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.

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: An animal toy includes a housing comprising a hollow air filled compartment and an outer wall substantially completely circumscribing the hollow compartment. A squeaker is mounted in the outer wall to permit air to flow into and out of the hollow. The squeaker has two operative configurations, a first operative configuration that allows air to flow through the squeaker, and a second operative configuration that prevents air from flowing through the squeaker.

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: An animal toy includes a novel battery charging system. The system generates electromagnetic waves to recharge a battery in the animal toy. The toy can also include squeaker apparatus. The squeaker apparatus includes a control apparatus that has at least two operative positions, a first operative position that permits air to flow through the squeaker and a second operative position that prevents air from flowing through the squeaker.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a housing comprising a hollow air filled compartment and an outer wall substantially completely circumscribing the hollow compartment. A squeaker is mounted in the outer wall to permit air to flow into and out of the hollow. The squeaker has two operative configurations, a first operative configuration that allows air to flow through the squeaker, and a second operative configuration that prevents air from flowing through the squeaker.

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.

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 game method and apparatus reduces the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a buoyant toy with a sealed channel extending completely through the toy. A soft, flexible, water absorbent member extends through the sealed channel and is used to throw the toy and to facilitate retrieval of the toy.

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 toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a bag or other hollow container. The bag has a mouth for inserting articles in the bag. After an article is inserted in the bag, a closure is utilized to secure and close the mouth. The closure and mouth of the bag are inserted in a ball to prevent an animal from chewing on the closure to open the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A game method and apparatus reduces the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a buoyant toy with a sealed channel extending completely through the toy. A soft, flexible, water absorbent member extends through the sealed channel and is used to throw the toy and to facilitate retrieval of the toy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a toy which when thrown bounces erratically, which compressively elastically deforms, which includes a soft fabric outer surface that compresses to absorb blows, and which can withstand being bitten or chewed by a dog.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a bag or other hollow container. The bag has a mouth for inserting articles in the bag. After an article is inserted in the bag, a closure is utilized to secure and close the mouth. The closure and mouth of the bag are inserted in a ball to prevent an animal from chewing on the closure to open the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a hollow core, a fabric cover attached to the exterior of the core, a loop hold having ends secured to the toy intermediate the core and the fabric cover and having an intermediate section extending outwardly from the core and the fabric cover, and an elongate pliable piece of material fastening to and concealing the loop hold.

Abstract: A method to cover the eyes of an individual while sleeping. The method includes the step of providing a floating mask unit comprising a strap sized to extend over an upper front of the individual's head, down the sides of the head over at least a portion of the ears, temporal bones and sphenoid bones, and to a nape of the individual's neck, and comprising a mask foldably, pliably attached to the strap to move between at least two operative positions, a first operative deployed position hanging loosely and freely and extending downwardly from the strap over the forehead and covering the eyes of the individual, and a second operative stored position folded upwardly and extending upwardly and rearwardly from the strap on top of the head of the individual.

Abstract: A toy for a cat comprises a grouping of feathers, felt, or fleece stitched together with VELCRO fasteners that permit the toy to be safely utilized on a lash, on a stick, or in a roly-poly toy.

Abstract: A cat tower assembly includes a base and a platform supported above the base. A cat bed is mounted on the platform. The bed includes a peripheral wall held in place by a removable washable woven fabric cover. The bed can be removed from the platform and utilized at a location remote from the cat tower. A removable washable woven fabric cover extends over the base. A corrugated cardboard scratching pad is inset on the base to prevent lateral movement of the pad.

Abstract: A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a hollow core, a fabric cover attached to the exterior of the core, a loop hold having ends secured to the toy intermediate the core and the fabric cover and having an intermediate section extending outwardly from the core and the fabric cover, and an elongate pliable piece of material fastening to and concealing the loop hold.

Abstract: A cat tower assembly includes a base and a platform supported above the base. A cat bed is mounted on the platform. The bed includes a peripheral wall held in place by a removable washable woven fabric cover. The bed can be removed from the platform and utilized at a location remote from the cat tower. A removable washable woven fabric cover extends over the base. A corrugated cardboard scratching pad is inset on the base to prevent lateral movement of the pad.