Abstract:
An automated feeding apparatus for animals includes a compartmented feed storage container provided with an upper hinged access door for charging the feed into the compartments, which are provided with automatically or manually operable discharge doors. The container is so dimensioned that the discharge doors in their closed and open positions are shielded from an animal feeding from the apparatus. A deflector plate is disposed beneath the discharge doors and is so mounted as to allow and accommodate unintended movement thereof, for example movement occasioned by an animal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation-In-Part (C.I.P.) of application Ser. No. 11/156,638 filed on Jun. 21, 2005, now abandoned, and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60/581,456, filed on Jun. 22, 2004, is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to feeding apparatuses for animals and methods, and is more particularly concerned with such an apparatus for automatically, or manually, feeding pellets and/or hay to horses. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is well known in the art to have a feeder for animals such as horses and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,744 issued to H. Carr on Nov. 5, 1974 provides for a feeder with a relatively complex mechanism for opening the doors one by one and ensuring that the system closes all doors when the lid is opened. Moreover, the constriction of the hopper could potentially block or choke the delivery of feed to the animal(s) with perturbing circumstances. Finally, the lid being positioned above the feeder significantly hampers the delivery of heavy bags of pellets, for example, which must be lifted above the feeder. U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,169 issued to B. Jenson et al. on May 4, 1999 shows hayracks which, if strong enough not to be damaged by the animal, provide for a more complicated and probably heavier feeder to build. In addition, a hazard will always exists on this design with an automatic opening of one of the doors while an animal is eating, potentially hurting the nose or nostrils of the animal. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,912 issued to K. Supple et al. on Oct. 26, 1999 discloses a feeder that generally releases all the food contained therein at a certain time. It is therefore necessary to reload the feeder regularly and this, only for one type of food material. Furthermore, in this invention also there is a hazard that the tray or the armature structure could hurt the animal when the controller releases the tray open. U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,443 issued to A. Bernard on Apr. 6, 2004 provides for some of the same disadvantages as earlier described. One can consider for example the difficulty to fill the device without having to release it from the support structure and the potential to harm the animal with one of the bottom walls or with the protruding pin component when the bottom wall is released open. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved automated feeder apparatus for animals. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved automated feeder apparatus for animals. 
         [0007]    An advantage of the present invention is that the feeder apparatus provides for a feeding mechanism designed to avoid hurting the muzzle of the animal, more specifically the nose, nostrils and mouth. 
         [0008]    Another advantage of the present invention is that the feeder apparatus provides for a protected feeding mechanism in order to avoid being damaged by the muzzle of the animal. 
         [0009]    A further advantage of the present invention is that the feeding apparatus has at least two separate feed lines providing for two types of food material that can be delivered simultaneously or consecutively and that provides for either an automated or manual activation. 
         [0010]    Still another advantage of the present invention is that the feeding apparatus provides for an easily accessible horizontal access to the feeding area for filling and refilling the different types of food material for the animals. 
         [0011]    Still a further advantage of the present invention is that the feeding apparatus holds separate feed section and a feed deflector. 
         [0012]    Another advantage of the present invention is that the feeding apparatus provides for a delivery of the food material without blocking. 
         [0013]    Still a further advantage of the present invention is that the feeding apparatus provides for at least one of the feeds that can be partially activated to deliver only a limited quantity of food material at a given time. 
         [0014]    Still another advantage of the present invention is that the feeding apparatus provides for a simple, economically sound and easy to manufacture mechanical arrangement. 
         [0015]    Another advantage of the present invention is that the feeding apparatus may be situated within an animal stable or box or externally thereof, dependent upon the nature of the stable facility. 
         [0016]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feeding apparatus for animals consisting of a box structure comprising a hinged upper front door, a secured lower front panel, a top panel, a pair of side panels, a back panel, the upper front door and lower front panel, side and back panels bordering a series of compartments for feed materials, each of the compartments being provided with a lower hinged discharge door, a door locking and opening system adapted to activate the respective lower hinged discharge door to open to enable feed materials to fall by gravity towards a feed area and an independent door closing system adapted to close the lower hinged discharge doors, the lower front panel, the side panels and the back panel being configured and sized to extend downwardly enough to enclose the lower hinged discharge doors when in an open position, and an angularly orientable deflector plate being disposed beneath the discharge doors and being adjustably attached to deflector plate supports through the agency of pin and slot arrangements, the deflector plate in use deflecting the feed materials falling from the discharge doors towards the feed area, and some of the deflector plate supports being mountable in such manner as in use to accommodate movement by an external force. 
         [0017]    The movable supports may conveniently be pivotally mounted. 
         [0018]    The pin and slot arrangements may be provided respectively on the deflector plate and on the deflector plate supports. 
         [0019]    Each pin and slot arrangement comprises a pin slidably mounted in both a corresponding support slot of the deflector plate support and a corresponding plate slot of the deflector plate, the pin being slidably movable simultaneously in both the corresponding support slot and the plate slot. 
         [0020]    The deflector plate is conveniently provided beneath the discharge doors to facilitate flow of the feed materials to the feed area which may simply be the ground or may be a feed trough for the animals. The angular inclination of the deflector plate is adjustable to afford a degree of modulation to cater for differing feed consistencies or feed rates. 
         [0021]    The deflector plate may be mounted on plate supports connected to the apparatus and mounting feet may be advantageously mounted at a lower end of the plate supports in such manner as to allow of the movement hereinbefore mentioned. 
         [0022]    A separate compartment or compartments may be provided for other feed materials, for example granular feeds, which may benefit from different conveying regimes. In one example of the invention the conveying regime may comprise a screw feeder for transporting the feed from the compartment to a receptor, for example a manger or feed pan, suitably disposed for ease of access by the animal. 
         [0023]    Each lower hinged discharge door may be unitary or may be formed in two separate parts each essentially comprising a half-door. In the case where half-doors are adopted integrated operation thereof may be provided for by means of a simple lever and over-centre arrangement of the door locking and opening system and the door closing system. 
         [0024]    The control of the feeding apparatus may be such as to allow incremental feeding by for example stepwise opening of the lower discharge doors. 
         [0025]    A portion of the feeding apparatus of the invention may be electrified to protect it from inadvertent damage by the animal. In the alternative the whole of the apparatus is electrified. 
         [0026]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following Figures, wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a simplified front perspective view of a feeding apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the upper front door in the open position showing access to the feed compartments on the refill side; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a simplified rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , showing the discharge side, namely the animal side, of the apparatus; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the apparatus shown in situ on the outside of a horse loose box or stable; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 4 to 6  are section views taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 , showing the stages of closure of the lower hinged discharge doors; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 7 to 12  illustrate an alternative form of lower hinged discharge door arrangement; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 13 to 15  show schematically an alternative operating arrangement for the lower hinged discharge doors; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  shows a discharge system for granular feed materials; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a perspective front view of a feeding apparatus according to the invention showing a further embodiment of a detail thereof; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a scrap side view of the details shown in  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation with like numerals of reference being employed for like parts in differing embodiments of the invention or its details. 
         [0038]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1 to 3  there is schematically shown a feeding apparatus  1  in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus essentially consists of a box structure  2  having an upper feed or input region  4  with a top panel  3  and a relatively lower discharge region  6  defined between front  14  and end panels  5 ,  7 . 
         [0039]    The upper feed region  4  comprises a series of compartments  8 ,  70  (two hay compartments  8  and two smaller pellet end compartments  70  shown in  FIG. 1  for example) separated by partition walls  9 ,  9 ′ accessed through a common opening  10  closable by a hinged upper front door  12  ( FIG. 1 ) superposing a lower fixed front panel  14 . The rear or animal side of the upper feed region is closed by a back panel  15 . Each compartment  8  is provided with a lower hinged discharge door  16  within the lower discharge region  6 , the doors  16  being actuable for closure by a handle  20  of a door closing system suitably mounted externally of the upper and lower regions as shown. The handle  20  is carried by and is rigid with a shaft  22  provided with a plurality of tines  24  which co-operate with the doors as more clearly seen in  FIGS. 4 to 6 . An electro-magnetic lock  30  of a door locking and opening system may be provided for each door  16  to maintain it in a closed position ( FIG. 6 ) and to release it into an open position ( FIG. 4 ) as and when required, repositioning of the door into the closed position being effected by suitable movement of the handle  20  and thus the tines  24  ( FIG. 5 ). A programmable timer  26  (shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 1 , above the end compartments  70 ) with corresponding control panel  27  may conveniently be provided for actuation of the locks  30  which may operate simultaneously or sequentially in timed fashion. The handle  20  and shaft  22  are typically maintained in a parked position shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6  by a biasing spring or the like (not shown). 
         [0040]    The lower discharge region  6  is defined between the end panels  5 ,  7  which are fixed and between lower front  14  and back  15  panels which are also fixed, the lower hinged discharge doors  16  being wholly contained within the confines of the end panels  5 ,  7  and the front  14  and back  15  panels. 
         [0041]    A discharge zone  40  is provided subjacent the discharge region  6  and is in one embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  constrained between deflector plate supports  42  situated at the corners of the box structure  2  and their optional side walls  42   a . The discharge zone  40  accommodates a feed deflector plate  44  for conveying the feed in use from beneath the discharge doors  16  to a feed area  50  within a horse loose box  60 , one wall  62  of which is shown in dotted outline in  FIG. 3 . In this instance, the feeding apparatus  1  is situated exteriorly of the loose box  60  and is affixed to the wall  62 . The advantage of this arrangement is that recharging of the apparatus with fresh supplies of feed may be effected without having to gain access to the loose box. The feed deflector plate  44  is angularly adjustable and to this end is provided in association with the plate supports  42  with pin and slot arrangements  45 , with each arrangement  45  having a pin slidably engaged and simultaneously slidably movable in both in a corresponding plate slot and a corresponding plate support slot of preferably equal length. Thus, the plate may be disposed at a suitable, and reversible, inclination to assist flow of the feed material, for example hay, in register with an access opening  64  of the wall  62 . Typically, the plate supports  42  remain spaced from the floor (not shown) to ensure that there is enough room for the animal&#39;s legs to move around without hitting the apparatus. Optionally, mounting feet  43  could be releasably affixed to the lower end of plate supports  42  to help supporting the weight of the apparatus  1  via the floor. 
         [0042]    In an alternative embodiment the feeding apparatus is located with the box  60  with access being provided externally thereof through the upper door  12 . 
         [0043]    In further alternative embodiments the plate supports  42  may be omitted, a deflector plate if required being independently situated in an appropriate position. 
         [0044]    The upper feed region  4  is additionally provided with end compartments  70  (separated by partition wall  9 ′) for containing granular feed and is provided with a corresponding hopper  47  and outlet  48  instead of the deflector plate  44  to redirect the flow of pellet or the like there from toward a separate container, trough or the like (not shown). Alternatively, the end compartments  70  are provided with a screw conveyor  71  ( FIG. 16  in particular) with a discharge outlet  72  leading from the screw section  73 . An electric motor  75  is provided for powering the rotation of the screw section  73  and may be actuated by the controller  26  on a timed and duration basis to give the appropriate feed amounts delivered periodically as required. 
         [0045]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 7 to 12 , there is shown in illustrative manner an alternative lower hinged discharge door arrangement combining the door locking and opening system with the door closing system. In particular there is depicted a half-door assembly  80  in which each discharge door comprises two half doors  82  hingedly mounted on the confining front and rear walls or panels and interconnected by a mechanical linkage  84  including two operating limbs  83  pivoted together by a pin  85  movable in a crosshead  87 . Each half door  82  has a lynch pin  89  connected to a respective limb  83 , the pins  89  being movable within arcuate slots  90 . A crank lever assembly  100  is provided as an actuating mechanism for moving the half doors in unison between their open and closed positions. Each assembly  100  has a pivoted main crank  102  pivoted to a throw  104  connected to the pin  85 . In operation from the closed position of the half doors  82 , clockwise movement of the crank  102  pulls the limbs  83  upwardly as viewed in the drawing via the throw  104  and the movement of the doors is described visually in  FIGS. 7 through 9  in which last figure the doors assume an open position.  FIGS. 10 through 12  illustrate the reverse movement from an open position to a closed position. Movement of the half doors  12  may be effected manually or automatically as desired. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13 to 15 , there is depicted an alternative form of operating shaft  220  of a door closing system for the doors  16  in which the shaft is provided with one or a series of flats  222  corresponding to the number of doors. The flats are engageable with in-turned cooperating flanges  226  provided on the door hinges  228  whereby abutment of the flats  222  with the flanges  226  and rotation of the shaft  220  effects movement of the doors.  FIG. 13  shows the door  16  closed and locked by an electromagnet in that position, with the shaft  220  in the parked position.  FIG. 14  shows the door in the open position with the flat abutting the flange  226 . Rotation of the shaft from the position shown in  FIG. 14  takes the door into the closed horizontal position shown in  FIG. 15 ; after which the shaft  22  will typically return in the parked position as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0047]    In operation of the apparatus of the present invention, feed is charged through the common opening  10  and door  12  into the compartments  8  and is held there by the doors  16 . When desired the doors are opened either automatically or manually to release the feed within the apparatus to descend under the influence of gravity onto the deflector plate  44 . The doors in the fully open position are wholly confined within the discharge zone and are not contactable by the animal feeding from the materials discharged. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 17 and 18  there is illustrated the wall  62  of a loose box  60  with a feed apparatus  1 ′ of generally similar configuration as that shown and described in the earlier figures. The apparatus differs in respect of the deflector plate  44 ′ and its support legs  42 ′,  42 ″. In these respects the deflector plate  44 ′ has upturned sides  43 ′ which are adjustable attachable to the legs  42 ′ through the agency of pin and slot arrangements  45 ′,  45 ″. In this particular embodiment a lockable pin and slot arrangement  45 ′ is provided separately in each of the sides  43 ′ and a lockable pin and slot arrangement  45 ″ is provided separately on each of the support legs  42 ′, the pins on the sides  43 ′ engaging slots on the legs  42 ′ and the pins on the legs respectively engaging the slots on the sides  43 ′. The support legs  42 ′ are secured to the wall  62  while the support legs  42 ″ are secured to the apparatus  1 ′ by means of a pivot pin mount  41 ′ which is adapted to allow some movement of the plate  44 ′ relative thereto upon application of an external force of a predetermined level, especially using spacers at the mounting of support legs  42 ″ at pivot pin mounts  41 ′. In this manner, should an animal, for example a horse, nudge or otherwise move the plate  44 ′, the resulting movement of the latter will be accommodated by virtue of the pivotal mount  41 ′. It will be understood that the lockable pin and slot arrangements are normally locked in position, but not sufficiently tightly to prevent sliding movement of the pins relative to the slots. 
         [0049]    As will be seen from  FIGS. 17 and 18  should a horse nudge the deflector plate  44 ′ in the direction of arrow A, the plate  44 ′ will move upwardly and in so doing will cause the leg  42 ″ to pivot about its mount  41 ′ along the path designated B and the plate  44 ′ will also move in the direction of arrow C. This movement is compensatory to avoid damage that would otherwise be sustained in the absence of articulation of this kind. The angular setting of the plate  44 ′ can readily be re-established by appropriate adjustment. 
         [0050]    Accordingly, the plate is yieldable in response to outside forces to the extent of the slot dimension. It will readily be understood by the skilled addressee that a variety of pin and slot arrangements may be employed to lend versatility to the positioning of the deflector plate  44 ′. For example the arrangements illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  could be adopted in combination with the embodiment of  FIGS. 17 and 18  to allow repositioning of the plate to any desired angular disposition, as exemplified by slots  46 ′ and  46 ″ shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0051]    The present invention thus provides a simple and yet effective feeding apparatus for an animal, for example a horse, and enables feeding to be conducted automatically or manually and without the need for a physical presence of a groom in the loose box or the stable. Recharging of the feed materials is easily effected externally of the area within which the animal is kept. 
         [0052]    An important feature of the invention resides in the confinement of the lower hinged discharge doors which are not contactable by the animal during use, thus avoiding damage to either the animal or the apparatus. 
         [0053]    In a further refinement of the invention, the apparatus may be provided with protection against accidental and inadvertent damage caused by the animal. In this connection, the apparatus or parts thereof may be electrified as a warning measure to keep the animal away there from. The animal would thus receive a mild shock in the event that it contacts a sensitive part of the mechanism, for example the control panel. 
         [0054]    Although the present invention of a feeding apparatus has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.