Abstract:
This invention relates to a pet game cover, comprising a body ( 8 ) having a height (h), a width (w) and a length (L) arranged to be gripable by the mouth of a pet, said body ( 8 ) or body portion ( 76′ ) having outer walls comprising outer wall portions, a lower end and a top end, said body ( 8 ) or body portion ( 76′ ) being arranged with an inwardly protruding void (v) to form an open space within said body ( 8 ) or body portion ( 76 ′), wherein said void (v) is formed by having a main portion of the total area exposed by said outer walls provided by wall portions having a limited wall thickness (t), and formed in a durable and washable polymeric material, preferably thermo formable.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to stimulating, encouraging and motivating games and methods of playing regarding pets, e.g. dogs and cats. More particularly, the invention relates to motivational games, toys and methods for assessing the pet training skills in the form of board games and a pet board game detail adapted to be used with such board games. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    Attempts have been made to combine toys and functions where the pet has to perform an action to reach the goal, and where the goal is to get out a snack out of the toy by performing some action. By way of example, reference can be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,581. In this category also board games for pets have been developed. However known such board games have shown to present some disadvantages. 
         [0003]    Firstly, known board games for pets are often made of materials which make them rather expensive to produce. Further due to a tough and unkind use, the design and choice of material make details of such board games prone to quickly degenerate both in shape and in function, e.g. materials such as wood or rope or fabric/textile which do not in the long run resist bites, scratches due to sharp teeth or claws of the pet. Moreover details of such board games often get negatively affected by saliva of the pet and are not always easy to clean and/to refresh. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The object of the present invention is to produce and eliminate or at least minimize the abovementioned drawbacks, which according to one aspect of the invention is achieved by means of a pet board game detail according to the claims. 
         [0005]    Thanks to the design according to the invention there is presented a pet game cover, that may be produced cost efficiently (rel. low cost for material and efficient production methods), that may be made in an easy to clean material and shape, that may be designed in a rather complex shape (e.g. a pet related shape, such as a bone), that may be given a standardized shape which allows for larger production series, leading to larger availability and increased ease of replacement, that may allow use and exchange of the said pet board game detail between different board game units and in a special embodiment that may be utilized as a standalone toy, i.e. without a game unit. 
         [0006]    Further advantages and aspects of the invention will be evident from the detailed description below. Further the detailed description includes other new aspects, e.g. new board games, combinations of details and board games and new details that may be made the subject for separate divisional applications. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]    The invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the appended figures, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a first plastic game unit  10 , according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows the first plastic game unit  10 , according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from the front, 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  shows the first plastic game unit  10 , according to the invention in a cross-sectional view from the front, 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  shows the first plastic game unit  10 , according to the invention in a cross-sectional view, 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows a second plastic game unit  20 , according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a second plastic game unit  20 , in a cross-sectional view from the front, 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows a third plastic game unit  30 , according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  shows a third plastic game unit  30 , in a cross-sectional view from the front, 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  shows a fourth plastic game unit  40 , according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows a fourth plastic game unit  40 , in a cross-sectional view from the front, 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  shows a fifth plastic game unit  50 , according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  shows a fifth plastic game unit  50 , in a view from the front, 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  shows a sixth plastic game unit  60 , according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  shows a sixth plastic game unit  60 , in a view from the front, 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  shows a seventh plastic game unit  70 , according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  shows a seventh plastic game unit  70 , in a view from the right, 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  shows a plastic game unit  20  (Dog Casino) according to the invention in a view from above, 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  shows a plastic game unit  20  according to the invention in a view from the front, 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a first plastic game unit  10 , in a view from above. The first game unit  10  consists of a plastic board  1 , having in this example a rectangular bone-formed design with two shorter sides  2 A and  2 B and two longer sides  3 A and  3 B. On the upper side  4  of the board  1  there are cavities i.e. tracks, and in this example there are two identically and parallel straight tracks  5  and  6 . The straight tracks  5  and  6 , on the upper side  4  of the board  1 , are both in parallel with the shorter sides  2 A and  2 B of the board  1  and where the track  5  is closest to the side  2 A and the track  6  is closest to the side  2 B. Positioned in each end of the track  5  there is a cylindrical cavity  5 A and  5 B, and in the middle of the track there is another cavity  7  positioned. The cavity  7  has a bone designed shape. In the cavity  7  is a pet board game detail, in the form of a pet game cover  8  placed with a corresponding and fitting shape. The pet game cover  8  according to the invention, having in this example a rectangular bone-formed shape with a length L and a width w with two short end sidewalls  8 A and  8 B and two long end sidewalls  8 C and  8 D, can be placed and removed from its position in the said cavity  7  by a vertical movement or by a pivoting movement sideways. At the ends of the track  5  there are placed identically plastic game covers  9 A and  9 B, which are hiding the cavities  5 A and  5 B. The game covers  9 A and  9 B can move along the track  5 , i.e. perpendicularly in relation to the general longer sides  3 A and  3 B. A pet snack S placed in the cavity  5 A under the game cover  9 A. When the pet game cover  8  is positioned in the cavity  7 , the ability to move the game covers  9 A and  9 B is blocked. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows the first plastic game unit  10  in a cross-sectional view along II-II in  FIG. 1 . The track  5 , positioned in parallel with and closest to the short side  2 A, has a track profile  11  where the bottom  12  of the track is wider than the top or opening  13 , i.e. it has a pyramidal or conical profile. The foot of or the lower part of the cover  9 A has a, to the track profile, corresponding pyramidal or conical shape, which allows a movement along the track  5 , i.e. the covers  9 A and  9 B can not be removed from the track  5 . In the cavity  5 A and under the game cover  9 A is the pet snack S hidden. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2A  shows the first plastic game unit  10  in a cross-sectional view along IIA-IIA in  FIG. 1 , including the pet game cover  8  according to the invention. The pet game cover  8 , having the width w at the lower end  8 E, the width w 1  at the top end  8 F and the length L, has a height h and a wall thickness t which all together defines a void v, within the cover  8 . The width w at the lower end  8 E is between 20-100 mm preferably between 30-70 mm, the width w 1  at the top end  8 F is between 10-80 mm preferably between 10-50 mm, the length L is between 50-120 mm preferably 40-90 mm, the height h is between 30-100 mm preferably between 40-70 mm, and the thickness t is between 0.5-5 mm preferably between 1-3 mm. Thanks to this design frames there is presented a void/space v that is well adapted to hide objects S for pets and that contrary to conventional covers presents a relatively large space/void v in relation to the outer configuration. (Known covers often make use of very thick walls of the cover and may often merely present a trivial shape (e.g. cylindrical) of the void/space). 
         [0029]    The lower width w, the top width w 1  and the height h is chosen such that it allows for a shape wherein the outer walls of the cover  8 , are tapered/generally cone shaped (i.e. presenting an angel a between the long end sidewall  8 D of the pet game cover  8  and a vertical line perpendicular to the bottom of the cavity  7 ). The dimensions of the cavity  7  corresponds to the dimension of the lower end of the cover  8 , e.g. with a width W that is slightly larger than the width w of the cover, as seen in the cross section shown in  FIG. 2A . The walls of the cavity  7  extend generally vertically. Thanks to the shape of the cover  8  there will be provided at the foot end side of the pet game cover  8 , a gap g between the outer wall thereof and the wall of the cavity that makes it possible to tilt the cover, as shown in  FIG. 2B . Hence the design allows for both vertical and pivoting movement of the pet game cover  8  to remove cover  8  from its position in the cavity  7 , contrary to most board games that merely allows for vertical movement. Further the design allows for easy relief (clearance) during manufacture, that facilitates use of cost efficient manufacturing methods, e.g. thermo plastic form moulding. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2B  shows the first plastic game unit  10  in a cross-sectional view according to  FIG. 2A , including the pet game cover  8  according to the invention. The pet game cover  8 , can be moved and lifted vertical out of the cavity  7 , or it can be pushed or pulled out of the cavity  7  by a pivoting movement through a horizontal force F applied on either of the side walls  8 A- 8 D of the pet game cover  8 . 
         [0031]    The void v, of the pet game cover  8 , makes it possible to hide an object S, e.g. a snack for a dog or another object fitting into the space inside the pet game cover  8 . At the top of the pet game cover  8  there is a hole  8 ′, which allows fitting of a rope or a string (not shown). Accordingly there is preferably arranged a further possibility of removing the cover  8 , by having a rope (or the like) that can be gripped to lift the cover (which may increase the range of use of a game, e.g. to a parrot). The shape of the plastic cover is preferably standardized, which means it can be used in several game units. The pet game cover  8  can also by used in a stand alone purpose where objects can be hidden e.g. directly on a floor. As the pet game cover  8  preferably is produced in a plastic material, the shape of the cover can be, easy and cost efficient, changed and modified into any form. 
         [0032]    The method of, and how the function of the said first plastic game unit  10  is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. The preparation is performed by putting an object e.g. some dog snack, in one of or in both of the cavities  5 A and  5 B. The cavities  5 A and  5 B are covered by the covers  9 A and  9 B when positioned at the ends of the track  5 . The pet game cover  8  is put into the cavity  7  whereby the covers  9 A and  9 B are blocked and the preparation of the track  5  is completed. The preparation of the track  6  is done in the same manner. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out of the first game unit  10 . To succeed the dog first has to find out how to remove the blocking pet game cover  8  which prevents from moving the covers  9 A and  9 B, it can either use its jaw or its paws to pull out the said blocking pet game cover  8 . The second step is to find out and to understand how to move the covers  9 A and  9 B, the dog will probably use the nose to push the covers  9 A and  9 B away from their positions, but of course is it possible for it to use the paws as well as the jaw. When the dog has managed to move the covers  9 A and  9 B along the track  5  the snacks will be visible and can finally be eaten. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a second plastic game unit  20 , in a view from above. The second game unit  20  consists of a plastic board  21 , having in this example a rectangular bone-formed design with two shorter sides  22 A and  22 B and two general longer sides  23 A and  23 B. On the upper side  24  of the board  21  there are cavities i.e. tracks, and in this example there are six identically straight tracks  25 A-F, which of  25 A-D are in parallel with the short sides  22 A and  22 B. The tracks  25 E-F are perpendicularly in relation to the tracks  25 A-D, i.e. they are in parallel with and close to the long side  23 A and along a common horizontal line. 
         [0034]    The track  25 A, positioned in parallel with and closest to the general shorter side  22 A and perpendicularly in relation to the general longer side  23 B, has at its end, which is closest to the general longer side  23 B, a wider section  25 A′. The wider section  25 A′ has the same width from the top to the bottom of the track which makes it possible to put a plastic cover into the track  25 A. At the opposite side of the wider section  25 A′ of the track  25 , is placed a pet game cover  8 . The pet game cover  8  is assembled through, first it is positioned in the wider section  25 A′ of the track  25  and second pushed into its end position in the opposite side of the wider section  25 A′. A second pet game cover  8 , is thereafter placed in the said wider section  25 A′. The main purpose of the second pet game cover  8  is to block and to prevent the first pet game cover  8  from being pushed or pulled back along the track  25  to the wider section  25 A′. The tracks  25 E and  25 F which are in parallel with the general longer side  23 A have their wider section pointing into the centre of the board  24  i.e. the track  25 E is mirrored to  25 F over a vertical centre line. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows the first plastic game unit  10  in a cross-sectional view along IV-IV in  FIG. 3 , including the pet game cover  8  according to the invention and according to  FIG. 2A and 2B . The track  25 A, as well as the pet game covers  8 , have a pyramidal or conical profile i.e. the bottom of the track  25 A is wider than the top. The space between the general longer sides  8 C and  8 D of the pet game cover  8  and the sides of the track  25 A is defined by W-w, which is generally as described above, but a difference in relation to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the walls of the track  25 A is also tapered in a corresponding manner as the pet game cover  8 , whereby the cover is “locked” against vertical and/or pivoting movement, to merely allow movement by sliding within the track  25 A. 
         [0036]    The method of, and how the function of the second plastic game unit  20  is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. Put an object e.g. some dog snack into the wider section of the track  25 A′, hide the snack by putting the pet game cover  8  into the wider section  25 A′ and over the snack. Push the pet game cover  8 , and the snack, from the wider section  25 A′ along the track  25 A into its end position. Block the pet game cover  8  by placing another pet game cover  8  into the wider section  25 A′ of the track  25  whereby the preparation of the track  25 A is completed. The preparation of the tracks  25 B-F is done in the same manner. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out of the second game unit  20 . To succeed the dog first has to find out how to remove one of the blocking pet game covers which prevents the movement within the tracks, and the dog can either use its jaw or its paws and claws to pull out the blocking covers. The second step is to find out and to understand how to move the hiding pet game covers at the end of the tracks, the dog will probably use the nose to push the pet game covers away from their positions, but of course is it possible for the dog to use the paws and claws as well as the jaw. When the dog has managed to move the pet game covers along their respectively tracks, and managed to lift them out, the snacks will be visible and can finally be eaten. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows a third plastic game unit  30 , in a view from above. The third game unit  30  consists of a plastic board  31 , having in this example a round shape and an upper side  32  with a light spherical surface. On the upper side  32  of the board  31  there are cavities, and in this example there are seven cavities  32 A-G in a bone-shaped design, distributed over the board  31 , and positioned in each of the cavities  32 A-G is a pet game cover  8  according to the invention, described in  FIG. 2A and 2B . A cavity  32 A is positioned on top of a vertically oriented centre line, in the middle of the board  31  on the upper side  32 . Under the cavity  32 A, in the middle of the vertical centre line, is positioned the cavity  32 D. At the bottom of the centre line is the cavity  32 E positioned. On the right side of the vertical centre line and over a horizontal centre line, in the middle of the said board  31  is the cavity  32 B positioned. Also on the right side of the vertical centre line and under the horizontal line, and to the cavity  32 B mirrored over the horizontal centre line, is the cavity  32 C positioned. On the left side of the vertical centre line and over the horizontal line, and to the cavity  32 B mirrored over the vertical centre line, is the cavity  32 G positioned. Also on the left side of the vertical centre line and under the horizontal line, and to the cavity  32 G mirrored over the horizontal centre line, is the cavity  32 F positioned. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows the third plastic game unit  30  in a cross-sectional view along VI-VI in  FIG. 5 . The cavity  32 A has a straight profile in means of that it has the same width from the bottom to the top. The pyramidal or conical form of the pet game cover  8  together with the straight profile of the cavity  32 A makes it possible, through a pivoting movement, to tilt the pet game cover  8  out of the cavity  32 A. On the top of the pet game cover  8  is a hole placed which makes it possible for assembling of e.g. a rope, and by use of the rope other pets beside of cats and dogs can lift the cover, and utilize the function of the game unit. 
         [0039]    The method of, and how the function of the third plastic game unit  30  is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. Put an object e.g. some dog snack randomly distributed among the cavities  32 A-G and hide it by putting pet game covers  8  back into its cavities, and the preparation of the third game unit  30  is done. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out. To succeed the dog has to find out how to remove the covers from their cavities, and it will probably use its jaw to bite and lift, or possibly its paws and claws to tilt the pet game covers out of their cavities. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  shows a fourth plastic game unit  40 , in a view from above. The fourth game unit  40  consists of a plastic board  41 , having in this example a round shape and a light spherical upper side  42 . The fourth game unit  40  also consists of a round plastic board  45  with a flat bottom and a light spherical upper side corresponding to the shape of the inner side of the plastic board  41 . On the upper side  42  and on a vertical centre line of the board  41  there is a throughout hole  42 A, and on the inside and centre of the board  41  there is a cylindrical shaft  44 . On the upper side of the board  45  there are cavities, and in this example there are six cavities  45 A-F which are clockwise, equally distanced, distributed over the board  45 . At the centre of the upper side of the board  45  there is a circular cavity  46  into which the cylindrical shaft  44  perfectly fits. The board  41  assembled on the board  45  can be moved around the centre of the shaft  44  mounted in the cavity  46 , and by moving the board  41 , the hole  42 A can be positioned over each of the cavities  45 A-F. In a position where the hole  42 A of the board  41  is placed over the cavity  45 A is a pet game cover  8 , according to the invention and described in  FIG. 2A and 2B , placed through the hole  42 A and into the cavity  45 A, whereby a content of the cavity  45 A is hidden as well as the position is locked i.e. the board  41  can not be moved in relation to the board  45 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  shows the fourth plastic game unit  40  in a cross-sectional view along VIII-VIII in  FIG. 7 . The hole  42 A and the cavity  45 A has a straight profile in means of that it has the same width from the bottom of the cavity  45 A to the top of the hole  42 A. The cylindrical shaft  44  of the inside of the board  41  fits in the said circular cavity  46  of the board  45 . The pet game cover  8 , can be moved and lifted vertical out of the cavity  45 A and the throughout hole  42 A, or it can be pushed or pulled out of the cavity  45 A and the throughout hole  42 A by a pivoting movement through a horizontal force applied on either of the side walls  8 A- 8 D of the pet game cover  8 , as described in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B . 
         [0042]    The method of, and how the function of the fourth plastic game unit  40  is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. Put an object e.g. 
         [0043]    some dog snack in each of the cavities  45 A-F, by rotating and placing the hole  42 A, of the board  41 , over each cavity. At the last cavity, when all cavities are prepared, and when the pet game cover  8  is placed over the snack and into the last cavity the preparation is finished and the game unit  40  is locked. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out. To succeed the dog has to find out how to remove the pet game cover  8  from the cavity. When the first snack is found and eaten the dog will try to reach the next one, and to be able to do that it will probably have to use its nose or possibly its paws and claws to make the hole  42 A of the board  41  to rotate into position over the next cavity containing a snack. 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  shows a fifth plastic game unit  50 , in a view from above. The fifth game unit  50  consists of, in this example four plastic boards  51 - 54  with rounded and bone-formed design, and where the upper side of the top board  51  is made in a light spherical design. Between the bottom board  54  and the top board  51  is the board  52  positioned closest to the top board  51  and the board  53  is positioned closest to the bottom board  54 . The upper board  51  has at the centre a cylindrical shaft  51 A, which goes through holes  52 A- 54 A in the centre of the below positioned boards  52 - 54 . The boards  51 - 54  can, independent of each other, be positioned in any angle around the cylindrical shaft  51 A. On the upper side of, and in all four corners of each of the bone shaped boards  52 - 54  there are cavities or cavities, i.e. in this example there are four identically cavities referred to as  52 B- 54 B. When the boards  51 - 54  are vertically aligned, i.e. positioned identically regarding their bone shapes, the board  51  will hide the cavities of the board  52 , and the board  52  will hide the cavities of the board  53 , and finally the board  53  will hide the cavities of the board  54 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  shows the fifth plastic game unit  50  in a view from the front. The cylindrical shaft  51 A is assembled and goes through the holes  52 A- 54 A. The cavities  52 B- 54 B has a straight profile in means of that it has the same width from the bottom of the cavity to the top. At the end of the cylindrical shaft  51 A, under the board  54 , is a strong locking nut  51 B assembled, which keeps the boards  51 - 54  and the game unit  50  together. 
         [0046]    The method of, and how the function of the fifth plastic game unit  50  is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. Put an object e.g. some dog snack in each of the cavities  52 B- 54 B, by rotating a board at the time which will make the cavities visible. When all wished cavities in the boards are filled with snacks, the boards shall be positioned vertically aligned regarding their bone shape and the preparation is finished. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out. To succeed the dog has to find out how to move the top board  51 , which hides the snacks in the cavities  52 B, and as only two diagonal cavities are visible at a time the dog has to perform the task twice to empty a board. The dog will probably have to use its nose or possibly its paws and claws to make the boards move. 
         [0047]    The fifth game unit  50  can also be used together with the pet game cover  8 , according to the invention described in  FIG. 2A and 2B , and then the boards have to be positioned such as two of the diagonal cavities are visible. The snacks can then be hidden by the pet game covers  8 , and the pet game covers  8  will then also lock and prevent a rotational movement of the boards. 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  shows a sixth plastic game unit  60 , in a view from above. The sixth game unit  60  consists of, one upper plastic board  61  and one board  62  attached to and positioned under the board  61 , and in this example both with rounded and bone-formed design. The upper board  61  has a track system  63  consisting of tracks  63 A-I. The track system  63  has, in the middle of the board  61 , an oval track  63 A which has, on a horizontal centre line of the board  61 , a connection via a connecting track  63 B to a left track  63 C. On the right side of the oval track  63 A there is, also on the horizontal centre line and mirrored over a vertical centre line, a connection via a connecting track  63 D to a right track  63 E. The left track  63 C, which in the middle is curved to the right, is going from the upper left corner  61 A to the lower left corner  61 D. The right track  63 E, curved in the same way as the track  63 C but mirrored over a vertical centre line, is going from the upper right corner  61 B to the lower right corner  61 C. On top of, and to the left of the vertically centre line, the track  63 A is connected a track  63 F, which is light curved to the left. Mirrored to the horizontal centre line, to the left of the vertically centre line and connected to the track  63 A is a track  63 I placed. To the right of the vertically centre line and mirrored to tracks  63 F and  63 I are the tracks  63 G respectively  63 H placed. A to the track system  63  identically track system  65 , with a wider track, is placed in the board  62 . One difference though in comparison with the track system  63  the track system of the board  62  have at the end of each corresponding track  63 A-I a prolonged track which all have a opening in the sides of the board  62 . In the track system  63  are placed, in this example identically and in a bone-formed design, four movable pet games handles  64 . The pet games handles  64  can be moved along the tracks of the track system  63 , i.e. they are fixed to the track system and can not be removed. 
         [0049]      FIG. 12  shows the sixth plastic game unit  60  in a view from the front. The movable pet games handle  64  consisting of a head  64 ′ and a foot  64 ″. The foot  64 ″ fit into the track system  65 , and they are too wide to be able to go through the width of the track of the track system  63 . By example when moving the pet games handle  64  in and along the track  63  to its end at the opening  62 G an object, which fits in the track  65 , can by use of the foot  64 ″ be push out of the opening  62 G. 
         [0050]    The method of, and how the function of the said sixth plastic game unit  60  is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. Put an object e.g. some dog snack in each of the track system  65 , either via the openings  62 A-H or via the tracks of the track system  63 . Position the pet games handles  64  in suitable positions, and the preparation of the sixth game unit  60  is finished. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out. To succeed the dog has to find out how to move the pet games handles  64  along the tracks of the tracks system  63  in order to push the snacks out of the openings  62 A-H. 
         [0051]      FIG. 13  shows a seventh plastic game unit  70 , in a view from above. The seventh game unit  70  consists of one plastic board  71  which in this example has a round design with an outer radius R 2 , and in the centre of the board  71  is a round limiter  73  with an upper radius r 2  and a beneath positioned round limiter  73 ′ with its radius r 1 . Outside of the limiter  73  is a lowered area  72  limited by the radius r 2  and R 1 . The relation between the said radius are r 1 &lt;r 2 &lt;R 1 &lt;R 2 . On the outside of the lowered area  72  is an area  74  having the same height as the limiter  73 . The lowered area  72  has nine cavities or cavities  72 A-I clockwise oriented round the centre  73  and designed like pieces of a cake. Centralized at the position 12 o′clock is the cavity  72 A, and at six o′clock there is another limiter  74 ′ placed. On the right side of the cavity  72 A and the limiter  74 ′ are positioned clockwise from the top to the bottom the cavities  72 B-E, and on the left side from the bottom to the top the cavities  72 F-I. 
         [0052]    Designed like pieces of a cake, and positioned over the area  72 , with a height slightly higher than the limiter  73  and the area  74 , i.e. fitting into the area between the radius R 1  and r 2  are eight covers  75 A-H placed. The covers  75 A-H have a top going between and through the opening limited by the centre  73  and the area  74 . The bottom of the covers  75 A-H, which is longer compared to the top, are reaching, on the centre side, into and close to the radius r 1 , and on the outside out to and close to the radius R 2 . I.e. the bottom of the covers  75 A-H are stretching in and under the centre  73  and the out and under the area  74 , which means they can move over and the along the circular area  72  but they can not be removed. The covers  75 A-H are hiding eight of the nine cavities  72 A-I, which means that only one of the cavity  72 A-I can be exposed at a time. This also means that each of the covers  75 A-H can only be moved and positioned over and cover one of its neighbour cavities, i.e. the cover  75 A can hide the cavity  72 A-B and the cover  75 B can hide cavity  72 B-C etc. 
         [0053]      FIG. 14  shows the seventh plastic game unit  70  in a view from the right. The foot of the covers  75 A-H are separated and locked by eight identically pet board game details, in the form of a plastic pet games lock  76 . The pet games lock  76  has a top  76 ′ with in this example a bone-formed design, and positioned under the top  76 ′ of the pet games lock  76  is a cylindrical shaft or pin  76 ″, that protrudes a substantial distance perpendicularly in relation to the length extension of the top  76 ′. The design thereof is preferably chosen such that it allows for easy relief (clearance) during manufacture, i.e. that facilitates use of cost efficient manufacturing methods, e.g. thermo plastic form moulding. The width and the length of the top  76 ′ is preferably similar or the same as described in relation to  FIG. 2A and 2B . The length of the shaft  76 ″ is between 30-120 mm preferably 40-90 mm. The wall thickness, for the top  76 ′ and the cylindrical pin  76 ″ is between 0.5-5 mm preferably between 1-3 mm. The pins  76 ″ go through corresponding circular holes  77  positioned and in the middle of the area  74  and between the foot of the covers  75 A-H which is positioned under the area  74 . The pet games lock  76  positioned to the right of the cavity  72 A will prevent the cover  75 A from being moved to the left, and the pet games lock  76  positioned to the left of the cavity  72 A will prevent the cover  75 H from being moved to the right. 
         [0054]    The method of, and how the function of the seventh plastic game unit  70  is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. Remove all the pet games locks  76  and move the covers one by one and put an object e.g. some dog snack in each of the cavities  72 B-I. The cavity  72 A can be kept empty as it will not be hidden. When all cavities  72 B-I are filled with snacks, the covers  75 A-H shall be moved and placed over the cavities and finally locked by the pet games locks  76 . The preparation of the seventh game unit  70  is finished. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out. To succeed the dog has to find out how to lift out the pet games locks  76  and after that how the covers  75 A-H can be moved away from the cavities containing snacks. The dog will probably have to use its nose or possibly its paws and claws to solve the problem. 
         [0055]    Some common preferred features for some, or most of, the above described game units, i.e. the first game unit  10 —seventh game unit  70 , are that preferably all are produced to have a design with smooth shapes, where as few sharp corners, ends or edges exists, in order to increase durability and to decrease risk of injuries. Further are all the game units and included articles preferably produced in a plastic material. There are many advantages by this choice, a frequent cleaning of the included parts and the plastic material may better resist the though treatment by the pets compared to traditional material such as fabric, wood and rope, and it is cheaper to manufacture the game units in the plastic material. The pet game covers  8  have a unified design, implying that one and the same pet game cover may be used for different game units, which positively influences scale advantages, i.e. large numbers provide low costs and it also facilitates easy retrieval of spare pet game covers. Further in a preferred embodiment the pet game covers are formed to be stackable, which also provides advantages, e.g. requiring less space during storage and transportation, thereby also providing an environmental advantage. The pet game covers may be produced with a hole on the top, which allows an assembly of a rope or a string, and a pet game cover having a rope can be lifted by e.g. a bird such as a parrot. The pet game cover can be utilized as a stand alone toy for pets. The design of the plastic cover, with a pyramidal or conical shape, makes it cost efficient to produce in regards of the production set up and in the production tool. 
         [0056]      FIG. 15  shows an eighth plastic game unit  80 , according to the invention in a view from above. The said eighth game unit  80  consists of a plastic case  81 , having in this example a substantially rectangular shape with two shorter sides  81 B and  81 D and two longer sides  81 A and  81 C. Assembled in the case  81  are eight identical plastic drawers  82 - 89  and eight identical plastic locking devices  76 , preferably shaped/designed exactly as the locking devices described in relation to  FIG. 13-14 . It is evident that also this kind of multi functional locking device  76 , may be made the subject for its own patent application, alone as such or in combination with one or more board games. The skilled person realises that the invention, and the number of pet game locks and pet game drawers may vary, e.g. to be more or less than eight. The eight plastic drawers  82 - 89  are fitting into corresponding openings in sides  81 A,  81 B,  81 C and  81 D, two openings and drawers at each side. The eight locking devices  76  are fitting into corresponding holes  77  in the case  81  and they go further into the locking units of the drawers  82 - 89 , described below. 
         [0057]    A drawer  89  consist of a bottom part  89 A, a left and a right side  89 B and  89 C, and of a front and a back side  89 D and  89 E. To the outside of the front side  89 D of the drawer  89  is a handle  89 F attached. At the inside and centre of the back side  89 E of the drawer  89  is built in a locking unit  89 G having the same height as the back side  89 E. The drawer  89 , positioned in its closed situation in the long side  81 A of the case  81 , has only its handle  89 F and its front side  89 D visible on the outside of the case  81 . 
         [0058]    The drawer  89 , positioned in its closed situation in the long side  81 A, can be locked by assembling a locking device  76  and through putting its lock cylinder  76 ″ through a hole  77  on the upper side of the case  81 , and through the locking unit  89 G of the drawer  89 . 
         [0059]    All the drawers  82 - 89  can be filled with one or more objects, and especially objects that interest and or attracts a pet. By example could a small snack for dogs be hidden in one of the closed drawers e.g. the drawer  89  and locked by the locking device  76  and the preparation of the drawer  89  is finished. 
         [0060]      FIG. 16  shows the eighth plastic game unit  80  according to the invention in a view from the front. The drawer  84 , positioned in its closed position in the side  81 B, can be unlocked through lifting the locking device  76  and its lock cylinder  76 ″, through the locking unit  84 G of the drawer  84  and through a corresponding hole  77  in the upside of the case  81 . The unlocked drawer  84  can now be pulled out of the case  81 . 
         [0061]    The method of, and how the function of the eighth plastic game unit  80  according to the invention is utilized when prepared for e.g. a training of a dog, will be explained in the following. Remove all the locks  76  by lifting them out of the case  81 . Open all the drawers  82 - 89  by pulling them out of the case  81 . Thereafter the drawers  82 - 89  can be filled with an object e.g. some kind of dog snack. When the dog snack is in place the drawers  82 - 89  shall pushed into their closed position. Finally the drawers  82 - 89  can be locked by assembling the locking devices  76 , by putting them through the holes  77  in the case  81  and through the locking units  82 G- 89 G of the drawers. The preparation of the eighth game unit  80  is finished. The dog will now start to sniff at and try to find out where the snack is located and further how to get it out. To succeed the dog has to find out how to lift out the locking devices  76  out of the case  81 . After that the dog has to find out how to open the drawers  82 - 89  one by one. The dog will probably have to use its jaw or possibly its paws and claws to be able to solve the problem. 
         [0062]    The invention described in  FIG. 15-16  may, regarding at least some of its aspects, may be subject to a separate patent application. The features that may be focused in such a separate application are for instance, the use of the pet game locks that need to be lifted to release a drawer device, whereby the pet after finding the correct position first has to lift and remove the pet game lock thereafter has to pull the correct/corresponding drawer device to make the hidden object available. 
         [0063]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new pet-training board game that allows pet owners to assess their own training skills and to assess the effectiveness of the interaction they have with their family pet in a more challenging manner than most known games. 
         [0064]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new pet-training board game that allows family members, friends or acquaintances to spend enjoyable time together while they assess their ability to interact with their pets, in a new manner. 
         [0065]    The related art games and motivational tools, although useful for limited applications, do not achieve the benefits and advantages derived from the encouraging and motivating game of the invention shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 . The related art games do not provide for a method of assessing the pet training skills of a human and the interaction between a pet owner and his pet. Furthermore, the related art games and motivational tools do not provide for such a method in an entertaining and challenging game environment as this invention. 
         [0066]    The invention is not limited to what is described above but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims, e.g. it is well understood by the skilled person that also other methods of manufacture may be used than thermo form moulding, e.g. cold pressing. Further it is also well understood that many different kind of polymeric materials may be used, depending on varying desires and/or needs, and that therefore the materials are not limited to conventional thermo forming polymeric materials, such as Poly Propylene-, Poly Ethylene- or rubber-compositions. Moreover it is evident that many other shapes, than a bone shape, may be used to fulfil the desire to have a smooth shape of the outer walls. For instance in some applications it may be desire able to have the cover and/or locking device in the shape of a letter or number having rounded edges.