Abstract:
A treat dispensing toy having a noise producing unit. In one embodiment, the noise producing unit includes a recording and playback capability. The toy has an exit allowing treats to be dispensed when the toy is manipulated by a user. The toy selectively produces a noise when it is manipulated by the user. A ring closure member is secured to the exit and restricts the size of the exit. One or more barriers are disposed about the interior of the toy such that egress of the treats is retarded by the one or more barriers. A cover for the toy can be used to reconfigure and/or refurbish the appearance of the toy. In one form, the cover is affixed to the toy housing by the ring closure. The toy housing can be any of a number of shapes, including, for example, a ball or a bone.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/776,451, filed on Feb. 2, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to a toy. In particular, the invention relates to a toy for a pet or child that can record and playback sounds, and that can dispense treats or other desirable objects when manipulated.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    There are a number of amusement devices and toys in the prior art for entertaining and stimulating their users, often pets or children. Some toys are designed to stimulate the user, be that user a pet or a child, by emitting sounds. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,839 discloses an impact sensitive talking ball that emits a message when the ball is hit or bounced. Other toys are designed to dispense desired objects, such as pet treats. U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,571 provides an example of such a device. The device disclosed in that patent provides an inner housing that is movable within an outer housing. As the device is motioned by a pet, the device delivers treats placed in the inner housing through openings associated with the outer housing.  
           [0004]    These devices in the prior art, however, provide only limited stimulation. A device might provide an audio-based stimulation that is designed to engage a user&#39;s attention. Another device may attract a user&#39;s attention by delivering treats when the device is used. Such limited stimulation reduces the likelihood that a user, such as a pet, will be sufficiently interested in the toy to use it as intended.  
           [0005]    Further, toys, including pet toys, can wear out or become damaged. Likewise, after a time a toy may lose its appeal to the user. In both cases, the user may no longer desire to play with toy.  
           [0006]    For these reasons, an improved treat dispensing toy is desired. Such an improved treat dispensing toy benefits from providing multiple sensory stimuli. For example such a toy provides a visually attractive toy that is of an appropriate size and shape to engage the target user&#39;s attention. The toy also provides the capability to selectively deliver desired objects, such as treats, when the toy is manipulated by the user. Likewise, the toy provides audio stimulation to keep the target user&#39;s attention once engaged. Such stimulation is preferably user definable. It is also desirable to provide a toy that can be selectively reconfigured to account for wear and tear, or to change the appearance of the toy to the user.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The invention meets the above needs and overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing an improved treat dispensing toy. This is accomplished by providing a toy that attracts the intended user&#39;s attention by providing multiple levels of stimulation. Such stimulation preferably includes audio stimulation and reward stimulation. By allowing recording of messages and sounds that can be selectively played back as the toy is used, the intended user&#39;s attention is engaged. Further, by allowing treats to be dispensed as the toy is manipulated, the user is rewarded for using the toy. Also provided is a cover for the toy. The cover can be used to selectively reconfigure and/or refurbish the appearance of the toy to the user.  
           [0008]    Briefly described, in one aspect the invention relates to a toy suitable for dispensing treats when the toy is manipulated by a user. The toy includes a housing having an interior space and an exterior surface. The interior space defines a treat cavity for storing a treat to be dispensed from the toy. An exit from the housing is provided. The treat is dispensed through the exit when the toy is manipulated by the user. A sound unit is secured to the housing. The sound unit sounds a noise when the toy is manipulated by the user.  
           [0009]    In another aspect, the invention relates to a cover for use in connection with a treat dispensing toy. Such a toy includes a housing and a sound unit secured to the housing. The housing has an interior space for storing a treat, an exterior surface, and a housing exit through which the treat may be dispensed. The cover includes a generally pliable material that is constructed and arranged for covering a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the housing. An access aperture is provided in the generally pliable material. The access aperture is sized and shaped for allowing the housing of the toy to be placed inside the generally pliable material. The access aperture has an aperture closure for selectively closing the access aperture.  
           [0010]    In still another aspect, the invention relates to a toy for dispensing treats. The toy includes a generally hollow housing having an inner surface defining an interior. The housing has an exterior surface. The housing is generally bone-shaped and has a first and a second end opposite the first end. An opening in the housing at the first end is constructed and arranged to facilitate loading a treat into the interior space of the housing. A treat regulator is positioned in the interior space of the housing. An exit in the housing at the second end is constructed and arranged to permit the treat to be dispensed from the housing. A sound unit selectively plays a sound. The sound unit is removably secured to the opening to substantially close the opening to prevent the treat from exiting the toy through the opening.  
           [0011]    Alternatively, the invention may comprise various other devices and methods.  
           [0012]    Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a separated side view of a treat dispensing toy having a sound recording and playback capability that is illustrative of aspects of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a first half sphere, illustrating barrier members suitable for use as part of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a second half sphere, illustrating barrier members suitable for use as part of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1.  
         [0016]    FIGS.  4 A- 4 G are top views of the barrier members of FIGS. 2 and 3.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a sound unit suitable for use with the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a ring closure member suitable for use with the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electronics associated with the sound unit depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1, providing a perspective view of several of the barrier members illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and  4 A-G.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1 having a reduced number of barrier members.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a side view of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1 with the sound unit and ring closure installed.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of a treat dispensing toy, having a sound recording and playback capability, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a separated side view of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 11.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross sectional views, illustrating barrier members suitable for use as part of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 11.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 14A and 14B are representative top views of barrier members suitable for use in connection with the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 11.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 11, providing a perspective view of some of the barrier members illustrated in FIGS. 13A, 13B,  14 A, and  14 B.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view illustrating one alternative arrangement of barrier members suitable for use in connection with the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 11.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 17A and 17B are side views of one embodiment of a cover suitable for use in connection with the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 1. 
     
    
       [0030]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a separated side view of a talking treat dispensing toy, according to aspects of the present invention, that is suitable for use in dispensing desired objects, such as pet treats, when manipulated by a user, such as a pet. As shown in FIG. 1, the toy preferably (although not necessarily) comprises a ball  100  having a generally spherical shape. The ball  100  is preferably made out of a hard substance such as plastic that can be manufactured using readily available fabrication processes.  
         [0032]    As can be appreciated from FIG. 1, ball  100  includes a housing  102  (also referred to as a shell), a sound unit  104 , and a ring closure member  106 . Preferably, the sound unit  104  is removably secured to an opening  108 . Similarly, the ring closure member  106  is removably secured to an exit  110 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the opening  108  and the exit  110  are positioned substantially about a central axis  112  of the housing  102 . As shown in FIG. 1, both sound unit  104  and ring closure  106  are secured to opening  108  and exit  110  respectively by bayonet fasteners or similar means. Additional aspects of sound unit  104  and ring closure  106  are discussed in greater detail below.  
         [0033]    A plurality of raised features or embossments, such as bone shaped symbols  114 , are preferably positioned on the exterior of housing  102 . Other symbols and shapes such as, for example, hearts may be suitable for use in different embodiments. Aside from providing an aesthetic quality, these raised symbols  114  facilitate gripping of ball  100  by a user and may be referred to as grip members. For example, a dog can grip ball  100  in its mouth by way of raised symbols  114 . The raised symbols  114  are preferably formed integrally with housing  102 . Further, an optional cover (see FIGS. 17A and 17B) can be added to cover the exterior of housing  102 . For example, neoprene or another suitable material may be used to cover ball  100  so that the toy is softer than the material used to construct ball  100  originally. In one form, the cover is securely attached to ring closure  106  and, thereby attached to the toy (e.g., ball  100 ) by way of ring closure  106 . Advantageously, the optional cover can refurbish and extend the service life of the toy.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of two half spheres  200  and  300  that may be mated together along a substantially circular edge of each to form housing  102 . The first half sphere  200  includes a plurality of sockets  202  positioned about its circular edge for mating with a plurality of corresponding pins  302  positioned about the circular edge of the second half sphere  300 . When mated together, the exterior of half spheres  200  and  300  form the exterior surface  204  and inner surface  206  of housing  102 , and define an interior space  208 . Other manufacturing and mating schemes are possible.  
         [0035]    The lower portion of the interior space  208 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is generally referred to as a treat cavity. One or more treats  220 , such as a pet treat, may be loaded into the treat cavity of interior space  208 . In particular, the treat  220  is loaded into the treat cavity of interior space  208  by removing sound unit  104  (FIG. 1). It should also be noted that FIGS. 2 and 3 are shown with sound unit  104  and ring closure member  106  removed.  
         [0036]    A first plurality of barrier members or treat regulators  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216  is preferably positioned adjacent the inner surface  206  of half sphere  200 . Similarly, a second plurality of barrier members or treat regulators  304 ,  306 ,  308  is positioned adjacent the inner surface  206  of half sphere  300 . Although a detailed explanation of the functionality of these barrier members is provided below, it should now be appreciated that the various barrier members cooperate to retard the movement of treat  220  as ball  100  is manipulated by a user. By retarding the movement of treat  220 , ball  100  regulates treat dispensing.  
         [0037]    FIGS.  4 A- 4 G illustrate detailed aspects of the barrier members (sometimes referred to as fin members). FIG. 4A is a plane view of barrier member  216 . Barrier member  216  has a generally arcuate edge  402  that is affixed to inner surface  206  of half sphere  200 , and two substantially straight edges  404 ,  406  that are not so affixed. The arcuate edge  402  is positioned along the inner surface  206  such that a tip  408  substantially abuts the opening  108 , as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 4B is a view of barrier member  210 . The view depicted in FIG. 4B is looking at barrier  210  from exit  110 . Barrier member  210  has a first generally arcuate edge  410  that is affixed to inner surface  206  of half sphere  200  along a contour having substantially the same shape as the edge  410  (e.g., semi-circular). A second generally arcuate edge  412  of barrier member  210  is not affixed and forms part of a semi-circular hole, the center of which is preferably substantially centered about the central axis  112  (FIG. 1). A substantially straight edge  414  is affixed to barrier member  214  at a position identified in FIG. 4C by a line  416  (shown in phantom). Thus, the length of edge  414  is substantially the same as the length of the line  416 . Barrier member  210  also has a tabbed edge  418  that is exposed to interior space  208 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4C is a view of barrier member  214 . As illustrated therein, barrier member  214  has a generally arcuate edge  420  adjacent a substantially straight edge  422 . Barrier member  214  also has a notched edge  424 . The arcuate edge  420  of barrier member  214  is affixed to inner surface  206  of half sphere  200  such that a tip  426  abuts exit  110 , and such that the edge  422  substantially bisects barrier member  212  at a position identified in FIG. 4D by a line  430  (shown in phantom). Thus, the length of edge  422  is substantially the same as the length of the line  430 . The notched edge  424  is exposed to interior space  208 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 4D is a view of barrier member  212 . The view depicted in FIG. 4D is looking at barrier  212  as viewed from exit  110 . Barrier member  212  has a first generally arcuate edge  432  that is affixed to inner surface  206  of half sphere  200  along a contour having substantially the same shape as the edge  432 . A second generally arcuate edge  434  of barrier member  212  is not affixed and forms part of a semi-circular hole, the center of which is preferably substantially centered about central axis  112 . First and second tabbed edges  436 ,  438  are exposed to interior space  208 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 4E is a view of barrier member  304 . As shown therein, barrier member  304  has a generally arcuate edge  450 , a substantially straight edge  452 , and a notched edge  454 . The arcuate edge  450  of barrier member  304  is affixed to inner surface  206  of half sphere  300  along a contour having substantially the same shape as the edge  450 . A tip  456  of barrier member  304  abuts exit  110  at a position substantially opposite of the tip  426  of barrier member  214  (FIG. 4C). The straight edge  452  substantially bisects barrier member  306  at a position identified in FIG. 4G by line  458  (shown in phantom). The length of edge  452  is substantially the same as the length of the line  458 . The notched edge  454  of barrier member  304  is exposed to interior space  208 .  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 4F is a perspective view of barrier member  308 . Barrier member  308  has a generally J-shaped curved edge  460  that is affixed to inner surface  206  of half sphere  300  along a contour having substantially the same shape as the edge  460 . A tip  462  of barrier member  308  abuts opening  108  at a position substantially opposite of the tip  408  of barrier member  216  (FIG. 4A). Barrier member  308  also has a straight edge  464  and a curved edge  466  that are exposed to interior space  208 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 4G is a view of barrier member  306 . The view depicted in FIG. 4G is looking at barrier  306  from exit  110 . Barrier member  306  has a generally arcuate edge  470 , a notched arcuate edge  472 , a first tabbed edge  474 , and a second tabbed edge  476 . The arcuate edge  470  is affixed to inner surface  206  of half sphere  300  along a contour having substantially the same shape as edge  470 . The notched arcuate edge  472  and the first and second tabbed edges  474 ,  476  are exposed to interior space  208 .  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of sound unit  104 . As illustrated therein, sound unit  104  includes a main body  502  and an end cap  504  that is removably affixed to main body  502  by fasteners such as screws  506 . The end cap  504  includes a pair of bayonet tabs  508  for securing sound unit  104  to opening  108  by means that are known in the art. End cap  504  also covers a speaker (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). FIG. 5 illustrates that sound unit  104  preferably includes a microphone  510 , an LED  512 , and a record switch  514 . FIG. 6 illustrates an on/off switch  602 , and a battery cover  604 . The operation of these aspects of sound unit  104  will be explained in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 8.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of ring closure member  106 . As can be appreciated from FIG. 7, ring closure member  106  preferably includes a pair of bayonet tabs  702 , a disk member  704 , and a flange  706 . The bayonet tabs  702  are positioned on opposite sides of the disk member  704 . Bayonet tabs  702  secure ring closure  106  to exit  110  by means that are understood in the art. Preferably, when ring closure  106  is properly secured to exit  110 , the flange member  706  is substantially flush with the outer surface  204  of shell  102 .  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 8 is a schematic of a circuit suitable for implementing an electronics package associated with sound unit  104 . The electronics package includes a miniature processing device (e.g., processor  802 ). The type of processing device used is not critical, however it is preferred that the device be capable of storing one second or more of recorded sound data in a non-volatile memory. Processor  802  is preferably powered by one or more batteries  804 , such as miniature 1.5 volt watch or calculator batteries. A power switch  806  (see also on/off switch  602  in FIG. 6) allows processor  802  to become operational. Also connected as an input to processor  802  is a record switch  808 . Preferably, the record switch  808  comprises a momentary contact switch that is normally in the open position. A microphone  810  (see also reference character  510  in FIG. 5) is also connected as an input to processor  802 . A motion-activated playback initiation switch  809  is another input to processor  802 . A speaker  812  is connected as an output to processor  802 , as is an LED  810  (see also reference character  512  in FIG. 5).  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of ball  100  of FIG. 1 that illustrates how barriers  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  304 , and  306  cooperate to retard and otherwise affect the movement of treat  220  when ball  100  is manipulated by a user such as a dog or other pet attempting to cause treat  220  exit ball  100 . For clarity, FIG. 9A is drawn with ring closure  106  removed. One of the reasons for making ring closure  106  removable is to facilitate cleaning of the interior of ball  100 . It is to be understood, however, that ring closure member is preferably secured to exit  110  during normal use.  
         [0048]    As shown in FIG. 9A, barriers  210 ,  212 , and  306  operate to form a staircase or ladder-like arrangement between a first portion of shell  102  and another portion of shell  102 . Arcuate edge  412  of barrier  210 , arcuate edge  434  of barrier  212 , and arcuate edge  472  of barrier  306  form a bore  902  between exit  110  and the first portion of shell  102 . It should be understood, however, that fewer or more barrier members may also be employed. FIG. 9B illustrates an alternative embodiment of ball  100  having a generally vertical barrier member  910  and a generally horizontal barrier member  912  (generally perpendicular to the barrier member  910 ) that cooperate to form a trap. FIG. 9B is illustrated without a ring closure installed. Such an embodiment may be used in connection with relatively smaller toys.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 10 is a side view of ball  100  of FIG. 1 with sound unit  104  and ring closure  106  secured to housing  102 .  
         [0050]    The operation of ball  100  will now be described. Referring first to FIGS. 1, 5,  6 , and  8 , when sound unit  104  is removed from housing  102 , messages may be recorded by and stored in processor  802 . For example, when power switch  806  is in the on position, power is supplied to processor  802 . If a person thereafter depresses record switch  808  and utters a message into microphone  810 , the message is recorded and stored processor  802 . It should be understood that the term message is not to be construed to literally limit that which may be recorded to simple spoken messages. Rather, any recordable sound may be recorded and stored. The user may, for example, want to record a particular message known to stimulate his or her pet (e.g., “hey boy!!”). This feature advantageously allows the toy to entertain the user with a familiar voice or sound when the user and the person who made the recording are separated. When a message is being recorded, LED  814  preferably illuminates to indicate the status of the unit. It is also to be understood that multiple messages may be recorded that may be played back in a random and/or predefined order.  
         [0051]    When power is supplied to processor  802 , playback of the recorded message is initiated by action of the motion-activated playback initiation switch  809  (“playback switch”). Depending upon the intended user of toy  100 , the type of playback switch  809  may be varied without detracting from the present invention. For example, playback switch  809  may be activated to cause processor  802  to play the recorded message by a simple motion such as rolling toy  100 . Playback switch  809  could also be selected to cause message playback activation by a complex motion such as an impact upon the ball exceeding a preset value (e.g., dropping it from a distance). Simpler playback activation is also compatible with the present invention such as having the message played at specific or random time intervals whenever power is supplied to processor  802 . Playback of the message serves several useful purposes, including stimulating a user to engage and manipulate ball  100 .  
         [0052]    Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, when sound unit  104  is removed, one or more treats  220  such as edible pet treats may be inserted into interior space  208  of housing  102  via opening  108 . When sound unit  104  is thereafter secured to housing  102 , opening  108  is closed, preventing treat  220  from exiting ball  100  by way of opening  108 . When ball  100  is being used, ring closure  106  is preferably secured to exit  110  so that treat  220  can only exit ball  100  by passing through ring closure  106 .  
         [0053]    It should now be appreciated that the combination of sound unit  104  and the plurality of barriers  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  cooperate to retard the egress of treat  220  from ball  100  as ball  100  is manipulated by a user, such as a dog. For example, the interaction of barrier  304  and  306  of half shell  300  form a pair of traps  320 ,  321  that limit the possible course of travel of treat  220 . Similarly, barriers  210 ,  212 , and  214  cooperate to form additional traps  230 ,  232 ,  234  that also limit the possible course of travel of treat  220  as ball  100  is manipulated by a user. In the preferred embodiment depicted in the figures, the barrier members prevent treat  220  from navigating directly along inner surface  206  toward exit  110  as ball  100  is rolled. By this action, treat release is regulated, and barrier members  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  304 , and  306  cooperate to form a staircase-like mechanism by which treat  220  cannot easily depart (egress) ball  100  via exit  110 . Likewise, barriers  216  and  308 , along with sound unit  104 , cooperate to tend to force treats to engage the other barriers (e.g.,  212  and  306 ) as ball  100  is manipulated.  
         [0054]    FIGS.  11 - 16  illustrate other embodiments of a treat dispensing toy, preferably having a sound recording and playback capability, in accordance with aspects of the invention. Referring first to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is a side view of a generally bone-shaped treat dispensing toy  1100 . As depicted in FIG. 11, the treat dispensing toy  1100  includes a housing  1102  and is preferably constructed and arranged to use substantially the same removable parts as used in ball  100  (FIG. 1). In other words, toy  1100  preferably uses sound unit  104  and ring closure  106 . In one embodiment, toy  1100  is constructed out of a hard or substantially rigid substance, such as plastic, using standard manufacturing processes. Generally speaking, the particular embodiment of toy  1100  may be described as comprising two bulbous components  1104 ,  1106  (also referred to as generally spherical components) joined by an elongated shaft  1108 . Like ball  100 , toy  1100  may be optionally covered with a protective cover that generally conforms to the shape of toy  1100 . Also like ball  100 , toy  1100  may be optionally covered with raised features or embossments (not illustrated in FIG. 11) about the exterior of housing  1102 .  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 12 is a separated side view of the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 11. As illustrated therein, when used in connection with toy  1100 , sound unit  104  is removably secured to an opening  1208 . Similarly, ring closure  106  is removably secured to an exit  1210 . The exit  1210  is preferably positioned substantially about a first axis  1212  extending substantially perpendicular to the shaft  1108  of toy  1100 . The opening  1208  is preferably positioned substantially about a second axis  1214  substantially parallel to shaft  1108  of toy  1100 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross sectional views of toy  1100 , illustrating a plurality of barrier members  1302 , 1304 , 1306 , and  1308 . In particular, FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate two half shells  1310  and  1312  that are preferably joined together along a generally bone-shaped edge  1314  to form the housing  1102 . It should be noted that FIGS. 13A and 13B are illustrated with sound unit  104  and ring closure  106  removed. In one embodiment, the first half shell  1310  includes a plurality of pins  1316  positioned about its edge for mating with a plurality of sockets  1318  positioned about the edge of the second half shell  1312 . Other manufacturing techniques are possible. When joined together, half shells  1310 , 1312  form an interior space  1320 . The portion of the interior space associated with bulbous component  1106  corresponds to a treat cavity. One or more treats  220  are preferably loaded into the treat cavity by removing sound unit  104 .  
         [0057]    A first plurality of barrier members  1302 , 1304  is preferably positioned adjacent the inner surface of half shell  1310 . Likewise, a second plurality of barrier members  1306 ,  1308  is positioned adjacent the inner surface of half shell  1312 . The first and second plurality of barrier members cooperate to retard the movement of treats  220  as toy  1100  is manipulated by a user. By retarding the movement of treats  220 , toy  1100  regulates treat dispensing.  
         [0058]    In one embodiment, each half shell  1310 ,  1312  also includes a plurality of stiffeners  1330  positioned on the interior surface of each half shell along shaft  1108 . Each stiffener  1330  preferably runs for a majority of the length of shaft  1108 . Stiffeners  1330  may be constructed out of plastic or other suitable material. Advantageously, the plurality of stiffeners  1330  may be constructed to channel and partially retard the movement of treats  220  as such treats move along shaft  1108  when toy  1100  is being manipulated by a user.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 14A and 14B are top views of barrier members suitable for use in connection with toy  1100 . In particular, FIG. 14A illustrates a top view of barrier member  1302  (FIG. 13A). As illustrated, barrier member  1302  has a first generally arcuate edge  1402  that is preferably affixed to the inner surface of half shell  1310 . It should be understood that the barrier members can be constructed integrally with the toy (integrally affixed) or can be constructed separately and thereafter affixed to the half shell. A second generally arcuate edge  1404  is not affixed and forms part of a hole, the center of which is preferably positioned substantially about axis  1212  (FIG. 12). As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 14A, in one embodiment barrier member  1302  bends along lines  1406  and  1408 . Half shell  1312  preferably includes a barrier member (e.g., barrier member  1306 ) that is substantially symmetrical to barrier member  1302  such that when half shells  1310 , 1312  are mated, barrier members  1302  and  1306  form a hole about axis  1212 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 14B illustrates a top view of barrier member  1304 . In the embodiment illustrated, barrier member  1304  comprises a partial disk having a first arcuate edge  1420  that is preferably affixed to the inner surface of half shell  1310 . A second arcuate edge  1422  is not affixed and forms part of an opening about axis  1212 . Half shell  1312  preferably includes a barrier member (e.g., barrier member  1308 ) that is generally similar and symmetrical to barrier member  1304 . The barrier members  1304 ,  1308  can be positioned to form traps that further retard the movement of treats  220  as toy  1100  is manipulated by a user.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of toy  1100  of FIG. 11 (with ring closure  106  removed) that illustrates how, in one embodiment, the various barrier members cooperate to retard the egress of treats  220 . It should now be appreciated, therefore, that toy  1100  is preferably constructed and arranged such that treats  220  cannot navigate directly along the inner surface of toy  110  toward the exit as toy  110  is manipulated. By this action, treat release is regulated, in part, by one or more of the barrier members.  
         [0062]    The operation of toy  1100  is substantially similar to that of ball  100 . In general, sound unit  104  is preferably removed to load treats  220  into the interior of bulbous component  1106  (a treat cavity). With sound unit  104  turned on and securely replaced, as the user manipulates toy  1100 , treats  220  move about the interior until they fall out of exit  1210 . As toy  1100  is manipulated, sound unit  104  preferably plays a noise such as a recorded message, thereby encouraging the user to further manipulate toy  1100 .  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view illustrating alternative arrangements of barrier members suitable for use in connection with the treat dispensing toy of FIG. 11. FIG. 16 is illustrated with sound unit  104  and ring closure  106  removed. In one arrangement, a single semi-circular barrier member  1602  is affixed to the interior of the toy. The barrier member  1602  preferably comprises a partial disk that is similar to, for example, barrier  306  (FIG. 4G) or barrier  1304  (FIG. 14B). FIG. 16 also illustrates that additional barrier members such as barrier  1302  (see FIG. 13A),  1604 , and  1606  may also be used in combination with barrier  1602 . Preferably, each half shell includes corresponding barrier members that cooperate to retard the movement of treats  220 .  
         [0064]    [0064]FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate two side views of one embodiment of a cover  1702  suitable for use in covering the treat dispensing toy  100  of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover  1702  is preferably constructed using a generally flexible sheathing  1704  including an exit hole. The flexible sheathing  1704  is preferably sized and shaped for covering substantially all of the toy housing. The cover is secured attached to a ring closure  106 A. Preferably, the ring closure  106 A is substantially the same as ring closure  106 , except that it is secured to cover  1702 . As such, the hole of the cover aligns with the hole in ring closure  106 A.  
         [0065]    The sheathing  1704  may be any suitable material such as a plush material, neoprene, burlap, rubber, other materials or combinations thereof. The cover  1702  also includes an access aperture  1706  that is sized and shaped to allow the housing to be placed inside the cover. Thus, the access aperture  1706  is preferably made using a material or materials that provide for opening and exposing the interior of cover  1702 , as well as for closing the access aperture and the cover. For example, access aperture  1706  may comprise a lengthwise slit and be constructed with a hook and loop fastener closure (e.g., VELCRO), a zipper, buttons, shoe strings, snaps, and so on. In the illustrated embodiment, access aperture  1706  is preferably positioned opposite ring closure  106 A. With such a positioning, access aperture corresponds to the position of sound unit  104 .  
         [0066]    Although cover  1702  is illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B as a generally spherical cover, other sizes and shapes are contemplated. For example, cover  1702  may be constructed and arranged in a particularly attractive form such as an animal shape (e.g., a bear), a geometric shape (e.g., a heart or star), or another shape. By way of further example, in one embodiment, sheathing  1704  has an interior surface that is sized and shaped to accept the toy housing (e.g., housing  102 ) and an exterior surface that is sized and shaped to depict the attractive form.  
         [0067]    The operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B is now described. In use, ring closure  106  of toy  100  is removed and housing  102  is placed inside of cover  1702  (inside sheathing  1704 ) via access aperture  1706 . The housing  102  of toy  100  is oriented such that exit  110  substantially aligns with ring closure  106 A. Ring closure  106 A is inserted and locked into exit  110  to secure cover  1702  to toy  100 . Thereafter, access aperture  1706  is closed. Advantageously, therefore, toy  100  has been reconfigured yet treat dispensing remains possible if that capability is desired.  
         [0068]    It should be appreciated that other covers may be used in accordance with aspects of the invention. For example, another embodiment does not replace ring closure  106  with ring closure  106 A. Rather, a cover is constructed and arranged such that it is held in place by the original ring closure  106  (e.g., ring closure  106  cinches the cover into place and maintains the cover&#39;s general orientation relative to the housing). In this form, the cover preferably includes an exit hole to be aligned with exit  110  and ring closure  106 . In another form, the cover can be constructed to fit tightly over the toy such that it is held in place by friction. For example, a neoprene or rubber cover could be used that fits tightly to the toy. In such an embodiment, the cover preferably includes an exit hole to be aligned with exit  110  and ring closure  106 . It should be further appreciated that covers can be constructed to fit toys of various shapes and dimensions, such as bone-shaped toys. Moreover, covers need not necessarily conform to the shape of the underlying toy. Also, the toy can be placed inside the cover at the time the toy is manufactured, and the cover need not allow for easy removal of the toy from inside of the cover.  
         [0069]    Although the preferred embodiments have been described primarily with respect to a toy for use in dispensing a pet treat when used by a pet, the toy of the present invention may also be used as a children&#39;s toy for dispensing treats or other desired objects.  
         [0070]    When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.  
         [0071]    In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.  
         [0072]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.