Patent Publication Number: US-2023145216-A1

Title: System and Method for an Animal Puzzle Bowl for Mental Stimulation of Senior Animals

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing mental stimulation to animals. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for stimulating older dogs via puzzle bowls using a plurality of lid positions. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     It is known in the field of dog psychology that mental stimulation is important to long-term health of a dog. Many dog puzzle bowls exist that require pushing, prodding, and various levels of problem solving for an animal to access a treat or toy. It is known in the art to use simple sliding block puzzles or lids over a food dish in order to encourage a dog or other animal to work through the puzzle to access their food. Many of these puzzles involve numerous small pieces that need to be placed back on after each use. Small pieces like screws or other connectors can present a choking hazard, and some puzzle bowls are formed with interlocking plastic pieces or from a minimal number of parts to avoid these choking hazards. However, this often leads to those puzzle bowls having a greater limit to the directions and means of articulating lids or other sections of a puzzle bowl. 
     So as to reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification, and to fully establish the state of the art in certain areas of technology, Applicant(s) herein expressly incorporate(s) by reference all of the following materials identified in each numbered paragraph below. 
     Hansen Patent Application No. 2014/0202396 A1 uses a rotating triad of lidded bowls and a rotating triad that blocks the lids from being lifted. The bowls have scent holes to allow an animal to detect the scent of a treat in the bowls to encourage them to interact with the toy. 
     Parness U.S. Pat. No. 9,295,231 B2 is a wobbling food dispenser puzzle toy. When an animal knocks one part of the food dispenser down it dispenses a small amount of food before returning to an equilibrium position. This requires the animal to knock the food dispenser into a dispensing position multiple times to dispense food items. 
     Christianson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 9,462,787 B2 is a spherical pet puzzle toy and treat dispenser. A motor assembly in the toy allows it to return to an upright orientation after being pushed around and causing it to dispense treats in response to being pushed into a non-equilibrium position by the pet. 
     White U.S. Pat. No. 10,791,710 is a scent training assembly for training detection or sniffer dogs. The assembly involves a scent assembly in the middle of the dish with a plurality of scent holes over scent pods in a compartment in the dish. 
     Ottoson, Nina “Twister Puzzle Game Dog Toy”. This puzzle game dog toy uses a set of plastic lids to cover food compartments. The lids can slide from one position to another around a circle and may be locked into place by inserting a peg along the edge of the puzzle toy. A dog would need to pull on the peg to unlock a lid. 
     Ottoson, Nina “Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy.” This puzzle game dog toy relies on placing a set of molded plastic lids and containers over various compartments that may contain a treat for attracting a dog to interact with the puzzle. The compartments have lids that can be opened with a single hinge on one side for each compartment. 
     “Trixie Activity Poker Box Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy, Level 2.” This puzzle toy has a base with pegs that secure various dog puzzle modules. The modules vary from a simple lid that articulates along one hinge, to levers, to rope pulling slide puzzles. The pegs can be removed to allow the modules to be inserted in various positions. 
     Applicant(s) believe(s) that the material incorporated above is “non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referred to for purposes of indicating the background of the invention or illustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believes that any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essential material” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)-(3), Applicant(s) will amend the specification to expressly recite the essential material that is incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides among other things a system and method for stimulating senior animals by allowing for the various lids of a puzzle bowl to be placed in a plurality of potential positions. By varying lid type, orientation, and grip points an animal is forced to exercise problem-solving skills and is thereby mentally stimulated when interacting with the puzzle bowl system described below. 
     Implementations of an animal puzzle bowl may comprise a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a bowl formed in the top surface, the bowl comprising a bowl edge, the bowl edge having a plurality of sockets and coupled to a bowl side, the bowl side extending to a bowl base distal to the bowl edge. A lid may also be used, the lid having a first end and a second end, the first end having a coupling joint, the coupling joint configured to couple in a plurality of orientations with the plurality of sockets and further configured such that the lid rotates along a lateral axis of the lid between an open position and a closed position. 
     Particular aspects may include one or more of the following features. The lid may further comprise a lip coupled to the lid distal to the coupling joint, the lip curving to terminate at an angle acute to a longitudinal axis of the lid, such that when the coupling joint is coupled with the socket and in the closed position, the lip extends upward from the top surface of the base. The lid may further comprise a grip extending from a substantially medial portion of the lid. The lid may further comprise a plurality of holes. The bowl edge may further comprise a chamfer. The animal puzzle bowl may also comprise a second lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface having a grip extending at a portion substantially medial to the top surface, and the bottom surface having a rim configured to seat within the bowl edge. The base may be formed of at least one of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polycarbonate. The bottom surface may further comprise a raised grip section. 
     Implementations of a method for engaging with an animal may comprise placing a treat into an animal puzzle bowl. The animal puzzle bowl may comprise a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a bowl formed in the top surface, the bowl comprising a bowl edge, the bowl edge having a plurality of sockets and coupled to a bowl side, the bowl side extending to a bowl base distal to the bowl edge. The animal puzzle bowl may further comprise a lid having a first end and a second end, the first end having a coupling joint, the coupling joint configured to couple in a plurality of orientations with the plurality of sockets and further configured such that the lid rotates along a lateral axis of the lid between an open position and a closed position. The method may further include closing the lid over the treat and presenting the animal puzzle bowl to an animal for interaction. 
     Particular aspects of the method may include one or more of the following features. The lid may further comprise a lip coupled to the lid distal to the coupling joint, the lip curving to terminate at an angle acute to a longitudinal axis of the lid, such that when the coupling joint is coupled with the socket and in the closed position, the lip extends upward from the top surface of the base. The lid may further comprise a grip extending from a substantially medial portion of the lid. The lid may further comprise a plurality of holes. The bowl edge may further comprise a chamfer. The animal puzzle bowl may further comprises a second lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface having a grip extending at a portion substantially medial to the top surface, and the bottom surface having a rim configured to seat within the bowl edge. The base may be formed from one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polycarbonate. 
     Implementations of an animal puzzle bowl may comprise a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, two or more bowls formed in the top surface, the two or more bowls each comprising a bowl edge, the bowl edge having a plurality of sockets and coupled to a bowl side, the bowl side extending to a bowl base distal to the bowl edge. The animal puzzle bowl further comprises a lid having a first end and a second end, the first end having a coupling joint, the coupling joint configured to couple in a plurality of orientations with the plurality of sockets and further configured such that the lid rotates along a lateral axis of the lid between an open position and a closed position. 
     Particular aspects of the animal puzzle bowl may include one or more of the following features. The lid may further comprise a lip coupled to the lid distal to the coupling joint, the lip curving to terminate at an angle acute to a longitudinal axis of the lid, such that when the coupling joint is coupled with the socket and in the closed position, the lip extends upward from the top surface of the base. The animal puzzle bowl may further comprise a second lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface having a grip extending at a portion substantially medial to the top surface, and the bottom surface having a rim configured to seat within the bowl edge. The lid may further comprise a plurality of holes. The lid may further comprise a grip extending from a substantially medial portion of the lid. 
     Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that he can be his own lexicographer if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as his own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless he clearly states otherwise and then further, expressly sets forth the “special” definition of that term and explains how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor&#39;s intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures. 
         FIG.  1    depicts a perspective view of an animal puzzle bowl with an embodiment of the lids, one in an open position and one in a closed position. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a top view of an animal puzzle bowl with one lid in an open position and the other in a closed position. 
         FIG.  3    depicts a top view of an animal puzzle bowl with both lids removed. 
         FIG.  4    depicts a front view of an animal puzzle bowl with one lid in an open position and the other in a closed position. 
         FIG.  5    depicts a bottom view of an animal puzzle bowl. 
         FIG.  6    depicts an exploded view of an animal puzzle bowl. 
         FIG.  7    depicts a cross-sectional view of an animal puzzle bowl lid and joint. 
         FIG.  8    depicts a side view of an animal puzzle bowl with lids in the closed position. 
         FIG.  9    depicts a side view of an animal puzzle bowl with lids in the closed position and an animal interacting with the animal puzzle bowl. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an animal puzzle bowl showing lids with grip points at a medial position on the lids. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of an animal puzzle bowl showing how different lid embodiments connect with the base. 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of an animal puzzle bowl showing one embodiment of a lid with a medial grip point and a hinge. 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view of an animal puzzle bowl showing one embodiment of a lid with a medial grip point and no hinge. 
     
    
    
     Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below. 
     In one application, the present invention comprises a base having bowls and a plurality of sockets for connecting a lid in various positions. Referring now to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl  100  is shown. In these and other embodiments a base is formed from suitable materials with a top surface  101  and a bottom surface. In many embodiments the top surface ends at a side edge  103  of a bowl, with a plurality of sockets  102  along the side edge  103 . In some embodiments the side edge may be a chamfer or bevel leading to the bottom of the bowl. A lid  104  may be coupled with these sockets such that it can rotate between an open and closed position. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl  100  is shown. In many embodiments a coupling joint  201  is disposed at one end of the lid, allowing the lid to rotate along a lateral axis between the open and closed position. In these and other embodiments a lip  202  of the lid may extend beyond the bowl edge. In many embodiments when the lid is in a closed position it covers a bowl base  203  in which a treat may be placed. A treat may include any object which would entice an animal to investigate the bowl. Exemplary treats may include items such as food, odorants, or toys. Referring now to  FIG.  3   , the lid may be removed to allow for free access to the bowl or for repositioning of the lid to a different pair of the sockets  102 , or to allow for another lid type to be used. 
     In many embodiments a lid with a lip may be used to provide a grip point. Referring now to  FIG.  4    a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl is shown. In many embodiments the lip  202  of the lid is disposed at the end opposite the coupling joint and forms an acute angle with a longitudinal axis  402  of the lid such that when force is applied along the longitudinal axis by an animal or user an upward force is exerted moving the lid between a closed and open position. In some embodiments rubber or other anti-slip materials may be used along a base edge  401  to resist movement of the animal puzzle bowl in response to force exerted on the lip  202  of the lid. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl is shown. In many embodiments a structural rib  501  may be used to support the bowl&#39;s position within the base. For reference an embodiment of a socket  502  and bowl base  503  are shown in relation to the structural rib. These are shown for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the means or points for connecting the structural ribs. In many embodiments a socket  502  is formed out of the material of the bowl base  503 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl  100  is shown. In many embodiments the coupling joint  601  is disposed at each of the opposite ends of a joint rod  602  such that it aligns the coupling joint  601  with a pair of sockets  603 . In these and other embodiments the coupling joint  601  may be configured to join with the pair of sockets via a snap-fit or other method appropriate for repeated uncoupling and recoupling of the lid. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl is shown. As discussed above, in many embodiments when a coupling joint is coupled with the plurality of sockets, the lid may be rotated along a lateral axis  701  that runs through the joint rod. In many embodiments the lid may further comprise a plurality of holes  702  to allow an animal to detect the contents of the bowl. Referring now to  FIG.  8   , a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl  100  is shown. In many embodiments a grip arch  801  may be present to allow a user to slide their fingers under the grip arch  801  for ease of lifting and moving the puzzle bowl  100 . Referring now to  FIG.  9   , an exemplary embodiment of the puzzle bowl  100  being interacted with by an animal  901 . In many embodiments the plurality of holes may allow an odor or visual stimulus to alert an animal  901  to the contents of the bowl. In many embodiments when the animal  901  applies a force to the lip  202  of the lid it may move the lid from a closed to an open position, allowing the animal  901  to access the contents of the bowl. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl  1000  is shown with alternative lids. In these and other embodiments a lid grip  1001  may be disposed at a medial point on the lid. In some embodiments a grip may comprise a pair of lid grips  1002 . In many embodiments more than one type of lid may be used with the puzzle bowl such as a covering lid  1003  and a hinge lid  1004 . Referring now to  FIG.  11   , an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl  1000  is shown. In many embodiments the covering lid  1003  that can be seated over the bowl, held in place by a bowl lip  1101 . In these and other embodiments a hinge lid  1004  that couples with the plurality of sockets via a coupling joint  1102  and rotates along a joint rod  1103  may also be used in a second bowl. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12    a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl using a pair of lid grips  1002  with a hinge lid  1004  is shown. The hinge lid  1004  is shown with coupled with a pair of sockets in one of the bowls, however in many embodiments the lid may be removed and alternatively placed in an open pair of sockets  102  in another bowl. In these and other embodiments, the lid may instead be removed and placed in a different pair of sockets within the same bowl as described above. As with the first lid described, the hinge lid is configured to rotate along a lateral axis  1201  of the joint rod  1103  of the hinge lid  1004 . Referring now to  FIG.  13    a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an animal puzzle bowl  1000  using a lid grip  1001  with a covering lid  1003  is shown. In many embodiments the lip  1101  of the covering lid  1003  extends below the edge of the bowl, preventing the covering lid  1003  from sliding out of position laterally. 
     Any of the lid types described above may be used with any combination of lip or lid grip described above. The lid grip  1001  and pair of lid grips  1002  are shown associated with the covering lid  1003  and the hinge lid  1004  respectively in  FIG.  10    for illustrative purposes, however this should not be construed as limiting a particular grip to a particular lid type.