Mastication Patents (Class 119/709)
  • Publication number: 20150040837
    Abstract: A pet chew product comprising at least three arms wherein a distal end of at least a first arm comprises first and second distal end portions. The arms arranged such that, when the product is located on a planar surface in a rest position, the first distal end portion of the first arm contacts the planer surface and the second distal end portion of the first arm is spaced at a distance above the planar surface, and when a downwardly directed force is a applied to the second distal end portion of the first arm, the product rotates on the first distal end portion of the first arm and at least one other arm rises above the planar surface until the second distal end portion of the first arm contacts the planar surface whereby the product is presented in a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD, Ajay GAJRIA
  • Patent number: 8935992
    Abstract: An animal chew including a body and an end assembly. The body may include a first rotating mechanical fastener. The end assembly may be removably affixed to the body and may include a nut, an end knob and a resilient member. The nut may include a second rotating mechanical fastener and a first coupling feature. The end knob may include an opening defined in a first end wherein at least a portion of the nut is received, the opening defined by a side wall and an end wall, including a structure in the side wall to retain the nut. The end knob may also include a second coupling feature to engage the first coupling feature of the nut. A resilient member may bias the first and second coupling features in a disengaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8925494
    Abstract: Edible animal chew and method of using the animal chew. The animal chew is edible and is configured to clean laniaries and gum tissue of an animal as the animal chews and eats the animal chew. The animal chew comprises all-natural ingredients and is, therefore, free of synthetic ingredients and unhealthy added ingredients, such as added sugars. The animal chew may further contain all-natural vitamins for improving health of the animal. A plurality of first projections and second projections on a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, respectively, are provided to clean laniaries and gum tissue for reducing risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. A plurality of raised nodules is also provided on the distal end portion for massaging gum tissue to reduce risk of periodontal disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: David Pang, Jing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140367284
    Abstract: The invention provides animal play toys that engage an animal in play before and during consumption of a treat. In one aspect, the invention provides an animal play toy having a top portion defining at least one hole therethrough and a weighted bottom portion. The animal play toy is able to stand upright when there is no interaction with the animal play toy. One or more ropes of a consumable product or a non-consumable product can be attached to the top portion of the animal play toy through the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Andrew Wurth, Kisun Kim, Jacob Ballard, Paul Seal, James P. Persells
  • Publication number: 20140360439
    Abstract: A chewable pet-entertainment device. The chewable pet-entertainment device includes a first body portion and a second body portion operatively coupled to the first body portion. At least one of the first body portion and the second body portion define an internal cavity. The chewable pet-entertainment device includes a timer mechanism disposed in at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. Responsive to the timer mechanism measuring a set period of time, the first body portion opens relative to the second body portion allowing access to the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan Whitaker CHRISTENSEN
  • Patent number: 8899187
    Abstract: An animal chew toy is provided comprising a hollow intermediate member located between first and second opposing end members connected to the intermediate member. The first end member may be connected to the intermediate member by a first rotatable joint formed between the first end member and the intermediate member, and the second end member may be connected to the intermediate member by a second rotatable joint formed between the second end member and the intermediate member. A sound generating mechanism may be contained within the intermediate member, and at least one of the first and second end members may be operable with the intermediate member to form the sound generating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: T. F. H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Publication number: 20140345538
    Abstract: A pet chew toy comprising a blend containing a polyamide terpolymer and a diene elastomer, wherein the diene elastomer is crosslinked and the polyamide terpolymer has a Tm in the range of 120° C. to 250° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD, Ajay GAJRIA
  • Patent number: 8875662
    Abstract: A retrieving device includes a body with at least one respiratory passageway formed in it through which a dog can breathe when holding the device in its mouth during retrieval. In some embodiments, the body is hollow and in the form of a shell defining an internal cavity that functions as a lateral respiratory passageway, with communicating respiratory passageways formed through the shell. In other embodiments, the body is solid with internal respiratory passageways formed through it. And in still other embodiments, the body has surface features (e.g., grooves or other thinned portions) that function as external respiratory passageways. In use, the respiratory passageways decrease obstructions to enable the dog to breathe more freely to avoid overheating and associated problems. In addition, one or more flotation elements can be provided in the body so provide buoyancy for the retrieving device in the event it's launched into water during retrieving activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Thomas C. Angle, Royall M. Broughton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8863697
    Abstract: A sound module for insertion within a pet toy. The sound module is in the form of a shell housing an integrated circuit, power source and speaker, the integrated circuit being programmed to generate a signal to the speaker for creating an audible sound. The shell is in the form of a sphere, oval, square or rectangle ideally having a wall for thickness of between 2 mm and 5 mm and composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin del Pinal, Andrew Murrer
  • Publication number: 20140290587
    Abstract: The invention provides a comestible animal chew and play toy having a unique shape that engages an animal in play before and during consumption. In one aspect, the invention provides a comestible animal chew and play toy made from an edible composition having a helical shape. The edible composition of the comestible animal chew and play toy can be an extruded pet food composition. The edible composition can further include a filling that can be co-extruded, with the edible composition and formed into a helical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC SA
    Inventor: Dan K. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20140245967
    Abstract: The Tooth Ball having a hollow natural leather colored ball with holes throughout also has a powdery substance that mixes with the pets saliva which produces a paste that releases in to the attached bristles and cleans the pets teeth and massages the gums leaving a very clean mouth for the pet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Glaser
  • Publication number: 20140230752
    Abstract: A pet chew toy comprises a layer of animal product about a core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: R2P Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Yerton, David C. Woodward
  • Patent number: 8807088
    Abstract: A dispensing toy for an animal. The dispensing toy may include a dispensing pump and a reservoir. The dispensing pump may include a liquid container having a wall and a first opening defined therein. The dispensing pump may also include an actuator having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the actuator is received in the first liquid container opening and the second end of the actuator includes a configuration to be engaged by an animal. The dispensing pump may also include a bore extending from the first end to the second end of the actuator, a gasket coupled to the actuator wherein the gasket exhibits an interference fit with said liquid container wall, and a locking feature affixed to the first end of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Publication number: 20140224184
    Abstract: A cover device that houses, protects and safely and economically dispenses a roll shaped product, such as a rolled rawhide or holder roll. The cover device substantially encases a roll-shaped product and effectively prevents the pet from accessing the ends of the product. Relatively small access windows provide chewing access to the roll product. The cover body has a hollow cavity and openings allowing access to the roll product. The roll product can be prevented from rotating within the cavity by one or more pin or tab projections extending within the hollow cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Dewey, Mark T. McCary
  • Publication number: 20140209038
    Abstract: A pet chew toy has a body which is formed from an elastic plastic/elastomer and has an opening extending into an associated internal cavity in the body into which treats larger than the opening can be inserted due to the elasticity of the material and returned therein due to the relaxed size of the opening. Chewing by the pet fragments the treats and allows the smaller fragments to fall out through the opening. The opening can be slots, rounded holes, or other openings to vary the technique needed to extract the treats from the toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: David F. Simon
  • Patent number: 8789496
    Abstract: A toy for an animal is provided which comprises a covering of a first polymeric composition; a core of a second polymeric composition which is harder than the first polymeric composition. The core comprises a first member having a first member longitudinal axis connected with a second member having a second member longitudinal axis, wherein the first member is pivotable relative to the second member longitudinal axis and the second member pivotable relative to the first member longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8776728
    Abstract: An edible pet chew for pets primarily dogs has a chewy sheet of meat based material. The “meat based” chewy sheet imitates the chewy property and chewing function of known rawhide sheet and thus substitute the “meat based” chewy sheet for the known rawhide sheet to form a pet chew. In order to achieve the “chewy” property, a necessary additive is used to form the “meat based” material. The “meat based” chewy sheet is then formed to pet chews with various shapes and structures as known rawhide sheet is. A second aspect of present invention is that, wrapping another member of “edible chewable material”, preferably chicken jerky into the “meat based” chewy sheet to further enhance attraction or nutrition to dogs. A third aspect of present invention is that, instead of chewy sheet, a three-dimensional-shape chewy mass is introduced wrapping or containing another member of “edible chewable material” preferably chicken jerky in the chewy mass member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Sunlight Electric Weighing Apparatus Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guangqiang Xu
  • Patent number: 8746181
    Abstract: The helix-shaped, dog chew that has a helicoidally shaped configuration that is similar to an auger (or Archimedes' screw). The chew is fabricated from an extruded or die-cast, pliable material with the consistency of a firm rubber. The material is edible and non-harmful to animals. The helicoidally shaped configuration allows the chew to make contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth to promote thorough cleaning thereof, and to also massage the gums, thereby greatly reducing the incidence of disease and bleeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Dean Berger
  • Patent number: 8746180
    Abstract: A dog toy having a center portion and two opposedly positioned free ends. Each of the free ends of the elongated member includes a plurality of extension members [tines] having a first end connected to the elongated member and a free end spaced apart from the connected portion. The extension members are manufactured by a series of cuts made through each of the free ends of the elongated member. Hence, the user throws the stick through the air, wind or air passes through the slots created by the extension members thereby making an intermittent whistling noise to attract the dog's attention. Further, the extension members of the elongated member make a loud thrashing or clacking noise as the apparatus reaches the ground before retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Moser
  • Patent number: 8746182
    Abstract: A treat dispenser for an animal having, in one embodiment, a container supported by a cage, the container having an opening for the dispensing of treats provided therein, and the cage preventing direct access to the opening by an animal. The cage and the container having a consistent outer periphery to enable rolling of the treat dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: JW Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140137809
    Abstract: An oral chew for toothed animals including at least one outer stabilizing structure and at least one inner stabilizing structure said inner stabilizing structure substantially supporting one or more mesh segments exposed through one or more openings through said outer stabilizing structure to chewing and/or grasping by an animal. The mesh supported within the interstice between the outer stabilizing structure and the inner stabilizing structure and rubbing against an animal's teeth and/or gums during chewing or grasping with oral surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Emanuele Bianchi
  • Patent number: 8701598
    Abstract: A dog bone carrier adapted for receiving and holding various sizes of hollow dog bones, that allows for chewing satisfaction for the animal, while protecting household surfaces for the owner. The carrier includes an elongated shaft having opposite ends attached to first and second end piece balls. The shaft has a length greater than the length of the dog bone for providing a chewing space. A chewing space allows the dog to engage the side of one end of the bone with his or her mouth and also allows space for additional chews. The diameter of the shaft is less than an interior diameter of the hollow bone to allow the dog bone to slide back and forth on the shaft. This difference in diameters forms a treat space. The diameter of the first and second balls is greater than an exterior diameter or width of the dog bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Ann Crabtree
  • Patent number: 8677943
    Abstract: A woven chew toy for animals is provided including one or more of edible resins, such as rawhide, meat jerky, starch and combinations thereof in strip form interwoven together to provide a planar article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Nancy S. Rivadeneira, Ajay Gajria
  • Publication number: 20140060451
    Abstract: An improved pet toy is generally ring-like and is rollable along a surface, such as the ground. The pet toy includes a resilient foam core that is surrounded by an elastomeric outboard portion and a fabric inboard portion that are affixed to one another and to the core. The outboard portion has a roughened surface that provides traction with the ground and enables the pet toy to roll in various fashions. The fabric inboard portion includes a stiffening structure in the form of a rib that resists deformation of the pet toy in a radial direction toward and away from a center of the toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: MARK J. OBLACK, Kyle D. Burger
  • Publication number: 20140053787
    Abstract: An improved pet toy is elongated and has resilient hemispherical ends. The pet toy additionally has fabric cover portion that extends generally between the ends, and further has a resilient core that is enclosed by the ends and the cover portion. The resilient and hemispherical nature of the ends enables the pet toy to bounce and tumble in a seemingly unpredictable fashion when it strikes a surface, which increases interest in the pet toy by an animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Canine Hardware Inc.
    Inventors: MARK J. OBLACK, Kyle D. Burger
  • Publication number: 20140048018
    Abstract: A chew for a domestic animal comprises one or more sheets of a chewable bovine rawhide formed into a shape suitable for chewing by a domestic animal, wherein the one or more sheets has a mass loss of at least 45% as measured by the Degradability Standard Test Protocol. The bovine rawhide is made with a process that includes treatment with an enzyme. A process of making a pet chew from a split bovine hide comprises treating the split bovine hide with an enzyme solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Salix Animal Health, LLC.
    Inventors: Isaac Mendal, Augusto Urbina
  • Patent number: 8627787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Publication number: 20130340685
    Abstract: A chew item enhancement for animals, a chew item enhancement for animals, including an edible treat wrap having a separator provided to at least one side thereof, the edible treat wrap being formed of a self-adhering material such that when the treat wrap is removed from the separator and the treat wrap is applied to a chew item, the treat wrap adheres to the chew item to encourage the animal to chew the chew item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan Grepper
  • Patent number: 8613261
    Abstract: A chew for a domestic animal comprises one or more sheets of a chewable bovine rawhide formed into a shape suitable for chewing by a domestic animal, wherein the one or more sheets has a mass loss of at least 45% as measured by the Degradability Standard Test Protocol. The bovine rawhide is made with a process that includes treatment with an enzyme. A process of making a pet chew from a split bovine hide comprises treating the split bovine hide with an enzyme solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Salix Animal Health, LLC
    Inventors: Isaac Mendal, Augusto Urbina
  • Publication number: 20130333630
    Abstract: An artificial pet chewing leather, manufacturing method and application thereof are disclosed. Raw materials for the artificial pet chewing leather includes water and leather powder obtained by grinding leather, or leather pulp obtained by grinding leather in damp condition with water, or the leather powder and the leather pulp. A method for manufacturing the artificial pet chewing leather includes mixing the raw material and molding, wherein the molding refers to extrusion molding by extruder, molding by biscuit machine, press molding by mould or molding by hand craft. The artificial pet chewing leather is used for pet food. The artificial pet chew of the present invention overcomes shortcomings of the prior art. The raw material is abundantly available and easily obtained. The manufacturing method is easy and cost thereof is low. Furthermore, the pet chew products satisfy tastes of pet dogs and are easy to popularize.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Shangwu Liu
  • Publication number: 20130327279
    Abstract: A chew toy for canine dental care formed of a plurality of elongated rawhide strands, each strand defining a width within the range of about 0.20 to 7.5 millimeters and a thickness within the range of about 0.20 to 3.0 millimeters. The strands are braided together so as to define at least one rawhide braid of a desired size. The rawhide braid is wound or twisted and tied to define a desired chew toy size and shape that, upon be chewed by a dog, provides a messaging of the dog's gums and a cleaning and flossing of the dog's teeth. The chew toy can be soaked in an aqueous solution containing one or more therapeutic agents and/or an animal attractant and baked dry to impregnate the agent(s) or attractant within the rawhide for release when chewed by a dog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen M. Prange, Mingyun Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20130305999
    Abstract: A pet chew product comprising a molded chewable body formed of a composition including edible resin and natural animal fibers, wherein the natural animal fibers are at least one of: (a) located within the chewable body, and (b) located on an exposed surface of the chewable body, and wherein the natural animal fibers are provided by natural animal hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Glen S. AXELROD
  • Publication number: 20130273125
    Abstract: Described herein are chewable articles intended to be provided to animals for purposes including dental cleaning, breath freshening, nutrition, administration to the animal of beneficial agents, satisfaction of the animal's urge to chew, and general enjoyment by the animal. The chews are made to be appetizing to the animal, to satisfy an urge to chew, to effect abrasive cleaning of the animal's teeth, to deliver one or more active agents to the oral cavity of the animal, or a combination of these. The chews have a resilient, chewable texture and are shaped to facilitate dental cleaning, to facilitate oral grasping by the animal, to appeal to human owners of the animal, to enhance the human-animal bond, or a combination of these. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for making such chewable articles and for formulating and using them to effect dental health in animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Del Monte Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. BARNVOS, John F. Berry, Melinda S. Cope, Mark Donatucci, Juravic Davor, Oscar Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20130255592
    Abstract: A weighted pet chew article support device is provided having a weighted structure that is designed to keep a pet within a given area while consuming or gnawing on the treat or chew toy. The device comprises a weighted member having sidewalls, a base, and an upper surface that supports a treat attachment strap. The strap wraps around a pet treat and includes a length of elastomeric material therein to prevent the treat from sliding while grasped by the strap. The base of the weighted member may comprise a non-sliding surface for use on slick floors. The weighted member itself is a resilient sack of lined material that can be readily repaired if the pet gnaws thereon. Further provided is a multi-treat attachment system that includes a plurality of elongated members attaching to the uppermost strap for securing more than one treat therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mary Foley
  • Publication number: 20130247836
    Abstract: A pet toy product comprising at least one edible treat and a body member in the form of a ring surrounding the edible treat, with the body member having opposing sides and a body member aperture. The edible treat is receivable into the body member aperture from either side of the body member, and connected to the body member within the body member aperture by a releaseable mechanical connection formed between the edible treat and the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8534232
    Abstract: An animal chew for an animal, comprising a body having a first outer shape and comprising a first relatively less durable composition, the shape including an opening extending at least part way through the body; a holder having a second shape and comprising a second material, the second material comprising a relatively more durable polymer, the second shape including a shaft portion complementary in shape to the opening in the body to provide an interference fit. The relatively more durable composition of the holder is characterized as having one or more of a variety of features that characterize the more durable composition with respect to the chewing behavior of an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8516977
    Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toy is either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Canine Genius, Inc.
    Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte M. Haakansson
  • Patent number: 8491950
    Abstract: A pet treat having a sugar-based edible portion including a palatant material and a support portion. Incorporation of starch provides a hard-candy texture for the edible portion. The pet treat may be formed as a lollipop, a toy, or a lozenge using either a batch process or a continuous process. Features to interest a pet include a resilient mount, or a rotatable mount. An adhesive mount can attach the support to a variety of surfaces. A replaceable cover and rejuvenant container may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Del Monte Corporation
    Inventors: Tracy Grammer, Davor Juravic, William Keehn, Steven Bautista, Eric J. Lew
  • Patent number: 8479687
    Abstract: A highly palatable and long lasting chew for dogs has been developed by braiding a combination of rawhide and bull, or steer, penis, known in the trade as pizzles. The pizzle is sourced directly from slaughter and the foreskin may be removed. Bleached rawhide splits are cut into rectangular pieces and rolled to form a rope-like strand equal in length to the aforementioned pizzle. Strands of 3 to 8 sections are then woven together to form an elongated braid. Such braids are then hung on racks and undergo a cooking and dehydration step to reduce the moisture content below 10% moisture. The resultant dehydrated sticks are then cut into lengths suitable for offering as a chew for dogs. Such chew is highly palatable because of the dehydrated pizzle. The chew has a very long chew time because of the dense leathery nature of the dehydrated rawhide fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Redbarn Pet Products, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Anderson, Richard L. Harpe, Howard Bloxam, Jeffrey Baikie
  • Patent number: 8474410
    Abstract: An animal throw-toy of resilient construction is provided, comprising a buoyant interior member configured in the form of a distinct object shape, a fabric component that covers the buoyant interior member, and a molded component that also covers the buoyant interior member. The molded component is configurationally arranged relative to the buoyant interior member so as to gyroscopically stabilize the distinct object shape of the buoyant interior member when the throw-toy is thrown. In one embodiment, the fabric component of the throw-toy is a non-woven or woven material which is tear-resistant and the molded component is an elastomeric material which is abrasion-resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Oblack, Justin Bagley, Kyle Douglas Burger, Joseph W. Kent
  • Patent number: 8468977
    Abstract: A pet toy includes a noise making feature that can be selectively activated and deactivated by the pet owner. The noise making feature is in the form of a squeaker incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element is used to activate or deactivate the squeaker. The squeaker is positioned for easy access by the pet owner, but the construction of a squeaker assembly holding the squeaker is such that it prevents the animal from contacting the squeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Kong Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 8464665
    Abstract: A chew toy assembly that is selectively convertible between a ball configuration and a bone configuration. The chew toy assembly has two invertible structures that are disposed at opposite ends of an elongated body. Each of the invertible structures is selectively configured between a hemispherical shape and a funnel shape by physical manipulation, wherein each invertible structure has a central hub. When the invertible structures are in their hemispherical shapes, the invertible structures form a ball around the elongated body. Alternatively, when the invertible structures are in their funnel shapes, the invertible structures diverge away from the elongated body in opposite directions, therein forming a bone configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Keith Scheffler, Simeon E. Tiefel
  • Patent number: 8464666
    Abstract: A pet chew toy, especially for dogs, has a resilient body in the shape of a ball which has a body and a pair of openings which lead into respective interior chambers inside the body of the ball. A generally S-shaped curved wall separates the two interior chambers. Each interior chamber is bounded by a semi-spherical side wall and the generally S-shaped curved wall. The semi-spherical side wall of each chamber has a ledge portion such that the opening disposed near the opening, for aiding in retention of a pet treat which is placed inside the chamber. The ledge is not radially disposed with reference to a center of the ball. The two interior chambers are symmetrical. The hollow interior body of the ball can thus hold either one pet treat in either chamber, or two pet treats with one treat being in each chamber. An air hole can also be provided in a wall distal from the opening of each chamber, to prevent suction from developing when the pet places its tongue into the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan S. Chefetz, Cade Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8453609
    Abstract: The pet toy of the present invention comprises a light weight body and a pet treat dispenser for dispensing a treat to a pet animal upon accessing the pet toy with the pet treat dispenser affixed to the body at a location at or substantially close to the center of gravity of the pet toy and comprising a flexible material divided into at least two sections with each section including one or more layers of flexible material extending from a border area surrounding the perimeter of the pet treat dispenser such that the flexible layer(s) form a plurality of flaps for removably gripping the pet treat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas McCann
  • Publication number: 20130097901
    Abstract: A play toy has a body and at least one noise making device disposed in the body for producing an audible sound upon shaking or compression of the noise making device via the body. In one embodiment, the at least one sound producing device comprises two noise making devices for simultaneously producing two distinctly different audible sounds. In another embodiment, the body is a braided body formed of strands of materials braided together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: John Scott Cooper
  • Patent number: 8413611
    Abstract: An animal chew toy and a method for making such that comprises a fabric having a plurality of fibers and a polymeric material that contacts the fabric wherein the polymer material engages with the plurality of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen S. Axelrod
  • Patent number: 8413612
    Abstract: A dog toy comprised of a plurality of resilient balls, relatively snugly joined in a linear configuration via an interior connecting member. The connecting member protected from wear by the pressure holding two adjacent balls together resisting the penetration of the teeth of an animal playing with the toy. The toy appearance describable as a ball log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew David Smith
  • Publication number: 20130074778
    Abstract: A linking unit, advantageously made of rubber or elastomeric resin or an edibly consumable material, includes at least a portion which is looped in an encircling configuration, but which includes a discontinuity for allowing the loop to be linked with an enclosed structure of another element. The unit link when assembled as an interconnected structure will find particularly advantageous utility as a pet toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
  • Patent number: 8393300
    Abstract: A pet toy includes a flexible body with rope support configurations. In one embodiment, the rope configurations include one or more loops that are exposed and one or more knots that are covered by an exterior plush component of the pet toy. In another embodiment, two or more strands of rope material are tied in a series of knots, and an additional strand of rope material may be tied to the other strands in a transverse fashion. Preferably, the exterior plush component includes fabric. One or more of the free ends of the strands of rope material may also protrude beyond the plush component. The fabric material is sewn over the exposed portions of the rope material. Enough fabric material is used such that twisting, extending and retracting the rope material does not transfer force directly to the exterior fabric, thereby preserving the exterior plush component. The knots provide internal bulk to the body of the toy eliminating the need for stuffing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Kong Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Markham, Chuck Costello, Sabine Crane
  • Patent number: 8393301
    Abstract: A containment vessel for teething and feeding includes an elongate object having axially opposed end portions and a central portion extending between the end portions, and a mesh pouch attached to the central portion. The pouch has an opening, which can be closed when the pouch is attached to the elongate object. The pouch can have a flap which is wrapped around the central portion and attached to the pouch prior to placing an object in the bag and closing the opening. In an alternative, the opening of the pouch is captured between inside surfaces of a two-part object. The elongate object preferably resembles a bone, the vessel being especially suitable for dogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Laura M. Jacobs