Dog Pull Toy Limb Design Using Solid Foam Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull toys for dogs are prone to tearing and destruction, especially when used by moderately aggressive dogs, leading to a short lifespan and inability to be washed once damaged.
Innovation Solution
A pull toy design featuring elongated limb elements made from high-density fiber mass sheet materials, joined at angles to a body without stuffing, providing strength and durability, and optionally incorporating a noisemaker for added engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stuffed pull toys are made with traditional plush fabric and polyester fiber filling, then they are soft and appealing to dogs, but they are easily ripped and destroyed by moderately aggressive dogs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines plush fabric exterior with a solid foam core interior, creating a composite structure that maintains the soft, appealing exterior while providing tear-resistant strength from the foam core. This resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties - the plush fabric for comfort and appeal, and the foam core for structural strength.
2Strength
If stuffed pull toys are made with very short limbs or no limbs at all to prevent tearing, then durability is improved, but the purpose of such a toy is defeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the toy - the solid foam core provides strength throughout the body, while the plush fabric limbs maintain full length for play functionality. The limbs are constructed with reinforced stitching and attached to the foam core at strategic points, providing durability where needed while preserving the full-length limbs for engaging play.
3Ease of operation
If stuffed pull toys have limbs that are ripped or torn, then the toy cannot be washed because the stuffing will come out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional polyester fiber filling from the limbs and replaces it with a solid foam core that extends through the body. This extraction of the loose stuffing material eliminates the problem of stuffing coming out during washing, while the solid foam core maintains structural integrity. The plush fabric layers are stitched directly to the foam core, creating a secure construction that can withstand washing.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a pull toy comprises a body; a first limb element that is joined to the body; a second limb element that is joined to the body at an angle with respect to the first limb element; wherein the second limb element is joined to the body at about a linear midpoint of the second limb element and wherein the first limb element is joined to the body at about a linear midpoint of the first limb element.