Abstract: A pet carrier includes a bottom panel having a pair of end edges and a pair of side edges, a pair of side panels connected to the side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panels connected to the end edges of the bottom panel, and a top panel connected to the pair of side panels and the pair of end panels. The bottom panel, the pair of side panels, the pair of end panels, and the top panel enclose a first interior area when the pet carrier is in a compact configuration. The top panel includes an expandable portion configured to be raised above the pair of side panels and the pair of end panels to form a second interior area greater than the first interior area when the pet carrier is in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A pet leash is basically provided with a grip, an elongated mainline, first and second tethers, a first swivel and a second swivel. The grip is configured to be held by a handler. The elongated mainline has a first mainline end connected to an end of the grip. Each of the first and second tethers has a first tether end and a second tether end. The first tether end is connected to a second mainline end of the mainline. The second tether end is configured to be secured to a collar or a harness. The first swivel is disposed between the grip and the elongated mainline. The first swivel connects the first mainline end to the end of the grip. The second swivel connects the first tether ends of the tethers and the second mainline end.

Abstract: A collar apparatus includes a flexible collar body configured to be removably disposed about around a neck of an animal when first and second ends are adjacent each other, and including a photoluminescent component, and a closure situated on the collar body and operable to move the collar body between a closed condition wherein the collar body and the closure form a closed loop and an open state wherein the collar body and the closure do not form a closed loop.

Abstract: A leash includes a housing, a spool assembly, a trigger, and a switch. At least a portion of the housing includes a photoluminescent material. The spool assembly is rotatably mounted inside of the housing and is configured to selectively wind a leash. The trigger is movably mounted on an inner section of the grip portion, the trigger being configured to inhibit rotation of the spool assembly in response to actuation of the trigger, and configured to rotate the spool assembly in response to release of the trigger. The switch is mounted on the housing, the switch being configured to move between a locked position in which the trigger is locked in an actuated position, and an unlocked position in which the trigger is free to operate.

Abstract: A method of molding a product includes receiving into a cavity of a mold a core having a plurality of parts that are unconnected and that together form the core, situating a first part of a plurality of parts adjacent a second part of the plurality parts, receiving a material in an uncured state into a space between the mold and the core, forming with the first part a first portion of the interior region, forming with the second part a second portion of the interior region that is contiguous the first portion, removing the first part from within the first portion of the interior region, through a hole, and subsequent to the removing of the first part, removing the second part from within the second portion of the interior region, through a hole.

Abstract: An animal or pet exercise and entertainment apparatus includes a housing, an attachment device operably connecting to the housing for connecting the apparatus to an animal, and at least one light emitting unit for projecting a light onto a nearby surface to acquire an animal's interest. The apparatus also includes a control unit which is operably connected to the light emitting unit for controlling the operation of the apparatus and the light emitting unit. The control unit also may be used for selecting various modes of operation of the light emitting unit, such as random cycle, timed cycle, repetitive cycle, and target cycle. The apparatus includes a light emitting unit operably connected to a selectable lens unit which modifies the emitted light's projected shape, color, or angular direction to optimize animal interest with the projected light.

Abstract: A pet toy having a substructure and a resilient material bonded to at least a portion of the substructure, wherein the resilient material defines a bite zone sized to accept at least a portion of an animal jaw. Further, the substructure may include an interior circumference, an exterior circumference, and at least one rib joining the interior circumference to the exterior circumference. The interior circumference, exterior circumference, and at least one rib at least may partially define the bite zone, and the bite zone may be at least partially covered by the resilient material. The embodiment may be disc-shaped.

Abstract: A treat-dispensing toy for pets. The embodiment may dispense a substance, such as a treat, when a pet interacts with the embodiment. The embodiment may include a body; an interior chamber defined within the body; a first planar surface formed within the interior chamber; an opening formed in the body and communicating with the interior chamber; wherein the interior chamber is adapted to hold the substance; and the opening is adapted to pass the substance to the interior chamber. Further, the embodiment may include a passage extending from the opening to the interior chamber, the passage at least partially defined by the first planar surface. The embodiment may also include a second planar surface formed within the interior chamber; and a second opening formed in the body and communicating with the interior chamber.

Abstract: An animal toy having a body, a rope extending through said body from an entry point to an exit point, and an object external to the body, the rope at least partially extending through the object. The body may be a plush body. The body may further be affixed to either the rope or the object. The object may be, for example, a ball. The rope may pass through the ball, or may terminate in a knot inside the ball. The rope may form a loop passing through the ball or other object. The rope may be affixed to the ball or object, or may freely pass therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable animal training pad having a top layer, a bottom layer attached to the top layer, a middle layer between the top and bottom layers, and a graphic visible from a top of the pad. The graphic may be printed directly on the top layer, or may be printed on a layer sandwiched between the top and middle layers. Similarly, the graphic may be printed on the middle layer and the top layer may be transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a mount, a support, and a first object. In one embodiment, a first end of the support is pivotally connected to the mount so that a second end of the support is permitted pivot about the mount. The second end of the support is connected to a first end of a mast, and the first object is supported by a second end of the mast. A second object may be operatively connected to the first object, and may contain an aromatic substance attractive to domesticated pets, may produce a noise when struck, or both.

Abstract: A pet toy capable of dispensing catnip or similar substance. The toy comprises a compartment for holding the substance. The toy also comprises means for promoting movement of the compartment so the substance, or an aroma of the substance, may pass through a sifting hole of the compartment. One embodiment of the toy comprises a rotating element, such as a ball, rotating about a horizontal axis within a larger body as a result of propelling the toy across a horizontal surface. The rotating element includes the compartment holding the substance so that some of the substance escapes the compartment as a result of the rotation of the rotating element. Various alternative embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A rawhide pet chew is made by folding a first sheet of rawhide around at least a second sheet of rawhide and a third sheet of rawhide. The second and third sheets of rawhide are flavored to be appetizing to a pet, and the flavoring may impregnate the second and third sheets of rawhide. An edge of the second sheet of rawhide protrudes from under the first sheet to entice chewing and consumption of the pet chew by the pet. An edge of the third sheet of rawhide protrudes from under the first and second sheets to entice chewing and consumption of the pet chew by the pet. The first sheet of rawhide reduces opportunities for contact between the second and third sheets of rawhide and a decorative surface upon which the pet chew may rest.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a mount, a support, and an object. In one embodiment, a first end of the support is pivotally connected to the mount so that a second end of the support is permitted pivot about the mount, and the object, which is intended to entice a pet, is supported by a second end of the support. In another embodiment, the mount is adapted to contact as few as two external surfaces of a structure to which the mount is to be attached, a first end of the support is supported by the mount, and the object, which is intended to entice a pet, is supported by a second end of the support.