WO2017185053A1 - Systèmes de refroidissement et d'alimentation en eau pour animaux de compagnie - Google Patents

Systèmes de refroidissement et d'alimentation en eau pour animaux de compagnie Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017185053A1
WO2017185053A1 PCT/US2017/028980 US2017028980W WO2017185053A1 WO 2017185053 A1 WO2017185053 A1 WO 2017185053A1 US 2017028980 W US2017028980 W US 2017028980W WO 2017185053 A1 WO2017185053 A1 WO 2017185053A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
bowl
base
pet
tank
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/028980
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Louis M. Busick
Sacha POLAKOFF
Original Assignee
Lvd Acquistion, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lvd Acquistion, Llc filed Critical Lvd Acquistion, Llc
Publication of WO2017185053A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017185053A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K7/00—Watering equipment for stock or game
    • A01K7/02—Automatic devices ; Medication dispensers
    • A01K7/027—Drinking equipment with water heaters, coolers or means for preventing freezing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
    • A01K5/02—Automatic devices
    • A01K5/0225—Gravity replenishment from a reserve, e.g. a hopper
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K5/00—Feeding devices for stock or game ; Feeding wagons; Feeding stacks
    • A01K5/02—Automatic devices
    • A01K5/0275—Automatic devices with mechanisms for delivery of measured doses
    • A01K5/0283—Automatic devices with mechanisms for delivery of measured doses by weight

Definitions

  • Exemplary embodiments relate to devices and methods that utilize a thermoelectric cooler for chilling water for consumption by pets and to pet water coolers and feeders that comprise load cell technology to monitor and/or report activity at the food and/or water bowl.
  • a preferred exemplary embodiment comprises a pet water cooling system comprising a base that receives a water bowl made from thermally conductive material such that the base and bowl define a passageway about the external perimeter of the bowl. The passageway maintains a volume of air that is cooled and circulated by a thermoelectric cooling system housed within the base. The cool, circulating air within the passageway chills the conductive water bowl thereby chilling water contained therein.
  • Cooling systems used in water coolers that provide water for human consumption are not necessarily a good fit for pet watering systems.
  • a preferred exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system comprises a base which defines a first opening for receiving a water bowl.
  • the water bowl in this example is made of a thermally conductive material.
  • a passageway is defined by and exists between the base and the bowl.
  • a flexible air seal may be connected to the base wherein the seal which runs about the perimeter of the first opening and works with the base and the bowl to define the passageway.
  • the passageway preferably runs about most or all of the perimeter of the water bowl and maintains a volume of air when the bowl is received by the base.
  • the bowl is selectively received by the base such that the bowl can be easily removed from the base for cleaning.
  • the base comprises a thermoelectric cooling module having a finned heat sink attached to a first side of the module and a finned cold sink attached to a second side of the module wherein the first and second sides of the module are opposite each other.
  • the thermoelectric cooling module is in connectivity with a power source.
  • the base comprises a power cord which permits for plugging into an outlet to receive electric energy that is supplied to the module and any other components of the system that may need power to operate. Batteries may provide the power source in some embodiments.
  • a first fan positioned at a second opening defined by the base is connected to or positioned next to the heat sink and draws ambient air from outside of the base into the heat sink, cooling it.
  • the now warmer air which has travelled through the heat sink may exit the base through two vents which are positioned on opposite sides of the base and which are either defined by the base or which are alternatively received by the base.
  • a second fan is attached to or positioned next to the cold sink such that the second fan may push the volume of air maintained within the passageway about the passageway and through the cold sink causing cooling and circulation of air.
  • the cool air circulating around the water bowl causes the conductive bowl to cool thereby chilling the water contained therein.
  • thermoelectric cooling system incorporates a thermoelectric cooling system in which water is drawn from a bowl and into a metal (preferably copper or aluminum) heat exchanger that is in direct contact with the cold side of a thermoelectric chip. Cooling of the water takes place within the heat exchanger before the water is ultimately returned to the bowl.
  • the circulation of the water from the bowl to the heat exchanger and back into the bowl is preferably enabled by a water pump that is connected - likely by tubing - to a water inlet/outlet that is received by the bowl as well as to the heat exchanger.
  • the bowl may be thermally conductive but may also be made from a non-conductive/less-conductive material such as a plastic since cooling of the water takes place within the heat exchanger and does not require heat transfer through the bowl. Additional features and other exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods of the present invention will be discussed in the detailed description which follows.
  • FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system wherein the base of the system has been shown semi- transparent in order to permit for viewing of the internal components;
  • FIGURE 2(a) is side sectioned view of the exemplary pet water cooling system shown in FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2(b) is a front section view of the pet water cooling system shown in FIGURE 1 ;
  • FIGURE 3 is a front perspective view of a second exemplary pet water cooling system wherein the system comprises a filter and a water return which work in conjunction with a pump to pull water from within the bowl into the filter, through the interior of the base and back into the bowl via the water return;
  • FIGURE 4 is a top perspective view of the FIGURE 3 embodiment wherein the filter cover is shown removed from its position over the water filter so that the water filter can be seen;
  • FIGURE 5 is a right side section view of the FIGURE 3 embodiment
  • FIGURE 6 is a left side section view of the FIGURE 3 embodiment
  • FIGURE 7 is a front section view of the FIGURE 3 embodiment
  • FIGURE 8 is a top section view of the FIGURE 3 embodiment
  • FIGURE 9 illustrates an exemplary thermoelectric cooling module assembly that may be utilized in conjunction with exemplary embodiments adapted to selectively receive and selectively maintain a thermoelectric cooling module
  • FIGURE 9(a) shows a top perspective view of a selectively receivable thermoelectric cooling module
  • FIGURE 9(b) shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary selectively receivable thermoelectric cooling module of Figure 9(a)
  • FIGURE 9(c) shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary pet water cooling system receiving the selectively receivable thermoelectric cooling module of Figure 9(a);
  • FIGURE 10 shows a top perspective view of a third exemplary pet water cooling system comprising a first water bowl and second water bowl which work in conjunction with a water pump and water return outlet to create a water fall of flowing water;
  • FIGURE 1 1 is a side perspective view of the exemplary pet water cooling system shown in FIGURE 10;
  • FIGURE 12 is a top perspective view of the FIGURE 10 embodiment wherein a vent defined by the base can be seen;
  • FIGURE 13 shows a right side section view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 10
  • FIGURE 14 shows a partial right side section view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 10 wherein arrows have been utilized to illustrate how water might flow through the system;
  • FIGURE 15 is a front perspective view of a fourth exemplary pet water cooling system comprising a water pump that circulates water within the bowl;
  • FIGURE 16 is a side perspective view of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURE 15;
  • FIGURE 17 is a front perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system wherein the FIGURE shows a side-by-side comparison of two different sizes of the system (i.e. small and large);
  • FIGURE 18 is side sectioned view of the FIGURE 17 embodiment
  • FIGURE 19a is a top perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system and FIGURE 19b is a right plan view of the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 19a;
  • FIGURE 20 is a top perspective view of an exemplary water bowl that may be utilized with the exemplary pet water cooling system shown in Figs. 19a and 19b wherein the bowl is shown within an exemplary base of the pet water cooling system said base having been shown in a transparent fashion in order to show how an exemplary thermoelectric cooling system may be disposed therein;
  • FIGURE 21 shows a side-section view of the water bowl and base shown in Fig. 22 showing an exemplary water inlet and outlet/return and water filter that may be utilized in conjunction with a preferred pet water cooling system;
  • FIGURE 22 shows an exploded view of the exemplary water inlet and outlet/return and water filter shown in Fig. 21 ;
  • FIGURE 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary bowl, base, and thermoelectric cooling system shown in Fig. 20 wherein red arrows have been utilized to show how warm water is drawn from the bowl via the water inlet and then into a heat exchanger that is in direct contact with the cold side of the
  • thermoelectric chip and utilizes blue arrows to show how cool water leaves the heat exchanger and is supplied back into the bowl via the water outlet/return;
  • FIGURE 24 shows a left side perspective view of the exemplary bowl, base, and thermoelectric cooling system shown in Fig. 20 wherein a blue arrow is utilized to show how water would flow from the heat exchanger to the water outlet/return which takes the chilled water and returns it to the water bowl;
  • FIGURE 25a shows a top perspective view of the exemplary
  • thermoelectric cooling system that is shown in Figs. 19 - 24 wherein said cooling system comprises a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric chip such that the heat exchanger is in direct contact with the cold side of a thermoelectric chip and adapted to receive a volume of water for cooling and
  • FIGURE 25b shows an exploded view of the exemplary thermoelectric cooling system of Fig. 25a;
  • FIGURE 26 shows a right plan exploded view of an exemplary bottom that may be utilized in conjunction with the exemplary cooling system of Fig. 19a-b;
  • FIGURE 27a shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary bottom shown in Fig. 26 and FIGURE 27b shows a bottom plan view of the exemplary bottom shown in Fig. 26;
  • FIGURE 28a shows an exemplary load cell that may be utilized by an exemplary pet water cooling system and FIGURE 28b shows four of the exemplary load cells shown in Fig. 28a connected to the exemplary bottom shown in Figs. 26 and 27;
  • FIGURE 29a shows an exemplary embodiment of the pet water cooling system comprising four load cells and FIGURE 29b shows an exemplary embodiment of the pet water cooling system comprising two load cells;
  • FIGURE 30 shows an exemplary pet feeding system comprising a bottom with at least one load cell that can be utilized to measure food bowl activity and make determinations regarding the amount of food eaten, the rate at which the pet consumes food, etc.
  • FIG. 1 A first and preferred exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling tank 100 of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1 wherein a base 110 made at least partially from insulative material defines a first opening 111 for receiving a water bowl 200.
  • the base 110 is preferably made from a polymeric material.
  • the bowl as shown in this exemplary embodiment is selectively received by the base such that it is easily removable there from for cleaning, etc. however the bowl could be permanently received by the base in other embodiments.
  • the water bowl 200 is made of a thermally conductive material such as stainless steel.
  • a passageway 300 is defined by and exists between the base and the bowl and by a flexible air seal 112 which is connected to the base and which runs about the perimeter of the first opening.
  • insulation which is received by the base may and preferably does section off the heat sink and warm air which travels through the heat sink from the cold sink and the cool air which travels through it.
  • the thermoelectric module would preferably travel through the insulation such that the heat sink is on one side of the insulation and the cold sink is on the other side of the insulation.
  • the insulation may be utilized to define at least part of the passageway 300.
  • thermoelectric cooling module 120 is in connectivity with a power source.
  • the base 110 comprises a power cord which permits for plugging into an outlet to receive electric energy that is supplied to the module 120 and any other components of the system that may need power to operate. Batteries may provide the power source in some embodiments.
  • the flexible air seal 112 could be connected to the perimeter of the bowl 200 such that the bowl 200, base 110, and air seal 112 work in conjunction with each other to define passageway 300 when the bowl 200 is received by the base 110.
  • Another alternative embodiment may not comprise seal 112.
  • the bowl 200 may be received by the base 110 such that passageway 300 is defined without the seal 112.
  • opening 111 , passageway 300, and seal 112 are each visible in the sectioned view of FIGURE 2a.
  • the passageway 300 runs about the entire perimeter of the water bowl 200 and maintains a volume of air when the bowl 200 is received by the first opening 111 of the base 110.
  • the passageway may be approximately 1 ⁇ 4" wide about the entire perimeter of the bowl 200.
  • the seal 112 is adapted to prevent air from escaping around the upper perimeter of the bowl 200.
  • the seal 112 comprises a thin flexible gasket that is installed around the inner perimeter of the bowl opening 111 within the top of the base 110.
  • the base 110 comprises a thermoelectric cooling module 120 having a finned heat sink 121 attached to a first side of the module and a finned cold sink 122 attached to a second side of the module wherein the first and second sides of the module are opposite each other.
  • a first fan 130 positioned at a second opening 113 defined by the base is connected to or positioned next to the heat sink 121 and draws ambient air from outside of the base 110 into the heat sink 121 , cooling it.
  • the now warmer air which has travelled through the heat sink 121 may exit the base through two vents 140 which are positioned on opposite sides of the base.
  • a second fan 131 is attached to or positioned next to the cold sink 122 such that the second fan 131 may push the volume of air maintained within the passageway 300 about the passageway 300 and through the cold sink 122 causing cooling and circulation of air.
  • the cool air circulating within passageway 300 around the water bowl 200 causes the conductive bowl 200 to cool thereby chilling the water contained therein.
  • the sectioned view of FIGURE 2b shows how the bowl 200 is received by the base 110 such that passageway 300 is formed and further shows how part of the base 110 may define a rise 114 which touches the bottom of the bowl 200 when the bowl 200 has been selectively positioned within the base 110.
  • the pet water cooling system 100 obtains power for the operation of the cooling system when the system 100 is connected to a power source such as when it is plugged into a standard outlet, connected to a battery, etc.
  • FIGURE 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system comprising a bowl 200 which receives and maintains a water inlet 400 and a water return 410.
  • a cover 500 may be positioned about the water inlet 400 and outlet/return 410.
  • the device comprises a water filter 430 at the water inlet and therefore at least part of the cover 500 is a water filter cover 510 which serves at least in part to protect the filter.
  • the water filter cover 510 is shown removed from its position about the water filter 430 so that the water filter 430 of this exemplary embodiment can be viewed.
  • the filter 430 is preferably such that it can remove chlorine, arsenic, mercury, lead and a number of other contaminants and debris from the water.
  • the cover 500 about the water inlet 400 and the water return 410 creates the look of a single piece being received by the bowl 200. This configuration is easily viewed in the section view of FIGURE 7. However, as is shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGURES 15 and 16, the water inlet 400 and water outlet 410 do not have to be housed in a cover 500.
  • the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 3 additionally comprises a water pump 600 and tubing 610 wherein said tubing 610 defines a passageway for water to travel from the bowl 200 via the water inlet 400 and filter to the water pump 600 and then to the water return 410 where the filtered water is reintroduced to the bowl 200.
  • the section view of FIGURE 6 shows how tubing 610 may provide a means for water to travel from the water inlet 400/water filter 430 to the water pump 600 and then to the water outlet 410 where the water is returned to the bowl 200. Circulating the water in this way not only provides for filtration of the water in this exemplary embodiment, but also keeps the water from becoming stagnant.
  • the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURE 3 comprises a thermoelectric cooling system as was discussed in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2. More specifically and as can be seen in FIGURE 5, when the bowl 200 is received by the base 110, a passageway 300 is defined by the bowl 200 and the base 110 such that the passageway 300 exists about the perimeter of the bowl 200 and maintains a volume of air. In some exemplary embodiments, other components such as insulation and a seal may work in conjunction with the bowl 200 and base 110 to define passageway 300. As can be seen in FIGURE 8, the base 110 houses a thermoelectric module 120 having a heat sink 121 on a first side and a cold sink 122 on a second side which is opposite of the first side.
  • a first fan 130 positioned at a second opening 113 defined by the base is connected to or positioned next to the heat sink 121 and is adapted to draw ambient air from outside of the base 110 into the heat sink 121 , cooling it.
  • the now warmer air which has travelled through the heat sink 121 may exit the base through two vents 140 which are positioned on opposite sides of the base. In other exemplary embodiments, more or less vents may be utilized to provide a means for warm air to exit the base.
  • a second fan 131 is attached to or positioned next to the cold sink 122 such that the second fan 131 is adapted to push the volume of air maintained within the passageway 300 about the passageway 300 and through the cold sink 122 causing cooling and circulation of air.
  • the cool air circulating within passageway 300 around the water bowl 200 causes the conductive bowl 200 to cool thereby chilling the water contained therein.
  • the bowl 200 is shown permanently received by the base 110 unlike the bowl 200 in exemplary pet water cooling system shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 which was removable.
  • the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 through 8 may additionally comprise a float 700 which is housed within the cover 500 and which is adapted to rise and sink with the water level in the bowl 200.
  • the float 700 is in connectivity with the pump 600 such that it causes the pump 600 to shut off when the water level within the bowl 200 gets too low.
  • the float 700 is preferably housed underneath the cover 500 positioned over the water outlet 410.
  • thermoelectric cooling system The two exemplary pet water cooling systems discussed in conjunction with FIGURES 1 through 8 comprise a thermoelectric cooling system.
  • the thermoelectric module of said systems may be selectively receivable by the base. Take for example the exemplary embodiment of FIGURES 3 through 8.
  • the thermoelectric module 120 having a heat sink 121 on a first side and a cold sink 122 on a second side may be part of a distinct unit 4000 which may be selectively positioned into and received by the base 110 such that the base 110 does not always have to maintain the thermoelectric module 120.
  • An exemplary selectively receivable thermoelectric module unit 4000 that may be utilized by pet water cooling systems is shown in Figure 9(a).
  • the distinct unit 4000 housing the selectively receivable thermoelectric module 120 additionally comprises a first fan 130 positioned at or next to the heat sink and a second fan 131 positioned at or next to the cold sink.
  • a first fan 130 positioned at or next to the heat sink
  • a second fan 131 positioned at or next to the cold sink.
  • an electric contact on the unit 4000 is connected to a corresponding electronic contact that is part of the base 110, which permits for electric current to be supplied to the module 120 and fans 130 and 131 such that cooling may occur.
  • the base 110 preferably does not maintain separate fans.
  • the distinct unit 4000 may additionally comprise a power switch 4010 as shown in FIGURE 9(b) which would permit for the cooling to be turned on and off once the unit 4000 is positioned within the base 110 and connected to a power supply.
  • the unit 4000 comprising the selectively receivable thermoelectric module 120 may fit into the bottom of the base 110 and be held in place by a screw, latch, etc.
  • thermoelectric module may be sold without the thermoelectric module unit being housed within the base.
  • the thermoelectric module could be sold separately. If the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 3 was altered such that the base was adapted to selectively receive a unit comprising a thermoelectric module 120 having a heat sink 121 on a first side and a cold sink 122 on a second side, the unit could be sold such that it had a functioning water pump 600 which pulled water from the bowl 200 through the water inlet 400/filter 430, through the tubing 610, into the pump 600 and then through tubing 610 to the water return 410 where it is reintroduced to the bowl 200. If the purchaser/user of the pet water cooling system wanted to be able to provide cooling for the water within the bowl 200, the unit 4000 comprising the selectively receivable thermoelectric module
  • FIGURE 10 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system 1000 comprising a base 1100 made at least partially from insulative material.
  • the base 1100 defines a first opening 1110 for receiving a first water bowl 2000.
  • the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURE 3 also preferably comprises a passageway 300 for maintaining a volume of air and for permitting for the air's circulation about the perimeter of the bowl 2000 when the bowl 2000 has been selectively received by the base 1100.
  • the system 1000 also preferably comprises a thermoelectric cooling module 120 having a finned heat sink
  • the module 120 may be part of a selectively receivable unit 4000 as discussed above.
  • a first fan 130 positioned at a second opening 113 defined by the base, is connected to or positioned next to the heat sink 121 and draws ambient air from outside of the base into the heat sink 121 , cooling it.
  • the now warmer air which has travelled through the heat sink 121 may exit the base 1100 through two vents 140 which are positioned on opposite sides of the base 1100.
  • a second fan 131 is attached to or positioned next to the cold sink 122 such that the second fan 131 may push the volume of air maintained within the passageway 300 about the passageway 300 and through the cold sink 122 causing cooling and circulation of air.
  • the cool air circulating around the water bowl 2000 causes the conductive bowl 2000 to cool thereby chilling the water contained therein.
  • the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 10 comprises a second water bowl 2100 and a water pump 600 wherein the second water bowl 2100 is received by and selectively maintained by the first water bowl 2000.
  • FIGURE 13 illustrates how the second bowl 2100 may actually be connected to a water outlet 410 and a support member 440, which maintains the second bowl 2100 at a desired position within the first bowl 2000.
  • the water pump 600 is adapted to pull chilled water from the first water bowl 2000 via a water inlet 400 (which may or may not comprise a water filter 430) into tubing 610 which leads the water to the pump 600.
  • FIGURE 14 uses arrows to illustrate how water may flow through the exemplary pet water cooling system, but note that all of the details regarding how water flows from the water inlet 400 to the pump 600 and then to the water outlet/return 410 are not shown in this view.
  • the water level is permitted to rise eventually creating a waterfall effect of water over the edge of the second water bowl 2100 said falling water being received by the first water bowl 2000 where it is again chilled and is available to be filtered/circulated via the water inlet 400 and pump 600 system.
  • FIGURE 1 The side perspective view of FIGURE 1 better shows how the second water bowl 2100 might be received by the first water bowl 2000 to provide for the desired waterfall effect.
  • the waterfall effect of water within the system 1000 keeps the water within the pet water cooling system 1000 circulating which provides for improved drinkability by pets.
  • a variety of water pumps could be used by the present system and method in order to provide for the desired circulation of water/ waterfall effect between the first and second bowls.
  • FIGURES 15 and 16 Another exemplary pet water cooling system which provides for the circulation of water within the water bowl of the system is shown in FIGURES 15 and 16.
  • this exemplary pet water cooling system 1001 comprises a base 1101 which receives and maintains a water bowl 2001.
  • This exemplary embodiment also uses the thermoelectric cooling system that has been discussed in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGURES 1 through 8 and with the embodiment shown in FIGURES 10 through 14 wherein a passageway 300 existing between the base 1101 and the bowl 2001 permits for the circulation of cooled air about the perimeter of the bowl 2001 chilling water contained in the bowl 2001. Insulation may also be utilized within the base 1101 and may define at least part of the passageway 300 in conjunction with the base 1101 and bowl 2001 .
  • the FIGURE 15 embodiment comprises a water circulating pump (not shown) which obtains water through a water inlet 2101 defined by the bowl 2001 and pushes it back into the bowl 2001 via a spout/water outlet return 2201 disposed within the bowl 2001.
  • this embodiment may also comprise a water filter.
  • the water filter could be positioned at either the water inlet 2101 or water outlet 2201 though positioning at the inlet 2101 is preferable for the best filtration.
  • a variety of known pumps could be used to provide the desired circulation effect.
  • Some exemplary pet water cooling systems may utilize the thermoelectric cooling system that has been discussed in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 (embodiment 1 ), FIGURES 3 through 8 (embodiment 2), FIGURES 10 through 14 (embodiment 3), and FIGURES 15 and 16 (embodiment 4) but may also provide a water tank which maintains a larger volume of water permitting for the water bowl of the pet water cooling system to maintain a desired amount of water until the water tank runs out of water.
  • a preferred exemplary pet water cooling system 3000 may comprise a base 3100 made at least partially from insulative material.
  • the base 3100 preferably defines a first opening for receiving and selectively maintaining a water bowl 3200.
  • the base 3100 also defines a second opening for receiving and maintaining a water tank 3500.
  • a probe 3600 received by and disposed within the tank 3500 preferably accesses a volume of water maintained within the tank 3500 and is able to draw water from within the tank when the water level within the water bowl 3200 falls below a desired level.
  • the base 3100 defines a space 3700 for storing a volume of water that has traveled from the tank 3500 through the probe 3600.
  • space 3700 is at least partially disposed directly above the water bowl 3200.
  • the base 3100 also preferably defines an opening between space 3700 and the water bowl 3200 such that water received into the space 3700 may flow into the water bowl 3200 when the level of the water within the bowl 3200 falls below a desired level.
  • the flow of water from space 3700 into the bowl 3200 is typically prevented when the water within the bowl is at the desired level because the water height within the bowl 3200 rises to the level of the opening between space 3700 and the water bowl creating a vacuum. In other words, because air cannot flow into space 3700, water cannot flow out of the space 3700 and into the bowl 3200.
  • an electric water valve may be connected to a float housed within the bowl 3200.
  • the float rises and sinks with the water level within the bowl and is configured to trigger the electric water valve when the water level within the bowl 3200 gets below a desired level.
  • the electric water valve is able to pull water from within the tank 3500 such that it can travel to the bowl 3200.
  • the bowl 3200 of the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18 can still be selectively removed from the base 3100 for cleaning, etc.
  • thermoelectric cooling system in which a fan connected to or positioned next to the cool sink pushes air through (or alternatively pulls air through) the cold sink, creating circulation of a volume of air housed within a passageway that is defined at least partially by a bowl and base.
  • the thermoelectric cooling system may be different.
  • a pet water cooling system could comprise a base housing a thermoelectric module having a heat sink on one side and a cold sink on a second side. The cold sink could be positioned directly next to and in contact with a thermally conductive bowl that is received by the base.
  • the bowl is chilled via its contact with the cold sink in turn causing chilling of the water placed within the bowl.
  • the base may comprise a thermoelectric cooling system comprising a thermoelectric module having a heat sink on a first side and a cool sink on a second side wherein the cool sink is actually received by a housing that is in turn received by the bowl such that it may come into contact with the water.
  • the cool sink may be disposed within a probe which protrudes into the bowl.
  • a pump may be connected to tubing which is connected to a water inlet on one end and a water outlet at the other end wherein the inlet and outlet are both received by or disposed in the bowl.
  • thermoelectric cooling system When the pump is operated, it may pull water from within the bowl (via the inlet) into the tubing, through the pump, and then into the tubing that runs from the pump to the outlet such that the water may be returned to the bowl.
  • the tubing (which may consist of a plurality of tubes) that runs from the pump to the outlet may run through the cold sink such that the water may be chilled before it is returned to the bowl.
  • FIGURE 19a and FIGURE 19b shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system 5000 that comprises a bowl 5200 received by a base 5100 wherein the base 5100 may be received by a water tank housing 5800 as shown.
  • This exemplary embodiment of a pet water cooling system 500 preferably incorporates a thermoelectric cooling system in which water is drawn from the bowl 5200 and into a metal (preferably copper or aluminum) heat exchanger that is in direct contact with the cold side of the thermoelectric chip.
  • the water tank housing 5800 preferably defines a space 5850 for receiving a volume of water that may be utilized to supply water to the bowl 5200 as needed.
  • the bowl preferably receives a water inlet and outlet/return 6000 such that water may be removed from the bowl via the water inlet 6100 (which is an inlet for water to travel into the cooling and/or circulation system that is preferably housed within the base) and may be returned to the bowl via the water outlet/return 6200.
  • the water inlet 6100 and water return 6200 are preferably both located at the bottom of the bowl 5200 such that water is removed from the bowl 5200 and returned to the bowl 5200 at the bowl's bottom.
  • the fitting that performs this function is preferably a single fitting with seal means to create a water tight seal with the bowl 5200.
  • this fitting may comprise a cap 6300 having a top and a bottom portion such that it defines a single opening at the top for the water outlet/return 6200 and defines at least one opening at its bottom portion for the water inlet 6100.
  • FIGURE 21 shows a cross section view of the exemplary water inlet and outlet/return 6000 which utilizes a cap 6300 to define a water outlet opening 6200 at its top portion and at least one water inlet opening 6100 at its bottom portion as is shown in Fig. 20.
  • the cap 6300 preferably receives an inlet/outlet member 6400 that is preferably tubular in shape and which defines at least two separate cavities: a first cavity 6450 for receiving water from the at least one inlet opening 6100 defined by the bottom portion of the cap 6300 and a second cavity 6460 for receiving water that has come from the heat exchanger and which will be returned to the bowl 5200 having been chilled.
  • the first cavity 6450 may receive and temporarily or permanently maintain a filter 7000 that removes dirt and other impurities from water that has been drawn from the bowl so that the water is clean when it is circulated through the heat exchanger.
  • FIGURE 22 which shows an exploded view of the cap and inlet/outlet member shown in Fig.
  • the cap 6300 may assist with defining the first 6450 and second 6460 cavity of the inlet/outlet member 6400 in some embodiments.
  • the cap 6300 may comprise threading which corresponds to threading on the exterior surface of the inlet/outlet member 6400 such that the cap 6300 and inlet/outlet member 6400 may be selectively held together by twisting them together. It is preferred, and as is shown in Fig.
  • twisting together of the cap and inlet/outlet member selectively holds the water bowl 5200 in a desired location within the base 5100 such that the bowl 5200 can later be easily removed for washing, etc. by twisting the cap 6300 off of the inlet/outlet member 6400.
  • Sealing means between the cap 6300 and inlet/outlet member 6400 may be a rubber gasket, O-ring(s), etc. It should be understood that the water inlet/outlet return fitting 6000 shown in Figures 20 - 22 may be utilized with other embodiments of pet water cooling systems that have been discussed herein such as the exemplary waterfall embodiment shown in FIGURES 10 through 14.
  • FIGURE 23 utilizes arrows to show how warm water may be drawn from the first cavity 6450 of the water inlet/outlet member 6400 using a pump 600 and then how the water is directed from the pump 600 to a heat exchanger 8000 that is in direct contact with the cold side of the thermoelectric chip of the thermoelectric module.
  • the water is preferably chilled within the heat exchanger 8000.
  • the blue arrows in Fig. 23 show how the chilled water is removed from the heat exchanger 8000 and directed to the second cavity 6460 of the inlet/outlet member 6400 before being returned to the bowl 5200 providing the bowl 5200 with chilled and preferably filtered water.
  • FIGURE 24 more clearly shows, again through use of an arrow, how chilled water would flow from the heat exchanger 8000 to the second cavity 6460 of the inlet/outlet member 6400.
  • tubing would be utilized to direct the water from the first cavity, to the water pump 600 and then to the heat exchanger and would similarly be utilized to direct the water from the heat exchanger to the second cavity of the inlet/outlet member.
  • a variety of known tubing materials could be utilized. The tubing has not been shown in FIGURE 23 and FIGURE 24.
  • FIGURE 25a and FIGURE 25b shows a preferred exemplary embodiment of a thermoelectric module cooling system that may be utilized in conjunction with the pet water cooling system of Figures 19 - 24.
  • a water-cooling heat exchanger 8000 is placed in direct contact with the cold side of the thermoelectric chip 8200. Because the heat exchanger 8000 is made from a thermally conductive material, the placement of the heat exchanger 8000 in direct contact with the thermoelectric chip 8200 allows heat to be drawn from the water and chilled when in the heat exchanger 8000.
  • a retainer plate 8100 may be used to hold the heat exchanger 8000 in the desired location in contact with the cold side of the thermoelectric chip 8200.
  • thermal interface material 8300 may be placed on either side of the thermoelectric chip 8200.
  • thermal interface material 8300 may be placed between the cold side of the thermoelectric chip 8200 and the heat exchanger 8000.
  • the thermoelectric cooling system may additionally comprise a heatsink 8400 which is positioned on the warm side of the thermoelectric chip 8200 as well as a fan 8500 which is utilized to keep the heat sink 8400 from becoming too warm.
  • the fan 8500 is preferably positioned within the base 5100 such that air drawn from the heat sink 8400 via the fan 8500 may be vented out of the base 5100 through at least one opening defined by the base 5100.
  • the exemplary pet water cooling system shown in FIGURES 19 through 25 may be preferable because it does not require a second fan and cold sink that add cost and bulk when compared to this heat exchanger method and system.
  • the heat exchanger method also allows for more varied placement of the thermoelectric assembly within the base.
  • the water pump 600 which is used to circulate the water through the filter, will also circulate the water through the heat exchanger 8000 just before or after it is filtered.
  • the sequence of pumping, filtering or chilling can be arranged in any order although filtering first would keep debris from entering the pump and heat exchanger.
  • a feature that may be implemented in this pet water cooling system is a unique plumbing circuit wherein the water is removed and returned to the bowl at the bottom of the bowl 5200.
  • a bottom 9000 may be positioned under the base 5100 that houses the water bowl 5200 (or in some exemplary embodiments the bowl may be a singular component that is not received by a base such that the bottom is positioned directly under the bowl).
  • the bottom 9000 comprises one or more load cells 9100 that measure the weight of the bowl 5200 and base 5100 and its contents placed on top of the bottom 9000 as it would be when the bowl 5200 is in the normal installed position within the base 5100.
  • FIGURE 26 shows an exemplary embodiment of a bottom 9000 that may comprise at least one load cell 9100 and which may be connected to a water tank housing 5800 such as that shown in Fig. 19a-b wherein said bottom 9000 may receive the base 5100 which selectively receives the water bowl 5200.
  • the bottom 9000 comprising one or more load cells 9100 is permanently attached to a water tank housing 5800.
  • the bowl 5200 and/or base 5100 can be removed from the bottom 9000 for cleaning, etc.
  • FIGURE 27a and FIGURE 27b more clearly shows how load cells 9100 may be positioned on the bottom member 9000 and how the bottom member 9000 may be connected to a water tank housing 5800.
  • FIGURE 27a-b additionally shows how a cover 9200 may be positioned on the bottom member to protect the load cells 9100 and electronic wiring.
  • FIGURE 28a shows an exemplary load cell 9100 that may be received by the bottom member 9000 while FIGURE 28b shows how a bottom member 9000 may receive one or more of the exemplary load cells 9100.
  • FIGURE 29a and FIGURE 29b shows two different bottom embodiments wherein Fig. 29a shows a bottom 9000 comprising four load cells 9100 and Fig. 29b shows a bottom 9000 comprising two load cells 9100.
  • the one or more load cells 9100 is connected to an electronic control housed in the base 5100 or a water tank housing 5800 such that the load cells 9100 provide the electronic control with information about activity at the bowl 5200 based on weight measurements.
  • the weight measurements can be used to determine the water level within the bowl 5200 and activate the refill of water from the volume of water housed by the water tank housing 5800 in preferred exemplary embodiments.
  • the measurements can be used to determine the reduction of water in the bowl 5200 which can be used to determine drinking patterns of the pet.
  • the bottom 9000 can be thought of as being similar to a kitchen scale in which the water bowl 5200 and/or base 5100 is placed on top to measure the weight of the contents.
  • the tare of the bowl 5200 and/or base 5100 can be arranged through the programming of the electronic control located within the water dispenser housing 5800 in some embodiments.
  • Known programmable pet feeders typically have electronics that display the time and allow for programming the feeding times (for instance breakfast, lunch dinner) and the quantity of food to be dispensed to a bowl at each meal time.
  • the bottom 9000 configuration comprising at least one load cell 9100 that has been discussed above and illustrated in FIGURES 26 through 29 may also be implemented in a pet feeding system that uses the load cells to measure activity at a pet's food bowl.
  • FIGURE 30 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pet feeding system 9500 that comprises a pet food tank housing 9800 that defines at least one space for selectively holding a volume of pet food, a removable bowl 5200 that may be received by the housing 9800, a food chute that runs from the at least one space for selectively holding a volume of pet food to a position that enables food to be released into the bowl 5200 when it has been received by the housing 9800, and a bottom 9000 comprising at least one load cell 9100.
  • This pet feeder is different from known programmable pet feeders because it can measure food bowl activity via the load cells 9100. If a pet is eating, the load cells 9100 can detect changes in force on the bowl 5200 and can determine the time and duration of a pet's meal.
  • the programmable pet feeder 9500 may be programmed using a computer application such as an app on a smart phone. In such an exemplary embodiment, the programmable pet feeder 9500 may not have an electronic display screen. Instead, the app provides a display screen and wireless connectivity with the programmable pet feeding system sends programmed feeding schedule and clock set information to the electronic control of the pet feeding system. Similarly, the app may receive information from the programmable pet feeder regarding the activity at the pet's food bowl using measurements obtained from the load cells within the bottom of the feeding system.
  • PetNet Using an app to control a programmable pet feeder is not unknown in the art and such a system can be found commercially in at least one product offered by PetNet, but the PetNet system does not incorporate a programmable pet feeder that uses load cell 9100 technology to monitor pet bowl 5200 activity nor does it disclose sending information from the programmable pet feeder to the app regarding activity at the food bowl 5200 that has been derived from load cell 9100 measurements.
  • any embodiment of the disclosed system and method may include any of the optional or preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention.
  • the exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention.
  • the exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to affect the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Birds (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de distribution d'eau réfrigérée à un animal de compagnie qui comprend un bol (200) qui contient de l'eau et une base (110) qui entoure les côtés et le fond du bol. L'eau circule d'une source d'eau vers une entrée (400) et à travers une tubulure (610) vers un dispositif de refroidissement (120) où l'eau est réfrigérée en faisant passer de l'air ambiant à travers le dispositif de refroidissement par l'intermédiaire d'un ventilateur (130). La tubulure transporte ensuite de l'eau vers une sortie (410) positionnée pour distribuer l'eau désormais refroidie dans le bol. Une pompe (600) déplace l'eau à travers la tubulure. La source d'eau peut être de l'eau située dans le bol ou un réservoir.
PCT/US2017/028980 2016-04-21 2017-04-21 Systèmes de refroidissement et d'alimentation en eau pour animaux de compagnie WO2017185053A1 (fr)

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US201662325533P 2016-04-21 2016-04-21
US62/325,533 2016-04-21

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