Pet toy

Abstract

The invention relates to a pet toy comprising: a body having an outer surface; a hollow core forming an interior of the body; and a plurality of portions extending outwardly from the outer surface and defined by a groove bounding each of the portions; each of the grooves having a V-shape when viewed in cross-section; and wherein the depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch and the angle subtended by the V-shape is between 30° and 60°.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The parent application was filed on December 30, 2021, with application number 202180088470.6 and invention title "Pet Toy with Interconnecting Grooves and Open Core". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to pet toys specifically designed as balls for throwing and retrieving, and more specifically, to toys for dogs having interconnected and continuous grooves to prevent airflow obstruction when a dog places the pet toy in its mouth, regardless of the depth of the toy in the dog's mouth and throat. Background Technology

[0003] A common category of pet toys is those made of soft or elastic materials such as rubber. These toys, if made of high-quality materials, can withstand the biting action of animals and can be used by them for extended periods. It is known to place treats inside these types of toys to increase animal interaction. It is also known to place sound-producing devices, often referred to as "squeakers," inside toys to further stimulate animals.

[0004] Another common category of pet toys is those often referred to as "plush" toys. These types of toys are made of different types of cloth or fabric and may also include woven strands of material, such as nylon rope. Plush toys are often stuffed with fibrous materials, such as polyester stuffing, to provide added thickness or volume so that animals can chew on them. Plush toys may also include squeaking mechanisms to further stimulate the animal.

[0005] One particularly popular dog toy is a simple ball that can be used in fetch and retrieve games. Many flexible and bouncy balls are made for dogs. The ball is easy for owners to throw, and its rolling motion allows it to travel a considerable distance when thrown. The ball's curved, spherical shape makes it easy for dogs to put in their mouths.

[0006] While balls remain one of the most common types of dog toys, there are problems associated with using balls as dogs. One of the most problematic features of a ball as a dog toy is that it can get stuck in a dog's throat. Unfortunately, balls have been linked to suffocation deaths in dogs. If the diameter of the ball is close to the diameter of the opening in a dog's throat, it can get stuck in many situations. One scenario is when a dog catches a ball in mid-air, and the force of the ball causes it to become lodged in the animal's throat. Another scenario is when an owner tries to remove the ball from the dog's mouth, and the ball unintentionally becomes lodged in the throat; in some cases, the action of moving a hand against the ball can push it further down into the animal's mouth and throat.

[0007] Another problem associated with hollow balls is that dogs can easily chew the ball's material and swallow fragments. Tennis balls have long been used as dogs' toys and are the most widely used, but unfortunately, many tennis balls are of insufficient quality, making it easy for dogs to chew the tennis ball material.

[0008] Another issue may be related to flexible hollow balls, as bending or deforming the ball could cause it 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 unfortunate events, which can be avoided by properly designing the ball's size and choosing the right type of ball. Unfortunately, when balls are sold and marketed as dog toys, there is no clear design for the appropriate size of a particular dog. Often, manufacturers may only offer one size of ball, which ends up being sold to owners of many different breeds of dogs.

[0010] Considering the aforementioned drawbacks of using traditional balls as toys for dogs, there is a need for a dog toy that possesses the same characteristics as a play ball, such as the ability to catch and retrieve it, but overcomes the potential choking hazard associated with balls. Furthermore, there is a need for a pet toy that can be used by dog ​​breeds of various sizes while still maintaining sufficient safety to prevent choking.

[0011] Goughnuts® Interactive Balls for Dogs is a commercial pet toy that functions as a ball but also includes multiple interconnected channels. The outer surface of the toy is divided into eight distinct quadrants or sections, each with grooves separating these sections. The walls of the grooves are parallel to each other, and the cross-sectional view of the grooves provides a different U-shape. 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] A patent reference disclosed in U.S. Design Patent No. 817,562 is a pet toy with a shape similar to, but significantly modified from, Goughnuts® Interactive Balls for dogs. This reference discloses more specifically a toy for dogs whose outer surface is also divided into eight distinct quadrants or sections, but the grooves are significantly wider and shallower. When viewed in cross-section, the walls of the grooves also exhibit a U-shape, but the U-shape is significantly wider and shallower.

[0013] While the Goughnuts® Interactive Balls for Dogs and U.S. Design Patent No. 817,562 may be sufficient for their intended purpose, further improvements are needed to ensure that these universally designed dog toys are adequately choking-proof. Specific features of the invention described herein are detailed in conjunction with the present invention, ensuring that the dog toys are safe for use with many different sizes of breeds, while still functioning as functional balls for play (e.g., fetch and retrieve games).

[0014] Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand the specific attributes and features of the invention described herein, which will fully distinguish it from known prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pet toy of the present invention comprises a spherical body with eight distinct quadrants or portions formed on its outer surface. Each portion is three-sided, resembling an equilateral triangle, except that each angle 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 has substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby providing a pet toy with an open core.

[0016] The specific materials for pet toys can be selected from a group of moldable elastic rubber compounds, preferably puncture-resistant rubber compounds, which can withstand the tearing action of animals.

[0017] Multiple grooves or channels are defined between each quadrant or section. The sidewalls of the grooves have a roughly V-shaped structure, which gradually narrows as the groove extends toward the center of the pet toy. The bottom of the groove may have a very small gap, thus separating the opposing sidewalls, but this tiny gap is almost imperceptible to the observable eye, thus maintaining a distinct visual V-shape.

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

[0019] At six locations where the edges of the four sections meet on the outer surface of the toy, rhomboid regions are found, which are the result of the deepest edge of the adjacent groove sidewall.

[0020] As discussed in further detail below, the specific dimensions and spacing of the grooves, along with their V-shaped orientation, maximize the toy's ability to maintain an airway when in an animal's mouth, especially when the toy is lodged deeper in the mouth and into the throat. The toy's basic spherical shape without protruding edges allows it to still roll and be thrown like a ball. Furthermore, the central opening provides an additional means of maintaining an airway when the toy is placed in a dog's mouth.

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

[0022] In view of the above-described features of the invention in various preferred embodiments, in a general aspect, the invention can be considered as a pet toy comprising: a body having an outer surface and sidewalls 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 groove having a V-shape when viewed in cross-section; and wherein the depth of the groove is between about 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, and the angle faced by the V-shape is between about 30° and 60°.

[0023] According to another general aspect of the invention, it can be considered a pet toy comprising: a body having an outer surface and sidewalls 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 groove having a V-shape when viewed in cross-section; and wherein the depth of the grooves is between about 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 about 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch.

[0024] According to another general aspect of the invention, it can be considered a pet toy comprising: a body having an outer surface and sidewalls 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 groove having a V-shape when viewed in cross-section; and wherein the depth of the grooves is between about 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 about 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch.

[0025] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] Figure 6 This is an enlarged side elevation view of a pet toy comprising a strand of fibrous material (such as a rope) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Referring to each of the accompanying drawings, the pet toy 10 of the present invention is a spherical body having a plurality of quadrants or portions 12 forming 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 substantially uniform sidewalls.

[0033] A total of eight quadrants or portions 12 constitute the outer surface of the toy. Preferably, each portion 12 has the same shape and size. The shape of each portion 12 is essentially triangular, with curved or rounded edges 22 located at the confluence of the two side edges of the portion 12. These curved or rounded edges 22 can 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, which are angled relative to each other, thus forming a distinctive V-shape. The bottom of each groove 16 is defined by a very small gap 24 between the opposing groove walls 20; however, when observed as... Figures 4-6 When the grooves are shown, the corresponding gaps 24 are almost invisible, so each groove maintains a unique V-shape.

[0035] At six locations where the edges of the four portions 12 on the outer surface of the toy intersect, there are rhomboid regions 18, which are the result of the visual representation of the deepest edge of the adjacent groove sidewall at that location.

[0036] The characteristics of the toy, whether measured individually or in combination, including the depth, width, and shape of the groove 16, are crucial. Think of the ball as a valve: the dog's throat is the valve's base. One object of the invention is to prevent suffocation by preventing the valve from sealing or closing, i.e., preventing the dog's airway from being cut off. Furthermore, the throat tissue is semi-soft and moist, making it easier to seal. In testing of the invention, experiments were conducted using cylindrical water glass and prototypes of the invention with different groove depths. The prototypes were arranged to cover the top of the glass. The water glass was inverted to determine the minimum groove depth required to produce a perceptible water flow. The water flow simulates the passage of air through the dog's throat. Tests showed that 1 / 16 inch is the minimum depth for any perceptible amount of water flow, thus determining the minimum airflow through the groove. Tests further showed that 1 / 8 inch to 1 / 4 inch is the optimal choice to allow fluid flow through the groove. The tapered or rounded intersection area between sections 12 reduces sealing ability compared to grooves with only straight groove side edges. Deep grooves reduce structural integrity; therefore, while deeper grooves may allow for better airflow, the toy's structural integrity deteriorates to the point that a dog can too easily bite off the quadrant around the groove's edge. Tapered or rounded groove edges deflect the dog's teeth, reducing their ability to chew and tear the edges. Even shallower grooves with clearly defined, sharp edges—that is, square groove edges at approximately 90° angles—are easily chewed and removed.

[0037] Too wide a groove can lead to unstable bouncing, and the goal is to keep the pet toy as a functional ball that bounces and rolls evenly to optimize its play potential.

[0038] Compared to a ball without grooves, the quadrant and grooved outer surface of this invention allows a dog to reliably grasp the ball and place it in its teeth. During the grasping action, the dog's teeth are likely to penetrate at least one groove, thus creating additional frictional resistance to prevent the ball from penetrating too deeply and entering the dog's throat. A wet, round ball certainly increases the risk that the dog will be unable to control the momentum of the ball within its teeth.

[0039] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 4 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, pet toys are provided with sizing measurements to prevent choking and suffocation in animals such as dogs. Preferably, the pet toy has a diameter of 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 invention; therefore, a diameter of 2.5 inches can be considered the minimum diameter to prevent suffocation for most dogs.

[0040] Preferably, as previously stated, 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 facing 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 stated, the central opening 14 provides an additional path for airflow when the toy is in the dog's mouth.

[0041] Another important measurement parameter is the toy's weight. If an animal catches a ball in flight, a toy that's too heavy will get stuck deeper in its throat. A toy that's too light won't provide enough playtime because the owner can't throw it far enough. Furthermore, a toy that's too light usually indicates it's not made of a material that's sufficiently elastic and resilient, making it more likely to be chewed and destroyed. Ideally, pet toys should be made of a resilient and resilient rubber compound that provides sufficient strength and weight for a durable pet toy.

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

[0043] In light of the aforementioned measurement parameters and other features of the invention, it should be understood that the invention does not require every measurement parameter to be present. Rather, the invention achieves improved functionality through parameters provided in various sub-combinations. Therefore, it should be further understood that the scope of the invention herein is not limited to pet toys that must have all the measurement parameters, and any sub-combination can be selected to improve toy performance and prevent suffocation in animals (e.g., dogs).

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

[0045] Rope 30 can be used to further enhance tug-of-war games with the dog, or to enhance the throwing action of the pet owner. Alternatively, rope 30 can be made to extend only through one of the openings 14, with one end of the rope (not shown) held within the core of the pet toy, such as by an enlarged knotted end or otherwise enlarged end, preventing it from passing through the opening. The other end can be knotted as shown. Longer rope lengths can also be considered, which can be used for specific purposes, such as enhancing tug-of-war, where the longer rope can be more easily gripped by the owner and dog.

[0046] The use of a rope 30 provides an additional function to prevent animal choking, as the rope increases the overall diameter of the toy, and if the toy gets too deep in the dog's throat, the owner can pull the rope to release it. The rope also provides additional play opportunities through a tug-of-war motion, where the owner holds one end of the rope while the dog uses its teeth to grip the other. The rope also enhances the toy's throwing power.

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

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

Claims

1. A pet toy, comprising: A spherical body having an outer surface; An opening that is formed through the outer surface; A hollow core, which forms the interior of the main body; as well as Eight portions, each extending outward from the outer surface and defined by a groove defining each portion, each portion having the same shape; When viewed in cross-section, each of the grooves has a V-shape; and The groove has a depth between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, and the angle of 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 diameter of the pet toy is between 2.5 inches and 4.0 inches.

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

6. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The pet toy weighs 9.5 ounces and has a diameter of 3.5 inches.

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

8. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: A rhomboid region exists at six locations where the edges of the four parts intersect on the outer surface of the main body.

9. The pet toy according to claim 1, further comprising: The sidewalls have a substantially uniform thickness.

10. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The opening is a central opening.

11. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the aforementioned parts has a triangular shape.

12. The pet toy according to claim 1, wherein: The opening extends through opposite sides of the body, and a rope passes through the opening such that a corresponding portion of the rope extends beyond opposite sides of the body.

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

14. A pet toy, comprising: A spherical body having an outer surface; An opening that is formed through the outer surface; A hollow core, which forms the interior of the main body; as well as Eight portions, each extending outward from the outer surface and defined by a groove defining each portion, each portion having the same shape and size; When viewed in cross-section, each of the grooves has a V-shape; and The groove has a depth between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, the pet toy has a diameter of 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.

15. The pet toy according to claim 14, wherein: The depth of the groove is between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 8 inch.

16. The pet toy according to claim 14, wherein: The diameter of the pet toy is between 2.5 inches and 4.0 inches.

17. The pet toy according to claim 14, wherein: The pet toy weighs between 8 and 11 ounces.

18. The pet toy according to claim 14, wherein: A rhomboid region exists at six locations where the edges of the four parts intersect on the outer surface of the main body.

19. The pet toy of claim 14, further comprising: The sidewalls have a substantially uniform thickness.

20. The pet toy according to claim 14, wherein: The opening is a central opening.

21. The pet toy according to claim 14, in, Each of the aforementioned parts has a triangular shape.

22. The pet toy according to claim 14, wherein: The opening extends through opposite sides of the body, and a rope passes through the opening such that a corresponding portion of the rope extends beyond opposite sides of the body.

23. The pet toy according to claim 14, wherein: The pet toy is made of an elastic material comprising a rubber compound that resists punctures caused by an animal's bite.

24. A pet toy, comprising: A spherical body having an outer surface; An opening that is formed through the outer surface; A hollow core, which forms the interior of the main body; as well as Eight portions, each extending outward from the outer surface and defined by a groove defining each portion, each portion having the same shape and size; When viewed in cross-section, each of the grooves has a V-shape, and the angle facing the V-shape is between 30° and 60°; and The groove has a depth between 1 / 16 inch and 1 / 4 inch, the pet toy has a diameter of at least 2.5 inches, the groove has a width between 3 / 8 inch and 1 / 2 inch when measured near the outer surface, and the pet toy is made of an elastic material comprising a rubber compound that resists punctures caused by an animal's bite.

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