Michael V Graves

US Patent:

48039535, Feb 14, 1989

Filed:

Oct 5, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/104292

Inventors:

Michael S. Graves - Toluca Lake CA

International Classification:

A01K 1500

US Classification:

119 29

Abstract:

A cat toy is disclosed herein having a stationary base housing a take-up reel storing a length of line with a weighted end. A motor and resilient propulsion unit are pivotally carried as an assembly on the base wherein energy is stored in the propulsion unit in response to drawing of the line onto the reel by the motor. Gear means are selectively coupled with the reel for driving the reel so as to withdraw the line. The pivotal connection of the motor/propulsion unit assembly provides an over-the-toggle mechanism responsive to the storage of energy in the propulsion unit to disengage the motor from the reel to release the stored energy for tossing the weighted end of the line from the propulsion unit.