Patent Nr. 6: Method of exercising a cat, Update

In 1993 the USPTO issued this patent for using a laser pointer to exercise a cat (yes, by moving the laser pointer beam around and having the cat chase it). Come on now... Not only is this crazy to patent, but this idea had surely been thought of long before this patent came about. In fact, a bit of research turned up the book "One Hundred and Eighty-Seven Ways to Amuse a Bored Cat" (Ballantine Books; May, 1982) that describes the exact same idea, but using a flashlight. Sorry guys -- the use of a laser pointer for the same thing is obvious.

Michael Burns pointed out something truly amazing about this patent. Not only should this patent probalby never have been issued, but it appears that the USPTO has issued what is essentially the same patent many times! See:

6505576 Pet Toy
6557495 Laser Pet Toy
6651591 Automatic laser pet toy and exerciser
6701872 Method and apparatus for automatically exercising a curious animal

Patent Nr. 7: Animal toy

Document: United States Patent 6360693
Abstract: An apparatus for use as a toy by an animal, for example a dog, to either fetch carry or chew includes a main section with at least one protrusion extending therefrom that resembles a branch in appearance. The toy is formed of any of a number of materials including rubber, plastic, or wood including wood composites and is solid. It is either rigid or flexible. A flavoring (scent) is added, if desired. The toy is adapted to float by including a material therein that is lighter than water or it is adapted to glow in the dark, as desired, by the addition of a fluorescent material that is either included in the material from which the toy is made or the flourescent material is applied thereto as a coating. The toy may be segmented (i.e., notched) so as to break off into smaller segments, as is useful for smaller animals or, alternatively, to extend the life of the toy. Various textured surfaces including camouflage colorings are anticipated as are straight or curved main sections. The toy may be formed of any desired material, as described, so as to be edible by the animal.

Claim 1 describes a synthetic STICK. Yes, a stick.

Нравится мне такой взгляд на вещи:)

"...Если передать «Кашу из топора» в терминах современного газетного дискурса, то этот пересказ, безусловно, занял бы место в рубрике «Происшествия» или «Криминал».
О чем повествует сказка в действительности?
В дом к немолодой, небогатой и, видимо, одинокой, а потому рассчитывающей только на себя женщине под вечер вламывается солдат. Он не просит, а требует ночлега и еды (сказка, правда, умалчивает о сексуальных притязаниях). Заступиться или помочь хозяйке некому. В конце концов опустошив припасы (и, кстати, ничем не отработав свой обед!), да еще и топор прихватив, налетчик уходит, ославив как глупую скупердяйку беззащитную женщину..."

http://community.livejournal.com/feministki/281083.html

Как я таких дедов терпеть не могу!!

Скулы сводит от злости. Ну зачем заставлять внука пить, если сам не хочет?!!
(фильмик один cмотрю)