Mastication Patents (Class 119/709)
  • Publication number: 20130036988
    Abstract: A pet chew snack has a winding belt and a body. The winding belt is edible. The body is solid, chewable and edible and has a helical slot and at least one hole. The helical slot is helically formed in and distributed across the middle portion. Each one of the at least one hole is located at one of the end portions for one end of the winding belt to be mounted therein. The winding belt is replaceably mounted in the at least one hole and the helical slot. As the winding belt is received in the helical slot and the at least one hole of the body, it takes pets longer time to consume the winding belt. Moreover, the winding belt is replaceable. Accordingly, the pet chew snack prolongs attraction to pets in chewing the body by having the winding belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng LAI
  • Patent number: 8360008
    Abstract: A biodegradable chew toy having a first body that is made of a first biodegradable material have first characteristic. A second body is made of a second biodegradable material having a second characteristic. The second body is overmolded by the first body. The first characteristic and the second characteristic differ by elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: J.W. Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Willinger, Ryan Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20130000565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-functional chewing gum for a pet, wherein the outer surface of a porous molding compound, including 40 wt % to 80 wt % of starch, 2 wt % to 15 wt % of sugar, 3 wt % to 25 wt % of humectants, with the remainder being a solvent, is coated with a coating solution including 3 wt % to 20 wt % of a coating agent, with the remainder being a solvent, as well as to a method for preparing same. A porous chewing gum for a pet of the present invention may be used to clean the teeth of a pet, enhance the preservation of gums, and preserve effective nutrients while functioning as a toy for pets. Furthermore, it removes tartar, dental plaque, and bad breath of a pet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FORCANS INC.
    Inventors: Bon Gil Koo, Myung Jin Lee, Chan Mi Chon
  • Patent number: 8342133
    Abstract: A pet toy includes a noise making instrument. In a preferred embodiment, the noise making instrument is a squeaker incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. The internal holding pocket frictionally engages the squeaker. The squeaker is located within the protected internal holding pocket such that it is very difficult for the animal to remove the squeaker. Optionally, a control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Kong Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 8342132
    Abstract: A pet toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance a dental cleaning action of the animal toy within the animal's mouth. The raised features are provided in groups or sets of linearly extending and uniformly spaced protrusions. The protrusions preferably cover a majority of the outer surface of the pet toy. The distal tips of the protrusions may be roughened in order to enhance dental cleaning. A squeaker may be incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Kong Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Patent number: 8322308
    Abstract: An animal toy includes a housing comprising a hollow air filled compartment and an outer wall substantially completely circumscribing the hollow compartment. A squeaker is mounted in the outer wall to permit air to flow into and out of the hollow. The squeaker has two operative configurations, a first operative configuration that allows air to flow through the squeaker, and a second operative configuration that prevents air from flowing through the squeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Jon K Curry, Sharon A Ritchey
  • Patent number: 8312844
    Abstract: A pet toy includes an internal skeletal member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The internal skeletal member is configured to deform upon compression such that opposing sides of the internal surface come into contact with each other. An outer covering surrounds the skeletal member. A sound-emitting squeaker device is located within an internal space of the internal skeletal member. The sound-emitting squeaker device remains free to move throughout the internal space of the internal skeletal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Charles D. Mann
  • Publication number: 20120279460
    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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: David Pang, Jing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120272922
    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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD, Ajay GAJRIA
  • Patent number: 8276547
    Abstract: A pet toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance a dental cleaning action of the animal toy within the animal's mouth. The raised features are provided in groups or sets of linearly extending and uniformly spaced protrusions. The protrusions preferably cover a majority of the outer surface of the pet toy. The distal tips of the protrusions may be roughened in order to enhance dental cleaning. A squeaker may be incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Kong Company
    Inventor: Joseph P. Markham
  • Publication number: 20120204810
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD, Ajay GAJRIA
  • Publication number: 20120204809
    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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen S. AXELROD, Ajay GAJRIA
  • Patent number: 8215267
    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: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Nancy S. Rivadeneira, Ajay Gajria
  • Publication number: 20120160180
    Abstract: An edible pet chew having a non-branching body configured to at least partially enclose an open space between portions of the body, and is preferably in the form of a ring with a central opening. The width or thickness of the chew is sized to fit within the mouth of pet of pre-determined size for chewing action, but the overall dimension of the chew is such that the chew cannot be swallowed whole by the pet. One or more lines of weakness may also be formed in the body of the pet chew to serve as pre-determined fracture lines along which the pet chew will break into smaller pieces. The pet chew may be formed of segments that are sized to provide a recommended single portion for the pet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Stewart Townsend, Jason Michael Friedland, Peter Slusarczyk
  • Publication number: 20120152181
    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: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SALIX ANIMAL HEALTH, LLC.
    Inventors: Isaac Mendal, Augusto Urbina
  • Patent number: 8196550
    Abstract: A solar-powered ball is described. The solar-powered ball includes a member positioned in an interior of the solar-powered ball. The member comprises a solar panel that powers motion-activated lights. The solar-powered ball provides a pet toy. The solar-powered ball further includes an internal frame that supports an outer shell. The outer shell allows solar or light radiation to pass through to the solar panel in order to power the motion-activated lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Levin, Gwendolyn Newsome, Ryan P. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120132150
    Abstract: A biodegradable chew toy having a first body that is made of a first biodegradable material have first characteristic. A second body is made of a second biodegradable material having a second characteristic. The second body is overmolded by the first body. The first characteristic and the second characteristic differ by elasticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: J.W. PET COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Jonathan WILLINGER
  • Publication number: 20120111284
    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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: DEAN BERGER
  • Publication number: 20120090556
    Abstract: An animal chew toy with a handle and a hand guard that wraps around knuckles and fingers of a human hand. The handle extends forwardly from or through the hand guard to support a chew toy a distance from the hand guard. The handle also extends rearwardly to be grasped by a hand of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: JoAnne De Rosa
  • Publication number: 20120085295
    Abstract: Word shaped pet toy with an elongate molded rubber-like structure that is shaped to form three dimensional letters that combine to form a word, and the word forming a plurality of chewable indentations and surfaces resulting from the shapes of the letters. In one embodiment, the elongate structure is molded of solid rubber. In another embodiment, the elongate structure is molded of rubber or rubber-like material and has a hollow interior portion. In another embodiment, the word shaped pet toy includes a standard squeaker mechanism or a standard audio sound emitting electronic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Mick Laska, Staysea L. Colteaux
  • Patent number: 8141521
    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 toys are 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. Morever, 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: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Canine Genius, Inc.
    Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte M. Haakansson
  • Patent number: 8127720
    Abstract: A chew toy includes a first body comprises a biodegradeable material, the first body includes an interior space and a passage to the interior space and a second body that is disposed at least partially in the interior space and extends through the passage to an exterior of the first body. The second body includes a food item. A method of making a chew toy includes inserting a food item into a mold and molding a biodegradable material as a body around the food item. The body includes an interior space and a passage to the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: J.W. Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Willinger
  • Patent number: 8122853
    Abstract: To provide a combination of at least one motivational object for dogs, which comprises of a bite body, and a carrying device for the at least one motivational object, which comprises of a clamping element, on which the bite body of the motivational object is detachably secured, which allows for an easy carrying or storing of the motivational object while not in use, it is proposed that the bite body comprises a of a recess in which the insertion section of a clamping element of the carrying device is insertable in an insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Elation Inc.
    Inventor: Ekard Lind
  • Patent number: 8124156
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Publication number: 20120037086
    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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Laura M. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8087387
    Abstract: A unique pet device that is used to hold “chewable” objects for pets such as rawhide bones, carrots and other consumables. The device for pets may be used with dogs, cats, ferrets and other animals that have a proclivity to chew. The device is comprised of a unique combination of a base support with special features, a bone or object holding structure with special integral or discrete components and features, and an optional hold down lid or top to assist the containment of the rawhide or chew toy that is being held by the device. The device is made of high quality, durable material that is pet safe and non-toxic to animals and humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: Angela Gamble, Julie Fallon
  • Publication number: 20110308477
    Abstract: A dog tug apparatus includes a housing having a dispensing portion and a tug device configured to extend from and retract back into the housing. The tug device includes a tug having teeth scrubbing bristles extending there from. A resistance assembly resists unwinding of the tug line, and includes first and second opposing electromagnets suspended about the periphery of a slotted metal disk. A controller can adjust the resistance applied by the resistance assembly and provide an audible signal at the end of an exercise event. A recovery mechanism provides a means for rewinding the tug line about the spool after the tug line has been unwound, such as during a dog exercise event. In use, the rotation of the spool in the direction to unwind the tug line rotates a reduction gear system and results in the rotation of a treat dispensing mechanism to dispense a dog treat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ahmed Khan Durrani
  • Publication number: 20110303160
    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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 8074609
    Abstract: A rawhide chew with a pizzle inner member is described. The rawhide chew includes a rawhide outer layer formed of a rawhide sheet. The rawhide outer layer comprises a hole cut therethrough to form a cut-out window. Pizzle positioned within the rawhide outer layer such that the pizzle is externally viewable through the cut-out window. Further, the pizzle is rolled within the rawhide outer layer such that no edges of the pizzle protrude through the cut-out window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant Adkins
  • Publication number: 20110297104
    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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Publication number: 20110290197
    Abstract: Provided is a pet dental chew. The pet dental chew includes a body made of material ingestible for a pet and having a predetermined size insertable to a pet's mouth, a plurality of upper core units formed on one side of the body, a plurality of lower core units formed on the other side of the body and arranged in a pattern oblique to the plurality of the upper core units, and a plurality of air holes formed in the body between the one side and the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Bon Gill KOO, Myung Jin Lee, Chan Mi Chon
  • Publication number: 20110277698
    Abstract: A pet chew toy, especially for dogs, does not wear out easily, does not get chewed up easily, and which continues to maintain the interest of the pet throughout the life of the chew toy, has a resilient body in the shape of a lock which has a body and a U-shaped member connected to the body. The body is hollow, and has an open bottom wall leading to an interior chamber with a plurality of resiliently deformable ribs extending from the walls of the hollow body and into the interior chamber. One pair of opposed ribs is larger than the others, so as to divide the interior chamber into two smaller compartments. In this way, the hollow body can hold either one large dog treat or two smaller dog treats, such that the deformable ribs grip and retain the dog treat(s) inside the interior chamber. An air hole is preferably also provided in a wall opposite to the open bottom wall, to prevent suction from developing when the pet places its tongue into the interior chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan S. Chefetz
  • Publication number: 20110265732
    Abstract: A pet chew toy has a shell and a filling. The shell is solid, chewable and edible, and defines a chamber in the shell. The filling is edible, corresponds to and is mounted in the chamber. The chamber may be fully formed in the shell, may be formed longitudinally through the shell and may further comprise branches formed transversely through the shell. The filling may be meat based. Therefore, pets are encouraged to chew the chew toy to access the filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 8042493
    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: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Laura M. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8033253
    Abstract: A game method and apparatus reduces the risk that a thrown toy will injure an animal. The apparatus consists of a buoyant toy with a sealed channel extending completely through the toy. A soft, flexible, water absorbent member extends through the sealed channel and is used to throw the toy and to facilitate retrieval of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Sharon A Ritchey, Jon K Curry
  • Patent number: 7997229
    Abstract: A water sprinkler specifically designed for exercising and entertaining dogs that is composed of a highly-durable, non-toxic, flexible, plastic, or like material having perforations for water to spray. Dogs entertain themselves in water sprinklers, however, water sprinklers are often not durable and do not withstand dogs biting them. Dogs can also harm themselves by biting sharp material used to manufacture most standard water sprinklers. This invention is a durable rubber or similar material bone water sprinkler that connects to a standard garden water hose. Dogs can pick it up in their mouths to move it around, nip at the spraying water, and chew on the water sprinkler safely. The body of the sprinkler is shaped in a manner that encourages play even without water spraying from the perforations. The water sprinkler for dogs addresses the chewing and biting issue characteristic of dogs when playing with water sprinklers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Saborio, Andreana Louise Ososki
  • Publication number: 20110192353
    Abstract: A multi-material pet toy includes a first member having an attractant for making the multi-material pet toy interesting to a pet and a second member for protecting the first member to lengthen a serviceable life of the first member. The toy may be configured so that the first member includes a sound-producing member for making a noise without air movement passing through the sound-producing member, and the second member includes a protective member for protecting the sound-producing member. The toy may also be configured so that the first member includes a mouth-feel member for providing attraction for the pet with the noise of air movement passing through the mouth-feel member, and the second member includes a protective member for protecting the mouth-feel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: J.W. PET COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Willinger, Ryan Rutherford, Andrea Matz
  • Publication number: 20110185980
    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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Nathan S. Chefetz, Cade Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20110146586
    Abstract: The Long Lasting Dog Toy is a line of specially designed dog toys, each featuring reinforced Kevlar™ and Teflon™ material designed to withstand excessive wear and tear. The Long Lasting Dog Toy features a lightweight, yet durable hardened carbon fiber outer shell, with a textured nylon or, in other embodiments, a comparable coating designed to provide a pleasing texture to the animal. Most notably, the interior of the Long Lasting Dog Toy is comprised of alternating layers of reinforced Kevlar and Teflon, in the center of which is a porous rubber core designed to facilitate bounce. The Long Lasting Dog Toy is produced in a myriad of colors and designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Michael A. Turner
  • Publication number: 20110139087
    Abstract: A digestible pet chew and method for making a digestible pet chew is provided. The method includes combining ingredients including a leavening agent and an acid to form a mixture having about 16 to 32% moisture, adding the mixture to a barrel of an injection molding machine and plasticizing the mixture with heat and pressure to form a plasticized material. The plasticized material is injected into a mold and cooled for a time sufficient to form a skin surrounding a center portion. When the mold is opened, the center portion expands to form a pet chew having an outer skin and an expanded center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lang, Andrew Teconchuk, Rhonda Sisson, Lee Randall, Gary Provencher, Tom Asquith, Brandon Senne
  • Patent number: 7958877
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for launching targets, retrieval devices and combination target and retrieval devices, wherein the targets and retrieval devices may be irregularly shaped, such as like birds. Multiple targets are held on a carousel delivery system and eventually moved in a launching position by a push arm. A throwing arm is then rotated, pushing the target along a throwing guide until it reaches a launching position, at which point the target is released for use in shooting practice and/or training retrieving dogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Tom Lalor
  • Patent number: 7950353
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 7930996
    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 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 7909003
    Abstract: An interconnected ring chain comprises a first ring comprising a biologically degradable material and having a first shape and a second ring comprising a biologically degradable material and having a second shape and interconnected with the first ring such that the first and second rings are both movable and substantially inseparable relative to each other. Each ring may be solid (continuous) or non-solid (discontinuous) such that the rings may be interconnected by mechanical or non-mechanical methods. A chain may be formed from rings having the same or various shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: J. W. Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Willinger
  • Publication number: 20110048338
    Abstract: A pet toy may include an outer covering and a bladder assembly. The bladder assembly may include a bladder and a squeaker assembly. The squeaker assembly may include one or more ribs. The bladder may include a body and a neck. The neck may have one or more grooves. A rib may engage a groove. The engagement of the rib with the groove may prevent the squeaker assembly from exiting the opening of the bladder when the bladder is compressed. The body of the bladder may have a shape which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed. The body may be made of a material which allows the body to return to the uncompressed state after the body has been compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Tuff Enuff Pet Products, LLC
    Inventor: Paul B. Specht
  • Publication number: 20110011351
    Abstract: A pet chew toy which provides dental cleaning benefits to pets is disclosed. The pet chew toy includes a fabric covering over a central body or core. Elevated portions extend from the fabric surface and may be arranged in rows, rings, patterns, or any other decorative design. Elevated portions may be arranged to accommodate the dental structure of various types of pets. Bristles are secured to the elevated portions, and extend in a direction generally horizontal to the surface of the fabric. Bristles may be of various lengths to accommodate different sized teeth. In use, when a pet chews on the toy, the pet's teeth comes in contact with the bristles to allow the bristle to generate a brushing motion. The chew toy may include an internal compartment for holding and dispensing pet treats, and/or may include a noise making element within the chew toy to capture the pets attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jacquelyn Simoni
  • Patent number: 7870839
    Abstract: A flexible, durable pet toy includes an outer plush layer and an inner fleece layer positioned adjacent thereto and optionally adhesively secured thereto. The outer and inner layers form a shell of a three dimensional object, and a filling material fills the shell. Seams that join edges of the outer and inner layers are folded inward and are contained within the object. The seams are reinforced with a webbing strip, and fastened by thread to create a flexible interior skeleton frame. A method for making such a pet toy is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen M. Sacra
  • Publication number: 20110000441
    Abstract: A pet toy has an outer wall and a first opening in the outer wall that extends into an interior of the pet toy, a portion of the interior being hollow. At least one second opening is defined in the outer wall and functions as a vent to prevent a pet's tongue from becoming inadvertently and harmfully sealed within the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: JW PET COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Klaus Woltmann, Jonathan Willinger
  • Publication number: 20110000440
    Abstract: A tether device includes a tether assembly disposed between two entities maintaining connection between the entities. A resilient element is integrated with the tether assembly. A geometry of the tether assembly and the resilient element create first and second resilient element and tether force-displacement responses when the resilient element and tether assembly are together subjected to at least first and second axial displacement forces. The second axial displacement force is greater than the first axial displacement force. The first force-displacement response, when subjected to the first axial displacement force, is greater than the second force-displacement response when subjected to the second axial displacement force. The geometry can include a tether configured in a serpentine formation in a relaxed position. The serpentine formation straightens taut when the tether is fully extended by the second axial displacement force. The geometry can also include multiple O-rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Dreamcatcher Patent and Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Frank L. Mucerino, JR., Laura Mucerino, Van T. Walworth, David B. Hook
  • Publication number: 20100326369
    Abstract: A pet toy is provided that includes an elongated body portion defining an inner cavity portion. The elongated body portion is provided with an exterior plush-like fabric material. A secondary pet toy, such as a dog bone, is disposed in the inner-cavity portion of the elongated body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: George Freeman, Richard Shiu