AU2018101623A4 - Animal feeding or drinking apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A feeding or drinking apparatus for domesticated animals, said apparatus comprising: a reservoir for containing dry fluent particulate material or liquid, the reservoir having a body of substantially tubular configuration together with an in-use upper end section and an opposed lower end section; the upper end section of the reservoir including an opening for replenishing the reservoir; the lower end section of the reservoir including a dispensing arrangement for the particulate material or for the liquid; and a mounting structure on the reservoir adapted for penetration of a barrier. xno FIG. 6 FIG. 7

Description

ANIMAL FEEDING OR DRINKING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus for facilitating the feeding or drinking of domesticated animals, particularly although not exclusively, containers for provision of a supply of fluent particulate feed or water that is available on demand for birds, fowls, ducks that are at least periodically kept in an enclosure.

BACKGROUND

Gravity operated feeding devices are known wherein a supply of feed, such as grain, is held in a receptacle and dispensed periodically into a pan. Liquid dispensers for fresh water are known, typically including an operating valve for supplying a drinking bowl. Motorised feeding devices are also known, including those programmable for automatic dispensing at predetermined times. Feeders are typically arranged for resting on the ground or may include a stake or spike to secure the device at a convenient position for access by animals to be fed.

However, known devices suffer from a number of drawbacks and inconveniences including exposure to weather, including wind and rain; the tendency of poultry to spread or scatter excessive amounts of feed over their immediate requirements leading to wastage; and the need for receptacles to be periodically checked re a requirement for replenishing. Motorised devices can be complex, consume energy and be prone to mal-operation or break-downs.

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.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a feeding or drinking apparatus for domesticated animals that addresses the problems of the prior art or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a feeding or drinking apparatus for domesticated animals, said apparatus comprising: a reservoir for containing dry fluent particulate material or liquid, the 5 reservoir including a body of substantially tubular configuration together with an in-use upper end section and an opposed lower end section;

the upper end section of the reservoir having an opening for replenishing the reservoir;

the lower end section of the reservoir including a dispensing 10 arrangement for the particulate material or for the liquid; and a mounting structure on the reservoir adapted for penetration of a barrier.

Preferably the reservoir includes a body composed of a light-weight, rigid plastics material, wherein the material may also be transparent or at least 15 translucent to enable viewing of the content level.

Suitably, the mounting structure is provided on an end section and includes an angled or cranked tubular configuration. The mounting structure may further include hook-like members for engaging mesh wire.

Preferably, the upper end section includes a removable cover for the opening therein. The removable cover may include a handle portion. Desirably the upper end section is formed separately from the reservoir body and has the angled or cranked configuration.

The mounting structure suitably includes a pair of flanges extending around the section, one flange integrally formed with the upper section and another flange slidably engaged with the upper end section, whereby, in use, a marginal edge portion of an aperture provided in the barrier may be sandwiched between the 30 flanges.

Where the apparatus comprises a feeding apparatus, the removable cover can take the form of a scoop having a cylindrical body with a truncated mouth. The

2018101623 29 Oct 2018 dispensing arrangement for particulate material may comprise a bowl portion extending outwardly from the lower end section. The bowl portion may be of semi-annular configuration and include a series of upright radial walls which divide the bowl into a plurality of feed receiving sectors. The apparatus may further include an outwardly extending, circumferential shade or awning that is movably mounted to the tubular body section. The shade may include a truncation allowing for flush mounting against an adjacent barrier. The shade or awning may be supported by an adjustable band clamp having hooks for engagement with the barrier. The hooks may be comprised of notches provided adjacent opposed ends of the band clamp.

Where the apparatus comprises a drinking apparatus, the handle of the removable cover can be in the form of a pipe and includes a hose fitting. The dispensing arrangement for liquid suitably includes a cup protruding from an opening in the lower end section. Preferably the dispensing arrangement further includes a valve between the reservoir interior and the cup. An actuator is suitably associated with the cup, being operable to open valve for dispensing liquid into the cup for drinking. Conveniently, the actuator is disposed within the drinking cup. If required, the valve may be arranged to drip feed liquid into the cup for refilling same. The lower end section suitably includes a transverse wall for sealing the lower end of the reservoir and carrying said dispensing valve. The valve may be coupled to the cup via a conduit therebetween.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for installation of a feeding or drinking apparatus, the kit including the apparatus as set out above in separate component sections; and a template indicating an aperture to be formed in a barrier for accommodating the mounting structure.

The kit may further include a pair of cutters, suitably for cutting wire mesh.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for installation of the feeding or drinking apparatus as set out above, said method including the steps of:

2018101623 29 Oct 2018 assembling each of the upper end section and lower end section to opposed ends of the body of the tubular reservoir;

cutting or otherwise forming an aperture in a barrier for accommodating the mounting structure;

passing at least a section of the reservoir into the aperture; and fixing the mounting structure to the barrier for supporting the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be 10 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:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a feeding apparatus 100 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a left side view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is a front view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 1; Figure 4 is a right side view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figure 5 is a rear view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 1 in a different configuration 100’, illustrating an alternative position of a mounting clamp;

Figure 5A is a sectional left side view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 5; Figure 5B is a sectional top plan view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 5; Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figure 8 is an enlarged bottom plan view of feeding apparatus of Fig. 1; Figure 9 is a top plan view of a drinking apparatus 200 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a left side view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 9;

Figure 11 is a front view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 9;

Figure 12 is a right side view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 9;

Figure 13 is an enlarged bottom plan view of feeding apparatus of Fig. 9;

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Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 9; Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 9;

Figure 16 is a front view of the drinking apparatus of Fig. 9 in a different configuration 200’, illustrating alternative positions of mounting clamps;

Figure 16C is a sectional right side view of feeding apparatus of Fig. 16;

Figure 17 is a photographic view of the front of both a feeding apparatus of Fig. 5 and a drinking apparatus of Fig. 16 installed in a barrier of an animal enclosure 300; and

Figure 18 is a photographic view of the rear of both a feeding apparatus of Fig. 5 and a drinking apparatus of Fig. 16 installed in the barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a feeding apparatus 100, herein after referred to as a “feeder”, for providing dry fluent particulate feed, such as a mixture of grains, for domesticated animals such as poultry, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The feeder 100 includes a reservoir having a main body section 102 having an upper end 104 to which is attached an upper end section 110, and a lower end 106 to which is attached a lower end section 160. The main body 102 is of substantially tubular configuration, here in the form of a cylinder, composed of a light weight, UV resistant rigid plastics material, such as PVC. Suitably the plastics main body 102 is transparent or at least translucent to as to facilitate visual checking of feed level within the body of the reservoir.

The upper end section 110 includes a socket portion 112 which may be press fitted over an upper end of the reservoir body 102 which is received in the socket portion. The upper end section 110 is also of tubular configuration, but includes an angled or cranked portion 114 between substantially linear tubular portions (here at approximately 45°), including the socket portion 112 and a cover receiving portion 116. A cover 117 is removable from the upper end section and has a protruding handle 118 for manually grasping the cover, and an oblique truncated mouth 119. Upon removal from the upper end section 110, the cover 117 can conveniently function as a scoop that may be used for

2018101623 29 Oct 2018 transferring fluent particulate feed from a bulk supply into the reservoir body 102. If required, a seal (not shown) may be provided between the cover 117 and upper end section 110 to minimize ingress of moisture that may other degrade the feed or at least inhibit free flow thereof, and can assist in retaining the cover in place.

The upper end section 110 further includes a mounting structure 120 including a pairof outwardly extending circumferential flanges 122,124 extending around the end section, one of which flanges is preferably integrally formed with the upper end section 110 and another flange which is slidably mounted thereon. It can be appreciated from Figures 2 and 4, that the flanges are disposed at an angle to the cover portion (here a similar angle to the mouth 119 of the cover 117) such that - in normal use - the flanges are upright. The mounting structure 120 further includes fixing means 126, such as screws, for securing the flanges together to sandwich a barrier, such as the mesh wall 310 discussed further in relation to Figs 17-18, therebetween.

The lower end section 160 is attached to the open lower end 106 of the main body 102 of the reservoir by an external clamp 162, such as a screw-operated band clamp. The lower end section 160 retains the fluent particulate material within the body whilst allowing gravity to dispense feed material into an outwardly extending semi-annular bowl portion 164, via one or more feed channels 166, as best seen in Figure 5A. The bowl portion 164 has an angled outer wall 168 and a series of radially extending upright walls 167 having arcuate top portions 165 that divide the bowl portion into feed-receiving sectors 169 each in fluent communication with a feed channel 166; see especially Figures 5B and 6. The upright walls 167 aim to minimize the removal and/or scattering of excessive amounts of fluent feed material by poultry, which typically habitually employ a flicking or sweeping beak motion within feeders for such purposes.

Also disposed on the body section 102 is an outwardly extending circumferential shade or awning 108, suitably slidably retained on the body by a clamp 109. The shade suitably includes a truncation 108t for alignment with

2018101623 29 Oct 2018 a rear aspect of the feeder 100, as best shown in Figures 7 and 8. In an alternative arrangement, the shade 108 could be attached to the lower end section, suitably in fixed relation to the bowl portion 164

Turning now to Figures 17 and 18, there is shown a feeder 100 installation within a barrier, here in the form of a mesh wall 310 supported by frame members 315, of an animal enclosure 300, to aid discussion of the mounting structure 120 of the feeder relative to the barrier. The pair of flanges 122, 124 of the mounting structure are located where the upper end section 110 penetrates the barrier 310. During preparation for installation, the removable mounting flange can conveniently act as a template for cutting a suitably shaped (here ovoid) aperture in the mesh wall. Preferably the uppermost flange 122 is removable, whereby the upper end section 110 can be passed though the aperture cut in the mesh wall until the lowermost flange 124 abuts an inner side of the mesh. The uppermost flange 122 can then be passed over the cap receiving portion 116 of the upper end section until it abuts the outside of the mesh wall barrier 310. Fixing means such as screws can then be employed to fix the flanges together, thereby sandwiching a margin edge portion of the aperture therebetween.

The external clamps deployed on the feeder body 102, including upper band clamp 107 and the similar clamp 109 carrying awning 108 include notches 107n, 109n provided in opposed ends of each clamp. The notches that are engageable in hook fashion with respective strands of the mesh wall 310, see Figure 7 and (as installed) Figure 18. An in use, rear side of the lower end section 160 also includes hook portions 169 that can similarly engage mesh strands of wall 310. The wall penetrating mounting arrangement 120 of the embodiment conveniently allows the reservoir to be easily replenished from outside of an animal enclosure 300.

The feeder of the present embodiment employs gravity assisted flow to dispense feed as it is taken from the sectioned bowl by feeding animals. The feeder also affords a degree of protection to feed held temporarily within the dispensing bowl or trough from sun and rain by the shade or awning. The

2018101623 29 Oct 2018 mounting arrangement 120 includes a barrier penetration on the cranked or angled section of the reservoir allows for external replenishing and internal dispensing to animals behind the barrier.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a drinking apparatus for domesticated animals, for example poultry. Turning to Figures 9 to 12, there is shown such a drinking apparatus 200, herein after referred to as a “drinker”, for providing a liquid such as clean water for poultry. The drinker 200 includes a reservoir having a main body section 202 having an upper end 204 to which is attached an upper end section 210, and a lower end 206 to which is sealably attached a lower end section 260. The main body 202 is of substantially tubular configuration, here in the form of a cylinder, composed of a light weight rigid plastics material, such as PVC. Suitably the plastics main body 202 is transparent or at least translucent to as to facilitate visual checking of liquid level within the body of the reservoir. A float, suitably composed of a food grade plastic material, may be provided to enable better visualization of the liquid level.

The upper end section 210 includes a socket portion 212 which may be press fitted over an upper end of the reservoir body 202 which is received in the socket portion. The upper end section 210 is also of tubular configuration, but includes an angled or cranked portion 214 between substantially linear tubular portions (here at approximately 45°), including the socket portion 212 and a cover receiving portion 216. A cover 217 is removable from the upper end section and has a protruding handle 218 for manually grasping the cover. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the handle may comprise a pipe and further include a hose fitting at a distal end thereof. The alternative handle can conveniently enable direct transfer of liquid from a bulk supply via the hose into the reservoir body 202.

The upper end section 210 further includes a mounting structure 220 including a pair of outwardly extending circumferential flanges 222, 224, one of which flanges is preferably integrally formed with the upper end section 210 and another flange which is slidably mounted thereon. It can be appreciated from

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Figures 10 and 12, that the flanges of mounting structure 220 are disposed at an angle to the cover portion such that - in normal use of the drinker - the flanges are substantially upright for mounting in an upright barrier, for example the wall of an animal cage. The mounting structure 220 further includes fixing means 226, such as screws, for securing the flanges together to sandwich a barrier, such as the mesh wall 310 (as discussed further below in relation to Figs 17-18) therebetween.

The lower end section 260 is sealably attached to the body 202 by way of upstanding socket portion 262. The lower end section further includes a transverse wall 263 to close the lower end 206 of the main body 202 of the reservoir, such as by an adhesive or like permanent sealing agent. In an alternative arrangement, the socket portion may include a screw-thread for engagement with a co-operating screw-thread on the lower end and include a seat for a sealing member such as an O-ring. The lower end section 260 includes a liquid dispensing arrangement including a cup 264 that protrudes from an aperture 266 provided in an outer tubular wall 268 of the lower end section. The cup 264 includes an internal actuator 265, here in the form of a movable tongue, coupled to a valve 270 provided in the transverse wall 263 between reservoir 202 and a conduit feeding liquid into the cup; see especially Figures 14 and 16C.

In use, the reservoir body 202 may be filled or replenished (for example) with water by first removing the cover 217 using handle 218 from the upper end section 210, and pouring water into the reservoir. An animal, such as a chicken, wanting to drink can use its beak on the actuator 265 within the protruding cup 264 to operate the valve 270 in order to release water from the reservoir 202 into the cup 264 for drinking. In some embodiments, the valve may arranged to provide a drip feed of liquid from the reservoir into the cup 264 in the event the cup is emptied. The drip feed desirably ceases upon the re-filling of the cup to avoid wastage.

The drinker 200 of the embodiment may be mounted to an upright barrier, such as an aperture (not shown) provided in the mesh wall 310 of the animal

2018101623 29 Oct 2018 enclosure 300 (discussed above and) as shown Figures 17 and 18. Like the feeder 100, the pair of flanges 222, 224 of mounting structure 220 can be secured together subsequent to insertion of a least the upper end section 210 of the reservoir 202 through the aperture, in order to sandwich marginal edge portions of the aperture between the flanges. Additional supports, again in the form of band clamps 207, 209, are located around the cylindrical body 202, which clamps include respective notches 207n, 209n for hooking over wire strands of the mesh wall 310.

The drinking apparatus of the embodiment provides a relatively large liquid capacity reservoir, for example 3.8 litres, which should be sufficient to supply 4-5 chickens for a period of up to 2-4 days. The compact dispensing cup reduces the chances of the water becoming contaminated, compared with a larger open trough situated at ground level. The sealed lower end section or base holds liquid securely, minimizing leaks and largely avoids ant or other insect infestations.

Both the feeder and drinker have the added advantage of being replenishable with particulate feed and liquid (respectively) from the exterior of an animal enclosure or cage. This avoids the need for keepers or farmer to climb into the cage, which may be uncomfortably small and also runs the risk of animals escaping.

In further embodiments of the invention (not shown), it will be appreciated that the penetration may be arranged on the lower end section or the main body section of the reservoir, which section may include a cranked or angled portion for this purpose. The pair of mounting flanges may be arranged at different angles to accommodate differently angled barriers, as desired. The flanges of the penetrating mounting structure need not be located on the cranked or angled sections of the apparatus in other embodiments, such as those configured for angled barriers.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises”

2018101623 29 Oct 2018 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.

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 5 putting the invention into effect. 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.

Claims (25)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A feeding or drinking apparatus for domesticated animals, said apparatus comprising:

   a reservoir for containing dry fluent particulate material or liquid, the reservoir having a body of substantially tubular configuration together with an in-use upper end section and an opposed lower end section;

   the upper end section of the reservoir including an opening for replenishing the reservoir;

   the lower end section of the reservoir including a dispensing arrangement for the particulate material or for the liquid; and a mounting structure on the reservoir adapted for penetration of a barrier.
2. 2. The feeding or drinking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper end section includes and angled or cranked portion, and the mounting structure is provided on said angled or cranked portion of said end section.
3. 3. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the reservoir includes a body composed of a light-weight, rigid plastics material.
4. 4. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the reservoir includes a body that is composed of a transparent or at least translucent material enable viewing of content of the dry fluent particulate material or the liquid material thereby providing an indication of quantity of said material in the reservoir.
5. 5. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper end section includes a removable cover for the opening therein.
6. 6. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein the removable cover further comprises a handle portion to allow removal of the cover.

   2018101623 29 Oct 2018
7. 7. The feeding apparatus in accordance with claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the removable cover further comprises a scoop having a cylindrical body with a truncated mouth.
8. 8. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper end section is formed separately from the reservoir body.
9. 9. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 8 when dependent upon claim 2 wherein the upper end section is formed separately from the reservoir body and has the angled or cranked configuration.
10. 10. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein mounting structure suitably includes a pair of flanges extending around the section, one flange integrally formed with the upper section and another flange slidably engaged with the upper end section, whereby, in use, a marginal edge portion of an aperture provided in the barrier may be sandwiched between the flanges.
11. 11. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the dispensing arrangement for particulate material comprises a bowl portion extending outwardly from the lower end section.
12. 12. The feeding apparatus in accordance with claim 11 wherein the bowl portion comprises a substantially semi-annular configuration and includes a series of upright radial walls which divide the bowl into a plurality of feed receiving sectors.
13. 13. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further includes an outwardly extending, circumferential shade or awning that is movably mounted to the tubular body section.

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14. 14. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein the shade or awning further includes a truncation allowing for flush mounting against an adjacent barrier.
15. 15. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with claims 13 or 14 wherein the shade or awning is supported by an adjustable band clamp having hooks for engagement with the barrier.
16. 16. The feeding or drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 15 wherein the hooks are comprised of notches provided adjacent opposed ends of the band clamp.
17. 17. The drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein the handle of the removable cover is in the form of a pipe and includes a hose fitting.
18. 18. The drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the dispensing arrangement for liquid suitably includes a cup protruding from an opening in the lower end section.
19. 19. The drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 18 wherein the dispensing arrangement further includes a valve between the reservoir interior and the cup.
20. 20. The drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 19 further comprising an actuator that is suitably associated with the cup, the actuator being operable to open the valve for dispensing liquid into the cup for drinking.
21. 21. The drinking apparatus in accordance with claim 20 wherein the actuator is disposed within the drinking cup.
22. 22. The drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the lower end section suitably includes a transverse wall for sealing the lower end of the reservoir and carrying said dispensing valve.

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23. 23. The drinking apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the valve may be coupled to the cup via a conduit therebetween.
24. 24. A kit for installation of a feeding or drinking apparatus, the kit including: the feeding or drinking apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in separate component sections; and a template indicating an aperture to be formed in a barrier for accommodating the mounting structure.
25. 25. A method for installation of the feeding or drinking apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, said method including the steps of:

    assembling each of the upper end section and lower end section to opposed ends of the body of the tubular reservoir;

    cutting or otherwise forming an aperture in a barrier for accommodating the mounting structure;

    passing at least a section of the tubular reservoir into the aperture; and fixing the mounting structure to the barrier for supporting the apparatus.