WO2011110822A2

WO2011110822A2 - An animal feeding device

Info

Publication number: WO2011110822A2
Application number: PCT/GB2011/000350
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Chamberlain; Nicholas Andrew James Smith
Original assignee: Chamberlain, Helen
Priority date: 2010-03-11
Filing date: 2011-03-11
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Also published as: WO2011110822A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for feeding pets. The system includes a disposable feeding container having pre-filled food-containing compartments. The disposable container is supported on a rotatable base and covered by a cover having an aperture therein. As the base rotates, each of the food- containing compartments of the disposable feeding container is in turn aligned with the aperture in the cover to expose the food within that compartment. As a result of such alignment a pet can access the food therein. A compartmentalised feed container including at least two compartments, adapted for inserting or connection with an animal feeding device is also described.

Description

AN ANIMAL FEEDING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an animal feeding device and an associated animal feeding systems. More specifically, the invention relates to portable and automated pet feeding systems.

Background of the Invention

Eating food at regular intervals is crucial for the proper body growth of a pet. Further, it is also necessary that a pet gets medicines at appropriate time. However, pet owners, now-a-days, find it difficult to pay round the clock attention to the needs of their pets. This largely impacts the eating habit of the pets. A disturbance in the eating habits leads to poor hygiene in them.

Hence, the demand for pet feeding systems is rising steadily. Pet feeding systems facilitate the pets to get access to their food in the absence of their owners. However, it is necessary to monitor the pets to ensure that only authorized pets get access to the feeding systems. Moreover, the pet feeding systems should enable easy access for the pet to the food whilst minimizing mess and inconvenience for the user, and ensuring a correct feeding regime.

In the light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a pet feeding system which allows a pet easy access to the food, and which is convenient and low maintenance for the user.

Further, there is a need for a pet feeding system which ensures that only authorized pets get access to the food. Moreover, there is a need for a pet feeding system which is capable of keeping unwanted pets away from the food. Prior Art

US Patent Application US-A1 -2005/066905 (Morosin) discloses an automated pet feeder and has a rotating multi-compartment feeder with a lid exposing one compartment. A sliding door reveals food. A base unit supports a bowl that is configured to rotate the bowl and monitor the position of the bowl while the lid remains stationary. A timing mechanism controls rotation of the bowl and sequentially positions a next cavity under the opening at feeding times that may be pre-programmed by a user.

A similar system is described in European Patent Application EP-A1-0 505 499 (Reilor), which discloses a rotary animal feeder that has a base defining a plurality of food receptacles, an indexable cover having an opening giving access to each receptacle in turn. A motor drive unit is periodically energized to rotate the cover so as to index the cover opening in turn from receptacle to receptacle. A rotating cover opening forces the animal to feed from a different position each time the cover is indexed, or a person needs to rotate the animal feeder for the animal to feed each time from the same position.

US Patent 4 671 210 (Robinson) discloses an automatic animal feeder adapted to provide food and water to an animal on a periodic basis. A tray is rotatably mounted on a base and the tray has a plurality of food and water containers. A motor rotates the tray and a timer causes periodic motor operation. The timer may be programmed to set the motion periods. A cover assembly is removably secured to cover portions of the tray. Two compartments are uncovered at one time. One can contain food, and the other can contain water. The compartments are individually filled with food and water.

US Patent Application US-A1 -2009/241840 (Mills)) there is disclosed an animal feeder that utilizes radio frequency identification technology to permit animals selective access to food. The animal feeder includes a transceiver and an antenna.

A given number of pre-defined codes are associated with sets of removable dishes and transponders. The transponders are arranged for attachment to an animal. All dishes and transponders in a given set are associated with the same code and can be used interchangeably.

Therefore, when an animal wearing a transponder from the same set as that dish approaches the animal feeder, the controller recognize the animal and open a lid to permit access to the food contained within the dish.

US-B1-6 349 671 (Lewis) discloses a pet feeding system which allows only an intended pet to have access to food stored in the dish intended for that pet. It also prevents other pets from eating food which is not intended for them. The pet feeding system comprises feeding dish with a plurality of compartments, an actuator, control unit coupled to a base receiver, a lid with covers that move to the open position when a signal is received from a transmitter attached to a pet collar.

US Patent Application US-A1-2008/0105205 (Goehring) discloses a lidded pet dish. It uses wireless technology to independently and selectively open one of a plurality of lidded food compartments for access to a pet. The dish discriminates between pets by means of a tag worn by each pet to allow or prevent access to a given food compartment. Each dish has a single compartment and its own lid which open up on a hinge. A person fills the dish with food and cleans it.

The aforementioned systems suffered from a number of drawbacks. For example many only include a single food compartment. controller and a pre-programmed actuator, so that the food that is in fact presented, may be chosen according to a particular animal, for example in accordance with an RF signal that is received form an RFID tag from an animal and following comparison of the received signal with a look-up table. Thus in one embodiment the invention can be arranged to dispense food automatically in each compartment and as dictated by dietary needs of one or more animals.

In this way, a user may purchase a pre-filled disposable food container and insert it directly into the feeding device so that it is supported by the base. The messy task of filling the compartments in the food container is pre- performed for the user and, since the container is disposable (i.e. single use), the equally messy task of cleaning the container is also avoided.

In some embodiments a reservoir may hold ice to help keep the pet food fresh, or the reservoir may hold drinking water. The tray of compartments are optionally filled with food by a person, washed and may be re-used.

A modified tray into which inserts may be used that are configured to fit into the cavities to allow for the use of commercially available individual disposable packets of prepared wet food.

Moreover, the user can be assured that the correct quantity and type of food has been apportioned to each compartment of the container so that their pet has a balanced diet, correct access to medicines, and/or sufficient food for a given time period. The inventors have established that cats prefer to eat smaller portions rather than larger portions of feed, and so the present invention may be particularly suitable for pet cats, with small meals being made accessible via the compartments at regular intervals.

The base and cover can be moved relative to one another so that each of the food-containing compartments is, in turn, selectively aligned with the aperture controller and a pre-programmed actuator, so that the food that is in fact presented, may be chosen according to a particular animal, for example in accordance with an RF signal that is received form an RFID tag from an animal and following comparison of the received signal with a look-up table. Thus in one embodiment the invention can be arranged to dispense food automatically in each compartment and as dictated by dietary needs of one or more animals.

The base and cover can be moved relative to one another so that each of the food-containing compartments is, in turn, selectively aligned with the aperture in the cover. In such an alignment position the food within that compartment is accessible by an authorised animal. Preferably, the actuator is arranged to rotate the base to achieve the movement relative to the cover.

The device preferably further includes: a sensing unit arranged to detect the presence of an authorised animal and, on detection of an authorised animal, to generate a command signal; and a control unit configured to, upon receipt of a generated command signal, energise the actuator to arrange the aperture in one of the given positions. Thus, access to a food-containing exposed compartment (i.e. a filled compartment aligned with the aperture in the cover) may be restricted to one or more authorized animals, and access to unauthorized animals, such as vermin, can be prevented.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal feeding device including: a base arranged to support a food container having at least one food-containing compartment; a cover arranged above the base, the cover being shaped and dimensioned so that as it closes, an edge of the cover tends to draw the animal's paw away from the animal's centre of gravity thereby tending to unbalance the animal.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is as a result of the shape of the curved cover, that an animal, such as a cat, so the cat will tend to withdraw its paw rather than try and jam the device open.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal feeding device including: a base arranged to support an interchangeable disposable feed container having at least one food-containing compartment; a cover arranged above the base; an actuator arranged to provide relative movement between the base and the cover, and a self-opening device, which opens a sealed compartment of the interchangeable disposable feed container. An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that food that is contained in each compartment is presented fresh at each occasion, even if a time has elapsed from a user inserting a feed container in the dispenser, and the dispenser presenting the food to an animal.

Ideally the interchangeable feed container is a removable dish with pre-filled food and is provided pre-filled with food. It is optionally reusable and so may be filled by a user, but is ideally supplied in a p refilled state, is disposable and is formed from a recyclable material.

Preferably the base arranged to support an interchangeable disposable feed container has at least one food-containing compartments; a cover arranged above the base and has an aperture therethrough. An actuator is arranged to provide relative movement between the base and the cover, whereby the aperture can be moved between a given number of positions relative to the base, each position corresponding to one of the food-containing compartments of a multi compartment food container, which in use is supported by the base and is ideally housed within a closable, preferably air tight, housing.

A self-opening/peeling device is advantageously provided which opens individual portions of the removable dish with pre-filled food, so that food is presented fresh at each occasion, even if the dispenser has been sat idle for several hours.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal feeding device including: a base arranged to support a feed container having at least one food-containing compartment; a cover arranged above the base; an actuator arranged to provide relative movement between the base and the cover, two closure plates, one above the other, with an aperture in each so that a dish of pre-filled food is rotated to a selected position and is revealed only after the apertures in the closure plates are in register one with another, so ensuring only one compartment accessible at a time.

Ideally a sensing unit is included in a raised portion, such as a plate, hoop, loop or roof canopy, under which the feeding compartments are located. Preferably the loop or hoop is in the form of a handle. The handle preferably extends in an arch or loop above the bowl. In this configuration the sensing unit is located and arranged to detect the presence of an animal and to determine whether the animal is an authorised animal.

A proximity detector, such as a pixilated infra red (PIR) device may also be used in combination with radio frequency identification (RFID) device. When a signal from an authorised animal is detected, for example from a sub dermal or subcutaneously implanted RFID device, an authorisation code or signal is sent to the actuator which in turn generates a command signal to open one of the compartments. The sensing unit may also comprise a pressure sensor, such as a pressure pad, for indicating the presence of an animal.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the RFID detector is located in the loop, hoop or arch so that as the animal, for example a cat, leans its head downwards to seek for food, a sub-dermally implanted RFID device is detected by the optimal location and orientation of the RFID detector, which is ideally a loop or coil of wire.

Preferably the base is configured to rotate with respect to the disposable food container so as to selectively reveal food-containing compartments. According to one embodiment there are four, preferably five and most preferably six compartments.

Ideally the actuator includes a motor, and optionally a gear system, arranged to rotate the base. The system may further include a control unit configured for activating the motor based on detection of authorised animal.

Other variables, such as time of feed, time lapse since previous feed, proximity of any other (potentially aggressive) animal or any other selectable variable may be included in a series of logical decisions, made by a microprocessor, so as to ensure a correct feeding regime to the authorised animal.

The animal feeding device according to the first aspect may further comprise a second cover adjacent the cover, the second cover having a second aperture, and the or a actuator being arranged to provide relative movement between the cover and second cover between a feeding configuration in which the aperture and second aperture are aligned and a non-feeding configuration in which there is no overlap between the aperture and second aperture.

Preferably, the aperture is dimensioned and arranged to permit access to a selected compartment to one animal at a time.

The present invention may provide an animal feeding system comprising an animal feeding device according to the first aspect, and an interchangeable disposable (i.e. single use) food container supported by the base of the device, the food container having a given number of food-containing compartments each pre-filled with an animal foodstuff.

Ideally the removable dish with pre-filled food containers which as a consumable needs to be protected in its own right.

The disposable food container may be made from recyclable plastics materials so that disposal of the container after use is environmentally and socially acceptable. The disposable food container is preferably made by injection moulding or vacuum forming, and ideally comprises a removable lid arranged to seal the plurality of food-containing compartments.

The compartments may contain identical portions of food. Such an arrangement may be suitable where, for example, it is desired that each portion provide a pet's daily food ration. Alternatively, the compartments may contain different types and quantities of food, for example where it is desired to provide different meals throughout the day.

Optionally an animal feeding kit comprises an animal feeding device according to an aforementioned aspect, and a plurality of interchangeable disposable food containers, each food container being adapted to be supported by the base of the device and each having a given number of food- containing compartments pre-filled with an animal foodstuff.

Any of the optional or preferable features described above are applicable to each of the described aspects of the invention, either individually or in any achievable combination.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for feeding a pet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of a feeding bowl in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of a feeding bowl in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an overall view of the feeding bowl in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and shows individual compartments for receiving food;

Figures 5a to 5d are overall views of another embodiment, showing a closure member in different positions and a hoop that acts as a handle and houses a radio frequency coil;

Figure 6 is an overall view of the embodiment in Figures 5;

Figure 7 is a further alternative embodiment, with two apertures formed in the closure member enabling two cats to eat at the same time;

Figure 8 shows an overall view of an animal feeding system according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows an overall view of the feeding bowl of the animal feeding system of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 shows a feed container according to one embodiment of the invention adapted for use with the device of figure 10;

Figure 12 shows a further refinement of the invention showing a feeding device;

Figure 13a shows a feed container suitable for use with embodiments of the invention showing a film or foil lid and optional means to facilitate removal thereof; Figure 13b shows a disc component of the invention having ridge means for removal of the film lid;

Figure 14 shows a food container for use with the device which includes a film wrapper around and on an upper surface and periphery with additional film removal means; and

Figure 15 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figures 10 and 12.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for feeding a pet 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a feeding bowl 102 and a hood and plate arrangement 104. A wireless transmitter or radio frequency identification (RFID) device 108 is implanted in the body of the pet 106.

The feeding bowl 102 includes two lids, such as lid 110a and lid 110b (not shown); a cavity is covered by each of the lids 110a and 11b, such as cavity 112a and cavity 112b (not shown). An actuator, such as a motor drive, acts via a shaft 114 and a receiver 116. The hood and plate arrangement 104 includes an audio/visual indicator 118 and a repellent 120

The feeding bowl 102 may be housed inside the hood and plate arrangement 104. In another embodiment of the present invention, the feeding bowl 102 may be used without the hood and plate arrangement 104. The lids 110a and 110b are placed above each other over the feeding bowl 102 and coupled with the shaft 114, which is perpendicular to the plane of the feeding bowl 102. The feeding bowl 102 includes a plurality of compartments (shown in Figure 2) for storing food, medicines and the like. When the pet 106 arrives in the vicinity of the feeding bowl 102, it is authorized by the system 100. If the authorization succeeds, the lids, 110a and 110b, rotate by means of the shaft 114 such that the cavities (apertures), 112a and 112b, overlap and the pet 106 is provided access to the food kept inside the compartment of the feeding bowl 102. The receiver 116 is configured to receive authorization signals transmitted by the transmitter 108. In various embodiments of the present invention, the receiver 116 may be a radio frequency (RF) receiver, a Bluetooth™ receiver, an infrared (IR) receiver and the like.

The audio/visual indicator 118 generates an audio or/and visual alarm to inform the pet 106 about the availability of food in the feeding bowl 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the audio/visual indicator 118 may be used to scare away the pet 106 from the feeding bowl 102. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the repellent 120 may be used to scare away the pet 106 from the feeding bowl 102. The repellent 120 may expel air or water vapour on the pet 106 to scare it away from the feeding bowl 102.

Figure 2 is a top view of the feeding bowl 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In addition to lid 110a, the feeding bowl 102 has a control unit 202. The feeding bowl 102 has a plurality of compartments, such as a compartment 204. When an authorized pet arrives, the lids, 110a and 110b, rotate such that the cavities, 12a and 1 2b, overlap and the pet is provided access to the food kept inside the compartment 204.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the lids, 110a and 110b, may have multiple cavities to expose more than one compartments of the feeding bowl 102. The control unit 202 controls the motion of the lid 110 with the help of a motor (not shown) and the shaft 114, in the presence of the pet 106 near the feeding bowl 102. Various other operations of the control unit 202 have been explained in detail in conjunction with Figure 3. Figure 3 is a side view of the feeding bowl 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the control unit 202, the feeding bowl 102 further includes a battery 302, a motor 304. The control unit 202 may include any suitable processor and memory, know in the art.

The battery 302 provides electric power to the system 100. In various embodiments of the present invention, the battery 302 may provide electric power to the control unit 202, the motor 304, the receiver 116, the audio/visual indicator 118 and the repellent 120. The feeding bowl may include more than one battery, such as batteries, 320a and 302b, for supplying the electric power. Further, the battery 302 may be a rechargeable battery and may be charged using an external power supply.

The motor 304 controls the rotation of the lid 110 by means of the shaft 114. In various embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of motors, such as motors, 304a and 304b, may be used to rotate the lids, 110a and 110b, respectively. The lids, 110a and 110b, may rotate in a clock-wise direction or vice-versa. In an embodiment of the present invention, the motor 304 may be a DC motor.

The functioning of the system 100 is now explained in detail in conjunction with Figures 1 , 2 and 3. When the pet 106 arrives near the feeding bowl 102, the receiver 306 receives the authorization signals from the transmitter 108 implanted in the body of the pet 106. The control unit 202 receives the authentication details from the receiver 306 and verifies them against the details stored inside a memory (not shown). If the authorization is successful, then the control unit 202 activates the motor 304. The motor 304 rotates the lids, 110a and 110b, by means of the shaft 114 such that the cavities, 112a and 112b, overlap and the compartment containing the food is exposed. In case the authorization is not successful, the control unit 202 may deactivate the motor 306 and prevent the lids, 110a and 110b, from rotating. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hood and plate arrangement 104 may include a pressure sensor (not shown) to detect the presence of the pet 106. When the pet 106 steps on the pressure sensor, the motor is activated and the pet 106 is provided access to the food stored in the feeding bowl 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the hood and plate arrangement 104 may include a motion detector to detect the presence of the pet 106.

In another embodiment the top plate is fixed so that the authorised individual always approaches the feeder from a particular direction. This enables the scanner and detector arrangement to be directional, such as an angled arch arrangement that may also be used as a handle.

As the top disc and aperture are fixed, with respect to the handle, the bowl and second plate are adapted to rotate. When an authorised animal approaches the feeder, there is relative rotation between the bowl and the second plate, so that the selected food or medicine compartment is in register with the aperture in the top plate. When in this position the second plate rotates sufficiently to reveal the selected food or medicine, by positioning one of its two apertures (located under the aperture of the top disc) above the selected compartment.

The presence of the authorised animal may be verified at intervals and if the presence of the authorised animal is no longer detected, then one of the discs, ideally the second disc, is actuated so as to rotate to cover the selected compartment of the bowl, thereby preventing an unauthorised animal from eating any remaining food and covering the food so as to minimise the risk of files or insects from laying their eggs on the food.

The aperture in the second disc is fashioned so that when it closes, access to the compartment is closed gradually from the circumference to the centre of the feeder. This reduces the risk of an animal trapping its paw and by urging the paw away from the circumference to the centre of the feeder, thereby unbalancing the animal and encouraging it to remove its paw before it becomes entrapped. To further avoid entrapment resistance detection device is provided which assesses the amount of electric current drawn by the motor. In the event that a higher than normal current is required by the motor, at this instant the motor is actuated to reverse momentarily and then attempts closure again. One of the discs may be shaped with a varying radius, such as a helical or spiral, so that as it rotates it gradually closes the opening.

Figure 4 is an overall view of feeding bowl 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and shows individual compartments 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 each for receiving food. The individual compartments 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 are suitable for receiving and containing multiple small meals so that they become available at set times according to the timing and control system mentioned above.

It is appreciated that the feeder may be made in many different sizes. A small version providing multiple small feeds to an individual cat or a larger version where each compartment has the capacity to hold an entire daily ration of food for one cat. Typically the volume of each compartment is between 20 ml to 60 ml and ideally each is around 30ml.

If both size feeders have five compartments then the compartment capacity in the small feeder is approximately 30ml and in the large feeder will be 140ml. The multiple cat feeder ideally provides one compartment per cat 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 so each compartment is sufficient to accommodate an entire days ration (approximately 1 cup (US) and is equivalent to around 137ml).

Five separate compartments are envisaged as this is usually the maximum number of cats in a typical house before psychological and health problems occur. Of course an owner with two cats could have two single feeders or one multiple feeder, however the cats could eat from two compartments and have a smaller portion in each.

Figures 5a to 5d are overall views of another embodiment, showing a closure member 300 in different positions so as to reveal compartment 214 and a hoop 310 that acts as a handle and houses a radio frequency coil (not shown).

Figure 6 is an overall view of the embodiment in Figures 5 and shows closure member 300 and compartment 214 in greater detail.

Figure 7 is an overall view of an alternative embodiment; with one opening in the top plate so only one cat could feed at a time. The two apertures in the second plate enable the closed/open function to occur every half turn rather than a full turn. This also means that the second plate only has to rotate in one direction simplifying the gearing.

Figures 8 and 9 show views of an animal feeding device 400 according to a yet further alternative embodiment of the invention. In this device 400 the feeding bowl comprises a disposable, i.e. single use, food platter 410. The food platter 410 has a generally circular shape, and is divided into five wedge- shaped recessed compartments 412 by radially extending thin walls 414. Desirable and/or optional features of the food compartments, such as size, shape and number, previously described in relation to earlier embodiments are equally applicable to this embodiment.

The food platter 410 is made from plastics materials by e.g. vacuum forming or injection moulding. The plastics material is preferably a recyclable plastics material so that, after its single use, the food platter 410 can be recycled. Before purchase by a user, the compartments 412 of the food platter 4 0 are each filled with a given quantify of foodstuff, and the entire platter 410 sealed with a circular foil or plastic 'pull-off' covering or lid (not shown). In this way, the foodstuff is kept fresh before sale, and spills and mess are minimised.

The device 400 has a housing 420 which is generally cylindrical or frusto- conical in shape, and has a cover 422 at its circular uppermost face subtended by a ring-shaped outer wall 424. A slot-shaped opening 426 is formed in the outer wall 424, the opening 426 being sized to allow the food platter 410 to pass therethrough into a hollow chamber 428 bounded by the cover 422, outer wall 424, and a rotating platform 430 mounted within the housing 420. The opening 426 may be closed by a sliding door or similar (not shown) to prevent access by an animal to a food platter 410 via the opening 426.

Before use of the device 400, the user simply removes the peel-off covering from the platter 410 to expose the foodstuff in the compartments 412, and inserts the filled food platter 410 into the chamber 428 via the opening 426, so that the platter 410 is supported on the rotating platform 430. The platform 430 is generally circular in shape, and is rotated by means of an actuator (not shown). The actuator may be of the type(s) described above in relation to other embodiments, such that it is capable of rotating the platform 430 about a normal axis through the platform's centre.

The cover 422 of the housing 420 has a cut-out, or aperture, 440 which is shaped and sized to generally correspond to the shape and size of the open (i.e. upper) face of each compartment 412 of the food platter 410. Rotation of the platform 430 rotates the food platter 410 so that the compartments 412 are each sequentially aligned with the aperture 440. When a given compartment 412 is aligned with the aperture 440 an authorised animal has access to the foodstuff contained within that compartment 412, but is prevented from accessing foodstuffs in each of the other compartments 412 which remain blocked by the cover 422. Although not shown in Figures 8 and 9, as in previously described embodiments the device 400 of this embodiment also includes a receiver, such as a radio frequency (RF) receiver (scanner), for receiving authorisation signals transmitted by a transmitter (not shown) located on an authorised animal. The receiver may be located around the circumference of the device (i.e. on the outer wall 424), around the periphery of the slot-shaped opening 426, and/or in a handle (not shown, but optionally of the angled type shown in Fig. 5) arranged above the cover 422.

When the receiver receives an authorisation signal from an authorised animal it generates a command signal which is transmitted to a control unit (not shown) which communicates with the actuator so as to control the position of the rotating platform 430. When the command signal is received, the platform 430 rotates so that the aperture 440 is aligned with one of the food-containing compartments 412 of the platter 410, so that the authorised animal can gain access to that food.

The device 400 illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 may in addition incorporate the two lid arrangement shown in e.g. Figs 1-3, so that it is possible to achieve a configuration in which all of the food-containing compartments 412 are covered and none are accessible to an animal.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Figure 10 shows an alternative simple embodiment of the invention. It shows the feeding device 81 comprises a base 82, which includes drive means (not shown) adapted to rotate a shaft 83. In use, a compartmentalised feed container (shown in figure 11a) is slotted concentrically over the shaft.

The shaft and/or compartmentalised feeding container may have a key 84 or slot 85 so as to positively engage with each other. Other such arrangements would be apparent to the skilled person. The base may include a side member 86. The feed container 102 comprises a central support portion 87 with a recess 85 to receive the key of the base and a number of walls 88 arranged in radial fashion.

Wrapped around the circumference is a removable film 89. In a preferred embodiment the film is non-continuous and has two ends which are connected or overlap in a sealable and removable manner. There is also preferably a breakable seal between the film and the edge of each wall formed by e.g. adhesive. In this way the compartments, formed by the walls and the film, are hermetically sealed from each other. The seal may comprise suitable adhesive.

Food (not shown) may be pre-packed into each compartment. The film at one end where the two ends meet may also have a breakable seal along the connecting ends, which may overlap. In a preferred embodiment, one end of the film may have a tab 90 in the form of a strip. This may be provided with a reinforced ring 91 (see fig 10b) or preferably and alternatively have a sticky or pre-glued or heat shrunk or heat sealed surface 92 on one side of the tab. This sticky surface may be covered by a suitable cover strip 93 which can be removed beforehand so as to expose the sticky surface.

Once inserted over the shaft 84 in the appropriate position the sticky tab is pressed to the side member 86. During operation the drive shaft 84 rotates the container, and the side member automatically peels the film from the container one compartment at a time. In an alternative embodiment instead of having an adhesive strip, the film or tab on the film may have a ring pull arrangement where the foil or film has a reinforced ring 91 and engage with a hook on the side member (not shown) so as to remove the film. Alternatively the side member may have a ring and a hook arranged on the film.

In yet a further alternative embodiment the film may have an elongate key member 94 attached to the end of the film which slots into an appropriately shaped slot 95 in the side member so as to fix it into position (see Figure 11c).

In an alternative embodiment rather than (or in addition to) the central shaft rotating, the side member may rotate relative to the base, so that after the container is inserted onto the base and the key member slotted into the rotatable side member, the side member rotates. This peels back the film as well as rotating the feed container such that each compartment is successively unpeeled and presented one at a time so as to keep food in each fresh. Film over individual compartments may be removed upon relative rotation of the feed bowl, with respect to one or both covers, so as to selectively present the contents of a specific compartment to the animal.

The above arrangement and designs are also applicable to previous embodiments. Figures 12 a, b and c show further embodiments similar to that of Figure 8. Figure 12 c shows a further cylindrical element 1001 which may include a cut-out portion. In use the feed container 1002 slots over the central member 84 as before. In a further embodiment, a further cylindrical member 1003 may be inserted either between member 1001 and the feed container 1002 or over the member 1001.

One or both of cylindrical members 1003 or 1001 may be rotatably driven (drive members not shown) by appropriate circumferential gears for example. Relative rotation between each cover member, the container and base, or one of the cover containers and the container or base. Advantageously such rotation at the same time selectively uncovers/permits access to each compartment, can be arranged so as to unwrap the film lid and present the freshly opened compartment to the animal.

Various combinations are readily envisaged by the skilled person in terms of the one, two or all three of elements 1001 , 1002 and 1003 being rotatable with respect to each other. Additionally members 1003 or 1001 may be alternatively adapted to unwrap the film by suitable means such as slotted member 1004 and elongate key member 1005 on the feed container, again by suitable relative movement. Means to engage on a sticky surface on the film may comprise radial ridge located on the one side of said discs. Alternatively a component of the device has a slot to receive a solid key portion on the film edge.

Figure 13a shows the compartmentalised feeding tray 102 having a film lid 500. The film lid may have a tab 501 with a removable strip 502 to expose a sticky surface. This may engage with a suitable unpeeling member on the device such as a ridge 503 on the underside of the discs (see figure 13b). In a preferred embodiment the sticky surface 504 is arranged to be horizontal i.e. flat and in the same plane as the film lid. In this way the disc of figure 13b merely has to be pressed out of the lid such that the ridge sticks to the exposed surface. Alternatively, the film may have a tab with a ring pull arrangement 505 as described above. The film will preferably have two ends joined by a breakable seal preferably in line with the tab member.

Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of the feed container which includes a film covering both the top and periphery thereof. There is a join of the film cover which includes a breakable seal 506 which extends down the periphery (not shown) There is a flap portion 507 of the film lid which includes an elongate dovetail shaped member 508. This is adapted such that it slots into an appropriate slot or groove in a feeding device component such as one of the disc or periphery of the inner cylindrical covers of e.g. previous embodiments. Relative movement therebetween will cause the film lid to be removed from each compartment at a time. Alternatively it may include a sticky surface as before to affix to the component of the feed device.

Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment where the container is placed above an upper recess 153 in the base in a hopper type arrangement. Means to support and rotate the container and unpeel any film lid are not shown. Food in the container falls under gravity to an integral bowl 151 in the base and is accessible via a cut-out portion 152. Thus the device may allow gravity feed from the container.

The interchangeable containers may take the form of any suitably sized or shaped prefilled packs. These may be in the form of a cube, cuboid, sector or pouch that are pre-filled with food, sealed and packaged so as to be capable of being inserted, introduced or dropped into separate compartments of a compartmentalised feed container. In the case of individual foil pouches, feed may be released by way of rollers that pinch the, pouch or flexible container, so as to squeeze food into a dish or bowl.

A memory means may be provided for recording behaviour of an unauthorised or rogue animal that repeatedly attempts to gain food or access by intimidating authorised animals whilst they are feeding and which is consequently frightened off as a result of one or more of the repellent systems mentioned above. Other repellent systems include visual and/or audible alarms; devices for producing a jet of compressed air or fluid or some other annoying or alarming stimulus. In the event that the presence of an unauthorised animal is detected, when the a feeding compartments is open and that unauthorised animal has an RFID tag, a record of the presence that effectively discourages the unauthorised animal may be stored in a dynamic memory, such as EEPROM. Other information that may be stored on the memory and include such data as: the duration of the proximity of the unauthorised animal, the intensity of the nature of the most effective repellent (or combination of repellents), the duration of application of the repellant(s) and the frequency (times and dates) the unauthorised animal visited the feeding device. Other repelling stimuli include: a vibrating device, one or more flashing lights and loud or high pitched sounds.

Optionally a processor may be arranged to learn which is the most effective repellent to deter the unauthorised animal from attempting to gain food.

Likewise such unauthorised usage may be transmitted to a pet owner authorised recipient, either by way of a direct connection, such as a Wi-Fi link to a portable device or via a GPS connection, using a short messaging service (SMS) or text message, that an unauthorised animal from attempting to gain food usage transmitting.

Further, it should be clearly understood that the form of the present invention described herein and shown in the figures of the accompanying drawing are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. An animal feeding device including a base for receiving an interchangeable compartmentalised feed container, said container including at least two compartments suitable for storing food, and means to actuate the feed container relative to said base or at least one part of the device.

2. A device according to claim 1 , further including: a sensing unit arranged to detect the presence of an authorised animal and, on detection of an authorised animal, to generate a command signal; and a control unit configured to, upon receipt of a generated command signal, energise the actuator.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the sensing unit comprises a radio frequency identification device (RFID) for detecting a radio frequency signal emitted from an authorized animal.

4. A device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the sensing unit comprises a proximity detector for indicating the presence of an animal.

5. A device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sensing unit comprises a pressure sensor for indicating the presence of an animal.

6. A device according to any preceding claim includes one or more cover members.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein one or more of said cover members has a cut-out portion or aperture.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein said actuating means comprises means to actuate either a) one or more of said covers relative to each other, the base and/or the container or b) the base relative to the container.

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said cover(s) are generally cylindrical and said actuator means comprises at least one motor to allow the one or more covers to be rotated relative to the each other, the base or the container, or the container relative to the base.

10 A device according to any preceding claim wherein in use the actuation causes selective covering and uncovering of the compartments.

11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim including means to remove a film or other cover from said container.

12. A device as claimed in any claim 11 wherein said means to remove a film or other cover comprises means to remove a said cover from said container so as to successively remove a film cover from each compartment in succession.

13. A device as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein said removal means comprises means to engage a portion of said film cover member and wherein in operation, relative movement between said film portion and a component of said device causes removes said film cover.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said engaging component portion comprises a portion of the base or one of said covers.

15. A device as claimed in claims 13 or 14 where said engaging means comprises means to adhere an adhesive portion of said film cover of the container.

16. A device as claimed in claim 13 or 14 comprising a hook or ridge on said base or cover members.

17. A device as claimed in claims 13 to 16 when dependent on claim 1 , 8, or 9 wherein said relative movement causes the film or lid to be removed.

18. A device as claimed in claims 13 to 17 wherein said engaging component/portion comprises an elongate member which allows an appropriately shaped solid tab attached to the film/lid of said feed container to be slotted or otherwise connected thereto.

19. An animal feeding device including: a base arranged to support a food container having at least one food-containing compartment; a cover arranged above the base, the cover being shaped and dimensioned so that as it closes an edge of the cover tends to draw the animal's paw away from the animal thereby tending to unbalance the animal.

20. An animal feeding device including: a base arranged to support an interchangeable disposable feed container having at least one food-containing compartment; a cover arranged above the base; an actuator arranged to provide relative movement between the base and the cover, and a self- opening device, which opens a sealed compartment of the interchangeable disposable feed container.

21. An animal feeding device including: a base arranged to support a feed container having at least one food-containing compartment; a cover arranged above the base; an actuator arranged to provide relative movement between the base and the cover, two closure plates, one above the other, with an aperture in each so that a dish of pre-filled food is rotated to a selected position and is revealed only after the apertures in the closure plates are in register one with another, so ensuring only one compartment accessible at a time.

22. A device according to any of claims 19 to 21 further including: a sensing unit arranged to detect the presence of an authorised animal and, on detection of an authorised animal, to generate a command signal; and a control unit configured to, upon receipt of a generated command signal, energise the actuator.

23. A device according to claim 22, wherein the sensing unit comprises a radio frequency identification device (RFID) for detecting a radio frequency signal emitted from an authorized animal.

24. A device according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the sensing unit comprises a proximity detector for indicating the presence of an animal.

25. A device according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the sensing unit comprises a pressure sensor for indicating the presence of an animal.

26. A device according to any of claims 19 to 25, including one or more cover members.

27. A device according to claim 26 wherein one or more of said cover members has a cut-out portion or aperture.

28. A device according to any of claims 19 to 27 wherein said actuating means comprises means to actuate either a) one or more of said covers relative to each other, the base and/or the container or b) the base relative to the container. .

29. A device as claimed in of claims 19 to 28 wherein said cover(s) are generally cylindrical and said actuator means comprises at least one motor to allow the one or more covers to be rotated relative to the each other, the base or the container, or the container relative to the base.

30. A device according to any of claims 19 to 29 wherein in use the actuation causes selective covering and uncovering the compartments.

31. A device as claimed in any preceding claim including means to remove a film or other cover from said container.

32. A device as claimed in any of claims 19 to 30 wherein said means comprises means to remove a said cover from said container so as to successively remove the film cover from each compartment in succession.

33. A device as claimed in claim 30 or 31 wherein said removal means comprises means to engage a portion of said film/cover member and wherein in operation, relative movement between said film portion and a component of said device causes removes said film cover.

34. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said engaging component/portion comprises a portion of the base or one of said covers.

35. A device as claimed in claims 33 or 34 where said engaging means comprises means to adhere an adhesive portion of said film/lid of the container.

36. A device as claimed in claim 33 or 34 comprising a hook or ridge on said base or cover members.

37. A device as claimed in claims 33 to 36 when dependent on any of claims 19, 20 or 21 wherein said relative movement causes the film/lid to be removed.

38. A device as claimed in claims 33 to 37 wherein said engaging component/portion comprises an elongate member which allows an appropriately shaped solid tab attached to the film/lid of said feed container to be slotted or otherwise connected thereto.

39. A compartmentalised feed container, said container including at least two compartments, adapted for inserting or connection with an animal feeding device.

40. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claim 39 which is generally cylindrical in shape and having radial compartments.

41. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claims 39 or 40 which includes a removable film cover arranged to seal said compartments.

42. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claim 41 wherein said container is generally bowl shaped and/or said film acts as a lid to cover the open end of the bowl.

43. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claims 39 to 42 wherein said feed container comprises radial walls separating said compartments, and said film is wrapped around the periphery of said container.

44. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claims 39 to 43 wherein said film has two ends which are sealably removable from each other.

45. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claims 39 to 43 having means to engage with a component or portion of an animal feed device

46. A container as claimed in claim 45 wherein said engaging means comprises one end of said film includes an adhesive tab on one end of the film.

47. A container as claimed in claim 46 wherein said adhesive tabs is covered by a removable strip

48. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claim 45 wherein said engaging means includes at least one ring pull element at one end of the film.

49. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claim 45 wherein said engaging means comprises a solid elongate member suitable for slotting into an appropriately proportioned recess of a feed device.

50. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in any of claims previous claims 39 to 49 wherein said container is generally bowl shaped and film cover has an adhesive portion sticky portion on the upper surface.

51. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in any of claims 39 to 50 wherein the edges of each wall have formed a seal with the film such that each compartment is hermetically sealed from each other.

52. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claims 39 to 51 wherein said container is generally bowl shaped and said film covers the upper surface and periphery, and said engaging means is located on the periphery.

53. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claims 39 to 52 wherein each compartment is pre-filled with an animal foodstuff.

54. A compartmentalised feed container as claimed in claims adapted for insertion into the device of claims 1 to 38.

55. A method of feeding an at least one animal using the device according to any of claims 1 to 38.

56. A device substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.