Patent Application
20240147964
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus for a pet treat holder.
Apparatus relating to pet treat holders are known. Apparatus for pet treat holders that increase safety during consumption of pet treats are also known. Yet known apparatus for pet treat holders are difficult to set up having intricate parts, hard to keep sterile, and do not provide an entertaining and enticing platform for pets. For Example, United States Pre-Grant Publication 2009/0217885 discloses a prior art pet treat holder including a gripping feature and a slot for inserting a pet treat. However, the slot that retains the pet treat is inaccessible for cleaning by hand, which promotes bacteria growth. Moreover, in order to access the recessed portion of prior art pet treat holders, large portions of the holder must be manually deformed, which is also not conducive for efficient sterilization, thus reducing user friendliness.
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing a pet treat holder apparatus. The pet treat holder apparatus includes a housing portion. The housing portion includes a first coupling means and an opening. The opening includes a first width being less than a second width thereby forming a tapered surface. The pet treat holder apparatus includes a shaft portion having a retaining facet and a second coupling means. The shaft portion and the housing portion are axially coupled. The shaft portion and the housing portion are configured to securely retain a pet treat via the tapered surface of the housing portion and the retaining facet of the shaft portion.
One or more embodiments described herein relate to a pet treat holder apparatus having a body portion having a first distal end handle and a housing portion having a second distal end handle. In some embodiments, the body portion and the housing portion are configured to be removably coupled via a threaded male/female coupling. In some embodiments, an actuator for the threaded male/female coupling corresponds to the first distal end handle or the second distal end handle.
One or more embodiment described herein relate to pet treat holder apparatus including a body portion having a first distal end handle and a housing portion having a second distal end handle. In some embodiments, the body portion and the housing portion are configured to be removably coupled via a turnkey handle coupling. In some embodiments, the turnkey handle coupling is recessed into the first distal end handle or the second distal end handle. In some embodiments, first distal end handle or the second distal end handle correspond to a shape of a polygon. In some embodiments, the shape of the polygon corresponds to a conical shape.
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Notably, the figures and examples below are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all the described or illustrated elements.
Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure the invention. As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” or “engaged” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs).
In the exemplary embodiments described herein, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting; rather, the invention is intended to encompass other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.
As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that two elements are coupled in such a way that the two elements function together. It is to be understood that two elements “operatively coupled” does not require a direct connection or a permanent connection between them.
As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). As employed herein, the term “substantially” shall mean that the difference is negligible. Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
One or more embodiments described herein pertain to an apparatus for securely holding a pet treat, the apparatus being designed for safe and sanitary use, while also presenting an engaging, entertaining platform for pets and pet owners. Moreover, the embodiments described herein are configured for securely holding pet treats in a manner that significantly mitigates the risk of injury to pets. For example, many types of pet treats (e.g., pizzle stick 230 shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
For example, in some embodiments, apparatus 200 may be constructed utilizing an injection-molded nylon polymer, which is known for being highly durable, non-toxic and food-safe. In other embodiments, apparatus 200 is constructed utilizing one or more of: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), uPVC (unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride), LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), and/or Polycarbonate. In some embodiments, apparatus 200 is constructed utilizing ceramic components such as stoneware or porcelain. In yet other embodiments, apparatus 200 may be constructed utilizing one or more of: glass, brick, silicon, carbide and/or wooden materials (e.g., teak, mahogany, maple, and the like), alone or in combination. Various components of apparatus 200 (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 210) may be solid while in some embodiments, various components may be hollow and/or partially hollow (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 210).
In some embodiments, as shown in
As shown in
For example, subsequent to actuating coupling means 206, 208 (e.g., via rotational actuation of handles 202) pet treat 230 may be positioned substantially and partially inside housing portion 203 via opening 212 (e.g., as shown in
Securely engaging a pet treat means the treat will not become dislodged when consumed by a pet. By not becoming dislodged, the end portion of treat 230 will not be accessible by pet 240, thereby preventing the risk of choking on the small end portion of pet treat 230. Moreover, tapered surface 215, via opening 212 and coupling means 206, 208, provides for easy access for cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 200.
Referring to
In some embodiments, because tapered surface 215 is a smooth, featureless surface, this prevents small food particles from becoming lodged inside housing 204. Moreover, because tapered surface 215 is easily accessible via opening 212, cleaning of any residue left from treat 230 is fast and user friendly. In some embodiments, the construction of opening 212 may include varied shapes and structures for providing a variety of tapered surfaces corresponding to different sizes and shapes of treats, which is discussed in detail in
As shown in
Referring now to
For example, in some embodiments, shaft recess 214 is configured to compliment and accommodate the structure of shaft 210. The complimentary structure of recess 214 and shaft 210 increases the retention ability of apparatus 200 when securely retaining a pet treat. Moreover, shaft recess 214 provides a fit that is substantially free from pinch points when coupling portions 201, 203 and placing a treat via opening 212.
For example, when portions 201, 203 are engaged via coupling 208, 206, shaft recess 214 substantially mitigates movement of shaft 210 inside housing body 204 by reducing the surface space between components (e.g., 210, 204). In this manner shaft 210 is further secured within housing body 204. Shaft recess 214 therefore further prevents food particles from clogging and smearing inside apparatus 200. In this manner, apparatus 200 provides a platform that is exceedingly more robust when compared to prior art pet treat holders (e.g., 100).
In some embodiments, shaft 210 and housing portion 204, are configured for securely retaining a pet treat by utilizing retaining facet 211. As shown in
For example, in operation, a user must first place pet treat 230 at least partially inside housing 204 via opening 212. Next the user must operatively couple portion 201, 203 via coupling means 206, 208. In this manner, surface 215 and retaining facet 211 engage pet treat 230, creating a squeezing compression force similar to vice clamp. The compression force generated by surface 215 and friction force generated by retaining facet 211 allows for securely holding pet treat 230 without risk of disengagement from apparatus 200. The compression and friction force combine to counter any pulling and pushing forces induced on pet treat 230 during consumption of treat 230 by pet 240. This reduces, for example, that potential for staining or treat misplacement and/or dislodgment during consumption of treat 230, thereby increasing the user friendliness of apparatus 200.
In some embodiments, the compression and friction forces generated by components 210, 211, 215 may be adjusted via coupling 206, 208. For example, in some embodiments, coupling means 206, 208 include a female/male threaded coupling that rotatably engages with one another. By adjusting the degree or amount of rotation, the compression and friction forces applied to pet treat 230 may be increased or decreased. In this manner, various types of pet treats with varying hardness and thickness may all be utilized in apparatus 200. In some embodiments, tapered surface 215 may include more a varied degree of taper (e.g., one or more different slopes and/or curves), which is discussed in further detail below (e.g.,
Referring now to
In some embodiments, shaft 410 includes tapered ridge 420B and/or central pin 422. In yet other embodiments, shaft 410C, including retaining facet 411C, has more than one concentric tapered ridge. For example, having two tapered ridges 420C and central pin 422, as shown in
In some embodiments, there may be multiple pins (e.g., 420E). For example, two or three pins 422 may be positioned in a symmetrical or asymmetrical fashion. In some embodiments, there are no ridges utilized in retaining facet 211, 411. Rather, concentric pins 420E, 422E may be fashioned on an outside perimeter of retaining facet 411E, as shown in
In some embodiments, retaining facet 411, 211 may include one or more pins 422 positioned substantially evenly throughout retaining facet 411, 211. In other embodiments, various types of gripping features may be utilized, for example, threaded patterns and/or hash marks, which have been fully contemplated herein. While other gripping features may be utilized without diverting from the scope and spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments discussed herein are especially well suited for providing both a secure gripping means for holding a pet treat in place, while also allowing for easy cleaning of apparatus 200, 400.
Referring now to
As shown in
As shown in
Referring now to
Engagement portion 601 includes shaft 610, which is configured to engage a pet treat at least partially or completely within housing body 604, via opening 612. When engaged as shown in
As shown, handles 602 are positioned on substantially distal ends of portions 601, 603. In some embodiments, handles 602 substantially correspond to a conical shape as shown in
Referring now to
For example, in some embodiments, opening 712A includes widths 712′ and 712″ corresponding to tapered surface 715A. Opening 712A may correspond to a substantially teardrop type shape having a degree of taper that differs from opening 212 and tapered surface 215, for example. In some embodiments, opening 712B may include includes widths 712B′ and 712B″ corresponding to tapered surface 715B. Opening 712B may correspond to a substantially wide ellipse shape when compared to opening 212, 712A, for example.
In some embodiments, opening 712 may include one or more than one degree of taper via multiple tapered surfaces. As shown in
Dimensions shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only and are not meant to be limiting, unless specifically claimed. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.
Although the description provided above provides detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the expressly disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
