Toy / training tool for animal containing assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a toy / training tool for an animal containment assembly. Specifically, a toy can be placed on an animal box as an on-box snack delivery system. The toy can encourage animals adapting to a new box to carry out low-energy positive strengthening. The toys may be supported by the mesh network of the bin to provide an off-ground design that provides snacks to the animal in the bin and helps maintain the animal bed clean by not encouraging to lick or chew the bed. The toy may also be used outwardly from the box, thereby using the box as an elevated column for snack consumption.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 938,597, filed on November 21, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the pet industry, and more particularly, to pet crates. Background Art

[0003] Animal enclosures or boxes for pets often include a net, door, cage, or other components that hold the animal within the box. Sometimes, it is desirable to interact with the animal while it is within the box, such as feeding the animal, playing with the animal, or providing the animal with a treat. Therefore, it may be desirable to produce a toy for a box that is fun for the animal, provides a treat to the animal, is safe for the animal, is easy to install and remove, is easy to clean, is hypoallergenic, and is aesthetically pleasing. Summary of the invention

[0004] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention," and "the present invention" used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this patent and the appended patent claims. Statements containing these terms should not be understood to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the appended patent claims. The embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the appended claims, not by this summary. This summary is a high-level summary of various aspects of the invention and introduces some concepts that are further described in the following detailed description section. This summary is not intended to indicate the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a system for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly is disclosed herein, the system comprising: an animal contact portion configured to extend from a mesh network suspended by a support frame of the box assembly into the box assembly; a mesh network engagement portion configured to allow the system for engaging an animal in play for the box assembly to be locked into the mesh network; and a handle portion configured to lock an animal toy mounted to the box into the mesh network. In some cases, the animal contact portion includes a chew toy. In some examples, the animal contact portion is configured to provide a treat to the animal (e.g., the animal contact portion includes at least one groove configured to hold a treat).

[0006] In some examples, at least one groove includes at least one raised portion, and may include a plurality of raised portions arranged in a pattern in the animal contact portion. Additionally, at least one groove also includes a plurality of voids that traverse the animal contact portion, and the plurality of voids are arranged in a pattern in the animal contact portion. Thus, the animal contact portion is configured to make it difficult for the animal to retrieve the treat, thereby providing extended contact with the animal.

[0007] In some aspects, the handle portion and the mesh network engagement portion are also configured to prevent the system for enabling animals to participate in games for the box assembly from falling from the mesh network. In some aspects, the handle portion is also configured to retrieve the system for enabling animals to participate in games for the box assembly from the mesh network.

[0008] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly is also disclosed herein, comprising: applying a treat to a toy that is configured to be supported by a mesh network that is suspended by a support frame of the box assembly; engaging the toy into the mesh network of the box assembly; and locking the toy into the mesh network. In some cases, applying a treat to the toy includes placing the treat into at least one groove positioned on the toy. In some examples, inserting the toy into the mesh network of the box assembly includes passing an animal contact portion of the toy through the mesh network of the box assembly until the mesh network engagement portion of the toy is aligned with the mesh network. In some cases, rotating the toy to lock the toy into the mesh network includes rotating the toy from 0° to 179°. In addition, the method includes removing the toy from the mesh network (e.g., removing the toy from the mesh network includes rotating the toy in the opposite direction of rotating the toy to lock the toy into the mesh network, and pulling the toy from the mesh network).

[0009] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an animal toy mounted on a box is also disclosed herein, comprising: an animal contact portion, which is configured to extend from a mesh network suspended by a support frame of the box into the box, wherein the animal contact portion includes at least one groove configured to hold treats; a mesh network engagement portion, which is positioned adjacent to the animal contact portion, wherein the mesh network engagement portion is configured to allow an animal toy mounted on the box to be locked into the mesh network; and a handle portion, which is configured to lock the animal toy mounted on the box into the mesh network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] This description refers to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used in different drawings to indicate like or similar components.

[0011] Figure 1 is a front view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a side view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figures 3A-3C is a bottom view of a toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3D -E is a diagram of a mesh network junction portion according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a front view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.10 is a front view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.11 2 are various views of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.12 2 are various views of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.13 is a perspective view of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.14 2 are various views of an animal toy according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure relate to pet containment and enabling contained pets to participate in play. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the exact form described herein. On the contrary, the embodiments described herein are selected so that those skilled in the art can recognize and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention," and "present invention" are intended to broadly refer to all subject matter of this patent application and the appended claims. Statements containing these terms should not be construed to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the appended patent claims.

[0028] As used herein, the meaning of "a", "an" or "the" includes both singular and plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] All ranges disclosed herein will be understood to include both endpoints and any and all sub-ranges contained within the two endpoints. For example, a range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10; that is, all sub-ranges starting with a minimum value of 1 or greater (e.g., 1 to 6.1) and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10).

[0030] As used herein, directional and spatial terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "horizontally," "vertically," "outwardly," and "upwardly" are not intended to be limiting terms.

[0031] As used herein, a "toy" may include, but is not limited to, an item for play, a training tool, a training aid, a teaching tool, a positive reinforcer (eg, a reward), any suitable animal interaction device, or any combination thereof.

[0032] Representative embodiments are presented in Figure 1 In some embodiments, the toy 1000 is suitable for use in a collapsible box assembly according to PCT Publication No. WO2018 / 169693A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Although the toy 1000 designed to accompany the collapsible box system described in the WO2018 / 169693 publication is described throughout, the method and article are applicable to any animal containment system. In some examples, the animal containment system is a wire cage, a non-collapsible polymer box, a travel box, a decorative box, a multi-purpose box, etc.

[0033] These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe various additional features and examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions are used to describe the illustrative embodiments, but similar to the illustrative embodiments, should not be used to limit the present disclosure. Elements in the figures included herein may not be drawn to scale.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the toy 1000 described herein is shown in Figure 1 -3. In some examples, the toy 1000 includes an animal contact portion 1010, a handle portion 1020, and a mesh network engagement portion 1030. The animal contact portion 1010 may be a chew toy and / or a snack delivery system. In some aspects, the animal contact portion 1010 includes at least one groove 1040. The groove 1040 can be used to provide a snack to the animal. For example, a spreadable snack (e.g., peanut butter) can be applied to the groove 1040. In other examples, the groove 1040 can be configured to securely hold a dry snack (e.g., kibble). The groove 1040 can be positioned on a first side of the toy 1000, or the groove 1040 can be positioned on a first side of the toy 1000 and a second side of the toy 1000. The groove 1040 can have any suitable depth so that a snack (e.g., a spreadable snack or a dry snack) can be accommodated in the groove 1040.

[0035] The handle portion 1020 provides a grip that a user can use to handle the toy 1000 (e.g., apply treats, deploy the toy 1000 into the mesh network of the box, and lock the toy 1000 into the mesh network, as described in detail below). The handle portion 1020 may include a stop 1050 that is configured to prevent the toy 1000 from completely passing through the mesh network of the box. The mesh network engagement portion 1030 is configured to enable a user to lock the toy 1000 into the mesh network so that the animal can access the toy 1000 but cannot remove the toy 1000 from the mesh network. Figure 2 1 is a side view of toy 1000, which depicts animal contact portion 1010, handle portion 1020, mesh network engagement portion 1030, and stop 1050. In some aspects, the mesh network engagement portion can have notches configured to engage cross members that provide a mesh network, as described below. For example, stop 1050 can have notches that align and engage with the mesh network when toy 1000 is in a locked configuration.

[0036] Figure 3A is a bottom view of toy 1000 depicting animal contact portion 1010 and stop 1050 . Figure 3B FIG. 1 is a bottom view of toy 1000, which depicts toy 1000 inserted into mesh network 3010. Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the animal contact portion 1010 is configured to be inserted into the mesh network 3010 until the stop 1050 contacts the mesh network 3010, thereby preventing the toy 1000 from completely passing through the mesh network 3010. The toy 1000 can be locked into the mesh network 3010 by rotating the toy 1000, as shown in FIG. Figure 3CIn some cases, the animal contact portion 1010 and the handle portion 1020 can engage the mesh network 3010 around the mesh network engagement portion 1030. Thus, the mesh network engagement portion 1030 can be configured to conform to the mesh network 3010 when the toy 1000 is rotated and locked into the mesh network 3010. Thus, the animal can contact the toy 1000 without removing the toy 1000 from the mesh network 3010, while preventing the toy 1000 from falling from the mesh network 3010. Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of the stopper 1050. Figure 3D , the stop 1050 can have a notch 3020 that is configured to engage a cross-member of the mesh network 3010. Thus, the notch 3020 can be provided in any suitable configuration so that the toy 1000 can be deployed in any animal cage assembly, including an animal cage assembly having vertical cage components, horizontal cage components, a diamond pattern mesh network, a rectangular pattern mesh network, any suitable animal containment component, or any combination thereof. Figure 3E is a side view of the toy 1000 illustrating the stop 1050 and the notch 3020 configured to engage the mesh network 3010 at the mesh network engagement portion 1030 .

[0037] In some embodiments, toy 1000 may be textured to make it more difficult for an animal to retrieve a treat. For example, groove 1040 may include at least one raised portion (e.g., a raised pattern), and may optionally include multiple raised portions to form an uneven surface that can retain the treat when the animal attempts to retrieve it. The multiple raised portions may be provided in any suitable pattern, including a dot pattern, a sole pattern, a wave pattern, a diamond pattern, a web pattern, any suitable pattern, or any combination thereof. For example, Figure 4 A groove 1040 is shown having a plurality of raised portions in a wavy pattern 4010, Figure 5 A groove 1040 having a plurality of raised portions in a sole pattern 5010 is shown. Figure 6 A groove 1040 is shown having a plurality of raised portions in a diamond pattern 6010, Figure 7 A groove 1040 is shown having a plurality of raised portions in a network pattern (eg, a pattern in the following examples: a neural network, a polymer network, a cellular network, or any suitable network pattern), and Figure 8A recess 1040 is shown with a plurality of raised portions in a dot pattern 8010. Thus, a plurality of raised portions in any suitable pattern can provide an area in which a spreadable treat (e.g., peanut butter) can be difficult for an animal to retrieve. Thus, the animal will continue to attempt to retrieve the treat, and a toy 1000 as described herein can occupy the animal for a longer period of time when compared to a toy without a raised pattern.

[0038] In some additional embodiments, the toy 1000 may include a recess 1040 that includes at least one cavity extending through the thickness of the toy 1000 (i.e., the recess 1040 includes at least one hole configured to receive a treat), and may include multiple cavities extending through the thickness of the toy 1000, such as in Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As in the example of . The cavities in groove 1040 can be provided in any suitable pattern, including a dot pattern, a sole pattern, a wave pattern, a diamond pattern, a network pattern, or any combination thereof. For example, Fig. 9 A recess 1040 having voids in a dot pattern 9010 is shown, while Fig.10 A recess 1040 is shown with voids in a web pattern 10010. Thus, a plurality of voids in any suitable pattern can provide an area in which a spreadable treat (e.g., peanut butter) can be difficult for an animal to retrieve. Thus, the animal will continue to attempt to retrieve the treat, and a toy 1000 as described herein can occupy the animal for a longer period of time when compared to a toy without voids.

[0039] In other embodiments, the toy 1000 may have any suitable configuration such that the toy 1000 may be inserted into the mesh network 3010 of the box assembly, locked into the mesh network 3010, and provide treats to the animal. Fig.11 A cross-shaped toy 1100 is shown with an optional cross-shaped cross section, as shown in bottom view 1110. The cross-shaped toy 1100 includes an animal contact portion 1010, a handle portion 1020, and a mesh network engagement portion 1030. Additionally, the cross-shaped toy 1100 can be locked into the mesh network 3010 by inserting the cross-shaped toy 1100 into the mesh network 3010 until the mesh network engagement portion 1030 is aligned with the mesh network 3010 and by rotating the cross-shaped toy 1100. In some cases, the recessed portion 1120 can be used to provide a spreadable treat (e.g., peanut butter) to the animal.

[0040] In some other examples, Fig.12A toy 1200 is shown having a plurality of recesses 1210 such that a spreadable treat may be placed in at least one recess 1210 of the plurality of recesses 1210, and a spreadable treat may be placed in each recess 1210 of any number of recesses 1210 or more. Fig.13 A toy 1300 is shown having a plurality of recesses 1310 arranged in a spiral pattern 1320. In some other examples, Fig.14 A curved toy 1400 is shown having a curved cross-section as shown in bottom view 1410. The curved toy 1400 includes an animal contact portion 1010, a handle portion 1020, and a mesh network engagement portion 1030. Additionally, the curved toy 1400 can be locked into the mesh network 3010 by inserting the curved toy 1400 until the stop 1050 contacts the mesh network 3010 and by rotating the curved toy 1400. Thus, any suitable shape can be used to provide the animal contact portion 1010 of the system for engaging an animal in play for the box assembly described herein.

[0041] In some examples, the toy 1000 is a polymer, a metal, a composite material, wood, ceramic, rawhide, bone, or any combination thereof. For example, the polymer may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), natural rubber, synthetic rubber, any suitable polymer, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the toy 1000 is a rigid material or a flexible material. For example, the toy 1000 may be a rigid material so that the animal can chew the toy 1000 without damaging the toy 1000. Alternatively, the toy 1000 may be a flexible material so that the animal can chew the toy 1000, hit the toy 1000, and rub the toy 1000 with the mouth and nose.

[0042] Deploying the toy 1000 may include applying a treat to the toy 1000, inserting the toy 1000 into the mesh network 3010 of the case assembly, and rotating the toy 1000 to lock the toy 1000 into the mesh network 3010. In some cases, applying the treat to the toy includes placing the treat into at least one of the grooves 1040. For example, peanut butter may be spread into the grooves 1040. After the treat is applied to the toy 1000, the toy 1000 may be inserted into the mesh network 3010 of the case assembly. Thus, the animal contact portion 1010 of the toy 1000 may be inserted into the mesh network 3010 until the mesh network engagement portion 1030 of the toy 100 is aligned with the mesh network 3010. In some examples, the animal contact portion 1010 may be inserted into the mesh network 3010 until the stop 1050 touches the mesh network.

[0043] After the toy 1000 is inserted into the mesh network 3010, the toy 1000 may be rotated to lock the toy 1000 into the mesh network 3010, as in Figure 3C The toy 1000 can be rotated from about 0° to about 179° (e.g., from about 1° to about 170°, from about 5° to about 165°, from about 20° to about 160°, from about 30° to about 150°, from about 45° to about 135°, from about 60° to about 120°, or about 90°) so that the animal contact portion 1010 and the handle portion 1020 engage the mesh network 3010, as in the example of FIG. Figure 3C . In addition, the method includes removing the toy 1000 from the mesh network 3010 (e.g., removing the toy 1000 from the mesh network 3010 includes rotating the toy 1000 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the toy 1000 was rotated to lock the toy 1000 into the mesh network 3010, or rotating the toy 1000 180° from the inserted configuration to align the toy 1000 for removal). After the toy 1000 is aligned for removal, the toy 1000 can be removed from the mesh network 3010 by pulling the handle portion 1020.

[0044] In certain embodiments, described herein are box-mounted animal toys for engaging an animal (e.g., a pet) in play while the animal is in the box. The box-mounted animal toys can be inserted into the mesh network of the box to provide an off-the-ground design that provides treats to the animal in the box and helps keep the bottom of the box or the animal bed placed in the box clean (by discouraging the animal from licking or chewing the bed). Additionally, the box-mounted animal toys described herein can engage an animal in play outside the box, for example, providing an elevated toy or treat delivery system.

[0045] The foregoing description of embodiments, including the illustrated embodiments, has been presented for purposes of illustration and description only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications, variations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0046] Example 1 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly, comprising: an animal contact portion, which is configured to extend from a mesh network suspended by a support frame of the box assembly into the box assembly; a mesh network engagement portion, which is configured to allow the system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly to be locked into the mesh network; and a handle portion, which is configured to lock an animal toy mounted on the box into the mesh network.

[0047] Example 2 is a system for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein the animal contact portion comprises a chew toy.

[0048] Example 3 is a system for engaging an animal in a play session for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein the animal contact portion is configured to provide a treat to the animal.

[0049] Example 4 is a system for engaging an animal in a play session for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein the animal contact portion includes at least one recess configured to retain the treat.

[0050] Example 5 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein the at least one groove includes at least one raised portion.

[0051] Example 6 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, the system further comprising a plurality of raised portions, wherein the plurality of raised portions are arranged in a pattern in the animal contact portion.

[0052] Example 7 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein the at least one groove further comprises a plurality of voids extending across the animal contact portion.

[0053] Example 8 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein the plurality of voids are arranged in a pattern in the animal contact portion.

[0054] Example 9 is a system for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein the animal contact portion is configured to make it difficult for the animal to retrieve the treat to provide extended contact with the animal.

[0055] Example 10 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the handle portion and the mesh network engagement portion prevent the animal from pulling the system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly into the box assembly.

[0056] Example 11 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the handle portion and the mesh network engaging portion prevent the system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly from falling from the mesh network.

[0057] Example 12 is a system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the handle portion is further configured to retrieve the system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly from the mesh network.

[0058] Example 13 is a method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any of the preceding or following examples, comprising: applying a treat to a toy configured to be supported by a mesh network suspended by a support frame of the box assembly; engaging the toy into the mesh network of the box assembly; and locking the toy into the mesh network.

[0059] Example 14 is a method for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein applying the treat to the toy comprises placing the treat into at least one recess positioned on the toy.

[0060] Example 15 is a method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein engaging the toy into a mesh network of the box assembly includes positioning an animal contact portion of the toy in the mesh network of the box assembly such that a mesh network engaging portion of the toy is aligned with the mesh network.

[0061] Example 16 is a method for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein locking the toy into the mesh network includes rotating the toy from 0° to 179°.

[0062] Example 17 is a method for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein locking the toy into the mesh network includes attaching a locking portion to the mesh network engagement portion.

[0063] Example 18 is a method for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, further comprising removing the toy from the mesh network.

[0064] Example 19 is a method for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly according to any preceding or following example, wherein removing the toy from the mesh network comprises rotating the toy in the opposite direction to rotating the toy to lock the toy into the mesh network, and pulling the toy from the mesh network.

[0065] Example 20 is an animal toy mounted on a box according to any of the preceding examples, comprising: an animal contact portion configured to extend from a mesh network suspended from a support frame of the box into the box, wherein the animal contact portion includes at least one groove configured to hold treats; a mesh network engagement portion positioned adjacent to the animal contact portion, wherein the mesh network engagement portion is configured to allow the animal toy mounted on the box to be locked into the mesh network; and a handle portion configured to lock the animal toy mounted on the box into the mesh network.

[0066] All patents, publications and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Various embodiments of the present invention are described to achieve various purposes of the present invention. It should be appreciated that these embodiments only illustrate the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims, many modifications and changes of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A system for a box assembly for engaging an animal in a game, comprising: an animal contact portion configured to extend into the box assembly from a mesh network suspended from a support frame of the box assembly; a mesh network engagement portion configured to allow the system for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly to lock into the mesh network; as well as a handle portion configured to lock the system for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly into the mesh network; wherein the handle portion provides a grip that a user can use to deploy the system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly into the mesh network; wherein the handle portion includes a stop configured to prevent the system from completely passing through the mesh network; and wherein the animal contact portion is configured to be inserted into the mesh network until the stop contacts the mesh network, thereby preventing the system from completely passing through the mesh network.

2. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The animal contacting portion includes a chew toy.

3. A system for engaging animals in play for a box assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The animal contacting portion is configured to provide a treat to the animal.

4. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The animal contacting portion includes at least one recess configured to retain the treat.

5. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The at least one groove includes at least one raised portion.

6. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The system also includes a plurality of raised portions, wherein the plurality of raised portions are disposed in a pattern in the animal contacting portion.

7. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one recess further includes a plurality of voids extending across the animal contacting portion.

8. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of voids are arranged in a pattern in the animal contacting portion.

9. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The animal contact portion is configured to make it difficult for the animal to retrieve the treat to provide extended contact with the animal.

10. The system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The handle portion and the mesh network engagement portion prevent the animal from pulling the animal engaging play system for a cage assembly into the cage assembly.

11. A system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The handle portion and the mesh network engagement portion prevent the system for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly from falling off the mesh network.

12. The system for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The handle portion is also configured to retrieve the system for engaging an animal in play for a box assembly from the mesh network.

13. A method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly, comprising: applying treats to the system for engaging an animal in play according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the system for engaging an animal in play is configured to be supported by a mesh network suspended from a support frame of the box assembly; joining the system into a grid network of tank assemblies; and Lock the system into the mesh network.

14. The method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 13, wherein: Applying the treat to the system includes placing the treat into at least one recess positioned on the system.

15. The method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 13, wherein: Engaging the system into the mesh network of the box assembly includes positioning an animal contacting portion of the system in the mesh network of the box assembly such that a mesh network engaging portion of the system is aligned with the mesh network.

16. The method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 15, wherein: Locking the system into the grid network includes rotating the system from 0° to 179°.

17. The method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 15, wherein: Locking the system into the mesh network includes attaching a locking portion to the mesh network engagement portion.

18. A method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that: The method also includes removing the system from the mesh network.

19. The method for engaging an animal in a game for a box assembly according to claim 18, wherein: Removing the system from the mesh network includes rotating the system opposite to rotating the system to lock the system into the mesh network, and pulling the system from the mesh network.

20. An animal toy mounted in a box, comprising: an animal contact portion configured to extend into the enclosure from a mesh network suspended from a support frame of the enclosure, wherein the animal contact portion includes at least one recess configured to hold a treat; a mesh network engagement portion positioned adjacent to the animal contact portion, wherein the mesh network engagement portion is configured to allow the animal toy to lock into the mesh network; as well as a handle portion configured to lock the animal toy into the mesh network; wherein the handle portion provides a grip that a user can use to deploy the animal toy into the mesh network; wherein the handle portion includes a stop configured to prevent the animal toy from completely passing through the mesh network; and wherein the animal contact portion is configured to be inserted into the mesh network until the stopper contacts the mesh network, thereby preventing the animal toy from completely passing through the mesh network.

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