TODAY’S PATENT – ANIMAL CHEW

This toy was invented by Mathew J. Osenga (Rhinelander, WI). It was patented by the USPTO on November 11, 2014, bearing patent number USD717016S1.

This patent was assigned to Foster and Smith, Inc. (Rhinelander, WI). The ornamental design for an animal chew, as shown and described is claimed by the assignee.

A chew toy is one that is intended for animals to gnaw on for entertainment, relief from boredom, and stimulation. Chew toys can help young animals, like puppies, ease the agony of teething. Chew toys come in a variety of forms and materials, such as rawhide, wood, paper, and minerals. Dogs are frequently linked with chew toys, but they can also be useful for birds, rodents, and rabbits. Chew toys can assist an animal in reducing stress and deterring harmful behaviour in addition to being entertaining.

Foster & Smith, Inc. was a Rhinelander, Wisconsin-based American mail order and online pet supplies company. The company, which was founded in 1983 by veterinarians Race Foster, Rory Foster, and Marty Smith, grew quickly. In 1983, it had only two workers and $30,000 in sales; by 2008, it had over 550 employees and $250 million in revenue.

Foster & Smith stocks more than 20,000 different products, including a Drs. Foster and Smith brand of products developed by the company. Internal veterinarians created the company’s private label cat and dog food recipes. According to the company, PetEducation.com is a “resource for any pet owner who is seeking information.”