Patent ID: 7308867
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling access to animal feed comprising: a. an enclosure for dispensing animal feed therefrom, said enclosure comprising an inclined bottom surface, opposed first and second upwardly extending side walls, and an upwardly extending front wall, wherein said inclined bottom surface has a downward slope in a direction toward said front wall and is joined to said front wall through a curved wall section, b. at least one opening through said curved wall section effective for allowing dispensing of feed from said enclosure, said opening having an upper edge proximal to or extending into said front wall, and a lower edge proximal to said bottom wall, c. a sliding cover effective for closing said opening, said cover being movable between a first position aligned over said opening to prevent dispensing of feed from said enclosure, and a second position removed from said opening to allow dispensing of feed from said enclosure, d. an internal member disposed within said enclosure above said bottom surface and extending substantially between said side walls, said internal member comprising a first, inclined baffle having a downward slope in a direction toward said front wall, and a second, upwardly extending baffle, said first baffle and said second baffle being connected at their lower ends, wherein said first baffle is disposed above said inclined bottom surface to define a passageway therebetween for the flow of said feed, and said second baffle is spaced from said front wall to define a feed accumulation chamber therebetween, and e. a first flange extending inwardly from said front wall to said second baffle and extending between said side walls to form an upper limit to said feed accumulation chamber, said first flange being disposed above said opening and spaced from said upper edge thereof.