Patent ID: 7469657
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling access of an animal to an opening in which its food is stored, comprising: A. a standing surface on which the animal places at least part of its weight; B. a chassis connected to or integral with the standing surface and supported essentially parallel to both said standing surface and a base, the chassis having an opening in which food can be placed; C. a movable connection between the base and the chassis allowing the chassis to move towards and away from the base while maintaining said essentially parallel orientation; D. at least one door attached to the chassis by a door pivot and adapted to cover the opening in which the food is placed and pivoting in a plane essentially parallel with said essentially parallel orientation; E. a lever, pivotally connected to the chassis by a first pivot, having a first arm that engages the base and a second arm that engages the door to move the door about the door pivot; and F. a tension rod including a spring tending the pivot arm away from engagement with the door.