Separable chew toy having an internal cavity accessible via a clutch mechanism

Abstract

To provide a separable chew toy having an internal cavity that can be used to store an attractant, which is accessible by an engageable / disengageable clutch mechanism. [Solution] A chew toy comprising first and second end members, an intermediate member, and a connecting rod, 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, the connecting rod comprising at least two sections, and the connecting rod comprising a clutch mechanism, wherein when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the first and second end members are rotatable about a longitudinal axis without altering the secure mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Field The present disclosure relates to a separable chew toy having an internal cavity that can be used to store an attractant, accessible by an engageable / disengageable clutch mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] background Most dogs enjoy chewing, although preferences vary regarding the hardness of their preferred materials. Some dogs like to chew on very hard materials such as beef bones, wood, and nylon, while others prefer softer chews such as polyurethane or rubber. Some dogs may not be able to chew very hard materials due to their age. Young dogs may not have fully developed teeth, while older dogs may have gum disease or may be missing some of their teeth.

[0003] Additionally, chew toys can be used as a means to provide interaction between dogs and people. For example, some people like to throw a chew toy and play fetch. Interaction between animals and their owners is reportedly not only beneficial to the animals, providing them with needed exercise and companionship, but has also been found to be beneficial to the owners, with many reported health-related benefits.

[0004] Thus, the prior art is replete with disclosures aimed at forming various chew toys. However, there remains a need to provide chew toys that meet other requirements. In such regard, it may be useful to provide a chew toy that increases the attractiveness of the chew toy to animals. For example, providing a chew toy with an edible and / or scented attractant composition may increase the pet's interest in playing with the pet toy by attracting the pet to the chew toy. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] overview A chew toy as assembled includes 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 connecting 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; the connecting rod extends through the intermediate member cavity; the connecting rod includes at least two sections connected by a releasable mechanical connection that provides a secure mechanical engagement; a connecting rod including an engageable and disengageable clutch mechanism; when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the first end member and the second end member are rotatable about the longitudinal axis without changing the secure mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection; and when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the disengageable mechanical connection is disengageable, causing the first end member to be movable away from the first end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the first end opening, and / or the second end member to be movable away from the second end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the second end opening, a chew toy.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the secure mechanical engagement of the releasable 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 secure mechanical engagement of the releasable mechanical connection can be decreased by moving the first end member away from the second end member along the longitudinal axis and / or by moving the second end member away from the first end member along the longitudinal axis.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the first end member is movable toward the second end member along the longitudinal axis 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 is movable away from the second end member along the longitudinal axis by rotating the first end member along the longitudinal axis in a first end member second rotational direction opposite the first end member first rotational direction, and / or the second end member is movable away from the first end member by rotating the second end member along the longitudinal axis in a second end member second rotational direction opposite the second end member first rotational direction.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the intermediate member cavity is accessible through the first end opening and the second end opening; access to the intermediate member cavity through the first end opening is blocked by the first end member and access to the intermediate member cavity through the second end opening is blocked by the second end member; and when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the releasable mechanical connection is releasable such that the first end member is movable away from the first end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the first end opening, and / or the second end member is movable away from the second end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the second end opening.

[0009] 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.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the intermediate member has a first end portion disposed within the first end member cavity.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the intermediate member has a second end portion disposed within the second end member cavity.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the at least two sections of the connecting rod further include a connecting rod first section, a connecting rod second section, and a connecting rod intermediate section that mechanically connects the connecting rod first section and the connecting rod second section.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the connecting rod second section and the connecting rod mid-section engage, causing rotation of the second end member and the connecting rod second section in a first direction about the longitudinal axis thereof to rotate the connecting rod mid-section in a first direction, and rotation of the connecting rod mid-section in the first direction mechanically connects the connecting rod mid-section and the connecting rod first section; and when the clutch mechanism is engaged, the connecting rod second section and the connecting rod mid-section engage, causing rotation of the second end member and the connecting rod second section about the longitudinal axis thereof to rotate the connecting rod mid-section in a second direction opposite the first direction, and rotation of the connecting rod mid-section in the second direction mechanically decouples the connecting rod mid-section and the connecting rod first section.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod first section is mechanically connected to the first end member and the connecting rod mid-section; the connecting rod first section and the first end member are fixedly coupled to each other and rotate simultaneously about the longitudinal axis; the connecting rod second section is mechanically connected to the second end member and the connecting rod mid-section; and the connecting rod second section and the second end member are fixedly coupled to each other and rotate simultaneously about the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod first section and the connecting rod middle section are connected by a releasable mechanical connection; and the releasable mechanical connection comprises a threaded connection.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the threaded connection includes a female threaded connector and a male threaded connector; the connecting rod first section includes the female threaded connector; and the connecting rod middle section includes the male threaded connector.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod intermediate section and the connecting rod second section form a clutch mechanism.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the clutch mechanism has a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position; the connecting rod mid-section includes a connecting rod mid-section end face having a plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth; the connecting rod second section includes a connecting rod second section end face having a plurality of connecting rod second section clutch teeth; when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism engaged position, the plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second section clutch teeth are engaged; and when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism disengaged position, the plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second section clutch teeth are disengaged.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod intermediate section and the connecting rod second section are slidably movable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis between a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the connecting rod mid-section includes an annular recess disposed between the annular rings; the connecting rod second section includes a cylindrical recess having at least one protrusion disposed on a surface of the cylindrical recess; the annular recess of the connecting rod mid-section and the annular ring are disposed in the cylindrical recess of the connecting rod second section, with at least one protrusion disposed on a surface of the cylindrical recess of the connecting rod second section disposed in the annular recess of the connecting rod mid-section between the annular rings; and the at least one protrusion disposed on the surface of the cylindrical recess of the connecting rod second section is slidable along the longitudinal axis within the annular recess of the connecting rod mid-section between the annular rings.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other features of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they are accomplished, will become apparent and better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments described herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a chew toy according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a fully exploded three-dimensional view of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded side view of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a fully exploded side view of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a fully exploded three-dimensional view of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is another fully exploded three-dimensional view of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a portion of a first end of a first section of a connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9]2 is an enlarged three-dimensional view of an outer portion of the first end member of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2 is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the first end member of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 2 is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the first end member of the chew toy of FIG. 1 after mechanical connection of the first end of the first section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a portion of the second end of the second section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is an enlarged three-dimensional view of an outer portion of the second end member of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] 2 is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the second end member of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] 2 is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the second end member of the chew toy of FIG. 1 after mechanical connection of the second end of the second section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 16] 2 is a three-dimensional view of the middle (coupler) section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is an inner end view of the second section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 18] 2 is a three-dimensional view of a second section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 19] 2 is a side view of the second section of the connecting rod and the middle (coupler) section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1 with the engagement teeth disengaged. FIG. [Figure 20] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the second end member, second section of the connecting rod, and intermediate (coupler) section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1 with the engagement teeth disengaged. [Figure 21] 2 is a side view of the second section of the connecting rod and the middle (coupler) section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1 with the engagement teeth engaged. FIG. [Figure 22]2 is a cross-sectional view of the second end member, second section of the connecting rod, and intermediate (coupler) section of the connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1 with the engagement teeth engaged. [Figure 23] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first end member and a first section member of a connecting rod of the chew toy of FIG. 1; [Figure 24] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chew toy of FIG. 1. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a fully exploded side view of an alternative chew toy. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Detailed Description It will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. One or more inventions herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It will also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0025] 1-24, a separable chew toy 2 is shown that includes a mechanical clutch mechanism 180 (see, e.g., FIGS. 20-23) for assembly and disassembly. As shown by FIG. 1, when assembled, the chew toy 2 is in the form of an elongated bone having, among other things, an elongated intermediate (shaft) region 4 disposed between opposed bulbous (condyle) first and second ends 6, 8. The clutch mechanism 180 makes it difficult for a pet to inadvertently disassemble the chew toy 2.

[0026] 2-7, the intermediate region 4 includes an elongated, cylindrical, hollow intermediate member 14, while the end portions 6, 8 include first and second end members 30, 50, respectively. All of the components may be formed from a plastic composition, such as a thermoplastic polymer composition.

[0027] As shown by the exploded view, connecting rods 70, which are connected to end members 30, 50 when chew toy 2 is assembled, extend through the sealed interior (storage) cavity 22 of middle member 14 and into cavities 42, 62 of end members 30, 50, respectively. As described herein, cavity 22 may be used to store an attractant composition and thus may be an attractant holding container.

[0028] Connecting rod 70 includes a first section 72, an intermediate (coupler) section 74, and a second section 76. As shown, first section 72 connects to first end member 30, second section 76 connects to second end member 50, and intermediate section 74 connects to both first section 72 and second section 76.

[0029] With respect to the connecting rod 70, the first end 6 of the chew toy 2 includes the end member 30 and the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70, while the second end 8 includes the end member 50, and the middle section 54 and second section 76 of the connecting rod 70.

[0030] As shown by Figure 8, the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70 has a first end member mating connector 90 that extends from the shaft 100 along a longitudinal axis LL (see Figure 3), which may also be referred to as the assembly / disassembly axis. Referring to Figure 9, the first end member mating connector 90 of the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70 mates with / mechanically connects to the first end member connector 32 of the first end member 30.

[0031] 8, the first end member mating connector 90 includes a male (stud) connector 92. The male connector 92 includes a cylindrical head portion 94 and a cylindrical (undercut) neck portion 96 disposed between the head portion 94 and a shoulder portion 98.

[0032] 9, the first end member connector 32 includes a female (stud receptacle) connector 34 that includes a through hole 35 with a counterbore 36. As shown, the through hole 35 includes a cylindrical counterbore (diameter) 36 that is larger than the cylindrical bore (diameter) 38, thereby creating a ledge 40 therebetween.

[0033] To allow assembly, at least one of the first end member mating connector 90 of the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70 and the first end member connector 32 of the first end member 30 is moved toward one another 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, thereby causing the head portion 94 of the male connector 92 to pass through the bore 38 of the female connector 34 and then elastically recover. As a result, the head portion 94 and neck portion 96 of the male connector 92 are press-fit and positioned in the counterbore 36 and bore 38, respectively, of the female connector 34. With the above-described configuration, after assembly, the first section 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 a secure mechanical engagement. A secure mechanically engaging connection may be understood herein to be a connection formed between separate components that does not rely solely on friction to prevent separation of the components, but includes a mechanical interlock (e.g., overlapping surfaces) to prevent separation of the components.

[0034] As shown by FIG. 8, the first section 72 further includes a protruding locking tab 104 that protrudes from a protruding ring 102 on the cylindrical shaft 100 that protrudes radially outward from the shaft 100 / longitudinal axis LL and extends circumferentially of the shaft 100 / extending radially (perpendicularly) to the longitudinal axis LL.

[0035] As shown by Figure 10, cavity 42 of first end member 30 includes a locking tab (recess) receptacle 44 that receives locking tab 104 during assembly of first section 72 and first end member 30. As shown by Figure 11, when locking tab 104 is positioned in tab receptacle 44, first section 72 and first end member 30 are fixedly coupled to rotate together (concurrently) about longitudinal axis (LL).

[0036] 12, at the opposite end of the chew toy 2, the second section 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 FIG. 3). With reference to FIG. 13, the second end member mating connector 120 of the second section 76 of the connecting rod 70 mates with / mechanically connects to the second end member connector 52 of the second end member 50.

[0037] 12, the second end member mating connector 120 includes a male (stud) connector 122. The male connector 122 includes a cylindrical head portion 124 and a cylindrical (undercut) neck portion 126 disposed between the head portion 124 and a shoulder 128 formed by the end wall 152.

[0038] 13, the second end member connector 52 includes a female (stud receptacle) connector 54 that includes a through hole 55 with a counterbore 56. As shown, the through hole 55 includes a cylindrical counterbore (diameter) 56 that is larger than the cylindrical bore (diameter) 58, creating a ledge 60 therebetween.

[0039] To allow assembly, at least one of the second end member mating connector 120 of the second section 76 of the connecting rod 70 and the second end member 52 of the second end member 50 is moved toward one another along the longitudinal axis LL, causing at least one of the second end member mating connector 120 and the second end member connector 52 to elastically deform, thereby causing the head portion 124 of the male connector 122 to pass through the bore 58 of the female connector 54 and then elastically recover. As a result, the head portion 124 and neck portion 126 of the male connector 122 are press-fit and positioned in the counterbore 56 and bore 58, respectively, of the female connector 54. With the above configuration, after assembly, the second section 76 of the connecting rod 70 and the second end member 50 are prevented from separating / disassembling in both directions along the longitudinal axis LL by a secure mechanical engagement.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 12, the second section 76 further includes a protruding locking tab 134 that protrudes radially (perpendicularly) from the cylindrical wall 132 of the shaft 130 relative to the longitudinal axis LL.

[0041] As shown by Figure 14, cavity 62 of second end member 50 includes a locking tab (recess) receptacle 64 that receives locking tab 134 during assembly of second section 76 and second end member 50. As shown by Figure 15, when locking tab 134 is positioned in tab receptacle 64, second section 76 and second end member 50 are fixedly coupled to rotate together (concurrently) about longitudinal axis LL.

[0042] Looking at the mid-section 74 of the connecting rod 70 as shown in FIG. 16, what may be referred to as a shaft coupler, mechanically couples to both the first section 72 and the second section 76 of the connecting rod 70.

[0043] The middle section 74 has a first mating connector 156 that releasably mechanically connects with the first connector 110 (see FIG. 6 ) of the first section 72. Unlike the other mechanical connections of the pet toy 2, the mechanical connection between the first connector 110 of the first section 72 and the first mating connector 156 of the middle section 74 is configured / intended to be severable (and reconnectable) during use of the chew toy 2, while the other mechanical connections are not configured / intended to be severable without potential damage to the chew toy 2.

[0044] As shown by FIG. 16, the first mating connector 156 of the intermediate section 74 includes a male (externally threaded) connector, more specifically an externally threaded cylindrical stud, while the first connector 110 of the first section 72 includes a female (internal threaded receptacle) connector, more specifically an internally threaded cylindrical recess formed in the cylindrical wall 106 of the shaft 100, as shown in FIG.

[0045] After being axially aligned on the longitudinal axis LL, the first mating connector 156 of the midsection 74 and the first connector 110 of the first section 72 are assembled by rotating at least one of the midsection 74 and the first section 72 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) about the longitudinal axis LL to threadably engage with each other so that the male threads are disposed within the female threads as at least one of the first end member (30) and the second end member (50) move toward each other along the longitudinal axis LL. With the above configuration, after assembly, the midsection 74 and the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70 are prevented from separating in both directions along the longitudinal axis LL by a secure mechanical engagement. It should be understood that the secure mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection can be increased, particularly due to increased engagement of the threaded connection, as at least one of the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 move toward each other along the longitudinal axis LL.

[0046] The first mating connector 156 of the midsection 74 and the first connector 110 of the first section 72 can then be separated by rotating at least one of the midsection 74 and the first section 72 about the longitudinal axis LL in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to disengage the threaded connection so that the male threads no longer locate within the female threads as at least one of the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 move away from one another along the longitudinal axis LL. It should be understood that the positive mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection can decrease as at least one of the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 move away from one another along the longitudinal axis LL, particularly due to a decrease in engagement of the threaded connection.

[0047] 16 , the mid-section 74 also includes a second mating connector 160 that mechanically interfaces with the second connector 140 of the second section 76. As shown, the second mating connector 160 of the mid-section 74 includes a cylindrical male connector 162. The male connector 162 includes annular cylindrical (undercut) recesses 164 disposed between adjacent protruding annular rings 166, 168, all of which extend 360 degrees around the circumference of the mid-section 74.

[0048] The male connector 162 further includes a circular end face 170 that includes a plurality of uniform engagement teeth 172 disposed circumferentially of and evenly spaced about the circumference of the circular end face 170 and protruding / extending axially along the longitudinal axis LL toward the second section 76.

[0049] 17-18, the second connector 140 of the second section 76 includes a female (receptacle) connector 142 formed on the shaft 130. As shown, the female connector 142 includes a cylindrical recess 144 formed by the cylindrical wall 132 of the shaft 130, with two inwardly projecting, circumferentially extending elongated projections 146 disposed opposite (facing) each other on the inner surface of the recess 144 / wall 132. The female connector 142 further includes a circular end face 148 including a plurality of uniform engagement teeth 150 disposed circumferentially of and equally spaced about the circumference of the end wall 152, projecting / extending axially toward the mid-section 74 along the longitudinal axis LL.

[0050] To allow assembly, at least one of second connector 140 of second section 76 and second mating connector 160 of mid-section 74 are moved toward each other along longitudinal axis LL, causing at least one of second connector 140 and second mating connector 160 to elastically deform so that protrusion 146 of second connector 140 is positioned in recess 160 of second mating connector 160 between rings 166, 168, and then elastically recover. Similar to the mechanical connection described above, once assembled, second section 76 and mid-section 74 are prevented from separating in both directions along longitudinal axis LL by a secure mechanical engagement.

[0051] 20 and 22, in contrast to other mechanical connections, when assembled, the second section 76 and the mid-section 74 are slidably movable by translation along the longitudinal axis a predetermined distance that is part of the clutch mechanism 180. As shown, the protrusion 146 of the second connector 140 has an axial distance along the longitudinal axis LL that is less than the axial distance of the recess 160 of the mating second connector 160 between the rings 166, 168, and the difference in the axial distance of the protrusion 146 to the recess 150 provides a predetermined translation of the second section 76 and the mid-section 74 relative to one another.

[0052] 19-22, translation of at least one of the second section 76 and the mid-section 74 toward one another along the longitudinal axis LL (e.g., by manually squeezing them together) results in the teeth 150, 172 of the clutch mechanism 180 (i.e., the teeth 150 of the second section 76 and the teeth 172 of the mid-section 74) being brought into an engaged position to engage the clutch mechanism 180. Alternatively, once the teeth 150, 172 are engaged, the teeth 150, 172 may be brought into a disengaged position by translation of at least one of the second section 76 and the mid-section 74 away from one another along the longitudinal axis LL (e.g., by manually pushing them apart), to the corresponding disengaged position of the clutch mechanism 180.

[0053] 23-24, as can be understood from the above description, to use the pet toy 2, two subassemblies are first formed. The first subassembly 10 is formed of the first end member 30 and the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70, while the second subassembly 12 is formed of the second end member 50, the second section 74 of the connecting rod 70, and the middle section 72 of the connecting rod 70. The subassemblies 10 and 12 are assembled as previously described.

[0054] 23, the intermediate member 14 is then joined to the subassembly 10 by inserting the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70 through the end opening 18 into the cavity 22 of the intermediate member 14. However, it should be understood that the intermediate member 14 may instead be joined to the subassembly 12 in a similar manner.

[0055] As shown, the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70 is then positioned in the cavity 22 of the intermediate member 14, and the first cylindrical end portion 24 of the intermediate member 14 is positioned in and contacts the cylindrical portion of the cavity 42 of the first end member 30, with the central axis of the intermediate member 14 being coaxial with the central longitudinal axis LL of the connecting rod 70 / chew toy 2.

[0056] Thereafter, if desired, at least one attractant composition 200 capable of emitting a scent that attracts pets 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, which attracts the pet to the chew toy 2 and increases the pet's interest in playing with the pet toy 2. For example, a scent (e.g., bacon) can therefore pass through the through-holes 28 formed in the cylindrical wall 20 of the intermediate member 14. The attractant composition 200 can be in the form of dry pet food (kibble) that has a size that is too large to pass through the through-holes 28 and therefore remains trapped within the pet toy 2. The intermediate member 14 may be flexible (e.g., made of a polymer such as an elastomer) so that it bends and distorts in response to being grabbed / bitten by the pet, causing the pet dry food to be at least partially broken down within the cavity 22 into smaller pieces small enough to pass through the through holes 28 and be consumed by the pet.

[0057] More specifically, the attractant composition 200 may be a scented composition, which may have the scent of food (e.g., bacon) or simply the scent of an animal (e.g., pig, chicken, bison, horse). The attractant composition 200 and scent may be provided by parts of an animal's anatomy, which may include ears (e.g., pig), feet (clawed feet (e.g., chicken), hoofed feet (e.g., pig), webbed feet (e.g., duck)), penis (e.g., bull), antlers (e.g., deer, elk), ribs, femurs, knees, elbows, or other bones (e.g., cows), and skin / hide (e.g., pig). In this embodiment, the attractant composition 200 may be a hard, fragile food composition (e.g., pet dry food or other hard (dry) food).

[0058] Thereafter, the end face 112 (see FIG. 6 ) of the first connector 110 of the first section 72 of the connecting rod 70 is axially aligned with the end face 158 (see FIGS. 7 and 19-22 ) of the first mating connector 156 of the middle section 74 of the connecting rod 70. Once aligned, at least one of the first section 72 and the middle section 74 is moved toward each other so that the second cylindrical end portion 26 of the middle member 74 is positioned in and contacts the cylindrical portion of the cavity 62 of the second end member 50, thereby closing the cavity 22 of the middle member 74.

[0059] As at least one of the first section 72 and the middle section 74 move further axially toward one another, the end face 112 of the first section 72 and the end face 158 of the middle section 74 contact one another. Then, after the end faces 112, 158 of the first section 72 and the middle section 74 of the connecting rod 70 contact, the second section 76 / second end member 50 continues to move axially toward the first section 72 / first end member 30, causing the teeth 150, 172 of the second section 76 and the middle section 172 to mesh and engage. After the teeth 150, 172 are matingly engaged, 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 so that the first (internal threaded) connector 110 of the first section 72 threadably connects with the first (external threaded) mating connector 156 of the intermediate section 74. Once suitably threaded, the axial (pushing) force that keeps the teeth 150, 172 axially engaged is removed, allowing the teeth 150, 172 to disengage. As a result, once the clutch mechanism 180 is disengaged and the releasable mechanical connection is connected, the first end member 30 and the second end member 50 can rotate about the longitudinal axis LL indefinitely without the releasable mechanical connection being disconnected.

[0060] Thereafter, the first (internal threaded) connector 110 of the first section 72 can be threadably decoupled from the first (external threaded) mating connector 156 of the mid-section 74 by again applying an axial force to the mid-section 74 and second section 76 to cause the teeth 150, 172 of the second section 76 and mid-section 172 to meshingly engage. After the teeth 150, 172 meshingly engage, at least one of the first subassembly 10 / first end member 30 and the second subassembly 12 / second end member 50 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LL in a second direction opposite the first direction to cause the first (internal threaded) connector 110 of the first section 72 to be threadably decoupled from the first (external threaded) mating connector 156 of the mid-section 74. When the releasable mechanical connection is released, 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 the middle member cavity 22 to be accessible through at least one of the first end opening 16 and the second end opening 18. The cavity 22 can then be filled with the attractant composition 200, or the attractant composition 200 already therein can be added to or replaced.

[0061] Referring to Figure 25, an alternative embodiment of a separable chew toy 2 is shown that includes a mechanical clutch mechanism 180 for assembly and disassembly.

[0062] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with their full scope of equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that the appended claims do not necessarily include the broadest scope of the invention that the applicant is entitled to claim, or only the manner in which the invention may be claimed, or that all recited features are required. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 2 Chew toys 4. The middle ground of chew toys 6 First end of chew toy 8. Second end of chew toy 10 First Subassembly 12 Second Subassembly 14 Intermediate parts 16 End opening 18 End opening 20 Cylindrical Wall 22 Cavity of intermediate member 24 Cylindrical end portion 26 Cylindrical end portion 28 Through Hole 30 first end member 32 First end member connector of first end member 34 First end member female connector 35 through hole of first end member 36 Counterbore for through hole 38 Through-hole bore 40 Counterbore ledge 42 first end member cavity 44 Hollow Locking Tab Receptacle 50 second end member 52 second end member connector of second end member 54 second end member female connector 55 through hole in second end member 56 Counterbore for through hole 58 Through-hole bore 60 Counterbore shelf 62 second end member cavity 64 Hollow Locking Tab Receptacle 70 Connecting rod 72 Connecting rod first section 74 Connecting rod mid-section 76 Connecting rod second section 90 First segment first end member mating connector 92 First segment male connector 94 Male connector head 96 Neck of male connector 98 Male connector shoulder 100 Shaft of first section of connecting rod 102 Shaft Ring 104 Shaft tab 106 Shaft Wall 110 first connector of first segment 112 End face 120 second segment second end member mating connector 122 Second Segment Male Connector 124 Male connector head 126 Neck of male connector 128 Male connector shoulder 130 Shaft of second section of connecting rod 132 Shaft Wall 134 Shaft tab 140 Second connector of second segment 142 Second segment female connector 144 recess 146 Protrusion 148 End face 150 teeth 152 End Wall 156 first mating connector of middle segment 158 End face 160 Second mating connector of middle segment 162 Male connector for mid-segment 164 recess 166 Ring 168 Ring 170 End face 172 teeth 180 Clutch mechanism 200 Attractant composition LL Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. 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 connecting the first end member and the second end member; 1. A chew toy as an assembly comprising: access to the intermediate member cavity through the first end opening is blocked by the first end member, and / or access to the intermediate member cavity through the second end opening is blocked by the second end member; the connecting rod extends through the intermediate member cavity; the connecting rod includes at least two sections connected by a releasable mechanical connection that provides a positive mechanical engagement; the connecting rod includes an engageable and disengageable clutch mechanism; When the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the first end member and the second end member are rotatable about their longitudinal axes without altering the secure mechanical engagement of the mechanical connection; and When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the releasable mechanical connection is releasable such that the first end member is movable away from the first end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the first end opening, and / or the second end member is movable away from the second end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the second end opening. Chew toys.

2. When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the positive mechanical engagement of the releasable 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 releasable mechanical connection is reducible by moving the first end member away from the second end member along the longitudinal axis and / or by moving the second end member away from the first end member along the longitudinal axis.

10. The chew toy of claim 1.

3. 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 rotational direction of the first end member, 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 first rotational direction of the second end member; and the first end member is movable away from the second end member along the longitudinal axis by rotating the first end member along the longitudinal axis in a first end member second rotational direction opposite the first end member first rotational direction, and / or the second end member is movable away from the first end member by rotating the second end member along the longitudinal axis in a second end member second rotational direction opposite the second end member first rotational direction.

3. The chew toy of claim 2.

4. the intermediate member cavity is accessible through the first end opening and the second end opening; access to the intermediate member cavity through the first end opening is blocked by the first end member and access to the intermediate member cavity through the second end opening is blocked by the second end member; and When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the releasable mechanical connection is releasable such that the first end member is movable away from the first end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the first end opening, and / or the second end member is movable away from the second end opening, thereby making the intermediate member cavity accessible through the second end opening.

10. The chew toy of claim 1.

5. the first end member having a first end member cavity; and the connecting rod extending into the first end member cavity; 10. The chew toy of claim 1.

6. The chew toy of claim 5 , wherein the intermediate member has a first end portion disposed within the first end member cavity.

7. the second end member having a second end member cavity; and the connecting rod extending into the second end member cavity; 10. The chew toy of claim 1.

8. 8. The chew toy of claim 7, wherein the intermediate member has a second end portion disposed within the second end member cavity.

9. 2. The chew toy of claim 1, wherein the at least two sections of the connecting rod further include a connecting rod first section, a connecting rod second section, and a connecting rod intermediate section mechanically connecting to the connecting rod first section and the connecting rod second section.

10. When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the connecting rod second section and the connecting rod mid-section engage such that rotation of the second end member and the connecting rod second section in a first direction about the longitudinal axis rotates the connecting rod mid-section in the first direction, and rotation of the connecting rod mid-section in the first direction mechanically connects the connecting rod mid-section and the connecting rod first section; and When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the connecting rod second section and the connecting rod mid-section engage such that rotation of the second end member and the connecting rod second section about the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction rotates the connecting rod mid-section in the second direction, and rotation of the connecting rod mid-section in the second direction mechanically decouples the connecting rod mid-section and the connecting rod first section.

10. The chew toy of claim 9.

11. the connecting rod first section mechanically connecting to the first end member and the connecting rod intermediate section; the connecting rod first section and the first end member are fixedly coupled to one another to rotate simultaneously about the longitudinal axis; the connecting rod second section mechanically connects to the second end member and the connecting rod middle section; and the connecting rod second section and the second end member are fixedly coupled to one another for simultaneous rotation about the longitudinal axis; 10. The chew toy of claim 9.

12. the connecting rod first section and the connecting rod middle section are connected by the releasable mechanical connection; and the severable mechanical connection comprises a threaded connection; 12. The chew toy of claim 11.

13. the threaded connection includes a female threaded connector and a male threaded connector; the connecting rod first section includes the female threaded connector; and the connecting rod mid-section includes the male threaded connector; 13. The chew toy of claim 12.

14. 10. The chew toy of claim 9, wherein the connecting rod mid-section and the connecting rod second section form the clutch mechanism.

15. the clutch mechanism has a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position; the connecting rod mid-section includes a connecting rod mid-section end face having a plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth; the connecting rod second section includes a connecting rod second section end face having a plurality of connecting rod second section clutch teeth; when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism engaged position, the plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second-section clutch teeth are engaged; and when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism disengaged position, the plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second-section clutch teeth are disengaged.

15. The chew toy of claim 14.

16. 15. The chew toy of claim 14, wherein the connecting rod intermediate section and the connecting rod second section are slidably movable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis between a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position.

17. the connecting rod mid-section includes an annular recess disposed between the annular rings; the connecting rod second section includes a cylindrical recess, and at least one protrusion is disposed on a surface of the cylindrical recess; The annular recess and the annular ring of the connecting rod mid-section are disposed in the cylindrical recess of the connecting rod second section, with the at least one protrusion disposed on the surface of the cylindrical recess of the connecting rod second section disposed in the annular recess of the connecting rod mid-section between the annular rings; and the at least one protrusion disposed on the surface of the cylindrical recess of the connecting rod second section is slidable along the longitudinal axis within the annular recess of the connecting rod intermediate section between the annular rings; 17. The chew toy of claim 16.

18. the clutch mechanism has a clutch mechanism engaged position and a clutch mechanism disengaged position; the connecting rod mid-section includes a connecting rod mid-section end face having a plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth; the connecting rod second section includes a connecting rod second section end face having a plurality of connecting rod second section clutch teeth; when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism engaged position, the plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second-section clutch teeth are engaged; and when the clutch mechanism is in the clutch mechanism disengaged position, the plurality of connecting rod mid-section clutch teeth and the plurality of connecting rod second-section clutch teeth are disengaged.

18. The chew toy of claim 17.

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