Abstract: A new toy 10 for pets comprising a plurality of strips 12 each terminating in an end 16 that may be grabbed or bitten by the pet. The strips 12 are connected to a common junction 14 in such a manner that said strips 12 extend alternately from said junction 14 in opposite directions with some space in between the strips. All the strips 12 are convoluted or coiled about a common circular path. The common circular path forms a complete circle so that the toy 10 may roll freely with the coiled strips 12 in contact with the floor or other smooth surface upon which the toy 10 is used. The coiled strips 12 form a circular opening into which the pet may insert its paw in order to flip, lift, or scoop up the toy.

Abstract: An animal chew toy for carnivorous animals and a method for making the animal chew toy. The animal chew toy is primarily for dogs, and is safe, entertaining, and satisfies their inherent and instinctive need to chew. The chew toy is particularly safe for older dogs, dogs with weak jaws, and puppies with relatively new teeth. The chew toy is formed into a desired shape from a rawhide bit mixture of rawhide bits or pieces and a bonding agent and/or adherent. A plurality of flavor chunks, for example jerky pieces, are interspersed in the rawhide bit mixture to provide an enticing flavor and aroma that encourages an animal to continue to chew to reveal more flavor chunks. The rawhide bit mixture can further include health affecting additives. One method of forming the chew toy includes extrusion molding which can be coupled with baking or heat-treating to destroy unhealthy pathogens and solidify the chew toy. An elongated jerky member may also be encased within the chew toy.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a plurality of irregular outer features to hold one or more animal treats which are placed within the irregular outer features. The features may be of varying sizes, shapes, and combinations so that treats are held at varying depths therein. The animal toy may have a hollow core to further receive animal treats, or to receive a buoyant material allowing the animal toy to float. The treats may be held in the irregular outer features by friction or adhesion. The irregular outer features further serve to increase contact with the animal's mouth thereby also increasing the cleaning action of the animal toy with respect to the animal's teeth and gums. The animal toy can be made of a desired resilient flexible material which enhances dental cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet toy comprised of a plurality of yarn pieces, a flexible elastic band member on which the pieces of yarn are fixedly attached, and a plastic tie member, which holds the pet toy in a ball-like, or other desired shape.

Abstract: A synthetic chew toy can be formed as a composite of two different materials. The toy can be formed with a rigid synthetic frame, supporting a softer chew portion. The chew portion can include a plurality of projections, preferably having a cylindrical shape with a hemispheric end, extending outward from a base of the chew portion. Thus, the rigidity of the frame provides structure, support and durability for the chew toy, and the relatively softer chew portion can provide beneficial effects to a pets teeth and gums, or provide greater chewing pleasure.

Abstract: A non-consumable pet toy comprises a three-dimensional body formed of resilient material with a trapper cavity or slot that has opposing walls extending into the body. In some embodiments, the opposing walls of the trapper cavity are designed to clamp against a substantial portion of opposite surfaces of an attractant, to retain the attractant in the trapper cavity. At least one wall of the trapper cavity is a bias wall that is sufficiently resilient to permit opening the trapper cavity to insert the attractant into the cavity. In some embodiments, the bias wall is a wall of the body of the toy, whereas in other embodiments the bias wall is formed by an adjacent bias cavity in the body spaced from the trapper cavity. In yet other embodiments, a resilient member at least partially closes the trapper cavity to retain small pieces of the attractant as the animal breaks it.

Abstract: A toy comprises a three-dimensional body that can be compressed to actuate a squeaker chamber to move air through a squeaker device. In one form a slot forms an air passage between the outside of the toy and the squeaker chamber, and a squeaker is mounted in the slot recessed from the surface so it is not easily accessible. The slot may be arranged with a length that is long compared to the length of the squeaker, with the squeaker mounted adjacent the squeaker chamber. Alternatively, a treat-retaining cavity may form an opening between the slot and the outer surface of the toy. In other embodiments squeaker chamber is formed by an elongated resilient member in the toy body that can be actuated to operate the squeaker device for a location on the toy distal from the squeaker device. Various combinations of couplers and squeaker devices result in a variety of squeaker system configurations for a variety of toy shapes.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance the dental cleaning action of the animal toy with the animal's mouth. The raised features may be made of varying shapes and designs. The animal toy may have a hollow core to further receive animal treats, or to receive a buoyant material allowing the animal toy to float. The animal toy can be made of desired resilient flexible material which enhances the dental cleaning. The raised features may be made in any desired format to include outline form and solid form. Furthermore, the raised features may have differing tips or ends which also have beneficial effects on the animal's mouth for dental cleaning.

Abstract: A non-consumable pet toy comprises a three-dimensional body (12) formed of substantially solid resilient material with a trapper cavity (14 that has first (20) and second (18) opposing walls that extend into the body. At least one end of the trapper cavity is open to an external surface of the body to permit insertion of an animal attractant (16) into the trapper cavity. A bias cavity (26) is formed in the body adjacent the trapper cavity and spaced from the first wall (20). A bias member (30) is formed between the bias cavity (26) and that much of the trapper cavity (14) defined by at least the first wall (20). The bias member is operatively associated with the trapper cavity to bias the first wall against an attractant in the trapper cavity so that the aftractant is retained between the first (20) and second (18) walls. In one form the trapper cavity (14) includes large head-like portions (22, 24) at the ends of a shank-like portion.

Abstract: A chewable pet shelter. The shelter is used for a small animal and is formed of one or more panels of animal hide. The shelter has an open bottom circumference and the panels include at least one aperture for ingress and egress by the animal. The animal hide is preferably treated with a chemical flavoring that is appealing to the particular animal for which its use is intended.

Abstract: A synthetic chew toy can be formed as a composite of two different materials. The toy can be formed with a rigid synthetic frame, supporting a softer chew portion. The chew portion can include a plurality of projections, preferably having a cylindrical shape with a hemispheric end, extending outward from a base of the chew portion. Thus, the rigidity of the frame provides structure, support and durability for the chew toy, and the relatively softer chew portion can provide beneficial effects to a pets teeth and gums, or provide greater chewing pleasure. A scent insert can be housed within the frame and scent can be emitted through passageways through the chew portion and frame.

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: The present invention is directed to improved pet toys that are safe and attractive to small pets having sharp teeth, such as ferrets. The chew toy of the invention contains from 41 to 60 weight percent (wt %) gelatin, from 10 to 40 wt % plasticizer, and from 10 to 25 wt % water. The toy simulates the texture and consistency of rubber, but will dissolve in the animal's stomach and is easily digested.

Abstract: A synthetic chew toy can be formed as a composite of two different materials. The toy can be formed with a rigid synthetic frame, supporting a softer chew portion. The chew portion can include a plurality of projections, preferably having a cylindrical shape with a hemispheric end, extending outward from a base of the chew portion. Thus, the rigidity of the frame provides structure, support and durability for the chew toy, and the relatively softer chew portion can provide beneficial effects to a pets teeth and gums, or provide greater chewing pleasure.

Abstract: A flying disc with a disc body and a compact or computer disc on the disc body; in one aspect the compact or computer disc disposed between a first flying disc and a second flying disc; and, in one aspect, the second flying disc releasably attached to the first flying disc.

Abstract: A synthetic chew toy can be formed as a composite of two different materials. The toy can be formed with a rigid synthetic frame, supporting a softer chew portion. The chew portion can include a plurality of projections, preferably having a cylindrical shape with a hemispheric end, extending outward from a base of the chew portion. Thus, the rigidity of the frame provides structure, support and durability for the chew toy, and the relatively softer chew portion can provide beneficial effects to a pets teeth and gums, or provide greater chewing pleasure.

Abstract: A synthetic chew toy can be formed as a composite of two different materials. The toy can be formed with a rigid synthetic frame, supporting a softer chew portion. The chew portion can include a plurality of projections, preferably having a cylindrical shape with a hemispheric end, extending outward from a base of the chew portion. Thus, the rigidity of the frame provides structure, support and durability for the chew toy, and the relatively softer chew portion can provide beneficial effects to a pets teeth and gums, or provide greater chewing pleasure.

Abstract: An amusement article for a domestic animal comprising an outer textile casing defining a shape in the form of a small article which can be carried by a domestic animal, an inner filling, and a microbe-inhibiting agent or property applied to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling. The toys may be fabricated in various shapes, designs and styles, e.g., animals, bones, hearts, geometric shapes, etc. A process for applying the microbe-inhibiting agent or property to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling is provided. Application methods include spraying, dipping, brushing, and rolling the microbe-inhibiting agent or property onto at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling.

Abstract: A chewable pet toy has an outer sheath defining an interior cavity and made of a flexible liquid permeable material and an inner body made of a material capable of soaking up a liquid and being disposed within the interior cavity of the outer sheath. The inner body is captured within the outer sheath and the liquid may pass into and from the inner body through the outer sheath and the liquid soaked up by the inner body may become frozen and melt so that the outer sheath and the inner body will remain wet while and after the liquid melts and while the toy is being chewed on by a pet. The inner body further is made of a material capable of assuming a semi-rigid and semi-flexible condition when the liquid therein becomes frozen and a substantially flexible condition when the liquid therein is melted. The water soaked toy is stored in a resealable bag made of a liquid impermeable material during freezing of the toy.

Abstract: A non-consumable pet toy comprises a three-dimensional body formed of resilient material with a trapper cavity or slot that has opposing walls extending into the body. In some embodiments, the opposing walls of the trapper cavity are designed to clamp against a substantial portion of opposite surfaces of an attractant, to retain the attractant in the trapper cavity. At least one wall of the trapper cavity is a bias wall that is sufficiently resilient to permit opening the trapper cavity to insert the attractant into the cavity. In some embodiments, the bias wall is a wall of the body of the toy, whereas in other embodiments the bias wall is formed by an adjacent bias cavity in the body spaced from the trapper cavity. In yet other embodiments, a resilient member at least partially closes the trapper cavity to retain small pieces of the attractant as the animal breaks it.

Abstract: An animal chew including a plurality of fibers which are wound together to form rope strands. Two or more rope strands are twisted together to form a rope segment. A ribbon baring indicia is either interlaced with the rope segments or helically twisted around the perimeter of the rope segment. The indicia printed on the ribbon can either be of a fun nature, a commercial nature, or a public safety nature.

Abstract: An amusement article for a domestic animal comprising an outer textile casing defining a shape in the form of a small article which can be carried by a domestic animal, an inner filling, and a microbe-inhibiting agent or property applied to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling. The toys may be fabricated in various shapes, designs and styles, e.g., animals, bones, hearts, geometric shapes, etc. A process for applying the microbe-inhibiting agent or property to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling is provided. Application methods include spraying, dipping, brushing, and rolling the microbe-inhibiting agent or property onto at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling.

Abstract: A molded rubber toy is formed with a hemispherical base, a shaft extending upwardly from the base, a spoke-like array of arms extending from the shaft and a bumper formed on the top end of the shaft The arms limit the tipping movement of the base, and the base is heavier than the combined weights of the shaft, arms and bumper so that the weight of the base rolls the toy back onto the center of its spherical base surface and into an upright position when the toy is upset from its upright at-rest position.

Abstract: A relatively hard stiff core of molded material such as a thermoplastic elastomer provides a durable base for a softer, more easily chewable overcoat layer formed over the core. The core and overcoat may be molded in the shape of a dog bone. Recesses and/or bores may be formed or molded in the core to receive the overcoat material which flows into the recesses and/or bores to lock the overcoat on the core.

Abstract: A pet chew toy is generally bone-shaped having an elongated body member with a bulbous knob at each end. The body member has a hollow cavity along its axis and an opening at one end. A screw rod is positioned along an axis of the body member and is affixed to the one knob located at the end opposite the cavity opening. A hard chewable food product which has a non-circular cross-section that corresponds to the shape of the cavity is threaded onto the screw rod. An internal bore within the food product includes internal threads which are compatible with the threads of the screw rod. The chew product may also be of a soft enough material that it is self-threading, that is to say that, the screw rod creates thread in a smooth internal bore of the food product when it is initial introduced into the body member. When the two opposing knobs are rotated with respect to each other the screw rod is turned.

Abstract: A chew article for animals that promotes dental and gingival health, oral exercise, interactive play, and reduction of problem chewing. The article includes a body of elastomeric material having an outer surface interrupted by spaced grooves. Side walls of at least some of the grooves have a corrugated surface configuration including a longitudinal ridge or ridges extending lengthwise intermediate groove depth and spaced from the outer surface of the body. An interior cavity is provided having a constricted access thereinto from without the body, a segment of at least some of the grooves extending through the body and into the cavity thereby defining plural laterally moveable rib portions of the body, the detached rib portions aiding maintenance of more optimal scraping orientation of the ridges when the article is in use.

Abstract: A synthetic chew toy can be formed as a composite of two different materials. The toy can be formed with a rigid synthetic frame, supporting a softer chew portion. The chew portion can include a plurality of projections, preferably having a cylindrical shape with a hemispheric end, extending outward from a base of the chew portion. Thus, the rigidity of the frame provides structure, support and durability for the chew toy, and the relatively softer chew portion can provide beneficial effects to a pets teeth and gums, or provide greater chewing pleasure.

Abstract: A chewable pet toy is provided with an outer shell molded from a durable semi-rigid material such as vinyl plastic. The shell partially covers an inner bladder formed of a less durable and softer material such as latex rubber. The bladder can be held within the sleeve with a simple resilient interference fit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus which may be used to secure and position animal chew toys. An animal chew toy is secured by various means in an elevated position so as to alleviate the need for manipulation by the animal, thus increasing access and use by the animal, and extending the life of the chew toy.

Abstract: Methods have been invented for a person to throw one or more throwing plates that have thereon indicia such as letters, syumbols and/or numbers and, in one aspect, the method includes throwing a series of throwing plates with different colors and/or different indicia thereon.

Abstract: An improved animal chew comprising a low voltage battery and various conductors such that when an animal chews on the present invention an electrical circuit is formed and a micro-current flows. This micro-current has therapeutic effects on the animal's teeth and gums, and optionally, low concentrations of certain trace metals are released which similarly have beneficial results regarding the animal's oral hygiene. In addition, upon chewing, calcium ions and/or fluoride ions can be discharged. Finally, in optional embodiment, ultrasonic sound waves can be generated when an animal chews on the present invention which further assists in removal of plaque from the animal's teeth and gums.

Abstract: A therapeutic chew device for aiding against periodontal disease in dogs which includes a length of rope formed of a plurality of polyester yarns with knots near the opposite ends of the rope and a chewable rawhide disk, including a compressed rawhide chew impregnated with activated charcoal, attached to the length of rope between the two knot. As the dog chews on the rope, the plurality of polyester yarns massage and stimulate the gums while individual loose yarn ends provide cleaning and flossing action for the teeth. In addition, as the dog chews on the charcoal impregnated rawhide disk, the activated charcoal is slowly released and absorbs odors and bacteria to clean and freshen the dog's breath.

Abstract: There is provided an edible dental care article, that is so palatable to the taste of pets, clears residual food in the pet's mouth while chewed by a pet, thereby not only preventing adhesion of plaque and formation of dental calculus but giving a massage to the pet's gum. The edible dental care article for pets is characterized in that a casing material is processed in a thread-like manner, a string-like manner, or a thin-tube-like manner; one of the casing material or a combination of the casing material of several kinds, preferably combined with thread-like other proteins, carbohydrates or lipids, is twisted in a string-like manner; cord-like members are tied into a bundle or twisted together so as to make a rope-like member of a prescribed shape in conformity with the kind or size of a pet, with the twists of the rope-like member being treated so as not to loosen.

Abstract: An animal chew including a plurality of fibers which are wound together to form rope strands. Two or more rope strands are twisted together to form a rope segment. A ribbon baring indicia is either interlaced with the rope segments or helically twisted around the perimeter of the rope segment. The indicia printed on the ribbon can either be of a fun nature, a commercial nature, or a public safety nature.

Abstract: An oral hygiene article adapted to be received as a whole within a mouth so that the article can thereby be manipulated with the tongue to dislodge foreign particles, promote salivary excretion, drag bacterial plaque, and massage the gums. The article includes at least a core portion and a plurality of protruding members extending from the core portion. The protruding members each have a proximal end connected to the core portion and a distal end portion opposing the proximal end and spaced from the core portion. One or more of the protruding members has a distal end that terminates in an associated substantially linear edge. One or more of the protruding members can have a polygon-shaped cross section that continuously decreases in area from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion to define the substantially linear edge.

Abstract: A chew toy includes a vegetable-based flavor and scent additive which is not surface migrating in thermoplastic materials. The chew toy is made by a process in which powdered vegetable-based flavor and scent additive is first mixed with thermoplastic pellets in a rotating drum, and then the mixture is heated to the melting point of the thermoplastic material and injection molded. A coloring additive may be added to the mixture of thermoplastic pellets and vegetable-based additive prior to melting the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A canine training device protects a helper's hand and arm while training a dog to bite and hold the arm of a human. The canine training device includes a sleeve which fits over the helper's arm and is shaped to correspond to the shape of the helper's forearm and hand. A bite bar is secured to an exterior surface of the sleeve and has a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section. A cover is arranged over the sleeve and the bite bar for grasping by the dog. The training device also includes a separate upper arm guard which is secured to the arm of the helper and covers the upper arm from the shoulder to the elbow. The bite bar is preferably adjustable on the sleeve to achieve different presentation angles for different wearers. The training device provides improved comfort and improved responsiveness due to the contoured shape of the training device sleeve.

Abstract: A pet chew comprised of an inner bone or bone-like core, and at least one outer edible tubular wrapper layer composed of dried animal viscera or other tubular food product compositions.

Abstract: A method for a person to interact with an animal has been invented which includes a person throwing a plate on which at least one item is releasably mounted, retrieving the plate by the animal for the person, releasing of the at least one item from the plate by the person, and giving the at least one item to the animal.

Abstract: A container for enclosing particulate matter for use as an animal toy constructed or sewn fabric being provided with hook and loop sealing wherein an extension of the container body forms a protection for the Velcro sealer before the hook and loop forms the seal, thereby protecting the Velcro from the particulate contents of the toy. The contents of the toy preferably comprise catnip. The toy can take any shape and/or color combination, such as that of fruit, a vegetable or an animal, preferably a rodent.

Abstract: Chew toys for domestic carnivorous animals having rawhide and jerky sheets or members. The jerky sheets are wrapped in a rawhide sheet by either rolling or folding. This provides an outer layer of rawhide containing jerky therein. A seam is created in rawhide outer layer by the rolling or folding of the rawhide sheet. The jerky preferably extends through this seam to provide an initial attractive odor and taste for the dog and provide an immediate starting point for chewing. The benefits of the jerky and the rawhide are maximized throughout the entire chewing process of the chew toy. Dogs are highly attracted to the scent and taste of jerky, which causes the dog to chew on the rawhide for extended periods of time. This better satisfies the dog's instinctive urge to chew, channeling it in a healthy direction, while simultaneously reducing the tartar on their teeth. The jerky is positioned with respect to the rawhide to enable the odor and taste sensations of the jerky to always be present and fresh to the dog.

Abstract: An animal dental hygiene device includes a bone-shaped body, made of a tough rubber-like material into which is formed a plurality of opposing spiral grooves.

Abstract: A self projecting pet toy that allows a pet to play therewith without sinking its teeth therein. The self projecting pet toy includes a hollow cylindrically-shaped body portion, a pair of hollow first collar portions, a pair of hollow second collar portions, and a pair of hollow end cap hemispherical shaped portions. The hollow substantially cylindrically-shaped body portion has a pair of open body portion ends. Each of the pair of hollow first collar portions have an open first collar portion first end disposed at and integrally formed with each of the pair of open body portion ends and communicates smoothly therewith. Each of the pair of hollow first collar portions has an open first collar portion second end disposed a distance from each open first collar portion first end and curves inwardly therefrom in a convex arc.

Abstract: A play toy for animals is provided of reasonable weight and size to be handled by the animal for which it was designed. The toy is of any of a number of regular and irregular shapes, including rectangles and squares, having a plurality of tabs or other members intended to be grasped by and held in the animal's mouth. The toy's configuration is non-rigid, pliable, and safe to the animal by which it is intended. The structure contains a filling which forms a soft pillow or cushion like structure from which the tab members extend. A covering holds the filling and forms the outside surface of the toy. This covering is of a pliable, non-abrasive, and strong material which will greatly resist tearing and which is tough enough to withstand continuing use by the animal. The filling material is of a non-toxic, non-harmful nature, and is selected from a class of materials which will not injure the animal if ingested or inhaled.

Abstract: A retrievable animal toy has been developed which, in one aspect, has a two-part body at least one part of which has at least one hollow portion for holding an item, an animal food item or items and which is not accessible by an animal until released therefrom. One embodiment has a transparent portion, or body so the animal can see the item within the toy. In certain aspects the toy is shaped like a bone; like a creature, e.g. but not limited to a bird or a mouse; or like a plate or throwable toy like a Frisbee.TM. device.

Abstract: A cat game (10) includes a rigid enclosed frame (16) having bottom and top edges (18, 20) and interior and exterior sides (22, 24), with the interior side defining an interior space (46). Rigid parallel flat bottom and top walls (38, 40) are attached at the interior side respectively adjacent the bottom and top edges of the frame for permanently enclosing the interior space. The flat top wall has nine holes (48a-i) therein and a spherical ball (14) is placed in the interior space through one of the holes. A distance between the flat top and bottom walls is substantially uniform and not greater than twice a diameter of the spherical ball and substantially all of the top holes have minimum dimensions that are greater than the diameter of the ball but less than 1.5 times the diameter of the ball. Most of the top holes are spaced a substantial distance from the frame.

Abstract: A rawhide-derived dog chew wherein rawhide is comminuted and then melted as it is injection molded. The melting of the rawhide sterilizes it to prevent the foul odor normally associated with rawhide products, while the injection molding of the molten material allows much larger forms to be molded than is possible with the use of compression molding while yielding a consistency and chewability preferred by most dogs.

Abstract: A device for amusing animals and teaching animals not to chew on undesirable objects such a furniture and clothing comprises a chewing device suspended from the neck of the animal. The animal will choose the suspended device to chew. The chewing device may be flavored. Medication may also be administered through the device.

Abstract: A chew toy for animals is molded into the shape of a familiar animal food item, such as a dog bone, from a polymer composition which is both edible and degradable. The composition is essentially comprised of a starch material and a degradable ethylene copolymer, preferably poly-ethylene-acrylic acid or poly-ethylene, vinylalcohol. The preferred weight ratio of the ethylene copolymer and the starch material is within the range of about 1:1 to 2:1. Plasticizers and edible lubricants can also be added to the composition.

Abstract: A recreational device for horses takes the form of a resilient generally prolate spheroid body having a grip simulating a bridle bit and adapted to be engaged between a horse's upper and lower teeth. The body is preferably inflatable elastomeric material impregnated or otherwise treatable with a substance to produce an aroma of apple, honey, molasses-containing materials or other food substances attractive to horses. The grip may be configured and located to prevent the body from rolling about its major axis away from a horse.