JP7162633B2 - animal feeding system - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to feeding apparatus for animals, and more particularly to feed containers and animal feeding systems for feeding animals.

Many types of animal feeding systems are known for providing dry and wet (wet) feeds to animals such as pets. The feed, both dry and wet, is provided in a variety of containers (or capsules; the terms are used interchangeably everywhere).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide an improved feed container and animal feeding system for feeding animals, as described in further detail below.

The invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the following drawings.
1 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic illustration of an animal feeding system constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing a food container in a standby position prior to receiving a food container; FIG. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing a transport device for a baby; Figure 2 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the transporter moved to a feed storage station containing stacked feed containers. 2A is a simplified view of one of the support elements (eg latches) supporting the bottom feed container in FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 3 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the lifting mechanism of the transporter elevated to remove the lowest feed container. 3A is a simplified view of one of the cart arms in FIG. 3 with the latch pushed in; FIG. FIG. 4 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the lifting mechanism lowered to bring a removed food container into the transporter; FIG. 4A is a simplified view of the next food container now supported by support elements (eg latches) immediately above the removed food container in FIG. Figure 5 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the conveying device moving forward with the food container to partially peel the sealing element from the food container; Figure 6 is a simplified portion of the animal feeding system with the transporter reaching a feeding position and stopping, and a sealing element being opened (e.g. peeled) to open the feed container. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram. FIG. 7 shows the lifting mechanism raised to move the container closer to the bowl to avoid any leakage of food between the feed container and the feeding bowl, and 1 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the feed container arranged for consumption; FIG. FIG. 8 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the lifting mechanism lowered after a meal. FIG. 9 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the carrier partially rearwardly displaced; FIG. 10 shows that the rearward movement of the carrier with the empty feed container causes any odors to escape from the container and insects or pests to enter the container. Fig. 3 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the sealing element reclosed on the mini-feed container to prevent; FIG. 11 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the transporter and empty feed container moved under the disposal station. 11A is a simplified view of the cart arm position in FIG. 11; FIG. Figure 12 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system with the lifting mechanism raising an empty feed container and depositing it in the disposal station. Figure 12A is a simplified view of the support element supporting the now used feed container in Figure 12; FIG. 13 shows the lift mechanism lowered, an empty feed container being held in the waste station, and the transporter empty and at its initial position to restart the cycle. 2 is a simplified partial cross-sectional schematic view of the animal feeding system in the standby position of FIG. Figure 13A is a simplified view of an empty feed container supported by support elements within the disposal station in Figure 13; Figure 14 is a simplified schematic diagram of the waste station and feed station removed from the animal feeding system; Figure 15 is a simplified schematic diagram of the waste station and feed storage station arranged in a curvilinear arrangement (eg a circular arrangement). Figure 16 is a simplified schematic diagram of multiple feed storage stations in the animal feeding system; Figure 17A is a simplified schematic diagram of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17B is a simplified schematic diagram of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17C is a simplified schematic illustration of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17D is a simplified schematic diagram of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17E is a simplified schematic diagram of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17F is a simplified schematic diagram of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17G is a simplified schematic illustration of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17H is a simplified schematic diagram of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17I is a simplified schematic illustration of various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Figure 18A is a simplified schematic diagram of a manually operated animal feeding system constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18B is a simplified schematic diagram of a manually operated animal feeding system constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18C is a simplified schematic diagram of a manually operated animal feeding system constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18D is a simplified schematic diagram of a manually operated animal feeding system constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 19A is a simplified illustration of a collapsible container according to various embodiments of the present invention being spread out over a serving container. FIG. 19B is a simplified illustration of a collapsible container according to various embodiments of the present invention being unrolled into a serving container. FIG. 19C is a simplified illustration of a collapsible container according to various embodiments of the present invention being unfolded into a serving container. FIG. 19D is a simplified illustration of a collapsible container according to various embodiments of the present invention being spread out over a serving container. FIG. 19E is a simplified illustration of a collapsible container according to various embodiments of the present invention being unrolled into a serving container.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates an animal feeding system 10 constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

The animal feeding system 10 includes a disposal station 12, a feed storage station 14, an opening mechanism 15 for opening the feed container, a feeding station 16, and a feed station 16, and from one station to another, as further described in detail below. includes a transporter 18 for transporting the feed container 20 to.

Feed container 20
The feed container 20 contains any type of feed, whether dry or wet (wet and wet are used interchangeably). The feed container 20 may be made of plastic (including multi-layer plastic), metal, or any other suitable material for packaging the feed therein. The feed container 20 may be hermetically sealed, ie sealed against the entry and exit of pathogens, bacteria, oxygen, or other substances. The feed container 20 is capable of withstanding sterilization (such as, but not limited to, sterilization at 140° C. for a period of 25 minutes) and the pressure associated with the sterilization process.

The feed container 20 may include a removable cover 22 (eg, plastic or aluminum) on a rimmed base 23 . Alternatively, the feed container 20 may include a plastic seal, such as a foil cover 24 (impermeable, aluminum foil, etc.) fixed to the rim of the capsule and does not include an additional cover. Alternatively, a combination of a cover and a separate seal (eg, foil) placed under the cover can be used, as is common with many food packages such as dairy products, salads, and the like. The term foil or foil seal is any resilient material (such as, but not limited to, thin plastic or metal membranes, foils, sheets, etc.) capable of covering and sealing the container to the desired degree. that can be peeled, broken, or slid from its container.

As explained below, the feed container 20 may be opened by an opening mechanism 15 of the feeder 10, which may be a special tip/foil/cover or other retaining feature or any other feature of the container. can pick up/grab The container 20 can be resealed/resealed after use. For example, the foil cover may be glued back into place (eg, by glue) on the rim. As another example, the cover may be put back in place on the container and resealed or semi-sealed. This resealing can help avoid odors (from leftover food in the emptied container) and help avoid the infestation of ants and other insects and pests into the emptied container. could be.

Container 20 contains various types of feed such as, but not limited to, wet feed (semi-soups, flakes, chunks, or any other type of feed available on the market), wet feed, dry feed, and treats. well and of all flavors and types.

The feeder system can be any container including, but not limited to, containers of various sizes and shapes such as single serving containers, small size containers, large size containers, multi-compartment containers, and the like. Different types of containers can be handled simultaneously.

Container 20 may be a multiple/double feed container (eg, compartmentalized for wet feed and dry feed). Different types of feed may optionally be mixed by a mixing and/or serving device in the feeder before, during or after opening, or different types of feed may be included in the container.

The container 20 can be a shallow container with smooth rounded corners without sharp edges to facilitate access and feeding without causing any harm to the pet. Various types of feed containers that can be used to practice the present invention are further described below.

The container 20 may include, but is not limited to, barcode, QR code, bar/ring surround code, RFID, or color code for electro-optical color perception (or any other type), or different food and/or or any dedicated code for distinguishing between containers, or a readable code 17 (Fig. 17A), such as an authentication code recognized by the feeding system, which, once authorized, uses the feed container by the feeding system. The feed container type (size, flavor, meat, vegetable, mix type, or any other regulation) by the feeder is defined as the readable code that must be authorized and certified to use the feed container by the feeding system. characteristics).

disposal station 12
The term "station" as used throughout the specification and claims means any suitable location for the placement of said container, which may or may not at least partially include an enclosure around said feed container. encompasses In its illustrated embodiment, the disposal station 12 comprises an elongated enclosure (or other housing) for storing stacked (or any other arrangement, ordered or otherwise) used feed containers 20 therein. any alternative shape of ). The disposal station 12 includes one or more support elements 32, such as but not limited to latches, projecting from the inner surface of the disposal station and supporting the bottommost one of the feed containers 20. As shown in FIG. Alternatively, the inner surface of the disposal station 12 may be slanted downward so that the lowermost feed container is retained by the reduced perimeter of those slanted sides. Their slanted sides are also called support elements 32 . As will be explained later, the transporter 18 removes/pushes the bottom feed container 20 and another used feed container 20 which becomes the newest, bottom feed container of the stacked feed container. to its position, a feed container 20 can be added to the bottom of the stacked feed containers. (This is also true for the sloping-sided waste station 12, the upward force being sufficient to overcome the shrinking of the periphery of the station and force the food container into the stacked food container.)

The disposal station 12 is removable from the animal feeding system 10 by a removable clasp or the like (such as a click-on tab that attaches the disposal station 12 to the animal feeding system 10) to facilitate disposal of used food containers. can be Alternatively, the disposal station 12 can simply be plugged into the system 10 and held in place by its own weight. FIG. 14 shows the waste station 12 and feed station 14 removed from the system 10. FIG. Additionally or alternatively, the disposal station 12 may be provided with a door or access hole (eg, an elongated slot as in FIGS. 14-16) for accessing and removing used feed containers. Additionally or alternatively, the disposal station 12 may be provided with an outlet 34 for removing used feed containers.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, waste station 12 is in line with feed storage station 14 . Alternatively, the waste station 12 may be located elsewhere relative to the feed storage station 14 as seen in Figure 15, in which the waste station 12 and feed storage station 14 are arranged in a curvilinear arrangement (e.g., a circular arrangement). It is Alternatively, the location of waste station 12 may be interchanged with the location of feed storage station 14 . Disposal station 12 may optionally have a cover. Disposal station 12 may optionally be sealed against the emission of odors and the like, and the intrusion of insects or other pests. Feeder 10 may optionally include multiple disposal stations 12, as is similarly shown for multiple feed stations in FIG. Said waste station may be used in place of said feed station and similarly said feed station may be used in place of said waste station.

feed storage station 14
In its illustrated embodiment, the feed storage station 14 is an elongated enclosure (or other housing) for storing stacked (or any other arrangement, ordered or otherwise) feed containers 20 therein. any alternative shape). The feed storage station 14 includes one or more support elements 42 , such as but not limited to latches, projecting from the interior surface of the feed storage station to support the bottommost one of the feed containers 20 . Alternatively, the inner surface of the feed storage station 14 may be slanted downward so that the bottommost food container is retained by the reduced perimeter of those sloping sides (but the food container is not subject to the conveying). removable, such as by being pulled through its reduced perimeter by a device/lifting mechanism). Their slanted sides are also called support elements 42 . The transporter 18 is capable of removing the bottom feed container 20 from the stack of feed containers for transporting the bottom feed container 20 to the opening mechanism 15 and feeding station 16, as will be explained later. can.

The feed storage station 14 may be filled with the feed containers 20 by simply stacking the feed containers 20 on top of each other through the loading port 44 . Additionally or alternatively, the feed storage station 14 may be provided with a door or access hole (eg, an elongated slot as in FIGS. 14-16) to access and fill the station 14 with more feed containers. good too.

The food storage station 14 may include a removable clasp or the like (click-on tabs to attach the food storage station 14 to the animal feeding system 10) to facilitate cleaning of the station or insertion of the food container. etc.) from the animal feeding system 10 . Alternatively, the feed storage station 14 can simply be plugged into the system 10 and held in place by the station's own weight. Feed storage station 14 may optionally have a cover.

In the illustrated embodiment, feed storage station 14 is aligned with disposal station 12 . Alternatively, the feed storage station 14 may be located elsewhere relative to the waste station 12 as seen in FIG.

The feed storage station 14 can be filled with the same type of feed or with different types of feed. Additionally or alternatively, more than one feed storage station 14 may be provided with the same type of feed, or different types of feed as seen in FIG. 16 having multiple feed storage stations 14 . For example, in Figure 16 one station may be used for wet feed and another station may be used for dry feed. Additionally or alternatively, the feed station 14 may be modular to increase the volume and variety of feed available to the animals, i.e., additional feed container modules may be added to the stacked feed containers. good. A controller may be used to control which type of feed is provided to the animal from the appropriate feed station at what time according to the feeding schedule.

Opening mechanism 15
In the illustrated embodiment, the opening mechanism 15 includes a stop 46 that contacts the distal end of the removable cover 22 described above. When the feed container 20 is moved past the opening mechanism 15 by the transporter 18 , the cover 22 cannot pass the stop 46 , whereby the cover 22 and/or seal 24 are secured to the upper end of the feed container 20 . from (otherwise removed from its top edge, such as by tearing).

Alternatively, the opening mechanism 15 may include gripping elements (such as scissors) that grasp an edge or other portion of the cover and/or seal and peel, lift or otherwise remove the cover and/or seal.

Alternatively, the opening mechanism 15 may include a cutting mechanism that cuts out a portion of the cover 22 and/or seal 24 that remains as a type of flap on the container for final resealing.

Opening mechanism 15 may be part of feed station 14 and/or any other part of feeding system 10 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening mechanism 15 opens the food container 20 as the container 20 passes the opening mechanism 15, thereby making the contents of the food container 20 available for animal consumption. Since the food container 20 is opened by an opening mechanism 15 such that the food container 20 is resealable/resealable after the animal has eaten, the container 20 does not emit odors from the container. and can be transported for storage within the disposal station 12 without insects or other pests entering its container. The opening mechanism 15 can be used to open standard off-the-shelf food containers or dedicated food containers designed for specific use with the feeding system 10 .

In one embodiment of the invention, the opening mechanism 15 is also a sealing mechanism, and movement of the food container back through the opening mechanism causes the food container to be resealed/resealed. Alternatively, a separate sealing mechanism (eg, but not limited to cams, lugs, etc.) may be provided to reseal/reseal the used feed container.

feeding station 16
In the illustrated embodiment, the feeding station 16 is configured such that the food container 20 is lifted and contacts the bottom surface of the opening 50 to seal the food container against the opening 50 as described below. It includes a bowl top 19 having said opening 50 with dimensions. The opening 50 is a through hole, i.e. not a blind hole. The feed container 20 and the bowl top 19 together form the complete feeding bowl 16 . The bowl portion 19 is provided with a sloping upper surface 48 which helps feed thrown by the animal to slide or run down into the feed container. The bowl portion 19 can be removed for cleaning and washing of that portion. The bowl portion 19 may be made of plastic or metal (eg stainless steel).

Once the container 20 is attached to the bowl portion 19 (e.g., pressed against it), an elastic material (e.g., rubber, silicone rubber, neoprene, etc.) around the bottom edge of the opening 50 of the bowl portion 19 is removed. ) A seal 69 ensures a tight seal between the feed container 20 and the bowl portion 19 .

Conveyor 18
Transporter 18 is any suitable means for transporting (moving) items from one location to another. In the illustrated embodiment, transporter 18 is moved along first axis 62 (in either direction) by first actuator 64 and optionally along second axis 66 by second actuator 68 . It includes a cart 60 that moves along (in either direction). In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuator 64 is a motor having a pinion gear 70 meshing with a gear rack 72, said first axis 62 being a horizontal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuator 68 is a motor that rotates one or more screwed or worm shafts 74 that move the one or more cart arms 63 to which they are attached. The cart arm 63 moves along a second axis 66 (eg, up and down, which is a vertical axis). In the illustrated embodiment there are two parallel shafts 74 that are operatively connected to the second actuator 68 by a belt (or other mechanism such as a gear train). Other actuators may be used for the first and second actuators 64 and 68 such as, but not limited to, pneumatic or hydraulic linear actuators, step motors, gear motors, electric/electronic linear actuators, and the like. A cart arm 63 is used to release said support elements 42 supporting the bottom feed container 20 in the stack of containers within the feed storage station 14, as will be explained below, after which the cart arm 63 is 63 unloads the feed container 20 into the cart 60; The cart arm 63 similarly releases the support element 32 within the disposal station 12 and lifts the used container into a stack of containers such that the support element 32 supports the container, thereby Empty containers are also lifted within the disposal station 12 into a stack of empty feed containers.

control device 80
The animal feeding system 10 includes a controller (processor) 80 (Fig. 1) for controlling all modes of operation of the system. Controller 80 may operate by, but not limited to, wireless communication (Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth connection, NFS connection, cellular connection, Internet connection) or wired communication connection (eg, USB). The controller 80 includes, but is not limited to, position sensors (such as reed switches, contact switches, infrared or optical sensors, or inductive or capacitive sensors, etc.) that sense the position of the cart 60, the level of food in the food container, and the like. sensors to sense the presence or absence of animals in the diet; sensors in the waste station 12 and food storage station 14 to sense how many food containers 20 are stored (e.g., infrared or optical); sensors, load cells, etc.) and/or sensors (e.g., infrared or optical sensors, cameras, webcams, etc.) at the feeding station 16 that sense animals during feeding, including feeding frequency, feeding speed, and other factors. ), and other sensors 82 . The controller 80 can be used to start, modify and stop the operating cycle. The controller 80 can be used to monitor how many food containers have been used, monitor the feeding behavior of the animal, purchase additional food containers over the Internet, communicate with the animal, and many more. can control the operation of Internet-based systems or applications for mobile devices used for

Typical Actuation Cycle The actuation cycle may be initiated manually (e.g., with a switch), semi-automatically (e.g., a sensor that senses the animal), or fully automatically (e.g., a pre-programmed feeding schedule). and may be activated locally (eg, with a switch on the device), wirelessly (eg, cell phone, laptop, Internet, etc.), or by any other suitable means.

In FIG. 1 the cart 60 is in a parked position below the disposal station 12 . Cart 60 is empty at this point.

In FIG. 2, cart 60 moves after feeding is initiated (eg, via a switch or controller) and stops under feed storage station 14 [by position sensor or precise stepper motor position]. FIG. 2A clearly shows one of the support elements 42, in this case a rotary or spring-loaded latch, which protrudes from the inner surface of the feed storage station 14 and supports the bottom feed container 20. is doing. Cart arm 63 is not yet lifted.

In FIG. 3, the second actuator 68 has lifted one or more arms 63 from cart 60 . This removes the lower feed container 20, such as by opening the latch 42 on the face side of the station 14, as seen in FIG. 3A (in which arm 63 pushes the latch). The removed feed container is then supported on the second actuator 68 (either by being placed on the arm 63 or by being gripped by the arm 63).

Alternatively, the second actuator 68 may include extraction elements used to extract individual feed containers 20 from a stack of containers. The extractor element includes, but is not limited to, a cam or cam that pushes an individual container to remove it from a stack of containers (similar to the action of a cartridge magazine in the magazine well of a handgun or rifle) and extract that container. may contain similar elements. In such an embodiment, it is possible to use only the first actuator 64 and extract the container from a stack of containers without the need for the second actuator. Depositing of used food containers within the disposal station is accomplished by the cart containing the used food containers which, when moved under the disposal station, lifts the used food containers into a stack of used food containers. can be

In FIG. 4, the second actuator 68 has lowered the arm 63 and thereby carried the removed feed container into the cart 60 . Once the second actuator 68 begins to move downward, the flared support elements 42 (in the case of latches) are released and move inward to their original holding position. The next feed container, now directly above the removed feed container, is supported by said support element 42 as seen in FIG. 4A.

In FIG. 5, the cart 60 has just started moving forward together with the feed container 20 . The feed container cover 22 is held in its position just below the feed storage station 14 by fasteners 46 . A stop 46 allows the feed container 20 to pass just below it, but captures or holds the cover 22 in place while the container 20 is moving forward in the horizontal direction. This produces a relative horizontal sliding movement between the feed container 20 and the cover 22 . As mentioned above, a foil seal 24 is applied to the top rim of the feed container to seal, preferably seal, the feed container. The foil seal 24 is also attached or otherwise connected to the front portion of the cover 22 . Thus, the sliding motion between the feed container 20 and the cover 22 pulls back the foil seal 24, thereby causing a continuous peeling action of the foil seal 24 from the top edge of the feed container 20. . FIG. 5 illustrates the partially peeled foil seal 24 when opening the feed container is in progress.

In FIG. 6, the cart 60 has reached the feeding position and stopped under the feeding station 16 . The foil seal 24 has been completely removed and the feed container 20 has been completely opened.

It is noted that the front end of the foil seal 24 is still connected to the front part of the cover 22 while the rear edge of the foil seal 24 is still connected to the rear edge of the feed container 20 . Said foil seal 24 has now been flipped backwards and now its back side [feed side] has been flipped over to become the top side. This stretches the foil seal 24 and keeps it flat, avoiding twisting of the foil (a peeled foil tends to twist and roll), and removes any gravy/oil adhering to the foil. Or dripping of feed residue is avoided. Alternatively, the seal 24 may be completely removed, completely removed, or completely peeled off.

In FIG. 7, the second actuator 68 has just lifted the arm 63 to attach (e.g., fully compress) the feed container 20 to the bottom of the bowl top 19 to form the complete feeding bowl 16 . , thereby avoiding any permeation of feed/oil/gravy intermediate the container 20 and the bowl 16 . As mentioned above, seal 69 ensures a seal between feed container 20 and bowl portion 19 once container 20 is pressed against bowl portion 19 .

If desired, a lid 71 may cover the opening of bowl portion 19 when the bowl is not in use and no feed container 20 is present. The lid 71 may cover the bottom surface of the opening, the lid being opened by movement of the cart bringing the feed container 20 to the opening. For example, the lid 71 may simply be moved out of the way by the feed container, the lid may be hinged, or the lid may be folded or folded as found on a carrier belt. . Alternatively, the lid 71 may be opened by action of the controller 80, which synchronizes the arrival of the cart and the opening of the lid.

Once the feed container 20 is attached to the bowl portion 19, animals can come and eat. A controller 80 (FIG. 1) such as, but not limited to, a function of time (e.g., average meal time), feed level sensor, pet presence sensor, etc., controls the logic and timing for retrieving the feed container 20. .

8, the second actuator 68 has lowered the arm to move the feed container 20 downwardly and away from the opening of the bowl portion 19. In FIG.

In FIG. 9, the cart 60 has moved backwards with the empty feed container 20 . Foil 24 has just begun to re-cover container 20 due to movement of the cart. (An adhesive may optionally assist in resealing the foil seal at the rim of the container, as described further below).

In FIG. 10, the cart 60 and empty feed container 20 have been returned under the feed storage station 14 such that the cover 22 and/or seal 24 recovers and reseales the feed container 20. In FIG. stop. The empty feed container 20 is sealed or semi-sealed to avoid any odors from feed residue and to avoid any insect intrusion such as ants.

When this position is reached, the covers 22 and/or seals 24 and containers 20 are fully fitted back together, but there is no need for the cart 60 to be paused, instead the cart 60 can be placed in a disposal station (canister). ) 12 continuously. The cover 22 and/or seal 24 is held in place until the feed container 20 is fully refitted, after which the cover 22 and/or seal 24 are held together with the empty feed container 20. You can move backwards.

In FIG. 11 the cart 60 and empty feed container 20 have been returned under the disposal station 12 . The cart 60 has just stopped in its initial parked position and only at this point does it contain a used feed container 20 . 11A shows the position of arm 63. FIG.

In FIG. 12, the second actuator 68 has lifted the arm 63 so that the empty feed container 20 has been lifted past the support element 32 (FIG. 12A) of the disposal station 12. In FIG. The cart arm 63 supports a used feed container 20 as seen in Figure 12A.

In Figure 13, the second actuator 68 has lowered the arm 63, leaving an empty feed container 20 in the disposal station 12 supported by the support element 32 as seen in Figure 13A. The cart 60 is once again empty in its initial park position. Its complete feeding cycle has now been completed and it is back in the standby position of FIG. 12).

Reference is now made to Figures 17A-17I which illustrate various types of feed containers according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. The containers may be of any size or shape, large or small, including but not limited to single serving containers, small size containers, large size containers, multi-compartment containers. etc. The container may be covered with a cover, a seal (eg, foil), a cover with a seal, or the like, and may have various opening features.

Figures 17A, 17B and 17C respectively illustrate the container 20A with the sliding cover 22A in the closed, partially open and fully open positions. The seal 24A is gradually peeled away from the container 20A to expose the contents of the meal. After the container has been used, the container can be resealed/resealed with seal 24A as described above.

FIG. 17C illustrates a feed container 20A with the foil seal 24A peeled back. The foil seal 24A may be bonded to the top of the container, such as by heat or sonic welding or gluing along a line that forms a peel line 174 on the container. A strip of adhesive 176 may be added to seal, seal, or partially seal the foil seal 24A back onto the container after use as described above. If desired, the foil seal 24A may be completely removed from the container 20A.

It is noted in FIGS. 17B and 17C that seal 24A is joined (eg, welded, adhesively, or otherwise) to container 20A to reduce peel forces. For example, the starting point of peel indicated by reference numeral 41 (FIG. 17B) is the smallest dimension, such as a point, so that the peel line 174 between the seal and the container extends from point 41 to the periphery of the container. Gradually widens over the rest. (The tip that needs to be peeled is never oriented perpendicular to the peel direction 57, but rather always at least at a small angle.) For example, after point 41, the peel line 174 is in the form of an arrowhead. It may widen gradually (at a very small angle, e.g., 1°), or the bond line is not perpendicular to the peel direction, as shown in the figure, but instead is rounded with respect to the peel direction, which Release is gradual so as to reduce the release force by .

Figures 17D and 17E illustrate a container 20B having a cover 22B that can be lifted upward by the opening mechanism 15, showing the cover partially and fully open positions, respectively. As the container moves past the opening mechanism, the opening mechanism grabs the cover 22B and lifts it. The seal 24B is gradually peeled away from the container 20B to expose the contents of the meal. The seal 24B can then be reapplied to the container 20B as described above.

FIG. 17F illustrates a feed container 20C without a cover and only sealed with a foil seal 24C having a stiff front end 170. FIG. The front end 170 may contact the opening mechanism described above for opening the container. Seal 24C can be opened as described above and reapplied to container 20C.

Figures 17G-1 through 17G-4 illustrate various feed containers 20D without covers and only sealed with foil seals 24D, each of which has a front end of foil 24D. It has a knob 172 on its side.

In FIG. 17G-1, the tab 172 may be made of a stiffer material than the foil seal 24D (or may be made of the same material and flexibility). The opening mechanism 15 may include a slot 171 for receiving a tab 172 (or other suitable element for gripping the tab 172) as seen in FIG. 17G-2. As the container moves past the opening mechanism 15, the tab 172 is gradually peeled away from the container to expose the contents of the meal.

17G-3, said tab 172 may have a hole, slot or any other type of opening 173 (the terms are used interchangeably everywhere) formed therein. The opening mechanism 15 may include a pin 177 (or other suitable element for gripping the hole 173) as seen in FIG. As the container moves past the opening mechanism 15, the tab 172 is gradually peeled away from the container to expose the contents of the meal.

Figure 17G-5 illustrates a feed container 20D which is a generally rectangular container having a foil seal 24D. The feed container 20D may be made in other shapes and may even be made circular. This container configuration is commonly used in covered and uncovered pet food containers currently on the market. As seen in FIGS. 17G-6, 17G-7 and 17G-8, the container 20D is positioned on the opening mechanism 15 such that the container is positioned at an angle (eg, 45°) to the peel direction 57. so that the tabs 172 of the seal 24D are grasped by the scissors 162 and the force required to peel the seal off as similarly described above with reference to FIGS. 17B-17C. It can be peeled away from the container 20D so as to be greatly reduced. The scissors 162 may be serrated or roughened to increase the frictional retention of the scissors. Feed container 20D (e.g., commercially available pet food containers) is positioned at feed station 14 such that the tab 172 is pre-aligned properly for easy gripping and removal as described above. may be oriented at an angle (eg, 45°) within.

Figures 17H-1 and 17H-2 illustrate a circular or round shaped feed container 20E having a rotatable cover and/or cover seal 22E. In such embodiments, the opening mechanism can grasp cover 22E and rotate or twist the cover of the container to expose the contents of the meal. The feed container 20E may or may not be attached with a foil seal. If a foil seal is present, the opening mechanism opens the seal, such as by peeling, tearing, or any other means. The cover can be opened at the same time as it is peeled off, or it can be peeled off gradually as the cover is opened.

FIG. 17I illustrates a feed container 20F having multiple feed pans (holes) 178, such as for wet feed and dry feed in different containers.

In all embodiments of the invention, the food container moves relative to a fixed opening mechanism when the food container is opened, or the opening mechanism moves relative to a fixed food container, or the food container The feed container is opened by relative movement with respect to the opening mechanism, such as movement of both and the opening mechanism.

18A-18D, which illustrate an animal feeding system 180 constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 18A, the system 180 includes a lower portion 182 having a lower channel member 184 and lower apertures (openings) formed through the channel member 184 and the lower portion 182 . terms are used interchangeably) 186. The upper portion 188 has an upper channel member 190 that is slidingly coupled with the lower channel member 184 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower channel member 184 is male and the upper channel member 190 is female. Or vice versa may be defined. An upper aperture 192 is formed through upper channel member 190 and upper portion 188 and may coincide with lower aperture 186 .

18B, feed container 20 with cover 22 and seal 24 is positioned and retained within lower aperture 186. In FIG. Upper channel member 190 slides over lower channel member 184 and upper portion 188 slides progressively over lower portion 182, as seen in FIGS. 18C-18D. As the upper portion 188 slides over the lower portion 182, the leading edge of the upper portion 188 or any other opening mechanism contacts the front end of the cover 22 and/or seal 24 of the container 20, and the opening described above. Remove the cover 22 and/or seal 24 at least partially from the container 20 as shown. Thus, the feed container 20 and system 180 form a fully assembled feeding bowl ready for use as seen in Figure 18D. After use, upper channel member 190 may be slid back over lower channel member 184 in the opposite direction to the position shown in FIG. and to prevent insects or pests from entering the container) and the used feed containers can be easily removed and discarded.

An elastomeric seal 194 (Fig. 18A) is optionally added around the bottom edge of the lower aperture 186 or upper aperture 192 to ensure a seal between the feed container 20 and the lower portion 182. you can

As seen in Figures 19A-19E, once container 20G is expanded, it can become a bowl. It is noted that the container may additionally or alternatively change its shape when expanded. For example, the container may be folded (eg, origami-style) to save space and unfold into the expanded configuration of the serving bowl. Upon expansion (deployment), the pre-folded utensil unfolds and expands to resemble a plate or bowl, such as having wide edges that help trap food by reducing food scatter.

As seen in FIG. 19B, in one example the folded device is spread out from the top center. In another example shown in FIG. 19E, the folded device is unrolled upward from the outer surface. After serving, the container can be folded back down into a compact folded configuration to reduce volume when discarded in a waste bin.

In FIG. 19C, the folded container has an inwardly folded rim. As seen in FIG. 19D, the rim expands, which expands the serving container with wide rims to prevent food scatter.

In FIG. 19E, the folded container has an outwardly folded edge (which expands upwards). In the embodiment of Figures 19A-19E, the cover seal and/or cover may be peeled or otherwise removed separately.

In all embodiments, the container may be expanded and later folded back into the initial position, or alternatively the container may be folded outwards before serving and later (after serving) inwards. It may be folded, or vice versa, or any combination of the above. The container in a folded configuration saves storage and transportation space. Its folded configuration further helps to provide a hygienic way of disposing of the container without causing pest and/or pathogen problems when refolded after use.

If desired, the container may be expanded to divide, chop, dice, or cut the feed as it is served. This may be accomplished by mechanical elements within the container or container cover/seal, may be accomplished by external mechanisms that may be contained within or be part of the feeding apparatus, may be accomplished by external mechanisms such as the container once unfolded. This may be accomplished by crushing or pushing the bottom. For example, the cover of the container may be formed with protrusions (e.g., cookie cutter type protrusions, or any other type of die cut protrusions) that upon proper movement of the cover (the cover ), the cutting lugs cut, chop, or otherwise reduce the size of the feed stored in the container.

Optional features include, but are not limited to, wireless (Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, NFS connectivity, cellular connectivity, Internet connectivity) or wired communications connectivity (eg, USB) with the feeder. A pet presence sensor may be used to detect the presence of a pet and initiate the feeding process. A level sensor (eg, an optical detector, RFID, or a load cell for weighing food) may be added to detect the amount of food consumed from the container. The level sensor can be used to detect the amount of food initially provided to the animal along with a timer that records the time that food was first provided to the animal. The level sensor and timer can then detect the level of feed after a certain amount of time. This information can be used to determine the animal's preferences. For example, if the animal (e.g. Fursky) eats a large amount of food in a short period of time, this may indicate that the animal likes the food (perhaps how much the animal starved before eating). taking into account other factors, such as determining whether the The level sensor can detect if the animal leaves no food, or leaves very little or very little food (an indication that the animal has licked the serving container). Conversely, if the animal ate only a small amount of food over a long period of time, this could be an indication that the animal does not like the food. The system may create a ranking of feed preferences based on statistical evaluations of the animal's behavior over time.

Thus, in general, sensors may be provided to detect the animal's preferences to detect which feeds are well liked and which are least preferred. The sensor may detect the pet's feeding time and enthusiasm. This may be used to establish a feed preference/ranking scale to determine the animal's feed preferences and to inform the animal's owner for future purchases of feed. The information may be stored and analyzed/processed locally or remotely (eg, by a server within a service provided over the Internet). The animal's food preference may be determined by a combination of time to access the food, feeding time, and level of finishing/complete/cleaning (eg, licking the bowl) level.

The sensor may be provided with a pet eating alarm. For example, the sensor may detect abnormal feeding behavior (eg, low/no appetite/sickness detection, etc.) and may provide pet feeding statistics. The statistics relate to rankings for feed type/flavour preference. For example, the system processes the statistical data and general and specific animal behavior patterns sensed by the sensors, and "learns", calculates and stores in memory "food preference" rankings and information. store. "Food preference" includes, but is not limited to, the time an animal takes to approach a food (the sooner the animal approaches the food, the more the animal prefers the food), the time spent consuming the food. (the faster the animal eats, the more enthusiastic the animal is for the feed), the amount of feed left in the container, if any (the less food left, the more It can be determined by an algorithm that considers various factors and parameters such as the animal's enthusiasm for the feed). Sensors sensing/tracking food and/or animals approaching the feeder and/or sensors sensing the level of food left in said container are the necessary parameters/statistics for these "food preference" measurements. can provide data.

The animal feeding system 10 may include multiple feeders for feeding more than one pet. Meal times may occur at the same time according to any feeding regimen. The synchronization feature can be used to synchronize separate feeders within the same household to feed multiple pets.

The animal feeding system 10 may provide audible feeding time announcements (eg, including the owner's voice; recording capabilities may be included).

The animal feeding system 10 may include sensors to personalize the feeder. For example, the sensor can detect which animals come to the feeder (eg, the sensor can identify the RF tag on the animal) and serve only certain pets. If the animal is not certified, the feeding mechanism will not operate and the container provided may be retrieved, thereby preventing feeding stray animals and ensuring that most potential pets To ensure that all pets are fed while avoiding stealing other pets' feed.

The animal feeding system 10 may have a modular construction with covers and components that are easily removed to facilitate cleaning of the pet feeding area (the exterior portion of the feeder accessible to pets).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the system may be used for feed inventory and purchasing. To this end, the system communicates the various sensors mentioned above (e.g. feed level sensors, feed type sensors, timers and other feed preference sensors) with a local or remote logistics/fulfillment center (wireless communication and and/or with control systems that communicate). For example, the system may reveal a desired feed inventory (e.g., as defined by the user) by type and flavor. perceive (as it is perceived). The system processes the sensed data and automatically calculates the current user inventory level (which can be done, for example, by a user application on the user's home computer/smartphone or the feeder itself). The system then calculates the required amount of feed necessary to restore the feed inventory and automatically orders the desired feed. The customer may be provided with a notification (via smart phone or computer) and may approve any particular order. Alternatively, the process can be a fully automatic process with or without notice.

Claims (6)

A feed container comprising a cover and a foil seal, wherein a portion of the foil seal is attached to the cover and another portion of the foil seal is attached to the feed container; A feed container having a configuration detached from the feed container, wherein the foil seal is at least partially peeled away from the feed container. In the feed container according to claim 1,
Feed container, characterized in that said cover is removable or openable with a sliding movement. In the feed container according to claim 1,
A feed container, wherein said cover is resealable after opening. In the feed container according to claim 1,
A feed container, wherein said feed container contains dry feed. In the feed container according to claim 1,
A feed container, wherein said feed container contains wet feed. In the feed container according to claim 1,
The foil seal comprises an opening element that is stiffer than the rest of the foil seal, the foil seal being peelable or severable at or near the opening element, the opening element being attached to the feed container. A feed container engageable by an opening mechanism for opening the feed container.

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