Feeder

Abstract

To provide a feeder capable of not only feeding to a pet but also providing intellectual training, exercise and amusement to the pet.SOLUTION: A feeder includes a drum storing feed, and having holes on a peripheral surface, a support part for rotatably supporting the drum, a receiving part positioned under the drum, and a slider for guiding feed discharged from the holes of the drum to the receiving part. Thus, feed discharged from the holes in company with rotation of the drum comes in contact with the slider and is guided to the receiving part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder for feeding dry food to pets. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2021-132626 A) discloses a feeding device that sets the pet food supply rate in the feed supply device so that the pet's eating rate does not exceed a predetermined rate, calculated from the amount of pet food measured by a weight measuring device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-132626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The pet simply waits in front of the feeding device of Patent Document 1 for food, and does not need to think or move to get the food. Furthermore, the feeding device of Patent Document 1 does not provide any entertainment for the pet.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a feeder that not only feeds pets but also provides educational, exercise and entertainment opportunities for pets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: a drum containing bait and having holes on its periphery; a support portion that rotatably supports the drum; a receiving portion located below the drum; a slider that guides the bait discharged from the hole in the drum to the receiving portion; As the drum rotates, the bait released from the hole comes into contact with the slider and is guided to the receiving part. To provide a feeder characterized by the above.

[0007] In the feeder of the present invention, it is preferable that the drum has a catch portion that guides the food to the hole.

[0008] In the feeder of the present invention, it is preferable that the capture portion includes a capture piece that protrudes inward from a part of the inner edge of the hole.

[0009] In the feeder of the present invention, it is preferable that the drum has wing portions that protrude outward from the peripheral surface.

[0010] In the feeder of the present invention, it is preferable that the wing portions are cut out at positions corresponding to the holes in the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the feeder of the present invention further comprises a tip-over prevention part that protrudes outward from the base of the support part along the installation surface.

[0012] In the feeder of the present invention, it is preferable that the front edge of the receiving portion that faces the drum is recessed toward the drum.

[0013] In the feeder of the present invention, it is preferable that the receiving portion has a raised portion rising from the edge thereof. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, pets must move their legs or use trial and error to get food. They can also enjoy watching the drum rotate and the food come out of the drum. Furthermore, pets must wait for the food to come out of the drum, which discourages them from eating too quickly. Thus, the present invention provides a feeder that not only feeds pets but also provides educational, exercise, and entertainment opportunities for pets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are front and rear perspective views of a feeding apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the feeder 1. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the support portion 51 of the stand 5 and the shaft 313 of the drum 3. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between support part 51 of stand 5 and shaft 313 of drum 3 in overturned feeder 1. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing how bait F is released from the drum 3 as the drum 3 rotates. FIG. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which the capture part 32 is removed from the main body 31 of the drum 3 and a state in which the capture part 32 is attached to the main body 31. FIG. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a state in which the capture part 32 is taken out of the main body 31 of the drum 3 in the opposite direction to that in FIG. 6, and a state in which the capture part 32 is attached to the main body 31. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Representative embodiments of the feeder according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these drawings. The drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present invention, and therefore, for ease of understanding, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary.

[0017] 1.Feeder configuration The feeder 1 is used to feed food F to pets, particularly cats. The food F is intended to be cat food such as granular or pellet-shaped dry food, and the particle size does not matter as long as it can be released through the holes 311 of the drum 3. In other words, the size of the food F can be selected according to the size of the pet, and the size of the holes 311 can be selected according to the size of the food F.

[0018] For example, as shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B), a feeder 1 is mainly composed of two parts: a drum 3 and a stand 5. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0019] The drum 3 stores bait F. The drum 3 is, for example, a hollow cylinder, spindle, or sphere, and rotates around a rotation axis (axis 313, 331). The drum 3 releases the bait F from the drum 3 as it rotates in a predetermined direction (forward rotation direction: in this case, the direction of the arrow in Figure 5(A)). The drum 3 includes a main body 31 , a catch portion 32 mounted within the main body 31 , and a lid 33 that closes an open end 315 of the main body 31 .

[0020] The main body 31 has holes 311 on its circumferential surface. At least one hole 311 is sufficient, but in this embodiment, multiple holes 311 with different diameters are provided, which makes it possible to adjust the size of the food F released from the main body 31. For example, by providing six holes 311 with different diameters ranging from 10 mm to 15 mm, it is possible to select the hole 311 to be used depending on the size of the food F to be given to a pet.

[0021] The main body 31 has wings 312 that protrude outward from the circumferential surface. The wings 312 make it easier for a pet to rotate the drum 3. The wing portions 312 are provided across both ends of the main body 31, but are cut out at positions corresponding to the holes 311 in the circumferential direction (side surfaces) of the drum 3 (main body 31). In other words, the wing portions 312 are not provided in the center of the axial direction on the sides connecting the side surfaces of the main body 31, but are separated into both end portions. This prevents the bait F released from the holes 311 from being repelled by the wing portions 312 and leaking out of the receiving portion 52.

[0022] One end of the main body 31 is closed, and a shaft 313 protrudes from the center (see, for example, FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B)). This shaft 313, together with a shaft 331 protruding from the lid 33, forms a virtual rotation axis extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the drum 3.

[0023] The capture section 32 guides the bait F that moves along the inner surface of the drum 3 from the direction opposite to the forward rotation direction of the drum 3 (from the front of the hole 311 relative to the forward rotation direction) to the hole 311 within the drum 3 (see Figures 5(A) and (B)). The capture section 32 is generally cylindrical overall, and has an opening 321 at a position corresponding to the hole 311 of the main body 31 (see Figure 2). At least one opening 321 is provided. The catch portion 32 has a plurality of protruding pieces 324 protruding from one edge, and there are notched portions between adjacent protruding pieces 324. The significance of the protruding pieces 324 will be explained later.

[0024] A capture piece 323 protrudes inward from the rear side of the inner edge of the opening 321 in the forward rotation direction (see Figures 6(A) and (B)). That is, the capture piece 323 has a concave surface facing the opening 321. Therefore, when the drum 3 rotates in the forward rotation direction, the capture piece 323 uses the concave surface to capture bait F moving along the inner surface of the drum 3, and guides the bait F from the opening 321 to the hole 311 in the main body 31 (see Figure 5(B)). Furthermore, if the capture part 32 is attached to the main body 31 in the opposite direction, the hole 311 of the main body 31 is blocked by the capture part 32, and the bait F will not come out of the drum 3 in either the forward or reverse rotation direction (see Figure 7(B)).

[0025] The drum 3 is preferably made of a transparent resin material, which allows the pet to see the food F inside the drum 3. This encourages the pet to try to get the food F from the drum 3 when hungry, or to enjoy watching the food F move inside the rotating drum 3, thereby increasing the pet's interest in the feeder 1.

[0026] Next, the stand 5 will be described. 2, the stand 5 includes a support portion 51, a receiving portion 52, a slider 53, and a tip-over prevention portion 54. The stand 5 can be manufactured as an integrally molded resin product. Each component of the stand 5 will be described in detail below.

[0027] The support portion 51 rotatably supports the drum 3. The support portion 51 is a pair of opposing plates, and has a holding mechanism 511 that receives the shafts 313, 331 of the drum 3 on the inner side. Here, the holding mechanism 511 is a groove that receives the shafts 313, 331 and is bent in a roughly Ω shape. That is, the holding mechanism 511 has abutting portions 512, 513 that prevent the linear movement of the shafts 313, 331. Specifically, the abutting portion 512 comes into contact with the shafts 313, 331 when the feeder 1 tips backward, preventing the shafts 313, 331 from falling off the holding mechanism 511 (see FIG. 4(B)). The abutting portion 513 also comes into contact with the shafts 313, 331 when the feeder 1 tips forward, preventing the shafts 313, 331 from falling off the holding mechanism 511 (see FIG. 4(A)).

[0028] The receiving portion 52 is located below the drum 3 and receives the bait F released from the drum 3. The receiving portion 52 extends forward from the base end (the installation surface side) of the support portion 51 and is connected to the lower end of the slider 53 (see FIG. 2).

[0029] The receiving portion 52 has a raised portion 521 that rises or protrudes from the edge of the receiving portion 52. The raised portion 521 is a barrier that keeps the food F that reaches the receiving portion 52 within the receiving portion 52.

[0030] The front side of the raised portion 521 (that is, the portion facing the drum 3) is recessed toward the drum 3. This reduces the distance between the pet and the drum 3, making it easier for the pet to turn the drum 3.

[0031] The slider 53 guides the bait F released from the drum 3 to the receiving part 52 between the support parts 51 consisting of a pair of plates. In other words, the slider 53 is a slope formed from the rear of the drum 3 to the rear end of the receiving part 52 (see, for example, Figures 2 and 3). Alternatively, it can be said that the slider 53 connects and integrates the support parts 51. Therefore, the bait F released from the drum 3 and collides with the slider 53 is guided along the slider 53 to the receiving part 52.

[0032] The tip-prevention parts 54 protrude outward from the base end of the stand 5 (support part 51) along the installation surface (see, for example, FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B)). In other words, the tip-prevention parts 54 extend away from the center of gravity of the feeder 1, thereby preventing the feeder 1 from tipping over. In this embodiment, there are two tip-prevention parts 54 on the front left and right, and two on the rear left and right, and the two on the front side also serve as support parts 52.

[0033] 2. How to use the feeder Next, how to use the feeder 1 will be described.

[0034] 2-1. How to replenish food The method for replenishing feed F will be explained. First, remove the drum 3 from the stand 5. Next, remove the lid 33 from the main body 31 of the drum 3 (see Figure 2), and place bait F into the main body 31. At this time, the capture part 32 can remain attached inside the main body 31. Then, fit the lid 33 onto the main body 31, and set the drum 3 on the stand 5. In this way, replenishment of bait is easy.

[0035] 2-2.Selecting the drum holes The adjustment or selection of the holes 311 in the drum 3 will now be described. The drum 3 is removed from the stand 5, the lid 33 is removed from the main body 31, and the capturing part 32 is further removed from the main body 31. Next, the opening 321 of the capturing part 32 is aligned with the hole 311 to be set, and the capturing part 32 is inserted into the main body 31 (see Figure 6(B)). At this time, the orientation of the capturing part 32 is determined so that the protruding piece 324 faces away from the main body 31 or outward (see Figure 6(A)). As a result, only the hole 311 facing the opening 321 communicates between the outside and inside of the drum 3, making it possible to release the bait F. The lid 33 is then fitted onto the main body 31, and the drum 3 is set on the stand 5.

[0036] Alternatively, if the capture part 32 is inserted into the main body 31 of the drum 3 in the reverse direction (i.e., so that the protruding piece 324 faces the main body 31 or inward), all of the holes 311 in the drum 3 are blocked (see Figures 7(A) and (B)). Therefore, by changing the direction of the capture part 32, it is possible to set it so that the bait F does not come out, for example, when not in use.

[0037] 2-3. How to play with the feeder The bait F is replenished in advance in the drum 3. Then, the bait F in the drum 3 accumulates on the lower side of the drum 3 (see, for example, FIG. 5(A)). When a pet touches the blades 312 of the drum 3 and rotates the drum 3 towards itself (i.e., rotates forward), the concave surface of the capture piece 323 scoops up the food F. The scooped food F moves along the inner surface of the drum 3 due to the centrifugal force and its own weight, and is released from the hole 311 (see FIG. 5(B)). The released food F collides with the slider 53 and is guided along the slider 53 to the receiving part 52. At this time, the food F is retained in the receiving part 52 by the raised part 521 that has a convex shape extending upward from the contact surface. The pet eats the food F in the receiving part 52.

[0038] 3. Effects of this embodiment According to this embodiment, the pet can turn the drum 3 and eat the amount of food F that comes out of the holes 311 of the drum 3. This contributes to the health of the pet, such as preventing fast eating, preventing obesity and diabetes, and reducing the burden on the stomach and intestines.

[0039] The pet will try and eat the food F by trial and error. Once the pet understands that it can eat the food F by turning the drum 3, it will start turning the drum 3 when it is hungry. Therefore, the feeder 1 can also be used for the intellectual development of the pet.

[0040] Alternatively, the pet may simply enjoy turning the drum 3 and watching the food F come out. In other words, the feeder 1 can also be used for the entertainment of the pet.

[0041] In addition, the front edge of the receiving portion 52 is recessed toward the drum 3, making it easier for the pet's front paws to reach the drum 3, and therefore easier for the pet to play with the feeder 1.

[0042] A pet may spin the drum 3 with great force. Even in such a situation, the tip-over prevention part 54 prevents the feeder 1 from tipping forward, backward, left, or right, ensuring safety. Even if the stand 5 tips over, the contact parts 512, 513 contact the shafts 313, 331 of the drum 3, restricting further movement of the shafts 313, 331, making it difficult for the drum 3 to come off the stand 5 (FIGS. 4(A) and (B)).

[0043] The drum 3 can be easily set up by simply dropping it onto the stand 5.

[0044] The above describes specific aspects of a pet mat according to one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various design modifications are possible, and these design modifications are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Feeder 3 Drums 5 Stand 31 Main Unit 32 Capture Department 33 Lid 51 Support part 52 Receiving part 53 Slider

Claims

1. a drum that stores bait and is composed of a hollow body having holes on its circumferential surface; a support portion that rotatably supports the drum; a receiving portion located below the drum; a slider that guides the bait discharged from the hole of the drum to the receiving portion; A substantially cylindrical capturing portion is attached to the drum, has an opening provided at a position corresponding to the hole, and guides the bait from the opening to the hole; In the capture portion, a capture piece protruding inward from a part of the inner edge of the opening; Equipped with the capture portion has a configuration to be mounted in the drum so that the hole corresponds to the opening or so that the hole is blocked by the capture portion; When the hole corresponds to the opening during use, the food released from the hole comes into contact with the slider as the drum rotates and is guided to the receiving part; When the hole is blocked by the capture part when not in use, bait is not released from the hole as the drum rotates; A feeder characterized by:

2. The drum has wings protruding outward from its circumferential surface.

2. The feeder of claim 1, wherein:

3. The wing portion is cut out at a position corresponding to the hole in the circumferential direction of the drum.

3. The feeder of claim 2.

4. Further provided with a tip-over prevention part that protrudes outward from the base of the support part along the installation surface, 4. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the feeder comprises:

5. a front edge portion of the receiving portion facing the drum being recessed toward the drum; 4. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the feeder comprises:

6. the receiving portion has a raised portion extending from its edge; 4. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the feeder comprises:

Images