Almost three years have passed since the US
patent for a Domestic
Animal Telephone was issued. The patent describes :
“A phone for pets and pet owners is
taught [sic?] which allows the owner to call the house and
‘talk’ to the pet”.
But then, in Feb. 2011 a
new patent was issued (also entitled 'Domestic Animal Telephone') to the same inventors – at first
glance strikingly similar to the original :
“A phone for pets and pet owners is
taught [sic?] which allows the owner to call the house and
‘talk’ to the pet”.
– but on closer inspection revealing an
important new feature which might radically improve the prospects for
remote pet-based communications :
“In some embodiments, the pet can
initiate the phone call.”
*Note: Although the
patent documents suggest that the invention is primarily intended for
use by dogs and cats, it is noted that it may also be applicable for
use by other “mammalian pets”.
BONUS: The patent
assignees, who are known as the Kroll Family Trust, hold a number of other recent US
patents – including, but not limited to : The Self
Defense Cellular Telephone (with high voltage shocks), and the
Wind and
Insect Resistant Picnic System (sticky plates)
