Pet toy

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pet toy comprising: a body having an outer surface; a hollow core portion forming an interior of the main body; and a plurality of portions extending outwardly from the outer surface and defined by a groove defining each of the portions; when observed in the cross section, each groove is in a V shape; and wherein the depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inches and 1 / 4 inches, and the angle to which the V-shape faces is between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The filing date of the parent application is December 30, 2021, the application number is 202180088470.6, and the name of the invention is "Pet toy with interconnected grooves and an open core". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to pet toys that are particularly designed to be used as balls for throwing and retrieving, and more particularly, to toys for dogs that have interconnected and continuous grooves to prevent airflow blockage when the dog places the pet toy in its mouth, regardless of the depth of the toy in the dog's mouth and throat. Background Art

[0003] One common category of pet toys is toys made from flexible or resilient materials such as rubber. These toys, if made from quality materials, can withstand the biting action of the animal and can be used by the animal for a long time. It is known to place treats in these types of toys to increase the animal's interaction with the toy. It is also known to place noise-making devices, often referred to as "squeakers," inside the toy to further stimulate the animal.

[0004] Another common category of pet toys are those that are often referred to as "plush" toys. These types of toys are made from different types of cloth or fabric, and may also include materials that are woven into strands, such as nylon string. Plush toys are often stuffed with fiber materials, such as polyester fiberfill, to provide added thickness or volume to the toy, allowing the animal to chew on the toy. Plush toys may also include a squeak feature to further stimulate the animal.

[0005] One particularly popular toy for dogs is a simple ball toy that can be used for a game of fetch and retrieve. There are many flexible and resilient balls that are manufactured as toys for dogs. The ball is easily thrown by the owner, and the rolling action of the ball enables it to travel a sufficient distance when thrown. The curved spherical shape of the ball is easily placed in the mouth of the dog.

[0006] While balls remain one of the most common types of dog toys, there are also problems associated with using balls as dog toys. Perhaps the most problematic feature of balls as dog toys is that the ball can get stuck in a dog's throat. Unfortunately, balls have been linked to choking deaths in dogs. If the diameter of the ball is close to the diameter of the dog's throat opening, then there are many situations where the ball can get stuck in a dog's throat. One scenario is that the dog catches the ball in mid-air and the force of the ball causes the ball to get stuck in the animal's throat. Another scenario is that the owner may be trying to remove the ball from the dog's mouth and the ball inadvertently gets stuck in the throat; in some cases, the action of moving the hand against the ball can cause the ball to be pushed further down into the animal's mouth and throat.

[0007] Another problem associated with hollow balls is that dogs can easily chew through the material of the ball and swallow pieces of the ball. Tennis balls have long been used as toys for dogs and are the most widely used, but unfortunately, many tennis balls are not of sufficient quality, so dogs can easily chew through the tennis ball material.

[0008] A problem may also be associated with flexible hollow balls, as bending or deformation of the ball may allow the ball to go deeper into the dog's throat, creating a choking risk.

[0009] Any situation involving a ball getting stuck in a dog's throat can lead to tragedy and misfortune that can be avoided through proper ball sizing and selection of the type of ball used. Unfortunately, when balls are marketed and promoted as toys for dogs, it is not obvious that the balls are properly sized for a particular dog. Often, manufacturers may only offer a single size ball that ends up being sold to owners of dogs of many different sized breeds.

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned disadvantages of using conventional balls as toys for dogs, there is a need to provide a toy for dogs that has the same characteristics as a ball used for games, such as games of reach and fetch, but overcomes the potential dangers of balls presenting a choking risk. In addition, there is a need to provide a pet toy that can be used by dog ​​breeds of multiple sizes, but still maintains sufficient safety to prevent choking.

[0011] The interactive ball toy for dogs is a commercial pet toy that functions as a ball but also includes a plurality of interconnected channels. The peripheral surface of the toy for dogs is divided into eight different quadrants or sections having grooves separating the sections. The walls of the grooves are parallel to each other and the cross-sectional view of the grooves provides different U-shapes. The edges of the grooves are very slightly rounded but still present a sharp edge. Each groove has a wide and uniform cross-sectional U-shape.

[0012] The shape and One patent reference for a pet toy similar to but significantly modified from the interactive ball toy for dogs is U.S. Design Patent No. 817,562. This reference more specifically discloses a toy for dogs whose peripheral surface is also divided into eight different quadrants or sections, but the grooves are significantly wider and shallower. When viewed in cross section, the walls of the grooves also present a U-shape, but the U-shape is significantly wider and shallower.

[0013] Although The interactive ball toys for dogs and U.S. Design Patent No. 817,562 may be adequate for their intended purpose, but further improvements are needed in order for these generally designed toys for dogs to adequately prevent choking. In conjunction with the invention described herein, specific features of the invention are described in detail that ensure that the toy for dogs can be safely used with many different sized breeds, while the toy for dogs of the present invention can still be used as a functional ball for use in games (e.g., reach and fetch games).

[0014] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific attributes and characteristics of the present invention described herein are fully distinguished from the known prior art. Summary of the invention

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pet toy of the present invention includes a spherical body having eight different quadrants or sections formed on the outer surface of the spherical body. Each section is three-sided, similar to an equilateral triangle, except that each corner of the triangle is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. There may be a single central opening, or the opening may extend through opposite sides of the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby providing a pet toy with an open core.

[0016] The specific material of the pet toy can be selected from a group of moldable elastic rubber compounds, preferably puncture-resistant rubber compounds, which can withstand the biting action of the animal.

[0017] A plurality of grooves or channels are defined between each quadrant or portion. The sidewalls of the grooves present a generally V-shaped configuration, wherein the grooves gradually narrow as the grooves extend toward the center of the pet toy. The bottom of the grooves may have a very slight gap separating the opposing sidewalls, but such slight gaps are almost imperceptible to the observable eye, thereby maintaining a distinct visual V-shaped configuration.

[0018] Another way to describe each corner of the triangular portion is that each corner has a distinct curved chamfer which allows the walls of the groove to maintain their distinct V-shaped appearance in cross section.

[0019] At six locations on the outer surface of the toy where the edges of the four sections meet, diamond-shaped areas are found that are a function of the presence of the deepest edges of adjacent groove side walls.

[0020] As discussed in further detail below, the specific sizing and spacing of the grooves, as well as the V-shaped orientation of the grooves, maximize the ability of the toy to maintain the airway when the toy is in the animal's mouth, especially when the toy is lodged deeper into the animal's mouth and into the throat. The substantially spherical shape of the toy, without protruding edges, allows the pet toy to still be rolled like a ball and thrown like a ball. In addition, the center opening provides an additional means for maintaining the airway when the ball is placed in the dog's mouth.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pet toy may include a strand of rope or other fiber material arranged through a central opening. The rope may include one or more knots. The use of the rope may enhance play with the dog, where the rope may be used for tug-of-war or enhance the owner's throwing action. Alternatively, the rope may also provide a different type of chewing texture for the dog.

[0022] In view of the above features of the present invention in various preferred embodiments, in a general aspect, the present invention can be considered to be a pet toy comprising: a body having an outer surface and a side wall of substantially uniform thickness; a central opening formed through the outer surface; a hollow core forming the interior of the body; a plurality of portions extending outward from the outer surface and defined by grooves defining each of the quadrants, each of the portions having a triangular shape; each of the grooves having a V-shape when viewed in cross-section; and wherein the depth of the groove is between approximately 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, and the angle subtended by the V-shape is between approximately 30° and 60°.

[0023] According to another general aspect of the present invention, it can be considered to be a pet toy, comprising: a body having an outer surface and a side wall of substantially uniform thickness; a central opening formed through the outer surface; a hollow core forming the interior of the body; a plurality of portions extending outward from the outer surface and defined by grooves defining each of the quadrants, each portion having a triangular shape; each of the grooves having a V-shape when viewed in cross-section; and wherein the depth of the grooves is between approximately 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, the diameter of the pet toy is at least 2.5 inches, and the width of the grooves measured near the outer surface is between approximately 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch.

[0024] According to another general aspect of the present invention, it can be considered as a pet toy, comprising: a body having an outer surface and a side wall of substantially uniform thickness; a central opening formed through the outer surface; a hollow core forming the interior of the body; a plurality of portions extending outwardly from the outer surface and defined by grooves defining each of the quadrants, each portion having a triangular shape; each of the grooves having a V-shape when viewed in cross-section; and wherein the depth of the grooves is between approximately 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, the diameter of the pet toy is at least 2.5 inches, and the width of the grooves measured near the outer surface is between approximately 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch.

[0025] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the pet toy of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the pet toy of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the pet toy of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is an enlarged top elevation view of the pet toy of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevation view of the pet toy of the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevation view of a pet toy including a strand of fibrous material (eg, a rope) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to each of the drawings, the pet toy 10 of the present invention is a spherical body having a plurality of quadrants or portions 12 that form the outer surface of the toy. A central opening 14 is formed through opposite sides of the body. The pet toy preferably has a substantially uniform thickness, also referred to as a substantially uniform sidewall.

[0033] A total of eight quadrants or sections 12 constitute the outer surface of the toy. Preferably, each section 12 has the same shape and size. Each section 12 is substantially triangular in shape with a curved or rounded edge 22 located where the two side edges of the section 12 converge. These curved or rounded edges 22 may also be described as chamfered or tapered edges.

[0034] Grooves 16 are formed between the various portions 12. The grooves are defined by opposing groove walls 20 that are angled relative to each other to form a unique V-shape. The bottom of each groove 24 is defined by a very small gap 24 between the opposing groove walls 20; however, when observing the Figure 4-Figure 6 When the grooves are shown, the corresponding gaps 24 are barely visible, so that each groove maintains its unique V-shape.

[0035] At six locations on the outer surface of the toy where the edges of the four sections 12 meet, there are diamond-shaped areas 18 that are the result of the visual appearance of the deepest edges of the adjacent groove side walls at that location.

[0036] The characteristics of the toy, measured either individually or in combination with each other, including the depth, width and shape of the groove 16, are critical. Think of the ball as a valve: the dog's throat is the seat of the valve. One object of the present invention is to prevent choking by preventing the valve from seating or sealing, i.e., preventing the dog's airway from being cut off. In addition, the throat tissue is semi-soft and moist, which makes it easier to seal. During the testing of the present invention, experiments were conducted with a cylindrical water glass and a prototype of the present invention having different groove depths. The prototype was arranged to cover the top of the glass. The water glass was inverted to determine the minimum groove depth required to produce a perceptible flow of water. The water flow simulates the passage of air through the dog's throat. Testing showed that 1 / 16 inch was the minimum depth for any perceptible amount of water to flow, thereby determining the minimum air flow through the groove. Testing further showed that 1 / 8 inch to 1 / 4 inch was the best choice to allow fluid to flow through the groove. The tapered or rounded intersection area between the portions 12 reduces the sealing ability compared to a groove with only straight groove side edges. Too deep grooves can reduce structural integrity, so while deeper grooves can allow for better airflow, the structural integrity of the toy can deteriorate to the point where it is too easy for a dog to chew off portions of the quadrants around the groove edges. The effect of tapered or rounded groove edges is to deflect the dog's teeth, thereby reducing the dog's ability to chew and tear the edges. Even shallower grooves with well-defined sharp edges, i.e., groove edges that are square and angled at approximately 90°, can be easily chewed and removed.

[0037] Too wide a groove can result in an erratic bounce, whereas it is desirable to maintain the pet toy as a functional ball that bounces and rolls evenly to optimize play potential.

[0038] Compared to a ball without grooves, the quadrant and grooved outer surface of the present invention enables a dog to reliably grasp the ball and place the ball in the dog's teeth. During the catching action, the dog's teeth are likely to penetrate at least one of the grooves, and therefore, additional frictional resistance is created to prevent the ball from penetrating too deeply and entering the dog's throat. A wet round ball would certainly increase the risk that the dog would not be able to stop the momentum of the ball in its teeth.

[0039] Specific reference Figure 4 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pet toy is provided with a size measurement that enables it to prevent choking and suffocation of an animal (such as a dog). Preferably, the diameter of the pet toy is at least about 2.5 inches, which prevents the pet toy from getting stuck in the dog's throat. Larger diameters are also contemplated in embodiments of the present invention; therefore, for most dogs, a diameter of 2.5 inches can be considered a minimum diameter to prevent choking.

[0040] Preferably, as previously described, the depth D of the groove is between about 1 / 8 inch and 1 / 4 inch, with a minimum depth of at least about 1 / 16 inch. The width W of the groove measured near the outer surface of the pet toy is preferably between about 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch. The angle A subtended by the V-shaped groove is preferably between about 30° and 60°. The diameter of the central opening 14 can be between about 1 / 2 inch and 5 / 8 inch. As previously described, the central opening 14 provides an additional path for air flow when the toy is in the dog's mouth.

[0041] Another important parameter to measure is the weight of the toy. A toy that is too heavy can get lodged deeper in the animal's throat if the animal catches the ball in flight. A toy that is too light does not provide enough play because the owner cannot throw the toy a sufficient distance. In addition, a toy that is too light usually indicates that the toy is not made of a sufficiently resilient and elastic material, and therefore, the toy is more easily destroyed by chewing. Optimally, pet toys should be made of a resilient and elastic rubber compound that provides sufficient strength and sufficient weight for a long-lasting pet toy.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a ball having a diameter between about 2.5 inches and 4.0 inches may have an optimal weight between about 8 ounces and 11 ounces. Another preferred embodiment may have a diameter of about 3.5 inches and a weight of about 9.5 ounces.

[0043] In view of the above-mentioned measurement parameters and other features of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention does not require that each measurement parameter be present. Rather, the present invention achieves some improved functions by providing the parameters together in various subcombinations. Therefore, it should be further understood that the scope of the present invention herein is not limited to pet toys that must have all measurement parameters, and any subcombination can be selected to improve toy performance and prevent choking of animals (e.g., dogs).

[0044] Figure 6Another preferred embodiment is shown, in which the pet toy 10 also includes a flexible material rope or strand or cord 30 having a knotted end 32. The cord 30 passes through the openings 14 at opposite ends of the toy. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the cord can be between about 12 inches and 16 inches.

[0045] The rope 30 can be used to further enhance a game of tug-of-war with a dog, or to enhance a pet owner's throwing motion. Another option is to extend the rope 30 through only one of the openings 14, with one end of the rope (not shown) held in the core of the pet toy, such as by an enlarged knotted end or an otherwise enlarged end, so that it cannot pass through the opening. The other end can be knotted as shown. It is also contemplated to use longer lengths of rope, which can be used for specific purposes, such as enhancing tug-of-war, where the owner and dog can more easily grab the longer length of rope.

[0046] By using the cord 30, the additional function of preventing the animal from choking is provided, as the cord increases the overall diameter of the toy, and if the toy gets too far down the dog's throat, the owner can pull the cord to release the toy. The cord also provides additional play opportunities through a tug-of-war action, where the owner can hold one end of the cord and the dog can hold the other end of the cord with his teeth. The cord also enhances the throwing force of the toy.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the present invention, if a rope is added, the diameter of the toy can be less than 2.5 inches. The rope provides additional security so that the toy cannot get stuck in the dog's throat because the owner can pull the rope to remove the toy.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to various preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to those preferred embodiments and, therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed appropriately in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pet toy, comprising: a body having an outer surface; a hollow core forming an interior of the body; as well as a plurality of sections extending outwardly from said outer surface and defined by grooves defining each of said sections; When viewed in cross-section, each of the grooves has a V-shape; and The depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, and the angle faced by the V-shape is between 30° and 60°.

2. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 8 inch.

3. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The pet toy has a diameter of at least 2.5 inches.

4. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The pet toy has a diameter between 2.5 inches and 4.0 inches.

5. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The pet toy weighs between 8 ounces and 11 ounces.

6. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The weight of the pet toy is 9.5 ounces, and the diameter of the pet toy is 3.5 inches.

7. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the groove measured adjacent the outer surface is between 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch.

8. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: There are diamond-shaped areas at six locations on the outer surface of the body where the edges of four sections meet.

9. The pet toy according to claim 1, further comprising: a sidewall having a substantially uniform thickness; as well as a central opening formed through the outer surface, Wherein, each of the parts has a triangular shape.

10. The pet toy according to claim 9, wherein: The central opening extends through opposite sides of the body, and a cord is passed through the central opening such that respective portions of the cord extend beyond the opposite sides of the body.

11. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The pet toy is made of an elastic material including a rubber compound.

12. A pet toy, comprising: a body having an outer surface; a hollow core forming an interior of the body; as well as a plurality of sections extending outwardly from said outer surface and defined by grooves defining each of said sections; When viewed in cross-section, each of the grooves has a V-shape; and The depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, the diameter of the pet toy is at least 2.5 inches, and the width of the groove measured near the outer surface is between 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch.

13. The pet toy according to claim 12, wherein: The depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 8 inch.

14. The pet toy according to claim 12, wherein: The pet toy has a diameter between 2.5 inches and 4.0 inches.

15. The pet toy according to claim 12, wherein: The pet toy weighs between 8 ounces and 11 ounces.

16. The pet toy according to claim 12, wherein: There are diamond-shaped areas at six locations on the outer surface of the body where the edges of four sections meet.

17. The pet toy according to claim 12, further comprising: a sidewall having a substantially uniform thickness; as well as a central opening formed through the outer surface, Wherein, each of the parts has a triangular shape.

18. The pet toy according to claim 17, wherein: The central opening extends through opposite sides of the body, and a cord is passed through the central opening such that respective portions of the cord extend beyond the opposite sides of the body.

19. The pet toy according to claim 12, wherein: The pet toy is made of an elastic material including a rubber compound that resists puncture due to biting by an animal.

20. A pet toy, comprising: a body having an outer surface; a hollow core forming an interior of the body; as well as a plurality of sections extending outwardly from said outer surface and defined by grooves defining each of said sections; When viewed in cross section, each of the grooves has a V-shape, and the angle subtended by the V-shape is between 30° and 60°; and wherein the depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, the diameter of the pet toy is at least 2.5 inches, the width of the groove measured near the outer surface is between 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch, and the pet toy is made of an elastic material including a rubber compound that resists puncture caused by an animal's bite.

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