Abstract:
A grooming and scratching device for felines that can be selectively anchored under a door and stored away when desired.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The following application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/774,954, filed Mar. 8, 2013, the complete contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present device relates to the field of pet care products, particularly grooming &amp; entertainment devices for felines. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Felines have a natural tendency to frequently groom themselves, including rubbing their head, face, neck, and chin areas, in which they have sebaceous scent glands. Rubbing these areas not only relieves any itching, but allows cats to mark their territory by scent. In addition, some cats also have narrow Eustachian tubes, which can cause itching around their ears and cheeks. To relieve itching in these areas, cats usually prefer to rub against something, since they could injure themselves in sensitive facial areas while using their sharp claws. Moreover, cats regularly scratch surfaces around them as a method of communication and a way to sharpen their claws. 
         [0004]    While walking around, cats often rub against walls, corners, or doors, and often scratch carpets, furniture, or other undesirable surfaces. Some devices exist that can be affixed to various surface to provide a more pleasant and effective rubbing experience for a cat. However, these devices usually must be affixed using adhesive or other types of fasteners, which can damage the walls, doors, furniture, or other surfaces. In addition, the device cannot be conveniently stored, if needed. Moreover, cat scratching posts and trees can often be large and an eyesore, and aren&#39;t easily stored when desired. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a simple and portable device to provide suitable facial and body rubbing for cats to groom themselves and/or a proper area and material for scratching. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present device provides a substantially vertical textured surface against which cats can rub their heads, necks, and faces and/or scratch with their claws. The device can be portable and stores easily since it does not need to be affixed to a wall or other vertical surface for support, but instead anchors under a door. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Further details of the present device are explained with the help of the attached drawings in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the present device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a side view of another embodiment of the present device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of yet an alternate embodiment of the present device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  depicts a planar view of the anterior side of the present device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  depicts a planar view of an alternate embodiment of the anterior side of the present device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a device  100  can be comprised of at least one substantially planar member  102  and at least one base member  104 . In some embodiments, at least one substantially planar member  102  can have a substantially rectangular geometry, as depicted in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments a substantially planar member  102  can be a square, circle, triangle, or a desired novelty shape such as a paw or a mouse. In alternate embodiments, a substantially planar member  102  can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. Moreover, a substantially planar member  102  can have any desired thickness or overall size. 
         [0014]    A substantially planar member  102  can be comprised of metal, wood, plastic, polymer, silicone, fabric, and/or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, a substantially planar member  102  can have a graphic image or pattern printed on one or more of its surfaces. A graphic image or pattern can be for novelty purposes or to attract a feline to the device  100  or assist the feline in distinguishing the device  100  from the door with which it is being used. Moreover, a substantially planar member  102  can have any desired color, sheen, or combination of colors or sheens. In some embodiments, at least one surface of a substantially planar member  102  can have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-mold, and/or ultraviolet radiation-protective coating or inherent properties. In some embodiments, a substantially planar member  102  and/or the entire device  100  can be easily washable by hand and/or dishwasher. 
         [0015]    A substantially planar member  102  can have a posterior surface and an anterior surface and can be positioned in a vertical configuration in use. The posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102  can face the surface of a door when in use, while the anterior surface of a substantially planar member  102  can face outwards for use by a feline. Moreover, a base member  104  can have a distal end and a proximal end. Referring to  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments the distal end of a base member  104  can be coupled with the lower portion of the posterior surface of said substantially planar member, such that the base member  104  can extend substantially perpendicular from the posterior surface of and vertically support said substantially planar member. As shown, a base member  104  can have a wedge configuration, with the larger, thicker, proximal end being configured proximate to the posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102 . In some embodiments, a base member  104  can be located on at least one lateral vertical edge of a substantially planar member  102 , and can extend substantially perpendicular to the posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102  to hold a substantially planar member  102  vertically. However, in other embodiments, at least one base member  104  can be located at any known and/or convenient location on the posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102 . 
         [0016]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a base member  102  can have a substantially triangular geometry, but in other embodiments can have a cuboid geometry (see  FIG. 2 ), a tapered and/or curved surface (see  FIG. 3 ), or any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, a base member  102  can have dimensions such that when positioned under a door, the top surface of a base member  102  can contact the bottom edge of a door at a point located between the posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102  and the midpoint of the top surface of a base member  104 . However, in other embodiments, a base member can have any other known and/or convenient dimensions that can allow it to fit within the vertical space between the bottom of a door and a floor. Moreover, in some embodiments, a device  100  can comprise two or more base members  104  coupled with one or more surfaces of a substantially planar member  102 . 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, a base member  104  can be coupled with a substantially planar member  102  via one or more screws, rivets, friction pins, adhesive, pivoting connectors, tongue-and-groove joints, or any other known and/or convenient fastener. Moreover, in some embodiments, at least one base member  104  and at least one substantially planar member  102  can be thermally bonded or welded together, or they can be injection molded as once piece. In some embodiments, at least one base member  104  can be coupled with the posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102 , whereas in other embodiments a base member  104  can be coupled with any perimeter edge and/or the anterior surface of a substantially planar member  102 .  FIGS. 1-2  depict embodiments of a device  100  wherein a substantially planar member  102  and a base member  104  are separate components that are coupled together in a desired manner, as described above. However in additional embodiments, a substantially planar member  102  and one or more base members  104  can be one continuous piece of material. In still further embodiments, at least one base member  104  can be selectively removable from a device  100 . 
         [0018]    A base member  104  can be made of polymer, wood, metal, or any other known and/or convenient material. In some embodiments, a base member  104  can be made of a material having a sufficient coefficient of friction in relation to a flooring surface and/or the bottom edge of a door to resist motion. In other embodiments, an additional layer of material can be placed on the top and/or bottom surface of a base member  102  to increase frictional forces. In yet further embodiments, a bumpy, ridged, or other textured surface on a base member  104  can be utilized to achieve desired anti-skid properties. Moreover, a base member  104  can have any desired color, sheen, or combination of colors or sheens. In some embodiments, a base member  104  can have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-mold, and/or ultraviolet radiation-protective coating or inherent properties. In some embodiments, a substantially planar member  102  and/or the entire device  100  can be easily washable by hand and/or dishwasher. 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, a hinge mechanism  202  can be used to couple the lower portion of the posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102  with a base member  104 . A hinge mechanism  202  can enable folding of a device  100  to a lower profile such that it can be conveniently stored away in a closet, under a bed, or in any other desired location when not in use. Furthermore, a base member  104  can be at least as long as the width of a door  204 . In some embodiments, the proximal end of a base member  104  can extend past the posterior side of a door  204  for increased stability. In yet further embodiments, the proximal end of a base member  104  can further comprise an anchoring mechanism  206  that can be selectively employed to provide additional stability to a device  100  when in use, and/or minimize movement or sliding of a device  100 . 
         [0020]    In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , at least one base member  104  can be utilized as a doorstop to hold a door open or in a desired position. In embodiments where at least one base member  104  is selectively detachable, a base member  104  can be used as a doorstop without the remainder of the device  100 . In other embodiments, the entire device  100  can be used as a doorstop. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , at least a portion of the anterior surface of a substantially planar member  102  can be a textured surface  106 . A textured surface  106  can comprise ridges, grooves, nubs, gritty texture, brush-like extensions, or any other known and/or convenient surface characteristic that can provide a pleasing sensation to a cat. Moreover, an anterior surface, perimeter edges, and/or a posterior surface can have material suited for cat scratching, such as carpet, sisal, cardboard, or any other known and/or convenient material for feline scratching. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a textured surface  106  can be uniform for substantially the entirety of the anterior surface of a planar member  102 , but in other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , can be comprised of regions of varying textures. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, a textured surface  106  can be comprised of plastic, fabric, silicone, nylon, mesh, and/or polymer, but in other embodiments can be comprised of any other known and/or convenient material. In some embodiments, a textured surface  106  can be removably affixed to the anterior surface of a substantially planar member  102  via hook-and-loop, snaps, buttons, or any other known and/or convenient attachment device. In such embodiments, a textured surface  106  can be removed and washed and/or replaced. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a device  100  can further comprise a perch  208 . A perch  208  can be a horizontally configured substantially planar component that can be coupled with the top edge of a substantially planar member  102 . A perch  208  can be made of wood, plastic, polymer, or any other desired material or combination of materials, and can have any desired color, geometry, and/or texture. In use, a cat can use a perch  208  for rubbing, scratching, playing, and/or general lounging and sleeping. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the present device  100  can further comprise receptacles  402  for catnip or any other known and/or convenient feline attractant. In some embodiments, receptacles  402  can be positioned and removably attached to the posterior surface of a substantially planar member  102 . However, in other embodiments, receptacles can be placed in any other known and/or convenient location on a substantially planar member  102 , base member  104 , or textured surface  106 . In some embodiments, receptacles  402  can be removably attached to any of these components via hook-and-loop, snap fittings, adhesive, threading or any other known and/or convenient connection device. In other embodiments, catnip or other feline attractant can be integrated with, embedded into, or otherwise incorporated into a textured surface  106 , a substantially planar member  102 , or a base member  104 . Moreover, a device  100  can further comprise a storage container  404  that can be used to store cat treats or any other desired object or substance. A storage container  404  can be coupled with a side edge of a substantially planar member  102 , as shown in  FIG. 4A , but in other embodiments a storage container  404  can be coupled with any other desired part of a device  100 . A storage container  404  can be coupled with a device  100  via hook and loop, snap fittings, adhesive, threading, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, a storage container  404  can be adapted to accept a standard cat food or cat treat receptacle. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , a device  100  can further comprise at least one toy  406 . A toy  406  can be a flexible hanging device, but in other embodiments a toy  406  can be stationary, flush with the surface of a substantially planar member  102 , or can have any other position, configuration, geometry, or material composition. Moreover, a toy  406  can be removable, replaceable, and/or washable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a device  100  can comprise a handle member  408  coupled with or integrated into a substantially planar member  102 . A handle member  408  can enable a user to conveniently carry around a device  100 . 
         [0026]    In use, the present device can be installed proximate to an open or closed door. A user can position at least one base member  104  under a door such that the device can be secured in place via a friction fit. A substantially planar member  102  can then be in a substantially vertical position substantially parallel to the surface of a door and in a convenient location to be reached by a cat passing by. A cat can then rub against and/or scratch a textured surface  106 , and/or play with one or more toys  406 . If desired, the device can be easily removed from the base of the door. In some embodiments, at least one base member  104  can be folded against a substantially planar member  102  via a hinge mechanism  202 , or at least one base member  104  can be selectively removed from a device  100 , and a device  100  can be stowed away in a closet, cabinet, under a bed, or in any other desired location. 
         [0027]    Although the method has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the method as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.