Abstract: A pet exercise and amusement device is provided that attaches a pet toy to a pet collar. The device includes a chain link assembly, a ball, and a clamping means for attaching the chain link assembly and ball to a pet collar. In a preferred embodiment, a hollow ball with a through hole is provided that accepts the chain link assembly therethrough. The chain link assembly includes a plurality of links with a clamp on one end and a ball retention element along the opposing end. Another contemplated embodiment includes a solid ball and an attachment loop adapted to provide connection to the chain link assembly. The device attaches to a pet collar for continuous exercise or amusement, and for preventing the pet from losing the toy while engaged therewith. The device can also be rapidly configured into different toys based on pet owner or pet needs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pet toy wherein a two-piece molded plastic encasement contains apertures that allow a ball or balls to protrude and extrude as a result of rotation of the top of the toy and fixed raised protrusions which naturally cause a ball to essentially “appear” and “disappear” and an animal must solve by attempting to retrieve the moving ball or balls.

Abstract: A tug toy that includes at least two gripping members and a central portion, wherein the at least two gripping members are attached to the central portion, and wherein the central portion further includes a noise maker.

Abstract: A hollow pet toy containing an interior compartment is described. The toy's interior compartment is accessed through an opening in the exterior fabric of the toy. The purpose of the interior compartment is to hide a treat, examples of which may be a smaller toy or a food-treat. The interior compartment may also contain stuffing in the form of fabric strips, flags, or sleeves, which, in some examples of the invention, are fixed at one end to the interior compartment but which may otherwise be removed from the interior compartment by the pet seeking to discover the treat. Some examples of the invention feature an additional “treat compartment” within the fabric strips, flags, sleeves, or other stuffing of the interior compartment. A treat is placed in one or more of these “treat compartments” for the pet to discover and enjoy.

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.

Abstract: Noise-making assemblies are presented including: a self-recovering stretchable element; and at least one noise-making element mechanically coupled with and along the self-recovering stretchable element at a number of attachment points, where the at least one noise-making element forms slack portions between the number of attachment points when the self-recovering stretchable element is in a relaxed position, where the slack portions are flattened when the self-recovering stretchable element is in an extended position, and where when the self-recovering stretchable element extends from the relaxed position to the extended position, the at least one noise-making elements emits a noise.

Abstract: An interactive cat entertainment device wherein light elements are incorporated into a carpet in a pattern. The light elements are controlled through a microprocessor or electronic circuitry that activates the lights sequentially to provide the appearance of a moving object to a cat or similar animal.

Abstract: An impact action cat toy with a rigid tube, an elastic cord, an elastic cord retainer, an elastic and non-elastic cord retainer and a cat toy play member. The elastic cord is retained inside the rigid tube and terminates on one side in the elastic cord retaining member and on the opposite side in the elastic and non-elastic cord retaining member. The non-elastic cord terminates on one side in the elastic and non-elastic cord retaining member and on the opposite side in the cat toy play member. The cat toy play member quickly and erratically flies into the air when a user holds onto the rigid tube with one hand and stretches the elastic cord member from the elastic and non-elastic cord retaining member with the other hand and releases the retaining member causing it to snap back and impact the end of the rigid tube.

Abstract: Modular pet structure assemblies and related methods are disclosed. The modular pet structures have a base module with a plurality of connection joints for receiving other modules. The base can receive one or more than one vertical modules. The vertical module can attach to the base and includes at least one bi-directional movement mechanism having two spaced apart ends. The at least one bi-directional movement mechanism is configured to move when one of the ends is moved. For example, when a toy attached to one end is moved, a second toy attached to the other end moves in response thereto.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a structural configuration in which a center of gravity is displaced from a geometric center of the toy so as to provide erratic kinetic movement.

Abstract: A puck formed from compressed paper strips is provided that has utility as an animal entertainment device and nest building material. The paper strips include at least one ply of fibrous material, and may be treated with adjuvants illustratively including flavorants, fragrances, dyes, and odor suppressants. The unfolding and deconstruction of the puck into constituent paper strips by an animal provides the animal with a degree of mental stimulation and nest construction for thermal regulation, and it is noted that animal food consumption and health are generally improved by alleviating behaviors associated with cage confinement. The pre-measured quantum of material in an inventive puck affords a benefit to the caregiver in that the product is simply placed in the cage without resort to measuring and thereby saving time and precluding spillage of separated materials. The puck is particularly beneficial to rodents and especially mice.

Abstract: A play toy has at least one stretchable link body having a preselected cross-sectional shape and arranged in a preselected structural configuration. The stretchable body is formed by link members linked together and each having a generally ring-shaped configuration such as in the general form of a donut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy for motivating or training a pet, comprising a first outer shell section (2) and a second outer shell section (2?), said first and second shell sections (2,2?) being arranged to create a space between themselves, and further comprising an entry opening (21, 21?), preferably comprising a raised section (29, 29?) that extends into said space, and said toy also comprising at least one exit opening (22-24?), each of said entry and exit openings (22-24?) being arranged to connect said space to a surrounding of said toy (1), characterized in said toy (1) being arranged to provide at least two different paths through said space from said entry opening (21, 21?) to said exit opening (22-24?), said at least two paths being provided by means of at least one ridge (32), preferably fixed to said shell section (2, 2?), said ridge defining a limited transversal opening, wherein said ridge (32) and opening respectively are arranged to provide a maze like path for transversal movement o

Abstract: An animal chew toy is provided comprising a hollow intermediate member located between first and second opposing end members connected to the intermediate member. The first end member may be connected to the intermediate member by a first rotatable joint formed between the first end member and the intermediate member, and the second end member may be connected to the intermediate member by a second rotatable joint formed between the second end member and the intermediate member. A sound generating mechanism may be contained within the intermediate member, and at least one of the first and second end members may be operable with the intermediate member to form the sound generating mechanism.

Abstract: A pet toy having a track with an attractant or lure that preferably is a ball that rolls around the track when a rocker arm is rotated by a rotary drive. An animal proximity sensor that includes a switch energizes, de-energizes and/or reverses direction of the drive when actuated by a pet. The arm carries a counterweight and is supported by bearing that rides on a base of the toy spacing the arm so it clears an onboard power supply. A preferred toy has a fulcrum resting on a support surface about which the track rocks during arm rotation and can include a rib that provides rotating point or line contact with the surface during rotation. An acoustic resonator recess, e.g. channel, formed in the track amplifies the sound of a ball rolling in the track producing a distinctive sound that attracts pets, e.g., cats, and is pleasing to humans.

Abstract: A tug toy that includes at least two gripping members and a central portion, wherein the at least two gripping members are attached to the central portion, and wherein the central portion further includes a noise maker.

Abstract: The Hamster Ball Containment Device provides a means to protect both the pets which use “hamster balls” to move about, and the people whom are in their presence, while also protecting the floor from animal droppings. The device is meant to be used in conjunction with a third party's “hamster ball”. The device is constructed of hollow foam tubes, connected together by smaller, rigid tubes which are inserted into the foam tube ends. The foam tubes are large enough in diameter to stop a traveling hamster ball, thus keeping the pet within the defined area. Attached to and beneath the assembled tubes lies a washable cloth; when the animal defecates, the cloth bottom shall protect the floor from damage.

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 is hollow and in the form of a shell defining an internal cavity that functions as a lateral respiratory passageway, with communicating respiratory passageways formed through the shell. In other embodiments, the body is solid with internal respiratory passageways formed through it. And in still other embodiments, the body has surface features (e.g., grooves or other thinned portions) that function as external respiratory passageways. 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.

Abstract: A pet toy is constructed of a resilient material that stretches and returns to its original shape when at rest. The toy further has a spiral, coiled, or wound shape that channels or directs stretch in a particular direction. The toy has stretch or shape-changing ability and can change in length by one and one-half times or more. In some instances an object can be used with the toy and be retained within an interior space of the toy.

Abstract: The disclosure provides comestible play treats that are adapted for contact-responsive, play-inducing movement. The shape of the treats makes them wobbly and prone to rocking, partially rolling and/or spinning when contacted by an animal. Also provided herein are methods of using the comestible play treats to induce play, increase the health and well-being of an animal, maintain ideal body weight, or improve the quality of life of an animal.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy ball. The toy ball has an exterior surface, an interior, a water chamber located in the ball interior, a water fill aperture that is located in the ball exterior surface and is in fluid communication with the water chamber, a first rope aperture located in the exterior surface, a second rope aperture located in the exterior surface, and a rope chamber extending from the first rope aperture through the ball interior and to the second rope aperture. A rope is placed in the rope chamber. The toy ball is particularly configured for use as a pet toy (e.g., dog toy). The water chamber allows the weight of the ball to be adjusted depending on the strength and weight of the pet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for a variable animal interaction device including an animal interaction device; a shell at least partially embedded into the animal interaction device; a component that is substantially encapsulated within the shell, wherein the shell is a barrier between the animal and the component; a detection device that detects a change in the shell; a deterrent device that has at least an on and an off state wherein the on state substantially changes the animal interaction device to substantially deter further interaction between the animal and the animal interaction device; wherein the deterrent device is actuated into the on state when the detection device detects a change in the shell.

Abstract: The present inventive concepts relate to pet toys, in general, and specifically to pet toys constructed and adapted to provide a light source which directs a point of light on a distal surface to provide entertainment to an animal. A pet toy can include a housing suitable for attachment to mounting surface, such as ceiling or wall. The housing can further contain a laser light, a power supply, one or more motors and control circuitry. The motor(s) and control circuitry can be configured to move the light source to cause the point of light to move around on the distal surface. The control circuitry may be remotely operable via a remote control unit. The pet toy may selectively allow for either a constant or an intermittent display of the laser light, and may include a timing circuit to permit automatic deactivation of the light.

Abstract: A pet toy is attached to a pet collar and emits a point of light on a distal surface in front of the animal to provide entertainment to the animal. The pet toy preferably comprises a small housing suitable for attachment to an existing collar, wherein the housing contains a light source, a power source and an electronic control circuit. The toy preferably allows for either a constant or an intermittent display of the light based on user selection, and further preferably includes a timing circuit to allow for automatic deactivation of the light source after a predetermined period of operation. The light source may, for instance, be a laser or a light emitting diode.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a structure out of a polymer such as TPR includes forming a body that is molded to include at least a portion of a connector, interconnecting the portion of the connector with a cooperative other portion of the connector, and overmolding the connected portions of the connector with a polymeric material to retain the connector in its connected configuration. This enables, for example, a link of a chain to be formed from an elongated body having at its ends cooperable connector portions that are connectable together to form a ring-like structure which is substantially continuous about its longitudinal extent. The connector is then overmolded with a polymeric material, which may be the same material from which the elongated body is formed or another material, in order to retain the portions of the connector in the connected configuration.

Abstract: Noise making toy are presented including: a first graspable body element; a first releasable surface affixed along a first graspable body element surface of the first graspable body element; a second graspable body element; a second releasable surface affixed along a second graspable body element surface of the second graspable body element, where the second releasable surface is configured and positioned for releasably engaging the first releasable surface; an enclosure for enclosing the first graspable body element and the second graspable body element; and a return element affixed to the first graspable body element and the second graspable body element, where the return element is positioned along the first releasable surface and the second releasable surface, and where the return element is further positioned along an axis of pull centered along the first graspable body element and the second graspable body element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pet operated ball rebounding toy that is adapted to rebound a rolled ball back to the approximate origin of the rolled ball upon contact. The present invention comprises a housing having at least one exterior surface. At least one ball rebounding target is disposed on one of the housing exterior surfaces, while the housing further comprises a power supply means, a motion sensor, a target impact sensor, and optional hinges that are adapted for securing together adjacent housings. The interior of the housing comprises a control circuit that controls a solenoid, a plunger, and a speaker. In use, a pet pushes a ball towards the target, thereafter the motion sensor detects the ball motion or an impact sensor recognizes a contact between the ball and the target such that the control circuit instructs a solenoid plunger to thrust outward, thereby contacting and rebounding the ball.

Abstract: A toy is formed at least partially of a composition in which pigment is intentionally substantially omitted, and a natural color of the unadulterated resin, after vulcanization or other curing procedure of natural and synthetic thermoset rubber types requiring cross-linking, is retained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet toy in which a ball slides across a surface via cutouts in the base of the toy and uses friction to assist with the sliding motion. The toy is especially effective on carpeted surfaces. A transparent top piece allows the pet to see the ball inside move and thus is enticed to retrieve the moving ball. Four arms of the toy emanate from the center and provide one or more exit apertures for a pet to determine how to, and then retrieve the ball.

Abstract: A stuffed article, for example a toy, flying disk, bed, or etc., and manufacturing methods of such are disclosed which has volume and which upon destruction by an animal will not release stuffing as with most common stuffed toys, flying disks, or beds. The article is made from at least one material such as fabric, canvas, denim, nylon, fleece, rubber, plastic, leather, rawhide, animal parts, fiber (or other pliable material) which, through the article's configuration and manufacturing process is filled with the same type of material used to form the outer layers, multiple layers may be used for increased strength, and specifically the inner cavity contains material which is one and the same type of material as the outer layer(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet toy that utilizes tactile signals to solve the maze puzzle and is collapsible allowing for compaction during play. Soft sides allow for compaction and reconfigurable inner walls create a potentially new and unique trajectory for the solver of the maze. A treat may be placed inside for reward motivation and to activate sensory triggers of an animal though the toy could be utilized by a human child as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molded pet toy puzzle with a top aperture to receive a ball and wherein gravity will force the ball randomly into one of three tunnels with a terminus at each end. Each terminus will have some type of covering wherein an animal must determine how to open the covering to retrieve the ball.

Abstract: A dog toy having a center portion and two opposedly positioned free ends. Each of the free ends of the elongated member includes a plurality of extension members [tines] having a first end connected to the elongated member and a free end spaced apart from the connected portion. The extension members are manufactured by a series of cuts made through each of the free ends of the elongated member. Hence, the user throws the stick through the air, wind or air passes through the slots created by the extension members thereby making an intermittent whistling noise to attract the dog's attention. Further, the extension members of the elongated member make a loud thrashing or clacking noise as the apparatus reaches the ground before retrieval.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pet toy designed compatibly both to allow cleaning inside the toy as well as introducing and removing the food into/from the pet toy to be performed by a user in a significantly easy manner and to make the animal to be continuously engaged by the toy for a long time. A pet toy 1 has a flexible and axially flat body formed with a cavity disposed inside thereof that can accommodate an amount of food for an animal. The body comprises: a lateral band portion 3 defining an outer perimeter of an axially central part of the body; a first and a second coverings 4 and 5, each extending in the axial direction from the lateral band portion; and a slit 2 formed in the lateral band portion 3 so as to communicate with the cavity.

Abstract: An animal water toy that includes one or more playthings carried by flowing water that entices an animal, such as a cat, into interaction therewith. Playthings can be received in a container having water drinkable by the animal that is propelled by a pump into flowing and carrying the playthings. A portion can be upraised above the water providing an animal perch and/or flow director imparting flow deviations causing unpredictable plaything movement helping enhance animal interaction. A conveyance device can be provided conveying playthings relative to the flow. A pet watering device, e.g., fountain, can include an animal toy constructed in accordance with the present invention and a conveyance device lifting playthings from one level of the watering device to another. In one embodiment, playthings are animal attractant objects that can be buoyant and configured to attract an animal, such as by its color, graphics, indicia, and/or shape.

Abstract: An interactive outdoor ball toy for dogs that includes a substantially sphere shaped toy ball with a hollow core and an exterior wall with a thickness. The toy ball has a diameter being 32 to 72 times the thickness. The exterior wall of the toy ball is made from a hard plastic with a consistent thickness and no holes or plugs.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a compressibly elastically deformable hollow thin-walled elastomer core sealingly circumscribing a center, includes an exterior including a first gravure elastomer relief surface and a second surface, includes a wall less than about eight millimeters thick, and includes points on the exterior at varying distances from the center. A fabric cover is affixed to the second surface and has a selected thickness, the ratio of the thickness of the fabric cover to the thickness of the wall being in the range of 1:6 to 1:0.15. A line of demarcation separates the exterior into at least two areas.

Abstract: A combined retractable leash and ball thrower device for allowing a user to walk a pet and throw a ball using a single device. The device includes a housing featuring a handle, and a leash retracting mechanism enclosed in the housing. An activation element or button is used to operate the leash retracting mechanism, with a portion of the activation element being exterior of the housing. A shaft extends from the handle of the housing, with a ball receiving element located at a distal free end of the shaft. The shaft is integrally formed with the handle or the shaft may be a separate unit removably attached to the handle. The ball receiving element is integrally formed with the shaft or the ball receiving element may be a separate unit removably attached to the shaft.

Abstract: A vibratory activity toy that includes a unit with a housing having an underside and a topside. A vibratory motor is accommodated by the housing and is operative to impart vibratory forces to the housing so as to effect vibration that urges the housing to move about on a flat surface in an upright position with the topside being at a higher elevation than the underside. Tipping of the unit on the flat surface is prevented during the vibration by a widened locomotion bar piece. The unit self-rights itself to the upright position on the flat surface due to the configuration of the housing that include three spaced apart rounded surfaces that protrude from the topside of the housing.

Abstract: A pet toy makes a sound when bitten or squeezed by an animal. The toy contains a resilient shell that substantially surrounds the sound-producing material. The toy also contains a core constructed of an elastic material located beneath the sound-producing material. The sound-producing material is a plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate, which deforms when external pressure is applied to it, creating sound and vibration. In an embodiment of the invention, air permeates the sound-producing material, the core is hollow, and acoustic ports are located at each end of the toy, all to enhance its sound generating characteristics. In another embodiment, a strand is attached to or passes through the core of the pet toy. In another embodiment, an elastic outer sleeve is attached to the sound-producing material at various locations between their surfaces, to reposition the sound-producing material to its original orientation after an external pressure of force is released.

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.

Abstract: A ball (100) having a foam core (110) with a channel recess (114) formed on its surface is enclosed by a cover assembly including a rubber channel assembly (120) in the shape of a spherical curve, such as a baseball curve, and fabric panels (132) that are fixed to the channel assembly. The channel assembly is configured to be inserted into the channel recess in the core. In an embodiment, a heat-activated adhesive substrate is disposed between the cover assembly and the core. In an embodiment, a launcher engages the channel assembly to aid in throwing the ball. In an embodiment, a removable insert (220) is insertable to be retained in the channel assembly.

Abstract: A sonic stick apparatus includes a housing that includes one or more hollow cylinders (and/or other shaped tubes), defining one or more housing passages. The housing has at least a first and a second aperture and includes one or more airflow disruption members positioned between the first and second apertures. When the housing is manipulated to cause air to flow through the housing passage, the airflow is disrupted by the airflow disruption member, producing one or more sounds. In some implementations, the airflow disruption member may include a disc with one or more airflow disruption member apertures. Such a sonic stick apparatus may be produced by providing the housing and positioning one or more airflow disruption members within one or more housing passages. In one or more implementations the airflow disruption member may be positioned within the housing passages by inserting the airflow disruption member into the housing.

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.

Abstract: A cat toy having a hollow shell, a top and a bottom and a power source retained therein. A motor is also contained within the hollow shell powered by the power source and having a drive pulley emanating from it to selectively rotate a disk at its geometric center. A string-like element is appended to the selectively rotatable disk radially offset from its geometric center. The pet toy is provided with a support for hanging it from a projection such as a door knob and when in use, the string-like element is caused to move haphazardly to attract a pet cat.

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.

Abstract: A motorized cat toy having a suspended teaser toy at the end of a detachable stretchable string connected to a flexible swing arm biased against a waveguide within a housing having a programmable electronic control, a gearbox with meshing gears including one spur gear on the rotor of the motor to provide control of the teaser toy movement to include a twitch and other erratic movements pleasing to a cat.

Abstract: The feeder toy is designed for cats and small dogs. The device is formed from a non-toxic, eco-friendly food grade plastic. The rounded, weighted profile provides a self-propelled motion, eliminating the need for any batteries. The innovative design wobbles and moves about the floor, forcing a pet to move and interact with the toy in order to eat. The unique food-dispensing hole adjusts by rotating the two ends; allowing for different sized dry food and dispensing rates. Holes at the bottom allow trapped bits to escape. The two ends come apart for easy filling and cleaning.

Abstract: A highly manufacturable toy for cats with which cats can play in direct contact contains silvervine. The manufacturing method involves the preliminary mixing step to form a molding compound by melting a resin raw material and then mixing the molten resin material with silvervine, and the molding step to melt the molding compound formed in the preliminary mixing step and then molding the molten molding compound into a toy shape. Silvervine is characterized in that the degree of activity to cats is increased when it is heated prior to the molding process.