Abstract:
An enrichment device for dispensing edible food products to an animal, and including the capability to provide the animals meal with said device. The device includes a body, an upper surface which preferably is removable from the body, a cavity, at least one passageway in the upper surface, the passageway communicating with the cavity to allow food to pass from the upper surface into the cavity. The body has a wall forming the cavity, and the wall has one or more openings therein to allow for food to pass from the cavity outside of the device where it may be consumed by the animal The device bottom is configured to provide a rocking motion when the device is disrupted.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/253,882 entitled “Enrichment Device for an Animal”, filed Nov. 11, 2015, the complete contents of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to devices for animals, and in particular, devices for animals that involve feeding and playing, and more particularly a feeding bowl for an animal, such as a dog. 
         [0004]    2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A number of bowls are produced in the marketplace for feeding pets. Typically, pet bowls are made of a durable material that can be formed into the bowl to hold wet and dry food, and that may be washed with detergents or in a dish washing machine. Pets engage in eating, which usually does not demand much time. There are a number of toys made for use by animals, most commonly for domestic animals, such as dogs and cats. The toys are intended for play, and to provide some form of activity for an animal. Toys are also provided for other domestic animals, as well as even for non-domestic animals in captivity, such as animals kept in zoos or shelters. Typically domestic animals served a function, herding sheep, or other tasks on a farm. The animal&#39;s time became occupied with activity. In the case of non-domestic animals, typically most of their time is spent foraging for food. Stimulation of animals kept as pets in the home, or in shelters or other controlled environments, has been attempted to reduce boredom, and undesirable behavior that may result as a consequence of the animal needing to be active. A number of toys are produced and sold which are intended to occupy the animal by providing an activity that will engage the animal Some toys have sound, clicking, lights or other responsive components. A number of different sizes and shapes of toys are available. There are also products which have been designed to require engagement of the animal in order to obtain food. These products typically are referred to as enrichment products. A typical enrichment device captivates food and limits its distribution to the animal by requiring the animal to perform one or more tasks. The enrichment devices often take time to fill, requiring the owner or handler to insert food into small spaces or into multiple compartments. One example of an enrichment product involves a ball filled with food that is placed into a tube. The animal must reach into the tube and move the ball to release food from an opening in the ball. The ball remains captive in the tube and may be removed and refilled as needed by a caretaker of the animal Refilling the device requires that the ball be unsecured, removed from the device tube, refilled, placed back into the tube, and then finally re-secured within the tube. Another example of an enrichment device is a bowl having protrusions, such as posts or grooves provided in the bottom surface. The food is placed into the bowl and occupies the grooves, or, in the case of an obstruction, such as a post, fills in around the post. The pet must move the food around the obstruction or post in order for the food to be accessible to the pet for consumption. In the case of the grooved device, grooves are formed which lead to spaces or terminations in which the food may pool or pile up for ease of access, so that the animal is encouraged to move the food along the groove to a location at which the animal may pick up the food. 
         [0006]    As mentioned, animals when not engaged will often become bored. Domestic animals are typically kept in an environment which is the same day in and day out. Although dogs may be taken for a walk, a dog in the home, even if taken for an hour walk per day, may not have the stimulation that it needs. In addition, a number of dogs, such as for example, police service dogs and dogs kept in shelters, are often confined to cages for extended periods of time. These animals become bored, and often there is little or no stimulation for the animal. When animals are young, particularly dogs at the puppy stage, they typically will occupy themselves with a variety of activities, some of which may be destructive to the environment around them. The young canine may chew on furniture, rip pillows, or damage shoes and other household articles. Aside from the damage done to the articles, this behavior also may be hazardous to the pet. When the pet is occupied with another activity, such as eating or playing with an appropriate toy, then the pet is less likely to engage in destruction or harmful conduct. In addition, dogs that may be confined to a cage or other area also may benefit from engaging in a stimulating activity. A variety of puzzle type toys for pets have been produced, some requiring action on the part of the pet in order to obtain a treat. However, the pet often becomes bored and does not resume the activity, or is occupied for a limited amount of time. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An animal enrichment device is provided for providing an animal with access to a nutritional meal and engaging the animal in an activity while the animal consumes the meal. According to a preferred embodiment, the enrichment device is configured as a food bowl that can contain the entire allotment of food for an animal. The food bowl is designed so that it may be used in place of the animal&#39;s current food bowl, or purchased as an alternative to pet feed bowls currently offered. 
         [0008]    The enrichment device, or bowl, provides a meal for the animal, which preferably may be the animal&#39;s entire meal or meal allotment (e.g., the entire meal portion for that feeding). According to a preferred embodiment, the device is configured to hold food and has a compartment into which portions of the animal&#39;s food (i.e., its meal) may fall or otherwise pass. 
         [0009]    According to preferred embodiments, the device is configured as a food bowl and may provide food for a dog, including the dog&#39;s entire meal, which, for example, may be up to about 4 cups of food. Therefore, another advantage of the device is that, according to preferred embodiments, the food bowl has the ability to hold an entire meal for the pet, and the food may be placed in a single area of the device. Preferably, the area in which food may be placed is open for ease in placing it. 
         [0010]    According to some preferred embodiments, the device is provided so as to not require any assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration to fill or load with food. The device may be washed, including in a dishwasher with other household tableware items, and reused. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the device provide a cavity with a passageway therein. Food or treats are loaded into the cavity space, and the device is placed on a supporting surface (e.g., a floor). When the device is disrupted, for example, by an animal engaging the device, the device releases a treat or food that has been loaded into the cavity. At least a portion of the device, and preferably an outer surface portion, is shaped to displace the device when the device is disrupted. The displacement may be movement such as tipping, rocking, swaying, rotating, tumbling, or the like. The device preferably is supported on a support surface, and the portion or portions shaped to encourage displacement of the device may be supported on the support surface (and, in some instances, may alternate between engagement with a support surface, such as a floor, as the device is moved). 
         [0012]    Embodiments of the device are configured to hold and dispense edible materials, such as food, to an animal. The device may be used with pets (as well as other animals, e.g., non-domestic type zoo animals) and preferably provides the pet (or animal) with its entire meal (or meal portion or allotment). The device is configured so that the animal may receive food from a first location of the device, such as the top or open end of the device, and may receive food from a second location of the device, which preferably is from an internal device cavity. According to a preferred embodiment, the food at the open end of the device is held on a first surface, and when the animal engages in retrieving it, the movement or disruption of the animal&#39;s activity causes some of the food to fall through the upper food-supporting surface and into the device cavity. The cavity has passages in the device wall so that when the device is tipped or moved (typically, by rocking or tilting), food will be released from the cavity onto the floor (or surface on which the device is resting) where it is then accessible for consumption by the animal. The device preferably is configured to rock and right itself, so that when the animal plays with the device by moving it (e.g., tipping it, nudging it, pushing it, or other action) the device returns back to a righted position. The device bottom preferably is constructed to have a gripping surface, so that movement of the device by the animal results in tipping or rocking of the device, rather than sliding. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the invention to provide an animal enrichment device that may be washed in a dishwasher. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the invention to provide an animal enrichment device that is constructed from food grade and/or FDA compliant materials. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the invention to provide an animal enrichment device that has a bottom portion that is constructed from a material that provides friction or gripping relative to a surface on which the device is placed. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the invention to accomplish any of the above objects where the device has a bottom that provides the device with the ability to rock. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the invention to accomplish any of the above objects where the device is configured to have a weight balance so as to be able to tilt and return to an upright or substantially upright position. 
         [0018]    According to some embodiments, the device bottom may be constructed from any suitable grippy substance that is durable, washable and can withstand the use made by the device. Some examples of compositions from which the bottom may be constructed include thermoplastic elastomers. Other examples include a suitable rubber, silicone, urethane or other materials or combinations of these materials, having suitable gripping properties. Embodiments of the device may be constructed from or have a layer of a gripping component on the bottom. For example, the bottom grippy portion may be a layer of a suitable gripping material. The material preferably provides suitable friction for a variety of floor surfaces (such as, for example, on stone, tile, concrete, wood, vinyl and the like). 
         [0019]    The device may be constructed from any suitable material. Preferred materials include rigid, structural plastic. According to preferred embodiments, the device bottom preferably is a tacky, grippy material. Preferably, devices according to the invention are constructed from a material or materials that can withstand contact with an animal&#39;s saliva and the food compositions, and which may be washed with suitable washing detergents and cleaners. According to some preferred embodiments, the device may be constructed from a plastic material. A number of suitable materials may be used to produce the device. Although any suitable material may be used to construct the device, some preferred examples are thermoplastic elastomers. Other examples include polypropylene, silicone materials, or other suitable material or combinations of material. For example, the device may be constructed from polypropylene and the bottom portion of the device may be constructed having a gripping portion made from another material that provides suitable gripping or friction with a surface on which the device is placed (such as a floor). Alternative embodiments of the device may be constructed from a material that provides gripping and may be used for the device bowl and other portions. 
         [0020]    According to some preferred embodiments, the device upper surface is removable, and the upper surface may comprise one or more removable plates. The removable plate typically sits above the device internal cavity and with a portion of the device wall provides a bowl area into which food may be placed. The removable plates may be provided with different designs and features, such as, for example, a paw shape, a dog face (with different breeds), and other designs. The removable plate preferably includes one or more depressions into which food may collect, and one or more passages, such as apertures in the plate, through which the edible material, such as food, may pass. In some preferred embodiments, the apertures are provided in the depressions. When the animal is actively engaged in retrieving and eating food from the upper portion or open end of the device, some food will fall through the plate and collect within the device cavity. 
         [0021]    According to some embodiments, devices may be configured with an interior provided to control the level of restriction of food passage through the device, from easy, where there is very little restriction, or difficult, where passage is highly restricted. A device may include a structure located in the cavity that controls the ease or difficulty with which the food may be released from the device during agitation or play by the animal seeking to retrieve the food. For example, according to some embodiments, the interior cavity may include elements that impede the passage of food through the bowl exits. These restrictive elements or structures may be provided as part of one or more of the components, such as, for example, the upper plate or the floor, or may connect with them. For example, restrictive elements may project from the upper surface or upper plate (into the cavity), or they may project from the floor (into the cavity), or both. According to some embodiments, the restrictive structure may comprise an inner tray or insert that may be removably provided. According to some embodiments, a plurality of different inner trays/inserts may be interchanged by installation and removal thereof to control the level of restriction (for example, with some of these restrictive components providing little or no restriction, and others having restrictions, e.g., such as elements that may impede the exit of the food from the device). Device components, including the upper plate, floors and restrictive elements, e.g., which may be provided on trays or inserts, preferably are washable, and dishwasher safe. 
         [0022]    According to some embodiments, an inner tray may be a separate component or provided as part of the upper surface portion or floor insert. 
         [0023]    According to preferred embodiments, the device preferably is configured so that the food falling through the device is a percentage of the food placed into the top of the device. Preferred embodiments of the device may be configured as a bowl, and provide an alternative to providing an animal&#39;s meal in a typical food bowl. The enrichment device may be washed and reused, as needed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an enrichment device according to a first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 , looking from the side. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the device of  FIG. 1 , with the body and lower plate shown separately from the upper surface, which is removed from the body in this view. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , showing the components in an unassembled condition. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is another perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1 , showing the components in an unassembled condition arranged in a different position, against the body. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view looking at the bottom of the device body of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the device body of the device of  FIG. 1 , shown separately from the other components. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the device body of the device of  FIG. 1 , shown separately from the other components. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of an insert for the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the insert of  FIG. 11 , shown as viewed from above and from the front. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an insert for the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the insert of  FIG. 13 , shown as viewed from above and from the front. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an insert for the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the insert of  FIG. 15 , shown as viewed from above and from the front. 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view looking down on the device from the top, showing the device of  FIG. 1 , with the upper plate removed, and with another embodiment of an insert installed. 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view looking down on the device from the top, showing the device of  FIG. 1 , with the upper plate removed, and being shown with another embodiment of an insert installed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of and animal enrichment device  10  is illustrated in accordance with the invention. The device  10  is shown having a body  11  with an upper surface portion  12 . A plurality of openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  (see  FIG. 4 ) are disposed in the body  11 . According to a preferred embodiment, the body  11  has a bottom  17  with a bottom configuration that enables the device  10  to rock or sway. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the bottom portion  17  is shown having a rounded or semi-spherical contour. Alternatively, though not shown, the bottom may be constructed having another suitable configuration, such as, for example, rocking rails or the like, to provide the device with the ability to move, e.g., rock, tilt, and/or sway, and return to its upright or substantially upright positon. 
         [0043]    The upper surface portion  12  preferably is raised from the lower portion of the device  10  to define a cavity  20  within the body  11 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the upper surface portion  12  also has one or more passageways leading into the cavity  20 . According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated, passageways are depicted comprising apertures  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  provided in the upper surface portion  12 . According to preferred embodiments, the upper surface portion  12  also may include undulations or raised portions and lowered portions, which, in the embodiment illustrated, form a configuration of an animal paw  35 . The upper surface portion  12  is shown having a plurality of wells  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40  separated by walls  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 . According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, apertures  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  preferably are provided in the lower portions, such as the wells  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40 , show formed in the upper surface portion  12 . 
         [0044]    According to preferred embodiments, the upper surface portion  12  preferably is removably attachable to the body  11 , and facilitates cleaning of the device  10  (which may be done by hand or by placing the device in a dishwasher).  FIGS. 5 and 6  show the upper surface portion  12  removed from the device body  11 . As shown best in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the body  11  preferably includes a one or more positioning elements, such as, for example, a ledge, ledge portion, or other elements, on which the surface portion  12  may be seated. The device  10  preferably has a supporting structure for supporting the upper surface portion  12 . The supporting structure is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  according to an exemplary embodiment comprising a plurality of support elements  50  and an annular ridge  51 . The upper surface portion  12  may be fitted into a secure position on the device body  11  against the elements  50  and secured to engage the ridge  51 . Alternative securing configurations may be provided to secure the upper surface portion  12  to the body  11 . When installed on the body  11  within the bowl space, the upper surface portion  12  remains substantially fixed in position. Although the upper surface portion  12  is shown being installed on the body  11  using a press-fit or friction fit connection, other suitable attachment means may be used, including twist mount, bayonet, screw threads, tabs and the like. 
         [0045]    The body  11  is shown having a wall  19 . The wall  19  may form the body  11 , and may be a continuous wall  19 , or may include separate wall portions that are molded, assembled or otherwise joined together. Openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  are provided in the body wall  19 . The openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  preferably are sized to provide a suitable exit port for contents, such as food, to exit the device  10  from the cavity  20 . 
         [0046]    The device  10  has a floor  45   a  disposed at a suitable position for supporting food thereon that has passed into the cavity  20 , and, preferably is provided at a level to facilitate passage of the food through the one or more openings  14 ,  15 ,  16 . The device floor  45   a  is shown at the bottom of the cavity  20 . According to preferred embodiments, the cavity  20  may be configured for size using an insert, such as, for example, the bottom plate insert  45  which, in  FIG. 4 , is shown installed on the body  11  and comprising the cavity floor  45   a . According to some embodiments, the insert  45  may be fixedly attached to the bottom of the body  11 , and according to other embodiments, the inert  45  may be removably attached to the body  11 . The insert  45  is shown removed from the body  11  in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and the body  11  is shown in  FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10  without the insert  45 . The insert  45 , as illustrated, provides a floor  45   a , which may comprise a false floor of the device  10  and cavity  20 , and which reduces the cavity  20 . The outlet openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  are shown provided in the wall  19  of the body  11 . The outlet openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  are shown disposed above the convex bottom portion  17  so that the openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  are accessible when the device  10  is tipped (e.g., when an animal is playing with it). Although, according to preferred embodiments, the bottom plate insert  45  is shown having a flat or substantially flat surface  45   b  forming the floor  45   a , the plate insert  45  may be provided having other configurations (e.g., bowed, convex, concave, and the like). In addition, a tab, such as the tab  45   c  may be provided to facilitate removal of the bottom by gripping. Alternatively, according to other embodiments, the bottom insert  45  may be fixedly mounted and sealed to prevent entry of water, food or other debris into the space covered by the insert  45 . Alternatively, the insert  45  or floor surface  45   a  may be shaped to control the release of food. The floor  45  or surface  45   a  may be shaped to direct more or less food through the openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  when the device  10  is tilted. For example, the floor  45   a  or insert  45  may be crowned, bowed, etc. 
         [0047]    According to a preferred embodiment, a lower annular ridge  53  is provided on the body  11  to facilitate mounting of the floor or insert  45  thereon. The annular ridge  53  may lock with an annular groove (not shown) provided on the insert  45 , or secure the floor insert  45  by another suitable attachment configuration. Support elements  54  may be provided on the bottom interior of the body  11  for supporting the floor insert  45  thereon. 
         [0048]    As illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment, the floor  45   a  preferably is provided at a height that corresponds with the bottom of the openings  14 ,  15 ,  16 . Although, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  preferably are located at the same height and are depicted being disposed at equally spaced apart locations around the body perimeter, openings may be provided having different sizes and configurations, including relative to each other, and may be provided at different locations on the body wall  19 , and in different numbers. For example, other embodiments of the device  11  may be constructed with fewer or greater numbers of openings than those openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  shown. 
         [0049]    According to an alternate embodiment, one or more passageways are provided in the upper surface portion  12 . The upper surface portion  12  may be constructed to be flat or substantially flat, or have one or more flat areas. As illustrated in the embodiment shown, the upper surface portion  12  includes one or more flat areas. As shown in the drawings, the upper surface portion  12  forms a bowl area  60  with the wall  19  of the body  11 . Edible items, such as animal food, are dispensed into the bowl area  60  of the device  10 , and onto the upper surface portion  12 . This typically is done by an individual, such as the person or caretaker in charge of feeding or caring for the animal. According to preferred embodiments, the bowl area  60  preferably is configured to hold a suitable amount of food for a single feeding for an animal. For example, the bowl area  60  may be sized to hold up to four cups of dry dog food (suitable for an entire meal or feeding). Some food may fall through the apertures  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 , while most of the food will remain within the bowl area  60  supported on the upper surface portion  12 . The apertures  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  may be provided having different sizes other than those shown. For example, alternative upper surface portions may be provided having different sizes and/or numbers of apertures, so that the openings are suitable for odd or unusually larger or smaller foods. However, the apertures  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  preferably are provided to handle a majority of foods, even smaller and larger foods. The configuration of the upper surface portion  12  may hold food that is much smaller than the apertures since the food will collect together and not fall through until a suitable disturbance occurs (which is the pet feeding from the bowl area  60  of the device  10 , or is otherwise moving or agitating the device  10 ). 
         [0050]    According to some embodiments, the device  10  may be constructed to provide different levels of difficulty for dispensing of the food from the device  10 . The difficulty level may be controlled to vary the challenge presented to the animal using the device  10 . The device  10  may be provided with a preset level of difficulty, or alternatively, may be adjustable (e.g., by interchanging or inserting components) to provide different levels of difficulty. For example, according to some alternate embodiments, the device  10  may be configured with an internal construction that provides a restriction for the food to pass from the bowl area  60  (through the passages in the upper surface portion  12 ) and out of the bowl body  11  through the passages  14 ,  15 ,  16  in the body wall  19 . A structure may be located in the internal cavity  20  to control the ease or difficulty of the food release from the device  10 . According to some embodiments, the floor  45  may be configured to control the difficulty or ease of the food passage. According to some embodiments, a structure comprising one or more restrictive elements may be provided in the internal cavity  20 . The structure may be implemented as an internal tray or insert disposed between the upper surface portion  12  and the floor insert  45  (or the interior of the body bottom portion  17  when no floor insert is used). Embodiments may provide structure within the cavity  20  to restrict the passage of food by presenting an obstacle that the food may engage when the device  10  is agitated by an animal. The structure may be removably provided within the cavity  20 , and, for example, according to some embodiments, may be provided as part of or in place of, or to connect with, a floor insert, such as the floor insert  45 . Alternatively, the restricting structure may be provided as part of or to connect with, or in place of, the upper surface portion, such as the upper surface portion  12 . According to some embodiments, a restricting structure, such as, for example, an insert, may be detachably provided for installation on the bowl body  11 , and may be interchangeably provided with one or more optional alternately configured inserts (or floors and/or upper surface portions containing a restricting structure) that have different levels of obstruction or interference to control the level of restriction of the food passage. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 11 to 18  illustrate some examples of restrictive structure provided in the device cavity  20 . In the embodiments illustrated, the inserts may be removably installed in the device cavity, and preferably may be held by the tab  45   c  of the floor insert  45 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , an alternate embodiment of a restrictive structure is illustrated comprising an insert  145 . The insert  145  may be used with the floor insert  45 , and, according to the exemplary embodiment depicted, may be separately provided. (According to other embodiments, an insert, such as the insert  145 , may be configured to be used in place of the floor insert  45 .) The restrictive insert  145  is shown connecting to the floor insert  45 . For example, the tab  45   c  of the floor insert  45  may be keyed to fit the slot  146  of the insert  145 . The insert  145  may be provided to seat above the floor insert  45 , so that a sub cavity or space is formed between the floor insert  45  and the restrictive insert  145 . In the embodiment illustrated, the insert  145  is shown having passages  147 ,  148 ,  149  therein that permit food to pass, and recessed portions  151 ,  152 ,  153  are also shown disposed in the periphery (that allow for food passage). A surface  160  of the restrictive insert  145  provides an area for food to collect or rest and impedes the passage of the food as the food makes its way from the upper plate or surface  12  to the exit openings  14 ,  15 ,  16  provided in the device body wall  19 . The plate  145  is shown having edges  161 ,  162 ,  163  which may be supported on the interior of the body  11 , and, according to some embodiments, may be seated on a ledge or other support (not shown) provided on the interior of the body wall  19 . The insert  145  is shown having a plurality of passages, and represents an exemplary embodiment. However, the insert  145  may be configured with different sizes and shapes of openings to ease or make more difficult food passage through the device  10 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , another alternate embodiment of a restrictive insert  245  is depicted, shown having a surface  260  with a key slot  246  therein and a plurality of restrictive elements which are illustrated comprising upstanding walls  247 ,  248 ,  249 . In the embodiment illustrated, the elements or walls  247 ,  248 ,  249  project upwardly from the insert surface  260  and are spaced apart. The insert  245  may be installed as discussed herein in connection with the insert  145 , with the key slot  246  being seated on the tab  45   c.    
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , another alternate embodiment of a restrictive insert  345  is shown. The insert  345  has a key slot  346  in the insert surface  360 . The restrictive structure is shown comprising restrictive elements that include a first wall  347  and second wall  348 . The first and second walls,  347 ,  348 , respectively, in the embodiment illustrated, project upwardly from the insert surface  360  and are circumferentially configured. The first wall  347  is shown having a plurality of passages therein which comprise apertures  351 ,  352 ,  353 . The second wall  348 , which is an inner wall relative to the first wall  347 , has passages therein which comprise apertures  354 ,  355 ,  356 . The inert  345  is shown having two additional subcavities  365 ,  366 , formed by the walls  347 ,  348 , to provide collecting areas for the food as it encounters the restrictions during agitation of the device  10  by the animal. Although the insert  345  is shown as a single component, the insert  345  may be configured to comprise a plurality of component portions, for example, where the inner wall  348  has its own base (not shown) and where that inner wall base has a matingly aligned key slot therein (which aligns with the key slot  346 ) and where that base rests on the surface  360  (e.g., a stacked arrangement). In this configuration, the key, such as the tab  45   c  or other tab of the device bottom  17 , therefore may hold both component portions. Alternatively, one or both component portions may be used. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , a perspective view of the interior of the device body  11  is shown with another embodiment of a restrictive insert or tray  245 ′ having a configuration similar to the insert  245  of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . The insert  245 ′ is shown in  FIG. 17  installed on the floor insert  45  with the floor insert tab  45   c  passing through the key slot  246 ′ of the insert  245 ′. The upstanding walls  247 ′,  248 ′,  249 ′ are shown having arms  247   a ′,  248   a ′,  249   a ′ extending therefrom near or engaging the interior wall  19  of the device body  11  (preferably, in the cavity  20  below the upper plate  12  location). Although not shown, the insert  245 ′ (and any of the other floor inserts or trays) may have further retaining structured or bracing, such as a support (extending near or to the upper surface  12 ) to prevent inadvertent unseating off of the key tab  45   c . Referring to  FIG. 18 , another alternate embodiment is illustrated, where the device  10  is shown with an insert  345 ′ similar to the insert  345  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The insert  345 ′ has a floor or surface  360 ′ with a key slot  346 ′, inner and outer upstanding walls  347 ′,  348 ′, respectively, with passages  354 ′,  355 ′,  356 ′ in the second or inner wall  348 ′, and passages  351 ′,  352 ′,  353 ′, in the first or outer wall  347 ′. The key tab  45   c  may friction fit within a key slot to hold an insert to the device  10 . 
         [0056]    In the embodiments illustrated, the restrictive structure, such as, for example, the inserts  145 ,  245 ,  345 ,  245 ′,  345 ′, may be installed and/or removed and interchanged to provide an alternate or desired level of challenge for the animal by easing or making more difficult the restriction of the food delivery from the device  10 . 
         [0057]    Although the inserts  145 ,  245 ,  345 ,  245 ′, and  345 ′ in the respective exemplary embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 11-18  are shown used with the floor insert  45  and tab  45   c  thereof, according to some alternate embodiments, the floor insert  45  may be configured similar to those inserts  145 ,  245 ,  345 ,  245 ′,  345 ′ and the inserts  145 ,  245 ,  345 ,  245 ′,  345 ′ may be provided to replace the floor insert  45  and provide a floor similar to the floor surface  45   a , with the restrictive structures and/or one or more additional floor surfaces (e.g.,  160 ,  260 ,  360 ,  260 ′,  360 ′), which according to some embodiments, may be formed as part of a floor insert. 
         [0058]    According to some embodiments, the restricting structure, such as inserts or components containing restrictive elements, may be removably provided and a plurality of differently constructed shapes and restrictions, may be installed, removed and interchanged to control the level of restriction (for example, with some having little or no restriction, and others having a great deal of restriction). The device  10  and the components, including the upper plate, floors, inserts, and restrictive elements are preferably washable, and dishwasher safe. Controlling the restriction level enables a user to increase or decrease the difficulty of the device and regulate the challenge presented to the animal. For example, according to some embodiments, the user may configure the device  10  to use the top tray (the upper surface portion  12 ) and main cavity  20  together. The device  10  may be configured to provide different levels of difficulty for food release, from a configuration where an inner tray or floor (within the cavity  20 ), such as the floor surface  45   a  of the floor insert  45 , is flat and therefore easier for food to exit the openings  14 ,  15 ,  16 , or where there is no floor insert  45  or inner tray, which presents medium difficulty, or where the device  10  is configured to have a highly featured restrictive structure (such as a highly featured inner tray or insert which may look like a maze or have “walls” protruding upwards) which makes it very difficult to remove food (see, for example, the insert or inner tray structures shown in  FIGS. 11-18 ). The restricting structure, such as an insert or tray, may be integrated with the device  10 , or preferably, may be provided separately and subsequently installed on the device  10 , as desired. The interior structure (such as a floor or tray insert) may be provided as a kit that contains a plurality of different configurations (e.g., different trays, floors, inserts or restrictive elements or combinations thereof) corresponding to different levels of difficulty for food passage. According to some embodiments, the user may select a configuration of interchangeable/removable structures at any desired time of use of the device  10 . 
         [0059]    The device preferably is produced from any suitable material that may be washed. Preferred materials include rigid, structural plastic. According to preferred embodiments, the device bottom preferably is a tacky, grippy material. A number of suitable materials may be used to produce the device. 
         [0060]    The device may be produced by any suitable production process. According to some preferred embodiments, the device may be produced by injection molding. Pellet form thermoplastic elastomers may be used, and injection molded using a suitable molding apparatus to form the device. Alternatively, one or more components of the device may be separately produced, including by injection molding or other suitable process, and assembled together to produce the device. For example, a two-shot injection mold process may be used to produce the device, so as to form the bottom sticky portion which may be different than the material used for the remainder or other portions of the device or bowl. The two-shot injection molding may involve injection of two dissimilar materials into a single mold cavity in order to Balm the device. The two-shot molding may also be utilized to produce the device in a consistent and repeatable manner. Alternatively, an over-mold process may be utilized to product the device, where the device or portion thereof is created and in a second step the portion, such as the bottom tacky portion, is overmolded onto the other portion of the device. For example, overmolding may be used to produce the device, wherein the main bowl cavity, made of a rigid plastic, is first formed, and then released from the mold, and next inserted into another mold, wherein the second, dissimilar polymer (e.g., the tacky substance forming the bottom portion) is injected onto and around the first part. Other methods may include attaching or adhering a layer of a tacky substance on the bottom exterior of the bowl, or providing a tacky coating layer thereon, by spraying, immersion or other suitable step. Another alternative method for producing the bowl device is using an assembly process wherein two dissimilar materials are molded into their respective parts separately, and then attached permanently together via adhesive, heat, ultrasonic welding, spin welding, or any other assembly method. In addition, although the materials discussed mention two dissimilar materials or a first and second material, other numbers of materials may be used in the processes described, such as, for example, for color variation, texture, or other properties. Injection molding, view a two-step process or overmolding comprise preferred methods for producing the devices according to the invention. 
         [0061]    The devices disclosed herein also may be decorated and provided with logos. For example, one or more post-treatment processes may be applied. For example, wherein the device or part thereof part is made of one material, it may be modified afterwards, via painting, spraying, etching, or the like. 
         [0062]    The material from which the device is produced, including thermoplastic elastomers, preferably are durable to withstand use and cleaning, and also preferably are free of lead, PVC, latex, phthalates and metals. (The exclusion of metals refers namely to harmful metals being present, as, according to some alternate embodiments, the device, in whole or part, may be constructed from metal, such as stainless steel). Although other materials may be used, such as, for example, thermoset rubber, this material is likely to contain latex, which is undesired in many instances, since latex has in some reported cases, caused allergic reactions. 
         [0063]    These and other advantages may be obtained through the use of the inventive apparatus and methods disclosed herein. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is illustrative and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described herein and as set forth in the appended claims.