Patent ID: 6792890
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
A device for storing and dispensing feed to an animal; said device comprising:an enclosure including: plurality of compartments; each including: a hingedly attached, downwardly opening bottom door having a storage position for supporting feed and a open dispensing position for dispensing feed; a plurality of latch assemblies attached to said enclosure; a said latch assembly associated with each said compartment; each said latch assembly including: a latch having a storage position for supporting said door of said latch's associated compartment in the storage position and having a dispensing position for not supporting said door of said latch's associated compartment; and a latch activation mechanism including; a plurality of catch assemblies, a said catch assembly associated with each said latch assembly; each said catch assembly including: a retainer attached to said enclosure; and a connector movable from a storage position to a dispensing position including: a catch portion including: a catch end including: a catch vertically movable between a storage position wherein said catch supports its associated said latch in the storage position and a dispensing position wherein said catch does not support its associated said latch in the storage position; and a retention portion connected to said catch portion including: a retention end including: retention means for selectively engaging said retainer; said connector movable from a support position, wherein said retention means of said retention end is engaged with said retainer whereby said connector holds said catch in its support positions to a dispensing position wherein said retention means of said retention end is disengaged from said retainer and wherein said catch is in its dispensing position; and a connector release assembly including: a trip for disengaging each said retention means from said retainer; and trip movement means for incrementally moving said trip so as to sequentially disengage each said retention means.