ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 3 -- United States Patent no. 12,778,080, issued on Nov. 3, was assigned to KABOOM WORLDWIDE LLC (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).

"Pet toy" was invented by Kristen Harlow (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and Katherine Dover Koenig (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).

According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A device for containment and release of items therein, such as a device configured for engagement with one or more pets, such as dogs. The disclosure also relates to methods of using the device to release items for the entertainment and engagement of pet(s). In one embodiment, a device for containing and releasing items therein comprises: a body defining an inner chamber and at least one closable opening; an...