Abstract:
Embodiments of an animal chew are provided as having a first club end and a second club end coupled by a narrowed neck. The club ends are at least substantially cylindrical in shape, each including a plurality of nubs protruding radially outward therefrom. Animal chews according to the present invention are formed from a combination of materials and include a healthy blend of protein, fat, fiber, and fatty acids.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to devices that may be provided to animals to chew on, and more specifically to an edible animal chew with advantageous nutritional properties, formability, shape, and texture. 
         [0002]    Animals love to chew. Not only does it appear that animals receive enjoyment from chewing on various objects, if the proper object is provided, the chewing experience can be beneficial to the animal. For instance, chewing on a properly formed object may provide beneficial cleaning of the animal mouth, including tongue, teeth and gingiva. Furthermore, if the proper object provided is intended to be edible, the experience may provide nutritional supplementation for the animal. 
         [0003]    Prior animal chews, edible and inedible, have been formed from a variety of materials, including rawhide, gelatinized starch, nylon, wood, polyurethane, thermoplastic, rubber, and/or various natural ingredients. 
         [0004]    Prior animal chews have also been formed in a variety of shapes. Many prior chew shapes are formed to resemble ex vivo animal bones or caricatures thereof, or even simple cylinders or spheres. 
         [0005]    While many prior animal chews have been developed, the art of personal animal care is still in need of an improved animal chew that provides a balance of fatty acids, but yet is easily formable and provides a desired texture and shape, which is suitable to gently abrade the tongue, teeth, and/or gingiva of the animal to improve oral health thereof. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An animal chew according to the present invention may be generally dumbbell-shaped, including a shaft extending along a longitudinal length and surrounding a longitudinal chew axis from a first chew end to a second chew end. The shaft preferably includes a first club portion extending from the first chew end towards the second chew end. The first club portion has an outer surface disposed about a first club diameter measured perpendicular to the longitudinal length. The shaft also preferably has a second club portion extending from the second chew end towards the first chew end. The second club portion has an outer surface disposed about a second club diameter measured perpendicular to the longitudinal length. The first club portion and the second club portion are preferably joined by a neck portion. The neck portion has a neck diameter measured perpendicular to the longitudinal length, wherein the neck diameter is smaller than the first club diameter and the neck diameter is smaller than the second club diameter. 
         [0007]    According to an aspect of an embodiment of an animal chew according to the present invention, the shaft is solid. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of an embodiment of an animal chew according to the present invention, the first and/or second club portions may comprise a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A plurality of nubs may be provided, protruding from the substantially cylindrical surface. Some of the nubs may be arranged in one or more radial rows encircling the chew axis of the shaft. Some of the nubs may be arranged in one or more longitudinal rows extending parallel to the chew axis. Some of the nubs may be arranged in one or more helical spirals about the chew axis. 
         [0009]    According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of an animal chew according to the present invention, the longitudinal length of the shaft may be related to other dimensions of the chew. For instance, for a given longitudinal length X, the first club diameter may be in the range of 0.15X to 0.23X. The second club diameter may be in the range of 0.15X to 0.23X. The first club diameter and the second club diameter may be substantially equal. The neck diameter may vary between the first club portion and the second club portion between a thin neck portion in the range of 0.10X to 0.12X and a thick neck portion in the range of 0.13X to 0.15X. 
         [0010]    According to still another aspect of an embodiment of an animal chew according to the present invention, the chew may include ingredients such as a protein component, a fat component, a fiber component, and a fatty acid component. The protein component may form at least thirty-five percent by weight of the chew. The fat component may form 3.5 to five percent by weight of the chew. The fiber component may form a maximum of three percent by weight of the chew. The fatty acid component may form at least 0.62 percent by weight of the chew. A preferred fatty acid component is a combination of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, wherein the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids is about 8:1, or more preferably 55:7. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an animal chew according to the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the animal chew of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  depict a first embodiment of a cleaning nub arrangement according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict a second embodiment of a cleaning nub arrangement according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict a third embodiment of a cleaning nub arrangement according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0020]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0021]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  present a first embodiment  100  of an animal chew according to the present invention. Formed about a chew axis  102 , along a longitudinal length  104 , is a shaft  105  extending from a first end  106  to a second end  108 . The shaft  105  generally includes a first club-shaped portion  110 , a second club-shaped portion  130 , and a neck portion  150 . The first club portion  110  extends from the first chew end  106  towards the second chew end  108 . The first club portion  110  includes a generally cylindrical outer surface  112  extending from the first chew end  106  to a first club end  114 . The outer surface  112  is formed about a first club diameter  116  measured perpendicular to the chew axis  102  and along a first club length  118  measured parallel to the chew axis  102 . While other configurations are possible, the first club portion  110  is preferably of solid construction throughout its diameter  116  and its length  118 . Disposed on the outer surface  112  is a plurality of radially extending nubs  120 , which are preferably dome-shaped. As will be described in further detail below, the nubs  120  may be arranged in a variety of one or more configurations, such as radial rows, longitudinal rows, helical spirals, or in a predetermined, pseudo-random pattern. 
         [0022]    The second club portion  130  extends from the second chew end  108  towards the first chew end  106 . The second club portion  130  includes a generally cylindrical outer surface  132  extending from the second chew end  108  to a second club end  134 . The outer surface  132  is formed about a second club diameter  136  measured perpendicular to the chew axis  102  and along a second club length  138  measured parallel to the chew axis  102 . While other configurations are possible, the second club portion  130  is preferably of solid construction throughout its diameter  136  and its length  138 . Disposed on the outer surface  132  is a plurality of radially extending nubs  140 , which are preferably dome-shaped. As will be described in further detail below, the nubs  140  may be arranged in a variety of one or more configurations, such as radial rows, longitudinal rows, helical spirals, or in a predetermined, pseudo-random pattern. 
         [0023]    The neck portion  150  couples the first club portion  110  to the second club portion  130 . The neck portion  150  preferably includes a neck shaft  152  spanning a neck length  154  between the first club end  114  and the second club end  134 . The neck shaft  152  has a diameter  156  measured perpendicular to the chew axis  102 . While the neck shaft  152  may be formed with a uniform diameter  156  along its length  154 , the diameter  156  is preferably not uniform, and even more preferably, the diameter  156  varies continuously along at least a portion of the shaft length  154 . For instance, the neck shaft  152  meets the first club end  114  at a first club juncture  158  and meets the second club end  134  at a second club juncture  160 . While the diameter  156  of the neck shaft  152  is preferably substantially equal at the first club juncture  158  and the second club juncture  160 , the shaft  152  preferably has a smaller diameter between the junctures  158 , 160 , and may have a minimum diameter  156 ′ ( FIG. 6A ) at a location along the chew axis  102  that is preferably substantially midway between the junctures  158 , 160 , and more preferably at a location along the chew axis  102  that is substantially equidistant from the first chew end  106  and the second chew end  108 . In one embodiment, the diameter  156  of the neck shaft  152  varies continuously along the entire length  154  of the shaft  152 , between the first club juncture  158  and the second club juncture  160 . 
         [0024]    As indicated above, nubs may be placed or formed on the outer surface of the club portions in a variety of beneficial configurations. A first arrangement of nubs  120  on the first club portion  110  is shown in  FIG. 3A . As can be seen, a plurality of the nubs  120  may be arranged in one or more helical spiral patterns  122  about the chew axis  102 . 
         [0025]    A first arrangement of nubs  140  on the second club portion  130  is shown in  FIG. 3B . As can be seen, a plurality of the nubs  140  may be arranged in one or more helical spiral patterns  142  about the chew axis  102 . 
         [0026]    A second arrangement of nubs  120  on the first club portion  110  is shown in  FIG. 4A . As can be seen, a plurality of the nubs  120  may be arranged in one or more radial rows  124  surrounding the chew axis  102 . 
         [0027]    A second arrangement of nubs  140  on the second club portion  130  is shown in  FIG. 4B . As can be seen, a plurality of the nubs  140  may be arranged in one or more radial rows  144  surrounding the chew axis  102 . 
         [0028]    A third arrangement of nubs  120  on the first club portion  110  is shown in  FIG. 5A . As can be seen, a plurality of the nubs  120  may be arranged in one or more longitudinal rows  126  parallel to the chew axis  102 . 
         [0029]    A third arrangement of nubs  140  on the second club portion  130  is shown in  FIG. 5B . As can be seen, a plurality of the nubs  140  may be arranged in one or more longitudinal rows  146  parallel to the chew axis  102 . 
         [0030]    It is to be understood that one or more of the nub arrangements  122 / 142 ,  124 / 144 , and/or  126 / 146  may be combined on each club portion and between club portions on the same chew. For instance, a plurality of nubs  120  may be arranged in one or more helical spirals  122  on the first club portion  110  of a first chew and a plurality of nubs  140  may be arranged in one or more helical spirals  142 , radial rows  144 , and/or longitudinal rows  146  on the second club portion  130  of the same first chew. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of nubs  120  may be arranged in one or more radial rows  124  on the first club portion  110  of a second chew and a plurality of nubs  140  may be arranged in one or more helical spirals  142 , radial rows  144 , and/or longitudinal rows  146  on the second club portion  130  of the same second chew. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of nubs  120  may be arranged in one or more longitudinal rows  126  on the first club portion  110  of a third chew and a plurality of nubs  140  may be arranged in one or more helical spirals  142 , radial rows  144 , and/or longitudinal rows  146  on the second club portion  130  of the same third chew. 
         [0031]    While animal chews according to the present invention may be provided in a variety of sizes, certain size relationships or aspect ratios are preferably maintained no matter what size chew is provided. Animal chews according to the present invention may be provided in, e.g., small, medium, and/or large sizes. A small animal chew according to the present invention may have a mass of between eight and fourteen grams, with a mass of about 10 grams (10.2 grams) preferred. A medium animal chew according to the present invention may have a mass of between fifteen and thirty grams, with a mass of about 20 grams (19.7 grams) preferred. A large animal chew according to the present invention may have a mass of between thirty and fifty grams, with a mass of about 40 grams (41.7 grams) preferred. Regarding dimensions, if a chew  100  is provided with a length  104  of X, then the length of the first club portion  110 , second club portion  130  and neck portion  150  may be related thereto. For instance, it has been found that favorable performance of the chew  100  may be effected where each length  118 , 138 , 154  is about X/3. Furthermore, each diameter  116 , 136 , 156  may be related to the length  104  of X. The diameter  116  of the first club portion  110  is preferably in the range of 0.15X to 0.23X, with about 0.18X being most preferred. The diameter  136  of the second club portion  130  is in the range of 0.15X to 0.23X, with about 0.18X being most preferred. The neck diameter  156  may be consistent throughout its length  154 , but preferably varies between the first club portion  110  and the second club portion  130 . Preferably, as described above, and with reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the thinnest diameter  156 ′ of the neck  150  is preferably at a point that is at least approximately equidistant from the first chew end  106  and the second chew end  108 , the thinnest diameter  156 ′ preferably being in the range of 0.10X to 0.12X. The neck  150  has its thickest diameter  156 ″ closer to the first club juncture  158  and second club juncture  160 . This thickest diameter  156 ″, again with reference to a chew length  104  of X, is preferably in the range of 0.13X to 0.15X. 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , two different, longitudinally displaced cross-section views of the second club portion  130  of the embodiment  100  of an animal chew according to the present invention are shown. The diameter  136  of the second club portion  130 , as previously described, can be seen in  FIG. 7 . Also, a nub diameter  136 ′ is provided, which is measured perpendicular to the chew axis  102 , and to the radially outermost part of at least one nub  140 ′. Alternatively, as shown, the nub diameter  136 ′ may be measured perpendicular to the chew axis, between and including the radially outermost part of two nubs  140 ′. The nub diameter  136 ′ is preferably eight to twenty percent larger than the club diameter  136 . More particularly, if measured through one nub  140 ′, the nub diameter  136 ′ is preferably eight to twelve percent larger than the club diameter  136 , and, if measured through two, diametrically opposed nubs  140 ′, the nub diameter  136 ′ is preferably sixteen to twenty percent larger than the club diameter  136 . As shown, a plurality of nubs  140 ′, some of which may be diametrically opposed, is arranged in a first radial row about the chew axis  102 . 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIG. 8 , there may be a second nub diameter  136 ″, which is measured perpendicular to the chew axis  102 . The second nub diameter  136 ″ is longitudinally displaced along the chew axis  102  from the first nub diameter  136 ′, previously described. The second nub diameter  136 ″ is also measured between and including a plurality of nubs  140 ″, which are arranged in a second radial row about the chew axis  102 . As shown, however, the nubs  140 ″ of the second radial row are rotated by an angle  137  about the chew axis with respect to the first radial row of nubs  140 ′ previously discussed. A preferred angle  137  is forty-five degrees. 
         [0034]    Preferred materials for the formation of an animal chew according to the present invention include protein components, fat components, fiber components, and fatty acid components. An animal chew according to the present invention preferably includes at least thirty-five percent by weight crude protein, at least three and one-half percent by weight but no more than five percent by weight crude fat, a maximum of three percent by weight crude fiber, and a minimum of 0.62 percent by weight fatty acid blend. The fatty acid blend is preferably a blend of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. A preferred mixture of n-3 (omega-3) and n-6 (omega-6) fatty acids is nearly eight times the amount of n-3 fatty acids, by weight, of n-6 fatty acids. For example, a preferred fatty acid blend is 0.55 percent by weight n-6 fatty acids and 0.07 percent by weight of n-3 fatty acids. 
         [0035]    To achieve the above preferred component blend, ingredients for animal chews according to the present invention are wheat gluten, glycerin, tapioca starch, gelatin, pineapple stems, natural chicken liver flavor, powdered cellulose, palm oil, sodium copper chlorophyllin, beta carotene, flaxseed, fructooligosaccharide, alpha-tocopherol acetate, sodium propionate (as a preservative), and sugar. While other fatty acid sources may be utilized, the palm oil is preferably a source of the n-6 fatty acids and the flaxseed is a source of the n-3 fatty acids. Other sources of n-6 fatty acids include fruits, nuts, and other oils. Fruits such as avocados are good sources of n-6 fatty acids. Nuts such as cashews, pecans, walnuts, and coconuts are also acceptable sources. 
         [0036]    Other oils may include one or more of hemp oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower seed oil, corn oil, and safflower oil. Other sources of n-3 fatty acids include fish, fish oils, or krill oil, fruits such as kiwifruit and black raspberries, and other oils, such as hemp oil, linseed oil, and canola oil. While various dyes or colors could be added to embodiments of an animal chew according to the present invention, such artificial coloring is preferably avoided. 
         [0037]    The materials are preferably combined in such a way to provide a desired density, such as about 1.25 to about 1.40 grams per cubic centimeter, with a preferred density of about 1.30 (1.29 to 1.31) grams per cubic centimeter. One process that may be used to form an animal chew according to the present invention includes combining dry ingredients and creating a grainy textured mixture by adding some fat and glycerin. The mixture may be extruded, cooled and granularized prior to an injection molding process. Once molded, the chews may be trimmed, inspected/graded, and packaged for shipment or sale. 
         [0038]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.