Lick attachment for a food paste container for dogs and licking device

Abstract

Lick attachment (10) for a food paste container (300) for dogs, characterized by that the licking attachment (10) includes a licking area (15), wherein the licking area (15) has a substantially spherical shape with at least one central opening (16).

Description

[0001] Licking nozzles are a well-known technology. They are used, for example, in metal liverwurst tubes sold in pet stores. However, current dog feeding tubes have several significant drawbacks. The openings are often too small or awkwardly shaped, causing dogs to consume the food uncontrollably and too quickly. Furthermore, existing designs are often susceptible to damage from intensive licking or biting, leading to premature product failure. Ergonomic flaws, such as flat or angular openings and bothersome caps, impair handling and comfort for both dog and owner. Many products are made of hard plastics or consist of multiple parts, increasing the risk of breakage or accidental ingestion. Finally, current designs lack effective measures to prevent unwanted biting at the opening.

[0002] The invention aims to provide a licking device for dogs that enables controlled dispensing of food while taking into account the special requirements of dog training.

[0003] The present invention relates to a licking attachment for a container for dog food containing food paste, wherein the licking attachment comprises a licking area and has a substantially spherical shape with at least one central opening.

[0004] The licking attachment is designed to be placed on a container holding food paste, allowing dogs to ingest the paste by licking. The licking area of ​​the attachment is shaped to be essentially spherical. This spherical shape features at least one central opening through which the food paste flows from the container into the licking area, from where it can be ingested by the dog.

[0005] The spherical design of the licking area offers several advantages in terms of handling and use by the dog. The round, smooth surface makes licking easier for the dog, as the tongue can adapt optimally to the shape. The central opening in the licking area allows the food paste to be dispensed in a controlled and measured way, so the dog can ingest it slowly and evenly. This helps the dog eat more calmly and avoids gulping down its food hastily.

[0006] Another advantage of the spherical shape is that it makes it more difficult for the dog to bite the licking attachment. Should the dog attempt to bite the licking area, the teeth will slip off due to the smooth, curved surface. This reduces the risk of the dog damaging the licking attachment or biting off pieces of it. The spherical design thus contributes to the licking attachment's durability and increases safety for the dog.

[0007] The licking attachment consists primarily of a rigid, inflexible material, preferably plastic, that can withstand the mechanical stresses of licking and potential biting attempts. Alternatively, the licking attachment may include or be made entirely of thermoplastic elastomer. This version is particularly suitable for senior dogs.

[0008] In particular, the licking attachment has exactly one opening, namely the central opening. Optionally, the licking attachment can be equipped with several central openings, for example, to further regulate the dispensing of the feeding paste or to adapt it to different paste consistencies.

[0009] In particular, the central opening of the licking area has a diameter between 0.5 cm and 2 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the central opening can be between 0.7 cm and 1.3 cm. This dimensioning of the opening allows the dispensing of the food paste to be precisely regulated, enabling the dog to ingest the paste slowly and in a controlled manner. A smaller opening can help prevent the food paste from being dispensed too quickly, thus encouraging licking and preventing hasty swallowing.

[0010] The slurry attachment is designed to fit various container shapes. It is particularly suitable for tube-shaped containers, such as those commonly used for feed pastes. The connection between the slurry attachment and the container can be achieved, for example, with a screw or plug system, ensuring the attachment is securely fixed and cannot be accidentally removed during use.

[0011] The term "essentially spherical" means that at least 50%, preferably 60%, and particularly preferably 80%, or the entire licking area forms part of a spherical shape with a predefined diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the licking area of ​​the licking attachment can have a diameter between 2 cm and 7 cm. In other words, the diameter of the sphere defining the shape of the licking area is between 2 cm and 7 cm. Preferably, the diameter of the licking area is between 3 cm and 6 cm. Such a diameter ensures that the dog can easily reach the licking area with its tongue, while at the same time maintaining sufficient stability and ease of handling.

[0012] In another possible embodiment, the central opening can be arranged coaxially to a central axis of the sphere defining the shape of the licking area. This means that the opening runs along an imaginary axis that passes through the center of the essentially spherical licking area. The coaxial arrangement ensures an even distribution of the feed paste within the licking area during the licking process.

[0013] In another possible embodiment, the slurry attachment can include a lid, which is detachably connected to the container. Such a lid can, for example, be placed or screwed onto the slurry attachment and allows the container to be securely closed after use. The detachable connection of the lid to the container can be achieved by a thread, especially a screw thread, or alternatively by a bayonet fitting or a push-fit connection.

[0014] In particular, the slurry attachment can have a threaded connection area designed for detachable attachment to the lid. This connection area can be located directly adjacent to the slurry area, especially in the vertical direction of the attachment. The mating thread is preferably located inside the lid. This ensures a secure yet easily detachable connection between the slurry attachment and the lid.

[0015] Furthermore, the slurry attachment can be detachably connected to the container for holding the feed paste. This allows for flexible handling, as the slurry attachment can be attached to or removed from the container as needed. The detachable connection can be achieved, for example, by a threaded connection (e.g., a screw thread), a bayonet fitting, or a push-fit connection.

[0016] For example, the licking attachment can have a wider connection area compared to the licking area, which includes a thread on the inside. The height of the connection area can be between 0.5 cm and 5 cm, particularly preferably between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. The diameter of the connection area can preferably be between 3 cm and 10 cm, most preferably between 3.5 cm and 5.5 cm. The overall height of the licking attachment can be between 3 cm and 10 cm, with values ​​between 4 cm and 6 cm being particularly preferred.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a licking device for dogs, comprising a licking attachment described above and a container for holding kibble. The licking device is designed such that the licking attachment can be mounted on the container, the licking attachment having a licking area with a substantially spherical shape and at least one central opening. The container serves to hold and store the kibble and can, for example, be in the form of a tube or a container. The combination of licking attachment and container enables hygienic and controlled dispensing of the kibble. The kibble is released from the container through the central opening in the licking area and can be ingested by the dog by licking. The licking device is easy to use, easy to clean, and promotes calm, consistent eating behavior in the dog.

[0018] In another possible embodiment, the licking device's container can be made of a flexible material. A flexible container allows the licking paste to be dispensed precisely into the licking area with gentle pressure, thus simplifying handling for the user. The flexibility also facilitates complete emptying of the licking paste and ensures consistent dispensing. Furthermore, the container can be made of a food-grade material suitable for holding the licking paste. Preferably, the container can be made of food-grade, elastic silicone, for example, BPA-free silicone. Using BPA-free silicone as the container material offers the advantage of containing no potentially harmful plasticizers, thus ensuring particularly safe licking of the licking paste for dogs.

[0019] The container of the licking device can have a substantially tapered outer contour. This improves handling, as the tapered shape facilitates gripping and holding during use. The ergonomic design can, in particular, ensure that the container sits securely in the hand when dispensing the feed paste and prevents slippage. Specifically, the tapered outer contour can have at least two opposing indentations that form an ergonomic gripping zone. The mean diameter of the container between the indentations can be between 40 mm and 60 mm, while the diameter at the indentations can be reduced to between 30 mm and 45 mm. The indentations can be arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0020] Furthermore, the licking device can include a threaded ring for the detachable connection of the container to the licking attachment. The use of a threaded ring facilitates the attachment and removal of the licking attachment and contributes to hygienic handling of the licking device. For example, the connection between the container and the licking attachment can be achieved by a thread, preferably located in an area of ​​the container facing the licking attachment. The mating thread can be located inside the licking attachment. For this purpose, the container can have a connecting piece made of a solid material that supports the threaded ring. This threaded ring can have a diameter larger than the largest diameter of the licking attachment and larger than the area of ​​the container directly adjacent to the threaded ring, so that the threaded ring protrudes and is particularly easy to grip.Furthermore, the threaded ring of the licking device can have knurling that facilitates gripping and turning the threaded ring when attaching or removing the licking attachment. The knurling can be, for example, a circumferential structure or a raised point.

[0021] In particular, the filling volume of the container of the licking device can be between 100 ml and 600 ml. A filling volume between 200 ml and 500 ml is particularly preferred, with a range of 300 ml to 400 ml being considered especially advantageous.

[0022] They show, in purely schematic form: Fig. 1: a perspective view of a Schlecker attachment; Fig. 2: A perspective view of the lid of the slurry attachment of the Fig. 1; Fig. 3: A perspective view of the Schlecker attachment of the Fig. 1 from the bottom; Fig. 4: a perspective view of a licking device; Fig. 5: A perspective view of the licking device of the Fig. 4 with assumed lid; Fig. 6: A side view of the container of the licking device of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5; Fig. 7: a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 6 along line AA; Fig. 8: a side view of the slurry attachment with the diameter of the Fig. 1; Fig. 9: a sectional view of the Schlecker attachment 10 of the Fig. 8 along the intersection line EE; and Fig. 10: a cross-sectional view of the Schlecker attachment.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a licking attachment 10 without a lid. The licking area 15, which is spherical and has a central opening 16, is clearly visible.

[0024] Directly adjacent to the licking area 15 is the connection area 20, which is characterized by a thread 20g. The mating thread 150g is located within the cover 150 shown to the right of the licking attachment 10, which is in Fig. Figure 2 is also shown in perspective. Thus, the lid 150 can be detachably attached to the lick area 15 by means of the thread.

[0025] The connection area 20 is adjoined by the connection area 30, which has a larger diameter than the lick area 15 and / or the connection area 20. A 30g thread is provided on the inside for connection to a container (see Fig. 3, which shows a perspective view of the Schlecker attachment 10 from below).

[0026] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a licking device 200, which includes a licking attachment 10 with a lid 150. It also includes a container 300 with a connecting attachment 302 (see especially Figure 4). Fig. 5) A threaded ring 303 is clearly visible. Furthermore, in Fig. 5 a double-sided indentation 301 of the container 300 can be seen, which ensures a particularly ergonomic shape.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the licking device 10, with the lid 150 now removed.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a side view of the container 300. The connecting piece 302 with the thread 302g for connection to the Schlecker attachment 10 and the threaded ring 303 are shown. Furthermore, the container 300 has the indentation 301 described above, which is centrally located in the vertical direction 400 and at which the width of the container is reduced in the horizontal direction 500.

[0029] In Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 6 along line AA, showing again the container 300 with the indentation 301, the connecting set 302 together with the thread 302g and the threaded ring 303.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of the Schlecker attachment 10 with a diameter of 10d. Fig. Figure 1 shows the licking area 15, with the opening 16 running centrally through the licking area along the central axis 17. The licking area 15 has a diameter of 15d (500 mm in width) and a height of 15h (400 mm in height). The connecting area has a diameter of 20d and a height of 20h.

[0031] In the vertical direction 400, after the connection area 20, the connection area 30 follows, with a diameter 30d, a height 30h and an internal thread 30g for connection to the container.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 9 is a sectional view of the Schlecker attachment 10 of the Fig. 8 along the section line EE, in which the diameter 16d of the central opening 16 is shown.

[0033] In Fig.Figure 10 shows another sectional view of the Schleck attachment 10, this time with the cover 150 attached. The thread 150g for connecting the Schleck attachment engages with the thread 20g of the connection area 20. The cover 150 covers the central opening 16. For this purpose, the cover may have a projection that extends into the central opening. Reference symbol list 10 Schlecker attachments 10d diameter of the slurry attachment 15 licking area 15d diameter of the licking area 15h Height of the licking area 16 central opening 16d diameter of the central opening 17 Central axis 20 Connection area 20g thread for connection with lid 20d diameter of the connection area 20h height of the connection area 30 Connection area 30d diameter of the connection area 30h height of the connection area 30g thread for connection to container 150 lids 150g thread for connection with Schlecker attachment 200 licking device 300 containers 301 Confiscation 302 Connecting attachment 302g thread for connection with Schlecker attachment 303 Threaded ring 400 Altitude 500 latitude

Claims

[1] Lick attachment (10) for a container (300) containing food paste for dogs, characterized by , that the licking attachment (10) includes a licking area (15), wherein the licking area (15) has a substantially spherical shape with at least one central opening (16). [2] Slurp attachment (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the licking area (15) has a diameter (15d) between 2 cm and 7 cm. [3] Slur attachment (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the central opening (16) has a diameter (16d) between 0.5 cm and 2 mm. [4] Slur attachment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the central opening (16) is arranged coaxially to a central axis (17) of a sphere defining the shape of the licking area. [5] Slur attachment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lick attachment (10) includes a lid (150), wherein the lid (150) is detachably connectable to the container (300). [6] Slurp attachment (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the slug attachment (10) includes a connection area (20) with a thread for detachable connection with the lid (150), the connecting area (20) is directly adjacent to the licking area (15). [7] Slur attachment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lick attachment (10) can be detachably connected to the container (300) for receiving feed paste. [8] Licking device (200) for dogs, comprising a licking attachment (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a container (300) for receiving food paste. [9] Licking device (200) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the container (300) is made of flexible material. [10] Licking device (200) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the container (300) is made of BPA-free silicone. [11] Licking device (200) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that the container (300) comprises a substantially tapered outer contour. [12] Licking device (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by , that the licking device (200) comprises a threaded ring (303) for the detachable connection of the container (300) with the licking attachment (10). [13] Licking device (200) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the threaded ring (303) has knurling. [14] Licking device (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by , that the filling volume of the container (300) is between 100 ml and 600 ml, preferably between 200 ml and 500 ml, most preferably between 300 ml and 400 ml.

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