Patent Application
20160113243
The invention relates to a novel pet puzzle toy wherein edible discs are alternated with locking plastic “vertebrae” which simulates anatomical form and function as in actual capture and consumption of prey. Chewable head and tail pieces make up the front and rear interlocking sections of the toy and the center sections reside on a rope spine for flexibility.
The invention most closely corresponds with USPTO Class 119/702 wherein Class 119 relates to animal husbandry and sub-class 702 includes exercise or amusement devices for animals.
In its simplest form, the invention comprises a novel pet toy and treat trainer wherein plastic interlocking pieces simulate vertebrae of perceived prey. Edible discs are integrated alternately with the interlocking vertebrae so that an animal can “catch and consume” the simulated prey. An animal head and tail make up the front and rear interlocking pieces and are also constructed of chewable, but non-edible materials.
It is well known in the animal behavior sciences that is a dog doesn't get the mental stimulation it needs it will develop behavior problems such as chewing, biting or elimination in the home due to boredom, stress or depression. Veterinary science has also determined that in addition to behavioral problems, a dog will also be more prone to diseases as the immune system can weaken due to stress or depression. Thus it is key to challenge a dog with activities such as the inventive toy and treat trainer.
All who studied any form of psychology in school remember Pavlov's Dogs. A simple conditioning test resulted in dogs remembering or being cognitive of being given a treat when a bell was rung. Thus the dogs would respond in various cognitive ways when a bell was rung. This behavior presented itself for months after the actual tests were ceased. Pavlov evidenced that dogs actually had memory and the ability to react to certain stimuli on a consistent basis.
Many dog breeds have an instinct to chase prey or to “herd” other animals. This instinct needs to be provided in some form or an animal will tend to chase or attempt to chew other items such as sofas, or even the household cat. The inventive toy seeks to address that instinct and provide a reward which is safe and healthy for the dog as well as the owner's belonging and other pets.
When a dog chases and captures prey, it will grasp the prey in its mouth. Typically at some point along the prey's spine as that is the easiest mode for a dog to carry prey. Since the inventive toy simulates a prey animal, the dog will believe that it has captured prey by noting that fact in tactile and olfactory terms. The inventive toy and treat trainer triggers and satisfies the sensory elements of that behavioral process.
The inventive toy provides both hard plastic sections and edible soft sections to simulate vertebra and soft tissue. The dog will be provided with the feeling that it has captured real prey via the tactile sensation of grasping the “spine”, and the olfactory sensation emanating from the edible discs.
Further, the toy and treat trainer has a chewable head and tail section which also snap into the interconnecting vertebrae, and provides a visual stimulation to the dog which represents a more authentic animal feel and appearance.
The invention is described in further detail by reference to three (3) drawings sufficient in detail to describe the invention in which:
