Patent Publication Number: US-2016242388-A1

Title: Animal Amusement System

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to an amusement device and more specifically it relates to an animal amusement system for entertaining an animal such as a cat while also providing an area for the animal to lounge. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     For as long as animals have been domesticated, their human companions have been seeking ways to keep such animals entertained. There is a large industry built solely around toys, chews, bones, treats, and the like for entertaining pets. It is also well-known that certain animals (such as cats) can be destructive if left unattended without any entertainment or amusement options. While there are a range of toys and amusement devices in the field, none are particularly suited for both allowing a lounging area and for providing the unique experience of chasing a toy around a track. 
     Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved animal amusement system for entertaining an animal such as a cat while also providing an area for the animal to lounge. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to an amusement device which includes a track which includes an upper portion removably connected to a lower portion to define a channel therebetween. One or more balls are positioned in the channel so that they may be swatted around therein. One or more openings are formed in the upper portion of the track to provide viewing of the underlying channel. Enclosed portions separate the openings, and provide the illusion of a ball disappearing as it passes thereunder. Ball stops may also be provided which impeded or slow the movement of the balls to the further amusement of an animal. An optional insert may be provided and inserted within a central opening of the track defined by its inner edge. An animal may rest or scratch upon the insert between playing with the balls. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with upper and lower portion&#39;s disconnected. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front sectional view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side sectional view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with base and insert. 
         FIG. 8  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with upper and lower portions and insert disconnected. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the present invention with insert. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the present invention with base. 
         FIG. 11  is a frontal view of the present invention with insert. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the present invention with insert. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the present invention with insert. 
         FIG. 14  is a front sectional view of the present invention with insert. 
         FIG. 15  is a side sectional view of the present invention with insert. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Overview 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 15  illustrate an animal amusement system  10 , which comprises a track  20  which includes an upper portion  23  removably connected to a lower portion  24  to define a channel  28  therebetween. One or more balls  48 ,  49  are positioned in the channel  28  so that they may be swatted around therein. One or more openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  are formed in the upper portion  23  of the track  20  to provide viewing of the underlying channel  28 . Enclosed portions  45  separate the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  and provide the illusion of a ball  48 ,  49  disappearing as it passes thereunder. Ball stops  47  may also be provided which impeded or slow the movement of the balls  48 ,  49  to the further amusement of an animal. An optional insert  60  may be provided and inserted within a central opening  27  of the track  20  defined by its inner edge  26 . An animal may rest or scratch upon the insert  60  between playing with the balls  48 ,  49 . 
     B. Track 
     As shown throughout the figures, the present invention includes a track  20  in which one or more balls  48 ,  49  may be played with by an animal. The shape, size, and configuration of the track  20  may vary in different embodiments of the present invention. Although the figures illustrate a round track  20 , it should be appreciated that any number of shapes could be utilized for the track  20 . 
     The track  20  will often include one or more bends and, in some embodiments, may include one or more corners or the like to further alter the free motion of the balls  48 ,  49 . The angles of the bends and/or corners included in the track  20  may also vary. The track  20  need not be comprised of a closed configuration as shown in the figures, but in some embodiments may instead have distinct start and end points. 
     The track  20  may comprise a single, unitary structure having an upper end  21  and a lower end  22 . In a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the track  20  comprises an upper portion  23  which is removably connected to the lower portion  24 . Such a configuration allows for the interior portions of the track  20  to be cleaned when necessary, such as after an accumulation of fur or dust. In such a configuration as shown in the figures, the upper end  21  of the track  20  is on the upper portion  23  and the lower end  22  of the track  20  is on the lower portion  24 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the track  20  comprises an oval-shaped configuration with an outer edge  25 , an inner edge  26 , and a central opening  27  defined by the inner edge  26 . However, the track  20  need not necessarily comprise a closed-loop shape and thus in some embodiments may not include such a central opening  27 , an inner edge  26 , and/or an outer edge  25 . In embodiments including a central opening  27 , an optional insert  60  may be provided in some embodiments as described herein. Although the figures illustrate that the lower portion  24  of the track  20  has a level surface, it should be appreciated that the lower portion  24  of the track  20  could have a wavy or bumpy surface. 
     The upper and lower portions  23 ,  24  of the track  20  define a channel  28  through which the balls  48 ,  49  of the present invention are forced. In embodiments in which the track  20  is a unitary structure, an internal channel  28  will extend through the unitary structure. Although the figures illustrate that the channel  28  extends for the entire length of the track  20 , in some embodiments the channel  28  may extend for only a portion of the length of the track  20  to limit the range of motion of the balls  48 ,  49  to specific areas of the track  20 . 
     C. Connectors 
     In embodiments in which the upper and lower portions  23 ,  24  of the track  20  are removably connected to each other, one or more connectors  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  may be utilized. As best shown in  FIG. 2 , a preferred embodiment includes upper outer connectors  30  on the upper portion  23  which may be removably connected to lower outer connectors  34  on the lower portion  24 . The upper outer connectors  30  are positioned on the outer edge  25  of the upper portion  23  of the track  20 . The lower outer connectors  34  are positioned on the outer edge  25  of the lower portion  24  of the track  20  in positions such that the upper and lower outer connectors  30 ,  34  may be removably connected to each other, such as by fasteners  38  or the like. 
     The structure, number, and positioning of the upper and lower outer connectors  30 ,  34  may vary in different embodiments. In the figures, the upper outer connectors  30  comprise a first upper outer connector  30   a , a second upper outer connector  30   b , a third upper outer connector  30   c , and a fourth upper outer connector  30   d . Similarly, the lower outer connectors  34  comprise a first lower outer connector  34   a , a second lower outer connector  34   b , a third lower outer connector  34   c , and a fourth lower outer connector  34   d . Each of these upper and lower outer connectors  30 ,  34  are positioned at approximately ninety degree intervals in the figures, though other intervals may be utilized. Each of the upper and lower outer connectors  30 ,  34  generally comprises a structure with an opening extending therethrough for receiving a fastener  38 . In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, each of the upper outer connectors  30  includes an upper outer flange  31  and each of the lower outer connectors  34  includes a lower outer flange  35 . This configuration makes it simpler to align the upper outer connectors  30  with the lower outer connectors  34  to be removably connected to each other via fasteners  38 . 
     Thus, as shown in the figures, the first upper outer connector  30   a  includes a first upper outer flange  31   a , the second upper outer connector  30   b  includes a second upper outer flange  31   b , the third upper outer connector  30   c  includes a third upper outer flange  31   c , and the fourth upper outer connector  30   d  includes a fourth upper outer flange  31   d . Similarly, the first lower outer connector  34   a  includes a first lower outer flange  35   a , the second lower outer connector  34   b  includes a second lower outer flange  35   b , the third lower outer connector  34   c  includes a third lower outer flange  35   c , and the fourth lower outer connector  34   d  includes a third lower outer flange  35   d . The upper and lower outer flanges  31 ,  35  are pressed against each other and secured together via the upper and lower outer connectors  30 ,  34  when the upper and lower portions  23 ,  24  of the track  20  are connected together. 
     As shown throughout the figures, the present invention may also include upper and lower inner connectors  32 ,  36  to more securely connect the upper and lower portions  23 ,  24  of the track  20  together. It should be appreciated that the present invention may include only outer connectors  30 ,  34 , only inner connectors  32 ,  36 , or a combination thereof. In embodiments utilizing both outer and inner connectors  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 , the outer connectors  30 ,  34  are positioned at different locations along the track  20  than the inner connectors  32 ,  36  such as shown in  FIG. 2 , which ensures that more secure connections are established along a greater length of the track  20 . 
     Each of the upper and lower inner connectors  32 ,  36  generally comprises a structure with an opening for receiving a fastener  38 . The structure, number, and positioning of the upper and lower inner connectors  32 ,  36  may vary in different embodiments. In the figures, the upper inner connectors  30  comprise a first upper inner connector  32   a , a second upper inner connector  32   b , a third upper inner connector  32   c , and a fourth upper inner connector  32   d . Similarly, the lower inner connectors  36  comprise a first lower inner connector  36   a , a second lower inner connector  36   b , a third lower inner connector  36   c , and a fourth lower inner connector  36   d . Each of these upper and lower inner connectors  32 ,  36  are positioned at approximately ninety degree intervals in the figures, though other intervals may be utilized. 
     D. Openings 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the upper end  21  of the track  20  may include one or more openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  which provide access and a view to the underlying channel  28  of the track  20 . Preferably, each of the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  will comprise an elongated opening formed in the upper end  21  of the track  20 , such as on the upper portion  23  of the track  20 . The configuration, shape, number, positioning, and length of the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  may vary in different embodiments of the present invention. 
     Preferably, the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  will be sized such that the balls  48 ,  49  may not be easily removed through any of the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  so that the balls  48 ,  49  remain within the channel  28  of the track  20  during use by an animal. Thus, the balls  48 ,  49  are each preferably slightly larger than the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43 . Each of the balls  48 ,  49  requires applied force to snap into the track  20  through any of the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  wherein the balls  48 ,  49  engage the opposing edges of the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  as the balls  48 ,  49  are forced through the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  by the user. The balls  48 ,  49  may be removed through the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  by the user pulling the balls  48 ,  49  through the openings where the balls  48 ,  49  also engage the edges of the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  when pulled out by the user for replacement or repair. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the track  20  includes openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  which are elongated but extend for discrete intervals. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper portion  23  of the track  20  includes a first opening  40 , a second opening  41 , a third opening  42 , and a fourth opening  43 . The first opening  40  extends over a first corner of the track  20 , the second opening  41  extends over a second corner of the track  20 , the third opening  42  extends over a third corner of the track  20 , and the fourth opening  43  extends over a fourth corner of the track  20 . 
     It should be appreciated that any type of ball  48 ,  49  may be utilized, such as the exemplary balls as shown in the figures or any other ball capable of being pushed around the track  20 . While the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  allow the animal to view the balls  48 ,  49  as they traverse the track  20 , one or more enclosed portions  45  may also be included to conceal the balls  48 ,  49  from view as they traverse certain portions of the track. This will increase the amusement of the animal, as the balls  48 ,  49  will periodically disappear from view. Each of the enclosed portions  45  either fully or partially cover the openings  40 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43  at certain portions along the length of the track  20 . For example, the enclosed portions  45  may extend fully between the outer and inner edges  25 ,  26  of the track  20  or may extend only partially between the outer and inner edges  25 ,  26  thereof. The enclosed portions  45  will generally comprise a material which at least partially obscures the view of the underlying balls  48 ,  49  from above. Thus, the enclosed portions  45  may be opaque, semi-translucent, or non-translucent. The positioning, shape, size, and configuration of the enclosed portions  45  may vary. In the embodiment best shown in  FIG. 3 , a first enclosed portion  45   a  is positioned between the first and second openings  40 ,  41 , a second enclosed portion  45   b  is positioned between the second and third openings  41 ,  42 , a third enclosed portion  45   c  is positioned between the third and fourth openings  42 ,  43 , and a fourth enclosed portion  45   d  is positioned between the first and fourth openings  40 ,  43 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the lower portion  24  of the track  20  may include one or more ball stops  47  adapted to slow down or impede motion of the balls  48 ,  49  through the channel  28  of the track  20 . The shape, size, number, positioning, and configuration of ball stops  47  may vary in different embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , the ball stops  47  are each positioned underneath a corresponding enclosed portion  45  of the upper portion  23  of the track  20 . 
     Thus, in a preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , a first ball stop  47   a  is positioned underneath the first enclosed portion  45   a , a second ball stop  47   b  is positioned underneath the second enclosed portion  45   b , a third ball stop  47   c  is positioned underneath the third enclosed portion  45   c , and a fourth ball stop  47   d  is positioned underneath the fourth enclosed portion  45   d . Such a configuration causes the balls  48 ,  49  to slow or stop underneath the enclosed portions  45  to the amusement of the animal using the present invention. 
     The ball stops  47  may comprise different types of structures. In some embodiments such as shown in the figures, the ball stops  47  comprise openings in the lower portion  23  of the track  20 . In other embodiments, the ball stops  47  could comprise bumps, textured surfaces, or other similar structures which would act to impede or stop movement of the balls  48 ,  49  as they pass thereover. 
     E. Base 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention including a base  50  is shown in  FIGS. 7-15 . In such an embodiment, a base  50  fills the central opening  27  of the track  20 . The base  50  covers the central opening  27  so that the animal may stand or rest on the base  50  rather than the underlying ground. 
     As shown in the figures, the base  50  includes an upper end  52  and a lower end  54 . The animal will stand or lay upon the upper end  52  of the base  50  when the present invention is in use. The lower end  54  of the base  50  rests against the ground, floor, or other underlying surface of the track  20 . 
     The base  50  may include a retrieval cutout  58  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The retrieval cutout  58  comprises an opening within the body of the base  50 . In the figures, the retrieval cutout  58  is illustrated as being positioned adjacent the inner edge  26  of the track  20 . It should be appreciated that alternate positioning may be utilized. The retrieval cutout  58  eases removal of the insert  60  when needed as discussed herein. 
     F. Insert 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the present invention includes an optional insert  60  which may be placed removably within the central opening  27  of the track  20 . The insert  60  may comprise cardboard, carpeting, scratch pad, or the like. The insert  60  is utilized to provide a structure on which the animal may rest, scratch, lounge, sit, stand, or the like. 
     The insert  60  will generally have the same shape as the central opening  27  of the track  20 . The insert  60  includes an upper end  62  on which the animal will stand and a lower end  64  which will contact either the floor or the base  50  of the track  20 , if an embodiment with a base  50  is being utilized. 
     The outer edge  66  of the insert  60  may include a plurality of connector cutouts  68  so that the insert  60  may be fully inserted into the central opening  27  of the track  20 . Preferably, the upper end  62  of the insert  60  should be approximately flush with the upper end  21  of the track  20 . 
     In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the insert  60  includes a first connector cutout  68   a  for receiving the first inner connectors  32   a ,  36   a , a second connector cutout  68   b  for receiving the second inner connectors  32   b ,  36   b , a third connector cutout  68   c  for receiving the third inner connectors  32   c ,  36   c , and a fourth connector cutout  68   d  for receiving the fourth inner connectors  32   d ,  36   d.    
     E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment 
     In use, the track  20  is first assembled if not already. The upper portion  23  of the track  20  is aligned and lowered onto the lower portion  24  of the track  20 . The balls  48 ,  49  should be placed in the lower portion  24  of the track  20  prior to lowering the upper portion  23  down thereonto. 
     The upper outer connectors  30  of the upper portion  23  will contact the lower outer connectors  34  of the lower portion  24 . The upper inner connectors  32  of the upper portion  24  will similarly contact the lower inner connectors  36  of the lower portion  24 . With all connectors  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  in position, fasteners  38  may be utilized to secure the outer connectors  30 ,  34  to each other and to secure the inner connectors  32 ,  36  to each other. With the upper and lower portions  23 ,  24  of the track  20  so interconnected, the channel  28  will be defined therebetween through which the balls  48 ,  49  may be forced by an animal. 
     In embodiments which include an insert  60 , the insert  60  is lowered into the central opening  27  of the track  20  to rest therein. If the track  20  includes a base  50 , the insert  60  will rest on the base  50 . If the track  20  does not include a base  50 , the insert  60  will simply be retained within the central opening  27  of the track  20  and contact the underlying ground. In either case, the connector cutouts  68  will allow the insert  60  to be flush with the upper portion  23  of the track  20 . 
     With the present invention fully assembled, the track  20  may be put into a location ideal for the animal to find and play with it. An animal will see the balls  48 ,  49  within the track  20  and swat at them. The balls  48 ,  49  will traverse the track  20  and give the illusion of disappearing as they pass under the enclosed portions  45  of the upper portion  23  of the track  20 . Additionally, the ball stops  47  will cause the balls  48 ,  49  to slow down and stop at different places to the additional amusement of the animal using the present invention. When desired, the animal may rest in the central opening  27 , such as on the insert  60  if one is present. 
     When needed, the upper and lower portions  23 ,  24  of the track  20  may be disconnected to clean the channel  28  of fur and the like. Similarly, the balls  48 ,  49  may be cleaned or replaced while the upper and lower portions  23 ,  24  are disconnected. The insert  60  may freely be exchanged, such as when a scratch pad has been worn from repeated use by an animal. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.