Power ringing bowl for pets

Abstract

The utility model discloses a pet power ringing bowl with two bowls, one bowl is used for containing food, and the other bowl is used for containing water. Each bowl is provided with a lever, so that a pet can send a signal of needing food or water by pushing and pulling the lever; the lever is fixed on a cylinder around a bowl body shaft, and can swing back and forth when being controlled by a pet; during starting, the bolt connected to the lower portion of the cylinder swings the striking device, so that the pet makes a sound to an owner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a pet hydration and communication system (US Patent Application No. 18 / 388,169). It addresses the pet's need for hydration while allowing the pet to proactively express its thirst or hunger to its owner. The utility model includes a pet bowl with a lever or seesaw button device, a shaft, a bolt, a bell or gong, and a method for training the pet to interact with the device to call its owner. Background Technology

[0002] The background information includes information that may help in understanding this invention. This does not imply an admission that any information provided herein is prior art.

[0003] Reports indicate that meat-rich wet pet food causes eight times more environmental damage than dry pet food. A November 2022 headline in The Guardian about pet carbon footprints reflects this environmental issue. As a result, pet owners are gradually shifting towards drier foods, which may lead to more pets becoming dehydrated. Coupled with hot weather and our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, this trend towards providing dry pet food necessitates innovative solutions to address pet dehydration.

[0004] The inventor recalled his father reminding him as a child to make sure his dog had water. Forty years later, he found himself reminding his family to keep their pets hydrated. Pets often can't express their needs. Therefore, he devised a solution.

[0005] A search of existing products on online marketplaces including Amazon, Alibaba, and Walmart, as well as pet specialty stores like Petco and Petsmart, and patent databases such as the UK Patent and Trademark Office, the US Patent and Trademark Office, and the European Patent Office, and professional search platforms like PQAI, yielded no results similar to the PetPower Dual-Buzzer Bowl. The closest findings suggest that these pet bowls have mechanisms to notify the owner when the bowl is empty or when it's time to feed the pet. While some bowls are advanced, they primarily cater to the owner's needs. They don't consider the direct communication between the pet and the owner during feeding. This lack of agency occurs when the pet wants either food or water, whereas the PetPower Dual-Buzzer Bowl addresses both needs simultaneously.

[0006] Recently, I've noticed some hotel / restaurant-style bells clipped between the bowls in double-bowl sets, but this isn't suitable here. The bell isn't designed for pets; it's non-specific, and it's unclear whether it's for food or water. According to Amazon reviews, owners don't use the bell; it's either removed or not placed on the bowl at all. Some display images show owners' fingers covering the bell. One instruction manual states at the end: "Interactive Mealtimes: Our riser dog bowls come with a bell to call your pet, thus changing feeding times. Gently shake the bell to let your furry friend know 'dinner is ready,' enhancing the interactive experience of mealtimes while increasing intimacy with your pet." However, this has nothing to do with pet motivation.

[0007] The applicant recently browsed all Google Images for "bell," "hanging bell," "bell with lever," and "lever on bell," but found nothing quite like this application; the closest match was a doorbell with a gear lever. The applicant reviewed the top 5 or 10 academic results for each Google search, all of which were complex, but nothing quite like this application. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A pet-powered rattle bowl, comprising:

[0009] a. At least two bowls, including a first bowl and a second bowl, with each bowl used to hold pet food or water;

[0010] b. The first drive unit is located next to the first bowl and passes through the bowl body;

[0011] c. The first drive unit generates the first feedback signal upon activation;

[0012] d. The second drive unit is located next to the second bowl and passes through the bowl body;

[0013] e. The second drive unit generates a second feedback signal when activated.

[0014] The feedback signal is an audible alarm generated by one or more percussion instruments.

[0015] The first or second drive unit can be activated by the pet, enabling the pet to communicate its need for food or water.

[0016] The first and second drive units are arranged opposite each other as counterweights to balance the entire device.

[0017] In each individual bowl, the support fixed to the side of the bowl extends outward to form a platform on which the drive unit can be placed.

[0018] A pet-powered rattle bowl, used for feeding and hydrating pets, comprising:

[0019] a. A bowl, said bowl being used to hold pet food or water;

[0020] b. A drive mechanism passes through the rim of the bowl;

[0021] c. The drive unit generates a feedback signal when activated.

[0022] The feedback signal is an audible alarm generated by one or more percussion instruments.

[0023] The drive mechanism can be activated by the pet, allowing the pet to communicate its need for food or water.

[0024] The drive unit and counterweight are arranged opposite each other to balance the entire device.

[0025] The drive unit is not fixed to the bowl through the edge of the bowl, but rather the support on the side of the bowl extends outward to form a platform on which the drive unit can be placed.

[0026] This application can enhance communication between people and pets, and replenish water and nutrients. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Appendix Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pet-powered rattle bowl designed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Appendix Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a pet-powered rattle bowl, specifically illustrating the levers, shafts, and bolts within a support structure.

[0029] Appendix Figure 3 This is a top view of a pet-powered rattle bowl with a seesaw button installed.

[0030] Appendix Figure 4 Two similar designs for pet-powered rattle bowls were showcased. Figure 4 The left side of the middle section shows a set of gongs (tam drums) that correspond to the gong option, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 The right side shows a similar use of cylinders; (in fact, the cylinder mechanism is on the surface of the edge, not the side) If the shaft is part of the edge, then a cylinder is needed; however, if the shaft is located within a support at the top of the edge, it is not needed.

[0031] Appendix Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a pet-powered rattle bowl designed according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Appendix Figure 6This is a perspective view of a pet-powered rattle bowl designed according to other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] The elements in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale; they are shown only for details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the details in the drawings that will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The language used is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0034] 100 Pet-powered bell bowl; 101 Bowl; 102 Cylinder; 103 Magnet; 104 Weight; 105 Lever; 106 Stand; 107 Bell; 108 Shaft; 109 Bolt; 110 Nut; 111 Seesaw button; 112 Tamm drum / board / gong. Detailed Implementation

[0035] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this pet bowl features a lever or seesaw button on its rim; a bracket is fixed to the rim of the bowl, and an axle is fixed inside the bracket. The lever is connected to the axle, and when the pet pushes or pulls it, a bell located below the rim of the bowl will ring to remind the owner.

[0036] The bracket can be fixed by welding, and it can be an angled bracket or a right-angle bracket. If it is the latter, one side of the bracket is fixed to the bowl, and the other side is fixed to the pet bowl.

[0037] In one embodiment, the lever can be securely fixed to the shaft by welding. To maintain smooth, noiseless operation, the shaft can be lubricated with grease or graphite.

[0038] There is a hole at the center bottom of the stand, serving as the fixing point for the swing bolt. When the pet pushes or pulls the lever, it causes the shaft to rotate, which in turn causes the connected bolt to swing. The swing (rotation, turning, rotation) amplitude is approximately one-quarter of a turn. This bolt is fixed to a bell below the rim of the bowl. The bell is designed with a nut, which is usually securely fixed by welding.

[0039] This invention offers options for both large and small bells, each equipped with a retaining nut of the same size. This consistency simplifies the adjustment of the bell's "volume." Simply by holding the large bell itself, it can be easily screwed onto the bolt, producing a louder, clearer sound. Conversely, the large bell can be unscrewed and replaced with a smaller one.

[0040] In one embodiment, there is no screw-in bell size option, only a fixed (medium) bell size option.

[0041] In one embodiment, the choice of material for the pet bell bowl is diverse. It can be brass, recycled plastic, or stainless steel. Dogs and cats can both see yellow and blue. Therefore, a blue teardrop-shaped lever is recommended. The rounded shape eliminates sharp edges. The lever may be hollow plastic or hollow steel to save material and reduce weight, helping the lever to quickly return to vertical after being pushed or pulled. (If the bell bowl is used to hold food, the lever can be another color that cats and dogs can see—yellow).

[0042] To ensure the stability of the bowl, there is a magnet on the other side of the bowl that can hold a weight that matches the weight of the large or small bell.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, lever 105 is the core component for the interaction between the pet and bell 107, and its function can also be achieved via a seesaw button 111. The pet's paw or nose can easily move lever 105, causing the fixed shaft 108 to rotate. A bracket 106 is securely fixed to the edge of the bowl, securing and protecting shaft 108 and its two joints (lever 105 and bolt 109). Bolt 109 is fixed to the shaft, and when lever 105 moves, bolt 109 swings bell 107. Nut 110 is fixed to bell 107, securing bolt 109 in place to ensure a tight connection between bolt 109 and bell 107. When the pet activates lever 105, bell 107 below the rim of the bowl rings.

[0044] After being fed and watered, truly intelligent pets may be trained to ring the bell twice when they need to go outside, or three times when they want a specific bone or toy.

[0045] In one embodiment, a pet-powered tambourine or pet-powered gong uses the same mechanism but without a bell. An elongated bolt or rod serves as the gong's mallet. A rubber ball, aluminum, hardwood, or any suitable washable or wipeable material can be used as the gong head, also called a "hammer," just as a "hammer" strikes the base of any bell.

[0046] The size and flexibility of the gong head can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the gong itself. If the reed is small, a smaller and stiffer hammer can be used, while if the reed is large, a larger and softer hammer should be used to obtain the best sound quality and resonance.

[0047] Of the three types of gongs, this particular type resembles a "suspended gong," which is a flat, round metal disc suspended vertically, typically secured with a sturdy rope threaded through a hole near the top edge of the disc. This disc is also known as a "tam drum." A hook fixed below the edge of the disc serves as the anchor point for the rope. This allows the part of the tam drum that is struck to suspend in the same position or near where a hammer strikes a medium-sized bell.

[0048] In one embodiment of a pet-powered bell bowl or pet-powered gong, the lever is replaced by a long, preferably elliptical, flat button located within a support. The button is positioned at the center of an axle, which is bisected below by the axle itself. Like the fulcrum of a seesaw, the axle is the fulcrum of the button. For this button, the fulcrum is not fixed to the ground like on some children's seesaws, but is connected to a switch within the support. When the pet presses one end of the bisected button, the other end rises, causing the axle to rotate. This is exactly how a lever moves the axle.

[0049] In one embodiment of a pet-powered bell bowl or pet-powered gong bowl, a cylinder is introduced around the shaft. The shaft is fixed in place, while the cylinder is responsible for movement. A bolt is securely fixed to the bottom of the cylinder, which is very similar to the original design, where the bolt was directly fixed to the shaft. Therefore, the utility and result are the same.

[0050] However, the cylinder is an extra moving part, which can cause the shaft or cylinder to loosen or make a rattling sound, which can annoy pets and humans. In addition, food particles, saliva, and dust can also fall into this unnecessary device.

[0051] A simplified implementation of a pet-powered bell bowl or pet-powered gong bowl requires no support at all. The strip-shaped section of the bowl's rim can be used as a central axis. This means cutting a narrow opening in the rim of the bowl, such as a 1 cm by 1 cm square, leaving a piece of material in the center of the square, and then placing a cylinder around it (this is essential). Everything else remains the same.

[0052] However, the axle needs to be relatively thick to withstand the forces involved, especially those generated by unintentional or intentional downward pressure. If the axle were to be wound in a circle, allowing the cylinder to rotate, the structure would be weakened. Therefore, from the outset, it is possible that the entire bowl, or at least its rim, needs to be doubled or tripled in thickness to ensure sufficient strength.

[0053] Another issue to consider is the connection between the bell and the system. A simplified design suggests using removable fasteners such as key rings or hooks instead of fixing bolts. While this provides some flexibility, the hook might slide within the bell's clip without effectively moving the bell. In this case, lateral forces will be absorbed by the hook and clip instead of being transmitted to the bell itself.

[0054] The patent specification for the pet-powered bell bowl briefly describes Ivan Pavlov's classic conditioned reflex experiments and their correlation with pet behavior. The inventor hopes to demonstrate what he desires to manufacturers or investors.

[0055] Appropriate instructions

[0056] You might remember Pavlov, the 19th-century Russian, from his biology class. When his assistant rang a bell to feed the dogs, they would salivate. Soon, they would salivate at the mere sound of the bell, without food or bell. Pavlov had created a conditioned reflex. Now, your pet is influencing you too! Let's train your pet, let's call him Bruno. Using a pet-powered bell bowl is simple and beneficial. Does Bruno have dry food? Have the kids forgotten to check his water bowl? Imagine you've just enjoyed dried mushrooms and steak, but there's no drink, and you don't know how to get a drink. Imagine this all summer long. This leads to dangerous discomfort. So, let's start with Bruno's water.

[0057] Setup: Make sure the double bowl is where Bruno usually drinks water. Screw on its large and small bells.

[0058] Encourage interaction: Let Bruno approach the bowl and explore it on his own for a while.

[0059] Positive reinforcement: Gently place Bruno's most active paw on the water lever. If unsure which paw, simply know that male cats and dogs typically use their left paw; female cats use their right. The lever is blue, the color closest to water, just as yellow is one of the few colors cats, dogs, and birds can see. When the bell rings, guide Bruno to do what it usually does to get your attention—pull or push the lever—saying "good boy." Immediately reward it for saying "good boy" and immediately offer it water or its favorite drink in the bowl. Bruno always tries to learn from your reactions. Act immediately; if you're already doing something else, Bruno will think you're reacting to this. This behavior will confuse it! Remember Pavlov. Give Bruno a simple association: "Dry bowl, I ring the bell, people fill it."

[0060] Reinforcement: Repeat this process several times to build association. Don't fill the bowl completely each time and then leave. Refill it only once he's full. Ignore the gong for now.

[0061] Addressing overuse: If Bruno starts ringing the bell excessively, stop what you're doing, look at the bowl or touch the water to let it know you understand, calmly say "no," and then turn away and continue what you're doing. This is another association or conditioned reflex: "I will be rejected by my owner when I abuse it." Who likes to be rejected?

[0062] If you have to leave Bruno home alone for a whole day, at least make sure he has water, because being alone isn't good for dogs, who are social animals. Treat Bruno well, pay attention to his bell, and your trust and communication will develop to a whole new level. Experts have always told us not to forget to give him enough water. Now, Bruno won't let you forget to water him.

[0063] Consistency is key. Always use the same bowl on the same side to hold water.

[0064] It can now use the water bell with ease, and we use a gong for repeated training during feeding.

[0065] Example 1

[0066] like Figure 1-2 As shown in Figure 5, this embodiment describes a pet feeding and watering device with two bowls, one for food and one for water. Each bowl is equipped with a drive mechanism, allowing the pet to signal its need for food or water by pulling, pushing, or pressing. The drive mechanism is fixed to a shaft on a bracket located above, on, or even below the bowl, allowing it to rotate easily when manipulated by the pet. Upon activation, a hammer at the end of a bolt connected to the lower part of the rotating shaft strikes a percussion device, such as a bell, wind chime, gong, or drum, or a combination of such devices.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] Instead of a mallet to strike the outside of the bell, the rotating shaft connects to a bell with a regular beat. The bell rings when the shaft swings.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] Bolts may not be necessary. For example, the top of the bell opening may be very narrow, equivalent to a bolt, which can be directly fixed or screwed onto the shaft or cylinder.

[0071] Example 4

[0072] Instead of a hammer, the bolt has a nut at the end. A bell of varying sizes can be screwed on to change the volume using this nut.

[0073] Example 5

[0074] The shaft does not rotate on the support, but is fixed to or under the bowl body, such as... Figure 4 As shown. There is a cylinder around the shaft, with a push rod fixed on top and bolts below. The disadvantage of the cylinder is that debris may accumulate inside, or it may loosen and start making noises or squeaking. Therefore, regardless of whether there is a cylinder, the mechanism can be covered with a rubber casing.

[0075] Example 6

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, in the original application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on November 8, 2023 (reduced from 20 pages to 9 pages and refiled on January 11, 2024), instead of using the bowl body of the double bowl set or the rim of the single bowl, a new rim portion of the single bowl was effectively created by a metal sheet fixed to the edge of the bowl, which was bent or raised beyond the edge to form a horizontal plane. The advantage of this is that the bowl manufacturing process remains unchanged; only a piece of metal is attached to the bowl.

[0077] This extra lever would require more balance. So, instead of providing consumers with a heavier magnet, a bracket is welded to the opposite side of the individual bowl, into which a water bottle is inserted. This tube runs through the arm of the bracket, which can be filled with water to balance a large bell, and only up to a certain line to balance a small bell. A lid will seal the water.

Claims

1. A pet powered chime bowl for feeding and hydrating a pet, comprising: a. At least two bowls, including a first bowl and a second bowl, individual bowls for holding pet food or water; b. A first drive device located next to the first bowl, passing through the bowl; c. The first drive device produces a first feedback signal when activated; d. A second drive device located next to the second bowl, passing through the bowl; e. The second drive device produces a second feedback signal when activated.

2. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 1, wherein the feedback signal is an audible alert produced by one or more percussion instruments.

3. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 1, wherein the first drive device or the second drive device is activatable by the pet, enabling the pet to communicate a desire for food or water.

4. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 1, wherein the first drive device and the second drive device are oppositely arranged as counterweights, balancing the entire device.

5. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 1, wherein on an individual bowl, a support fixed to the side of the bowl extends outwardly as a platform, on which the drive device can be placed.

6. A pet powered chime bowl for feeding and hydrating a pet, comprising: a. A bowl for holding pet food or water; b. A drive device passing through the rim of the bowl; c. The drive device produces a feedback signal when activated.

7. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 6, wherein the feedback signal is an audible alert produced by one or more percussion instruments.

8. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 6, wherein the drive device is activatable by the pet, enabling the pet to communicate a desire for food or water.

9. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 6, wherein the drive device and a counterweight are oppositely arranged, balancing the entire device.

10. The pet powered chime bowl of claim 6, wherein the drive device is not fixed to the rim of the bowl, but a support fixed to the side of the bowl extends outwardly as a platform, on which the drive device can be placed.

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