Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K15/00—Devices for taming animals, e.g. nose-rings or hobbles; Devices for overturning animals in general; Training or exercising equipment; Covering boxes
  • A01K15/02—Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals ; Electric shock devices; Toys specially adapted for animals
  • A01K15/025—Toys specially adapted for animals
  • A01K15/026—Chewable toys, e.g. for dental care of pets

Definitions

• ⁇ s invention generally relates to ansmal husbandry and more particularly relates to an edible ansmal chew for cleaning laniaries and gum tissue of an animal and a method of using the same,
• tooth decay is caused by a thin layer of food debris, dead ceils and proteins from saliva that form plaque on the teeth and gum tissue of the animal.
• the plaque which causes the tooth decay, hardens to form a calculus unless removed.
• Periodontal disease which is also referred to as gingivitis or gum disease, can be caused by bacteria located between the teeth and gum tissue (i.e. , gingival pocket) of the animal. Presence of these bacteria also leads to formation of plaque that, in turn, can cause periodontal disease.
• tooth decay in animals occurs when food debris containing carbohydrates (i.e. , sugars and starches) are left on the teeth.
• Tooth decay and periodontal disease are painful for the animal and affects the animal's overall health status.
• tooth decay and periodontal disease are associated with heart disease, heart attack and cardiac arrhythmia in animals.
• Tooth decay and periodontal disease are also associated with damage to internal organs, such as kidneys, lungs and bladder. Such damage to internal organs, in some cases, can be life threatening. Therefore, it is important that the animal's teeth and gum tissue be regularly and adequately cleaned to avoid tooth decay and periodontal disease,
• a simulated dog bone is used to clean the dog's teeth and gum tissue. It is believed that having such a cleaning device in the shape of a dog bone encourages the dog to use the device.
• a pet owner provides the simulated dog hone to the dog and the dog then chews on the simulated dog bone. By chewing the simulated dog bone, the dog cleans its teeth and gum tissue.
• simulated dog bones are made of non-organic, indigestible, artificial materials. That is, some simulated dog bones are mad of non-organic, indigestible, artificial materials such as animal rawhide, rubber (e.g., fluorocarbon, silicone, ethylene acrylic, polyurethane, etc.), nylon (i.e., poiyamides comprising hexamethylenediarmne and adipsc acid) and even cloth.
• Such simulated dog bones are not intended to be digested by the dog because such simulated dog bones contain no food ingredients. Consequently, the dog obtains no nutritional benefit by using such a simulated clog bone.
• simulated dog bone or dog biscuit contains food ingredients for facilitating nutritional needs of the dog, white the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit attempts to clean the dog's teeth.
• simulated dog bones or dog biscuits comprise digestible ingredients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber. More specifically, a source of
• Sources of carbohydrates is provided by a mixture of ground com, wheat or rice.
• Sources of protein are provided by corn gluten meal, soybean meal, poultry byproduct meal, bone meal, dried liver meal, meat, milk, and/or eggs.
• Sources of fats are provided by plants, fish and animal by-products.
• Sources of fiber in the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit include dried wood that is cleaned and processed into a fine powder: corn bran used as filler and for adding bulk to the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit material; corn cellulose used to add bulk and consistency; soybean meal and wheat meal.
• Such a digestible simulated dog bone or dog biscuit may also contain antioxidants, such as zinc oxide and manganese oxide, to retard decomposition of vitamins and other nutrients added to the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit and to prolong freshness of the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit,
• antioxidants such as zinc oxide and manganese oxide
• Artificial flavor enhancers simulating various flavors, such as meat or fish flavors are also often added as ingredients to the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit to make the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit more appealing to the dog.
• Such flavor enhancers may contain phosphoric acid; animal digest from dead, diseased or dying animals prior to slaughter: glandular meal to provide liver flavor; plant abstracts; spice and other flavor enhancers.
• simulated dog bones or dog biscuits also contain preservatives to preserve fats present in the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit and thereby extend shelf life of the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit product in stores selling pet supply products.
• preservatives may be Butyiated Hydroxysaniso!e antioxidant (BHA), Butlyiated Hydroxytoluene antioxidant (BHT), Ethoxyquin, and Propyl Ga!late antioxidant,
• coloring agents may be added in order to make the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit more appealing to pet owners.
• coloring agents may be FD&C ⁇ federal Food, Drug & Cosmetics Act) Blue No 2 (i.e., dlsodium salt of 2-(1 ⁇ ihydro-3-oxo-5-sulfo ⁇ 2H-indo!-2-ySide!ie ⁇ 2,3- dihydro ⁇ 3-oxo-1 H-indoSe-5 ⁇ sulfonic add with smaller amounts of the disodtum salt of 2- ⁇ 1 3>dihydro-3-oxo-7 ⁇ sulfo-2H-indo!
• suffophenylHTM [4 ⁇ sulfopheny!-a20l ⁇ 1H ⁇ pyrazote-3 ⁇ carboxylic acid (CAS Reg, No, 1934-21- 0); FD&C Yellow No. 8 (i.e., the disodium salt of 6-bydroxy-5 ⁇ [(4- su!foptienyt)azo] ⁇ 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid) and other artificial colorings.
• supplements are sometimes added to simylated dog bones or dog biscuits.
• Such supplements include bone phosphate for balancing calcium and phosphorus content of the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit; salt for added flavor and as a preservative; mineral oil to act as a stool softener and laxative; yeast culture used as a flavoring; yeast fermentation solubles used as a vitamin B supplement; synthetic vitamin E (I.e., Di-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate) in addition to other supplements.
• Sweeteners are also commonly added to the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit for making the simulated dog bone or dog biscuit more appealing to the dog.
• Such sweeteners include cane molasses, corn syrup, fructose, sorbitol (i.e., a sweetish crystalline alcohol), processed sugar and other sweeteners,
• FD&C Yellow No. 6 is a carcinogen and may cause tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney.
• BHA and BHT are carcinogens and may contribute to carcinogenicity or turnorigenicity, Ethoxyquin, for example, has been linked to skin allergies, cancer, and liver damage in animals, FD C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow Mo, 6 may be responsible for allergic reactions in animals, as well as the previously mentioned carcinogenic effects.
• Processed sugar additives such as the previously mentioned cane molasses, corn syrup, fructose, and sorbitol, may promote hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies in animals if the sugar content is high enough, Moreover, the previously mentioned synthetic vitamins do not interact with the animal's body the same way as natural vitamins and, therefore, can cause toxicity when doses ar too high and if these synthetic vitamins are not flushed from the animal's body. Such synthetic vitamins may accumulate in the animal's body and become toxic at high levels.
• animal food such as simulated dog bones and dog biscuits, which is free of artificial or synthetic ingredients
• animal food not contain artificial or synthetic ingredients, such as artificial or synthetic flavoring, preservatives, coloring, supplements, sweeteners, and other unsuitable, added ingredients.
• artificial or synthetic ingredients can, over time, increase the health risk to the animal. Holistic, organic or all-natural ingredients, on the other hand, reduce the health risk to the animal.
• organic ingredients as used herein and as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officers (AAFCO), means food ingredients that do not include artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
• AAFCO is a voluntary membership association of local, state and federal agencies authorized by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal daig remedies.
• an animal food such as an edible simulated dog bone or dog biscuit, which not only cleans teeth or laniaries, but also maintains or improves the animal's health status by providing suitable nutrition.
• an animal food should be free of artificial or synthetic ingredients that might otherwise cause damage to the animal's interna! organs or promote allergic reactions. Consequently, such an animal food should contain organic or "all-natural" ingredients.
• Use of organic or all-natural ingredients in animal food, such as simulated dog bones and dog biscuits improves digestion, provides more effective weight management, reduces costl visits to veterinarians d e to animal illness, and reduces risk of food allergies.
• use of organic or all-natural ingredients may avoid or reduce an undesirable impact on the environment because organic ingredients are generally obtained from produce and grains grown without use of pesticides that would otherwise enter ground water,
• an edible animal chew Is supplied that may comprise a molded body having a cylinder portion and a length on a common axial centerline i the cylinder portion
• the chew comprising a curved surface and a planar surface and carrying a plurality of projections extending from the curved surface.
• the plurality of projections may extend radially from the curved surface and substantially perpendicular to the common axial centerline.
• the animal chew may be molded from a variety of materials including hard material, soft material, digestible material and indigestible material
• the animal chew is made of starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolyzed collagen, thermoplastic polymers or mixtures thereof.
• thermoplastic polymers include polyamides, poiyurethanes and ethylene copolymers
• the animal chew Is made of a digestible material having a starch base, and in particular, wheat based starch.
• This published patent application further discloses that a variety of additives may be added as well, including attraotants, humectants, vitamins and flavorings, Svloreover, this published patent application states that the animal chew provides enhanced teeth cleaning capability and is made from an injection molding process.
• the animal chew disclosed by this published patent application does not appear to be
• the brush-shaped head may contain individual segments having an elliptical cross section, so that a dog's tooth can work between the individual segments or "bristles," Elsewhere on the profile of the dog chew, stepped surfaces are avoided in favor of smooth, rounded surfaces, so that the dog chew is more easily handled in the dog's mouth and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance, fn addition, this published patent application discloses that angled spaces between the segments of the brush-shaped head and a groove along the shaft create predetermined fracture lines so that the dog chew breaks along those fracture Sines when the dog chews on it. This pubiished patent application further discloses that a composition that yields a softer, more elastic dog chew will also tend to assist the breakage along the predetermined fracture lines.
• this published patent application does not appear to recognize a need for natural ingredients or a need to avoid artificial additives In the dog chew. Also, it appears that a dog may have difficulty placing the dog chew in its mouth given the configuration and shape of the dog chew.
• the approaches recited hereinabove may disclose (1) a polymeric dog bone that has one or more dental care features, (2) an animal chew that provides therapeutic action regardless of the radial direction m which the cylinder portion thereof may be configured, and (3) a dog chew that is configured such that small pieces break off whe a dog bites and chews the article, the approaches recited hereinabove do not appear to disclose the invention described and claimed herelnbelow.
• the present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art approaches mentioned hereinabove by providing an edible animal chew and a method of using the same.
• [O 22J he edible animal chew of th Invention is made from organic and all- natural ingredients. Therefore, the animal chew is free from synthetic and certain added ingredients, such as added sugars. Avoidance of synthetic and certain added ingredients obtains a health benefit for an animal, such as a dog s because risk of disease due to improper nutrition and ingestion of possible carcinogens is reduced.
• natural vitamins may be added to the animal chew composition to maintain and/or enhance the animal's health status
• fh& animal chew includes a cylindrical proximal end portion having a first surface having a plurality of first projections extending therefrom for cleaning laniaries (i.e., canine teeth) and gum tissue of the animal when the animal chews on the proximal end portion. Cleaning the laniaries and gum tissue removes food debris and plaque from the laniaries and gum tissue. Such food debris and plaque might otherwise lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• the proximal end portion is cylindrical, so that the proximal end portion is insertable into the mouth of the animal independent of radial direction of insertion.
• the animal chew also includes a distal end portion In the shape of a triangular prism for facilitating insertion of the distal end portion into either a smaller mouth of a smaller animal or optionally a larger mouth of a larger animal. Also, the triangular prism shape of distal end portio reduces risk that the animal will bite-off an overly large piece of the animal chew that might otherwise cause the animal to choke, A plurality of second projections extends from a second surface of the distal end portion for cleaning laniaries and gum tissue of the animal. In addition, a plurality raised nodules are formed on a third surface opposite the second surface of the distal end portion primarily for massaging the gum tissue,
• the nodules also necessarily remove food debris and plaque from the gum tissue in order to reduce risk of periodontal disease,
• the animal chew further includes an elongated medial portion
• the medial portion is generally arch-shaped for facilitating upward lifting and manipulation of the animal chew by the animal. Upward lifting and manipulation of the animal chew allows the animal to more easily insert the animal chew into its mouth for chewing.
• An injection mold system is used to manufacture the animal chew.
• the injection moid system includes a hopper for receiving a multiplicity of animal feed pellets that will ultimately form the composition of the animal chew. In this regard, the animal feed pellets are fed from the hopper to a piston chamber and
• the composition is then pushed or injected by the piston into a cavity of predetermined shape, which cavity is defined by a mold.
• At least one heater element is disposed near the mold for heating the mold that, in turn, bakes the composition in the cavity by means of heat conduction through the mold.
• the heat drives a predetermined amount of moisture from the composition to at least partially harden the composition in the cavity s so as to form the predetermined shape of the animal chew.
• the animal chew is retrieved from the mold, cooled and shipped to a prospective customer or placed in Inventory for subsequent shipment,
• an edible animal chew comprising: an elongated body having a pmximal end portion, a distal end portion and a curvilinear medial portion interconnecting the proximal end portion and the distal end portion; a plurality of first projections extending from the proximal end portion; a plurality of second projections extending from the distal end portion; and a plurality of modules formed on the distal end portion.
• an edible animal chew comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a cua-ilioear medial portion interconnecting the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the proximal end portion having a first surface, the distal end portion having second surface and a third surface opposite the second surface, the distal end portion being generally polyhedron- shaped; a plurality of first projections extending from the first surface; a plurality of second projections extending from the second surface; and a plurality of nodules formed on the third surface.
• an edible animal chew comprising: an animal chewab!e elongated body having a generally cylindrical proximal end portion for facilitating insertion of the proximal end portion into a mouth of an animal independent of radial direction of insertion, a distal end portion generally in the shape of a triangular prism for facilitating insertion of the distal end portion into a smaller mouth or optionally a larger mouth of an animal and a generally arch-shaped medial portion for facilitating upward lifting of the elongated body by the animal, the medial portion
• proximal end portion interconnecting the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the proximal end portion having a first surface, the distal end portion having a second surface and a third surface opposite the second surface; a plurality of first projections extending from the first surface and having a first Iength for cleaning a plurality of la iaries of the animal while the animal chews the elongated body; a plurality of second projections extending from the second surface and having a second Iength greater than th first Iength for cleaning the plurality of laniaries of the animal while the animal chews the elongated body; and a plurality of raised nodules formed on the third surface for periodontal massage while the animal chews the elongate body.
• a method of using an edible animal chew comprising the steps of; facilitating insertion of a generally cylindrical-shaped proximal end portion of an edible animal chewable elongated body into a mouth of an animal, the proximal end portion being generally cylindrical for insertion independent of radial direction of insertion, the proximal end portion having a first surface: facilitating insertion of a triangular prism-shaped distal end portion of the elongated body into a smaller mouth of a smaller animal or optionally into a larger mouth of a iarger animal , the distal end portion having a second surface and a third surface opposite the second surface; facilitating upward lifting of the elongated body by th animal while the animal manipulates a medial portion of the elongated body, the medial portion interconnecting the proximal end portion and the distal end portion;
• a feature of the present invention is the provision of an elongated body having a generally cylindrical proximal end portion for facilitating insertion of the proximal end portion into the mouth of the animal independent of radial direction of Insertion.
• Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a distal end portion In the shap of a triangular prism for facilitating insertion of the distal end portion into either a smaller mouth of a smaller animal or optionally a larger mouth of a larger animal.
• An additional feature of the present invention is the provision of an elongated medial portion interconnecting the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the medial portion being generally arch-shaped for facilitating upward lifting and manipulation of the animal chew by the animal
• a further feature of the present invention is the provision of a plurality of first projections radially outwardly extending from the proximal end portion for cleaning Ianiaries and gum tissue of the animal.
• Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a plurality of second projections outwardly extending from the distal end portio for cleaning Ianiaries and gum tissue of the animal .
• Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision of a plurality of raised nodules formed on the distal end portion for messaging the gum tissue of the animal and for removing food debris and plaque from the gum tissue.
• 0036J various other method and/or device aspects and features are set forth and described in the teachings, such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description ⁇ and/or drawings of the present invention. 10037]
• the foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
• FIG. 1 is a view In perspective showing a top side of a first embodiment edible anlmaS chew
• FIG, 2 is a view in perspective showing a bottom side of the first embodiment edible animal chew
• FIG. 3 is a view in elevation showing the top side of the first embodiment edible animal chew
• FIG. 4 is a view in elevation showing the bottom side of the first embodiment edible animal chew
• FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view In elevatio of a proximal end portion of the first embodiment edible animal chew, this view also showing a plurality of first projections having a cylindricaSly-shaped contour;
• FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view i elevation of a distal end portion of the first embodiment edible animal chew, this view also showing a plurality of second projections having a cylindhcally-shaped contour and further showing a plurality of raised nodules;
• FIG. ? is a fragmentary view in elevation of the proximal end portion of the first embodiment edible animal chew, this view also showing the plurality of first projections having a conically-shaped contour;
• FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in elevatio of the distal end portion of the first embodiment edible animal chew, this view also showing the plurality of second projections having a conically-shaped contour and further showing the plurality of raised nodules;
• FIG. 9 is a side view in elevation of the first embodiment edible animal chew
• FIG. 10 is a side view in vertical section of the first embodiment edible animal chew, this view also showing the first embodiment animal chew comprising an edible composition
• FIG. 11 is a side view in vertical section of a second embodiment edible animal chew, this view also showing tiie second embodiment edible animal chew comprising the edible composition and including a plurality of natural vitamin particles dispersed or distributed therein;
• FIG, 12 is a view in perspective of either the first embodiment or the second embodiment edible animal chew being chewed by an animal, such as a dog;
• FIG. 13 Is an illustration, with pan removed for clarity, of an injection mold system for manufacturing either the first embodiment or the second embodiment edible animal chew, tiie system including an injection mold for forming the edible animal chew into a predetermined shape;
• FIG. 14 is a view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
• FIG. 15 is a view taken along section line 15-15 of FIG. 13;
• FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method of using the edible animal chew.
• process(es)/operations may be discussed under structure(s) process(es ⁇ headings; and/or descriptions of single topics may span two or more topic headings). Hence, the use of the format outline headings is not Intended to foe in any way limiting.
• First embodiment edible animal chew 10 provides nutritional benefits to animal 50 as animal 50 chews first embodiment edible animal chew 10 to clean Saniaries 20 and gum tissue 30
• edible animal chew 0 is capable of substantially removing food debris, dead cells and protein-containing matter that could lead to formation of piaque on Saniaries 20 and gum tissue 30 of animal 50. Removal of plaque reduces risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease that, in turn, might lead to organ damage and decreased health status in animal 50. It also will be
• edible animal chew 1 comprises only "natural Ingredients", such that added sugars, added fats, preservatives, coloring, flavoring, and synthetic vitamins are not present in the composition. Absence of such added sugars,
• added fats, preservatives, coloring, flavoring, and synthetic vitamins reduces risk of accumulation of carcinogens in animal 50 and the cance risk associated with accumulation of carcinogens, in addition, absence of such added sugars, added fats, preservatives, coloring, flavoring, and synthetic vitamins reduces risk of hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies in animal SO.
• first embodiment edible animal chew 10 comprises an elongated body 60 having a proximal end portion 70, a distal end portion 80 and an elongated medial portion 90 interconnecting proximal end portion 70 and distal end portion 80, Proximal end portion 70, distal end portion SO and medial portion 90 of elongated body 60 are aligned along a longitudinal center axis 92, so that animal 50 can more easily manipulate
• medial portion 90 is integrally connected to proximal end portion 70 at one end of medial portion 90 and is integrally connected to distal end portion 80 at th other end of medial portion 90, so that elongated body 60 forms a single, one-piece construction.
• Medial portion 90 is curvilinear in shape. Curvilinear media! portion 90 may be in the shape of an arch, as shown, for facilitating upward lifting by animal 50 of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 from surface 95 regardless of orientation of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 on surface 96.
• medial portion 90 may b scored at a location adjacent to distal end portion 80, for providing a fracture region 97 of reduced thickness. Fracture region 97 allows an owner of animal 50 to more easily break or separate distal end portion 80 torn medial portion 90 in order to allow animal 50 only to consume distal end portion 80 or only to consume medial portion 90 and proximal end portion 70.
• This feature of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 allows the pef owner to manage meal portions fed to animal 50, Management of meal portions fed to animal 50 assists in avoiding obesity in animal 50. It may be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art of animal husbandry, that additional fracture regions may be located at other locations in first embodiment edible animal chew 10 for furthef managing portions of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 fed to animal 50.
• proximal end portion 70 is generally cylindrical and defines a circumferential first surface 100 thereon. Integrally attached to first surface 100 is a plurality of piles, ribs, prolongations or first projections indicated generally at 1 10, The first projections 1 10 radially extend from, and are disposed in a pattern extending around, the entire first surface 100. The patter may be a uniform pattern or a random pattern. Further, first projections 110 are oriented perpendicularly with respect to center axis 92.
• Proximal end portion 70 and first projections 110 are suitably sized to be insertabte into the mouth 40 of animal 50, so that first projections 110 intimately contact or scrape laniaries 20 and gum tissue 30 to suitably clean laniaries 20 and gum tissue 30.
• cylindrical proximal end portion 70 and first projections 110 may have dimensions as provided herelnbeSow.
• first projections 1 10 can have a multiplicity of suitable shapes to adequately clean laniaries 20 and gum tissue 30.
• first projections 1 10 may be generally conically-shape with the widest dimension thereof integrally connected to first surface 100, Alternatively, first projections 110 may be generally cyiindricaliy-shaped. In any case, first projections 110 may have rounded edges that scrape animal's 50 laniaries 20 a animal 50 chews elongated body 60,
• each of first projections 1 10 has a predetermined overall width and length for adequately cleaning laniaries 20 of animal 50.
• first projections 1 10 may have a predetermined smaller overall width and length for adequately cleaning laniaries 20 of smaller size, such as Is found in smaller animals SO.
• distal end portion 80 is generally polyhedron-shaped, such as in the tapered shape of a triangular prism, in this regard, distal end portion SO has a first end portion 120 of a first predetermined width and a second end portion 130 opposite first end portion 120, the second end portion having a second predetermined width.
• the second predetermined width of second end portion 130 is less than the first predetermined width of first
• the tapered triangular prism shape of distal end portion SO allows animai 50 to more conveniently begin chewing first embodiment edible animal chew 10 and reduces risk that a large piece of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 wi!S be bitten-off. Therefore, the tapered triangular prism shape of distal end portion SO mitigates the risk that biting-off a large piece of first embodiment edible animai che 10 might lead to choking, in addition, the tapered triangular prism shape of distal end portion 80 allows for Ionger chewing time which means Ianiaries 20 and gum tissue 30 will be more thoroughly cleaned.
• distal end portion 80 of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 has a planar second surface 140 thereon and a planar third surface 1 SO opposite second surface 140.
• Outwardly extending from second suslace 140 and perpendicular to second surface 140 is a plurality of piles, ribs, prolongations or second projections 160.
• Second projections 160 are disposed in a predetermined pattern on second surface 140.
• the patter may be a uniform pattern or a random pattern.
• Distal end portion 80 and second projections 160 are suitably sized to be insertabie into the mouth 40 of animal 50, so that second projections 160 intimately contact or scrape ianiaries 20 and gum tissue 30 to suitably clean ianiaries 20 and gum tissue 30.
• distal end portion 8 and second projections 160 may have dimensions as provided hereinbelow.
• Second projections 160 can have a multiplicity of suitable shapes to adequately clean Ianiaries 20 and gum tissue 30.
• second projections 160 may be generally conically-shaped with the widest dimension thereof integrally connected to second surface 140.
• second projections 160 may be generally cylindricalSy-si aped or may have any suitable shape for adequately cleaning Ianiaries 20 and gum tissue 30.
• Second projections 180 have rounded ends that scrape animal's 50 Ianiaries 20 as animai 50 chews elongated body 80. Such rounded ends may enhance cleaning effectiveness of Ianiaries 20 by more efficiently scraping food particles and plaque from Ianiaries 20 gum tissues 30.
• second projections 160 may have a greater predetermined overall width and length than
• third surface 150 formed on third surface 150 is a plurality of raised humps, protuberances or nodules 170 for massaging gum tissue 30 of animal 50.
• Nodules 170 are disposed in a predetermined pattern on third surface 150. The pattern may be a uniform pattern or a random pattern.
• Each of nodules 170 may have a generally convex contour for intimate contact with gum tissue 30 while any part of distai end portion 80 resides i mouth 40 of animal 50.
• nodules 170 While a principle purpose of nodules 170 is to massage gum tissue 30, it should be appreciated that nodules 170 also remove plaque and food debris from gum tissue 30 as nodules 170 massage gum tissue 30, Regular massaging of gum tissue 30 and removal of food debris and plaque from gum tissu 30 reduces risk of pehodontai disease developing in gum tissue 30.
• curvilinear medial portion 90 is shown as arch-shaped. However, it may he appreciated that curvilinear medial portion 90 may have any suitable curvilinear contour along its length, such as a plurality of side-by-side integrally connected arches (not shown) along it length o any other undulating contour to facilitate upward Sifting b animal SO of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 from surface 9$ regardless of orientation of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 on surface 95. As another alternative, medial portion 90 need not be curvilinear, if desired. In other words, medial portson 90 may be formed so as to be flat or planar (also not shown), but positioned at height above surface 95 regardless of orientation of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 on surface 95.
• first embodiment edible animal chew 10 can be variously sized to be received in mouth 40 of larger, smaller and medium size animals 50.
• An example of a small size animal is the Chihuahua dog, which weighs about six to about eight pounds and has 42 evenly spaced laniaries meeting in a level bite or "scissors bite.”
• a typical inclusion which is the manner that laniaries align with each other, has upper incisors that overlap lower incisors.
• first embodiment edible animal chew 10 and second embodiment edible animal chew 160 to clean Ianiaries 20 and gum tissue 30 of small, medium and large size animais 50.
• exemplary dimensions associated with first embodiment chew 10 are provided in Table 1 immediately heretnbe!ow.
• diamete D of proximal end portion 70 may range from about 0.50 inch to about 1.00 inch.
• Height Hi of generally cySlndrically-shaped first projections 110 may range from about 0.50 inch to about 1.00 inch;
• height H2 of generally eyfindricaily-shaped second projections 16 may range from about 0.70 inch to about 1.20 inches; and
• height H3 of nodules 170 may range from about 0.25 inch to about 0.50 inch.
• length 13 of medial portion 90 may range from about 0.9? inch to about 1.82 inches; and length L4 of distal end portion SO ma range from about
• Thickness T of distal end portion 80 may range from about 2.50 inches to about 5.00 inches, in addition, width W1 of the widest dimension of medial portion 90 may range from about 0.50 inch to about 1.00 inch; width W2 of the narrowest portion of distal end portion 80 may range from about 0,56 inch to about 0.94 inch; width W3 of the widest dimension of distal end portion 80 may range from about 0.75 inch to about 1 ,25 inches; and width W4 of cylindrically-shaped first projections 1 10 may range from about 0.12 inches to about 0.25 inch. Also, space W5 between adjacent ones of the plurality of cylindrically-shapeci first projection 1 10 may range from about 0.08 inch to about 0.12 inch.
• Width W8 of cy sodrtcaliy-sha ed second projections 160 may range from about 0.32 inches to about 0.45 inch; space W7 between the plurality of eylindrically-shaped first projections 160 may range from aboyt 0.08 inch to about 0,14 inch.
• width W8 of nodules 170 may range from about 0.10 inch to about 0.20 inch, and space W9 between nodules 170 may range from about 0.20 inch to about 0,60 inch.
• Table 1 are exemplary only and may be any suitable dimensions desired.
• first projections 110 and second projections 60 may be generally conically-shaped rather than generally cylindrically-shape , as previously mentioned.
• Dimensions associated with elongated body 60 having conically-shaped projections are substantially similar to the dimensions of elongated body 80 having generally cylindricaiSy-shaped projections.
• the pointed contour of conically-shaped projections may allow deeper insertion of projections 110 and 160 between lantaries 20 of animal 50, particularly when animal 50 has closely- spaced faniaries.
• first embodiment edible animal chew 10 may obtain various weights depending on size of first embodiment edible animal chew 10. W%ight of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 :s predetermined for facilitating upward lifting by animal 50 of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 from a surface 35 s as previously mentioned.
• exemplary weights associated with first embodiment edible animal chew 10 for animals of various sizes are provided in the Table 2 immediately hereinbelow.
• weight of first embodiment edible animal chew 10 may range from about 0,022 pounds to abou 0,092 pounds.
• weights presented in Table 2 are exemplary only and may be any syllable weights desired.
• first embodiment edible animal chew 10 comprises an edible composition 30,
• edible composition 180 may be selected from a grou consisting essentially of a protein, a fat, a fiber and combinations thereof.
• the edible composition 180 is organic or "aii ⁇ naturar as the terminology "atl-ntatural * is defined hereinabove.
• edible composition 180 is free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
• organic or all-natural ingredients comprising edible composition 180 be prodyced or grown without use of pesticides or synthetic chemicals in order to avoid a detrimental effect on the environment or biosphere,
• the organic or all-natural edible composition may be selected from a grou consisting essentially of a protein, a fat, a fiber and combinations thereof.
• the edible composition 180 is organic or "aii ⁇ naturar as the terminology "atl-ntatural * is defined hereinabove.
• edible composition 180 is free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
• organic or all-natural ingredients comprising edible composition 180 be prody
• composition 180 is free of added sugars, starches and synthetic vitamins.
• composition 180 be organic or all-natural in orde to reduce risk of
• Edible composition 180 is also organic or all-natural in order to reduce risk of hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies that added sugars and starches migh otherwise cause in animal 50, In addition, edible composition 180 is also organic or all-natural in order to reduce risk of toxicity that synthetic vitamins might otherwise produce in animal 50.
• exemplary weight percentages for ingredients comprising edible composition 180 and that are applicable to a medium size adult dog are presented in Table 3 immediately hereinbelow. Table 3
• the edible ingredients listed in Table 3 may be selected from a group consisting essentially of chicken meal,, turkey meal, salmon meal, chicke fat, whole dried egg, soya, corn, rice, yeast, cold pressed organic sunflower and soy oil, salmon oil, natural enzymes, kelp, vegetarian chicken or meat flavor and combinations thereof. Also, it should be appreciated that the weight percentages listed i Table 3 will vary depending on age, size, activity level, and health status of animal 50.
• FIG. Hand 12 there is shown a second embodiment animal chew, generally referred to as 190.
• the second embodiment animal chew 190 is substantially similar to first embodiment edible animal chew 0, except that a plurality of organic and ail-natural vitamin particles 200 is either homogeneously or heterogeneousiy distributed in edible composition 180.
• organic and all-natural vitamin particles 200 ma be provided by the organic or all-natural sources listed in Table 4
• composition 200 there is a plurality of all- natural vitamins and sources of ail-natural vitamins included in composition 200, however, it should be appreciated that the all-natural vitamins and ail-natural sources of vitamins presented in Table 4 are exemplary onl and may be any suitable all-natural vitamins and sources of all-natural vitamins desired,
• Vitamin A is associated with skeletal growth, testicular and ovarian function, embryonic development, differentiation of tissues, proper eye function and cataract reduction, healthy skin, healthy mucous membranes, and proper immune system response.
• Vitamin B ⁇ compSex is associated with proper metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and production of red blood cells; proper functioning of the immune system;
• Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant and is also associated with protection of brain cells; protection of the spinal cord; reduced risk of cataracts; and promotion of ceil growth and tissue repair.
• Vitamins 0, E and K are associated with increased appetite, alleviation of some allergic reactions, improved digestion, and may also reduce iniammation due to arthritis and rheumatism. 007 ⁇
• second embodiment animal chew 190 serves at least three purposes simultaneously.
• second embodiment animal chew 190 provides (1) vitamin therapy, (2) cleans Ianiaries 20 and (3) massages gum tissue 30.
• FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 there is shown an injection moid system, generally referred to as 210, for manufacturing either first embodiment edible animal chew 10 or second embodiment animal chew 190 by means of an injection mold process.
• System 210 will be described with respect to
• System 21 comprises a hopper 220 into which edible composition 180, in the form of a multiplicity of animal food pellets 230, is fed.
• Pellet 230 travel into a piston chamber 240 defined by a piston housing 250
• Pellets 230 travels into piston chamber 240 by means of a conduit 280 interconnecting piston chamber 240 and hopper 220.
• Hopper 220 and conduit 280 may be substantially vertically oriented, so that pellets 230 travel down conduit 260 by force of gravity and without necessity of cosily mechanical movement means, such as a
• a valve 285 that may be motor operated, such as a motor operated check valve, is connected to conduit 280 for controlling amount and speed of pellets 230 as pellets 230 travel into piston chamber 240.
• a piston 270 is matingty disposed in piston chamber 240 and is confroi!ahly operated to compress pellets 230 into a plasticlzed compact body 275 and to push compact body 275 into a moid 280 by controlled translation of piston 270.
• moid 280 defines a cavity 290 therein having the desired shape of first embodiment edible animal chew 10.
• mold 280 is bifurcated into a first section 292 mateably mountable onto an oppositely disposed second section 295 for reasons described hereinbelow.
• Moid 280 and thus first section 292 and second section 296 may foe made of any suitable heat conductive material, such as aluminum, stainless steel or a ceramic material.
• Compact body 275 is flowable due, in part, to the previously mentioned moisture content and fat content of edible composition 180 thai comprises compact body 275. Therefore, as piston 270 pushes compact body 275 through piston chamber 240, edible composition 180 comprising compact body 275 plastically flows into cavit 290 to substantially fill cavity 290.
• At least one heater element 300 is disposed sufficiently near mold 280 to heat mold 280 and thereby bake edible composition 180.
• Heater element 300 may be an electric resistance heater element.
• heater element 300 may be natural gas flame heater element.
• heater element 300 may be a microwav energy generator heater element.
• a vent 305 in open communication with cavity 280 and the surrounding atmosphere may be provided for escape of a predetermined amount of the moisture baked from edible composition 180, Controlling moisture content of edible composition 80 controls the hardness of edible composition 180, Controlling the hardness of edible composition 180, In turn, controls cleaning effectiveness of first embodiment edible animal che 10.
• vent 306 may include a vent control valve 307, such as a one-way check valve. Edible composition 180 is baked a predetermined amount of time in order to harden edible composition 180 to a desired consistency.
• edible composition 180 may be baked at a temperature of about 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to about 20 minutes.
• the amount of time and heat input required to properly bake edible composition 180 depends on the types of ingredients and/or vitamins present in edible composition 180 and can be determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.
• translation of piston 270 in cavity 290 is achieved by controlled operation of a motor 310 connected to piston 270, such as by means of a piston shaft 315.
• Motor 310 may be a variable speed motor for varying translation speed of piston 270 depending on plasticity of compact body 275, Plasticity of compact body 275 will vary depending on the ingredients and moisture content comprising compact body 275.
• a controlle 320 is connected to motor 310 for controliably operating motor 310. Controller 320 is also connected to heater element 300 and valve 285 for controliably operating heater element 300 and valve 265. In addition, controller 320 is connected to vent control valve 307 for controilabfy operating vent control valve 307,
• first section 292 of mold 280 is removed from second section 295 and first embodiment edible animal chew 1 Is retrieved from mold 280 by mechanical (not shown) or manual means and allowed to cool. Thereafter, first embodiment animal chew is either packaged and shipped to a customer or placed into inventory for later shipment.
• an illustrative method, generally referred to as 330 that is provided for using an edible animal chew starts at a step 340.
• a step 350 insertion of a generally cylindrical-shaped proximal end portion of an edible animal chewable elongated body info a mouth of an animal is facilitated, the proximal end portion being generally cylindrical for insertion independent of radial direction of insertion, the proximal end portion having a first surface.
• a triangula prism-shaped distal end portion of th elongated body Into a smaller mouth of a smaller animal or optionally into a larger mouth of a larger animal is facilitated, the distal end portion having a second surface and a third surface opposite the second surface.
• a step 370 upward lifting of the elongated body by the animal while the animal manipulates a medial portion of the elongated body is facilitated, the media! portion interconnecting the proximal end portion and the distal end portion.
• a plurality of laniaries of the animal is cleaned while the animal chews the elongated bod by contacting the plurality of laniaries with a plurality of first projections extending from the first surface and having a first length.
• the plurality of laniaries of the animal is cleaned while the animal chews the elongated body by contacting the plurality of laniaries with a plurality of second projections extending from the second surface and having a second length greater than the first length.
• periodontal tissue of the animal is massaged while the animal chews the elongated body by contacting the periodontal tissue with a plurality of raised nodules formed on the third surface. The method stops at a step 410.
• attachments, coupling and the like such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
• an embodiment of the edible ariimai chew is described hereinabove as having a plurality of vitamin particles distributed therein.
• distributed vitamin particles there alternatively could be a unitary or single core of vitamin material extending centrally, longitudinally through elongate body 60 along axis 92 for accomplishing vitamin therapy for animal 50.
• the embodiments of the animal chew are described hereinabove as being manufactured by an injection mold system.
• the embodiments of the animal chew described hereinabove may also be manufactured by an extrusion mold system instead. Accordingly, the description hereinabove is not intended to limit the Invention, except as indicated in the following claims.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Dentistry (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Zoology (AREA)
• Animal Husbandry (AREA)
• Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
• Fodder In General (AREA)
• Feed For Specific Animals (AREA)

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Citations (4)

• 2013
  • 2013-04-18 WO PCT/US2013/037104 patent/WO2014014531A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (4)

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