Patent Abstract:
Provided is an edible chew toy including a first toy member and a second toy member configured to be moveably engaged with each other. The first and second toy members may be configured to pivot and/or translate relative to each other to captivate a pet. In this regard, the toy members may move relative to each other as the pet gnaws on the toy, swipes at the toy with his paws, or lifts the toy in a manner to cause gravitational movement. The chew toy may be formed from 100% consumable material to allow the pet to easily digest the chew toy as it is chewed.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention is generally directed toward a chew toy for a pet, and more specifically to a consumable chew toy having a first member that is moveable relative to a second member. 
         [0004]    It is well known that dogs generally enjoy chewing on objects. Accordingly, many dog owners give their dogs chew toys to entertain the dog. The chew toys may be formed from hard materials, such as cow bones, wood, nylon, or softer materials, such as polyurethane, rubber or freeze dried snacks. 
         [0005]    Although dogs may enjoy chewing on almost any object, many chew toys or other objects given to dogs are made from an indigestible material. Therefore, as the dogs chew and gnaw on the objects, they may have adverse effects on the dog by damaging their intestinal tract, and may create life-threatening conditions. For instance, a dog may swallow a fragment of an indigestible chew toy, which may create a blockage in the dog&#39;s stomach passages. 
         [0006]    In view of the aforementioned drawbacks of non-consumable chew toys, certain chew toys have been developed and formed from consumable materials. Consumable chew toys are relatively simple, such as a consumable material formed in the shape of a dog bone. In other words, the consumable chew toy may be formed from a single, non-moving component. Thus, although such chew toys may provide a safe alternative to non-consumable chew toys, consumable chew toys may not captivate a dog for long periods of time. 
         [0007]    Along these lines, dogs tend to be captivated by moving objects, such as a bouncing ball. Moreover, many breeds are dogs are well known for the hunting or retrieving skills wherein the dog is capable of chasing down a moving target and retrieving it for its owner. Such hunting and retrieving skills are developed early in a dog&#39;s life. In this regard, many dog owners play “catch” with their dogs, wherein the owner tosses a ball to the dog and the dog chases down the ball, retrieves it, and brings it back to the owner. Although playing “catch” is good for the development of the dog, the owner is required to participate in the activity with the dog. Therefore, if the owner works for most of the day, the dog may be missing out on such development. Furthermore, given the relative simplicity of conventional consumable chew toys, i.e., their non-movable nature, such chew toys do not develop a dog&#39;s hunting or retrieving skills. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a chew toy formed from a consumable material, wherein the chew toy includes moving parts to captivate a dog&#39;s attention and to aid in the development of the dog. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Provided is an edible chew toy including a first toy member and a second toy member configured to be moveably engaged with each other. In this regard, the moving parts on the edible chew toy more effectively entertain and captivate a dog, while at the same time aid in the dog&#39;s development. 
         [0010]    The first and second toy members may be configured to pivot and/or translate relative to each other to captivate a pet. In this regard, the toy members may move relative to each other as the pet gnaws on the toy, swipes at the toy with his paws, or lifts the toy in a manner to cause gravitational movement. The chew toy may be formed from 100% consumable material to allow the pet to easily digest the chew toy as it is chewed. 
         [0011]    The first toy member may define a first pivot axis about which the first toy member may pivot. Likewise, the second toy member may define a second pivot axis about which the second toy member may pivot. The first toy member may include a first mass member offset from the first pivot axis to urge the first toy member to pivot about the first pivot axis, and the second toy member may include a second mass member offset from the second pivot axis to urge the second toy member to pivot about the second pivot axis. 
         [0012]    The first and second toy members may be formed via injection molding and allowed to air dry before being engaged with each other. Once engaged, the first and second toy members may be completely dried. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of an edible chew toy being held and gnawed by a dog; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the chew toy in a detached configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of the chew toy in a first assembled configuration; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side, partial sectional view of the chew toy in the first assembled configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the chew toy; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side, partial sectional view of the chew toy in the second assembled configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an upper perspective view of the chew toy in the second assembled configuration; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of a chew toy including a first toy member and a second toy member translatably coupled to the first toy member. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. 
         [0023]    Referring now to the drawings, there is depicted a chew toy  10  including a first toy member  12  and second toy member  14  configured to be pivotable relative to each other. The first toy member  12  and/or the second toy member  14  is constructed from a 100% consumable material to allow a dog to chew and gnaw on the toy  10  without damaging the dog&#39;s digestive system. It is contemplated that a dog may be captivated by the chew toy  10  due to the consumable configuration thereof, in addition to the relative movement between the first toy member  12  and the second toy member  14 . Such movement between the first toy member  12  and the second toy member  14  may be achieved by a dog swiping his paw at the toy  10 , wrestling with the toy  10  while the toy  10  is in the dog&#39;s mouth, or gravity causing the movement in response to the dog lifting the toy  10 . 
         [0024]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first toy member  12  is configured to be detachably engageable with the second toy member  14 .  FIG. 2  shows the first and second toy members  12 ,  14  in a detached configuration, while  FIG. 3  shows the first and second toy members  12 ,  14  in a first assembled configuration. It is contemplated that the first and second toy members  12 ,  14  may be configured to enable engagement therebetween in a variety of assembled configurations (see  FIGS. 6 and 7  which show the first and second toy members  12 ,  14  in a second assembled configuration). 
         [0025]    When the first and second toy members  12 ,  14  are engaged with each other, they may articulate or pivot relative to each other. Along these lines, the first toy member  12  includes a first engagement portion  16  while the second toy member  14  includes a second engagement portion  18  configured to engage with the first engagement portion  16 . In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first engagement portion  16  is a male connector and the second engagement portion  18  is a female connector sized and configured to receive the first engagement portion  16  to pivotally couple the first and second toy members  12 ,  14 . 
         [0026]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 2 , the first toy member  12  includes a first mass member  20  and a first arm  22  extending between the first mass member  20  and the first engagement portion  16 . The first engagement portion  16  includes a shaft  24  defining a tapered distal tip  26  and a pair of locking tabs  28  formed on the distal tip  26 . The locking tabs  28  are configured to engage with the second toy member  14  to secure the first toy member  12  to the second toy member  14 . In this regard, the pair of locking tabs  28  may be separated by a slot to facilitate movement between the pair of locking tabs  28 . For instance, the locking tabs  28  may be pressed together for insertion into the second toy member  14  or for removal therefrom. As the locking tabs  28  are pressed together, the first engagement portion  16  moves from an engaged configuration toward a disengaged configuration to facilitate insertion or removal of the first toy member  12  from the second toy member  14 . The engagement portion  16  may be biased toward the engaged configuration to lock in place once inserted into the second toy member  14 . 
         [0027]    The first toy member  12  may be specifically configured to facilitate pivotal movement relative to the second toy member  14  when engaged therewith. Along these lines, the first engagement portion  16  defines a first pivot access  30  about which the first toy member  12  may pivot. The first mass member  20  defines a first center of mass spaced from the first pivot access  30  to facilitate pivotally movement of the first toy member  12  about the first pivot access  30 . Therefore, as the toy  10  is lifted, gravity may urge the first mass member  20  to pivot about the first pivot axis  30 . 
         [0028]    The first toy member  12  may additionally be configured to connect with additional toy members or links (not shown). In this regard, the first toy member may include a first mass engagement wall  34  extending through the first mass member  20  to define a first engagement aperture  32 . The first engagement aperture  32  defines a female connector which may be engageable with a male connector defined by a separate toy member. 
         [0029]    Referring now to the second toy member  14 , there is included a second mass member  36  disposed about the second engagement portion  18 , a third mass member  38  spaced from the second mass member  36 , and a second arm  40  extending between the second mass member  36  and the third mass member  38 . The second engagement portion  18  includes a second engagement wall  42  defining a second engagement aperture  44  extending through the second mass member  36 . The second engagement aperture  44  is disposed about a second pivot axis  46 , about which the second toy member  14  may pivot. 
         [0030]    The third mass member  38  is configured similar to the second mass member  36  in that it includes a third engagement wall  48  defining a third engagement aperture  50  extending through the third mass member  38  to define a third engagement portion  52 . The third engagement aperture  50  is disposed about a third pivot axis  54  about which the second toy member  14  may pivot. The second mass member  36  defines a center of mass which is spaced from the third pivot axis  54  to facilitate pivotal movement of the second toy member  14  about the third pivot axis  54 . Likewise, the third mass member  38  defines a third center of mass which is spaced from the second pivot axis  46  to facilitate pivotal movement of the second toy member  14  about the second pivot axis  46 . 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross-sectional view to more accurately depict the engagement between the first toy member  12  and the second toy member  14 . The second engagement aperture  44  defines a first end portion  56  and an opposing second end portion  58 . The second engagement wall  42  is stepped to define a larger opening adjacent the first end portion  56  and the second end portion  58 , and a narrow opening between the first end portion  56  and the second end portion  58 . In this regard, the first end portion  56  is substantially similar to the second end portion  58  with regard to size and shape. This allows the first toy member  12  to be inserted into the second engagement aperture  44  in a first direction  60 , or an opposing second direction  62 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 , the tapered distal tip  26  of the first engagement portion  16  is inserted into the second end portion  58  of the second engagement aperture  44  in the first direction  60 , and is advanced toward the first end portion  56  until the locking tabs  28  pass through the narrow portion of the second engagement aperture  44 . Conversely, the first engagement portion  16  may be inserted in the second direction  62  by inserting the distal tip  26  into the first end portion  56  of the second engagement aperture  44  and advancing the distal tip  26  toward the second end portion  58  until the locking tabs  28  pass through the narrow portion of the second engagement aperture  44 . This configuration is best depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0032]    Once the first engagement portion  16  is inserted into the second engagement portion  18 , the first toy member  12  and second toy member  14  may rotate relative to each other. In the embodiments depicted in the Figures, the first pivot axis  30  is coaxially aligned with the second pivot axis  46  upon engagement between the first engagement portion  16  and the second engagement portion  18 . The shaft  24  may define an outer diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the second engagement aperture  44  to allow the first and second toy members  12 ,  14  to freely rotate relative to each other. In this regard, the first and second engagement portions  16 ,  18  may be configured to mitigate friction between the first engagement portion  16  and the second engagement portion  18 . 
         [0033]    Although  FIGS. 1-7  depict engagement between the first toy member  12  and the second toy member  14  via the first engagement portion  16  and the second engagement portion  18 , the second toy member  14  is configured such that the first engagement portion  16  may also engage with the third engagement portion  52 . In this regard, the second toy member  14  includes two female connectors, which the male connector on the first toy member  12  may be selectively engaged with. Furthermore, if the first toy member  12  is engaged with the second toy member  14  via the second engagement portion  18 , a third toy member (not shown) may be engaged with the second toy member  14  via the third engagement portion  52 . In this regard, the length of the chew toy  10  may be increased by adding additional toy members thereto. 
         [0034]    According to one implementation of the chew toy  10 , the first toy member  12  and second toy member  14  are formed from a 100% consumable material. In other words, the chew toy  10  may be digested by the dog/pet without harming the digestive system of the dog. Exemplary consumable materials include potato starch, corn starch, chicken digest, and combinations thereof including oil. The toy members  12 ,  14  may be formed via injection molding and subsequently air dried to rigidify the toy members  12 ,  14  and to remove moisture for assembly. The first and second toy members  12 ,  14  may then be assembled and allowed to completely dry. The colors of the toy members  12 ,  14  may be adapted by including additives known in the art, such as parsley to achieve desired appearances. 
         [0035]    The consumable nature of the chew toy  10  allows the dog to freely chew and gnaw on the chew toy  10  without worry of harming the dog. Furthermore, the articulating nature of the chew toy  10  keeps the dog&#39;s attention and tests the dog&#39;s mind by the relative movement between the first toy member  12  and the second toy member  14 . 
         [0036]    The first, second, and third mass members  20 ,  36 ,  38  may define different textures to promote gnawing and scraping of the dog&#39;s teeth. For instance, the first mass member  20  includes a plurality of round nubs formed on the outer surface thereof. The second mass member  36  defines a plurality of square or rectangular projections thereon, and the third mass member  38  defines a series of longitudinal grooves and protrusions. Other patterns and designs may be defined by the surfaces of the first, second, and third mass members  20 ,  36 ,  38  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0037]    The chew toy  10  may additionally be configured to produce noise as the first toy member  12  pivots or moves relative to the second toy member  14 . For instance, the shaft  24  may include ridges (not shown) and the second engagement wall  42  may include grooves (not shown) that create noise when the shaft  24  rotates relative to the second engagement wall  42 . Other noise making configurations known by those skilled in the art may also be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0038]    In addition to the foregoing, which describes a first embodiment of a chew toy  10  configured to provide pivotal movement, it is expressly contemplated that a second embodiment of a chew toy  110  (see  FIG. 8 ) may be configured to achieve translational movement of a first toy member  112  relative to a second toy member  114 . In this regard, the first toy member  112  includes an elongate rod  116  having a pair of end caps  118  disposed at opposing end portions thereof. The second toy member  114  may be translatably engaged with the first toy member  112  to achieve translational movement in a direction  120  between the pair of opposing end caps  118 . Therefore, the dog&#39;s attention may be captivated by the translational movement of the second toy member  114  along the first toy member  112 . 
         [0039]    Although the foregoing describes a chew toy comprised of a first toy member  12  and a second toy member  14  both comprised of 100% consumable material, it is contemplated that only one of the first toy member  12  and the second toy member  14  may be formed out of a 100% consumable material. In this manner, the toy members  12 ,  14  not formed from consumable material may be a carrier configured to engage with a consumable portion. Therefore, as the dog eats or consumes the consumable portion, it may be replaced with another consumable portion, while maintaining the more permanent portion. 
         [0040]    Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0