U.S. patent application number 12/327014 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for pet food dispenser.
Invention is credited to Michael S. Mahle, Craig Rubino.
Application Number | 20090145365 12/327014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40720324 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090145365 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahle; Michael S. ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
PET FOOD DISPENSER
Abstract
The apparatus of the present invention is a pet pantry having
storage containers for pet-related equipment, accessories,
medication, or other items, and also pet food storage and
dispensing. The food dispensing mechanism allows for measured food
dispensing, providing volume adjustment mechanisms to dispense a
desired quantity of pet food. The food dispensing mechanism is a
single movement handle or button dispensing the desired quantity of
food. The pet pantry is also modular allowing for adjustments to a
pet owner's specification.
Inventors: |
Mahle; Michael S.;
(Fairport, NY) ; Rubino; Craig; (Allston,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HISCOCK & BARCLAY, LLP
2000 HSBC PLAZA, 100 Chestnut Street
ROCHESTER
NY
14604-2404
US
|
Family ID: |
40720324 |
Appl. No.: |
12/327014 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61012157 |
Dec 7, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/51.01 ;
221/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 5/0114
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/51.01 ;
221/1 |
International
Class: |
A01K 5/00 20060101
A01K005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for pet food and pet-related item storage
comprising: a food storage chamber; a means for raising food in the
food storage chamber; a food measurement compartment; a food chute;
a means for adjusting volume in the food measurement compartment; a
food dispensing handle; a shut off cover; and a item storage
compartment.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a shut off cover
between the food storage chamber and food dispensing
compartment.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for raising the food
in the food storage chamber is automatic.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the elevating means is a
calibrated spring.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the food chute is connected to
a food chute release.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the food dispensing handle and
food chute release engage to open the food chute.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the volume adjusting means
comprises a dial adjustment and lift mechanism.
8. A method of dispensing pet food comprising the steps of:
providing pet food in a food storage chamber having a means for
elevating food into a food measurement compartment; moving a food
dispensing handle having a food chute release activator towards a
food chute release; extending a shut-off cover; engaging the food
chute release and the food chute release activator; and moving the
food dispensing handle engaged with the food chute release to open
a food chute.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the food dispensing handle is
connected to a shut off cover.
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of adjusting
volume in the food measurement compartment.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of adjusting volume
comprises: turning a food measurement selector dial to a desired
volume; and lifting a platform in the food measurement compartment
to increase or decrease the space within the food measurement
compartment to the desired volume.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This applications claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/012,157, filed Dec. 7, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an integrated pet food
storage, retrieval, measurement, and dispensing system. It provides
a convenient means for feeding pets, particularly, but not limited
to, dogs and cats, while also storing pet supplies and
accessories.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Increasingly, daily life has become considerably more
fast-paced and activity driven. People welcome the chance to make a
daily routine more convenient, and one's life a little easier. Dog
owners are no exception. Pet foods and supplies have always
presented challenges in both storage and use. Dog food, as an
example, can be a nuisance to store and scoop out. Similarly, pet
accessories and toys are easily misplaced or left lying around when
not in use.
[0004] Various storage products exist for pet food. Generally,
these products consist of a plastic bin with a cover, sometimes
with wheels making the bin portable. There are also products used
to store pet supplies--mostly toys in a toy storage bin. Few
combine food and supply storage in one entity. Some of these
products provide a method for storing and raising pet food so it
may be scooped. Other storage containers dispense food at a floor
level.
[0005] None have an automated, integrated system that provides a
countertop height convenience of storing, measuring, and dispensing
of pet food while also including storage compartments for pet
supplies and accessories, some of which are child-resistant.
[0006] Therefore, a device having refillable pet food storage
chambers or multiple chambers that can automatically raise food
within the chamber and automatically fills a food measurement
compartment is desired.
[0007] Further, a device that can measure and dispense certain
volumes of food is desired.
[0008] A device that contains a low food indicator or window and a
removable liner for the food storage chamber is also desired.
[0009] Moreover, a device that contains both food and accessory
storage compartments with child-lock features is desired.
[0010] Last, a device that is ergonomically designed including the
above features with aesthetic appeal is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention comprises, in one form thereof an apparatus
for pet food and pet-related item storage comprising: a food
storage chamber; a means for raising food in the food storage
chamber; a food measurement compartment; a food chute; a means for
adjusting volume in the food measurement compartment; a food
dispensing handle; a shut off cover; and a item storage
compartment.
[0012] More particularly, the invention includes a compression
spring for elevating the food, and a dial and gear adjustment
assembly for food measurement.
[0013] In another form, the invention includes a method for
dispensing pet food comprising the steps of: providing pet food in
a food storage chamber; elevating food into a food measurement
compartment; moving a food dispensing handle having a food chute
release activator towards a food chute release; extending a
shut-off cover; engaging the food chute release and the food chute
release activator; and moving the food dispensing handle engaged
with the food chute release to open a food chute.
[0014] An advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus
provides for storage of pet food that may optionally contain a
removable storage liner, measuring of a desired quantity of pet
food and then allowing for easy movement of a handle to dispense
the measured quantity of pet food.
[0015] A further advantage of the present invention is that the pet
pantry contains multiple storage containing units to house pet
related equipment, accessories, toys, medications, and other items,
and can also have child resistant features.
[0016] An even further advantage of the present invention is that
the pantry can contain multiple storage and dispensing units within
one pantry to house multiple types of food for owners having
various types of pets requiring different types of pet food.
[0017] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the
pet pantry is conveniently sized so that the food is dispensed at a
level convenient for adults, and also can include a low food
indicator to alert the pet owner to refill the food.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention is disclosed with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
prior to food dispensing;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
with the food dispensing handle being engaged for food
dispensing;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
with the food dispensing handle engaged with the food chute
release;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
showing food dispensing;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
showing the food dispensing handle returning to static
position;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
showing the food measurement compartment at full volume;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
showing the food measurement compartment being raise to lesser
volume; and
[0028] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the present invention having
two storage chambers and food chutes.
[0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The example set out herein
illustrates one embodiment of the invention but should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the pet pantry 100.
The pet pantry 100 has a food chute release 1 that enables the food
chute 3 to open and dispense food in the food measurement
compartment 23. The pet pantry 100 also has divider 15 running
between the food measurement compartment 23 and storage
compartments 6, 7, 8 and the food storage chamber 22. It is also
noted that the storage compartments 6, 7, 8 may be replaced with
other units or toys for the pet. For instance, the pet pantry 100
may contain a scratching post or other devices attached in place of
storage containers. While FIG. 1 only depicts a single food storage
chamber 22, it should be noted that the pet pantry 100 may have
multiple storage chambers for various types of pet food (as shown
in FIG. 10) either with multiple measuring compartments and chutes
or with a single measuring compartment and chute operating between
the storage chambers. Furthermore, the food dispensing handle 20
itself may have a lock to prevent undesired food dispensing along
with various child resistant features to prevent tampering with the
pet food and other items by young children. The divider 15 between
the measurement compartment 23 and storage chamber 22 is adjacent
to the food dispensing handle 20, which is connected to the
shut-off cover activator 21 and shut-off cover 2, and also has a
food platform stop 16 which is used to prevent further movement of
an angled food platform 10 which is in the food storage chamber
22.
[0031] The food dispensing handle 20 further has a food chute
release activator 19 that, as will be explained in fuller detail
below, operates the food chute release 1 to dispense the pet food.
The food storage chamber 22 may optionally contain a removable food
chamber liner 11. The removable food chamber liner 11 assisting in
preventing unwanted debris or small food particles from falling
below the angled food platform 10 in the food storage chamber 22.
The angled food platform 10 in food storage chamber 22 defines the
lower end of the food storage chamber 22. Under the angled food
platform 10 is a compression spring 9, which elevates the food in
the food storage chamber 22. At the top of the food storage chamber
22 is a food platform stop 16 used to prevent the angled food
platform 10 from moving further upwards. The pet pantry 100 also
contains a removable top storage console 17 and removable top
storage console lid 18. The storage console 17 and lid 18 are
placed in this embodiment above the food storage chamber 22.
Furthermore, the storage console 17 and lid 18, may have child
resistance features so that children cannot easily access the
contents of the storage console 17 so that pet medications or other
potentially harmful substances cannot be accessed by children.
Under the food measurement compartment 23 is a measuring housing 26
which contains mechanics for the food measuring capabilities.
Though the food measurement compartment 23 and measuring housing 26
are shown separately, the measuring means and food measurement
compartment 23 may be incorporated into a single housing or
chamber. Below the measuring housing 26, are three storage
components 6,7, 8 that can house any pet related materials.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of the pet pantry 100. The
frontal view shows the three storage containers 6, 7, 8 beneath the
measuring housing 26. The selector dial 5 is on the outside of the
measuring housing 26. Further, the pet pantry 100 has a food
indicator 24 that shows the amount of food in the pet pantry 100,
thereby indicating the need for food in the food storage chamber
22. The food indicator 24 is shown as a window into the food
storage chamber 22, however, it will be appreciated by those in the
art that any number of devices can be used to indicate there is low
food, such as a light or sound indicator triggered by the angled
platform 10 reaching a certain height or weight.
[0033] As will be explained below, FIGS. 3-9 show one embodiment of
the pet pantry 100. FIG. 3 shows the pet pantry 100 in the
pre-dispensing position. The compression spring 9 raises the pet
food 25 in removable liner 11 within the food storage chamber 22
above the food measurement compartment 23, thereby allowing food to
enter the food measurement compartment 23. The food measurement
compartment 23 is set to maximum volume as the food measurement
compartment angled platform 14 is set on the bottom of the food
measurement compartment 23. The compression spring 9 automatically
elevates the pet food 25 every time food is dispensed, thus the
food is always ready for dispensing. It will be appreciated by
those in the art that other methods of elevation may be substituted
by the compression spring, such as a hydraulic system, a pulley
system, through air displacement, or an electronic or battery
operated mechanism automatically elevating the food 25. As shown in
FIG. 2, the food dispensing handle 20, shut-off cover activator 21,
and shut-off cover 2 are fully retracted. Further, the food chute
release 1 and food chute 3 are in their retracted position.
[0034] Moving to FIG. 4, the food dispensing handle 20 is drawn
toward but not yet engaging the food chute release 1. As the food
dispensing handle 20 is pulled toward the food chute release 1, the
shut-off cover activator 21 moves and begins to extend the shut-off
cover 2. The food dispensing handle 20, the shut-off cover
activator 21, and the shut-off cover 2, are all spring-connected
such that when the food dispensing handle 20 is released, the parts
return to their retracted position, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in
FIG. 4, both the shut-off cover activator 21 moves and the shut-off
cover 2 are partially extended as the food dispensing handle 20 is
pulled toward the food chute release 1.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, the food dispensing handle 20 is
fully extended, which in turn causes full extension of the shut-off
cover 2 via the shutoff cover activator 21. When the shut-off cover
2 is fully extended, it prevents food 25 from entering the food
measurement compartment 23. The shut-off cover 2 also acts as a
barrier from the food in the food storage chamber 22, thereby
allowing only the measured volume of food to be dispensed. Also
shown in FIG. 5 is engagement of the food chute release 1 and the
food chute release activator 19 on the food dispensing handle 20.
The food chute release activator 19 is shown as notch in the food
dispensing handle 20, however, it will be appreciated by those in
the art that this engagement can be substituted by many different
connections such that these two elements can be releasably attached
to each other for opening of the food chute 3.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, the food dispensing handle 20 is
lifted upward moving the food chute release 1, which is still
engaged to the food chute release activator 19, upward as well.
When the food chute release 1 is pulled upward a spring S3 applies
rotational pressure against the food chute 3 at the food chute
release connector 4, thereby opening the food chute 3 to dispense
the pet food 25 in the food measurement compartment 23.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the food dispensing handle 20 is
released and disengages the food chute release 1, thereby closing
the food chute 3. Further as the food dispensing handle 20 returns
to its retracted position, the shut-off cover 2 and its activator
21 return to their retracted position. Once the shut-off cover 2 is
retracted food 25 from the food storage chamber 22 is allowed to
enter the food measurement compartment 23, so that the pet pantry
100 is ready for the next dispensing. The food 25 in the food
storage chamber 22 is automatically elevated by force of the
compression spring causing the food 25 in the food storage chamber
22 to enter the empty space within the food measurement compartment
23. The food dispensing handle 20 is automatically returned to its
downward and retracted position by springs S1 and S2, each applying
a force to retract the handle into its starting position.
[0038] As will be appreciated by those in the arts, though the
embodiment explained herein contains a single movement dispensing
system, other methods can be used for food dispensing. With respect
to the handle movement, the handle could require a push feature
instead of a pull feature or even pushed or pulled from left to
right or vice versa to activate the shut-off cover 2 and to open
the food chute 3. Moreover, the pet pantry 100 could have a push
button feature for activating the shut-off cover 2 and cause the
food chute 3 to open, thereby dispensing the food 25. The push
button feature could be either an electronic or manual button
causing the chute 3 to open and the shut-off cover 2 to activate.
Another dispensing mechanism could include a pedal feature
operating in the same manner as the handle. Moreover, the food
dispensing handle 20, shut-off cover 21, and food chute release 1
could all be integrated into unitary piece performing the same
functions described above.
[0039] Regarding the food dispensing action itself, other methods
may be interchanged with the features described above. For
instance, the food chute 3 could be opened in the opposite manner
where the food chute release connecter 4 is attached to the top of
the food chute 3 releasing the bottom of the food chute 3.
Alternatively, the food chute 3 could be placed on the side or
other convenient location of the pet pantry 100. As another
measure, the food chute 3 could be within the food measurement
compartment and would allow for the food 25 in the food measurement
compartment 23 to fall to the bottom of the pet pantry 100 into
container or a lower area for easy dispensing.
[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a measuring means which includes a food
measurement selector dial 5, the food measurement selector dial
adjustment gear 12, food measurement compartment lift mechanism 13,
and food measurement compartment angled platform 14. The food
measurement selector dial 5 is used to set the volume of food to be
dispensed and subsequently raises or lowers the food measurement
compartment angled platform 14. The food measurement selector dial
5 moves the food measurement compartment angled platform 14 by
using the food measurement selector dial adjustment gear 12 and the
food measurement compartment lift mechanism 13. FIG. 8 shows the
angled platform 14 in its lowest position, thereby providing for
dispensing of the maximum volume of food. As shown in FIG. 9, when
the selector dial 5 is turned to select a desired quantity of food
that is less than the largest volume of food, then the selector
dial 5 engages the selector dial adjustment gear 12 and the lift
mechanism 13 to move the angled platform 14 upward. Other methods
of volume measurement may include electronic or battery operated
mechanisms to lift the platform to the desired volume or may
alternatively include a lift mechanism. Furthermore, the food
measurement selector dial 5, may alternatively be replaced with an
electronic touch screen or knob or bar for use with other lift
mechanisms.
[0041] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations
without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is
intended that the invention not be limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying
out this invention, but that the invention will include all
embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended
claims.
Parts List
[0042] 100 Pet Pantry [0043] 1 Food Chute Release [0044] 2 Shut-Off
Cover [0045] 3 Food Chute [0046] 4 Food Chute Release Connector
[0047] 5 Food Measurement Selector Dial [0048] 6 Storage
Compartment [0049] 7 Storage Compartment [0050] 8 Storage
Compartment [0051] 9 Compression Spring [0052] 10 Angled Food
Platform [0053] 11 Removable Food Chamber Liner [0054] 12 Food
Measurement Selector Dial Adjustment Gear [0055] 13 Food
Measurement Compartment Lift Mechanism [0056] 14 Food Measurement
Compartment Angled Platform [0057] 15 Divider [0058] 16 Food
Platform Stop [0059] 17 Removable Top Storage Console [0060] 18
Removable Top Storage Console Lid [0061] 19 Food Chute Release
Activator [0062] 20 Food Dispensing Handle [0063] 21 Shut-Off Cover
Activator [0064] 22 Food Storage Chamber [0065] 23 Food Measurement
Compartment [0066] 24 Low Food Indicator [0067] 25 Food [0068] 26
Measuring Housing [0069] S1 Spring [0070] S2 Spring [0071] S3
Spring
* * * * *