Pet chew dispensing device

A pet chew dispensing device simultaneously secures and dispenses a pet chew. In some examples, the device may comprise a body of chew resistant material and a window formed through the body and adapted to receive the pet chew therein. When disposed inside the window, the pet chew remains partially exposed while the pet chew is simultaneously protected by the body of chew resistant material. The device adaptively pressures the pet chew, such that pet chews which change size over time (or having a range of different initial sizes) may nonetheless remain secured.

BACKGROUND

There are a variety of popular pet toy products available in pet supply stores. Pet “toys”, such as balls, ropes, and rubber chew toys, are distinguished herein from pet “chews” such as bones, rawhides, bully sticks, and hardened cheeses. Pet toys are not designed for consumption, while pet chews are designed to be at least partially consumed. While chews made of relatively tough materials can withstand the stress of being chewed for some time, it is nonetheless desirable to extend the life of chews, particularly for certain pets. Furthermore, it may be desirable add interest to chews by making them more challenging and/or entertaining. In general, there is an ongoing need to increase the variety of both pet toy and pet chew products to meet the needs and preferences available to dog and other pet owners.

SUMMARY

A pet chew dispensing device is disclosed. The pet chew dispensing device may be adapted to simultaneously secure and dispense a pet chew. In some examples, the pet chew dispensing device may comprise a body of chew resistant material, and a window formed through the body and adapted to receive the pet chew therein. When disposed inside the window, opposite faces of the pet chew remain exposed while a perimeter of the pet chew is protected by the body of chew resistant material. Opposite edges of the window may comprise opposing means to secure the pet chew inside the window. At least one of the opposing means to secure the pet chew may include a means to adaptively pressure the pet chew, such that pet chews having a range of different sizes may nonetheless be pressed against the opposite means to secure the pet chew. Further aspects of the invention are shown in the attached pictures and described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Prior to explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details of construction or arrangements of the components and method steps set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Embodiments of this disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIG. 1is a first perspective view of an example large pet chew dispensing device100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The pet chew dispensing device100is adapted to secure and dispense a pet chew, e.g., the pet chew301illustrated inFIG. 3. Pet chew301may comprise, e.g., a block of hardened cheese, bone, rawhide, bully stick, combinations thereof, or any of a variety of other tough chewable materials suitable for pet consumption, as will be appreciated.

With reference toFIG. 1, the pet chew dispensing device100includes a body101of chew resistant material and a window102formed through said body101, wherein the window102is adapted to receive the pet chew301therein. When disposed inside the window102, opposite faces of the pet chew301remain at least partially exposed while a perimeter of the pet chew301is substantially protected by the body101of chew resistant material. In other optional embodiments, the body101may comprise additional structures extending therefrom and/or partially securing and/or covering exposed faces of pet chew301.

FIG. 2is a second perspective view of the example large pet chew dispensing device100.FIG. 2illustrates a plurality of teeth201disposed along at least a first edge of the window102. Teeth201comprise one example means to secure a first side of the perimeter of the pet chew301at a first edge of the window102. A variety of other means to secure the pet chew301may be used in place of teeth in some embodiments, as will be appreciated. Also, in some embodiments, teeth201or other means to secure the pet chew301may optionally be disposed along additional edges of the window102, in addition to the first edge thereof.

Referring back toFIG. 1, a pointed screw tip103is illustrated as an example means to secure a second side of the perimeter of the pet chew301at a second edge of the window102. The second side of the pet chew301and the second edge of the window102, that is, the vicinity of the pointed screw tip103, is opposite the first side of the pet chew301and the first edge of the window102, that is, the vicinity of the pointed teeth201.

At least one of the means to secure a side of the perimeter of the pet chew301, e.g., the pointed screw tip103, may comprise a means to adaptively pressure to the pet chew301. In general, the means to adaptively pressure the pet chew may adapt to a range of pet chew sizes, and may press the pet chew301against the opposing means to secure the perimeter of the pet chew301. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the pointed screw tip103is backed by a threaded screw. The screw is disposed inside a threaded hole extending from a perimeter of the body101of chew resistant material, through a portion of the body101of chew resistant material, and into the window102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the screw provides the means to adaptively pressure the pet chew301, because the screw can be advanced and retreated to adapt to a range of pet chew sizes, and the screw presses the pet chew301against the teeth201to secure the perimeter of the pet chew301. Screw tip103and the attached screw comprise one example means to secure a side of the pet chew301, and one example means to adaptively pressure the pet chew301, respectively. A variety of other means to secure the pet chew301and/or adaptively pressure the pet chew301may be used in place of the screw tip103and screw in some embodiments, as will be appreciated.

Some embodiments may comprise one “adaptive” means to secure the pet chew301, such as screw tip103which comprises means to adaptively pressure the pet chew301, and one “passive” means to secure the pet chew301, such as teeth201, which are stationary and unadaptable. Other embodiments may comprise multiple “adaptive” means, or only “adaptive” means, or multiple “adaptive” means and multiple “passive” means, along different sides of the window102.

In some embodiments, the body101of chew resistant material may comprise, e.g., nylon, hard rubber, hard plastic, bone, wood, metal, or other hard material. In some embodiments, the chew resistant material may generally be harder than a chew301inserted in the window102, but softer than pet's teeth to avoid dental damage. The body101of chew resistant material may be solid, or may be hollow inside.

InFIG. 1, the example body101is disc shaped, with a round outer perimeter, a front side and a back side. The body101has a middle thickness which tapers toward the outer perimeter. A plurality of protruding knobs104are spaced at intervals as shown. The window102is rectangular (square) and formed in the middle of the body101. Of course, other shapes and configurations for body101may be made with the benefit of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the body101may be, e.g., about 3-5 inches in diameter, and about 0.75-1.5 inches thick at the window102. The window102may be about 0.75-1.5 inches in length, height and thickness (depth). Other body shapes and sizes may be suitable for different embodiments. For example, rectangular or star shaped body101perimeters, or elliptical or circular windows102may be made for some embodiments. Furthermore, additional structures may extend from body101in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the teeth201may be molded as part of the body101, so that body101and teeth201are made from a single piece of the same material, as shown. The teeth201may generally be small, pointed cones several millimeters (1-4) in height, which will bite into a pet chew301inserted into the window102. InFIG. 2, there are seven teeth disposed along one edge of the window102, and the teeth201are all in a single line, across a middle of the window edge surface, extending between opposite sides of the window102. More or fewer teeth201may be used and the teeth201may be arranged differently in other embodiments. For example, teeth201may be arranged in two or more lines, or in a zigzag or other pattern, or in staggered lines in other embodiments. In some embodiments, additional teeth201may be formed along additional window edges.

FIG. 1illustrates a distal end of the screw comprising screw tip103, andFIG. 2illustrates the proximal end of the screw. The screw is disposed in a threaded hole which extends through the body101. The threaded hole extends from an outer surface of the body101, through the body101, and into the window102, entering the window102opposite the teeth201as shown.

In some embodiments, the screw may be made of a same material as the body101. Like the body101itself, the screw may be solid or hollow. The screw comprises a screw diameter that substantially matches a diameter of the threaded hole, in order to form a friction fit inside the threaded hole. In some embodiments, the screw diameter may be, e.g., about ¼-¾ the center thickness of the body101(0.1875-1.5 inches). In some embodiments, the screw diameter may be, e.g., up to 2 centimeters. In some embodiments, the screw may have a diameter of at least 0.1875 inches. The screw may be generally of wide diameter, as shown, in order to generate appropriate friction force, preventing the screw from releasing, while simultaneously being easy to turn using hand tools.

The screw may generally be of a length such that when the proximal end of the screw is at the outer surface of the body101, the pointed tip103protrudes up to 1-2 centimeters into the window102, as shown. For example, the screw may be 2-5 centimeters in length in some embodiments. The pointed tip103may have a unique shape as shown, with the pointed tip in the middle of the screw, and a comparatively wide, flat skirt surrounding the pointed tip.

The screw may comprise a tool interface202at the proximal end thereof, e.g., one or more screwdriver grooves as shown. The screw may be tightened by applying a twisting force at the tool interface202. The tool interface202may be in a flat head or Phillip's head arrangement. In some embodiments, the grooves of the tool interface202may be up to 3-4 millimeters in width, and may extend across the full diameter of the proximal end of the screw, allowing for the use of a coin or other implement to tighten the screw.

FIG. 3illustrates a front plan view of the pet chew dispensing device100, the back being a mirror image. The pet chew dispensing device100may receive a pet chew301, e.g., a rectangular block of hardened cheese or other chew, in the window102, and the screw may be tightened to hold the pet chew201securely between the teeth201and the screw tip103. If the chew301becomes loose inside the window102, the screw may be tightened further. The pet chew dispensing device100extends the life of the chew301while adding challenge and interest for the pet.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6provide additional views of the example pet chew dispensing device100.FIG. 4is a top elevation view thereof;FIG. 5is a bottom elevation view thereof; andFIG. 6is a right side elevation view thereof, the left side being a mirror image.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12illustrate and example small sized pet chew dispensing device700, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The smaller sized pet chew dispensing device700may generally be similar to the larger pet chew dispensing device100, described herein. The smaller sized pet chew dispensing device700may be, e.g., about 50%-80% of the size of the pet chew dispensing device100.FIG. 7is a first perspective view of the example small pet chew dispensing device700;FIG. 8is a second perspective view thereof;FIG. 9is a front plan view thereof, the back being a mirror image;FIG. 10is a top elevation view thereof;FIG. 11is a bottom elevation view thereof; andFIG. 12is a right side elevation view thereof, the left side being a mirror image.

FIG. 13is a front plan view of an example pet chew dispensing device1300comprising example alternative means to secure the pet chew301therein. InFIG. 13, a set of two channel walls1301provide means to secure a first side of the perimeter of the pet chew301at a first edge of the window. One end of the pet chew301may be inserted in the channel formed between the channel walls1301. Furthermore, a moving plate1303with teeth provide the means to secure a second side of the perimeter of the pet chew at a second edge of the window. The moving plate1303is mounted on springs1304between the plate1303and the body101. The springs1304provide the means to adaptively pressure to the pet chew301by adapting to a range of pet chew sizes and pressing the pet chew301against the channel formed by channel walls1301.FIG. 13illustrates example modifications to the securing means and adaptive pressuring means illustrated inFIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the various securing means and adaptive pressure means disclosed herein may be interchanged, modified, or supplemented in some embodiments.

FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21illustrate an example large pet chew dispensing device1400including brace walls, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS. 14 and 15provide perspective views of pet chew dispensing device1400.FIGS. 16 and 17provide front and back plan views thereof, respectively,FIGS. 18 and 19provide top and bottom elevation views thereof, respectively, andFIGS. 20 and 21provide right side and left side elevation views thereof, respectively.

Pet chew dispensing device1400may generally comprise many of the features described herein in connection with pet chew dispensing device100, as will be appreciated from the drawings, and like elements in the drawings are given like identifiers. Furthermore, pet chew dispensing device1400may generally comprise similar dimensions and materials described herein in connection with pet chew dispensing device100.

The pet chew dispensing device1400includes a body1401of chew resistant material and a window1402formed through said body1401, wherein the window1402is adapted to receive a pet chew1600therein (seeFIGS. 16, 17, and 19). When disposed inside the window1402, opposite faces of the pet chew1600may remain at least partially exposed while at least a portion of a perimeter of the pet chew1600may be protected by the body1401of chew resistant material. Furthermore, at least one brace wall, such as brace wall1405and/or brace wall1505, may protrude from the body1401of chew resistant material. The brace walls1405and1505may be coplanar with window1402edges and brace walls1405and1505may thereby adapted to brace the pet chew1600in the window1402, as well as to provide additional protection for the pet chew1600.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pet chew dispensing device1400comprises two brace walls1405and1505protruding from opposite sides of the body1401of chew resistant material. Each of the brace walls1405and1505is positioned at a corner of the window1402, and the brace walls1405and1505are furthermore positioned at diagonally opposite corners of the window1402. Brace walls1405and1505“wrap” around window1402corners, with each brace wall1405and1505comprising a first portion1801coplanar with a first window edge, and a second portion1802coplanar with a second window edge. For example,FIG. 18illustrates brace wall1405comprising a first portion1801coplanar with a first window edge (the bottom window edge as seen inFIG. 16), and a second portion1802coplanar with a second window edge (the right window edge as seen inFIG. 16). Brace wall1505similarly comprises first and second portions1801and1802, which are coplanar with the top and left window edges seen inFIG. 16, respectively. Furthermore, the first and second portions1801,1802of the brace walls1405and1505may have different heights. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portions1801(coplanar with the top and bottom window edges) have a shorter height which is approximately half the height of the second portions1802(coplanar with the right and left window edges).

In the illustrated embodiment, e.g., inFIGS. 16, 17, and 19, opposite (front and back) faces1901,1902of chew1600are completely exposed because front and back faces1901,1902are not braced or covered by any portion of body1401. In alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated that one or more structures of body1401may partially extend over portions of front and back faces1901,1902. For example, second portions1802of brace walls1405or1505, illustrated inFIG. 18, may be shaped to include lateral members extending at least partially across front and back faces1901,1902of chew1600. Body1401may furthermore comprise additional structures extending therefrom and/or partially securing and/or covering exposed faces of pet chew1600.

In the illustrated embodiment, a center portion of the perimeter of the pet chew1600is protected by the body1401of chew resistant material. The perimeter of pet chew1600may include, e.g., the top, bottom, left and right faces thereof. As will be understood with reference toFIG. 19, the central disk of body1401protects the central portion of the perimeter of pet chew1600covered thereby. Brace walls1405and1505additionally protect the right and left faces of the pet chew1600, and portions of the top and bottom faces of the pet chew1600. In some embodiments, additional brace walls may be included to protect more of the perimeter of pet chew1600, or brace walls1405and1505may be differently configured to protect more or less of the pet chew1600.

In addition to protecting portions of pet chew1600, brace walls1405and1505brace the pet chew1600in the window1402. In the illustrated embodiment, brace walls1405and1505may be coplanar with window edges, preventing motion of the pet chew1600relative to the pet chew dispensing device1400. While coplanar brace walls are well suited to pet chews which are rectangular or otherwise include planar faces (such as pet chew1600), differently shaped pet chews may be accommodated by differently shaped, even nonplanar and/or non-coplanar brace walls, as will be appreciated. In general, brace walls1405and1505may be adapted to extend from body1401and contact the perimeter of pet chew1600in order to brace the pet chew1600in the pet chew dispensing device1400. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more of brace walls1405and1505may be at a slight inward angle in order to firmly secure a rectangular pet chew1600in the pet chew dispensing device1400—such slightly angled embodiments are considered as substantially coplanar as the term is used herein.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that numerous other variations of brace walls1405,1505are possible. In some embodiments, brace walls1405,1505may surround the entire window1402. In some embodiments, brace walls1405,1505may extend from each corner of window1402, while optionally leaving one or more gaps between corner walls. In some embodiments, brace walls1405,1505may extend from one or more sides of window1402without wrapping around the corners. Furthermore, numerous height variations are possible. In some embodiments, brace walls1405,1505may be of uniform height or may have different sections of different heights as illustrated. These and other variations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as will be appreciated.

FIGS. 22, 23, 24, and 25illustrate and example small sized pet chew dispensing device2200including brace walls, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The smaller sized pet chew dispensing device2200may generally be similar to the larger pet chew dispensing device1400, described herein. The smaller sized pet chew dispensing device2200may be, e.g., about 50%-80% of the size of the pet chew dispensing device1400.FIGS. 22 and 23provide first and second perspective views of the example small pet chew dispensing device2200including brace walls, andFIGS. 24 and 25provide front and back plan views thereof, respectively. The top and side views of the example small pet chew dispensing device2200are substantially identical to those views of the larger pet chew dispensing device1400.

While various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in art.