PET CHEW

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/580,114, filed 01 November 2017, the disclosure of which is now expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to pet chews and, more particularly, to pet chews having a body and a capsule removably coupled with the body

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 includes a chew body that extends between a first end and a second end. The chew body is configured to be chewed on by a pet such as, for example, a dog.

In illustrative embodiments, the pet chew further includes a first chew capsule removably coupled with the chew body. The first chew capsule may be consumed before the chew body and/or may be replaced with another chew capsule.

In illustrative embodiments, the pet chew further includes a second chew capsule removably coupled with the chew body. The second chew capsule may be consumed before the chew body and/or may be replaced with another chew capsule.

In illustrative embodiments, the chew body is formed to include a first mouth that extends partway into the first end of the chew body toward the second end and a second mouth that extends partway into the second end of the chew body toward the first end. The first chew capsule is located in the first mouth and the second chew capsule is located in the second mouth.

In illustrative embodiments, the first chew capsule and the second chew capsule are wedge shaped and abut the chew body to removebaly couple the chew capsules with the chew body. In illustrative embodiments, each of the first chew capsule and the second chew capsule include an end cap, a first arm that extends from the end cap, and a second arm that extends from the end cap. The first arm is spaced apart from the second arm to define an aperture therebetween.

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 pet chew in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the pet chew includes a chew body, a first capsule adapted to removably couple with the chew body, and a second capsule adapted to removably couple with the chew body;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pet chew of Fig. 1 showing the first capsule coupled with the chew body and the second capsule coupled with the chew body;

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the pet chew of Fig. 1 showing the first capsule, the chew body, and the second capsule;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the chew body included in the pet chew of Fig. 1 showing that the chew body includes a support core, a first capsule retainer that extends away from the support core and configured to couple with the first capsule, and a second capsule retainer that extends away from the support core and configured to couple with the second capsule;

Fig, 5 is a perspective view of the chew body included in the pet chew of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the first capsule showing that the first capsule includes an end cap, a first arm that extends away from the end cap, and a second arm that extends away from the end cap;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first capsule included in the pet chew of Fig. 1 showing that the first arm is spaced apart from the second arm to form a capsule aperture therebetween;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the second capsule showing that the second capsule includes an end cap, a first arm that extends away from the end cap, and a second arm that extends away from the end cap;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the second capsule included in the pet chew of Fig. 1 showing that the first arm is spaced apart from the second arm to form a capsule aperture therebetween and the capsule aperture is sized to receive a medical pill;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10- 10 of Fig. 2 showing that the second capsule and the chew body cooperate to define a storage cavity sized to receive a medical pill;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 12 is another embodiment of a pet chew in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the pet chew is ball shaped or sphere shaped and includes a chew body, a first capsule removably coupled with the chew body, and a second capsule removably coupled with the chew body;

Fig. 12A is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 12;

Fig. 12B is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 12; Fig. 12C is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 12;

Fig. 12D is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 12;

Fig. 12E is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 12;

Fig. 12F is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 12;

Fig. 13 is another embodiment of a pet chew in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the pet chew is cube shaped and includes a chew body, a first capsule removably coupled with the chew body, and a second capsule removably coupled with the chew body;

Fig. 13A is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 13;

Fig. 13B is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 13;

Fig. 13C is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 13;

Fig. 13D is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 13;

Fig. 13E is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 13; and

Fig. 13F is a view of the pet chew of Fig. 13.

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 pet chew 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 1. The pet chew 10 includes a chew body 12, a first capsule 14 (sometimes referred to as a chew capsule) removably coupled with the chew body 12, and a second capsule 16 (sometimes referred to as a chew capsule) removably coupled with the chew body 12 as suggested in Fig. 2. In the illustrative embodiment, the chew body 12 is relatively more rigid than the first and second capsules 14, 16 and may take longer to be consumed by a pet. The first and second capsules 14, 16 are relatively softer than the chew body 12 and may be consumed by the pet quickly and then replaced with additional capsules.

The second capsule 16 and the chew body 12 cooperate to define a storage cavity 94 sized to receive a medical pill as shown in Figs 1 and 4. The medical pill is adapted to be removed with the second capsule 16 and consumed by the pet to help administer the medical pill to the pet.

Chew body 12 has a first end 18 and a second end 20 spaced apart from the first end 18 as shown in Figs. 3-5. The chew body 12 is formed to include a first mouth 22 that extends into the first end 18 toward the second end 20 and a second mouth 24 that extends into the second end 20 toward the first end 18. In the illustrative embodiment, chew body 12 extends along a longitudinal axis 13 and first end 18 and second end 20 are spaced apart axially from one another relative to the longitudinal axis 13. Chew body 12 includes a support core 26, a first capsule retainer 28, and a second capsule retainer 30 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The first capsule retainer 28 is coupled to the support core 26 and extends axially away from the support core 26. The second capsule retainer 30 is coupled to the support core 26 opposite the first capsule retainer 28 and extends axially away from the support core 26 and the first capsule retainer 28.

The support core 26 includes an exterior surface 32, a left surface 34, and a right surface 36 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The exterior surface 32 forms a portion of an outer contour of the pet chew 10. The left surface 34 faces the first end 18 and a right surface 36 faces the second end 20.

The first capsule retainer 28 includes an upper jaw 38 and a lower jaw 40 as shown in Figs.

4 and 5. The upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40 cooperate to receive and couple selectively the first capsule 14 with the chew body 12.

The upper jaw 38 is coupled to the support core 26 and extends axially away from the support core 26 toward the first end 18 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The upper jaw 38 extends radially outward away from the support core 26 relative to the longitudinal axis 13 in the illustrative embodiment.

The upper jaw 38 includes an external surface 44, an upper surface 46, and an end surface 48, and as shown in Fig. 4. The external surface 44 extends along an upper side of upper jaw 38 and defines a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10. The external surface 44 is curvilinear in the illustrative example. The upper surface 46 faces a lower surface 56 included in the lower jaw 40 and extends axially relative to the longitudinal axis 13. The end surface 48 extends between and interconnects the external surface 44 and the upper surface 46 near the first end 18 of the chew body 12. The external surface 44 is curvilinear in the illustrative embodiment and forms a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10. The upper surface 46 is continuous. The lower surface 56 is continuous.

The upper jaw 38 further includes a tab-receiver aperture 50 that extends into the upper surface 46 of the upper jaw 38. The tab-receiver aperture 50 is configured to receive an anchor tab 120 included in the first capsule 14 to block movement of the first capsule 14 away from the first capsule retainer 28. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 50 extends axially into end surface 48. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 50 is generally arcuate.

The lower jaw 40 includes an external surface 54, a lower surface 56, and an end surface 58, and as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The external surface 54 extends along a lower side of lower jaw 40 and defines a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10. The external surface 54 is curvilinear in the illustrative example. The lower surface 56 faces the upper surface 46 included in the upper jaw 38 and extends axially relative to the longitudinal axis 13. The end surface 58 extends between and interconnects the external surface 54 and the lower surface 56 near the first end 18 of the chew body 12. The external surface 54 is curvilinear in the illustrative embodiment and forms a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10.

The lower jaw 40 further includes a tab-receiver aperture 60 that extends into the lower surface 56 of the lower jaw 40. The tab-receiver aperture 60 is configured to receive an anchor tab 122 included in the first capsule 14 to block movement of the first capsule 14 away from the first capsule retainer 28. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 60 extends axially into end surface 58. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 60 is generally arcuate.

The upper surface 46 of upper jaw 38, the lower surface 56 of lower jaw 40, and the left surface 34 of support core 26 define the first mouth 22 as shown in Fig. 4. The upper surface 46 and the lower surface 56 define an angle alpha therebetween. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is between about 10 degrees and about 35 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is between about 12 degrees and about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is about 12 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is about 25 degrees. In the illustrative embodiment, the angle alpha is greater than zero degrees.

The first capsule retainer 28 further includes a bridge 42 as shown in Fig. 4. The bridge

42 extends between and interconnects the upper surface 46 and the lower surface 56. The bridge 42 extends axially away from the left surface 34 of the support core 26 toward the first end 18. The bridge 42 ends ahead of the first end 18 such that the bridge is spaced apart axially from the end surface 48 in the illustrative embodiment. The bridge 42 has a width that is smaller than a width of the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40.

In some embodiments, the bridge 42 is omitted. In some embodiments, one or more of the tab-receiver apertures 50, 60 are omitted.

The second capsule retainer 30 includes an upper jaw 68 and a lower jaw 70 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The upper jaw 68 and the lower jaw 70 cooperate to receive and couple selectively the second capsule 16 with the chew body 12.

The upper jaw 68 is coupled to the support core 26 and extends axially away from the support core 26 toward the second end 20 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The upper jaw 68 extends radially outward away from the support core 26 relative to the longitudinal axis 13 in the illustrative embodiment.

The upper jaw 68 includes an external surface 74, an upper surface 76, and an end surface 78, and as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The external surface 74 extends along an upper side of upper jaw 68 and defines a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10. The external surface 74 is curvilinear in the illustrative example. The upper surface 76 faces a lower surface 86 included in the lower jaw 70 and extends axially relative to the longitudinal axis 13. The end surface 78 extends between and interconnects the external surface 74 and the upper surface 76 near the second end 20 of the chew body 12. The external surface 74 is curvilinear in the illustrative embodiment and forms a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10.

The upper jaw 68 further includes a tab-receiver aperture 80 that extends into the upper surface 76 of the upper jaw 68. The tab-receiver aperture 80 is configured to receive an anchor tab 220 included in the second capsule 16 to block movement of the second capsule 16 away from the second capsule retainer 30. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 80 extends axially into the end surface 78. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 80 is generally arcuate.

The lower jaw 70 includes an external surface 84, a lower surface 86, and an end surface 88, and as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The external surface 84 extends along a lower side of lower jaw 70 and defines a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10. The external surface 84 is curvilinear in the illustrative example. The lower surface 86 faces the upper surface 76 included in the upper jaw 68 and extends axially relative to the longitudinal axis 13. The end surface 88 extends between and interconnects the external surface 84 and the lower surface 86 near the second end 20 of the chew body 12. The external surface 84 is curvilinear in the illustrative embodiment and forms a portion of the outer contour of pet chew 10.

The lower jaw 70 further includes a tab-receiver aperture 90 that extends into the lower surface 86 of the lower jaw 70. The tab-receiver aperture 90 is configured to receive an anchor tab 222 included in the second capsule 16 to block movement of the second capsule 16 away from the second capsule retainer 30. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 90 extends axially into end surface 88. In the illustrative embodiment, the tab-receiver aperture 90 is generally arcuate.

The upper surface 76 of upper jaw 68, the lower surface 86 of lower jaw 70, and the right surface 36 of support core 26 define the second mouth 24 as shown in Fig. 5. The upper surface 76 and the lower surface 86 define an angle alpha therebetween. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is between about 10 degrees and about 35 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is between about 12 degrees and about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is about 12 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle alpha is about 25 degrees. In the illustrative embodiment, the angle alpha is greater than zero degrees. The upper surface 76 is continuous. The lower surface 86 is continuous. The lower surface 56 and the lower surface 86 are generally parallel as shown in Figs. 5.

The second capsule retainer 30 is relatively shorter than first capsule retainer 28 as measured along the longitudinal axis 13. The angle alpha defined by the upper surface 76 and the lower surface 86 is smaller than the angle alpha define by the upper surface 46 and the lower surface 56 in the illustrative example.

The first capsule 14 is configured to slide into and out of the first mouth 22 as suggested in Figs. 1 and 2. The first capsule 14 is wedge shaped in the illustrative embodiment and upper and lower jaws 38, 40 cooperate to block movement of the first capsule away from the chew body 12 when the first capsule 14 is located in the first mouth 22. The first capsule 14 may be U-shaped.

The first capsule 14 includes an end cap 112, a first arm 114, and a second arm 116 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The end cap 112 forms a portion of the outer contour of the pet chew 10. The first arm 114 extends away from the end cap 112 toward the support core 26 of the chew body 12. The second arm 116 extends away from the end cap 112 toward the support core 26 of the chew body 12.

The second arm 116 is spaced apart from the first arm 114 to define a capsule aperture 118 therebetween as shown in Fig. 7. The capsule aperture 118 receives the bridge 42 included in the chew body 12 and the first capsule 14 is arranged around the bridge 42 when the first capsule 14 is located in the first mouth 22 as suggested in Fig. 11. The capsule aperture 118 may be sized to receive a medical pill.

η other embodiments, the first capsule 14 is solid and does not include the capsule aperture

118. For example, the first capsule 14 may be solid in embodiments where the chew body 12 does not include the bridge 42.

The end cap 112 includes the upper anchor tab 120 and the lower anchor tab 122 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The upper anchor tab 120 extends into the tab-receiver aperture 50 formed in the first capsule retainer 28 and the lower anchor tab 122 extends into the tab-receiver aperture 60 formed in the first capsule retainer 28. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the upper anchor tab 120 and the lower anchor tab 122 are generally arcuate. The end cap 112, the end surface 48, and the end surface 58 cooperate to form a generally continuous end surface of the pet chew 10. The upper and lower anchor tabs 120, 122 engage the upper and lower jaws 38, 40 respectively and the friction forces therebetween block movement of the first capsule 14 away from the chew body 12. Even still, the first capsule 14 may be separated from the chew body 12 during use of the pet chew 10 by the pet or caregiver.

The first arm 114 includes atop surface 128, a bottom surface 130, an external surface 132, and an inner surface 134 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The top surface 128 is configured to abut the upper surface 46 included in the first capsule retainer 28. The bottom surface 130 is spaced apart from the top surface 128 and configured to abut the lower surface 56 included in the first capsule retainer 28. The top surface 128 and the bottom surface 130 may converge toward one another. The external surface 132 extends between and interconnects the top and bottom surfaces 128, 130. The external surface 132 forms a portion of the outer contour of the pet chew 10. The inner surface 134 is spaced apart from the external surface 132 and faces the second arm 116.

The top surface 128 and the bottom surface 130 are angled relative to one another as shown in Fig. 6. The top surface 128 and the bottom surface 130 have about the same angle, angle alpha, defined by the upper and lower surfaces 46, 56 included in the first capsule retainer 28 in the illustrative embodiment.

The second arm 116 includes a top surface 138, a bottom surface 140, an external surface 142, and an inner surface 144 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The top surface 138 is configured to abut the upper surface 46 included in the first capsule retainer 28. The bottom surface 140 is spaced apart from the top surface 138 and configured to abut the lower surface 56 included in the first capsule retainer 28. The top surface 138 and the bottom surface 140 may converge toward one another. The external surface 142 extends between and interconnects the top and bottom surfaces 138, 140. The external surface 142 forms a portion of the outer contour of the pet chew 10. The inner surface 144 is spaced apart from the external surface 142 and faces the first arm 114.

The top surface 138 and the bottom surface 140 are angled relative to one another. The top surface 138 and the bottom surface 140 have about the same angle, angle alpha, defined by the upper and lower surfaces 46, 56 included in the first capsule retainer 28 in the illustrative embodiment.

The second capsule 16 is configured to slide into and out of the second mouth 24 as suggested in Figs. 1 and 2. The second capsule 16 is wedge shaped in the illustrative embodiment and upper and lower jaws 68, 70 cooperate to block movement of the second capsule 16 away from the chew body 12 when the second capsule 16 is located in the second mouth 24. The second capsule 16 may be U-shaped. The second capsule 16 includes an end cap 212, a first arm 214, and a second arm 216 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The end cap 212 forms a portion of the outer contour of the pet chew 10. The first arm 214 extends away from the end cap 212 toward the support core 26 of the chew body 12. The second arm 216 extends away from the end cap 212 toward the support core 26 of the chew body 12.

The second arm 216 is spaced apart from the first arm 214 to define a capsule aperture 218 therebetween as shown in Fig. 8. The capsule aperture 218 is formed to receive a medical pill for dispensing the pill to the pet. In other embodiments, the second capsule 16 is solid and does not include the capsule aperture 218. The second capsule 16 and the chew body 12 define a storage cavity 94 as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. In particular, the storage cavity 94 is defined by right surface 36, inner surface 234, inner surface 244, end cap 212, upper surface 76, and lower surface 86.

The end cap 212 includes an upper anchor tab 220 and a lower anchor tab 222 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The upper anchor tab 220 extends into the tab-receiver aperture 80 formed in the second capsule retainer 30 and the lower anchor tab 222 extends into the tab-receiver aperture 90 formed in the second capsule retainer 30. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the upper anchor tab 220 and the lower anchor tab 222 are generally arcuate. The end cap 212, the end surface 78, and the end surface 88 cooperate to form a generally continuous end surface of the pet chew 10.

The upper and lower anchor tabs 220, 222 engage the upper and lower jaws 68, 70 respectively and the friction forces therebetween block movement of the second capsule 16 away from the chew body 12. Even still, the second capsule 16 may be separated from the chew body 12 during use of the pet chew 10 by the pet or caregiver.

The first arm 214 includes a top surface 228, a bottom surface 230, an external surface 232, and an inner surface 234 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The top surface 228 is configured to abut the upper surface 76 included in the second capsule retainer 30. The bottom surface 230 is spaced apart from the top surface 228 and configured to abut the lower surface 86 included in the second capsule retainer 30. The top surface 228 and the bottom surface 230 may converge toward one another. The external surface 232 extends between and interconnects the top and bottom surfaces 228, 230. The external surface 232 forms a portion of the outer contour of the pet chew 10. The inner surface 234 is spaced apart from the external surface 232 and faces the first arm 214.

The top surface 228 and the bottom surface 230 are angled relative to one another as shown in Fig. 9. The top surface 228 and the bottom surface 230 have about the same angle, angle alpha, defined by the upper and lower surfaces 76, 86 included in the second capsule retainer 30 in the illustrative embodiment.

The second arm 216 includes a top surface 238, a bottom surface 240, an external surface 242, and an inner surface 244 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The top surface 238 is configured to abut the upper surface 76 included in the second capsule retainer 30. The bottom surface 240 is spaced apart from the top surface 238 and configured to abut the lower surface 86 included in the second capsule retainer 30. The top surface 238 and the bottom surface 240 may converge toward one another. The external surface 242 extends between and interconnects the top and bottom surfaces 238, 240. The external surface 242 forms a portion of the outer contour of the pet chew 10. The inner surface 244 is spaced apart from the external surface 242 and faces the first arm 214.

The top surface 238 and the bottom surface 240 are angled relative to one another. The top surface 238 and the bottom surface 240 have about the same angle, angle alpha, defined by the upper and lower surfaces 76, 86 included in the second capsule retainer 30 in the illustrative embodiment.

The chew body 12 is relatively more rigid than the first and second capsules 14, 16 in the illustrative embodiment. The chew body 12 may be sold. The chew body 12 may endure greater chewing and last longer than the first and second capsules 14, 16. The first and second capsules 14, 16 may be replaced when they are consumed or earlier, if desired, with new or different capsules 14, 16.

The pet chew 10 includes a plurality of ribs 92 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The ribs 92 extend axially along the outer contour of the pet chew 10. The ribs 92 extend radially outward away from the longitudinal axis 13. The ribs 92 are arranged circumferentially around the pet chew 10 relative to the longitudinal axis 13. The ribs 92 extend between the first end 18 and the second end 20. The ribs 92 are formed on each of the chew body 12, the first capsule 14, and the second capsule 16. The ribs 92 formed on the first capsule 14 are aligned with ribs 92 formed on the chew body 12. The ribs 92 included on the second capsule 16 are aligned with ribs 92 formed on the chew body 12. Pet chew 10 may provide dental cleaning for the pet and may be referred to as a dental chew.

The pet chew 10 is bone shaped in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, the pet chew 10 may be ball shaped, cube shaped, or any other suitable shape.

The chew body 12 comprises plant based material in the illustrative embodiment. In some embodiments, the chew body 12 comprises animal based material such as, for example, bone, hide, and meat. In some embodiments, the chew body 12 comprises polymeric based material. In some embodiments, the chew body 12 comprises only one of animal based material, plant based material, and polymeric based material. In some embodiments, the chew body 12 comprises one or more of animal based material, plant based material, and polymeric based material.

The first capsule 14 comprises animal based material such as, for example, bone, hide, and meat in the illustrative embodiment. In some embodiments, the first capsule 14 comprises plant based material. In some embodiments, the first capsule 14 comprises polymeric based material. In some embodiments, the first capsule 14 comprises only one of animal based material, plant based material, and polymeric based material. In some embodiments, the first capsule 14 comprises one or more of animal based material, plant based material, and polymeric based material.

The second capsule 16 comprises animal based material such as, for example, bone, hide, and meat in the illustrative embodiment. In some embodiments, the second capsule 16 comprises plant based material. In some embodiments, the second capsule 16 comprises polymeric based material. In some embodiments, the second capsule 16 comprises only one of animal based material, plant based material, and polymeric based material. In some embodiments, the second capsule 16 comprises one or more of animal based material, plant based material, and polymeric based material.

Another embodiment of a pet chew 310 is shown in Figs. 12-12F. The pet chew 310 is substantially similar to the pet chew 10 shown in Figs. 1-11 and described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 300 series indicate features that are common between the pet chew 10 and the pet chew 310. The description of the pet chew 10 is incorporated by reference to apply to the pet chew 310, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and the drawings of the pet chew 310.

The pet chew 310 is ball shaped (sometimes called spherical) as shown in Fig. 12. Pet chew 310 includes a chew body 312, a first capsule 314, and a second capsule 316. The chew body 312 is formed to include a first mouth 322 and a second mouth 324 spaced apart from and opposite the first mouth 322. The first capsule 314 is received in the first mouth 322 and removably coupled with the chew body 312. The second capsule 316 is received in the second mouth 324 and removably coupled with the chew body 312.

The first mouth 322 defines an angle alpha as shown in Fig. 12B. In the illustrative embodiment, the angle alpha is about 90 degrees. The first capsule 314 may be solid or may be formed to include a capsule aperture therein. The second capsule 316 may be solid or may be formed to include a capsule aperture therein. The first capsule 314 and the second capsule 316 are wedge shaped.

Another embodiment of a pet chew 410 is shown in Figs. 13-13F. The pet chew 410 is substantially similar to the pet chew 10 shown in Figs. 1-11 and described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the 400 series indicate features that are common between the pet chew 10 and the pet chew 410. The description of the pet chew 10 is incorporated by reference to apply to the pet chew 410, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and the drawings of the pet chew 410.

The pet chew 410 is cube shaped as shown in Fig. 13. Pet chew 410 includes a chew body 412, a first capsule 414, and a second capsule 416. The chew body 412 is formed to include a first mouth 422 and a second mouth 424 spaced apart from and opposite the first mouth 422. The first capsule 414 is received in the first mouth 422 and removably coupled with the chew body 412. The second capsule 416 is received in the second mouth 424 and removably coupled with the chew body 412.

The first mouth 422 defines an angle alpha as shown in Fig. 13B. In the illustrative embodiment, the angle alpha is about 90 degrees. The first capsule 414 may be solid or may be formed to include a capsule aperture therein. The second capsule 416 may be solid or may be formed to include a capsule aperture therein. The first capsule 414 and the second capsule 416 are wedge shaped.

The pet chews 10, 310, 410 include a first capsule, a second capsule, and a chew body having means for removably coupling the first capsule and the second capsule with the chew body. The pet chews 10, 310, 410 provide means for removably coupling a first capsule with a chew body such that a cavity sized to receive a medical pill is formed between the first capsule and the chew body while the first capsule is coupled with the chew body.

The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non- limiting:

Clause 1. A pet chew comprising a chew body.

Clause 2. The pet chew of clause 1, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body has a first end and a second end spaced apart from and opposite the first end relative to an axis and the chew body formed to define a first mouth that extends partway into the first end of the chew body toward the second end. Clause 3. The pet chew of clause 2, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body is formed to define a second mouth that extends partway into the second end of the chew body toward the first end of the chew body.

Clause 4. The pet chew of clause 3, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a first chew capsule located in the first mouth and removably coupled with the chew body.

Clause 5. The pet chew of clause 4, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first chew capsule is a first wedge-shaped chew capsule.

Clause 6. The pet chew of clause 5, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a second chew capsule located in the second mouth and removably coupled with the chew body.

Clause 7. The pet chew of clause 6, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second chew capsule is a second wedge-shaped chew capsule.

Clause 8. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first wedge-shaped chew capsule includes an end cap, a first arm that extends away from the end cap, and a second arm that extends away from the end cap and the first arm is spaced apart from the second arm to define a first capsule aperture therebetween.

Clause 9. The pet chew of clause 8, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body includes a support core, a first capsule retainer, and a second capsule retainer.

Clause 10. The pet chew of clause 9, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first capsule retainer includes an upper jaw that extends from the support core toward the first end and a lower jaw that extends from the support core toward the first end to define the first mouth between the upper and lower jaw of the first capsule retainer.

Clause 11. The pet chew of clause 10, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second capsule retainer includes an upper jaw that extends from the support core toward the second end and a lower jaw that extends from the support core toward the second end to define the second mouth between the upper and lower jaw of the second capsule retainer.

Clause 12. The pet chew of clause 11 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the end cap of the first wedge-shaped chew capsule includes a cap body, an upper tab that extends away from the cap body and into the upper jaw of the first capsule retainer, and a lower tab that extends away from the cap body and into the lower jaw of the first capsule retainer. Clause 13. The pet chew of clause 11 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first capsule retainer further includes a bridge that extends between and interconnects the upper jaw and the lower jaw of the first capsule retainer.

Clause 14. The pet chew of clause 13, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the bridge is located in the first capsule aperture formed between the first arm and the second arm of the first wedge-shaped chew capsule.

Clause 15. The pet chew of clause 11 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second wedge-shaped chew capsule includes an end cap, a first arm that extends away from the end cap of the second wedge-shaped chew capsule, and a second arm that extends away from the end cap, the first arm is spaced apart from the second arm of the second wedge-shaped chew capsule to define a second capsule aperture therebetween.

Clause 16. The pet chew of clause 15, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second wedge-shaped chew capsule, the upper jaw of the second capsule retainer, and the lower jaw of the second capsule retainer cooperate to define a storage cavity sized to receive a medical pill.

Clause 17. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body, the first wedge-shaped chew capsule, and the second wedge-shaped chew capsule cooperate to define a continuous outer contour of the pet chew.

Clause 18. The pet chew of clause 17, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the continuous outer contour is bone shaped.

Clause 19. The pet chew of clause 17, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the continuous outer contour is sphere shaped.

Clause 20. The pet chew of clause 17, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the continuous outer contour is cube shaped.

Clause 21. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first wedge-shaped chew capsule comprises animal based material.

Clause 22. The pet chew of clause 21 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second wedge-shaped chew capsule comprises animal based material.

Clause 23. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body comprises animal based material.

Clause 24. The pet chew of clause 22, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body comprises plant based material. Clause 25. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first wedge-shaped chew capsule comprises plant based material.

Clause 26. The pet chew of clause 22, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body comprises polymeric material.

Clause 27. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first wedge-shaped chew capsule comprises polymeric material.

Clause 28. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first wedge-shaped chew capsule and the second wedge-shaped chew capsule are each U-shaped.

Clause 29. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body includes a plurality of ribs that extend along a length of the chew body

Clause 30. The pet chew of clause 29, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first wedge-shaped chew capsule includes a plurality of ribs that extend along the first arm and the second arm.

Clause 31. The pet chew of clause 30, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the ribs included in the first wedge-shaped chew capsule align with corresponding ribs included in the chew body.

Clause 32. The pet chew of clause 11 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the upper jaw of the first capsule retainer includes an upper surface that faces the lower jaw of the first capsule retainer and an upper tab-receiver aperture that extends away from the lower capsule retainer into the upper surface of the upper jaw.

Clause 33. The pet chew of clause 32, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the lower jaw of the first capsule retainer includes a lower surface that faces the upper jaw of the first capsule retainer and a lower tab-receiver aperture that extends away from the upper capsule retainer into the lower surface of the lower jaw.

Clause 34. The pet chew of clause 11 , any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface included in the first capsule retainer define an angle alpha therebetween and the angle alpha is greater than zero degrees.

Clause 35. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body is solid.

Clause 36. The pet chew of clause 33, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first arm included in the first wedge-shaped chew capsule includes a top surface and a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface, the top surface of the first wedge-shaped chew capsule abuts the upper surface of the upper jaw included in the first capsule retainer, and the bottom surface of the first wedge-shaped chew capsule abuts the lower surface of the lower jaw included in the first capsule retainer.

Clause 37. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body is rigid.

Clause 38. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body is harder than the first wedge-shaped chew capsule and the second wedge- shaped chew capsule.

Clause 39. The pet chew of clause 7, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the chew body is made from a first material and the first wedge-shaped chew capsule is made from a second material that is less resilient than the first material so that the first wedge- shaped chew capsule wears away faster than the chew body when the pet chew is chewed on by a pet.

Clause 40. The pet chew of clause 39, any other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the second wedge-shaped chew capsule is made from a third material that is less resilient than the first material so that the second wedge-shaped chew capsule wears away faster than the chew body when the pet chew is chewed on by a pet.

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.