Patent Application
20210220211
The present invention relates to accessories for pets
Massage devices for pets are known. Typically, such devices incorporate a mechanism for producing vibrations and an arrangement for transmitting the vibrations to the exterior coat of a pet animal. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,743 discloses a massage blanket for pets including a plurality of vibration devices and a battery pouch for powering the vibration devices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,963 discloses a vibrating blanket with adjustable vibration frequency and intensity. U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0110414 discloses a pet blanket with a temperature controlling fabric. British Patent GB 2444031 discloses a massaging device for a horse incorporating electrically operated vibrators. German Patent Publication DE 10200003 discloses an electrically driven massage blanket for horses. Animal behavior has been studied from pre-historic times. A common behavior of dogs and other animals is to roll on their backs. This behavior may be prompted by an attempt to scratch an itch, as a sign of submissiveness, to pick up the scent of another animal, to get attention, to regulate body temperature, or for other reasons. Prior art animal massage devices either require humans to administer the massage manually or with the aid of electrically powered vibration devices. Further, such prior art devices do not provide adequate massage in the stomach and back general area of an animal. Examples of such devices are animal gloves, brushes, jackets, and vibrating blankets. Further, in general an animal is not able to provide any positive or negative feedback to the human administering the massage. There is a continuing need for an animal massage device that will enhance the well-being of pet animals, their owners, and other animals.
The present invention provides an animal self-massage device comprising a massage base comprising a sheet material. The sheet material includes a plurality of massage elements for contacting the body of an animal. The device also includes means for releasably attaching the massage base to the body of an animal. Preferably, the massage base is formed from a semi-flexible material. Preferably, the massage elements extend outwardly from a generally flat surface for contacting the body of the animal at a plurality of contact points. Preferably, the massage elements are distributed evenly over the surface of the massage base. Preferably, in one presently preferred embodiment the massage elements are cylindrically symmetric. Preferably, the massage elements have a generally bell-shaped cross-section. Preferably, in one presently preferred embodiment, the massage base has a pair of sides and massage elements extend from one side. Preferably, the massage elements are distributed evenly over the massage base. Preferably, in one presently preferred embodiment, the massage elements have a generally bell-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the means for releasably attaching the massage base comprises a plurality of straps. Preferably, in one presently preferred embodiment, the massage base is adapted to extend over the back of an animal. Preferably, in a presently preferred embodiment, the massage base is adapted to extend over the sides of an animal. Preferably, in a presently preferred embodiment the massage base is adapted to extend over the belly of an animal. Preferably, in another presently preferred embodiment the massage base is adapted to extend over only one side of an animal.
The present invention provides an animal self-massage device. The device preferably includes a semi-flexible blanket or massage base with massage elements such as protrusions for contacting an animal's body to massage the animal's body, such as an animal's stomach and/or back, through contact with the ground. Wearing the animal self-massage device permits the animal to massage the animal's stomach or back area using the animal's own applied force and contact with the ground. Means are also provided to releasably attach the massage device to an animal, such as straps to fasten the device around an animal's back. The means are preferably adapted to prevent the blanket from sliding when the animal rolls on the ground. The animal self-massage device of the present invention can be employed with either domesticated or non-domesticated animals to provide care and comfort. Non-domesticated animals may include animals kept in a stable or zoo. The animal self-massaging device of the present invention can be used for providing a massage, for example, to the stomach, sides and/or back general area of an animal. Animals may benefit from massages for a variety of reasons such as the ease of anxiety, sore muscles, cramps, or digestive purposes.
The attachment means, such as straps, allows the animal self-massage device of the present invention to be used on small, medium, and large domestic and non-domestic animals. In addition, the animal self-massage device permits an animal freedom of movement, such as being able to easily walk around, with the device still attached.
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Various modifications can be made in the details of the various embodiments of the articles of the present invention, all within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
