WO2019125310A1

WO2019125310A1 - Modular pet chew

Info

Publication number: WO2019125310A1
Application number: PCT/TH2018/000055
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pipat LERTVIWATKUL
Original assignee: S.I.P. Siam Inter Pacific Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2018-12-20
Publication date: 2019-06-27

Abstract

A modular pet chew includes a plurality of blocks adapted to be chewed on by a pet. The blocks are configured to interlock with at least one other of the plurality of blocks to removably couple the blocks together in a plurality of arrangements so that the modular pet chew can assume one of a plurality of shapes.

Description

MODULAR PET CHEW

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/608,014, filed 20 December 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/713,199, filed 01 August 2018, the disclosures of which are now expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to pet chews and, more particularly, to pet chews comprising organic and/or polymeric material.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

A pet chew in accordance with the present disclosure is configured to be chewed on by a pet such as, for example, a dog. The pet chew may comprise organic and/or polymeric material.

In illustrative embodiments, the pet chew is modular and includes a plurality of blocks. The blocks are configured to removably couple with one another in a plurality of arrangements to form a plurality of shapes. In illustrative embodiments, the blocks interlock removably with one another.

Some blocks may comprise organic material while other blocks may comprise polymeric material. The organic blocks may be consumed over time by the pet and the polymeric blocks may be longer lasting than the organic blocks to provide a chewable toy after the organic blocks are consumed by the pet. A pet owner may obtain new blocks to replace any consumed blocks and/or to increase the possible arrangements of the blocks.

These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular pet chew in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the modular pet chew includes a plurality of organic and polymeric blocks that interlock removably with one another to form a cube and suggesting that the blocks may interlock removably with one another in a plurality of arrangements to form a plurality of other shapes; Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the modular pet chew of Fig. 1 showing a first block type included in the plurality of blocks, the first block type including a plurality of holes that extend through the block and a plurality of fingers that define cutouts between neighboring fingers and fingers included in other blocks are received in the cutouts to couple removably the blocks together;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the modular pet chew ofFig. 1 showing a second block type included in the plurality of blocks, the second block type formed to include a plurality of holes that extend through the block and a plurality of fingers and cutouts that interlock with fingers and cutouts included in other blocks to couple removably the second block type with the other blocks;

Fig. 4 is a top elevation view of the modular pet chew of Fig. 1 showing a third block type included in the plurality of blocks, the third block type formed to include a plurality of holes that extend through the block and a plurality of fingers and cutouts that interlock with fingers and cutouts included in other blocks to couple removably the third block type with the other blocks;

Fig. 5 is a section view of the modular pet chew taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2 showing that the first, second, and third block types are coupled removably to form a cube formed to define an internal space in the cube and that the holes of the blocks are in fluid communication with the internal space;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular pet chew in accordance with the present disclosure, the modular pet chew includes a plurality of blocks that are removably coupled together to form a cube;

Fig. 7 is a section view of the modular pet chew ofFig. 6 showing that the modular pet chew includes a plurality of interlocked blocks and the plurality of interlocked blocks includes a block core that includes a first block, a second block spaced apart from the first block, and a web that extends between and interconnects the first and second blocks such that the block core is an integral, single, one-piece component;

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the modular pet chew of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the block core included in the modular pet chew of Fig.

6;

Fig. 10 is a side elevation view of the block core of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a first pair of blocks of the same type included in the modular pet chew of Fig. 6; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a second pair of blocks of the same type included in the modular pet chew of Fig. 6;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular pet chew in accordance with the present disclosure, the modular pet chew including a first cube, a second cube, and a tube that extends between and interconnects removably the first cube and the second cube;

Fig. 14 is a section view of the modular pet chew of Fig. 13 showing that the first cube is formed from a plurality of blocks, the second cube is formed from a plurality of blocks, the tube extends between the first and second cubes, a first pin extend through the first cube and into the tube, and a second pin extends through the second tube and into the tube to couple removably the first cube, the second cube, the tube, the first pin, and the second pin together;

Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the modular pet chew of Fig. 13 showing that the modular pet chew includes the plurality of blocks, the tube, and the pins that extend through blocks and into the tube;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged section view of the modular pet chew of Fig. 13 showing one of the pins received in the tube to couple the pin to the tube;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of some of the components of the modular pet chew of Fig. 13 showing that the pin extends through two blocks of the same type and the blocks are each formed to include a hole sized to receive the pin;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of two blocks that are shaped to receive one of the pins showing that the blocks define a lip arranged around the pin-receiver hole and the lip is configured to block the pin from moving completely through the blocks; and

Fig. 19 is a side elevation view of one of the pins included in the modular pet chew of Fig. 13 showing that the pin includes a body, a tapered end that tapers toward a point, and a head that flares outward away from the body and is configured to engage the lip in the block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

A modular pet chew 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 1-5. The modular pet chew 10 includes a plurality of blocks 12 configured to interlock removably with one another to form a plurality of assemblies. The modular blocks 12 allow for a pet owner to interact with their pet by coupling removably the plurality of blocks 12 in different arrangements to form different shaped pet chews. The owner may add more blocks 12 to their collection to allow for even more arrangements and shapes. In the illustrative embodiment, the blocks 12 are interlocked with one another to form a cube shape that defines an internal a space 80. In some embodiments, multiple cubes are coupled together via a tube and pins.

In some embodiments, certain of the blocks 12 comprise polymeric material (plastic) while other blocks 12 comprise organic material. Pets may consume the organic blocks 12 while the plastic blocks 12 persist as a chew toy for a longer period of time after the organic blocks have been consumed. The owner may obtain additional blocks 12, organic and/or plastic, to allow for more arrangements and shapes and/or to replenish consumed blocks 12.

In one embodiment, the plurality of blocks 12 includes first blocks 14 A, 14B, second blocks 16A, 16B, and third blocks 18 A, 18B as shown in Fig. 1. In other embodiments, other block types are included such as, for example, triangular blocks, semi-circular blocks, rectangular blocks, tube, pins, etc.

The first block 14B is substantially similar to the first block 14A and, as a result, the first block 14B is not discussed in detail. The second block 16B is substantially similar to the second block 16A and, as a result, the second block 16B is not discussed in detail. The third block 18B is substantially similar to the third block 18A and, as a result, the third block 18B is not discussed in detail.

The first block 14A is shown in Fig. 2. The first block 14A has a first face 20 and a second face 22 spaced apart from the first face 20. The first block 14A further has a first side 24, a second side 26, a third side 28, and a fourth side 30. Each side 24, 26, 28, 30 of the first block 14A is generally planar and extends between the firs face 20 and the second face 22. Edges of the sides 24, 26, 28, 30 may be chamfered, filleted, etc.

The first block 14A includes a body 31 that is formed to include a plurality of cutouts 32 that extend into the sides 24, 26, 28, 30 of the first block 14A to define a plurality of fingers 34 that extend away from the body 35 as shown in Fig. 2. The cutouts 32 extend through sides 24, 26, 28, 30 partway into the first block 14A. Two cutouts 32 are formed in the first side 24 of the first block 14 A. Two cutouts 32 are formed in the second side 26 of the first block 14A opposite the cutouts 32 in the first side 24. One cutout 22 is formed in the third side 28 of the first block 14 A. One cutout 32 is formed in the fourth side 30 of the first block 14A opposite the cutout 22 in the third side 28 of the first block 14A. The cutouts 32 are each generally U shaped. The first block 14A is formed to include holes 36 that extend through the first face 20 and the second face 22 as shown in Fig. 2. In the illustrative embodiment, the first block 14A includes four holes 36. The holes 36 are circular shaped.

The second block 16A is shown in Fig. 3. The first block 16A has a first face 40 and a second face 42 spaced apart from the first face 40. The second block 16A further has a first side 44, a second side 46, a third side 48, and a fourth side 50. Each side 44, 46, 48, 50 of the second block 16A is generally planar and extends between the first face 40 and the second face 42. Edges of the sides 44, 46, 48, 50 may be chamfered, filleted, etc.

The second block 16A includes a body 41 formed to include a plurality of cutouts 52 that extend into the sides 44, 46 of the second block 16A to define a plurality of fingers 54 that extend away from the body as shown in Fig. 3. The cutouts 52 extend through sides 44, 46 partway into the second block 16 A. Two cutouts 52 are formed in the first side 44 of the second block 16 A. Two cutouts 52 are formed in the second side 46 of the second block 16A opposite the cutouts 52 in the first side 44. One finger 54 extends away from the third side 48 of the second block 16 A. One finger 54 extends away from the fourth side 50 of the second block 16A opposite the finger 54 on the third side 48. The cutouts 52 are each generally U shaped.

The second block 16A is formed to include holes 56 that extend through the first face 40 and the second face 42 as shown in Fig. 3. In the illustrative embodiment, the second block 16A includes four holes 56. The holes 56 are circular shaped.

The third block 18A is shown in Fig. 4. The third block 18A has a first face 60 and a second face 62 spaced apart from the first face 60. The third block 18A further has a first side 64, a second side 66, a third side 68, and a fourth side 70. Each side 64, 66, 68, 70 of the third block 18A is generally planar and extends between the first face 60 and the second face 62. Edges of the sides 64, 66, 68, 70 may be chamfered, filleted, etc.

The third block 18 A has a body 51 formed to include a plurality of fingers 74 that extend away from the sides 64, 66, 68, 70 of the body 51 of the third block 18A as shown in Fig. 4. Two fingers 74 extend from each side 64, 66, 68, 70 of the third block 18 A.

The third block 18 A is formed to include holes 76 that extend through the first face 60 and the second face 62 as shown in Fig. 4. In the illustrative embodiment, the third block 18A includes four holes 76. The holes 76 are circular shaped.

A section view of the modular pet chew 10 taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2 is shown in Fig. 5. Each block 14 A, 14B, 16 A, 16B, 18 A, 18B has a height, a width, and a thickness. The thickness is smaller than the height and width. The height and width are generally similar to form generally square shaped blocks 12.

When formed into a cube as shown in Fig. 1 , the first side 24 of the first block 14A is generally flush with the first face 60 of the third block 18A. The fourth side 30 of the first bock 14A is generally flush with the first face 40 of the second block 16 A. The first side 44 of the second block 16A is generally flush with the first face 60 of the third block 18 A.

The module pet chew 10 is cube shaped in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, the blocks 12 included in the module pet chew 10 may be arranged in a plurality of combinations to provide a plurality of different shapes. Each block 14, 16, 18 is integrally and monolithically formed to provide individual one-piece blocks.

Another embodiment of a modular pet chew 210 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 6-12. The modular pet chew 210 includes a plurality of blocks 212 configured to interlock with one another to form a plurality of shapes. The modular blocks 212 allow for a pet owner to interact with their pet by coupling removably the plurality of blocks 212 in different arrangements to form different shaped pet chews. The owner may add more blocks 212 to their collection to allow for even more arrangements and shapes. In the illustrative embodiment, the blocks 212 are interlocked with one another to form a cube shape that defines an internal a space 280 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

The plurality of blocks 212 includes block core 213, second blocks 216A, 216B, and third blocks 218A, 218B as shown in Figs. 6-8. In other embodiments, other interlocking block types are included such as, for example, triangular blocks, semi-circular blocks, rectangular blocks, tubes, pins, unique shaped blocks, etc.

The second blocks 216A, 216B are substantially similar to the second blocks 16 A, 16B. The third blocks 218A, 218B are substantially similar to the third blocks 18 A, 18B.

Block core 213 includes a block 214A, a block 214B, and a web 215 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The blocks 214A, 214B are substantially similar to blocks 14 A, 14B except where described and shown as having different features. The web 215 extends between and interconnects the block 214A and the block 214B as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The web 215 extends from the second face 222 of the block 214A to the second face 222 of the block 214B. The web 215 reinforces the modular pet chew 210. The web 215 is tube shaped in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, the web 215 is rectangular. The block core 213 comprises polymeric material in the illustrative embodiment. The polymeric material is infused with aromatic and/or flavor in some embodiments. The web 215 extends from about a center of the blocks 214 A, 214B . The block core 213 is formed to include a passageway 282 that extends through the block 214A, through the web 215, and through the block 214B. The passageway 282 has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the holes 36. The block core 213 is integrally formed to provide a single, one-piece integral component. That is, the block 214A, web 215, and the block 214B are formed as a one- piece component.

Another embodiment of a modular pet chew 310 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 13-19. The modular pet chew 310 includes a plurality of blocks 312 configured to interlock with one another to form a plurality of shapes. The modular blocks 312 allow for a pet owner to interact with their pet by coupling removably the plurality ofblocks 312 in different arrangements to form different shaped pet chews. The owner may add more blocks 312 to their collection to allow for even more arrangements and shapes. In the illustrative embodiment, the blocks 312 are interlocked with one another to form cube shapes that defines an internal a space 380 as shown in Fig. 14. The cubes are coupled together with tube 321 and pins 323, 325.

The plurality of blocks 312 includes first blocks 314A, 314B, second blocks 316A, 316B, and third blocks 318A, 318B as shown in Figs. 13-15. In other embodiments, other interlocking block types are included such as, for example, triangular blocks, semi-circular blocks, rectangular blocks, unique shaped blocks, etc.

The first blocks 314A, 314B are substantially similar to the first blocks 14A, 14B. The third blocks 318 A, 318B are substantially similar to the third blocks 18 A, 18B.

The second blocks 316A, 316B are substantially similar to second blocks 16 A, 16B except where described and shown as having different features. The second blocks 316A, 316B each are formed to include a passageway 384 that extends through the center of the second blocks 216A, 216B as shown in Fig. 18.

Each second block 316A, 316B has a body 351 that is formed to include a first guide surface 386 and a second guide surface 388 as shown in Fig. 18. The first guide surface 386 and the second guide surface 388 cooperate to define the passageway 384. The first guide surface 386 and the second guide surface 388 are curvilinear such that the passageway 384 is circular shaped. The first guide surface 386 extends partway from the first face 340 toward the second face 342. The second guide surface 388 extends partway from the second face 342 toward the first face 340. The first guide surface 386 defines a diameter of the passageway 384 that is greater than a diameter defined by the second guide surface 388. As a result, an annular lip 390 is formed between the first guide surface 386 and the second guide surface 388.

The blocks 312 further include a tube 321, a first pin 323, and a second pin 325 as shown in Figs. 14 and 15. The tube 321 extends along an axis 327 between the second blocks 316A, 316B and the pins 323, 325 extend axially through the second blocks 316A, 316B and into the tube 321 to couple together the second blocks 316A, 316B, the tube 321, and the pins 323, 325 as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

The illustrative tube 321 is formed to include an outer wall 392 and inner pin receivers 394 as shown in Fig. 14. The outer wall 392 defines an outermost surface of the tube 321 and extends from a first end to a second end of the tube 321. A first inner pin receiver 394 extends from the first end of the tube 321 toward the second end of the tube 321 partway along a length of the tube 321. The first inner pin receiver 394 is shaped to receive and engage a tapered end of the first pin 323 to couple the first pin 323 with the tube 321. A second inner pin receiver 394 extends from the second end of the tube 321 toward the first end of the tube 321 partway along a length of the tube 321. The second inner pin receiver 394 is shaped to receive and engage a tapered end of the second pin 325 to couple the second pin 325 with the tube 321. The ends of the tube 321 are sized to abut the faces 340 of the second blocks 316A, 316B as shown in Fig. 16. The first and second inner pin receivers 394 are tapered in the illustrative embodiment.

The tube 321 is a one-piece and monolithic component in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, the inner pin receivers 394 may be omitted and the outer wall 392 is formed to directly engage the first and second pins 323, 325 to couple the tube 321 with the pins 323, 325.

Each pin 323, 325 includes a body 396, a tapered end 397, and a head 398 as shown in Fig. 19. The body 396 is sized to extend axially through both of the second blocks 316A, 316B when the modular pet chew 310 is assembled as a cube as shown in Fig. 14. The tapered end 397 extends axially away from the body 396 and is received in the tube 321 to couple the pin 323 with the tube 321. The tapered end 397 tapers inwardly toward the axis 327. In other embodiments, the pins 323, 325 do not include a tapered end and the tube body 396 may be longer. The body 396 of the pins 323, 325 has a diameter that is about equal to the diameter of the passageway 384 defined by the second guide surface 388 so that the body 396 engages the second guide surface 388 as shown in Fig. 16. The head 398 extends radially outward away from the body 396 and is configured to engage the lip 390 located between the first guide surface 386 and the second guide surface 388 such that the pin 323 is blocked from translating beyond the lip 390. The head 398 is formed to have a shape that corresponds with the shape of the first guide surface 386 to minimize any gap between the head 398 and the first guide surface 386 as suggested in Fig. 13. The head 398 includes a planar outer surface 399 that is flush with the first face 240.

While modular pet chews 10, 210, 310 have been illustrated as assemblies for forming cubes, each block type 14, 16, 18, 214, 216, 218, 314, 316, 318 may be formed and used individually or used in any interlocking combination with one another. For example, each block type 14, 16, 18, 214, 216, 218, 314, 316, 318 could be packaged and sold separately. Multiples or combinations of the block type 14, 16, 18, 214, 216, 218, 314, 316, 318 could be packaged and sold in groups. Thus, the block types 14, 16, 18, 214, 216, 218, 314, 316, 318 may be combined and used to form many different modular pet chew assembly shapes.

Some or all of the plurality of blocks 12, 212, 312 may comprise animal based material such as, for example, bone, hide, and meat. Some or all of the plurality of blocks 12, 212, 312 may comprise plant based material. Some or all of the plurality of blocks 12, 212, 312 may comprise organic material including both animal and plant based material. Some or all of the plurality of blocks 12, 212, 312 may comprise polymeric based material. Some or all of the plurality of blocks 12, 212, 312 may comprise only animal based material. Some or all of the plurality of blocks 12, 212, 312 may comprise only plant based material. Some or all of the plurality ofblocks 12, 212, 312 may comprise only polymeric based material. In the illustrative embodiment, some of the plurality ofblocks 12, 212, 312 comprises only organic material and other blocks 12, 212, 312 comprise only polymeric material. Some or all of the plurality of blocks 12, 212, 312 may be hollow on the inside. Some or all of the plurality ofblocks 12, 212, 312 may be completely solid.

In some embodiments, the first block 14A is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the first block 14A is made of polymeric material. In some embodiments, the second block 16A is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the second block 16A is made of polymeric material. In some embodiments, the third block 18A is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the third block 18A is made of polymeric material.

In some embodiments, the block 214A is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the block 214A is made of polymeric material. In some embodiments, the first block 314A is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the first block 314A is made of polymeric material. In some embodiments, the second block 316A is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the second block 316A is made of polymeric material. In some embodiments, the third block 318A is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the third block 318A is made of polymeric material.

In some embodiments, the tube 321 is made of organic material. In some embodiments, the tube 321 is made of polymeric material. In some embodiments, the pins 323, 325 are made of organic material. In some embodiments, the pins 323, 325 are made of polymeric material.

The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and nonlimiting:

Clause 1. A modular pet chew comprising a first block and a second block interlocked with the first block to removably couple the second block with the first block.

Clause 2. The modular pet chew of clause 1 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block is formed to define a passageway that extends through the first block and the modular pet chew further comprises a tube that extends along an axis and a pin.

Clause 3. The modular pet chew of clause 2, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the pin extends axially through the first block and into the tube to removably couple together the pin, the first block, and the tube.

Clause 4. The modular pet chew of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the tube abuts the first block.

Clause 5. The modular pet chew of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to the axis and the second block is interlocked with the third block to removably couple the second block with the third block.

Clause 6. The modular pet chew of clause 5, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the pin extends axially through the third block to removably couple the third block with the first block.

Clause 7. The modular pet chew of clause 6, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the pin includes a body and a head that engages the third block to block axial movement of the pin. Clause 8. The modular pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the pin further includes a tapered end that extends axially away from the body and converges inwardly toward the axis.

Clause 9. The modular pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the third block includes a body formed to define a passage that extends axially through the body and a lip that extends radially away from the body into the passage and the head of the pin engages the lip.

Clause 10. The modular pet chew of clause 9, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of organic material and at least one of the pin, the first block, and the tube is made of polymeric material.

Clause 11. The modular pet chew of clause 10, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the pin and the tube are made of polymeric material.

Clause 12. The modular pet chew of clause 11 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block is made of organic material.

Clause 13. The modular pet chew of clause 10, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block is made of polymeric material.

Clause 14. The modular pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the head includes a planar end surface, the third block includes a planar surface, and the planar end surface of the head of the pin is flush with the planar surface of the third block.

Clause 15. The modular pet chew of clause 4, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the tube is formed to define an inner pin receiver that extends axially into an outer end of the tube and the pin extends axially into the inner pin receiver.

Clause 16. The modular pet chew of clause 15, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the inner pin receiver is tapered.

Clause 17. The modular pet chew of clause 4, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of organic material and at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of polymeric material.

Clause 18. The modular pet chew of clause 17, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein at least one of the pin and the tube are made of polymeric material. Clause 19. The modular pet chew of clause 18, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second block is made of organic material.

Clause 20. The modular pet chew of clause 4, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a third block and a second pin, the tube abuts the third block, and the second pin extends axially through the third block and the tube to couple removably the third block with the tube.

Clause 21. The modular pet chew of clause 4, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein at least one of the first block, the second block, the pin, and the tube are made of a first material and at least one of the first block, the second block, the pin, and the tube are made of a second material that is configured to las longer then the first material when chewed on by a pet.

Clause 22. The modular pet chew of clause 4, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to the axis, the pin extends axially through the third block to removably couple the third block with the pin, the second block is interlocked with the third block to removably coupled the second block with the third block,

wherein the pin includes a body, a tapered end that extends axially away from the body and converges inwardly toward the axis, and a head that engages the third block to block axial movement of the pin entirely through the third block and the third block includes a body formed to define a passage that extends axially through the body and a lip that extends radially away from the body into the passage and the head of the pin engages the lip,

wherein the head includes a planar end surface, the third block includes a planar surface, and the planar end surface of the head of the pin is flush with the planar surface of the third block,

wherein at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of organic material and at least one of the pin, the first block, and the tube is made of polymeric material, and

wherein the modular pet chew further comprises a fourth block, a fifth block spaced apart axially from the fourth block, a sixth block interlocked with the fourth block and the fifth block to removably couple the fourth block with the fifth block, and a second pin that extends through the fourth block and the fifth block and into the tube.

Clause 23. A modular pet chew comprising a first block comprising organic material, the first block having a body and a plurality of fingers that extend away from the body relative to an axis,

a second block comprising polymeric material, the second block having a body and a plurality of fingers that extend away from the body of the second block relative to the axis, wherein the plurality of fingers included in the first block are interlocked with the plurality of fingers included in the second block to removably couple the first block with the second block.

Clause 24. The modular pet chew of clause 23, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to the axis and a web that extends between and interconnects the first block and the third block.

Clause 25. The modular pet chew of clause 24, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block, the third block, and the web are integrally formed as a single, one-piece component.

Clause 26. The modular pet chew of clause 24, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the web is cylindrical.

Clause 27. The modular pet chew of clause 23, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a third block spaced apart axially from the first block relative to the axis and the second block is interlocked with the third block to removably couple the second block with the third block.

Clause 28. The modular pet chew of clause 27, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a fourth block spaced apart radially from the second block and interlocked with the first block and the third block to removably couple the fourth block with the first block and the third block.

Clause 29. The modular pet chew of clause 28, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a fifth block interlocked with the first block, the second block, and the third block to removably couple the fifth block with the first block, the second block, and the third block.

Clause 30. The modular pet chew of clause 29, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a sixth block interlocked with the first block, the third block, and the fourth block to removably couple the sixth block with the first block, the third block, and the fourth block.

Clause 31. The modular pet chew of clause 30, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein each of the first block, the second block, the third block, the fourth block, the fifth block, and the sixth block are formed to define holes that extend through each of the respective blocks.

Clause 32. The modular pet chew of clause 30, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block includes two sides with three fingers each and two sides with two fingers each.

Clause 33. The modular pet chew of clause 32, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second block includes two sides with two fingers each and two sides with two fingers each.

Clause 34. The modular pet chew of clause 33, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the fifth block includes two sides with three fingers each and two sides with one finger each.

Clause 35. The modular pet chew of clause 30, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a cylindrical web that extends between and interconnects the first block and the third block.

Clause 36. The modular pet chew of clause 35, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block, the third block, and the cylindrical web are integrally formed as a single, one-piece component.

Clause 37. The modular pet chew of clause 35, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block, the third block, and the cylindrical web cooperate to define a block core formed to define a passageway that extends axially entirely through the first block, the third block, and the cylindrical web.

Clause 38. The modular pet chew of clause 23, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a tube that abuts the first block and a pin that extends through the first block and into the tube to removably couple the first block with the tube.

Clause 39. The modular pet chew of clause 38, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a third block spaced apart axially from the first block and the pin extends through the third block and the first block into the tube to couple removably the third block with the tube.

Clause 40. A modular pet chew comprising

a block core that includes a first block, a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to an axis, and a web that extends between and interconnects the first block and the third block. Clause 41. The modular pet chew of clause 40, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a second block interlocked with the first block and the third block to removably couple the second block with the first block and the third block.

Clause 42. The modular pet chew of clause 41, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first block, the third block, and the web are integrally formed as a single, one-piece component.

Clause 43. The modular pet chew of clause 41 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the web is cylindrical.

Clause 44. The modular pet chew of clause 41 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the block core formed to define a passageway that extends axially entirely through the first block, the third block, and the web.

Clause 45. The modular pet chew of clause 44, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a fourth block removably coupled with the first block, the second block, and the third block.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular pet chew comprising

a first block formed to define a passageway that extends through the first block, a second block interlocked with the first block to removably couple the second block with the first block,

a tube that extends along an axis, and

a pin that extends axially through the first block and into the tube to removably couple together the pin, the first block, and the tube.

2. The modular pet chew of claim 1 , further comprising a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to the axis and the second block is interlocked with the third block to removably couple the second block with the third block.

3. The modular pet chew of claim 2, wherein the pin extends axially through the third block to removably couple the third block with the first block.

4. The modular pet chew of claim 3, wherein the pin includes a body and a head that engages the third block to block axial movement of the pin.

5. The modular pet chew of claim 4, wherein the pin further includes a tapered end that extends axially away from the body and converges inwardly toward the axis.

6. The modular pet chew of claim 4, wherein the third block includes a body formed to define a passage that extends axially through the body and a lip that extends radially away from the body into the passage and the head of the pin engages the lip.

7. The modular pet chew of claim 6, wherein at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of organic material and at least one of the pin, the first block, and the tube is made of polymeric material.

8. The modular pet chew of claim 7, wherein the pin and the tube are made of polymeric material.

9. The modular pet chew of claim 8, wherein the first block is made of organic material.

10. The modular pet chew of claim 7, wherein the first block is made of polymeric material.

11. The modular pet chew of claim 4, wherein the head includes a planar end surface, the third block includes a planar surface, and the planar end surface of the head of the pin is flush with the planar surface of the third block.

12. The modular pet chew of claim 1 , wherein the tube is formed to define an inner pin receiver that extends axially into an outer end of the tube and the pin extends axially into the inner pin receiver.

13. The modular pet chew of claim 12, wherein the inner pin receiver is tapered.

14. The modular pet chew of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of organic material and at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of polymeric material.

15. The modular pet chew of claim 14, wherein at least one of the pin and the tube are made of polymeric material.

16. The modular pet chew of claim 15, wherein the second block is made of organic material.

17. The modular pet chew of claim 1 , further comprising a third block and a second pin, the tube abuts the third block, and the second pin extends axially through the third block and the tube to couple removably the third block with the tube.

18. The modular pet chew of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first block, the second block, the pin, and the tube are made of a first material and at least one of the first block, the second block, the pin, and the tube are made of a second material that is configured to las longer then the first material when chewed on by a pet.

19. The modular pet chew of claim 1 , further comprising a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to the axis, the pin extends axially through the third block to removably couple the third block with the pin, the second block is interlocked with the third block to removably coupled the second block with the third block,

wherein at least one of the pin, the first block, the second block, and the tube is made of organic material and at least one of the pin, the first block, and the tube is made of polymeric material, and wherein the modular pet chew further comprises a fourth block, a fifth block spaced apart axially from the fourth block, a sixth block interlocked with the fourth block and the fifth block to removably couple the fourth block with the fifth block, and a second pin that extends through the fourth block and the fifth block and into the tube.

20. A modular pet chew comprising

a first block comprising organic material, the first block having a body and a plurality of fingers that extend away from the body relative to an axis,

21. The modular pet chew of claim 20, further comprising a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to the axis and a web that extends between and interconnects the first block and the third block.

22. The modular pet chew of claim 21, wherein the first block, the third block, and the web are integrally formed as a single, one-piece component.

23. The modular pet chew of claim 21 , wherein the web is cylindrical.

24. The modular pet chew of claim 20, further comprising a third block spaced apart axially from the first block relative to the axis and the second block is interlocked with the third block to removably couple the second block with the third block.

25. The modular pet chew of claim 24, further comprising a fourth block spaced apart radially from the second block and interlocked with the first block and the third block to removably couple the fourth block with the first block and the third block.

26. The modular pet chew of claim 25, further comprising a fifth block interlocked with the first block, the second block, and the third block to removably couple the fifth block with the first block, the second block, and the third block.

27. The modular pet chew of claim 26, further comprising a sixth block interlocked with the first block, the third block, and the fourth block to removably couple the sixth block with the first block, the third block, and the fourth block.

28. The modular pet chew of claim 27, wherein each of the first block, the second block, the third block, the fourth block, the fifth block, and the sixth block are formed to define holes that extend through each of the respective blocks.

29. The modular pet chew of claim 27, wherein the first block includes two sides with three fingers each and two sides with two fingers each.

30. The modular pet chew of claim 29, wherein the second block includes two sides with two fingers each and two sides with two fingers each.

31. The modular pet chew of claim 30, wherein the fifth block includes two sides with three fingers each and two sides with one finger each.

32. The modular pet chew of claim 27, further comprising a cylindrical web that extends between and interconnects the first block and the third block.

33. The modular pet chew of claim 32, wherein the first block, the third block, and the cylindrical web are integrally formed as a single, one-piece component.

34. The modular pet chew of claim 32, wherein the first block, the third block, and the cylindrical web cooperate to define a block core formed to define a passageway that extends axially entirely through the first block, the third block, and the cylindrical web.

35. The modular pet chew of claim 20, further comprising a tube that abuts the first block and a pin that extends through the first block and into the tube to removably couple the first block with the tube.

36. The modular pet chew of claim 35, further comprising a third block spaced apart axially from the first block and the pin extends through the third block and the first block into the tube to couple removably the third block with the tube.

37. A modular pet chew comprising

a block core that includes a first block, a third block spaced apart from the first block relative to an axis, and a web that extends between and interconnects the first block and the third block, and

a second block interlocked with the first block and the third block to removably couple the second block with the first block and the third block.

38. The modular pet chew of claim 37, wherein the first block, the third block, and the web are integrally formed as a single, one-piece component.

39. The modular pet chew of claim 37, wherein the web is cylindrical.

40. The modular pet chew of claim 37, wherein the block core formed to define a passageway that extends axially entirely through the first block, the third block, and the web.

41. The modular pet chew of claim 40, further comprising a fourth block removably coupled with the first block, the second block, and the third block.