ANIMATED SQUEAKY PET TOY AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SQUEAKY NOISE

Abstract

An animated squeaky pet toy provides an animated, chewable pet toy that emits a squeaky sound when compressed from multiple directions and pressures due to an alternating pattern of accordion and bulbous sections. An elongated compressible inner chamber provides a generally elongated body portion having an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section and at least one bulbous section. The accordion section includes multiple folds that produce air flow when pulled or compressed laterally. The bulbous section increases the diameter of the body portion, and can be compressed axially and diagonally to produce air flow. The compressible inner chamber includes a pair of ends having an aperture. A reed passes through each aperture. The reed vibrates to produce a squeaky sound when air flow passes through either aperture. An animated outer chamber encapsulates the compressible inner chamber to transfer compressive forces to the body portion of compressible inner chamber.

Claims

1. An animated squeaky toy, the toy comprising: a compressible inner chamber defined by a body portion, the body portion comprising an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section having a plurality of folds, whereby compressing or pulling the accordion section laterally produces an air flow, the body portion further comprising at least one bulbous section configured to increase the diameter of the body portion, whereby compressing the bulbous section axially and diagonally produces the air flow, the compressible inner chamber further defined by a pair of ends comprising an aperture at each end, whereby at least a portion of the air flow produced by the body portion passes through the aperture; at least one reed disposed to at least partially extend through the aperture, the at least one reed configured to vibrate when the air flow passes through the aperture; and an animated outer chamber defined by an animated configuration, the animated outer chamber configured to encapsulate the compressible inner chamber, the animated outer chamber further configured to transfer compressive forces to the body portion of the compressible inner chamber.

2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the compressible inner chamber is a resilient polymer or rubber material.

3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the body portion is generally elongated.

4. The toy of claim 1, wherein the at least one accordion section is two, spaced-apart accordion sections.

5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the at least one bulbous section is three, spaced-apart bulbous sections.

6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the vibration of the at least one reed is configured to generate a squeaky sound.

7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the animated outer chamber is a plush toy of a monkey or a Santa Clause figure.

8. The toy of claim 1, wherein the animated outer chamber comprises an air release hole.

9. The toy of claim 1, wherein the animated outer chamber comprises a filler medium that retains the compressible inner chamber in a set position inside the animated outer chamber.

10. The toy of claim 1, further including at least one pull-string disposed at the pair of ends of the compressible inner chamber.

11. An animated squeaky toy, the toy comprising: a compressible inner chamber defined by a body portion, the body portion comprising an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section having a plurality of folds, whereby compressing or pulling the accordion section laterally produces an air flow, the body portion further comprising at least one bulbous section configured to increase the diameter of the body portion, whereby compressing the bulbous section axially and diagonally produces the air flow, the compressible inner chamber further defined by a pair of ends comprising an aperture at each end, whereby at least a portion of the air flow produced by the body portion passes through the aperture; and at least one reed disposed to at least partially extend through the aperture, the at least one reed configured to vibrate when the air flow passes through the aperture.

12. The toy of claim 11 further comprising an animated outer chamber.

13. The toy of claim 12, wherein the animated outer chamber is defined by an animated configuration and an air release hole, the animated outer chamber configured to encapsulate the compressible inner chamber, the animated outer chamber further configured to transfer compressive forces to the body portion of the compressible inner chamber.

14. The toy of claim 13, wherein the animated outer chamber is a plush toy of a monkey or a Santa Clause figure.

15. The toy of claim 14, wherein the animated outer chamber is a resilient and durable polymer or rubber material.

16. The toy of claim 11, wherein the body portion is generally elongated.

17. The toy of claim 11, wherein the at least one accordion section is two, spaced-apart accordion sections.

18. The toy of claim 11, wherein the at least one bulbous section is three, spaced-apart bulbous sections.

19. The toy of claim 11, wherein the vibrating reed is configured to generate a squeaky sound.

20. A method for producing a squeaky sound with an animated squeaky toy, the method comprising: providing a compressible inner chamber, the compressible inner chamber defined by a body portion, the body portion comprising an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section having a plurality of folds, the body portion further comprising at least one bulbous section configured to increase the diameter of the body portion; providing an animated outer chamber configured to encapsulate the compressible inner chamber; compressing the animated outer chamber; transferring the compressive force of the animated outer chamber to the compressible inner chamber; compressing or pulling the accordion section laterally to produce an air flow; compressing the bulbous section axially and diagonally to produce the air flow; passing the air flow through a reed; and producing a squeaky noise.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectioned view of an exemplary animated squeaky toy, showing an animated outer chamber encapsulating a compressible inner chamber, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary compressible inner chamber of an animated squeaky toy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates an elevated left side view of a compressible inner chamber of an animated squeaky toy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates an elevated right side view of a compressible inner chamber of an animated squeaky toy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of a compressible inner chamber of an animated squeaky toy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectioned view of an alternative animated squeaky toy, showing at least one pull-string, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for producing a squeaky sound with an animated squeaky toy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0061] An animated squeaky pet toy 100 and method 200 for producing a squeaky noise is referenced in FIGS. 1-6. The animated squeaky pet toy 100, hereafter “toy 100”, is a compressible and/or chewable pet toy that emits a squeaky sound when compressed from multiple directions and pressures due to a unique alternating pattern of accordion and bulbous sections 112a-b, 114a-c, while also protecting the accordion and bulbous sections that produces the squeaky sound.

[0062] Specifically novel to the present disclosure is that the toy 100 produces a squeaky noise by pulling or pushing its on opposite ends in a longitudinal motion. Those skilled in the art will recognize that traditional squeakers only produce the squeaky noise when the squeaker's chamber body is depressed. However, this disclosure produces the squeaky noise without the need to depress the chamber body, due to a unique alternating pattern of accordion and bulbous sections 112a-b, 114a-c, as described below. Further, the toy 100 provides a protective, animated configuration that protects the accordion and bulbous sections, while also enhancing the entertainment value for the pet through variously colored and shaped figurines.

[0063] As referenced in FIG. 1, the toy 100 comprises an elongated compressible inner chamber 102. The compressible inner chamber 102 is sufficiently resilient, so as to be easily compressed from multiple directions and at multiple pressures, so as to produce air flow that produces a squeaky sound. In one embodiment, the compressible inner chamber 102 is a resilient polymer or rubber material. The compressible inner chamber 102 may also be transparent.

[0064] Turning now to FIG. 2, the compressible inner chamber 102 may be defined by a generally elongated body portion 110 that follows an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section 112a, 112b and at least one bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114c. The accordion section 112a, 112b includes multiple folds that increase the surface area of the compressible inner chamber 102, and thereby increases the amount of air that is produced in the compressible inner chamber 102 upon compression. The multiple folds of the accordion section 112a, 112b may be compressed or pulled laterally to produce the air flow. Thus, the accordion section 112a, 112b produces air flow when it is compressed or pulled laterally, without requiring either axial or diagonal compression to produce air flow. In one embodiment, the body portion 110 has two, spaced-apart accordion section 112a, 112bs.

[0065] As the side views of FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate, the bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114c of the body portion 110 increases the diameter of the body portion 110, creating a larger area of the body portion 110 that can be compressed. This results in an increase in the amount of air that is produced in the compressible inner chamber 102. The protruding configuration of the bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114c can be compressed axially and diagonally to produce the air flow. In one embodiment, the body portion 110 has three, spaced-apart bulbous sections 114a, 114b, 114c.

[0066] Due to the variances in shape and dimension between the accordion section 112a, 112b and the bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114c, the compressible inner chamber 102 can produce air flow when squeezed from multiple directions, such being pulled outwardly length-wise, compressed inwardly, compressed from a top and bottom, or squeezed from a diagonal angle. The myriad compressions that can be applied to the accordion and bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114cs also allow for lesser pressure to be applied for producing air flow, and thereby producing the squeaky noise.

[0067] Looking now at the end view of FIG. 5, the compressible inner chamber 102 is further defined by a pair of ends 104a, 104b having an aperture 106a, 106b at each end 104a, 104b. At least one reed 108a, 108b passes through the respective aperture 106a, 106b. The reed 108a, 108b vibrates to produce a squeaky sound when air flow passes through either of the apertures 106a, 106b. In one embodiment, the reed 108a, 108b is a thin strip of material which vibrates to produce the squeaky sound.

[0068] As described above, due to the compressive and pulling forces on the accordion and bulbous section 112a, 112b, 114a, 114b, 114cs of the body portion 110, the air flow passes through the apertures 106a, 106b and over the reeds 108a, 108b. This is what produces the squeaky noise. Each end 104a, 104b of the compressible inner chamber 102 may further include at least one ring 120a, 120b that can be used for fastening or mounting the compressible inner chamber 102.

[0069] It is also significant to note that the at least one ring 120a, 120b at each end of the compressible inner chamber 102 may be used for fastening or mounting the compressible inner chamber 102. The ring 120a, 120b may also be used for securing the ends of the compressible inner chamber 102 to an animated outer chamber 116, so when the body portion 110 is pulled, the ring helps to pull the accordion section 112a, 112b of the body portion 110, thus making the squeaky noise.

[0070] Looking back at FIG. 1, the toy 100 further comprises an animated outer chamber 116 that encapsulates the compressible inner chamber 102. The animated outer chamber 116 is sufficiently resilient to transfer compressive forces, i.e. chewing by a pet, to the body portion 110 of the compressible inner chamber 102. Thus, when the pet chews on the animated outer chamber 116 from any direction and with any minimal amount of pressure, the compressible inner chamber 102 is compressed or pulled simultaneously in multiple directions to produces air flow. The animated outer chamber 116 may be fabricated from a resilient and durable polymer or rubber material that is efficacious for this purpose.

[0071] An air release hole 118 may be formed in the animated outer chamber 116. The air release hole 118 enables the air flow produced by the compressible inner chamber 102 to be released. The air release hole 118 also serves as a speaker to allow the squeaky noise to pass through the animated outer chamber 116.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will recognize that without the air release hole 118, excessive pressure buildup may occur in the animated outer chamber 116. Furthermore, the generally pliable surface of the animated outer chamber 116 enables the squeaky sound generated by the reed 108a, 108b to easily pass through the surface of the animated outer chamber 116 and the air release hole 118.

[0073] The animated outer chamber 116, while resilient, is also sufficiently durable to ensure that the compressible inner chamber 102 remains protected from chewing by the pet. In this manner, the pet does not damage the reed or other components of the compressible inner chamber 102. The pet is also protected from choking on the smaller compressible inner chamber 102. In one embodiment, the animated outer chamber 116 contains a filler medium (not shown) that retains the compressible inner chamber 102 in a set position inside the animated outer chamber 116. The filler material may include a resilient fabric, multiple flexible bars, and a gel.

[0074] Further, the animated outer chamber 116 forms an attractive ornamentation that is visible to the pet. The animated outer chamber 116 may include a plush figure that has animated features, various colors, and unique shapes to further enhance the entertainment and enjoyment for the pet. Suitable figures for the animated outer chamber 116 may include, without limitation, a monkey, a Santa Clause, a monster, and a tree. Though in some embodiments, any animated or ornamental configuration may be used.

[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectioned view of an alternative animated squeaky toy 300, showing at least one pull-string 320a, 320b used to both grasp the toy 300, and also to laterally pull a compressible inner chamber 302, such that an accordion section 312a, 312b is laterally displaced to produce an air flow. In this manner, the squeaky noise may be actuated by pulling at the pull-string 320a, 320b. The pull-string 320a, 320b may be positioned at the ends 304a, 304b of the compressible inner chamber 302 to most efficiently achieve the gripping and lateral pulling functions. In yet another alternative embodiment, a hook or a bungee rope may be used in place of the pull-string 320a, 320b.

[0076] As illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 7, a method 200 for producing a squeaky sound with an animated squeaky toy 100 produces a squeaking sound when compressed from multiple directions and pressures due to a unique alternating pattern of accordion and bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114cs, while also protecting the accordion and bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114cs that produces the squeaky sound.

[0077] The method 200 may include an initial Step of providing a compressible inner chamber 102, the compressible inner chamber 102 defined by a body portion 110, the body portion 110 comprising an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section 112a, 112b having a plurality of folds, the body portion 110 further comprising at least one bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114c configured to increase the diameter of the body portion 110.

[0078] The method 200 may further comprise a Step 204 of providing an animated outer chamber 116 configured to encapsulate the compressible inner chamber 102. The animated outer chamber 116 encapsulates the compressible inner chamber 102. The animated outer chamber 116 forms an attractive ornamentation that is visible to the pet.

[0079] In some embodiments, a Step 206 includes compressing the animated outer chamber 116. A Step 208 comprises transferring the compressive force of the animated outer chamber 116 to the compressible inner chamber 102. The animated outer chamber 116 is sufficiently resilient to transfer compressive forces, i.e. chewing by a pet, to the body portion 110 of the compressible inner chamber 102.

[0080] A Step 210 includes compressing or pulling the accordion section 112a, 112b laterally to produce an air flow. The accordion section 112a, 112b includes multiple folds that increase the surface area of the compressible inner chamber 102, and thereby increases the amount of air that is produced in the compressible inner chamber 102 upon compression. The multiple folds of the accordion section 112a, 112b may be compressed or pulled laterally to produce the air flow.

[0081] In some embodiments, a Step 212 may include compressing the bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114c axially and diagonally to produce the air flow. The protruding configuration of the bulbous section 114a, 114b, 114c can be compressed axially and diagonally to produce the air flow.

[0082] A Step 214 comprises passing the air flow through a reed 108a, 108b. The compressible inner chamber 102 is defined by a pair of ends 104a, 104b having an aperture 106a, 106b at each end. At least one reed 108a, 108b passes through the respective aperture 106a, 106b. The reed 108a, 108b vibrates to produce a squeaky sound when air flow passes through either of the apertures 106a, 106b. A final Step 216 includes producing a squeaky noise. This is accomplished as the air flow vibrates the reed 108a, 108b.

[0083] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0084] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.