Separable chewing toy with internal cavity accessible by clutch mechanism

Abstract

A separable chewing toy has an interior cavity that can be used to store an attractant and accessed through an engageable / separable clutch mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detachable chew toy having an internal cavity that can be used to store an attractant and is accessed via an engageable / disengageable clutch mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Most dogs enjoy chewing, but their preferences for the hardness of their chews vary. Some dogs prefer very hard materials like bones, wood, and nylon, while others prefer softer chews like polyurethane or rubber. Some dogs may not be able to chew very hard objects due to their age. Puppies may not have fully developed teeth, while older dogs may have gum disease or have lost some of their teeth.

[0003] Furthermore, chew toys can serve as a medium for interaction between dogs and humans. For example, some people enjoy playing a game of toss and turn with chew toys. It is reported that interaction between animals and their owners is not only beneficial for the animals, as it provides them with necessary exercise and companionship, but also has numerous health-related benefits for their owners.

[0004] Thus, there are numerous publications in the prior art directed to various chew toys. However, there remains a need for chew toys that meet other needs. In this regard, it would be useful to provide chew toys that enhance the attractiveness of chew toys to animals. For example, by providing an edible and / or scented attractant composition in the chew toy, a pet may be attracted to the chew toy and increase its interest in playing with the toy.

[0005] Public content

[0006] A chew toy, when assembled, comprises: a first end member and a second end member; a middle member having a middle member cavity accessible through a first end opening and / or a second end opening; a connecting rod connected to the first end member and the second end member; wherein access to the middle member cavity through the first end opening is blocked by the first end member, and / or access to the middle cavity through the second end opening is blocked by the second end member; wherein the connecting rod extends through the middle member cavity; wherein the connecting rod comprises at least two portions connected by a releasable mechanical connection providing positive mechanical engagement; wherein the connecting rod comprises an engageable and disengageable clutch mechanism; wherein when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the first end member and the second end member are rotatable about a longitudinal axis without changing the positive mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection; and wherein when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the releasable mechanical connection is disconnected such that the first end member can be moved away from the first end opening and the middle member cavity is accessible through the first end opening, and / or the second end member can be moved away from the second end opening and the middle member cavity is accessible through the second end opening.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the positive mechanical engagement of the disconnectable mechanical connection can be increased by moving the first end member along the longitudinal axis toward the second end member and / or by moving the second end member along the longitudinal axis toward the first end member; and when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the positive mechanical engagement of the disconnectable mechanical connection can be reduced by moving the first end member along the longitudinal axis away from the second end member and / or by moving the second end member along the longitudinal axis away from the first end member.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the first end member can be moved along the longitudinal axis toward the second end member by rotating the first end member around the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction of the first end member, and / or the second end member can be moved toward the first end member by rotating the second end member around the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction of the second end member; and the first end member can be moved along the longitudinal axis away from the second end member by rotating the first end member around the first rotational direction of the first end member opposite to the first rotational direction of the first end member, and / or the second end member can be moved away from the first end member by rotating the second end member around the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction of the second end member opposite to the first rotational direction of the second end member.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the intermediate component cavity is accessible through the first end opening and the second end opening; the passage into the intermediate component cavity through the first end opening is blocked by the first end component, and the passage into the intermediate component cavity through the second end opening is blocked by the second end component; and when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the disconnectable mechanical connection is disconnectable, so that the first end component moves away from the first end opening and the intermediate component cavity is accessible through the first end opening, and / or the second end component is movable away from the second end opening and the intermediate component cavity is accessible through the second end opening.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the first end member has a first end member cavity; and the connecting rod extends within the first end member cavity.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the intermediate member has a first end portion positioned within the first end member cavity.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the second end member has a second end member cavity; and the connecting rod extends within the second end member cavity.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the intermediate member has a second end portion positioned within the second end member cavity.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the at least two parts of the connecting rod further include a connecting rod first part, a connecting rod second part and a connecting rod middle part, and the connecting rod middle part is mechanically connected to the connecting rod first part and the connecting rod second part.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the second part of the connecting rod and the middle part of the connecting rod are engaged, so that the rotation of the second end component and the second part of the connecting rod around the longitudinal axis in a first direction causes the middle part of the connecting rod to rotate along the first direction, wherein the rotation of the middle part of the connecting rod along the first direction mechanically connects the middle part of the connecting rod and the first part of the connecting rod; and when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the second part of the connecting rod and the middle part of the connecting rod are engaged, so that the rotation of the second end component and the second part of the connecting rod around the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the middle part of the connecting rod to rotate along the second direction, wherein the rotation of the middle part of the connecting rod along the second direction mechanically disconnects the middle part of the connecting rod and the first part of the connecting rod.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the first portion of the connecting rod is mechanically connected to the first end member and the middle portion of the connecting rod; the first portion of the connecting rod and the first end member are fixedly coupled to each other so as to rotate synchronously around the longitudinal axis; the second portion of the connecting rod is mechanically connected to the second end member and the middle portion of the connecting rod; and the second portion of the connecting rod and the second end member are fixedly coupled to each other so as to rotate synchronously around the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod first portion and the connecting rod middle portion are connected by the removable mechanical connection; and the removable mechanical connection includes a threaded connection.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the threaded connection includes an internal threaded connector and an external threaded connector; the first portion of the connecting rod includes the internal threaded connector; and the middle portion of the connecting rod includes the external threaded connector.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod middle portion and the connecting rod second portion constitute the clutch mechanism.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the clutch mechanism has a clutch mechanism engagement position and a clutch mechanism disengagement position; the connecting rod middle part includes a connecting rod middle part end face, and the connecting rod middle part end face has a plurality of connecting rod middle part clutch teeth; the connecting rod second part includes a connecting rod second part end face, and the connecting rod second part end face has a plurality of connecting rod second part clutch teeth; when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism engagement position, the plurality of connecting rod middle part clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second part clutch teeth are engaged; and when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism disengagement position, the plurality of connecting rod middle part clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second part clutch teeth are disengaged.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod intermediate portion and the connecting rod second portion are slidably movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis between a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the middle part of the connecting rod includes an annular groove, which is located between the annular rings; the second part of the connecting rod includes a cylindrical groove, which has at least one protrusion arranged on the surface of the cylindrical groove; the annular groove of the middle part of the connecting rod and the annular ring are located in the cylindrical groove of the second part of the connecting rod, and the at least one protrusion arranged on the surface of the cylindrical groove of the second part of the connecting rod is located in the annular groove of the middle part of the connecting rod between the annular rings; and the at least one protrusion arranged on the surface of the cylindrical groove of the second part of the connecting rod can slide along the longitudinal axis in the annular groove of the middle part of the connecting rod between the annular rings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other features of the present disclosure and the manner in which these features are achieved will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description of the embodiments described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a chew toy according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A fully exploded 3D image of a chew toy;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Side view of a chew toy;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partially exploded side view of a chew toy;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A fully exploded side view of the chew toy;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A fully exploded 3D image of a chew toy;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Another completely exploded 3D image of the chew toy;

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 1 a partially enlarged three-dimensional view of a first end of a first portion of a connecting rod of a chew toy;

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 1 an enlarged three-dimensional view of a portion of an exterior portion of a first end member of a chew toy;

[0033] Figure 10 for Figure 1 a three-dimensional image of the interior of a first end member of a chew toy;

[0034] Figure 11 for Figure 1 After the first end of the first portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy is mechanically connected, Figure 1 A three-dimensional image of the interior of a first end member of a chew toy;

[0035] Figure 12 for Figure 1 an enlarged three-dimensional image of a portion of the second end of the second portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy;

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 1 an enlarged three-dimensional view of a portion of an exterior portion of a second end member of the chew toy;

[0037] Figure 14 for Figure 1 a three-dimensional image of the interior of the second end member of the chew toy;

[0038] Figure 15 for Figure 1 After the second end of the second portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy is mechanically connected, Figure 1 a three-dimensional image of an interior of a second end member of the chew toy;

[0039] Figure 16 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the middle (coupler) portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy;

[0040] Figure 17 for Figure 1 an interior end view of a second portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy;

[0041] Figure 18 for Figure 1 a three-dimensional diagram of a second portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy;

[0042] Figure 19 for Figure 1 a side view of the second portion of the connecting rod and the middle (coupler) portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy when their respective engagement teeth are not engaged;

[0043] Figure 20 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second end member of the chew toy, the second portion of the connecting rod, and the middle (coupler) portion of the connecting rod when the respective engaging teeth are not engaged;

[0044] Figure 21 for Figure 1a side view of the second portion of the connecting rod and the middle (coupler) portion of the connecting rod of the chew toy when their respective engagement teeth are engaged;

[0045] Figure 22 for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the second end member of the chew toy, the second portion of the connecting rod, and the middle (coupler) portion of the connecting rod when their respective engagement teeth are engaged;

[0046] Figure 23 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a first end component of a chew toy and a first portion of a connecting rod;

[0047] Figure 24 for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a chew toy; and

[0048] Figure 25 A fully exploded side view of an alternative chew toy. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] It is understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the structural details and component arrangements illustrated in the following description or the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is understood that the terms and expressions used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting terms and expressions that would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0050] Reference Figure 1-Figure 24 , shows a detachable chew toy 2 having a mechanical clutch mechanism 180 for assembly and disassembly (e.g., see Figure 20-23 ).like Figure 1 As shown, in the assembled state, the chew toy 2 has an elongated bone shape, particularly with an elongated middle (shaft) region 4 between opposing bulbous (condyle-shaped) first and second ends 6, 8. The clutch mechanism 180 makes it difficult for a pet to accidentally disassemble the chew toy 2.

[0051] like Figure 2-Figure 7 As shown, the middle region 4 comprises an elongated, cylindrical, hollow middle member 14, while the end portions 6 and 8 respectively comprise a first end member 30 and a second end member 50. All components may be made from a plastic composition, such as a thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0052] As shown in the exploded view, when the chew toy 2 is assembled, the connecting rod 70 is connected to the end pieces 30 and 50 and extends through the enclosed interior (storage) cavity 22 of the middle piece 14 and into the cavity 42 and cavity 62 of the end pieces 30 and 50, respectively. As described herein, the cavity 22 can be used to store an attractant composition and thus can serve as an attractant holding container.

[0053] The connecting rod 70 includes a first portion 72, an intermediate (coupler) portion 74, and a second portion 76. As shown, the first portion 72 is connected to the first end member 30, the second portion 76 is connected to the second end member 50, and the intermediate portion 74 is connected to both the first portion 72 and the second portion 76.

[0054] With the connecting rod 70 , the first end 6 of the chew toy 2 includes the end piece 30 and the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 , while the second end 8 includes the end piece 50 and the middle portion 54 and the second portion 76 of the connecting rod 70 .

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 has a first end member mating connector 90 that extends from the shaft 100 along the longitudinal axis LL (see FIG. Figure 3 ) extends, this axis can also be called the assembly / disassembly axis. Figure 9 , the first end member mating connector 90 of the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 is mated / mechanically connected with the first end member connector 32 of the first end member 30 .

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, the first end member mating connector 90 includes a male (stud) connector 92. The male connector 92 includes a cylindrical head 94 and a cylindrical (undercut) neck 96, with the neck 96 located between the head 94 and a shoulder 98.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, the first end member connector 32 includes a female (stud socket) connector 34 including a through hole 35 having a counterbore 36. As shown, the through hole 35 includes a cylindrical counterbore (diameter) 36 that is larger than the cylindrical hole (diameter) 38, thereby forming a platform 40 between the cylindrical counterbore (diameter) 36 and the cylindrical hole (diameter) 38.

[0058] To assemble, at least one of the first end member mating connector 90 of the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 and the first end member connector 32 of the first end member 30 is moved toward each other along the longitudinal axis LL, causing at least one of the first end member mating connector 90 and the first end member connector 34 to elastically deform. This elastic deformation causes the head 94 of the male connector 94 to pass through the through-hole 38 of the female connector 34 and then elastically recover. Consequently, the head 94 and neck 96 of the male connector 92 are press-fitted and seated in the counterbore 36 and hole 38 of the female connector 34, respectively. With the above-described structure, after assembly, the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 and the first end member 30 are prevented from separating / disassembling in both directions along the longitudinal axis LL by positive mechanical engagement. A positive mechanical engagement connection herein is understood to be a connection formed between separate components that does not rely solely on friction to prevent separation of the components, but rather includes a mechanical interlock (e.g., overlapping surfaces) that prevents separation of the components.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the first portion 72 also includes a protruding locking protrusion 104 that protrudes / extends radially (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LL) from a protruding ring 102 on the cylindrical shaft 100 , which protrudes radially outward from the shaft 100 / longitudinal axis LL and extends circumferentially around the shaft 100 .

[0060] like Figure 10 As shown, the cavity 42 of the first end member 30 includes a locking protrusion socket (recess) 44 for receiving the locking protrusion 104 when the first portion 72 and the first end member 30 are assembled. Figure 11 As shown, when the locking projection 104 is positioned within the raised socket 44 , the first portion 72 and the first end member 30 are fixedly coupled for synchronous rotation (rotation together simultaneously) about the longitudinal axis LL.

[0061] refer to Figure 12 At the other end of the chewing toy 2, the second portion 76 of the connecting rod 70 has a second end member mating connector 120 that extends from the shaft 130 along the longitudinal axis LL (see Figure 3 ). refer to Figure 13 , the second end member mating connector 120 of the second portion 76 of the connecting rod 70 is mated / mechanically connected with the second end member connector 52 of the second end member 50 .

[0062] like Figure 12 As shown, the second end member mating connector 120 includes a male (stud) connector 122. The male connector 122 includes a cylindrical head 124 and a cylindrical (undercut) neck 126 located between the head 124 and a shoulder 128 formed by the end wall 152.

[0063] like Figure 13 As shown, the second end member connector 52 includes a female (stud socket) connector 54 including a through hole 55 having a counterbore 56. As shown, the through hole 55 includes a cylindrical counterbore (diameter) 56 that is larger than the cylindrical hole (diameter) 58, thereby forming a platform 60 between the cylindrical counterbore (diameter) 56 and the cylindrical hole (diameter) 58.

[0064] To assemble, at least one of the second end member mating connector 120 of the second portion 76 of the connecting rod 70 and the second end member connector 52 of the second end member 50 is brought closer together along the longitudinal axis LL, and at least one of the second end member mating connector 120 and the second end member connector 52 is elastically deformed. Through this elastic deformation, the head 124 of the male connector 122 passes through the hole 58 of the female connector 54 and then elastically recovers. Thus, the head 124 and neck 126 of the male connector 122 are press-fitted and positioned within the counterbore 56 and hole 58 of the female connector 54, respectively. With the above-described structure, after assembly, the second portion 76 of the connecting rod 70 and the second end member 50 are prevented from separation / disassembly in both directions along the longitudinal axis LL by positive mechanical engagement.

[0065] like Figure 12 As shown, the second portion 76 also includes a protruding locking projection 134 that protrudes radially (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LL) from the cylindrical wall 132 of the shaft 130 .

[0066] like Figure 14 As shown, the cavity 62 of the second end member 50 includes a locking projection receptacle (recess) 64 for receiving the locking projection 134 when the second portion 76 and the second end member 50 are assembled. Figure 15 As shown, when the locking projection 134 is positioned within the projection receptacle 64 , the second portion 76 and the second end member 50 are fixedly coupled for synchronous rotation (rotation together simultaneously) about the longitudinal axis LL.

[0067] Turn as Figure 16 The intermediate portion 74 of the connecting rod 70 , which may also be referred to as a shaft coupler, is shown for mechanically coupling with both the first portion 72 and the second portion 76 of the connecting rod 70 .

[0068] The middle portion 74 has a first mating connector 156 that mates with the first connector 110 (see FIG. Figure 6) is releasably mechanically connected. Unlike other mechanical connections of the chew toy 2, the mechanical connection between the first connector 110 of the first portion 72 and the first mating connector 156 of the middle portion 74 is configured / intended to be disconnectable (and reconnectable) during use of the chew toy 2, whereas other mechanical connections are configured / intended not to be disconnectable without damaging the chew toy 2.

[0069] like Figure 16 As shown, the first mating connector 156 of the intermediate portion 74 comprises a male (threaded) connector, more specifically an externally threaded cylindrical stud, while the first connector 110 of the first portion 72 is as shown. Figure 6 The illustration includes a female connector (threaded socket), more specifically an internally threaded cylindrical recess, formed in the cylindrical wall 106 of the shaft 100 .

[0070] After being axially aligned along the longitudinal axis LL, the first mating connector 156 of the intermediate portion 74 and the first connector 110 of the first portion 72 are assembled into a threaded connection by rotating at least one of the intermediate portion 74 and the first portion 72 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) about the longitudinal axis LL, such that the male threads are seated within the female threads when at least one of the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 are brought closer together along the longitudinal axis LL. With the above-described structure, after assembly, the intermediate portion 74 and the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 are prevented from separating in both directions along the longitudinal axis LL by positive mechanical engagement. It will be appreciated that the positive mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection is enhanced as at least one of the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 is moved closer together along the longitudinal axis LL, particularly as the engagement of the threaded connection increases.

[0071] The first mating connector 156 of the intermediate portion 74 and the first connector 110 of the first portion 72 can then be disconnected from the threaded connection by rotating at least one of the intermediate portion 74 and the first portion 72 about the longitudinal axis LL in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), such that the male threads are no longer located within the female threads when at least one of the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 is moved away from each other along the longitudinal axis LL. It will be appreciated that as at least one of the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 is moved away from each other along the longitudinal axis LL, the positive mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection is reduced, particularly as the engagement of the threaded connection is reduced.

[0072] Reference again Figure 16The middle portion 74 also has a second mating connector 160 that is mechanically coupled to the second connector 140 of the second portion 76. As shown, the second mating connector 160 of the middle portion 74 includes a cylindrical male connector 162. The male connector 162 includes an annular cylindrical (undercut) groove 164 located between adjacent protruding annular rings 166 and 168, both of which extend 360° circumferentially around the middle portion 74.

[0073] The male connector 162 further includes an annular end face 170 including a plurality of uniform engagement teeth 172 circumferentially and evenly spaced about the periphery of the annular end face 170 and projecting / extending axially toward the second portion 76 along the longitudinal axis LL.

[0074] refer to Figure 17-18 The second connector 140 of the second portion 76 includes a female (receptacle) connector 142 formed in the shaft 130. As shown, the female connector 142 includes a cylindrical recess 144 formed by the cylindrical wall 132 of the shaft 130, and two inwardly projecting, circumferentially extending, mutually opposing (facing) elongated protrusions 146 are formed on the inner side of the recess 144 / wall 132. The female connector 142 also includes an annular end face 148, which includes a plurality of uniform meshing teeth 150, which are circumferentially and evenly spaced around the periphery of the annular end face 148 of the end wall 152 and project / extend axially toward the middle portion 74 along the longitudinal axis LL.

[0075] To assemble, at least one of the second connector 140 of the second portion 76 and the second mating connector 160 of the intermediate portion 74 is brought closer together along the longitudinal axis LL, causing at least one of the second connector 140 and the second mating connector 160 to elastically deform. Through this elastic deformation, the protrusion 146 of the second connector 140 is seated in the groove 160 of the second mating connector 160 between the ring 166 and the ring 168, and then elastically recovers. Similar to the mechanical connection discussed previously, during assembly, the second portion 76 and the intermediate portion 74 are prevented from separating in both directions along the longitudinal axis LL by positive mechanical engagement.

[0076] However, from Figure 20 and Figure 22As best understood in the drawings, in contrast to other mechanical connections, when assembled, the second portion 76 and the intermediate portion 74 are slidably movable in translation along the longitudinal axis a predetermined distance, which is part of the clutch mechanism 180. As shown, the axial dimension of the protrusion 146 of the second connector 140 along the longitudinal axis LL is less than the axial dimension of the groove 160 between the ring 166 and the ring 168 of the second mating connector 160. The difference between the axial dimension of the protrusion 146 and the axial dimension of the groove 150 enables the predetermined translation of the second portion 76 and the intermediate portion 74 relative to each other.

[0077] like Figures 19-22 As best shown, the clutch mechanism 180 is engaged by virtue of the teeth 150 and teeth 172 of the clutch mechanism 180 (i.e., the teeth 150 of the second portion 76 and the teeth 172 of the intermediate portion 74) being moved into an engaged position by translation of at least one of the second portion 76 and the intermediate portion 74 toward each other along the longitudinal axis LL (e.g., by being manually pushed together). Alternatively, once the teeth 150 and teeth 172 are engaged, the clutch mechanism 180 can be disengaged by virtue of the teeth 150 and teeth 172 being moved into a disengaged position by translation of at least one of the second portion 76 and the intermediate portion 74 away from each other along the longitudinal axis LL (e.g., by being manually pulled apart).

[0078] Now refer to Figure 23-24 As can be understood from the above description, in order to use the chew toy 2, two subassemblies are first formed. The first subassembly 10 is composed of the first end member 30 and the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70, and the second subassembly 12 is composed of the second end member 50, the second portion 74 of the connecting rod 70, and the middle portion 72 of the connecting rod 70. The subassemblies 10 and 12 are assembled as described above.

[0079] refer to Figure 23 , the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 may then be passed through the end opening 18 and into the cavity 22 of the intermediate component 14, thereby connecting the intermediate component 14 to the subassembly 10. However, it should be understood that the intermediate component 14 may alternatively be connected to the subassembly 12 in a similar manner.

[0080] As shown, the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 is then positioned within the cavity 22 of the intermediate component 14, the first cylindrical end 24 of the intermediate component 14 is positioned within and in contact with the cylindrical portion of the cavity 42 of the first end component 30, and the central axis of the intermediate component 14 is coaxial with the longitudinal central axis LL of the connecting rod 70 / chew toy 2.

[0081] Subsequently, if desired, at least one attractant composition 200, which emits a scent that attracts a pet, can be added to the cavity 22 through the end opening 16. The attractant composition 200 can include an edible attractant composition and / or a scented attractant composition that is used to attract a pet to the chew toy 2 and increase the pet's interest in playing with the chew toy 2. For example, a scent (e.g., bacon) can permeate through the through-holes 28 formed in the cylindrical wall 20 of the middle member 14. The attractant composition 200 can be in the form of kibble that is too large to be ejected from the through-holes 28 and is therefore retained within the pet toy 2. The middle member 14 can be flexible (e.g., made of a polymer such as an elastomer) so that it bends and twists when grasped / bitten by a pet, at which point the kibble can be at least partially broken down within the cavity 22 into smaller pieces small enough to be ejected from the through-holes 28 for consumption by the pet.

[0082] More specifically, the attractant composition 200 can be a scented composition that can have a food odor (such as bacon) or simply an animal odor (such as a pig, chicken, bison, or horse). The attractant composition 200 and the scent can be provided by parts of the animal's structure, including ears (such as pigs), feet (clawed feet (such as chickens), hooves (such as pigs), webbed feet (such as ducks)), penis / whip (such as bulls), antlers (such as deer, elk), ribs, femurs, knees, elbows or other bones (such as cattle), and skin / hide (such as pigs). In this embodiment, the attractant composition 200 can be a hard, brittle food composition (such as kibble or other hard (dry) food).

[0083] Then, the end face 112 (see FIG. 1 ) of the first connector 110 of the first portion 72 of the connecting rod 70 is Figure 6 ) and the end face 158 (see FIG. Figure 7 and Figures 19-22 ) are axially aligned. After alignment, at least one of the first portion 72 and the intermediate portion 74 is axially approached to each other so that the second cylindrical end portion 26 of the intermediate member 74 is located within and contacts the cylindrical portion of the cavity 62 of the second end member 50, thereby closing the cavity 22 of the intermediate member 74.

[0084] As at least one of the first portion 72 and the intermediate portion 74 moves further axially toward each other, the end surface 112 of the first portion 72 and the end surface 158 of the intermediate portion 74 contact each other. Subsequently, after the end surfaces 112 and 158 of the first portion 72 and the intermediate portion 74 of the connecting rod 70 contact each other, the second portion 76 / second end member 50 continues to move axially toward the first portion 72 / first end member 30, causing the teeth 150 and 172 of the second portion 76 and the intermediate portion 172 to engage and engage with each other. After the teeth 150 and 172 engage, at least one of the first subassembly 10 / first end member 30 and the second subassembly 12 / second end member 50 is rotated in a first direction about the longitudinal axis LL, threading the first (female) connector 110 of the first portion 72 into the first (male) mating connector 156 of the intermediate portion 74. Once properly threaded, the axial (pushing) force holding the teeth 150 and 172 in axial engagement can be removed, causing the teeth 150 and 172 to separate. Thus, when the clutch mechanism 180 is disengaged and the releasable mechanical connection is in the connected state, the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 may be infinitely rotated about the longitudinal axis LL without the releasable mechanical connection being disconnected.

[0085] Subsequently, the first (female) connector 110 of the first portion 72 can be threadably disconnected from the first (male) mating connector 156 of the middle portion 74 by again applying an axial force to the middle portion 74 and the second portion 76, engaging the teeth 150, 172 of the second portion 76 and the middle portion 172. After the teeth 150 and 172 are engaged, at least one of the first subassembly 10 / first end member 30 and the second subassembly 12 / second end member 50 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis LL in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby threadably disconnecting the first (female) connector 110 of the first portion 72 from the first (male) mating connector 156 of the middle portion 74. When the releasable mechanical connection is disconnected, at least one of the first subassembly 10 / first end member 30 and the second subassembly 12 / second end member 50 can be separated from the remainder of the chew toy 2, thereby allowing access to the middle member cavity 22 through at least one of the first end opening 16 and / or the second end opening 18. The cavity 22 may then be filled with the attractant composition 200, or the attractant composition 200 already in the cavity may be added to or replaced.

[0086] refer to Figure 25 , shows another embodiment of a separable chew toy 2 with a mechanical clutch mechanism 180 for assembly and disassembly.

[0087] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be appreciated that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, in determining the scope of the present invention, reference should not be made to the foregoing description, but rather to the appended claims and their full range of equivalents. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the appended claims do not necessarily encompass the broadest scope of the invention to which the applicant is entitled, nor are they necessarily the only manner in which the invention may be claimed, nor are all of the features recited essential.

[0088] Reference Signs List

[0089] 2 chew toys

[0090] 4 The middle area of the chew toy

[0091] 6 Chew Toys First End

[0092] 8 The second end of the chew toy

[0093] 10 First subassembly

[0094] 12 Second subcomponent

[0095] 14 Middle parts

[0096] 16 end openings

[0097] 18 end opening

[0098] 20 cylindrical wall

[0099] 22 Middle part cavity

[0100] 24 cylindrical ends

[0101] 26 cylindrical ends

[0102] 28 through holes

[0103] 30 first end member

[0104] 32 First end member connector of the first end member

[0105] 34 Female connector of the first end member

[0106] 35 through hole of first end member

[0107] 36 through-hole countersunk hole

[0108] 38 through-holes

[0109] 40 countersunk platform

[0110] 42 Cavity of first end member

[0111] 44-cavity locking protrusion socket

[0112] 50 second end member

[0113] 52 Second end member connector of the second end member

[0114] 54 Female connector of the second end member

[0115] 55 through hole of the second end member

[0116] 56 through-hole countersunk hole

[0117] 58 through-holes

[0118] 60 countersunk platform

[0119] 62 Cavity of the second end member

[0120] 64 cavity locking protrusion socket

[0121] 70 connecting rod

[0122] 72 The first part of the connecting rod

[0123] 74 Middle part of the connecting rod

[0124] 76 The second part of the connecting rod

[0125] 90 The first end component of the first section is matched with the connector

[0126] 92 Male connector for the first section

[0127] 94 male connector head

[0128] 96 male connector neck

[0129] 98 male connector shoulder

[0130] 100 The shaft of the first part of the connecting rod

[0131] 102 shaft collar

[0132] 104 shaft protrusion

[0133] 106 shaft wall

[0134] 110 The first connector of the first section

[0135] 112 end face

[0136] 120 The second end component of the second section is matched with the connector

[0137] 122 Male connector for the second section

[0138] 124 male connector head

[0139] 126 male connector neck

[0140] 128 male connector shoulder

[0141] 130 The shaft of the second part of the connecting rod

[0142] 132 shaft wall

[0143] 134 shaft protrusion

[0144] 140 The second connector of the second section

[0145] 142 Second section female connector

[0146] 144 grooves

[0147] 146 protrusions

[0148] 148 end face

[0149] 150 teeth

[0150] 152 end wall

[0151] 156 The first mating connector of the middle section

[0152] 158 end face

[0153] 160 The second mating connector in the middle section

[0154] 162 middle section male connector

[0155] 164 grooves

[0156] 166 rings

[0157] 168 rings

[0158] 170 end face

[0159] 172 teeth

[0160] 180 clutch mechanism

[0161] 200 attractant composition

[0162] LL longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A chewing toy, comprising: a first end member and a second end member; an intermediate member having an intermediate member cavity accessible through the first end opening and / or the second end opening; a connecting rod connected to the first end member and the second end member; wherein access to the intermediate member cavity through the first end opening is blocked by the first end member, and / or access to the intermediate cavity through the second end opening is blocked by the second end member; wherein the connecting rod extends through the intermediate component cavity; wherein the connecting rod comprises at least two parts, the at least two parts being connected by a severable mechanical connection providing positive mechanical engagement; wherein the connecting rod includes an engageable and disengageable clutch mechanism; wherein when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the first end member and the second end member are rotatable about the longitudinal axis without changing the positive mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection; and wherein, when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the disconnectable mechanical connection may be disconnected such that the first end member may be moved away from the first end opening and the intermediate member cavity may be accessed through the first end opening, and / or the second end member may be moved away from the second end opening and the intermediate member cavity may be accessed through the second end opening.

2. The chewing toy according to claim 1, wherein: When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the positive mechanical engagement of the releasable mechanical connection may be increased by movement of the first end member along the longitudinal axis toward the second end member and / or by movement of the second end member along the longitudinal axis toward the first end member; as well as The positive mechanical engagement of the disconnectable mechanical connection may be reduced by movement of the first end member away from the second end member along the longitudinal axis and / or by movement of the second end member away from the first end member along the longitudinal axis when the clutch mechanism is engaged.

3. The chewing toy according to claim 2, wherein: The first end member is movable along the longitudinal axis toward the second end member by rotating the first end member about the longitudinal axis in a first end member first rotational direction, and / or the second end member is movable toward the first end member by rotating the second end member about the longitudinal axis in a second end member first rotational direction; and The first end member may be moved away from the second end member along the longitudinal axis by rotating the first end member about the longitudinal axis in a first end member second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction of the first end member, and / or the second end member may be moved away from the first end member by rotating the second end member about the longitudinal axis in a second end member second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction of the second end member.

4. The chew toy according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate member cavity is accessible through the first end opening and the second end opening; The passage into the middle member cavity through the first end opening is blocked by the first end member, and the passage into the middle member cavity through the second end opening is blocked by the second end member; as well as The disconnectable mechanical connection is disconnectable when the clutch mechanism is engaged such that the first end member is movable away from the first end opening and the intermediate member cavity is accessible through the first end opening, and / or the second end member is movable away from the second end opening and the intermediate member cavity is accessible through the second end opening.

5. The chew toy according to claim 1, wherein: The first end piece has a first end piece cavity; and The connecting rod extends within the first end member cavity.

6. The chew toy according to claim 5, wherein: The intermediate member has a first end portion positioned within the first end member cavity.

7. The chew toy according to claim 1, wherein: The second end piece has a second end piece cavity; and The connecting rod extends within the second end member cavity.

8. The chew toy according to claim 7, wherein: The intermediate member has a second end portion positioned within the second end member cavity.

9. The chew toy according to claim 1, wherein: The at least two parts of the connecting rod further include a connecting rod first part, a connecting rod second part and a connecting rod middle part, and the connecting rod middle part is mechanically connected to the connecting rod first part and the connecting rod second part.

10. The chew toy according to claim 9, wherein: When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the connecting rod second portion and the connecting rod intermediate portion engage such that rotation of the second end member and the connecting rod second portion about the longitudinal axis in a first direction causes the connecting rod intermediate portion to rotate in the first direction, wherein rotation of the connecting rod intermediate portion in the first direction mechanically couples the connecting rod intermediate portion and the connecting rod first portion; as well as When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the second portion of the connecting rod and the middle portion of the connecting rod are engaged, so that rotation of the second end member and the second portion of the connecting rod around the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the middle portion of the connecting rod to rotate in the second direction, wherein the rotation of the middle portion of the connecting rod in the second direction mechanically disconnects the middle portion of the connecting rod and the first portion of the connecting rod.

11. The chew toy according to claim 9, wherein: The connecting rod first portion is mechanically connected to the first end member and the connecting rod middle portion; The connecting rod first portion and the first end member are fixedly coupled to each other for synchronous rotation about the longitudinal axis; the connecting rod second portion being mechanically connected to the second end member and the connecting rod middle portion; as well as The connecting rod second portion and the second end member are fixedly coupled to each other for synchronous rotation about the longitudinal axis.

12. The chew toy according to claim 11, wherein: The connecting rod first portion and the connecting rod middle portion are connected via the severable mechanical connection; and The disconnectable mechanical connection comprises a threaded connection.

13. The chew toy according to claim 12, wherein: The threaded connection includes an internal threaded connector and an external threaded connector; The first portion of the connecting rod includes the internal thread connector; and The middle portion of the connecting rod includes the external thread connector.

14. The chew toy according to claim 9, wherein: The connecting rod middle portion and the connecting rod second portion constitute the clutch mechanism.

15. The chew toy according to claim 14, wherein: The clutch mechanism has a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position; The connecting rod middle portion includes a connecting rod middle portion end surface, and the connecting rod middle portion end surface has a plurality of connecting rod middle portion clutch teeth; The connecting rod second portion includes a connecting rod second portion end surface, the connecting rod second portion end surface having a plurality of connecting rod second portion clutch teeth; When the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism engaged position, the plurality of connecting rod intermediate portion clutch teeth are engaged with the plurality of connecting rod second portion clutch teeth; as well as When the clutch mechanism is located at the clutch mechanism disengaged position, the plurality of connecting rod middle portion clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second portion clutch teeth are disengaged.

16. The chew toy of claim 14, wherein: The connecting rod intermediate portion and the connecting rod second portion are slidably movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis between a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position.

17. The chew toy according to claim 16, wherein: The middle portion of the connecting rod includes an annular groove, and the annular groove groove is located between the annular rings; The second portion of the connecting rod includes a cylindrical groove having at least one protrusion provided on a surface of the cylindrical groove; The annular groove and the annular ring of the middle portion of the connecting rod are located in the cylindrical groove of the second portion of the connecting rod, and the at least one protrusion provided on the surface of the cylindrical groove of the second portion of the connecting rod is located in the annular groove of the middle portion of the connecting rod between the annular rings; as well as The at least one protrusion provided on the surface of the cylindrical groove of the second portion of the connecting rod is slidably movable along the longitudinal axis within the annular groove of the middle portion of the connecting rod between the annular rings.

18. The chew toy of claim 17, wherein: The clutch mechanism has a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position; The connecting rod middle portion includes a connecting rod middle portion end surface, and the connecting rod middle portion end surface has a plurality of connecting rod middle portion clutch teeth; The connecting rod second portion includes a connecting rod second portion end surface, the connecting rod second portion end surface having a plurality of connecting rod second portion clutch teeth; When the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism engaged position, the plurality of connecting rod intermediate portion clutch teeth are engaged with the plurality of connecting rod second portion clutch teeth; as well as When the clutch mechanism is located at the clutch mechanism disengaged position, the plurality of connecting rod middle portion clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second portion clutch teeth are disengaged.

Images