Abstract:
Animal feeders that are resistant to depletion of the feed hopper due to undesired feeding by small birds and small animals as well as related methods are described. Exemplary feeders preferably comprise an enclosure surrounding a feed distributor and that comprises first and second portions. The enclosure prevents small birds and small animals from accessing the feed distributor and includes a gap through which the feed distributor directs feed. Moreover, the present invention provides animal feeders that eliminate the potential for feed to jam the feed distributor thereby allowing smaller, more economical motors to be used.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to animal feeding devices and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Farmers, photographers, and hunters commonly use game feeders, as several examples. Hunters often use animal feeders to distribute feed grains such as corn and the like to attract and retain game animals such as deer and turkey, for example. One common type of animal feeder includes a feed hopper having an outlet, a feed distributor located directly under the feed hopper outlet, and a controller for periodically energizing an electric motor for spinning the feed distributor. 
     Typical feed distributors include a flat plate having a suitable shape, often square, rectangular, or round. One type of feed distributor includes a round, flat plate having two or more small L-shaped vanes that function to propel the feed outwardly and away from the feed distributor when spinning. This feed distributor also includes an annular plate attached to the top of the vanes to direct the feed outwardly in a horizontal plane so the feed is not undesirably directed upwardly where the feed could potentially ricochet off the bottom of the feed hopper. Another type of feed distributor includes a rectangular tray having swinging gates at opposite ends of the tray that are closed when the feed distributor is not spinning. When the feed distributor is spinning, centrifugal force opens the swinging gates thereby allowing feed to be propelled outwardly away from the distributor. 
     In use, feed drops from the feed hopper outlet onto the feed distributor. When the motor turns, feed on the feed distributor is centrifugally thrown outwardly and replaced by feed falling from the feed hopper. The feed hopper outlet is positioned close to the feed distributor so feed does not fall off the side of the feed distributor when the feed distributor is not rotating. Specifically, when the feed distributor is not rotating, feed falling from the feed hopper outlet builds up on the feed distributor and effectively clogs up the flow of feed from the feed hopper outlet to the feed distributor. Accordingly, because the flow of feed from the feed hopper stops when the feed distributor is not spinning there is no closing device for the feed hopper outlet. 
     A common shortcoming of known animal feeders relates to the ability of small birds and small animals such as squirrels and raccoons to learn feed directly from the feed distributor plate when the motor is stopped, despite the fact that the feed hopper and the distributor are elevated substantially off the ground. When feed is taken from the feed distributor, more feed falls out of the feed hopper outlet onto the feed distributor. Accordingly, birds and animals not desired to eat the feed can consume large portions of feed thereby depleting the feed hopper. 
     Another common shortcoming of known animal feeders relates to the build up of feed and jamming of the feed distributor or similar moving parts. Most animal feeders include a horizontal spinning plate that functions to distribute feed that falls onto the plate from a feed supply. In these animal feeders, it is possible for feed to build up and jam rotation of the spinning plate. Accordingly, feed distributors utilize motors with sufficient power to crush the feed rather than allow the feed to jam the spinning plate. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides animal feeders that are resistant to depletion of the feed hopper due to undesired feeding by small birds and small animals as well as related methods. Exemplary feeders preferably comprise an enclosure surrounding a feed distributor and that comprises first and second portions. The enclosure prevents small birds and small animals from accessing the feed distributor and includes a gap through which the feed distributor directs feed. Moreover, the present invention provides animal feeders that eliminate the potential for feed to jam the feed distributor thereby allowing smaller, more economical motors to be used. 
     In an exemplary aspect of the present invention an animal feeder is provided. The animal feeder can be operatively connected to a feed hopper and supported by a frame. The animal feeder preferably comprises an enclosure at least partially enclosing a feed distributor. The enclosure preferably comprises first and second portions. The first and second portions of the enclosure each preferably comprise an edge provided around at least a portion of the perimeter of each of the first and second portions of the enclosure. The edge of the first portion of the enclosure is preferably spaced from the edge of the second portion of the enclosure to at least partially define a gap. A motor or other drive device is preferably operatively connected to the feed distributor to rotate the feed distributor on demand. The feed distributor is preferably configured to propel feed provided by the hopper through the gap when the feed distributor is rotated. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present invention an animal feeder is provided. The animal feeder can be operatively connected to a feed hopper and supported by a frame. The animal feeder preferably comprises an enclosure at least partially enclosing a feed distributor. The enclosure preferably comprises a first portion having a conical portion and a flange provided around at least a portion of the perimeter of the first portion and projecting therefrom. The enclosure also preferably comprises a second portion having a conical portion and a flange provided around at least a portion of the perimeter of the second portion and projecting therefrom. The flange of the first portion is preferably spaced from the flange of the second portion to at least partially define a gap. A motor or other drive device is preferably operatively connected to the feed distributor to rotate the feed distributor on demand. The feed distributor is preferably configured to propel feed provided by the hopper through the gap when the feed distributor is rotated. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present invention a method of distributing feed to animals is provided. The method preferably comprises providing feed to a hopper; directing feed from the hopper to a feed distributor at least partially enclosed by an enclosure, the enclosure comprising first and second portions, the first and second portions of the enclosure each comprising a flange provided around at least a portion of the perimeter of each of the first and second portions of the enclosure projecting therefrom, the flange of the first portion of the enclosure spaced from the flange of the second portion of the enclosure to at least partially define a gap; and rotating the feed distributor on demand with a motor thereby propelling the feed through at least a portion of the gap. 
     In yet another exemplary aspect of the present invention a method of distributing feed to animals is provided. The method preferably comprises providing the animal feeder as described herein; providing feed to the hopper; and rotating the feed distributor on demand with the motor thereby propelling the feed through at least a portion of the gap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with description of the exemplary embodiments serve to explain the principles of the present invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary animal feeder and showing in particular a hopper, support stand, enclosure, and drive and control unit in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective exploded view of the enclosure and drive and control unit of the exemplary animal feeder shown in  FIG. 1  and showing in particular a first portion, second portion, and feed distributor of the enclosure in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the first portion of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 2  in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the second portion of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 2  in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the feed distributor shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative configuration of the first portion of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 2  in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary alternative configuration of the second portion of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 2  in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather the exemplary embodiments described herein are chosen and described so those skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , exemplary animal feeder  10  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Animal feeder  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is supported by exemplary support frame  12 . Support frame  12  is preferably operatively attached to hopper  14  of animal feeder  10 , as shown. In addition to hopper  14 , animal feeder  10  preferably includes enclosure  16  and drive and control unit  18 , which are both described in more detail below. Hunters that desire to attract game animals to a predetermined location often use animal feeder  10  to provide feed for attracting desired game animals. In use, enclosure  16  propels feed provided by hopper  14  and spreads the feed onto the ground surrounding animal feeder  10  on a predetermined schedule. Accordingly, game animals are attracted to the feed and will typically spend more time near the location of animal feeder  10  because of the distributed feed. 
     It is desirable to elevate animal feeder  10  above ground level in use. Generally, a higher elevation provides a greater area over which feed will be spread. Preferably, animal feeder  10  is provided at an elevation where animal feeder  10  can be accessed such as for maintenance and refilling, for example. Support frame  12  positions exemplary animal feeder  10  at a desired elevation above ground level. Any desired supporting structure can be used and can be attached to any of hopper  14 , enclosure  16 , and drive and control unit  18 . Hanging animal feeder  10  from a tree limb, pole, building, vehicle, or other similar support structure can also be used to support animal feeder  10  at a desired elevation relative to ground level. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of enclosure  16  and drive and control unit  18  is shown. Generally, enclosure  16  comprises first portion  20 , second portion  22 , and feed distributor  24 . Referring to both  FIGS. 2 and 3 , first portion  20  preferably includes conical chute  26  having outside opening  28  and inside opening  30 . Conical chute  26  is designed and functions to direct feed provided by hopper  14  to feed distributor  24 . Subsequent rotation of feed distributor  24  functions to distribute feed to an area surrounding animal feeder  10 . Preferably, inside opening  30  is sized to define a desired feed flow. The conical shape of chute  26  is exemplary and any structure that can function to deliver feed from hopper  14  to feed distributor  24  can be used. 
     First portion  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , comprises flat portion  32 , conical portion  34 , and optional flange  36 . The conical shape of exemplary conical portion  34  preferably functions to help guide or otherwise direct feed from feed distributor  24  to gap  58  during operation of animal feeder  10 . The shape of conical portion  34  including the overall size and angle are preferably determined empirically. Moreover, conical portion  34  is preferably designed to provide clearance between conical portion  34  and feed distributor  24 . Such clearance is preferably provided to minimize the potential for feed to build up and jam feed distributor  24  when rotating. 
     In the exemplary animal feeder illustrated in  FIG. 1  hopper  14  is illustrated. comprises an enclosure, preferably including a lid (not shown), and functions to hold and store a predetermined amount of feed. As shown, hopper  14  is attached to first portion  20  of enclosure  16 . Accordingly, flat portion  32  preferably functions to mount hopper  14  to a corresponding flat portion or other suitable structure (not shown) of enclosure  16 . Flat portion  32  thus preferably includes openings  38  to secure hopper  14  to enclosure  16  with appropriate fasteners (not shown) or the like. Any technique can be used to position or otherwise secure hopper  14  to enclosure  16  including, removable or permanent, fastening, attaching, and securing techniques, for example. Suitable exemplary techniques include conventional fastening such as with threaded fasteners and rivets as well as crimping, brazing, soldering, welding, and combinations thereof, for example. Additionally, any suitable structural features can be used to mount hopper  14  to enclosure  16 , as use of corresponding flat portions to mount hopper  14  to enclosure  16  is exemplary and not required. For example, hopper  14  can be mounted to enclosure  16  using any of standoffs, brackets, supporting structure, and the like. Moreover, hopper  14  can be spaced from or remote from enclosure  16 . Accordingly, animal feeder  10  can include any of a chute, hose, and trough including mechanized devices to provide feed from hopper  14  to enclosure  16 . 
     Second portion  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , comprises flat portion  40 , conical portion  42 , and optional flange  44 . Flat portion  40  of second portion  22  preferably comprises opening  46  for coupling sleeve  48  of feed distributor  24  with shaft  81  of motor  80 . Flat portion  40 , of second portion  22  also preferably comprises openings  50  that function to allow one or both of moisture and feed to exit enclosure  16  and further allow for ventilation of enclosure  16 . In particular, moisture as any of humidity, rain, and snow may undesirably enter enclosure  16 . Openings  50  thus allow such moisture to escape. Additionally, feed may spill from feed distributor  24  and openings  50  allow such feed to exit enclosure  16  to prevent feed from undesirably accumulating in enclosure  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  in particular, flat portion  40  of second portion  22  also preferably comprises openings  52 . Openings  52  function to secure second portion  22  to plate  54  of drive and control unit  18 . As shown, plate  54  includes standoffs  56  that align with and provide attachment locations for plate  54  using appropriate fasteners (not shown) or the like. Preferably, standoffs  56  are welded to plate  54  and each include a threaded opening for receiving a threaded fastener. Any technique can be used to position or otherwise secure second portion  22  to plate  54  including, removable or permanent, fastening, attaching, and securing techniques including use of standoffs or other similarly functioning structure. Suitable exemplary techniques include conventional fastening such as with threaded fasteners and rivets as well as crimping, brazing, soldering, welding, and combinations thereof, for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , first portion  20  and second portion  22  of enclosure  16  are spaced apart to provide gap  58  between circumferential edge  35  of flange  36  of first portion  20  and circumferential edge  43  of flange  44  of second portion  22 . First portion  20  preferably includes openings  60  and second portion  22  preferably includes openings  62 . Openings  60  and  62 , of first and second portions  20  and  22 , respectively, function with standoffs  56  and appropriate fasteners (not shown) to secure first portion  20  relative to second portion  22  to define gap  58  in accordance with the present invention. Any technique can be used to position first and second portions  20  and  22 , respectively, relative to each other to define gap  58  including spacers and support structures such as tabs or the like as well as conventional fastening such as with threaded fasteners, riveting, brazing, and welding, for example. 
     Flanges  36  and  44  at least partially relate to defining gap  58  and as shown are provided as parallel extensions of conical portions  34  and  42 . Flanges  36  and  44  can be provided at any desired angle such as to provide a converging or diverging space between flanges  36  and  44 . Flanges  36  and  44  may have the same or may have different angles. Gap  58  is preferably determined by considering factors such as the area over which feed is desired to be spread, the type of feed distributor used, the shape and size of first and second portions  20  and  22  of enclosure  16 , the distance between feed distributor  24  and gap  58 , and the types of animals desired to be restricted from accessing feed within enclosure  16 . Preferably, gap  58  is determined empirically. Accordingly, as gap  58  increases the area of feed coverage also increases. However, as gap  58  increases undesired animals might be able to access feed within enclosure  16 . Spacing feed distributor  24  further away from gap  58  can help to prevent undesired animals from accessing feed within enclosure  16  but may potentially decrease the area of feed coverage. Preferably, the above noted the exemplary factors are empirically balanced to achieve the desired area of coverage and resistance to access by undesired animals. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first and second portions  20  and  22  of enclosure  16  preferably have an outside diameter of about 12 to 14 inches and a height of about 0.75 to 2 inches. If used, flanges  36  and  44  preferably protrude from first and second portions  20  and  22 , respectively, by about 1 inch. Flanges  36  and  44  can be provided at any desired angle. Regarding the shape of first and second portions  20  and  22  of enclosure  16 , the angle of the conical wall is preferably about 30 to 40°. Preferably, the distance from the outside diameter of enclosure  16  to edge  67  of feed distributor  24  is about 3 to 5 inches. Additionally, gap  58  is preferably about 0.25 to 1 inch. Further, outside opening  28  of conical chute  26  preferably has a diameter of about 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Inside opening  30  of conical chute  26  preferably has a diameter of about 1.5 to 2 inches. In addition, feed distributor  24  has a width of about 2.5 to 3.5 inches and a length of about 4.5 to 5.5 inches. Animal feeder  10  is preferably formed from metal such as conventional steel or the like and is painted or otherwise treated for corrosion resistance. Any desired appropriate materials can be used including non-metals such as plastic and fiberglass, for example 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , exemplary feed distributor  24  is illustrated in greater detail. Feed distributor  24 , as illustrated, comprises inside region  64 . Region  64  preferably includes and is preferably defined by plate  66  (operatively attached to coupling sleeve  48 ), sides  68  and  70 , and swinging gates  72  and  74 . Opening  30  of chute  26  is positioned relative to region  64  so feed from inside opening  30  of chute  26  preferably creates a feed pile that effectively blocks chute  26  and prevents additional feed from accumulating in region  64  of feed distributor  24  when feed distributor  24  is not rotating. When feed distributor  24  is rotating in use, centrifugal force both opens gates  72  and  74  and directs feed provided in region  64  through gap  58 . Additionally, gates  72  and  74  as well as sides  68  and  70  help to prevent feed from spilling from feed distributor  24  especially when animal feeder  10  is suspended from a tree or the like and swinging because of wind. It is noted that feed distributor  24  is exemplary and suitable alternates include any structure, device, or mechanism functionally capable of directing feed through gap  58  in accordance with the present invention. 
     Further referring to  FIG. 2 , drive and control unit  18  preferably comprises housing  76  having plate  54  and access door  78  and that is preferably designed in accordance with the environment in which animal feeder  10  will be used. Housing  76  preferably provides an enclosure for motor  80 , motor controller  82 , and a power source (not shown). Motor  80  includes shaft  81  that is configured to operatively mate with coupling sleeve  48  of feed distributor  24  and preferably uses conventional threaded fasteners such as such set screws or the like to provide a secure coupling. Any desired coupling device can be used to provide a functional coupling between feed distributor  24  and shaft  81  of motor  80 . Moreover, speed or torque conversion devices can be used such as transmission, gearboxes, and the like. Motor  80  preferably slides into sleeve  84 , which is preferably welded or otherwise attached to plate  54 . Preferably, motor  80  is held in place by using fasteners to attach motor  80  to flat portion  40  of second portion  22 . In an exemplary embodiment of animal feeder  10 , motor  80  comprises a 12-volt DC motor. Any attachment method can be used such as described herein and as conventionally known. 
     Motor controller  82  preferably comprises a device capable of controlling any desired parameters of motor  80 . Motor controller  82  also preferably functions to start and stop motor  80  on demand and according to a predetermined schedule. For example, conventional programmable logic controllers or the like can be used. 
     Drive and control unit  18  also preferably includes a suitable power source (not shown). Exemplary power sources include a battery, a solar cell, a generator, and a line source attached to a power grid such as an inside or outside receptacle of a dwelling or other powered structure. A power source is preferably specified based on the specification of the motor that is used. 
     As noted above, flanges  36  and  44  of first and second portions,  20  and  22 , respectively, are optional.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate alternate first and second portions  86  and  88 , respectively. First portion  86 , as illustrated, preferably comprises flat portion  90 , conical portion  92 , conical chute  94 , openings  96 , and circumferential edge  98 . Likewise, second portion  88 , as illustrated, preferably comprises flat portion  100 , conical portion  102 , conical chute  104 , openings  106 , and circumferential edge  108 . When first and second portions,  86  and  88 , respectively, are spaced apart and provide an enclosure as described above and in accordance with the present invention, a gap is provided through which feed can be distributed to the area around the enclosure comprising first and second portions  86  and  88 , respectively. First and second portions,  86  and  88 , can be positioned relative to each other using any desired structure including standoffs, fasteners, and the like. 
     The present invention has now been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments thereof. The entire disclosure of any patent or patent application identified herein is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. The foregoing disclosure has been provided for clarity of understanding by those skilled in the art. No unnecessary limitations should be taken from the foregoing disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made in the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exemplary structures and methods described herein, but only by the structures and methods described by the language of the claims and the equivalents of those claimed structures and methods.