Pet treat holder

A pet treat holder comprising a body, a clamp, a gripper frame, and a treat gripper, and a method of providing a pet treat to an animal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a pet treat holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dogs and other pets enjoy pet treats, food treats, and chew toys. Pet owners give their dogs and pets pet treats and pet toys for the pleasure of it, but also for utilitarian reasons such as training, diverting the dog's destructive energy, entertaining the dog, rewarding the dog, and diverting the dog's attention. Some dogs are enthusiastic or aggressive chewers, and pet treats such as pizzle sticks, yak cheese sticks, bully sticks, rawhide sticks or strips, bone, and antler, are popular chew toys for these dogs.

One problem, especially with enthusiastic or aggressive chewers, is that there is no way to grip or secure the chew toy so that the pet can enjoy it. There are devices on the market that can grasp a pizzle stick or bone, but they do not hold the stick/bone in place. The only other option is to hold the stick, bone or treat in your hand or with a pair of pliers. Using pliers or your hands is entirely inconvenient, messy, is not possible for many pet owners, and prevents the pet owner from doing other things while the pet is chewing the stick, bone or treat. There is a need for a device that can securely grip pet treats for consumption by dogs and other pets.

Pet treats, moreover, come in all shapes and sizes. There is a need for a device that can securely hold pet treats of all shapes and sizes.

Further, enthusiastic or aggressive chewing can be dangerous. Puppies and some dogs may try to swallow partially-consumed pizzle sticks or bones, which may lead to choking or serious esophageal damage. There is a need for a device that will allow pets to consume most of a pet treat so that the remaining unconsumed portion is unlikely to create a choking hazard or can be safely disposed of.

There is also a need to provide the treats to the dog in the air and off the ground. There are conventional pet treat holders which are not mounted and rest on the ground, but these conventional devices have drawbacks. Outside, use of these devices encourages the dog to roll or bury the treat in the dirt and consume dirt. The dog can then bring this dirt-covered treat inside. Inside, these toys lead to dog slobber on the carpet, wood floors, furniture and other living surfaces.

Finally, dogs and other pets come in all heights. There is a need for a pet treat holder that can be installed at any height to accommodate dogs and other pets of different sizes.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this disclosure, in one aspect relates to pet treat holders, and specifically, to a pet treat holder comprising a body, a clamp, a gripper frame, and a treat gripper.

In an aspect, the gripper frame may be affixed to the body at an angle, and in another aspect, the gripper frame may be flared.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a pet treat holder comprising means for gripping a pet treat and means for securing said pet treat gripping means to a fixed object to provide the pet treat off the ground to an animal.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of providing a pet treat to an animal, comprising clamping a pet treat holder to a fixed object, securely gripping a pet treat within a gripper frame of the pet treat holder, and providing the pet treat off the ground for consumption by the animal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are embodiments of an improved pet treat holder. The embodiments disclosed herein hold a dog treat in a fixed location and off the ground. They use inverted pyramids to hold different size and shaped treats. They use a second inverted pyramid to allow more access to the treat so there is less left over. And they can be attached at any height to accommodate and entertain animals of any size.

In an embodiment, clamp120includes clamp handle128, fixed jaw124, moveable jaw122, and clamp screw126. Clamp screw126is rotated by clamp handle128to spin in place within cavity123. The terminal end of clamp screw126extends through threaded hole188in tab189of moveable jaw122, and the handle end of clamp screw126extends through a hole (not shown) in body110(which may be threaded) where it is affixed to clamp handle128. In alternative embodiments, the terminal end of clamp screw126may extend through threaded hole188and into a recess within body110(not shown), or the terminal end of clamp screw126may be secured within cavity123by a slip ring or retaining ring. Rotation of clamp handle128causes clamp screw126to spin and to displace moveable jaw122along clamp plane115towards fixed jaw124to tighten the clamp or away from fixed jaw124to loosen the clamp.

Gripper frame130includes an upper frame element132with front surface174, an outer frame element134, and lower frame element140. In an embodiment, gripper frame130is flared or includes a flared shape. In an embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, for example, the width of upper frame element132(and in an embodiment the width of outer frame element134where it meets upper frame element132) at the distal side137of gripper frame130, is greater than the width of upper frame element132at the body (or proximal) side138of frame130where it meets body110at neck160. In an embodiment the width of gripper frame130at the body side equals the width of body110. Treat gripper150includes gripper handle154attached to gripping screw152. Gripping screw152is threaded through a threaded hole (not shown) in upper frame element132. Lower frame element140includes a gripper base142and stepped ridges (or indentations)144,146,147, and143.

FIG.2is a top view of an exemplary pet treat holder200, including body210, clamp jaws222and224, clamp handle228, and gripper handle254. Gripper frame230meets body210at neck260. In an embodiment, gripper frame230is angled relative to body210at neck260, forming angles265, between front surface275of body210and front surface274of gripper frame230, and angle266, between rear surface277of body210and rear surface276of gripper frame230. In an embodiment, angle266is obtuse, ranging from 90 to 180 degrees, including 110-170, 120-160, or 130-150 degrees, and angle265is a reflex angle, ranging from 180 to 270 degrees, including 190-270, 200-260, or 210-250 degrees. In another embodiment, angle265is obtuse and ranges from 90 to 180 degrees. In an embodiment, neither angle265,266is 180 degrees, and in another embodiment, one but not both of angles265and266may be 180 degrees.

FIG.3is a bottom view of an exemplary pet treat holder300showing body310, clamp handle328, clamp jaws322,324, gripper frame330, and a partial bottom view of gripper handle354.FIG.3shows bottom surface341of lower frame element340. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, lower frame element340includes stepped ridges, including ridges346,347, on the inside aspect373of gripper frame330. In an alternative embodiment, lower frame element340includes stepped ridges on the outside aspect378of gripper frame330, and in yet another embodiment lower frame element includes stepped ridges on both the inside aspect373and outside aspect378of gripper frame330.

FIG.4is a perspective view of an exemplary pet treat holder400, including body410, clamp handle428, clamp jaws422,424, gripper frame430with upper frame element432and outer frame element434, and gripper handle454. Moveable clamp jaw422includes outer surface413and inner clamping surface412, and fixed clamp jaw424includes outer surface415and inner clamping surface416. Clamp screw426sits in cavity423. Clamp plane415includes planar surfaces471,472along which the bottom surface482of moveable clamp jaw422travels when displaced by rotation of clamp screw426. Tab489of moveable jaw422holds clamp screw426in threaded hole488.

FIG.5is a perspective view of an exemplary pet treat holder500mounted on post595with clamp520and gripping a dog treat590within gripper frame530. Clamp jaws522and524securely hold pet treat holder500to post595. Clamp520can be tightened or loosened by rotating clamp handle528to adjust the position of moveable jaw522.

FIG.6illustrates an advantageous feature of embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein. The pet treat holder can be installed at any height to accommodate dogs (and other animals) of different heights and sizes. On the left, pet treat holder660is secured to post610at a low height650at or about the jaw height of puppy630, whereas on the right, pet treat holder680is positioned at a higher height670on post620at or about the jaw height of a taller dog640. Some dogs enjoy consuming the treats while standing, whereas others consume the treats while sitting, kneeling, prone, or lying down, or any combination thereof. The pet treat holder can be installed at an appropriate height for each of these positions.

In an embodiment, the clincher frame includes a ridged (or indented or, in an embodiment, grooved) interior to assist in holding the food item in place and a ridged (or indented) food holder for strength that also allows for the maximum amount of the product to be consumed before releasing it from the device. In an embodiment, the ridged interior of the clincher frame defines a cavity shaped like an inverted pyramid to accommodate and securely hold a variety of shapes including cylinders, rectangles and oddball shapes within the clincher frame.

FIG.7Ais a front view of an embodiment of a treat gripper. Treat gripper710includes handle713, threaded rod715extending through and held by a threaded hole (not shown) in gripper frame717and terminating in a displaceable gripping surface725including a pointed tip720. Displaceable gripping surface725opposes lower frame element719. In an embodiment, threaded rod715and displaceable gripping surface725may be pointed screw.

FIG.7Bis a front view of another embodiment of a treat gripper. Treat gripper730includes handle733, threaded rod735extending through and held by a threaded hole (not shown) in gripper frame737and terminating in a displaceable gripping surface740including a swivel head745secured to threaded rod735with nut746. In an embodiment swivel head745screws onto threaded rod735. Displaceable gripping surface740opposes lower frame element739. In an embodiment, swivel head740may include teeth.

FIG.7Cis a front view of another embodiment of a treat gripper. Treat gripper750includes handle753, threaded rod755extending through and held by a threaded hole (not shown) in gripper frame757and terminating in a displaceable gripping surface765including a semi-spherical tip760. Displaceable gripping surface765opposes lower frame element759.

FIG.7Dis a front view of another embodiment of a treat gripper. Treat gripper770includes handle773, threaded rod775extending through and held by a threaded hole (not shown) in gripper frame777and terminating in a displaceable gripping surface785with planar surface780. Displaceable gripping surface785opposes lower frame element779.

In other embodiments, not illustrated, the displaceable gripping surface may include a horizontal bar or jaw (with or without teeth) that extends across all or part of the interior of cavity of the gripper frame or an internal frame defining a ridged, triangular or pyramid-shaped opening. In an embodiment the ridged, triangular or pyramid-shaped opening mirrors all or part of the shape of the lower frame element. In these and similar embodiments it is possible to hold more than one treat within the gripper frame at a time.

In embodiments of a treat gripper (including for example treat grippers710,730,750, and770), by rotating the handle, the displaceable gripping surface can be tightened toward the lower frame element to securely grip or clinch a dog treat between the lower frame element and the displaceable gripping surface. Rotating the handle in the other direction loosens the gripping surface to release the dog treat (or what is left of it).

In an embodiment, clinchers with displaceable gripping surfaces are interchangeable. Interchangeable pieces allow optimal clamping for different shapes and hardness. A pointed metal screw (for example,725,720) can be used to securely hold softer pizzle or bully sticks. In an embodiment, the point of the pointed metal screw includes a 45-degree angle. The point on the screw will penetrate the stick to hold it in place and the metal point will not dull. A planar gripping surface (for example,785) or semi-spherical gripping surface (for example,760) or swivel head (for example,745) can hold a yak cheese stick in place where the point of the screw will not break the cheese stick.

FIG.8is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary pet treat holder. Pet treat holder810includes body810, clamp jaws822,824, and gripper frame830including upper frame element832, lower frame element842, gripper base842, and gripping screw852. In this embodiment gripper frame830does not include an outer frame element. Gripper frame830is an embodiment of an open gripper frame design, as compared to gripper frame130inFIG.1. The open frame design is useful when the dog treat is too wide to fit within a closed frame but can be secured between gripper base842, gripping screw852and, optionally, inner surface833of gripper frame830.

FIG.9is a top view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary pet treat holder. Pet treat holder900includes body910, clamp jaws922,924, and gripper frame930. In this embodiment, gripper frame930rotates over arc985around pin (or hinge)980inserted in the neck of body910. Gripper frame930includes beveled surfaces934,936, which accommodate rotation of gripper frame930over arc985and which may be rotated into abutment with body910. InFIG.9, gripper frame930has been rotated so that beveled surface936abuts body910, and there is a gap between beveled surface934and body910. In an embodiment, after rotation thorough arc985, gripper frame may be angled relative to body910as gripper frame230is angled relative to body210inFIG.2. In an embodiment, after rotation through angle985, gripper frame930can be secured in place in relation to body910. Gripper frame930can be locked in place by an external clamp (not shown) or internal or external latches (not shown).

Gripper frames may be interchangeable. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the gripper frame is affixed to the body with a hinge pin to allow removal and substitution of another gripper frame. It may be desirable, for example, to substitute a larger gripper frame to accommodate larger pet treats.

The embodiments of pet treat holders disclosed herein include rounded handles (or knobs) with hexagonal (or generally hexagonal) faceted perimeters for the gripper handle and clamp handle. Gripper handle154and clamp handle128inFIG.1are rounded and have generally hexagonal faceted perimeters155,129with fillets (e.g.,156). Gripper handle954inFIG.9has a hexagonally shaped perimeter956. Gripper handle850inFIG.8includes rounded top852and a perimeter854which is generally hexagonal or hexagonal with fillets between the six hex sides. The fillets between the hex sides in embodiments reduce the number of sharp edges in the design. In an embodiment, the handles are ball shaped. The rounded or hexagonal shape is advantageous because, in use, the dog's eyes and face may be close to the pet treat holder, and there are no extending handle grips or protrusions that may poke or otherwise injure the dog in the eye or face.

A wrench may be used to help turn the clamp handle (to secure the pet treat holder to a support) or the gripper handle (to secure a pet treat).FIGS.10A and10Billustrate exemplary pet treat holder wrenches1010and1020, which are shaped to fit the faceted hexagonal (or generally hexagonal with fillets) perimeters of the embodiments of handles disclosed herein. Other circular or polygonally-shaped perimeters are within the scope of the invention.

FIGS.11A,11B, and11Cshow alternative embodiments of the clamp jaws for an exemplary pet treat holder. Pet treat holder1110, illustrated inFIG.11A, has clamp jaws1120and1130with planar or substantially-planar inside clamping surfaces1119,1129adapted for securing the pet treat holder to a square post1125.

Pet treat holder1140, illustrated inFIG.11B, has clamp jaws1150and1160, where fixed jaw1160has a planar inside clamping surface1166orthogonal to body1145, and the inside clamping surface1156of moveable jaw1150is inclined so as to meet body1146at an angle. Pet treat holder1140provides three points of contact between the clamp and the support1155, including point1157on moveable jaw1150, point1147on body1146, and point1167on fixed jaw1160. This embodiment is adapted for securing the pet treat holder to a fixed object having a circular shape (for example, a pole or table leg) or a rounded or partially rounded surface. In alternative embodiments, the fixed jaw may have an inclined inside clamping surface and the inside clamping surface of the moveable jaw may be orthogonal to body1146, or each clamp jaw may have and inclined inside clamping surface.

In pet treat holder1170, illustrated inFIG.11C, jaws1180and1190have inside clamping surfaces1179,1189. In an embodiment, inside clamping surfaces1179,1189have teeth, knobs, ridges, or other protrusions for improved gripping ability. In another embodiment, inside clamping surfaces have fasteners (for example, hook and loop) for a more secure grip. In another embodiment, inside clamping surfaces1179,1189include rubber or plastic pads to prevent scratching or otherwise protect furniture.

In an embodiment, the pet treat holder can securely hold accessories. For example, a pet treat dispenser can be secured to the pet treat holder.FIG.12is a perspective of an exemplary pet treat dispenser1290affixed to an exemplary pet treat holder1210when it is secured to post1205. Pet treat dispenser1290can be any pet treat dispenser that can dispense edible pet treats while mounted on pet treat holder1210. In an embodiment, pet treat dispenser includes hollow body1293in which edible dog treats can be stored, and opening1295, which allows a dog to lick or otherwise access the dog treats inside hollow body1293. An exemplary embodiment of a suitable pet treat dispenser is described in expired U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,146 for a Bouncing Pet Toy. Pet treat dispenser1290is affixed to pet treat holder1210by clip1280, which is secured by gripper screw1252. In an embodiment, gripper screw1252extends through an opening (not shown) in clip1280; and in another embodiment, clip1280is secured between lower frame element1240of gripper frame1230and the displaceable gripping surface (not shown) of gripper screw1252. In an embodiment, clip1280is inserted into an opening (not shown) in pet treat dispenser1290to secure pet treat dispenser1290to pet treat holder1210.

FIG.13is a perspective view of a gripper frame1330of an exemplary pet treat holder (not shown) with an exemplary pet treat dispenser clip assembly1380. Pet treat dispenser clip assembly1380includes eye bolt1386including bolt1387, nut1388and washer1389. In an embodiment, pet treat dispenser clip assembly1380may be attached to an exemplary pet treat dispenser (not shown) by inserting bolt1387through an opening in the pet treat dispenser, through washer1389and nut1388inside the cavity of the pet treat dispenser and tightening the nut. The pet treat dispenser can be affixed to the pet treat holder by inserting gripping screw1352through the “eye” opening in eye bolt1386.

FIGS.14A and14Bare perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a pet treat dispenser clip1400. Dispenser clip1400includes angled legs1430and1435joined by pin1410. Angled leg1430includes a gripper end1420and a dispenser end1440, and angled leg1435includes a gripper end1425and a dispenser end1445. In an embodiment, the angle between the gripper end and the dispenser end of angled legs1430and1435is in the range of 30-90 degrees, including 40-80, and 50-70 degrees. In an embodiment, angled leg1430includes a conical recess1480which receives the gripper screw of an exemplary pet treat holder to secure the clip1400to the pet treat holder.

FIG.14Bshows a disengaged configuration of clip1400. Dispenser ends1440,1445are forced together so that they are adjacent, which forces gripper ends1420,1425apart. When adjacent to each other, dispenser ends1440,1445form a small profile that fits within the opening of a pet treat dispenser (not shown).FIG.14Ashows the engaged configuration of clip1400. After adjacent dispenser ends1440,1445have been inserted through the opening and into the cavity of a pet treat dispenser (not shown), gripper ends1420and1425are forced together into an adjacent position, which forces dispenser ends1440,1445apart within the cavity of the pet treat dispenser (not shown). When the dispenser ends1440,1445are in their separated configuration (as illustrated inFIG.14A), they securely grip the pet treat dispenser from the interior of the dispenser. In an embodiment, gripper ends1420,1425can be latched together with a latch (not shown).

FIGS.15A and15Bare perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a pet treat dispenser clip1500. Pet treat dispenser clip1500includes plug1510, shaft1520, upper body1530, and lower body1550. Preferably the diameter of shaft1520is smaller than the diameter of the opening of a pet treat dispenser (not shown), so that it can be inserted inside the dispenser, and the external diameter of plug1510is larger than the opening of the pet treat dispenser so that when inserted it securely grips the pet treat dispenser from the inside. In an embodiment, upper body1530and lower body1550are shaped to fit into the cavity formed by the stepped ridges of the lower frame element of the gripper frame of an exemplary pet treat holder.

FIG.16Ais a perspective view of an embodiment of a clincher frame. Clincher frame1630includes an upper frame element1632, an outer frame element1634, inner surface1633, and lower frame element1640. Upper frame element1632includes threaded hole1639through which a gripping screw (not shown) extends. Lower frame element1640includes a gripper base1642, gripper base riser1682, and gripper base top surface1645with, in an embodiment, recess1649, which in an embodiment may be conical, to receive the end of a gripping screw (not shown). Lower frame element1640also includes stepped ridges1644,1646,1647, and1643. The stepped ridges1644,1646,1647,1643include: treads1654,1656,1657,1653; risers1664,1666,1667, and1663; and inner ridge sides1684,1686,1687, and1683. Each tread, in an embodiment, includes a substantially planar surface that opposes the bottom surface1636of upper frame element1632and the displaceable gripping surface on the gripping screw (not shown). In an embodiment, the planar surfaces of risers1664and1666oppose the planar surfaces of risers1667and1663. In relation to the geometry of clincher frame1630, the treads are horizontal planar surfaces, and the risers and inner ridge sides are vertical planar surfaces. In an embodiment, stepped ridges1644,1646,1647,1643and upper surface1645of gripper base1642define a cavity1610having the three-dimensional shape within clincher frame1630of an inverted pyramid, or an inverted stepped pyramid, with the tip of the inverted pyramid in the recess1649. Cavity1610is also illustrated as cavity1610′ (shown in broken lines) inFIG.16B.

FIG.17is a sectional view from above of lower frame element1640inFIG.16A, showing stepped ridges1644,1646,1647, and1643, treads1654,1656,1657, and1653, upper surface1645of gripper base1642, and recess1649. A three-dimensional cavity1710is defined by elements of stepped ridges1644,1646,1647, and1643, including riser1664, inner ridge side1686, riser1666, gripper base riser1682, riser1667, inner ridge side1687, and riser1663. Three-dimensional cavity1710also has the shape of an inverted pyramid whose generally-rectangular base opens onto inside aspect1720. Three-dimensional cavity1710is also illustrated as cavity1710′ (shown in broken lines) inFIG.16C.

In an embodiment, ridges1644,1646,1647, and1643define a stepped ridge structure in the plane of lower frame element1640on the outside aspect1740of gripper frame1630, which is symmetrical to the stepped ridge structure on inside aspect1720and which when combined with treads1654,1656,1657,1653, risers1664,1666,1667,1663, and outside aspect ridge sides (not numbered) define a three-dimensional cavity1750in the shape of an inverted pyramid whose generally-rectangular base opens onto outside aspect1740. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), ridges1644,1646,1647, and1643define a symmetrical stepped ridge structure in the plane of lower frame element1640on the inside aspect1720of gripper frame1630but not on the outside aspect1740of gripper frame1630. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), ridges1644,1646,1647, and1643define a symmetrical stepped ridge structure in the plane of lower frame element1640on the outside aspect1740of gripper frame1630but not on inside aspect1720of gripper frame1630.

In an embodiment, in conjunction with the pressure provided by a gripping screw by and through a displaceable gripping surface, the stepped ridges in cavity1610provide multiple gripping surfaces (including edges and corners where surfaces join) to securely clinch pet treats of all shapes and sizes. In addition, the pyramid or flared shape of cavities1710and1810give the dog more and improved access to a greater portion of the treat or dog toy so that the dog can consume more or a larger proportion of the treat.

In an embodiment (not illustrated), pet treat holder includes a clip or openings to secure a leash. In an embodiment, each clamp jaw includes a clip opening through which a leash may be inserted.

A variety of materials can be used to produce different embodiments of the product. One embodiment is plastic, such as injection molded plastic. An alternative embodiment is made of aluminum, which may be anodized. Alternative materials for components or the entire product include other metals, nylon or other plastic materials, recycled plastics and other materials, rubber, wood, and the like.

In an embodiment, the pet treat holder is made of aluminum, which is preferably anodized for outside use. The body and clincher frame are made by machining and milling a single ingot or piece of aluminum. Whenever it is disclosed herein that one component may be affixed to another, affixing encompasses the situation where the two components are integral, a single part, and also situations where the components are joined, assembled, or attached by cement, epoxy, or other adhesive, welding, soldering, press fit, screws, nuts and bolts, a threaded joint, pins, hinges, clips, nails, rivets, or any other type of joinder, assembly or attachment known to one of skill in the art.

Nylon or plastic embodiments of the pet treat holder may be infused with a substance that imparts a bitter or disagreeable taste to dogs to prevent dogs from chewing on the pet treat holder. Oils, scents or flavoring can be added to the plastic before or during molding or manufacture or applied to the pet treat holder after manufacture to discourage chewing the product. Exemplary anti-chewing oils, scents, or flavoring include citrus,eucalyptus, tea tree, hot pepper, mint, vinegar, alcohol, and ground spices.

In an embodiment, the product may include weep holes to prevent the accumulation of rainwater.

In use, the pet treat holder is secured to a structural element or other fixed object so the dog can aggressively and safely chew dog treats. The pet treat holder can be clamped onto a table leg, picnic tabletop, bench or support piece, chair, post, deck, pole, or door jamb, or any other stable and secure structural element or other fixed object within the span of the clamp. The pet treat holder can be installed upside down, right side up, sideways left, sideways right, up, or down to provide flexibility for deployment and maximum clearance for a dog to chew without interfering with a table leg, fence post or other structural element. The treat itself can be secured in a variety of positions within the gripper frame, including, for example, straight, 45 degrees left, or 45 degrees right on both sides.

Unlike conventional unmounted pet treat holders, the embodiments of a pet treat holder disclosed herein keep the dog toys and treats in the air and off the ground, out of the dirt, and, if used indoors, off the carpet. Mounting the treat or toy in the air and off the ground keeps the dog treat clean, minimizes the amount of dirt consumed by the dog, and solves the problem of dogs slobbering all over the floor, carpet, or furniture. This is good for dog and good for the carpet. The pet treat holder can be positioned under an outside table so the dog can use the device when it is raining. The pet treat holder can be installed in a special place inside the home, so it is not dragged around on carpets or expensive hardwood floors.

The pet treat holder uses a convenient handle grip so anyone can tighten the clamp to mount the pet treat holder on a structure. The clamp can be easily tightened during use if the dogs are super aggressive pullers.

Embodiments of a pet treat holder disclosed herein can securely hold treats and toys of different shapes and sizes, including conventional dog treats (e.g., pizzle stick, cheese stick, bone, antler, etc.) which typically range from a 0.25″ to 1.5″ roughly cylindrical pizzle to a 1.5″ roughly rectangular cheese stick. In an aspect, the “inverted pyramid” gripper allows both cylindrical as well as square shapes to be adequately secured.

The pet treat holder firmly secures the treat so it cannot be removed by the dog. It holds the treat or toy so that the dog does not remove it to hide it or bury it, and it holds it so that it does not break off dangerously in the dog's mouth. When the dog is finished with the treat, a small remaining piece can be removed and discarded. Conventional pet treat holders do not firmly secure the treat, which makes it hard to remove the remains of the treat after the dog is finished with it. In other conventional pet treat holders, the device itself consumes so much of the treat that the treat is inaccessible to the dog. Embodiments can hold more than one pet toy or pet treat at a time.

The pet treat holder also can hold a pet treat dispenser or a pet toy designed to dispense or release pet treats such as peanut butter, eat, or cheese snacks.

Applications abound for embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein. Embodiments of the pet treat holder can hold a leash, a hose, a bubble maker, and/or a flashlight. In a dog grooming environment, for example, the pet treat holder can securely hold the dog's leash while the dog is being groomed, a hose, or a pet treat dispenser filled with frozen peanut butter, food, cheese or other high-value treats so the dog remains occupied and still while the owner or groomer clips or uses a nail grinder on the dog's nails.

Although this disclosure describes embodiments of a pet treat holder adapted for use with dogs, dog treats, and dog toys, the scope of the invention is not so limited to those embodiments. Embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein can hold items for dogs and other animals of all sizes. Because the pet treat holder can be mounted at different heights to match the animal's jaw height when the animal is in a standing position, it naturally accommodates animals of all sizes. It is strong enough to hold treats for large pets and other animals, including farm and ranch animals, zoo animals, and deer and other wildlife (for example, salt or protein for wildlife feeders). It is flexible enough to hold treats for small animals. In short, references to a “pet” includes any animal (including without limitation dogs); and references to a pet toy or pet treat includes toys, treats, or edible items consumed, chewed, licked, or played with by any animal, including without limitation dogs.

Embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein can securely hold a wide variety of shapes of items. The large clamping area allows various items to be secured. The staircase V clamp or inverted pyramid-shaped cavity securely holds dog toys and treats in a wide variety of shapes, including for example, cylinder, rectangle, and other diverse, regular or irregular, symmetrical or asymmetrical, shapes and configurations. The ridged surfaces are used to aid in securing various items. The swivel head clamp allows securing odd-shaped items. Because one size fits many sizes of dog and dog treat efficiently and effectively, there is no need to buy multiple devices.

Embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein can be easily used by the novice and physically challenged. The operation of the sophisticated table leg clamp is simple and intuitive.

Embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein are weatherproof for outdoor use. For indoor use, embodiments use plastic rubber pads on the clamp jaws to protect furniture, and the threaded rod is secured within the pet treat holder to protect furniture. Embodiments made of nylon or other plastics do not scratch furniture.

In an aspect, embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein employ a double vise or (double clamp) device. The first vise (or clamp) will secure the holder to a table leg, handrail, porch overhang, heavy chair leg, or any sturdy fixture, structural element, or other fixed object that will not yield to a dog pulling. The second vise (or clamp) will hold in place a dog treat or dog toy, for example, a pizzle stick, yak cheese stick, bully stick, rawhide stick, bone, antler or other food item or chew toy.

In an aspect, embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein are designed to be safe for dogs. Rounded edges are used instead of sharp edges or pointy rods. It provides a safe distance between the clamp and the animal treat. It may be made of materials that are dog safe. Small parts are not used to avoid creating a choking hazard. In an embodiment, all parts exceed Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for choking hazards. By securely holding the dog treats while the dog is chewing or playing with it, it is less likely that large parts of the dog treat will break off and become struck in the dog's throat or esophagus.

In an aspect, embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein are portable and easy to pack for a trip to the dog park or across the country.

In an aspect, embodiments of the pet treat holder disclosed herein are easy to clean with a hose, dishwasher safe, and recyclable.

In an alternative embodiment, a pet treat holder may be equipped with a sensor, to sense when the pet treat holder has been consumed, a simple computer system with processor, on-board instructions, and on-board memory, and an alarm or radio transmitter (e.g., a Bluetooth transmitter) to provide an electronic alert to the dog owner or to any smart device in range (cellphone, computer, watch, etc.) that the dog is finished with treat and now may be getting into mischief. In an embodiment, the sensor could measure vibration. If a vibrating pattern was recognized the sensor would detect that the dog is still eating the treat. When the vibration has stopped for a period of time the sensor would determine that the dog is finished.

This disclosure describes functional details of embodiments of a pet treat holder. Embodiments of a pet treat holder, including aspects mentioned herein, may also include ornamental and/or non-functional design elements.

Relational terms (including without limitation, upper and lower, top and bottom, inside and outside, inner and outer) are used in this disclosure to illustrate the relationships between components of the exemplary embodiments described herein and do not limit the types of uses or configurations in which the pet treat holder may be oriented or used.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments taking a variety of specific forms and reflecting changes, substitutions and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions disclosed herein. The described embodiments illustrate the scope of the claims but do not restrict the scope of the claims.