Device and method for dissuading predators through startle response instinct

Abstract

An apparatus and method for dissuading predatory animals from attacking. The device and method employ depictions of an eye, especially the eye of a predator of the predatory animals, to initiate a startle response in the predatory animal thereby dissuading an attack. The depiction of one or more eyes may be placed on clothing or equipment carried into the aquatic or land based environment of the predator being dissuaded.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 022,506 filed Dec. 22, 2004. The invention herein disclosed consists of a device and a methodology related generally to the repelling of predatory animals by the use of startle response mimicry. The invention relates more particularly to methods for protecting men as they engage in marine and water activities from the predatory habits of sharks using the shark's natural startle response to the eyes of killer whales, which prey upon sharks. Combined with the described method of employment the invention is suitable for use to protect surfers, swimmers, bathers, scuba divers, sailors or other persons found to be isolated in shark infested waters. It is also suitable for protecting the persons, catch and equipment of fishermen. The construct can further be applied to any environment by identifying the desired predator to be deterred, determining and reproducing the most deterrent eye type fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027] After much research and study of the above noted problems, the present invention has been developed to provide an economical, effective and humane means and method of repelling rapacious predators like sharks by initiating the creature's instinctual startle response. In the case of sharks, an initial proposed version of the above providing that capability is accomplished through the provision of a swimming fin with a screened, printed, appliqued or otherwise applied example of a representation of an eye ball of a killer whale or other animal feared by sharks and selected associated eye components such as eyebrows or other markings upon each swim fin, potentially with 3-D accents. The representation could contain or consist of reflective, refractive or holographic components to assist in the illusion. As noted above, it is the object of the invention to provide a repelling means based on the startle response of animals which is ecologically sound and not hazardous to man, other creatures or the environment.

[0028] Several additional objects of the invention are to be light in weight and easily carried. In the case of underwater predators such as sharks, the device must be operable under water and function either all of the time or when activated and in water. Further, the device must also be safe for the user to carry under any and all conditions including adverse conditions, and it should be reasonably effective in driving the chosen predator such as a shark away or in thwarting an attack. Further, the repelling nature of the device should be constantly effective and once applied require little or no further consideration or input on the part of the user.

Problems solved by technology

As man continues to explore his environment, he often finds himself in confrontation with large and / or dangerous predatory animals, or animals which see man as nothing more than a possible meal or a territorial threat.

It is only when he is isolated, injured, and / or unarmed that he begins to be at any disadvantage such that land based predatory animals present any real and unmanageable danger.

However, as man pushes the frontiers of his activities into hostile environments wherein he must have support equipment for survival except for momentary visits, where his size is not particularly intimidating, and where his mobility is relatively limited with respect to other animals in the environment, he often finds himself much more vulnerable and consequently more likely to be the next meal or the target of an attack of a predatory animal which is at home in the hostile environment.

Often, Navy personnel, fishermen, other sailors and, most importantly, persons engaged in water sports at a beach often find themselves in unexpected situations.

Such fixed barriers, of course, have the constant problem of having to be maintained, and, even so, will still eventually succumb to the wear and tear of the sea, and thus are costly.

Of course such a device requires time to employ and can only be protective if the shark is not particularly aggressive.

Unfortunately, in all of these screens, time is required to employ the device, and the individual's own movement is substantially curtailed such that the necessary activities which might otherwise be used by the individual to keep from drowning and attract help or attention are constrained.

That is, these animals blend harmoniously with their surroundings such that they are often unnoticed unless they move.

This reason is typically that these types of animals have very dangerous or unpleasant attributes in that they are usually poisonous or very distasteful.

Since this is not always the case in the long term, this is the shortfall of this technique.

Since the wrong decision may only happen once, a repelled predator such as a shark is unlikely to return to investigate the true nature of the threat and risk being eaten.

As a result, it is almost impossible for the predator to determine if an eye is a 10 mm diameter harmless eye at a distance of 30 cm, or a 30 mm diameter dangerous eye at a lethal distance of 90 cm.

Further, with one visual field it will be hard to see the 3-D traits that could help distinguish a predator's actual face from an eye spot mimic though our disclosure can utilize them.

First, it is thought they may startle predators.

Some insects have entire false heads with conspicuous false eyes at their tail ends, which utterly confuses an approaching predator.

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