Abstract:
A wild game feeding apparatus includes a support structure, a food distributor, and a collapsible reservoir. The reservoir is made collapsible in order to minimize the size of the apparatus for ease of storage and transport. Wild game feed, such as corn, wheat, or other particulate food is loaded into the collapsible container, whence it exits out of the bottom of the container and contacts the distributor. The distributor includes a rotating plate for distributing the food in a limited radius from the feeder apparatus. Optionally, the apparatus may include a control mechanism including a timer, to actuate operation thereof at specific time intervals which are pre-set by a user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to wild game feeders, which are used to spread food in order to entice and attract wild game animals, such as deer, to a specified geographical area, in order to create observational and gaming opportunities for hunters and/or wildlife enthusiasts. 
   2. Description of the Background Art 
   Wild game feeders, of several varieties and designs, are commercially available today, and are known to wild game hunters. Such known feeders generally include a bucket or similar container for holding particulate food therein, and a distributor for spreading food from the container over an area of ground. 
   For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a wild game feeder  50 , of a prior art type which is known and which is commercially available on the market today. The feeder  50  of  FIG. 1  includes a reservoir  52  in the form of a bucket, with a central hole (not shown) formed in the base thereof, to allow aggregate food such as corn, commercial pellets or the like to pass through. 
   The reservoir  52  is provided with a removable lid  54  and a handle  60 . A distributor  56 , including an electric motor  57 , is attached to the bucket base, to distribute the food after it passes outwardly from the bucket. Supports, such as legs  58 , are also attached to the reservoir  52 , to space it upwardly away from the ground. 
   Examples of previously issued patents relating to wild game feeders are given below. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,220 discloses a game feeder that uses a distributor to spread food from a container. The distributor includes a spinning member that cuts excessively large food pieces down to smaller pieces, thereby allowing the game feed to be more easily distributed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,777 discloses a feeder that uses a distributor with a rotational plate in order to distribute the game food. The apparatus according to this invention is mounted on a single support leg, which is inserted into the ground to support the apparatus. 
   Other wild game feeders of this general type are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,034,480, 3,195,508, 4,945,859, 5,143,289, 5,333,572, 6,082,300, 6,481,376, and 6,510,813. 
   A limited number of collapsible containers are separately known, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,837,860, 4,036,361, 4,290,468, 4,557,378, 4,693,386 and 5,190,179. 
   Some collapsible bird feeders are also known, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,479,881, 6,047,661 and 6,073,582. 
   Although the known devices are usable for their intended purposes, it would be advantageous if a wild game feeder apparatus could be made using a collapsible reservoir for the food. This would make the apparatus more convenient to store and ship, and would take up less space on a retail shelf, allowing retailers to store more units in a given area. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an improved wild game feeder, including a collapsible food reservoir. The apparatus according to the invention may be stored and transported with the reservoir in a smaller, collapsed configuration, but is easily expandable to full size in the field. 
   The present invention provides an improved, space-saving feeder apparatus, which is easier to store and transport than the previously known feeders. 
   A collapsible game feeder according the present invention, generally, includes a collapsible reservoir, a support structure used for supporting the collapsible reservoir in relation to a substrate, and a distributor attached to the bottom of the reservoir. 
   The collapsible reservoir makes the game feeder according to the present invention adapted for more efficient storage and transportation than the prior art game feeders. 
   The collapsible reservoir may have a form selected from many different options, including compressibly collapsible forms. Examples of compressibly collapsible reservoirs include suspended cloth or wire mesh bag, collapsible segmented annular housing, or flexible fabric or plastic bag with internal springs or stiffeners. 
   Other forms that the collapsible reservoir can take include foldably collapsible box structures and a composite box, made in separate pieces, which can be easily assembled in the field by a user. 
   In a first illustrative embodiment of the present apparatus, the collapsible reservoir is made of a plurality of substantially rigid annular plastic sections, the edges of which are adapted to frictionally engage one another in the expanded configuration of the reservoir. 
   The collapsible reservoir also includes a lid that fits onto the top thereof. 
   The collapsible reservoir is supported by a support structure. The support structure may include legs for supporting the reservoir on a flat surface such as the ground. 
   Alternatively, the support structure may include a handle and/or a hook at the top of the reservoir, to allow the feeder to be suspended from a tree branch or other overhead substrate. 
   The support structure also supports the distributor, which includes a motor and a rotatable spreader plate operatively connected to the motor. The distributor is attached to the collapsible reservoir by a plurality of vertically oriented bolts or studs, extending between the motor housing and the bottom of the reservoir, or attached to a separate frame structure. 
   The distributor operates in the following manner. With the reservoir in its expanded, operational configuration, particulate food is placed into the reservoir, from whence it passes outwardly through a reduced opening at the base of the reservoir. The food comes to rest on the rotatable spreader plate, and forms a substantially conical pile thereon. When the pile becomes high enough to reach the reservoir outlet, it effectively stops the flow of any more food passing outwardly through the reduced opening. Once the motor is activated, the spreader plate spins, and food is thrown therefrom to an area within a certain radius of the feeder apparatus. 
   In another embodiment of the collapsible reservoir, a collapsible cylindrical body with flexible support means may be used. In this embodiment, the collapsible reservoir includes a cylindrical body having an upper and lower end, where the body is defined by a fabric sleeve, with stiff hoop segments affixed horizontally throughout the inner diameter of the reservoir, separated and supported by stiffening members affixed horizontally therebetween. 
   In yet another embodiment of the collapsible reservoir, the collapsible reservoir includes a substantially cylindrical fabric bag, a pair of metal or plastic reinforcement hoops disposed at the top and bottom of the bag, and a spring which is operatively connected to the bag. The spring runs spirally along the inner circumference of the fabric bag. 
   Additional embodiments of the collapsible reservoir may also be used. 
   For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the reader is referred to the following detailed description section, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers refer to like parts. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art wild game feeder; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a wild game feeder according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3A  is a first cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 , showing the reservoir in its expanded, upright and operational configuration; 
       FIG. 3B  is a second cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 , showing the reservoir in its collapsed storage configuration; 
       FIG. 3C  is a detail bottom plan view of a lid, which is a component part of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 3D  is a detail bottom plan view of a reservoir base, which is another component part of the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a wild game feeder according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a reservoir and support structure therefor, which are components of a wild game feeder according to a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a reservoir for a wild game feeder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a reservoir and food metering funnel which are components of a wild game feeder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a collapsible reservoir usable as a component of a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a foldable reservoir usable as a component of a seventh embodiment of the present invention, shown in a collapsed and fully unfolded configuration thereof. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, a first embodiment of a game feeder apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown generally at  110 . It will be apparent that the game feeder apparatus  110  has many structural features in common with the prior art game feeder  50  of  FIG. 1 . However, the game feeder apparatus  110  hereof is different from the prior art game feeder  50  in an important way. 
   The apparatus  110  according to the invention includes a collapsible reservoir  112 , while the prior art game feeder  50  does not. Unlike the prior art game feeder, the game feeder according to the present invention can be placed in an expanded configuration for use, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3A , and can also be compressed into a compact, collapsed configuration for storage and transport, as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
   As used herein, the term “collapsible” means capable of being placed into a collapsed configuration which is smaller than an expanded operational configuration. The reservoir hereof may be collapsible because it is capable of being compressed into a smaller configuration without disassembly, as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  6  herein. Alternatively, the reservoir may be characterized as collapsible because it includes multiple component parts which are capable of being separated, disassembled and stacked or reassembled in a collapsed configuration, as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 7 and 9 . 
   The inclusion of the collapsible reservoir  112  in the game feeder  110  according to the invention provides significant commercial advantages. The game feeder  110  can be stored and transported in a significantly smaller package than, and takes up less space on the store shelf than the prior art feeder  50 . Accordingly, the game feeder  110  hereof can be more densely packed in a given space, when stored in its compact configuration, whether that space is in a warehouse, in a truck trailer, in a stockroom, or on a store shelf. 
   First Embodiment 
   Overview 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2–4 , the feeder apparatus  110  according to the first illustrative embodiment of the invention includes a reservoir  112  in the form of a collapsible bucket, with an integral funnel member  114  including a spout  116  having a hole formed in the base thereof. The funnel member  114  is provided to direct the flow of particulate food such as corn, commercial pellets or the like, and to pass such food outwardly through the spout  116 . 
   The collapsible reservoir  112  is provided with a removable lid  118  and a handle  120 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . A distributor  122  including an electric motor  125  is attached to the base portion of the reservoir  110 , to distribute the food after it passes outwardly from the funnel member  114 . Supports such as legs  128  are also attached to the reservoir  112 , to space it upwardly away from the ground. 
   The Collapsible Reservoir 
   The collapsible reservoir  112  is used to store and to meter out particulate food for wild game animals. The reservoir  112  includes a plurality of concentrically aligned annular plastic sections such as those shown at  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  and  142 . Each of the sequentially successive annular sections  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  and  142  is made from a durable, relatively rigid plastic material, and is tapered outwardly as it moves from the lower end to the upper end thereof. In addition, each of the sections  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  and  142  is slightly larger in diameter than the section below it. 
   The respective upper and lower edges of adjacent sections, such as those shown at  130  and  132 , are adapted to frictionally engage one another in the expanded configuration of the reservoir  112 , shown in  FIG. 3A . In this way, the reservoir is able to support its own weight, and to remain in the expanded configuration shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3A , until such time as a user wishes to manually collapse it. 
   The collapsible reservoir includes a substantially cylindrical base  113 , which is integrally formed with the funnel member  114 . Optionally, the base  113  may have an external horizontal flange  117  extending outwardly thereon, to support the annular sections  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  and  142  when the reservoir  112  is in its collapsed configuration. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3C , the method of attachment of the lid  118  to the collapsible reservoir  112  is through the use of a groove  141 , formed in the lower surface of the lid, that travels circumferentially along the outer periphery thereof, near the outer edge  119 . The groove  141  permits the lid  118  to be attached to an upwardly extending lip  115 , formed on top of the uppermost section  142  of the reservoir  112 . 
   The Support Structure 
   The collapsible reservoir  112  is supported by a support structure  109 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2–3 , the support structure  109  includes a plurality of legs  128  attached to the base portion  113  of the reservoir  112 , with attachment points  106  for the legs located at the bottom of the collapsible reservoir  112 . Optionally, the support structure may include a flat, circular reinforcing ring  107 , preferably made of metal, attached to the reservoir  112  at the bottom of the reservoir base  113 . 
   The collapsible reservoir  112  has holes  111  formed in the base  113  at the bottom thereof for receiving appropriate hardware, such as bolts or threaded studs  102  therethrough, to support the distributor  122 , which includes the motor  125  and a rotating plate  126  connected to the shaft of the motor, the plate including two integral perpendicular actuators  105 . The motor  125  is attached the collapsible reservoir  112  by three vertical studs  102  extending from the reservoir base  113 , and attached to a mounting plate  104  which, in turn, is attached to the motor housing using welding, screws (not shown) or other conventional fasteners. 
   The Distributor 
   The distributor  122  is operated by the motor  125 . Particulate food is placed into the collapsible reservoir  112 , and passes through the reduced opening provided by the spout  116  at the bottom of the reservoir. The food comes to rest onto the rotation plate  126 , and accumulates in a conical pile thereon, shown in phantom in  FIG. 3A . Once the food accumulates to a certain height, it blocks the outlet and effectively stops the flow of any more food passing through the spout  116 . Once the motor  125  is activated, the plate  126  spins, and food is distributed therefrom in a circular pattern within a certain radius of the feeder apparatus  110 . 
   Optionally, the feeder apparatus  110  may include a control mechanism (not shown) including a timer, to actuate operation thereof at specific time intervals which are pre-set by a user. 
   Second Embodiment 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a compressibly collapsible wild game feeder, according to a second embodiment of the invention, is shown generally at  233 . 
   The collapsible game feeder  233  of  FIG. 4  has many features in common with the game feeder  110  of the first embodiment, as previously described. For example, the game feeder  233  includes a funnel member  114 , reservoir base  113 , and distributor  122  which are substantially identical to those components as described herein in connection with the first embodiment. 
   All features of the game feeder  233 , which are not specifically described herein as being different from the game feeder  110  of the first embodiment, will be understood as being substantially similar or identical to the game feeder of first embodiment, as previously described herein. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the wild game feeder  233  has a collapsible reservoir  212  which is used to store particulate food for wild game animals. In this second embodiment, the reservoir  212  includes a bag member  215  made of a flexible material, which may be cloth fabric, plastic, or wire mesh. The bottom end of the bag member  215  is attached to the reservoir base  113  around the circumference thereof by suitable hardware such as a circular clamping band  211 . 
   A metal or strong plastic reinforcing hoop  217  is provided at the top of the bag member  215  to give structure and definition thereto. The bag member  215  is attached to the reinforcing hoop  217  in any appropriate fashion, such as by wrapping the material of the bag member around the reinforcing hoop, as shown, and then fastening the bag member to itself. In this embodiment, a wire handle  220  is provided, attached to the reinforcing hoop  217 , to allow the entire apparatus  233  to be suspended from an elevated substrate such as a tree branch. 
   Third Embodiment 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an alternative version of a collapsible reservoir is shown at  312 . It will be understood that the reservoir shown in  FIG. 5  can be substituted for the reservoir  212  in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , to create a modified version of the second embodiment. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the reservoir  312  includes a bag member  315  made of a flexible material, which may be woven or nonwoven fabric material, strong flexible plastic sheeting, or wire mesh. The bottom end of the bag member  315  is attached to the reservoir base  113 , around the circumference thereof, by suitable hardware such as the circular clamping band  211  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   A collapsible cage  317 , made of a plurality of hingedly interconnected bars  319 , is provided for substantially surrounding the bag member  315 , to give structure and definition thereto. The bag member  315  is attached to the cage  317  in any appropriate fashion, such as by wrapping the material of the bag member around the upper bars of the cage, and then fastening the bag member to itself. In this embodiment, the cage  317  can be connected in conventional fashion to other support structure, such as legs or a handle. 
   Fourth Embodiment 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a collapsible reservoir in connection with a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  412 . It will be understood that the reservoir shown in  FIG. 6  can be substituted for the reservoir  212  in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , to create a modified version of the game feeder apparatus according to the second embodiment. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the reservoir  412  includes a bag member  415  made of a flexible material, which may be woven or nonwoven fabric material, strong flexible plastic sheeting, or wire mesh. The bottom end of the bag member  415  is attached to the reservoir base  113 , around the circumference thereof, by suitable hardware such as a circular clamping band  411 . 
   Also in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the reservoir  412  includes a coil spring  440  disposed on the interior of the bag member  415 . 
   A metal or strong plastic reinforcing hoop  417  is provided at the top of the bag member  415  to work together with the spring  440 , to give structure and definition to the reservoir  412 . The bag member  415  is attached to the reinforcing hoop  417  in any appropriate fashion, such as for example, by wrapping the material of the bag member around the reinforcing hoop and then fastening the bag member to itself. In this embodiment, a wire handle  420  is provided, attached to the reinforcing hoop  217 , to allow the entire apparatus  233  to be suspended from an elevated substrate, such as a tree branch. 
   Alternatively, in this embodiment, the reservoir  412  can be connected in conventional fashion to other support structure, such as the legs  128  used in the first embodiment. Vertical support for the reservoir  412  is provided by upward pressure of the spring  440 , and in order to remain in the collapsed configuration thereof, appropriate clamps (not shown) must be placed on the collapsed bag member  415  to keep the spring compressed. In the field, when the apparatus is ready to be used, the clamps are removed, and the reservoir automatically assumes its expanded configuration. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the reservoir  412  may be collapsibly compressed by pressing the opposite ends of the bag member  415  inwardly against the force of the spring  440 , and collapsing the spring and bag member into a small, collapsed configuration. It will be understood that in order to keep the reservoir  412  in such a collapsed configuration, appropriate clamping members of a known type should be placed surrounding the collapsed spring  440 . 
   Fifth Embodiment 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a collapsible reservoir in connection with a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  512 , along with a funnel member  514  having a square outline shape as seen from the top. It will be understood that the reservoir and funnel member shown in  FIG. 6  can be substituted for the reservoir  212  and funnel member  214  in the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2–3 , to create a modified version of the game feeder apparatus according to the first embodiment. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the reservoir  512  is made from a plurality of separate flat panel members  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508  which can be stored and shipped flat, but which can be interlockingly assembled in the field to form the rectangular box-shaped reservoir. The funnel member  514  is made in a size to fit inside of the reservoir, and is attached thereto by conventional fasteners. The remainder of the structure of the game feeder for the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , including the support structure and the distributor is similar or identical to that shown and discussed herein in connection with the first embodiment  110 . 
   Sixth Embodiment 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a collapsible reservoir in connection with a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  612 . It will be understood that the reservoir  612  of  FIG. 8  can be used with or without a funnel member. If a funnel member is desired, the funnel member  514  of  FIG. 7  can be used together with the reservoir of  FIG. 8 . 
   It will be understood that the reservoir  612  shown in  FIG. 8  can be substituted for the reservoir  212  and funnel member  214  in the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2–3 , to create a modified version of the game feeder apparatus according to the first embodiment. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the reservoir  612  is made from a plurality of separate flat panel members  602 ,  603 ,  604 ,  605 ,  606 ,  607  and  608 , which are hingedly connected together by hinges  630 – 636  in the manner illustrated. The reservoir  612  may be made of a semi-rigid plastic material. The hinges  630 – 636 , in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , may be living hinges. 
   The reservoir  612  can be stored and shipped in a flat, collapsed configuration, but which can be expanded in the field to form the rectangular box-shaped reservoir. 
   The funnel member  514 , where used, is made in a size to fit inside of the reservoir  612 , and is attached thereto by conventional fasteners. The base panel  605  is provided with a hole  611  formed centrally therein to distribute particulate food therefrom. The remainder of the structure of the game feeder for the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , including the support structure and the distributor, is similar or identical to that shown and discussed herein in connection with the first embodiment  110 . 
   Seventh Embodiment 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a collapsible reservoir in connection with a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  712 . It will be understood that the reservoir  712  of  FIG. 8  can be used with or without a funnel member. If a funnel member is desired, the funnel member  514  of  FIG. 7  can be used together with the reservoir of  FIG. 9 . 
   It will be understood that the reservoir  712  shown in  FIG. 9  can be substituted for the reservoir  212  and funnel member  214  in the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2–3 , to create a modified version of the game feeder apparatus according to the first embodiment. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the reservoir  712  is made from a plurality of separate flat panel members  702 ,  703 ,  704 ,  705 , and  706 , which are hingedly connected together by hinges  730 – 733  in the manner illustrated. The reservoir  712  may be made of a semi-rigid plastic material. The hinges  730 – 733 , in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , may be living hinges. The base panel  704  is provided with a hole  711  formed centrally therein to distribute particulate food therefrom. 
   The reservoir  712  can be stored and shipped in a flat, collapsed configuration, but which can be expanded in the field to form the rectangular box-shaped reservoir. The abutting panel sides may be fastened together by clips, snap-fittings, or other conventional disconnectable fasteners. 
   The funnel member  514 , where used, is made in a size to fit inside of the reservoir  712 , and is attached thereto by conventional fasteners. The remainder of the structure of the game feeder for the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , including the support structure and the distributor, is similar or identical to that shown and discussed herein in connection with the first embodiment  110 .