The present invention relates to a method and device for training animals, in particular pets. In another application, the present invention relates to a method and device for chasing away undesired animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people have pets, in particular dogs (canines) and cats (felines). It is often a pleasure to walk or play in the park with the pet, play in the garden or somewhere else with the pet. This is in particular so for dogs. Dogs require a lot of exercise in order to stay fit. The exercise should be daily. The exercise not only keeps the dog fit, but also keeps the dog happy.

The invention is based on the insight that sometimes, the pet, in particular a dog, has a fitness or speed which is substantially greater than the fitness or speed of the owner. This may in particular be the case for elderly owners. Sometimes, the owner simply wishes to rest or enjoy a social activity and let the animal play in the meantime, without the active participation of the owner. Sometimes, the owner simply does not have sufficient time available to give sufficient training to his or her pet. However, the amount of required exercise of a dog may also exceed the ability of a healthy, young person simply as a result of the amount of exercise a dog needs.

In these cases, the pet will not be able to play and run very much. The pet may also not get the required exercise he needs to stay fit.

The invention is based on the insight that there is a need in the field of the art for a pet trainer which allows the pet to be trained while the owner can rest or do something else, or at least does not perform demanding physical activity.

DE251 1520 discloses a training system for animals or children. The system is in particular designed for horses or children. The horses or children are connected to a cable via a "Anbindevorrichtung", see claim 1 , and are urged along a trajectory. Large masts 8 are provided which are constructed to span the cable above the horses/children. The masts are welded steel constructions having a base plate 13 which is anchored to the ground. DE251 1520 is quite a limited device and not very friendly for animals or children, because the animals have little or no freedom of movement. The shape of the trajectory is limited to a rectangular shape. US3665892 discloses a treadmill with a vertical rotation axis, to be used as exercise system for dogs. US3665892 is a very limited device and unfriendly to the dogs, because the dogs are tied to the treadmill with a collar or harness 38, see column 2 line 38-39.

US3395893 discloses a system designed to train rodeo horses to deal with sudden, unexpected movements, for instance from a bull or a cow. The system is mounted on a fence and in a vertical plane.

D29620716U 1 discloses a system to scare birds. The system may be used at airports. A problem associated with the system of D29620716U 1 is that the transmission between the electromotor and the line is not very good. The line will have the tendency to slip. The system is also very limited in the available trajectory and is limited to two turns only. These two aspects are interlinked. Because the transmission is not very good, the trajectory must be kept small and simple. GB2294857 discloses a system for chasing away birds. GB2294857 suffers from the same disadvantages as D29620716U1 , i.e. a poor transmission and consequently a small and simple trajectory.

In an alternative application, it was recognized that for instance in fruit fields and at airports, there can be hinder from undesired animals, in particular birds. It was recognized that existing methods and devices have serious drawbacks. For instance, sometimes nets are provided over orchards to keep out birds. These nets are cumbersome to install and also may result in dead birds in the nets, which is a pointless waste of animal life and provides general discomfort.

At airports birds are sometimes chased away with loud noises or with dogs.

Sometimes birds are simply shot. None of these methods fully meet the demands.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention has the objective to provide an alternative or improved way of training animals, in particular pets, in particular dogs. In an alternative application, the present invention aims to provide an improved method and device for chasing away undesired animals from a specific area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a system for training animals, in particular dogs, or for chasing away unwanted animals, in particular birds, the system comprising:

- a line arranged in a closed loop,

- a series of supports for holding the closed loop line in a trajectory,

- at least one visual indicator connected to the line,

- a motor comprising a pulley which engages the line, the motor being configured to drive the line via the pulley and being configured to let the visual indicator make multiple rounds along the trajectory, wherein the visual indicator is configured to pass the pulley each round,

the system further comprising:

- a first drive support, and

- a second drive support,

the first and second drive supports being located near the pulley, wherein the first and second drive supports and the pulley define a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped part of the trajectory, wherein the pulley forms the bottom of the U-shape or V-shape.

With the invention, it is possible to provide good training to pets, while at the same letting the pet enjoy himself. In use, the user transports his device and his pet to a park, for instance in a car. In the park, the user chooses a field and positions the housing. He sets out a trajectory by pushing the supports into the ground. The visual indicator is connected to the line. When everything is ready, the device is turned on and the visual indicator starts to travel along the trajectory. The pet will notice the moving visual indicator and starts chasing it automatically. In this way, the pet enjoys himself and gets a fitness training, which is good for his health. The operator generally will keep an eye on the device and the pet, but no longer needs to perform a lot of physical activity.

The system is specifically suitable for pets who have a natural tendency to chase.

The trajectory will generally extend in a horizontal plane. The line arrange in a closed loop may extend at a height of 5 - 80 cm above the ground, more in particular at a height of 10 - 30 cm. The U-shaped or V-shaped part makes it possible to increase the number of supports to at least six, more in particular at least ten. In this way the trajectory can be lengthened and made more complex. This not only makes the system more suitable for training pets, but also makes the system more suitable for chasing away birds and other animals.

In an embodiment, the U-shape or V-shape has two legs which are oriented at an angle of less than 60 degrees to one another. Figure 4 of DE251 1520 shows that the cable 1 makes an angle of ninety degrees about the pulley. In some cases this may lead to slipping. An angle of less than 60 degrees substantially decreases the chance of slipping.

In an embodiment, the U-shape or V-shape has legs and at the tip of the legs, the line makes turns which are defines by the drive supports and which are counter to the turn at the bottom of the U-shape or V-shape defined by the pulley. This feature reduces the chance of slipping. DE2511520 does not have this feature.

Of course the user may also use the device in his garden, if the garden is large enough. The user can then operate the device from his chair. He will need to adjust the trajectory every now and then, because after a while dogs may learn the trajectory and take a short cut.

The supports are relatively small, i.e. smaller than 1 meter, in particular smaller than 50 cm. The supports are also relatively light, in particular lighter than 1 kg.

In an embodiment, the motor is provided in a mobile housing, allowing the user to take the entire system with him in a car to a park, a beach or another location. The housing may include castor wheels or other wheels for easy transportation.

In an embodiment, the at least one visual indicator is a ribbon or flag or fake animal. It was found in practice that this is an attractive item to chase for pets.

In an embodiment, the line comprises only a single visual indicator. If a single pet is trained with the present invention , it is practical to let him chase a single visual indicator

In an embodiment, each support comprises:

- a line guide member for guiding the line, and

- a bottom end which is configured to be pushed into the ground by the user on a field, providing freedom to the user in creating a trajectory for the loop. It was found in practice that with these supports a trajectory of a suitable length and shape can be created very easy.

In an embodiment, the line guide member is a rotatable pulley which is rotatable relative to the bottom end.

In an embodiment, each support comprises a main section which comprises two telescoping parts for varying the length of the support.

In an embodiment, each support comprises a connector which is configured to be connected to an object which extends upwards from the ground, in particular a pole or a mast. In some cases the supports may be connected directly to a fruit tree, grapevines, or bushes, although for many trees and bushes this may not be possible or practical. The line comprises multiple visual indicators. In this embodiment, the system may comprise multiple visual indicators, wherein the closed loop line extends over a field of fruit, in particular over a vineyard, over a field of vegetables, corn, or over a field in the vicinity of an airport.

This embodiment relates to a different field of use for the present invention, i.e. for chasing away undesired animals, such as birds. For instance in an orchard, birds may eat the fruit that is intended to be harvested, thereby diminishing the yield. The present invention can be used as a scarecrow. The supports are connected to the top of the trees or to separate poles which extend up in the air. Multiple visual indicators may be connected to the line. In use, the visual indicators can make random, irregular or erratic movements. In this way, birds are chased away. The pulley allows the visual indicators to have a high speed and make multiple rounds.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a control unit, the control unit connected with the motor via a control connection, wherein the control unit is configured to:

- vary the speed of the motor, and/or

- reverse the speed of the motor.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to vary the speed in a substantially irregular, erratic or random way, in particular for scaring birds. It was found that this works better than a regular movement, because animals get used to a regular movement, so that the effect fades off. Other animals may also be chased away, such as rabbits, foxes, wild boars, deer and other animals. In an application, the system may further be used to keep other people's cats out of the garden of a user.

In an embodiment, the control unit is located at a position which is remote from the closed loop trajectory. In this way, a farmer may control the system from his office.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises at least one sensor configured to sense the presence of undesired animals, the sensor being connected to the control unit and the control unit being configured for turning on the motor, varying or reversing the speed of the line in response to a signal indicative of the presence of the undesired animal. The sensor may be a movement sensor, such as an infrared sensor or a camera.

This embodiment provides effective feed back control. The apparatus may remain still when no undesired animals are around. As soon as an undesired animal appears, the motor is turned on and the animal is chased away.

For training pets, the device can be tuned to increase the speed when the pet almost reaches the visual indicator, or when the pet actually grabs the visual indicator (although this may not be intended).

As a precautionary comment, it will be clear that the system is not intended for connecting the pet to the visual indicator, and dragging the pet along the trajectory. This may seriously injure or even kill the pet.

In the scarecrow function, the motor may be turned off when no birds are in the vicinity of the trajectory, and may be turned on when birds arrive at the scene.

In an embodiment, the trajectory comprises at least six and in particular at least ten turns defined by respective supports.

The present invention further relates to a method of training an animal, comprising:

- providing the system according to claim 1 ,

- driving the line with the motor via the pulley, thereby training an animal or chasing away unwanted animals.

The method provides substantially the same advantages as the device. In an embodiment, the method comprises providing the system near a location where birds need to be chased away, in a particular a field or orchard with fruit or vegetable trees or plants, or an airport. In an embodiment, the method comprises varying the speed and direction of the visual indicators in a substantially irregular, random or erratic way.

These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show a top view of a part of a trajectory of the line.

Figure 3 shows a side view of a another embodiment of the invention.

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F show side views of different embodiment of the supports.

Figure 5 shows a top view of a trajectory of the line.

Figure 6 shows a top view of another trajectory of the line.

Figure 7 shows a side view of a another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a top view of a trajectory of the line according to the embodiment of figure 7.

Figure 9 shows a top view of a trajectory of the line according to the embodiment of figures 7 and 8.

Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of the support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Turning to figure 1 , a system 10 according to the invention is shown. The system comprises a housing 12 in which an electric motor 14 is provided. The electric motor is inside the housing, i.e. not visible for the user, and for that reason indicated with dashed lines. The system comprises an electrical cable 15 intended to be connected to a source of electric power. The housing is supported by castor wheels 17 which allow the user to transport the system 10. The system 10 further comprises a pulley 16 which is connected to the motor 14. The pulley has a vertical axis 19 of rotation, but a horizontal or inclined axis is also possible. The pulley 16 projects underneath the housing 12. The pulley engages the line.

The system further comprises a line 20. The line may be from nylon or another material and may have a length of 50 - 500 meter or so, but different lengths are

conceivable. The line 20 is arranged in a closed loop. This may be done by a simple knot or by a connector which holds the two ends of the line together. The line may be from nylon, a cable or any other suitable material.

The motor is configured to drive the line via the pulley and is configured to let the visual indicator 22 make multiple rounds along the trajectory. The visual indicator is configured to pass the pulley each round. This may be achieved by a relatively small visual indicator, or a visual indicator which is flexible near the connection with the line.

The motor is provided in a mobile housing 12, for instance from a plastic or other suitable material, allowing the user to take the entire system with him in a car to a park.

The system further comprises a first drive support 26A, and a second drive support 26B. The first and second drive supports are located near the pulley. The first and second drive supports may be directly connected to the housing or separate from the housing, so that the user can position the first and second drive supports on the ground.

The system further comprises a control unit 100, which may be a PC, a mobile phone such as an i-phone, or a tablet computer. The control unit is connected with the motor via a control connection 102. The control unit is configured to vary the speed of the motor, and/or reverse the speed of the motor. The user may for instance control the system via his mobile telephone, which is very practical in a park. The control unit 100 may also be a simple remote control with which the user can control the motor.

A visual indicator 22 is connected to the line. The visual indicator 22 may a flag, a ribbon or similar soft member or a fake animal. The visual indicator 22 is configured to pass the pulley when in use. Turning to figures 2A and 2B, the first and second drive supports 26A, 26B and the pulley 16 define a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped part 30 of the trajectory, wherein the pulley forms the bottom of the U-shape. The U-shape or V-shape appears in top view. In an alternative arrangement, the U-shape of V-shape appears in side view or font view.

The U-shaped or V-shaped part 30 has legs 31 A, 31 B. The legs 31 A, 31 B make an angle of less than 60 degrees

The at least one visual indicator 22 is a ribbon or flag or a fake animal, such as a fake rabbit.

For training pets, it may be best that the line comprises only a single visual indicator

22. Turning to figure 3, an embodiment is shown in which the first and second drive supports 26A, 26B are directly connected to the housing. The first and second drive supports 26A, 26B are arranged underneath the housing. In this embodiment, the U-shaped or V-shaped part 30 of the trajectory is always properly arranged, thereby securing a good driving of the line 20.

The turns of the line 20 at the drive supports 26A, 26B are counter to the turn at pulley 16. In top view, the drive supports 26A, 26B are positioned on one side of the line 20 and the pulley 16 is positioned on the opposite side of the line 20. Turning to figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, different embodiments of the supports 24 are shown and are indicated with reference numerals 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D respectively. Each support 24 comprises a line guide member which is generally indicated with reference numeral 50. Various types are possible. The supports have a main section 53 which extends upwards from a bottom end 52. The supports may have a stop 57, to further enhance stability. In figure 4A a closed line guide member 50A is shown. In figure 4B an open line guide member 50B is shown, which allows the user to insert the line into the line guide member. In figure 4C, a version with a diabolo line guide member 50C is shown. A pulley is also possible. The version of figure 4C has thread in the bottom end. The bottom end 52 is pointy so that it may be pushed into the ground by the user on a field, providing freedom to the user in creating a trajectory for the loop. The total height of the supports 24 may be somewhere between 10 and 300 cm, in particular 20 - 60 cm for pets. The heights above 100 cm are typically intended for chasing away undesired birds.

With reference to figure 4E, the guide member 50E of support 24E comprises a rotatable pulley 63 in a diabolo shape with bearings, allowing rotation relative to the bottom end. This allows a smooth movement of the line along the supports 24, without much wear of the line 20. The stop 57 has five projections 59, each having a ball 61 at the end. The rotation axis of the line guide member 50E is aligned with the lower end 52.

With reference to figure 4F, the lower end 52 of the support 24F is provided with thread 55 to screw the support into the ground. The main section 53 may comprise two telescoping parts 53A, 53B in order to adjust the height of the supports. The height may be increased to 300 cm. The guide member 50E comprises a rotatable pulley 63 with bearings, allowing rotation. This allows a smooth movement of the line along the supports 24, without much wear of the line 20.

Turning in particular to figure 4D, a support 24D comprises a connector 53 which configured to be connected to an object which extends upwards from the ground, in particular a pole, a mast, a tree, grapevines, bushes. This support is suitable for the scarecrow application, in which multiple visual indicators may be connected to the line.

Turning to figures 5 and 6, two examples of trajectories 40 are provided. A series of supports 24 hold the closed loop line in a trajectory 40. At least one visual indicator 22 is connected to the line. The trajectory may for instance be 150m long. The trajectory is a loop which may have turns in different directions. The trajectory of figure 5 has twelve supports 24 and the trajectory of figure 6 has eleven supports 24.

In use, the user transports his device and his pet to a park, for instance in a car. In the park, the user chooses a field and positions the housing. He sets out a trajectory by pushing the supports into the ground. The trajectory may be anywhere between 25m and 500m long, and it is conceivable to have shorter or longer lengths. The system is in particular suitable for dogs.

The visual indicator is connected to the line. When everything is ready, the device is turned on and the visual indicator starts to travel along the trajectory. The pet will notice the moving visual indicator and starts chasing it automatically. In this way, the pet enjoys himself and gets a fitness training, which is good for his health.

The speed and direction of the visual indicator may be varied, either by the user or automatically.

Turning to figure 7, in another embodiment, the pulley 16 is arranged above the housing 12. The axle 27 is extended to reach a height of for instance 2 meter. This embodiment is suitable for chasing away undesired animals.

The first and second drive supports 26A, 26B are arranged on poles 33 to reach the same height. In this embodiment, the line comprises multiple visual indicators 22. The closed loop line 20 may extend over a field of fruit, in particular over a vineyard, over a field of vegetables, corn, or over a field in the vicinity of an airport.

In this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to vary the speed in a substantially irregular, random or erratic way, in particular for scaring birds. In this way, it is prevented that birds grow accustomed to the movements. The control unit 100 may be located at a position which is remote from the closed loop trajectory.

Turning to figure 8, a trajectory 40 is shown which is suitable for chasing away birds. The trajectory has a zig-zag configuration to cover a certain area. The system comprises several sensors 60 configured to sense the presence of a pet or undesired animal. The sensor is a camera, but other sensors are possible. The sensor 60 is connected to the control unit 100 via a wireless connection or a wired connection. The control unit is configured for varying or reversing the speed of the line in response to a signal indicative of the presence of the undesired animals.

The trajectory of figure 8 has fifteen supports 24.

Turning to figure 9, an arrangement at an airport is shown. Airports are known to have hinder from birds, and the birds may create dangerous situations. Planes have crashed as a result of birds hitting the engines during landing or take-off. The present invention can be used to mitigate these risks. The trajectory of figure 9 has many supports 24. Turning to figure 10, another embodiment of the support 24 is shown. The support has a horizontal rotation axis 70. The line guide member 50 is a pulley which has a diabolo shape. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.