Patent Abstract:
A pet toy ( 20 ) made up of a wand ( 26 ) and a play object ( 22 ) flexibly coupled to an end of the wand ( 26 ) is taught. The wand ( 26 ) has a wand shaft ( 50 ) and a wand head ( 52 ) rigidly affixed to the end of the wand shaft ( 50 ). The wand shaft ( 50 ) has a predetermined shaft diameter ( 54 ). The wand head ( 52 ) has a base width ( 58 ) greater than the shaft diameter ( 54 ). A flexible coupling ( 24 ) flexibly couples the play object ( 22 ) to the wand ( 26 ). The flexible coupling ( 24 ) has a coupling pocket ( 74 ) encompassing the wand head ( 52 ). The coupling pocket ( 74 ) is configured so that the wand head ( 52 ) has limited free movement therein. Motion of the wand ( 26 ) by a human therefore imparts a complex motion to the play object ( 22 ). This complex motion emulates the motion of prey and stimulates the instinct of the pet.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to the field of pet toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of pet toys affixed to a wand. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Among interactive pet toys, especially those pet toys intended to allow humans to interactively play with their pets, there exists a specific type of pet toy known as a “teaser.” In its simplest form, a teaser consists of a wand upon an end of which is affixed a play object. A teaser is intended as an interactive toy for cats and other animals that instinctively hunt and pounce upon small prey, such as mice and birds. 
   When using a teaser, the human would shake the wand. This would cause the play object to bounce and bob enticingly before the pet. This triggers the pet&#39;s instincts, and the pet pounces upon and/or otherwise attacks the play object. 
   Ideally, the motion of the play object should emulate the motion of the animal&#39;s natural prey. Since the natural prey of cats and other similar-sized predators are mice, birds, lizards, and the like, it is desirable that the motion of the teaser emulates the movements of such small prey animals. Such emulation would maximally trigger instinctive responses and produce optimal interactive play for both the human and the pet. 
   The natural movement of small prey consists of relatively rapid short smooth motions and very rapid jerky motions. These motions are produced as the prey changes location and moves in place, respectively. In order to emulate these motions, the human would have to move the teaser wand so that the play object moves relatively rapidly over a broad area while very quickly jerking about. 
   The play object is typically firmly affixed to the end of the wand. In this case, the emulation of both the broader and the quicker motions is dependent solely upon the movement imparted to the wand by the human. To provide maximum stimulation, excessive and complex wrist action is required. This wrist action is both tiring and potentially injurious. 
   In some cases, the play object is loosely attached to the end of the wand. In this case, it is intended that the wand imparts the desired broader movements, while the movement of the play object on the end of the wand imparts the quicker movements. Unfortunately, a loosely attached play object tends to flop. This flopping is a poor emulation of the quicker movements at best, and tends to emulate injured or diseased prey at worst. A flopping prey may therefore arouse suspicion in the pet that the prey is sick. Many hunting animals instinctively avoid sick prey. A loosely attached, floppy teaser, therefore, produces a less than optimal effect. 
   The desired dual-action motion may be achieved through the use of a spring teaser, i.e., a teaser where the play object is attached to a spring or wire. With a spring teaser, the human may impart the broader motions, while the spring allows the play object to bob about and therefore imparts the quicker motions. The problem with spring teaser is one of control. Since the prey object bobs about on the end of the spring, it is virtually impossible for the human to determine where the play object will be at any given instant. This lack of control may result in the play object striking the pet unexpectedly. Such a strike may easily be interpreted by the pet as an attack. This in turn may cause the pet to become wary, and lessen the enjoyment for both the pet and the human. 
   What is desirable, therefore, is a teaser where the human imparts the broader movements through the wand while the play object is simultaneously free to make controlled quick movements about the end of the wand. Such a teaser would provide a maximal emulation of the movements of small prey without requiring undue care or effort on the part of the human, and without posing a risk of injury or displeasure to the pet. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a pet toy having controlled movement is provided. 
   It is another advantage of the present invention that a pet toy is provided that incorporates a play object coupled to the end of a wand. 
   It is another advantage of the present invention that a pet toy is provided that a play object is coupled to a wand in a manner allowing only controlled movement. 
   The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a pet toy formed of a play object having an object axis, a wand having a wand axis at an intersection of a first plane and a second plane, and a flexible coupling affixed to the play object, affixed to the wand, and configured so that the object axis may freely pivot no more than ±45° relative to the wand axis in the first plane. 
   The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a method of producing a pet toy that includes coupling a play object to a wand, limiting movement of the play object to no more than ±45° relative to the wand in a first plane, and limiting movement of the play object to no more than ±30° relative to the wand in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and: 
       FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a pet toy having a play object, a flexible coupling, and a wand in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of a pet toy demonstrating a one-piece flexible coupling in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of a pet toy demonstrating a two-piece flexible coupling in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of a pet toy demonstrating attachment and detachment of the two-piece flexible coupling of  FIG. 3  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  shows a plan view of a wand for a pet toy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of a wand for a pet toy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross sectional plan view of a pet toy taken at line  7 — 7  of  FIG. 2  and demonstrating a wand head encompassed with a coupling pocket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  shows a cross sectional side view of a pet toy taken at line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 1  and demonstrating a wand head encompassed with a coupling pocket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  shows a schematic view demonstrating controlled movement in a first plane of a coupling pocket relative to a wand head in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 10  shows a schematic view demonstrating controlled movement in a second plane of a coupling pocket relative to a wand head in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  show a plan view ( FIG. 1 ) and side views ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 ) of a pet toy  20  having a play object  22 , a one-piece ( FIG. 2 ) or two-piece ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) flexible coupling  24 , and a wand  26  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 . 
   Pet toy  20  is a “teaser,” i.e., pet toy  20  consists of wand  26  to which play object  22  is attached. In the present invention, play object  22  is attached to wand  26  by flexible coupling  24 . Flexible coupling  24  is configured to impart a controlled movement to play object  22  relative to wand  26  as discussed hereinafter. 
   In the Figures, play object  22  is depicted as undefined. This is because play object  22  may be any of a large class of objects. Exemplary play objects  22  include, but are not limited to, a ball, a stuffed object, a catnip container, a feather, or a cluster of feathers, synthetic tinsel, yarn, or string. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the form of play object  22  is not a part of the present invention. The use of any specific object or objects for play object  22  does not depart from the spirit of the present invention. 
   In the preferred embodiment, pet toy  20  is produced by coupling play object  22  to wand  26  via flexible coupling  24 . Flexible coupling  24  has a flexible coupling body  28 . Coupling body  28  is desirably affixed to play object  22  by an object collar  30  and affixed to wand  26  by a wand collar  32 . 
   Flexible coupling  24  needs to be flexible. In the preferred embodiment, therefore, coupling body  28  is desirably formed of a fabric (not shown) to allow flexible coupling  24  to flex freely during use. The use of fabric also has the desirable effect of maintaining a low assembly cost. It will be understood, however, that this is not a requirement of the present invention. Other materials may be used to form the coupling body without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Object and wand collars  30  and  32  serve only to attach flexible coupling  24  to play object  22  and wand  26 , respectively. It is therefore not necessary that object and wand collars  30  and  32  be themselves flexible. For example, in the preferred embodiment, wand collar  32  is desirably affixed to wand  26  by an adhesive (not shown). This adhesive may saturate wand collar  32  and render wand collar  32  inflexible. Similarly, object and wand collars  30  and  32 , while components of flexible coupling  24 , need not be integral to coupling body  28 . For example, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), wand collar  32  may be a ring clip or other clamping device configured to securely affix coupling body  28  to wand  26 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the forms taken by object collar  30  and wand collar  32  are not a part of the present invention. The use of any particular forms for object collars  30  and  32  does not depart from the spirit of the present invention. 
   Flexible coupling  24  may be a one-piece flexible coupling  24 ′ ( FIG. 2 ), or a two-piece flexible coupling  24 ″ ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). When flexible coupling  24  is one-piece flexible coupling  24 ′, then coupling body  28  consists of an object-wand connector  34  between object collar  30  and wand collar  32 . Object-wand connector  34  effectively forms a substantially permanent flexible connection between play object  22  and wand  26 . 
   Alternatively, when flexible coupling  24  is two-piece flexible coupling  24 ″, then coupling body consists of an object connector  36  substantially permanently affixed to play object  22  and a wand connector  38  substantially permanently affixed to wand  26 . Object connector  36  is configured to detachably couple to wand connector  38 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , this is accomplished by incorporating into object connector a first portion  40  of a hook-and-loop connector  42 , and by incorporating into wand connector  38  a second portion  44  of hook-and-loop connector  44 . First and second portions  40  and  44  of hook-and-loop connector  42  are configured to engage each other, as demonstrated in  FIG. 4 , to detachably couple play object  22  to wand  26 . 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that connectors other than hook-and-loop connector  42  may be used to form two-piece flexible coupling  24 ″. The use of any other form of attachment to couple object connector  36  to wand connector  38  does not depart from the spirit of the present invention. 
   It will also be appreciated that the use of two-piece flexible coupling  24 ″ is preferable over one-piece flexible coupling  24 ′ in that two-piece flexible coupling  24 ″ allows the use of multiple play objects  22  with a single wand  26 . For the sake of simplicity and clarity, however, one-piece flexible coupling  24 ′, referred to simply as flexible coupling  24 , will be assumed for the remainder of this discussion except where specifically indicated otherwise. 
   In the Figures,  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  7 , and  9  depict plan or “top” views, while  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 , and  10  depict side views. That is,  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  7 , and  9  depict pet toy  20  and/or wand  26  in a plan plane  46 , while  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 , and  10  depict pet toy  20  and/or wand  26  in a side plane  48  substantially perpendicular to plan plane. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6  show a plan view ( FIG. 5 ) and a side view ( FIG. 6 ) of wand  26  for pet toy  20  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion refers to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 , and  6 . 
   Wand  26  is formed of a wand shaft  50  onto one end of which is rigidly affixed wand head  52 . Wand shaft  50  is desirably cylindrical, though this is not a requirement of the present invention, and has a predetermined shaft diameter  54 . Wand  26  has a wand axis  56  extending longitudinally through a center of wand shaft  50  at an intersection of plan and side planes  46  and  48 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, wand head  52  is desirably asymmetrical relative to wand axis  56 . In plan plane  46  ( FIG. 5 ), wand head  52  desirably has a base width  58  substantially wider than shaft diameter  54 , though this is not a requirement of the present invention. Wand head  52  is also desirably formed in plan plane  46  with a shape incorporating a first plan-plane head side  60  and a second plan-plane head side  62 . Head sides  60  and  62  are desirably straight, though this is not a requirement of the present invention. 
   In the preferred embodiment, plan-plane head sides  60  and  62  are two sides of a modified triangle. In this embodiment, wand head  52  also has a plan-plane base  64  whose width is base width  58 . Desirably, base  64  is a tangential arcuate base flowing smoothly into head sides  60  and  62 . This gives wand head  52  a “spade” shape in horizontal plane  46 , which has certain advantages discussed hereinafter. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that wand head  52  may have a shape in plan plane  46  other than that of a modified triangle without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   In side plane  48  ( FIG. 6 ), wand head  52  desirably has a base thickness  66  substantially equal to shaft diameter  54 , though this is not a requirement of the present invention. Similarly, wand head  52  is also desirably formed in side plane  48  with a shape incorporating a first side-plane head side  68  and a second side-plane head side  70 . Head sides  68  and  70  are desirably straight, though this is not a requirement of the present invention. 
   In the preferred embodiment, side-plane head sides  68  and  70  are two sides of a modified triangle. In this embodiment, wand head  52  also has a side-plane base  72  whose thickness is head base thickness  58 , i.e., is shaft diameter  54 . This gives wand head  52  a wedge shape in side plane  48 , which has certain advantages discussed hereinafter. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that wand head  52  may have a shape in side plane  68  other than that of a modified triangle without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8  show cross sectional plan and side views of pet toy  20  taken at lines  7 — 7  and  8 — 8  of  FIGS. 2 and 1 , respectively, and demonstrating wand head  52  encompassed with a coupling pocket  74  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 9 and 10  show schematic views of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , respectively, and demonstrating controlled movement of coupling pocket  74  relative to wand head  52 . The following discussion refers to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10 . 
   Flexible coupling  24  is affixed to play object  22  and wand  26  via object and wand collars  30  and  32 . Play object  22  may be aligned so that an object axis  76  extending through a nominal center (not shown) of play object  22  aligns with wand axis  56 . In this discussion, such an alignment is an arbitrary “rest condition,” and is the condition depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  7 , and  8 . When in this arbitrary rest condition, object axis  76  and wand axis  56  are both at the intersection of plan and side planes  46  and  48 . 
   Coupling body  28  is hollow. Coupling pocket  74  is an internal pocket within coupling body  28 , i.e., within flexible coupling  24 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the materials and formation of coupling pocket  74  are discussed herein as being part and parcel with the materials and formation of flexible coupling  24 . While it is desirable that coupling pocket  74  be formed of the same materials as, and coincidentally with the remainder of, coupling body  28 , this is not a requirement of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable that coupling pocket  74  be separately formed as an insert to be placed within flexible coupling  24  during production. The use of specific materials and/or formation techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art does not depart from the spirit of the present invention. 
   When flexible coupling  24  is formed, coupling pocket  74  is formed and/or placed within coupling body  28  (i.e., within flexible coupling  24 ). When flexible coupling  24  is affixed to wand  26 , wand head  52  is encompassed within coupling pocket  74  and wand collar  32  is affixed to wand shaft  50  proximate wand head  52 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, coupling pocket  74  is desirably asymmetrical relative to object axis  76 . In plan plane  46  ( FIG. 7 ), coupling pocket  74  desirably has a pocket width  76  greater than base width  58 . Coupling pocket  74  is also desirably formed in plan plane  46  with a shape incorporating a first plan-plane pocket side  78  and a second plan-plane pocket side  80 . Pocket sides  78  and  80  are desirably straight, though this is not a requirement of the present invention. 
   Coupling pocket  74  is formed so that, when wand head  52  is encompassed within coupling pocket  74  and flexible coupling  24  is deflected in plan plane  46  ( FIG. 9 ) so that one of pocket sides  78  and  80  is substantially parallel with one of head sides  60  and  62 , the other of pocket sides  78  and  80  is aparallel (i.e., not parallel) with the other of head sides  60  and  62 . This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by forming coupling pocket  74  so that plan-plane sides  78  and  80  are two opposing sides of a modified rectangle. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that coupling pocket  74  may have a shape in plan plane  46  other than that of a modified rectangle. For example, if wand head  52  were to have the shape of a modified rectangle, then coupling pocket  74  may have the shape of a modified trapezoid to achieve the same ends. Any given set of functional shapes for wand head  52  and coupling pocket  74  may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   By forming coupling pocket  74  so that when pocket side  78  is substantially parallel with head side  60 , pocket side  80  is aparallel with head side  62 , play object  22  is able to pivot relative to wand  26  in plan plane  46 . Because of this, object axis  76  may freely pivot a predetermined plan-plane pivot angle  82  in plan plane  46  relative to wand axis  56  ( FIG. 9 ). In the preferred embodiment, coupling pocket  74  is configured relative to wand head  52  so that object axis  76  may pivot at least ±10° and not greater than ±45° relative to wand axis  56 . Movement of play object  22  relative to wand  26  is therefore at least ±10° but limited to ±45° in plan plane  46 . 
   By forming wand head  52  in a “spade” shape, i.e., as a modified isosceles triangle having a tangential arcuate base, wand collar  32  may be affixed to wand shaft  50  closely proximate wand head  52 . This allows a greater freedom of movement of coupling pocket  74  with a reduction of material and cost for flexible coupling  24 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate while a spade-shaped wand head  52  is desirable, it is not a requirement of the present invention. Other shapes may be used for wand head  52  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   In side plane  48  ( FIG. 8 ), coupling pocket  74  desirably has a pocket thickness  84  greater than base thickness  66 . Coupling pocket  74  is also desirably formed in side plane  48  with a shape incorporating a first side-plane pocket side  86  and a second side-plane pocket side  88 . Pocket sides  86  and  88  are desirably straight, though this is not a requirement of the present invention. 
   Coupling pocket  74  is formed so that, when wand head  52  is encompassed within coupling pocket  74  and flexible coupling  24  is deflected in side plane  48  ( FIG. 10 ) so that one of pocket sides  86  and  88  is substantially parallel with one of head sides  68  and  70 , the other of pocket sides  86  and  88  is aparallel with the other of head sides  68  and  70 . This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by forming coupling pocket  74  so that side-plane sides  86  and  88  are two opposing sides of a modified rectangle. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that coupling pocket  74  may have a shape in side plane  48  other than that of a modified rectangle. Any given set of functional shapes for wand head  52  and coupling pocket  74  may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   By forming coupling pocket  74  so that when pocket side  86  is substantially parallel with head side  68 , pocket side  88  is aparallel with head side  70 , play object  22  is able to pivot relative to wand  26  in side plane  48 . Because of this, object axis  76  may freely pivot a predetermined side plane pivot angle  90  in side plane  48  relative to wand axis  56  ( FIG. 10 ). In the preferred embodiment, coupling pocket  74  is configured relative to wand head  52  so that object axis  76  may pivot at least ±5° and not greater than ±30° relative to wand axis  56 . Movement of play object  22  relative to wand  26  is therefore at least ±5° but limited to ±30° in side plane  48 . 
   By forming wand head  52  in a “spade” shape (i.e., as a modified isosceles triangle having a tangential arcuate base) in plan plane  48  and as a wedge (i.e., as a modified triangle) in side plane  48 , wand collar  32  may be affixed to wand shaft  50  closely proximate wand head  52 . This allows a greater freedom of movement of coupling pocket  74  with a reduction of material and cost for flexible coupling  24 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate while a spade-shaped wedge wand head  52  is desirable, it is not a requirement of the present invention. Other shapes may be used for wand head  52  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
   By allowing play object a movement relative to wand  26  of at least ±10° in plan plane  46  and ±5° in side plane  48 , but limiting that movement to not more than ±45° in plan plane  46  and not more than ±30° in side plane  48 , play toy  20  provides a human the ability to easily and effectively emulate broad prey motions through the gross movements of wand  26  while simultaneously emulating short, quick prey movements through the restricted independent movements of play object  22  on the end of wand  22 . This composite motion directly stimulates the instincts of a cat or other small carnivore and significantly increases the pleasure of play for both human and pet. 
   The following discussion refers to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  7 , and  8 . 
   When pet toy  20  is produced with two-part flexible coupling  24 ″, it is desirable that coupling pocket  74  be integral to wand connector  38 , rather than object connector  36 . This construct provides a maximum of flexibility in that multiple play objects  22  may be utilized with a single wand  22  and associated coupling pocket. Easily changed multiple play objects  22  alloy pet toy to be customized according to the preferences and/or moods of both the human and the pet. 
   Also, because the pet attacks (i.e., bites or claws) play object  22  but not wand  26 , it is likely that play object  22  will wear out first. The two-piece construct of pet toy  20  permits the replacement of a worn-out play object  22  with a new play object  22 . This allows extension of the life of pet toy  20  into the indefinite future. 
   In summary, the present invention teaches a pet toy  20  having controlled movement. Pet toy  20  incorporates a play object  22  coupled to the end of a wand  26  in a manner allowing predetermined controlled movement. 
   Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0