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.

Abstract: A grooming device includes a plurality of flexible tines, each having a grooming element mounted to the distal end thereof. The tines are spaced from one another laterally and spaced at different elevations as viewed from the side. The tines may be of uniform shape and lengths or different shapes and lengths. The grooming elements can be integrally molded with the tines or the tines may be blades that are made from a different material. The blades may be permanently secured to the tines or can be removable for replacement by a user. The blades may have a planar body with a contact edge. The proximal ends of the tines are secured to a handle which is grasped by the user. The tines can be curved in shape or can be hooked shaped.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a pet toy having an elongate neck that interconnects two enlarged ends. The enlarged ends have spheroid shapes from a side view and circular shapes from an end or plan view. The pet toy is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and its transverse axis. The pet toy has numerous external features formed on the outer surface thereof that provide functional advantages. One group of external features includes ribs or stiffeners provided in various geometric arrangements on the neck and enlarged ends. Another group of external feature include a plurality of protrusions or protuberances. The protrusions are smaller in size as compared to the ribs. The shape of the pet toy resembles a dumbbell. The pet toy is preferably made of an elastomeric and flexible material that enhances play action with an animal. The invention further includes a method of entertaining an animal by using the toy.

Abstract: A grooming device includes a plurality of flexible tines, each having a grooming element mounted to the distal end thereof. The tines are spaced from one another laterally and may be the same or different lengths. The grooming elements may be described as blades in which each have a planar body with a plurality of teeth or other features that enable grooming of an animal by contact with the teeth. The handle of the grooming device may be ergonomically configured to fit comfortably in a user's hand. The handle may have a plurality of indentations or grooves that enable the fingers to be comfortably placed in the indentations/grooves.