Patent Application
20140202396
The invention relates to a novel pet toy in which treats are located in receptacles wherein retrieval may be prevented or allowed when the animal is required to rotate the top triadic portion of the toy to reveal the treat receptacles.
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 triadic puzzle wherein treats are inserted into receptacles and a pet must “solve” the puzzle to obtain the treat.
There are obviously many pet toys on the market. The inventive toy seeks to exercise a pet's sensory and problem solving skills as well as providing reinforcement or reward. The inventive toy is also very durable which offers purchasing incentive in a genre where purchasing decisions are often based upon cost versus life of the product.
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.
In the inventive toy, there are three branches in the base portion, and each contains a receptacle wherein treats may be deposited. Hinged flaps then cover those receptacles. Each flap has a scent opening for greater enticement and discoverability of the treat for the dog.
Affixed in the top center of the toy is a spinning or rotating tri-branched casing which will spin to either block the opening of the aforementioned flaps or will reside in the center point between two branches to allow retrieval of the treat via clearance for opening of the flap. The toy may be made more or less difficult to solve with the aid of a tightening knob located underneath the toy wherein adjustment may make the tri-armed casing harder to turn. This functions to enable smaller or larger dogs to use the toy depending upon their size and obvious strength variations.
A dog must engage its sensory skills and reasoning as it tries to find the source of the enticing smell. The act of having to “find” and recover the treat promotes maintaining healthy concentration, memory, and mental alertness.
Whether chasing a ball in the yard or using canine treadmills, exercise or play is vital in helping dogs expend pent-up energy. Without that outlet they may show behavioral problems that can range from destructive tendencies to attention-seeking antics. Especially dogs that live in a home where they are left alone for long periods of time. The inventive toy seeks to alleviate some of these issues as it can take a dog some time to find and navigate the puzzle toy to attain all the treats inserted.
The invention is described in further detail by reference to four drawings sufficient in detail to describe the invention in which:
