Patent Publication Number: US-2018035644-A1

Title: Pet toy

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Object of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to a pet toy. In particular, the present invention is directed to a pet toy which is resistant to destruction caused by the chewing action of a pet. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Pet toys, such natural bones and rawhide, have long been given to pets for the purposes of amusement and enjoyment as well as for the exercise and health benefits obtained from vigorous chewing. Although pet toys made from natural materials function adequately, they have been in part replaced by more durable materials such as plastic and rubber. 
     Conventional pet toys can be made from various materials including thermoplastics such as nylon and urethane, as well as from natural rubber. These toys are designed to be safe for pets and pets generally show a great amount of interest in the toys when first introduced to them. 
     Some pet toys have openings or areas that enable insertion of treats. 
     SUMMARY 
     A need exists for a pet toy which is durable yet which is relatively soft to bite and chew. Moreover, a need exists for a pet toy that is capable of accepting an animal treat, while at the same time restricting access to the treat. Such restricted access can increase the pet&#39;s occupation with the treat. Such a pet toy includes a first member and a second member. The first member is at least partially formed by a plurality of interconnecting elements and defining an interior space. The interior space has a first predetermined shape. The plurality of interconnecting elements form a plurality of openings. The second member has a first part and a second part. The second part has a second predetermined shape. The second predetermined shape has a similar shape to the first predetermined shape. The second part is configured to be disposed within the interior space and the first part is configured to be disposed outside the interior space of the outer covering. 
     In another embodiment the pet toy includes a first member and a second member. The first is being at least partially formed by a plurality of interconnecting elements and defines an interior space. The interior space has a first predetermined shape. The plurality of interconnecting elements form a plurality of openings. The second member has a second predetermined shape, and is configured to be disposed within the interior space. The second predetermined shape is substantially similar to the first predetermined shape, and at least part of the second member is spaced from the first member when the second member is disposed within the interior space. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a pet toy according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the pet toy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the pet toy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the pet toy of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section view taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of the covering portion of the pet toy of  FIG. 1  with the bone removed; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the pet toy of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the bone of the pet toy of  FIG. 1  removed from the covering portion; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the bone of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a pet toy according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the pet toy of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the pet toy of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  15 - 15  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front elevational view of the covering portion of the pet toy of  FIG. 11  with the bone removed; 
         FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of the bone of the pet toy of  FIG. 11  removed from the covering portion; 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of the bone of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of a pet toy according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of the pet toy of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is cross sectional view taken along lines  21 - 21  of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of the covering portion of the pet toy of  FIG. 19  with the nut removed; 
         FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of the nut of  FIG. 19  removed from the covering portion; 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevational view of the nut of  FIG. 23 ; and 
         FIG. 25  is a side elevational view of the nut of  FIG. 23 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a pet toy  10  is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the pet toy includes a first member  12  and a second member  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , the first member  12  is preferably an injection molded rubber or elastic polymeric substance. The first member  12  has a cover portion  16  (outer covering), least partially formed by a plurality of interconnecting elements  18 . The interconnecting elements  18  can crisscross or form a grid pattern with a plurality of openings  20 , if desired. However, it is noted that the interconnecting elements  18  can form any suitable pattern. 
     The interconnecting elements  18  form a cavity or interior space  22  having a first predetermined shape that can be viewed through openings  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the openings  20  can have a triangular or diamond shape that enable limited access therethough and into the interior space  22 . The openings  20  can be any suitable shape that would enable limited access into the interior space  22 . 
     In one embodiment, the interconnecting elements  18  form an upper or first portion  24  and a lower or second portion  26 . In this embodiment, the upper portion  24  has an arcuate or rounded configuration with a width W 1 . The lower portion  26  has a concave configuration with a width W 2 . The width W 2  of the lower portion  26  is less than the width W 1  of the upper portion  24 . Accordingly, the interior space  22  of the first member  12  at the upper portion  24  has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the interior space  22  at the lower portion  26 . In one embodiment, the first member  12  has the appearance or shape of a portion of a turkey or chicken leg. Moreover, the interior space  22  has a similar predetermined shape. 
     The bottom  28  of the lower portion  26  of the first member  12  partially closes access to the interior space  22  with a rubber portion  30 . That is, the rubber portion  30  can substantially cover the bottom of the interior space  22 , but can have an opening  32  therein that would enable access through the bottom  28  of the first member  12  into the interior space  22 . 
     The second member  14  is preferably a nylon or elastic synthetic polymer. The second member  14  can have a first part  34  and a second part  36 . In one embodiment, the first part  34  can have a first predetermined shape and the second part  36  can have a second predetermined shape. In this embodiment, the first part  34  has an arcuate or rounded configuration with a width W 3 . The second part  36  has a generally cyidrical configuration with a width W 4 . The width W 4  of the second part  36  is less than the width W 3  of the first part  34 . Accordingly, the first part  34  has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the second part  36 . In one embodiment, the first member  12  has the appearance or shape of a bone of a turkey or chicken leg. 
     As shown in  1 - 6 ,  9  and  10 , the second member  14  includes a third part  38 , the third part  38  is generally identical or substantially similar to the second part  36 ; however, the third part  36  can be any suitable configuration. In one embodiment, the first part  34  has a first end  40  and a second end  42 , and the second part  36  is disposed on the first end  40  and the third part  38  is disposed on the second end  42 . 
     The second member  14  can have openings  44  in any portion thereof for the insertion of edible (or any other type of) pet treats. In one embodiment, the openings  44  can be can be disposed on the second  36  or third part  38 . The openings  44  can be generally circular or have any suitable configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the second member  14  can be inserted or disposed in the first member  12 . In one embodiment, the second part  36  of the second member  14  is disposed outside of the interior space  22  and extends partially through the opening  32  in the bottom  28  of the first member  12 , with the first part  34  of the second member  14  being disposed within the interior space  22  of the first member  12 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the portion of the second member  14  is disposed within the interior space  22  has a shape that is generally similar to the interior space  22  of the first member  12 . That is, the second part  36  of the second member  14  has a diameter that is less than the first part  34  of the second member  14 . While the diameter of the second portion  26  of the interior space  22  has a diameter that is less than the first portion  24  of the interior space  22 . 
     Moreover, a portion of the second member  14  is disposed outside of the interior space  22 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 , the second part  36  of the second member  14  and at least a portion of the first part  34  are disposed in the interior space  22  of the first member  12  and the third member  38  and at least a portion of the first part  34  are disposed outside of the interior space  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 and 8 , the opening  32  in the bottom  28  of the first member  12  has a similar shape as the first part  34  of the second member  14 . Further, the opening  32  is generally smaller than the overall structure of the second and third parts  36 ,  38  of the second member  14 . Accordingly, the second member  14  can slide within the opening  32  but is restricted or prevented from being withdrawn or fully inserted into the interior space  22  due to the structure and size of the second and third parts  36 ,  38 . 
     The interconnecting elements  18  form a web or grid configuration in which the openings  20  encompass a larger area than the interconnecting elements  18 . Accordingly, the interior space  22  within the first member  12  is generally visible through the openings  20 . Such a configuration enables a pet limited access to the second member  14  disposed within the interior space  22 . However, due to the overall structure and material of the first member  12 , the pet would have difficulty removing the second member  14  from the interior space  22 . 
     In operation, a pet owner or user can remove the second member  14  from the interior space  22  and add edible treats or other edible foodstuff to the openings  44  in the second member  14 . The second member  14  can then be inserted back through the openings  20  in the first member  12  such that at least the second part  36  of the second member  14  is disposed within the interior space  22 . Alternatively, the pet owner or user may access the second member  14  through the openings  20  in the first member  12  to add edible treats or other edible foodstuff to the openings  44  in the second member  14 . 
     The treat can then be provided to the pet or animal, and the animal can enjoy the pet toy  10 . The animal will attempt to ingest the edible treats or other edible foodstuff, but only has limited access through the openings  20  in the first member  12 . Such a structure will increase the time and enjoyment of the pet or animal. 
     A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 11-18 . In this embodiment, a pet toy  110  is illustrated that includes a first member  112  and a second member  114 . 
     The first member  112  is preferably an injection molded rubber or elastic polymeric substance. The first member  112  has a cover portion  116 , least partially formed by a plurality of interconnecting elements  118 . The interconnecting elements  118  include an outer interconnecting member or wall  120 , an inner interconnecting member or wall  122  and a plurality of cross interconnecting members  124 . The plurality of cross interconnecting members  124  generally extend between the outer interconnecting member  120  and the inner interconnecting member  122  and form a grid pattern with a plurality of openings  126 , if desired. However, it is noted that the interconnecting elements  118  can form any suitable pattern. In this embodiment, the first member  112  has a “steak” shape. 
     The inner and outer interconnecting members  120 ,  122  extend the width of the first member  112 , while the plurality of cross interconnecting members  124  are disposed on the top  128  and bottom  130  of the first member  112  and only extend partially along the inner and outer interconnecting members  120 ,  122 . 
     The interconnecting elements  118  (e.g., the inner interconnecting member  120 ) form a first cavity or interior space  132  having a first predetermined shape and interconnecting elements  118  (e.g., the outer interconnecting member  120 , the inner interconnecting member  122 , and the plurality of cross interconnecting members  124 ) form a second cavity or interior space  134  having a predetermined shape. In this embodiment, the first interior space  132  has a generally t-shape and is formed by an interconnecting member (e.g., the inner interconnecting member  120 ). 
     Since the plurality of cross interconnecting members  124  are disposed on the top  128  and bottom  130  of the first member  112  and only extend partially along the inner and outer interconnecting members  120 ,  122 , this structure forms the second interior space  134 . The outer interconnecting member  122  has a generally triangular (steak) shape, forming a predetermined shape for the second interior space  134 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the openings  126  can have a rectangular shape that enable limited access therethough and into the second interior space  134 . The openings  126  can be any suitable shape that would enable limited access into the interior space  134 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the first interior space  132  has a plurality of protrusions  136  configured to engage the second member  114 . Each of the protrusions  136  preferably extends transversely form the inner interconnecting member  120 , and into the first inner space  132 . In one embodiment, three protrusions  136  extend from the inner interconnecting member  120 . The protrusions each extend in a longitudinal direction so as to be longer than the distance from which they extend from the inner interconnecting member  120 . 
     Moreover, the inner interconnecting member  120  includes an arcuate protrusion  138  at the top portion of the T-shape. The arcuate protrusion extends inwardly from the inner interconnecting member  120 . 
     The second member  114  is preferably a nylon or elastic synthetic polymer. The second member  114  can have a first part  140  and a second part  142 . In one embodiment, the first part  140  can have a first predetermined shape and the second part  142  can have a second predetermined shape. In this embodiment, the first part  140  is generally T-shaped. The second part  142  also is generally T-shaped. In this embodiment, the first part  140  and the second part  142  have the same general shape and can appears as a one-piece member. In one embodiment, the second member  114  has the appearance or shape of a T-bone of a steak. 
     The second member  114  can have grooves  144  in an outer wall  146  thereof. In one embodiment, the second member  114  has three grooves  144  disposed so as to correspond to the protrusions  136  of the first member  112 . Each of the grooves  144  has a predetermined length that is preferably longer than the depth of the groove  144 . Moreover, the cross-sectional configuration and the length of the grooves  144  corresponds to the cross sectional configuration and length of the corresponding protrusions  136 . 
     The second member  114  has an arcuate groove  147  extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the groove  144  on a top  148  portion thereof. Arcuate groove  147  is sized and configured to match the inner interconnecting member  120  includes an at the top portion of the T-shape 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14, 15, 17 and 18 , the second member  114  can be inserted or disposed in the first member  112 . In one embodiment, the second part  142  of the second member  114  is disposed outside of the interior space and extends partially, with the first part  140  of the second member  114  being disposed within the interior space of the first member  112 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the portion of the second member  114  is disposed within the interior space has a shape that is generally similar to the interior space of the first member  112 . That is, the second part  142  of the second member  114  has a generally T-shaped configuration as does the interior space. 
     Moreover, a portion of the second member  114  is disposed outside of the first interior space  132 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the second part  142  of the second member  112  and at least a portion of the first part  140  are disposed in the interior space first interior space  132  of the first member  112 . When the second member  114  is disposed in the first interior space  132 , the protrusions  136  engage the grooves  144 . Accordingly, along with a friction fit between the second member  114  and the inner interconnecting wall  120 , the protrusions  136  engaging the grooves  144  can make the second member  114  difficult to remove from the first member  112  by a pet or animal. 
     The cross interconnecting members  124  form a web or grid configuration in which the openings  126  encompass a larger area than the cross interconnecting members  124 . Accordingly, the second interior space  134  within the first member  112  is generally visible through the openings. Such a configuration enables a pet limited access to the second interior space  134 . 
       FIGS. 19-25  illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the pet toy  210  includes a first member  212  and a second member  214 . 
     The first member  212  is preferably an injection molded rubber or elastic polymeric substance. The first member  212  has a cover portion  216 , least partially formed by a plurality of interconnecting elements  218 . The interconnecting elements  218  can crisscross or form a grid pattern with a plurality of openings  220 , if desired. However, it is noted that the interconnecting elements  218  can form any suitable pattern. 
     The interconnecting elements  218  form a cavity or interior space  221  having a first predetermined shape that can be viewed through openings  220 . As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the openings  220  can have a triangular or diamond shape that enable limited access therethough and into the interior space. The openings  220  can be any suitable shape that would enable limited access into the interior space. 
     In this embodiment, the interconnecting elements  218  form an upper or first portion  222 , a lower or second portion  224 , and a middle or third portion  226 . In this embodiment, the upper and lower portion  222 ,  224  have an arcuate or rounded configuration with a generally the same width W 5  or diameter. The middle portion  226  has a concave configuration with a width W 6 . The width W 6  of the middle portion  226  is less than the width W 5  of the upper portion  222  and the lower portion  224 . Accordingly, the interior space  221  of the first member  212  at the upper portion  222  and the lower portion  224  has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the interior space  221  at the middle portion  226 . In one embodiment, the first member  212  has the appearance or shape of a peanut shell. Moreover, the interior space  221  has a similar predetermined shape. 
     The second member  214  is preferably a nylon or elastic synthetic polymer. The second member  214  can have a predetermined shape that is defined by a first part  228 , a second part  230 , and a third part  232 . In one embodiment, the first part  228  and second part  230  have an arcuate or rounded configuration with a width W 7 . The third part  232  has a generally cylindrical or concave configuration with a width W 8 . The width W 8  of the third part  232  is less than the width W 7  of the first part  228  and second part  230 . Accordingly, the first part  228  and the second part  230  have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the third part  232 . In one embodiment, the second member  214  has the appearance or shape of a peanut. 
     The second member  214  can have openings  234  in any portion thereof for the insertion of edible (or any other type of) pet treats. In one embodiment, the openings  234  can be can be disposed on the first and/or second part  228 ,  230 . The openings  234  can be generally circular, cylindrical or have any suitable configuration. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the openings  234  can pass completely through the first and second parts  228 ,  230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19-21 , the second member  214  can be inserted or disposed in the first member  212 . The second member  214  vernally has a shape that is similar to the interior space  221  of the first member  212 . That is, the first and second parts  228 ,  230  of the second member  214  have a diameter that is greater than the third part  232  of the second member  214 . While the diameter of the middle portion  226  of the interior space  221  has a diameter that is less than the first and second portions  22 ,  224  of the interior space  221 . When disposed with the interior space  221 , at least part of the second member  214  is spaced from the first member  212  when the second member  214  is disposed within the interior space  221 . 
     The interconnecting elements  218  form a web or grid configuration in which the openings  220  encompass a larger area than the interconnecting elements  218 . Accordingly, the interior space  221  within the first member  212  is generally visible through the openings  220 . Such a configuration enables a pet limited access to the second member  214  disposed within the interior space  221 . However, due to the overall structure and material of the first member  212 , the pet would have difficulty removing the second member  214  from the interior space  221 . 
     In operation, a pet owner or user can remove the second member  214  from the interior space  221  and add edible treats or other edible foodstuff to the openings  234  in the second member  214 . The second member  214  can then be inserted back through one of the plurality of openings  220  in the first member  212  such that at least the second part  230  of the second member  214  is disposed within the interior space  221 . Alternatively, the pet owner or user may access the second member  214  through the openings  220  in the first member  212  to add edible treats or other edible foodstuff to the openings  234  in the second member  214 . 
     The pet toy  210  can then be provided to the pet or animal, and the animal can enjoy the pet toy  210 . The animal will attempt to ingest the edible treats or other edible foodstuff, but only has limited access through the openings  220  in the first member  212 . Such a structure will increase the time and enjoyment of the pet or animal. 
     In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “portion,” or “member” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a Pet Toy. 
     The terms of degree such as “substantially”, as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. 
     While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.