Destruction resistant pet toy with attractant and method of making same

A destruction-resistant pet toy for a canine includes a main body for biting, grasping, or playing by the canine with its mouth; an attractant for attracting the canine, the attractant includes a scent source for emitting a scent; a cavity disposed in the main body for holding the attractant; and a plurality of scent passages for passing the scent to the canine, each scent passage having a first end at the cavity and a second end at an exterior surface of the main body. The destruction-resistant pet toy further includes an access channel for passing the attractant to the cavity, the access channel extending from an exterior surface of the main body to the cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to one or more pet toys made of an extremely durable material and an attractant disposed in an inner space in the pet toy and a method of making the pet toys. More particularly, the invention relates to a pet toy having a nylon body and a scent attractant.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Pets such as dogs are naturally curious and require one or more pet toys to maintain mental stimulation. Typically, pet toys, especially pet toys for dogs, are made of a natural rubber, artificial (synthetic) rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based material, nylon, or a plush material. However, certain breeds and individual dogs are aggressive biters or gnawers, generally known in the art and/or in this application as “destructive chewers,” who destroy natural rubber, artificial (synthetic) rubber, TPE-based and plush toys easily. To increase a toy's life span, nylon chew toys are preferred.

Thus, what is need is a pet toy that is extremely durable to resist chewing action by a destructive chewer, that keeps the pet engaged with the toy, and that is economical to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are met by a pet toy of the present invention.

A destruction-resistant pet toy for a canine includesa main body for biting, grasping, or playing by the canine with its mouth;an attractant for attracting the canine, the attractant includes a scent source for emitting a scent;a cavity disposed in the main body for holding the attractant; anda plurality of scent passages for passing the scent to the canine, each scent passage having a first end at the cavity and a second end at an exterior surface of the main body.

The destruction-resistant pet toy further includes an access channel for passing the attractant to the cavity, the access channel extending from an exterior surface of the main body to the cavity.

The destruction-resistant pet toy further includes a closure for closing the access channel. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the closure may be a screw and one or more threads in one or more main body portions for securing the screw.

The destruction-resistant pet toy further includes a plurality of detents extending into the access channel, the detents for preventing the closure from unintended dislodgment from the access channel.

The main body includes a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion being separate from the second body portion.

A fastening assembly joins the first body portion and the second body portion together. The fastening assembly comprises a locking assembly, a screw post and a locking nut, or a band.

A destruction-resistant pet toy for a canine includesa main body for biting, grasping, or playing by the canine with its mouth;an attractant for attracting the canine, the attractant includes a scent source for emitting a scent and a substrate;a cavity disposed in the main body for holding the attractant;a plurality of scent passages for passing the scent to the canine, each scent passage having a first end at the cavity and a second end at an exterior surface of the main body; andan access channel for passing the attractant to the cavity, the access channel extending from an exterior surface of the main body to the cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

Definitions

All technical and scientific terms shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nonetheless, the following terms defined below aid in the understanding of the disclosure. The definitions apply to all parts of speech of the term regardless whether the term is defined explicitly as such.

Accordingly, the meaning of specific terms or words used in the specification and the claims should not be limited to the literal or commonly employed sense, but should be construed in accordance with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The definitions of these terms, therefore, may be determined based on the contents throughout the specification. Where not defined, the meaning of all terms will be clear from the context of the description.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and explanations that duplicate one another are omitted.

“About,” “approximately,” or “substantially similar” refer to one or more industry-accepted tolerances for the corresponding term and/or relativity between elements. Where such industry-accepted tolerances for the corresponding term are unknown, difficult to determine, inconsistent, or subject to experimentation, “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially similar” refer to a 10% variation from the nominal value. Even if not explicitly stated, it is understood that a variation is always included in a given value, whether or not the variation is specifically referenced. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially similar” mean within 5% of the reported numerical value. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially similar” mean within 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% of the reported numerical value.

“Comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains,” or “containing,” or any other variation thereof are used to describe and claim a non-exclusive inclusion such that a composition, a mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus. “Comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains,” or “containing,” or any other variation thereof may also be understood to mean “including, but not limited to.”

“Connector,” “fastener,” or “fastening device” shall in the singular and plural refer to any device used for mechanically joining two or more parts, components, or the like together for its intended purpose whether temporary or permanent, including a screw, nail, anchors, clamp, cotter pin, retainer, clip, or any other device known or yet to be developed. “Connector,” “fastener,” or “fastening device” shall in the singular and plural refer to an adhesive, cement, glue, or the like. Where a specific embodiment of a “connector,” “fastener,” or “fastening device” is disclosed it shall be understood to be the preferred embodiment of a “connector,” “fastener,” or “fastening device” for reasons of economy, structural integrity, longevity and/or ease of installation.

“Component” shall in the singular and plural refer to one or more parts, elements, pieces, or other items related to a portion of the present invention.

“Invention” or “present invention” are non-limiting terms and not intended to refer to any single aspect of the particular invention but encompass all possible aspects as described in the specification and the claims.

Hardness is a measure of the resistance to localized plastic deformation induced by either mechanical indentation or abrasion. Hardness is dependent on ductility, elastic stiffness, plasticity, strain, strength, toughness, viscoelasticity, and viscosity. In this application, hardness may be determined by a Shore durometer measurement.

“Material” or “materials” are non-limiting terms and refer to matter from which a thing is or can be made and is an input to one or more production or manufacturing processes. “Material” or “materials” inherently have thermal, optical, electrical, magnetic, and/or mechanical properties and specifically two materials can differ by these properties. For example, a first material may differ from a second material by hardness.

“Molded” or “molding” shall mean any type of molding known in the art.

“Mounted,” “mounted in,” or “integrated” shall mean that a first element is directly secured to or in a second element or have intervening elements be present between the first and second element. “Directly mounted” or “directly mounted in” shall mean that no intervening element is present between the first and second element and that the first element is in contact with the second element.

“On,” “over,” “disposed on,” “disposed against,” and/or “disposed over,” shall mean that a first element can be directly located on a second element or have intervening elements be present between the first and second element. “Directly on,” “directly over,” “directly against,” directly disposed against,” “directly disposed on,” and/or “directly disposed over” shall mean that no intervening element is present between the first and second element and that the first element is in contact with the second element.

“One embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” or variations thereof means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with others of the embodiments.

“Suitable” or “suitably” in this application refers to a size and/or shape that maintains the structural integrity of the invention and/or permits the intended use of the invention by its intended user in a normal or advantageous manner.

“User” in the singular and the plural refers to a person, entity, and/or other group uses one or more aspects of the present invention.

First Embodiment

With reference toFIGS. 1a-1c, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a destruction-resistant pet toy10ais intended for a dog or other animal prone to aggressive biting, gnawing, or chewing behavior, i.e. a destructive chewer. Destruction-resistant pet toy10aincludes a main body20acomprising or consisting of a destruction resistant material;

the pet toy further comprises a cavity30, an access channel40to cavity30; an attractant50, and one or more scent passages60.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant material” is defined as comprising polycaprolactam. Polycaprolactam is also known as nylon 6 or polyamide 6. Preferably, the destruction resistant nylon has a density of 1.13 g/cm3, hardness of 71 Shore D, a heat distortion temperature of 53° C. at 264 psi, a melting point of 220a° C., and a relational viscosity of 2.3.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant nylon” is defined as consisting only of or substantially only of polycaprolactam.

In accordance with another embodiment, the “destruction resistant nylon” is defined as consisting of a material having hardness of 68-75 durometer Shore D.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant nylon” is defined as comprising or consisting of one of nylon 6/6, nylon 6/12, polyamide 12, nylon 121, nylon 12, or polyamide 46.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant material” is defined as comprising urethane, natural rubber, artificial (synthetic) rubber, and/or thermoplastic elastomer.

The base costs of the destruction resistant material and/or the destruction resistant nylon is competitive with other materials used in pet toys and the manufacturing method, typically injection molding or pressure molding, provides significant economic advantages that can be passed on to purchasers.

Main body20ais for biting, grasping, and/or playing by a canine with its mouth. The main body20acomprises, consists, or consists substantially of one of the varieties of destruction resistant nylon defined in this application, and therein is preferably molded of the destruction resistant material. Body20amay have any suitable size and/or suitable shape and solely for purposes of explaining pet toy10ahas a unitary main body20a.

“Suitable” or “suitably” in this context refers to a size and/or shape that permit easy biting, grasping, and/or playing by a canine with its mouth, but it also refers to a size and/or shape that permits easy handling and/or throwing by the canine's owner. This, preferably, comprises a cylindrical shape, a truncated cone, a suitably sized ball, or stylized representation of a geometric object or anthropomorphic representation of an animal.

Cavity30is disposed in main body20aand if preferably created during the molding process of main body20a. Cavity30may be any suitable shape for housing attractant50. “Suitable” or “suitably” in this context refers to a size and/or shape that permit attractant50to be inserted and held in cavity30so that it operatively releases a scent through passages60that a canine playing with the pet toy can detect by the sense of smell.

Attractant50preferably comprises a scent source52emitting a scent and a substrate54onto which scent source52is disposed. A canine will by its olfactory sense be attracted to the scent from scent source52. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, scent source52may be a liquid or a solid. One or more chemical compounds in scent source52are volatized, generally at a very low concentration, and perceived by the sense of smell by the canine. Scent source52is sprayed on all or a portion of substrate54. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, scent source52may be a combination of a plurality of scents.

Substrate54may have any form and be a foam, paper, cardboard, an absorbent material, a cloth, a fabric material, or the like that absorbs scent source52. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, scent source52may be sprayed onto one or more exterior surfaces of substrate54.

Access channel40is preferably a channel formed in main body20aconnecting cavity30at first end41aof access channel40to an exterior surface11of pet toy10aat a second end41bof access channel40.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, access channel40is sized to pass substrate54when in a rolled up state from exterior surface11of pet toy10ato cavity30. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, substrate54when in a rolled up state has a size so that substrate54is able to pass via access channel40in the rolled up state from exterior surface11of pet toy10ato cavity30.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 1a, access channel40comprises a longitudinal feed axis41cand an access channel width41dperpendicular to longitudinal feed axis41cand parallel to a scent passage. Cavity30comprises a cavity width31aperpendicular to longitudinal feed axis41c. Access channel width41dbeing smaller than cavity width31a.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, access channel40is a longitudinal channel or a curved channel. Access channel40preferably comprises a circular cross-section and one or more ends that are chamfered, and preferably includes a cross-section that narrows from second end41bto first end41ato prevent a closure42from entering cavity30.

Closure42may have any suitable shape and any suitable device that is disposed in or on pet toy10ato seal off access channel40to restrict access channel to cavity30from exterior surface11of pet toy10or prevent substrate54from being scunintentionally dislocated from cavity30. Preferably, closure42comprises, consists, or consists substantially of one of the varieties of destruction resistant nylon defined in this application plug

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, closure42is a plug forcibly placed into access channel40, as discussed below, or may be a thread and screw as illustrated with respect to the seventh embodiment. To aid in retaining closure42in access channel40, one or more detents43are placed in access channel40so that the detents are spaced from second end41b. To secure access channel40, a user pushes closure42from second end41bpast detents43. Detents43extend into access channel40and deter removal of closure42.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, closure42comprises a first screw thread that engages a second screw thread in access channel40. Preferably, either or both screw thread comprises a self-locking screw thread that prevents against unintended disengagement.

A plurality of scent passages60are disposed in main body20aand preferably comprise or consist of one or more longitudinal passage connecting cavity30at first end61aof access channel40to an exterior surface11of pet toy10aat a second end61b. Scent passages60may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, but preferably are circular in cross-section and may be created by drilling through main body20aor by molding.

Scent passages60may be disposed evenly through main body20aor disposed to have the least length individual and/or collective length necessary to emit a scent. With reference toFIGS. 7a-7cand illustrated only for convenience with regard to a bone-shaped destruction-resistant pet toy, scent passages60may be disposed in a continuous longitudinal line60aor band60bfor consistent air flow, in a pattern60cdiagonally to a longitudinal centerline for intermittent scent emission, in a random or pseudo-random pattern, a specific location clusters60esuitable for toys as illustrated inFIGS. 6aand 6b, and/or combination thereof.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10ais made by molding main body20aaround a cam mold portion comprising a shape for cavity30and access channel40. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the main body during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into main body20a. In a third step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are reduced in size and passed from the second end of access channel40into cavity30to deposit the attractant in cavity30. In a final step, pet toy10ais then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10ais made by molding main body20aaround a cam mold portion comprising a shape for cavity30and access channel40. One or more scent passages60are at the same time formed as a portion of one or both of the mold halves for main body20acomprise longitudinal member for forming the one or more scent passages. In a second step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are reduced in size and passed from the second end of access channel40into cavity30to deposit the attractant in cavity30. In a final step, pet toy10ais then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10ais made by molding main body20aaround a cam mold portion comprising a shape for cavity30and access channel40. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the main body during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into main body20a. In a third step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are reduced in size and passed from the second end of access channel40into cavity30to deposit the attractant in cavity30. In a final step, pet toy10ais then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

Second Embodiment

With reference toFIGS. 2a-2d, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a pet toy10bis substantially identical to pet toy10a; however, pet toy10bcomprises a main body20bhaving a plurality of body portions22and without access channel40. The plurality of body portions22may be any suitable number of portions and may be greater than those used herein to illustrate pet toy10b, wherein a first portion22aand a second portion22bare illustrated. The first portion22ais physically separated from the second portion22b. Cavity30may be disposed entirely in one portion22, or partially in several portions22, or one cavity30in each of portions22.

Pet toy10bfurther comprises a fastening assembly70to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b. Fastening assembly70may be a locking slide assembly, wherein first portion22acomprises a first member72athat is received by a second member72bthat is disposed on the second portion22b. Members72aand72block each other to prevent unintended disengagement of portions22aand22bfrom each other.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10bis made by molding each portion22of main body20b. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the main body during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into one or more or all portions22of main body20b. In a third step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are reduced in size and passed from the second end of access channel40into cavity30to deposit the attractant in cavity30. In a fourth step, all portions22are locked together using locking members. In a final step, pet toy10bis then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

Third Embodiment

With reference toFIGS. 3a-3d, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a pet toy10cis substantially identical to pet toy10aand10b. Pet toy10ccomprises a main body20chaving a plurality of body portions22and without access channel40. The plurality of body portions22may be any suitable number of portions and may be greater than those used herein to illustrate pet toy10b, wherein a first portion22aand a second portion22bare illustrated. Cavity30may be disposed entirely in one portion22, or partially in several portions22, or one cavity30in each of portions22.

Pet toy10cfurther comprises a fastening assembly70to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a groove72cis placed on an exterior surface of each portion. A band72dthen holds the portions together to prevent unintended disengagement of portions22aand22bfrom each other. Band72dmay be a nylon molded into groove72c, or a natural rubber material.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10cis made by molding each portion22of main body20c. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the main body during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into one or more or all portions22of main body20b. In a third step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are placed in cavity30, advantageously, without being reduced in size. In a fourth step, all portions22are banded together, i.e. band72dis placed into groove72c. In a final step, pet toy10cis then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

Fourth Embodiment

With reference toFIG. 4, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a pet toy10dis substantially identical to pet toy10aand10b. Pet toy10ccomprises a main body20chaving a plurality of body portions22and without access channel40. The plurality of body portions22may be any suitable number of portions and may be greater than those used herein to illustrate pet toy10b, wherein a first portion22aand a second portion22bare illustrated. Cavity30may be disposed entirely in one portion22, or partially in several portions22, or one cavity30in each of portions22.

Pet toy10dfurther comprises a fastening assembly70to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, fastening assembly70comprises a screw post72ethat passes through an opening23ain portion22band a locking nut72f. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, fastening assembly70comprises a screw post72ethat is molded in portion22aand an opening23bis created in portion22bin and a locking nut72f.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10dis made by molding main body20aincluding screw post72e. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the main body during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into main body20a. In a third step, the portions22are then joined together via the fastening assembly70. In a third step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are placed in cavity30, advantageously, without being reduced in size. In a final step, pet toy10ais then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

Fifth Embodiment

With reference toFIG. 5, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a pet toy10eis substantially identical to pet toy10aand10b. Pet toy10ccomprises a main body20chaving a plurality of body portions22and without access channel40. The plurality of body portions22may be any suitable number of portions and may be greater than those used herein to illustrate pet toy10b, wherein a first portion22aand a second portion22bare illustrated. Cavity30may be disposed entirely in one portion22, or partially in several portions22, or one cavity30in each of portions22.

Pet toy10efurther comprises a fastening assembly70to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, fastening assembly70comprises a screw post72ethat passes through an opening23ain portion22aand an opening23bin portion22band a locking nut72f. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, fastening assembly70comprises a screw post72ethat is molded in portion22aand an opening23bis created in portion22bin and a locking nut72f.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10eis made by molding main body20a. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the main body during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into main body20a. In a third step, the portions22are then joined together via the fastening assembly70. In a third step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are placed in cavity30, advantageously, without being reduced in size. In a final step, pet toy10ais then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

Sixth Embodiment

With reference toFIGS. 6aand 6b, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a pet toy10fis substantially identical to pet toy10aand10b. Pet toy10fcomprises a main body20chaving a plurality of body portions22and without access channel40. The plurality of body portions22may be any suitable number of portions and may be greater than those used herein to illustrate pet toy10b, wherein a first portion22aand a second portion22bare illustrated. Cavity30may be disposed entirely in one portion22, or partially in several portions22, or one cavity30in each of portions22.

Pet toy10ffurther comprises a fastening assembly70to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an external thread is provided on body portion22aat a distal end and an interior thread is placed on body portion22bis provided on an exterior surface of each portion. The two body portions are secured to each other by rotating the body portions relative to each other. The fastening assembly holds the body portions together to prevent unintended disengagement of portions22aand22bfrom each other. A locking mechanism may be used to decrease the chance of unintended disengagement of portions22aand22bfrom each other. The locking mechanism may be a thread locking mechanism such as a lock washer, a pair of ramped washers mating with each other, an adhesive applied on one or more mating threads, and/or a castle nut and pin.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more internal threads are designed to deform one or more mating external threads to prevent unintended disengagement of portions22aand22bfrom each other.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10cis made by molding each portion22of main body20c. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the main body during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into one or more or all portions22of main body20b. In a third step, one or more attractants50(imbued with the scent source) are placed in cavity30, advantageously, without being reduced in size. In a fourth step, all portions22are banded together, i.e. band72dis placed into groove72c. In a final step, pet toy10cis then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

Seventh Embodiment

With reference toFIGS. 7a-7i, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a destruction-resistant pet toy10gis intended for a dog or other animal prone to aggressive biting, gnawing, or chewing behavior, i.e. a destructive chewer. Destruction-resistant pet toy10gincludes a main body20gcomprising or consisting of a destruction resistant material; the pet toy further comprises one or more cavities30, one or more attractants50, one or more scent passages60, and a fastening assembly70.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant material” is defined as comprising polycaprolactam. Polycaprolactam is also known as nylon 6 or polyamide 6. Preferably, the destruction resistant nylon has a density of 1.13 g/cm3, hardness of 71 Shore D, a heat distortion temperature of 53° C. at 264 psi, a melting point of 220a° C., and a relational viscosity of 2.3.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant nylon” is defined as consisting only of or substantially only of polycaprolactam.

In accordance with another embodiment, the “destruction resistant nylon” is defined as consisting of a material having hardness of 68-75 durometer Shore D.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant nylon” is defined as comprising or consisting of one of nylon 6/6, nylon 6/12, polyamide 12, nylon 121, nylon 12, or polyamide 46.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the “destruction resistant material” is defined as comprising urethane, natural rubber, artificial (synthetic) rubber, and/or thermoplastic elastomer.

The base costs of the destruction resistant material and/or the destruction resistant nylon is competitive with other materials used in pet toys and the manufacturing method, typically injection molding or pressure molding, provides significant economic advantages that can be passed on to purchasers.

Main body20gis for biting, grasping, and/or playing by a canine with its mouth. The main body20gcomprises, consists, or consists substantially of one of the varieties of destruction resistant nylon defined in this application, and therein is preferably molded of the destruction resistant material. Body20gmay have any suitable size and/or suitable shape. Pet toy10gcomprises a main body20ghaving a plurality of body portions22and without access channel40.

The plurality of body portions22may be any suitable number of portions and may be greater than those used herein to illustrate pet toy10g, wherein a first portion22aand a second portion22bare illustrated. Cavity30may be disposed entirely in one portion22, or partially in several portions22, or one cavity30or portion of a cavity in each of a subportion of portions22.

Therein, each body portion22, i.e. body portion22aand22b, comprises a connector portion22cand22d, respectively, each comprising a throughbore23ain one portion22aand/or a partial bore23bin the other portion22aor22b.

“Suitable” or “suitably” in this context refers to a size and/or shape that permit easy biting, grasping, and/or playing by a canine with its mouth, but it also refers to a size and/or shape that permits easy handling and/or throwing by the canine's owner. This, preferably, comprises a cylindrical shape, a truncated cone, a suitably sized ball, or stylized representation of a geometric object or anthropomorphic representation of an animal.

Cavity30is disposed in main body20gand if preferably created during the molding process of main body20g. Cavity30may be any suitable shape for housing attractant50. “Suitable” or “suitably” in this context refers to a size and/or shape that permit attractant50to be inserted and held in cavity30so that it operatively releases a scent through passages60that a canine playing with the pet toy can detect by the sense of smell. Passages60are preferably sized 1.0 to 2.0 mm in diameter.

Attractant50preferably comprises a scent source52emitting a scent and a substrate54onto which scent source52is disposed. A canine will by its olfactory sense be attracted to the scent from scent source52. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, scent source52may be a liquid or a solid. One or more chemical compounds in scent source52are volatized, generally at a very low concentration, and perceived by the sense of smell by the canine. Scent source52is sprayed on all or a portion of substrate. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, scent source52may be a combination of a plurality of scents.

The substrate may have any form and be a foam, paper, cardboard, an absorbent material, a cloth, a fabric material, or the like that absorbs scent source52. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, scent source52may be sprayed onto one or more exterior surfaces of the substrate.

A plurality of scent passages60are disposed in main body20gand preferably comprise or consist of one or more longitudinal passage connecting cavity30at first end61aof access channel40to an exterior surface11of pet toy10gat a second end61b. Scent passages60may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, but preferably are circular in cross-section and may be created by drilling through main body20gor by molding.

Scent passages60may be disposed evenly through main body20gor disposed to have the least length individual and/or collective length necessary to emit a scent.

Pet toy10gfurther comprises a fastening assembly70to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, fastening assembly70comprises a screw72adisposed in a first thread74ain a bore23ain portion22aand a second thread74bin a bore23bin portion22b. The opening of bore23ais preferably recessed so that head72bof screw72ais recessed. Screw72ajoins portions22aand22btogether. An indent72cis disposed in head72bso that screw72amay be removed from main body20gand permit body portions22aand22bto be separated so that attractant50may be exchanged or filled in one or more cavity30. Preferably, indent72cis a slot in which a screwdriver or more preferably a coin (such as a U.S. quarter dollar coin) since it would handier than a screwdriver may be used to turn screw72a, as indicated in FIG.

Fastening assembly70may further include one or more indents24aand extended portion24bthat mate to seat portion22awith portion22b.

A locking mechanism may be used to decrease the chance of unintended disengagement of portions22aand22bfrom each other. The locking mechanism may be a thread locking mechanism such as a lock washer, a pair of ramped washers mating with each other, an adhesive applied on one or more mating threads, and/or a castle nut and pin.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a first step, pet toy10gis made by molding each body portion22separately and molding screw72a. Where necessary threads are either molded or machined into/onto each respective part. If one or more scent passages60have not been molded into the body portion22during the first step, in a second step, one or more scent passages60are made, preferably by drilling, into the respective body portion. In a third step, one or more attractants50are deposited in cavity30. The body portions are then screwed together using screw72a. In a final step, pet toy10gis then tagged and processed as necessary for retail sales.

General Construction

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more passage60is preferably sized 1.0 to 2.0 mm in diameter. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more passage60is preferably sized 2.0 to 7.5 mm in diameter. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more passage60is preferably sized ⅛ inch to ¼ inch in diameter. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more passage60is preferably sized ¼ inch to ⅜ inch in diameter. The passage size may be chose to be aesthetically pleasing to the respective destruction-resistant pet toy. However, the diameter size of the passage is selected to be suitable based on scent source52emitting a scent. “Suitable” or “suitably” in this context refers to a size and/or shape that scent source52operatively releases a scent through passages60that a canine playing with the pet toy can detect by the sense of smell.

Where a screw and one or more screw threads are disclosed, for example, screw72adisposed in a first thread74ain bore23ain portion22aand second thread74bin bore23bin portion22b, the screw and the screw threads may be made of the same material or different material. Therein, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the screw has a greater hardness than one or both screw threads to avoid unintended deformations of the thread in the screws.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, instead of or in addition to physical structures described herein, fastening assembly70may, wholly by itself, comprise or consist of one or more glues, adhesives, or the like to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, instead of or in addition to physical structures described herein, fastening assembly70may, wholly by itself, comprise or consist of solvent bonding, spin welding, or heat welding to secure one body portion22to another body portion22, e.g. first portion22aand second portion22b.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.