US 10609904

Summary of U.S. Patent 10,609,904

Title: Lure chasing system

Assignee: Swift Paws Inc

Inventors: Meghan Wolfgram, John Ritter

Filing Date: December 14, 2014

Issue Date: April 7, 2020

Abstract:
A lure chasing system comprises: a motorized pulley unit disposed at a first location, the motorized pulley unit including a drive housing enclosing a motor and a drive pulley connected to the motor; a transfer pulley unit disposed at a second location, the transfer pulley unit including a transfer housing enclosing a transfer pulley; a lure line engaging the drive pulley and the transfer pulley so as to form a loop configuration for the lure line; and a lure attached to the lure line.

Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent contains two independent claims. A plain-language summary of each is provided below.

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a lure chasing system designed for exercising animals. The system includes a motorized unit with a drive pulley and at least one separate, non-motorized transfer pulley unit. Both the drive and transfer pulleys are enclosed in protective housings. A key feature of the drive pulley housing is that it is formed by a cover and a base, each having a semi-circular recess. When closed, these recesses surround the drive pulley, with parts of the pulley extending into each recess. This design creates a specific opening for the lure line that is smaller than the width of the pulley, preventing the line from slipping off. The housing also features a larger "drive window" that allows a lure attached to the line to pass through without getting stuck. The height of this lure window is greater than the height of the line opening.

Independent Claim 11: This claim outlines a similar lure chasing system, specifying that the housings for both the motorized drive pulley and the non-motorized transfer pulley(s) consist of a cover and a base connected by a hinge and secured with a hook and pile fastener (such as Velcro). Similar to the first claim, it details that the drive pulley is partially enclosed by annular recesses in both the cover and the base of its housing. It reiterates the safety feature where the opening for the lure line is smaller than the width of the drive pulley to prevent derailment, and a larger "drive window" allows the attached lure to pass through freely. This claim also specifies there can be at least one transfer pulley unit.

There is no information to suggest that U.S. Patent 10,609,904 has been the subject of any litigation before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) in 2026. A search of publicly available docket information did not produce any relevant results.