Pet toy

Abstract

A pet toy includes a body defining a compartment for contents (e.g., dog treats, toys). A cover is removably attached to the body. A rope is attached to the cover and is graspable to open the compartment and release the contents therefrom.

Description

TITLEPET TOYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 532,771, filed on August 15, 2023, entitled “PET TOY,” and to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 542,157, filed on October 3, 2023, entitled “PET TOY,” each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is generally related to pet toys and, more specifically, a suspendible pet toy comprising a door configured to open and expose an internal compartment of the pet toy to release contents therefrom.BACKGROUND

[0003] Interacting with pets, and particularly with dogs, is vital to maintaining and improving a pet’s physical and mental wellness. Pet toys are commonly used for this purpose. For example, pet toys can promote physical exercise by encouraging pets to move around, play, and engage in physical activity. This may be especially important for dogs and cats, who need regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity. Additionally, pet toys can promote mental stimulation by prompting interaction and challenging pets mentally, keeping their minds engaged. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and toys that involve problem-solving, for example, may help prevent boredom and destructive behavior as well as reduce stress, separation anxiety, and overall provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy. Pet toys can also be used for behavioral training and to teach pets new skills or reinforce good behavior.Moreover, chew toys, toys involving biting or eating, a treat-dispensing toys can be beneficial for maintaining good dental hygiene of a pet and can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthier teeth and gums. Generally, pet toys can add variety to a pet’s daily routine and enrich their environment, which can improve a pet’s overall happiness and well-being.

[0004] Conventional pet toys for dogs include chewable dog bones, balls, squeaky toys, frisbees, and the like. However, with time, a dog may exhibit boredom after routinely playing with the same conventional pet toys over and over again. This can lead to problematic and / or antisocial behavior. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a new kind of pet toy that stimulates the pet’s mind and encourages physical exercise.SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor define any limitations of embodiments or claims. This summary may provide a simplified overview of aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure. Furthermore, any of the described aspects may be isolated or combined with other described aspects without limitation.

[0006] A pet toy comprising a body including a compartment for contents (e.g., dog treats, toys) is described herein. The body may comprise a cover attached thereto and operable to selectively open and expose the compartment to release the contents thereof.

[0007] Disclosed is a pet toy. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a body including an upper end and a lower end. In an embodiment, the body may define an interior compartment within the lower end. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a cover removably attached to the body and configured to selectively enclose the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise an upper segment extending from the upper end of the body. In anembodiment, said upper segment may be operable to suspend the body above a ground surface. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a lower segment extending from the cover, in an embodiment, said lower segment may be operable to removably detach the cover from the body by a tension force applied on said lower segment to release contents in said interior compartment to an external environment.

[0008] In an embodiment, the pet toy may further comprise a central segment located between and connecting the upper segment to the lower segment. In an embodiment, the central segment may extend through the body. In an embodiment, the central segment may extend through the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the central segment may include slack that is selectively insertable into the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the central segment may be selectively compressible into the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the central segment may be selectively extendible to removably detach the cover from the body. In an embodiment, the cover may be attached to the lower segment and the central segment.

[0009] In an embodiment, the upper segment, lower segment, and central segment may be formed from an integral rope. In an embodiment, the integral rope may include an exposed portion at the upper end of the body, an exposed portion at the lower end of the body, and an interior, central portion positionable within the body. In an embodiment, the integral rope may extend through the cover. In an embodiment, the integral rope may include slack that is selectively insertable into the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the integral rope may be selectively compressible into the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the integral rope may be selectively extendible to removably detach the cover from the body.

[0010] In an embodiment, the cover may be removably attached to opposing sides of said body via hook and loop fasteners. In an embodiment, the pet toy may further comprise a removable insert dimensioned to be received and removably attached to the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the upper segment may define a hanging handle operable to suspend the pet toyabove a ground surface. In an embodiment, the lower segment may define a pull tab operable to be pulled by a pet and release the cover from the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the upper segment and the lower segment may be made of rope.

[0011] Disclosed is a pet toy. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a body including an interior compartment. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a rope including an upper segment that extends from a topside of the body and defines a handle. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a central segment that extends through the body. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a lower segment that extends from an underside of the body. In an embodiment, the topside and underside of the body may be opposite sides. In an embodiment, the pet toy may comprise a cover configured to operatively open and close access to the interior compartment.

[0012] In an embodiment, the central segment of the rope may include slack that is selectively insertable into the interior compartment when the cover is closed. In an embodiment, the slack of the central segment of rope may be configured to release when the lower segment is pulled. In an embodiment, the slack of the central segment of rope may be configured to open the cover and access to the interior compartment.

[0013] In an embodiment, the central segment of the rope may be compressible. In an embodiment, the central segment of the rope may be extendible. In an embodiment, the central segment of the rope may be biased toward a compressed state. In an embodiment, the central segment of the rope may be configured to extend when the lower segment is pulled. In an embodiment, the central segment of the rope may be configured to open the cover and access to the interior compartment.

[0014] In an embodiment, the cover may include a hinge connected to the body of the pet toy.In an embodiment, the pet toy further may comprise a removable insert dimensioned to bereceived and removably attached to the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the removable insert may be friction fit into the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the cover may include magnetic attachment to the body of the pet toy. In an embodiment, the cover may include hook and loop attachment to the body of the pet toy. In an embodiment, the cover may be fully removable from the body of the pet toy when the lower segment is pulled.

[0015] In an embodiment, the rope may extend through the interior compartment. In an embodiment, the rope may extend through the cover. In an embodiment, the lower segment of the rope may be configured to be pulled by a pet. In an embodiment, the lower segment of rope may operatively open access to the interior compartment upon a threshold pulling force.

[0016] In an embodiment, the upper segment may be configured to suspend the body of the pet toy above a ground surface. In an embodiment, the interior compartment may configured to hold pet treats which are selectively released from the interior compartment upon a threshold pulling force.

[0017] The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Operation of the present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 A illustrate perspective views of an example pet toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a partial, perspective view of an upper end of a pet toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates a partial, sectional view of a pet toy shown in relation to acompartment cover or door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial, bottom view of a pet toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 4 A and 4B illustrate sectional views of an example pet toy according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4C illustrates a partial, side view of an example pet toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4D illustrates a partial, sectional view of the pet toy of FIG. 4C taken along line 4D-4D of FIG. 4C.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial, sectional view of a pet toy, in a state wherein a compartment cover or door thereof is being opened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an example insert for a pet toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a pet toy shown in relation to an example insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a pet toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate example arrangements for suspending a pet toy according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] The invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims, rather than in the specific description preceding them. All embodiments that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggests otherwise.

[0034] Further, unless context suggest otherwise, descriptions of shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.) refer to shapes meeting the definition of such shapes and general representation of such shapes. For instance, a triangular shape or generally triangular shape may include a shape that has three sides and three vertices or a shape that generally represents a triangle, such as a shape having three major sides that may or may not have straight edges, triangular like shapes with rounded vertices, etc.

[0035] FIGS. 1 and 2 A illustrate a perspective view of an example pet toy 10 in accordancewith the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the pet toy 10 comprises a body 12 with an upper end 12a and a lower end 12b spaced apart by opposing sides 12c of the body 12. In the illustrated example, the body 12 embodies a stuffed or plush animal (e.g., a dog) with an outer fabric (e.g., sewn from a textile) that is stuffed with a flexible material, for example, a synthetic fiber or other suitable material (e.g., cotton, beans, plastic pellets, batting or a combination thereof). It is contemplated that the pet toy 10 may also be made from plastic (e.g., formed via blow molding), or may embody an inflatable body, as discussed below. It is also contemplated that the body 12 may take on other forms (other than a dog), including, but not limited to, a horse, cat, cow, sheep, shark, duck, etc. The body 12 may also take on any other non-animal shape, such as a ball, house, bowl, disc, etc. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the pet toy may instead embody an object (e.g., a toy firetruck or airplane) or a licensed version of a cartoon character or famous person. In embodiments, it is contemplated that the pet toy may be any shape as desired, including a sphere, cube, pyramid, bone, tennis ball, saucer, and the like.

[0036] In an embodiment, opposing ends of a first rope 14a (also referred to as an “upper segment”) are attached to the upper end 12a of the body 12 such that the first rope 14a defines an opening 16 or loop. It is contemplated that the first rope 14a may be sewn to the upper end 12a or attached thereto via a permanent adhesive, attached via a grommet, or any other attachment mechanism is contemplated. In some embodiments, the first rope 14a may comprise yams, plies, or fibers twisted or braided together. It is also contemplated that the first rope 14a may embody another structure, for instance, a cord (e.g., a microcord, an elastic cord), a line (e.g., a fishing line), a cable, a belt, a filament, a string, a wire, a strand, a line, and the like.

[0037] In an embodiment, the first rope 14a is operable to suspend the pet toy 10, for example, by holding the rope 14a (e.g., by inserting one’s hand through the opening 16 to grasp the first rope 14a or by hanging the pet toy 10 on a rod, hook, or other shape by the opening 16) tosuspend the pet toy 10 above a ground surface. As shown in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that one end of the first rope 14a may be attached to an upper end 12a of the body 12 and that an opposite end thereof may be attached to a handle 15 operable to suspend the pet toy 10 above the ground surface. It is contemplated that the opposing ends of the first rope 14a may be respectively sewn to the upper end 12a of the body 12 and the handle 15. It is also contemplated that the handle 15 may be attached to an end of the first rope 14a via a permanent adhesive. The pet toy 100 may be suspended from a user’s hand, an object (such as a stick, a broom handle, a mop handle, a hanger, or any other device that is capable of fitting through the opening 16).

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 A and 2C, the body 12 defines an internal storage volume or compartment 30 therein. A door or cover 32 is disposed over the compartment 30 and is operable to selectively open or close an opening 30a thereof, as discussed below. Referring to FIGS. 2C and 3, the cover 32 may be removably attached to the body 12 (e.g., to the lower end 12b thereof as shown or to the sides of the body (as discussed below) via coupling elements such as hook and loop fasteners 36 disposed about at least a partial perimeter of the cover 32 and / or about an outer periphery of the opening 30a. It is also contemplated that other examples of coupling elements may be utilized to removably attach the cover 32 to the body 12, including, but not limited to, magnets, resilient tabs or snaps that cooperate with mating recesses, and the like. The coupling elements may provide a predetermined holding force so that the animal playing with the pet toy 10 may exceed the holding force to open the door or cover 32 to access the compartment 30.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2A, a second rope 14b (also referred to as a “lower segment”) is attached to the cover 32 and is operable to open the storage compartment 30 of the pet toy 10. It is contemplated that the second rope 14b may be sewn to the cover 32, for example, in such embodiments wherein the cover 32 comprises a pliable fabric material. In some embodiments,the second rope 14b may comprise yams, plies, or fibers twisted or braided together. It is also contemplated that the second rope may embody another structure, for instance, a cord (e.g., a microcord, an elastic cord), a line (e.g., a fishing line), a cable, a belt, a filament, a string, a wire, a strand, a line, and the like.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the second rope 14b includes a distal end 14d that is knotted or otherwise enlarged, to define a working end that a pet (e.g., a dog) can grasp onto to (e.g., via its teeth) to pull on the second rope 14b to detach the cover 32 from the body 12, thereby dispensing the contents 50 of the storage compartment 30 to an external environment. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the distal end 14d may include other examples of working ends, for example, a ball, a chewable bone, and the like.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a sectional view of another example pet toy 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the pet toy 100 includes a rope 114 with an upper portion 114a (also referred to as an “upper segment”), a lower portion 114b (also referred to as a “lower segment”), and a central portion 114c (also referred to as a “central segment”) therebetween. The central portion 114c extends between an upper end 112a and a lower end of the 112b of the body 112 and through the compartment 130 thereof. It is contemplated that the upper portion 114a, the lower portion 114b, and the central portion 114c may form part of an integral rope 114. It is also contemplated that the upper, lower, and central portions 114a, 114b, and 114c may comprise separate portions that are respectively sewn, tied, adhered, or otherwise secured together (e.g., via coupling elements, fasteners, etc.). In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the upper, lower, and central portions 114a, 114b, and 114c may comprise another structure, for instance, a cord (e.g., a microcord, an elastic cord), a cable, a belt, a filament, a string, a wire, a strand, a line (e.g., a fishing line), and the like.

[0042] The upper portion 114a is knotted to define a loop / handle 115 operable to suspend the pet toy 100 above a ground surface. Specifically, the handle 115 defines an opening 116 orloop for extending a user’s hand or projectile (e.g., a hook) therethrough to suspend the pet toy above a ground surface. The central portion 114c embodies an elongated, pliable portion that is configured to be coiled or bundled inside the compartment 130 when the door or cover 132 is closed and attached to the body 112, for example, via any example of a coupling element described herein.

[0043] A distal end 114d of the rope 114 is knotted, balled, or generally has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the rope 114 to define a working end that a pet (e.g., a dog) can grasp onto (e.g., via its teeth) to pull on the second rope 114b to detach the cover 132 from the body 120. In this manner, pulling on the lower portion 114b will detach the cover 132 from the body 120, thereby causing the contents 150 (such a dog treats) of the storage compartment 30 to be dispensed to an external environment. In this embodiment, the cover 132 will remain suspended (as shown in FIG. 4B), until a user recoils or otherwise repositions the rope (the central portion 114b thereof) into the compartment 130 of the body 112 such that the cover 132 may then be reattached to the body 112, as shown in FIG. 4A. Further, the distal end 114d may have attached thereto a separate device, such as a ball, bone, another plush toy, rubber toy or the like.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the cover 132 may be attached to the body 112 via coupling elements 136 (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) disposed on opposing sides 112c of the body 112. In such embodiments, the cover 132 may comprise a pliable, fabric material with opposing ends 132a adapted to be curled up (as shown via phantom lines) and attached to the coupling elements 136 to secure the cover 132 to the body 112 (to the opposing sides 112c of the body 112). Although, in other embodiments (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), it is contemplated that coupling elements 136 may be disposed about the lower end 112b of the body for engaging with the cover 132 to secure the cover 132 to the body 112. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the coupling elements 136 may be disposed at least a partial perimeter of thecover 132 and / or about an outer periphery of the opening 130a.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a partial, sectional view of another example of a pet toy is shown. In this embodiment, a proximal end 232a of the cover 232 may be permanently secured (e.g., sewn, hinged, or adhered) to the lower end 212b of the body 212, while a distal end 232b thereof may be removably attached to the lower end 212b (e.g., via any example of a coupling element described herein). In this manner, the cover 232 may be swung open about the junction J of the proximal end 232a and the lower end 212b of the body 212.

[0046] In some embodiments, a removable insert 260 may be utilized to line the compartment 230. It is contemplated the insert 260 may be removably attached to the compartment walls via hook and loop fasteners, a low tack adhesive, resilient tabs and recesses, or any other example of a coupling element described herein. In this manner, it is contemplated that the insert 260 may comprise a pliable material, for example, a fabric or a plastic. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the removable insert 260 may be disposable (and be made from recyclable plastic) or sanitized thereafter.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, a sectional view of another example pet toy 300 is shown. In this embodiment, the removable insert 360 includes a lower segment 314b extending from a lower surface 362 thereof. It is contemplated the lower segment 314b and the removable insert 360 may form part of an integral, replacement item, e.g., a disposable component made of recyclable plastic. It is also contemplated that the lower segment 314b may be removably attached to the removable insert 360, for example, via coupling elements 336, for instance, any suitable example of a coupling element described herein.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 8, a sectional view of another example pet toy 400 is shown. In this embodiment, the pet toy 400 embodies an inflatable toy with an inflation valve 402 to selectively introduce (fill) air into the pet toy 400 such that it expands to an enlarged form. Inthis embodiment, the cover 432 is removably secured to the pet toy body 412 via coupling elements, for instance, any suitable example of a coupling element described herein. A lower segment 414b extends from the cover 432 and is graspable in the same manner as disclosed above. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the cover 432 and lower segment 414b may be made from a non-toxic rubber or plastic material. It is also contemplated that the body 412 may be made from a suitable plastic material, e.g., a PVC, or PVC reinforced material.

[0049] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the pet toy may be manufactured as a disposable / recyclable item, for example, as a plastic or paper based body defining a compartment 30 therein. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that a rope may be attached to the paper based body to open (e.g., tear open) the body to release the contents therefrom.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that a hook 18 or a pole 20 may be extended through the opening 16, 115 (FIG. 2A, FIG. 4A) of the upper segment 14a, 114a (FIG. 2A, FIG. 4A) to suspend the pet toy above the ground surface. In some embodiments, a stand 22 may be utilized in conjunction with the hook 18 for this purpose.

[0051] An example use of the various examples of a pet toy will now be described referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 A and 4B. A pet owner / companion may utilize the pet toy to encourage the pet (e.g., a dog) to exercise, and more specifically jump up to attempt grasping the distal end 114d of the lower segment 114b. For this purpose, a user may suspend the pet toy above the pet via the upper segment 114a. It is contemplated that the user may dangle the pet toy (e.g., up and down) to entice the pet to jump up and grasp and secure the distal end 114d of the lower segment 114b. In such embodiments, when the pet’s action force Fl (tension exerted on the lower segment 114b) exceeds a predetermined reaction force, it will cause the cover 132 to open, thereby releasing contents 150 stored in the internal compartment 130 of the pet toy. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the contents 150 may embody pet food / treats and / or toys that will be released and thereby retrievable by the pet.

[0052] In such embodiments, the predetermined reaction force is the combination of the force F2 (FIG. 2) exerted by the user to suspend the pet toy (and any additional force applied to counter the pet’s action force), and the strength of the temporary bond between the cover 132 and the lower end 112b of the body 112.

[0053] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the pet toy 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 may embody a general party toy suitable for entertainment use for adults or children. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the pet toy 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 may be suspended in the same manner as above, and include an elongated lower segment retrievable by grasping a distal end thereof with one’s hand (or an elongated projectile with a hook) to open the compartment. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the compartment may be stocked with candy, or a surprise gift (e.g., a toy or a ring). In some embodiments, as previously noted, it is contemplated that the pet toy 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 may embody other examples of animals, including, but not limited to, a horse, a cat, a cow, a sheep, etc. In such embodiments where the pet toy 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 is instead a general party toy, it may embody objects, including, but not limited to, a toy firetruck or airplane, or even a licensed version of a cartoon character or a famous person.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the disclosure described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The terms “includes,” “including,” and “include” are inclusive and have the same scope as “comprises,” “comprising,” and “comprise” respectively. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pet toy comprising: a body including an upper end and a lower end, wherein the body defines an interior compartment within the lower end; a cover removably attached to the body and configured to selectively enclose the interior compartment; an upper segment extending from the upper end of the body, said upper segment being operable to suspend the body above a ground surface; and a lower segment extending from the cover, said lower segment being operable to removably detach the cover from the body by a tension force applied on said lower segment to release contents in said interior compartment to an external environment.

2. The pet toy of claim 1 further comprising a central segment located between and connecting the upper segment to the lower segment.

3. The pet toy of claim 2, wherein the central segment extends through the body.

4. The pet toy of claim 2, wherein the central segment extends through the interior compartment.

5. The pet toy of claim 2, wherein the central segment includes slack that is selectively insertable into the interior compartment.

6. The pet toy of claim 2, wherein the central segment is selectively compressible into the interior compartment and extendible to removably detach the cover from the body.

7. The pet toy of claim 2, wherein the cover is attached to the lower segment and the central segment.

8. The pet toy of claim 2, wherein the upper segment, lower segment, and central segment are formed from an integral rope.

9. The pet toy of claim 8, wherein the integral rope includes an exposed portion at the upper end of the body, an exposed portion at the lower end of the body, and an interior, central portion positionable within the body.

10. The pet toy of claim 9, wherein the integral rope extends through the cover.

11. The pet toy of claim 9, wherein the integral rope includes slack that is selectively insertable into the interior compartment.

12. The pet toy of claim 9, wherein the integral rope is selectively compressible into the interior compartment and extendible to removably detach the cover from the body.

13. The pet toy of claim 1, wherein the cover is removably attached to opposing sides of said body via hook and loop fasteners.

14. The pet toy of claim 1, wherein the pet toy further comprises a removable insert dimensioned to be received and removably attached to the interior compartment.

15. The pet toy of claim 1, wherein the upper segment defines a hanging handle operable to suspend the pet toy above a ground surface.

16. The pet toy of claim 1, wherein the lower segment defines a pull tab operable to be pulled by a pet and release the cover from the interior compartment.

17. The pet toy of claim 1, wherein the upper segment and the lower segment are made of rope.

18. A pet toy compri sing : a body including an interior compartment; a rope including an upper segment that extends from a topside of the body and defines a handle, a central segment that extends through the body, and a lower segment that extends from an underside of the body, wherein the topside and underside of the body are opposite sides; and, a cover configured to operatively open and close access to the interior compartment.

19. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the rope extends through the interior compartment.

20. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the rope extends through the cover.

21. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the lower segment of the rope is configured to be pulled by a pet and operatively open access to the interior compartment upon a threshold pulling force.

22. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the central segment of the rope includes slack that is selectively insertable into the interior compartment when the cover is closed.

23. The pet toy of claim 22, wherein the slack of the central segment of rope is configured to release when the lower segment is pulled and to open the cover and access to the interior compartment.

24. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the central segment of the rope is compressible and extendible.

25. The pet toy of claim 24, wherein the central segment of the rope is biased toward a compressed state and is configured to extend when the lower segment is pulled and to open the cover and access to the interior compartment.

26. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the cover includes a hinge connected to the body of the pet toy.

27. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the pet toy further comprises a removable insert dimensioned to be received and removably attached to the interior compartment.

28. The pet toy of claim 27, wherein the removable insert is friction fit into the interior compartment.

29. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the cover includes magnetic attachment to the body of the pet toy.

30. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the cover includes hook and loop attachment to the body of the pet toy.

31. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the cover is fully removable from the body of the pet toy when the lower segment is pulled.

32. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the upper segment is configured to suspend the body of the pet toy above a ground surface.

33. The pet toy of claim 18, wherein the interior compartment is configured to hold pet treats which are selectively released from the interior compartment upon a threshold pulling force.

Images