GB2198026A

GB2198026A - Simplified and improved weight-operated animal feeders

Info

Publication number: GB2198026A
Application number: GB08628616A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Frank Knight
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-11-29
Filing date: 1986-11-29
Publication date: 1988-06-08
Also published as: GB8628616D0

Abstract

An animal-operated feeder has a single pivot shutter and pedal arrangement to prevent wild birds and other vermin having access. Wild birds cannot enter trough 11. Platform 15 hinged to the lower part of flap 13 prevents earth bound vermin from pushing past flap 13 Their weight is insufficient to actuate the platform. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements to Weisht-ODerated Animal Feeders This invention relates to weight-operated animal feeders where access to the feed trough is prevented by a movable flap which is opened by an animal when it moves a pedal.

Such feeders are used to prevent the scavenging of food by vermin. They operate by employing the greater weight of the animal to most vermin to operate the flap.

To hold a larger amount of feed, a hopper container can be mounted above the trough(s).

According to the present invention a hinged flap blocks a gap between the trough and a cover above.

The flap may be hinged in one of several ways, each arrangement having particular advantages Three specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a sectional end view of a trough and cover with the flap hinged above.

Figure 2 shows an end view with the flap hinged from a point in front.

Figure 3 shows an end elevation with a shutter fixed to a pedal which is hinged at the rear of the trough.

Referring to figure 1 the flap is so hinged that wild birds are prevented from entering the trough 11. Earth bound vermin are prevented from pushing past flap 13 by means of a platform 15 hinged to the lower part of the flap.

A small animal will stand on the platform 15 but its weight and leverage will prevent the flap 13 from opening.

Figure 2 shows and end view with a flap 16 hinged from a pivot 19 in front. Vermin are unable to push up flap 16 due to the interposition of flange 20.

Figure 3 shows an end elevation with the pedal 12 hinged to the rear of the trough 11 and cover 10.

The shutter 17 is returned to the closed position by means of spring 18.

The arrangements shown in figures 1 & 2 can be operated by either the feeding animal stepping on or pushing against pedal 14.

This last arrangement allows the use of such feeders for a large range of animals.

Claims

1 An animal feeder having a shutter arrangement which prevents the entry of vermin utilising a single pivot.

2. An animal feeder, as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the shutter is connected to an animal-operated pedal.

3 An animal feeder as claimed in. Claim 1 and Claim 2, wherein the pedal is narrow such that only poultry can feed due to their greater reach.

4 An animal feeder as claimed in Claim 1 and 2, wherein feeding animals push against a pedal to raise the- shutter.

5 An animal feeder as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, wherein a standard circular poultry feeder is provided with a poultry-operated shutter 6 An animal feeder as claimed in Claim 1, having a shutter arrangement controlled by solenoid.