GB2530332A

GB2530332A - A Calming System For An Animal

Info

Publication number: GB2530332A
Application number: GB1416680.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Ian Plummer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-09-22
Filing date: 2014-09-22
Publication date: 2016-03-23
Also published as: GB201416680D0

Abstract

A calming system for an animal, specifically for pet animals or for animals in captivity or when left unattended whilst their owners or keepers are away for prolonged time periods. The system is arranged to be self activated by the animal and comprises an activation means operable by the animal to activate a sense stimulation device arranged to stimulate a sense of the animal. The system may comprises a weight sensor 30 incorporated into a pet basket 20, a vibration sensor, a motion sensor, or an audio sensor arranged to detect a motion or sound such as licking or scratching. The sense stimulating means may be a video 70/80, DVD or other display and may include audio. The sense stimulating device may be capable of receiving and displaying information from the internet or a mobile phone controllable by the animals owner.

Description

A Calming System for an Animal

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a calming system for an animal. Specifically the invention is for use by owners of pets or for animals in captivity.

Background

One in four of Britain's eight million pet dogs are now believed to be suffering from depression, caused by the mental distress and physiological stress of being left alone by their busy owners.

According to some evidence, the problem is made worse for animals whose owners work particularly long hours or have just returned to employment, for example after maternity leave or convalescence.

Millions of dogs are left on their own every day while owners go out to work.

Recent research has revealed that many of these pets become extremely upset and stressed as they are social pack animals and like company.

Consequently, many animals react adversely by defecating and urinating, gnawing furniture, pacing, barking and howling for long periods, and even self-harming.

Prior Art

Internet pet owner help websites such as www.blackdogtribe.com provide advice and anecdotes for pet owners. However, this advice and help is directed toward the human owners rather than the pet or animal that is traumatised.

For example, pet psychologists have advised it is best to try and teach animals to sit in one area of a house where they can feel more relaxed and less distressed when their owners are absent.

As the animal's mental health suffers due to loneliness and boredom, it is not unknown for some owners to acquire a second pet. For some owners it is impractical to have more than one pet. It is also difficult to predict how two pets may get along, especially when one is depressed or lonely.

What is lacking is a calming system that an animal can relate to in order to overcome boredom and loneliness when the animal is left alone.

An object of the present invention is to address this problem.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a calming system for an animal arranged to be self activated by the animal comprising: an activation means operable by the animal to activate a sense stimulation device arranged to stimulate a sense of the animal.

Advantageously, animals that use the calming system can relieve their mental anguish from neglect by operating the device by way of a touch pad or other is type of sensing means.

Preferably the calming system is the form of a system which includes a power supply, sensor and stimulus. Advantageously the parts can be attached, fitted to or placed within a pet owner's existing pet basket or cushion.

Preferably the calming system is in the form of an apparatus. Advantageously the calming system is easy to transport and place as a single unit.

Ideally the activation means comprises a weight sensor arranged to activate the sense stimulation device upon sensing a pre-selected weight or weight range.

Advantageously the calming system is adapted to be easy for an animal to activate by stepping or lying on the weight sensor. Advantageously only an animal with the preselected weight is able to operate the calming system so that the calming system is selective to the animal and is not triggered by slight disturbances.

Preferably the weight sensor is arranged in a pad designed to accommodate the animal. However, other sensors such as a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) sensor, arranged to detect a subcutaneous chip or an image sensor, may be used. Advantageously an animal is used to naturally stepping and lying on a pad.

Preferably the pad is sized to support the feet of a predetermined animal.

Advantageously the pad is easy for the animal to see and use.

Preferably the activation means comprises an infra-red transmitter to activate the sense stimulation device. Advantageously the transmitter is silent and safe and requires very little power to operate so that the calming system can be battery operated.

Preferably the sense stimulation device is a video presentation or projector device such as DVD player with a video monitor. Advantageously an animal self operates the calming system and watches an entertaining image for their own interest.

Preferably the sense stimulation device is an audio speaker device.

Advantageously an animal self-operates the calming system to listen to a sound for their own interest.

Preferably the audio speaker device produces sound at a frequency too high pitched for humans to hear but audible to the animal. Advantageously the calming system can be used in conjunction with a burglar alarm that the animal can hear without alerting the burglar or the animal can play a game with another animal that also has a calming system. Playing the game does not disturb humans nearby.

Preferably the sensing system comprises a weight sensor. Preferably the sensing system is in the form of a pad with the weight sensor embedded in it.

The weight sensor is affected by pressure applied against the pad.

Advantageously the weight of an animal that steps, sits or lies on the pad is detected by the sensing system.

Preferably the sensing system comprises a pad with a weight sensor and an animal basket that an animal rests in. The pad is formed to lie flat on the bottom of the basket. Ideally the pad and the basket are combined as a single apparatus. Preferably the pad is removable from the basket.

Preferably the sensing system is arranged to send a signal indicative of the weight on the pad. Preferably the system sends the signal when weight is first detected indicating when the animal steps onto the pad. Preferably the system stops sending the signal when the animal steps off of it.

Advantageously the sensing system indicates when the animal moves into range of the sensing system.

Preferably the sensing system comprises a heat sensor. Preferably the sensor is in the form of a passive infra-red sensor. Advantageously the sensor can be arranged to point at a region and detect an animal in the region.

Advantageously no contact is needed between the animal and the sensing system.

Preferably the sensing system has means to send a signal when an animal is detected. Preferably the system does not send a signal when an animal is not detected. Preferably the system sends a second signal for a predetermined period of time after the sensing signal stops detecting an animal.

Preferably the sensing system is a vibration sensor or a motion sensor or an audio sensor. Preferably the vibration or motion sensor is arranged in the form of a pad. A pad is ideal because an animal can step or lie on it directly. It is also ideal because it can be easily placed under a pillow or cushion that animal lies upon. Advantageously the sensing system detects the motion or vibration of an animal moving in the proximity. Animals when they are mentally stressed or lonely are prone to excessively lick or scratch themselves.

Advantageously the sensing system detects the motion or sound of the animal licking or scratching.

Advantageously a weight sensor is adaptable to operate as a vibration or motion sensor of an animal because a motion of mass supported by the weight sensor causes the sensor to detect a weight that changes with time. A sensing system comprising a pad with weight sensor, such as a pressure sensor, is ideal because it can detect the variation in dynamic weight of an animal resting on the pad as it licks or scratches itself.

Preferably when the sensing system first detects motion or scratching it sends a first signal. Preferably when the sensing system stops detecting motion or scratching it stops sending the first signal. Preferably the sensing system sends a second signal for a predetermined time after the motion or vibration stops.

Preferably the sensing system comprises a means to send a signal.

Preferably the means to send a signal by the sensing system sends a signal in the form of electrical signal so that advantageously it can be received and processed directly by a microcontroller.

Preferably the means to send a signal by the sensing system sends a signal in the form of electrical signal so that advantageously it can be received directly by an animal and felt as a tingling sensation or operate a vibration device that the animal can feel.

Preferably the means to send a signal by the sensing system sends a signal in the form of electrical signal so that advantageously it can be received by an electrical device such as a telephone so that advantageously the animal's owner can be called.

Preferably the means to send a signal by the sensing system sends a signal in the form of electrical signal so that advantageously it can be received by an electrical device such s as a sound system. Preferably the sound system arranged to play a predetermined sound that the animal likes when the signal is received. Preferably the sound system is arranged to play a non-predetermined sound when the signal is received. An example of a non-predetermined Sound would be a live radio or television broadcast sound.

Preferably the means to send a signal by the sensing system sends a signal in the form of an audio signal so that advantageously it can be heard by an animal that triggers the audio signal when it is detected by the sensing system. The audio signal may be a soothing sound to the animal to help reduce mental distress and loneliness. Preferably it is a rhythmic sound which is reassuring by its constancy. Preferably it is a musical sound. Preferably it is the sound of another animal of the same species such as a barking or purring sound so as to help the animal feel like as if there are companions about and not feel so lonely.

Also advantageously the audio signal does not need wires to be carried unlike an electrical signal. The audio signal can travel around corners of a building and though through walls.

Also advantageously the audio signal can be heard by other animals and humans simultaneously and they do not have to be within the same proximity of the sensing system as the animal that is detected by the system. This circumstance facilitates the lonely animal playing games with a human or other animal separated away by a barrier. For example it facilitates playing games by lonely animals in solitary kennels.

Preferably the means to send a signal by the sensing system sends a signal in the form of an optical signal. Preferably the optical signal is visible directly by the animal that triggers the sensing system. Advantageously the animal receives immediate optical feedback by interacting with the sensing system.

Preferably the optical signal is a pleasant colour light or a dancing image with that sooths the animal and relieves the animal boredom. The animal's mental stress is reduced and mental well being is enhanced.

Preferably the means to send a signal by the sensing system sends a signal in the form of an optical signal. Preferably the optical signal is invisible directly by the animal that triggers the sensing system. Preferably the optical signal is an infrared light for sending a coded light signal that triggers an electrical device with an infra-red light sensing means. For example the electrical device may be as a sound player to play a predetermined sound such as a sound recording.

The electrical device may be radio to play a live radio broadcast. The electrical device may be an audio and video device such as a television for playing predetermined audio and video or DVD programmes or non-predetermined audio and video programs.

Preferably the calming system comprises an electrical circuit comprising a signal detector arranged to detect a signal sent from the sensing system.

Preferably the electrical circuit comprises a microcontroller.

Preferably the microcontroller is programmable by a human user of the calming system. Preferably the microcontroller can be programmed to learn the infra red codes for a television or for an audio and video or DVD player of recorded as audio and/or video or DVD content.

Preferably the stimulation device comprises a means to receive, display, and play content from the internet or a mobile phone network. Preferably the content accessible and receivable by the animal is selectable by a carer of animal. Preferably the content is selectable via a program or app on a computer, mobile pad, or mobile phone controllable by the carer.

Preferably the activation means upon operation by the animal activates the sense stimulation device and relays an image of the animal and/or sound of the animal to the carer's mobile phone or internet connected device An ideal sequence of events facilitated by the animal calming system is as follows.

1. An animal is detected by the sensing system. Preferably this is by detecting the animal by the sensing system or by detecting movement or vibration on the animal by the sensing system.

2. The sensing system triggers a signal transmitter to transmit a signal that the animal is detected to an animal stimulus device.

3. The animal stimulus device is activated by the transmitted signal.

4. The animal is soothed, entertained, or otherwise stimulated by the stimulus device.

5. The animal is no longer detected by the sensing system or a predetermined time passes.

6. The sensing system stops transmitting the signal that the animal is detected to the animal sensing device or the sensing system triggers the signal transmitter to transmit a second signal to the animal stimulus device to deactivate the device.

7. The animal stimulus device is deactivated by the stopped signal or by the second signal.

To carry out these steps preferably the sensing system comprises: a sensing as system, a signal transmitter, and a timer.

Preferably the animal calming system is a system that comprises an electronic unit that automatically switches on a number of entertainment systems, when an animal or pet, such as a dog, sits down in its bed. Preferably the system comprises a battery powered control unit that communicates with entertainment devices by infra-red signals. Preferably the unit uses a slide switch and a push button to learn select the devices device to be connected. Preferably the unit comprises a pressure pad to detect an animal on a bed and a wireless link communicates with the control unit.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the calming system for an animal; and Figure 2 shows a sensing system and controller forming a calming system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 1 a calming system for an animal.

The calming system comprises a pad 30 to detect an animal 10 resting on the pad. The calming system also comprises a controller 50. Optionally the calming system may comprise a stimulus device.

The shape of the pad is flat with a perimeter to conform the bottom of a basket in which the animal rests. Figure 1 shows an animal in a basket. The pad is on the floor of the basket. The animal is resting on the pad so that the weight of the animal is detected.

The pad with weight sensor comprises the sensing system. The pad 30 is removable from the basket or is fixed to the basket. Where the pad is removable from the basket the calming system may be cleaned along with the basket separately. It also means the pad may be removed from the basket and placed in a larger basket as the animal grows.

A cushion or throw may be placed over the pad so that the animal lies on a comfortable object. Once the dog or other animal sits on the cushion or throw, the animal's weight will push the pad down making a circuit. This will switch on a stimulus device 80. The device is capable of playing for a full 30 -60 seconds after the animal has left the basket and broken the connection in case the animal is moving around to make itself more comfortable.

The pad 30 may be a separate piece of equipment that can become incorporated into an existing dog basket, cushion, settee etc or an integral part of a basket or cushion.

As shown in Figure 1 the pad is electrically connected by a wire 40 to a control unit.

As shown in the embodiment of Figure 2 the control unit 50 and the pad are communicated via a wireless link. The pad comprises a wireless transmission means such as an optical transmitter, ultrasonic transmitter, or audio transmitter, or radio frequency transmitter to transmit a signal indicative of an animal on the pad to the controller 50 or directly to a stimulus device such as a video screen or radio speaker 80.

As an alternative to the transmission means 40, 50 comprises as part of the touch pad, the transmission means may be incorporated into the animal's basket.

Although the control unit 50 and basket 20 are shown as separate items in Figure 1 and Figure 2, it is also possible for the control unit 50 and basket 20 to be a single apparatus.

The controller 50 comprises a receiver to receive a signal indicative of an animal being on the pad. The controller comprises a transmission means to transmit a signal to activate the stimulus device 80.

The stimulus device 80 comprises a means to receive a signal which activates it. The signal may be transmitted directly from the sensing system 30 relayed by the controller 50.

In an alternative embodiment pad 30 is formed as a perch for birds. In another alternative embodiment the pad 30 is formed as a monkey pulley handle that when pulled to its full extension will switch on a recorder and play music or video or DVD recordings of suitable scenarios selected by the owners or keepers in a zoo.

The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.

For example the system may include a means to communicate with an owner's mobile telephone (cellphone) so as to, for example, alert the owner as to unusual pet behavior or non-use of the calming system or to aggressive behaviour or activity indicative of a particular mood or state of well-being. In such an embodiment the system may additionally incorporate an imaging means, such as a camera or webcam' arranged so as to provide the owner with a view of the pet basket, in order that remote monitoring of their pet may be undertaken.

List of Features relating the Figures of the Invention Animal Basket Pad 40 Signal Transmission Wire Controller Transmitter of Controller Receiver of Audio or Video Device Audio or Video Stimulus Device

Claims

Claims 1. A calming system for an animal arranged to be self activated by the animal comprising an activation means operable by the animal to activate a sense stimulation device arranged to stimulate a sense of the animal.
2. A calming system according to claim 1 in the form of a kit of parts for self-assembly by a user.
3. A calming system according to claim 1 which is incorporated into a pet apparatus, such as a basket.
4. A calming system according to any preceding claim wherein the activation means includes a weight sensor arranged to activate the sense stimulation device upon sensing a pre-selected weight.
5. A calming system according to claim 4 wherein the weight sensor is arranged in a pad which in use is depressed by the animal.
6. A calming system according to claim 5 wherein the pad is substantially flat and has a perimeter that conforms to a base of a pet basket.
7. A calming system according to claim 5 wherein the pad has a curved surface arranged to conform to a tubular bird perch.
8. A calming system according to claim 7 wherein the pad is sized to support the feet of the bird standing.
9. A calming system according to any preceding claim wherein the activation means includes a vibration sensor or a motion sensor or an audio sensor arranged to detect a motion or sound of the animal licking or scratching and thereby activate the sense stimulation device.
1O.A calming system according to any preceding claim wherein the activation means comprises an infra-red or radio frequency transmitter to activate the sense stimulation device.
11.A calming system according to any preceding claim wherein the sense stimulation device is a video or DVD presentation device, projector or a display.
12.A calming system according to any preceding claim wherein the sense stimulation device includes an audio speaker device.
13.A calming system according to claim 12 wherein the audio speaker device produces sound at a frequency at a pitch beyond human hearing so as to be is audible to the animal.
14.A calming system according to any preceding claim wherein the sense stimulation device comprises a means to receive, display, and play content from the internet or a mobile phone network selectable via a program or app on a computer or mobile phone controllable by a carer for the animal.
15.A calming system according to any preceding claim has an imaging means for relaying an image or sound of the animal to an owner's mobile telephone (cellphone) or internet connected device.
16.A calming system according to claim 15 wherein the activation means upon operation by the animal activates the sense stimulation device and relays the image or sound of the animal to the owner's mobile phone or internet connected device.
17.A calming system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.