WO2020159919A1

WO2020159919A1 - Chase toy system

Info

Publication number: WO2020159919A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/015312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris Wilson; Ron Bagley; Josiah Wilhelm; Jack Renforth
Original assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-01-28
Filing date: 2020-01-28
Publication date: 2020-08-06

Abstract

A chase toy system includes a chase toy and an external control device. The chase toy has an actuator with a holder configured to hold an object and a wireless communication unit. The external control device has another wireless communication unit in communication with the wireless communication unit of the chase toy so that the actuator of the chase toy is wirelessly controlled by the external control device. The external control device is any one of a pet collar, a mobile device and a remote control.

Description

CHASE TOY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention generally relates to a chase toy system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chase toy system for a pet’s enjoyment.

Background Information

[0002] Many pets including dogs enjoy chasing or retrieving various types of objects such as sticks or balls or flying discs and the like. Products and toys have been developed to enhance the activity and enjoyment of pets chasing or retrieving pet toys, including electronic devices that include a toy launcher. Pet toys can be static or moving while launching or propelling toys for the pet. Pet toys can also be automated to allow for periods of use without any human input or control transmission.

SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a chase toy system is provided comprising a chase toy and an external control device. The chase toy has an actuator with a holder configured to hold an object and a wireless communication unit. The external control device has another wireless communication unit in communication with the wireless communication unit of the chase toy so that the actuator of the chase toy is wirelessly controlled by the external control device. The external control device can be any one of a pet collar, a mobile device and a remote control.

[0004] In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a chase toy system comprises a chase toy having a wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit of the chase toy is configured to be paired with a wireless communication unit of a pet collar, a wireless communication unit of a mobile device and a wireless communication unit of a remote control to receive information transmitted from the wireless communication units of the pet collar, the mobile device and the remote control.

[0005] In view of the state of the known technology and in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure a chase toy comprises a propulsion device, a body, an actuator and a timer. The body is supported on the propulsion device so that the body can travel via operation of the propulsion device. The body has a receptacle for holding an object. The actuator is disposed in the receptacle for moving the object with respect to the body between a stowed position and an actuated position. The timer is provided with the body. The actuator is configured to move between the stowed position and the actuated position based on an operation of the timer.

[0006] Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed chase toy system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses one embodiment of the chase toy system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a chase toy system in accordance with an illustrated embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pet playing with chase toy of the chase toy system;

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the chase toy of the chase toy system;

[0011] Figure 4 is a side view of the chase toy with a portion of the chase toy broken away to show an actuator for an object that is in the stowed position;

[0012] Figure 5 is a side view of the chase toy with a portion of the chase toy broken away to show the actuator for the object that is in the actuated position;

[0013] Figure 6 is a side view of a modified chase toy with a portion of the modified chase toy broken away to show an actuator for the object that is in the stowed position;

[0014] Figure 7 is a side view of the modified chase toy with a portion of the chase toy broken away to show an actuator for the object that is in the actuated position; and

[0015] Figure 8 is a plan view of a modified remote control that can be implemented with the chase toy system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Referring initially to Figure 1, a chase toy system 10 is illustrated accordance with an illustrated embodiment. The chase toy system 10 comprises a chase toy 12 that is a motorized mobile toy that can be remotely controlled by a user. The chase toy 12 has a body 14 that is supported by one or more wheels 15 that propel the chase toy 12. The body 14 is preferably made of a rigid, lightweight member, such as plastic molded into the shape of a vehicle body. The body 14 is configured as a housing to contain one or more motors 16 and power source(s) 18 for powering the electronic components of the chase toy 12. Preferably, the power source 18 includes rechargeable batteries that are stored in the body 14 in a conventional manner; however, it is noted that the power source can be any suitable power source. In the illustrated embodiment, the chase toy 12 is a miniature vehicle that can be controlled from a distance using one or more external control devices 20, such as specialized transmitter or remote. For example, the chase toy 12 can be an R/C vehicle that can be remotely controlled by radio or infrared frequencies.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the chase toy system 10 includes external control devices 20 such as a pet collar 20 A, a mobile device 20B and/or a remote control 20C that can be paired with the chase toy 12. Thus, the chase toy system 10 can comprise the pet collar 20A, the mobile device 20B and the remote control 20C. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the chase toy system 10 comprises the chase toy 12 and one or more external control devices 20 for controlling the chase toy 12. While the external control devices 20 are illustrated as being the pet collar 20A, the mobile device 20B and the remote control 20C, it will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the chase toy 12 can also be paired with and controlled by different types of external control devices as needed and/or desired. Further, while the chase toy system 10 is illustrated as including the pet collar 20 A, it will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the chase toy system 10 can alternatively or additionally include a pet harness, a pet leash or other wearable apparatus for a pet.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the body 14 of the chase toy 12 includes a receptacle 22 receiving an actuator 24 therein. The receptacle 22 and the actuator 24 are disposed on the body 14 for holding an object 26, such as a pet toy, a ball, treats, etc. The chase toy 12 includes the actuator 24 for launching the object 26 away from the chase toy 12. While the chase toy 12 of the illustrated embodiment is shown as propelling or launching an object that is a pet toy (i.e. a ball), it will be apparent to those in the pet products field from this disclosure that the chase toy 12 can be configured to hold and contain other objects or combination of objects to provide stimulus for pets, such as noise making devices, water squirting devices, scent releasing devices, lights, or a treat release compartment(s). Therefore, the chase toy 12 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to release countermeasures such as balls, treats, water, smells, sounds, lights, or other stimulus. The owner can train the pet in a variety of different ways to play various games of chase and retrieve of the chase toy 12 in various directions. The operation of the actuator 24 and the receptacle 22 will be further discussed below.

[0020] The chase toy 12 further includes one or more motors 16 for operating the wheels 15. The motors 16 can be conventional motors for R/C car toys. The motors 16 can also be brushed or brushless electric motors 16 or glow plug engines. The wheels 15 can be replaced with tank treads or other transportation means or devices. In Figure 1, a pair of motors 16 are illustrated, each powering one of the two rear wheels 15, that can steer the chase toy 12 using differential velocity. Each of the rear wheels 15 can alternatively be controlled to move more slowly or in a different rotational direction than the other wheel. It will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the chase toy 12 can include as many or as fewer wheels 15 as desired and can be controlled by as many or as few motors 16 as desired. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the directional control of the chase toy 12 can be performed using any method desired, such as articulating front and/or rear wheels. While the chase toy 12 of the illustrated embodiment is illustrated as including wheels 15, it will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the body 14 can be supported on tracks, a gearbox, cables, or other propulsion mechanism(s) or device(s) to enable the chase toy 12 to move and travel. Thus, the wheels 15 are considered a propulsion device of the chase toy system 10.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 24 can be remotely operated by the external control devices 20 to propel or launch the object 26 from the chase toy 12, as seen in Figures 2 and 3. As seen in Figure 1, the chase toy 12 includes a wireless

communication unit 28 that is configured to be paired with any one or more of the external control devices 20. In particular, the wireless communication unit 28 of the chase toy 12 can be paired with a wireless communication unit 30 of the pet collar 20A, a wireless communication unit 32 of the mobile device 20B, and a wireless communication unit 34 of the remote control 20C. In other words, the external control device 20 has another wireless communication unit (e.g., the wireless communication units 30, 32 or 34) in communication with the wireless communication unit 28 of the chase toy 12. In this way, the chase toy 12 can receive information transmitted from the wireless communication units of the pet collar 20A, the mobile device 20B and the remote control 20C. In particular, the actuator 24 of the chase toy 12 is wirelessly controlled by the external control devices 20. The control of the chase toy 12 by the external control devices 20 will be further discussed below.

[0022] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the actuator 24 is movable with respect to the receptacle 22 to propel the object 26 from the receptacle 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 24 moves the object 26 away from the receptacle 22 upon control by any of the external control devices 20. In particular, the actuator 24 is movably arranged with respect to the receptacle 22 between a stowed position (Figure 4) and an actuated position (Figure 5).

[0023] The actuator 24 is a rigid, lightweight member that is preferably made of plastic. The actuator 24 includes a holder 24A and a shaft 24B that is connected to the holder 24A. The holder 24A and the shaft 24B are preferably formed as a one-piece member. The holder 24A defines a receiving area A for containing the obj ect 26 in the receptacle 22. The holder 24A is disposed in the receptacle 22 and is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the receptacle 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 24A and the receptacle 22 are both sized and dimensioned to hold a round object such as a ball. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the receptacle 22 and the holder 24A can have different sizes, shapes and configurations to hold different objects as needed and/or desired.

[0024] The shaft 24B extends from the holder 24A and is received by a recess 22A of the receptacle 22. The chase toy 12 further includes a biasing member 26 that is operatively connected to the shaft 24B and the holder 24A. The biasing member 26 can be a spring, such as a compression spring that is shown in the illustrated embodiment. The biasing member 26 is disposed around the shaft 24B to bias the holder 24A in the actuated position. The biasing member 26 is held in the stowed position that is a“loaded” position by a latch (not shown) or other mechanism as needed. The latch or other mechanism can be operated (manually or remotely) to release the actuator 24 into the actuated position.

[0025] For example, as seen in Figures 4 and 5, the chase toy 12 can further include an actuator motor 28, a roller 30 and a cam 32 that is operatively connected to the actuator motor 28 via an axle 33. The cam 32 includes a protruding portion 32A so that the cam 32 has an egg-like shape. Upon operation, the actuator motor 28 will turn ON to begin rotating the cam 32. The protruding portion 32A of the cam 32 rotates to contact the roller 30 that is operatively disposed between the cam 32 and the shaft 24B to operate the shaft 24B. The protruding portion 32A contacts the roller 30 to cause the shaft 24B to be pushed upwards out of the receptacle 22. As the biasing member 26 is fully loaded, operation of the cam 32 causes the biasing member to be released from the latch and to launch the object 26 from the receptacle 22.

[0026] The actuator 24 can be reset back into the main body 14. For example, the actuator 24 can be reset into the stowed position manually by the user. Alternatively, the holder 24A of the actuator 24 can be reset automatically by the actuator motor 28 or the cam 32, or other device capable of retracting the actuator 24 against the biasing force of the biasing member 26. Alternatively, the pet can return the object 26 to the receptacle 22 and push down on the holder 24A so that the owner can initiate the actuator 24 again.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, the chase toy 12 includes an electronic controller ECU and one or more sensors 34. The electronic controller ECU is operatively coupled to the wireless communication unit 28, the actuator 24 and the motors 16 and 28 in a conventional manner. The actuator 24 is in communication with the electronic controller ECU so that the actuator 24 is controlled by the electronic controller ECU to propel the object 26 from the receptacle 22. More specifically, the actuator motor 28 is in communication with the electronic controller ECU to receive ON or OFF signals. Upon receiving an ON signal, the actuator motor 28 can begin rotating to turn the cam 32. Upon receiving an OFF signal, the actuator 24 can stop rotating to stop the cam 32.

[0028] The electronic controller ECU is preferably a microcomputer that includes one or more processor(s) 36 and one or more computer memory device(s) (e.g., memory 38). The memory 38 is any computer storage device or any computer readable medium with the sole exception of a transitory, propagating signal. For example, the memory 38 can be nonvolatile memory and volatile memory, and can includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) device, a hard disk, a flash drive, etc. The memory 38 is configured to store settings, programs, data, calculations and/or results of the processor(s) 36.

[0029] Therefore, the memory 38 can include pre-stored travel routes for the chase toy 12 to move. For example, the memory 38 can store programmed commands from the external control devices 20 (e.g., launch object, slow down, speed up, swerve, circle, stop, etc.). The memory 38 can also store pre-programmed routes and/or sequences of actions based on information received from the external control devices 20 and/or sensors 34 (e.g., travel in straight line, travel in serpentine, travel for a predetermined distance or time period before stopping). The memory 38 can also store processing results and control programs that are run by the processor 36. The controller ECU is capable of selectively controlling any of the components of the chase toy 12 in accordance with the control programs of the electronic controller ECU. It will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the precise structure and algorithms for the controller ECU can be any combination of hardware and software that will carry out the functions of the present invention.

[0030] As stated, the chase toy 12 includes one or more sensors 34 for detecting the presence of an obstacle P within a predetermined distance of the chase toy 12. The sensors 34 are disposed on the main body 14 in a conventional manner. The sensors 34 are preferably configured as obstacle detectors that detect the presence of obstacles P within a predetermined distance of the chase toy 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the chase toy 12 is illustrated as including a pair of sensors 34. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the chase toy 12 can include additional or fewer sensors 34 as needed and/or desired.

[0031] The sensors 34 can be infrared sensors that can transmit an infrared signal that will bounce off of exterior objects and obstacles so that the resulting signal (s) are received by the sensors 34 having infrared receivers. Thus, each of the sensors 34 can include an infrared source, a transmission medium, optical component, as well as infrared detector(s) or receiver(s). Infrared lasers and Infrared LED’s of specific wavelength can be used as infrared sources. The electronic controller ECU can control the chase toy 12 in accordance with one or more predetermined routes or movements based on information received by the sensors 34. For example, the chase toy 12 can be configured to move away from a detected obstacle P (e.g., a pet or a fence). Alternatively, the chase toy 12 can be configured so that the actuator 24 is actuated upon detecting the presence of an obstacle P, as will be further discussed below. The electronic controller ECU can send an activation signal to the actuator motor 28 upon the sensors 34 detecting the presence of the pet (an example of an obstacle P) in the vicinity of the chase toy 12. Thus, the electronic controller ECU is configured to control the chase toy 12 in accordance with one or more pre-stored travel routes based on information detected by the one or more sensors 34. [0032] As shown in Figure 1, the chase toy 12 can further include a timer 40 that is in communication with the electronic controller ECU. The chase toy 12 can be configured to deploy the actuator 24 at predetermined times. For example, the controller ECU can send an activation signal or an ON signal to the actuator motor 28 within a predetermined time after the chase toy 12 is initiated, or within a predetermined time of a selected prestored route being initiated. Thus, the launching of the object 26 can be automated based on a selected a preprogrammed route and/or a preprogrammed timed release.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 28 of the chase toy 12 preferably includes a receiver 28A, a transmitter 28B. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 28 can include a transceiver and/or a transmitter-receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication unit 28 contemplates any device or devices, separate or combined, capable of transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals, including ON/OFF signals, activation signals for the actuator 24, and other control signals that control the operation and/or movement of the chase toy 12. The wireless communication signals can be radio frequency (RF) signals, ultra-wide band communication signals, or Bluetooth communications or any other type of signal suitable for wireless

communications as understood in the pet products field. Thus, the wireless

communication unit 28 can include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 30 of the pet collar 20A can include a receiver 30A and a transmitter 30B. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 30 can include a transceiver and/or a transmitter-receiver. The wireless communication unit 30 is paired with the wireless communication unit 28 of the chase toy 12 in a conventional manner to send and receive information. For example, the pet collar 20 A can include an RFID device that is paired and in communication with an RFID device of the chase toy 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication unit 30 of the pet collar 20A includes an RFID receiver 30A and an RFID transmitter 30B. Here, the wireless communication unit 30 can alternatively be a one-way wireless communication unit such as a transmitter to only send information to the chase toy 12.

[0035] As stated, the chase toy 12 can be programmed to travel in accordance with a preprogrammed route that is stored in the memory 38, and/or programmed for a predetermined timed release of the object 26 from the receptacle 22. In particular, the chase toy 12 can be programmed to in accordance with a preprogrammed route and/or based on a proximity of the chase toy 12 to the pet wearing the pet collar 20A. When the pet is at a predetermined distance away from the chase toy 12, the sensors 34 can detect the presence of the pet collar 20A and send a message to the controller ECU 30 to cause the chase toy 12 to swerve, slow down or to speed up. Alternatively, when the pet is at a predetermined distance away from the chase toy 12, the wireless communication unit 30 of the pet collar 20A can send a message to the wireless communication unit 28 of the chase toy 12 to cause the controller ECU to actuate the actuator 24 and launch the object 26 from the receptacle 22.

[0036] In this manner, the pet can also initiate the launch, pop, or drop of the object 26 by getting closer or farther from the chase toy 12 based on the settings of the chase toy 12 and/or information received by the sensors 34. The user can set the programs of the controller ECU to play with the pet in a variety of ways with the pet wherein the pet’s proximity to the chase toy 12 can initiate the object 26 release. For example, the user can also play with the pet by setting the distance to be greater than a certain distance. In this way the release of the ball will occur when the pet walks away from the toy. Therefore, the electronic controller ECU is programmed to actuate the actuator 24 to propel the object 26 upon determining that the pet collar 20A is within the predetermined distance of the chase toy 12.

[0037] In one embodiment of the chase toy system 10, the chase toy 12 can be configured to travel randomly on the wheels 15 or the propulsion device for a

predetermined or random amount of time. The chase toy 12 can be configured such that the actuator 24 actuates to release or propel the object 26 from the body 14 based on a predetermined or random period of time. Additionally, similarly to other embodiments, the actuator can be activated in any other manner described herein (e.g., based on proximity to a device and/or transmitter)

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment of the chase toy system 10, the chase toy system 10 can comprise the chase toy 12, the propulsion device (e.g., wheels 15, or tracks, etc.) and the body 14. The body 14 is supported on the propulsion device so that the body 14 can travel via operation of the propulsion device. The chase toy system 10 of this embodiment can also include the actuator 24 of the chase toy that is disposed in the receptacle 22 for moving the object 26 with respect to the body 14 between the stowed position and the actuated position. The chase toy system 10 of this embodiment can alternatively include the timer 40 disposed in the body 14. The actuator is configured to move between the stowed position and the actuated position based on an operation of the timer 40. Thus, in this embodiment of the chase toy system 10, there is no wireless or radio control of the chase toy 12. The chase toy 12 can be configured to travel and move upon being turned ON by the user. The actuator 24 can be configured to propel the object 26 after a pre-set period (e.g., one minute or thirty seconds of traveling etc.).

[0039] The mobile device 20B has a user interface 42 that enables the user to actuate the actuator 24 remotely from the mobile device 20B. The pre-stored travel routes stored in the memory 38 can be selectable by the user of the mobile device 20B. That is, the user can select“fast” or“slow” modes,“swerve” or set the chase toy 12 to travel in a straight trajectory for a selected distance. Further, in one embodiment, the ECU can generate random commands to control the chase toy 12. Thus, the chase toy 12 will randomly travel through a certain area. In this embodiment, the sensors 34 can be employed to avoid objects and/or obstacles. The mobile device 20B can also directly control the chase toy 12 during operation, by selecting STOP and GO modes for the chase toy 12, launch control, and left and right movements.

[0040] The remote control 20C is programmed to wirelessly control the chase toy 12. As shown, the remote control 20C includes a left control 44 that is a joystick and a right control 46 that is a joystick. The left throttle 44 can be a throttle and control the forward and reverse movements of the chase toy 12. The right control 46 can control the left and right or lateral movements of the chase toy 12. The remote control 20C includes additional control units, such as launch buttons 48, to initiate a launch, pop, or drop of the object 26 from the chase toy 12. Therefore, one It will be apparent to those skilled in the pet products field from this disclosure that the remote control 20C can include to initiate the timer 40, the sensors 34, and other internal components of the chase toy 12.

[0041] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a modified chase toy 112 and a modified remote control 120C that can be implemented with the chase toy system 10 are illustrated. The modified chase toy 112 includes a body 114 having a receptacle 122 with an actuator 124 that disposed on the body 114 for holding an object, similar to the receptacle 22 and the actuator 24. The modified chase toy 112 is identical in function and structure to the chase toy 12 of the first illustrated embodiment, except that the receptacle 122 and the actuator 124 are illustrated towards an end of the body 114 rather than in the center of the body 14 as with the chase toy 12. All components of the modified chase toy 112 will receive the same reference numerals as corresponding components of the chase toy 12 but increased by 100. Due to the similarity between the modified chase toy 112 and the chase toy 12, the modified chase toy 112 will not be further discussed herein.

[0042] The modified remote control 120C includes a left control 144 that is a joystick and a right control 146 that is a joystick. The left control 144 can control the forward and reverse movement of the chase toy 12. The right control 146 can the left and right or lateral movements of the chase toy 12. The modified remote control 120C includes a singular launch button 148 for launching the actuator 124. All components of the modified remote control 120C will receive the same reference numerals as corresponding components of the remote control 120C but increased by 100. Due to the similarity between the modified remote control 120C and the remote control 120C, the modified remote control 120C will not be further discussed herein.

[0043] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,“including”,“having” and their derivatives.

[0044] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A chase toy system comprising:

a chase toy having an actuator with a holder configured to hold an object and a wireless communication unit; and

an external control device having another wireless communication unit in communication with the wireless communication unit of the chase toy so that the actuator of the chase toy is wirelessly controlled by the external control device, the external control device being any one of a pet collar, a mobile device and a remote control.

2. The chase toy system according to claim 1, wherein

the chase toy includes an electronic controller in communication with the actuator so that the actuator is controlled by the electronic controller to propel the object from the chase toy.

3. The chase toy system according to claim 2, wherein

the chase toy includes one or more sensors configured to detect the presence of an obstacle within a predetermined distance of the chase toy.

4. The chase toy system according to claim 3, wherein

the external device is the pet collar and the electronic controller is programmed to actuate the actuator to propel the object upon determining that the pet collar is within the predetermined distance of the chase toy.

5. The chase toy system according to claim 4, wherein

the wireless communication unit of the pet collar includes an RFID transmitter and an RFID receiver.

6. The chase toy system according to claim 3, wherein

the external device is the mobile device having a user interface that enables a user to actuate the actuator.

7. The chase toy system according to claim 6, wherein

the electronic controller includes memory having pre-stored travel routes for the chase toy that is selectable by the user of the mobile device.

8. The chase toy system according to claim 7, wherein

the electronic controller is configured to control the chase toy in accordance with one or more pre-stored travel routes based on information detected by the one or more sensors.

9. The chase toy system according to claim 3, wherein

the external device is the remote control that is programmed to wirelessly control a travel route of the chase toy.

10. A chase toy system comprising:

a chase toy having a wireless communication unit configured to be paired with a wireless communication unit of a pet collar, a wireless communication unit of a mobile device and a wireless communication unit of a remote control to receive information transmitted from the wireless communication units of the pet collar, the mobile device and the remote control.

11. The chase toy system according to claim 10, further comprising the pet collar, the mobile device and the remote control.

12. The chase toy system according to claim 11, wherein

the chase toy includes an electronic controller and an actuator sized and dimensioned to hold an object.

13. The chase toy system according to claim 12, wherein

the actuator is in communication with the electronic controller so that the actuator is controlled by the electronic controller to propel the object from the receptacle.

14. The chase toy system according to claim 13, wherein

15. The chase toy system according to claim 14, wherein the electronic controller is programmed to actuate the actuator to propel the object upon determining that the pet collar is within the predetermined distance of the chase toy.

16. The chase toy system according to claim 11, wherein

17. The chase toy system according to claim 13, wherein

the mobile device has a user interface that enables a user to actuate the actuator.

18. The chase toy system according to claim 14, wherein

19. The chase toy system according to claim 18, wherein

20. A chase toy comprising:

a propulsion device;

a body supported on the propulsion device so that the body is capable of traveling via operation of the propulsion device, the body having a receptacle for holding an object; an actuator disposed in the receptacle configured to move the object with respect to the body between a stowed position and an actuated position; and

a timer provided within the body, the actuator being configured to move between the stowed position and the actuated position based on an operation of the timer.