Patent of the Month: Tear-Resistant Dog Chew Toy

For the month of August 2026, Swanson Reed has awarded its Ohio Patent of the Month to Pack Leader Dog Toys, LLC for their invention, “Tear-resistant dog chew toy and method of making the same” (Patent Number: 12672639). This patent addresses a common issue for dog owners by extending the life of plush toys when given to tough chewers. By balancing playtime engagement with durability, the company created a soft product that better withstands destructive chewing forces, which earned it this recognition for consumer product design.

The invention is innovative because it integrates specific material choices with a functional mechanical design. It utilizes a chew guard made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric wrapped around the toy’s vulnerable peripheral edges. Overlapping portions of this chew guard are secured with a double zig-zag stitch pattern using UHMWPE thread. The design relies on the orientation of these stitches as they extend at an acute angle, running parallel to the direction dogs use their back molar teeth to gnaw. This configuration creates a lower coefficient of friction, providing cut and abrasion resistance. By aligning the thread with the natural chewing motion of a dog, the invention reduces the likelihood of the toy’s seams being torn open.

Eligibility for the R&D Tax Credit

The practical applications of this patent present an opportunity for the creators to claim the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit in the USA. To be eligible, a company must demonstrate that their work involved eliminating technical uncertainty through a process of experimentation. In the development of this tear-resistant toy, the design team had to evaluate different UHMWPE fabrics, test multiple overlapping guard structures, and perform iterative trials with canine chewing forces to discover the functional acute angle for the zig-zag stitch pattern that would effectively lower the coefficient of friction. This systematic process of designing, prototyping, and testing new manufacturing methods relies on principles of mechanical engineering and material science. Because these activities are directly related to developing a materially improved product, the expenses incurred during this experimental phase, such as prototype materials and specialized labor, would qualify as eligible research expenses under the US tax code.