Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of pet products, and more particularly, a refillable aroma pet toy and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The increasing popularity of indoor pets, especially cats and dogs, is a new noticeable trend. Additionally, due to urban living and the progressively busy schedules of pet owners, pets are left alone indoors. Nevertheless, pet owners aspire to ensure that their pets remain actively engaged in enjoyable activities for their overall happiness and well-being.
[0003] Numerous toys are available in the market to assist pet owners in keeping their pets happy and healthy. These toys can be found in various pet stores and catalogs, offering a range of items such as balls, bones, and other toys. Pet owners may purchase these items for their pets to use for exercise and enjoyment. However, pets tend to lose interest in such toys quickly. As a result, pets do not derive the intended benefits of exercise and enjoyment when these toys are not actively used by them. To address this, aroma pet toys have been introduced, specially designed to cater to the preferences of pets by incorporating their favorite flavors. Nevertheless, one drawback of these aroma pet toys is that they may lose their scent after extended use. This results in reducing the toys' appeal to the pets, making them less interested in engaging with the toys over time. Consequently, pet owners face challenges in maintaining their pets' overall happiness and well-being, as the intended sensory stimulation provided by the aroma is compromised. Further, the reduced effectiveness of the aroma pet toys may necessitate frequent replacements, resulting in increased costs for pet owners.
[0004] Further, pets, by nature, possess a keen olfactory ability like innate behaviors and their heightened sense of smell. However, in human-made environments, such as homes and offices, pets do not get their natural habitat. All such circumstances disturb their originality and inbuilt deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) system.
[0005] Additionally, in scenarios where pet owners are vegetarian pets are compelled to consume homemade vegetarian food, potentially conflicting with their natural dietary inclinations. This challenge is particularly evident in countries like India, where vegetarianism is prevalent.
[0006] Hence, there is a need for a refillable aroma pet toy and a method thereof which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The primary objective of the invention is to establish a process to prepare the refillable aroma pet toy that involves rubber mixing step for dough preparation, fabric preparation step, fabric and rubber blending step, absorbent container preparation step, molding step and the like.
[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide a refillable aroma pet toy with an opening that exposes the absorbent to a pet owner, allowing them to easily refill the aroma by adding liquid drops of various food aromas such as chicken, fish, turkey, vanilla, or similar scents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method to prepare a refillable aroma pet toy is provided. The method includes producing a plurality of sheets of a dough by mixing a food grade raw rubber with a plurality of chemicals. The dough is combined with a desired color. The method includes preparing a fabric including a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer. The first fabric layer is formed by cutting the fabric and extending the cut fabric across the refillable aroma pet toy. The second fabric layer is formed by rolling the fabric on a pre-designed stick and, cutting the rolled fabric into a plurality of pieces of a pre-defined size and subsequently forming a fabric lump by compression. The fabric is obtained by cleaning and removing starch from a wrap and weft canvas. The method includes applying a bonding solution of a pre-determined concentration to the fabric. The method includes blending the fabric with the plurality of sheets by using a jig to form a sandwich. The method includes placing a plurality of absorbent balls in a first tube via a first end of a tube. The method includes allowing a user to insert a plurality of aroma drops on the absorbent balls via a second end of the first tube. The method includes molding the sandwich and the first tube in a mold structure to form a predetermined shape of the refillable aroma pet toy wherein the first tube is positioned at the center of the mold such that the second end of the first tube faces the user. The method includes curing the mold structure for a predetermined time period. The method includes removing presence of excess rubber and fabric from the refillable aroma pet toy upon demolding the mold structure.
[0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refillable aroma pet toy is provided. The refillable aroma pet toy includes a body with a hollow structure adapted to a predefined shape of a pet toy. The body is fabricated made from a food grade raw rubber. The refillable aroma pet toy includes a plurality of absorbent balls embedded inside the hollow structure of the body. The plurality of absorbent balls is adapted to absorb aroma from a plurality of aroma drops introduced to the plurality of absorbent balls and propagate the aroma throughout the body of the refillable aroma pet toy. The refillable aroma pet toy includes a plurality of slots positioned on the body. The plurality of slots is adapted to expose the plurality of absorbent balls to a surrounding user for aroma refill. The user refills the aroma by adding the plurality of aroma drops pertaining to a particular aroma.
[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0013] FIG. 1(a) illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method to prepare a refillable aroma pet toy in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 1(b) illustrates the continued steps of the method of FIG. 1(a) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2(a) to FIG. 2(f) illustrate a schematic representation of various stages in the preparation of a refillable aroma pet toy of FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a refillable aroma pet toy of FIG. 2(a) to FIG. 2 (f) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0019] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0021] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0022] Embodiment of the present disclosure relates to, a method to prepare a refillable aroma pet toy. The method includes producing a plurality of sheets of a dough by mixing a food grade raw rubber with a plurality of chemicals. The dough is combined with a desired color. The method includes preparing a fabric including a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer. The first fabric layer is formed by cutting the fabric and extending the cut fabric across the refillable aroma pet toy. The second fabric layer is formed by rolling the fabric on a pre-designed stick and, cutting the rolled fabric into a plurality of pieces of a pre-defined size and subsequently forming a fabric lump by compression. The fabric is obtained by cleaning and removing starch from a wrap and weft canvas. The method includes applying a bonding solution of a pre-determined concentration to the fabric. The method includes blending the fabric with the plurality of sheets by using a jig to form a sandwich. The method includes placing a plurality of absorbent balls in a first tube via a first end of a tube. The method includes allowing a user to insert a plurality of aroma drops on the absorbent balls via a second end of the first tube. The method includes molding the sandwich and the first tube in a mold structure to form a predetermined shape of the refillable aroma pet toy wherein the first tube is positioned at the center of the mold such that the second end of the first tube faces the user. The method includes curing the mold structure for a predetermined time period. The method includes removing presence of excess rubber and fabric from the refillable aroma pet toy upon demolding the mold structure.
[0023] FIG. 1(a) illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (100) to prepare a refillable aroma pet toy in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1(b) illustrates the continued steps of the method (100) of FIG. 1(a) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. An aroma pet toy is a pet toy specially designed to actively engage pets, especially cats, dogs, and the like. The method (100) includes producing a plurality of sheets of a dough by mixing a food grade raw rubber with a plurality of chemicals using a kneader. The dough is combined with a desired color in step 102. The plurality of sheets of the dough are produced via calendaring, a process that involves smoothing and compressing a material (notably paper) by passing a single continuous sheet through pairs of heated rolls collectively known as calendars. Examples for the food grade raw rubber includes but not limited to at least one natural rubber, latex, silicon, and the like. The plurality of sheets of the dough is combined with a variety of colors.
[0024] The method (100) includes preparing a fabric including a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer. The first fabric layer is formed by cutting the fabric and extending the cut fabric across the refillable aroma pet toy. The second fabric layer is formed by rolling the fabric on a pre-designed stick and cutting the rolled fabric into a plurality of pieces of a pre-defined size. Subsequently a fabric lump is formed by a compression process. The fabric is obtained by cleaning and removing starch from a wrap and weft canvas in step 104.
[0025] In one embodiment, the fabric used is a high warp and weft canvas fabric. The high warp and weft canvas fabric is characterized by its durability and tight weave. The high warp and weft canvas fabric is crafted from materials such as cotton, linen, a combination of both, and the like.
[0026] In another embodiment, the second fabric layer formation involves utilization of jigs to shape and mold the fabric into the fabric lump. The jigs are specialized tools to provide precision and consistency in the compression of the fabric.
[0027] The method (100) includes applying a bonding solution of a pre-determined concentration to the fabric in step 106. The bonding solution serves the purpose of creating a strong bond between the plurality of sheets, forming the sandwich structure. Examples of the bonding solution includes, but is not limited to, adhesives, glues and the like. The method (100) includes blending the fabric with the plurality of sheets by using the jig to form a sandwich in step 108.
[0028] It must be noted that the sandwich formed includes two layers: the colored plurality of sheets and the first fabric layer. Furthermore, the second fabric layer, previously configured into fabric lumps, is positioned at the center of the sandwich.
[0029] The method (100) includes placing a plurality of absorbent balls in a first tube via a first end of a tube in step 110. The plurality of absorbent balls serves as a vital component within the refillable aroma pet toy, designed to capture and retain a liquid aroma added to the refillable aroma pet toy during a refill process. Additionally, the absorbent balls are adapted to absorb the liquid aroma and propagate it exhaustively in the refillable aroma pet toy. It must be noted that, as the aroma declines, the user refills the aroma as required. The plurality of absorbent balls is made of at least one of a jute, a sponge, a natural material, and the like. The first tube is composed of Nylon, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Polyoxymethylene, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
[0030] The method (100) includes allowing a user to insert a plurality of aroma drops on the absorbent balls via a second end of the first tube in step 112. The plurality of aroma drops pertaining to a particular aroma. The aroma is associated with specific scents, such as chicken, fish, turkey, vanilla and the like and can be incorporated during the manufacturing process.
[0031] It must be noted that, the term “user” is initially applied to personnel from the manufacturing unit during the manufacturing cycle. Subsequently, during the utilization phase, the term "user" may refer to the individual responsible for taking care of the pet, it can be a pet owner, caretaker, and the like.
[0032] The method (100) includes molding the sandwich and the first tube in a mold structure to form a predetermined shape of the refillable aroma pet toy. The first tube is positioned at the center of the mold such that the second end of the first tube faces the user in step 114.
[0033] In one embodiment, the number of tubes carrying the absorbent balls may vary depending on the size and shape of the refillable aroma pet toy, allowing for customization based on specific design requirements.
[0034] In one embodiment, the first tube and second tube are made of plastic material.
[0035] The method (100) includes curing the mold structure for a predetermined time period in step 116. Curing is a manufacturing process during which a chemical reaction or physical action takes place within the mold structure, resulting in a harder, tougher or more stable, creation of the refillable aroma pet toy. Further, the method (100) includes heating the mold at a pre-defined temperature and pressure using a compression or injection molding machine. The said machine must be set with the pre-defined temperature and pressure. Furthermore, the method (100) includes placing the fabric lump on top of the second end of the first tube. Moreover, placing a second tube with the absorbent balls on top of the fabric lump. A wide end of the second tube is in contact with the absorbent balls. This results in formation of a nucleus of the refillable aroma pet toy with a plurality of opening (1 or 2 sides) for the user to drop aroma liquid. Besides, insert the food grade raw rubber and the sandwich in the mold around the nucleus and close the mold and leave for curing for a pre-defined time.
[0036] In one embodiment the pre-defined time range is between 10 minutes to 15 minutes. The pre-defined time may be changed according to the material that is being used for preparing the refillable aroma pet toy.
[0037] Further, the mold is opened (demolded) after the curing process is complete and the molded refillable aroma pet toy is taken out. The method (100) includes removing presence of excess rubber and fabric from the refillable aroma pet toy upon demolding the mold structure in step 118. The refillable aroma pet toy can be sniffed by the pets for aroma.
[0038] It must be noted that the order of the steps to make the refillable aroma pet toy may change to optimize the cost and production as the overall process evolves. For example, the absorbent fabric lump will be inserted in the tube, and the same may be inserted after molding, providing flexibility and efficiency in the manufacturing process.
[0039] FIG. 2(a) to FIG. 2(f) illustrate a schematic representation of various stages in the preparation of a refillable aroma pet toy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2(a) illustrate a sandwich structure (200), formed by blending the fabric with a plurality of sheets by using the jig. The sandwich structure (200) encompasses two fundamental layers: the colored plurality of sheets (202) and a first fabric layer. Additionally, a second fabric layer, previously shaped into fabric lumps (204), is centered within the sandwich structure (200).
[0040] FIG. 2(b) illustrates two sandwich structures (200) positioned on a mold (206). In one embodiment, the mold (206) exhibits a semi-spherical configuration, and the presence of two sandwich structures (200) is essential in the manufacturing of a refillable aroma pet toy explained here.
[0041] FIG. 2(c) illustrates a mold (206) in a semi-spherical configuration. The resulting refillable aroma pet toy takes on a ball-like structure. The center of the mold (206) comprises a first tube (208), hollow structure intended for adding a plurality of absorbent balls, while surrounding it are four cylindrical structures to create plurality of slots for adding a plurality of liquid aroma drops.
[0042] FIG. 2(d) illustrates placing position of a plurality of absorbent balls. The plurality of absorbent balls is placed at the center of the mold (206).
[0043] FIG. 2(e) illustrates placing a plurality of absorbent balls on the mold (206).
[0044] FIG. 2(f) illustrates curing a mold (206) structure. a plurality of absorbent balls at the center of the mold (206) and surrounded by a sandwich structure (200) encompasses two fundamental layers: the colored plurality of sheets (202) and a first fabric layer. Additionally, a second fabric layer, previously shaped into fabric lumps (204), is centered within the sandwich structure (200).
[0045] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a refillable aroma pet toy (300) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The refillable aroma pet toy (300) includes a body (302) with a hollow structure adapted to a predefined shape of a pet toy. The body (302) is fabricated made from a food grade raw rubber. Examples for the food grade raw rubber includes but not limited to at least one natural rubber, latex, silicon, and the like.
[0046] In one embodiment, the refillable aroma pet toy (300) may or may not have the hollow structure thereby providing flexibility in industrial manufacturing purposes.
[0047] In an embodiment, the refillable aroma pet toy (300) is adapted to a ball like structure. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the refillable aroma pet toy (300) may also be adapted to a suitable dimension and color based on preferences of users or manufacturers for their specific industrial manufacturing purposes.
[0048] The refillable aroma pet toy (300) includes a plurality of absorbent balls embedded inside the hollow structure of the body (302). The plurality of absorbent balls is adapted to absorb aroma from a plurality of aroma drops introduced to the plurality of absorbent balls and propagate the aroma throughout the body (302) of the refillable aroma pet toy (300). The plurality of absorbent balls is made from at least one of a sponge material, natural fiber, jute and a combination of sponge, jute, and natural fibers.
[0049] In one embodiment, the plurality of absorbent balls material may be made in-house or can be sourced depending upon cost optimization.
[0050] The refillable aroma pet toy (300) includes a plurality of slots (304) positioned on the body (302). The plurality of slots (304) is adapted to expose the plurality of absorbent balls to a surrounding user for aroma refill. The user refills the aroma by adding the plurality of aroma drops pertaining to a particular aroma. The plurality of slots (304) is strategically positioned to maximize exposure of the absorbent into the surrounding.
[0051] Various embodiments of the refillable aroma pet toy and the method thereof as described above provide a refillable aroma pet toy with a plurality of slots that exposes a plurality of absorbent balls to a pet owner, allowing them to easily refill the aroma by adding liquid drops of various food aromas such as chicken, fish, turkey, vanilla, or similar scents, providing olfactory stimulation for pets, enhances the pet's engagement and enjoyment thereby improving the sense of wellbeing for the pet.
[0052] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that, the refillable aroma toy is made in different shapes and sizes but the fundamental design of embedding it with the absorbent and keeping a refillable opening exposed will be a part of each shape and size. Further, the refillable aroma pet toy is designed to for easy retrieval from the ground by the pets, ensuring convenience during playtime. Furthermore, the refillable aroma pet toy can be made from wood, cellulose, and a binding agent like resin, providing sustainability in the manufacturing process. Additionally, the refillable aroma pet toy includes a camouflage covering or texture surface to enhance engagement of the pets.
[0053] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0054] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0055] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:1. A method (100) to prepare a refillable aroma pet toy comprising:
producing a plurality of sheets of a dough by mixing a food grade raw rubber with a plurality of chemicals, wherein the dough is combined with a desired color; (102)
preparing a fabric comprising a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer,
wherein the first fabric layer is formed by cutting the fabric and extend the cut fabric across the refillable aroma pet toy,
wherein the second fabric layer is formed by rolling the fabric on a pre-designed stick and, cutting the rolled fabric into a plurality of pieces of a pre-defined size and subsequently forming a fabric lump by compression,
wherein the fabric is obtained by cleaning and removing starch from a wrap and weft canvas; (104)
applying a bonding solution of a pre-determined concentration to the fabric; (106)
blending the fabric with the plurality of sheets by using a jig to form a sandwich; (108)
placing a plurality of absorbent balls in a first tube via a first end of a tube; (110)
allowing a user to insert a plurality of aroma drops on the absorbent balls via a second end of the first tube; (112)
molding the sandwich and the first tube in a mold structure to form a predetermined shape of the refillable aroma pet toy wherein the first tube is positioned at the center of the mold such that the second end of the first tube faces the user; (114)
curing the mold structure for a predetermined time period; and (116)
removing presence of excess rubber and fabric from the refillable aroma pet toy upon demolding the mold structure. (118)
2. The method (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
heating the mold at a pre-defined temperature and pressure;
placing the fabric lump on top of the second end of the first tube; and
placing a second tube with the absorbent balls on top of the fabric lump wherein a wide end of the second tube is in contact with the absorbent balls.
3. The method (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of sheets of the dough are produced via calendaring.
4. A refillable aroma pet toy (300) comprising:
a body (302) with a hollow structure adapted to a predefined shape of a pet toy, wherein the body (302) is fabricated made from a food grade raw rubber;
a plurality of absorbent balls embedded inside the hollow structure of the body (302), wherein the plurality of absorbent balls is adapted to absorb aroma from a plurality of aroma drops introduced to the plurality of absorbent balls and propagate the aroma throughout the body (302) of the refillable aroma pet toy (300); and
characterized in that,
a plurality of slots (304) positioned on the body (302), wherein the plurality of slots (304) is adapted to expose the plurality of absorbent balls to a surrounding user for aroma refill, wherein the user refills the aroma by adding the plurality of aroma drops pertaining to a particular aroma.
5. The refillable aroma pet toy (300) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the food grade raw rubber comprises at least one of natural rubber, latex, and silicon.
6. The refillable aroma pet toy (300) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of absorbent balls is made from at least one of a sponge material, natural fiber, jute and a combination of sponge, jute, and natural fibers.
7. The refillable aroma pet toy (300) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of slots (304) is strategically positioned to maximize exposure of the plurality of absorbent balls into the surrounding.
8. The refillable aroma pet toy (300) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at the first tube is composed of Nylon, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Polyoxymethylene, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
Dated this 22nd day of January 2024

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant