AU2013221997A1 - A Pet Feeding Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A pet feeding apparatus includes an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion that cooperate to define a feed storage volume wherein the upper tubular portion may be moved relative to the lower tubular portion for adjustment of the feed storage volume. The upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion bear complementary retaining formations placed to cooperate therebetween upon the upper tubular portion being brought toward the lower tubular portion for the apparatus to thereby assume a compact configuration. A feed outlet closure is located at a lower limit of the feed storage volume and arranged to restrict or allow flow of feed to a feeding tray. - 02 FRONT VIEW ISOMETRIC VIEW

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A PET FEEDING APPARATUS The following statement is a description of the invention: 1 A PET FEEDING APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD [01] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the feeding of pets. BACKGROUND ART [02] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. [03] Pets, such as cats and dogs for example, require regular care including feeding and watering. [04] It is commonly known to provide feed and water in bowls. However, as pet owners know too well, often the feed becomes stale and has to be thrown out and the water may become contaminated with pests such as ants. On the other hand, pets will become hungry and thirsty if their feed and water bowls are not regularly replenished, which is highly undesirable. [05] A further problem that may arise where pets are fed outdoors, for example on camping trips, is that other animals may take the food while it is unattended. [06] It has been known in the past to provide automatic pet feeding apparatus. Some of these include electrical or electronic arrangements for dispensing food and/or water. Such apparatus are for indoor use and are not suitable outdoors where their electrical components may be be exposed to the elements such as rain. [07] A further problem is that where non-electronic feeding apparatus have been used the food may tend to flow into the feed bowl until it is overflowing or near to overflowing, which causes waste.

2 [08] Another problem is that where the prior art pet feeding apparatus are bulky or heavy then they may be cumbersome to carry. For example, it may take two people to lift them into a vehicle for transportation or alternatively they may not fit into available stowage space or they may take up valuable stowage space in the vehicle. [09] Where pets are kept outside it is desirable that they are provided with shelter, particularly where the sun is fierce and shade is necessary. However, transporting both a pet shelter and other items, for example a feeding apparatus takes up space and may be inconvenient. [10] It would be advantageous if a pet feeding apparatus were provided that addressed one or more of the above-described problems or which is at least a useful alternative to those hitherto known in the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [11] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pet feeding apparatus including: an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion cooperating to define a feed storage volume wherein the upper tubular portion may be moved relative to the lower tubular portion for adjustment of the feed storage volume. [12] Preferably a feed outlet closure is located at a lower limit of the feed storage volume and arranged to restrict or allow flow of feed. For example a "choke" such as a sliding closure or a valve may be included to restrict flow of feed through the feed outlet closure. [13] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a feeding tray is disposed beneath the feed outlet closure for receiving the feed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the feed tray is arranged for sliding in and out of the lower tubular portion beneath the feed outlet.

3 [14] Preferably the feed outlet closure is arranged to move to close or open an aperture in an internal floor at the lower limit of the feed storage volume. [15] Preferably the feed outlet closure includes a handle portion accessible from external of the apparatus for an operator to move the feed outlet closure from a closure position to an open position. [16] An awning may be arranged to extend from one of the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion. The awning may include a flat roof portion or alternatively it may comprise an elongate member over which a web is supported to create a tent style shelter. [17] Preferably the awning is arranged to extend over the feed tray. [18] Preferably the awning is arranged to extend from the lower tubular portion. [19] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the awning is arranged to pivot from an operational position wherein it extends laterally from the lower tubular portion to a stowage position wherein it extends substantially parallel with an outer side of the lower tubular portion. [20] It is preferred that the upper tubular portion is dimensioned for movement downward over the awning in the stowage position to assume a compact configuration wherein the height of the apparatus is reduced. [21] Preferably the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion bear complementary retaining formations placed to cooperate therebetween upon the upper tubular portion assuming the compact configuration. [22] In an embodiment of the invention one or more webs are arranged to descend from the awning for provision of shade.

4 [23] It is preferred that a hinged lid be arranged to close an upper limit of the upper tubular portion. [24] The hinged lid may include an operator handle for opening of the lid in order that the feed volume may be replenished with feed. [25] Preferably one or more brackets, tabs or other suitable attachment members is provided fast with a rearward portion of the apparatus to assist in securing the apparatus to a permanent structure as an anti-theft aid when desired. [26] It is also preferable that the apparatus include a pair of wheels so that the apparatus may be towed to a desired location. [27] Preferably the apparatus includes a vessel for provision of water. [28] The vessel is preferably detachably mounted to a side of the apparatus. A topside of the lid may be formed to engage the vessel so that it may be stored within the feed volume upon the apparatus assuming the compact configuration. [29] Preferably the vessel includes an inlet through which water may be introduced into the vessel. [30] The inlet may be fitted with a valve arranged to respond to water level within the vessel. [31] For example the valve may be coupled to a float which is located within the vessel and which will close the valve upon a predetermined water level being reached. [32] It is preferable that a window be formed in the apparatus in order that an operator may determine feed level within the feed volume.

5 [33] For example, the window may comprise one or more vertical strips of clear material arranged in a wall of the upper tubular portion and/or the lower tubular. [34] Preferably ground anchor brackets, or other attachment formations, extend from the lower tubular portion whereby the apparatus may be readily fixed at a desired location. [35] The apparatus may include one or more light sources for illuminating the feed tray and/or vessel in use. [36] Various hooks, brackets and the like may be included for holding containers and bags. [37] A can opener may be fitted to the apparatus for opening cans of food. [38] A water storage tank may be built in to the feed volume. [39] An additional tray for feed or storage may be located beneath the feed volume if required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [40] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [41] Figures 1 to 6 are views of a pet feeding apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6 [42] Figure 7 is a view of the pet feeding apparatus with awning webs 16 unfurled. [43] Figures 8A to 8C are cutaway views of a feed delivery arrangement of the apparatus in various stages of use. [44] Figure 8D is a detail view of a component of the feed delivery arrangement. [45] Figure 9A is a rear view of a portion of the apparatus. [46] Figures 9B and 9C are detail views of a retaining assembly of the apparatus. [47] Figures 10 and 11 are detail views of a vessel, being a water bowl, of the apparatus. [48] Figure 12 comprises isometric, top and rear views of the awning of the apparatus. [49] Figure 13 comprises isometric and front views of the feed tray of the apparatus. [50] Figure 14 shows a topside of a lid of the apparatus in a variation of the previously described embodiment with the water bowl attached thereto for storage. [51] Figure 14A is a detailed view of the lid of the variation referred to in Figure 14 showing clips for attaching the bowl. [52] Figure 15 shows the apparatus in a compacted configuration.

7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [53] Referring now to Figures 1 to 6 there is depicted a pet feeding apparatus or "pet feeder" 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. [54] The pet feeder 2 includes an upper tubular portion 4 and a lower tubular portion 6 which cooperate to define an internal feed storage volume. As can be seen the upper tubular portion 4 is oversized relative to the lower tubular portion 6 so that it may be moved up and down in order to adjust the internal feed storage volume. The upper portion may be arrested at a desired level on the lower portion by means of fastening bolts 10. [55] The upper tubular portion 4 is closed by a hinged lid 8 which has an operator handle 11. [56] Referring now to Figures 8A to 8C, which are cutaway views of the lower portion of lower tube 6, a floor 24 is provided which defines the lower limit of the internal feed volume. The floor 24 slopes downwardly to a feed outlet 26, visible in Figure 8C. A feed outlet closure in the form of a slide or choke 63 is arranged to be moved back and forth over the feed outlet 26 to thereby allow or restrict the flow of feed through outlet 26 into tray 30 below. [57] The choke 63 is formed with a finger tab 72 that is accessible from external of the apparatus when the tray is at least partially extend outward. Consequently an operator is able to manipulate the finger tab 72 to move the choke 63 from a closure position to an open position. [58] Alternatively other arrangements, for example butterfly valve may be included to restrict flow of feed through the feed outlet 26. [59] The feeding tray 30 is disposed beneath the feed outlet 26 for receiving the feed. The feed tray is arranged for sliding from an inward position, as depicted in Figure 1 for example, to an outward position, shown in Figure 8C, 8 wherein it extends mostly beyond the lower tubular portion so that it, and feed that it contains, may be readily accessed by a pet. The floor of the rear of the tray is angled to assist in tilting the front end of the tray up so that it can be removed from the feeder for cleaning when required. The feeding tray is fitted with seals to prevent water from entering the feeder when the tray is pushed into the lower tubular portion. [60] Referring now to Figures 8A to 8C, the sequence for operating the feed tray is as follows: [61] Step 1. Open the toggle 13 that keeps the feed tray 30 closed and pull out the feed tray. [62] Step 2. When the feed tray 30 is fully open the rear stop 64 on the choke 63 (shown in detail view in Figure 8D) will prevent the feed tray 30 from sliding out further. Note that there are two arms 60, 62 on the rear stop and that the first arm 62 is shorter than the second 64 so that it can pass through the opening 66 in the rear of the feed tray as shown in Figure 8B. (The short arm 62 acts to stop the feed tray 30 from closing when the choke 63 is open). [63] Step 3. At this point the side stop 68 on the choke has clear passage through the side opening 70 of the feed tray and the choke 63 can be slid across, by means of finger tab 72, to open and allow feed to pour into the feed tray 30. [64] Step 4. The feed tray cannot be opened or closed at this point due to the arms 60, 62 on the rear stop 64 preventing movement. [65] Step 5. Retracting the feed tray back into the pet feeder comprises Steps 1 to 4 in reverse order. That is, close the choke then close the feed tray. The 'gate' system described in Steps 1 to 4 prevents accidental wastage in the case of feed tray opening during transportation.

9 [66] Referring again to Figure 1, an awning 12 extends from the lower tubular portion 6. The awning 12 includes a flat roof portion which extends outwards over the feed tray 30 and so protects it from the weather. Rolls of web 16, comprising a fabric are provided on the roof portion of the awning 12. As shown in Figure 7 the rolls of fabric 16 may be unfurled to provide side walls which, together with the awning 12 produce a sheltered area for a pet. [67] In an alternative embodiment the awning may comprise an elongate member over which a web is supported to create an "A-shape" tent style shelter. [68] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the awning 12 is arranged to extend outward from the lower tubular portion 6 and is supported by a bracket 17 which is fastened to the awning roof and which engages a head of a bolt 18 that extends from the upper tubular portion 4. [69] With reference to Figures 1 and 3, by means of opposed arms 22 which squeeze the lower tubular portion 6 therebetween, the awning 12 is arranged to pivot about pivot points 23 from an operational position wherein it extends laterally from the lower tubular portion as shown in Figures 1 to 7, to a stowage position as shown in Figure 15. A rubber seal 19, visible in Figure 12, is provided along the inside edge of the awning 12 to discourage flow of water from the awning down the side of the lower tubular portion 6. In the stowage position the awning 12 extends substantially parallel with an outer side of the lower tubular portion 6. [70] As can be seen in Figure 15, the upper tubular portion 4 is dimensioned for movement downward over the awning 12 in the stowage position so that the pet feeder assumes a compact configuration. In the compact configuration the height of the pet feeder 2 is reduced for easy storage or transportation. [71] It will be observed in Figure 15 that a rotatable toggle 13 secures the feed tray 30 in order that the feed tray 30 is prevented from sliding out from 10 the lower tubular portion 6. Accordingly in this configuration wild animals are prevented from accessing the tray and any food that it contains. [72] With reference to Figures 9A to 9C, the apparatus 2 includes a catch 34 mounted on its rear side. The catch 34 is designed to receive a corresponding hook 35 which may be fastened to a wall or post. Alternatively, the hook 35 may be fastened (upside down relative to the view in Figure 9B) to the rear of the apparatus 2 for hooking on to a chain fence for example. [73] As shown in Figure 9A, a pair of tabs 38 is provided fast with a rearward portion of the pet feeder 2 to assist in securing it to a permanent structure as an anti-theft aid when desired. [74] A pair of wheels 40 is also provided at the bottom of the lower tubular portion 6 so that the apparatus 2 may be towed to a desired location. [75] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 5, the apparatus includes a vessel in the form of a water bowl 42 for provision of water to a pet. [76] The bowl 42 is detachably mounted to either side of the pet feeder 2 by means of clips 44 (best seen in Figure 11) which are integrally formed with the outside of the lower tubular portion 6. [77] It will be observed that the water bowl 42 is mounted to the side of the pet feeder so that its underside is lifted clear of the ground in order to reduce the possibility of contamination of water within the bowl by ants or other insects. [78] The water bowl 42 includes an inlet 46 through which water may be introduced into the water bowl. For example the inlet 46 may be connected to a hose which gravity feeds from a tank or a pump or other water source. A water storage tank may be built in to the feed volume if desired to feed the inlet 46.

11 [79] The water bowl 42 is fitted with a valve 47 arranged to respond to water level within the water bowl by being coupled to a float 48 which is located within the water bowl and which will close the valve upon a predetermined water level being reached. [80] Referring now to Figures 14 and 14A, in a variation of the previously described embodiment the top of the lid 8 may be formed with engagement means 43 such as clips 43 for retaining the water bowl 42 so that it may be stored atop the pet feeder. Alternatively, a separate sealed storage area may be provided inside the feeder to accommodate the stored water bowl 42 so that it may be stored within the pet feeder without dripping onto feed within the feeder. [81] Referring again to Figure 1, vertical windows 52 are formed down the sides of the upper tubular portion 4 and lower tubular portion 6 in order that an operator may look into the internal feed volume to determine feed level and so see if there is a need to replenish the feed. [82] Alternatively, a whole side of, or even the entire upper and/or lower tubular portions 4 and 6 could be made of a clear plastic material or equivalent. [83] Ground anchor brackets 54 extend from the lower tubular portion 6 so that the pet feeder may be readily fixed at a desired location. [84] The pet feeder may be fitted with one or more light sources for illuminating the feed tray and/or water bowl in use. For example, LEDs or other light sources may be mounted into our about either of the tubular portions or the awning. [85] The pet feeder may also have mounted to it various hooks, brackets and the like for holding containers and bags. [86] A can opener might also be fitted to the apparatus for opening cans of pet food.

12 [87] An additional tray for feed or storage may be located beneath the feed volume if required. [88] In use the pet feeder 2 is initially transported to a desired location in the compact configuration shown in Figure 15 though with the water bowl 42 stowed atop lid 8 as shown in Figure 14. In the compact configuration the upper and lower tubular portions 4 and 6 are brought together so that that the overall height of the apparatus is reduced to its minimum level. The water bowl 42 is stored on the top of the lid 8. In this configuration the apparatus may be readily stowed in a vehicle for transportation or towed by means of wheels 40. Furthermore the feed tray 30 is effectively locked in the pet feeder by the toggle 13. [89] Once the desired position is reached the water bowl 42 is retrieved from the feeder lid and mounted to its side as shown in Figure 15. The upper tubular portion 4 is then raised up from the lower tubular portion 6 as shown in Figure 7 and the fastening bolts 10 are rotated to fasten the upper tubular portion 4 in place relative to the lower tubular portion 6. [90] The lid 8 may then be opened and feed can then be poured into the internal feed volume. The feed can then be dispensed into the tray 30 as previously discussed with reference to Figures 8A to 8C. [91] The awning 12 is pivoted out from the lower tubular portion 6 and secured in place by bracket 17. The rolls of fabric 16 are then unrolled as shown to assist the awning 12 in providing a shaded feeding area. A water hose is attached to inlet 46 so that the water bowl 42 fills with water until float 48 rises sufficiently to for valve 47 to cut off flow through the inlet 46. [92] Brackets 38 and the ground anchor brackets 54 can then be used to secure the feed apparatus 2 in place. For example a chain or strap may be used in conjunction with brackets 38 to secure the apparatus to a tree or post. Alternatively "U" brackets might also be used in conjunction with the brackets 13 38 to attach the pet feeder to a post. Furthermore, the hook and catch arrangement previously discussed with reference to Figures 9A to 9C may be used to fix the apparatus at a convenient location. [93] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. [94] The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. [95] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. [96] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. [97] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. [98] Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A pet feeding apparatus including: an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion cooperating to define a feed storage volume wherein the upper tubular portion may be moved relative to the lower tubular portion for adjustment of the feed storage volume.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion bear complementary retaining formations placed to cooperate therebetween upon the upper tubular portion being brought toward the lower tubular portion for the apparatus to thereby assume a compact configuration.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a feed outlet closure is located at a lower limit of the feed storage volume and arranged to restrict or allow flow of feed.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the feed outlet closure comprises a sliding closure or a valve.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the feed outlet closure is arranged to move to thereby close or open an aperture in an internal floor at the lower limit of the feed storage volume.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the feed outlet closure includes a handle portion accessible from external of the apparatus for an operator to move the feed outlet closure from a closure position to an open position.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein a feeding tray is disposed beneath the feed outlet closure for receiving the feed. 15

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the feed tray is arranged for sliding in and out of the lower tubular portion beneath the feed outlet.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including an awning arranged to extend from one of the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the awning includes a flat roof portion

11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the awning comprises an elongate member over which a web is supported.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the awning is arranged to pivot from an operational position wherein it extends laterally from the lower tubular portion to a stowage position wherein it extends substantially parallel with an outer side of the lower tubular portion.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the upper tubular portion is dimensioned for movement downward over the awning in the stowage position to assume the compact.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein one or more webs are arranged to descend from the awning for provision of shade.

15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including a hinged lid for closure of an upper limit of the upper tubular portion.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the hinged lid is dimensioned for storage within the feed volume upon the apparatus assuming the compact configuration. 16

17. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including one or more brackets, tabs or other suitable attachment members fast with a rearward portion of the apparatus to assist in securing the apparatus to a permanent structure.

18. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including a pair of wheels so that the apparatus may be towed to a desired location.

19. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including a vessel for provision of water mounted to a side of the apparatus wherein the vessel includes an inlet through which water may be introduced into the vessel and a valve controlling ingress of the water arranged to respond to water level within the vessel.

20. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including one or more vertical strips of clear material arranged in a wall of the upper tubular portion and/or the lower tubular for visual inspection of feed level within the apparatus. * * *