GB2253329A

GB2253329A - Activity device for animals and/or human beings

Info

Publication number: GB2253329A
Application number: GB9200499A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Carruthers; Robert John Young
Original assignee: British Technology Group Ltd
Current assignee: BTG International Ltd
Priority date: 1991-01-11
Filing date: 1992-01-10
Publication date: 1992-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2012-01-10
Also published as: GB2253329B; GB9200499D0

Abstract

An activity device for animals and/or human beings comprising a casing 10 and a food store 22 within the easing, the device being adapted to discharge food or other material through a hole 20 when suitably displaced by the user. <IMAGE>

Description

ACTIVITY DEVICE FOR ANIMALS AND/OR HUMAN BEINGS The present invention relates to an activity device for animals and/or human beings.

In its widest aspect, the present invention provides an activity device for use by animals and/or human beings which comprises a casing and a food store compartment within the casing, the device being adapted to discharge food or other material for the user when suitably displaced by the user.

Conveniently, the device is provided with metering means.

In first embodiments of the invention, the food store compartment is located within, but separate from, the casing.

Conveniently, in this case, the food store compartment is closed apart from an aperture, and the metering means comprises an open-ended dispenser which passes through this aperture to terminate near the opposite inner side of the compartment.

Conveniently, the position of the dispenser is adjustable to vary the separation of the inner end of the dispenser from said inner side of the compartment thereby to control the amount of food metered by the dispenser each time.

Conveniently, the dispenser is operative to discharge metered quantities of food material into the interior of the casing which is apertured to deposit the material on the ground during rolling.

Conveniently, there are two of said dispensers in the food store compartment pointing in opposite directions to one another.

Conveniently, in this latter instance, the casing is provided with one or more outlet apertures in or adjacent a plane lying mid-way between the discharge apertures of the two dispensers.

Conveniently, two dispensers are provided, e.g. as above, and the discharge apertures of the two dispensers are of different sizes to one another so as to suit the dispensers to different particle-sized food materials.

Conveniently, the food store compartment may be divided into two or more sections, each containing food particles of a different size with one or more dispensers provided for each section, the diameter of which being suited to the food particle size therein.

In second embodiments of the invention the food store compartment is provided by the casing itself which is closed apart from an aperture, and the metering means comprises an open-ended dispenser tube housed within the casing and communicating at its outer open end with the casing aperture.

Conveniently, the dispenser tube is a substantially straight tube, e.g. lying along a radius of the casing cross-section.

Typically, the dispenser tube protrudes more or less halfway towards the opposite side of the casing from the casing aperture.

Conveniently, the position of the inner end ot the dispenser tube is adjustable to dispense more or less food than before, e.g. by having the tube composed of two (or more) sections, one displaceable within the other.

Alternatively, the dispenser tube may comprise a straight outer portion and an inner portion extending at an angle to said outer portion, e.g. the inner portion being curved, twisted or bent at right-angles to the outer portion. The term "bent" is herein used to include curved and twisted.

In a further aspect of the second embodiment, the casing may be a cylindrical drum rotatable about its central axis by means of a pivot. The pivot conveniently passes through the central axis of the drum and is attached to a support on either side.

In addition to the metering means that comprises an open-ended dispenser tube,as in the former aspect of the second embodiment, the drum shaped casing is provided with a paddle protruding from an interior wall opposite the casing aperture.

The paddle encourages food to enter the dispensing tube upon slow rotation of the drum.

Pigs and other foraging and penned animals, including birds, which would, in their natural habitat, spend most daylight hours searching and foraging for food, often show signs of abnormal behaviour when fed on concentrated diets which take only short periods of time to consume. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the casing is of a spherical, cylindrical or other shape suitable for rolling around on the ground and has an opening through which the food is discharged as a result of the rolling motion of the device.

Conveniently, the shape of the casing is such as to provide some restraint on the freedom with which it can roll along the ground.

The casing could have an external cross-section of polygonal shape, and/or studs or ribs or other suitable external projections could be provided on the casing to control its rolling motion. This feature is especially valuable when the device is intended for use by quadrupeds, e.g. foraging animals.

Where external projections of some sort are provided, then preferably the aperture in the casing is sited between these projections so as to facilitate the discharge of food material from within the casing and/or the draining of any rainwater or the like which may have collected inside the casing during use.

Additionally, or alternatively, the external projections may be such as to encourage the device to move in an irregular fashion when rolled.

Conveniently, the casing is dismountable and/or is provided with a closable inlet port, e.g. to provide access for recharging purposes and also to enable dispensing tubes to be replaced.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a preferred design of a device of the first embodiment; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of an alternative design of a device of the first embodiment; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a first design of activity device of the second embodiment intended for use by quadrupeds; Figure 4 shows a variation of the first design; Figure 5 shows a cross-section of a second design of activity device intended for use by primates, such as chimpanzees.

Figure 6 shows a variation of the device shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a cross section of an alternative form of the device of the second embodiment; and Figure 8 shows the section A-A of Figure 7.

Thus turning first to Figure 1 of the drawings, a feeding device for pigs and other foraging animals comprises a spherical casing 10, the size of which is chosen to suit the size and variety of animal user. The outer surface of the casing has large widely spaced pintles 12 making the casing more difficult to roll and making it roll erratically. The inner surface of the casing is smooth and spherical, the casing material and wall thickness 14 being such that it cannot be crushed by the class of animal for which its use is intended.

The casing is conveniently made of two identical half shells bolted or screwed together around the periphery, e.g. as at 16, and centred by locating ring 18. The spherical casing has one or more food discharge holes 20 cut in an area not covered by a pintle, the one such hole 20 acting also as a filling hole.

The casing therefore only has to be opened if the food dispensing rate is to be altered.

The food-containing vessel and dispenser in the illustrated embodiment take the form of a cubic, multi-surfaced, spherical or other suitably-shaped container 22, mounted centrally within the casing 10 and having one or more dispensing tubes 24 mounted on it and penetrating into it. The penetration of the or each dispensing tube is adjustable so as to provide control for the quantity of food transferred to the casing at any one operation, or closing it off completely. The food container is supported centrally on eight legs 26.

The size of the or each dispensing tube hole is selected to suit the unit size of food. i.e. a larger tube would be required for pellets or cubes than for powdered or granular material.

Food 28 is transferred to the inner surface of the casing 10 only when the casing is turned, aligning food with the dispensing tube when that tube is in a near vertical position.

Once food is transferred to the casing interior, it remains within the casing, often being added to by other transfer conditions, until the casing has turned to an orientation at which the feed discharge hole 20 lies close to its lowest position. The quantity of food dispensed, then depends on the quantity which has collected within the casing and the length of time the food discharge hole is allowed to remain in the low position.

The purpose of the pintles 12 on the outer surface of the apparatus is to keep the casing clear of water and fouled surfaces and to make the apparatus more difficult to roll in any direction.

The design ensures that the food in the food container 22 remains dry, and hence is easily dispensed, and the inner surface of the casing will get rid of any water present at each food discharge time.

Equipment designed for cubes or pellets could have small drainage holes 30 drilled in the outer shell, further reducing contamination by rain or surface water.

Filling the container is done by means of a pivoting or sprung lid 32 and filling hole formed opposite the food discharge hole of the casing and filling via a funnel and tube.

To adjust the number of dispensing tubes in use or the penetration depth of these tubes, the casing is split, as already described. To completely empty the food container, e.g.

in order to change diet type, the dispensing tubes and filling cap can be removed and the old diet allowed to pour out.

It will be noted that feeding devices according to the present invention have no moving parts, require no form of power, and can dispense the animal's diet, or part of the animal's diet, in completely random quantities and at completely random times throughout a very long period of time (from several hours to several days depending on the keeper's requirement).

The pseudo-foraging activity by the animal as it instinctively moves the device about to get its food, has the effect of relaxing the animal and contributing towards its welfare.

Figure 2 refers to an alternative form of the device shown in Figure 1. The food store compartment 22 is divided into two sections by means of a divider 29. This enables foods of different particle size 28 and 28A to be stored separately. The dispensing tubes 24 will be of an internal diameter corresponding to the size of the food particle in that sector.

Turning now to Figure 3 of the drawings, this comprises a spherical casing 40 and an open-ended dispensing tube 64 communicating at its outer end with the casing aperture 60. As shown, tube 64 conveniently extends along a diameter of the casing to terminate at slightly more than halfway across the casing towards the opposite side of the casing.

The spherical casing is conveniently made of two identical half shells that are glued or screwed together. The casing has only the one food discharge hole 60 which also acts as a filling hole. The casing therefore only has to be opened if the food dispensing rate is to be altered. The outer surface of the casing has large, widely spaced pintles 12, making the casing more difficult to roll and making it roll erratically.

Alternatively, the food dispenser rate may be controlled by having the penetration of the dispensing tube adjustable so as to provide control for the quantity of food dispensed at any one operation. This can be done, for example, by having a multi-section tube with one section sliding, or otherwise displaceable, within another section. One example of an externally adjustable design of this type is shown in Figure a , wherein the inner section 65 of the dispenser tube is externally threaded to engage the internally threaded outer section 67 of the tube. The inner section 65 having a screwdriver slot 66 in its outer end so it is possible to adjust the penetration of the inner section without having to dismantle the casing.

As with the first described embodiment, the bore of the dispensing tube in the devices of Figures 3,4,5,6,7 and 8 is selected to suit the unit size of food, i.e. a larger bore tube would be required for pellets or cubes than for powdered or granular material.

Prior to use of the devices shown, food 28 Is loaded into the casing 40 either directly through the dispenser or by unscrewing the two halves of the casing, the dimensions of which are chosen to suit the size and variety of the animal user. In addition, the casing material and wall thickness 14 are chosen such that it cannot be crushed by the class of animal for which its use is intended. For example, a casing made of polypropylene or other suitable plastics with a thickness of between 2 to 5 mm might typically be chosen if the device were intended for a large dog, say.

Figure 5 shows an alternative design of activity device for use by primates such as human beings and chimpanzees, etc. This design differs from that shown in Figures 3 and 4 principally in that the dispensing tube 64 is bent at its inner end so as to prevent the excessive escape of food when the animal shakes the device, for example.

Figure 6 shows an alternative device similar to that shown in Figure 5 but with the dispensing tube 64 bent to a different degree.

Turning now to Figure 7 of the drawings, the drum shaped casing 70 is held by one pivot 74 that passes through its centre axis and is attached at either end to a support 72. An open-ended dispenser tube 64 communicates at its outer end with the casing aperture 60. As shown, the dispensing tube conveniently extends along the diameter of the casing to terminate slightly more than halfway across the casing towards the opposite side of the casing. A paddle 78, protrudes from the interior surface of the casing, opposite the casing aperture 60, to aid the passage of food 28 into the dispensing tube upon rotation of the drum. The penetration of the dispensing tube may be adjusted in the manner described above.

The exterior surface of the casing is roughened, to enable it to be rotated by a small animal climbing upon the casing.

Such climbing will rotate the drum. Food will be caught by the paddle until the drum rotates so that the food falls into the dispensing tube hence out of the casing.

Figure 8 show the device of Figure 7 along the line A-A. It can be seen how the paddle 78 will catch food particles and "hold" them in a position to fall into the dispensing tube.

It will be noted that activity devices according to the present invention require no moving parts for their operation nor any form of power. When used for animals, they can be used to dispense the animal's diet, or part of the animal's diet, at random times throughout a very long period of time (from several hours to several days depending on the keeper's requirement).

The playful activity by the animal as it instinctively moves the device about to get its food, has the effect of relaxing the animal and contributing towards its welfare.

When used for young children, the activity devices of the present invention provide amusement and encourage improved co-ordination. Preferably in this instance the outer casing of the device is opaque.

It will be clear that the optimum weight, material, shape, dimensions and wall thickness, and type of the various devices according to the present invention, will depend on the intended user. The following Table gives some typical examples by way of non-limiting general guidance only.

Shape Dimensions Wall User Material e.g. Cylinder Diameter Thickness v. ball (mm) (mm) Glass fibre, Ball - outer Pigs Nylon 66 or cylinder or 500 5-7 Polypropylene cube - inner Polar Bears Glass fibre Ball, cube 500-1000 7-10 or Nylon 66 or cylinder Large Dogs, e.g. German Polypropylene Ball 150-250 3-5 Shepherd Dogs Small Dogs e.g. Fox Polypropylene Ball 125-175 2 Terriers Young Children e.g. Polypropylene Multi-sided 100-140 2 1-5 years old Multi-coloured

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An activity device for animals and/or human beings comprising a casing and a food store compartment within the casing, the device being adapted to discharge food or other material for the user when suitably displaced by the user.
2. An activity device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the casing is provided with metering means.
3. An activity device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, in which the food store compartment is located within, but separate from, the casing.
4. An activity device as claimed in Claim 3 in which the food store compartment is closed apart from an aperture, and the metering means comprises an open-ended dispenser which passes through this aperture to terminate near the opposite inner side of the compartment.
5. An activity device as claimed in Claim 4 in which the position of the dispenser is adjustable to vary the separation of the inner end of the dispenser from said inner side of the compartment thereby to control the amount of food metered by the dispenser each time.
6. An activity device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 5 in which the dispenser tube is operative to discharge metered quantities of food material into the interior of the casing which is apertured to deposit the material on the ground during rolling.
7. An activity device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 6 in which there are two of said dispensers pointing in opposite directions to one another.
8. An activity device as claimed in Claim 7 in which the casing is provided with one or more outlet apertures in or adjacent a plane lying mid-way between the discharge apertures of the two dispensers.
9. An activity device as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8 in which the discharge apertures of the two dispensers are of different sizes to one another so as to suit the dispensers to different particle-sized food materials.
10. An activity device as claimed in any previous claim, in which the food store compartment is divided into sections by means of dividers.
11. An activity device as claimed in Claim 10, in which each section of the food store compartment is provided with a dispensing tube.
12. An activity device as claimed in Claim 11, in which the diameter of each dispensing tube is suited to the food particle size, in its section of the food store compartment.
13. An activity device as claimed in Claim 2, in which the casing is closed apart from an aperture, and the metering means comprises an open-ended dispenser tube housed within the casing and communicating at its outer end with the casing aperture.
14. An activity device as claimed in Claim 13, in which the dispenser tube is a substantially straight tube.
15. An activity device as claimed in Claim 14, in which the dispenser tube lies along a radius of the casing cross section.
16. An activity device as claimed in Claim 15, in which the dispenser tube protrudes more or less halfway towards the opposite side of the casing from the casing aperture.
17. An activity device as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 16, in which the position of the inner end of the dispenser tube is adjustable.
18. An activity device as claimed in Claim 17, in which the dispenser tube is composed of two or more sections, displaceable one within the other.
19. An activity device as claimed in Claim 18, in which the dispenser tube comprises a straight portion lying along a radius of the casing cross section and an inner portion extending at an angle to said radius.
20. An activity device as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 19, in which the casing is a cylindrical drum held on a stand by means of a pivot that passes through the centre axis of said drum such that the drum rotates about said axis.
21. An activity device as claimed in Claim 20,in which a paddle protrudes from the interior surface of the casing opposite to the aperture.
22. An activity device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the casing is of a spherical, cylindrical or other shape suitable for rolling along the ground and has an opening through which the food is discharged as a result of the rolling motion of the device.
23. An activity device as claimed in Claim 22, in which the shape of the casing is such as to provide some restraint on the freedom with which it can roll along the ground.
24. An activity device as claimed in Claim 23, in which the casing has an external cross-section of polygonal shape, and/or studs or ribs or other suitable external projections are provided on the casing to control its rolling motion.
25. An activity device as claimed in Claim 24, in which restraint is provided by said external projections and the one aperture in the casing is sited between these projections so as to facilitate the discharge of food material from within the casing and/or the draining of any rainwater or the like which may have collected inside the casing during use.
26. An activity device as claimed in Claim 24 or Claim 25, in which said external projections additionally, or alternatively, encourage the device to move in an irregular fashion when rolled.
27. An activity device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the casing is dismountable to provide access.
28. An activity device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, Figure 1 or Figure 2 or Figure 3 or Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 or Figure 7 or Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.