Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login
Entertaining Cat With A Laser (Patent) (google.com)
18 points by some1else on Jan 8, 2011 | hide | past | favorite | 7 comments



Well, I violate that one on a regular basis...


"The involuntary and almost imperceptibly slight movements of the hand holding the laser device of the present invention creates a jittery animated effect in the light pattern at the opaque intersection appealing to cats even when the device is held essentially steady."

I hope the production model infantry laser rifle of the future is forced to include patent 5,443,036 on account that even in the hands of a bio-mechanical super-soldier, the jittering effect of the laser's appeal to cats was patented decades earlier.


Am I the only one reminded of this Monty Python classic

Confuse a cat :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Je1CEPkUM



Amusing still, but one of the longtime examples of an obvious invention.


Well - I just lodged a patent:

Method of entertaining a human with a cat.

PISS OFF IT'S MINE!


How can you patent something that exists in two separate forms:

   1.  playing with cat
   2.  flashing a laser around
Or is that like mixing chocolate with peanut butter and making a new candy to patent?

There has to be prior art before 1995 no? (look how large that laser is! mine is the size of a AAA battery)

So can I patent making a ball out of tin-foil and throwing it around with my cat (she chases it like crazy).




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: