GB2450361A

GB2450361A - An animal training aid

Info

Publication number: GB2450361A
Application number: GB0711968A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Geoffrey Deane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-21
Filing date: 2007-06-21
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-21
Also published as: GB2450361B; GB0711968D0

Abstract

An animal training aid for a dog for example that combines two or more conventional training aids to form a single integral unit, the training aids may be a clicking device, a guiding stick or a treat dispenser. Preferably the guiding stick has hollow tube 1to hold the treats, with a handle 2 at one end and a treat dispenser at the other that is operable by a mechanical, pneumatic or electrical control device. The clicking device 11 may be battery powered and operated by air pressure or a switch for example, located by the handle of the guiding stick. Preferably the clicking device and treat dispenser are operated simultaneously from the handle region of the guiding stick. The training aid may combine a clicking device for praise and treat dispenser for rewarding, and eliminates the need for the trainer to bend down. The dog is therefore encouraged to follow the far end of the stick and take simple commands.

Description

Animal Training Aid This invention relates to an animal training aid

pnmarily for dogs.

After attending training classes, it was noticed that people bent down frequently to their pets, especially to reward them. Frequent bending can be tiring for one's back, especially if one is very tall and has a small dog. Three items were used independently of each other in the training process: a stick for leading, a clicking device for praising and treats for rewarding the dog when it successfully carried out a command. All three items had to be held at the same time, in addition to holding the lead, which was very cumbersome.

According to the present invention, there is provided an animal training aid, comprising at least two of three training items selected from a clicking device, a guiding stick and a treat dispenser in an integral form.

The use of this aid will combine at least two of three separate training accessories, enabling the user to hold the lead more easily and minimise the need to bend down to their pet to reward them.

Clicking devices are well known in the art, and generally comprise a metallic strip which is capable of flexing back and forth to create an audible sound on movement. The animal, in particular the dog, associates the sound with praise, in particular if associated with the giving of a food treat.

In a particulaily preferred embodiment, the aid will comprise all three of the clicking device, guiding stick and treat dispenser in one device.

However, other combinations may be possible, for example, a combined clicking device and treat dispenser which suitably operates so that the treat and the click are dispensed simultaneously, a combined guiding stick and clicking device, wherein the clicking device is suitably controllable from a handle region of the guide stick, and a combined guiding stick and treat dispenser.

In a particular embodiment, the animal training aid comprises a guiding stick which is hollow and is able to hold treats therein, and a treat dispenser, able to release treats from within the hollow guiding stick. Suitably the hollow guiding stick is provided with a handle at a first end and a treat dispenser at the other end. This allows the treat to be dispensed at low level, where the dog can easily receive it, without the need for the handler to bend down. Furthermore, the handler avoids the need to get their hands soiled by continually feeding an animal such as a dog manually. In addition, the dog is encouraged to follow the guiding stick most closely as it becomes associated with a reward.

If necessary a further reservoir for treats may be attached to the guiding stick, or the stick may include a region of expanded cross section, in order to increase the volume of treats which may be stored.

The treat dispenser may take various forms as would be apparent to a reader.

In one embodiment, it may comprise a sleeve which is slideable with respect to the hollow guiding stick. Both the guiding stick and the sleeve may be provided with an aperture which become aligned when, as a result of the relative sliding movement of the sleeve with respect to the guiding stick, the sleeve moves from a first to a second position. This would allow treats to be dispensed through an aperture in the guiding stick.

In particular however, the aperture in the guiding stick is in the base of the guiding stick, and a resilient strip, integral with the sleeve, is arranged so that at rest, it blocks the opening in the guiding stick. In particular, the strip may have a curved profile at rest so that it traverses the aperture at the base of the guiding stick to prevent treats passing through the aperture. However, when the sleeve is moved relative to the guiding stick, and in particular is retracted up the guiding stick, the resilient strip is also retracted and deformed as a result of contact with the side of the guiding stick, thus opening the aperture in the base of the stick to allow at least one treat to be dispensed.

Control of the treat dispenser, for example, movement of the sleeve relative to the guiding stick is suitably affected by means of a control mechanism, which is conveniently located in the region of the handle of the stick. The control mechanism can then be readily operated manually by the user. It may comprise a trigger, push button or switch, depending upon various factors including for example the way in which the aid operates and the means by which the control mechanism is connected to the treat dispenser.

For example wherein the control device is linked to the treat dispenser by mechanical means, a suitable control mechanism may comprise a trigger mechanism, where physically activates the treat dispenser. For example, where the treat dispenser comprises a moveable sleeve as described above, a trigger mechanism interconnected with the sleeve by means of for example a spring loaded rod, can easily be arranged to control the movement of the sleeve between the first and second positions.

Alternatively the control device may be arranged to operate the treat dispenser by electrical or pneumatic means, as described in more detail below. In some instances this may be more suitable, in particular as the pressure required to operate the controls may be less.

Suitably, the animal training aid also includes a clicking device. Again, such devices may be operated by mechanical means, but also by electrical or pneumatic means. The control for the clicking device is suitably arranged in the handle region of the guide stick, so that it may be operated readily by the user.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the control for the clicking device also controls the treat dispenser, so that an audible click and a treat are dispensed at the same time. Thus for example, the trigger mechanism used to activate the treat dispenser is also arranged to cause deformation of the clicking device. Alternatively, where the treat dispenser is operated electrically (for example using a battery) or pneumatically, for example using a push button or switch, the associated circuitry or airlines may be arranged to simultaneously operate the clicking device.

The guiding stick can be manufactured in a variety of different lengths typically from 3Ocms to 1.5 metres depending upon the relative sizes of the owners and the animals such as the dogs. Where the hollow tube acts as a treat reservoir and could be made in a variety of diameters from 7mm to 30mm, depending upon the nature of the treats to be dispensed.

Mechanical Operation The preferred method of operation of the training aid (Figure 1) is a mechanically operated aid because it is simple to make and use and should be cost effective. This operation will be described in detail below.

Battery/electric operation The training aid could also be operated by battery.

A battery could be placed into the handle and linked with a solenoid positioned in front of the handle. This means that instead of squeezing a trigger, the user could press a button which would initiate the process of sounding a clicker and ultimately releasing a treat. This could be beneficial to users with weak hands a minimum of pressure would be required. The remainder of the operating method would be similar to the manual operating method detailed below.

Pneumatic operation As well as being manually operated, the training device (Figure 1) could also be operated pneumatically, i.e. by compressed air, similar to that of an air rifle.

The handle would contain a reservoir of air. It would have a valve attached, similar to that of a bicycle tyre, to enable air to be pumped in.

An air line would be linked from the reservoir in the handle to a piston located in a piston chamber near the return spring (12) and connected to the rod (8).

As with the manual operation described in detail below, the rod (8), outer sleeve (7) and associated dispensing devices link and work in a similar manner.

The trigger or a button would simply have to be pressed gently to dispense a small blast of air from the handle. This movement would initiate the first clicking sound. The dispensed air is pushed along the airline leading into a piston chamber. The force of air pushes the piston along the chamber, until it reaches an exhaust outlet. At this stage the air is expelled and as there is no longer sufficient air to enable the piston to continue moving along the chamber it returns to its original position by an internal spring. The movement of the piston reverting to its original position releases pressure from the clicker, resulting in the second clicking sound.

Other uses The training aid will be particularly useful for disabled dog owners because they will have fewer objects to hold whilst training their dog and elements of the design can be selected to suit specific needs, such as a battery operated trigger or clicker which would require less strength to squeeze.

Introduction to drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a training aid of the invention Figure 2 is a side view of the training aid Figure 3 is a view of the underside of the training aid Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the underside of the release mechanism Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the handle and trigger Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the top of the release mechanism

Detailed description

The training aid (Figure 1) comprises 17 components as follows: 1. Hollow tube 2. Handle 3. Trigger 4. Cap, plug or similar retention device 5. Open end of tube where treats are inserted 7. Outer sleeve 8. Rod 9. Blanked off end of outer sleeve 10. Aperture at end of outer sleeve 11. Clicker 12. Return spring 13. Guide (to keep outer sleeve aligned) 14. Resilient strip (to hold back and release treats) (Figure 4) 15. Guides for rod alignment 16. Guide for trigger alignment 17. Eyelet next to trigger spring 18. Eyelet on outer sleeve The core element of the training aid is its hollow tube (1), to admit treats at one end and dispense them at the opposite end.

One end of the hollow tube (1) is attached along the top of the handle (2), finishing in line with the handle's outer edge and will be used for inserting the treats (5). To ensure the treats stay in the tube, a cap (4), bung, plug, or similar retention device, will be placed in this end. The aperture (10) at the opposite end of the tube will be the exit point for the treats and will be described later.

In the attached drawings, the handle (2) is an ergonomic shaped means of gripping the training aid (Figure 1) to enable the user to hold the training aid comfortably. However, a trigger handle could also be used. This is an upside down V-shaped design held between the thumb and index finger, the index finger squeezing the front prong inwards towards the other prong. This movement sets off the trigger in a similar method to that described below.

The handle (2) is positioned underneath the end of the hollow tube (1) and has a trigger (3) attached closely enough in front of it to enable most users to hold the handle (2) and squeeze the trigger (3) at the same time.

The trigger (3) is part of release mechanism (the release mechanism comprises the trigger, connecting rod and outer sleeve motion) and is primarily a two-pronged device, located in front of the handle (2) : One prong is curved towards the dispensing end of the training aid (Figure 1) to enable the user's finger to rest comfortably against it prior to use whilst still being able to hold the handle (2). The top of the curve forms into a straight rod, running underneath the hollow tube (1) towards the dispensing end of the training aid (figure 1) and is wrapped at the end with a return spring (12).

The other prong is straighter and points back towards the handle (2) facing the clicker (11). In a similar manner to the handle (2), the trigger (3) is located underneath the hollow tube (1). The trigger guide (16) ensures that the trigger moves along one plane.

The clicker (11) is a small rectangular device that sits into the inner front edge of the handle (2). At its centre is a flexible tab that is audible on impact. It is located opposite the straight prong of the trigger (3) and when this prong presses against it, the clicker deforms, resulting in a clicking or similar sound.

When the trigger (3) reverts to its resting position the clicker (11) reforms, making a second clicking or similar sound. It indicates to the animal that a reward is imminent.

The return spring (12) is a coil made of spring steel, for example, which wraps around the far end of the trigger (3). The return spring (12) enables the trigger (3) to move backwards and forwards in a controlled manner when being squeezed and released.

The far end of the trigger (3) is connected to a rod (8) via an eyelet (17).

The cylindrical rod (8) runs from the eyelet (17) along the underside of the hollow tube (1) and connects to another eyelet (18) attached to an outer sleeve (7).

A number of static guides (15) are positioned along the length of the tube.

These are open-ended to enable the rod to be laced through them, ensuring that the rod is kept in alignment.

The outer sleeve (7) is a cover that slips over the end of the hollow tube (1), with an aperture (10) cut away underneath to allow treats to exit. The end of the outer sleeve (7) is partially blanked-off (9) to ensure that the treats land where intended. The outer sleeve (7) is connected to the rod (8) which in turn is connected to the trigger (3) and, therefore, slides back and forth along the tube in accordance with the trigger movement. Cylindrical in shape to match the shape of the tube, the outer sleeve (7) has two small slits cut out, one on the top and the other underneath. The top slit accommodates a static strip (13) to keep the outer sleeve (7) aligned when it slides up and down the hollow tube (1). The slit underneath the outer tube (1) accommodates a flexible resilient strip (14) [Figure 4]. One end of the resilient strip (14) is attached part-way along the underside of the outer sleeve (7). The other end bends towards the inside of the tube. This end is biased so that at rest it blocks the exit of the treats from the tube (1), however, it is deformable by movement of the outer sleeve (7).

To operate the training aid it needs to be loaded with at least one treat by placing the treat/s into the end of the device (5) near the handle (2) by removing the cap (4), inserting the treat/s and replacing the cap (4). When the aid is pointed at an angle the treats roll accordingly but are prevented from rolling out of the tube by the cap (4) at the loading end and the resilient strip (14) at the exit point.

The aid will then be ready for use -to lead the dog, give commands and praise the dog when it obeys, by using the clicker and dispensing treats almost immediately, as a reward. The timing is important because the dog will start to learn that after successfully carrying out a command it will be praised and rewarded.

When the trigger (3) is squeezed there are two simultaneous occurrences: i) The trigger (3) presses against the clicker (11) which flexes and consequently makes an audible clicking noise on impact.

ii) The trigger (3) pulls the return spring (12) which in turn pulls the rod (8) and outer sleeve (7) towards the handle (2). This movement flattens the resilient strip (14) [Figure 4] and opens a cavity in the aperture (10), creating enough space for the passage of one treat from the tube (1) into the aperture (10). At this stage the treat is held in place by the blanked off end of the outer sleeve (9).

When the trigger (3) is released: A second click is heard as the clicker (11), return spring (12), rod (8) and outer sleeve (7) revert to their original positions and the resilient strip (14) reforms to fill the space at the end of the hollow tube. As the resilient strip (14) begins to close it holds back the next treat while the first treat drops out of the aperture (10). The dispenser is kept in alignment by a guide (13).

Thus in use, the training aid can be used as a means of guiding and encouraging the animal, in particular a dog, to follow and obey simple commands. It incorporates a clicking device for praising and treat dispenser for rewarding. This one item eliminates the need to bend down and leaves a hand free for holding a lead if necessary.

The dog is encouraged to follow the far end of the stick and take simple commands. When the dog successfully carries out a command, the trigger is squeezed, a clicking noise is heard and a treat is dispensed. The dog begins to associate the sound of the click with the dispensing of a treat and is keen to learn.

Claims

1. An animal training aid, comprising at least two of three training items selected from a clicking device, a guiding stick and a treat dispenser in an integral form.

2. An animal training aid according to claim 1 which comprises a guiding stick which is hollow and is able to hold treats therein, and a treat dispenser, able to release treats from within the hollow guiding stick.

3. An animal training aid according to claim 2 wherein the hollow guiding stick is provide with a handle at a first end and a treat dispenser at the other end.

4. An animal training aid according to Claim 3 wherein the treat dispenser comprises a sleeve, slideable with respect to the hollow guiding stick, wherein relative sliding movement of the sleeve with respect to the guiding stick from a first to a second position allows treats to be dispensed through an aperture in the guiding stick.

5. An animal training aid according to Claim 4 wherein the treat dispenser further comprises a resilient strip which is arrange so that at rest, it prevents treats passing through the aperture in the guiding stick, but is deformed on movement of the sleeve to the said second position so as to dispense at least one treat

6. An animal training aid according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the treat dispenser is operable by means of a control device which is located in the region of the handle.

7. An animal training aid according to claim 6 wherein the control device is linked to the treat dispenser by mechanical means.

8. An animal training aid according to claim 7 wherein the control device is a trigger mechanism.

9. An animal training aid according to claim 7 wherein the control device operates the treat dispenser by electrical or pneumatic means.

10. An animal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises a clicking device.

11. An animal training aid according to Claim lOin which the clicking device is operated from a battery and makes an audible sound at the press of a button.

12. An animal training aid according to Claim 11 in which the clicking device is operated from a battery and makes an audible sound when touched by a solenoid shaft.

13. An animal training aid according to Claim 11 in which the clicking device operates under air pressure.

14. An animal training aid according to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the clicking device is operable by the same control device as the treat dispenser.

15. An animal training aid according to Claim 14 wherein the guide stick is hollow and wherein the inner diameter of the tube is from 7 mm to 30mm. * **

** ,**

16. An animal training aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

15. An animal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises a guide stick which is from 30cms to 1.5 metres in length.

16. An animal training aid according to Claim 15 wherein the guide stick is hollow and wherein the inner diameter of the tube is from 7 mm to 30mm.

17. An animal training aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows iq

1. An animal training aid, comprising a straight guiding stick which is hollow and is able to hold treats therein, and a treat dispenser, able to release S treats from within the hollow guiding stick.

2. An animal training aid according to Claim I wherein the hollow guiding stick is provide with a handle at a first end and a treat dispenser at the other end. I0

3. An animal training aid according to Claim 2 wherein the treat dispenser comprises a sleeve, slideable with respect to the hollow guiding stick, wherein relative sliding movement of the sleeve with respect to the guiding stick from a first to a second position allows treats to be dispensed through an aperture in the guiding stick.

4. An animal training aid according to Claim 3 wherein the treat dispenser further comprises a resilient strip which is arrange so that at rest; it prevents treats passing through the aperture in the guiding stick, but is deformed on movement of the sleeve to the said second position so as to dispense at least one treat.

5. An animal training aid according to any one of Claims 2 to 4 wherein the treat dispenser is operable by means of a control device which is located * 25 in the region of the handle. * S

S

*5SS** * 6. An animal training aid according to Claim 5 wherein the control device is linked to the treat dispenser by mechanical means.

S

*SISS. * *

7. An animal training aid according to Claim 6 wherein the control device is a trigger mechanism.

8. An animal training aid according to Claim 6 wherein the control device operates the treat dispenser by electrical or pneumatic means.

9. An animal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises an integral clicking device.

10. An animal training aid according to Claim 9 in which the clicking device is operated from a battery and makes an audible sound at the press of a button.

11. An animal training aid according to Claim 10 in which the clicking device is operated from a battery and makes an audible sound when touched by a solenoid shaft.

12. An animal training aid according to Claim 10 in which the clicking device operates under air pressure.

13. An animal training aid according to any one of Claims 9 to 12 wherein the clicking device is operable by the same control device as the treat dispenser.

14. An animal training aid according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises a straight guide stick which is from 30crns to 1.5 metres in * ** * length. * 25 *****