GB2428849A

GB2428849A - Deterring a pet from crossing a threshold

Info

Publication number: GB2428849A
Application number: GB0515417A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Jelbert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-28
Filing date: 2005-07-28
Publication date: 2007-02-07
Also published as: GB0515417D0

Abstract

An apparatus for deterring a pet from crossing a threshold and a method for training a pet using the apparatus, the apparatus comprising an identifying unit (ID) for identifying the pet, means to define the threshold (MU,ID), and a pet deterrent device (RM) such that, in use when the pet crosses the threshold, the deterrent device (RM) is activated.

Description

AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERRING A PET FROM CROSSING

A THRESHOLD

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for deterring a pet from crossing a threshold. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and method for training a pet.

A family household is regarded as not complete without a pet. Pets provide companionship, security and a sense of comfort. However, when there is a baby in the household, much care must be taken to ensure the household pet does not cause discomfort or harm to the baby. Discomfort or harm may become the baby by inappropriate actions of the pet. Accordingly, great vigilance is necessary to ensure the pet is kept at a safe distance from the baby. Pets can be kept at a safe distance by inter alla shutting doors between them, fencing the pets in a pen or tethering the pet.

Alternatively, a responsible person may watch over the baby whilst the pet is within a comfort zone and accessible to the baby, which is time consuming and prone to human infallibility.

Pet contact with infants is generally regarded as not advisable. Pets are known to carry parasites which can be passed on to the infant. Infections can be passed on to the infant through breathing over, dribbling saliva over, licking, urinating or excreting and other bodily contact with the baby. Pets may also attract flies and other insects, which could in turn pass on infections to the baby. Thus pet contact with infants is generally regarded as unhygienic.

It is often difficult to train pets to be calm around a baby, to respect some of the basic needs of the baby and to stay at a safe distance from the baby. - 2-

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for deterring a pet from crossing a threshold, the apparatus comprising an identifying unit for identifying the pet, means to define the threshold, and a pet deterrent device such that, in use when the pet crosses the threshold, the deterrent device is activated.

The threshold is a predetermined distance between the pet and a baby, cot, play area, object or point.

Cat dander is thought to be a possible contributing factor towards SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and thus using the apparatus of the present invention about a cot or crib even when the baby is not present is also advantageous.

Preferably, the identifying unit comprises a transmitter for transmitting an identifying code.

Advantageously, the identifying unit comprises a receiver for receiving a trigger pulse. Preferably, the identifying unit comprises a central processing unit.

Advantageously, the identifying unit further comprises at least one of the following for storing the identifying code: a read only memory; FLASH memory; tracked printed circuit board (peb) links; dip switches; or EEPROM.

Preferably, the identifying code is a unique code.

Advantageously, the identifying unit further comprises a battery or other power supply. Alternatively, the identifying unit is passive i.e. the identifying unit does not have an internal power supply for example, the identifying unit is a RFID tag.

Preferably, the means to define the threshold comprises a master unit. Advantageously, the threshold is defined by the signal strength of the signal transmitted by the identifying unit. Preferably, the master unit comprises a transmitter for transmitting a signal,

C - 3-

wherein the threshold is defined by the signal strength of the signal transmitted by the master unit. A preferred type of signal is using infra-red frequency range. Infra- red signals do not pass through solid structures very easily. Thus a combination of signal strength and solid structures such as walls combine to define the threshold.

Advantageously, the signal transmitted by the master unit is a trigger pulse and preferably, the identifying unit comprises a receiver for receiving said trigger pulse and advantageously, the identifying unit further comprises a transmitter, whereupon receipt of the trigger pulse by the receiver triggers the transmission of an identifying code. Thus the power consumption by the identifying unit is minimised. Advantageously, the predetermined threshold is defined by a combination of signal strength and duration of signal. Preferably, the duration of signal identifies the signal. The duration is preferably measured in units of microseconds, preferably 200 microseconds.

Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a remote status unit so that in use, the remote status unit indicates to a guardian if the identifying unit has passed or is passing the threshold. Preferably, the remote status unit comprises wireless communication means to communicate with the master unit. The wireless communication means preferably comprises a radio frequency transmitter and receiver.

Preferably, the means to define the threshold comprises one of the identifying unit and master unit having a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving a signal and the other having a reflector. The reflector may comprise an RFID tag.

Advantageously, the signal strength has to be at least - 4- milliwatts 100mW to energise the RFID tag, and preferably between 100mW and 1 Watt and most preferably 500mW.

Preferably, the signal is a trigger pulse and preferably, the identifying unit comprises a receiver for receiving said trigger pulse and advantageously, the identifying unit further comprises a transmitter, whereupon receipt of the trigger pulse by the receiver triggers the transmission of an identifying code.

Preferably, the trigger pulse must be beyond a predetermined threshold before the identifying code is transmitted. Advantageously, the predetermined threshold is a microsecond unit, preferably 200 microseconds.

Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a remote status unit so that in use, the remote status unit indicates to a guardian if the identifying unit has passed or is passing the threshold. Preferably, the remote status unit comprises wireless communication means to communicate with the master unit.

Advantageously, the deterrent device comprises a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a scent into the air, preferably in the form of a particularised spray, the scent preferably of a type which repels the pet wearing the identifying unit ID. Preferably, the deterrent device comprises a sound generating device for producing sounds which is repulsive to the pet wearing the identifying unit ID. Advantageously, the deterrent device comprises a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a jet of liquid.

Preferably, the deterrent device is located in the master unit. Advantageously, the deterrent device is located in a remote unit. Preferably, the deterrent device is located in the identifying unit.

Preferably, the identifying unit further comprises - 5- attachment means to facilitate being carried by the pet.

Preferably, the identifying unit comprises at least one of: a strap to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet; a clip to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet; an adhesive to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet; sewing material to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet; a bolt to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a collar or means to attach the device to a collar.

Preferably, the means to define the threshold comprises a transmitter arranged in the identifying unit for continuously transmitting an identifying code to a master unit wherein the threshold is determined by the signal strength of the continuously transmitted identifying code. Thus the threshold is defined from the pet to the master unit, rather than a threshold about the master unit. A trigger pulse from the master unit is not needed although may be preferable to save battery life if the identifying unit is battery powered.

The present invention also provides a pet collar incorporating an identifying unit comprising a receiver, a transmitter and storage means for storing an identifying code.

The present invention also provides a kit comprising an identifying unit, means to define a threshold and a pet deterrent device. * * *

A second aspect of the present invention relates to using the apparatus of the present invention to train a pet. The method of the second aspect of the invention allows the owner to use it as a training aid to help - 6teach the animal that it should not be in certain locations. An example might be placing the unit on a kitchen work surface and using the apparatus to train a pet not to jump on the kitchen work surface. It is proposed that training in this way is more effective than the owner telling the animal as the pet, which may lead to the pet associating the punishment with the owner rather then the offence of jumping up on to the kitchen According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for training a pet using the apparatus as stated above, the method comprising the steps of placing the means to define a threshold in an area in which the trainer would like the pet not to enter, and allowing the pet near the area, such that when the pet passes the threshold the deterrent device is activated to deter the pet from the area.

The second aspect of the present invention also provides a method for training a pet using the apparatus as stated above, the method comprising the steps of placing the means to define a threshold about an item which the trainer would like the pet not to go near, and allowing the pet near the item, such that when the pet passes the threshold the deterrent device is activated to deter the pet from the item.

The second aspect of the present invention also provides a method for protecting a baby from a pet using the apparatus as stated above, the method comprising the step of setting up the means to define the threshold about the baby or where the baby would normally be e.g. cot, play mat or play area such that, upon the pet crossing the threshold, the pet deterrent device is activated. - 7-

The present invention also provides an apparatus for deterring a pet from crossing a threshold, the apparatus comprising an identifying unit for identifying the pet, means to define the threshold, and an alarm unit such that, in use when the pet crosses the threshold, the alarm unit is activated to activate an alarm. Thus in a preferred embodiment, the alarm activates to alert a guardian of a baby that a threshold around a baby has been crossed by a pet. - 8-

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of an identifying unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a block diagram of a master unit of the apparatus of shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is a block diagram of a remote status unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7 is a block diagram of a remote repulsion unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 9 is a block diagram of a collar mounted repulsion unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 8.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus of the present comprising an identifying unit ID attached to a collar 1 and a master unit MU.

The collar 1 facilitates attachment of the identifying unit ID to a pet, such as a dog or cat. The collar 1 comprises a strap 2 having a buckle 3 and pin 4 at one end of the strap and a series of holes 5 along an opposing end of the strap for adjusting the size of the - 9- collar 1. The strap 2 may be made from any suitable material such as leather or a plastics material. In use, the collar 1 is strapped to a pet.

The master unit MU comprises a housing 6, a power switch 7, an antenna 8, a built in repulsion mechanism RN, a built in alarm unit AU and a range control 9 for adjusting the range of an infra-red signal emitted from a Light Emitting Diode (LED) (not shown) and thus the location of the threshold, although the location of the threshold could be fixed and not adjustable, therefore negating the need for a range control 9. In use, the master unit MU is located in close proximity to the baby or cot to be guarded from the pet.

In use, the master unit MU emits the infra-red signal to create a threshold around the baby or cot. If the pet wearing the identifying unit ID strays across the threshold to within the threshold, the repulsion mechanism RN is activated in an attempt to repel the pet outside of the threshold and/or the alarm unit will be activated to alert the guardians of the baby.

Once the pet has been repelled several times, it is envisaged the pet will learn not to approach the baby or cot. Thus the system can be used as a pet training tool.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a block diagram of the identifying unit ID. The identifying unit ID comprises a Central Processing Unit 10, a Read Only Memory 11, an infra-red receiver 12 and a infra-red transmitter 13. The Read Only Memory 11 stores a unique coded signal, which is transmitted via the infra-red transmitter 13 in a carrier wave, preferably of 36Khz.

The infra-red transmitter 13 comprises an infra-red LED (Light Emitting Diode). Transmission of the unique coded signal allows the identifying unit ID to be identified by - 10- the master unit MU. The identifying unit ID also comprises a battery (not shown) for providing power to the Central Processing Unit 10, the Read Only Memory 11, and the transmitter 13. In order to make efficient use of the limited life and power output of the battery, the unique coded signal is not transmitted continuously.

Instead the Central Processing Unit 10 controls the transmission of the unique coded signal. The Central Processing Unit 10 is programmed to wait in a sleep mode for a trigger pulse from the master unit MU to be detected via the infra-red receiver 12 before sending the unique identification code. The trigger pulse is transmitted on a carrier wave. The carrier wave has a frequency of preferably 38 KHz. The Central Processing Unit 10 demodulates the trigger pulse from the carrier wave.

The signal strength of carrier wave with the trigger pulse modulated therein when received by the identifying unit ID must be above a certain threshold before the trigger pulse can be demodulated. Once demodulated the central processing unit 10 the time period of each pulse in the trigger pulse is measured and compared with a predetermined value, which is preferably 200j.is. If the time period of each pulse is above the predetermined value or within a predetermined range about the value, the central processing unit 10 activates transmission of the unique identification code. The unique identification code is sent five times in succession via the infra-red transmitter 13. The identifying unit ID then returns to a sleep mode awaiting another trigger pulse. The identification unit ID may be provided with a switch 14 to selectively supply or cut power from the battery to the Central Processing Unit 10, the receiver 12 the - 11- transmitter 13 and the Read Only Memory 11. It is envisaged that the battery could be replaced or supplemented with another form of electrical power supply, such as a piezoelectric generating device or a solar panel.

Referring to Figure 3, the master unit MU comprises a central processor unit 15, an infra-red receiver 16, an infra-red transmitter 17, controls 18 and a radio frquency transmitter 19, as well as the alarm unit AU and a repulsion mechanism RH. The master unit MU is powered by a battery or an AC mains supply (not shown). If an AC mains supply is used, a transformer and means for turning mains AC to DC is provided. The master unit MU is switched on and off using a switch 7 in the controls 17.

The radio frequency transmitter 19 may utilize the antenna 8.

The repulsion mechanism RH comprises means to deter the pet passing within the threshold. The repulsion mechanism RH may comprise at least one of the following: a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a scent into the air in the form of a particu].arised spray, the scent of a type which repels the pet wearing the identifying unit ID; a sound generating device for producing sound which is repulsive to the pet wearing the identifying unit ID; a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a jet of liquid.

The alarm unit AU comprises at least one of the following: a sound generating device; a visual indicator; and a vibrating mechanism.

In operation, the master unit MU is switched on. The trigger pulse, stored in a Read Only Memory (not shown) in the master unit MU is sent out via the infra-red transmitter 17 at regular and frequent time intervals, - 12 - preferably at a frequency of 5 trigger pulses per second.

The trigger pulse has a range of approximately 2 metres, although this is adjustable or fixed to any range, but preferably between 0.lm and 30m, to set a threshold.

However, infra-red waves reflect off of surfaces and tend to fill open spaces defined by walls. Thus the threshold for the infra-red signals may be equal to the defining walls of a room. The master unit (MU) simultaneously waits listening for a unique identification code to be received from an identifying unit ID. When a pet wearing the identifying unit ID crosses and is within the threshold, the trigger pulse is received by the receiver 12 in the identifying unit ID, which trigger pulse is detected by the central processing unit 15, if the pulse is above or within a range around 2001iS. The identification code is then sent by the central processing unit 10 via the infra-red transmitter 13. Once the identification code has been detected and identified by the central processing unit 15 in the master unit MU, the processor has determined that an identifying unit ID unit is in within the threshold, and activates the alarm unit AU to sound an alarm, illuminate a visual indicator, and/or set a vibrating mechanism to vibrate and the repulsion mechanism RM is activated a to pump scent into the air to repel the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, to produce sounds which are repulsive to the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, which sounds may be ultrasonic or audible and/or pump a jet of liquid into the path of the pet. It is envisaged that the sound for repelling the pet may be emitted by a speaker in the master unit which is also used in the alarm unit AU.

The master unit MU also comprises a radio frequency transmitter 19, which is optionally used to send a signal - 13- to a remote status unit RSU and/or a remote repulsion unit RRU upon the master unit MU receiving the unique identification code. The remote status unit RSU and/or a remote repulsion unit RRU are battery powered.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown an apparatus 100 comprising an identifying unit ID, like the identifying unit shown in Figure 1 attached to a collar 101. A master unit MU is shown which is similar to the master unit MU shown in Figure 1, except that it does not incorporate an alarm unit. The apparatus also comprises a remote status unit RSU, which comprises a central processing unit 102, a radio frequency receiver 103, and an alarm unit 104. The alarm unit 104 comprises at least one of the following: a sound generating device; a visual indicator; and a vibrating mechanism.

In use, when the identification code has been received and identified by the central processing unit 15 in the master unit MU, the central processing unit 15 has determined that an identifying unit ID is within the threshold, and transmits a signal in the form of a radio wave through radio frequency transmitter 19 in antenna 8 to the radio frequency receiver 103. The signal is transmitted on a carrier wave at 868MHz and demodulated and passed on to the central processing unit 102 of the remote status unit RSU. Upon receiving the signal, the central processing unit 102 activates the alarm unit 104 to sound an alarm, illuminate a visual indicator, and/or set a vibrating mechanism to vibrate. The repulsion mechanism RN in the master unit is activated to pump scent into the air to repel the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, to produce sounds which are repulsive to the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, which sounds may be ultrasonic or audible and/or pump a - 14 - jet of liquid into the path of the pet.

The remote status unit RSU is carried by or otherwise kept in close proximity to the guardian and may be integrated with a baby monitor, such as those sold under the name SBC 477 DECT baby monitor or SBC SC 469 DialUP baby monitor by Philips Electronics. The remote status unit may be provided with a belt clip (not shown), a spring loaded clip (not shown) and/or a flexible loop (not shown) to facilitate being carried by a parent or guardian.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown an apparatus 200 comprising an identifying unit ID, like the identifying unit shown in Figure 1 attached to a collar 101. A master unit MU is shown which is similar to the master unit MU shown in Figure 1. The apparatus also comprises a remote status unit RSU which is similar to the remote status unit RSU shown in Figures 4 and 5. The apparatus also comprises a remote repulsion unit RRU, which comprises a housing 201, a processor 202, a receiver 203 and a repulsion mechanism RN.

In use, when the identification code has been detected and identified by the central processing unit 15 in the master unit MU, the processor has determined that an identifying unit ID is within the threshold, and transmits a signal in the form of a radio wave through radio frequency transmitter 19 to the radio frequency receiver 103 in the remote status unit RSU. The signal is transmitted on a carrier wave at 868MHz and demodulated and passed on to the central processing unit 102 of the remote status unit RSU. Upon receiving the signal, the central processing unit 102 activates the alarm unit 104 to sound an alarm, i].luniinate a visual indicator, and/or set a vibrating mechanism to vibrate. The same or another - 15- radio wave is transmitted through the radio frequency transmitter 19 is also received by radio frequency receiver 203 of the remote repulsion unit RRU, which passes the signal in to the central processing unit 202.

Upon receiving the signal, the central processing unit 202 activates the repulsion mechanism RM in the remote repulsion unit RRU to pump scent into the air to repel the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, to produce sounds which are repulsive to the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, which sounds may be ultrasonic or audible and/or pump a jet of liquid into the path of the pet. A status LED may be provided in the remote repulsion unit RRU to indicate that it is in/has been in operation.

The master unit MU also sends a number of different codes through the further transmitter 19 to the remote status unit RSU and remote repulsion unit RRU including: a signal to advise that the alarm is off; and a signal to advise a battery is low.

Each of the remote status unit RSU and remote repulsion unit RRU, master unit and identifying unit may comprises a status light, such as an LED for indicating that the apparatus is operating correctly. Thus a health check may be performed at regular intervals to ensure the apparatus is working properly. The LED is preferably a tn-colour LED.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown an apparatus 300 comprising an identifying unit ID, like the identifying unit shown in Figure 1 attached to a collar 301. A master unit MU is shown which is similar to the master unit MU shown in Figure 4. The apparatus also comprises a remote status unit RSU which is similar to the remote status unit RSU shown in Figures 4 and 5. The - 16- apparatus also comprises a collar mounted repulsion unit CR, which comprises a housing 302, a processor 303, a receiver 304 and a repulsion mechanism PM.

In use, when the identification code has been detected and identified by the central processing unit 15 in the master unit MU, the processor has determined that an identifying unit ID is within the threshold, and transmits a signal in the form of a radio wave through radio frequency transmitter 19 to the radio frequency receiver 303 in the remote status unit RSU. The signal is transmitted on a carrier wave at 868MHz and demodulated and passed on to the central processing unit 102 of the remote status unit RSU. Upon receiving the signal, the central processing unit 102 activates the alarm unit 104 to sound an alarm, illuminate a visual indicator, and/or set a vibrating mechanism to vibrate. The same or another radio wave is transmitted through the radio frequency transmitter 19 is also received by radio frequency receiver 303 of the collar mounted repulsion unit CR, which passes the signal in to the central processing unit 302. Upon receiving the signal, the central processing unit 302 activates the repulsion mechanism PM in the remote repulsion unit RRU to pump scent into the air to repel the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, to produce sounds which are repulsive to the pet wearing the identifying unit ID, which sounds may be ultrasonic or audible and/or pump a jet of liquid into the path of the pet. A status LED may be provided in the remote repulsion unit RRU to indicate that it is in/has been in operation.

Alternatively, when the trigger pulse is received by the central processing unit 10 of the identifying unit ID, a hard wired signal is relayed to the central - 17 - processing unit 302 in the collar mounted repulsion unit CR activates the repulsion mechanism P14. Preferably, the identifying unit ID and the collar mounted repulsion unit CR use a common central processing unit.

The repulsion mechanism RM in the collar mounted repulsion unit CR may comprise at least one of the following: a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a scent into the air in the form of a particularised spray, the scent of a type which repels the pet wearing the identifying unit ID; a sound generating device for producing sound which is repulsive to the pet wearing the identifying unit ID; a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a jet of liquid; a probe for applying an electric shock to the pet; and a device for applying pressure to the body of the pet, such as a collar having a inwardly extending telescopic arm.

The master unit MU also sends a number of different codes through the further transmitter 19 to the remote status unit RSU and remote repulsion unit BRU or collar mounted repulsion unit CR including: a signal to advise that the alarm is off; and a signal to advise a battery is low.

Each of the remote status unit RSU, remote repulsion unit RRU, collar mounted repulsion unit CR, master unit and identifying unit may comprises a status light, such as an LED for indicating that the apparatus is operating correctly. Thus a health check may be performed at regular intervals to ensure the apparatus is working properly. The LED is preferably a tn-colour LED.

It is also envisaged that the remote status unit RSU and remote repulsion unit PRU may be in communication with the master unit via wires or any other form of wireless communication, such as over the internet, in - 18carrier waves through telephone cables or mains cables etc..

It is also envisaged that the signal strength of the signal transmitted from the identifying unit ID to the master unit MU defines the threshold, and thus dictates when the alarm and repulsion mechanism RN are activated.

This is particularly useful in an embodiment in which there is no trigger pulse and the identifying unit transmits a unique identifying code continuously and not in response to another signal. It is also envisaged that the transmitters and receivers 12, 13 in the

identifying unit and 22 and 23 in the main unit may operate of a radio frequency basis, whereby the power of the radio wave dictates the threshold by which the pet can roam before the alarm and repulsion mechanism activates. In this case, an RFID tag may be used in/as the identifying unit ID, an example of a suitable device is a SAW RFID tag, which operate by converting an interrogating radio wave pulse emitted from a the master unit MU directly into a nano-scale surface acoustic wave on the SAW tag surface. The tag's antenna is directly connected to an IDT (InterDigital Transducer) which uses the piezoelectric effect in a lithium niobate substrate material to efficiently convert between radio waves and surface acoustic waves. That surface acoustic wave then travels past an encoded set of wave reflectors which interact to produce a unique acoustic wave pulse train i.e. a unique identification code. These pulses are directly converted into an encoded radio wave reply signal that is sent back to the master unit MU. The SAW tag (integrated circuit/chip) operates using the piezoelectric effect and does not require DC power.

It is also envisaged that measuring the time taken or 34 - 19- for the signal to pass between the master unit to create a threshold is a possible alternative to the systems described above. Preferably, the means to define the threshold comprises one of the identifying unit and master unit having a transmitter for transmitting a signal and the other having receiver for receiving the signal. Advantageously, the time the signal takes to be transmitted from the identifying unit to the master unit is measured, which measurement is indicative of distance therebetween, a predetermined time period defining the threshold. Preferably, the one of the identifying unit and master unit having the receiver comprises a further transmitter for transmitting a return signal and the other comprising a further receiver for receiving the return signal. The time can be measured for a return journey from the transmitter to the receiver and back to a further receiver, which measurement is indicative of double the distance therebetween. - 35 - 20-

Claims

1. An apparatus for deterring a pet from crossing a threshold, the apparatus comprising an identifying unit (ID) for identifying the pet, means to define the threshold (MU,ID), and a pet deterrent device (RM) such that, in use when the pet crosses the threshold, the deterrent device (RN) is activated.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the identifying unit (ID) comprises a transmitter (13) for transmitting an identifying code.

3. An apparatus as claim in Claim 2, wherein said transmitter is at least one of: an infra-red transmitter; and a radio frequency transmitter.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the identifying unit (ID) comprises a receiver (12) for receiving a trigger pulse.

5. An apparatus as claim in Claim 4, wherein said receiver is at least one of: an infra-red receiver; and a radio frequency receiver.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the identifying unit (ID) comprises a central processing unit (10).

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the identifying unit (ID) further comprises at least one of the following for storing the identifying code: a read only memory (11); FLASH memory; tracked pcb links, dip switches; and EEPROM.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the identifying unit (ID) further comprises a battery.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the identifying unit (ID) is passive.

10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the - 21- identifying unit (ID) is a RFID tag.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means to define the threshold (MU) comprises a master unit and a transmitter (17) for transmitting a trigger pulse.

12. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the identifying unit (ID) comprises a receiver (12) for receiving said trigger pulse and a transmitter (13), and a central processing unit (10) whereupon receipt of the trigger pulse by the receiver (12) triggers the transmission of an identifying code, wherein the central processing unit (10) is programmed to recognise the trigger pulse, wherein the central processing unit (10) will only transmit the identifying code once the trigger pulse has been recognised.

13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the central processing unit (10) is programmed to measure a parameter, such a strength and/or time, of the trigger pulse and compare the measurement with a predetermined threshold, wherein the central processing unit (10) will only transmit the identifying code if the measurement is equal to or beyond the predetermined threshold.

14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the apparatus further comprises a remote status unit (RSU) so that in use, the remote status unit (RSU) comprises an indicator (104) to indicate to a guardian if the identifying unit (ID) has passed or is passing the threshold.

15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the indicator (104) comprises at least one of: a sound generating device; a visual indicator; and a vibrating mechanism.

16. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 or 15, wherein - 22 - the remote status unit (RSU) comprises wireless communication means (103) to communicate with the master unit.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the deterrent device (RN, 104) comprises a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a scent into the air.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deterrent device (RM,104) comprises a sound generating device for producing sounds.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deterrent device (RN, 104) comprises a reservoir and a pump for storing and ejecting a jet of liquid

20. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deterrent device (RN) is located in the master unit (MU).

21. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deterrent device (104) is located in a remote unit.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deterrent device is located in the identifying unit.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the identifying unit (ID) further comprises attachment means to facilitate being carried by the pet.

24. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the identifying unit (ID) comprises at least one of: a strap to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet; a clip to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet; an adhesive to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet; sewing material to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit - 23- to the pet; a bolt to bolt to facilitate attachment of the identifying unit to the pet.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the identifying unit (ID) further comprises a collar (1) or means to attach the identifying unit (ID) to a collar (1).

26. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means to define the threshold comprises a transmitter arranged in the identifying unit (ID) for continuously transmitting an identifying code to a master unit (MU) wherein the threshold is determined by the signal strength of the continuously transmitted identifying code.

27. A pet collar incorporating an identifying unit (ID) comprising a receiver (12), a transmitter (13) and storage means (11) for storing an identifying code.

28. A kit comprising an identifying unit (ID), means to define a threshold (MU) and a pet deterrent device (RH, 104). * * *

29. A method for training a pet using the apparatus as stated above, the method comprising the steps of placing the means to define a threshold in an area in which the trainer would like the pet not to enter, and allowing the pet near the area, such that when the pet passes the threshold the deterrent device is activated to deter the pet from the area.

30. A method for training a pet using the apparatus as stated above, the method comprising the steps of placing the means to define a threshold about an item which the trainer would like the pet not to go near, and allowing the pet near the item, such that when the pet passes the threshold the deterrent device is activated to deter the - 35 - 24- pet from the item.

31. A method for protecting a baby from a pet using the apparatus as stated above, the method comprising the step of setting up the means to define the threshold about the baby or where the baby would normally be e. g. cot, such that, upon the pet crossing the threshold, the pet deterrent device is activated.