drive member and a plurality of arm members.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    Provisional application Ser. No. 60/216,087, filed Jul. 6, 2000.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to an improved laser pet toy for the exercise and amusement of a pet.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Many pet toys involve motion because it is a known fact that pets, particularly cats, are attracted to moving objects. It is also a known fact that cats are attracted to LASER (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) beams. Unfortunately, to operate most pet toys, the owner must use repetitive motions over long periods of time to keep the interest of the cat. These repeated movements over an extended time can cause soreness, strain and even pain for the owner&#39;s fingers, wrists, elbow and hand. Prior art of this type is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,036.  
           [0006]    To operate the laser pet toy disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,036 the owner must continuously press the trigger switch with his/her fingers while, at the same time, move his/her hand, wrist and elbow in a repeated motion so that the cat will chase the laser beam around the room. Since such movement is strenuous and hurtful to the owner&#39;s ligaments, the cat&#39;s activity is usually stopped long before the cat wants the activity to end. This results in an unused toy.  
           [0007]    Other patent disclosures do address the issue of providing continuous motion without straining the owner&#39;s ligaments rather effectively, but these devices require the cat to play with the actual toy itself which becomes a safety issue to both pet and owner. Given that a cat&#39;s natural predatory instinct includes pouncing and jumping on its prey until its prey is lifeless, the toy is usually broken. These small broken pieces may easily cause a choking hazard to the pet. Prior art of this type is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,771 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,223. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,223, the cat should only be playing with the light image being projected from the pet toy, but since the cat will also be seeing the moving members of the device and since the toy is positioned on the floor or hanging from a door knob, it will be within the cat&#39;s reach to pounce and jump on the toy itself. This will result in a broken toy. Another safety concern arises when the device is left stationed on the floor causing the owner to trip and fall over it.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,223 does address the issue of providing continuous motion without causing strain to the owner&#39;s ligaments, however, the device is designed to project an image primarily onto the ceiling and walls rather than the floor which does not take into consideration the natural instincts of a cat. A cat&#39;s natural instinct is to ensue chase until it catches its prey which, in this disclosure, is a beam of light. In order for the cat to capture the beam of light, the pet will climb the drapes, the walls and the furniture. While this may provide exercise and amusement to the cat, the owner will be frustrated and unhappy. This will result in an unused toy.  
           [0009]    Another limitation to U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,223 is its high cost to manufacture with regard to its materials, especially the computer chip or integrated circuit. The programmed computer chip determines the randomness of the light source thereby making it an essential member of the device. Consumers will not pay high prices for pet toys, therefore, a need does exist for a stand alone laser pet toy that is economical to produce thereby making it economically available to consumers.  
           [0010]    Yet another limitation to U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,223 is the use of a light source or lamp unit to project its image. This makes the device useless during daylight hours unless the room is darkened first. This same problem also occurs during evening and night time hours because the room must remain dark in order for the toy to be functional. With a darkened room, the pet owner cannot engage in his/her own activities while the cat is engaged in play. This will result in an unused toy when the owner is tired of being inconvenienced.  
           [0011]    Each of these disclosures is subject to the limitations discussed above, thereby making none of the prior art pet toys entirely satisfactory. Thus, there exists a need for an improved laser pet toy that overcomes, in combination, all of the limitations heretoforementioned above. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved laser pet toy that entertains pets, especially cats, without causing soreness and strain to the owner&#39;s ligaments. There is a further need for a stand alone pet toy which appears self-animated and does not require the device to be within the pet&#39;s reach thereby addressing safety concerns. And yet a further need exists for a low cost laser pet toy that provides randomness motion in a range that is beneficial to a cat&#39;s natural predatory instinct as well as environmentally suitable to the pet owner.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved laser pet toy which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0013]    In the preferred embodiment, the housing unit has a transparent window situated in the front wall. Within the housing unit is a laser source which reflects a laser beam into the first of two mirrors. The mirrors are positioned in such a way that the reflection from the first mirror forecasts the beam into the second mirror with the second mirror then projecting its reflection through the window thus making the beam appear on the floor. The pattern of the beam on the floor is provided by the movement of the mirror which is powered by a motor and a plurality of control means also contained within the housing unit.  
           [0014]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the preferred embodiment in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood.  
           [0015]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved laser pet toy which has all the advantages of the prior art pet devices and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0016]    It is a primary object of the invention to provide a new and improved laser pet device to exercise and entertain pets, in particular, cats.  
           [0017]    It is another object of the invention to provide a stand alone laser pet toy designed to keep the interest of the pet without causing soreness and strain to the owner&#39;s ligaments.  
           [0018]    It is another object of the invention to provide a stand alone pet toy which can maintain its position out-of-reach of the pet while the device is engaging the pet in exercise activity thus creating a safer environment for the pet and its owner.  
           [0019]    It is another object of the invention to provide a stand alone pet toy that exhibits a random range of motion that satisfies both the predatory instincts of the pet as well as taking into consideration the pet owner&#39;s needs.  
           [0020]    It is another object of the invention to provide a laser pet toy that can exhibit a random range of motion yet still be manufactured at a low cost thereby making the device economically available to consumers.  
           [0021]    It is another object of the invention to provide a stand alone pet toy that exhibits a random range of motion which can be used during daylight and night time conditions without inconveniencing the pet owner.  
           [0022]    It is another object of the invention to provide an improved pet toy comprising a housing comprising a laser source which projects a laser beam into a mirror. In turn, the mirror forecasts the beam through a transparent window set in the housing and projects the beam onto an opaque surface. The random movement of the beam is provided by the motion of the mirror which is driven by a motor and a plurality of members.  
           [0023]    For the purpose of clarifying the nature of the present invention, one exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the hereinbelowdescribed figures of the accompanying drawings and is described in detail hereinafter. It is to be taken as representative of the multiple embodiments of the invention which lie within the scope of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
       [0033]    FIGS.  1 - 3  show a preferred embodiment of a pet toy  10 . In its broadest context, the pet toy  10  comprises a housing  12  with a hollow interior and a transparent window  14  inset on front wall of the housing  12 . A hook  18  may be attached on back wall of the housing  12  so pet toy  10  can be hung. Within the housing  12  is a motor  24 , which is energized by suitable means, such as an electric cord or battery operated, neither of which is shown, through a control box  22 . A motor bracket  26  is secured to the housing  12  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. A motor  24  is connected to the motor bracket  26  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. The motor  24  is connected to the first end of arm  28  by a crank arm  30 . The second end of arm  28  is connected about perpendicular to first end of arm  32  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  32  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of shaft  34  by gluing or any other type of fastener. In addition, the first end of shaft  34  is also connected to a bracket  26  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of shaft  34  is connected to bracket  26  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. A mirror  36  is fastened lengthwise to shaft  34  by gluing or any other type of fastener.  
         [0034]    A mirror  38  is positioned directly below mirror  36  such that mirror  38  is mounted at an angle to a bracket  40  so that the reflection seen in mirror  38  reflects into mirror  36 . A bracket  40  is mounted lengthwise to shaft  42  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The lower end of shaft  42  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of arm  44  by glue or any other type of fastener. In addition, the lower end of shaft  42  is also connected to the first end of bracket  46  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of bracket  46  is secured to the housing  12  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  44  is connected to the first end of arm  48  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  48  is connected to a motor  50  by a crank arm  52 . The motor  50  is secured to the housing  12  by a motor bracket  54 . The speed of the motors  24  and  50  may be adjusted by control knob  16  which is attached to housing  12  and is operated through speed control box  20 .  
         [0035]    A laser source  56  which is energized by suitable means, such as an electric cord or battery operated, neither of which is shown, through a control box  22 , is mounted on the first end of bracket  62  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. The second end of bracket  62  is secured to the housing  12  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. The laser source  56  is comprised of a laser emitting end  58  and a power receiving end  60  which emits a laser beam when activated.  
         [0036]    The laser emitting end  58  must be positioned so that the laser beam reflects into mirror  38 . Thus, mirror  38  must be positioned at an angle so that the reflection seen in mirror  38  reflects into mirror  36 . The mirror  36  must be positioned at an angle so that the reflection in mirror  36  reflects through the transparent window  14  onto the floor.  
         [0037]    In use, the operator places the pet toy  10  on the edge of a shelf, plugs the toy into a standard electrical outlet, not shown, and adjusts a control knob  16 , as desired, to regulate the speed of the motors  24  and  50 . The motor  24  will turn the crank arm  30  which will interengage arms  28 ,  32 , and shaft  34  to turn simultaneously and will move the mirror  36  at the desired speed. The motor  50  will turn the crank arm  52  which will cause arms  44 ,  48 , and shaft  42  to turn simultaneously and will move the mirror  38  at the desired speed. Thus, the light from the laser source  56  will reflect into mirror  38  which in turn will reflect into mirror  36 . The reflection from mirror  36  will forecast through the transparent window  14  projecting a moving laser beam onto the floor. Since the beam is invisible until it intersects the floor, the pet will only see and only be chasing one red circle. The variable speed of the pet toy  10  is also extremely attractive to cats because each cat&#39;s agility is different thereby providing a device that will satisfy a wide range of users.  
         [0038]    It is a preferred method for the pet toy  10  to have two variable speed motors thereby providing each mirror with two different speeds of motion. These two different speeds will, in turn, provide a greater pattern of randomness which will make the pet toy  10  even more attractive to cats. As the pet toy  10  increases the number of variable speed motors and mirrors used, so increases the randomness of the pattern. It is to be understood that having a pet toy comprised of a number of motors and mirrors that are less than what is discussed hereinabove does not diminish from the scope of the invention. Since a cat&#39;s agility decreases as its age increases, a pet toy which provides a minimum degree of randomness would be of interest to elderly or handicapped cats who, despite their diminished abilities, still need their exercise to maintain their health, but cannot sustain the high level of excitement and activity that the preferred embodiment provides. Therefore, FIGS.  4 - 10  show alternative embodiments that provide varying degrees of randomness without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0039]    In a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a mirror  102  is mounted at an angle to a bracket  104  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The bracket  104  is mounted lengthwise to a shaft  106  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The lower end of shaft  106  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of arm  108  by glue or any other type of fastener. In addition, the lower end of shaft  106  is also connected to a bracket  110  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  108  is connected to the first end of arm  112  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  112  is connected to the first end of arm  116  by a crank arm  114 . The second end of arm  116  is connected to a motor  118  by a crank arm  120 . The motor  118  is connected to a motor bracket  122  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. A crank arm  120  connects the motor  118  to the first end of arm  124 . The second end of arm  124  is connected about perpendicular to first end of arm  126  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  126  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of shaft  130  by gluing or any other type of fastener. In addition, the first end of shaft  130  is also connected to the bracket  122  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of shaft  130  is connected to the bracket  122  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. A mirror  128  is fastened lengthwise to the shaft  130  by gluing or any other type of fastener.  
         [0040]    A laser source  132  is mounted on a bracket  138  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. The laser source  132  is comprised of a laser emitting end  134  and a power receiving end  136  which emits a laser beam when activated. The laser emitting end  134  must be positioned so that the laser beam reflects into mirror  102 . Thus, mirror  102  must be positioned so that the reflection seen in mirror  102  reflects into mirror  128 .  
         [0041]    As to the operation of the second embodiment and all other embodiments hereinbelowdescribed, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of operation will be provided.  
         [0042]    In a third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a motor  202  is connected to a motor bracket  204  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. The motor  202  is connected to the first end of arm  206  by a crank arm  208 . The second end of arm  206  is connected about perpendicular to first end of arm  210  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  210  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of shaft  212  by gluing or any other type of fastener. In addition, the first end of shaft  212  is also connected to a bracket  204  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of shaft  212  is connected to the bracket  204  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. Mirror  214  is fastened lengthwise to shaft  212  by gluing or any other type of fastener.  
         [0043]    A laser source  218  is mounted on the first end of bracket  216  by screws, however, gluing or other fasteners could also be used. The laser source  218  is comprised of a laser emitting end  220  and a power receiving end  222  which emits a laser beam when activated. The laser emitting end  220  must be positioned so that the laser beam reflects into mirror  214 .  
         [0044]    In a fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a motor  302  is connected to the first end of arm  306  by a crank arm  308 . The second end of arm  306  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of arm  310  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  310  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of a shaft  312  by gluing or any other type of fastener. In addition, the first end of shaft  312  is also connected to a bracket  304  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of shaft  312  is connected to a bracket  304  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. A mirror  314  is fastened lengthwise to the shaft  312  by gluing or any other type of fastener.  
         [0045]    A laser source  330  is mounted to a bracket  316  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The laser source  330  is comprised of a laser emitting end  332  and a power receiving end  334  which emits a laser beam when activated. The laser emitting end  332  must be positioned so that the laser beam reflects into mirror  314 . The bracket  316  is mounted lengthwise to a shaft  318  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The lower end of shaft  318  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of arm  320  by glue or any other type of fastener. In addition, the lower end of shaft  318  is also connected to a bracket  322  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  320  is connected to the first end of arm  324  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  324  is connected to a motor  326  by a crank arm  328 .  
         [0046]    The fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS.  7 - 8 , is different from the hereinabovedescribed embodiments such that the device does not contain mirrors. The laser source  404  moves by the same plurality of means as the heretoforementioned embodiments except the beam reflects directly through the transparent window  402  onto the floor. The fifth embodiment would be extremely attractive to elderly cats who still need exercise, but cannot sustain the high level of excitement and activity of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0047]    As shown in FIGS.  7 - 8 , laser source  404  is mounted on the first end of bracket  410  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The bracket  410  is mounted lengthwise to a shaft  412  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The lower end of shaft  412  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of arm  414  by glue or any other type of fastener. In addition, the lower end of shaft  412  is also connected to the first end of bracket  416  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of bracket  416  is secured to the housing  400  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  414  is connected to the first end of arm  418  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  418  is connected to a motor  420  by a crank arm  422 . The motor  420  is secured to housing  400  by a motor bracket  424 .  
         [0048]    The laser source  404  is comprised of a laser emitting end  406  and a power receiving end  408  which emits a laser beam when activated. The laser emitting end  406  must be positioned so that the laser beam reflects through the transparent window  402  onto the floor.  
         [0049]    The sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, is different from the heretoforementioned embodiments such that the laser source  504  is protruding from the housing. As shown in FIG. 9, a laser source  504  is mounted on the first end of bracket  510  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The bracket  5   10  is mounted lengthwise to a shaft  512  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The bracket  510  is aligned with an opening  502  so that the laser emitting end  506  is protruding from the opening  502  and projecting a laser beam from the laser emitting end  506  onto the floor. The lower end of shaft  512  is connected about perpendicular to the first end of arm  514  by glue or any other type of fastener. In addition, the lower end of shaft  512  is also connected to the first end of bracket  516  by means of a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of bracket  516  is secured to the housing  500  by gluing or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  514  is connected to the first end of arm  518  by a pin or any other type of fastener. The second end of arm  518  is connected to a motor  520  by a crank arm  522 . The motor  520  is secured to the housing  500  by a motor bracket  524 .  
         [0050]    While the present invention has been described in accordance with a preferred and modified embodiments thereof, it is believed that those familiar with the art will recognize the advancement of the present invention over the prior art and will understand that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.