Abstract: A scooper that has a plurality of pivoting scoop jaws that rotate between an open position and a closed position defining a substantially enclosed object-holding scooper chamber that operably cooperates with a skirt overlying the scoop jaws covering a top of the chamber that also which protects scoop jaw pivoting linkages and pivots of the scooper. Such a scooper can be constructed with an elongate frame that can be tubular in which a scoop jaw actuating linkage arrangement is disposed enabling the scooper to be used while standing up. Such a scoop can also be configured to be stored uprightly and is well suited for a wide variety of indoor and outer scooping applications including for fecal matter scooping, trash or refuse pickup, object pickup and the like.

Abstract: A scooper that has a plurality of pivoting scoop jaws that rotate between an open position and a closed position defining a substantially enclosed object-holding scooper chamber that operably cooperates with a skirt overlying the scoop jaws covering a top of the chamber that also which protects scoop jaw pivoting linkages and pivots of the scooper. Such a scooper can be constructed with an elongate frame that can be tubular in which a scoop jaw actuating linkage arrangement is disposed enabling the scooper to be used while standing up. Such a scoop can also be configured to be stored uprightly and is well suited for a wide variety of indoor and outer scooping applications including for fecal matter scooping, trash or refuse pickup, object pickup and the like.

Abstract: A cat scratcher that includes encapsulated cat claw abrading grit layers that can dull claws of a cat using the cat scratcher and which are interleaved throughout a scratching block of the cat scratcher. The encapsulated grit layer may define a self-contained unit in which grit particles are encapsulated between a pair of backing sheets so that substantially none of the grit particles are exposed or visible. The encapsulated grit layer may include a sandpaper strip that has a sandpaper backing sheet and grit particles that are bonded to the sandpaper backing sheet and define a gritty surface of the sandpaper strip that faces away from the sandpaper backing sheet. A seal sheet may engage the gritty surface of the sandpaper strip so that the gritty particles are wholly sandwiched and sealed between the sandpaper backing and seal sheets.

Abstract: A pet food holder and pet food containing module releasably carried by the holder that includes seeds or sprouts in a plug or pellet of food containing material in a cup of the module that germinate and grow into a plant that is edible by an animal. The holder includes a mounting arrangement used to releasably mount the holder to an object and a cradle that releasably receives the module. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting plate to which at least one mount is attached that can be a suction cup or hanger. The module includes a cover that is removed to enable germination of the seeds or sprouts. After germination, growth and being eaten by an animal, the module can be removed and replaced with a refill module.

Abstract: An animal toy having pendulum action is disclosed. The toy includes a movable pendulum swingably secured within a housing. The pendulum is capable of carrying toys, and each toy is accessible through one or more access openings in the housing.

Abstract: A pet food holder and pet food containing module releasably carried by the holder that includes seeds or sprouts in a plug or pellet of food containing material in a cup of the module that germinate and grow into a plant that is edible by an animal. The holder includes a mounting arrangement used to releasably mount the holder to an object and a cradle that releasably receives the module. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting plate to which at least one mount is attached that can be a suction cup or hanger. The module includes a cover that is removed to enable germination of the seeds or sprouts. After germination, growth and being eaten by an animal, the module can be removed and replaced with a refill module.