Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/506,015, filed on Jul. 20, 2009, by Shatoff et al., and entitled “FOOD DISPENSING INTERLOCKING ANIMAL TOY SYSTEM”, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/138,238, filed on Jun. 12, 2008, by Shatoff et al., and entitled “FOOD DISPENSING INTERLOCKING ANIMAL TOY SYSTEM”, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/811,340, filed on Mar. 25, 2004, by Shatoff et al., and entitled “FOOD DISPENSING INTERLOCKING ANIMAL TOY SYSTEM”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,748, issued Jun. 24, 2008, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/457,835 filed Mar. 25, 2003, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, including the drawings. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to animal toys used to entertain and educate animals. More specifically, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to animal toys having the capability to connect to other similar toys thereby increasing the level of entertainment and education for animals. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Currently available animal toys are not challenging enough for animals. For instance, most solid toys capture the interest of animals for a short period of time, however, after a while, the animal becomes bored and loses interest in the toy. These solid animal toys are far too simple and do not provide enough mental stimulation for the animal. 
         [0004]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,328, which issued to Theel for an invention entitled “Dismemberable Canine Appeasement Device and Method” discloses an animal toy that comprises a number of distinct segments that may be separated. In use, the animal can play with the Theel toy until the segments are separated. However, with just a little experience with the toy, the animal will soon learn the trick for separating the segments and lose interest in the toy. 
         [0005]    Similarly, animal toys with internal chambers for holding food only challenge the animal until the animal determines the trick for removing the food. After they learn that trick, the animal quickly extracts the food and loses interest in the toy. These simple food dispensing animal toys do not hold the animal&#39;s attention for long enough to be of any real training, or entertainment value. 
         [0006]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,146 which issued to Markham for an invention entitled “Bouncing Pet Toy” discloses a toy having an elongated hollow body. Edible food treats can be inserted into the hollow body for removal by the animal. However, the hollow body presents only a brief challenge to the animal, and once the trick for removing the food from the hollow body is determined, the animal quickly removes the food and loses interest in the toy. 
         [0007]    In light of the above, what is needed is a way to make animal toys more interesting and complex, and allow human caretakers to build up and regulate the complexity of the toys therefore making the toy more challenging for the animals to play with. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention includes an animal toy, which is configured to connect to one or more separate toys, of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The present invention provides for an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal&#39;s problem solving skills and abilities. The animal toy may be either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. 
         [0009]    The ability to present an animal with a toy having an increased level of difficulty for extracting the food challenges the animal and develops the animal&#39;s problem-solving skills and abilities. Combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem-solving skills required by the animal to completely extract the food from the toy system. As the animal develops its skills to the point where an additional challenge is needed, the configuration of toys may be changed, or a restriction may be added to the toy to slow down the flow of food from the internal chambers out of the toy system. The restriction increases the challenge to completely extract the food from the toy system. 
         [0010]    The present invention includes several advantages over currently available toys, including, but not limited to, the following:
       a. It provides a more interesting and complex toy for animals to play with;   b. It increases the usefulness of a toy by eliminating the animal&#39;s loss of interest with simple toys;   c. It allows the animal&#39;s caretaker to regulate the toy&#39;s level of difficulty commensurate with the animal&#39;s skills and entertainment needs;   d. Allows toys to be connected to create an almost endless variety of toy systems for the animals;   e. It provides an improved method of retaining and dispensing food to reward the animal for playing with the toy and learning how to solve the problem of removing the food;   f. It gives the animal&#39;s caretaker a method of incrementally increasing the level of difficulty for purposes of training and developing problem solving skills; and   g. It provides the challenge of disassembling the toy system in a non-destructive manner.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The aforementioned and other advantages of the animal toy system of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon making a thorough review and study of the following detailed description of the invention when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings in which like references numerals refer to like parts, and wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention showing a flared snap fit connection, and with each toy formed with a hollow chamber containing animal treats or food; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention showing a solid body formed to receive a flared top to establish a snap fit connection where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional view of a combination of the first and the second embodiments of the animal toy system of the present invention, with the first toy having a solid body, and the second toy having a hollow chamber containing treats or food, and connected to the first toy with a flared snap fit connection; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the internal restriction of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2B , and is formed with restriction openings for reducing the flow of food from the internal chamber; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2B  is an cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention, and equipped with an internal restriction for reducing the flow of food from the chamber; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention formed with a twist and lock connection and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3A  with the twist and lock connection in the connected position where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention formed with a threaded connection and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4A  with the threaded connection in the connected position where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention having a magnetic connection and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5A  with the magnetic connection shown in the connected position where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention formed with a flange connection and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6A  with the flange connection shown in the connected position where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention formed with a ribbed friction fit connection and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 7A  with the ribbed friction fit connection shown in the connected position where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention formed with a bore to receive a pin to secure two toys together, and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 8A , with the pin installed in the bore and the two toys in the connected position where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention formed with a flange and having a clip connection to connect two toys together and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9A  with two toys attached together using a clip connection where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention formed with an X-shaped opening to receive a flared top and shown in the disconnected position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIG. 10A  with the two toys shown in the connection position where animal food may be transferred from toy-to-toy through the connection; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention using the system shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , and incorporating a tubular union extending between two toys to allow the flow of food through the union and between the toys; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention using the system shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , and incorporating a coil extending between two toys to elastically join the two toys together, and may provide for the passage of food between the two toys through a lumen (or passageway) formed through the coil (shown in dashed lines). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1A , a first embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention, generally designated  100  includes a first toy  102  and a second toy  104 . The first toy  102  is has a body  106  formed with a first chamber  108 , a second chamber  110 , a restriction receiving groove  112  disposed between the first chamber  108  and the second chamber  110 , a side hole  113 , a top hole  116  formed with a flared rim  114 . It is to be appreciated that the location of the holes  113  and  116  shown in the preferred embodiments are merely exemplary, and that these holes may be positioned differently on the toy body  106  without departing from the present invention. 
         [0043]    The toy of the present invention may be manufactured by one of several methods including, but not limited to, injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, and rotational molding. Other forming techniques may be used, as are known in the art. 
         [0044]    The toy  102  may be made from a soft and easily deformable material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, a semi rigid plastic, or a rigid plastic. It is to be appreciated that although particular materials are disclosed herein in conjunction with the various preferred embodiments, that these materials are not limiting. Rather, the toys of the present invention may be made of any material known in the art as suitable for use as an animal toy. 
         [0045]    Additional, the toys of the present invention may be formed to include a scent appealing to an animal. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, a fragrance concentrated material may be added to the toy during the manufacturing process by melting and/or adding the fragrance material during the injection process. Alternatively, the fragrance may be sprayed onto the surfaces of the completed toy, or impregnated into the material after the manufacturing process. 
         [0046]    A second toy  104  may be presented in combination with the first toy  102  in animal toy system  100 . Second toy  104  is formed with a body  120  having a first chamber  122 , a second chamber  124 , a restriction receiving groove  126 , and having a flared top  128  formed with a top hole  130  and a side hole  132 . Second toy  104  may be connected to the first toy  102  by inserting the flared top  128  of the second toy  104  into the side hole  113  of the first toy  102 . The flared top  128  of the second toy  104  will deform during the insertion into the first toy  102  in order for the flared top  128  to fit inside the smaller side hole  113  of the first toy  102 . After insertion of the flared top  128  into the side hole  113  of the first toy  102 , the flared top  128  returns to the original shape and the tendency to return to this original shape provides a retention force to maintain the two toys  102  and  104  together. This retention force keeps the toys connected until the toys are disconnected by pulling the second toy  104  away from the first toy  102  to remove the flared top  128  from the side hole  113 . 
         [0047]    Referring again to  FIG. 1A , animal food  140  may be placed in the first chamber  108  of toy  102 . As the animal plays with the first embodiment of the invention the food moves between the first chamber  108  and second chamber  110  and eventually exits the first chamber via the side hole  113  and/or the top hole  116 . Similarly, animal food  142  may be placed in the first chamber  122  of the second toy  104 , and the second toy  104  may be attached to the first toy  102  as discussed above. As the animal plays with the toy system of the present invention, the food  142  in the first chamber  122  of the second toy  104  moves to the second chamber  124  of the second toy  104 . Once in second chamber  124  of second toy  104 , the animal food  144  may pass through the side hole  132  or through the top hole  130  into the first toy  102 . 
         [0048]    As an animal gains experience with the toy system  100  of the present invention, various combinations of toys  102  and  104  may be created to provided added challenge to the animal&#39;s removal of the food from the system  100 . For instance, a third toy (not shown) may be connected to the side hole  132  of the second toy  104 , and a fourth toy (not shown) may be connected to the side hole of the third toy. The addition and reconfiguration of toys to the toy system of the present invention can result in an endless number of toy combinations and shapes. 
         [0049]    While the present invention as disclosed in conjunction with  FIG. 1A  has a first chamber  108 , and a second chamber  110 , it is to be appreciated that such a limitation is not intended. Rather, a toy consistent with the animal toy system of the present invention may be formed with any number of chambers. These multiple chambers may be connected to form a serial path for food dispensing, or the chambers may be unconnected forming more than one food dispensing location in a single toy. As discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1B , a single chambered toy may be partitioned with a restriction device to form multiple chambers within a single toy. 
         [0050]    Additionally, though  FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict a substantially hollow toy and a substantially solid toy, respectively, it is to be appreciated that alternatives and combinations of these toys are fully contemplated herein. For instance, the toys of the present invention may be formed with a single chamber smaller than the toy body, representing a toy being partially solid and partially hollow. No limitations as to the size or shape of the chamber is intended by the descriptions of the preferred embodiments herein. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , a second embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown and hereafter referred to as the solid toy, or solid-body toy. The solid body toy is generally designated  150  and includes a solid body  152  formed with a flared top  154  having a top hole  156 , and a side hole  158 . A second toy  160  may be similar to toy  150 , and includes a solid body  162 , a flared top  164  having a top hole  166 , and a side hole  168 . Side holes  158  and  168  are sized to receive flared top  154  and  164  to retain the animal toys  150  and  160  together. 
         [0052]    This embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention may be made from the same process and materials as the first embodiment of the invention. The solid toy may be connected with other solid toys in the same manner as the first embodiment of the invention. The first chamber may be used for receiving only the flared top of a second toy. The second embodiment does not require a second chamber for the purposes of receiving and dispensing food to the animal. A small amount of food may be placed in the area within the flared top  164  to be released when the toys are separated. 
         [0053]    It is to be appreciated that toys from the first animal toy system  100  of the present invention may be combined with solid toys  150  and  160  from the second embodiment of the invention as previously described to make more complex and varying combinations and shapes for the animals. For instance, referring to  FIG. 1C , the first and second embodiments are combined to form a toy system with a variation using both embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, toy  150  having a solid body  152  may be combined with a toy  104  having a first chamber  122  and a second chamber  124  containing food  142  and  144  by inserting flared top  128  into side hole  158 . In this configuration, food  144  may exit side hole  132  as the animal manipulates the toy system. Once toy  104  is separated from toy  152 , food may also exit top hole  130 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , a restriction device  180  is shown, which comprises an interface ring  184  sized to be received within the restriction receiving groove  112  and  126  within toys  102  and  104 , respectively, to establish a barrier  182  between the first chamber  108  and the second chamber  110 . The restriction device  180 , also referred to as a baffle, may be formed with at least one opening  186 ,  188 ,  190 ,  192  for allowing food  140  to pass through the restriction device  180 . The diameters of the openings  186 ,  188 ,  190  and  192  may vary depending on the food types contained within the toys of the present invention, and to provide for different flow rates of food through the restriction device. In a preferred embodiment, restriction device  180  may be solid, serving to provide two distinct chambers within the toy. The restriction device  180  may be made from the same process and materials as the embodiment of the other embodiments of the animal toy system of the present invention. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the animal toy system  100  of the present invention is shown equipped with the restriction device  180  of  FIG. 2A . More specifically, toy  102  further comprise a restriction device  180  disposed between the first chamber  108  and the second chamber  110  within the restriction receiving groove  112 . The restriction device  180  reduces the rate of flow of food  140  from the first chamber  108  to the second chamber  110  and out of the side hole  113  and top hole  116  of the toy or toy combinations. The restriction device  180  may be made from the same process and materials as the first embodiment of the invention. The restriction device  180  may be inserted into the toys of the animal toy system of the present invention for the purposes of reducing the flow of food  140  from the first chamber  108  into the second chamber  110  and out of the top hole  116  or the side hole  113  of the present invention. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated  200 , and includes an apparatus for an alternative method of connecting two or more toys, hereafter referred to as the twist and lock connection. More specifically, toy system  200  includes a first toy  202  and a second toy  204 . First toy  202  includes a first chamber  206 , a second chamber  208  formed with a side hole  210  and formed with a retaining flange  212  and slots  214 , and a top opening  216  formed with locking tabs  218 . Similarly, second toy  204  is formed with a first chamber  220 , a second chamber  222  formed with a side hole  224  and a retaining flange  226  having slots  228 , and a top opening  230  having locking tabs  232 . 
         [0057]    In use, the twist and lock connection comprises at least one locking tab,  232  at least one tab slot  214  in the opening of the side hole  210 , and a retaining flange  212  formed in the side hole  210 . The tab(s)  232  on the top  230  of the second toy  204  is aligned with and inserted into the tab slot(s)  214  in the side hole  210  of the first toy  202 . After insertion, the second toy  204  is rotated in direction  234  approximately ninety degrees (90.degree.) which moves the tab(s)  232  of the second toy  204  behind the retaining flange  212  of the side hole  210  of the first toy  202 . Toys  202  and  204  are shown in the connected configuration in  FIG. 3B . Toys  202  and  204  may be disconnected by the rotating the second toy  204  until the tab(s)  232  of the top  230  of the second toy  204  are aligned with the slot(s)  214  of the side hole  210  of the first toy  202  allowing the toys  202  and  204  to be pulled apart. Alternatively, with reference to all embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, due to the pliable nature of the material comprising the toys of the present invention, it may be possible to separate the toys of the present invention simply by pulling them apart with sufficient force without damaging the various connections formed in the toys. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown and generally designated  250 . Toy system  250  includes a first toy  252  and a second toy  254 . First toy  252  includes a first chamber  256 , a second chamber  258  formed with a side hole  260  having a female helical thread  262 , and having a top  264  having a male helical thread  266 . Similarly, second toy  254  includes a first chamber  270 , a second chamber  272  formed with a side hole  274  having a female helical thread  276 , and having a top  280  having a male helical thread  282 . This embodiment of the present invention is hereafter referred to as the threaded connection. 
         [0059]    The threaded connection comprises a male helical thread  282  around the top  280  and a female helical thread  262  inside the side hole  260  for receiving the male helical thread  266 . In use, the male helical thread  282  on the top  280  of the second toy  254  is inserted into the side hole  260  of the first toy  252  and rotated in direction  284  until the male helical thread  282  engages with the female helical thread  262  inside the side hole  260  of the first toy  252 . The toys may be disconnected by the rotating the second toy  254  in a direction opposite direction  284  until the male helical thread  282  on the top  280  of the second toy  254  completely disengages from the female helical thread  262  in the side hole  260  of the first toy  252  allowing the toys to be pulled apart. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated  300 , and includes an alternative method of connection, hereafter referred to as the magnetic connection. Animal toy system  300  includes a first toy  302  and a second toy  304 . First toy  302  includes a first chamber  306 , a second chamber  308  formed with a side hole  310  having a magnetic element, such as an annular magnet  312 , and a top  314  formed with another magnetic element, such as an annular magnet  316 . Similarly, second toy  304  includes a first chamber  320 , a second chamber  322  formed with a side hole  324  having an annular magnet  326 , and a top  328  formed with an annular magnet  330 . 
         [0061]    The magnetic connection of the present embodiment comprises a magnet  330  around the top  328  of the second toy  304 , and another magnet  312  around the side hole  310  of the first toy  302 . In use, toys  302  and  304  are connected together by inserting the top  328  of the second toy  304  into the side hole  310  of the first toy  302  in direction  332  such that the annular magnet  330  around the top  328  of the second toy  304  is magnetically attracted to the annular magnet  312  around the side hole  310  of the first toy  302 . Once attached, second toy  304  may rotate in direction  334  without disconnecting from first toy  302 . 
         [0062]    The magnet material may be attached to the toys  302  and  304  by insert molding, adhesive, thermal forming or any equivalent methods known to someone skilled in the art of attaching parts together. Also, it is to be appreciated that annular magnets  312  and  330  are of opposite polarity in order to provide for optimum magnetic attraction between the two toys  302  and  304 . While magnets  312 ,  330 ,  316  and  326  are shown to have a ring-shape, it is to be appreciated that other magnetic element shapes may be used, including the embedding of the magnetic elements within the body of the toys as shown by dashed lines  340 . Also, it is to be appreciated that the magnetic elements discussed herein may include non-magnets, such as iron or other ferrous materials having an attraction to magnets. In such circumstances, only one magnet needs to be incorporated into the present invention, as the corresponding magnetic element may be a non-magnet material. 
         [0063]    Toys  302  and  304  may be disconnected by pulling the second toy  304  from the first toy  302  with a force large enough to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnets  330  and  312  around the top  328  of the second toy  304  and the magnet  312  around the side hole  310  of the first toy  302 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated  350 , and includes an alternative method of connection, hereafter referred to as the flange connection. More specifically, animal toy system  350  includes a first toy  352  and a second toy  354 . First toy  352  includes a first chamber  356 , a second chamber  358  having a side hole  360  formed with a flange  362  with mounting holes  364  and having an attachment material  366 , and a top  368  having a flange  370  having an attachment material  372 . Similarly, second toy  354  includes a first chamber  376 , a second chamber  378  having a side hole  380  formed with a flange  382  with mounting holes  384  and having an attachment material  385 , and a top  386  having a flange  388  having an attachment material  390 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 6B , the toys of the animal toy system of the present invention may be connected together by placing the top flange  388  of the second toy  354  in contact with the side flange  362  of the first toy  352 . The flanges can be held together by a bolt  392  as shown or alternatively, a variety of attachment materials, or fasteners,  372 ,  385  may be used, such as Velcro, a zip tie, lacing or string, double sided tape, or adhesive. 
         [0066]    The toys  352 ,  354  may be disconnected by removing the bolt  392 , or zip tie, lacing or string. Alternatively, if the two toys  352 ,  354  are attached by fasteners such as Velcro, double sided tape, or adhesive, the toys must be pulled apart with force great enough to break the bond of the fastening Velcro, tape, or adhesive. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated  400 , and includes an alternative method of connection, hereafter referred to as the rib connection. More specifically, animal toy system  400  includes a first toy  402  and a second toy  404 . First toy  402  includes a first chamber  406 , a second chamber  408  having a side hole  410  formed with one or more annular grooves  412 , and a top  414  formed with one or more annular ribs  416 . Similarly, second toy  404  includes a first chamber  418 , a second chamber  420  having a side hole  422  formed with one or more annular grooves  424 , and a top  426  formed with one or more annular ribs  428 . 
         [0068]    In use, the rib connection includes at least one annular rib  428  around the top  426  of the second toy  404 , and at least one annular groove  412  inside the side hole  410  of the first toy  402  for receiving the annular rib  428  from the top  426  of the second toy. The toys  402 ,  404  are connected together by inserting the top  426  of the second toy  404  into the side hole  410  of the first toy  402  in direction  430 . The rib(s)  428  on the top  426  of the second toy  404  and the groove(s)  412  in the side hole  410  of the first toy  402  deform during the insertion until the annular groove(s)  412  inside the side hole  410  of the first toy  402  has received the annular rib(s)  428  from the top  426  of the second toy  404  resulting in a friction fit between the first toy  402  and second toy  404 . 
         [0069]    In this configuration, second toy  404  may be rotated in direction  432  without disconnecting the two toys  402  and  404 . The toys  402  and  404  may be disconnected by pulling the toys apart with enough force to deform the annular groove(s)  412  inside the side hole  410  of the first toy  402  and the annular ring(s)  428  around the top  426  of the second toy  404  enough to disengage the friction fit. 
         [0070]    As an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , it is contemplated herein that the hole  410  and the top  426  may be smooth (without ribs  428  or grooves  412 ) and having similar diameters such that top  426  may be inserted into hole  410  and retained in place by frictional forces acting between the interior surface of hole  410  and the external surface of top  426 . 
         [0071]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated  450 , and includes an alternative method of connection, hereafter referred to as the pin connection. More specifically, animal toy system  450  includes a first toy  452  and a second toy  454 . First toy  452  includes a first chamber  456 , a second chamber  458  having a side hole  460  formed with a pair of diametrically opposed bores  462  sized to receive a pin  464  inserted into the bores  462  in direction  466 . First toy  452  also includes top  468  formed with a pair of bores  472  located diametrically across hole  470 . Similarly, second toy  454  includes a first chamber  476 , a second chamber  478  having a side hole  480  formed with a pair of diametrically opposed bores  482  sized to receive a pin inserted into the bores. Second toy  454  also includes top  484  formed with a pair of bores  486  located diametrically across hole  484 . 
         [0072]    In use, the pin connection comprises a pin  464  for connecting the first toy  452  and the second toy  454  together, in combination with bores  486  in the top  484  of the second toy  454  and bores  462  formed in the side hole  460  of the first toy  452  sized to receive the pin  464 . The toys  452  and  454  are connected together by inserting the top  484  of the second toy  454  into the side hole  460  of the first toy  452 . The second toy  454  is inserted into the first toy  452  in direction  488  to align the bores  486  in the top  484  of the second toy  454  with the bores  462  formed in the side hole  460  of the first toy  452  in order to receive pin  464 . The pin  464  is then inserted in direction  466  through the bores  462  of the first toy  452  and the bores  486  formed in the second toy  454 , which securely connects the first and second toys  452  and  454  together. Once pin  464  is fully inserted, a nut (not shown) or other fastener known in the art, may be installed onto the distal end  467  of pin  464  in order to secure pin  464  in place though toys  452  and  454 . In this configuration, toys  452  and  454  may be disconnected by removing the pin  464  from the toys  452  and  454  and then removing the second toy  454  from the first toy  452 . 
         [0073]    In a preferred embodiment, the pin  464  may be made from an edible material, such as rawhide, or other animal food product. An edible pin  464  allows the animal using the animal toy system  450  of the present invention an opportunity to separate the toys  452  and  454  to gain access to the food within the chambers 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated  500 , and includes an alternative method of connection, hereafter referred to as the clip connection. More specifically, animal toy system  500  includes a first toy  502  and a second toy  504 . First toy  502  includes a first chamber  506 , a second chamber  508  having a side hole  510  formed with a flange  512  formed with two or more notches  514  sized to receive clips  516 , and a top  518  formed with a flange  520  formed with notches  522 A,  522 B,  522 C, and  522 D. Similarly, second toy  504  includes a first chamber  530 , a second chamber  532  having a side hole  534  formed with a flange  536  formed with two or more notches  537  sized to receive clips  516 , and a top  538  formed with a flange  540  formed with notches  542 . 
         [0075]    In use, the clip connection includes a flange  540  having notches  542  and formed around the top  538  of the second toy  504 , and a corresponding flange  512  having notches  514  and formed around the side hole  510  of the first toy  502 . The toys  502  and  504  are connected together by placing the top flange  540  of the second toy  504  in contact with the flange  512  of the first toy  502  such that notches  542  are aligned with notches  514 . Once in position, the flanges  540  and  512  are held together by attaching clips  516  as shown by dashed lines in  FIG. 9A . These clips  516  maintain the toys  502  and  504  together and are not intended to disconnect through normal use of the animal toy system  500  by an animal. However, the toys  502  and  504  may be disconnected by removing the clips  516  from the toys and separating the toys. 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , another alternative embodiment of the animal toy system of the present invention is shown, is generally designated  600 , and includes an alternative method of connection, hereafter referred to as the nozzle connection. More specifically, animal toy system  600  includes a first toy  602  and a second toy  604 . First toy  602  includes a chamber  606  formed with a slotted opening  608  having retention flaps  610 , and a nozzle  612  leading to an opening  614  surrounded by a rim  616 . Similarly, second toy  604  includes a chamber  620  formed with a slotted opening  622  having retention flaps  624 , and a nozzle  630  leading to an opening  631  surrounded by a rim  632 . As shown, toys  602  and  604  of animal toy system  600  may be formed with a slotted opening  626  having retention flaps  628  on the bottom of the toy. 
         [0077]    In use, the nozzle connection includes a rim  632  formed around the opening of the nozzle  630  of the second toy  604 , and a slotted opening  608  having retention flaps  610  formed in the second toy  604 . The toys  602  and  604  are connected together by placing the rim  632  of the second toy  604  in contact with the retention flaps  610  of the first toy  602 . Once in position, the second toy is urged in direction  634  such that retention flaps  610  are displaced inwards in the chamber  606  of the first toy  602 . As the second toy is advanced in direction  634 , the nozzle  630  of the second toy  604  deforms the retention flaps  610  into the chamber  606  and passes through slotted opening  608  where the retention flaps  610  retain the nozzle  632  within chamber  606 . 
         [0078]    The toy system  600  of the present invention may be used in an alternative configuration wherein the retention flaps  610  are extending externally to chamber  606 . More specifically, once nozzle  630  is inserted into the chamber  630  by pushing the retention flaps  610  inwards, the nozzle  630  may be withdrawn slightly resulting in the retention flaps  610  extending outwards from the chamber while retaining the nozzle  630  within the chamber. 
         [0079]    In the connected configuration, food contained within the two toys  602  and  604  may pass between the toys and out nozzle  612  as the animal plays with the toy. Toys  602  and  604  may be disconnected by pulling toy  604  in the direction opposite  634  to remove the rim  632  of nozzle  630  from slotted opening  608  thereby separating the toys. 
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an alternative embodiment of animal toy system  600  is shown having an intermediate union generally designated  650 . Union  650  includes a first end  652  having a chamber  653 , and a second end  654  having a chamber  655 , joined together with a tubular segment  656 . Chamber  653  is formed with a slotted opening  660  having retention flaps  662 , and chamber  655  may be formed with a similar opening  668  (shown in dashed lines). Tubular segment  656  may be hollow (as shown in dashed lines  669 ) to allow food to pass freely through the tubular segment  656  between chamber  653  and chamber  655 , or it may be formed with a baffle  666  (shown in dashed lines), or a restriction as shown in  FIG. 2A , to slow or prevent the passage of food through the tubular segment. 
         [0081]    In use, a first toy  602  is positioned with its nozzle  612  adjacent the second end  654  of the union  650 , and a second toy  604  is positioned with its nozzle  630  adjacent the first end  652  of the union  650 . Once positioned, the first and second toys  602  and  604  are advanced toward union  650  in direction  670  and  672 , respectively, such that the rims  616  and  632  of nozzles  612  and  630  are pushed through slotted openings  668  and  660  and into chambers  655  and  653 , respectively. Once advanced into the chambers  655  and  653 , the retention flaps  662  retain the toys  602  and  604  in place. The toys  602  and  604  may be removed from union  650  by pulling the nozzles  612  and  630  from slotted openings  668  and  660 . 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , an alternative embodiment of the animal toy system  600  of the present invention is shown and includes a coil  680  extending between a first toy  602  and a second toy  604  to elastically join the two toys  602  and  604  together. Coil  680  is formed with a first end  682  having a rim  683 , and a second end  684  having a rim  685 , with a coiled section  686  extending between the two rims  683  and  685 . In use, toys  602  and  604  are positioned near rims  683  and  685 , and advanced in directions  688  and  690  such that rims  683  and  685  pass through slotted openings  608  of first toy  602  and  622  of second toy  604  (not shown this Figure) and into the chambers  606  and  620  of the toys  602  and  604 . Once inside, the retention flaps  612  of opening  610  of first toy  602  and retention flaps  624  of opening  622  of second toy  604  retain rims  683  add  685  within the toys  602  and  604 , respectively. 
         [0083]    In one embodiment, coil  680  may be solid, providing for a strong spring-like connection between toys  602  and  604 . In an alternative embodiment, coil  680  may be hollow to provide for the passage of food between the two toys  602  and  604 . 
         [0084]    The present invention is in no way intended to be restricted to the description and drawings used to explain the several embodiments of the animal toy system of the present invention. The animal toy system of the present invention as described herein is not limited for use in animal toys, but should be extended to any equivalent inventions, such as for example, in the use of baby toys. 
         [0085]    While several different embodiments of the animal toy system of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is to be appreciated that the present invention contemplates combinations of the various embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, it is also to be appreciated that while various toys have been referred to as the “first” and “second” toy within an animal toy system of the present invention, no specific configuration, order, or preference is intended. Rather, the “first” and “second” nomenclature as used herein is merely for the purposes of facilitating the description of the animal toy systems of the present invention. The various methods of attaching one animal toy to another animal toy as presented herein are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the animal toy system of the present invention. Further, the toy system of the present invention as described herein may be assembled into a combination of toys to form a maze that the animal must solve in order to release the food through the various toys within the maze. This maze assembly may be changed by the person assembling the maze to provide the animal with an infinite variety of mental challenges in order to remove all of the food within the chambers. 
         [0086]    It is also to be recognized that modifications may be made, by one of ordinary skill in the art of the invention, without departing from the intent of the animal toy system of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is to be taken as described herein as well as including all reasonable equivalents of the subject matter of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1