Toy, Lure, Fetch, Or Related Device Patents (Class 119/707)
  • Patent number: 11944078
    Abstract: A metering dispenser for pet products and other products has a container and a tunnel within the container. The tunnel has a product receiving opening near an internal wall of the container and a dispensing opening extending through an opposite wall. When the container is moved, products fall into the receiving opening, through the tunnel and out through the dispensing opening. Pet product ingestion is extended and pets learn to manipulate the container to obtain food and treats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Anthony Gelardi, II, Anthony L. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 11937582
    Abstract: A device for dispensing at least one food item to animals having a hollow inner sleeve, a hollow outer sleeve. The inner sleeve extends along a longitudinal axis within the outer sleeve so as to be coaxial with the outer sleeve, and the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve have a relative mobility. The relative mobility includes a translation along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: PIPOLINO
    Inventor: Pascal Lescroart
  • Patent number: 11678644
    Abstract: The pet toy of the invention comprises a spherical shaped body with eight distinct quadrants formed on the exterior surface thereof. Each section is three sided, similar to an equilateral triangle except each corner of the triangular-shaped is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby creating an open core. Measured parameters of the pet toy are provided to minimize the potential of the toy becoming caught in an animal's throat yet the pet toy is still configured to maximize play potential. The measured parameters include in various combinations of a weight of the pet toy, a diameter of the pet toy, depths of grooves in the pet toy, widths of the grooves and shapes of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Bounce, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 11644120
    Abstract: A fluidic device includes a casing in which a fluid passage is disposed and which has an outer surface including a detection target surface (bottom surface) that is to contact a detection part of a sensor so that at least one of a temperature and a vibration of the fluidic device is detected; and a plug detachably disposed on the casing and configured to cover the detection target surface (bottom surface).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TLV CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Asada
  • Patent number: 11602123
    Abstract: A dog blanket (1) having one or more chewable objects (3) integrated into a body (2) of the dog blanket to occupy and comfort a dog while sleeping and while at play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Mary Louise Parsons
  • Patent number: 11576353
    Abstract: An apparatus, systems, and methods of providing enrichment to poultry during raising or maintaining of the poultry. One or more light sources project beams to generate laser spots at and around the poultry. A control regimen moves the light spots relative the poultry in generally random fashion during timed sessions for each given time period (e.g. each day). The spot movement is designed to promote benefits to poultry and producer in correlation to experimental data related to animal welfare, health, and commercial value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Ann Kraayenbrink, Anna Butters-Johnson, Derek Kraayenbrink
  • Patent number: 11490595
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: IFETCH, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis W. Hamill, Deborah Lynn Hamill, Lee Elizabeth Hamill, Grant Patrick Hamill, Katie Marcella Hamill, Lucy Rejahl Hamill
  • Patent number: 11439126
    Abstract: Modern broilers are selected for fast growth and a large proportion of breast tissue, contributing to a top-heavy phenotype, leg disorders, and inactivity as birds reach market weight. Therefore, the objective was to motivate broilers to move through environmental enrichment. Twelve hundred Ross 308 broilers were housed in pens of 30 for 6 wk; 600 birds were exposed to a novel laser enrichment device (LASER) and 600 were control. Each device projected 2 randomly moving red laser dots onto the floor 4 times/day for 4-min “laser periods”. Seven LASER and 7 control pens, with 5 focal birds/pen (n=70), were randomly selected to be video-recorded d0-8 and once weekly for the remainder of the trial. Videos were analyzed to measure broiler time-budget and behaviors such latency to feed and distance walked during laser periods. Focal birds were gait scored weekly on-farm. A test of the Human-Approach Paradigm was carried out on wk 1 and 6 on all pens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Ann Kraayenbrink, Anna Butters-Johnson, Derek Kraayenbrink
  • Patent number: 11406084
    Abstract: A dog treat is disclosed that is rotates on a central hub to encourage interaction between the dog and the treat. The dog treat includes a platform of material from which multiple wall segments vertically project. Each wall segment contains the same mass of material and are equidistant from the other. The platform of material may include concentric walls therein, where each wall is of varying width. The dog treat is capable of being spun on its central hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Lee Bob Willingham
  • Patent number: 11363800
    Abstract: A pet chew toy selectively affixed to footwear is disclosed. In combination, the he invention having several main parts comprising: a chew toy, a shoe (such as a slipper and the like), an anchor plate and a T-clip. Said anchor plate being sewn into the shoe and having a T-shaped slot configured to receive said T-clip also sewn into a chew toy. The connection apparatus allowing a user to selectively swap out various chew toys according to the preference of a user and their pet. An object of the invention is to provide hands-free entertainment for a pet while allowing a user to perform other tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Little Horse Product Group LLC
    Inventor: Martin Melgoza
  • Patent number: 11246293
    Abstract: A treat dispenser includes a body having an exterior surface and a recess in the body. The recess has an outlet and is defined by interior surface having first and second lips protruding into the recess. The first lip defines a first treat-holding position having a first depth relative to the outlet, and the second lip defines a second treat-holding position having a greater second depth relative to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: STARMARK PET PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Wolfe, Jr., Harold Keith Benson
  • Patent number: 11000014
    Abstract: A pet treat holding device designed to secure rigid pet treats and prevent dogs from choking on the treat, thereby eliminating the risk of stomach blockage and other health hazards. Through the application of compression and friction, the holder creates a gripping force around the rigid treat that prevents a dog from extracting a large piece of the treat, which could be hazardous if ingested. The pet treat holder is comprised of two rubber parts, the torus shaped housing surrounding an interior aperture. The treat is secured by compression and friction created by the center aperture. After inserting the treat stick into the opening and applying a twisting motion, securing the treat in place, the user can then present the treat to the dog. Because of the twisting lock action, the dog cannot remove the stick by chewing or pulling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Vasiliki Karras
  • Patent number: 10905098
    Abstract: The invention includes a feeder device that may be used to entertain or feed an animal. The feeder device has a body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening. A plurality of depressions or grooves and a plurality of through holes are incorporated on the body. Preferably the feeder device is made of a flexible and elastomeric material. The feeder device may be secured to a base element that extends through the central opening to form a feeder device combination. The size and shape of the central opening is adjustable because of the elastomeric material. A desired pattern and spacing may be adopted for the grooves and through holes. According to a method of the invention, a user selects an object to which the feeder device is to be attached. The feeder device is placed over the object and the body of the device stretches to accommodate the central opening to frictionally engage the object. A user loads the device with a desired treats or feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: BOUNCE, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 10765089
    Abstract: This invention relates to a modular dog toy comprising three disparately sized and shaped components, each having a hollow cavity for the reception of foodstuffs. The components each comprise a male connector and a female connector. One of the components has at least one additional connector about its surface. These three disparate components may be connected in a variety of different configurations to modify the difficulty of obtaining the food for the dog. This allows the modular dog toy to be tailored to suit the requirements and physical abilities of the dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: James McIlvenna
  • Patent number: 10716497
    Abstract: A device and method for noninvasively monitoring biofluids of an animal provides measuring physical parameters of an analyte with a device located within an oral cavity of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Inesa, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. Raykhman, Rodion Raykhman
  • Patent number: 10617502
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventors: Issam Nemeh, William J. Leimkuehler, Jr., James G. Azlein
  • Patent number: 10531641
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a destruction resistant pet toy includes a first member having a first material, the first material being a destruction resistant nylon; a second member having a second material, the second material being softer than the first material; wherein the destruction resistant nylon comprises a Shore D hardness. The first member may be a substantially tubular structure having an inner space and the second member is disposed at least partially within the inner space of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Valle, Jonathan Willinger
  • Patent number: 10524453
    Abstract: A treat dispensing pet toy comprises a hub assembly having first and second hubs and an axle interconnecting the hubs. A barrel is mounted over the axle and is disposed between the hubs. The barrel has an interior chamber to hold treats. A treat dispensing opening is formed on the barrel and communicates with the interior chamber. When the pet toy is contacted with sufficient force, the hub assembly and barrel independently rotate thereby establishing a rotational differential. Treats fall through or are otherwise ejected from the opening in the barrel. According to a method of dispensing treats, the barrel and hub assembly independently rotate at different rotational speeds to affect the rate of dispensing treats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: THE KONG COMPANY, LLC.
    Inventor: John James Stone
  • Patent number: 10524454
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: iFetch, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis W. Hamill, Deborah Lynn Hamill, Lee Elizabeth Hamill, Grant Patrick Hamill, Katie Marcella Hamill, Lucy Rejahl Hamill
  • Patent number: 10477837
    Abstract: An interactive cat toy having a passageway holding an object of prey movable in response to a motor between a recessed position within the housing and an extended position outwardly of the housing; and a switch for selectively directing an electric current to flow to the motor, the movement of the object of prey, attracting the attention of a cat, provides physical and mental exercise and activity for the cat. A method is disclosed for moving the object of prey within the passage between the recessed position in the housing and the extended position outwardly of the housing for entertaining and exercise of the cat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Liu, Amanda Sweetnam, Baker Zhong
  • Patent number: 10448615
    Abstract: A hollow bone-type pet toy having defensive curves includes a body having a narrow mid-section and at least two hollow lobes extending therefrom. Each lobe tapers outward from the narrow mid-section to a wide end and has walls defining an inner cavity. In cross-section, each lobe wall is thinnest adjacent the narrow mid-section and tapers outward in thickness such that the wall is thickest at a distal end; at a distal end of an outer surface, the outer surface terminates in a defensive deflection curve that extends around a distal end of the wall; and at a distal end of an inner surface of each lobe wall, the inner surface terminates in the defensive curve. The defensive deflection curve is defined in two-dimensional space using a set of cubic Bézier curves. A pet's teeth are thus deflected by the distal ends of the walls when the pet bites the pet-toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Make Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Keith Alan Mullin
  • Patent number: 10433523
    Abstract: A pet toy includes an inner layer or shell; an outer layer or shell; a noise producing center layer and a noise making element. When the outer shell is deflected or compressed by contact, the center layer is also deflected thereby producing a first sound. The noise making may be a squeaker supported within an interior chamber of the toy. When the outer shell is deflected or compressed by contact, the squeaker produces a second different sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: THE KONG COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: John James Stone, Amy Brickle
  • Patent number: 10375932
    Abstract: A chew toy for dogs is an assembled kit including a noisemaker and a plush section with a spine that attaches to another more rigid component. The plush section can be removed from the spine to reveal an eyelet. Strands of edible material are laced through the perforations along the perimeter of the rigid component. The varied shape of the toy allows a dog having a mouth of any size or shape to find a site of a complementary shape for enhanced comfort and chewing pleasure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Hilary Kelsay
  • Patent number: 10285380
    Abstract: A semi-hollow ball for pet play, including an outer shell having a plurality of perforations therethrough, a central inner core disposed in the perforated outer shell, and a plurality of elongate airflow structures extending disposed between, and extending from at least one of, the central inner core and the perforated outer shell. The elongate airflow structures are spaced apart from one another so as to form airflow passages therebetween. The airflow passages are in fluid communication with the perforations in the outer shell such when carried in the mouth of a pet, air passes into the ball through one or more of the perforations, through one or more of the airflow passages, and out of the ball through one or more of the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Make Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Keith Alan Mullin
  • Patent number: 10271519
    Abstract: A pet toy caster includes a rod, a reel, a line, and a pet toy. The rod has a butt end and a tip end. The reel is mounted upon the rod near the butt end and is configured for casting and reeling the line. A plurality of guides is securely attached and spaced there along the rod. The plurality of guides including at least a butt guide approximate the reel, and a tip top guide at the tip end. The line is wound about the reel and extended through each of the plurality of guides. The line includes a braided section at a distal end of the line. The pet toy is removably connected to the braided section at the distal end of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Terry Pennington, Carrie Pennington
  • Patent number: 10231437
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: iFetch, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis W. Hamill, Deborah Lynn Hamill, Lee Elizabeth Hamill, Grant Patrick Hamill, Katie Marcella Hamill, Lucy Rejahl Hamill
  • Patent number: 10117419
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: iFetch, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis W. Hamill, Deborah Lynn Hamill, Lee Elizabeth Hamill, Grant Patrick Hamill, Katie Marcella Hamill, Lucy Rejahl Hamill
  • Patent number: 9936831
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a beverage container holding apparatus that floats in water. More specifically, the beverage container holding apparatus is configured for being floated in water and being supported by a rigid support surface such as, for example, a countertop or table. Advantageously, such a beverage container holding apparatus is configured for limiting a potential for the beverage container holding apparatus to overturn and to exhibit floatation stability as a volume of liquid with in the beverage holding container changes such as through consumption thereof. Preferably, such a beverage container holding apparatus additionally serves to insulate the beverage container held therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Alan P. Stanard
  • Patent number: 9924703
    Abstract: Reconfigurable pet toy products and releasable twist-locking interfaces which may be used in connection with the reconfigurable pet toy products are disclosed. Some example reconfigurable pet toy products may comprise at least one middle piece, a first end piece, and a second end piece. The different pieces may couple with one another in multiple different configurations. The middle piece may include an internal cavity and a chew access window. The end pieces, when coupled with the middle piece according to one configuration, may provide closures for the internal cavity. In another configuration, the first and second end pieces may be coupled directly together, without the middle piece. In still further configurations, multiple middle pieces may be coupled together, and a variety of different middle pieces and/or end pieces may be mixed and matched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ANIMAGANZA, LLC
    Inventors: Alan J. Dewey, Suman K. Shrestha
  • Patent number: 9877816
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Bioelectrics LLC
    Inventors: Issam Nemeh, William J. Leimkuehler, Jr., James G. Azlein
  • Patent number: 9839199
    Abstract: An improved dog fetch toy product is disclosed. The fetch toy may generally have a bone-like shape, with an elongated middle section and bulbous end sections at either end. Cavities in the bulbous end sections may allow a person to pick up the fetch toy by inserting a finger into a cavity. The fetch toy may then be flung/thrown by the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Alan J. Dewey
  • Patent number: 9636199
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Biolectrics LLC
    Inventors: Issam Nemeh, William J. Leimkuehler, Jr., James G. Azlein
  • Patent number: 9591832
    Abstract: A pet amusement device formed in two halves, with a scratching pad removably attached to one half and an interior space accessible through openings in the second half. A ball with a bell may be contained in the interior space, allowing a pet to reach through the openings to play with the ball. A continuous track may surround the device, and a ball may be contained within the track, allowing the pet to bat the ball around the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Coastal Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Price, Todd Stolte, Kirk Dixon
  • Patent number: 9565835
    Abstract: A laser and string animal toy having a base assembly and an arm assembly comprising a stand post that extends upward from the base assembly and a horizontally protruding flexible member attached to the stand post. A housing is attached to the flexible member. A first actuator assembly is located within the housing and a string attached to the first actuator assembly first actuator assembly moves (via a motor) the string moves around and up and down. The housing also retains a second actuator assembly that produces a downward directed laser dot. The second actuator assembly moves the laser dot across the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Bryan P. Nobile
  • Patent number: 9553961
    Abstract: A wireless multimedia communication device includes a shell module, a wireless module, and an energy storage module. The shell module has a waterproof function. The wireless module installed in the shell module has a mobile communication function. The energy storage module installed in the shell module for storing energy. When the wireless module is turned on, the wireless module utilizes the energy to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Gemtek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9381442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy comprising at least two parallel wheels each comprising a hub (14), a rim (16) provided with a tread (18), and a plurality of spokes (20) made of an elastically deformable material. The unit formed by the hub and the spokes is mounted into the rim under compressive stress on the spokes, so as to produce, by buckling effect, a bending of the spokes curving these latter and offsetting axially the plane of the hub with respect to that of the rim. The unit can hence take two stable positions in the direction of bending of the spokes, i.e. an extended position with an enlarged track and a retracted position with a reduced track. It is just needed to apply an external mechanical effort on the rim, in one direction or the other, to reverse the direction of bending of the spokes, and thus to switch from the extended position to the retracted position, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: PARROT
    Inventor: Thomas Barse
  • Patent number: 9370167
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an animal toy includes a body member and a squeaker member. The body member defines a cavity and includes a sidewall. The sidewall defines an opening in fluid communication with the cavity. The sidewall has a channel. The squeaker member defines a lumen and is configured to produce a sound in response to air passing through the lumen. The squeaker member has an extension portion. The squeaker member is coupled to the body member such that the extension member is disposed within the channel of the sidewall and at least a portion of the squeaker member is disposed within the cavity defined by the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Otomik Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason P. Vap
  • Patent number: 9247756
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid substance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that, when assembled, creates a Popsicle®-like frozen confection having a container containing an alcoholic liquid, where the user employs a plunger to drive the alcoholic liquid upward through a lumen in the frozen confection so that the user may simultaneously consume the frozen confection and ingest the alcoholic liquid. The device is a four-piece assembly. The first member is a handle with a plunger disposed at one end. The second member is a flange and a container extending from the flange and receiving at a first end of the container the plunger, the container defining an inner volume to receive and store a fluid substance. The end of the container generally opposite the end receiving the plunger has an orifice. The third member interacts with the second member at the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: LIQR POP, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Lucas, Tracy Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20150128874
    Abstract: A pet toy to aid a pet in developing retrieval skills comprising a first member at least partially encapsulated within a second member; wherein the first member is formed of a first member polymer composition having a density less than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter; wherein the second member is formed of a second member polymer composition having a density greater than 1.0 gram/cubic centimeter; wherein the first member and the second member are provided at a weight ratio such that the pet toy floats when placed in water; and wherein the second member weighs down a second end of the pet toy in water such that a first end of the pet toy rises above the second end of the pet toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD, Ajay GAJRIA
  • Publication number: 20150128875
    Abstract: A puzzle pet toy and treat dispenser comprising of a housing, a lid, an inner chamber, a drum aperture, a motor assembly, and an external chamber. The inner chamber is divided by a plurality of vertical radial walls, creating a plurality of containers formed by the inner surface of the vertical radial walls, a plurality of tangential walls parallel to the vertical surface of the drum aperture, the inner surface of the drum aperture, and the lid. The plurality of containers hold non-liquid pet treats, and an opening on the drum aperture aligned vertically with the tangential walls allows the pet treat on a given container to be released into the external chamber, where said treats can be dispensed outside of the pet toy and treat dispenser during play. A motor assembly rotates the drum aperture to the next opening, creating a revolver action to dispense the contents of the next chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory Snyder
  • Patent number: 9021990
    Abstract: A multi-material pet toy includes a first member having an attractant for making the multi-material pet toy interesting to a pet and a second member for protecting the first member to lengthen a serviceable life of the first member. The toy may be configured so that the first member includes a sound-producing member for making a noise without air movement passing through the sound-producing member, and the second member includes a protective member for protecting the sound-producing member. The toy may also be configured so that the first member includes a mouth-feel member for providing attraction for the pet with the noise of air movement passing through the mouth-feel member, and the second member includes a protective member for protecting the mouth-feel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Rutherford, Jonathan Willinger
  • Patent number: 9021989
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ultrasonic stimulating pet toy and, more specifically, to a mouse-like pet toy comprising a sound chip assembly that emits ultrasonic vocalizations that replicate those studied in mice. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 9004011
    Abstract: A weighted pet chew article support device is provided having a weighted structure that is designed to keep a pet within a given area while consuming or gnawing on the treat or chew toy. The device comprises a weighted member having sidewalls, a base, and an upper surface that supports a treat attachment strap. The strap wraps around a pet treat and includes a length of elastomeric material therein to prevent the treat from sliding while grasped by the strap. The base of the weighted member may comprise a non-sliding surface for use on slick floors. The weighted member itself is a resilient sack of lined material that can be readily repaired if the pet gnaws thereon. Further provided is a multi-treat attachment system that includes a plurality of elongated members attaching to the uppermost strap for securing more than one treat therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Mary Foley
  • Patent number: 9004010
    Abstract: An ultrasonic noise device that can be used as an animal entertainment device and/or animal training device. The ultrasonic noise device includes a compressible bladder defining an air retaining cavity and a nozzle operably connected to the bladder and fluidly connected to the air retaining cavity. The nozzle including a nozzle flow pathway extending from a first end of the nozzle to a second end of the nozzle. The ultrasonic noise device also includes a resonator operably connected to the nozzle and defining a resonator flow pathway in fluid communication with the nozzle flow pathway and a pin positioned at least partially within the nozzle flow pathway and aligned with the nozzle flow pathway and a first end of the pin extends towards but does not reach a tip of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Lucid Designs LLC
    Inventors: Michael Croix, Leslie Watts
  • Patent number: 9004013
    Abstract: A gundog training tool prevents gun shyness by gradually allowing a pup to adapt to the sound of a gunshot. A pop gun shoots treats upon creating a simulated gunshot so that the dog grows used to the sound of a gunshot and creates positive reinforcement rewarded by the treat. As the pup learns, a charge in a housing is introduced to provide a simulated gunshot that expels a treat that trains the dog to feel excitement at the sound and smell of a gunshot. The size of the charge adjusts to create louder simulated gunshots as the pup learns so that the pup is prepared for introduction to actual gunshots, such as from a shotgun shooting at a bird.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: EB Partners
    Inventors: James C. Bianchi, Robert W. Holland
  • Patent number: 8997695
    Abstract: A casting pet toy for entertaining a pet comprises an elongate rod, a handle grip at a handle end of the elongate rod and a tip eyelet at a tip end of the elongate rod. The casting pet toy can also include a stretchable cord passing through the tip eyelet. The stretchable cord comprises a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end can be secured to the elongate rod at a location proximate to the handle grip. A pet lure can be attached to the free end of the stretchable cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Rainy Riding
  • Patent number: 8991336
    Abstract: A retrieving tool including a retrieving dummy and/or a kit incorporating the same is provided that facilitates training a dog or puppy to find and/or retrieve antlers that were shed by antler bearing animals. The retrieving dummy is shaped to resemble a naturally grown antler and emits an antler scent. A scent carrier may be applied to the retrieving dummy, to allow the retrieving dummy to emit such antler scent. The kit may further include a second retrieving dummy that is less similar in shape, texture, hardness or feel, to a naturally grown antler than the first, and a scent intensity of the antler scent may be varied with use of the one or more retrieving dummies so as to allow for incremental or gradual introduction of the shape, feel, and/or scent of naturally grown antlers to the dog or puppy being trained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jeremy Frank Moore
  • Patent number: 8985060
    Abstract: A retrieving device includes a body with at least one respiratory passageway formed in it through which a dog can breathe when holding the device in its mouth during retrieval. In some embodiments, the body includes two radially-large end sections that are harder for dogs to grasp with their mouths, two radially-midsize lateral sections positioned therebeween each defining lateral respiratory passageways for side-breathing by the dog, and a radially-narrow middle section positioned therebeween defining a forward/transverse respiratory passageway for front-breathing by the dog. In use, the respiratory passageways decrease obstructions to enable the dog to breathe more freely to avoid overheating and associated problems. In addition, one or more flotation elements can be provided in the body so provide buoyancy for the retrieving device in the event it's launched into water during retrieving activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Thomas C. Angle, Royall M. Broughton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150075444
    Abstract: A pet toy device and method therefore to mentally and physically exercise and entertain pets that live indoors that may include a fabric material with at least one pocket, at least one non-pocketed area and a tether with an attaching mechanism or member that temporarily attaches to a pet's favorite object. The method of using the device includes attaching a pet's favorite object to the tether using the toy holding mechanism such as a double sided single hook and loop or Velcro strap, then hiding the tethered pet object in at least one of the pockets. Once provided to the pet, the pet digs through the device to uncover the pet's favorite object. Moreover, the design provides for a pet's physical exercise, mental stimulation and entertainment while not allowing the attached favorite object to be lost under furniture or to be thrown across the room by the pet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Pamela Christine Woods
  • Patent number: 8978590
    Abstract: A pet toy has a core assembly incorporating a noise making feature. The pet toy has a flexible, elastomeric body that flexes in response to external pressure placed on the toy by an animal. The core assembly extends through the interior of the pet toy and is secured at opposite ends of the pet toy. In one preferred embodiment, the pet toy is a round shaped ball in which the core assembly extends across a diameter of the ball. The core assembly has a bore and a noise making device is secured to a housing that extends from a central shaft of the bore. Airflow is facilitated through the pet toy for activation of the noise making device by deformation of the body of the pet toy. As the pet toy is deformed by the biting action of an animal, air is forced through the noise making device, thereby creating sound. In another embodiment, the core assembly has a compound shape including a bulbous portion securing the noise making housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Kong Company, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Nunn, Zhan Feng Chen