Abstract: The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, relates a method of manufacturing an animal chew by molding two body portions of a first material each having at least one concave surface and one or more through holes, attaching the two portions together such that the concave surfaces face one another to form a hollow body portion, injecting a second material into the hollow body portion to fill at least a portion of the hollow body and form areas of exposed regions of the second material by filling the one or more through holes. In a second exemplary embodiment, the two portions may have the concave surfaces over-molded with a second material which fills the one or more through holes. In a third exemplary embodiment, a separate shape of a second material may be molded in a configuration having dimensions complementary to the two half portion and holes when the portions are combined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing an animal chew formed of rawhide and edible resin. The edible resin may be positioned on the outer surface of the rawhide and/or retained within the rawhide. The edible resin may include one or a mixture of starch, gluten, vegetable protein, carbohydrate or fat.

Abstract: A holder for dog chews and pet treats is provided, comprising a molded hollow body shape including a plurality of openings. Inserts may be included in the openings which may be of a lower durometer or thinner cross-section than the thickness of the body. Pet treats such as dog chews and the like may be inserted into the inserts to be frictionally retained therein for enjoyment by an animal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chew toys comprising a fabric and a polymeric material. The fabric and polymeric material may be present as one or more layers. The chew toys may specifically include a fabric having an outer or exposed surface which may include written/printed indicia. The fabric may be capable of stretching with the polymeric layer and the fabric layer may have an inner surface substantially engaged to the polymeric material. Such engagement may therefore avoid delamination and present a relatively smooth surface without disruptions. Such composite may therefore provide durability and resistance to an animal chewing action.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an animal chew comprising an elongated central portion of a first material and a pair of end caps of a second material. The end caps may be connected by a shaft and may vary from the central portion or from each other by one or more properties such as, color, texture, hardness, toughness, functionality, flavor, odor or moisture level. The central portion of the dog chew may comprise a bladder, or a composite of materials such as one or more layers overlying the bladder, having an attractive design in the shape and/or texture of, e.g. a sports ball. The composite may comprise a soft or even fibrous cover overlying an elastomeric bladder, the bladder formed to fit relatively loosely over the shaft, the composite providing a soft and easily compressed central portion compared to the end caps.

Abstract: A molded animal chew toy or pet treat that is formed by molding of textured vegetable protein (TVP). The TVP may include fibrous material and may be combined with a resin (binder) and a plasticizer and formed by a heating molding machine, such as an injection molding or extrusion operation. The resin and plasticizer content may be selected to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pet treat comprising a resin and nutritional additive wherein the nutritional additive includes an oil including one or more of a salmon oil, hemp oil and evening primrose oil. The pet treat is at least 70% organic and may be formed by melt processing techniques, such as extrusion or injection molding. The pet treat may also include a nutritional additive which may be present in particulate form wherein the particles have a size of less than or equal to about 250 microns.

Abstract: A molded animal chew toy including a resin, a fluid such as water, and meat jerky, particularly chicken jerky, is provided. Processes for forming such resin/water/jerky composition into shapes by direct injection molding, including a desired screw design, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible/foldable structure that may include a top roof and a bottom platform. A pair of sidewalls may be provided each of which may be pivotally attached to the roof. The sidewalls may include at least two side section such as an upper and middle section. The sidewalls may also include a lower side section. The upper and middle sections may be pivotally attached to one another and the middle and lower side section may be pivotally attached to one another so that the upper and middle sidewall sections can be pivoted inwardly towards the bottom platform to provide a collapsed condition. The sidewalls may also each contain an outer and an inner surface thereof wherein the outer surface of the upper side wall and the outer surface of the adjacent middle side wall form an angle that is greater than 180 degrees when the structure is in an expanded or collapsed condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing an animal chew formed of rawhide and edible resin. The edible resin may be positioned on the outer surface of the rawhide and/or retained within the rawhide. The edible resin may include one or a mixture of starch, gluten, vegetable protein, carbohydrate or fat.

Abstract: A dermatological composition which may be used for the topical treatment of the skin, hair, or nails of mammals, comprising tamanu oil, an unsaturated fatty acid, and arnica oil, optionally including Vitamins E and A. The dermatological composition may be combined with other components to form a shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cream, spray, salve, or other cosmetic product in liquid, paste, or powder form.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multi-layer pet treat or animal chew comprising the indexing of a moveable mold portion into alignment with the first of a plurality of stationary mold portions fed a first composition by a first injection molding unit to form a first layer in a cavity space formed by the aligned mold portions. The moveable mold portion and the first layer may be indexed to align with a second of a plurality of stationary mold portions fed a second composition by a second injection molding unit to form a second layer over said first in the cavity space formed by the aligned mold portion. The compositions fed by the first and second injection molding units may both be edible. In a further aspect, multi-component pet treats may be provided formed from two materials which may be different in physical, optical, sensual, nutritional or compositional properties. One of the materials may specifically include textured vegetable protein.

Abstract: An animal chew is provided formed by rolling a mixture of binder and base material into a sheet. Base material, such as an edible material, including but not limited to starch, protein matter, vegetable or plant matter, is mixed with a binder. The mixture is then supplied to a screw conveyor followed by introduction onto rollers to form a sheet. The sheet may then be cut into a desired shape. The overall process may be made continuous, and the manufacturing conditions may be selectively controlled at each step, with respect to variable a such as temperature and moisture levels, to substantially maintain the overall nutritional value of the formed edible compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base including fabric elements extending from the base. The fabric elements may be positioned in a channel within the base. A locking relationship may be formed between the base and the fabric. Furthermore, the base may be provided so that the fabric elements may be removable from the base.

Abstract: A holder for dog chews and pet treats is provided, comprising a molded hollow body shape including a plurality of openings. Inserts may be included in the openings which may be of a lower durometer or thinner cross-section than the thickness of the body. Pet treats such as dog chews and the like may be inserted into the inserts to be frictionally retained therein for enjoyment by an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew including a resin and a method of direct injection molding the animal chew using a modified screw. The screw may incorporate, for example, additional flights or a larger transition zone. Additionally, the particle size of the resin may be less than 2000 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew including a resin and a method of direct injection molding the animal chew using a modified screw. The screw may incorporate, for example, additional flights or a larger transition zone. The formed resin may exhibit voids of about 1-100 ?m in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew including an edible starch. The invention relates to a method of molding the animal chew in which starch and other additives may be introduced directly into an injection molding machine and molded to a desired shape. The starch may include fermented soy product, enzymes and/or coenzymes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a nutritional additive system for pets comprising a separately packaged nutritional additive within a package of base pet food. The base pet food may be characterized as having been prepared at a temperature at or above 200° F. and/or a shear rate at or above 100 sec?1. The nutritional additive may be stored in a container which is otherwise sealed from the environment, and which may be configured to dispense it contents, onto the base pet food, without substantial introduction of air and ensuing oxidation of its contents. The container may be collapsible/expandable. Furthermore the nutritional additive may be microencapsulated.

Abstract: An animal chew is provided formed by rolling a mixture of binder and base material into a sheet. Base material, such as an edible material, including but not limited to starch, protein matter, vegetable or plant matter, is mixed with a binder. The mixture is then supplied to a screw conveyor followed by introduction onto rollers to form a sheet. The sheet may then be cut into a desired shape. The overall process may be made continuous, and the manufacturing conditions may be selectively controlled at each step, with respect to variable such as temperature and moisture levels, to substantially maintain the overall nutritional value of the formed edible compositions.