Abstract: An edible animal chew toy which provides a dental benefit when chewed. The chewing action of the animal causes ribs and/or protrusions on the chew toy, in close proximity to the area being chewed, to floss the sides of the animal's teeth and gums.

Abstract: A process of injection molding a natural resin into a mold cavity including lifter bars as part of the ejection system for extracting the molded animal chew of the mold cavity. The lifter bars are provided with a contacting area having a relatively high surface area ratio relative to surface area of the molded part that remains in contact with the mold after injection and mold opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable/collapsible structure that folds and collapses between an open and closed condition. The structure includes a top and bottom section, and a plurality of collapsible wall sections extending between said top and bottom sections. The wall sections and the top and bottom sections define an enclosure and also contain a longitudinal member extending between said top and bottom section. The longitudinal member contains a pivot connection at a location between the top and bottom section. The pivot section allows movement of the top and bottom section relative to one another, so that the foldable/collapsible structure can be configured between an open or closed condition.

Abstract: A pet toy having projecting portions and a method of making such is provided. The toy may be molded in a collapsed or dissembled position for packaging, shipping and storage and expanded or assembled for access by an animal. One embodiment of the invention comprises complimentary joint regions in which one or more legs may move relative to a base portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing textual, audio and/or video information regarding a pet to a user comprising supplying an electronic database which database has stored textual, audio and/or video information data files representative of animal/pet behavior, animal/pet identification, animal/pet selection, animal/pet characteristics, animal/pet training, and animal/pet care, and combinations thereof, selecting one of the stored textual, audio and/or video information data files and outputting the information regarding an animal/pet to said user either in either a textual, audio or video form.

Abstract: A vitamin and/or mineral and/or herbal enriched molded animal chew toy. The vitamins, minerals and/or herbal additives are incorporated into the molded chew toy under conditions that minimize thermal degradation of such additives. Suitable resins include starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolized casein, thermoplastic polymers and mixtures thereof. In related embodiment, animal chews comprising primarily denatured and partially hydrolized collagen are disclosed, as well as such denatured and partially hydrolized collagen in mixture with vegetable matter, rawhide, animal meal, peanut bits/flour, casein, starch and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier for an animal comprising a base panel, the base panel having a first end and a second end and containing a floor surface wherein the floor surface includes upwardly extending sidewalls, first and second members end members hingedly attached to the upwardly extending sidewalls at the first and second ends of the base panel. Each of the end members have guideways wherein the base panel and the end members are configured to define an access opening to the base panel floor surface. A slidable door for closing the access opening is provided, wherein the slidable door comprises a leading and a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edge extending between the end members, including a portion that extends into the guideway of the end members.

Abstract: A process of injection molding a natural resin into a mold cavity including lifter bars as part of the ejection system for extracting the molded animal chew of the mold cavity. The lifter bars are provided with a contacting area having a relatively high surface area ratio relative to surface area of the molded part that remains in contact with the mold after injection and mold opening.

Abstract: A collapsible carrier for an animal comprising a base panel, the base panel having a first end and a second end and containing a floor surface wherein the floor surface includes upwardly extending sidewalls, first and second members end members hingedly attached to the upwardly extending sidewalls at the first and second ends of the base panel. Each of the end members have guideways wherein the base panel and the end members are configured to define an access opening to the base panel floor surface. A slidable door for closing the access opening is provided, wherein the slidable door comprises a leading and a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edge extending between the end members, including a portion that extends into the guideway of the end members.

Abstract: An animal chew toy comprising a radiopaque polymer. The radiopaque polymer may comprise a polymer that is inherently radiopaque or a polymer that has been made radiopaque by the addition of an additive that provides radiopaque characteristics. The radiopaque polymers of the present invention may be manufactured by melt processing techniques, such as extrusion, compression and/or injection molding.

Abstract: An edible animal chew toy which provides a dental benefit when chewed. The chewing action of the animal causes ribs and/or protrusions on the chew toy, in close proximity to the area being chewed, to floss the sides of the animal's teeth and gums.

Abstract: A vitamin and/or mineral and/or herbal enriched molded animal chew toy. The vitamins, minerals and/or herbal additives are incorporated into the molded chew toy under conditions that minimize thermal degradation of such additives. Suitable resins include starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolized casein, thermoplastic polymers and mixtures thereof. In related embodiment, animal chews comprising primarily denatured and partially hydrolized collagen are disclosed, as well as such denatured and partially hydrolized collagen in mixture with vegetable matter, rawhide, animal meal, peanut bits/flour, casein, starch and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing textual, audio and/or video information regarding a pet to a user comprising supplying an electronic database which database has stored textual, audio and/or video information data files representative of animal/pet behavior, animal/pet identification, animal/pet selection, animal/pet characteristics, animal/pet training, and animal/pet care, and combinations thereof, selecting one of the stored textual, audio and/or video information data files and outputting the information regarding an animal/pet to said user either in either a textual, audio or video form.

Abstract: An improved animal chew toy and process for forming such chew toy including the molding of the chew toy in the form of an identifiable food product with a realistic appearance that is suggested by an olfactory attractant, a flavorant, or a major ingredient included in the chew toy. The chew toy is preferably made from ingredients that can be ingested by the animal.