{
  "patent_number": "US 5443036",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How to Exercise Your Cat Using a Laser Pointer",
  "original_title": "Method of exercising a cat",
  "summary": "A 1995 patent describing the method of using a handheld laser pointer to create a moving light target that encourages cats to run and play.",
  "what_it_does": "The patent outlines a specific technique for feline exercise. It involves using a handheld laser to project a small, highly-focused, and intense beam of light onto a surface like a wall or floor. The user then moves the laser so the light spot travels in an irregular pattern, which triggers a cat's natural predatory chase instinct. By keeping the light just out of the cat's reach, the user forces the animal to run and jump, providing aerobic exercise.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover the manufacturing of the laser device itself.",
    "Does not cover using non-laser light sources, such as flashlights or LED pens.",
    "Does not cover automated systems that move the laser without human intervention.",
    "Does not cover exercise methods that involve physical toys or physical contact."
  ],
  "filed": "1993-11-02",
  "granted": "1995-08-22",
  "expires": "2013-11-02",
  "status": "expired",
  "holder": "Individual",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/individual",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Martin H. Abbott",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/martin-h-abbott"
    },
    {
      "name": "Kevin T. Amiss",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/kevin-t-amiss"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 35,
  "tags": [
    "consumer_electronics"
  ],
  "abstract": "A method for inducing cats to exercise consists of directing a beam of invisible light produced by a hand-held laser apparatus onto the floor or wall or other opaque surface in the vicinity of the cat, then moving the laser so as to cause the bright pattern of light to move in an irregular way fascinating to cats, and to any other animal with a chase instinct.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5443036/laser-pointer-cat-exercise",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5443036/laser-pointer-cat-exercise/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US5443036",
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}