spherical toys

Abstract

The toy comprises a sphere having a spherical first half and a spherical second half that are rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position. Each half includes a plurality of track segments. In the first position, the first position track includes at least one track segment of each half. In the second position, the second position track includes at least one track segment of each half, at least one of which is different from the first position track, thereby the first position track and the second position track have at least partially different track configurations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 498,024, filed on April 25, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to toys, and more particularly to spherical toys that provide a plurality of at least partially different track configurations for guiding roller members therein along different paths.

Background Art

[0003] Background

[0003] Treat - dispensing toys for pets are known, in which treats are placed together and then removed through some interaction between the pet and the toy. The present toy develops the treat dispensers for pets in the art.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Summary

[0004] The toy comprises a sphere having a spherical first half and a spherical second half that are rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position. Each half includes a plurality of track segments. In the first position, a first - position track includes at least one track segment of each half. In the second position, a second - position track includes at least one track segment of each half, and at least one of the track segments is different from the first - position track, whereby the first - position track and the second - position track have at least partially different track configurations.

[0005]

[0005] The toy comprises a sphere having a spherical first half and a spherical second half, the first half and the second half being rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position, the first half comprising a plurality of first half track segments, all of which are undercut track segments, the second half comprising a plurality of second half track segments, all of which are undercut track segments, and when the first half and the second half are in the first position, at least one first position track comprises a plurality of first half track segments The track includes at least one first half-track segment and at least one second half-track segment from a plurality of second half-track segments, and when the first half and the second half are in a second position, at least one second position track includes at least one first half-track segment from a plurality of first half-track segments and at least one second half-track segment from a plurality of second half-track segments, and at least one first position track and at least one second position track are at least partially different tracks.

[0006]

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises at least one roller member that is rotatable within at least one first position track and at least one second position track, and one or more combination inlets / outlets for inserting the at least one roller member into the at least one first position track and at least one second position track and for removing the at least one roller member from each of the at least one first position track and at least one second position track, wherein the at least one first position track is configured to physically prevent the at least one roller member from leaving the at least one first position track unless it passes through one or more combination inlets / outlets when the at least one roller member is positioned in the at least one first position track, and the at least one second position track is configured to physically prevent the at least one roller member from leaving the at least one second position track unless it passes through one or more combination inlets / outlets when the at least one roller member is positioned in the at least one second position track.

[0007]

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises at least one roller member being spherical.

[0008]

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises at least one roller member that is edible.

[0009]

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises a plurality of first half-track segments and a plurality of second half-track segments all having the same undercut profile, wherein the undercut profile is a semicircular undercut profile.

[0010]

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises a plurality of first half-track segments including a first half-first track segment and a first half-second track segment, and a plurality of second half-track segments including a second half-first track segment and a second half-second track segment.

[0011]

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises, when the first half and the second half are in a first position, at least one first position track comprising a first position track including a first track segment of the first half and a first track segment of the second half, and when the first half and the second half are in a second position, at least one second position track comprising a second track segment of the first half and a second track segment of the second half.

[0012]

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises, when the first half and the second half are in the first position, at least one first position track further comprises a first position second track including a second track segment for the first half and a second track segment for the second half.

[0013]

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises, when the first half and the second half are in the second position, at least one second position track further includes a first track segment of the first half and a first track segment of the second half.

[0014]

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises a plurality of first half-track segments further comprising first half-third track segments, and a plurality of second half-track segments further comprising second half-third track segments.

[0015]

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises, when the first half and the second half are in a first position, at least one first position track further comprises a first position first track including a first track segment of the first half and a first track segment of the second half; when the first half and the second half are in a first position, at least one first position track further comprises a first position second track including a second track segment of the first half and a second track segment of the second half; and when the first half and the second half are in a first position, at least one first position track further comprises a first position third track including a third track segment of the first half and a third track segment of the second half.

[0016]

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises the first position first track, the first position second track, and the first position third track being isolated from each other when the first half and the second half are in the first position.

[0017]

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises a first position first track further comprising a first position first continuous loop track, a first position second track further comprising a first position second continuous loop track, and a first position third track further comprising a first position third continuous loop track.

[0018]

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises, when the first half and the second half are in the second position, at least one second position track including a first track segment of the first half, a first track segment of the second half, a second track segment of the first half, a second track segment of the second half, a third track segment of the first half, and a third track segment of the second half.

[0019]

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises at least one second position track further comprising a second position continuous loop track.

[0020]

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the toy further comprises a first half and a second half that are rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position about a rotation axis, and the first half and the second half that are detachably fixed relative to each other about the rotation axis in the first and second positions.

[0021]

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the toy is further configured to be releasably fixed to each other around a rotation axis by a locking mechanism in a first position and a second position.

[0022]

[0022] The toy comprises a sphere having a spherical first half and a spherical second half, the first half and the second half being rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position, the first half comprising a first track segment, a second track segment, and a third track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, a second track segment, and a third track segment, the second half comprising a first track segment, a second track segment, and a third track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, a second track segment, and a third track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, a second track segment, and a third track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, a second track segment, and a third track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, a second track segment, and a third track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first half comprising a first track segment, the first track segment, and the second half comprising a third track segment, when the first half and the second half are in the first position, the first half comprises a first track segment, the first half of the first track segment When the first track segment and the second half of the first track segment are in the first position, the second track segment and the second half of the second track segment form at least a part of the second track when the first and second halves are in the first position, the third track segment and the third half of the second track segment form at least a part of the third track when the first and second halves are in the first position, and when the first and second halves are in the second position, the first track segment, the first half of the first track segment, the second half of the first track segment, the second half of the second track segment, the first half of the third track segment, and the second half of the third track segment form at least a part of the second track when the first and second halves are in the second position.

[0023]

[0023] In at least one embodiment, when the toy is in a first position, the first track segment of the first half and the first track segment of the second half form a first continuous loop track, when the toy is in a first position, the second track segment of the first half and the second track segment of the second half form a second continuous loop track, when the toy is in a first position, the first half The third track segment of the first half and the third track segment of the second half form a third continuous loop track at a first position, and when the first half and the second half are in a second position, the first track segment of the first half, the first track segment of the second half, the second track segment of the first half, the third track segment of the first half, and the third track segment of the second half form a second continuous loop track at a second position.

[0024] A method of operating a pet toy, the method comprising: obtaining a sphere having a spherical first half and a spherical second half, the first half and the second half being rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position, the first half comprising a plurality of first half track segments, all of the plurality of first half track segments being undercut track segments, the second half comprising a plurality of second half track segments, all of the plurality of second half track segments being undercut track segments; placing the first half and the second half of the toy in the first position, wherein when the first half and the second half are in the first position, at least one first position track comprises at least one first half track segment of the plurality of first half track segments and at least one second half track segment of the plurality of second half track segments; rotating at least one of the first half and the second half of the toy relative to each other and to the second position, wherein when the first half and the second half are in the second position, at least one second position track comprises at least one first half track segment of the plurality of first half track segments and at least one second half track segment of the plurality of second half track segments, and the at least one first position track and the at least one second position track are at least partially different tracks.

[0025] Brief Description of the Drawings The above and other features of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1]

[0026] A three-dimensional view of the toy according to the present disclosure in the first position. [Figure 2]

[0027] Top view of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 3]

[0028] Another side view of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 4]

[0029] Side view of the toy of FIG. 1 in the second position [Figure 5]

[0030] 3D view of the toy of FIG. 4 [Figure 6]

[0031] Another 3D view of the toy of FIG. 4 [Figure 7]

[0032] Another 3D view of the toy of FIG. 4 [Figure 8]

[0033] Another 3D view of the toy of FIG. 4 [Figure 9]

[0034] Exploded 3D view of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 10]

[0035] Exploded 3D view of the inner body member of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 11]

[0036] Another exploded 3D view of the inner body member of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 12]

[0037] Exploded 3D view of the outer body member of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 13]

[0038] Exploded 3D view of the support (back) plate and hub of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 14]

[0039] Another exploded 3D view of the support (back) plate and hub of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 15]

[0040] Assembled 3D view of the support (back) plate and hub of the toy of FIG. 1 [Figure 16]

[0041] Another assembled 3D view of the support (back) plate and hub of the toy of FIG. 1

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Detailed Description

[0042] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited in its applications to the structural and arrangement details of the components described below or shown in the drawings. Other embodiments of the inventions described herein may be possible and may be implemented or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the language and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting, as they can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0028]

[0043] Referring to Figures 1-3, toy 10 is shown, which may further refer to a modifiable maze toy and / or treat dispenser toy. As will be more fully described herein, toy 10 may, in particular, be played with by pets (e.g., dogs), and otherwise may be used by pets (e.g., dogs), however such uses should not necessarily be understood as limited, as other uses disclosed may be conceivable.

[0029]

[0044] As shown, the toy 10 comprises a sphere 20. The sphere 20 may have a (maximum) outer diameter D in the range of 2 inches to 12 inches, more specifically, 3 inches to 7 inches. As shown, the sphere 20 has two spherical hemispheres 20a, 20b, which may be better understood as hemispherical hemispheres or 180-degree hemispheres. As shown, the spherical hemispheres 20a, 20b each have their respective (hemi)spherical hemispherical outer surfaces 22a, 22b, which are oriented in opposite directions away from each other.

[0030]

[0045] As will be described in more detail below, the spherical hemispheres 20a and 20b are rotatable relative to each other on both sides of the central rotation plane CRP which extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis LCA of the toy 10. As shown in Figures 1-3, the spherical hemispheres 20a and 20b are in a first position on the toy 10.

[0031]

[0046] As an example, Figure 3 shows an exemplary rotation angle RA that may be provided by the toy 10, where the rotation angle RA is located on the central rotation plane CRP, and the apex of the rotation angle RA lies on the longitudinal central axis LCA at the center point CP of the toy 10.

[0032]

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, when the spherical hemisphere 20a rotates relative to the spherical hemisphere 20b by a rotation angle RA, the spherical hemisphere 20a is then offset relative to the spherical hemisphere 20b by a circumferential offset distance COD. In Figure 4, the spherical hemispheres 20a and 20b are in the second position of the toy 10, and the rotation angle RA is 45 degrees.

[0033]

[0048] Returning to Figures 1-3, in the first position, the outer surfaces 22a and 22b of the toy 10 have a number of continuous (open) loop tracks 30, 50, and 70, which are shown in more detail as circular loop tracks, each having a uniform (radial) distance from the longitudinal central axis LCA over 360 degrees around the longitudinal central axis LCA of the toy 10. As used herein, an "open" loop track should be understood as a track that is not completely enclosed along its length, but only partially enclosed.

[0034]

[0049] As shown, in the first position, the continuous loop tracks 30, 50, and 70 are spatially isolated from each other (i.e., they do not cross / intersect) and have no terminal (end) sections. The loop tracks 30 and 70 are positioned equidistant from the opposing longitudinal ends of the toy 10, so that the tracks 30 and 70 have the same uniform (radial) distance from the longitudinal central axis LCA over 360 degrees around the longitudinal central axis LCA of the toy 10. The loop track 50 is positioned between the loop tracks 30 and 70 with respect to the longitudinal central axis LCA, more specifically at the center of the toy 10 with respect to the longitudinal central axis LCA. Thus, the loop track 50 has a greater (radial) distance from the longitudinal central axis LCA than the loop tracks 30 and 70.

[0035]

[0050] As shown, the first continuous loop track 30 is formed by joined (aligned) semicircular semi-loop (180-degree) track segments 30a and 30b that extend around the longitudinal central axis LCA of the toy 10. Similarly, the second continuous loop track 50 is formed by joined (aligned) semicircular semi-loop (180-degree) track segments 50a and 50b that extend around the longitudinal central axis LCA of the toy 10, and the third continuous loop track 70 is formed by joined (aligned) semicircular semi-loop (180-degree) track segments 70a and 70b that extend around the longitudinal central axis LCA of the toy 10. As best shown in Figure 9, each of the track segments 30a, 30b, 50a, 50b, 70a, and 70b has two terminations at opposing ends of the segment, and these terminations are adjacent to the central rotation plane CRP and are located on the same side of the central rotation plane CRP.

[0036]

[0051] Referring here to Figures 4-8, the spherical hemispheres 20a and 20b are in the second position of the toy 10, with a rotation angle RA of 45 degrees. As shown, the three continuous loop tracks 30, 50, and 70 are no longer isolated but intersect here to form a further continuous loop track 90, which is partially different from each of the conventional loop tracks 30, 50, and 70. More specifically, the loop track 90 is formed by all of the conventional loop tracks 30, 50, and 70, i.e., all of the track segments 30a, 30b, 50a, 50b, 70a, and 70b, resulting in a longer, more meandering loop track 90.

[0037]

[0052] Loop tracks 30, 50, and 70, and therefore loop track 90 as well, are configured to provide guide tracks for guiding the track roller member 100 within them. The roller member 100 may be in the form of a sphere, may be edible and digestible, and may be formed from, for example, coarse-ground food (i.e., pet food containing meat, grains, and / or vegetables that have been reshaped and dried (solidified) into individual pieces). The roller member 100 may have a diameter in the range of 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches, more specifically, 0.4 inches to 1.1 inches. Thus, loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90, and therefore track segments 30a, 30b, 50a, 50b, 70a, and 70b may have a diameter of 0.05 inches to 0.10 inches, which is larger than the diameter of the roller member 100, in order to facilitate rolling motion within the track.

[0038]

[0053] As shown, loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90 are all undercut loop tracks having the same semicircular undercut profile along their respective lengths, except for the combined inlet / outlet 32 ​​of loop tracks 30 and 90 where the roller member 100 is inserted into and removed from loop tracks 30 and 90 (thus, track segments 30a, 30b, 50a, 50b, 70a, and 70b are also all undercut). As shown, the inlet / outlet 32 ​​comprises two opposing semicircular recesses 34, which are aligned with each other on the opposing sides of tracks 30 and 90.

[0039]

[0054] Thus, it should be understood from the figure that the two loop tracks 50 and 70 have a constant cross-sectional (undercut) profile along their entire length, while the loop tracks 30 and 90 have the same constant cross-sectional (undercut) profile along their entire length, except for the roller member inlet / outlet 32. Furthermore, it should be understood that when placed within the loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90, the cross-sectional profile of the spherical roller member 100 occupies the undercut area of ​​the loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90, and therefore, except for the inlet / outlet 32, it cannot be inserted into or removed from the toy 10. In other words, the openings formed on the outer surfaces 22a and 22b of the toy 10 to the loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90 are smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the spherical roller member 100, so that the spherical roller member 100 cannot be inserted into or removed from the toy 10, except for the inlet / outlet 32.

[0040]

[0055] Thus, the loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90 are configured such that when the roller member 100 is positioned on the loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90, they physically prevent (interfere with) the roller member 100 from leaving the loop tracks 30, 50, 70, and 90 at any point other than the inlet / outlet 32.

[0041]

[0056] While the toy 10 is in use, one or more spherical roller members 100 may be inserted through one or more inlets / outlets 32 into tracks 30, 50, and 70 when the toy 10 is in the first position, or into track 90 when the toy 10 is in the second position.

[0042]

[0057] As can be understood, when the toy 10 is in the second position (i.e., when the loop 90 is formed (see Figures 4-8)), the roller member 100 may be inserted through the combined inlet / outlet 32 ​​into the track segment 30a of the track 90, in particular when such a segment is positioned at the vertical top of the toy 10. The spherical roller member 100 may then roll downward to the track segment 70a of the track 90, or to any position in between. The toy 10 may then be placed on a flat surface, at which point the pet may push the toy 10 with its paw or head (e.g., nose or mouth), grab and drop the toy 10, or roll the toy 10 on the flat surface by other means. As the toy 10 rolls on the flat surface, the toy 10 may be inverted so that the track segment 70a of the track 90 moves to the top of the toy 10, or otherwise to a vertical position above (i.e., higher than) the track segment 30a. In toy 10, more specifically, when the orientation of the track 90 changes so that track segment 70a is positioned vertically higher than track segment 30a, gravity causes the spherical roller member 100 to roll back from track segment 70a to track segment 30a and exit toy 10 through the combined inlet / outlet 32. In such a case, the spherical roller member 100 may be consumed by the pet.

[0043]

[0058] As can be understood, the roller member 100 may be stored inside the toy 10 for later consumption by the pet, without fear of it exiting the track through the combined inlet / outlet 32. For example, when the toy 10 is in a second position (i.e., when the loop 90 is formed (see Figures 4-8)), the roller member 100 may be inserted through the combined inlet / outlet 32 ​​into the track segment 30a of the track 90, especially when such a member is positioned at the vertical top of the toy 10. The roller member 100 may then roll downward to one or more of the track segments 50a, 50b, 70a, 70b of the track 90. ​​Once positioned in the track segments 50a, 50b, 70a, 70b of the track 90, the toy 10 may then be positioned in a first position, with the track loops 30, 50, and 70 separated and not interconnected (see Figures 1-3). Thus, since track loops 50 and 70 do not include an inlet / outlet 32, the roller members 100 positioned in track segments 50a, 50b, 70a, and 70b remain within track loops 50 and 70 and can exit tracks 30 and 70. When the pet is then allowed to use the toy 10, the toy 10 is positioned in a second location (i.e., with the loop 90 formed (see Figures 4-8)), and the roller members 100 previously held in track loops 50 and 70 can now exit the combined inlet / outlet 32 ​​of the newly formed track loop 90, which includes track segment 30a having a combined inlet / outlet 32.

[0044]

[0059] Referring to Figure 9, a partially exploded view of toy 10 is shown. As shown, the spherical half 20a of toy 10 comprises two outer body members 124a and 126a disposed on an inner body member 122a. Similarly, the spherical half 20b of toy 10 comprises two outer body members 124b and 126b disposed on an inner body member 122b and combined with the inner body member 122b. Further diagrams of the inner body members 122a and 122b are provided in Figures 10-11, while further diagrams of the outer body members 124a, 126a, 124b, and 126b are shown in Figure 12.

[0045]

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, each spherical half 20a, 20b of the toy 10 is equipped with support (back) plates 130a, 130b fixed to their respective inner body members 122a, 122b, particularly mechanically fixed by screw fasteners. The outer body members 124a, 126a may be fixed to the inner body member 122a by welding, particularly ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. Similarly, the outer body members 124b, 126b may be fixed to the inner body member 122b by welding, particularly ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding.

[0046]

[0061] As best illustrated by Figures 13-14, each support plate 130a, 130b has inner surfaces 132a, 132b and outer surfaces 134a, 134b opposite to the inner surfaces 132a, 132b, respectively. As shown, the inner surfaces 132a, 132b face each other. The spherical hemispheres 20a, 20b are mechanically fixed onto the hub 150, which is coupled to both support plates 130a, 130b, connecting the spherical hemispheres 20a, 20b together and allowing them to rotate relative to each other.

[0047]

[0062] As shown in Figures 13-14, the hub 150 comprises a shaft 152 and a disk 190. As shown, the shaft 152 can be understood to have an elongated elliptical semi-cylindrical cross-sectional profile, more specifically, two D (i.e., DD) cross-sectional profiles formed by two parallel flat portions 154 extending along the longitudinal length of the shaft 152, i.e., on both sides of the profile of the shaft 152, i.e., at 180 degrees to each other. At one end, the profile of the shaft 152 further comprises two retaining members 156, each in the form of a rectangular protruding tab, disposed on the flat portion 154.

[0048]

[0063] The shaft 152 engages with a shaft rotation prevention receptacle 136b, which includes a retaining member (tab) receptacle 138b, on the outer surface 134b of the support plate 130b, preventing the shaft 152 from rotating relative to the support plate 130b, and vice versa. In other words, when engaged, the shaft 152 and the shaft receptacle 136b have a fitting cross-sectional profile that prevents the shaft 152 and the shaft receptacle 136b from rotating relative to each other.

[0049]

[0064] As shown, the support plate 130b also has an anti-rotation through-hole 140b through which a portion of the shaft 152 passes when the toy 10 is assembled, but it cannot rotate relative to the support plate 130b. As shown, the through-hole 140b is dimensioned so that the retaining member / tab 156 contacts the outer surface 134b of the support plate 130b, thereby creating interference that prevents the retaining member / tab 156 from passing through the through-hole 140b when the shaft 152 passes through the through-hole 140b from the outer surface 134b to the inner surface 132b of the support plate 130b, and holding the assembly together.

[0050]

[0065] The opposite end of the shaft 152 includes an enlarged elastically deformable head 158 with two elastically deformable retaining members 160 in a shape-retaining hook, which is positioned on both sides of the head 158 and spaced apart by a U-shaped recess (groove) 162 of the head 158. As shown, the retaining members / tabs 156 and the retaining hooks 160 are offset from each other around the rotational axis RCA of the hub 150, and in particular, do not occupy the same circumferential space around the rotational axis RCA of the hub 150.

[0051]

[0066] With respect to the disk 190, the circular (cylindrical) outer circumference 192 includes a plurality of elastically deformable elongated spring legs 194 extending circumferentially around the outer circumference 192 of the disk 190. As shown, the outer (circumferential) sides 198 of the legs 194 are defined by the outer circumference 192 of the disk 190, while the inner (circumferential) sides 196 of the legs 194 are defined by an elongated relief 200 extending circumferentially, which extends as a through hole across the entire thickness of the disk 190. As described and illustrated, the disk 190 may be understood as providing a radially flexible flat spring.

[0052]

[0067] Each leg 194 has a width equal to the thickness of the disc 190 and a circumferential length ranging from 60 to 120 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 152. The outer surface 198 of each leg 194 further includes a radially outward-facing semicircular (semi-cylindrical) projection 202 positioned at the center of the circumferential length of the leg 194, the operation of which is described below.

[0053]

[0068] Similar to the support plate 130b, the center of the disc 190 includes a shaft rotation prevention receptacle 210 in the form of a through-hole through which a portion of the shaft 152 extends when the toy 10 is assembled, which prevents the shaft 152 from rotating relative to the disc 190, and vice versa. In other words, when fitted together, the shaft 152 and the shaft receptacle 210 have cross-sectional profiles that prevent the shaft 152 and the shaft receptacle 210 from rotating relative to each other.

[0054]

[0069] Referring to the support plate 130a, the support plate 130a includes a recess 172a having a through hole 174a, an outer counterbore 176a, and an inner counterbore 178a. As shown, the base / floor of the outer counterbore 176a forms an annular ring 180a. As shown, the inner counterbore 178a includes a plurality of projection retainers 182a, spaced equally in the circumferential direction around the rotational axis RCA, and in particular shown spaced 45 degrees apart from each other, for receiving and releasably engaging and holding projections 202 therein.

[0055]

[0070] When assembled, the disc 190 occupies the recess 172a, more specifically the inner counterbore 178a and the outer counterbore 176a. The shaft 152 extends through the shaft receptacle 136b of the support plate 130b, the shaft receptacle 210 of the disc 190, and the outer counterbore 176a, the inner counterbore 178a, and the through hole 174a of the support plate 130a.

[0056]

[0071] As shown in Figures 15-16, when assembled, the head 158 of the shaft 152 extends through the through-hole 174a of the support plate 130a, thereby holding the annular ring 180a by the retaining member 160 of the shaft 152. More specifically, the retaining members / tabs 156 and 160 of the shaft 152 hold the support plate 130b, the disk 190, and the support plate 130a together along the rotational axis RCA of the hub 150.

[0057]

[0072] During the assembly of the spherical hemispheres 20a and 20b, as the retaining member 160 of the head 158 passes through the through hole 174a of the support plate 130a, it comes into contact with the annular ring 180a, causing the retaining member 160 to elastically deform inward toward each other and toward the rotational axis RCE of the hub 150. Subsequently, as the retaining member 160 passes through the through hole 174a of the support plate 130a, the retaining member 160 elastically returns outward toward each other and toward the rotational axis RCA of the hub 150, holding the support plate 130b, the disk 190, and the support plate 130a together between the retaining members / tabs 156 and 160 of the shaft 152.

[0058]

[0073] Once the toy 10 is assembled, the spherical halves 20a and 20b may be in the first position of the toy 10 as shown in Figures 1-3. Subsequently, the spherical halves 20a and / or 20b may rotate relative to each other around the rotational axis RCA of the hub 150 to the second position shown in Figures 4-8.

[0059]

[0074] Returning to Figure 14, when the toy 10 is in the first position, the projection 202 of the hub 150 may occupy the stopper 182a at position P1. Subsequently, when the spherical halves 20a and / or 20b rotate relative to each other to a second position around the rotation axis RCA of the hub 150, the projection 202 of the hub 150 may occupy the stopper 182a at position P2. Once the projection 202 is positioned within the projection stopper 132a, the spherical halves 20a and / or 20b are held in a releasably fixed state relative to each other until a rotational force is applied around the rotation axis RCA of the hub 150 with sufficient force to disengage the projection 202 from the projection stopper 132a. When disengaged, the elastically deformable spring leg 194 deforms inward toward the rotational axis RCA of the hub 150, allowing the spherical halves 20a and / or 20b to rotate relative to each other. When the projection 202 is reengaged with another set of projection retainers 182a, the elastically deformable spring leg 194 elastically recovers outward to their initial shape away from the rotational axis RCA of the hub 150, holding the halves 20a and 29b in a fixed, releaseable position relative to each other. In this regard, at least the spring leg 194, the relief 200, the projection 202, and the projection retainers 182a may be understood as part of a releaseable retaining mechanism 220.

[0060]

[0075] The outer body members 124a, 124b, 126a, 126b, the inner body members 122a, 122b, the support plates 130, 130b, the shaft 152, and the disc 190 may all be formed from injection-molded (rigid) thermoplastic resins such as polyamide (nylon), polyacetal, or polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene). Alternatively, the shaft 152 and the disc 190 may be formed from (die-cast) metal.

[0061]

[0076] The toy 10 described above has been explained to have a particular use as a pet treat dispenser toy for pets, especially when the roller member 100 is an edible pet treat. However, the toy 10 can also be used as a replaceable maze toy for human use, in which case the roller member 100 may be a non-edible sphere and may be formed from, for example, plastic, glass (e.g., marble), or metal (e.g., a bearing).

[0062]

[0077] 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 present invention should not be defined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the appended claims along with the scope of all their equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that the appended claims do not necessarily encompass the broadest scope of the present invention that the applicant has the right to claim, or the only method that the invention may claim, or require all described features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] List of reference characters 10 toys 20 spheres 20a Spherical half body 20b Spherical half body 22a Exterior 22b External surface 30 Loop Tracks 30a Loop Track Segment 30b Loop Track Segment 32 Entrance / Exit 34 recess 50 Loop Tracks 50a Loop Track Segment 50b Loop Track Segment 70 Loop Tracks 70a Loop Track Segment 70b Loop Track Segment 90 Loop Tracks 100 Roller Member 122a Inner main body component 122b Inner main body component 124a Outer body member 124b Outer body member 126a Outer body member 126b Outer body member 130a Support (back) plate 130b Support (back) plate 132a Inner surface 132b Inner surface 134a Exterior 134b External surface 136b Shaft Receptacle 138b Shaft holding member (tab) receptacle 140b Through hole 150 hub 152 shaft 154 Flat area 156 Retaining member / tab 158 heads 160 Retaining member 162 recess 172a Recess 174a Through hole 176a External counterbore hole 178a Inner counterbore hole 180a Annular ring 182a Retractor for protruding part 190 discs 192 Outer perimeter 194 Spring Leg 196 Inside 198 Outside 200 Relief 202 Protrusion 210 Shaft Receptacle 220 Retraction mechanism CP center point COD (Circumference Offset Distance) CRP central rotation plane D diameter LCA (Longitudinal Center Axis) RA rotation angle RCA Rotation Center Axis

Claims

1. A sphere (20) comprising a first spherical half (20a) and a second spherical half (20b), The first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position. The first half (20a) comprises a plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a), and all of the plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) are undercut track segments. The second half (20b) comprises a plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b), and all of the plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b) are undercut track segments. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) includes at least one first half track segment (30a, 50a, 70a) from the plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) and at least one second half track segment (30b, 50b, 70b) from the plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b), When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the second position, at least one second position track (90) includes at least one first half track segment (30a, 50a, 70a) from the plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) and at least one second half track segment (30b, 50b, 70b) from the plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b), The at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) and the at least one second position track (90) are at least partially different tracks. Toys (10).

2. The system includes at least one roller member (100) that is rotatable within the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) and the at least one second position track (90), Inserting the at least one roller member (100) into the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) and the at least one second position track (90), and one or more combination inlets / outlets (32) for removing the at least one roller member (100) from each of the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) and the at least one second position track (90) Furthermore, The at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) is configured such that when the at least one roller member (100) is positioned on the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70), the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) physically prevents the at least one roller member (100) from leaving the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) unless it passes through one or more combined inlets / outlets (32). The at least one second position track (90) is configured such that, when the at least one roller member (100) is positioned on the at least one second position track (90), the at least one second position track (90) is configured to physically prevent the at least one roller member (100) from leaving the at least one second position track (90) unless it passes through one or more combined inlets / outlets (32). The toy (10) according to claim 1.

3. The toy (10) according to claim 2, further comprising at least one roller member (100) being spherical.

4. The toy (10) according to claim 2, further comprising at least one roller member (100) that is edible.

5. The plurality of first half-track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) and the plurality of second half-track segments (30b, 50b, 70b) all have the same undercut profile. The aforementioned undercut profile is a semi-circular undercut profile. The toy (10) according to claim 1, further comprising the feature.

6. The plurality of first half-track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) include a first half-track segment (30a) and a first half-track segment (50a), The plurality of second half-track segments (30b, 50b, 70b) include a second half-first track segment (30b) and a second half-second track segment (50b), The toy (10) according to claim 1, further comprising the feature.

7. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) comprises a first position first track (30) including the first half first track segment (30a) and the second half first track segment (30b), When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the second position, the at least one second position track (90) includes the second track segment (50a) of the first half and the second track segment (50b) of the second half. The toy (10) according to claim 6, further comprising the feature.

8. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) further comprises a first position second track (50) including the first half second track segment (50a) and the second half second track segment (50b). The toy (10) according to claim 7, further comprising the feature.

9. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the second position, the at least one second position track (90) further includes the first track segment (30a) of the first half and the first track segment (30b) of the second half. The toy (10) according to claim 7, further comprising the feature.

10. The plurality of first half-track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) further include a first half-third track segment (70a), The plurality of second half-track segments (30b, 50b, 70b) further include a second half-third track segment (70b), The toy (10) according to claim 6, further comprising the feature.

11. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) further comprises a first position first track (30) including the first half first track segment (30a) and the second half first track segment (30b), When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) further comprises a first position second track (50) including the first half second track segment (50a) and the second half second track segment (50b), When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) further comprises a first position third track (70) including the first half third track segment (70a) and the second half third track segment (70b). The toy (10) according to claim 10, further comprising the feature.

12. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the first position first track (30), the first position second track (50), and the first position third track (70) are isolated from each other. The toy (10) according to claim 11, further comprising the feature.

13. The first position first track (30) further comprises a first position first continuous loop track, The first position second track (50) further comprises a first position second continuous loop track, The first position third track (70) further comprises a first position third continuous loop track. The toy (10) according to claim 11, further comprising the feature.

14. The toy (10) according to claim 10, further comprising the following when the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the second position, the at least one second position track (90) includes the first track segment (30a) of the first half, the first track segment (30b) of the second half, the second track segment (50a) of the first half, the second track segment (50b) of the second half, the third track segment (70a) of the first half, and the third track segment (70b) of the second half.

15. The toy (10) according to claim 11, further comprising the at least one second position track further comprising a second position continuous loop track.

16. The first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are rotatable relative to each other from the first position to the second position about a rotation axis. The first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are detachably fixed to each other around the axis of rotation at the first and second positions. The toy (10) according to claim 1, further comprising the feature.

17. The toy (10) according to claim 16, further comprising the fact that in the first position and the second position, the toy can be fixed in a manner that allows it to be released from each other around the rotation axis by a return-stopping mechanism.

18. A sphere (20) comprising a first spherical half (20a) and a second spherical half (20b), The first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position. The first half (20a) comprises a first track segment (30a), a second track segment (50a), and a third track segment (70a), wherein the first track segment (30a), the second track segment (50a), and the third track segment (70a) are undercut track segments. The second half (20b) comprises a second half first track segment (30b), a second half second track segment (50b), and a second half third track segment (70b), wherein the second half first track segment (30b), the second half second track segment (50b), and the second half third track segment (70b) are undercut track segments. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the first track segment (30a) of the first half and the first track segment (30b) of the second half form at least a part of the first track (30) in the first position. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the second track segment (50a) of the first half and the second track segment (50b) of the second half form at least a part of the second track (50) in the first position. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the third track segment (70a) of the first half and the third track segment (70b) of the second half form at least a portion of the third track (70) in the first position. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the second position, the first track segment (30a) of the first half, the first track segment (30b) of the second half, the second track segment (50a) of the first half, the second track segment (50b) of the second half, the third track segment (70a) of the first half, and the third track segment (70b) of the second half form at least a portion of the second position track. Toys (10).

19. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the first track segment (30a) of the first half and the first track segment (30b) of the second half form a first continuous loop track (30) in the first position. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the second track segment (50a) of the first half and the second track segment (50b) of the second half form a second continuous loop track (50) in the first position. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first position, the third track segment (70a) of the first half and the third track segment (50b) of the second half form a third continuous loop track (70) in the first position. When the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the second position, the first track segment (30a) of the first half, the first track segment (30b) of the second half, the second track segment (50a) of the first half, the second track segment (50b) of the second half, the third track segment (70a) of the first half, and the third track segment (70b) of the second half form a second position continuous loop track. The toy (10) according to claim 18, further comprising the feature.

20. A method for making a pad toy (10) function, The objective is to obtain a sphere (20) having a first spherical half (20a) and a second spherical half (20b), wherein the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are rotatable relative to each other from a first position to a second position. The first half (20a) comprises a plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a), and all of the plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) are undercut track segments. The second half (20b) comprises a plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b), and all of the plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b) are undercut track segments. The first half (20a) and the second half (20b) of the toy (10) are positioned in the first location, wherein when the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the first location, at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) includes at least one first half track segment (30a, 50a, 70a) from the plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) and at least one second half track segment (30b, 50b, 70b) from the plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b). A method comprising rotating at least one of the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) of the toy (10) relative to each other and to the second position, wherein when the first half (20a) and the second half (20b) are in the second position, at least one second position track (90) includes at least one first half track segment (30a, 50a, 70a) of the plurality of first half track segments (30a, 50a, 70a) and at least one second half track segment (30b, 50b, 70b) of the plurality of second half track segments (30b, 50b, 70b), wherein the at least one first position track (30, 50, 70) and the at least one second position track (90) are at least partially different tracks.

Images