U.S. patent application number 13/308290 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for animal feeding apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to RICK MERITT INVESTMENTS, LTD.. Invention is credited to Rick Meritt.
Application Number | 20120073506 13/308290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25443390 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120073506 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meritt; Rick |
March 29, 2012 |
ANIMAL FEEDING APPARATUS
Abstract
Gravity flow animal feed dispensing apparatus includes feed
supply tubes depending from a bottom wall of a feed storage hopper
supported by a frame elevated above ground level. Feed dispensing
tubes or a plate are connected to the feed supply tubes and flow
control baffles and/or a flow control valve limit the dispensation
of feed. A wildfowl embodiment of the apparatus includes an access
control cage disposed about the feed dispensing member. The
orientation of the feed supply tubes and dispensing tubes may be
varied to provide access to feed by animals of various sizes and to
provide for placement of the apparatus adjacent a confinement wall
or fence.
Inventors: |
Meritt; Rick; (Gilmer,
TX) |
Assignee: |
RICK MERITT INVESTMENTS,
LTD.
|
Family ID: |
25443390 |
Appl. No.: |
13/308290 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12059718 |
Mar 31, 2008 |
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13308290 |
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11160611 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
7370605 |
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12059718 |
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09920231 |
Aug 1, 2001 |
6920841 |
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11160611 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/52.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 5/0225 20130101;
A01K 5/0107 20130101; A01K 1/10 20130101; A01K 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/52.1 |
International
Class: |
A01K 5/00 20060101
A01K005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for unattended feeding of hoofed animals,
comprising: a hopper for receiving and storing feed; at least one
feed tube coupled to the hopper and having a feed supply portion
and a muzzle receiving portion, the feed tube being configured such
that gravity causes the feed to move from the hopper through the
feed supply portion and accumulate in the muzzle receiving portion;
and a frame supporting the hopper such that the muzzle receiving
portion is at a muzzle height of a mature hoofed animal.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the feed supply portion has
an upper end and a lower end, the lower end extending laterally
from the upper end; and the muzzle receiving portion being
connected to and extending generally horizontally from the lower
end of the feed supply portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the feed supply portion forms
an angle between forty and fifty degrees with a horizontal.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein an upper portion of the muzzle
receiving portion extends beyond a lower portion of the muzzle
receiving portion, the feed accumulating in the lower portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the muzzle receiving portion
defines an opening, and further comprising a dam extending from a
lower portion of the muzzle receiving portion proximate the
opening, the dam blocking at least some of the feed from flowing
out of the opening.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the muzzle receiving portion
defines an opening, and further comprising a baffle extending into
the feed tube from an upper inside surface of the feed tube, the
baffle being disposed between the opening and the hopper.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the baffle is disposed
proximate a juncture of the feed supply portion and the muzzle
receiving portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the muzzle receiving portion
defines an opening, and further comprising: a dam extending from a
lower portion of the muzzle receiving portion proximate the
opening, the dam blocking at least some of the feed from flowing
out of the opening; and a baffle extending into the feed tube from
an upper inside surface of the feed tube, the baffle being disposed
between the dam and the hopper.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the muzzle receiving portion
defines an enlarged diameter section for receiving larger muzzles
of larger animals.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one feed tube
comprises at least three feed tubes spaced apart and depending from
a bottom wall of the hopper.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an access ladder
connected to the hopper to provide access to fill the hopper.
12. A gravity flow feeder for game animals, comprising: a generally
cylindrical hopper for containing feed, the hopper having a
generally frustoconical bottom wall; a support structure supporting
the hopper; a plurality of feed tubes depending from the bottom
wall, the feed tubes each having an angled feed supply portion and
a muzzle receiving portion, the muzzle receiving portion defining
an opening; and wherein the feed tubes are configured to permit
gravity to cause the feed to accumulate in the muzzle receiving
portion without flowing out of the opening.
13. The feeder of claim 12, wherein: the feed supply portion has an
upper end and a lower end, the lower end extending radially from
the upper end; and the muzzle receiving portion being connected to
and extending generally horizontally from the lower end of the feed
supply portion.
14. The feeder of claim 13, wherein the feed supply portion forms
an angle between forty and fifty degrees with respect to
horizontal.
15. The feeder of claim 13, wherein an upper portion of the muzzle
receiving portion extends beyond a lower portion of the muzzle
receiving portion, the feed accumulating in the lower portion.
16. The feeder of claim 12, further comprising: a dam extending
from a lower portion of the muzzle receiving portion proximate the
opening, the dam blocking at least some of the feed from flowing
out of the opening; and a baffle extending into the feed tube from
an upper inside surface of the feed tube, the baffle being disposed
between the dam and the hopper.
17. A gravity flow feeder for game animals, comprising: a generally
cylindrical hopper for containing feed, the hopper having a
generally frustoconical bottom wall; a support structure supporting
the hopper; at least three feed tubes circumferentially spaced
apart and depending from the bottom wall, the feed tubes each
having an angled feed supply portion and a muzzle receiving
portion, the muzzle receiving portion defining an opening; and
wherein the feed tubes are configured to permit gravity to cause
the feed to accumulate in the muzzle receiving portion without
flowing out of the opening.
18. The feeder of claim 17, wherein: the feed supply portion has an
upper end and a lower end, the lower end extending radially from
the upper end; and the muzzle receiving portion being connected to
and extending generally horizontally from the lower end of the feed
supply portion.
19. The feeder of claim 18, wherein the feed supply portion forms
an angle between forty and fifty degrees with respect to
horizontal.
20. The feeder of claim 17, further comprising: a dam extending
from a lower portion of the muzzle receiving portion proximate the
opening, the dam blocking at least some of the feed from flowing
out of the opening; and a baffle extending into the feed tube from
an upper inside surface of the feed tube, the baffle being disposed
between the dam and the hopper.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
12/059,718, filed on Mar. 31, 2008, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 11/160,611, filed Jun. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,370,605, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.
No. 09/920,231, filed Aug. 1, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,841.
Each patent application identified above is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of animal feeders have been developed for
unattended feeding of domestic animals and animals in the wild. My
prior application Ser. No. 09/920,231, discloses, for example, an
animal feeding apparatus having improved construction and being
adapted for gravity flow feeding of animals in the wild, including
deer and other desirable game animals, for example. The apparatus
described and claimed in my prior application is particularly
advantageous in its simplicity and durability as, among other
things, it relies on gravity flow to dispense feed to various types
of animals.
[0003] However, there has been a continuing need for improvements
in such feeding devices, including improvements in means for
controlling the rate of flow of feed being dispensed, and access to
the feeding apparatus by hoofed animals and fowl of different types
and sizes, for example, so that such animals have better access to
the feed. There has also been a need for improvements in feeding
devices which will protect the feed from the elements and feeding
devices which may be adapted for placement at the fence or
barricade of an enclosed habitat, for example. These and other
desiderata in the art of animal feeding apparatus have been met by
the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides improved animal feeding
apparatus for use in substantially unattended feeding of domestic
as well as wild animals, including game animals and various game
birds, for example.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention an
improved gravity flow feeding apparatus is provided wherein an
arrangement of feed supply tubes and feed flow control devices is
provided, wherein the feed is protected from moisture contamination
and feed is not lost to spillage from the feeding apparatus. Still
further, a feeding apparatus is provided which may be modified to
feed animals of different sizes selectively or at the same
time.
[0006] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the
invention, a feeding apparatus comprising a gravity flow hopper
with plural circumferentially spaced, depending gravity flow, feed
supply tubes is provided and wherein each tube includes feed flow
control and feed containment means of an improved and unique
configuration.
[0007] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a gravity flow animal feeding apparatus is provided
which includes feeding stations which are adapted for animals of
different sizes so that young or undersized animals, for example,
may have access to feed, at will, and while other and larger
animals are also feeding. Improved flow control means for feed
supply tubes or conduits of the apparatus is provided to adjust the
feed flow rate for pelletized or granular feeds, such as shelled
corn and manufactured feeds.
[0008] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
invention, an animal feeding apparatus is provided which is
particularly adapted for placement in an enclosed habitat which may
not be easily accessible or may be hazardous to humans entering the
habitat.
[0009] Still further, a preferred embodiment of the invention is
particularly adapted for feeding wildfowl of different types and
sizes whereby a variety of fowl may feed simultaneously or at least
be protected from predators while feeding.
[0010] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the
advantages and superior features of the invention mentioned above
together with other important aspects upon reading the detailed
description which follows in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of
an animal feeding apparatus in accordance with the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a section view taken generally along the line 2-2
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a detail view taken generally from the line 3-3 of
FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a detail section view illustrating a modified feed
tube configuration for use with animal feeding apparatus in
accordance with the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment
of an animal feeding apparatus in accordance with the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a section view taken generally along the line 6-6
of FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another preferred
embodiment of an animal feeding apparatus in accordance with the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side elevation of an animal feeding apparatus,
particularly adapted for feeding wildfowl;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a detail perspective view illustrating certain
features of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8; and
[0020] FIG. 10 is a section view taken generally along the line
10-10 of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] In the description which follows like parts are marked
throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference
numerals, respectively. The drawings figures may not necessarily be
to scale and certain elements may be shown in generalized or
somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and
conciseness.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an animal feeding
apparatus in accordance with the invention and generally designated
by the numeral 20. The apparatus 20 is adapted for substantially
unattended feeding of hoofed animals including, for example, deer,
elk and various exotic animals, as well as domesticated animals. In
particular, the apparatus is useful as a deer feeder. The apparatus
20 is characterized by an upstanding cylindrical, steel hopper 22,
see FIG. 2 also, having a generally cylindrical sidewall 24, a
transverse top wall 26 and a frustoconical depending bottom wall
28, including a transverse wall portion 29. Bottom wall 28
preferably forms an angle "x" with vertical sidewall 24 in the
range of about forty-five to fifty degrees and which is
particularly useful for gravity flow of granular feed, including
shelled corn and manufactured feeds including, for example protein
supplement pellets. Hopper 22 is also advantageously provided with
a hinged breathing type lid or cover 30 disposed on top wall 26 and
provided with hinge means 32. Cover 30 is shown disposed over a
flanged opening 34 and is constructed similar to the cover or lid
disclosed and claimed in the above-referenced patent
application.
[0023] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus 20 is
preferably skid-mounted and hopper 22 is mounted on a skid assembly
36, FIG. 1, including spaced apart tubular skid members 38 and
upstanding support legs 40 which are arranged in a generally
rectangular or square pattern. Suitable cross braces 42 may
interconnect adjacent ones of the legs 40, as illustrated in FIG.
1. Hopper 22 is accessible by way of a boarding ladder 44 connected
to a platform 45 suitably mounted on the hopper 22 adjacent the
flanged opening 34 to provide access to the hopper for loading feed
into interior space 23, see FIG. 2.
[0024] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, the feeding apparatus 20
is provided with plural circumferentially spaced, depending feed
supply tubes 46 which are each connected or formed integral with a
generally horizontally extending feed dispensing tube part 48, as
shown. Feed supply and dispensing tubes 46 and 48 are preferably of
the same diameter although the diameters of the dispensing tubes 48
may be modified, as will be described further herein.
[0025] Referring further to FIG. 2, the feed supply tubes are
connected to frustoconical bottom wall 28 in a generally
rectangular pattern, preferably equally spaced apart about the
bottom wall, as illustrated. Depending feed supply tubes 46
preferably make an angle "y" with the horizontal, which angle is
preferably in the range of about forty to fifty degrees. Feed
dispensing tubes 48 extend substantially horizontally from a
juncture 46a with tubes 46, respectively, and are scarfed at their
distal ends 49, respectively, to form an angle "z" from the
vertical, FIG. 2, preferably of about twenty-five degrees, to
minimize contamination of feed disposed within interior space 50 of
the feed dispensing tubes 48 from snow or rain.
[0026] Each feed supply and dispensing tube assembly, comprising
tubes 46 and 48, is provided with flow control means including a
baffle 52, as shown in FIG. 2, comprising a substantially
semicircular plate suitably disposed in interior space 50, 53 of
supply and dispensing tube assemblies 46, 48 and preferably at or
closely adjacent to the juncture or intersection 46a of the tubes
46 and 48, as illustrated. Flow control baffles 52 have a geometry
whereby they substantially block the upper 50% of the flow passages
formed by the spaces 53 and 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3, but are
formed with a slight concavity as indicated by the arcuate edge 55,
FIG. 3.
[0027] Still further, each of the feed dispensing tubes 48 is
provided with flow control means including a feed dispensing baffle
56, FIGS. 2 and 3, comprising an arcuate plate part disposed just
within the distal end 49 of the dispensing tube 48 and suitably
secured thereto to form a dam to prevent flow of feed out of the
open end of the tube part 48, but to provide enough space to allow
an animal's muzzle to protrude within the space 50 to gain access
to feed disposed therein. In other words, a quantity of feed is
normally present in space 50 between baffle or dam 56 and flow
control member 52 due to gravity flow from the space 23 through
openings 28b in wall 28, and into the spaces 53 and 50, but members
52 and 56 prevent continuous flow of granular feed, such as corn
and manufactured feeds in pelletized form, such as protein
supplement pellets, out through tube distal ends 49. For example,
for a feed dispensing tube having an inside diameter of about six
inches, the height of the dispensing baffle 56 is about one inch
and the height of the flow control baffle 52 is slightly less than
three inches at the center of the concavity formed by the edge 55.
In this way, the space 50 may be at least partially occupied by
animal feed, but the feed will not flow over the baffle or dam 56
onto the ground and thus be lost due to contamination and
environmental damage. For the above-mentioned dimensions the
spacing between baffles 52 and 56 is preferably about 6.5 inches.
Accordingly, an improved animal feeding apparatus 20 is provided
wherein long term unattended use of the device or apparatus may be
carried out while feed is available for animals with minimal effort
and minimal chance of contamination or loss of feed except through
consumption. In other word, as an animal, such as a deer needs
access to feed in the space 50 and as feed is depleted, more will
flow past the baffle or flow control dam 52 into the space 50, but
not sufficiently as to flow over the edge 57, FIG. 3, of the baffle
or dam 56.
[0028] The apparatus 20 may be fabricated of conventional corrosion
resistant steel or plated or painted steel using conventional
manufacturing techniques. Construction may comprise essentially
welding of all components to each other for simplicity of
fabrication and low maintenance. For apparatus 20 having six inch
diameter feed supply and dispensing tubes 46 and 48, the overall
length of tubes 46 and is preferably about 31 inches and about 8
inches, respectively, and the height and diameter of hopper 22 is
about 48 inches and about 44 inches. It is understood that feed
supply and dispensing tubes 46 and 48 may vary in length and
diameter. Similarly, it is understood that the height and diameter
of hopper 22 may vary, depending on the desired capacity of the
hopper. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention,
feed hopper 22 has a height of about 24 inches and a diameter of
about 44 inches. In another embodiment of the present invention,
feed hopper 22 has a height of about 48 inches and a diameter of
about 54 inches.
[0029] In certain applications of feeding apparatus, such as the
apparatus 20, large animals may be present and have a muzzle
sufficiently large as to prevent gaining access to the space 50
through the distal end 49 of the feeding tube assemblies
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Accordingly, the feeding tube
assemblies formed by the tubes 46 and 48 may be modified by
providing an enlarged tube section 48b, FIG. 4, suitably connected
to a modified tube section 48a and provided with a feed dispensing
baffle or dam 56a of proper proportions for the enlarged diameter
feeding tube section 48b. In this way, a larger opening at distal
end 49a is provided for large animals to gain access to feed, such
as pelletized feed 47 disposed in space 50a, as illustrated. Feed
47 is retained by baffle or dam 56a and flow control of feed 47
within tube 46 is provided by the flow control baffle or plate 52,
as illustrated. Accordingly, a feeding apparatus, such as the
apparatus 20 may be modified to provide enlarged diameter feed
dispensing tubes, such as tubes 48b, or selected ones of the feed
dispensing tubes may be modified for larger animals, for
example.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another preferred embodiment
of a feeding apparatus in accordance with the invention is
illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 60. The feeding
apparatus 60 is similar in some respects to the apparatus 20,
relies on gravity feed flow and may utilize a hopper 22, or a
similar and larger hopper, supported on a skid assembly 36 in
substantially the same manner as the apparatus 20. Apparatus 60 may
be modified to eliminate the integral access platform 45 on the
outer sidewall of the hopper 22 and replace such with a suitable
somewhat U-shaped bail 62 for releasably supporting a portable
platform 64 and access ladder 66. Platform 64 is provided with
spaced apart hook members 65, as shown in FIG. 5, to be hooked over
bail 62 when access to the hopper 22 is required for replenishment
of feed within the space 23, for example. Hopper 22 is also
modified with respect to frustoconical bottom wall 28 by providing
a total of six, equally spaced, downwardly projecting feed supply
tubes 46 and including integrally formed feed dispensing tubes 48.
Accordingly, apparatus 60 may feed several animals at one time and
the height of the feed dispensing tubes 48 above ground is
preferably about 36 inches (as measured from the ground to the
bottom of the feed dispensing tube) for animals, such as deer, for
example. However, the height of the tubes 48 from ground level is
too high, for example, for fawns to feed, as well as other young
animals which may desire to feed from the apparatus 60. In this
regard, the apparatus 60 is provided with a young or small animal
feed dispensing assembly, generally designated by the numeral 70,
comprising a substantially vertical feed supply tube 72, see FIG.
6, depending from and connected to frustoconical bottom wall 28 at
transverse wall 29. Wall 29 is provided with a suitable opening 29a
formed therein to provide access to interior space 23 for
dispensing feed through supply tube 72.
[0031] Small or young animal feed dispensing assembly 70 is
provided with plural circumferentially spaced feed dispensing tubes
74, see FIGS. 5 and 6, which are preferably disposed at right
angles to each other and are also oriented such that they do not
all project in alignment with the feed dispensing tubes 48. For
example, viewing FIG. 6, feed dispensing tubes 74 may be oriented
in an array in the plane of FIG. 6 and normal to the plane of FIG.
6, while two feed dispensing tubes 48 project opposite each other
in the plane of drawing FIG. 6 and tubes 48 are circumferentially
spaced at sixty degree intervals, respectively. Accordingly, at
least selected ones of the feeding dispensing tubes 74 may be
positioned between feed dispensing tubes 48 to allow small animals
easier access to the feed dispensing tubes 74. Moreover, the feed
dispensing tubes 74 are disposed substantially entirely under the
hopper 22 whereas the feed dispensing tubes 48 project outwardly
from the support legs 40, as illustrated, thereby minimizing the
risk of small or young animals being trampled by large animals
while feeding.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 6, depending feed supply tube 72 terminates
at a distal end 73 spaced a predetermined distance above a bottom
wall 74w of feed tubes 74 to form a space allowing controlled flow
of feed into spaces 75 of the respective feed dispensing tubes 74,
which spaces are delimited by the feed dispensing baffles or dams
56 in the same manner as for the feed tubes 48. Feed dispensing
tubes 74 are also scarfed at an angle corresponding to angle "z"
for the feed tubes 48 so that their distal ends 77, respectively,
provide openings into the spaces 75, but also shelter the feed
within the spaces 75 from rain or snow, for example.
[0033] Flow control of feed through the interior space 72a of
supply tube 72 is accomplished by a suitable flow control valve 80,
FIG. 6, which flow control valve is preferably of the so-called
butterfly type having a generally circular disk closure member 82
disposed in passage or space 72a and supported on a rotatable shaft
84. Shaft 84 is supported in cooperating bores formed in supply
tube 72, one of which is closed by a cap 83 and the other of which
is shielded from the elements by a tubular cover 85 projecting
opposite from the cover or cap 83. Covers 83 and 85 may be suitably
welded to the exterior of the tube 72. Shaft 84 terminates in a
T-shaped handle 88 whereby rotatable adjustment of the valve
closure member or disk 82 may be accomplished to selectively
control the flow of animal feed from the hopper space 23 through
the conduit space 72a. In this way, additional flow control of feed
may be accomplished by positioning the valve closure member 82 as
desired, but a certain amount of flow control is also accomplished
by the spacing of the distal end 73 of tube 72 from surface of wall
74w, as illustrated. The feeding apparatus 60 may be constructed in
generally the same manner as the apparatus 20 and utilizing the
same materials. The height above ground 19 of tubes 74 and 48 is
preferably about 18 inches and about 36 inches, respectively (as
measured from the ground to the bottom of tubes 74 and 48). Several
components of apparatus 60 are or may be substantially identical to
those of the apparatus 20.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated still another
preferred embodiment of the invention and generally designated by
the numeral 90. The feeding apparatus 90 also utilizes or may
utilize a hopper 22 and support skid assembly 36. However, a
different arrangement of feeding tubes, comprising the feeding tube
assemblies 46, 48 is provided and the orientation of the tubes is
such that two tubes are disposed one hundred eighty degrees opposed
to each other and two other tubes are oriented at forty-five
degrees, respectively, from the first mentioned opposed tubes,
generally as illustrated, or at some other selected angle extending
basically to one side of the apparatus so that it may be placed
against a confinement fence, such as the fence 93 shown in FIG. 7.
Hopper 22 is also modified by placing the ladder support bail 62 at
the upper end of the sidewall 24 whereby an access ladder 67,
having respective distal hook portions 65 formed thereon, may be
connected to the hopper 22 to provide access to the hatch or cover
30, shown in an open position in the illustration of FIG. 7.
[0035] Accordingly, the apparatus 90 enjoys all of the benefits of
the apparatus 20 or the apparatus 60, but is adapted for placement
against a confinement fence so that a person gaining access to the
hopper 22 for replenishment of feed therein is not required to go
into the interior of a breeding pen or other habitat delimited by
the confinement fence 93. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the number of tube assemblies 46, 48 may be varied and
selectively positioned as desired in a feeding apparatus according
to the present invention.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, another preferred
embodiment of a feeding apparatus in accordance with the invention
is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 100. Feeding
apparatus 100 comprises a generally cylindrical feed reservoir or
hopper 102 similar in some respects to the hopper 22, but being of
an overall height somewhat less than that of the apparatuses 20 or
60, for example. Apparatus 100 is, for example, adapted for feeding
various types of wildfowl, such as quail and wild turkey. Hopper
102 is supported on a skid assembly 104 including spaced apart
parallel skid members 106 interconnected by transverse skid members
108, see FIGS. 9 and 10, and connected to upstanding tubular
support legs 110 which are disposed in supportive relationship to
the hopper 102. Hopper 102 includes a frustoconical depending
bottom wall 112 and a central vertically depending feed supply tube
114 connected to bottom wall 112, FIGS. 8 and 9, also operable for
dispensing feed onto a generally horizontal, flat feed dispensing
plate 116 connected to the distal end of the tube. Tube 114 is
provided with four circumferentially spaced feed dispensing ports
118, see FIGS. 9 and 10. Feed supply tube 114 is secured to feed
dispensing plate 116 and flow of feed out of hopper 102 onto the
surface 117 of feed dispensing plate 116 is controlled by the size
and configuration of the ports 118. Four ports are shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 8 through 10 oriented at ninety degrees with
respect to each other and aligned with opposed plate corners 116a,
116b, 116c and 116d, respectively, FIG. 10. Accordingly, feed
suitable for wildfowl, such as quail and turkey, will flow from
hopper 107 through tube 114 and out of the ports 118 onto the
surface 117 of plate 116 relatively freely and will be metered in
accordance with what is consumed of the feed lying on the surface
117 and adjacent the respective ports 118. Feed dispensing plate
116 is provided with circumferential upturned edge portions or
flanges 120 which are oriented at an upward projecting angle of
about sixty degrees with respect to the plane of plate 116 and are
mitered at their opposite ends, as illustrated.
[0037] Referring still further to FIGS. 8 through 10, the apparatus
100 is provided with a limited access structure comprising a
generally circular wire form cage 124 disposed around and spaced
from the feed supply tube 114, the feed dispensing plate 116 and
within the confines of skid assembly 104 and extending between the
frustoconical bottom wall 112 and the earth's surface 125 on which
the apparatus 100 is disposed, as illustrated. Cage 124 is
characterized by a generally rectangular wire mesh, including
vertical oriented wire members 127 spaced apart as shown, and
horizontal wire members 129 also spaced apart as shown, to form a
suitable grid. The dimensions of the openings in the grid formed by
the members 127 and 129 are such as to limit access to the space
130, FIG. 10, within the confines of the cage 124 and between the
ground 125 and the frustoconical bottom wall 112 of hopper 102. The
grid spacing may be such as to allow access to space 130 by quail
passing through the grid openings or through slightly enlarged
openings 133, FIG. 9, spaced apart and formed at or between the two
bottommost horizontal grid members 129 and selected ones of the
vertical grid members 127. Still further, somewhat larger openings
132, FIGS. 9 and 10, may be formed by cutting away selected ones of
the horizontal grid members 129, as illustrated, and at a
predetermined distance above the bottom edge 124a of the cage 124
to allow access to the feed dispensing plate 116 by larger animals
or fowl, such as turkeys. The positions of the openings 132 are
preferably adjacent the corners of the feed dispensing plate 116
delimited by the mitered edges 116a, 116b, 116c and 116d of the
upturned edges or flanges 120 of the feed dispensing plate.
[0038] Accordingly, in use, the apparatus 100 is advantageous for
feeding selected types of wildfowl, such as quail and turkey, for
example. Thanks to the configuration of the apparatus 100, quail,
for example, may gain access to the space 130 by moving between the
grid members 127 and 129 through the openings 133 defined thereby
and may perch on the flanges 120 while feeding from the surface
117. At the same time, larger fowl, such as turkey, may gain access
to feed on the surface 117 of feed dispensing plate 116 by
extending their necks through the openings 132 which are close to
the corners of the feed dispensing plate 116. In this way, various
types of wildfowl may gain access to feed dispensed by the
apparatus 100 without being driven off by each other and while
enjoying some security from attack by predators, particularly for
animals or fowl which can gain access to the space 130.
[0039] The fabrication of the apparatus 100 may be carried out
using essentially the same practices as for fabricating the
apparatus 20, the apparatus 60 and the apparatus 90. That is,
conventional metal fabrication techniques and materials may be used
to fabricate the apparatus 100 as well as the other embodiments of
the invention described herein.
[0040] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that
various substitutions and modifications may be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
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