Abstract

A ball thrower includes: first and second arms and a sleeve. The first arm has a graspable handle at a first end, hinge knuckle(s) proximate to a second end; and a shaped prong. The second arm has a hinge knuckle(s) at its first end, a ball holder at its second end; and a shaped recess. The hinge knuckle(s) of the first arm pivotally couple to hinge knuckle(s) of the second arm, being pivotable between collapsed and extended positions. The shaped prong is complementary in shape to the shaped recess, and nest together with the second arm in the extended position. The sleeve slides on the second arm to overlay and frictionally engage the selectively shaped prong and an adjacent portion of the second arm, at a position proximate to, but displaced from the hinge knuckles. Light sources in the ball holder light charge a glow-in-the-dark ball.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• A63B 65/12 - Ball-throwing apparatus with or without catchers

Abstract

A pet treat launching device includes: a launcher assembly and cover assembly. The launcher assembly includes: a housing, trigger, first spring, treat launch member, and second spring. The trigger moves in a housing track between first and second positions, being biased towards the first trigger position by the first spring. The treat launch member is coupled to the housing to slide between a launch position and a release position, and is biased by the second spring towards an open end of the housing, i.e., towards the launch position. The cover assembly, which includes a treat storage member that slidably receives a stacked plurality of pet treats, is configured to slidably couple to the launcher assembly at each of a plurality of different housing coupling positions, to accommodate launch of a corresponding plurality of different treat thicknesses. The trigger selectively engages and disengages with the second spring to accomplish treat launching.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/00 - Feeding devices for stock or game

Abstract

A pet puzzle feeder includes: a housing; a treat chamber, a portion of which is rotatably received in a cavity of the housing; and an access cover. The housing has a pattern of openings on a spherical surface that define recesses that extend to a first radial depth and do not reach the cavity. A portion of those housing openings, being in three different regions of the housing, define conduits that extend to interconnect with the cavity. Different numbers or sizes of the opening on the three regions permit dispensing of treats at different rates, when the dispensing opening of the treat chamber is rotated/aligned therewith. A detent mechanism releasably inhibit treat chamber rotation when aligned with the openings in each region. A first color is used for the conduits, and a second color for the recesses, as a visual cue for the pet.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• A01K 5/01 - Feed troughsFeed pails

Abstract

A pet puzzle feeder includes: a housing; a treat chamber, a portion of which is rotatably received in a cavity of the housing; and an access cover. The housing has a pattern of openings on a spherical surface that define recesses that extend to a first radial depth and do not reach the cavity. A portion of those housing openings, being in three different regions of the housing, define conduits that extend to interconnect with the cavity. Different numbers or sizes of the opening on the three regions permit dispensing of treats at different rates, when the dispensing opening of the treat chamber is rotated/aligned therewith. A detent mechanism releasably inhibit treat chamber rotation when aligned with the openings in each region. A first color is used for the conduits, and a second color for the recesses, as a visual cue for the pet.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• A01K 5/01 - Feed troughsFeed pails

Abstract

A method of over-molding a thermoplastic material over fabric includes: precision forming a mold cavity to match the final dimensions of a finished product; cutting a piece of fabric to a correct size; fixedly securing the fabric piece in the mold cavity; and injecting a thermoplastic material into the mold cavity at an appropriate temperature and pressure, on top of the fabric piece. The method may further include heating the thermoplastic material to a temperature for melting a surface layer of the fabric when injected thereon, and cooling of the thermoplastic material and fabric for bonding of the thermoplastic material to the surface of the fabric. The method may further include adding one or more additives from the group of additives consisting of: a UV stabilizer, an anti-blocking agent, a slip agents, a plasticizer, and a flame retardant; and securing a cord member onto an exposed portion of the fabric.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 45/53 - Means for plasticising or homogenising the moulding material or forcing it into the mould using injection ram or piston
• B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
• B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
• B29C 45/26 - Moulds
• B29K 101/12 - Thermoplastic materials

Abstract

A method of over-molding a thermoplastic elastomer over fabric includes: precision forming a mold cavity to match the final dimensions of a finished product; cutting a piece of fabric to a correct size; fixedly securing the fabric piece in the mold cavity; and injecting a thermoplastic elastomer into the mold cavity at an appropriate temperature and pressure, on top of the fabric piece. The method may further include heating the thermoplastic elastomer to a temperature for melting a surface layer of the fabric when injected thereon, and cooling of the thermoplastic elastomer and fabric for bonding of the thermoplastic elastomer to the surface of the fabric. The method may further include adding one or more additives from the group of additives consisting of: a UV stabilizer, an anti-blocking agent, a slip agents, a plasticizer, and a flame retardant; and securing a cord member onto an exposed portion of the fabric.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
• B29C 45/26 - Moulds
• B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
• B29K 67/00 - Use of polyesters as moulding material
• B29K 101/10 - Thermosetting resins

Abstract

A device mounts to a water bottle and produces sounds when the bottle is chewed by a dog, and includes a cap and squeaker. The cap includes: a body with a first opening on a first side defining an interior surface of a cavity, with a plurality of internal threads; and a second opening on a second side being in fluid communication with the cavity. A plurality of fingers are spaced about the second opening, and extend toward the first side, being at a first angle with respect to an axis of the interior surface. The squeaker is inserted into the second opening, and a protruding region of its housing causes the fingers to deform to a second angle with respect to the axis, after which the plurality of fingers nest between an end flange and the protruding region. Internal threads mount the device to threading of the water bottle.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• G10K 3/00 - Rattles or like noise-producing devices
• B65D 41/02 - Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices

Abstract

A sound producing device includes: a housing and carriage. The housing has a cylindrical interior surface with a helical tracking thread protruding therefrom. The cylindrical carriage has an opening in its exterior surface defining a helical shaped recess that receives and tracks along the helical housing thread. A squeaker may be secured within the carriage, so when air flows in a first direction through the housing, it emits sound, and the squeaker carriage is driven to track along the helical thread, causing the carriage to rotate and also translate in the first direction, according to a pitch of the helical thread. A frequency of the sound produced by the squeaker changes according to the carriage's translational movement, as it changes the dimensions of the sound-producing chamber. When air subsequently flows through the housing in the opposite direction, the carriage's motion is reversed, correspondingly changing the frequency of sound produced.

IPC Classes  ?

• G10K 3/00 - Rattles or like noise-producing devices
• G10K 15/04 - Sound-producing devices
• A63H 5/00 - Musical or noise-producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical

Abstract

A squeaker assembly is configured to reduce/minimize a total number of parts that may become dislodged by aggressive play by a pet. The squeaker includes a reed, and a resonator cup with an arm coupled thereto using a living hinge. The resonator cup is formed with an elongated curved wall that terminates on a flat surface to form a periphery corresponding to the reed's periphery, which may be a race track shape. The living hinge is a thin flexible strip of material integrally formed with the arm and curved wall, for the arm to extend substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the resonator cup, and be pivotable from an un-engaged first position to a second position where it contacts the reed, and where a catch formed on the arm may snap over and engage a tab formed on the curved wall, for the arm to releasably engage the reed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• A63H 5/00 - Musical or noise-producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical

Abstract

A ball throwing device includes an arm, a ball holder at a first end thereof, a handle at a second end of the arm, and a mounting member configured for releasably mounting of interchangeable accessories. The mounting member has a first flange protruding away from the arm to a distal end, and a second flange protruding away from the first flange, in proximity to the distal end. The first flange has at least one recess. The interchangeable accessory has a mounting flange with an opening configured for the accessory to releasably couple to the mounting member. A first portion of the opening is shaped to be slidably received upon the first and second flanges; and a second portion of the opening is shaped to engage the at least one recess. The accessory may be: a spare ball holder, a pet waste bag dispenser, a pet treat container, etc.

IPC Classes  ?

• F41B 3/00 - Sling weapons
• A63B 65/12 - Ball-throwing apparatus with or without catchers
• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• F41B 3/04 - Centrifugal sling apparatus

Abstract

A ball-launching device includes a housing, ball holder, elastomeric member, cocking member, latch, and trigger assembly. The housing has an opening at a first end defining an elongated cavity. The ball holder is disposed in the cavity and slidable in an axial direction from a first position proximate to the opening at the housing first end, to a second position. The elastomeric member is selectively arranged within the housing to bias the ball holder toward the first position. The cocking member includes a first portion disposed outside of the housing, being usable to move the ball holder into a cocked position, where the latch opposes the bias of the elastomeric member and releasably secures the cocking member and the ball holder. Actuating the trigger assembly releases the latch, permitting the elastomeric member to accelerate the ball holder towards the housing first end to launch the ball therefrom.

IPC Classes  ?

• F41B 7/08 - Toy guns
• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• F41B 3/00 - Sling weapons
• F41B 3/02 - Catapults, e.g. slingshots

Abstract

In the process of making a hollow product, especially a deformable toy ball, two halves made from on elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, rubber, a blend of rubbers, or a thermoplastic elastomer are formed by injection molding with mating edges that engage with each other when the halves are assembled to form the product. The edge of one of the two halves is advantageously formed with a recess centered in the edge, in which a flange formed on the edge of the other of the two halves engages to provide a form-fitting connection between the two halves. The opposing edges are then bonded with each other by fusion or melting or by an adhesive applied to at least one of the edges prior to assembling the halves together. A deformable ball produced by the process is also described.

IPC Classes  ?

• A63B 39/00 - Hollow non-inflatable balls
• B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor
• B29C 65/48 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor using adhesives
• B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
• B29K 21/00 - Use of unspecified rubbers as moulding material
• B29L 31/54 - Balls

Abstract

In the process of making a hollow product, especially a deformable toy ball, two halves made from an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, rubber, a blend of rubbers, or a thermoplastic elastomer are formed by injection molding with mating edges that engage with each other when the halves are assembled to form the product. The edge of one of the two halves is advantageously formed with a recess centered in the edge, in which a flange formed on the edge of the other of the two halves engages to provide a form-fitting connection between the two halves. The opposing edges are then bonded with each other by fusion or melting or by an adhesive applied to at least one of the edges prior to assembling the halves together. A deformable ball produced by the process is also described.

IPC Classes  ?

• A63B 39/00 - Hollow non-inflatable balls
• B29C 65/48 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor using adhesives
• B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor
• B29C 45/00 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor
• B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
• B29K 21/00 - Use of unspecified rubbers as moulding material
• B29L 31/54 - Balls

Abstract

A ball-launching device includes a housing, ball holder, elastomeric member, cocking member, latch, and trigger assembly. The housing has an opening at a first end defining an elongated cavity. The ball holder is disposed in the housing cavity and slidable in an axial direction from a first position proximate to the opening at the housing first end, to a second position. The elastomeric member is selectively arranged within the housing to bias the ball holder toward the first position. The cocking member includes a first portion disposed outside of the housing, being usable to move the ball holder into a cocked position, where the latch may oppose the bias of the elastomeric member and releasably secure the cocking member and the ball holder thereat. Actuating the trigger assembly releases the latch, permitting the elastomeric member to accelerate the ball holder towards the housing first end to launch the ball therefrom.

IPC Classes  ?

• F41B 7/08 - Toy guns
• A01K 15/02 - Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals
• F41B 3/00 - Sling weapons

Abstract

A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover layer surrounding the intermediate layer. The core defines an outer surface that includes a plurality of polygonal land portions substantially aligned on a common sphere, which has a diameter of between 22 mm and 32 mm. The intermediate layer has a radially inward-facing surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core, and has a radial thickness of between 4 mm and 9 mm. The outer surface of the core defines a first set of annular grooves disposed about a first axis, and a second set of annular grooves disposed about a second axis. Each of the first and second set of annular grooves extend radially inward from the common sphere, and the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.

IPC Classes  ?

• A63B 37/04 - Rigid cores
• A63B 37/12 - Special coverings
• A63B 37/00 - Solid ballsMarbles
• C08L 13/00 - Compositions of rubbers containing carboxyl groups
• C08L 9/00 - Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of conjugated diene hydrocarbons
• C09D 133/02 - Homopolymers or copolymers of acidsMetal or ammonium salts thereof
• C09D 175/04 - Polyurethanes