Abstract:
A pet entertainment toy is capable of motion. The toy is comprised of a propulsion system, such as a frame rollably supported by one or more driven wheels. An animal likeness is preferably connected to the frame. In one embodiment, the likeness is animated for movement and may be configured to generate sounds. A remote control is used to control the toy, such as to cause the toy to move forward, in reverse, to stop, and to turn, and in one embodiment, to activate the animal likeness animation. The toy is configured for high speed movement over long distances and over a wide range of surface. The toys animal likeness is enticing to a pet in engaging in hunting and tracking of the toy.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/032,722, filed Jan. 10, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to pet entertainment or amusement devices, and particularly to a motorized pet toy.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A variety of toys have been created for amusing and entertaining pets. For example, these toys include rubber bones for chewing, ropes for tugging and toys employing squeakers.  
         [0004]     Pets, especially including dogs and cats, find great amusement in chasing things. For example, dogs like to chase and retrieve sticks and balls which their master may throw. Cats like to chase yarn and small toys which one drags along the floor.  
         [0005]     These toys, however, do not provide a great challenge to the pet and the owner often finds playing with their pet with these toys very tiring. For example, while a dog may seemingly endlessly chase a ball, the owner may quickly tire of throwing the ball and then attempting to retrieve it from the dog. Likewise, one quickly grows tired of dragging string about the floor to entertain a cat.  
         [0006]     Generally, the pet&#39;s play activities are associated with their instinctive hunting skills. Thus, a dog enjoys chasing a ball as part of the dog&#39;s instinct to chase and kill or retrieve prey. Likewise, a cat&#39;s chasing of a string or small toy is a product of its hunting instinct. Thus, the more the amusement activity simulates the actual instinctive act, the more fun it is for the pet. Thus, some toys have been created which have the appearance of a mouse, bird or the like.  
         [0007]     A pet amusement or entertainment device which is fun for the pet and the owner is desired.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The invention is a pet amusement or entertainment device. In one embodiment, the device is a self-propelled, remotely controllable toy. The toy preferably includes a frame which is rollably supported for movement over a variety of surfaces. Means, such as one or motors, are configured to propel the toy.  
         [0009]     The toy also includes or is configured as an animal likeness. In one embodiment, the likeness is connected to the frame. The likeness may be animated so as to simulate the movement and nature of the animal which is being represented.  
         [0010]     The toy provides excitement to the pet and is easy for the operator to use. The toy can travel over long distances and over a variety of surfaces, providing the opportunity for a pet to chase it. The likeness creates substantial pet interest, including by drawing upon the pet&#39;s hunting instincts.  
         [0011]     Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a pet toy in accordance with the invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the pet toy illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of various components of the toy illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     The invention is a pet amusement or entertainment device. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.  
         [0016]     In general, a pet amusement or entertainment device comprises a self-propelled, remotely controllable toy. Preferably, at least a portion of the toy has the appearance of an animal or other creature.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a toy  20  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the toy  20  includes a frame  22  which supports various components of the toy  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the toy  20  is rollably supported. As illustrated, a plurality of wheels  24  are mounted to the frame  22  for rotation with respect to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the toy  20  has four wheels  24  generally arranged in automobile format, with two front wheels and two rear wheels, with two wheels located at each side of the frame  22 .  
         [0018]     Preferably, the toy  20  is self-propelled or locomotive. Thus, in one embodiment, the toy  20  includes means for driving one or more of the wheels. In one embodiment, the toy  20  includes one or more motors  28  which are configured to drive one or more of the wheels  24  for propelling the toy. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more motors are electrically powered. The one or more motors  28  may be configured to drive the toy  20  to stop and start the motion of the toy  20 , and permit motion in forward and reverse directions.  
         [0019]     An electrical source is configured to power the motor(s) in such a configuration. In one embodiment, the electrical source comprises one or more batteries  32 , whereby the power source for the motor(s) is portable and may travel with the toy  20 . In one embodiment, the battery or batteries  32  may be disconnected from the frame  22 . The battery or batteries  32  may be of various types, including rechargeable.  
         [0020]     In one embodiment, the one or motors are remotely controllable. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the toy preferably includes one or more receivers  34  (see  FIG. 3 ). The at least one receiver  34  is configured to receive signals from a remote control  30 . Preferably, the receiver  34  is configured to provide an output in response to a signal received from the remote control  30 . In one embodiment, the output is provided to a main controller  38  which utilizes the signals to provide discrete outputs to the various components of the toy, such as the motors, for controlling them.  
         [0021]     One or more solenoids  36  or other means may be provided for moving one or more of the wheels  24 , such as for steering and directing the toy as it moves. The controller  38  may be configured to output a signal to the one or more solenoids  36  for such a purpose.  
         [0022]     In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the toy  20  has the appearance of an animal. In one embodiment, an animal likeness or representation  26  is associated with the frame  22 . The animal likeness  26  preferably may only have the general appearance of an animal or other object. The animal likeness  26  may be, for example, a rabbit. The rabbit likeness need not exactly duplicate a real rabbit, and may vary in color and size, and need not include all anatomical features. Preferably, however, the animal likeness has some features or characteristics of a rabbit or other animal which is to be represented, such as general shape, simulation of fur or the like.  
         [0023]     The animal likeness  26  may be constructed of a variety of materials. In a preferred embodiment, the animal likeness  26  is constructed of a durable and at least partially pliable material. For example, the animal likeness  26  may be constructed at least partially of a fabric material. An interior portion of the likeness may be filled with a compressible material, such as foam or other stuffing material.  
         [0024]     The animal likeness  26  is preferably connected to the frame  22 , either directly or indirectly. In one embodiment, the animal likeness  26  may include a mount or frame  40  which is connected to the frame  22  of the toy  20 , such as with one or more fasteners. For example, the animal likeness  26  may include a generally rigid base and that base may be connected to the frame  22  with threaded fasteners.  
         [0025]     In another embodiment, the animal likeness  26  may be disengageable from the frame  22 . For example, if a dog were to grasp the animal likeness  26  and attempt to move or lift the toy  20 , the likeness  26  may be configured to disconnect from the frame  22  to prevent the electronics, drive and other elements of the toy  20  from being damaged. For example, the likeness  26  might connect to the frame with flexible pins or tabs  42 . Upon being picked up, those tabs may be configured to flex and disengage corresponding mounting holes  44  in the frame.  
         [0026]     In one embodiment, the animal likeness  26  may be animated. Motors or other means may be provided for moving one or more portions of the likeness  26 . For example, referring to  FIG. 3 , solenoids  46  may be configured to move the legs, ears, head or other features  48  of the animal likeness  26 . In one embodiment, animation of the likeness  26  may be initiated by signal from the remote control  30 . In another embodiment, the animation may be initiated by other input, such as motion of the toy  20 .  
         [0027]     In one embodiment, the animal&#39;s eyes may include LED&#39;s  50  or other lights sources for illuminating them. The likeness  26  may include one or more pressure sensors  52 . Those sensors  52  may trigger animation of the likeness  26 . In one embodiment, the toy  20  may include a sound generating device  54 , such as a speaker. In response to input via a pressure sensor  52 , the sound generating device may be activated. For example, in response to a dog grasping the toy with its jaws, the sound generating device may be configured to output a squeaking noise.  
         [0028]     In one embodiment, the likeness  26  may include a “vibration” element which is triggered by a pressure sensor or via remote control. The vibration device is preferably configured to generate a pulsating or shaking movement to the likeness.  
         [0029]     The toy  20  may include one or more sensors for detecting obstacles and causing the main controller to automatically change the direction of the toy  20  in order to avoid obstacles. The toy  20  may also be configured to travel set paths or patterns. For example, instead of remotely controlling the movement of the toy  20  in real time, the toy  20  could be programmed or instructed to follow a path or pattern, thus freeing the operator from having to direct the toy.  
         [0030]     In one embodiment, various of the animation features of the likeness  26  maybe configured to activate in coordination with other elements of the toy. For example, when the one or more motors  28  are activated to move the toy, animation features of the likeness  26  may be activated to effect movement of legs of the likeness  26  to simulate hopping or running.  
         [0031]     Various of the components of the likeness  26  may require power for their operation. In one embodiment, the likeness  26  could include one or more batteries or other power sources for that purpose. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical plug or contact  56  is associated with the frame  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The likeness  26  may include a mating connector (not shown) which engages that plug or contact  56  when the likeness  26  is connected thereto. Preferably, the connection of the connector and plug permits easy disconnection, as when a pet grasps the likeness  26  and disconnection of the likeness  26  from the frame  22  is desired. Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the likeness  26  is connected to the frame  22  in this manner, an electrical path is established from the batter  34  to the various components of the likeness  26 , thus providing power to them.  
         [0032]     In one embodiment, the plug and mating connector may include a communication path from the controller  38  to one or more components of the likeness  26 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this manner, the controller  38  may effect operation of one or more of those components. In a less preferred embodiment, the likeness  26  could include a separate controller and receiver and instructions could directly be received at the likeness and the components of the likeness be independently controlled.  
         [0033]     In one embodiment, the animal likeness  26  may house or enclose various components of the toy  20 . Such an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1  where the wheels  24  are located substantially within the animal likeness  26 , the wheels configured to extend below the likeness  26  for contact with the ground. In this manner, the wheels  24  are not exposed, either distracting from the toy&#39;s simulation of an actual animal, or posing a risk of harming a pet who might contact the wheel.  
         [0034]     Of course, the size of the toy  20  may vary, including depending upon the animal which is being simulated. In one embodiment, the wheels  24  may be about 2-6 inches in diameter, be spaced front to back by about 4-8 inches and from side to side by about 4-8 inches. In such an embodiment, the toy  20  is capable of traveling over a wide variety of surface, including outdoor surfaces. In such embodiments, the toy  20  may include such features as multiple wheel drive and wheel suspension to allow the toy to quickly move over rough surfaces. Other configurations may be permitted for indoor use.  
         [0035]     The likeness  26  may be about 3-18 inches long, 3-10 inches wide, and about 3-20 inches tall. Of course, the frame is preferably sized to accommodate the likeness  26 . The size of the likeness  26  may depend on a variety of factors. For play with a large dog, the likeness  26  may be larger. For play with a small dog or cat, the likeness may be smaller. As indicated, the total size of the toy  20  may vary depending upon the size of the likeness  26 . For example, if the likeness  26  is small, the frame and wheels may be correspondingly small.  
         [0036]     In a preferred embodiment, the likeness  26  is of an animal. As indicated, the extend of the likeness may vary. The toy  20  may include a likeness of other objects, however.  
         [0037]     The toy  20  may include rotating tracks, skids, or other means for movably supporting it for movement. The toy  20  may have more than four wheels or less than four wheels. The toy  20  may be powered by other means than an electric motor, such as a gas or other burning fuel motor.  
         [0038]     The toy  20  may be configured for other movement. For example, the toy  20  may be configured to roll or spin. The toy  20  may be configured to spin by turning all of the wheels. In another embodiment, the toy  20  may include a center or central wheel which is used to effectuate spinning and/or turning of the toy. For example, the outer wheels of the toy  20  may be mounted as caster and simply provide rolling support, while a single central wheel provides propulsion to the toy  20 .  
         [0039]     In one embodiment, the toy  20  may be configured so that different likenesses may be attached thereto. For example, an owner might wish to attach the likeness of a cat when playing with their dog, and the likeness of a mouse when playing with their cat. In the event the likeness is damaged, the owner could also easily replace it without having to replace all of the propulsion mechanisms.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  illustrates but one configuration of a toy  20  of the invention, and other configurations are contemplated. For example, the main controller  38  and receiver  34  may be combined into a single element, and the components may be arranged in a variety of fashions. The signals or other outputs of the various components may be analog or digital, and signals may be transmitted over wires or fibers or wirelessly.  
         [0041]     The toy  20  of the invention has numerous advantages and features. The toy  20  is configured to be self-propelled. Thus, the toy  20  is configured to move, and can thus be chased by pets. Because of the configuration of the toy  20 , the toy  20  may be used in a yard or over a wide variety of surfaces and move at sufficiently high speeds and over sufficient distances to challenge the pet in a real chase. At the same time, because the toy  20  is self-propelled, it takes little or no effort on the part of the pet owner to operate it.  
         [0042]     Because the toy  20  includes an animal likeness  26 , the toy  20  appeals to the instincts of the pet, causing the pet to desire to chase the toy  20 .  
         [0043]     The pet owner may control the device using the remote control apparatus  30  causing the toy  20  to move in various directions, such as forward, backward and to start and stop. Other controls may permit the operator to animation of the likeness in order to increase the pet&#39;s interest in the toy because of the realistic nature of the likeness through its movement.  
         [0044]     Once the pet catches the toy, the pet owner can establish some verbal commands to cause their pet to release the toy from its jaws. The pet owner can then retrieve the device and start the game again. The pet may also be permitted to catch the toy and then bite or chew it, even to the point of destroying the likeness  26 . The animal likeness may then be replaced, as described above. In this configuration, the animal is rewarded in its efforts to catch the toy  20 , and the owner can cheaply and quickly replace the likeness  26  with one of a variety of likenesses for future use.  
         [0045]     It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.