Refrigerated pet bowl apparatus

Abstract

A refrigerated pet bowl apparatus comprises an annular cooler and a side refrigerator designed to cool a removable bowl. The removable bowl may occupy most of the height of the annular cooler, providing a low-profile design suitable for floor placement. The apparatus may feature an internal heatsink surrounding the interior of the annular cooler, enhancing the cooling effect, and is optionally surrounded by annular insulation. The refrigerator may employ a thermoelectric cooler, controlled by a PCB with a timing function and thermometer interface for precise temperature regulation. An insulator may separate the annular cooler and the refrigerator, with a thermal block conducting heat between the thermoelectric cooler and the internal heatsink. The apparatus may also include a fan to dissipate air between intake and exhaust grilles, with selective operation to minimise noise. Additionally, the apparatus may reverse the current through the thermoelectric cooler to provide heating functionality.

Description

Refrigerated Pet Bowl ApparatusField of the Invention

[0001] This disclosure relates to pet care products, specifically to a refrigerated pet bowl apparatus designed to keep the contents, such as water and food, cool and fresh for extended periods. The apparatus preferably employs thermoelectric cooling to maintain a consistent temperature, enhancing the well-being of pets by ensuring their sustenance remains at an optimal temperature.Background of the Invention

[0002] The use of cooling systems for pet bowls is essential for maintaining the freshness and palatability of water and food, especially in warm climates. Traditional pet bowls often fail to keep the contents cool, leading to rapid spoilage and decreased hydration for pets. This issue is particularly prevalent during summer months or in environments without air conditioning. Existing solutions, such as placing ice in the bowl or using non-refrigerated cooling mats, offer limited effectiveness and require frequent maintenance.

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a way to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0004] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0005] The described refrigerated pet bowl apparatus defines an annular cooler and a side refrigerator configured to cool a removable bowl retained in the annular cooler. The removable bowl may occupy most of the height of the annular cooler, which provides a low profile suitable for placement on the floor as a pet bowl.

[0006] The removable bowl may be made of stainless steel, which allows for easy cleaning and durability. Additionally, the apparatus may further comprise an internal heatsink operably interfacing with the refrigerator and surrounding the interior of theannular cooler to enhance the cooling effect around all sides of the removable bowl. This internal heatsink is preferably a metallic bowl (such as of aluminium) that receives the removable bowl, efficiently conducting heat and enhancing the cooling efficiency.

[0007] Optionally, annular insulation may surround the internal heatsink, providing additional thermal stability and efficiency. The apparatus may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion (which may be made of plastic) that connect together to contain the internal heatsink and other components, ensuring structural integrity and ease of assembly. The upper portion may define a ring-shaped section for the annular cooler and a box-shaped section for the refrigerator, while the lower portion is planar and conforms to the cross-sections of these sections, providing a stable base for the apparatus.

[0008] The refrigerator preferably comprises a thermoelectric cooler, which provides efficient and compact cooling. This thermoelectric cooler may be controlled by a controller, which can be programmed to operate based on readings from a thermometer interfacing with the annular cooler, ensuring precise temperature regulation.

[0009] An insulator may be installed between the annular cooler and the refrigerator to thermally insulate the cooler from heat generated by the refrigerator. This insulator is preferably planar to maintain a compact design.

[0010] A thermal block may extend through the insulator to conduct heat between the thermoelectric cooler and the internal heatsink in the annular cooler. This thermal block is preferably securely attached to the internal heatsink with screw fasteners, and thermal paste may be applied to enhance thermal conductivity.

[0011] The apparatus may further comprise a fan to dissipate air between intake and exhaust grilles, ensuring effective heat dissipation from the refrigerator. The intake grille is preferably located on a side face of the refrigerator, while the exhaust grille is positioned under the apparatus to maximise airflow and cooling efficiency. An external thermal block may operably interface with the thermoelectric cooler and thefan, with the fan drawing air in through the intake grille to cool the external thermal block and exhausting air through the exhaust grille.

[0012] To minimise noise, the fan may selectively operate only above a thermal threshold. Additionally, the apparatus may be configured to provide a heating function by reversing the current through the thermoelectric cooler, offering versatility in maintaining the temperature of the bowl's contents.

[0013] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] Figure 1 shows the refrigerated pet bowl apparatus 100.

[0016] Figure 2 shows a disassembled representation of the refrigerated pet bowl apparatus 100.Description of Embodiments

[0017] Figure 1 shows the refrigerated pet bowl apparatus 100, and Figure 2 depicts a disassembled view thereof. The apparatus 100 includes an annular cooler 101 and a side refrigerator 102 designed to cool a removable bowl 103 retained within the annular cooler 101. This configuration allows the removable bowl 103 to occupy most of the height of the annular cooler 101 , thereby providing a low profile suitable for a pet bowl placed on the floor.

[0018] The apparatus 100 is primarily designed for cooling water, although it may also be used to cool food to keep it fresh. Additionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be used to warm the contents within the bowl 103.

[0019] The removable bowl 103, which may be made of stainless steel, can be easily removed from the annular cooler 101 for washing and refilling. When the removable bowl 103 containing water is placed within the annular cooler 101 , the refrigerator102 cools the water contained therein.

[0020] The removable bowl 103 may have a planar floor 104 that lies flat against a planar floor of the annular cooler 101 , providing stability. Furthermore, a rim 105 of the bowl 103 may extend beyond a rim 106 of the annular cooler 101 , further enhancing the stability of the removable bowl 103.

[0021] The apparatus 100 may also include an internal heatsink 107 conductively interfacing with the refrigerator 102 and surrounding the interior of the annular cooler 101. In the embodiment shown, the heatsink 107 takes the form of a metallic (preferably aluminium) bowl that receives the removable bowl 103 therein. The heatsink 107 efficiently conducts heat, thereby enhancing the cooling effect of the refrigerator 102 around all sides of the removable bowl 103.

[0022] Annular insulation 108 may surround the internal heatsink 107 and be made of foam, polystyrene, or similar materials. The insulation 108 is ring-shaped according to the embodiment shown.

[0023] The apparatus 100 comprises an upper portion 109A and a lower portion 109B, which may be made of plastic and which connect together and contain the internal heatsink 107, insulation 108, and other components. In the embodiment shown, the upper portion 109A defines a ring-shaped section 110 for the annular cooler 101 and a box-shaped section 111 for the refrigerator 102. The lower portion 109B may be planar and have a circular cross-section portion 112 conforming to the cross-section of the ring-shaped section 110, and a rectangular cross-section portion 113 conforming to the cross-section of the box-shaped section 111.

[0024] The refrigerator 102 may include a thermoelectric cooler 114 and power supply circuitry drawing power from an AC power adapter. A PCB 116 may control the thermoelectric cooler 114. In some embodiments, the controller operates the thermoelectric cooler 114 according to a timing function, enabling operation for a set duration or during specific periods of the day. Additionally, the controller may control the thermoelectric cooler based on readings from a thermometer (not shown) interfacing with the annular cooler 101.

[0025] As previously mentioned, the current may be reversed through the thermoelectric cooler 114 to provide a heating or cooling function for the removable bowl 103.

[0026] The apparatus 100 may include an insulator 118 installed between the annular cooler 101 and the refrigerator 102 to thermally insulate the cooler 101 from the heat generated by the refrigerator 102. In the embodiment shown, the insulator 118 is planar.

[0027] The apparatus 100 may feature a thermal block 119 extending through an aperture 120 in the insulator 118 and an aperture 121 in the annular insulation 108 to conduct heat between the thermoelectric cooler 114 and the internal heatsink 107. The heatsink 107 may include screw fastener apertures 122 for secure attachment of the thermal block 119. Thermal paste may be applied between the thermal block 119 and the internal heatsink 107.

[0028] The refrigerator 102 may include a fan 123 to dissipate air through an exhaust grille 125. The apparatus 100 may further define an intake grille 124 interfacing with the fan 123. In the embodiment shown, the intake grille 124 is relatively larger than the exhaust grille 125. The intake grille 124 may located on a side face 126 of the box-shaped section 111 , while the exhaust grille 125 is under the apparatus 100 through the lower portion 109B.

[0029] An external thermal block 117 may operably interface with the thermoelectric cooler 114 and the fan 123. The fan 123 draws air in through the intake grille 124 to cool the external thermal block 117 and exhausts air through the bottom exhaust grille 125.

[0030] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may selectively operate the fan 123 only above a thermal threshold to minimise noise.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 100 may comprise an internal battery supply in lieu of being continuously connected to an AC power source. The battery supply may be housed within the lower portion 109B of the apparatus 100 and electrically coupled to the thermoelectric cooler 114, fan 123, and PCB 116. The inclusion of a battery enables portable operation of the apparatus 100, allowing it tobe used in environments where access to a power outlet is limited, such as outdoor areas or during transport.

[0032] In a further alternative, the battery supply may be periodically replenished by the power adapter 115. The adapter 115 may be configured not only to directly power the components of the apparatus 100 but also to recharge the internal battery supply. A charging circuit, which may be integrated into the PCB 116, may regulate the charging process to ensure safe and efficient battery replenishment. This arrangement provides a dual-mode power solution, allowing apparatus 100 to operate continuously during battery charging and thereby enhancing reliability across both portable and stationary applications.

[0033] To use the refrigerated pet bowl apparatus 100, the removable bowl 103 should be filled with water or food and placed within the annular cooler 101. The apparatus 100 should then be connected to an AC power source using the provided power adapter 115. The thermoelectric cooler 114, controlled by the PCB 116, will begin to cool (or heat) the contents of the removable bowl 103 as required. The internal heatsink 107 and annular insulation 108 will work together to maintain the desired temperature. If the apparatus 100 is set to cooling mode, the fan 123 will help dissipate heat generated by the thermoelectric cooler 114, ensuring efficient operation. The removable bowl 103 can be easily taken out for washing and refilling as needed.

[0034] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A refrigerated pet bowl apparatus defining an annular cooler and a side refrigerator configured to cool a removable bowl retained in the annular cooler.

2. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the removable bowl occupies most of the height of the annular cooler.

3. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the removable bowl is made of stainless steel.

4. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an internal heatsink operably interfacing with the refrigerator and surrounding an interior of the annular cooler to enhance the cooling effect around all sides of the removable bowl.

5. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the internal heatsink is a metallic bowl that receives the removable bowl therein.

6. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising annular insulation surrounding the internal heatsink.

7. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 4, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion that connect together to contain the internal heatsink therebetween.

8. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the upper portion defines a ring-shaped section for the annular cooler and a box-shaped section for the refrigerator, and the lower portion in planar and conforms to the cross-sections of these sections.

9. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the refrigerator comprises a thermoelectric cooler.

10. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a controller that controls the thermoelectric cooler.

11. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the controller controls the thermoelectric cooler based on readings from a thermometer interfacing with the annular cooler.

12. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an insulator installed between the annular cooler and the refrigerator.

13. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the insulator is planar.

14. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a thermal block extending through the insulator to conduct heat between the thermoelectric cooler and an internal heatsink in the annular cooler.

15. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the thermal block is securely attached to the internal heatsink with screw fasteners.

16. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a fan to dissipate air between intake and exhaust grilles.

17. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the intake grille is located on a side face of the refrigerator and the exhaust grille is under the apparatus.

18. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an external thermal block operably interfacing with a thermoelectric cooler of the refrigerator and the fan, wherein the fan draws air in through the intake grille to cool the external thermal block and exhausts air through the exhaust grille.

19. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the fan selectively operates only above a thermal threshold to minimise noise.

20. The refrigerated pet bowl apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to also provide a heating function by reversing the current through the thermoelectric cooler.

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