ES1212563U - MACHINE AND CAPSULE FOR REHYDRATING DEHYDRATED FOODS (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods that, applicable to mix water with dehydrated food for pets, incorporated in it said food in bulk or in single-dose containers, is characterized by comprising, incorporated in a housing (11), at least one container (2) pet feeder, a water reservoir (3), a water supply means (4, 5) that supply water from the reservoir (3) to mix with the dose of dehydrated food, a means of removing (6) from the food dehydrated with the water, and means for controlling the volume (7) of water supplied for the mixture and for controlling the time (8) of operation of the removal means (6). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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MACHINE AND CAPSULE FOR REHYDRATION DEHYDRATED FOODS

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as stated in the present specification, refers to a machine and capsule for rehydrating dehydrated foods that contributes, to the function to which it is intended, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below and which assume a remarkable novelty in the current state of the art.

The object of the present invention lies in a machine for domestic use whose essential function is to automatically rehydrate dehydrated foods, in particular those intended for feeding pets that must be mixed with hot water for consumption. The object of the present invention also falls on a capsule containing dehydrated foods.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The scope of the present invention is part of the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture of automatic devices and devices, in particular small appliances, and more specifically those for the field of pet food accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently there are already dehydrated food for pets with a

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significant market share in the “peí parents” niche.

The problem is that, when the end customer wants to serve the dehydrated food to his pet, he has to rehydrate it to perform a series of operations that are summarized in the following process:

- To heat water

- Deposit water and food in a container in appropriate proportions (between 1 and 1.5 parts of water per food)

- Mix with a spoon or other utensil

- Let cool

The objective of the present invention is to save said work to the user by means of a machine that performs all the operations of said process automatically so that it does not have to be done manually.

On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least on the part of the applicant, the existence of any other machine to rehydrate dehydrated foods, or any other invention of similar application in the field is unknown of pet food, which has the same or similar technical and structural characteristics to those presented by the machine claimed here.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods that the invention proposes is thus configured as a remarkable novelty within its field of application, the details being characteristic that the

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they are conveniently distinguished in the final claims that accompany the present description.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, as indicated above, is a household machine that, preferably electrically operated, as a small appliance, has the essential function of rehydrating automatically and by a series of elements and mechanisms of which it is provided, the food that is acquired dehydrated, in particular those destined for the feeding of pets that are sold in this way and must be mixed with water for their consumption.

For this, said machine comprises, at least, a dehydrated pet food container, which can directly serve as a feeder, where food can be placed in bulk or in single-dose containers, as explained below, a water tank that the machine uses, in the amount necessary to obtain the rehydrated food preparation, means, preferably electromechanical, for example a small pump and associated ducts, which supply said amount of water from the reservoir thereof to mix with the dose of dehydrated food, means for removing dehydrated food with water, for example a mixing platform with automatically rotating rods driven by an electric motor, preferably the same one that drives said pump, and means for controlling the volume of water supplied , for example a metering mechanism, and the time of removal, such as a timer.

Preferably, the machine also has means for heating the water, since with it the rehydration is carried out in an optimal and faster way.

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In any case, in a preferred embodiment, the container has a bowl shape and is fixed, for example by rings, in which it is fitted, provided for that purpose in the machine housing; the water injected by the machine injects it into the container while the mixing platform descends on the container, actuated by means of a lever, and mixes directly into it.

With this, the operation of the machine in this embodiment option is to store water in a water tank, which the user fills manually, and which preferably has an approximate capacity of 3 or 4 liters, store at least one dose of Dehydrated food in the container, heat water and bring a quantity of water to the container, mix the water with the food inside the container, wait to remove the container (thus preventing the pet from burning).

In addition, the machine allows the function of cleaning the container for which the same process described is followed, but without the inclusion of food inside the container, being able to empty the excess water manually or leave it in the container so that the pet can drink it even if it has food leftovers

Optionally, the machine also has a storage tank for dehydrated food in bulk associated with a metering mechanism of said food, so that it falls into the container where the mixture is made with the water and serves as a trough.

On the other hand, as already noted, the machine of the invention is also designed to be used with dehydrated food incorporated in single-dose packaging, which can have different formats for different versions of the machine.

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Thus, in a first option, the single-dose container is a bowl-shaped container in which the pet can eat directly, so that it must be placed, either on the machine's container or in place of it, for example embedded in the aforementioned rings, as long as it is provided with sufficient strength to withstand the action of the mixing platform without deteriorating, since in this option the operation of the machine would be the same.

In another variant embodiment, also for use of the machine with dehydrated food in single-dose container, where preferably this is configured as a capsule, the machine also comprises a structure with a specific housing for depositing said container and mechanisms that drive and inject the water inside and that move the mixing platform inside and outside the container itself, so that the mixing, instead of being carried out in the container, is carried out directly inside the container and inside the machine, said structure being located on the container so that, once the mixture is made, it falls by gravity into it.

Alternatively, the machine has mechanisms that break the single-dose container once introduced into the aforementioned housing of the structure and its content falls into another secondary housing where the mixing means are located and the water is injected, the mixture subsequently falling on the container .

In addition to all of the above, some of the described variants of the machine may also comprise other additional elements such as those indicated below.

An additional container intended as a drinking fountain that is filled with water from the machine contained in the water tank, for which the

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The housing must be designed to accommodate it, as well as the mechanisms for the water supply means to direct it towards it.

Optionally, this drinking fountain also has a level sensor associated with said water supply means, so that it is always kept with water for the pet.

With this additional inclusion, the machine would solve all the pet's food needs, both food and water, in the same product.

Additionally, the machine also includes autonomous drive means, for example by including a programmable electronic board associated with its operating mechanisms, allowing it to be programmed to activate at certain times of the day and serve the food. This would allow the rehydrated food to be served automatically at the time deemed most appropriate without the need to be aware (not even present).

Likewise, these mechanisms are optionally linked to a mobile app, preferably with the one that communicates by means of the Wi-Fi communication module provided in the machine, which allows its remote control and the possibility of activating it remotely to be able to feed the pet at the most timely without needing to be present or have it scheduled.

Finally, it should be noted that the machine of the invention, in at least some of its variants, especially if equipped with autonomous or remote actuation, is designed so that on the container there is enough space for the pet to eat directly from it, avoiding the need to have to extract it from

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the machine for this, which is especially necessary in autonomous or remote drive variants.

The described machine to rehydrate dehydrated foods consists, then, in an innovative structure with characteristics unknown until now for the purpose to which it is intended, reasons that together with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient grounds to obtain the privilege of exclusivity that is requested .

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a descriptive set of drawings is attached as an integral part thereof, with an illustrative character and non-limiting the following has been represented:

Figures 1 and 2 show two schematic views in side elevation section of an example of the machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, object of the invention, in a first basic embodiment option thereof, represented in Figure 1 with the container in the incorporation phase and in figure 2 with the removal means in the operating phase;

Figure number 3.- Shows a view similar to the previous ones, of another embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, in this case provided with a storage tank for bulk food;

Figure number 4.- Shows a perspective view of an example of the container in its option as a single-dose container of dehydrated food in the form of a bowl;

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Figure number 5.- It shows a side elevation view and section, similar to those shown in figures 1 to 3, of another variant of embodiment of the machine, specifically an option with housing for a single-dose container in the form of a capsule and mechanism for mixing within it;

Figure number 6.- Shows a perspective view of a configuration option of the single-dose package of dehydrated food in capsule form for mixing with the water inside; Y

Figure number 7.- Shows a front elevation view and section of another variant of embodiment of the machine, according to the invention, in this case intended for use with capsule-shaped single-dose container, provided with mechanisms that break said container, housing secondary to effect the mixing, additional drinking bowl and programmable autonomous drive means, among other options.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, several examples of non-limiting embodiment of a machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods of the invention can be observed, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described. in detail below.

Thus, as can be seen in said figures, the machine (1) in question, applicable for mixing water with dehydrated food, incorporated in bulk or in single-dose containers, comprises, incorporated in a housing (11), at least one container ( 2) formed as a pet feeding bowl, a water tank (3), preferably with a lid (30) water supply means (4, 5), preferably

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a small pump (4) and ducts (5) associated with it and the water tank (3), which supply water from the tank itself to mix with the dose of dehydrated food, some means of stirring (6) of the food dehydrated with water, for example a mixing platform with automatically rotating rods driven by an electric motor, preferably the same that drives the water pump (4), and volume control means (7) of water supplied for mixing and for controlling the time (8) of operation of the removal means, such as a water dispenser (7) and a timer (8), represented only in Figure 1.

Preferably, the machine also has suitable means for heating the water (9) of the tank (3).

In a basic embodiment variant, such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water supply means (4,5) inject water directly into the container (2), where previously the dehydrated food has been incorporated in bulk, and Removal means (6) are movable, for example through a lever (10), to be placed in the container (2) and to mix directly therein.

Optionally, the container (2) is removable from the housing (11) in which the functional elements of the machine are incorporated and, preferably, is fixed in said housing (11) with clamping elements (12) consisting, for example, in rings some in which it is fitted preventing it from moving when the mixture occurs.

Optionally, as seen in Figure 3, the machine (1) also comprises a food tank (13) dehydrated in bulk with a food dispenser (14), arranged on the container (2) so that it falls on it actuate

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Alternatively, the food is incorporated in a single-dose package of dehydrated food configured already in the form of a bowl (20) suitable to fit in the container (2) or to replace it fixed with fasteners (12), which, as observed in the Figure 4, is in such a case of a single use, and is conveniently protected with heat seal seal (25) that is removed for use.

In another embodiment, such as that shown in Figure 5 and 6, in the machine (1) the dehydrated food is incorporated in a single-dose container in the form of a capsule (21), for which the casing (11) of the machine comprises a structure with a housing (15) (see figure 5) for containers, associated with the supply means (4, 5) that conduct and inject the water inside and the removal means (6) that move in and out of the same, by mixing directly inside said capsule (21).

The dehydrated food capsule (21) is a sealed container comprising a wall of a material suitable to be penetrated by means of water suppliers (4, 5), as well as a wall of a material suitable to be penetrated by the means removed. Preferably the wall that is penetrated by the removal means (6) is the lower one once the capsule (21) is placed in the housing (15) the machine (1) such that when the removal means (6) is extracted from the capsule (21), its content falls by gravity.

The hydration process is preferably as follows. The user inserts the capsule (21) into the housing (15) of the machine (1), the water supply means (4,5) penetrates the capsule (21) and injects water, the removal means (6) penetrate in the capsule (21) and remove the dehydrated food with water and cause hydration

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from the food, the removal means (6) are extracted from the capsule (21) and through the hole made by the removal means the already hydrated food falls by gravity into the container (2).

Preferably said housing (15) for effecting the mixing inside the capsule (21) is located on the container (2) so that, once the mixture has been carried out, it falls by the force of gravity in it.

Alternatively, the machine (1), in addition to a housing (15) for the capsule (21), has breakage means (16) that break it once incorporated and a secondary housing (17) where its content falls and is associated to the supply means (4, 5) that carry and inject the water inside and to the removal means (6) that move in and out of it, said secondary housing (17) being also located on the container (2) ) so that, once the mixture is made, it falls by gravity in it.

Optionally, in addition, the machine comprises an additional container (22) as a drinking fountain, removable or not from the housing (11), to which the supplying means (4,5) inject water from the same water tank (3), such as It can be seen in the example in figure 7.

Optionally, said additional container (22) drinking fountain incorporates a level sensor (18) associated with the water supply means (4, 5).

Optionally, the machine (1) also includes programmable autonomous drive means (19), for example an electronic board with a programmable microprocessor associated with the operating mechanisms thereof, as well as a remote communication module (23), for example via wifi, to connect with a control app

specially developed for this purpose and installed in a mobile device.

Finally, the housing (11) is designed with a configuration in which, on the container (2) trough, and where appropriate on the additional container 5 (22) trough, there is an access space (24) wide enough for the pet can access its content, indicated only in figure 5.

Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as how to put it into practice, it is not considered necessary to extend its explanation so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages that derive from it, stating that , within its essentiality, may be implemented in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example 15, and to which it will also achieve the protection that is sought provided that it is not altered, changed or modified its fundamental principle.

Claims (21)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 1. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated foods that, applicable to mix water with dehydrated pet food, incorporated in said food in bulk or in single-dose containers, is characterized by comprising, incorporated in a housing (11), at least one container (2) pet feeder, a water tank (3), water supply means (4, 5) that supply water from the tank (3) to mix with the dose of dehydrated food, removal means (6) of the food dehydrated with the water, and a means of volume control (7) of water supplied for the mixing and of control of the operating time (8) of the removal means (6).
2. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated foods, according to the claim 1, characterized in that the water supply means are a small pump (4) and ducts (5) associated therewith and to the water tank (3).
3. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the claim 1, characterized in that the removal means (6) is a mixing platform with automatically rotating rods moved by an electric motor.
4. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the claim 1, characterized in that the means for controlling the volume of water supplied for the mixture consist of a dispenser (7), and the means for controlling the operating time of the removal means (6), consist of a timer (8) . 5. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to any of 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means for heating the water (9). 6. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the water supply means (4,5) inject water directly into the container (2), where the dehydrated food has previously been incorporated, and The removal means (6) are movable to the container (2) to effect mixing directly therein. 7. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated food, according to any of claims 1 or 6, characterized in that the container (2) is removable from the housing (11). 8. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated food, according to claims 1, 6 or 7, characterized in that the container (2) is fixed in the housing (11) with fasteners (12). 9. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated food, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a food tank (13) dehydrated in bulk with a food dispenser (14), arranged on the container (2) to fall on the same when activated. 10. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the food is incorporated in a single-dose container of dehydrated food in the form of a bowl (20) suitable to fit in the container (2) or to replace it. 11. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the food 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 Dehydrated is incorporated in single-dose container in capsule form (21), and the housing (11) comprises a housing (15) for said container. 12. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated food according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing (15) for single-dose container in the form of a capsule (21) is associated with the supply means (4, 5) that conduct and inject the water into its inside and to the removal means (6) that move inside and outside the same, to effect the mixing directly inside said capsule (21). 13. - Machine for rehydrating dehydrated foods, according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the housing (15) for effecting the mixing inside the capsule (21) is located on the container (2) so that, once the mixing has been carried out , fall by gravity in it. 14. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the claims 10 to 13, characterized in that they comprise breaking means (16) that break the capsule (21) incorporated in the housing (15) and a secondary housing (17) where its content falls and that is associated with the supply means (4, 5) that conduct and inject the water inside and the removal media (6) that move in and out of it. 15. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the claim 14, characterized in that the secondary housing (17) is located on the container (2) so that, once the mixture is made, it falls by gravity into it. 16. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an additional container 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 (22) as a drinking fountain to which the supplying means (4,5) inject water from the same water tank (3).
17. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the claim 16, characterized in that the additional drinking vessel (22) incorporates a level sensor (18) associated with the water supply means (4, 5).
18. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to
claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means of programmable autonomous drive (19).
19. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the
claim 18, characterized in that it comprises module of Remote communication (23), for example via Wi-Fi, to connect to a control app specially developed for this purpose and installed on a mobile device.
20. - Machine to rehydrate dehydrated food, according to the claim 1 or 16, characterized in that the configuration of the housing (11) comprises an access space (24), on the feeding trough (2) and, where appropriate, on the additional drinking trough (22), so that the pet I can access your content. 21. - Capsule (21) of dehydrated food suitable for use in a machine according to any of claims 11-20 characterized in that it is a sealed container comprising at least one wall of a material suitable for being penetrated by the means of suppliers ( 4, 5) of water, as well as a wall of a material suitable to be penetrated by the removal means (6).